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Home , Alfonso Zamora, Alicia Ashley, Bermane Stiverne, Daniel Zaragoza, Eddie Futch, Erica Farias

THE DOORS TO LATIN AMERICA, arrival of the Spanish on the XVI Century. B.C. , HOST VENUE OF January 2016 will be an spectacular year, the second World Council female OUR NEXT FEMALE CONVENTION convention will be hosted on this magnificent place. “Here starts our homeland” that’s Tijuana´s motto, it is the first Latin America city that The greatest female fighters will travel to shares border with San Diega, US anf is the Tijuana with the main goal of spreading and fifth most populated city of having keep developing this sport as we are able to more than 1, 600,000 habitants on it. enjoy all of its cultural and historic attractions. Tijuana is a city of great commercial and cultural activity, its history began with the Editorial

Index Future fights

WBC Emerald Belt

May-Pac

Roman Gonzalez

Golovkin

Viktor Postol

Jorge Linares

Zulina Muñoz

Mikaela Lauren

Erica Farias

Alicia Ashley

Ibeth Zamora

Yessica Chavez

Soledad Matthysse

Leo Santa Cruz becomes Diamond champion

Francisco Vargas Directorio: Saul Alvarez “WBC Boxing World” is the official magazine of the . Floyd´s final Hurrah . Executive Director WBC Cares Mauricio Sulaimán. WBC Annual Convention Subdirector Víctor Silva. Knowing a Champion: Marketing Manager José Antonio Arreola Sulaimán Honored

Managing Editor Mauricio Sulaiman is presented with the keys to the Francisco Posada Toledo city of

Traducción PRESIDENT DANIEL ORTEGA: a great supporter of Paul Landeros / James Blears Nicaraguan boxing Design Director Alaín M. Flores WBC President pitches in

Photos Alexis Arguello remembered in Nicaragua Naoki Fukuda Sumio Yamada Wayne McCullough day Alma Montiel José Rodríguez Carlos Zarate´s book Contributing Editors Víctor Cota (WBC Historian) Sal Sanchez José Antonio Arreola Sulaiman Juan Pereira World Champion James Blears Jamie Parry and Robbie Oliver Pau´s Paulina Brindis Dear readers:

We are entering the last round of 2015, and what a great year it's been!

We'll always remember this time as the farewell of Floyd Mayweather- an icon of boxing and an undefeated superstar, who was able to say a fighting farewell in peak condition.

This year, our sport has become more solid and all the stronger, with the fights we all wanted to see- among them: Floyd Mayweather vs. , Leo Santa Cruz vs. and Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez vs. .

In this special edition, we focus on the most relevant and important aspects of the boxing year, which has made our sport and our WBC family all the more united. Our paramount aim will always be to strive for the fairest and best conditions for all boxers.

Kind greetings and my very best wishes for success and health to you and your families during this Festive Season, and for the coming year.

Mauricio Sulaiman World Boxing Council President

Future Fights World and Silver Championship

BOUT WEIGHT DATE PLACE WBC SUP. JUDGE JUDGE JUDGE REFEREE Deontay Wilder (USA) (Voluntary) Heavy 16/01/2016 New York, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA DiBella Entertainment TBA USA Lou DiBella (USA) (Tournament) Welter 23/01/2016 , TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TGB Promotions Danny Garcia (USA) USA Tom Brown Roman Gonzalez (Nicaragua) Fly February TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 2016 (Mexico) Superbantam 26/03/2016 California, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (Mexico) USA (Russia) Cruiser March TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (Congo) 2016 () (Mandatory) Light TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Dejan Zlaticanin (Montenegro) Suriyan Sor Rungvisai (Thailand) (Silver+ Bantam TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (Panama) Final Elim.) Oscar Escandon (Colombia) (Interim) Feather TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Robinson Castellanos (Mexico) Saul Juarez (Mexico) (Final Minimum TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (Mexico) Elimination) Yu Kimura (Japan) Lt. Fly TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA () (Mexico) Superfly TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (Thailand) (Gambia/) Supermiddle TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Julio Cesar Chavez (Mexico) (Ukraine) Superlight TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA (/Canada) Lt. Heavy TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Future Fights Female and Affiliated

BOUT WEIGHT DATE PLACE WBC SUP. JUDGE JUDGE JUDGE REFEREE Jerry Tomogdan (Philippines) (Internat.) Lt. Fly 02/12/2015 , Juan Ramon Guanzon Fernando Batistil Jerrold Tomeldan Oliver Garcia Benigno Peñafiel United Boxing Promotions Richard Claveras (Philippines) Phlippines Philippines Philippines Philippines Philippines Ryuta Kato Mario Andrade (Mexico) (Latino Fly 03/12/2015 , Marco Sandoval Rafael Ortiz Herminio Cuevas Abraham Ibarra Rafael Saldaña HS Promotions Ivan Meneses (Mexico) Silver) Mexico Mexico Mexico Mexico Mexico Hisa Furokawa Carlette Ewell (USA) (Female Heavy 05/12/2015 North Carolina, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Sonja Fox (USA) Silver) USA Walter Johnson III Orlando Vazquez (Puerto Rico) (Fecarbox) TBA 05/12/2015 Florida, TBA Thomas Nardone TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA USA Jessica Chavez (Mexico) (Female) Fly 12/12/2015 TBA Juan Jose Herrera Jr. Javier Camacho Victor Cervantes Omar Mintun Jr. Guadalupe Garcia Promociones del Pueblo Simona Galassi (Italy) Mexico Mexico Mexico Mexico Oswaldo Kuchle () (EBU) Cruiser 12/12/2015 , Enza Jacoponi Manuel Oliver Adrio Zannoni Robin Dolpierre Massimo Barrovecchio (United Kingdom) United Kingdom OK Spain Italy France Italy (United Kingdom) (Internat.) Heavy 12/12/2015 London, Mauro Betti TBA TBA TBA TBA Matchroom Sport () United Kingdom OK Eddie Hearn (United Kingdom) (Internat.) Light 12/12/2015 London, Mauro Betti TBA TBA TBA TBA Matchroom Sport TBA United Kingdom OK Eddie Hearn (United Kingdom) (Internat.) Feather 12/12/2015 London, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Matchroom Sport TBA United Kingdom Eddie Hearn Sheldon Moore (Belgium) (Internat. Silver Superwelter 12/12/2015 Hainaut, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Bufi Family Boxing Club Islam Teffahi (Tunisia) + Francophone) Belgium Maurice Bufi Timur Nikarkhoev (Russia) (Youth) Supermiddle 12/12/2015 Hainaut, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Bufi Family Boxing Club Ramazi Gogichashvili (Georgia) Belgium Maurice Bufi (Philippines) (Internat.) Fly 12/12/2015 Manila, Nasser Cruz German Tayag Benigno Peñafiel Jerrold Tomeldan Bruce McTavish Elorde Promotions TBA Phlippines Phlippines Philippines Philippines New Zealand Johnny Elorde Jerobe Santana (Spain) (Youth) Light 18/12/2015 Gran Canaria, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Gallego Prado Promociones Winston Campos (Nicaragua) Spain TBA (USA) (NABF) Feather 18/12/2015 California, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Hugo Partida (Mexico) USA (Belgium) (Internat. Silver) Cruiser 19/12/2015 Hainaut, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Sylvera Louis (Canada) Belgium Alain Vanackere Mouhamed Sder (Belgium) (Francophone) Welter 19/12/2015 Hainaut, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Imad Azaroui (Belgium) Belgium Alain Vanackere Yuko Kuroki (Japan) (Female) Minimum 20/12/2015 Fukuoka, Won Kim Jerrold Tomeldan Yoshikazu Furuta Jae Bong Kim Raymond Chang TBA Nancy Franco (Mexico) Japan Philippines Japan South Korea Hong Kong Tomoko Koga Zulina Muñoz (Mexico) (Female) Superfly December Mexico City, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 2015 Mexico Yazmin Rivas (Mexico) (Female) Bantam TBA Baja California Norte, TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Promociones Zanfer Catherine Phiri (Zambia) Mexico Fernando Beltran Cecilia Braekhus (Norway) (Female) Welter TBA North Rhine-Westphalia, Jill Diamond TBA TBA TBA TBA K2 Promotions Ornella Domini (Switzerland) Germany Thomas Loeffler (USA) (Female) Heavy TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Blanca Gutierrez Melissa McMorrow (USA) (Female Fly TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Tyrieshia Douglas (USA) Internat.) Blanca Gutierrez Roldan Aldea (Philippines) (Youth) Light TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Golden Gloves TBA South Africa Rodney Berman

