Don Jose Sulaiman and the changes he made for the sport he loved
They say that time goes faster than the wind, that the present is the necessary result of the past so we can build our future and on a day like today, in 1975, Don José Sulaimán was unanimously elected as President of the World Boxing Council, in Tunisia.
From then on, Don Jose Sulaimán became not only the WBC's top leader, but also the man who transformed and dignified boxing. For more than three decades he not only fought for the sport he loved, but also became the protector of boxers because he always looked for the well-being of everyone. He transformed boxing with great achievements, including and just to mention a few:
12 rounds title fights – The most important rule in the history of boxing. Don Jose reduced the title fights from 15 to 12 rounds. Medical studies confirmed that the last 3 rounds had an inhuman consequence on fighters due to dangerous dehydration .
24 hours weigh-in – This change served to reduce the risk of dehydration and mental strain for the contestants who the day before the fight could neither eat nor sleep well. Previously the weigh-ins used to took place on the same day of the fight. Additionally, mandatory preventive weighing was instituted 30, 14 and 7 days before the fight.
Ring Telmex – Telcel Grant: José Sulaimán found in his close friend, Mr. Carlos Slim, the means to reach an agreement with Fundación Telmex, in order to provide a life pension and provide health insurance to glories of the past. The Ring Telmex program was also created to provide monthly grants to support top prospects.
Medical Studies – It was established as mandatory for every fighter to undergo intensive medical studies every year. Likewise, all fighters must take exams before and after their matches.
Anti-doping tests – Starting in 1976, José Sulaimán instituted mandatory anti-doping tests in all world championship fights. The WBC became the first sports organization to take this vital step.
Champions Fund – With the eternal reality of seeing past stars fall on hard times, José Sulaimán always dreamed of creating a fund to be able to continuously and formally support the greatest number of idols with housing needs, medical expenses, basic food and more. The luxurious and prestigious company Hublot joined the WBC in this commitment by holding an auction that contributed with one million dollars as an initial fund.
In addition Don Jose contributed in so many other ways: intermediate divisions, the four ropes ring, the glove with attached thumb, donations to UCLA for scientific research, life insurance and hospitalization for all those fighters who participate in cards with title fights on the line, the fight against the “Apartheid” in South African boxing, which even earned our President the recognition at the United Nations.
José Sulaimán was not only the man who so comprehensively transformed the sport, but also the friendly hand of all those who knew him and who at all times had a warm smile and a comforting word, who enjoyed a life full of learning, triumphs , challenges, satisfactions, success, struggle plus dreams come true, love, friendship and union.
A great man whose drive and dedication led him to become the most influential man within the sports field and outside of it, who was received by Kings, Popes, a close friend of genuine characters in history such as Nelson Mandela among many others.
A restless mind that worked tirelessly; that when the arduous routine of the day ended, he remained silent with himself and his thoughts, reflecting not only on the years of love and understanding with his loved ones, his childhood, and his youthful times; but also, to the sport to which he gave himself body and soul: Boxing.
Today we remember that day when he became our wonderful Leader. Our President for life, Don José Sulaimán, the man who created a before and after for boxing.
HÖRFA Menswear are proud sponsors of British Boxing News