By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

After the storm came calm, following the memorable and momentous battle between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Here is my analysis of the facts.

Fury, from England, faced Usyk, from Ukraine, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in what is already considered one of the great fights in history, compared to Ali-Frazier, Ali-Foreman or Tyson-Holyfield, among other legendary fights.

Both were fighting for the UNDISPUTED, but more so Fury for redemption and legacy while Usyk for his country and Ukrainian strength. Continue reading “Analysis After the Storm, Usyk Vs. Fury”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

When a fight meets and exceeds expectations, it is then that the world does not cease talking about the event, and the fans celebrate with joy, renewing their fascination with maximum passion for our sport.

Last Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury thrilled, giving us a fight packed with drama that, without a doubt, positions this battle among the all-time greats in history.

The heavyweight division is, by tradition, the most prestigious. The world heavyweight champion is lauded as the most powerful, revered and feared athlete in the world. This was the case for many decades; Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Vitaly Klishtko…

Lennox retired from boxing as WBC world champion, after his dramatic fight against Vitaly Klitschko, and Lewis was the last undisputed heavyweight champion…until now. Continue reading “A Battle for the Ages, Instant Classic”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

By the time this column is published, I will be on my way to the biggest fight in the heavyweight division this century.

Tyson Fury, world champion of our WBC, will face the Ukrainian, Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the other three recognized belts in boxing. These types of fights are called undisputed, that is, for the undisputed title, which refers to the fact that there is no other person who is called world champion of that division.

The undisputed champion is actually somewhat unusual. Decades ago, this phenomenon occurred when the WBC and WBA champions faced each other. Then came the IBF, and finally, the WBO. So, to make history and to be considered undisputed you must possess all four belts.

It is even more difficult to remain as undisputed champion, due to the regulations, which are different within the four organizations, which lead any of them to order their own mandatory fight. Continue reading “The Unified Champions”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

This past Saturday Mexico once again remained on top of the world, after the sensational fight that Saul Canelo Álvarez and Jaime Munguía gave us in Las Vegas, during the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The famous anniversary date which has, for decades, become a tradition to host the greatest champion of the moment; Salvador Sanchez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, De la Hoya, Mayweather and today’s king Canelo Alvarez have “owned” such date.

Canelo vs Munguia was a fast-paced thrilling fight, spiced with nonstop action. The young Munguía managed to land hard punches on Canelo several times and clearly dominated the beginning of the fight, making it highly dramatic. Continue reading “Cinco de Mayo, Viva Mexico, like the good old days”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

This time, I will try to remember some things that have happened around boxing events, making it clear how destiny is marked for each of us and how boxing is full of surprises every single day and surrounding every event.

One of the great promoters in history, who I remember with great affection, Dan Goossen, adroitly navigated around a number of situations which he sailed into. A long-standing boxing family, there were 10 Goossens and naturally, their company was called Ten Goose Promotions.

Here is one of the great anecdotes. Continue reading “Every Event is Full of Memories”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán / WBC President

During this year I have had the opportunity to hold unforgettable encounters and meetings with many champions of great sentimental value for me and for our WBC. It has been a busy year with a lot of travel, but the most important thing has been those moments with my beloved champions.

Manny Pacquiao

I was with him for several days during my visit to the Philippines. It was very gratifying to see what a so loved person he is. It was impressive to see that he was always the last person to leave the events we went to, signing autographs, taking photos, and making video messages for those who asked him. We talked about topics of great interest, as he has very interesting plans to perhaps still have some high-level fight, although he is also already a promoter of boxing, basketball and pool. A legendary champion adored by everyone in the Philippines and the world. Continue reading “Boxing All Around the World”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

I am in London, England, to participate in a press conference, with an impressive series of news for the world of boxing.

While here, the news of drone attacks emerged and the global alert that this issued, the closure of air spaces, and the great speculation and nervousness that this inevitably generates for the world.

The only thing we can do is pray to God for peace globally. It is tragically ironic that in the middle of 2024 we are experiencing war conflicts. Have we learned nothing? I avoid mentioning the countries, it is not necessary.

Where have the lessons from the terrible events of the past gone? Why is it that the ego and thirst for power of a few is forcing the entire world live in constant trepidation?

If only everything in life was like boxing, it would be something else. Getting into the ring with rules and a referee present, to give everything and in the end, whoever wins, the victory is recognized. The combatants hug each other, their virtues are recognized, and they become friends forever. Continue reading “If Life Was Like Boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently expressed its position regarding boxing and its future in the Olympic Games.

The IOC categorically confirmed that IBA, formerly called AIBA, is excluded from any recognition as the International Association in charge of administering Olympic boxing. In addition, it announced that it’s looking for a new group to acquire the administration of our sport, otherwise, boxing will be excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Continue reading “The future of Olympic boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán / WBC President

This past weekend, the first boxing card broadcast by Amazon and its Prime Video platform took place.

