WBC News

The homage paid to World Boxing Council President Doctor Jose Sulaiman Chagnon by the Maronite Diocese of Mexico yesterday had a strong impact on Mexican society.

The event was held at the Lebanese Center of Mexico City, where Archbishop Georges Saad Abi Younes presented Dr. Sulaimán with the Honorary Decoration of Knight of Saint Gregory the Great in a solemn ceremony. Dr.Sulaimán, visibly moved, addressed the people in attendance, among whom were celebrities of the highest profile.

Standing out were Engineer Carlos Slim Helu, a Mexican entrepreneur who is known worldwide; also the Minister of Protection and Highway Administration of Mexico City, Doctor Manuel Mondragon y Kalb, as well as other public figures who sat at the main table. Others sat with the general audience, and applauded Dr. Sulaimán’s speech and heartily congratulated him.

Engineer Carlos Slim and Dr. Jose Sulaimán

After receiving the award, Dr.Sulaimán shaped a vibrant speech which was interrupted several times by applause of the several hundred in attendance.

Engineer Carlos Slim, Dr. Mondragon y Kalb, and Dr. Jose Sulaimán

This was another night of triumph, among many others, for Dr. Sulaiman, a celebrity who has led world boxing for the 35 years since he was elected WBC President in Tunisia on December 5, 1975.

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Two more great champions have confirmed their attendance at the WBC Convention in Cancun –

WBC super lightweight world champion Devon Alexander and former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield.

Other world champions who have confirmed their attendance include: Miguel Cotto, Fernando Montiel, Omar Niño, Humberto Soto, Ana Maria Torres, Naomi Togashi, Edgar Sosa, Erik Morales, Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, Jeff Fenech, Iran Barkley, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, Hector “Macho” Camacho, and Giacobbe Fragomeni, as well as WBC Silver Champions Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.