Boxers Jorge Linares and Mayerlin Rivas awarded in Venezuela

Just starting in 2016, Jorge Linares and Mayerlin Rivas have a new recognition for their excellent careers.

At the moment Mayerlin does not have a scheduled fight and Linares is recovering from a hand injury, however that does not take away that they are important boxers from their nation, Venezuela.

In addition, a posthumous recognition was made to Gilberto Mendoa, emeritus president of the World Boxing Association, who died less than a month ago.

Jorge Linares is the lightweight champion of the WBC, in recess

AMB Statement

Jorge Linares and Mayerlin Rivas were recognized with the "Boxer of the Year in Venezuela" award as the best in 2015 in their country, an award they also won in 2014.

This Tuesday, the best boxers and promoters of Venezuela were recognized with the Francisco "Morochito" Rodríguez award, in which five boxers were honored and a small tribute was made to Gilberto Mendoza, emeritus president of the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Gilberto Mendoza was honored

Mayerlin Rivas, bantamweight champion of the World Boxing Association, and Jorge Linares, lightweight champion of the WBC, who emerged from the WBA's KO to Drugs program, were recognized as the best boxers of 2015 in the South American country.

During the event, athletes Roger Gutiérrez and Ismael Barroso, interim champion of the 135 pound WBA, also received their awards, as did referee Rigoberto Marcano, who is part of the team of officials of the World Boxing Association.