Legendary Boxer Julio César Chávez will receive “WBC Otomí Belt”

By Carlos Costa

In recognition to his amazing career, Mexican former world champion Julio César Chávez will receive the “Otomí Belt” from the World Boxing Council (WBC) on the evening of September 25 when he faces friend and fellow Mexican former world champ Jorge “El Travieso” Arce in Tijuana in their 3rd exhibition fight.

The good news was confirmed by Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, in the organization’s traditional “Martes de Café,” as he officially introduced to the media the beautiful Belt made by the Mexican artisan Reyna Rayón.

“This is for Julio, one of the great ones in history. It is a recognition to him from Mexico’s Otomí Ceremonial Center, which was an important part of his life and career.

“It’s an award that is given to him from the heart. It is a recognition that México gives to Julio,” said Mauricio.

FYI, Otomí are an indigenous native people of México inhabiting the central Mexican Plateau (Altiplano) region.

The 2 most populous Otomí groups are:

The Sierra Otomí, living in the mountains of La Huasteca. They usually self-identify as Ñuhu or Ñuhmu, depending on the dialect they speak.

And the Mezquital Otomí, living in the Mezquital Valley in the eastern part of the State of Hidalgo, and in the State of Querétaro. They self-identify as Hñähñu.

Photo of the “WBC Otomí Belt” taken by Alma Montiel.