The WBC celebrates the birthday of our President

The World Boxing Council celebrates today the birthday of its President, Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, whose leadership has transcended the ring ropes. to establish him as one of the most influential and humanitarian figures in the history of professional sports.

Mauricio was born on this day in 1969 in Mexico City, the son of José Sulaimán and Martha Saldívar. He has become the steward and beacon of his father’s legacy: living to serve others—the greatest lesson he received and the principle that has always guided his life.

Throughout his presidency, Mauricio Sulaimán has reached and surpassed milestones that have restored justice and honor to boxing. A historic example was his tireless effort to secure a posthumous presidential pardon for Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight world champion, correcting a century-old racial injustice and restoring dignity to a legend of the sport.

With his vision of unity, he institutionalized the Annual Boxing Promoters Summits, breaking competitive barriers to foster dialogue and collaboration for the benefit of the industry.

Likewise, he has strengthened the José Sulaimán Fund, a vital initiative providing economic and social support to retired boxers facing hard times, fulfilling the promise to never leave a warrior forgotten.

Innovation has been another pillar of his mandate. Recently, he marked a turning point with the creation of the first WBC Grand Prix Boxing Cup, an elite tournament held with the strategic support of Riyadh Season and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, establishing bonds that have positioned boxing at the center of major global events.

In addition to modernization, Mauricio has elevated the symbolic value of championships through the creation of Commemorative Belts. These handcrafted masterpieces—such as the Huichol, Maya, and Chiapaneco belts, among others—are not just trophies, but global ambassadors of art and culture in the most significant fights of the year.

However, beyond titles and alliances, Mauricio Sulaimán is defined by his humanity. As a leader, his absolute priority is the well-being of his team and, above all, the safety and health of the world’s boxers.

His approach is based on a non-negotiable premise: the boxer is the center of everything and deserves the utmost respect and protection.

On this December 30th, the WBC family celebrates the life and achievements of a man who, with humility and determination, continues to write the history of boxing in letters of gold.

Happy Birthday, Mauricio!