The Legacy of Don José Sulaimán: The Reduction from 15 to 12 Rounds

Don José Sulaimán Chagnón was a man who did more than just preside over an organization; he humanized and modernized the “sweet science.” Throughout 2016, we remember the landmark achievements of his storied career.

Reducing Championship Fights from 15 to 12 Rounds.

In the history of the sport, few decisions have had as direct and vital an impact as the one spearheaded by Don José Sulaimán: the reduction of world championship bouts from 15 to 12 rounds.

For decades, the 13th, 14th, and 15th rounds were known in boxing parlance as the “rounds of death.”

Medical studies commissioned by Sulaimán proved that, during this stage of a fight, extreme physical exhaustion and severe dehydration left the brain without its natural protection, turning any blow into a potentially lethal threat.

Driven by the premise that “the boxer’s life is the absolute priority,” Don José stood firm against initial criticism from purists and television networks, remaining steadfast in his conviction to humanize the sport.

Since the implementation of this rule in 1983, the rate of fatalities and permanent brain injuries in the ring has been drastically reduced.

What began as a courageous initiative by the WBC was eventually adopted by every boxing governing body and athletic commission in the world.

Today, the 12-round limit is considered the most significant safety measure in the history of modern boxing.

“Boxing is not about seeing who dies; it is about seeing who the better athlete is,” Don José Sulaimán used to say. Thanks to his vision, thousands of boxers have returned home safely to their families after battling for glory.