WBC presents "Xicoténcatl" belt for the Canelo-Scull fight in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 30 Apr 2025
The WBC presented the iconic May 5th belt at the traditional weekly conference "Coffee Tuesdays," detailing its features: a yellow background covered in flowers, leaves, and stars, with the eagle man appearing in the center.
The "Xicoténcatl" Tlaxcala 2025 Belt is a masterpiece of design and symbolism crafted by Imperio de Metal.
This unique belt is deeply inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Tlaxcala, honoring the spirit of a legendary warrior and the region's vibrant artistic traditions.
The design of the belt's plaque is inspired by the iconic Birdman mural from the Cacaxtla archaeological site. This powerful figure, depicted wearing a bird headdress and in a ceremonial pose on a feathered serpent, has been reinterpreted as an allegory of the fighting spirit, transformation, and the connection between the earthly and the divine.
Furthermore, this exceptional creation evokes the memory of the great Tlaxcalan warrior Xicoténcatl, an emblematic figure of indigenous resistance during the Conquest era. Son of the leader Xicoténcatl the Elder, this young warrior is remembered for his courage, dignity, and staunch opposition to the alliance with Hernán Cortés, becoming a symbol of the defense of the sovereignty and honor of the Tlaxcalan people.
This special belt will be awarded to the winner of the mega-fight between Mexican superstar Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez and Cuban William Scull on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In 2017, the World Boxing Council launched the initiative to present commemorative belts on the most important dates in boxing. Since then, a culture has been selected to create these belts and present a tribute from Mexico to the world.
Tlaxcala, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Tlaxcala, is one of the thirty-one states that, along with Mexico City, make up the United Mexican States. Its capital is Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl, and its most populous city is San Pablo del Monte. It is located in the eastern region of the country, bordering Hidalgo to the northwest, Puebla to the north, east, and south, and the State of Mexico to the west.
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