Daniel Zaragoza is presented with the first WBC Martes de Café Tributes

 This morning during the WBC weekly press conference, the President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, announced that the WBC will present a tribute to the great legends of the ring during every single Martes de Café. 

Our first honouree is a Hall of Famer, a boxer who always was a Green and Gold Ambassador, a great champion who gave us nights of glory and a lot of emotion, a Mexican who conquered the world: Daniel Zaragoza.

Daniel, who made his professional debut on October 17, 1980, was extremely moved because despite the fact that he retired from boxing since 1997, the colours of Green and Gold  continue to inspire  and the passion he has always had for this sport remains active in the memory of all boxing fans.

 For Mauricio Sulaiman, Daniel has always been an exemplary champion, since he has never been involved in any scandal, on the contrary, he has been an example of discipline, hard work and dedication, an impeccable family man who continues to be the idol of many boxers who dream of following his example. 

 “Daniel is one of the most inspiring champions the WBC has ever had, an example of perseverance and passion for boxing, a man who even when he achieved glory, always kept his humble and affable spirit, a friend who has always been in the corner of the WBC, always willing to help and share his life story. Today we are deeply honoured to be able to recognize our beloved Daniel and present him with a world champion bracelet, which represents all our admiration and affection.”

Zaragoza, also known as “el Zurdo de Tacubaya”, -world champion in two dvisions , bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions in the 1980s and 1990s-, was extremely moved not only by Mauricio’s words but also by the applause and the recognition of all those attending, including his friends and also great boxing legends Humberto González, Lupe Pintor and Isaac Bustos. A memorable standing ovation. 

“I was a champion in a past century – he laughs – and even though nearly 24 years have passed since my retirement, boxing is still my greatest passion, I feel extremely fortunate for all the experiences and learning that this sport has given me a lot. I always dreamed of being world champion and putting the colours of Mexico on high and I think I got it; It was many years of fighting, of looking for a place and making my own story and here I am, happy with what I did in boxing.

“I am and will always be a proud Green and Golde champion, I have never entered the ring to fight for another than the World Boxing Council, you are my home and in my heart. I will always carry my dear Don José, with me, a man who since the beginning, totally believed in me. He always had advice, a word of affection. A great mentor and friend… I want to thank him for this so special moment.”