Editorial Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman

Index Future fights

Posthumous Sports National Award in Honor of Don Jose Sulaiman vs Artur Szpilka Raja Amasheh won in Tijuana Danny García vs Robert Guerrero Catherine Phiri new champion

Don Rafael García a prodigious ""

Race of Champions

Mass in Honor of Don Jose Sulaiman Chagnon

CREED red carpet Female Convention in Tijuana Lonnie Ali Best of female 2015 WBC Cares in Tijuana Saul "Canelo" Alvarez Diamond Belt Presentation.

Directory: The future is bright, the future is heavy "Alacrán" Torres vs Chionoi “WBC Boxing World” is the official magazine of the . . When does the third judge appeared? Executive Director Mauricio Sulaimán. 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 Showing the first place belt for the race and the exclusive wristband for the champions.

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

JOSE SULAIMAN HONORED BY MEXICO'S PRESIDENT ENRIQUE PEñA NIETO

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

THE ICEMAN COMETH! WILDER KO'S SZPILKA

The World Boxing Counci 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 in New York. With a spectacular right hook landing crash, bang wallop on Spilka´s ... It was all over, in true heavyweight one 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. 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 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 96-94. The other had it as 97-93. All for still Silver flyweight Champion "Raging" Raja. GARCIA WINS WBC CROWN

Former super champion Danny Garcia, (32-0, 18 Kos), won the vacant WBC title with a over former four-division champion Robert Guerrero, (33-4-1, 18 KOs). All three judges scored the bout 116-112.

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 in . 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. is the mandatory contender, he is next for Danny Garcia and they must fight by June."

PHIRI WINS WBC TITLE AHEAD ON TWO CARDS

Zambia's Catherine Phiri is the new WBC Realizing she was behind, Rusita upped the female bantamweight champion after a clash of pace and urgency. It wasn't enough. The clash heads prematurely ended the fight with now ex of heads right at the end of the sixth, left Rusita champ Yazmin "Rusita" Rivas. temporarily unsteady, with a rapidly and badly swelling right eye. After four rounds the rangy long armed Zambian was ahead on two of the three cards. Catherine was deducted a point, but won. The Frequent fierce exchanges with both scoring to scores of the technical decision, for Catherine the head. Catherine's frequency was marginally Phiri were: 59-55 and 58-56 for her and 55-55. higher, yet she was the one who was swollen around the eyes. He has helped more than 40 world champions

A STAUNCHING "CUTMAN” Francisco Posada Toledo

When many battles end and the Referee raises the him into a legendary figure in the world of boxing. hand of the winner, few pay attention to the ones in that victor's corner. Among them is the With the support of Dr. Horacio Ramirez Mercado, specialist, Involved in stopping bleeding and he began to develop a special knowledge and protecting cuts- a man better known as "Cutman". expertise viz cuts and his expertise was melded An irreplaceable boxing figure who's been a hero into the teams of Alexis Arguello, Roberto "Hands countless times. of Stone" Duran, Wilfrido Gomez "" , Rafael "Bazooka" Limon, among many many Cutting to the chase, the long and successful path others. of Don Rafael Garcia del Pozo, began in his native Puebla, where he was victim of "bullying." At HIS CAREER WITH “THE BEST POUND FOR school, by three brothers, who had constantly POUND” insulted and beaten him, until one day he met For more than a decade and due to aches and boxing coach Joe Rosetti, who taught him to throw pains suffered by Floyd Mayweather to both some punches, which allowed him to defend hands, Don Rafael received his acclaimed vote of himself and end the harassment as well as abuse. confidence to take care of the most precious "weapons" of the legendary champion. He spend He spent more and more time training in the gym, several years helping him with a mixture of making his debut in the bantamweight division. substances specially prepared, and bandaging his hands before each fight. But also serving him in However, he suffered some cuts To the mouth and the corner, attending the very few cuts that the nose, which bled heavily. So he became interested "Money" suffered throughout the span of his in discovering and developing methods to Deal brilliant career. with those injuries. That very day opened the door to the path that would convert and then transform This was a particularly special chapter of his life, since their relationship went beyond the gym and fight, which would have been a TKO victory for the ring. He was able to get to know the character Miura. of the future Hall of Famer. So.....Vargas received a last chance, upon which "Floyd just made me part of his family. His he dramatically capitalized, ending with the reign of dedication and discipline were the foundations to Miura. This would become another addition to Don reach the pinnacle of the boxing world. I have Rafael Garcia's hall of pride. He is, without doubt, worked with many champions, but I can tell you a legendary Mexican and a tremendous character that there is no one like him. Not only for his talent in the world boxing. and skills inside the ring, but also as a human being. With a big part of his fortune he has "What boxing gave was wonderful. It provided me supported schools and poor families, but he has with the opportunity to learn and work with great never liked or agreed to have this information champions, but also it presented me with the published.” chance as a Mexican, to have worked and contributed towards the success of one of the Don Rafael who recently marked up sixty years greats." dedicated to the sport of fists, working with more than forty world champions.

