By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán
On Saturday, our family celebrated the wedding of my nephew Héctor and his now-wife, Jimena. The mass was perhaps the most beautiful I can remember; the priest reached everyone’s heart with the simplicity of his words, short messages filled with truths that led us to deep reflection how we can all find warmth and happiness through the simple things in life.It was a wedding full of happiness, and at every moment, the newlyweds were surrounded by the love and well wishes of family and friends.
Coincidentally, this April 1st marks my 26th wedding anniversary with my wife, Christiane. While I was at the wedding, random memories came to my mind making me realize how quickly life passes and that, in reality, the only thing that truly matters is those who are by your side, while we are usually too preoccupied with everything happening outside.
I feel very happy today and wanted to share this with those who do me the honor of reading this column. I invite you to reflect on how we live, to understand that we only die once, but we live every single day, every moment. Often, we fail to value and cherish what we have and those we have in our lives.
While I was making a fool of myself on the dance floor, great battles for WBC world championships were taking place, and there was plenty of action in the ring.
Sebastian Fundora gave a demonstration of his greatness by defeating former world champion Keith Thurman. It was a relentless performance that led referee Tom Taylor to stop the fight after the brutal damage “The Towering Inferno” imposed on the brave Thurman; I applaud Tom Taylor decision to stop the fight, there is a tomorrow for Thurman, boxers safety will always be the top priority for the WBC and boxing referees .
Fundora is the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion; his sister Gabriela is the WBC Flyweight World Champion, and she also holds the titles of the other world-recognized organizations: WBA, WBO, and IBF. What a birthday gift she received from brother Sebastian with such performance.
Having siblings as world champions is rare, and it is even harder to see them as champions simultaneously.
The Ruelas brothers achieved this in the 90s, promoted by the beloved Dan Goossen. There were also the brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, who dominated the heavyweight division for an entire decade.
Mexico’s Juan Manuel and Rafael Márquez were both great champions; Ricardo and René Arredondo; the Thai legends Khaosai and Khaokor Galaxy in the bantamweight division; Don and Bruce Curry; and the three Japanese brothers: Koki, Tomoki, and Daiki Kameda.
Jermall and Jermell Charlo were WBC champions a few years ago in the super welterweight and middleweight divisions; they are still active and looking to return to world-class levels. Only 40 sets of brothers have been world champions.
Boxing is, above all, a sport of honor, discipline, and human greatness. The recent victory of Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez over Támara Demarco reminded us precisely of those values that elevate our beloved sport beyond punches and statistics.
From the first bell, both warriors showed determination, technique, and deep respect for the art of boxing.
Gabriela set the pace with intelligence, precise combinations, and a rhythm that dictated the course of the fight. However, Támara responded bravely, showing why she stepped into the ring with the firm intention of succeeding.
It was a dignified battle, the kind that makes women’s boxing proud and connects with the fans. To the delight of those who supported “Bonita” in her home city, she gave them the victory that established her as the WBC Interim Flyweight Champion.
Beyond the result, there was a moment that will remain etched in memory: the sincere embrace between the two at the end of the contest. That gesture summarizes what it means to be a boxer: to compete with the heart, but also to recognize the rival as an equal and a fellow traveler.
I also want to highlight the institutional support that made this event possible. The backing of the government of Puebla, led by Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier, with whom I met during the week of the fight, reaffirms the commitment to sports as a tool for social transformation.
When authorities believe in boxing, opportunities open up for new generations to find discipline, dreams, and a life path. Governor, we thank you for your unconditional support of sports, and especially boxing.
Furthermore, I am very pleased to mention that the “Boxing for Peace” (Boxeando por la Paz) program has completed its first phase. This historic program, announced a few weeks ago during the “Mañanera” press conference with our President, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, has already delivered its first grants.
We are now in the second stage of this wonderful program, registering gyms as workplaces with tutors and boxers who provide free classes to thousands of children. This encourages physical activity and helps us find new talent, the future champions of our sport.
Did you know…?
“Bonita” Sánchez was just proclaimed WBC Interim Flyweight World Champion, but she is also the Secretary of Sports and Youth in Puebla, a job she performs with honor and through which she supports the youth of her city.
Today’s Anecdote…
Puebla is known for the traditional Mexican holiday of 5 de mayo “ The battle of Puebla” , when Mexican heroes defeated French army centuries ago; But this great state has also hosted great battles in the ring, back in the early 90´s Don King promoted Julio Cesar Chavez vs Hogan at the gigantic soccer stadium; Don José Sulaimán also traveled all the way to Puebla to see a young WBC youth champion defend his title, it was Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez fight. the prospect from Guadalajara who fought on September 15, 2009, at the Auditorio Siglo XXI and won by technical knockout in the first round over Carlos Herrera. This was yet another example of the total support that Don José and the WBC always showed Canelo.
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com
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