Achievements of Don José Sulaimán: The Attached Thumb Glove Revolution

Don José Sulaimán Chagnón, the man who not only presided over the World Boxing Council but also humanized and modernized the sport, reached and surpassed historic milestones during his career, which we remember throughout 2026.

In the history of boxing, few changes have been as decisive for the long-term health of athletes as the implementation of attached-thumb gloves. This measure, made a mandatory rule by Don José Sulaimán through the World Boxing Council, marked the end of an era of devastating and avoidable eye injuries.

Before this reform, the thumb of the glove was separated from the rest of the hand, which allowed—either accidentally or intentionally—the thumb to remain extended when throwing a punch, turning it into a dangerous weapon aimed directly at the opponent’s eyes.

Don José Sulaimán, always attentive to medical reports, detected that a large portion of prematurely ended careers were due to vision damage, caused by retinal detachments, corneal abrasions, and traumatic cataracts, among other serious injuries.

Don José faced resistance from manufacturers and purists who argued that the attached thumb reduced “grip” or comfort for the boxer. However, Don José prioritized physical integrity. After financing biomechanical studies, the WBC standardized that the thumb must be attached to the body of the glove by a strip of durable material. A visionary eye for detail which saved sight.