A Service of Remembrance and Thanks for the lives of Don Jose and Dona Martha

As always and for always, friends of Don Jose Sulaiman and Dona Martha Saldivar Sulaiman, came from near and far…from all corners of this Globe, to remember their lives as a couple and give thanks for what they unstintingly as well as lovingly gave to the World of Boxing, improving the lives of boxers during their ring careers and long after they have finally hung up their gloves.

Throughout his life child, youth and adulthood including thirty eight years of which he was President of the World Boxing Council, Don Jose fought with all of his might, dedication, ingenuity, determination and steadfast kindness plus humanity for the rights of boxers, who give their all in the ring to bring glory to Mexico and the rest of the World.

At the Ceremony at the Old Basilica of Guadalupe, pride of place was reserved for the photo of Boxing`s First Couple arm in arm. While He worked day and night, She opened their home to superstars and sparring partners alike. For both, there was no distinction in the kindness and hospitality they offered year in year out. That says so much.

The Service commemorated eleven years since the passing of Don Jose, and for Dona Martha, who died surrounded by her family at her bedside last August. It was conducted by their friend Bishop Georges Miled Saad Abi Youness. The greatest accolade of all those who attended and there were so many, was to be counted as their friend. At so many events, he would place a hand on our shoulders and say: ”Welcome my Dear Friend.” That said it all, and the attribute he valued the most was the loyalty of the World Boxing Council people…their people. An unbreakable bond of Nations. That meant literally the world, moon and stars to both of them… and for us.

Granddaughter Monica, who wept delivering the Eulogy at that first Ceremony and has grown up into a beautiful woman, read two lessons at this Service. Bishop Georges said Don Jose was faithful to the word of God, a man who always showed dignity and a man of his word. Beautiful choral music, Vivaldi`s Four Seasons, the deeply emotional Ave Maria by Franz Schubert and the Service was concluded by Beethoven`s Ode to Joy. How poignantly fitting. Maurico, Lucy and Fernando went to the Alter and Mauricio passed the jeweled cup to Bishop Georges, prior to Communion.

Outside of the Basilica members of the World Boxing Community, shared treasured memories of this everlasting greatness. Rey Danseco from the Philippines, who now lives in the United States, remembered how Don Jose gave him his first chance as a Judge in 2008, here in Mexico City. He said: ”Don Jose is so dear to me. He is such a special person. He gave me my break and I consider him as a Father. I leaned so much from him, as a Judge and as a person.

”Don Jose dedicated his life to Boxing and its development, so what we have right now and the protective rules is due to him, specifically for the safety and wellbeing of boxers. What a tremendous and lasting legacy he left and for this, he`ll be remembered forever.”

Former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal who was originally from Haiti and now lives in Canada said: ”Don Jose was such a great guy, he was a good President and now Mauricio is the President and so I have come to show my respects. I met Don Jose back in 2009, when I was World Champion and I came to his Funeral. He was a happy and kind man, who was always there for us boxers. He was so good for the World of Boxing. I come from Haiti. We are a small country, but we provide great boxers and we punch above our weight. Don Jose offered us so many opportunities for which we will forever be so very grateful.”

Undefeated WBC lightweight Interim Champion William ”Cameron” Zepeda put it this way: ”Don Jose was a father to us boxers. He looked after our health and wellbeing in a sport which can be difficult and challenging. He gave so many boxers opportunities. He was always in our corner. That means absolutely everything.”

7