* ALL BOUTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND NOT FULLY LICENSED, THEREFORE THIS INFORMATION IS ONLY PRELIMINARY

For the most anticipated fight of recent history between Floyd Mayweather And Manny Pacquiao, World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman introduced the Emerald Belt- a unique "Jewel in the Crown," proudly manufactured by .

This Dickens of a belt created great expectations amongst visitors and fans, including every single person who participated in this unique moment in history. The Belt was presented to the winner who was Floyd Mayweather Jr, the best of today and future hall of famer. Floyd Mayweather used distance, speed, subtlety and ring generalship, stemming the charges of Manny Floyd built on his success in the seventh. Two long Pacquiao, to win a proficient at the perfectly timed straight rights jolted and stung Manny. MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, recording his Floyd wasted no time following up with a left right forty eighth victory in an unblemished career, retaining combination which appeared to wobble and badly hurt his World Boxing Council title, to be Manny for the first time in the fight. But fighter as he is, presented with the magnificent Emerald Belt by WBC Manny finished the round with the flourish of a great President Mauricio Sulaiman, earning each and every right left combination. one of its three thousand and seven sparklers. Manny charged in the eighth landing a lusty left to Floyd's chest, but Floyd then struck like a cobra with a As the gold dust settled from the richest fight in history, powerful counter right to the head, following up with a Judge Burt A Clements saw it as a 116-112 victory for left which neatly found Manny's face. Manny was Floyd. So did Judge Glenn Feldman, while Judge Dave steaming forward at the end of the round, but Floyd was Moretti scored it a wider 118-110, for calm, calculating effectively evading. More of the same in the ninth, with and unflappable Floyd. Floyd employing a wide stance and remaining watchful. But in the tenth a big left hook from Manny snapped Manny (57-6-2, 38 KO's) was the more aggressive Floyd's head back and he retreated, reverting to the left throughout, but often had difficulty figuring out the jab. At the end of the round, Manny happily grinned. longer reach of Floyd (48-0, 26 KO's) who avoided many lunges, using his unique defensive skills to frustrate The eleventh belonged to Floyd who opened up with a and deceive decisive impacts, many of Manny's long left and then and powerful right to Manny's sweat , while deflecting as well as thwarting yet more. Manny's drenched hairline, topping it off with whiplash right. fists often caused breezes, but many times only Floyd decided to stand his ground and Manny gratefully vaporized fresh air. went to the body. So Floyd was back on the move and After a cautious slow pace feeling out opening round, Manny was simply unable to cut down the gulf of Manny threw caution to the wind and charged in round distance. two, and weaving to try and cut down , as Floyd kept him at bay with a pawing left jab. Prior to the twelfth and final round, the two hugged and Manny had more success in the third connecting to the then immediately resumed hostilities. A stiff left jab from head, but at the cost of returning retaining . His Floyd found the mark and he was moving, moving and aggression was exciting, but he was not connecting that moving. In the dying seconds Manny finally caught up much. The two exchanged a long cold stare as the bell and semi connected with a smattering of punches, but rang. was off target.

Floyd was successfully range finding in the fourth, MEGAFIGHT, which will really rake it in, displayed Floyd snapping Manny's head with a long right and a crisp left Mayweather’s superlative uncanny ringcraft, boxing to the body and he moved off the ropes. Manny suddenly brain, defensive capabilities and accuracy in counter connected with a big left hook to the head and lashed attacking. Manny. Perpetually as brave as a lion, visibly Floyd with combinations. But with gloves held high, had problems in reducing the distance. That meant he Floyd weathered the storm, dismissively shaking his wasn't ever able to sustain an attack and transform a head in true old pro fashion, confirming it had indeed boxing match into a slugfest. Both showed respect and hurt. The fifth proved a turning point. Two long guided admirable sportsmanship by embracing and having a rights clipped Manny's head, and as he moved in to short smiling and friendly chat. retaliate, another bigger right checked his progress. While adroitly moving away, Floyd was impeccably timing his long snaking left jabs. MAYWEATHER RETAINS WBC WELTERWEIGHT CROWN DEFEATING PACQUIAO BY UD

“Chocolatito” melts Brian

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, brilliantly defended Knowing more than sensing the end was neigh, his WBC flyweight title, wearing down and untimely Roman moved in and attacked, Brian attempted to overwhelming "Hawaiian " by move away, but was trapped and walloped as a static TKO in the ninth round, underlining his accolade of target. Referee Benji Esteves moved in to mercifully Pound for Pound Best in the whole wide World. stop it at two minutes fifty three seconds. A ex world Champion himself, Brian Viloria (36-5, 22 KOs) knew the score, grasping the fact that his best Roman gently patted Brian on top of the head with chance was to stay busy, against the formidable his gloved right hand and proffered a friendly, wistful Chocolatito ( 44-0, 38 Kos). Brian started aggressively, and slightly apologetic smile. Multi talented, winning round one. Yet Roman, defended effectively, exceptionally hard hitting, accurate, with a solid slipping punches, moving out of range and taking defence, a blistering attack, an astute ring general's other blows on his forearms or gloves. He was brain patience and instinctive brilliance, triple world absorbing knowledge, yet not punishment. champion Roman "Chocolatito" is already an all time GREAT. Brian started round two in a similarly aggressive mode, with a still pensive Roman awaiting opportunities. Roman then struck with a belting left to Brian's midriff, and a powerful right to the side of Brian's chin, seconds before the bell. The study period was now over and Roman went to work. A big left hook and a big right hook landed on Brian's head and more followed. But Roman was taking his time, picking his punches, maintaining his defence and displaying masterful patience. A winging right hook from seemingly nowhere, bounced off Brian's head and dropped him hard. He did well to get up, but Roman's didn't either wade in or jump in. He continued his skillful and methodical demolition plan, from the basement upwards.

