Brain Cancer Awareness Month – Gray in May: The WBC Presents Commemorative Belt to Honor JessZilla
The World Boxing Council (WBC) will present special gray belt “ Gray in May “ as a tribute to honor Brain Cancer Awareness month during a transcendental fight this weeked:
The upcoming undisputed super bantamweight match between Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas on May 4th will honor the late Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva, a three-time National Champion and the eternal star who is the inspiration of the award-winning documentary JessZilla.
This marks the official launch of the WBC’s “Gray in May” campaign, in partnership with CURE Childhood center and aligning with Brain Cancer Awareness Month by reinforcing the organization’s deep commitment to causes that matter both inside and outside the ring.
As part of the campaign, Naoya Inoue and Ramon Cardenas are appointed as a WBC Cares Ambassadors for Brain Cancer Awareness, helping to amplify the message globally.
“The WBC has always stood for heart, courage, and purpose,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC. “This May, we go gray for Jesselyn and for every family impacted by brain cancer. We hope this belt becomes a symbol of strength and solidarity in the fight for a cure.”
The tribute comes amid the ongoing theatrical release of JessZilla, a powerful documentary directed by Emily Sheskin, produced by Ben Kainz, and executive produced by Versus. With over 25 official festival selections and six awards, the film follows Jesselyn’s rise in the boxing world and her fight against brain cancer, spotlighting the unwavering bond between Jess and her father, Pedro Silva, who continues to champion her legacy.
“Doctors gave Jess a year. She gave us three. In my eyes, she won,” said Pedro Silva. “This belt, this moment is a reminder that her fight continues through every life we touch.”
In partnership with CURE Childhood Cancer, the JessZilla team has launched the Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva Fund, which aims to support families affected by brain cancer and drive critical research. Proceeds from screenings and awareness events in May will support this effort.
The WBC extends its deepest thanks to all those helping bring the “Gray in May” campaign to life. Together, we honor a young champion’s legacy and fight for more tomorrows. “ Our gratitude to Naoya Inoue, Mr Honda, Top Rank and Ramon Cardenas for accepting to be part of this important activation with absolute humane intentions ”
JessZilla is currently showing in select theaters through Monkey Wrench Films and will expand to digital platforms in May 2025.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.jesszillathefilm.com. For press inquiries, screenings, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Betsy Watson at betsy@aodcomms.com.
About the WBC
Founded in 1963, the World Boxing Council (WBC) is the most prestigious sanctioning body in boxing, committed to fairness, safety, and the development of the sport. The WBC has been instrumental in implementing key boxing reforms, including reducing championship fights to 12 rounds, mandating 24-hour weigh-ins, and establishing the Clean Boxing Program for anti-doping efforts. Today, under the leadership of President Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC remains dedicated to boxing excellence and social responsibility.
About CURE Childhood Cancer
Founded in 1975, Atlanta-based CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families. With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE dedicates more than $5.7 million in funding to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers that affect children. Through innovative programming, CURE Childhood Cancer also provides crisis-oriented support to patients and their families, addressing their most critical and urgent needs. For more information visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.
For more information, visit www.jesszillathefilm.com and wbcboxingcares.com
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