Index. Directory: Editorial Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman. Future fights. Posthumous Sports National Award in Honor of Don Jose Sulaiman

Transcription

1

2

3 Index Editorial Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman Future fights Posthumous Sports National Award in Honor of Don Jose Sulaiman Deontay Wilder vs Artur Szpilka Raja Amasheh won in Tijuana Danny García vs Robert Guerrero Catherine Phiri new champion Don Rafael García a prodigious "Cutman" Race of Champions Mass in Honor of Don Jose Sulaiman Chagnon CREED red carpet Female Convention in Tijuana Lonnie Ali Best of female boxing 2015 WBC Cares in Tijuana Saul "Canelo" Alvarez Diamond Belt Presentation. Directory: WBC Boxing World is the official magazine of the World Boxing Council.. Executive Director Mauricio Sulaimán. The future is bright, the future is heavy "Alacrán" Torres vs Chionoi When does the third judge appeared? Current Champions Subdirector Víctor Silva. Marketing Manager José Antonio Arreola Sulaimán Managing Editor Francisco Posada Toledo Translation Paul Landeros / James Blears Design Director Alaín M. Flores Photos Naoki Fukuda Sumio Yamada Alma Montiel José Rodríguez Contributing Editors Víctor Cota (WBC Historian) José Antonio Arreola Sulaiman Juan Pereira James Blears Jamie Parry and Robbie Oliver Paulina Brindis

4 Showing the first place belt for the race and the exclusive wristband for the champions. January is always a distinctive month, and this year, even more so. We commemorated, with a special mass at the Basílica de Guadalupe accompanied by all the World Boxing Council Family, two years since the passing of my Father. Some Days later, we gathered at the Mexico s Presidential Residence to receive the Mexico Sports National Award for my Father. The Recognition was presented by Mexico's President, Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto, due to the lifetime of achievements, integrity, inspiration sports development, caring and so many more characteristics, that were so quintessentially part of the bright and shining spirit of our beloved and unforgettable Don Jose. This was such a memorable day for the Sulaiman Saldivar Family and my Mother Doña Martha Saldivar, who was instrumental in the success of my Father, and creating as well as nurturing such a happy and loving family. It was so very emotional to receive numerous acts of affection and admiration for my Father. We are more than committed to redouble the effort of maintaining his vital legacy by continuing his projects to better boxing and life itself. One tangible example of this, was celebrating the 2nd WBC Female Convention. The event surpassed and exceeded all expectations and goals. It displayed hospitality, humbleness and the united warmth of the boxing family. All made possible by magnificently welcoming Tijuana and Baja California. We are so very thankful and grateful for your hand of friendship and your open arms of kindness. Mauricio Sulaiman WBC President

5

6

7

8

9 JOSE SULAIMAN HONORED BY MEXICO'S PRESIDENT ENRIQUE PEñA NIETO The highest honor any Mexican sportsman or sportswoman can earn is the coveted Premio Nacional, for brilliance, bravery, dedication and contribution, and Jose Sulaiman who led the World Boxing Council for almost four decades, won this accolade.

10 It was posthumously awarded for Don Jose's life's work, which primarily focused on transforming boxing into a safer sport, so much for its hands on participants. The award was presented to Don Jose's Widow Dona Martha, by. The President, and she then received a kiss and a hug, as she returned to her seat on the podium from her youngest son Mauricio, who's the President of the WBC. Boxing's close knit family dressed up as never before for this special occasion at the Presidential Palace Los Pinos, which honored stars of many sports including Paralympics, swimming, basketball, Tae Kwon Do, athletics and weight lifting. Cesar Bazan in an Oxford Blue suit, Isaac Bustos in a more conservative charcoal gray suit. WBC international female bantamweight champion Irma Garcia, resplendent in full Federal Police uniform. Alfredo Castillo Cervantes the Director General of the National Commission of culture, physical activity and sports, spoke of the discipline, dedication, persistence and repetition which make champions. The good days and also the bad days, being objective and individual efforts being reflected in dedicated team work. The event was held in a marquee, close to the imposing statue of Francisco I Madero, open to a breezy, but sunny early afternoon with the Presidential Palace's famous pine trees and other green deciduous trees gently swaying, or was it nodding in agreement. In a film of the sports stars there was a wonderful and poignant piece with Don Jose who said: "Mexico is my life and Mexicans are the best in the World. President Sulaiman and President Pena Nieto met during Don Jose's life. In his speech President Pena Nieto paid tribute to the unwavering dedication Don Jose had shown during his almost forty years leading Boxing's most prestigious organization. And he greeted Dona Martha and the Sulaiman Saldivar plus boxers who were so proudly and affectionately representing him on this so memorable day. He praised Don Jose's passion for boxing and the great gratitude this country and the World has for his life's work. He spoke of the discipline, work and years of sacrifice it takes to be the best of the very best in Mexico. The president concluded by saying all of these incredible sporting achievements are not so much for The Presidency or the Government, but for the Mexican people and an ever so proud nation.