By the fifth Roman was punishing Brian's body, and then two right hooks clipped the Challenger's head in quick succession just before the bell. Brian was becoming increasingly pale, his left cheek was swelling cherry red and the pep in his own punches was ebbing away.

Roman's short range fighting was appreciably more effective than his long range stuff, and it was beginning to sap the strength of Brian, who's exceptional conditioning was keeping him upright in the eye of a worsening storm.

At the beginning of the sixth, Brian's brows were heavily greased, but it didn't deflect a lighting and sustained attack. He was caught by a clipping right uppercut followed by a left uppercut, a right hook and an ensuing three punch combination. Brian was bravely fighting back, but shipping a lot of punishment and weathering the worst of it.

In the eighth a huge right hook to the head, shook Brian. Roman who's punch rate was accelerating up several gears, unleashed his full arsenal and Brian was fading. His mouth was open and his nose was bleeding. This hadn't gone unnoticed. The Ring Docter checked him over prior to the start of the ninth round. GOLOVKIN TKO'S LEMIEUX

Undefeated Kazakh and World Boxing Council Interim champion, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, TKO's Canadian in the eighth round of the main event of the card organized by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions at in New York.

Golovkin (34-0, 31 KOs) dominated and patiently unraveled Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) with the brilliantly measured use of a long jarring left Jab, which paved the way to a variety of other heavy blows. That tempered jab, held the Canadian at bay, providing other dividend opportunities, especially the left hook to the side of the head which Gennadly used selectively, but to great effect.

The Canadian, who sported a side shorn hairstyle harking back to the 1930's, never quit and had some parting success with his right hand. But the ratio of eye watering impacts, seemed to be roughly and toughly four to one against him. Virtually every time David had some success, he was severely and clinically punished. His offense was returned with gilt edged interest. Following a big left to the liver in the fifth, David took a knee and was caught with another punch, due the ongoing momentum. Intend was obviously missing, so Steve Willis issued no warning to Gennady, who immediately apologized.

As the fight wore on the wear and tear to David's face visibly worsened, and his nose was bleeding heavily. Just after the start of round seven, the action was briefly paused, as the Ring Doctor took a judiciously careful look at him, allowing him to continue... for the time being.

In round eight Gennady dug a searing left hook into the Canadian's liver, followed by a big right, a straight left and another huge left. David tried to slip away but was followed and battered. Although no one punch of the ensuing flurry, contained concluding Sunday venom, almost all of them were connecting with chilling and thudding accuracy. Referee Steve Willis rapidly moved in at just the correct moment, to prevent serious damage to the Canadian, who was not effectively defending himself or fighting back. The stoppage time was one minute and thirty two seconds. Viktor “Iceman” Postol is the new WBC super champion

Lanky Ukrainian Viktor “The Iceman” Postol With just seconds left in round ten, Matthysse (28-0, 12KO) Knocked out Argentinian Lucas was hit by a pinpoint peach of left uppercut “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34KO) to win that sent him crashing to the canvass, where the vacant WBC super lightweight title at the he was counted out on his haunches. StubHub Center in Carson, California. At the time of the stoppage, Postol was up 86- The fight got off to an exciting start with 85 on two cards and Matthysse was up 86-85 Matthysse mounting an all out aggressive on the third card. offense, but Postol effectively used his height and albatross like reach to strategically render much of Matthysse’s onslaught attempts ineffective.

By the half way mark, Matthysse found his rhythm, wobbling Postol up with a powerful right hook. However, Postol rebounded from Matthysse’s assault by lodging an effective combo series to end the round, on more than even terms. GEORGE VII! LINARES DEFENDS WBC LIGHTWEIGHT CROWN IN ENGLAND AFTER WORLD WAR THREE!

Oh Boy! Jorge "Niño de Oro" Linares, from Venezuela, defended his World Boxing Council title in a sensational ring war, getting back up off the burning deck to regally defeat tough Brit warrior, in round ten, at of London, England.

Linares had to dig so very deep for this deserved victory. He was felled with a stunning combination in the 5th, and barely made it back upright.

But he somehow survived, slowly inching and edging back into a battle royal, finally dropping Mitchell in the tenth.

An accidental clash of heads had earlier cut Kev, but as the fight wore on his face showed increasing marks of other wear and tear from other sources.

A humble and grateful Jorge said afterwards: “I never expect that Mitchell was so exceptional strong. He's great fighter and a tough rival. Thank God I got the victory!". Zulina defeats Bouvier with UD in a rematch

Mexican Zulina Muñoz defeated Gabriela Bouvier from Uruguay by unanimous decision to retain her WBC super flyweight title in a fight held at the Olympic Swimming in Mexico City.

From the opening bell, Zulina, who was progressively shaking off nine months of ring rust inactivity, came out looking for the by connecting with solid combinations. "La Gaby" who last time around was TKO'd in ten, vowed she'd be in appreciably better condition for this one and so it proved. She absorbed Zulina's best blows and came back with a welter of her own to make it less than a comfortable night for the Champion, who was none the less physically and technically superior.

With this result, Zulina Muñoz improved to 58- 1-2 with 44 , while Gabriela Bouvier fell to 12-6-1 and 2. After ten rounds, the scores were 99-90, 98-91 and 99-91. Swedish Champion, Mikaela "Destiny" Lauren (24-3, 9 KOs) only needed four rounds to defeat Victoria Cisneros (11-18-2, 4KOs) on home turf.

Since the very fist minute Mikaela threw accurate combinations and Cisneros was not able to handle Miakela´s power. The end came in round four with the Referee´s intervention. This was the first defense of Mikaela´s WBC super welterweight Crown that she conquered last year.

Fate decrees that Lauren's next fight will be a mandatory defense, and the most likely contender is French puncher, . MIKAELA DEFENDS WBC CROWN IN FOUR UP TO SCRATCH “PANTERA” FARÍAS

WBC super lightweight Champion Erica “Pantera” Farias, emphatically proved she's the best female fighter in the 140 lib division, defeating Sweden's WBC Interim Champion , by unanimous decision, in Denmark.

Frederiksberg was the attractive host venue of this crucial point proving bout, where the two greatest fighters of this category clashed. Farias, with 20 victories, 10 of them by KO and just one loss, came to this fight after defeating her compatriot, Alejandra “Locomotora” Oliveras, following a bruisingly tough contest. The “Swedish Princess," with an undefeated record of 15 victories, 5 of them by KO, after defending her Interim Crown, defeating Italian, Lucía Morelli.

The Judge Scorecards were very clear: Esa Lehtosaari ( Finland) 98-92, Fabian Guggenheim (Switzerland) 96-93 and David John Irving () 96-94.

So, “Pantera” Farias fulfilled her pledge of ending Svensson's undefeated record and positioning herself atop the premiere tier of women's boxing. ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE! WBC CHAMPION AGAIN WITH A VINTAGE GOLDEN PERFORMANCE! Alicia "Slick" Ashley determined to stick at it, and she made history by becoming the most magnificently mature female world champion ever!!!

At the tender age of just 48, she's just shattered the record of , who won his last world title (so far) some days younger.

