Star Interviews with WBC Cares pioneers on its fifteenth anniversary 

The fifteenth anniversary of WBC Cares was celebrated with a fanfare of Police mariachis, a parade of children`s favourite characters and a huge attendance at the Sports and Chips Restaurant in Mexico City.

During this span, Big Champions of the Ring, have visited children, who are Little Champions,  battling adversity, poverty and often very serious illnesses, in hospitals, community centres, schools, orphanages and so many other places, worldwide. Twenty-three Cares nerve centres have been established, and Cares` caring range extends to every corner of the one hundred and seventy nations, which are the sum and parts of the World Boxing Council Family.

In these fifteen years we have lost the Great Don Jose Sulaiman, who alongside Jill Diamond, helped this dream become a reality, and Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez has passed away. He, together with Erik Morales made the first visit to a hospital, as champion pioneers.

Their memories will forever be with us and sustain us in the coming chapters of WBC Cares story.  The leaders of this tremendous boon which has given hope and provided fighting spirit to so many young people, battling for their very lives with bravery, smiles and quiet fortitude, have talked about what has made it such a triumph to cherish.

Jill Diamond who`s the Global Chair of WBC Cares,  along with Don Jose turned a dream into tangible reality said: “We actually started sixteen years ago. It took us almost a year to persuade hospitals to allow boxers to come in as a group. My aim for it was not as big as it got. I just thought that we have an amazing platform, we will network together and do some good. Now at this point WBC Cares is in one hundred and seventy countries with twenty-three global chapters, so its exceeded expectations. I`m just thrilled about it.

“Jose and I thought, let`s throw this little pebble out into the water… so I`m absolutely thrilled about the far-reaching ripples!

“Boxers connect with children more than any other sport that I`ve ever seen. They see them as authentic people who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and risen above their circumstances to become the fighters that they are. They identify with them, they love them and they listen to them. We`ve had so many letters from parents saying my child wouldn`t have got through this ordeal if it was not for the inspiration and the constant visits, which have formed friendships and mentorships.

“Genaro Hernandez is a hero. He knew what his fate was, but undaunted, he still went in again and again, inspiring young children. No one is exactly like Genaro. He will forever be remembered as loving, caring, credible and just a true hero.

“One ongoing ambition is for people outside boxing and sports to learns and to know about WBC Cares. We don`t ask for money. We ask for help, so help us. Also, the reason we`ve divided into twenty-three chapters is because each country has its own problems and needs. It varies from country to country and area to area.

“There are so many wonderful images but the one which burns in my head, is the Jose Sulaiman race and the gentleman with one leg, holding his crutches up in the air in triumph, saying I DID IT!”

Christiane Manzur who leads WBC Cares in Mexico said: “It`s been very nice to go to these places, meet and encourage those in the most need. Talking to boxers has given children a lot of inspiration and the will to survive. Especially in hospitals, it has been amazing, because we also say big champions are visiting little champions. So, the children feel like champions themselves and their families too. It makes all the difference. They themselves are real champions.

“One special memory for me was when we went to an orphanage and a young girl was very ill. But she kept walking alongside me and talking with me, and her dream was to become an air hostess.”

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said: “This is one of the greatest successes that the WBC has achieved and it`s due to the tremendous work and love of Jill Diamond. People all around the world have been participating and helping us. Life is a battle and there are different rings. The most difficult ones and the most difficult contests are outside the ring.

“This is very gratifying, but this is only the beginning. We get our emotions going every single day, and we are just very thrilled, very happy and so very honoured.

“For me, a particular visit in Pakistan, there was a little girl who was so inspiring and humbling. But so many wonderful memories are in my mind.”

WBC Cares Pioneer Erik Morales said: “WBC Cares brings so much hope and happiness to children, who are often so very ill. It`s such a beautiful labour of love. It helps us to understand about the children`s lives and struggles. They are fighting a fight, so much more daunting than any boxer.

“These children are young warriors, often fighting for their lives. We try to help with inspiration. Genaro and I went to the first event in Los Angeles. Sadly, and ironically, Genaro lost his own life to cancer. I will forever remember him a great, great champion in every way.”