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 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 FIVE THOUSAND RUNNERS MAKE THIRD “JOSE SULAIMAN” RACE AN OUTSTANDING TRIUMPHNAL.

Roberto Durán

Por James Blears 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 , 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 City. He described the race as an inspiration of the late great Jose Sulaiman and was very impressed by the large numbers of participants. 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 With a backdrop of warm flickering candles, beautiful windows of rich reds, and deep blue hue, soaring displays of red roses, and beaming golden sunflowers, above cold marble floors for the uncomfortably kneeling stood a large photograph of a smiling Don Jose, and devout, the beautiful traditional Basilica of Guadalupe in beside it the WBC green and gold belt, which he so Mexico City, was fittingly the place, where Don Jose's loved to buckle around the waists of his Champions, two famlies stood shoulder to shoulder, side by side, to who he defended no matter what the cost. pay a fond and affectionate tribute on the second anniversary of his passing. In delivering the sermon, Padre Jorge Reyes spoke of the great love the family of boxing will always have for A combined thank you, to this uniquely great and Don Jose, the joy he brought to so many people and unforgetable man, who transformed Boxing, by learning may God grant him tranquility and rest. A choir sang from its past, anchoring its present and insuring its Mozart's Réquiem. It was beautiful, bringing a lump to future. the throad and tears stinging the eyes. But this was never a mourning of his death, but a celebration of his At the forefront was the Sulaman Family led by Widow extraordinary life. Doña Martha. Patient, dignified, gracious, visibly tinged with sadness, but also so very proud of Jose. Sons, Truth be told, Jose Sulaiman Chagnon is never going to Daughters and Grandkids. Reading the final lesson with qualify as a saint. Like all the rest of us, he made clear conviction, Grand Daughter Monica confided he'd mistakes, and goodness gracious me, he could be always encourged her and others to follow their dreams, stubborn. But if you balance that against his vision, but also to fulfil them, poignantly adding...after a pause: inspiration, courage, humanity, generosity, friendship, "He is always with us.” wisdom and that wonderful joyous laugh, you can celebrate such a magnificent life, which encompasses Today's World Boxing Council President Mauricio even more that one hundred and sixty five nations, who Sulaiman, is attending the heavyweight title fight in New are so very proud to be affiliated to the greatest WBC. 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.

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.

Ibeth Zamora

¡ Balboa is back! The iconic character of boxing, returns to big screens in the 7th Francisco Vargas chapter of the epic boxing saga.

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 's son, who is trained by the legendary icon Balboa. The film was directed and scripted by .