Vastly experienced southpaw Alicia Ashley defeated Irish Christina McMahon by Unanimous decision, becoming the new WBC super champion of the world in a bout which took place at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York.

The WBC Female World Title became vacant becuase reigning Champion is pregnant. Therefore, "La Princesa Azteca" has been promoted to "Champion Emeritus" status and may challenge for the World Title whenever she chooses to return into the ring.

The World Boxing Council congratulates Alicia Ashley for this incredible, dedicated, historic and tremendous achievement! Ibeth Zamora defeats Moreno and defends her WBC title

Ibeth "Roca" Zamora successfully defended her WBC light flyweight crown against challenger Esmeralda "Joya" Moreno, in a sensational fight, which brimmed with action and in which both fought flat out for the entire ten rounds, more than fulfilling the prior prediction of barnstormer.

A huge crowed numbering more than 6,000 fans came to Metepec, State of Mexico, eager to see who would win their third encounter, as both had notched a pervious win against the other.

Hooded Esmeralda was up in the ring first, and then it was Ibeth's turn, sporting a green, white and red featured headdress.

After four rounds Ibeth was ahead and as the announcement boomed out, it visibly energized Esmeralda who grimly launched a blistering attack in response. Unlike so many of Ibeth's opponents, Esmeralda wasn't wilting in the face of an unremitting firestorm onslaught. Rather, she was trying to maintain distance to get leverage on her punches, but also alternating by standing her ground and slugging back. Roca's ruthless relentlessness peaked in round nine as she willed herself to significantly up her punch rate. Joya simply refused to buckle and fought back magnificently. "It takes two baby.”

Roca punctuated the beginning of round ten with a withering left uppercut, but then ran into jarring left jabs from Joya who backed it up by long range combinations to the head.

It had been a very hard bout. Both fighters are proud warriors and neither stubbornly wanted to concede one jot or iota. During much of the action, Roca had fought open mouthed. She had winced as cracking straight punches had snapped her head back, but never flinched in delivering a welter of her own answering blows which proved decisive. Unbowed and defiant to the final bell, Esmeralda who hadn't lost this title in the ring, and was coming back from being a Champion in Recess, had shown her Champion's class. She had pushed her friend Ibeth to the absolute limit. It brought out the tremendous best in both, to produce a magnificent and a memorable contest. What a fight!

The thousands of fans fully and duly recognized they'd seen combined greatness and they were ready with a standing ovation. The scores of the Judges were: 97-93, 96-94, 97-94, all for Ibeth.

In front of a full house of her devoted fans in Ecatepec, Jessica “Kika”Chavez, fought the best fight of her career to defeat Arely Muciño and win the WBC female flyweight crown.

Kika was in supreme physical shape after a harsh and prolonged stint in the chilly climes of de Toluca, training at altitude and it definitely showed, in her non unremitting pace, which never slackened, for the entirety of the action packed ten rounds, at the Emliano Zapata Sports Center. This was reflected in the Judges scores of 97-93, 99-91 and 100-90.

Arely hadn't fought since winning the title from Japan's Shindo Go in a tremendous and oh so brave performance, on home turf in last December, and the inactivity counted heavily against her. The “Ametralladora” or machine gun burst punches in her arsenal, were either missing or mistimed.

She was often hitting thin air with vaunted left hooks, and towards the end of the fight, she was becoming visibly frustrated with Kika's continued quicksilver elusiveness.

The key to Kika's success, was greater accuracy and consistency via a ramrod left jab and astute well timed counter punching in front of a crowd And the new WBC including her Parents...who were yweight champion pleadingly willing her on. “I feel so happy, this was for all Ecatepec. I of the world: promised my people they would have a new World Champion. She was not going to defeat Yessica Chavez me at my Home. If she wants it I will accept to have a rematch fight, even at her home in Monterrey," commented a jubilant Kika, after being presented with the wonderful green and gold WBC Belt. Matthysse was on her bicycle and back- peddled with fleet throughout, but would spring forward and there were frequent clashes of heads. She also spent more time tying Mrdjenovic up in clinches and punching at short range. Mrdjenovic appeared to land the cleaner text book punches. but Matthysse did have her moments. There were some furious exchanges late in the fight which repeatedly had the crowd on its feet.

After ten rounds were completed, the Judges awarded the fight to the Argentinian by scores of 96-94 – Samuel Conde Lopez (Puerto Rico), Gustavo Padilla (Panama) 98-92, and Stanley Christodoulou (South Africa) 97-93.

In what turned out to be a rough and tumble affair, ’s Edith Soledad Matthysse (14- SOLEDAD 7-1,1 KO) won the WBC female title on Saturday night in Caseros, Buenos MATTHYSSE Aires with a ten round unanimous decision victory over Canada’s Jelena Mrdjenovic (35-9- IS THE NEW WBC 1, 19 Kos). FEATHERWEIGHT Matthysse, trained by her brother Lucas, came out with fury in the opening round but was CHAMPION quickly shut down by Mrdjenovic’s high guard and stern jab. The Canadian used her superior skills to back the Argentinian up and came forward for the duration of the bout utilizing her authoritative lead left. LEO SANTA CRUZ CONQUERED THE WBC DIAMOND BELT By Francisco Posada Toledo

At the of , Leo “Terremoto“ standing ovation!!! Santa Cruz conserved his undefeated record and Who could have conquered the prestigious World Boxing Council ever thought it Diamond Belt, but it took a momumental career best would go the effort to hold back a riptide and defeat an intrepid, distance...but it ferocious brave as a lion Abner Mares, in a ring war, did. Bile spent and which is a firm candidate for Fight of the Year! fury sated, Leo calmly goes over Whenever two Mexican warriors clash... fever pitch to Abner's corner, expectation, mustard keen red hot anticipation and both somehow electric tension, are chile pepper elements and this one find the strength was no exception! Yet...it's sheer intensity proved the from some exception! reserves of depleted energy An accidental clash of heads in round three, gashes resevoirs to hug, Abner's right brow, but his corner managed to factor this grinning almost in, staunching the bleeding, so it didn't significantly shyly at the hamper him for the rest of an incredible fight. greatness it took two of them to The crowd roar and rise as one in the final rounds as make, as the both tremendous fighters briefly embrace and then atmosphere still straight back to war. Each tosses caution to the wind crackles with the and slugs toe toe for a seeming eternity.... which must lingering whiff of have lasted thirty pulsating seconds in the final cordite? coutdown, in truly amazing and electric action, willing on tired, aching muscles for an absolute grandstand finale. The judges´scorecards are: 117-111, 114-114 and 115-113, What an utterly amazing fight topped off by a so Leo wins a majority decision and conquers the WBC thunderous, prolonged and thoroughly deserved Diamond Belt. VARGAS TKO'S MIURA AN ABSOLUTE WAR!

Mexican Francisco "Bandido" Vargas got up off the canvasss and went on to conquerer the World Boxing Council championship, defeating Japan's by TKO in the ninth at the Mandalay Bay Hotel of Las Vegas, Nevada...and what a war it was!

It could have all eneded in the first round as Vargas wobbled Miura with a mighty right hand. Staggered, groggy and badly hurt, Miura showed his class by toughing it out to survive, yet he was lucky the powerdriver struck not that long before the sweet timbre of the bell clanged.