Spectacular boxing card unlike anything seen in a long time. My memories took me to that golden era when Don King created wondrous galas, with three, four, and even five world championship fights on the same card. Very similar last Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, and the World Boxing Council was present with three memorable battles. A thrilling crescendo. Continue reading “Amazon’s Prime Video era in boxing has begun”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

I had the great honor of being invited by Manny Pacquiao and the Elorde family, to be the speaker at the first edition of the annual Philippine boxing awards, called: Paquiao/Elorde Annual Awards,

This is following the 23-year tradition established by the family of the legendary world champion, Gabriel Flash Elorde, but this year they incorporated Manny due to his illustrious boxing career.

From the moment I arrived in Manila, I encountered smiles, kindness and hospitality very similar to that in Mexico. Continue reading “The Philippines and its world-class boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC / Son of José Sulaimán

Boxing is one of the very few sports that defines the winner through subjective appreciation of the officials, named judges.

In our sport, three judges score the actions, and this is done round after round. In essence, each round is a completely different fight from the other.

Unlike diving or gymnastics, boxers have no idea what the judges have scored.

Divers and gymnasts see their score, immediately following their participation, and thus can strategize for their next competitive move. They have the ability to decide to take higher risk which by virtue can generate more points, a higher score.

The boxing judge has an unenviable job, as they are seldom recognized until there is a controversial decision, and then they can be pointed out as corrupt, blind, incompetent and even criminal, when it is thought that they performed inadequately.

The difference between a judge’s scoring and everyone else’s scores has a significant amount of variables which at the end could make the difference in opinions, let’s look into it : Continue reading “Boxing judges and a few bits to analyze”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The long-awaited news was confirmed this past Friday, as Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez will defend his unified WBC-WBA-WBO-IBF super middleweight championship against the WBC Silver champion, Jaime Munguía, a war between Mexicans, on the traditional date on Cinco de Mayo (May 4), at T-Mobile, Las Vegas, USA.

There has not been a fight of this level between two Mexican fighters for many years. The most recent one, was between Canelo and Julio César Chávez Jr. in 2017. Every occasion in which two compatriots meet in a ring is a guarantee of great emotions, quality, and patriotic rivalry like no other. Continue reading “War Between Mexicans on May 4”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

I would like to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to William Haney, who has lost his mother, as well as to Devin Haney. Renee Jannah was his beloved grandmother and important part of his life. May she Rest in Peace and her memory be eternal.

The World Boxing Council has worked tirelessly for decades to find ways to make boxing safer for fighters, and a fortune has been invested in medical and scientific research and special studies to discover and understand what happens in the brain and body. What effects does this sporting activity have on boxers?

A large number of rules have been changed, and new ones have been implemented to minimize the risks involved when entering the ring. Even so, much still remains to be done, and this must be with the will and effort of all the members in the boxing industry. We are in this together – organizations, federations, local commissions, promoters, managers, trainers, advisors, and everyone involved one way or another in the activity of boxers, even media and fans. Continue reading “Decisions that have changed boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

February isn’t over yet, and the amount of traveling I have done has been tremendous.
From day trips to Oaxaca and Tampico, to going around the world to Thailand, Dubai, Rome and London. In this process, I have lost special moments with my family, and I made a decision from one day to the next… to bring my daughter to celebrate her birthday in Las Vegas, and attend the Bad Bunny concert. This Puerto Rican artist is my daughter’s boyfriend; Well he doesn’t know, but she does.

My wife, my daughter, her friend and I literally came backpacking, with the most complicated flights: CDMX-Denver-Las Vegas-Guadalajara-CDMX, but mission accomplished: a birthday in the memory of my beloved girl.

We walked a lot to show them this city that never ceases to surprise, and something wonderful happened to me; I remembered, as if I were in a time tunnel, many of the things that surprised me from my first trip to Sin City. It was in 1986, my dad brought me, with my brother Fernando, when Mike Tyson conquered the WBC heavyweight championship at the age of 20! Continue reading “The Time Tunnel in Las Vegas”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán – President of the WBC

A historic meeting took place during the month of January, in which the most important promoters in the world met for an informal talk that was highly positive, and for which I am infinitely grateful for the trust from all of them, to serve as facilitator of said meeting that was held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Bob Arum and Carl Moretti of Top Rank; Tom Brown, TGB; Luis de Cubas, from PBC; Fernando Beltrán, from Zanfer; Eddie Hearn of Matchroom; Salvatore and Christian Cherchi, of Opi2000, and Tom Loeffler, of 360 Promotions, were present, while others, due to health or scheduling reasons, were unable to attend.

The main theme unanimously accepted is 1) the unity and respect that must exist between all members of the boxing industry, 2) working together to make the fights that the fans want to see happen, and 3) leaving behind individual egos and pretensions.

As Don King has always said, ‘Working together works.’ By the way, Don was confirmed to attend, unfortunately, medical issues have prevented him from flying for some time now. However, he keeps on working and is active. Continue reading “Working together for the good of boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán / President of the WBC

On Sunday, one of the most important sports events worldwide took place, Super Bowl LVIII, and my prediction was that the Kansas City Chiefs would win based on the experience of both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his greatness, plus Brock Purdy, with his rookieness, but also because defenses usually win games and Kansas City showed at the end of the season great solidity, organization, and steadfast discipline in this area.

Football has had great coincidences over the years and for me, it was something that always brought me closer to my dad.

