Canelo Álvarez, the undisputed four belt champion at super middleweight added one more title to his record, as the World Boxing Association recognized him with a special status.
The organization, directed by Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, has introduced the Centennial Belt, a work of art that will only be given to a few boxers and legends, and Canelo is the first to receive it.
The scepter is a unique work of art that evokes the past and honors the memory of great champions such as Jack Dempsey, Pinky Silverberg, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano and others.
Mendoza was in Jalisco, Mexico over the weekend to be present for the fight between Canelo and John Ryder. The head of the WBA took the chance on Sunday to meet with Canelo, who was given the piece made by the Colombian artist Juan Pablo Restrepo.
The handmade scepter is made with bronze and leather to recreate the first girdles in history, which is made up of three plates joined by chains that evoke the strength of boxers.
“On the left plate, we see a crown and laurel leaves that symbolize victory,” the WBA said of the belt. “In the center, two ancient boxers fighting, crowned by two lions that reflect the noble art of boxing and the ferocity of the athletes.”
And there is one more, “a boxing glove that reflects the evolution of this discipline that began to be practiced with hands devoid of protection.”
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In addition to honoring the WBA, the same is also done for boxing in general, inspired by the ancient Olympic Games.
“In the Centennial Belt you can read Super Champ Association WBA with typography reminiscent of ancient Greece,” he mentions. “In order to honor not only the history of the WBA, but that of boxing as a whole, taking inspiration from the ancient Olympic Games.”
Canelo received a certificate of authenticity for the belt, receiving it from Mendoza himself as he posed with it.
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