Battling for Siki and Equality

On February 15th, 2023 the World Boxing Council, President Mauricio Sulaiman, James Mercante, Jill Diamond, Jose Martin Sulaiman and a group of champion boxers, panelists and guests honored Black History Month with the New York Athletic Club, in NYC in the Forum Room.

It is the 100th year since Battling Siki (Louis Fall) won the title from Georges Carrpentier to become the first man born in Africa to win a World Title.

After a stellar reception, we moved into the Forum Room, where announcer Matt Competllo welcomed everyone as did our President, Mauricio Sulaiman who described the events to come and shared his positive and warm feelings about the evening.

Next, the NYC Mayor’s Chief Council , Ama Dwimoh, office introduced the Mayor’s  proclamation thanking the WBC for their efforts in keeping Siki’s championship relevant and having Siki’s body returned to Senegal where he received a King’s ceremony and proper burial. This was a passion for Jose Sulaiman and the Mercante family and acknowledged by the UN and Senegal, who gave Siki a proper and worthy burial in his place or origin. Later Siki was also posthumously inducted into the NYSBHOF.

Afterwards,  Elhadj Ndao, the General Secretary of Senegal spoke poignantly from the heart, thanking all involved, and expressed his desire to have Siki be remembered as an African Champion. He said the people of Africa are forever proud of their hero and deserve his citizenship acknowledged..

Ashley Morrison then gave a beautiful description of the movie Return to Your Corner and the reasons he decided to spend all his time and talent on the project, bringing a mostly forgotten champion back to center stage.

The Premier of journalist Ashley’s documentary, Return to Your Corner about Siki’s brief and troubling journey,was the highlight of the night and the  panel, moderated by Randy Gordon with  Mauricio Sulaiman, Barak Bess, James Mercante and Ashley Morrison, about the film and the advancements we’ve made since that time, were emotional and evocative., So were the questions from the audience.

It was also an evening to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the WBC and enjoy a beautiful night together in one of the most iconic clubs in New York.

Boxing elite  attending were Gerry Cooney, Junior Jones, Otto Wallin, DMitriy Salita, Heather Hardy, Iran Barclay, John Duddy, Boyd Melson, Vinny Paz, Ed Brophy, Kaliah Ali, Michael Spinks, Stephen Espinoza, Larry Goldberg, Eric Kelley, Lou DiBella, Holt Callany, Shamus McDonag, Jon McKaie, Andy Dominguez, Sparkle Lee, Steve Espinoza and the undisputed, Franchon Crews plus many others.

Many organizations were also represented as the NYPD, RIng 8, RIng 10, NYSAC, IBHOF, NYSBHOF, NJBHOF and the Eagle Academy of Excellence.

The evening ended with a WBC Belt, designated for SIki, being presented to John Duggan, the NYAC President.

We thank Cleto Reyes, the many journalists, the community leaders and  the athletes, who attended and especially, the staff of the NYAC for making this an unforgettable night.

Photos by @deleonphotographyy