Champions soirée in Jalisco

In the final build up to the Saul Canelo Alvarez Vs John Ryder fight at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Jalisco, State Governor Enrique Alfaro, the leader of the State Council for Sports Development Fernando Ortega Ramos and the President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaimán, paid tribute to twenty seven world champions that this state has produced.

In the Main Hall of the Government Palace, they each received a WBC belt in recognition of their glittering careers. While Governor Enrique Alfaro received a special boxer’s robe with his name and a world champion belt, due to his great drive, enthusiasm, effort and panache, especially for this extraordinary event.

The honored champions were Abner Mares, Alejandro García, Alejandro González, Alondra García, Antonio Avelar, Efrén Torres (+), Gabriel Ruelas, Irma Sánchez, Javier Jáuregui (+), Jorge Solís, Jorge Vaca, José Becerra (+), Mario Martínez, Miguel Vázquez, Moisés Flores, Nancy Franco, Omar Niño, Oscar Larios, Osvaldo Novoa, Pedro Flores, Rafael Herrera, Rafael Ruelas, Rigoberto Alvarez, Rodolfo González, Saúl Álvarez, Ulises Solís and Víctor Terrazas.

The Government of Jalisco also paid an emotional tribute to Don José Sulaimán, who was President of the World Boxing Council for almost four decades; It was Mauricio Sulaimán, current WBC President who received this memorable distinction.

During this tribute, a video was shown of Don José’s tremendous legacy in life, as well as recognizing the impulse and impetus with which he inspired Jalisco boxers.

“Jalisco is about to hold a boxing card that will undoubtedly make history. An event the like of which has never been seen in our city. Today we want to recognize an extraordinary Mexican and an outstanding man, who made history.

“I am so very happy to greet his family because we will always remember what Don Jose achieved and his marvelous legacy, as we celebrate this week in Jalisco. Don José changed and bettered Boxing for good and forever. He made it so much safer with such vital important measures to humanize it,” said Governor Alfaro, adding:

“He was a man who always possessed an enormous social commitment. An exceptional Mexican who understood what social commitment truly means. His legacy is undoubtedly an important an nd fundamental element to explain the greatness of Mexican boxing in the world.

Mauricio Sulaimán was grateful and moved: “Mr. Governor, we will never forget this moment as a family. Today is so very special because we are celebrating a great event. It is a party that starts here in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, and extends to Mexico and the world. Everyone’s eyes are here and all thanks to a great team effort.

“I can speak on behalf of the boxing family, we are here to unconditionally serve Jalisco, the sport and I would like to thank you from our hearts for this day and this tribute to my dad. Let’s celebrate this May 6, long live Jalisco.”

Finally, the head of CODE Jalisco, Fernando Ortega, commented on the importance of this event to show youngsters appreciate that along with “Canelo”, there are other sport glories that have stood out and distinguished world boxing.

“The history of the sport is something that we must not forget. Jalisco has had great boxing champions. The new generations have Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez as a reference, but they have to know who opened that gap and through their preparation, managed to dignify the name of Jalisco. We are very happy and proud to give this recognition to boxing greats.”