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World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, presented an insightful lecture at the Sports Summit México 2020, the largest business and innovation event in Latin America, that takes place on the 26th and 27th February.
The topics embraced sports rights, fan engagement, business intelligence, digital developments, virtual reality, anti-piracy, e-sports and technology science topics, which were thoroughly discussed.
The President of the WBC began the lecture, beside commentator and boxing analyst, Carlos Aguilar, presenting a video of the WBC.
It’s patently obvious that the WBC is so much more than an organization which sanctions fights. The World Boxing Council is: Unity, togetherness, the best champions in history are part of it, culture, innovation, generosity, social responsibility, equality and global inclusion. The WBC is Nelson Mandela, it`s Pope Francis … it is hope and it generates glory.
Initially, President Mauricio Sulaiman outlined that the WBC currently works with three core programs: Weight care, the Clean Boxing Program and fighting against mismatches.
However, he mentioned that the reduction of rounds and switching the day of final weigh in, prior to fight night, have been the most important changes the WBC has presented, since they have not only helped guide innovative development of the sport and the care of the boxer, but have saved the life of many boxers in the process, over the years.
For the President of the organization, it is imperative to make use of the new and available technological tools for sports, which is why the WBC is working to make boxing safer with new rules and processes. He added that a topic on which they have placed great emphasis, is the nutritional, psychological and financial education of all the fighters, as these are fundamental aspects that they need to maintain during their career.
He stressed that boxing, as well as other sports, are important and essential for Mexican society because they fulfill vital social functions to combat many problems, such as obesity linked to sedentary lifestyle, addictions, while generating and fostering family integration, inspiring work ethic and dedication.
He pointed out that the world champions are the inspiration and example of many children and young people. That is why stories of overcoming adversity, such as the triumph of Tyson Fury must be told, as as we all know, he was the prey of drugs to the point of wanting to take his own life and today, after more than two years, after standing at the gates of hell, he`s back, and has reached the pinnacle of success and with it fulfillment.
Mauricio also explained that the Clean Boxing Program is pioneering and ambitious. Its main objective, apart from the tests, is to scrupulously educate athletes about the terrible danger and inevitable disadvantages that doping causes, in addition to the penalties for testing positive for prohibited substances., in or out of a competition. It is worth mentioning and remembering that the WBC was the first organization to implement mandatory doping tests in all championship fights since 1975, being a leader in boxing and in all sports regarding the safety of the fighters.
For Mauricio Sulaiman it is very important to have a direct relationship with the boxers, to be in their corner and provide support, because many times, upon retirement or after losing a fight, these heroes are packed away into the trunk of memories and this is very harmful to them. For that reason, one of the primary WBC´s goals is to stick with them, to be side by their side from their fledgling amateur days to their very last pro fight, and beyond into retirement.
Another issue is the WBC’s unequivocal position on the call for professional boxers to participate in the Olympic Games and at this point, its leader was crystal clear in stressing that it is totally unacceptable for established world champions facing youngsters who are just at the beginning. This constitutes real risk and tangible danger. We are talking about the life and the destiny of a young person!
For this reason, the WBC wishes to raise awareness of the differences in amateur and professional boxing. The WBC took the decision to sanction all those boxers who participate in the Olympic process or at the Olympics with a 2-year ban.
Finally, Mauricio Sulaiman was questioned by Carlos Aguilar about what is the formula and ethos which encourages all boxers to want to possess the Green and Gold Belt. The recognition accolade that has been fastened around the waists of elite legendary fighters, historic characters, taken into space, and cradled by Pope Francis.
“It’s a good question and I don’t know if I could say that the WBC has a formula, rather we have tried NOT to be an organization, but a FAMILY. My Dad Don José, as he is known by all of you, always valued human relationships, He treated everyone, every single person, like a high ranked fighter. He was always in the corner of the boxer, in the light of the reflectors and also in the shadows. The WBC has always been for them like a great tree that gives shade to all. There is an enduring among those who belong to this body that makes us strong.
“I can assure you that in the World Boxing Council we have the best champions in the world, the best fights and above all we maintain credibility and congruence in what we do and in what we say. We have quality and quantity and, for us the main thing is and always will be our boxers.”
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