PRESIDENT ARROYO HONORED WITH WBC BELT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Nov 2007
The World Boxing Council which is regarded as the pre-eminent boxing organization in the world yesterday honored President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her continuing support to boxing by awarding a specially crafted WBC championship belt at the opening of its annual convention at the historic Manila Hotel.
President Arroyo was the seventh distinguished world leader to be honored by the WBC and joins such eminent personalities as South Africa?s Nelson Mandela.
In a colorful opening ceremony that won both applause and commendation from representatives of the WBC Sulaiman received an approving nod from President Arroyo when he announced the plan to ?participate in the founding of a national school of boxing with the most modern equipment and the technology of the boxing teachers of the world? if the Philippine government or the City of Manila can provide the gymnasium and school for what he described as ?the cathedral of boxing,?
The WBC president told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that when he made the offer he looked at President Arroyo and ?when she nodded, that made me the happiest man in the room.? In his welcome remarks Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim cited President Arroyo as ?a champion in her own right.?
In his lengthy address to the delegates Don Jose praised Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao for the ?image of a hero that he has brought to the Philippines and his great accomplishments to be considered today in the world as the most impacting of all world champions.? Sulaiman said that on behalf of the WBC board of governors he was ?electing Manny Pacquiao as a WBC Emeritus world champion and the ambassador for goodwill and peace in the world.?
Sulaiman related that as he was accompanying President Arroyo into the convention hall ?when she saw Manny Pacquiao?s face a very sincere smile came to her and that made me realize she is a sincere admirer of a great champion of the Philippines.?
In his address, Sulaiman zeroed in on rumors that some of the TV networks were ? trying and working hard against the world boxing institutions and even advising champions and challengers to disregard us.? Sulaiman said these big TV networks ?decide who fights , for who, when, for how much and they even have the cynicism of signing fighters to exclusivity agreements which is nothing else but monopoly.?
Faced with the situation where the WBC together with a few others discover talented youngsters, provide them opportunities at regional championships and bring them up to the world ratings only to have the TV networks ?come to get them for their service? Sulaiman announced plans to create a TV network and ?put it in the hands of all promoters and boxers without distinction, to bring equality in the business of boxing.?
Aside from Pacquiao among the other champions in attendance were former WBC junior lightweight champions Rene Barrientos and Rolando Navarette, reigning WBO bantamweight champion and former WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa, WBO minimum weight champion Donnie Nietes, IBF world-rated Z ?The Dream? Gores. WBO Youth super flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo and Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista who were accompanied by manager Michael Aldeguer and introduced to chairman Sulaiman who wished them the best of luck.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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