“To the WBC Family”: Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, Sends a Message to World Boxing Council Following Their Much Anticipated Convention in Tashkent

The 61st convention of the World Boxing Council (WBC) took place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from November 12 to November 17. In the world of professional boxing, along with the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and The Ring, the WBC remains one of the recognized belts for all 17 weight divisions.

Yesterday, the WBC, through its YouTube channel, shared a message from Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The 86-year-old pontiff, while wishing the entire WBC family, mentioned that all the members should continue to help each other with compassion. He said, “To the WBC family, I send you my blessing, and keep helping each other with so much humanity. God Bless You.”

Founded in 1963, the last convention of the 60-year-old sanctioning body took place in Acapulco, Mexico. Day one of the gathering began with the usual arrival of the executive staff of the WBC, the Ratings Committee, and the members of the Board of Governors. The Mexico City-based organization reportedly included a few new initiatives. Different stakeholders deserve the credit for the successful conclusion of such a large meeting.

From the initial 11 members, the WBC today boasts nearly 161 member countries. There have been other personalities who have headed the organization. However, it is the father-son duo, Dr. José Sulaimán Chagnón and Mauricio Sulaimán Saldivar, who have gained widespread fame for helming the WBC.

Under their leadership, the WBC introduced a slew of changes that have had an impact on the sport as well. For instance, it was the WBC that took the lead in reducing the number of rounds in professional boxing from 15 to 12.

WBC honors true fighters

Fans came across many boxing legends congregating in Saudi Arabia last month. Now, once again, many of the greats came together at Tashkent. Besides Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, and Amir Khan, fans saw Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Oleksandr Usyk talking and greeting everyone. At the convention, fans honored two boxing legends who overcame significant personal challenges and emerged victorious in their fights.

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First was the former WBC Lightweight champion, Adonis Stevenson, who made a remarkable comeback from the head injury he suffered after the knockout defeat to Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2018. Last year, he received the WBC’s ‘Champion of Hope’ award. This year, he presented it to Australian boxer Billy Dib. The former IBF Featherweight champion defeated cancer into remission and displayed his fighting spirit.

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