Earlier this week, the WBC paid tribute to the achievements and memory of former flyweight champion Antonio Avelar. A video was shown reviewing the champion’s career, how he got to his title fight, how he won it, and what happened next in his career as he continued to excel. Avelar passed away on April 27th of this year. With 39 wins and 13 losses, he joined the ranks of Mexican world champions and left a lasting milestone in boxing. On May 12, 1982, in Mito, Japan, Antonio captured the WBC flyweight world title from Shoji Oguma by knocking him out in the seventh round. In his first title defense he  traveled to Seoul, North Korea, where he defeated Tae Shik Kim by KO. Avelar got the opportunity to defend his title in Mexico, but he lost it to Prudencio Cardona in 1982. Avelar fought on through 1987.

José Luis Camarillo, a veteran Mexican sports journalist, spoke touchingly about the Mexican boxer’s career and what a privilege it was to follow Avelar’s career. His wife, Gloria Espinosa, and his daughters, Karla and Casandra Rodríguez, were present at Martes de Café. Karla thanked the WBC for the tribute to her father. They also encouraged young boxers to continue on their path to becoming world champions. Boxingtalk sends its belated sympathies to the friends and family of Antonio Avelar.