By Gerardo Romero
Sep 26, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaimán, said that the Mexican fighter and three-division super middleweight champion, Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, is the “face of boxing” and for this reason he should be an “example to follow” for all athletes in this sport.
The executive made these statements during an interview with EFE, where he highlighted the enormous work that the fighter from Guadalajara has done throughout his professional career to become one of the most important figures on the planet and hold the championship belts for a long time.
“’Canelo’ is the face of boxing. He was born on the street, in a boxing family, with seven boxing brothers. He is a great Mexican, disciplined, responsible, professional. He finishes his fight and returns to the gym. He has never been in a scandal. He understands the importance of representing Mexico and all boxers,” Sulaimán said in his statements.
“He is also a great person. He helps those in need quietly, he doesn’t do it for the news, but he always helps children with illnesses and needs and institutions. It is a pride for the country to have him,” added the director.
The president of the World Boxing Council also highlighted the enormous heart that Canelo Álvarez has in a sport that often ends up being further away from the fans than the rest; in light of this fact, he said that he has a great responsibility on his shoulders.
“He is the role model. It is not just about being a champion, the luxuries and the great opportunities. It is about responsibility, understanding it and acting as one should,” he confessed.
Worried about Los Angeles 2028
Mauricio Sulaimán also stressed that he feels quite concerned about the current situation of boxing in view of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games because they are at risk of being left out of the international event due to the various problems that have been recorded in recent years in this sector.
“Boxing is a very important sport for human activity and has been in the Olympic Games since 1904. I think it would be very difficult for it to be left out, but some things and adjustments have to be made. A federation is needed, which has been formed, but it needs the affiliation of countries,” he said.
“In a few months, this will be resolved and there will be boxing at the Games. For it to exist, there must be representation from a federation that takes the sport to a global level. For many years, it was a federation that was expelled. At this moment, they are seeking the affiliation of countries to form a new group that will look after the interests,” concluded Sulaiman.
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