The WBC’s Stance: Enforcement Against Defamatory Statements

Boxing trainer/manager Thomas Tsatas has created a social media group which he has named “corruption.”  As sole administrator of the group, Mr. Tsastas posted a document named “WBC letter to Overturn” which includes letters and other attachments.  Mr. Tsastas’ posting on this social media group is directed to the outcome of the WBC World Cruiserweight Championship bout between Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelyan.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán called Mr. Tsastas and received no response.  Instead, President Sulaimán received a message stating “you will see very soon.”

Mr Tsastas has been a friend of the WBC and is the one who introduced Noel and has communicated with the WBC with regards to Noel Mikaelyan for many years. We ignore if he does so as a legal representative or not.

Mr. Tsastas’ statement by setting up his group is, by its plain nature and name, a defamatory and libelous attack against the WBC.  Such actions will not be left unattended.  The WBC will avail itself of any and all available legal avenues to address Mr. Tsastas’ actions.

In the meantime, it is important to note that the WBC does not handle official matters, including appeals, via media or social media.  There are official channels and protocols in place  (including direct, written communications – letters and e-mails to address trainers and managers’ positions regarding the outcome of a bout..

The WBC needs to investigate the matter.  The results of the WBC’s investigation could lead to the WBC deciding to take legal action.  Accordingly, the WBC is hereby suspending any action on the appeal filed by Don King Promotions and Anthony Girges, respectively the promoter and manager of Noel Mikaelyan, until we gain a clear understanding of the situation, in light of Mr. Tsastas’ unjustified actions.