Ten And Forever for Don Jose 

The beacon of the torch lit by Don Jose shone brightly in the Old Basilica of Guadalupe in the heart of Mexico, as his family, the World Boxing Council family and the Boxing Family commemorated the tenth anniversary of his passing, thanking God for such a strong life, so well lived and all the many accomplishments he achieved, the greatest of which was cherished Worldwide friendship.

For most of these services over the years, the weather has been piquantly cold and bracing, but fittingly on this particular so special and memorable day the sun shone brightly and there was a golden warmth to accompany the Green and Gold glow. As always, the service was conducted by Bishop Saad Abi Younes, The Superior of the Lebanese Mission in Mexico, a dear friend of Don Jose. He removed his Bishop’s hat revealing his thatch of snow white hair and put down his mitre, adjusted his glasses and then spoke from the heart saying that Don Jose will forever be remembered as a kind, generous, dedicated, hard working man, earning the respect, love and sincerity of his friends. A man whose faith was reflected in his humanity and his pure gifts of friendship and constant loyalty.

The huge straight backed pillars supported the weight of the massive Basilica, which was adorned by flickering candles and beautiful displays of white chrysanthemum flowers. The center piece was a photo of Don Jose in a Baltic Blue shirt with that characteristic smile on his face. Ten years have passed, but it only seems like yesterday, today, due to his legacy, which is just as strong today as it’s ever been.

The music was particularly poignant and beautiful, accompanied by the majestic instrument of God, the Church organ. Mozart’s Death requiem, The four Seasons by Vivaldi and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire by Bach, which was so emotional. And to end the Service, the Ovation of Ave Maria by Schbert. Friends old and new packed the interior of the Basilica. Lucy, Fernando and Hector Sulaiman came to the alter to be greeted by the Bishop and to thank all those who had come from every corner of the Globe for this wonderful moment in time.

Promoter Tom Loeffler summed up and encapsulated the feelings of all by saying: “Don Jose was such an inspiration not only to myself, but for the entire sport of Boxing. I had a close personal relationship with Don Jose. He came to all of the Vitali Klitschko fights. We spent much time together during fight week and all of the WBC Conventions the World over. So…(pausing) it’s an honor for me to come here ten years after his passing. It just doesn’t seem like this time has passed. I had visited him a couple of times along with Vitali in the hospital at UCLA. There are so many great memories continuing on with Mauricio and the Sulaiman Family, so I’m here to remember him and to be with the Family.”

Smartly attired in a gray suit towering WBC Continental Americas heavyweight Champion Frank Sanchez came to pay his respects to The Great Man, saying he was so glad and proud to be alongside Mauricio and members of the WBC, which made him feel happy, emotional and content.

As always Champions and members of the media who adored Don’s Jose’s manner, character, laughter and wit, were with him on this day at this Service.

His people!