Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Mexico’s Greatness Takes Center Stage
By Mauricio Sulaimán
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
Mexico in Grand Style Everywhere
I had the honor of visiting our Mexican National Soccer Team as alongside the Mexican Football Federation, we organized a surprise visit from the great Mexican champion Julio César Chávez, which turned into an unforgettable encounter. Furthermore, it was superstar Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez who presented the award for Mexico’s best player in the World Cup’s opening match, during that great victory against South Africa. Boxing is proudly present in a big way during these moments when everything revolves around soccer throughout June and July.
Mexico, our beloved Mexico, has shone brightly before the world. Television and social media images have left an indelible mark, showcasing the greatness of our beauty as a hospitable and peaceful, celebratory nation.
I have zero tolerance for those who criticize X, Y, or Z. Why is there always something bad or wrong to report ? , let the bitterness out and let us enjoy the greatness of this event, as we are the very first country to host the tournament on three occasions! Best of luck to our national team and, no matter what happens, ¡Viva México!
I have so many mixed feelings, of course I am with Mexico but on the other hand, I have so many friends from all over the world, for example, the minister of sports of South Africa, Gaytomn McKenzie is here and we will meet same as other friends like Tutikin Zavala, Dr Bock from Germany , and so many other, boxing is a family , the WBC is the home of all.
The attention of the boxing world this past week was focused on a small town called Canastota, in New York State, where the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place. Once again, Mexico was present, as the “Aztec Queen,” Jackie Nava, was enshrined for eternity.
The WBC was the first sanctioning body to create the women’s division, and Jackie was precisely our first champion, crowning herself on May 30, 2005—right on my father José Sulaimán’s birthday.
Jackie had a magnificent career inside the ring and continues to be a champion of life outside of it. She was rightfully given a standing ovation upon receiving the highest honor any person can achieve: entering the Hall of Fame.
Jackie joins a long list of ring legends from our country:
Modern Men’s Category
• Rubén “Púas” Olivares (1991)
• Salvador Sánchez (1991)
• Carlos Zárate (1994)
• Miguel Canto (1998)
• Vicente Saldívar (1999)
• Pipino Cuevas (2002)
• Daniel Zaragoza (2004)
• Carlos Palomino (2004)
• Humberto “Chiquita” González (2006)
• Ricardo “Finito” López (2007)
• Julio César Chávez (2011)
• Lupe Pintor (2016)
• Marco Antonio Barrera (2017)
• Erik “Terrible” Morales (2018)
• Juan Manuel Márquez (2020)
• Rafael Márquez (2023)
Old-Timers Category
&bull Baby Arizmendi (2004)
Women’s Boxing
&bull Laura Serrano (2023)
&bull Ana María Torres (2024)
&bull Yessica “Kika” Chávez (2025)
Non-Participants and Observers (Trainers, Executives, and Journalists)
&bull Don José Sulaimán (2007)
&bull Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin (2011)
&bull Arturo “Cuyo” Hernández (2013)
&bull Rafael Mendoza (2015)
This Class of 2026 is filled with tremendous legends:
Modern Men’s Category
Gennadiy Golovkin: A magnificent career in the middleweight division, known for his “Mexican style” and that epic trilogy against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. GGG was very close to the WBC and won the hearts of Mexican fans. In 2013, an interim title was ordered with plans to eventually face champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez. However, Miguel Cotto dethroned Martínez, then “Canelo” dethroned Cotto, and after some time, the highly anticipated Canelo vs. GGG finally happened.
Nigel Benn: A world super middleweight champion who defended his WBC title 9 times. He is one of the greatest representatives of UK boxing, known worldwide as “The Dark Destroyer.”
Antonio Tarver: Following a controversial fight in which he lost to the legendary Roy Jones, Don José Sulaimán asked me to reach Tarver by phone right inside the ring. Right there, my father promised him an immediate rematch. Months later, Tarver achieved glory by knocking out Roy in just two rounds to become the WBC champion. Today, he is a highly successful boxing analyst for global networks.
Modern Women’s Category
Jackie Nava: The first champion in WBC history, featuring in 18 world championship fights, and one of the global pioneers of women’s boxing.
Naoko Fujioka: One of the greatest and most respected figures in the history of Japanese women’s boxing. Her legacy stands out not only for her technique and tremendous strength but also for breaking longevity and weight barriers in the sport. She is the first and only Japanese fighter to capture world titles in five different divisions (Strawweight, Light Flyweight, Flyweight, Super Flyweight, and Bantamweight).
Non-Participants
Russ Anber: A great cutman who has been in the corners of major champions, in addition to his contributions through the Rival boxing glove brand.
Frank Cappuccino: A great referee who officiated high-profile bouts across three decades, and a true gentleman inside and outside the ring.
Jimmy Glenn: One of the most beloved, respected, and integrity-filled figures in the New York boxing world, recognized as a true gentleman both in corners and within his community. He established himself as a legendary trainer, manager, and cutman. He guided countless young amateurs in Harlem before opening his own gym in the late 1970s: the famous Times Square Gym, which he operated for over 20 years.
Dr. Edwin “Flip” Homansky: One of the most important ringside physicians in history. He became a benchmark through his role as chief medical officer for the Nevada Commission and participated in the golden era of the sport’s biggest fights. He eventually went on to serve as a commissioner for his state.
Observers
Kevin Iole: A top-tier boxing journalist possessing the highest level of knowledge and earning worldwide respect.
Alex Wallau: One of the most brilliant, influential, and respected minds in American sports television history, particularly remembered in the boxing community for his tenure as the lead analyst for ABC Sports during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Old-Timers
Jimmy Clabby: A prominent American welterweight and middleweight boxer during boxing’s legendary “Golden Era” at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Hall of Fame started as a simple display case containing the robe of local hero and legendary champion Carmen Basilio, alongside a plaque detailing his history in the ring. Today, it is a fully-fledged museum featuring four days of events, concluding with the induction ceremony every June.
Today’s Anecdote…
An induction that was controversial to some, but applauded by the world and confirmed as a spectacular decision, was when Sylvester Stallone was inducted in 2011. Rocky is, without a doubt, the ultimate ambassador for boxing after Muhammad Ali. He has motivated entire generations, and this very year marks 50 years since his arrival on the silver screen in December 1976. That induction class was spectacular, as Stallone entered alongside Mike Tyson, Julio César Chávez, and Kostya Tszyu. I had the great honor of accompanying my father on that occasion, where we experienced deeply emotional moments, private gatherings, and anecdotes that will live on for immortality.
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Mauricio Sulaimán.
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