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: Juan Manuel Marquez 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, won a Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor, for his absolutely great performace in this superb and memorable movie. 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” “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 CHAMPION -

"It shows a boxer that left everything he has got inside the ring. Something which I did with Miura.” “Rocky was the detonator to follow the FRANCISCO "BANDIDO" VARGAS steps of my brothers into boxing and - WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION - accepting the challenge of becoming a world champion." DANIEL ZARAGOZA - FORMER WORLD CHAMPION - FEMALE BOXING PRIORITIES

Flanked by female world champions, fighters and young earned its status thanks to the show you always offer to boxers WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, highlighted the fans. For all those fights you always star in you to their efforts and sacrifice. become the champions you are."

During the opening ceremony of the 2nd WBC Female Regarding the great attendance at this 2nd edition Convention at the beautiful Grand Hotel in downtown female convention, Mauricio pledged: “We have with us, Tijuana, he described that some of them make the roll great world champions from different countries. And not only As fighters but also as mothers who pull Lonnie Ali the wife of . This is an historic everything together to support their families, providing meeting. We will address important issues, including an extraordinary example to young ladies Who are health, safety and many more measures. We will have starting out in the sport. presentations and different events, securing justice in the sport.” “It is a great convention. We have a fantastic attendance of great female world champions. Female Boxing has BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN THERE'S A GREAT WOMAN.... LONNIE ALI

Lonnie Ali has received a special humanitarian "His birth sign is Capricorn and he's a goat, award at the World Boxing Council's second and he's the greatest of all time. And Women's Convention and says it brings joy as Muhammad's sense of humor is overriding. He well as pride to her and her Husband. used to do magic tricks, he's a prankster, he loves jokes, and if he can pull one on you, he is At the sumptuous setting of the Grand Hotel in the happiest person in the World.” Tijuana, Lonnie explained what the WBC award means to her, and to them: Holding the award proudly, Lonnie quantified it "It means a lot of things. I feel so blessed, but with the words: "This is very, very special really I wouldn't be here standing here today, if coming from the WBC, especially at the it were not for Muhammad. Women's Convention.

"My role in his life, has been one to support “I'm so inspired by it. This just gives me and to be there for him, and you do what you strength to carry on and do the things I've been have to do. You do what you need to do, you do doing, with more rigor, with more conviction, what you you're supposed to do, and somehow more confidence and I think Muhammad is you get these awards for doing it. going to be very proud when he sees it. I know...and just like me, he would have never "Mauricio and his Dad are so sweet. have expected it to be a belt." 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.”

Lonnie also revealed the persistence plus perseverance of Muhammad Ali and his sparkling sense of humor.

With Muhammad Alí in Cancun´s Convention WORKING PLAN FOR WBC WOMEN'S BOXING IN 2016

At the closing session of the World Boxing Council's second A virtual Hall of Fame online, with an aim to create a tangible Convention, at the Grand Hotel in Tijuana, WBC President bricks and mortar museum with a fantastic collection of Mauricio Sulaiman outline the twelve month Plan of Action. memorabilia.

It includes a professional business plan for marketing and all A determination to gain better purses for women boxers who formats, a solid PR campaign and involvement wit social are deserving of so much more. media. To approach television executives and promoters to gee them up about the incredible potential and dividends that A flyweight tournament, as this is currently the division of can be generated and realized from women's boxing. sparkle. While stressing that while the WBC gains a promotional fee, NO woman fighter pays a sanction fee! Mauricio predicted that 2016 is going to be an historic WBC Women's Boxing deserves nothing less. breakthrough year for women's boxing.

