Claudia Sheinbaum and the World Boxing Council join forces to create “Boxing For Peace”

 The President of Mexico and WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán Inaugurate Unprecedented Project That Will Help 100,000 Children Across Mexico. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán were part of a historic session of the traditional “People’s Morning Conference” from Mexico´s Government Palace this Monday, announcing the creation of “Boxing for Peace,” a program that integrates with the “Youth Building the Future” initiative.

This endeavor will help 100,000 young people aged 6 to 29 with boxing classes across the country.

“The gyms will be the work centers. The fighters who register will receive support from Youth Building the Future along with the World Boxing Council, which is embracing the program. 100,000 girls and boys will be able to access one hour of classes, so they never approach drugs or criminal groups, with champions as their teachers,” stated Sheinbaum.

Registration for this initiative, which will last throughout 2026 with the hope that it will continue through the current presidential term until 2030, is already open through the Youth Building the Future website from this Monday, February 16, until Saturday, February 28. Classes begin on Monday, March 2.

“Today, precisely two days after the 63rd anniversary of the World Boxing Council, we are officializing a program that has no precedent in the world,” said Sulaimán.

“The WBC, the Sulaimán family, my father (José Sulaimán) and I cry tears of joy. It will take time, with people dedicating their effort going to the gym in search of a dream, battling loneliness and not having what’s necessary to eat properly… Boxing unites families and is what always seeks peace.”

The event was attended by current champions and notable legenda such as Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Jackie Nava, Cristian Mijares, Mariana “Barbie” Juárez, and David Picasso, among others, to promote passion for the sport and hope for a prosperous future driven by boxing.

Cruz and Mijares were tasked with presenting President Sheinbaum with boxing gloves to commemorate the occasion.

“Boxing is very popular in Mexico. It’s something impressive… All those who enjoy boxing will have a free space where Mexican champions, both male and female, can serve as examples and sources of inspiration for them,” said Sheinbaum.

“It’s time to stop bad influences. Time to say no to crime and put on the gloves for our nation, for our Mexico, to move forward as one together”, saif Cruz.

Other champions emphasized the importance of contributing to the project.

“I want to thank the Mexican Government, President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the World Boxing Council for this opportunity. Today I don’t want to speak as the boxer I currently am, but as the child whose life was changed by boxing… Talent exists everywhere, but opportunities don’t always exist. Today, with the ‘Boxing for Peace’ program, that path begins to exist, and thousands upon thousands of girls and boys will be able to develop their passion. There will be no more lost dreams, no wasted dreams,” expressed Picasso.

Jackie Nava and Barbie Juárez also spoke about what it means to them to help Mexican youth.

“Most of us have been champions, but one must become one to get noticed. I congratulate the alliance between the Federal Government and the World Boxing Council for this opportunity we didn’t have before, which is being given to so many so that youth can have education and boxing, taking them off the streets,” said Nava.

“Boxing is one of those sports where you only need a big heart and to give 100 percent to change your life. That’s why it’s one of the sports that has brought us the most glory, because of that need we have to move forward and fight for our loved ones, giving a better life to our family. We embrace that dream from a very young age,” said Juárez.

The World Boxing Council “confirmed its absolute commitment” alongside boxing commissions, all federations, and gyms throughout Mexico.

“We will be boxing for peace,” concluded Sulaimán. “Mexico is about boxing. 14 Olympic medals. More than 200 world champions. This program will definitely give an opportunity to those who start practicing boxing, and it could become a scouting process for future talents.”