More than nine hundred people are attending the WBC Convention, which is taking place at Hotel Presidente in the heart of Mexico City.

On Day two at the Board meeting of the Governors, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, made special mention of the promoters and managers who have worked so hard to keep boxing activity going and viable.

A photo of Canelo who stars in tonight’s Lottery draw, was on the dais. He’s pound for pound best and the most recognizable sportsman in Mexico. The draw takes place tonight.

Then the saddest few minutes after dozens of photos of those who have passed on the road of no return. Never have so many have died and so many due to Covid 19.

Dr Marina Sheppard of BoxRec gave an informative talk about the top record keeper in the sport. The webpage used by thousands in boxing daily, commenting that knowledge is power.

Marina who speaks several languages smiled as she commented that she understands the difference in Spanish between you are wrong and you are bad.

She said with the pandemic boxing went down, but it has come back strongly, almost to the level of two years ago. Mexico is strong in boxing with 4,452 active boxers, and worldwide 90,000. For its part BoxRec are in 124 countries including 326 authorities.

The amount of amateur fights annually has trebled from fifty thousand during the last several years.

Concerning suspensions due to injury, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stressed that it is very important that the fighter no train, as they need proper recuperation time.

Abraham Mitra suggested it be termed a rest period, rather than suspension.

Dr Eunice Rendon from Mexico and Marcos Arienti from Argentina gave a talk about boxing of inmates behind bars. Eunice explained that 95 percent of those involved in the boxing programs, manage to defeat drug addictions. The program has been successfully working for seven years. And many who complete it gain successful employment when released.