Sulaiman A Doce Rounds – A Fabulous Tribute From Son To Father

A presentation forever memorable in Salon Baalbek, Centro Libanes in Mexico City, as World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, officially launched the book he has written about his beloved Father José Sulaiman, Lifetime WBC President of the WBC, entitled Sulaiman A Doce Rounds.

Unanimously elected WBC President in 1975, The first and decisive action of Don José, was to expel Apartheid South Africa. Years later President Nelson Mandela invited the WBC to hold a Convention there, personally thanking Don José for his support during the bleakest times interlaced with the most challenging hours.

Some very great Champions were at this event. Carlos Zarate, Humberto Chiquita González, Daniel Zaragoza, Rey Vargas and his parents, Jackie Nava, Miguel Angel González, Lulu Juarez, Marilyn Badillo and her father. A filmed message from Julio Cesar Chavez who smiled as he remembered that Don José always called him…Mi Campion, also vitally and crucially helping Julio Cesar to overcome drug addiction and in so doing saving his life.

Jackie Nava, who made history on May 30th 2005 by becoming the first WBC female World Champion.WBC super bantamweight Champion. In her speech she said it was an honor to attend this so special event. To speak about Don Jose’s incredible history, strength and family.

How Don José fought tirelessly, championing women’s boxing and opening doors. She said there is so much talent in women’s boxing, and it’s thanks to Don José and Mauricio.

A heart felt moment and a heart rending tribute from Daniel Zaragoza, who said boxers are eternally grateful to Don José from changing the final weigh in to twenty four hours before the fight, rather than the hunger pangs and thirst agony of the same day. So, full re-hydration is now thankfully and mercifully here.

With his five title defenses Daniel earned enough to put his children through university. Daniel said Don José gave him options, opportunities and was always a steadfast friend. This was a supreme moment and the highlight of the evening. You could have heard a pin drop…. before thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Greatness.

A brilliant film of Pepe Sulaiman beautifully cataloging the twelve phases of his Father’s extraordinary life. The achievements are legendary and they form huge pillars, supporting the foundations of the modern era of boxing, which prioritizes the boxer as the paramount number one consideration. One of the greatest changes was reducing world championships from fifteen to twelve rounds. Literally a life saver.

And on a personal note, the love, kindness and warmth of Don José and Dona Martha. Together they created a family of four sons, two daughters and a host of grandchildren. But also a Green and Gold Family, which is approaching two hundred nations, with tens of thousands of members.

Lucy Sulaiman, who said her father’s historic changes and improvements to the rules of boxing took Herculean work, for which he fought so hard. Also a beautiful and happy family where it was possible to learn so much. Don Jose’s work meant much travel, so he especially loved his home and his presence is always felt plus cherished.

She also said: “Boxers were his brothers and sisters. He was so proud of them and we are so proud of him.”

Mauricio who completed this literary love and homage to his magnificent father, continues the dreams, inspiration and betterment, which Don José planned. In executing and accomplishing it, he is also introducing his own ideas and initiatives, learned and instilled by his mentor, his teacher…his father. The next steps.

Mauricio said how emotional to be amongst some many wonderful and loyal friends including such great champions. Mauricio himself writes a Sunday Column each week, cataloging the events of a rapidly developing and evolving boxing world. In it he introduces himself as the son of José Sulaiman. He ends it with an anecdote of Don José. The instances of wit, laughter, the gift of friendship, kindness and most of all…caring.

Mauricio recalls his dad who always had that winning smile and him being a visionary. He and Carlos Slim creating Ring Telmex which provided grants for young promising boxers. In the first class was a very young Saul Canelo Alvarez, who along with his colleagues, received eight thousand pesos monthly as rent allowance. Don José life was dedicated to boxers and for their benefit, before, during but also after the glory years.

This is more than a book, but as Hector Sulaiman once said: “Don José was more than a man.”

What a tremendous privilege to be at this event to honor, applaud and remember with respect but also deep affection, an all time great of Boxing. A colossus and a giant with a warm smile and a kind as well as constant character imbued and infused with marvelous love of life.