WBC Commemorative Belts: September 16

World Boxing Council commemorative belts for May 5 and September 16, were created as a special trophy, which is bestowed upon the winner of great fights held around these two Mexican holidays, regardless of the nationality of the contenders.

World sports have a constant calendar with specific dates in which they present their most prestigious events, leading to a great expectation worldwide.

American Football has the Super Bowl in February, the World Series of Baseball takes place in October, the Champions League final is held in May.

In the case of boxing, something magical happens, as our sport has two dates on which we can see boxing at its zenith level: May 5 and September 16 (Commemorative dates for Mexicans).

These Special Belts concept was born in 2017, and since then, every year a culture is selected to create these belts and present a tribute from the WBC to the world boxing and Mexican costumes.

To recognize the most important fight of September 2024, the WBC presents the “TAMAULIPAS II” belt

This commemorative belt will be awarded to the winner of the fight between the World Boxing Council super-middleweight champion, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez against the Puerto Rican, Edgar Berlanga, on September 14. This fight is extremely special for several reasons, including the fact that #CaneloBerlanga adds a new chapter to the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry, in addition to the fact that the fight will be held in one of the most important boxing venues: The T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas in September.

Here we proudly present you all of our September 16 commemorative belts so far:

Huichol II Belt

It is a monochrome piece,  that has a very special value as it reflects the heritage of an entire culture that has remained intact over time. This belt shows the importance of the Huichol symbology, the chakiras represent for this culture the heart of the deer, the sun, the fire and the wind. Luis de la Cruz worked alongside his brother Sergio, seeking to capture the essence of Mexico and Kazakhstan, while representing the corn cycle, a symbolic date for the Huicholes.

It was disputed by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

Chiapaneco II Belt

The second edition of this belt bears the name of “Majbanéj-Maya“, a Tzotzil Mayan word that means “Mayan Warrior“, its design represents power, strength and courage. Corn appears as a symbol of creation; the flower represents beauty and life and the rhombus; the world. In this version the color white predominates and details such as corn, jaguars and flowers, predominant symbols of the culture, can be observed. 

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin disputed it in their second battle

 Maya II Belt

This work of art also recognizes the God Kukulcan, known as the Feathered Serpent; however, in this edition we can observe the movement of the snake that represents the joys and difficulties in the life of the human being.

It was disputed by Tyson Fury and Otto Wallin

Otomi Belt

The State of Mexico and the Rubicó Art Gallery gave life to a unique hand-embroidered piece by artisan Reyna Rayon, who captured through her colors and symbolism the most important values of this ethnic group, which are love, family unity , equality, tolerance and opportunities.

An artisan jewel that the Rubicó Art Gallery complemented, it is a masterful work with obsidian stone, this being the heart of the belt.

Awarded to Julio Cesar Chavez and Jorge Arce in their exhibition fight in favor of health personnel.

Teotihuacan Belt

The belt is made up of more than 40 pieces of golden obsidian, an iconic rock of this culture that helped the economy of the Teotihuacan culture. In the center are two serpents found facing each other, with jade teeth. The bodies of Quetzalcoatl are part of the belt with a geometric framework alluding to the plumage that this deity had.

The golden obsidian and jade rhombuses are a geometry that refers to Teotihuacan mural painting. The piece has brass details, as well as the iconic pyramid of the sun and the moon.

It was disputed by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Caleb Plant

Guerrero Jaguar Zapoteca Belt

It was the Jacobo and María Ángeles Workshop, who, have created this extraordinary work of art from Mexico to the world with the most distinguished elements.

The belt is hand-decorated in organic and tribal forms conjugated in a bright color palette reminiscent of its artistic style.

In addition to enjoying two select applications in copal wood carving cup (the workshop’s main material), alluding to the claws of a jaguar, ornamented with the gold leaf technique.

The passion, the pride, the courage, the illusion, the tears and the effort are values inherent to boxing, which are juxtaposed with the artisanal decoration, including symbols, such as: Labyrinth, Rattlesnake, House and Person, whose meanings in wisdom Zapotec represent the constant search through the labyrinth, the maximum power — which comes from the rattlesnake —; the house is the place where the future is protected, grown and sown, and the person is the one who, humbly, forms his people and community.

It was disputed by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin

Puebla II Belt

The Puebla belt, a jewel created by artisan hands from cultures that merged to create a belt of vibrant colors. with majestic representations of each culture, designed by Angélica Moreno in the Talavera de la Reyna workshop.For the development of the belt, two of the most important craft techniques in the State of Puebla were used, talavera and embroidery.

It was disputed by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jermell Charlo

Tamaulipas II Belt

The Belt includes as its main element the Tamaulipas leather, a fundamental symbol in the culture and identity of the region. The elaboration, manufacture and assembly was carried out by Artesanias REYZA; unique and original personalized work.The belt includes a 24-carat gold plate, polished, painted and hand-cut. The plate was designed by Imperio de Metal and it draws a heart, and represents what it takes to be a world champion: courage, dedication, passion and a big heart.

The Tamaulipas II Belt will be awarded to the winner of the fight between the World Boxing Council super-middleweight champion, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez against the Puerto Rican, Edgar Berlanga, on September 14.