Mexican Senate, Republic and The People of Mexico Pay Marvelous And Memorable Tribute to Don José Sulaimán

It was a morning with close to the surface, heightened, poignant and affectionate emotions where memories were clear, fond, distinct and they combined to enshrine the legacy of Don José Sulaimán, The Father Of Boxing.

An icon to whom today the Mexican Senate of the Republic paid a heartfelt tribute on the Tenth Anniversary of his departure from this World. We remember you Don Jose!

With the notes of the Music Band of the Secretariat of National Defense singing the Mexican National Anthem, this posthumous tribute began with Senator Dr. Jose Narró made a heartfelt remembrance of his friend José Sulaimán, a man who dedicated his life to boxing and especially to help its boxers. His people.

The Senator listed some of the actions that Don José took to transform the sport as:

1 – Fight against “Apartheid” a tyrannical, oppressive inhumane, cruel and wicked, depraved system of exclusion, devised and odiously developed in South Africa based on racial segregation.

2.- He reduced the world championship bouts from 15 to 12 rounds which has resulted in significantly fewer misfortunes for fighters.

3.- Encouraged glove manufacturers to fuse the thumb to the rest of the glove, a situation that prevented numerous and serious eye injuries.

4.- Addition of the 4th Rope to the ring.

5.- Working together side by side with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) to make boxing a healthier and safer sport, minimizing brain injuries.

6.- Mandatory annual medical examination to Champions and Ranked Fighters.

7.- Medical and life insurance for boxers contesting a title of the WBC.

8.- Grants for boxers and Lifetime pensions for former champions.

9.- Creation intermediate divisions to avoid, preven and stamp out the extreme sacrifice of the fighters when marking the weight.

10.- Official weigh-in 24 hours before the fight.

11.- Anti-doping tests after each WBC fight.
Just to mention some of his greatest actions.

To conclude his participation, the Senator also spoke of heartfelt humanity of Don José and said that he will always be the inspiration and example for everyone.

“Boxing is the reflection of struggle and perseverance, long live boxing, long live José Sulaimán!

Visibly moved, Héctor Sulaimán remembered his father, whom he also recognized as one of the most important figures in boxing, recalling that he was born to leave a legacy, a man who passionately lived boxing since he was a 8 years old child, he was a referee, commissioner until he became President of the WBC, where he not only took charge as an official but also as the revolutionary pioneer who always sought equality, putting the health and well-being of the boxer as a priority.

After listening to one of Don José’s most cherished songs, “MY WAY” which embodied his entire life, the current President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaimán, spoke and was emphatic in saying that this is a moment that the Sulaimán family will never forget and that they are grateful.

“10 years have passed since my dad left and this tribute shows me that my dad has never left, that he lives in each of us. hIS motto was Live to serve, not serve to live.

“He made history for being the man who transformed boxing into a safer sport but also made the WBC the home and helping hand of all boxers, Don José made the World Boxing Council a worldwide family.

“I am not Mauricio Sulaimán, I am the son of José Sulaimán, he left me love, prestige, loyalty and the entire family that my father formed for so many years and today I feel the commitment to continue this legacy.

“He who does not live to serve is not good to live, that is how my father lived and how his children and grandchildren try to live.

“This celebration is for my dad, but also for his children, the boxers, they are the reason for the WBC to exist.”