WBC Inauguration Arroyo Magnificence

The brightest shining star at the official start of the World Boxing Council`s fifty ninth Convention was seven year old Bridger Walker who was presented a special World Boxing Council belt, which he proudly held aloft, and he was also given lime green gloves by Oscar Rivas the first champion in a new category to bear his name.

Introduced as forty nine pounds of sheer courage and the bravest young man in the World, by Ring Announcer and MC of this event Jimmy Lennon, Bridger was accompanied by his family. He had saved his four year old sister from a dog attack. He had said at the time if anyone was to die it should be him and not her. He suffered serious facial injuries, which needed more than ninety stitches. This magnificent, selfless courage captured the admiration of the World and especially the World Boxing World. The WBC invited the Walkers to Mexico City. And the line-up for the presentation included: Oscar Rivas, World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Jimmy Lennon. Great heavyweight champion Larry Holmes who reigned for seven and a half years was also there.

The hundreds of people who`ve come to the WBC Convention cheered and applauded the slightly shy, handsome blond boy who along with his brothers and sisters was a bit stage struck with all the outpouring of adulation. Who at that age wouldn`t be? It was an absolutely magical moment, especially when he was presented a Papier Mache life sized model of himself.

The famous Arroyo restaurant in the south of Mexico City pulled out all the stops for this event, which was an extravaganza like no other, including mariachis and melodic marimbas. Everyone was given a neckerchief as they entered the gigantic auditorium to barrel organ music from an ancient version originally made in Berlin, Germany. The bleachers were adorned by models of famous boxers.

A Navy Brass Band playing Eye of the Tiger. Then, Manuel Mijares majestically sang the Mexican National Anthem and was rewarded by a kiss of the forehead by legendry Julio Cesar Chavez. Mijares had thus sung at many of the Great One`s most famous fights. And after a morning of Floyd and JC sitting at the same table, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the two have agreed to a sparring session sometime in the early part of next year.

Jimmy Lennon was presented with a special award by JC Chavez and Mario “Azabache” Martinez, who he announced in his first championship title event, way back in 1984. Jimmy also fondly recalls seeing a tear in the eye of world-famous Promoter Don King on the night of the fight between Julio Cesar Chavez and Greg Haugen at the Azteca which drew in 136,000 fans. But he was unsure if it was overwhelming pride or a shrewd eye to eye watering and mouth-watering gate receipts?

In his speech Mauricio said: “We are here in Mexico City for this great Convention. During the great darkness of humanity, Boxing stood up with determination and with passion. We need to praise and recognize the promoters and the fighters who didn`t have gyms in which to train. But today here we are!

“Boxing is the greatest sport, because boxers are so humble and I praise Floyd as the most loyal WBC champion in history. for him to be here is so very special. Welcome everyone and VIVA MEXICO.”

Mayor of Mexico City Claudia Sheinbaum was another guest of honor and stood side by side the great array of women boxers, which included Ana Maria Torres, Ibeth Zamora, Mariana and Lourdes Juarez, Jelena Mrdjenovich and Jessica Gonzalez. Best Trainer in the World Eddy Reynoso who trains, Saul Canelo Alvarez, Oscar Valdez, Andy Ruiz and Ryan Garcia received a Green and Gold Belt for his excellent work and promptly kissed it tenderly, saying it was a pleasure to be here and this is a beautiful award.

WBC Cares Jill Diamond and Christiane Manzur who work with teams globally, to bring joy to very sick children the world over, were given a tremendous ovation. Jill said: “We are back together again. Passion drives us because we do this from the heart.”

Pepe Arroyo owner of this famous restaurant spoke of the almost eighty years of tradition, with his grandparents starting it all, and it being continued by his parents and now him. He said: “We are united as a family and this celebration is a pleasure. So, without further ado, let`s pass to the tables and eat well. Welcome.

With face masks worn and all the protocols followed, this Convention is a splash of bright and vivid colour emerging from the gray hue morass of the pandemic which has claimed so many lives. It proves the resilience and greatness of the World Boxing Council. We`re not back….because we`ve never been away!