As the month of May dedicated to Mental Health Awareness, the World Boxing Council and its social responsibility platform, WBC Cares, reaffirm their commitment to global emotional well-being. In a context where addiction and suicide rates continue to rise, our mission is to remind everyone that they are not alone and that sport can be a vital ally in the internal struggle
The National Boxing Hall of Fame proudly hosted a sold-out Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony at the Quiet Cannon Crystal Ballroom, delivering an unforgettable night that celebrated the legends, champions, and contributors who have shaped the sport of boxing.
Boxing in “Hoosierland” proved that the sport is not only alive but flourishing with more heart than ever. Created and orchestrated by the vision of Craig Houk, with the incomparable Pete Rivera serving as host and MC, the latest Indiana Hall of Fame induction was truly a champion’s event from start to finish.
Majestic.Naoya Inoue defeated Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome in one of the most keenly and eagerly anticipated and awaited fights of the year.
Takuma Inoue successfully defended his WBC bantamweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Kazuto Ioka at the Tokyo Dome in a high-level technical contest.
Red flags, as David Benavidez ruthlessly defeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez by technical knockout in the sixth round. From the opening bell, Benavidez set the tone with and more significantly the pace, with his volley punch volume and stilleto accuracy, landing clusters of combinations to the body and head, that systematically, categorically and fundamentally busted up and wore Ramírez down. The constant, unremitting pressure from the “Mexican Monster” resulted two knockdowns and the stoppage.
Óscar Duarte earned an important victory over Ángel Fierro in a high-paced, action-packed fight punctuated by constant exchanges. The bout was defined by early offensive pressure, with Fierro looking to close the distance, while Duarte responded with more precise and impactful shots. As the rounds progressed, Duarte found his rhythm, creating openings and landing with greater clatter.
We have lost a Dean, an Ambassador and an authentic voice of Boxing, with the passing of Eduardo “Lama” Lamazon, admired in his homeland of Argentina and beloved throughout his adopted home of Mexico. Eduardo was Executive Secretary of the World Boxing Council for twenty-four years, spanning 1979 to 2003. He knew his way round and could ably navigate Mexican, Argentine, US, European and world boxing. He knew the ropes.
The event was led by Mayor Giovanni Gutiérrez, who was recognized for his tireless work in promoting sports and restoring the social fabric through boxing. During the session, the management of Mayor Gutiérrez was highlighted, as he has prioritized the rehabilitation and re-establishment of sporting spaces that were previously abandoned.
Tijuana Presents the “José Sulaimán Race”: A Tribute to the Legacy of Boxing and its Champions On May 30th, a date etched in the heart of pugilism, Tijuana will host the first José Sulaimán Race. This event, organized by Monroy González, was created to pay tribute to the memory of the historic WBC President on the anniversary of his birth and to celebrate the greatness of boxing in one of its most emblematic locations.
Before the specialized press and the boxing family, Josejas—who uses boxing not just as a combat sport, but as a vehicle for healing and empowerment for new generations—announced the winners of the “Letter to My Champion” contest.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, along with Coyoacán Mayor Giovanni Gutiérrez, presented a trophy and a commemorative plaque to Pérez Huerta, recognizing an impeccable career dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of fighters.
Adaptive boxing is steadily gaining global recognition as a discipline that combines elite sport with social integration. In this context, Ukraine recently became a key destination for the international humanitarian mission of the WBC Adaptive Boxing team from the United Kingdom, marking the first time this initiative has been introduced in the country.
In a historic ceremony exalting the dedication and success of Guatemalan sport, the Congress of the Republic honored champions Lester Martínez and Joshua Antón, recognizing their international impact and their roles as icons of professional boxing. Both athletes were distinguished with the Order of the Sovereign National Congress, the highest honor granted by the Legislative branch, following a year of unprecedented success that has elevated the Guatemalan flag to the elite ranks of the World Boxing Council.
In an atmosphere of unity and passion for the sport, the President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaimán, led an emotional gathering with the Spanish boxing community this past Sunday, May 10, at the Hotel Alimara in Barcelona. This event marked a transcendental moment, as it was the first time the top leader of the WBC has officially visited the city of Barcelona. Before an audience of more than 100 people, the ceremony served as a platform to reaffirm the organization’s commitment to the development of boxing in the region. The event was presented by Maurice Collier and presided over by a distinguished head table that included Mauricio Sulaimán; Luis Menéndez, a key figure in the organization’s coordination; and standout boxers Sandor Martín and Cristóbal Lorente.
One of the most impactful moments of the day occurred when the WBC demonstrated that its priority is the protection of the athlete beyond mere words. In an act of justice and solidarity, the WBC committed to covering the $5,000 salary of a Catalan boxer whose managers failed to fulfill the agreed-upon payment. This gesture underscores the organization’s mission to ensure integrity and respect for the hard work of fighters.
The emotional depth of the event grew when a group of young local boxing prospects presented Mauricio Sulaimán with a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative cake for the 50th anniversary of Don José Sulaimán’s presidency of the WBC, celebrating the legacy of the man who changed the history of modern boxing.