My passion for the Dallas Cowboys was born on a Sunday in 1976, when Don José took me from the Lindavista League baseball field to return home. He sat me down with him to watch the Super Bowl, between Dallas and Pittsburgh. Those Cowboys, with Roger Staubach, and the Steelers, with Terry Bradshaw. Continue reading “The NFL and Boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

It is regrettable, but unavoidable, that the highly anticipated fight for the undisputed world heavyweight championship between the WBC titleholder, the Englishman Tyson Fury, and the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, announced for February 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed.

This was due to an unexpected injury that Tyson suffered to the right eyebrow when he was sparring, and it caused the suspension of the fight.

However, even though this altered things, we now have the new date, which will be May 18.

As is known, in this contest all of the heavyweight titles will be at stake recognized by the four existing organizations: WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO, and hence, the enormous interest with which this long-awaited undisputed contest is being awaited. This is not the first time that something like this has happened, that plans are momentarily affected, but it will come to fruition. Continue reading “Fury-Usyk + Trip to Thailand”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

2024 began with the greatness with which 2023 closed; with great boxing activity around the world.

One of the most outstanding current champions Artur Beterbiev, defended his light heavyweight crown, with a great demonstration, by knocking out the exacting English warrior, Callum Smith, in what was his WBC mandatory fight, which took place before a sell out crowd, in Quebec, Canada. Beterbiev is the WBC, WBO, and IBF champion, and now the table is set for the long-awaited fight for the undisputed title against Dmitry Bivol. Continue reading “2024 starts with great fights”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The most popular topic in recent times has undoubtedly been boxing in Saudi Arabia after the arrival of a character who has captivated worldwide attention.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is the Chairman of the general entertainment authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Popularly known as Turki, he put together two events never before seen in the boxing world. Continue reading “His Excellency Turki Alalshikh – Boxing in Saudi Arabia”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The road to recovery for Julio César Chávez Jr. has begun. It will be long and painful, but I am sure it will be the definitive one to have that young man well again, healthy, and with a long life ahead of him.

Julito has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic with the expectation that he will be there for several months in order to quell and banish the demons of his addictions.

It is important to understand that his addiction is not to recreational drugs, but to pills, which he had to take for a time to address a medical issue and which caused a terrible addiction.

Our great champion, Julio César Chávez Sr., and his family has the support and affection of all of Mexico and the world of boxing during this process, in which his firstborn will be facing his toughest fight ever. May God lead them to a journey of positive vibes, calmness and heavenly strength. Continue reading “Tribute to my Dad”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán – President of the WBC

The Christmas season has officially ended, and it’s time to knuckle down with willpower to lose those extra pounds we gained. As I previously explained, Mexico calls this the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon, as there are daily parties from December 12 until January 6 with tamales, hot chocolate, some tequila, of course, and a variety of Mexican dishes to celebrate with friends and family … so we all start the year with a big belly, but with will to have a healthier one.

I sincerely hope that you have spent a Christmas season of peace, joy, and happiness with your loved ones and friends. Continue reading “A Great Year Begins for the WBC”

By Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President – Jose Sulaiman´s son

This is the WBC 2023 Year in Pictures, enjoy and remember the good times and sensational year we all had in boxing.

Click here…

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon has already begun in our beloved Mexico. But what is this? December 12 is a major celebration of the appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Millions come to Mexico City from all over the country to sing happy birthday to our Virgin, who appeared 500 years ago. With such also comes a great party, as it is a national holiday.

Reyes is the day in which the three wise kings come to deliver the toys to all children in Mexico, which is January 6. So, in between December 12 and January 6, it is known as a marathon of festivities, parties, and celebrations in which we usually gain from 10 to 15 pounds!

The cold weather we are having makes me feel the Christmas spirit even more, which we unfortunately usually forget, being from one side to the other, forever occupied, and busy. Everyday life does not allow us to pause, value, cherish, and appreciate what is happening and just how much we should be thankful for. Continue reading “Christmas and International Boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

I am returning from San Francisco, where I witnessed an incredible display of brilliance from our now super lightweight champion, Devin Haney, who completely dominated two-time champion Regis Prograis.

Haney, undefeated in 31 fights, joined the list of pound-for-pound popularity list and will certainly be on the shortlist for Boxer of the Year by achieving tremendous victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Prograis in this 2023.

This year was full of successes for our beloved World Boxing Council.

Let’s take a tour of what this wonderful process has achieved. Continue reading “A Successful 2023 for the WBC”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The WBC believes in choice, which is why we chose to support women’s boxing when no one else did since the late 90s.

The WBC chose to initiate Women’s World Championships back in 2004. We chose to use our entire platform to bring women’s boxing to the level it is today with exciting fights, sold out arenas and worldwide heroes.

The WBC chose to spend money, time, and effort to have continuous medical and scientific research, evaluate and create specific rules for women in boxing.

The WBC chose to support women and not charge a single penny to them in sanction fees.

The WBC chose to organize three World Conventions exclusively for women’s boxing in Cancun, Tijuana, and Manila.

However, the sport itself is not about choice. Continue reading “The WBC believes in CHOICE”