Don Jose Santa Cruz honored as “Champion of Peace”

Don Jose Santa Cruz, father of Leo Santa Cruz, is a true intrepid hero of life and the sheer resolve of its vitality, because he`s overcome cancer and Covid-19.

Last week, a great and memorable night at the Michelob Ultra Arena of the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, in which Leo Santa Cruz defeated Keenan Carbajal, in a superb fight that celebrated the WBC’s commitment to BoxVal, an integral part of Scholas Occurentes, a non-religious foundation of Pope Francis, which encourages, nurtures, and promotes inclusion and unity.

During this card, Don José Santa Cruz was designated as champion for Peace and received a belt from Dr. Louis Rodriguez, who is a member of the WBC and Mr. Santa Cruz’s personal physician.
Don José did not expect such recognition and when he received it, he asked “What is this?” to which Dr. Rodríguez explained and dedicated some emotional words so specially and especially to him. Mr. Santa Cruz, visibly moved, pointed to the photograph of Don José Sulaimán on the belt and poignantly declared: “He sent me this belt,” and in so doing transformed that wonderful moment into a priceless memory gem.

In a clear, magnificent example of family and unity. Together, Don José and Leo Santa Cruz won the Belt for Peace, showing that they are forever father and son warriors.