11

12 THE ICEMAN COMETH! WILDER KO'S SZPILKA The World Boxing Counci heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, succesfully defended his crown for the third time, defeating Polish, Artur Szpilka, by a chilling KO in the 9th round at the Barclays Center in New York. With a spectacular right hook landing crash, bang wallop on Spilka s chin... It was all over, in true heavyweight one punch dynamite fashion! Up to that point, the fight had been competitive and entertaining with southpaw Szpilka going forward, and causing some problems. But Wilder's jab proved dominant and he intelligently used reach and range to land hard shots, which sapped the energy of his challenger as the fight wore on.

13 RAJA DELIVERS A WAR! WBC Silver Female flyweight champion "Raging" Raja Amesheh retained her crown at the Conventions Center in Rosarito, BC, with a concvincing and non stop attack against lanky challenger Eileen Olszewski. After a quiet uneventful first round, Raja started to attack, but with accuracy, not abandon. She cut down the distance as Eileen's left jab was accurate, but not powerful to keep her off. Raja, who didn't sit down on her stool in her corner between rounds was effective in landing hard rights to body and head and often forcing Eileen to fight at uncomfortably close range. Ahead after announced scores after four and seven rounds, Raja was pulling away. Eileen was sporting an increasing swollen lump under her left eye. From the eight round until the tenth and last round Raja visibly tired, but still had enough left in the tank, in spite of an increasing amount of clinches. Two Judges scored it The other had it as All for still Silver flyweight Champion "Raging" Raja.

14 GARCIA WINS WBC CROWN Former super lightweight champion Danny Garcia, (32-0, 18 Kos), won the vacant WBC welterweight title with a unanimous decision over former four-division champion Robert Guerrero, (33-4-1, 18 KOs). All three judges scored the bout Garcia, who came into the fight as a 10-1 favorite, looked anything but early on as Guerrero controlled the action with his jab and higher workrate despite occasional lead left hands from Garcia that landed clean on the advancing Guerrero. However, from about the fourth round on, Garcia s accuracy became the story of the fight, as Guerrero continued to throw more punches but was not landing cleanly, while Garcia rocked Guerrero three or four times each round with left and right hooks or the occasional right uppercut. Guerrero closed strong in the final round as the two fighters went toe to toe over the last thirty seconds of the fight, but it was too little too late for Guerrero. This card was the inaugural broadcast of PBC on FOX, from Staples Center in Los Angeles. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said of the fight: "It was a tremendous fight for the WBC Championship. Now we have a champion and it's going to be a great year go come. Amir Khan is the mandatory contender, he is next for Danny Garcia and they must fight by June."

15 PHIRI WINS WBC TITLE AHEAD ON TWO CARDS Zambia's Catherine Phiri is the new WBC female bantamweight champion after a clash of heads prematurely ended the fight with now ex champ Yazmin "Rusita" Rivas. After four rounds the rangy long armed Zambian was ahead on two of the three cards. Frequent fierce exchanges with both scoring to the head. Catherine's frequency was marginally higher, yet she was the one who was swollen around the eyes. Realizing she was behind, Rusita upped the pace and urgency. It wasn't enough. The clash of heads right at the end of the sixth, left Rusita temporarily unsteady, with a rapidly and badly swelling right eye. Catherine was deducted a point, but won. The scores of the technical decision, for Catherine Phiri were: and for her and

