WBA declares Pacquaio as ‘champion for life’

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The World Boxing Organization (WBA) confirmed that they will be awarding Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio with the honorary title “champion for life” despite losing to Yordenis Ugas during their welterweight duel.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza announced Pacman’s recent career milestone saying that it is in line with the organization’s 100-year celebration.

“This is a hundred years of the WBA, centennial year, you’re gonna be a champion for life. I have a belt made, and we’ll come with a resolution after,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that the WBA will be crafting and designing a special belt to be given to boxing’s only eight-division world champion.

Hours before Pacquiao shared the ring with Ugas, the WBA executive paid a visit to the Filipino and apologized for stripping the belt from him due to his inactivity as a champion two years ago after defeating Keith Thurman.

“I was fooled, I’m sorry about it. You have behaved like a real gentleman and you teach lessons to others,” said Mendoza in an Instagram video he posted on his official account.

During their conversation, both Pacquiao and Mendoza agreed to see each other in the Philippines by the time the belt is already prepared.