Furthermore, sporting excellence took center stage: Cristóbal Lorente officially received his WBC Silver belt, which he conquered just a few weeks ago following his brilliant victory over Nathaniel Collins in a fight that fans already remember fondly.
WBC unveils the “King of the Nile” belt for the historic Usyk vs Verhoeven fight in Egypt
All attendees departed with deep satisfaction, sharing the vision of a bright future. This event in Barcelona sets a precedent in the relationship between the WBC and Spain, making it clear that the organization intends to carry out major projects to boost the growth of Catalan and Spanish boxing, which is currently experiencing one of its most vibrant moments with its greatest international projection to date.
Mauricio Sulaiman was invited to the presidential box at the monumental Spotify Camp Nou stadium by the club’s vice president, Rafael Yuste, where he witnessed Barcelona being crowned Spanish League champions after defeating their archrivals, Real Madrid
Mauricio Sulaiman participated in the prestigious radio show El Primer Palo on esRadio, hosted by Juanma Rodríguez and Jaime Ugarte
WBC Cares, led by Mauricio Sulaiman, made a deeply moving visit to the oncology unit alongside the Cris Foundation, where they spoke with those warriors who are fighting a great battle and will surely emerge with their hands raised in victory, together with their parents and the entire medical staff, who are true heroes of humanity
Mauricio visited one of the gyms belonging to the great Spanish champion Cristian Morales, where he shared a wonderful moment with the young Spanish boxers
In an unprecedented event for African pugilism, the President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaiman, has arrived in South Africa. This signifies an historic milestone, not only as his first official visit to the country but also for the profound cultural and sporting significance it represents for the relationship between the WBC and the Mighty Continent. Maurico was received with honors by a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, alongside key figures of local boxing such as Rodney Berman, CEO of Golden Gloves; Ayanda Khumalo, Chairperson of the Board of Boxing South Africa (BSA); Tsholofelo Lejaka, CEO of BSA; and Dr. Peter Ngatane, WBC Supervisor in the region.
In a meeting imbued and enthused with symbolism and strategic vision, the President of the World Boxing Council Mauricio Sulaimán, led the “Champions Legacy Dialogue” at the iconic Nelson Mandela Foundation Centre of Memory in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gathering brought together the high command of South African boxing—including promoters, administrators, coaches, and legendary former champions—in a combined and united effort to strengthen the sport’s structures and amplify its social impact across the continent.
Mauricio dedicated a space to honor the trajectory of the warriors who placed South Africa at the world’s summit. He highlighted in a special way the figure of Thulani “Sugar Boy” Malinga, whom he described as an example of perseverance and a source of pride for the organization due to his historic conquests in the super middleweight division. Furthermore, he extended this recognition to legends such as Dingaan Thobela, underlining that the success of current champions, represented by figures like Kevin Lerena, is the direct result of the path paved by these icons who demonstrated the unmatched quality and lion hearted bravery of the South African boxer.
Gracing this grand card, the President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaimán, was present in Johannesburg to witness this historic rematch. His attendance not only reaffirms the organization’s commitment to elite boxing on the African continent but also pays tribute to the close relationship his father, Don José Sulaimán, maintained with this nation in the pursuit of justice and equality through sport.
On an unforgettable night for African boxing, local challenger Siyakholwa Kuse made history by dethroning Filipino Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, snatching the World Boxing Council strawweight world title from him. The bout took place at a packed Emperors Palace, which vibrated with the consecration of a new monarch at 105 pounds.
The WBC Cares “Go Gray in May” initiative is a campaign dedicated to pediatric malignant brain tumor awareness—specifically DIPG—launched in memory of Jess, a young boxer who tragically passed away from a brain tumor before reaching her Olympic dream. To promote medical research in Japan, the special “Go Gray in May” belt, which was presented to pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue last year in Las Vegas following his victory over Ramon Cardenas, was displayed at the “Angels’ Art Exhibition.” Organized by Cure Starts Now Japan (CSNJ), the Japanese branch of the U.S.-based support organization The Cure Starts Now, the event also featured a screening of the documentary film “JessZilla” to shed a crucial light on this aggressive form of childhood cancer.
Undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney has made the official decision to vacate her World Boxing Council world championship in order to move up a weight class and pursue new challenges in her professional career.
This first and final face-off in front of one of the most celebrated sites in human civilization, has marked the official start of a clarion fanfare that is already considered the most emblematic of the year. It is not just a clash of champions from different disciplines; it is also an event that unites history, culture, and the pinnacle of combat sports on a timeless stage. Ra-Hurrah!
The José Sulaimán Fund continues to reaffirm its commitment to the boxing family through a new delivery of financial support to Luis Cortez Carrión and José María Gutiérrez Estrada, who are currently going through difficult times. The aid was personally delivered as part of the social work that has distinguished the WBC and the humanitarian legacy of Don José Sulaimán for many years, a philosophy that remains alive under the leadership of Mauricio Sulaimán. Despite currently facing delicate health and mobility issues, Bismarck Morales, a distinguished member of the WBC, was responsible for delivering the support
The World Boxing Council (WBC), under the leadership of President Mauricio Sulaiman, together with Rasheen Farlow, Global Brand Strategy and Cultural Partnerships, World Boxing Council, and creator of the WBC Crown Series, today announced the official presentation of the WBC Crown Series Main Event Championship Chain and Pendant for Usyk vs. Verhoeven.