That brutal first stanza had also left its lunar landscape mark on Vargas, with a cut just below his right cheekbone, which widened to a crescent shaped divot, that would have shocked officials at the Royal and Ancient, St Andrews!

Miura tore into Vargas dropping him hard with a huge left hook in the fourth. Vargas, who also collected a cut above his right eyebrow and that eye was starting to close, was under the cosh! Vargas survived a torried eighth. He was upright, uptight and coiled, trying to box, while Miura was crablike and going to the body with success. Battered Vargas, who's known for his grit and resolve, needed a miracle, and he pounced at the start of the ninth to créate one. A wicked combination starting with a huge left uppercut, concluding with a straight right, dropped Miura like a sack of coal.

Miura somehow clambered up, but his legs were gone. All the hugging and clinching in the world were not enough to shake off the effects of the punishment, and when a massive straight right exploded on his jaw, Referee Tony Weeks, instantly moved in to save him, at one minute and thirty one seconds.

No complaints from Miura, who was under shellfire. An absolutely outstanding, outlasting lion hearted victory by Vargas, who's gone "Won" better than five Mexicans before him. Miura who was relatively unmarked in defeat, apart from rosy cheeks, is already hankering after a rematch.

With this result "Bandido" stole the night's limelight to become the new WBC world champion improving his undefeated record to 23-0-1, with 17KO´s, while Miura is 29-3-2, with 22 KO´s. A classic of controlled ferocity! CANELO, THE NEW WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

In what was a great, fascinating and absorbing fight, Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez became the new WBC middleweight champion defeating Puerto Rican Miguel Angel Cotto by UD, in the main event of a card presented by Golden Boy Promotions along with Roc Nation at the Mandalay Bay Hotel of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Heavier, high impact punching from Canelo won him the fight with scores of 118-110, 119-109 and 117-111.

Canelo used his eight centimeter reach advantage to good effect cutting down the distance. His head movement and left jab are noticeably improved, and his body punching, particularly the left hook, as well as his youth and strength were important factors.

Cotto who was magnificently conditioned, displayed superb defence and defiance, utilizing his left jab to effect, backed up with some rapid fire combinations, yet although stinging, they didn't carry the same pep as Canelo's bludgening crackers.

Canelo started the eighth with a huge left uppercut followed by an even harder straight right, which merely provoked Cotto to return fire toe to toe, with some blistering combinations snapping back Saul's head. Canelo was noticeably tiring from the ninth onwards, while Cotto was still up on his toes and outboxing him in spurts. A big eleventh for Canelo who landed a searing right hook to the ribs and then a hard left uppercut, followed by a left right combintion to the head. Cotto effectively used lateral movement to insure Canelo couldn't follow up, and still appeared as fresh as a Daisy.

Both went for it, thowing bunches of punches and caution to the wind in the twelfth and final round. The heavier punches coming from Canelo, who cut Cotto's left eye, with about two minutes left on the clock After an embrace of mututal respect for a true warrior, Canelo then said: “I landed the best punches. I was sure I was winning the fight. The harder blows came from me. I respect Cotto. He is great champ, but this is my era. It's “Canelo Time!"

After the unanimous decision was By the seventh, Floyd was opening Floyd insists this was announced, following his dominating up. A laser guided straight right hand his final fight. performance against a game and very snapped back Andre's head and a Hopefully he can brave , Floyd Mayweather bigger left hook wobbled him, and onpass his multi got down on his knees, looked up to more of the same in the eighth. Andre exceptional skills to a Heavens and had a private moment of was having some success with left new generation of joy, concluding nineteen years and leads, but he kept winding up his right oncoming fighters. forty nine fights undefeated, hand, so ever adept and watchful culminating in World Boxing Council Floyd was able to block and slip this Titles in five different categories. too obvious and basic robotic ploy. In the tenth the needling back chat, After he'd arisen, WBC President reached an unacceptable irritation Mauricio Sulaiman congratulated level, so Referee Kenny Bayless halted Floyd, and strapped on the famous the action and spoke to them, ordering Green and Gold Belt over his shoulder, both to cut it out! Thoroughly in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as admonished, they grinned and patted the crowd of 13,000 cheered a each other, and as business resumed masterful performance from The Floyd slammed a big left into the side Maestro, who brilliantly displayed the of Andre's head, who duly replied with art he's perfected of hitting, but largely a decent right of his own. avoiding being hit. Floyd moved up a gear in the eleventh During the first two rounds, Andre with a perfect left right combination, Berto (30-4, 23KO's) held his gloves Andre tried to return fire, but Floyd was high and learned first hand, just how weaving, ducking and moving, difficult it is to land punches on a culminating with an Ali shuffle. Oh techninal genius, who also carries the boy...pretty frustrating for an opponent sting of 26 KO victories. who was fighting his heart out, but was often clobbering thin air with all his Floyd decided it was time to launch an might! attack in the third and a single shot big right hurt Andre, who tried to relatiate In the twelfth and final round, Floyd with a wild attack. There was a bounced off the ropes with a massive FLOYD'S FINAL HURRAH collective gasp as Floyd went down, right uppercut which landed on the but it was a slip. In the next round button to stagger Andre, and more Andre again attacked and partically rights followed. for the first time in the landed a left right to the head. But fight Andre appeared to be in real coming in as he did and as he was trouble, but Floyd decided to showboat obliged to, made him vulnerable to the for the last seconds. best counter puncher in the business, and he was badly stung by a lightning In lopsided victory, Floyd tied the whiplash left, which seemed to emerge unbeaten 49-0 record of Rocky from Scotch mist. Marciano, tying Andre Berto in knots, during what he insisted will be his last The fifth saw a lot of mauling and a fight. The scorecards which were were look of affronted astonishment laced 117-111, 118-110, 120-108, reflected with a liberal wince of pain, as Floyd the gulf of masterly technical recoiled from a low blow from Andre, superiority. Although at thirty eight who was briefly chided by Referee Floyd is six years older than Andre, Kenny Bayless. Andre's richly who celebrated his birthday last deserved reward was a big counter Monday, he finished a lot fresher. left, which landed flush on his Andre had used up an awful lot of perspiring head. Andre himself was energy chasing quick silver Floyd still finding Floyd a rather elusive around and around, round after round target. to get countered cuffed, stung and occasionally stunned. WBC CARES IN KUNMING, CHINA

WBC Cares Chairperson Jill Diamond next time they see something going on went to the school. took a group of WBC champions and in the world or see something happen We felt welcomed, we other convention attendees on a visit to in another country, they can say, 'I felt loved, and a Kunming school yesterday. At this knew someone from New York, I knew hopefully we left them morning's general assembly meeting, someone from Mexico, and they with a great Jill said, "We had a most beautiful visit seemed like very nice people.' So it's impression of who the yesterday. First, I want to thank the really, really important that we see World Boxing Council champions that went with us – Raja what kind of ambassadors we are. is, and who we are as Amasheh, Badou Jack, Leo Santa "I thank José Sulaiman, and now people.” Cruz – but mostly the members, who Mauricio Sulaiman, for continuing this were treated like stars. program. We want to make it bigger, The WBC Cares has we want to make it real, so anyone participated in more "What was so wonderful about this visit who is seriously interested in being than 200 events all – we've been to hospitals and to youth part of the WBC Cares group, give me around the World. centers, and many of these children your email or come to me before we will never meet another person from leave this convention. Germany, or Mexico, or Poland, or the United States, and we really are the "These pictures just show the tip of the ambassadors of our countries. So the beauty of what happened when we