16 He has helped more than 40 world champions A STAUNCHING "CUTMAN Francisco Posada Toledo When many battles end and the Referee raises the hand of the winner, few pay attention to the ones in that victor's corner. Among them is the specialist, Involved in stopping bleeding and protecting cuts- a man better known as "Cutman". An irreplaceable boxing figure who's been a hero countless times. Cutting to the chase, the long and successful path of Don Rafael Garcia del Pozo, began in his native Puebla, where he was victim of "bullying." At school, by three brothers, who had constantly insulted and beaten him, until one day he met boxing coach Joe Rosetti, who taught him to throw some punches, which allowed him to defend himself and end the harassment as well as abuse. He spent more and more time training in the gym, making his debut in the bantamweight division. However, he suffered some cuts To the mouth and nose, which bled heavily. So he became interested in discovering and developing methods to Deal with those injuries. That very day opened the door to the path that would convert and then transform him into a legendary figure in the world of boxing. With the support of Dr. Horacio Ramirez Mercado, he began to develop a special knowledge and expertise viz cuts and his expertise was melded into the teams of Alexis Arguello, Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran, Wilfrido Gomez "Lupe Pintor", Rafael "Bazooka" Limon, among many many others. HIS CAREER WITH THE BEST POUND FOR POUND For more than a decade and due to aches and pains suffered by Floyd Mayweather to both hands, Don Rafael received his acclaimed vote of confidence to take care of the most precious "weapons" of the legendary champion. He spend several years helping him with a mixture of substances specially prepared, and bandaging his hands before each fight. But also serving him in the corner, attending the very few cuts that the "Money" suffered throughout the span of his brilliant career. This was a particularly special chapter of his life,

17 since their relationship went beyond the gym and the ring. He was able to get to know the character of the future Hall of Famer. "Floyd just made me part of his family. His dedication and discipline were the foundations to reach the pinnacle of the boxing world. I have worked with many champions, but I can tell you that there is no one like him. Not only for his talent and skills inside the ring, but also as a human being. With a big part of his fortune he has supported schools and poor families, but he has never liked or agreed to have this information published. Don Rafael who recently marked up sixty years dedicated to the sport of fists, working with more than forty world champions. fight, which would have been a TKO victory for Miura. So...Vargas received a last chance, upon which he dramatically capitalized, ending with the reign of Miura. This would become another addition to Don Rafael Garcia's hall of pride. He is, without doubt, a legendary Mexican and a tremendous character in the world boxing. "What boxing gave was wonderful. It provided me with the opportunity to learn and work with great champions, but also it presented me with the chance as a Mexican, to have worked and contributed towards the success of one of the greats." A MIRACLE FOR "BANDIDO In spite of announcing his retirement along with Floyd, Don Rafael agreed to work in the corner of Francisco "Bandido" Vargas, who starred in the WBC "Fight of the Year" last November, snatching the super featherweight WBC world title from the "Samurai" Takashi Miura. The consummate skills, experience and ability of Don Rafael were a key determining factor in the outcome of the fight. Since the Mexican challenger, suffered a series of stunning cuts, and a huge swelling. If they had not been brilliantly treated by the Cutman. If not, it would have meant that the doctor would have stepped in and stopped the

