The World Boxing Council kicked off 2026 with two of its brightest young champions, Jesús Ramos Jr. and O´Shaquie Foster, as they both traveled to Mexico City to give back to the community and inspire the next generation with a toy drive at the El Olivo Elementary School as part of the WBC Cares initiative.
Over 150 kids gathered at a school in the State of Mexico, about an hour and a half from Mexico City, as Ramos and Foster joined WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán in the season of giving.
Sulaimán addressed the students during the event and emphasized the fact that the path to becoming a champion begins with hard work.
“The champions that are here with us were once children who dreamed big, like you. They’re living proof that nothing is impossible when you work with discipline and passion.”, said Sulaimán. “Remember—what matters most is studying and preparing for your future… And even as you grow up, never lose that sense of wonder, the ability to dream and be amazed.”
Ramos Jr. (24-1-0) is the current WBC Interim Middleweight Champion after defeating Shane Mosley Jr. on December 6 in San Antonio. Proud of his Mexican heritage and the roots that shape his identity both on and off the ring,
“It was a truly beautiful experience that I enjoyed immensely”, said Ramos Jr. “Seeing the joy and excitement on the children’s faces filled my heart and reminded me why boxing is about so much more than just stepping into the ring. I’m deeply grateful to the WBC for the incredible work they do for their community, and especially for their unwavering support of children.”
Foster (24-3-0) is the reigning WBC Super Featherweight Champion and had the kids in awe displaying his championship belt. He also emphasized the importance of spreading boxing’s universal message of hope and joy.
“This was an amazing way to start the year, seeing the joy in the kids’ faces”, Foster said. “We gave them a reason to smile, and I want to be a champion that inspires the next generation.”
CHAMPIONS ARE ALSO CELEBRATED DURING “MARTES DE CAFÉ”
The WBC also celebrated its first “Martes de Café” (“Coffee Tuesdays”) of the year with Foster and Ramos Jr. as part of its star-studded lineup. During the event, an emotional video was shown recounting Foster’s story, his journey with the WBC, and his most recent fight against Stephen Fulton.
Mauricio Sulaiman presented Foster with his belt, certificate, and wristband, along with a ring, as part of a new tradition by the organization. These honors are in recognition of his winning the interim lightweight title in his bout against Fulton.
Sulaimán stated:
“It’s a privilege for us to welcome you here in Mexico and present you with your champion’s certificate and belt. We’re also introducing a new tradition starting today: a champion’s ring. I’m incredibly proud of you, O’Shaquie. Mexico welcomes you with open arms. We’re thrilled to have you in the WBC, and we appreciate your loyalty.”
Ramos Jr. received his ring, certificate, and armband, as the belt had been presented to him earlier after his fight.
Sulaimán highlighted the importance of the boxer’s team, especially the trainer:
“My father always worked to ensure recognition for someone as crucial as the boxer—the trainer. At the WBC, a trainer who succeeds in crowning a world champion is awarded the trainer’s belt.”
Ramos Jr. also expressed his gratitude.
“First of all, thank you all so much for coming. I’m very happy to be here—it’s an honor. This is my first time in Mexico City. Thank you for the warm welcome, and thanks to the Sulaiman family as well.”
The WBC also recognized Mexico’s own rising star, David Picasso, who recently fought against the undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue in December.
“I wanted to come here to thank everyone for the opportunity to fight for these four titles and for the trust you’ve all placed in me. I felt great throughout all 12 rounds. Not once did I feel like I was going down. I truly believe better things are coming. I’ve got a lot of work ahead and need to learn from this loss. I will become world champion someday,” said Picasso.
The 2025 WBC Grand Prix champions were also celebrated in front of the local media in attendance in Mexico, and local champion Brandon Mejia was there.
“I want to thank all the fans for the messages I received and the WBC for the warm welcome. Today, I truly feel like part of the WBC family.”, said Grand Prix featherweight champion Brandon Mejia. “It was a tournament where I put in a tremendous amount of work, but everything was worth it in the end. This tournament helped many young fighters who lack opportunities. I am very happy to be the first WBC Boxing Grand Prix featherweight champion, and I will become an undisputed champion one day too.”
For more information, visit www.wbcboxing.com.
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