World Boxing Council President Inducted at Gala
World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman made history as one of the very first inductees in the brand new National Boxing Hall of Fame.
Here’s my special report from the awards ceremony which was held Saturday, March 7 at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce, Calif.
Sulaiman’s associates, friends and family were all very happy to see both Mauricio and his father Jose Sulaiman honored at this inaugural event. In attendance were many WBC champs, officials (Benjamin Rendon, Jack Reiss, Pat Russell, Monique Rendon) and supervisors (Rudy Tellez) who have been part of the WBC family for years. As soon as Mauricio arrived at the venue, he was greeted by a never-ending stream of well wishers offering their congratulations. Also lending support were WBC Secretary General Robert Lenhardt, WBC Chief Legal Counsel Alberto Leon and Supreme Boxing.
The National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHF) was created by a four-way partnership between Bill Dempsey Young, Linda Young, Carol Steindler-Ferris and Marv Engquist. They chose the Sulaimans to be feted at this first-ever awards luncheon attended by over 300 guests including actor/musician Frank Stallone, current fighters Mauricio Herrera, Giovani Segura, Kenia Enriquez, Daniel Valdivia, Edwin Sandoval, and a slew of veteran pugs like Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Terry Norris, Albert Sandoval, Ruben Castillo, Mando Muniz, Oscar Muniz, Art Frias, Paul Gonzales, kickboxing legend Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, boxing promoters Ken Thompson and Roy Englebrecht and so many others.
The room was wall-to-wall with champions including past WBC titleholders Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough, Paul Banke and Chango Carmona–seen in my exclusive shots from the day.
The WBC is synonymous with championship titles with their green and gold championship belts coveted by pro fighters around the world. They are also known for the NABF and WBC Cares charity efforts. Mauricio’s late father Jose Sulaiman (who passed away in January 2014) had served as the organization’s president for almost four decades. His son is now carrying on the legacy his papa instilled in him.
During his acceptance speech, Mexico City’s Sulaiman spoke of his dedication to the sport and of his longtime love and respect for the fighters.
“My name is Mauricio Sulaiman–I am the son of Jose Sulaiman. That is my greatest accomplishment,” Mauricio told the audience. “I wake up and I go to bed every night trying to make my father proud.”
Wearing a green necktie and a WBC gold pin, Mauricio’s allegiance is stronger than ever and has carried on in his father’s footsteps. Sulaiman paid tribute to all the champions in the room and spoke of how he and his colleagues dedicate their lives to a special WBC fund helping champs in need. Boxing is everything to him. “It’s emotion; it’s life,” he expressed. “It’s sacrifice.”
His time at the podium was filled with warmth and humor and this new 2015 inductee received a standing ovation when his speech was complete. Holding his trophy and proclamation on stage, the crowd showered Sulaiman with applause.
“It was so wonderful that Mauricio would fly back from Vegas to be there,” NBHF’s Linda Young commented. “He is such a gracious man with a beautiful love for mankind. It’s very inspiring to everyone around him.”
Congratulations y Felicidades to Mauricio Sulaiman on his National Boxing Hall of Fame honor.
Photos by Michele Chong