18 FIVE THOUSAND RUNNERS MAKE THIRD JOSE SULAIMAN RACE AN OUTSTANDING TRIUMPHNAL. Roberto Durán Por James Blears

19 As the big hand reached twelve on the clock, and the other hand alighted on the seven to make it 7am precisely, another set of powerful hands belonging to Roberto "Manos De Piedra" Duran clanged the bell to start the third Jose Sulaiman Race, with a sea of runners of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes yet totally united in joyous enthusiasm, they all sped down Avenida Reforma in the heart of Mexico City, in the 6kms or the even more ambitions 12 kms course of the third Jose Sulaiman Race. One great bonus was runners, joggers and fans, running alongside an array of boxing champions numbering more than one hundred. And two sets of Champions were battling in their own special contest to raise funds for stricken bóxer Prichard Colon, who's still in coma. WBC super featherweight champion Francisco "Bandido" Vargas won the 12kms challenge against WBC super flyweight champion Carlos Cuadras. So "El Principe," pays five thousand pesos to the Prichard fund. Over 6kms, Ibeth "Roca" Zamora, who's the WBC's light flyweight champion, crossed the finishing line in front of WBC flyweight champion Yessica "Kika" Chavez. Roca was wiping her steamed up glasses and grinning in the cold morning chill. So Kika donates five grand to help Prichard. Yet more money raised will go towards helping the retired boxers who've fallen on hard times fund. Race Organizer Jose Manzur was delighted with the tremendous turnout. He said: "It was a great race. All the people were very happy and a lot of boxers ran with us. This is truly excellent. Funds are being raised for Prichard Colon, who's in a very difficult situation. We're now going to sit down and add up the numbers and let's see how much we can raise for him. Francisco Vargas won, so Carlos Cuadras has to pay five thousand pesos. Carlitos va pagar! And The Roca won, so Kika has to pay five thousand pesos. Ahead of all of them was "Speedy" Edgar David Cadena Martínez, who clocked a swift twenty two minutes for 12kms. He came third in 2013, And is vowing to return next year and come first again! Edgar said the second placed runner was hot on his heels, only a few meters back, praising a competitve field which made the race all the more enjoyable. World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said: "Five thousand runners have been taking part today, which is marvelous! It is such a memorable day. We are raising funds for Prichard Colon. Prichard is going to get well, and be up and running. He's been out of action for a while, and his family are going to need some funds. And money is also being raised for the Retired Boxers Fund. We are thrilled, as the organization is tremendous. Mexico's City's Sports Minister Horacio De La Vega has been absolutely wonderful, Deportes Marti, Emocion Deportiva and the WBC- it's one beautiful team. Many sponsors and many runners! "Also, very exciting about the challenges between Bandido and Principe as well as Roca Vs Kika, but...i've see Kika here eating some chilaquiles? Roberto Duran said he was very proud to be ringing the bell to start the race, and enjoyed a cup of coffee saying Mexico is just a touch colder than Panama City. He described the race as an inspiration of the late great Jose Sulaiman and was very impressed by the large numbers of participants.

20 DON JOSE'S FAMILIES MEET AT THE BASILICA OF GUADALUPE TO GIVE THANKS FOR HIS WONDERFUL LIFE James Blears With its sloping tilt, vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of rich reds, and deep blue hue, soaring above cold marble floors for the uncomfortably kneeling devout, the beautiful traditional Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, was fittingly the place, where Don Jose's two famlies stood shoulder to shoulder, side by side, to pay a fond and affectionate tribute on the second anniversary of his passing. A combined thank you, to this uniquely great and unforgetable man, who transformed Boxing, by learning from its past, anchoring its present and insuring its future. At the forefront was the Sulaman Family led by Widow Doña Martha. Patient, dignified, gracious, visibly tinged with sadness, but also so very proud of Jose. Sons, Daughters and Grandkids. Reading the final lesson with clear conviction, Grand Daughter Monica confided he'd always encourged her and others to follow their dreams, but also to fulfil them, poignantly adding...after a pause: "He is always with us. Today's World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, is attending the heavyweight title fight in New York, where he led a memorial service for his Father. The love, esteem and respect in which Don Jose is forever held and embraced, spans nations, continents and generations. With a backdrop of warm flickering candles, beautiful displays of red roses, and beaming golden sunflowers, stood a large photograph of a smiling Don Jose, and beside it the WBC green and gold belt, which he so loved to buckle around the waists of his Champions, who he defended no matter what the cost. In delivering the sermon, Padre Jorge Reyes spoke of the great love the family of boxing will always have for Don Jose, the joy he brought to so many people and may God grant him tranquility and rest. A choir sang Mozart's Réquiem. It was beautiful, bringing a lump to the throad and tears stinging the eyes. But this was never a mourning of his death, but a celebration of his extraordinary life. Truth be told, Jose Sulaiman Chagnon is never going to qualify as a saint. Like all the rest of us, he made mistakes, and goodness gracious me, he could be stubborn. But if you balance that against his vision, inspiration, courage, humanity, generosity, friendship, wisdom and that wonderful joyous laugh, you can celebrate such a magnificent life, which encompasses even more that one hundred and sixty five nations, who are so very proud to be affiliated to the greatest WBC. One of the greatest among Don Jose's many gifts was his people power. That kindness, involving warmth, approachability and his deeply caring attitude. From King to shoe shine boy, Pope/ President, to down and out, he would place his hand on their shoulder, smile and call them: " My friend." He really meant it, and significantly... they all knew he did! His words were invariably followed by his actions. Indeed they spoke louder than words. Everyone has their own cherished collection of Don Jose memories. The congregation included great former champions plus others, some of whom had fallen on hard times or by the wayside. Don Jose was constantly and consistently there to step in, offering a helping hand, yet never once claiming credit or plaudits. You only learn of his myriad contributions involving saving or bettering lives, gradually over the years, from those very people telling you in their own words.

