The Legacy of Don José Sulaimán Lives On Through the Boxers’ Fund

The José Sulaimán Boxers’ Fund, created to honor the humanitarian vision of the legendary World Boxing Council (WBC) President, continues to be a foundation pillar of support for needy fighters and former fighters around the world.

Don José Sulaimán, who presided over the WBC for 38 years until his passing in 2014, was a tireless advocate for integrity and safety in boxing. His passion for protecting boxers, his fight against apartheid and all forms of discrimination and abuse of power earned him recognition from the United Nations and countless global institutions. A fearless and truly caring man.

Don José’s dream of creating a permanent fund to help the most vulnerable boxers materialized in 2012. The luxury watch brand Hublot, through its leaders Jean Claude Biver and Ricardo Guadalupe, joined the WBC to hold an auction that raised one million dollars.

These unique pieces were inspired by the greatest legendary boxing champions.
With this initial contribution, the José Sulaimán Boxers’ Fund formally began operations through the Nevada Community Foundation (NCF). The NCF, an independent non-profit organization, administers the Fund, rigorously reviews applications, and coordinates payments, ensuring that all operations are handled with integrity, honesty, and fairness.

In 2014, the WBC and Fundación Ring Telmex-Telcel —headed by Carlos Slim— sealed a vital agreement. In exchange for ring officials wearing the Ring Telmex-Telcel logo on their uniforms, Don Carlos Slim agreed to collaborate with $150,000 annually for a 5-year period, totaling a contribution of $750,000.

The Fund’s strength was reaffirmed in 2019 with another successful Hublot/WBC Gala Dinner, where an additional $1.2 million dollars were raised. The event featured stellar appearances by legends Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Durán, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman, Vitali Klitschko, Oscar De La Hoya, and a great tribute to the musician Carlos Santana.

Over more than 12 years, the NCF has done an incredible job, supporting boxers with great quality and dedication throughout the application process. To date, the Fund has granted over $2 million dollars in support to fighters and former fighters from a great number of countries.

One of the most impactful cases and a testament to the Fund’s mission is that of Magomed “The Magician” Abdusalamov. Born in a tumultuous Russia in the 80s, Magomed dedicated himself to boxing as a form of protection, dreaming of an Olympic medal. He debuted as a professional heavyweight on September 6, 2008, and quickly became a “beast” with devastating punching power, winning his first 18 fights by Knockout.

However, in his 19th bout, everything changed.

On that fateful November 2, 2013, Abdusalamov lost the fight by unanimous decision but suffered brain damage, loss of speech, and half of his body’s movements. The boxer’s family claimed that Magomed did not receive the necessary medical attention, being sent to his dressing room, where he began to vomit, and had to be taken to the medical center in a taxi.

While his wife, Bakanay Abdusalamova, cares for him and their three children, the family faced a debt for medical expenses, contrasting drastically with the $40,000 dollars he received for the fight that cost him his physical condition.

In the midst of this tragedy, the José Sulaimán Boxers’ Fund intervened crucially, providing him with financial aid and fundamental support during his most difficult moments in 2014, 2015, and 2016, demonstrating the solidarity that Don José always advocated.

“The Magician” and his family “knocked out” the State of New York by winning a negligence lawsuit, reaching a settlement for an amount totaling $22 million dollars. Although he miraculously survived after being in a coma and suffering a stroke, this money has been essential to guarantee continuous improved medical treatment.

The José Sulaimán Fund is delighted and proud to have supported Magomed during these complicated times, a constant reminder that the fight for boxers does not end when the bell rings.

The José Sulaimán Boxers’ Fund is a living testament to the commitment of the WBC and its allies to care for those who dedicate their lives to the sport, ensuring that Don José’s legacy continues to touch lives with dignity and hope.