Creating the Mestizo Belt for #CaneloSaunders

The WBC commemorative belts of May 5 and September 16, which were craftedwith the intention of serving as a majestic recognition, awarded to the winner of classic  fights held around these two Mexican festivities, regardless of the nationality of the contenders.

Elite fighters Erik Morales, Julio Cesar Chavez, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar de La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, among others, have been involved in this tradition, where Mexican culture and boxing converge in a special way, giving special meaning.

This concept was born in 2017, and basically every year a Mexican culture is selected to create these special belts. So far there are already 9 presented belts: Huichol Belt I and II, Maya Belt I and II, Chiapaneco Belt I and II.

For 2020 the State of Mexico was selected and due to the great diversity of cultures, it was decided to make the Mazahua belt edition for May and  the Otomi belt for September. Two beautiful belts, based on the textiles of the region.

Unfortunately, in 2020 there was no boxing, due to the pandemic, and the objective of presenting them to the world as it should be was not achieved. So, for this reason, the WBC decided that the State of Mexico would be in charge again of the elaboration of the 2021 commemorative belts.

The ninth commemorative belt, officially presented already, is the “Mestizo Belt”; a masterpiece made by the artisans Raúl Pérez Carmona and Mrs. Vianey Rebeca Flores Martinez, from Toluca, which consists of pita embroidery work in genuine black leather, two-thread embroidery plus embossed flowers. A total of  305 hours of brilliant work.

The Mestizo belt represents the iconic Mexican sport “Charreria” describing on it the different disciplines of this noble art: Cala de  Caballo, a practice in which, via a tempered  rein, the  education of the horse is shown. The belt also includes two Friesian horses on three legs, the presence of the skirmish.

Another kind of charro practice is added to this line of embroidery, which is the jineteada and finally the floreo de reata. All this is adorned with ornamental guides and embossed flowers that, in addition to increasing its beauty, also show the talent of the nimble artisan hands that made it. This belt is made from the heart and soul of Mexicans.

The special plate was made by Miguel Angel Jurado in a process that lasted 50 hours and the final assembly took place at Industrias Reyes adding another 35 hours of work.

The Mestizo belt is a magnificent gift that Mexico and the World Boxing Council gives to the world. This unique and splendid  trophy will forever be possessed by the winner of the mega clash between Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Englishman Billy Joe Saunders, this coming May 8 in Dallas, Texas.

Next, we show you a video where you will be able to observe the authentic genius craftsmanship that was required to create this ninth and emblematic commemorative belt.