Year of stellar WBC title fights…with so much more to come in 2019

By WBCBoxing.com

A surge of tremendous renewed, impetus especially in the middleweight and heavyweight divisions of the World Boxing Council, thrilling fans who are clamoring for more spectaculars in the coming year.

At the year end breakfast of the WBC in Mexico City, its President Mauricio Sulaiman said: “Many things stood out, especially the heavyweight division capturing world interest and the great fight with Triple G and Canelo, with Canelo coming back and conquering the middleweight championship belt. It`s very encouraging for 2019.  There are many new platforms and initiatives for 2019.  The challenge is to create and make the big fights…the fights the public wants to see. Canelo has achieved a great highlight in his career with a grand panorama for the coming year. 

“There are so many candidates for fighter of the year. Oleksandr Usyk winning the cruiserweight title and the Muhammad Ali Cup. Three great fights on the turf of his opponents. And the performances of Deontay Wilder and Mikey Garcia.  We are awaiting the title fights of December 22nd and 29th to announce the results.”  No announcement yet from Golden Boy about the possibility of a blockbuster fight for Canelo in Mexico`s Azteca Stadium, which would be a night to remember.  

A particular concern is fighters making the weight the proper graduated way and not exposing themselves to the terrible danger of dehydration. Mauricio mentioned the recent case of David Lemieux who was hospitalized for this, and saying thank God this had not happened during a fight, stressing the vital importance of a boxer competing in the appropriate weight division. During 2018 the WBC has implemented new measures including surprise out of competition weight checks, to help the process of gradual and safe weight reduction, urging  boxers to do this the sensible and safe way. 

Mauricio spoke of the united response of the family of ex WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, who has undergone brain surgery and remains in an induced coma in a Quebec Hospital.  Mauricio, who has been at his bedside alongside his loved ones and team, says  their united support and prayers along with the excellent medical care are having a significant effect for his recovery in spite of complicated moments, requiring patience, because this will be a long process for the great warrior.

Mauricio says the hope is that AIBA will resolve its problems and that amateur boxing will continue in the Olympics. These problems have been building up for many years, and greatly concerned WBC Lifetime President Jose Sulaiman.  The WBC has been helping promoters, organizations and various nations doing everything possible for advancement, as amateur boxing is the fundamental foundation of the Sport.

Concerning the WBC  Clean Boxing Program, Mauricio said boxers are responsible for what they consume explaining that  the system must be further improved and refined with more tests.