![](https://wbcboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/SEDENA_WBC.jpg)
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán, presented this Friday a Green and Gold Belt to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to sport and physical culture.
On behalf of the head of the Sedena, General Luis Crescencio Sandoval González proudly accepted the belt – which has been presented to greats including Nelson Mandela and legendary champions Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Julio César Chávez – it was received by the Major General General Staff Aviator Pilot, Miguel Eduardo Hernández Velázquez, General Director of Military Education and Rector of the University of the Mexican Army and Air Force.
In the formal ceremony that took place in a beautiful room of the old Military College of Popotla, Mexico City, General Hernández Velázquez reported that due to his busy schedule, General Sandoval could not personally receive the recognition.
He stressed that military life “Has always been strongly linked to the practice of sport, incorporating concepts such as discipline, leadership, strength of character to overcome adversity, respect for the dignity of the opponent, teamwork and, of course, prevailing in both the longed-for victory.”
He recalled that since 1924, military athletes have stood out for their discipline and perseverance, and many became iconic figures and inspirational models for Mexican children and youth. They have been protagonists of true athletic feats.
In that sense, he highlighted that athletes from the Armed Forces have won 15 Olympic medals, 153 medals in Pan American Games, 231 in Central American and Caribbean competitions and 66 medals in World Championships.
He added that for its work in promoting sports, Sedena has received the National Sports Award twice, in 2013 and in 2023, “for the promotion, projection and encouragement of the practice of sports.” .
In a subsequent interview, Sulaimán Saldívar stated that the WBC Green and Gold Belt is an award for the tireless work they do day after day: “Not just to safeguard the security of our country, but also to promote sport, principles and values, to create good citizens.”
Likewise, he announced that he will seek to hold boxing tournaments among members of the Armed Forces. Legendary boxing figures were present at the event, namely Humberto “Chiquita” González, Miguel Ángel “Mago” González, Rafael “Bazooka” Limón plus Víctor Manuel Rabanales, Isaac “Tortas” Bustos, Juan “Churritos” Hernández, the medalist Juan Paredes, Juan “Elegante” Martínez, Estrella “Chacala” Valverde, Daniel “Chacal” Domínguez and María Elena Villalobos.
The Olympic medalist Daniel Aceves Villagrán occupied a place on the presidium, as well as the Brigadier General, Francisco Justo Toscano Camacho, Academic Vice-Rector and the Brigadier General of the General Staff, Alfredo González Cuevas.
test