By Mauricio Sulaimán — President of the WBC
There are so many angles and topics I wish I could recount in this column; many feelings, emotions, and events that could undoubtedly fill a book.
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez became a world champion once again at 36 years of age, just two days after celebrating the 21st anniversary of his professional boxing debut.
He returned to the ring after a year outside the ropes, following his last fight against Terence Crawford. He faced the then-undefeated WBC monarch, Christian Mbilli, and conquered the World Boxing Council super middleweight world championship. We experienced an epic celebration, as if he were 18 years old and had won his first title. It moved me deeply to see him take the green and gold belt and kiss it repeatedly.
Canelo defeated the dangerous Cameroonian, who stepped into the ring with an immaculate record of 29-0 and 24 knockouts. Mbilli was bigger, younger, and brought the experience of 10 championship fights. Saúl’s technique, strategy, and flawless physical preparation were a living testimony of dedication, passion, commitment, and resilience.
Behind this resurgence lies a story of work, trust, and loyalty that deserves our utmost recognition. Don Chepo Reynoso and Eddy Reynoso have been fundamental and steadfastly loyal in building the Canelo we know today. From those early steps, when Saúl was just a young man with enormous dreams, they knew how to identify his talent, polish his skills, and accompany him on a path that led him to conquer the most important stages in world boxing.
Chepo was an essential piece in his beginnings, and Eddy took the baton to consolidate the champion he became. Their work goes far beyond preparing a fighter to step into the ring: they built a career, forged a team, and instilled a winning mindset. Eddy knows Saúl like few others and knows precisely how to lead him to his best version. With this, he solidifies his place as one of the greatest strategists and managers in history.
Something that has always captivated me is the affection and loyalty that Canelo demonstrates toward Eddy. This weekend, during the interviews and the press conference, we heard Eddy speak of Saúl with a very special sentiment, full of pride and admiration. Their words reflected a relationship that has strengthened over the years and completely transcends sport. Saúl, for his part, has never forgotten those who have stood by him through thick and thin. This mutual gratitude speaks volumes about the enormous human quality of both.
The Mexico vs. The World event was a true celebration of boxing. It was carried out with resounding success, dispelling the numerous rumors and speculations that surrounded its organization. The public enjoyed a vibrant card and a night where our Mexican representatives left their souls in the ring.
Jaime Munguía starred in a real war against Nikita Zonov. It was a bout of absolute commitment, courage, and emotion, where both demonstrated the indomitable spirit that distinguishes our sport. Jaime achieved a great triumph that confirms his heart, strength, and insatiable hunger for glory.
We also joyfully celebrated the performance of Rafael “Divino” Espinoza, who won by technical knockout against Ricardo Blandón. His rival could not continue by recommendation of the ringside doctor after suffering a cut on his left eyelid. They formed part of the contingent of four Mexican warriors who raised their arms that night, alongside Canelo and Carlos Emiliano Rojo.
David Picasso had an extremely complicated night against Carl Jammes Martin, a rugged, fast, and undefeated rival who knew how to capitalize on every opportunity. The defeat hurts, but I am absolutely convinced that David will rise with more strength. He is a young man with extraordinary talent and a brilliant future. These experiences, though bitter, represent fundamental lessons to mature, adjust, and return renewed. In boxing, one never stops learning, and great legends are also forged from setbacks.
Now it is time to undertake the long journey back home. Once on national soil, it will be time to get to work, fine-tune the final details, and travel to Acapulco, where one of the most important dates on our calendar awaits us: the 64th Annual Convention of the World Boxing Council.
From the beautiful port of Acapulco, I will write the next installment, with the enormous excitement of receiving great boxing stars, historical champions, promoters, trainers, officials, and all the beloved members of our great boxing family. It will be an intense week of work, working tables, and executive meetings with a purpose that unites us: continuing to build a better future and always watching over the safety and well-being of the boxer.
We will live memorable moments, endearing tributes, stellar announcements, and crucial decisions for our sport. The Convention is much more than an annual gathering; it is the space where we share ideas, evaluate our achievements, and trace the path to continue protecting those who make the magic of boxing possible.
And like every great celebration, we will close with a flourish featuring a sensational card headlined by our champion Camila Zamorano, who will defend her WBC atomweight world championship. It will be the perfect stage to recognize the unstoppable talent of the new generations of Mexican female fighters and celebrate the privileged place that women have conquered in world boxing.
See you in Acapulco! Long live boxing, and long live Mexico!
Did you know…? Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez remains one of the pinnacle figures in modern boxing, having established himself in the global elite for over 15 years and 7 months since capturing his first world crown. He made his professional debut on October 29, 2005, and in just his 37th fight, on March 5, 2011, he contested his first world championship, defeating Matthew Hatton to claim the WBC super welterweight belt. That marked the starting point of a historic trajectory crowned across four different divisions. After shaking off the setback against Crawford, he demonstrated once again what he is made of by reconquering glory at super middleweight.
Today’s Anecdote My dad always dreamed of taking boxing to every corner of the planet, and Saudi Arabia was part of that grand vision. Today, witnessing what is happening in Riyadh with historic magnitude fight cards and elite champions, it is impossible not to remember his pioneering spirit. I am fully convinced that our unforgettable Don José would be immensely proud to see how boxing continues to break down borders and unite cultures, just as we experienced this weekend with the Mexico vs. The World concept.
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com
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