21 Ibeth Zamora Rocky Balboa is back! The iconic character of boxing, returns to big screens in the 7th chapter of the epic boxing saga. Francisco Vargas In Mexico City at Plaza Antara, it took place a Red Carpet ceremony for the movie s premiere. Nine years have passed since the last Rocky movie and this time Stallone is in the spotlight again in movie that presents Apollo Creed's son, who is trained by the legendary icon Balboa. The film was directed and scripted by Ryan Coogler. It is a movie jam packed with boxing action and nostalgia and that resulted in an spectacular Red Carpet extravaganza, with the attendance of tremendous boxing figures, among them: the great Mexican fighter, Juan Manuel Márquez, the former world champions, Humberto Gonzalez, Ultiminio Ramos, Cesar Bazan, Lupe Pintor, Carlos Zarate; and the current WBC Champions, Carlos Cuadras, Francisco Vargas, Ibeth Zamora and Zulina Muñoz. Last weekend, Sylvester Stallone won a Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor, for his absolutely great performace in this superb and memorable movie. Juan Manuel Marquez Ricardo Lopez If you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit Rocky- Hijo del Santo RED CARPET IN MEXICO FOR PREMIERE OF CREED: ROCKY S LEGACY

22 The history of Rocky has always been a great inspiration for me and many other boxers. It's always urged me to never be defeated. JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ - FORMER WORLD CHAMPION - "It tells the story of many of us.despite poverty and many adversities we manage to become world champions. HUMBERTO "CHIQUITA" GONZALEZ - FORMER WORLD CHAMPION - It is a great example that you can reach dreams with dedication. CARLOS CUADRAS - WBC SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION - "It shows a boxer that left everything he has got inside the ring. Something which I did with Miura. FRANCISCO "BANDIDO" VARGAS - WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION - Rocky was the detonator to follow the steps of my brothers into boxing and accepting the challenge of becoming a world champion." DANIEL ZARAGOZA - FORMER WORLD CHAMPION -

23 FEMALE BOXING PRIORITIES Flanked by female world champions, fighters and young boxers WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, highlighted their efforts and sacrifice. earned its status thanks to the show you always offer to the fans. For all those fights you always star in you to become the champions you are." During the opening ceremony of the 2nd WBC Female Convention at the beautiful Grand Hotel in downtown Tijuana, he described that some of them make the roll not only As fighters but also as mothers who pull everything together to support their families, providing an extraordinary example to young ladies Who are starting out in the sport. It is a great convention. We have a fantastic attendance of great female world champions. Female Boxing has Regarding the great attendance at this 2nd edition female convention, Mauricio pledged: We have with us, great world champions from different countries. And Lonnie Ali the wife of Muhammad Ali. This is an historic meeting. We will address important issues, including health, safety and many more measures. We will have presentations and different events, securing justice in the sport.

24 BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN THERE'S A GREAT WOMAN... LONNIE ALI Lonnie Ali has received a special humanitarian award at the World Boxing Council's second Women's Convention and says it brings joy as well as pride to her and her Husband. At the sumptuous setting of the Grand Hotel in Tijuana, Lonnie explained what the WBC award means to her, and to them: "It means a lot of things. I feel so blessed, but really I wouldn't be here standing here today, if it were not for Muhammad. "My role in his life, has been one to support and to be there for him, and you do what you have to do. You do what you need to do, you do what you you're supposed to do, and somehow you get these awards for doing it. "Mauricio and his Dad are so sweet. Muhammad loves them. They always refer to him as the King of Boxing. They adore him, he adores them. It is just wonderful to be part of the WBC Family. "His birth sign is Capricorn and he's a goat, and he's the greatest of all time. And Muhammad's sense of humor is overriding. He used to do magic tricks, he's a prankster, he loves jokes, and if he can pull one on you, he is the happiest person in the World. Holding the award proudly, Lonnie quantified it with the words: "This is very, very special coming from the WBC, especially at the Women's Convention. I'm so inspired by it. This just gives me strength to carry on and do the things I've been doing, with more rigor, with more conviction, more confidence and I think Muhammad is going to be very proud when he sees it. I know...and just like me, he would have never have expected it to be a belt.". Lonnie also revealed the persistence plus perseverance of Muhammad Ali and his sparkling sense of humor. With Muhammad Alí in Cancun s Convention

