By Mauricio Sulaimán Son of José Sulaimán, President of the WBC
A week in which the news that shook the world saw the death of Queen Elizabeth II of England. It was the end of an entire era.
I had the opportunity to see some reports on his life and it is incredible what he was able to achieve. I invite you to look for some of those programs that are really illustrative, as her experience during World War II and the way her destiny brought her to the throne is something that should not be overlooked. An example of resilience, intelligence, ingenuity, tact, diplomacy and dedication. An anchor of stability in a rapidly changing world.
We had a very intense week. We begin with the visit to Mexico City of three legendary champions who are now united in a promotion company that has all the ingredients to be a resounding success with Roy Jones Jr., Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Márquez.
They attended the traditional Martes de Café press conference to present their company, ProBox TV, and at the same time announce their first show, which will be in Cancún in co-promotion with Pepe Gómez’s Cancún Boxing. Also in the company are Antonio Tarver and Paulie Malignaggi. I invite you to download the app to enjoy a wide program of boxing and fights live.
The next day we had the official presentation of the belt for which Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin will compete in their trilogy. That special trophy that the winner will take home is the Zapotec Jaguar Warrior Belt, made by the skillful hands of eight Oaxacan artists, under the brilliant direction of master Jacobo Ángeles. Governor Alejandro Murat was present to unveil this masterpiece.
I was very pleased to hold this event at the Carlos Slim Foundation Sports Center. It is a place in El Toreo, Mexico City, that has a wonderful museum with unique pieces from the history of Mexican sport. I invite you to visit it. It is free and has the history of so many heroes who have brought great distinction to Mexico.
The ceremony was one of the most special we have ever had. The folkloric dances of the state of Oaxaca, the delicious Oaxacan food that was served, the presence of great champions, Olympic medalists and personalities gave rise to the presentation that had a great impact. This hand-painted work, with an alebrije that symbolizes the jaguar with its claws embracing the belt and the snake represented in the drawings, gives the perfect interpretation of what the Guelaguetza means. It is giving, it is sharing, and this belt is a gift that Mexico, the State of Oaxaca and the World Boxing Council give to the world.
The next day I traveled to Las Vegas to be at the annual convention of the North American Boxing Federation, which has been affiliated with the WBC since 1968. This organization is one of the most important in the world, since it represents Canada, Mexico and the magnificent American champions Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Erik Morales, Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez and many more are in their chapters of history.
It was very emotional to be with great friends, who had not seen each other since 2019, due to the pandemic. Duane Ford, who is the current president, has done a great job, bringing together promoters and activity in all three countries.
Bob Arum was recognized with a video of his career. At 90 years old he is still active and is one of the biggest stars.
The sessions were of great value as the presentations were illustrative of how boxing is doing today. The safety of the wrestlers remains the top priority, and a lot of emphasis was placed on everything to do with judges and referees.
Jack Reiss gave a great referee talk, along with Jay Nady and Kenny Bayless. David Sutherland did the same when it came to judging, and former DEA agent Rocky Herron wowed the audience with his talk about the dangers of drugs.
My first steps in boxing were in the NABF. When I finished my Business Administration degree at Tec de Monterrey, my father took me to Dallas to a convention of this federation and I was elected vice president there in 1994. I am very proud of the NABF. I still have the VP position.
Starting today, the world’s attention will be on the Canelo vs. GGG. In this traditional celebration of Mexico’s independence, Las Vegas will dress in green, white and red, Mexico will turn to concerts by artists, parties in casinos and streets, but everything will revolve around this fight that has been going on for five years the making. They have fought 24 rounds, all close and intense, a draw and a split decision in favor of the Mexican, and since that bell alone the world has waited to see the outcome. This is the good one, the third, whoever wins gets the glory, whoever loses will be recognized as a great warrior but he will live in the shadow of the victor.
Did you know…?
It was the Mexican migrants who, out of love for our country and its roots, positioned May 5 and September 16 as great celebrations in the United States. It all started 60 years ago, and little by little boxing began to be part of the celebrations until it became a tradition that the best boxers compete. That date has been honored by Salvador Sánchez, Julio César Chávez, Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather and now Canelo Alvarez.
anecdote today
Julio César Chávez defeated Héctor “El Macho” Camacho on September 12, 1992, during the Independence celebrations. It was impossible to get a ticket for the fight; even the singer Luis Miguel called my dad to ask for tickets. Don José never took my mother or my sisters to box, but on that occasion, Lucy and Claudia insisted on going, and there they arrived at ringside, the atmosphere was unbeatable. There sat Chabelo, José José, among other Mexican celebrities.
El Macho insulted Julio and Mexico nonstop; so did his team and… even his mom! In the third round, Camacho hit JC with a low blow, and suddenly we heard the screams of the women: “You are a coward” and other profanity that I cannot write, and my dad told me: “What a barbarity”. ! How can ladies say something like that? Then he looked back and… it turned out that they were my sisters!
I welcome your feedback at [email protected].
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