Round 12: The Boxing Grand Prix Success in Saudi Arabia

By Mauricio Sulaimán – WBC President – Son of José Sulaimán

I don’t know where to start. It’s two in the morning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after the fourth consecutive boxing night, thus concluding the first stage of the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix, my father José Sulaimán’s dream, which had been left unfinished a few years ago. Satisfaction and happiness prevail over fatigue, so we can say mission accomplished, as 64 fights were held, 16 each day, and 128 fighters returned home safe and sound, with a new outlook on life after living an unforgettable experience in Riyadh.

For four months, we managed to recruit, select, issue medical licenses, arrange flights, arrange visas, and embark on the journey to the Middle East.

Fighters, trainers, ring officials, cutmans, inspectors, promoters staff, WBC staff, MEPBC commission, NAS Medical services, VADA collectors,  DAZN production team and commentators, boxers team members, and others traveled the world to arrive in Riyadh; We all had our duties and responsibilities to manage and perform and many were to be done in coordination with people that never met or worked together; Many specific tasks had to be agreed and put into action. With the local organizers from SELA who also did an unbelievable job with all the required logistics. All I can say is that it was the greatest team effort I have ever experienced.

Once in Riyadh, we coordinated with local organizers, the boxing commission, television production, the stadium, airport receptions, hotel, and more for 128 fighters, plus their trainers, as well as 50 officials, supervisors, inspectors, and a host of other organizations and their respective staff. Every day the 32 fighters and their teams were greeted and the rules ceremony took place outlining the tournament specifics followed by the weigh in, then the commission paperwork and licensing, medical check up, insurance papers, and uniform distribution. After a short break we would leave to The magnificent BLVD City Global Theatre in Riyadh which was the venue. to prepare for fight day which began at 3 pm and finished around 11:30 pm.

A multinational operation that required  determination, passion, dedication, and patience. Flawless, my gratitude guest every single person who participated in which ever role it was.

The work was exhausting, but rewarding, with the spirit of everyone supporting this group of boxers and their teams who trusted us to guide their steps on an adventure that became a reality in just a few hours.

Sunday closed with the heavyweight divisions, where the power of their fists and first-round knockouts were on display. There were great fights over these four days and now we have featherweight, super lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight fighters who have advanced to Stage 2 which will take place June 19-21 in Riyadh.

DAZN production was spectacular, the coordination between them and Promoter OPI Since 82 was perfect, OPI produced with SELA incredible graphics, the entrance music from all countries, the WBC Anthem all combined to produce 4 days of programming which was seen all over the world.

Commentators Corey Erdman, Barry Jones and Barak Bess with beautiful presenter Claudia Trejos did an unbelievable job. They were prepared for each bout, called 16 each day in 12 hour journeys ever day!  How about ring announcer, to Thomas Treiber, who conducted every morning the weigh ceremony to the introduce the fighters into the ring and announced the winner for all 64 bouts, impeccable pronunciation of 40 different nationalities and last but not least went up and down the ring 256 times !!!

The medical services were provided by NAS lead by Dr Neil Scott and a wonderful team who performed in grand way. The rind side performance, the attention to knocked out fighters, stitching cut fighters and the follow up attention to the 6 fighters who needed to go to the hospital for further evaluation.

The Middle East professional boxing commission under the lead of commissioner Jose Mohan worked in perfect harmony with Joel Campuzano and his team of inspectors who are to be also praised for their tremendous job.

Finally the WBC team and staff, my admiration and gratitude for the 4 months of dedication with countless sleepless hours, perfect coordination with SELA.

At the end of the last bout, a never seen before action happened, all of us went into the ring in a graduation type of celebration, joy, laughter and even tears were shared, this is an experience that will remain in our hearts forever.

The Grand Prix will return in June, August, and October, with the grand finale in December.

Today’s Anecdote

At the opening of the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix, memories flooded my mind: My father had spent years dreaming of the professional boxing world cup. dedication, enthusiasm, and effort that Don Jose had put into action back in 2013.

When everything was ready to launch this project and boxers had arrived in Mexico City for the first stage in September 2013 the inevitable happened. His doctor informed him that heart surgery was necessary, and he immediately had to travel to California to deal with this problem from which he never recovered. The promoters suspended the fight card as a form of respect to my dad and eventually cancelled the whole tournament without holding a single fight. Everything was left on paper on his desk, which we rescued. Today, we can say that Don José’s dream is coming true with the support of His Excellency Turki Alalshick.

I appreciate your comments: contact@wbcboxing.com