By Mauricio Sulaimán – President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán
The Centro Libanés (Lebanese Center) in Mexico City held a moving tribute to Don José Sulaimán, my dear father, which will forever remain in the memory and heart of his six children, 14 grandchildren, and the friends of our family.
This was such a sensitive event which made so many of the attendees write us heartwarming messages on the following day. Once again, the magic of José Sulaimán was felt even 12 years after his passing away. My dear father left a mark through his passing in life. He inspired many and was the best son, brother, friend, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor anyone could have. Being son of José Sulaimán is my greatest pride.
Under the leadership of the Lebanese Club president, Javier Dergal, we were hosted to a magnificent dinner attended by the Lebanese community, family, champions, and members of the media who had shared countless moments of joy with Don José.
It was a simple, wonderful, and heartfelt event. Javier Dergal’s words describing my dad’s life journey, Rodolfo Vargas (the Master of Ceremonies who is TV Azteca commentator ) also gifted us beautiful and poignant words, followed by my sister Lucy, who dedicated her speech to describing our family life, the simplicity that characterized my father, and the unconditional dedication of Doña Martha, my dear mother, who always accompanied Don Jose in the good, but most importantly, in the difficult times. Our home was turned into his office, where he received everyone as he wanted to be home as much as possible due to his constant world traveling. My mother, who welcomed all and without distinction, fed countless visitors, whether it was breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply snacks, which she cooked with unbelievable savory and spice, from Muhammad Ali to beginner, novice and unknown boxers, trainers, promoters, or anyone from the boxing industry worldwide. There was never a dull moment at home, and my mom, although she grumbled at times, always had succulent tables with food for everyone.
A video prepared by my brother Pepe was projected – a gem that illustrates in a few minutes a life full of happiness, love, warmth, and fulfillment, tireless work, dreams, and purposes culminating in achievements and fulfillment, that changed and bettered the course of boxing worldwide. Finally, my niece, Mónica, shared beautiful words in which she included her adored grandmother in this lovely tribute.
PLEASE ENJOY THE TRIBUTE VIDEO
ENGLISH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FImrf77GWJ0
SPANISH www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1ArKm7D9U
Many marvelous people accompanied us. How I wish I could mention each and every one who was present. My eternal gratitude for being there, dear friends, on a rainy, high-traffic Wednesday.
Some members of the boxing community made their way to be with us: Garry Jonas, President and CEO of BOXSPORTS, international manager Roberto Diaz, legendary champions Chiquita Gonzalez, Pipino Cuevas, Daniel Zaragoza, and Rey Vargas, among others.
We like to take the world of boxing everywhere and, proud of our organization, we set up a small exhibition featuring the history of the WBC belts, some photos and objects belonging to great world champions. The WBC Mega Belt is always the favorite spot for photos with the Green and Gold belt, so Engineer Slim and everyone present left with a photograph posing like world champions.
Don Carlos Slim was present – that great man who always offered his friendship to my dad, along with his son, Carlos, the newly arrived Lebanese Ambassador to Mexico, George El Jallad, lifelong friends like Dr. Armando Ahued, Alfonso Bagur, Olympic medalists Jesús Mena, Carlos Mercenario, and Daniel Aceves, the former fighter who helps so many boxers as the leader of the Mexico City subway union, Fernando Espino, and Franco Carreño, who grew up with my dad and is now editing a book under the El Heraldo Publicaciones imprint in which I participate as a narrator of so many interesting chapters in my dad’s life and legacy.
Our Don José always said he was “Son of Destiny” because during the migration from Syria to America, his mother’s side of the family was taken off the boat and put into quarantine due to a contagious disease. The ship continued, sank in the Atlantic Ocean, and his family was saved. Years later, my grandfather’s family left for the new continent, arrived in Boston, and settled in Fall River, Massachusetts. At 17, my grandfather decided to travel to join his family. In those years and with his inexperience in travel, he sailed on a ship bound for America, and destiny took him to Veracruz, Mexico. Without speaking a single word of English or Spanish, he was welcomed and helped by the Lebanese community in that port, who assisted him with everything he needed to find his place in our country.
This anecdote had a great impact on the attendees of the ceremony because, as Lebanese people, the vast majority have stories similar to ours. In fact, the Centro Libanés presented us with a sculpture, “The Immigrant,” which is the symbol illustrating the history of the Lebanese community in Mexico – good, friendly people. We help those we can and always seek peace and unity among everyone. I remember that when asking how many of those present identified with that story, there were many smiles among the attendees.
Discrimination is something that has touched and marked all immigrants in our country, and throughout the world. As many know, my dad spent his early years in Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, and in elementary school, as he himself said: “I was a coward, I was afraid to fight, and everyone called me ‘The Arab.’ I didn’t understand the meaning of it, but I felt the mockery and aggression of many calling me that.”
Did you know…?
Don Carlos Slim traveled to Los Angeles, California, when my father was in the hospital at UCLA ICU unit. It was an unforgettable day for Don José, as his dear friend came to his room to talk and remember anecdotes they both shared over all their years together, and my father was grateful for it because it gave him and the family a few happy hours and was a special farewell moment from his dear friend.
Anecdote of Today
My dad wanted all of us to be friendly and exemplary. He didn’t like conflict and rejected abuse of power and discrimination. He told us a story countless times about his hairy towards such horrendous actions …
“One day I was mopping a small school warehouse, and with the back and forth of the mop, ‘La Rata’ (The Rat), who was the most feared in school, a true bully, came in. I accidentally splashed him with the dirty water from the bucket, and he came at me furiously. Among the blows I received, I threw one – I don’t know how – and knocked him down. Once he was on the ground, I jumped on him to keep hitting him, a victim of so much humiliation received from him and many others. I gave him a beating, and even though he left me with a black eye, I gave him the pasting of his life, and from that day on, things changed, and I was respected by everyone in the school.”
This wasn’t his start in boxing. That would come later, but that’s a story, for another time.
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com.
