WBC at Sixty

By James Blears

Sixty is a milestone especially if it`s an anniversary, but even more poignant if coupled with a birthday, and the World Boxing Council has just simultaneously celebrated both.

There are no shortage of rib tickling and even spine chilling sayings for sixty, which are wry for those no longer spry. One goes: “You know when you are sixty, as you have a party and the neighbors don`t even realize!”

Well…this certainly wasn`t the case with the WBC!  Thousands of its family from one hundred and seventy nations came to the giant Arroyo Banquets Center, deep in the south of Mexico City. For starters, starring Roberto Duran, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Rafael Marquez, Jose Luis Castillo, Carlos Zarate, Alfonso Zamora, Ana Maria Torres, Ruben Olivares, Cesar Bazan and Devin Haney…the list goes on…

Mariachis and marimba bands were lilting and belting it out. The musical highlight of the afternoon/evening was magnificent tenor Jose Manuel Chu singing a medley of favorites including and especially: A Mi Manera.  It was Don Jose`s favorite all time song. A salute to The Great man, who was with us in spirit throughout.

His eldest daughter Lucy Sulaiman perfectly summed up the glory enabling and facilitating the power of progress, by saying: “The first thing my Father did when he became President was to ban South Africa until apartheid was destroyed. It was one of the greatest things and qualities that he taught us.  His courage and his true commitment to thoughts, beliefs plus action.  And his spirit is with us here today all the way.

“I have to tell you. The fact that I`m able to see everybody under different circumstances, because usually during the Conventions everyone is working, trying to solve and resolve all the issues of the world. But this time, it`s just a great party, and I love it as the WBC Family celebrates.”

Lucy`s younger brother Mauricio, who is also WBC President said: “Today is The World Boxing Council`s sixtieth Anniversary and we celebrate it on my Father`s birthday. We are so very happy to be with so many friends from all over the world. It`s a great celebration.”

Mauricio reflected upon the many changes and innovations which the WBC has implemented during these six decades.  The most fundamental , involved world title fight rounds being curtailed from fifteen to twelve rounds. It`s saved countless lives as well as severe injuries, as previously often exhausted fighters fought each other to a standstill and then beyond the brink. Other organizations initially voiced a welter of criticism, but then saw, understood, grasped and acknowledged the humane common sense, thus falling into line.

Mauricio said: “Resistance to change is a common denominator. My Father and the WBC were able to put and place the changes which were really needed to save so many lives.”

He also commented that changes will be needed to the weigh in ceremony and its procedure including the face off, mentioning the recent four hundred thousand dollars fine for the shove incident is a first step.”

On a happier note Mauricio noted a roll call of all-time great WBC champions:  Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Lopez, Saul Canelo Alvarez. It`s endless!

Julio Cesar Chavez, who was mobbed by a throng of adoring fans as he ascended the stairs of the Aroyo said that Don Jose had given him his first ever championship opportunity and he`d  forever be grateful for that. Julio also said that Don Jose has been like a father to him.

Don Jose was there during the hardest fight of Julio`s life, when he was battling drug addiction.  It was Don Jose who helped Julio to seek, undergo and complete rehabilitation. Julio has since opened treatment clinics and helps thousands of people overcome this illness.

Julio recalls: “The best memory I have of Don Jose is this. A week before he died I visited him in hospital he told me:  I can die in peace because I know you are clean and you won`t  fall back again.

“And up to this date and this day I`ve succeeded!”

Victor Cota who is the WBC`s Historian and Director of Press, received a special award honoring his brilliant long standing career commitment to the World Boxing Council. Don Victor is the only person still with us, who was at that legendary first meeting when the WBC was established on February 14^th 1963 at the Prado Alffer Hotel in Mexico City.

He said: “Rafael “Cobrita” Mendoza and I were there at that meeting. Back then we still almost teenagers amongst the giants and titans of boxing.  And the WBC has since converted into the major boxing organization. The WBC then, now and always serves and cares for the health and wellbeing of boxers. The WBC is the best boxing and administrative organization in history. I`m so happy about this sixtieth anniversary.”

Great boxing champion Ruben Olivares who also received a special award said he was grateful, happy and delighted to gain this prize and to be at this memorable event.

Former cruiserweight and four times world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield who was also a guest of honor said: “Hey I`m also sixty years old as well and it`s easier to maintain than to rebuild. And…being heavyweight champion was hardest, because even though the boxers weren`t as quick, they hit real hard and it only takes one punch!

Considering the prospect of the Fury Vs Usyk fight, Evander refers to his encounter with Nikolai Valuev  commenting: “Bigger guys usually just want to hit hard. They want to get you with the least punches so when you are smaller you have to outwork them.  My Mum told me that in life you have to make adjustments. You find out what you didn`t do right and you correct it.

“Also fighting as an amateur and then competing in the Olympics is so very important because you fight everybody. You don`t get the chance to pick or choose who you fight. It`s great experience.”

Evander praised the WBC explaining; “When you come down to organizations, the WBC is just like everybody else, but they work harder.  They take pride in what they do and that means a lot.”

Christiane Manzur whose husband is Mauricio Sulaiman is herself President of WBC Cares in Mexico.  The saying goes that behind every great man is a great woman. Christiane prefers beside!

She spoke of the constant day to day, year to year commitment made first by Don Jose, and  now by Mauricio explaining: “I know that when it runs in the blood and it comes with the family, you have to do it. I like Mauricio there representing his Father and everything he has learned.  So I am very pleased, happy and proud to be here by his side.”