By Hilmar Rojas

Retired former five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. visited Panama on Thursday and signed up the interim featherweight champion of the World Boxing Association, Peruvian Carlos 'Mina' Zambrano (26-0, 11KOs).

The information was made public at a press conference in which WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza was present. Mendoza, who heads the longest running sanctioning body in boxing, stressed the importance of supporting regional fighters.

"I'm happy with the signing of Zambrano. I think he has a great talent and he will provide people with a lot to talk about."

Mayweather took the opportunity to thank the WBA: "The World Boxing Association is an amazing organization and I am happy to support Carlos. He's gone a year without a fight and still retains his title and now he is with Mayweather Promotions and we will make sure that he fights regularly."

Meanwhile, Mendoza said: "I know that Zambrano has gone a year without entering the ring. However, my father passed away five months ago today (August 11) and he always supported the regional development of boxing in Latin America. There is a lot of talent that can be helped and they can become great champions."

Zambrano captured the interim-title in March 2015 after winning a unanimous decision over Dominican Daniel Ramirez and defended his title in August of that year against José Sanmartin. This was the last time the Peruvian climbed into the ring.

"This agreement is an achievement for me. It is like winning a world title, to sign with a promoter of that level. I am proud to represent Peru this day," Zambrano said.

Zambrano added: "And I've had a year without fighting, but I am ready for new challenges. I had problems with the management of my career and I hope to rectify that now."