THE WORLD BOXING COUNCIL'S 53rd ANNUAL CONVENTION WAS A GREAT SUCCESS By John Brister By Victor Cota up and he was in the operating room. There champions. Any boxer is The World Boxing Council's 53rd annual was a fighter's mother who needed cancer a role model for kids, for convention closed on November 5 at the treatment, and there are many, many other society, and we are going InterContinental Hotel. 750 members of the examples every single week that Dr. Ahved to address domestic world boxing community were in attendance helps somebody. Any boxer, anyone who is violence, we're going to – 550 who traveled from abroad and 200 from the boxing community, he helps. a d d r e s s s o c i a l from China. responsibility, and we "The Clean Boxing Program will be one of have many different WBC President Mauricio Suliaman opened our top priorities. It's going to take time, but programs we're going to the morning's general assembly meeting by we're working on it and it's something that show that we all can saying: "I am very proud of the champions participate, because we that have come here and shared this week believe that for the major with us. They're family men, kind, and we've concerns for the world, seen how they are this week with their boxing can be a major beautiful wives – Badou Jack, Leo Santa way of getting away from Cruz, Viktor Postol, – the bullying and all that and our female champion, Raja Amasheh. I happens in society. would not like to miss any names, but simply, boxers who are with the WBC are "We're going to talk our pride. I'm very proud of you, Badou, and about the World Amateur very proud of all of you who have been with Boxing Program. We us this week. We hope that you carry back know there are major the understanding of what the WBC is, what concerns with what is we're made of, what kind of family we are. happening with AIBA. You go out and represent the WBC in every single day that you go through life. That's one of my major, major satisfactions – to the WBC holds in great regard. I know that have witnessed the beauty of our current the British Boxing Board of Control have an boxers, the way they are in their life. out of competition system, and this is something that complements the British "To have given Floyd Mayweather the Boxing Board of Control, because in our Lifetime Achievement Award and the official meeting, I was surprised at the so many farewell to a great career was also a things that federation does throughout the highlight for us because Floyd, without a year in complete silence. They should let the doubt, has been one of the most loyal and world know what their federation does, closest fighters to the WBC, and to all of us, because they get involved in mental health, in his 17 years as champion. they do charity, they do drug testing, they do medical seminars. They are an exemplary "The Man of the Year Award to Dr. Armando federation, and we are going to try to get Ahued was special, as well. Just as an other federations with the WBC more example – every single week, at least two involved with the British Boxing Board of times I've got to call him to ask for urgent Control. There was a meeting with the attention for somebody. A member of the this morning that press in Mexico was walking on the street was sensational – this has been a very and he was beaten up so bad that he had a special convention. fractured skull. He was at risk of losing an eye, and they performed an urgent surgery. "The Code of Ethics for the boxers is going The emergency surgery was very to be something that we also appreciate – expensive, and they had no means. Within the kind of work that the WBC has to do for one hour, and ambulance was picking him the boxing world, and not only for the "Also, the amount of promoters who have intention is to have a program where the promotions system in the represented their companies at this boxer can save money and generate big United States, and have convention has been a tremendous interest without any risk, and that money will come up with guidelines surprise, with the knowledge that we are not be available to them until five years after to keep supporting PBC, having a complete, true meeting of the they have retired. There is a cycle where the a s w e s u p p o r t a n y World Boxing Council because many boxer makes a lot of money. When he stops promoters if it is for the promoters from around the world are here making money, he continues spending the good of boxing. with us. same amount for a time – with an entourage, "And Marina "The WBC Challenger – the show is an Sheppard with unbelievable concept that's going to change BoxRec and many things and rekindle opportunities for Dean Lohuis will boxing to be present in more stages. continue to do their work. The "The WBC Female Convention we're going Mismatch to have next month in Tijuana from January Prevention 27th through the 30th is going to be great. System will be We're going to have Raja Amasheh defend one of our top her title, and many other great surprises at priorities within the convention. our affiliated federations and "As you know, we voted to modify the purse with our affiliated bid rules, and now 10 percent of the bid will championship go to the winner of the fight. That will give an committees, and incentive to the fighter, not just a set purse. to go down to the That, of course, is only for mandated bouts national that go to purse bid, but hopefully that model commissions can be taken by promoters for the winners of and national other fights. Boxing is one of the very few championships, sports that do not have incentives for the the cars, the happy life, girls, drinks. By the because the mismatch, winner. time they realize they're not making money, without a doubt, is one of they had spent all their money and they will t h e w o r s t , m o s t "We reached an agreement with Carlos never make any more money. That's when dangerous happenings Briman of Mexico. He is the owner of a they suffer that tremendous depression and in our sport." money they financial system named 'Value,' and he is a end up broke, so they come back to fight, make now has to last multi-millionaire who is an expert in the they put their health at risk. We need to have them the rest of their financial world. He has been working to put a some avenues for boxers to find a way that lives. program together that will be available for they can save their money, because the "We any boxer for voluntary savings. Our addressed the PBC, which is a boxing gave a report on the •A video WBC's new Los Angeles report was office. shown on the Jose • A v i d e o w a s Sulaiman shown on the "WBC Best Race held of the Year Awards" last year in voting process, which is Mexico City, a v a i l a b l e t o a l l o n which had WBCBoxing.com. 6,500 participants and donated funds to the Autism Foundation. Plans are a l r e a d y Numerous reports on a wide range of underway for next year's race. subjects were given by committee chairmen throughout the week, some of which will be • There was a video presentation detailed in the coming weeks. about the Jose Sulaiman Fund, which raised $1 million in an auction with Hublot Watches. WBC Medical Advisory Board Chairman Dr. President Sulaiman added, "We have a Paul Wallace of the U.S. gave a report on policy that every fighter who is injured is several of the most important medical automatically entered into the fund." a s p e c t s f o r b o x e r s t h a t i n c l u d e d dehydration and rehydration, mouthpieces, • W B C A n t i - D o p i n g C o n t r o l ringside physicians, continous boxing Supervisor Luis Escalona of the U.S. gave a education for every federation, WBC report on the Clean Boxing Program, which minimum medical standards, women's the WBC will begin in conjunction with VADA boxing equipment, medical clearance of the early next year. older boxer, and head butts. He also said, "The 1st and 2nd WBC Medical Congresses • WBC Ring Officials Chairman were the best in the history of the planet," Hubert Minn of the U.S. reported on the and proposed that a 3rd WBC Medical seminars held for judges, and Bruce Congress be held in 2016. The Board of McTavish of the Philippines reported on the Governors unanimously approved, and the referees' seminar. planning will start immediately. • Deputy Director of the Illinois WBC Technical Director Bob Yalen of the commission Joel Campuzano of the U.S. U.S. reported on the Gloves Certification gave a report on the Program and hand wraps. program.

