Fighting for More Tomorrows: WBC and CURE Childhood Cancer Partner with JessZilla to Honor a Champion’s Legacy

JessZilla, the award-winning documentary following the extraordinary journey of three-time National Boxing Champion Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the World Boxing Council (WBC) and CURE Childhood Cancer.

This collaboration reinforces the WBC’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport while amplifying awareness for brain cancer and childhood cancer research, supporting CURE’s mission to fund life-saving research and provide critical resources for families in need.

“The story of Jesselyn Silva is one of heart, grit, and resilience—values that define the spirit of boxing,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC. “Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and we are honored to support this important film and its message—it’s truly a valentine to the sport.”

Directed by Emily Sheskin, produced by Ben Kainz, and Executive Produced by Versus, JessZilla captures the powerful, five-year journey of Jesselyn Silva, a gifted young boxer striving to reach the Junior Olympic team—until an unexpected cancer diagnosis forces her into the fight of her life. The film is both an inspirational sports story and an intimate father-daughter journey, showcasing the unwavering dedication of Pedro Silva, Jesselyn’s father. With over 25 official festival selections and six awards, JessZilla is capturing hearts worldwide, proving that the will to fight extends far beyond the ring.

“My daughter’s a fighter. Doctors only gave her a year to live with treatment, and she lived for three. In my eyes, she won,” said Pedro Silva, Jesselyn’s father. “No parent should ever have to hear that their child’s time is limited, and it’s up to us if we’re going to make a difference. We’re here to bring hope with Jesselyn’s fund and we won’t stop until there’s a cure.”

The WBC’s philanthropic arm, WBC Cares, and its President, Jill Diamond, have long championed the health and well-being of fighters. Its support of JessZilla is driven not only by a deep-rooted commitment to boxing but also by Sulaimán’s personal connection to brain cancer.

Together, JessZilla and the WBC will host special screening events in key boxing cities, timed around major fight cards and WBC events to maximize boxer and media attendance. They will also launch a global awareness campaign, amplifying the film’s message through WBC’s extensive network of fighters, celebrities, and brand partners.

In addition to its partnership with the WBC, the JessZilla documentary team has selected CURE Childhood Cancer as the beneficiary of its impact efforts.

“We are grateful to the filmmakers for choosing to support CURE Childhood Cancer,” said Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE. “Jesselyn is truly an inspiration, and the documentary honors her legacy and her spirit. We hope everyone who watches the film is inspired to join in our fight against childhood cancer.”

Through the generosity of WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, the team has successfully raised enough to establish the Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva Fund, dedicated to supporting families affected by brain cancer and driving critical research forward. The JessZilla team is actively working to raise additional funds to create a permanent fund in her name, ensuring that Jesselyn’s fighting spirit lives on by helping other young fighters like her.

Through these partnerships, JessZilla, the WBC, and CURE Childhood Cancer are calling on the boxing community, media, and fans to rally behind Jesselyn’s story and the fight against childhood cancer. The film not only celebrates boxing as a sport but also highlights the unbreakable resilience of those who fight—inside and outside the ring.

Currently in theatrical release through Monkey Wrench Films, JessZilla will expand to global streaming and video-on-demand platforms in May 2025, coinciding with Brain Cancer Awareness Month.

For press inquiries, screenings, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Betsy Watson at betsy@aodcomms.com.

About the WBC

Founded in 1963, the World Boxing Council (WBC) is the most prestigious sanctioning body in boxing, committed to fairness, safety, and the development of the sport. The WBC has been instrumental in implementing key boxing reforms, including reducing championship fights to 12 rounds, mandating 24-hour weigh-ins, and establishing the Clean Boxing Program for anti-doping efforts. Today, under the leadership of President Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC remains dedicated to boxing excellence and social responsibility.

About CURE Childhood Cancer

Founded in 1975, Atlanta-based CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families. With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE dedicates more than $5.7 million in funding to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers that affect children.

Through innovative programming, CURE Childhood Cancer also provides crisis-oriented support to patients and their families, addressing their most critical and urgent needs. For more information visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.

For more information, visit www.jesszillathefilm.com and wbcboxingcares.com