WBC honors Lupe Pintor in Ixtapaluca

One of Mexico’s all time Greats in Boxing, Lupe Pintor was honored by the WBC at its Martes a Cafe event this week, in Ixtapaluca.

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman presented Lupe “El Grillio de Cuajilmalpa” with a fabled Green and Gold belt to add to the two he already has. And hugged him twice. Once for a champion of his stature simply wouldn’t have been enough!

A modest, kindly classy man, who is courteous, softly spoken, intelligent, perceptive and who’s developed into a fine Coach, Lupe Pintor so deserves this recognition.

In the ring he had it all from 1974-1995.

All this came after the official ribbon cutting of the Simba Boxing School, to nurture future world beating Mexican champions. What a Godfather they have in Jose Guadalupe Pintor. A artist in every sense of the word!

Lupe’s record is a fabulous 72 fights, including 56 wins, 42 KO’s, 14 losses and two draws.

He won the WBC bantamweight title defeating friend and stablemate and still friend Carlos Zarate by decision in a titanic and very close fight. Eight successful defenses followed.

He won the super bantam title defeating Juan Meza. He lost a titanic fight to Wilfredo Gómez, which was so memorable. Lupe is a member of the International Boxong Hall of Fame

Gold curtains opened and Lupe walked down some red crimson stairs on to a stage
gracefully, attired in a pale grey suit, slim and with a spry fitness belying and defying his age, which is just a number. He still loves to run in the quiet chill of an early morning.

He won over the audience saying it is such a pride and distinction to win this recognition. Lupe said Don Jose Sulaiman was like a father to him. He said Mauricio is admired and respected the world over.

He concluded by saying how very proud he is to be a member of the World Boxing Council.

He had the audience enthralled, eating out of his powerful hand. You could hear a pin drop. And then they gave him a thunderous, heartfelt round of applause, which is still resounding.

Lupe lined up with fellow great champions: Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, Rafael “Bazooka” Limon, Pipino Cuevas, Isaac “Tortas” Bustos and Francisco “Bandido” Vargas. All are his friends. A simply great and so memorable moment.

What a lineup, what a ceremony, what a treat and what a privilege to witness it!