• WBC Female Championships • W B C G o v e r n m e n t A f f a i r s Chairman Malte Muller-Michaelis of Representative Ray Mancera of the U.S. Germany reported on the status of female reported on the program seeking a pardon boxing: the WBC has 16 world champions for former champion Jack from 10 different countries, and will have Johnson, "Pardon Jack." had 50 championship fights by the end of the year. • Office manager Nancy Rodriguez Champions in attendance at the convention included (in alphabe- tical order) : Julio Cesar Chavez, , Gennady Golovkin, Rafael Herrera, , Evander Holyfield, Badou Jack, Ilunga Makabu, Erik Morales, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, , Viktor Postol, Leo Santa Cruz, , Carlos Zarate, and Xiong Zhao Zhong. "I am extremely proud of what the WBC 'What we do in life goes Promoters and fighters' representatives in represents. I am extremely proud and for an eternity.' And I am attendance at the convention included (in thankful of what every single person that sure that what we have alphabetical order) Ulrich Bitner, Dejuan belongs to the WBC does throughout the done this week and what Blake, Christian Cherchi, Greg Cohen, year. We cherish and appreciate all the time, w e w i l l a c c o m p l i s h Nicole Duva, Andrey Dyachev, Warren all the effort, all the attention that each one of throughout 2016 and Evison, , Johnny Elorde, Liza you take away from your personal life and years to come, will mark Elorde, Viktoria Fedorova, Philippe Fondu, your family life to support and to bring in a way – even if it's a Liu Gang, Sean Gibbons, Jose Gomez, service to our sport. very small way – the Harry Gorian, Ryata Kato, Joe Koizumi, history of our passing Reiya Konishi, Irene Kostenko, Jun Kubo, "I am extremely grateful to Lui Tao, General through life. Oleg Ladik, Rouss Laguna, Sampson Kovid Bhaktibhumi, and Patrick Cusick for Lewkowicz, Tom Loeffler, Don Majeski, making China a reality for this convention, "So I thank you all very Yvon Michel, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, and to the InterContinental Hotel and its much for coming, for Malte Muller-Michaelis, Art Monis, Aziz manager, Patrick Houghton, who have been participating, for being so Munir, Ahmed Oner, Shamir Petrosyan, unbelievably caring to satisfy the needs of special, and having the Titipong Pisitwuttinan, Ricardo Rizzo, Ron everybody. WBC as a beautiful Rizzo, Joseph Rotonda, Brico Santis, Nisse family.” Sauerland, Valerii Shumak, Naris "We are officially closing the WBC annual Singwancha, Shingo Suzuki, Gevorg convention in this meeting, and I will make The WBC's 54th annual Tatebosyan, Sergey Tatebosyan, Zika sure we put together a working plan for 2016 convention will be held in U n i s o v a , R o m a n Va l e s i u k , R i u y a to be shared with everybody, and we all, M i a m i , F l o r i d a , i n Yamanaka, and Oscar Zardain. together as a team, will work toward making November, 2016. it a reality. President Sulaiman officially closed the convention by saying, "Very unfortunately, "I started the convention with a quote by what begins has to end. The 2015 Maximus, who was a gladiator, which said, convention is coming to a close, but not without the great satisfaction of all of us bringing in our hearts unforgettable memories and feelings. I have been very moved throughout the week seeing all of our dear friends and all of our dear members come together and work together to continue to make boxing safer for the fighters and to make boxing better.

KnowingKnowing aa Deontay ChampionChampion Wilder

After conquering the world title defeating He is a fighter with a great , on January 17th at the MGM debuting as pro on November 15th, 2008 Grand of Las Vegas, Nevada, Deontay Wilder defeating Ethan Cox by KO in the second round. stands as a proud champion of the most The current WBC heavyweight king has a record prestigious boxing organization, the WBC. of 34 victories with 33 KO´s. And NO defeats!

The fighter from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, got into boxing by accident after his daughter was born. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Wilder conquered the bronze medal in the heavyweight division. It was the only medal that the US delegation won in this discipline.

1.- When was the first time you put the boxing 7.- How can you describe yourself inside the 14.- How boxing has gloves on? ring? change your life? The first time I put boxing world on was back in I'm a straight out monster in the ring but a very Boxing have changed my 2007 after my daughter was born intelligent, smart and patient monster. I wait for life so much, I'm able to it! Wait for it! Then Boooom Goodnight!! support my family 2.- What are your goals in the sport? unbelievably, I go where I My main goal in the sport is to become the 8.- What kind of music do you like? please and can buy what undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the I like all kinds of music, really if it sounds good me or my kids want but all world I'll listen to it glory belongs to God, without him none of this 3.- Name 5 of your favorite boxers 9.- Your favorite meal is… would be possible. , Evander Holyfield, Muhammad Ali, Pizza , Tommy Hearns 15. - What does it means 10.- If you wouldn’t be a boxer, what would you to you having conquered 4.- Do you have a ritual or a good luck charm liked to be? the Green and Gold belt? that you use before getting into the ring? Either a football or basketball player Having the WBC Belt The only ritual I can say I do before each fight means a lot to me. I is pray. I have an individual prayer in which I 11.- Do you were afraid of something during represent it very well. I can pray for myself as well as my opponent and I your childhood? say my name is with all the have a team prayer. I hate snakes other greats that have had this belt so I go in the 5.- Which is your favorite punch? 12.- Do you have any hobbies? history book for Eternity Left hook Right Hand I love motorcycle and tattoos .

6.- Against who you would like to fight? 13.- Favorite color… Red MUHAMMAD ALI HONORED AT FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE

Muhammad Ali has been honored in his home town of Louisville, for the epic and Ali who briefly fainted in the stifling heat, titanic third and final encounter with later said he was on the point of quitting ferocious 'Smokin ,' dubbed himself, describing the ordeal as a near The Thrilla in Manila. death experience.

At the latest honor offered to the three The Great champion, aged 73, was at times heavyweight Champion, he was the main table along with his wife, proclaimed as “The best of all time." Lonnie. Behind him there were a series Former heavyweight Champions Larry of iconic photos of his life and times. Holmes and , two His attendance represents his annual amazing rivals and firm friends came to visits to his home State of Kentucky. pay respects and honor The Greatest. Friends, Colleagues and several Ali had a lot of important dignitaries also attended the ceremony moments inside and marking the 40th anniversary of the outside the ring during great fight between Ali and Frazier in the his career, including Philippines. An epic battle that lasted 14 conquering an Olympic rounds and that was named “Thrilla in gold medal, as well as Manila”. struggling against social, sports and humanitarian Ali obtained his second victory over injustices. Now the circle Frazier when the former world champion closes as he's come back was kept in his corner by his trainer home for this special event. Eddie Futch. A terrible disappointment to Joe, who'd given everything, but also a wise decision as both of his eyes were almost swelled shut.

. AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman was presented with The Keys to the city of Miami by its MAURICIO SULAIMAN IS Mayor Tomas Regalado, in a brilliant ceremony at City Hall. PRESENTED WITH THE KEYS

Mayor Regalado started this act TO THE CITY OF MIAMI remembering that in the self same place back on August 20th 2013, he had the privilege of honoring the “Father of Boxing” Don José Sulaimán. This time he had the honor of presenting the Keys to the City to Jose´s Son Maurcio Sulaiman, for his outstanding support encompassing boxing.