25 WORKING PLAN FOR WBC WOMEN'S BOXING IN 2016 At the closing session of the World Boxing Council's second Convention, at the Grand Hotel in Tijuana, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman outline the twelve month Plan of Action. It includes a professional business plan for marketing and all formats, a solid PR campaign and involvement wit social media. To approach television executives and promoters to gee them up about the incredible potential and dividends that can be generated and realized from women's boxing. Mauricio predicted that 2016 is going to be an historic breakthrough year for women's boxing. A virtual Hall of Fame online, with an aim to create a tangible bricks and mortar museum with a fantastic collection of memorabilia. A determination to gain better purses for women boxers who are deserving of so much more. A flyweight tournament, as this is currently the division of sparkle. While stressing that while the WBC gains a promotional fee, NO woman fighter pays a sanction fee! WBC Women's Boxing deserves nothing less.

26

27

28 MARIANA De MARCO To be a great fighter, you have to train very hard every day, it's a choice you make. Some Champions don't get to choose, but fight hard and win. Meet Mariana, our great Champion Antonio De Marcos' little sister. Mariana fought with her heart and soul against OsteoSarcoma, and just like the fighter she is, she beat it and has been in remission for three months now. We learned of Mariana's story through Ray Beltran and our great Champion Israel Magnifico Vazquez, and we are so honored to call her our WBC Honorary Champion! You inspire us Mariana, Thank you to Antonio De Marco's Family for sharing their story and joining us at the 2nd WBC World Female Convention!

29

30 "DIAMOND" HARD CANELO KEEN FOR GGG CLASH Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who's been presented with the glittering WBC Diamond belt in Mexico City, for winning the middleweight championship, has fired a warning shot across the bows of GGG, saying he's good and ready to swop punches, any time, any place, anywhere! The gauntlet challenge with a whiff of vodka martini, containing a twist of cordite, aptly occured at the belting ceremony in the beautiful Soumaya Museum in Mexico City, created by billionaire business tycoon Carlos Slim. Canelo was in class one of the Ring Telmex prodigees almost eight years ago. Loyal to the core, the Canelo philosophy is that to see where you're going, you have to remember from where you came. Putting the gilt edged ginger on the ceremony, Saul took time to thank Ring Telmex for their kindness, support and faith in him, when he was a Little known seventeen year old fighter, with big dreams and yet bigger ambtions. Inspired by Ring Telmex, he himself has started a foundation to nurture young talent in need of resources, complimenting the example set by his alma mater. Inevitably asked about the GGG collison course challenge later this year, Canelo showed the composure and self assurance of a champion, who's fully and justifiably confident of his very own exceptional powers, by calmly replying: "I'm a fighter, as such I'll fight anyone and everyone...and I'm ready for him! World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman who presented Canelo with the superb Green and Gold belt adorned with diamonds, poineted out he's made history by becoming the first ever Mexican to win the WBC super welterweight title and the WBC middleweight Crown. And this latest triumph was due to a clear victory, winning with strategy and its successful execution, after twelve difficult plus testing rounds. Mauricio also thanked Ring Telmex- the brainchild of his Father Don Jose Sulaiman and Don Carlos Slim, as a cradle of supportive brilliance for the very best fighters Mexico has. Ring Telmex Chief Arturo Elias Ayub explained: "We are convinced that sports changes society. The more children and young people and youth in sport, the better. Young people need idols and role models. Ring Telmex has so far produced eight world champions and six are here with us today! Sitting by Canelo were Jose "Chepo" Reynoso, who's been his Trainer since he was a tender thirteen years old, and Chepo's son Eddy who's his Manager. C h a r a c t e r i s t i c a l l y C a n e l o e m o t i o n a l l y embraced the two men, w h o ' d m a d e t h i s exceptional journey possible, with more triumphs to come. His Promoter Oscar De La Hoya the Supremo of Golden Boy Promotions was also there on the platform. Chepo, Eddy a n d O s c a r w e r e p r e s e n t e d s p e c i a l awards in recognition of the very speical part they play in Canelo's career. Winning the beautiful WBC Diamond Belt, places Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the exulted c o m p a n y o f g r e a t s i n c l u d i n g : F l o y d Mayweather, Manny P a c q u i a o, S e r g i o Martínez and Bernard Hopkins. And somewhat apt that with the color of orange being to the fore in this event, the strident s tripe theme m u s i c which introduced Canelo was: "Eye Of The Tiger!"

