WBA belatedly recognizes Panamanian "Buchi" Amaya as honorary world champion after his death
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 02 Feb 2025
The World Boxing Association (WBA) has posthumously honored former Panamanian challenger Antonio "Buchi" Amaya by declaring him an honorary world champion, recognizing his legacy and contributions to boxing following his passing on January 26 in Panama.
The resolution, signed by WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, highlights Amaya's significant impact on both Panamanian and global boxing. Amaya's professional career comprised 48 victories (10 by knockout), 22 defeats, and 7 draws. He is remembered for his memorable bouts against world champions such as Cuban-Mexican Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos, and Japanese fighters Hiroshi Kobayashi and Kuniaki Shibata.
The WBA extended its condolences to Amaya's family and the Panamanian boxing community, expressing hope that this belated recognition will serve as inspiration for future generations of boxers from the Central American isthmus.
The resolution was emotionally read by local historian and communicator Daniel Alonso. Family, friends, and fans bid farewell to "Buchi" Amaya in his native Colón, celebrating his legacy with applause and cheers of "There is the champion." Colón, the birthplace of other sports legends such as Teofilo "Panama" Al Brown (the first Hispanic world boxing champion and IBHOF member), Ismael "El Tigre" Laguna (Hall of Fame in basketball), Irving Saladino (Panama's only Olympic gold medalist), Pedro "El Mago" Rivas (basketball legend), Guillermo Jones (former world boxing champion), and the Dely Valdes brothers—Armando, Julio, and Jorge (international soccer players)—is often regarded as one of the most overlooked and impoverished areas in the country.
It took nearly 55 years after his fights in Japan against Hiroshi Kobayashi for the WBA super featherweight world title to bestow this well-deserved posthumous tribute upon Amaya. The 1970s marked a golden era for Panamanian boxing, led by the late General Omar Torrijos Herrera, who also significantly supported the WBA. His efforts brought Panamanians Rodrigo Colon Sanchez and Elias Córdova (President for Life) to the organization's leadership. Following Torrijos's death in 1981, numerous Panamanian leaders continued to play prominent roles within the WBA, many of whom remain active in boxing today.
In the 1980s, the Military Government implemented a pension for world champions, providing B/300.00. According to Articles 75, 76, and 77 of Executive Decree No. 599 of November 20, 2008, which regulates Law 50 of December 10, 2007 (amending Law 16 of May 3, 1995, reorganizing PANDEPORTES), and Resolution No. 16-2009-D-G-A, this amount was increased to B/500.00.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Feb 2026‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026