Derrick James is WBA Trainer of the Year and Jay “Panda” Najar Honorable Mention – World Boxing Association

The World Boxing Association (WBA) continues with the announcement of its annual world boxing awards and this Monday it was announced that the American Derrick James was named Trainer of the Year, while the also American Jay Najar got the Honorable Mention. 

James won the award for the second consecutive year thanks to his great work with outstanding boxers such as Errol Spence Jr., Jermell Charlo, Charles Martin, among others. 

Considered by many to be the best trainer today, he has a background as a professional boxer and his knowledge has been evident in his coaching role. As a curious fact, he has just become Anthony Joshua’s new trainer, which is a great challenge for his career at the moment. 

Jay Najar, on the other hand, capped off a great year with several of his wards. Particularly noteworthy was the 2022 that light-heavyweight William “Camaron” Zepeda experienced with great responsibility of “Panda”. Also other of his fighters like Subriel Matias and Kevin “Jackal” Gonzalez had a good year to the delight of the trainer. 

The WBA congratulates both awardees for the success they are having in their careers as the boxing world anxiously awaits their next challenges.