Mauricio Sulaimán and Erik Morales inspire the Universidad Panamericana  XV Youth Congress

The  XV Youth Congress of the Universidad Panamericana (UP) at the Camino Real Polanco Hotel on March 28 and 29, was brimming with potential, promise, ideas, initiatives and hope…because when you’re young, anything and everything is possible!

The central theme of this year’s extraordinary program was “Drive today, shape tomorrow.” The mission of the Congress focused on positively influencing the youth of Mexico to generate winds of change, motivating attendees to reach for the sky and harness its Sun.

During her opening speech, the rector of the Universidad Panamericana, Fernanda Llergo Bay, pointed out that the Youth Congress is not only a reflection of important personalities, but also a fertile seedbed for future business tycoons, politicians and other public figures in whose able hands the future of Mexico will blossom.

Reinforcing this realization, the President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaimán, received the honorable invitation to present the panel “12 Rounds” accompanied by the legendary four division world champion plus member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Erik “Terrible” Morales.

Mauricio began his presentation by outlining and highlighting the glorious history of Boxing. Naming the legends of the sport, he painstakingly defined their extraordinary commitment, tremendous discipline, and the exacting sacrifices each make to reach their brilliant and rarefied peak.

He also underlined the magnificent magnitude of the sport and the sheer nobility of boxers. He stressed that the mission of the World Boxing Council will always go far beyond sanctioning world title fights, since the number one priority of the WBC will always be to ensure the well-being of those who get into the ring seeking glory.

Mauricio commented that life itself can be considered as a boxing analogy, mirror template and that there are synergies, similarities and moments that we can face, as if we were in a boxing match.

TRUST

“Boxing requires fortitude, but also a high degree of intelligence. It takes a strong and durable mentality to endure 12 rounds of fighting and exhausting training.”

DISCIPLINE

“ Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez can most assuredly attest to this point. He understood and grasped from a very early age that he had to work hard, make sacrifices, and stand firm when things faltered.

THINK BIG

“We must be able to go further, to challenge and surpass the Status Quo and withstand pressure in a tempered fashion when necessary.

PASSION AND CONSTANCE

“It is so important to stay focused on the things we are passionate about. Take small steps each day consistently to reach that destination.

KNOCK DOWNS, STAND UP AND LEARN

“If one day we fail, it’s not the end of the world. The main idea is not to give up, learn from mistakes and move on. Tomorrow is another day!

SERVE OTHERS

“The great satisfactions in life always has  to do with someone else, never just with us… We are part of something much bigger than we can see, and we must appreciate this.”

For his part, Erik Morales, talked about his development and metamorphosis from young fighter to legendary world champion. He spoke about the commitment, discipline, resilience, courage, and vocation that a professional boxer must have, hold and possess. The fire within!

He commented that the path to success is not easy and that when forces falter, it is the discipline and the objectives that we set ourselves from the outset that allow us to continue the path that eventually leads us to achieve success. A true test of character!

Standing together, side by side, Mauricio and Erik, gave special thanks to the organizers of this memorable congress, to the rector of the Universidad Panamericana, Fernanda Llergo Bay, and of course to all the young attendees. In them lies the strength, passion and dedication, aiming towards a bright future, which will make Mexico and the world a better place for future generations.