WBC at Championing Mental Health Night!

“Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing” was a historic night bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. Lessening the stigma of mental health issues, the May 22 fight night was a KO evening filled with competitive bouts (both male and female), special presentations and celebrity sightings sitting ringside.

This live boxing event was held at the historic Avalon Hollywood. The venue is beautiful with seating downstairs by the ring and also standing-room views from the upstairs balcony. Presented by 555 Media Agency in collaboration with Steve Bash/Bash Boxing with support from the World Boxing Council (WBC) and WBC Cares, alleviatetax.com, OTX, Athletes Choice Advisory (ACA), Adams, IGMOB, Landing Insurance Agency and Tequila Mandala.

The WBC and WBC Cares had a very strong presence at the Thursday fights that aired live on DAZN. There was also a trio of WBC champions in attendance: Zab Judah, Andre Berto and Mia St. John lent their support to the prizefighters and the fans who all flocked to watch seven bouts of boxing. The WBC’s Nancy Rodriguez was there to lend a helping hand along with Anthony Girges/CMH Boxing, Robert Santacruz (brother of WBC champ Leo Santacruz), Dr. Diana Santacruz, Fightbook’s Mark Habibi and Paris St. John.

It was an entertaining night with an important message to share. Combating mental health issues is a vital and necessary component to young athletes, rising stars, world champs and veteran boxers too. And functions like this innovative “Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing” charity event definitely helps to raise awareness.

The exciting matchups also had boxers who are living through daily struggles, past and present.

The main event featured Jonny “Magic” Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs), who kept his perfect record with a 60-54 unanimous decision over Christian Avalos (3-3-2). And the co-main was Vic Pasillas (18-1, 11 KOs) vs. Carlos Jackson (20-3, 13 KOs). This clash ended in Round 7 with a knockout victory by “Vicious” Vic.

Both warriors have had their fair share of personal issues that they continue to battle back from Jonny dedicated his victory to his beloved mom who passed away on May 24, just two days after his win. And Pasillas has long-documented his struggles growing up and also mentioned he is going on three years of sobriety.

The 555 Media Agency presented a $5,000 check donation to the WBC Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund, which will benefit fighters and champs in need. Nancy Rodriguez and the mom-daughter duo of Mia and Paris St. John accepted the generous donation. The sanctioning body knows how important it is to raise mental health awareness and to spread a positive message of hope and healing. The group is taking a strong stance in continuing to fight back against mental health issues and empowering individuals to lead a more healthy and productive lifestyle.

The WBC’s Nancy Rodriguez said: “Together, we rise as a united force breaking the silence around mental health, embracing our shared struggles and transforming our compassion into action for a brighter tomorrow.”

“We all have a story,” Rodgriguez commented. “Let’s share it and help each other.”

All the fighters on this May 22 card will receive one year of free therapy courtesy of Athletes for Hope and the WBC. It is a preventative action that can help those deal with the ups and downs in boxing and beyond. The participants also received WBC belts and medals for the victor and the runner up. Paris St. John made the official presentation of the green and gold WBC straps to the winners.

Fighting and winning the battle against mental health awareness was prominent in the ring too. Nazo Boxing’s Hovo Ayranjyan made a custom ring, large heavybag and mini heavybag centerpieces that showcased the night’s card. The ring shared uplifting messages too with these phrases printed on the rope separators : Struggles Don’t Define You, You Are Enough, Progress Over Perfection, Keep Showing Up, Your Mind Matters, etc.

The “Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing”  was an incredible event and I hope it takes place yearly.

Thanks again to Steve Bash and congrats to all–and keep fighting the good fight!

Photos by Michele Chong

Source: https://www.myboxingfans.com/wbc-at-championing-mental-health-night/