“It is an extraordinary privilege for me receiving this great distinction. I have mixed emotions. As Mayor Reglado mentioned, my Desr Father was once here in this place receiving this same honor.

“ I am deeply thankful and grateful to Mayor Tomas Regalado and as the son of Jose Sulaiman I am committed to keep working for benefit of our beloved sport.” Said Mauricio.

Major Regalado Also stressed his desire for Miami to again thrive as a hub of boxing, as was the case some years ago. He even offered his full support for the WBC to celebrate its 2017 Convention of 2017 in beautiful Miami.

Mauricio was accompanied by his son José Sulaiman, ESPN analyst, Fernando Barbosa, Mexican promoter, Pepe Gómez, Bismark Morales, who's a member of the WBC ranking committee, President of the Tijuana Boxing commission, Juan Carlos Pelayo, artistic promoter, Cristian Bedoya, and other personalities. PRESIDENT DANIEL ORTEGA: A GREAT SUPPORTER OF NICARAGUAN BOXING

On his trip to , World Boxing TV broadcasts one of those events the controversial Council President Mauricio Sulaiman and the viewer figures clearly indicate charismatic and Saldivar, learned much more about the the considerable interest plus affection exceptional, Ricardo commitment of Nicaraguan President, that that Nicaraguan people have for Mayorga as well as Daniel Ortega Saavedra in developing boxing. Boxing arenas are also packed the WBC undefeated boxing. with enthusiasts. flyweight king, Román “Chocolatito”Gonzalez A thousand young people weekly, are Boxing and baseball, are the . dedicating their efforts to amateur perpetually popular sports throughout boxing and the results of intense, Nicaragua. Fans have always strategy driven training sessions are applauded and followed step by step being seen each and every time they the brilliant careers of boxing legends compete in the ring. none better than "The explosive thin man” Alexis Argüello, three times world Boxing has become so popular in Champion. Nicaragua that virtually every week there are three or four amateur boxing Then there's Rugged Rosendo Alvarez, cards. who shared two tremendous fights with Mexico's Ricardo "Finito" Lopez. And World Boxing Council WBC PRESIDENT President Mauricio Sulaiman threw the MAURICIO SULAIMAN first pitch prior to the game between Miami PITCHES IN Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals at the Marlins Park in Miami.

This ceremony is a baseball tradition in the US, where guests of honor and distinguished sports folk, have the opportunity of throwing the first pitch of the game, to get the ball rolling.

WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar in the none too distant past used to practice baseball at least twice per week.

His Coach was THE BEST- our Beloved Don Jose Sulaiman, who was the Manager of the team “Vagabunods” in the Lindavista baseball league. So Mauricio developed a powerful pitching arm.

So, when the baseball was back in the palm of his hand, great memories came right back, and he was able to perform a star turn up to honor this wonderful sport. THE GREAT ALEXIS ARGÜELLO REMEMBERED IN NICARAGUA In Managua City Hall, former and In 1978 he current world Champions United to conquered the WBC offer a heartfelt homage to Alexis super featherweight Argüello, six years after his death. championship Former world Champions from Mexico defeating Alfredo Humberto ‘Chiquita’ Gonzalez, Carlos Escalera, in Zarate, and current Bayamon, Puerto WBC super flyweight champion, Carlos Rico, in the thirteenth Cuadras, attended accompanied by round. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. We remember, cherish and honor an You were a true all time Great. Alexis was three times legend dear Alexis, world Champion. He was Ring King at and we will always featherweight, super featherweight and remember you, lightweight. recognizing your greatness both as a His impressive style, accuracy, grace man and as a boxer. and efficiency in the ring, made him a superstar. And he developed most of Alexis Argüello ( April his career in the US. 19, 1952- July 1, 2009) Alexis Argüello is the most important sportsman in Nicaragua’s history, and an icon in Latin America. He built a record of 82 victories, 65 KO´s and 8 loses. WAYNE MCCULLOUGH DAY The Nevada state has designated July Few people gave him any possibility, Larios and Scott 30th as “Wayne McCullough´s day but that night Wayne proved to have a Harrison. ”commemorating the 20th anniversary great determination, skill and fighting of Wayne conquering the WBC world spirit. championship. McCullough had an amateur career of “ I am honored and also because this more than 300 bouts, more than 100 happened at the city which has ko´s and only 10 loses; he also adopted me. I'm proud to be conquered a Silver belt at the Olympic recognized for conquering the green games of Barcelona 1992. and gold belt. I want to thank WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, for During his professional career he built presenting me with this recognition," a record of 27 victories with 18 Kos McCullough commented. and 7 loses. Wayne was never knocked out and he fought against the On July 30th, 1995, Wayne conquered cream of the crop including: Johnny the WBC bantamweight crown Bredahl, José Luis Bueno, Víctor defeating Japanese Yasuei Yakushiji, Rabanales, , Erik in , Japan. Morales, , Oscar CARLOS ZARATE PRESENTS HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY "EXITO Y NOCAUT” Success and KO “ is the much awaited thread of a Champion's and eagerly anticipated autobiography sheer determination to that former WBC bantamweight overcome all the odds Champion, Carlos Zarate, wrote about to triumphantly fight his KO studded ring career and the back. And this is some- titanic fight he won to defeat thing Carlos wants to alcoholism and addictions. share with his many fans as well as all peo- The man with a winning smile and a ple. gentle manner outside ring hours, was an all time great when it came down to “Writing this book, has the business of fighting. Ranked all been cathartic for me. time number one bantamweight It made me shiver but alongside Reuben Olivares by Ring also it helped me remember the most thank all of his Family Magazine, Carlos' dynamite mighty beautiful moments of my life aside and his Wife Nellie for punching career spanned 70 fights, 66 from my family but also through my helping him win the wins- 63 of them via KO and just four beloved sport. most important fight of defeats! his life. “I so am happy for the results, and I This project started some years back, realy left my heart here in every single when Carlos suffered a heart, was page. I had the great desire to let you ordered to bed, had some plenty of know and understand my history and time to think and contemplate and this to help those who are in the horrible helped him to start this dream grip of addictions.” There has been triumph and the nadir or near despair, but also the golden The great Champion who took time to CELEBRATION OF A CHAMPION superstar Salvador Sanchez with It was a tribute and honor, style and pernache. salute to Salvador's everlasting memory, The beautiful Santa Maria Del Buen as an all time great Suceso Church, was packed by WBC featherweight Salvador's family and friends. It was a Champion and a huge turnout. A mariachi band played sports icon. But also some jaunty and happy tunes there, brilliant ray of hope accompanying a constantly growing and progress towards procession, to the nearby pine trees a bright future for lined cemetery leading to Sal's grave, young boxers. where heartfelt tributes were offered, and wreaths as well as garlands of A wonderful day which bright colored flowers festooned. brought great pride to Salvador's Mother Then on to the Civic Center where Maria Luisa Narvaez Santiago Tianguistenco in the State of Salvador's Family provided lunch for a De Sanchez. How Mexico, commemorated the thirty third multitude. And promising youngsters She, the Family and anniversary of the death of boxing competed in nine boxing finals. this town love him!