WBC Gala Dinner so in tune!

Everything the World Boxing Council does is in style, panache and class, with its Gala Dinner being no exception.

The first part was an exquisite masterclass of Muay Thai movement in perpetual yet restrained motion. Longevity and consistency is highly valued. Panamanian legend Juan Carlos Tapia, whose sports program has captivated audiences around the Latin America and the world for fifty years, was honored.

On December 6th 1975, John H Stracey came to Mexico and defeated José Napoles to win the WBC welterweight Green and Gold Belt. One day before Don José Sulaiman was unanimously elected WBC President.

The first welterweight champion from Britain, since Ted Kid Lewis in 1915, and the only British boxer to ever win a world title on Mexican soil. Still remarkably youthful and baby faced, John H received his award and a silky dressing gown.

A power of women boxing video and then a touching and poignant tribute to the late, truly great Referee Bruce McTavish. Decisive, fair and compassionate to all fighters, the tribute was led by Frank Gaza. As Frank says a queue forms from the back, but Bruce was at the forefront. A leader, an example and what A Man.

Jelena Mrdjenovich and Katie Taylor, Trail Blazers in boxing were awarded and then a Lifetime Award for William Badoo, the guardian of boxers’ safety and an endless intrepid bloodhound, in seeking, finding and receiving required stipulations. Then Ricardo Rafael Sandoval, the unified WBC and WBA champion was awarded. Very special indeed, as this is the Julio Cesar Chavez Annual Award for boxing excellence.

Heavyweight genius Oleksandr Usyk won the Gafud Rakhimov Award for excellence. the Champion who has clocked so many opponents, was presented an ornate time piece.

By this time the Chang beer was flowing like nectar and finally WBC Man Of The Year Salvatore Cherchi was persuaded to burst into song. Caruso and Pavarotti…eat your hearts out.