Media Luncheon with President Sulaiman
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has been a pivotal force in boxing for many decades.
Since its inception in 1963, the green and gold world championship belt has long been part of history. To celebrate their milestone anniversary of 55 years in the boxing business, a private media luncheon was held February 13 at the Taix French Restaurant in Los Angeles. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman greeted the contingent of media and VIP guests arriving at this special press conference.
And there was a lot to celebrate during Tuesday’s presser. Known for their legendary marquee matches, the WBC will bestow a unique “2000 Title Fight” belt to a victor in a future bout. The one-of-a-kind strap was displayed in the intimate banquet room.
In attendance were members of WBC including Pepe Sulaiman, Jill Diamond, Victor Silva, Nancy Rodriguez, PR Hall of Famer Bill Caplan, WBC official photographer Cecy Sulaiman, WBC Super Bantamweight Champ Israel Vazquez, California State Athletic Commission’s (CSAC) Martha Shen-Urquidez, 360 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions), boxing commentator and sports announcer Ernesto Amador along with invited media guests in the local community.
Mauricio Sulaiman spoke of his father–his “hero” Don Jose Sulaiman–and of the lasting legacy Don Jose has built in the sweet science. There were film clips shown of the organization’s countless highlights through the decades. There have also been numerous programs and changes to improve the sport and enhance the safety of the fighters around the world.
Mauricio is currently in his fourth year serving as President of the famed sanctioning body. During the media conference, he revealed that they plan on a new policy to choose the gloves 7-15 days before a fight, continue a strong stance for their Clean Boxing Program with VADA drug testing, activate action to keep boxing in the Olympic Games, and more. We all signed a petition to voice opinion to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that they should keep boxing in the 2020 Olympics. This “Yes To Boxing In The Olympics” was brought to the forefront during this gathering.
“Honor and Integrity” and “Hope and Glory” were also noted during the speeches. Besides the thousands of title fights and world champions that have thrilled fans around the globe, the boxing organizations WBC and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) have also instilled programs such as WBC Cares and the Jose Sulaiman Boxing Foundation, have worked to encourage professional female boxing, have held their yearly WBC Conventions for delegates around the world, and have recently inspired young amateur boys and girls at the Green Belt Challenge, and so much more.
Both CSAC’s Martha Shen-Urquidez and promoter Tom Loeffler both spoke at the mic about how they have always enjoyed a professional working relationship with the WBC. Loeffler mentioned that on February 24 there will be three WBC title fights that will ignite at the Forum in Inglewood.
During the WBC 55-Year media conference, there were also gold commemorative pins presented to attendees as well as a celebratory cake delivered to President Sulaiman. This anniversary tour kickstarted in Los Angeles and will continue this weekend Las Vegas.
Tuesday was a historic day in L.A.
Congratulations y ¡Felicidades! to the World Boxing Council on their 55 years in boxing. And stay tuned on which battle will be the epic 2000th Title Fight that will cement history with the WBC!
Photos by Michele Chong