31 It's 2012 and little has changed for many years all we hear from boxers and fans alike is that "the heavyweight division is dead"! The Klitschko brothers, as great as they are have a strangle hold over boxing's most prestigious title with no other fighter coming close to toppling the Ukrainian giants. Flash forward, the year is now 2016, Vitali Klitschko has not fought for four years and Vladimir has just been sensationally out pointed in Germany by a brash young upstart from Manchester, England named Tyson Fury. 'The Bronze Bomber' Deontay Wilder holds the WBC crown with a fearsome 97% knockout percentage and in a bizarre twist a relative unknown Charles Martin holds a third portion of the heavyweight championship. Following Wilder's latest demolition of game challenger Artur Szpilka, Tyson Fury stepped into the ring in Brooklyn, New York to challenge him to a unification match, Wilder was more than happy to oblige. Both c h a m p i o n s h a v e q u e s t i o n m a r k s surrounding their ability to take a big shot and many believe it would be a case of who lands first. Are we seeing a spark in the glamour division once again? When the Klitschko brothers held the titles it was difficult to see how any young challenger could out box the efficient style of Wladimir or crack Vitali's cast iron jaw. However now we see young lions coming through the ranks such as Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker who must surely fancy the chance to tackle the new breed of champions. Suddenly we have an element of competition...suddenly we have the what if?! In the UK last month 18,000 people packed into the 02 Arena, London for Anthony Joshua's British/Commonwealth and WBC International title fight and more recently over 3 million viewers watched David Haye's comeback on free view channel Dave. There are very few people who do not know the name Tyson Fury with the controversial star making headlines on the front and back pages since October. In the d i v i s i o n w h e r e o n e punch can change it all t h e y e a r a h e a d i s certainly looking bright! Follow me on

32 A fight for the ages in the flyweight realm happened on January 28th 1968 at the Cuatro Caminos Bull Ring, between WBC flyweight champion, Thai Chartchai Chionoi, and the Mexican firebrand, Efren Alacrán Torres, clashed. The Mexican contender got up from the canvass to prove he was a brave and fearless man. But that night so special and forever memorable is defined by two guys with similar characters who were fighting physically tough with competing sheer willpower making it ferocious yet magnificent. Everything ended in the round 13, when Torres was not able to continue due to a very bad cut on the left eyelid. Referee, Arthut Mercante, stopped the bout after receiving medical advice from the Ring Doctor, announcing the winner and still Champion. Mercante and all time great in his Third Man capacity, aptly described the bout, as: A fantastic fight AN UNFORGETTABLE WAR BETWEEN ALACRAN TORRES AND CHIONOI

33 THE WBC THIRD JUDGE RULE Due to the inspiration and wise lead of Lifetime World Boxing Council President, Don Jose Sulaiman, during the 70 s, the WBC established a new rule, that the Referee would not score the fight anymore. Previously there were only two Judges and the Referee had the difficult as well as conflicting task of scoring the fight! After studies and careful consideration, common sense prevailed and the WBC determined to include an additional judge. With this action, the Referee now had the chance of focusing solely on the fight and caring about fighters, thankfully forever discarding the additional task of totting up points for performance. As so often, where the WBC led as a pioneer, others followed. This sensible rule, with its focus of safety first, soon became the norm for all the other boxing organizations.

34

35

36

37

38