With the intention of showing solidarity with Venezuelan boxer Yeison Cohen and taking corrective measures for future boxing events,

The president of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, visited Barranquilla and made announcements aimed at preventing cases like the ones that occurred last Friday in the card organized by the Cuadrilatero company, in which his compatriot was knocked out by Hugo Berrio and later had to undergo brain surgery.

Mendoza offered a press conference on Tuesday in which he was accompanied by the National Professional Boxing Commissioner, Jorge Humberto Klee.

"We want to support the family of this young man (Cohen), but we have to find a way to do it within a legal framework that does not affect any of the parties," said Mendoza when announcing the creation of a mixed fund with which it is expected to cover the expenses of more rigorous medical examinations for boxers who will participate in upcoming programs.

"It's a matter of adapting to the legal framework established by Colombia in order to create a fund of this type. We would seek a mechanism for it to happen, our responsibility is to ensure that future cards have much more demand, it will be a not-so-fast process, but that will try to ensure the integrity of the boxer, which is one of the things that worries me the most in this sport," said Mendoza.

The Venezuelan leader said that the latest report he received on the health of his compatriot remained reserved. "If it is possible for him to go through this whole situation, it will require a lot of therapy time and we are willing to provide all the facilities, in conjunction with the Cuadrilatero company. But we have to wait, have a lot of faith, and see what can happen," he said.

Mendoza insisted on the importance of educating boxers, creating awareness that boxing is a high-risk sport and they should know that it requires regular and rigorous medical examinations.

On the other hand, Jorge Humberto Klee advised to apply the regulations severely, seeking the boxer to be aware that his health must be in good condition when he steps into the ring, and that both entrepreneurs and trainers should understand this.

MANUEL ORTEGA PONCE
EL TIEMPO Writer
Barranquilla