MARIANA De MARCO

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

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 Inevitably asked about the GGG collison Canelo emotionally course challenge later this year, Canelo embraced the two men, showed the composure and self assurance w h o ' d m a d e t h i s of a champion, who's fully and justifiably exceptional journey confident of his very own exceptional possible, with more powers, by calmly replying: "I'm a fighter, as triumphs to come. His such I'll fight anyone and everyone...and I'm Promoter Oscar De La ready for him!” Hoya the Supremo of World Boxing Council President Mauricio was also there on the Sulaiman who presented Canelo with the platform. Chepo, Eddy superb Green and Gold belt adorned with a n d O s c a r w e r e diamonds, poineted out he's made history p r e s e n t e d s p e c i a l by becoming the first ever Mexican to win awards in recognition of the WBC super welterweight title and the the very speical part they WBC Crown. And this latest play in Canelo's career. triumph was due to a clear victory, winning "DIAMOND" HARD with strategy and its successful execution, Winning the beautiful after twelve difficult plus testing rounds. WBC Diamond Belt, places Saul "Canelo" CANELO KEEN Mauricio also thanked Ring Telmex- the Alvarez in the exulted brainchild of his Father Don Jose Sulaiman c o m p a n y o f g r e a t s FOR GGG CLASH and Don Carlos Slim, as a cradle of i n c l u d i n g : F l o y d supportive brilliance for the very best Mayweather, Manny fighters Mexico has. P a c q u i a o , S e r g i o Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who's been Martínez and Bernard presented with the glittering WBC Diamond Ring Telmex Chief Arturo Elias Ayub Hopkins. And somewhat belt in Mexico City, for winning the explained: "We are convinced that sports apt that with the color of middleweight championship, has fired a changes society. The more children and orange being to the fore warning shot across the bows of GGG, young people and youth in sport, the better. in this event, the strident saying he's good and ready to swop Young people need idols and role models. stripe theme music punches, any time, any place, anywhere! which introduced Canelo Ring Telmex has so far produced eight world was: "!" The gauntlet challenge with a whiff of vodka champions and six are here with us today! martini, containing a twist of cordite, aptly Sitting by Canelo were Jose "Chepo" occured at the belting ceremony in the Reynoso, who's been his Trainer since he 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. It's 2012 and little has changed for many to challenge him to a unification match, International title fight years all we hear from boxers and fans alike Wilder was more than happy to oblige. Both and more recently over 3 is that "the heavyweight division is dead"! 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 million viewers watched The , as great as they are surrounding their ability to take a big shot 's comeback have a strangle hold over boxing's most and many believe it would be a case of who on free view channel prestigious title with no other fighter coming lands first. Are we seeing a spark in the Dave. There are very few close to toppling the Ukrainian giants. glamour division once again? people who do not know the name Flash forward, the year is now 2016, Vitali When the Klitschko brothers held the titles it with the controversial Klitschko has not fought for four years and was difficult to see how any young star making headlines on Vladimir has just been sensationally out challenger could out box the efficient style of the front and back pages pointed in Germany by a brash young Wladimir or crack Vitali's cast iron jaw. since October. In the upstart from , named However now we see young lions coming d i v i s i o n w h e r e o n e Tyson Fury. 'The Bronze Bomber' Deontay through the ranks such as punch can change it all Wilder holds the WBC crown with a and who must surely fancy t h e y e a r a h e a d i s fearsome 97% percentage and in the chance to tackle the new breed of certainly looking bright! a bizarre twist a relative unknown Charles champions. Suddenly we have an element Follow me on Martin holds a third portion of the of competition...suddenly we have the what @jamiemagicman heavyweight championship. if?!

Following Wilder's latest demolition of game In the UK last month 18,000 people packed challenger Artur Szpilka, Tyson Fury into the 02 Arena, for Anthony stepped into the ring in Brooklyn, New York Joshua's British/Commonwealth and WBC 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 AN willpower making it ferocious yet magnificent.

Everything ended in the round 13, when UNFORGETTABLE Torres was not able to continue due to a very bad cut on the left eyelid. Referee, Arthut Mercante, stopped the bout after receiving WAR BETWEEN medical advice from the Ring Doctor, announcing the winner and still Champion.

Mercante and all time great in his Third Man “ALACRAN” capacity, aptly described the bout, as: “ A fantastic fight” TORRES AND CHIONOI 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 THE WBC 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 THIRD 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 JUDGE 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 RULE organizations.