Mauricio Sulaimán was present for this historic event in Giza.
World Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven went face-to-face at the official press conference held at the base of the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
During a visit to New York, Mauricio Sulaimán experienced an unusual moment. The President of the World Boxing Council suffered an accident when his cellphone fell through an elevator shaft at the New York Athletic Club, plunging 14 floors and being completely destroyed. Mauricio shared the story on his social media accounts. Mauricio Sulaimán will be present at the historic fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, which will take place at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, where the WBC Heavyweight World Championship will be on the line. During the presentation of the special “King of the Nile” belt, which will be awarded to the winner of the bout, Oleksandr Usyk surprised Mauricio with an emotional gesture. Remembering the incident that occurred in New York, the Ukrainian champion gifted him a customized cellphone featuring World Boxing Council designs.
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Christian Mbilli took part in a spectacular press conference on Egyptian soil to officially present one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and Turki Alalshikh stand proudly in the ring following the historic clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven—a groundbreaking event that brought together two undisputed champions from different combat sports on one of boxing’s grandest stages. Their presence symbolizes the vision, leadership, and global collaboration that helped make this extraordinary spectacle possible, creating a memorable chapter in the history of the sport
In a night that will be etched in gold letters in sports history, the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Heavyweight Champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, successfully defended his Green and Gold crown by spectacularly knocking out dangerous Dutch challenger Rico Verhoeven in the eleventh round. The mega-event took place in an unprecedented setting, alongside the breathtaking and historic tombs of the Pharaohs in Giza, Egypt.
The WBC “King of the Nile” Championship Belt is a magnificent masterpiece created by the World Boxing Council to honor ancient history, cultural heritage, and the peak of athletic greatness. Crafted as a unique piece of art, this commemorative belt merges the rich legacy of Egyptian civilization with the glory of the green and gold crown. This legendary trophy reached the pinnacle of sports history when it was captured by the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Oleksandr Usyk, cementing his status as a modern-day pharaoh of the ring.
Before reaching its final, historic destination in Giza, this magnificent belt embarked on a grand global tour, traveling to different corners of the world. As it crossed borders and continents, the belt served as an ambassador of boxing heritage, captivating fans, historians, and the international sports community alike, building immense anticipation before finally arriving at the feet of the majestic Pyramids.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has been honored with a prestigious “Certificate of Recognition” by the City of Los Angeles, in a distinction presented by District 13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. This award highlights the dedication and fundamental contributions of the WBC towards the development of university boxing, marking a historic milestone after the success of the first “Collegiate Amateur Boxing Show” at the University of Southern California (USC). During said event, the WBC presented the organization’s first collegiate amateur championship belt, a significant step to elevate the status of academic athletes.
The World Boxing Council Honors Fallen Heroes in Commemoration of Memorial Day
After conquering the World Boxing Council strawweight world title in Johannesburg, the brand-new monarch returned to his home in Eastern Cape, where he was received with a massive and emotional celebration that recognizes his extraordinary sporting feat. The champion, who reached maximum glory by defeating the experienced Filipino former monarch Melvin Jerusalem, was feted with a special parade that traveled the streets, reflecting the pride of a community that has seen one of its sons ascend to the pinnacle of international boxing.
“Para los contrincantes”, a short film directed by Argentine filmmaker Federico Luis and executive produced by Mexican Héctor Sulaimán Jr., was awarded the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
José Benavídez is honored with the WBC Trainer’s belt in Mexico City
David Benavídez receives the spectacular “Tollan Tlatequi” commemorative belt from the WBC
David Benavidez Receives Image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Is Named Ambassador Ahead of the 500th Anniversary
The Estero Island Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) presented the prestigious Community Service Award to Tiara Brown, the current World Boxing Council (WBC) world featherweight champion. This recognition, approved at the state level, is strictly granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community within the past five years. However, those who know the boxer closely assure that her work is not an isolated effort, but an essential part of her identity. During the ceremony, Brown was described as a leader with a “heart of a tiger” and a true “champion of the underdog.”
The iconic city of Tijuana, Baja California, became the stage for a historic event in the world of boxing and road running, as the first edition of the Boxer’s Athletic Race was held with resounding success, covering a demanding distance of 10 kilometers. Named in honor of the legendary ‘Don José Sulaimán,’ this sports festival was organized by Monroy González, president of SNEBA, successfully bringing together athletes and boxing enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of endurance and community.
O’Shaquie Foster successfully defended his WBC Super Featherweight World Championship by earning a majority decision victory over Raymond Ford in an action-packed contest at Houston, Texas.
Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulú” Juárez successfully defended her WBC light flyweight Championship by defeating Yokasta Valle, via split decision in a highly anticipated showdown between two of women’s boxing’s elite fighters.
Ryad Merhy achieved the greatest victory of his professional career by defeating South Africa’s Kevin Lerena via unanimous decision to capture the WBC Bridgerweight World Championship on Saturday night in Charleroi, Belgium
