WBC Cares Visits Knockout Boxing Gym In Phoenix, Az

It’s fight week in Arizona and WBC Cares found out about a couple great Champions in the community thanks to Sulem Urbina. After weigh ins WBC Cares headed to Knockout Boxing Gym to surprise some Amateurs and a special family, and to our surprise, the news were even better!

Andrew Soto and Sulem Urbina hosted Mendez Boxing Gym Arizona and WBC Cares. Sulem Urbina inspired the Amateurs telling them her journey in Boxing, the highs and lows she’s gone through. The kids had tons of questions and Sulem was happy to answer them all.

In attendance was Andres Mendez Sr. who has been battling cancer for over 10 years, how you say? Boxing, staying motivated with the kids and staying healthy. His journey has been so inspiring that on behalf of WBC President, Mauricio Sulaimán and WBC Cares Chairwoman, Jill Diamond, Sulem Urbina and Nancy Rodriguez honored him with a mini belt as an Honorary WBC Champion! Mendez Sr is the Gym owner and trainer at Mendez Boxing in Phoenix, AZ and through this journey battling cancer, he has continued to be at the Gym, train and be an inspiration to the Amateurs and community.

Also honored was Debbie Mendez, his daughter in law, mother of six and also battling cancer. Debbie was not feeling well therefore she was not in attendance, but her sons and husband Andrew Mendez Jr., accepted on her behalf. During the event, we FaceTimed Debbie and gave her the entire speech and to our surprise, a miracle, the doctors told her today she is cancer-free! Debbie and Andrew Jr. have six kids who are all boxers. A Boxing family with two inspiring, fighter stories!

Before the night ended, Andrew and Sulem were also honored for the hard work they do in helping the Amateurs and the rebuilding of their new Gym in Phoenix.

Boxing is full of amazing stories WBC Cares was honored to meet these amazing Champions and all the Amateurs and parents who attended.