Don José Sulaimán, the legendary leader of the World Boxing Council (WBC), spent more than 38 years transforming the sport of boxing. His impact on the lives of fighters, the safety of the sport and boxing culture in general is immeasurable. Today, October 22, 2024, Fajador.co pays tribute to the ten contributions that most changed the history of this Mexican giant, whose legacy will be felt for generations to come.
1. From 15 to 12 rounds: Safer Fighting for Boxers
One of Don José Sulaimán’s most innovative contributions to boxing was to reduce world championship fights from 15 rounds to 12. This change, unanimously endorsed by the WBC Board of Governors, was intended to make boxing safer without diminishing its competitive advantage. Studies had shown that many serious injuries occurred in the later rounds, and Sulaiman’s decision was driven by a desire to protect fighters from life-threatening dangers. The new rule, to take effect January 1, 1996, was part of a broader effort by the WBC to improve the safety of fighters while maintaining the excitement of the sport.
Sulaiman also proposed additional safety measures, including the introduction of a permanent 8-count for fighters in trouble and the possibility of extending the time between rounds from 60 to 90 seconds, pending a medical review. These recommendations were made in the wake of several high-profile tragedies, including the death of South Korean lightweight Duk Koo Kim, who suffered fatal injuries in the 14th round of a title fight. In spearheading these changes, Sulaiman cemented his legacy as a leader committed to improving the safety and well-being of boxers.
2. The 24-Hour Weighing Rule
The introduction of 24-hour weigh-ins by Don Jose Sulaiman revolutionized fighter safety in boxing. Prior to this change, boxers weighed in on the day of the fight, leaving them severely dehydrated and weakened when they entered the ring. This often resulted in fatal accidents. By giving fighters 24 hours to rehydrate and recover, Sulaiman drastically reduced the number of serious injuries and deaths in the sport. The change became a benchmark for fighter safety, allowing athletes to perform at their best without compromising their health.
The World Boxing Council (WBC), founded in 1963 with the goal of unifying boxing commissions around the world, owes much of its success and growth to Sulaiman’s leadership. He became WBC president in 1975 and spearheaded numerous reforms that shaped modern boxing. Sulaiman’s contributions, including the creation of intermediate weight divisions and innovative safety measures such as the thumb-attached glove, showed his commitment to the welfare of fighters. His initiatives have allowed the sport to grow while ensuring that it remains safer for the athletes involved.
Under Sulaimán’s leadership, the WBC’s commitment to fighter safety extended beyond simple rule changes. He established annual medical examinations for champions and ranked boxers, introduced retirement plans for needy fighters, and worked tirelessly to create a safer and fairer environment for boxers. His efforts not only shaped the careers of countless fighters, but also solidified the WBC as the world’s premier boxing organization. Today, under the leadership of his son, Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC continues to uphold his legacy of safety, fairness and integrity in the sport.
3. Creation of Intermediate Divisions
vTo prevent fighters from resorting to dangerous measures to make weight, Don José Sulaimán advocated the creation of middleweight divisions. This allowed boxers to compete closer to their natural weight, reducing health risks such as dehydration and fatigue while expanding the opportunities for fighters to win championships. His reforms improved both the safety and competitive fairness of the sport. The World Boxing Council (WBC), established in 1963 under Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos, aimed to unify boxing commissions worldwide. Sulaimán, who assumed the presidency in 1975, strengthened the WBC’s influence by introducing innovative safety measures.
4. The Thumb-Secured Glove
Another innovation that changed boxing was the thumb-attached glove. By encouraging glove manufacturers to fuse the thumb to the rest of the glove, Sulaiman helped reduce thumb-related injuries, such as eye pokes, which made the sport safer for fighters.
5. Instant Replay To Achieve Equity
In an effort to eliminate controversial and incorrect decisions, Don Jose worked with numerous boxing commissions to implement the use of instant replay. This change allowed for real-time review of questionable calls, ensuring greater fairness and accuracy in fight results.
In an effort to eliminate controversial and incorrect decisions, Don Jose worked with numerous boxing commissions to implement the use of instant replay. This change allowed for real-time review of questionable calls, ensuring greater fairness and accuracy in fight results.
6. Open Scoring: Transparency In The Ring
The open scoring system, introduced by José Sulaimán, revolutionized boxing by revealing the judges’ scorecards after the fourth and eighth rounds. This system gave fighters and fans a clearer understanding of the progress of the fight, allowing for greater transparency in the scoring process. By knowing where they stood in the middle of the fight, boxers could make strategic adjustments, improving the overall competitiveness of the bout.
This system, used primarily by the World Boxing Council (WBC), was intended to promote fairness and transparency in boxing. Prior to its implementation, fighters and spectators had to wait until the end of the fight to see the scores, which often led to confusion and controversy. By revealing the scores during the fight, boxers could adapt their tactics, pushing harder if they were behind or playing defense if they had a comfortable lead.
In addition to promoting fairness, the open scoring system also served as a source of motivation for the fighters. Seeing the scores at key moments in the fight gave the athletes a clearer idea of what they needed to do to win. It removed some of the uncertainty and allowed for a more dynamic and strategic approach to boxing, benefiting both fighters and fans.
7. WBC Cares: Boxing With Heart
Don José, along with Jill Diamond, launched the “WBC Cares” initiative, where boxing champions visit children in hospitals, sharing messages of hope and inspiration. This humanitarian effort highlighted the power of boxing beyond the ring, reminding the world of the positive influence of sport in communities.
8. Scholarships for Mexican Legends
Sulaiman also secured scholarships for legendary Mexican fighters, helping them transition to life after boxing. His efforts ensured that these champions, who gave their all for the sport, had the support they needed to succeed outside the ring.
9. The José Sulaimán Fund
One of José Sulaimán’s most significant legacies was the creation of the “José Sulaimán Fund,” an initiative designed to support current and former fighters facing financial hardship. The fund provides much-needed assistance to boxers during difficult times, offering them stability and hope when they need it most. It reflects Sulaiman’s deep compassion for those who have dedicated their lives to the sport, ensuring that fighters are not forgotten once they leave the ring.
The José Sulaimán Fund operates on core values of empathy, respect and solidarity. It approaches each boxer’s struggle with understanding, addressing not only financial needs but also offering comprehensive support, such as mental health resources, educational opportunities and mentoring programs. The fund also advocates for boxers’ rights, working with industry leaders and policymakers to create a more equitable environment for boxers. By fostering a sense of community, the fund unites the boxing world to help those who need it most, honoring the legacy of Sulaiman’s leadership and vision.
10. The WBC Medical Committee: Investigating the Safety of Fighters
José Sulaimán understood the critical role that scientific research plays in improving safety within boxing, which led to the establishment of the WBC Medical Committee based at UCLA. This committee is dedicated to developing medical programs and conducting research aimed at protecting fighters from injury, particularly as it relates to safety and brain health protocols. By prioritizing scientific research, the WBC has made significant strides to safeguard the well-being of boxers and ensure that their health remains a top priority in the sport.
In a collaborative effort to further advance the safety and health of boxers, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and the World Boxing Council announced the creation of the ITESM-WBC Medical Scientific Committee. This committee will engage in multidisciplinary research initiatives and various educational outreach programs that will focus on critical areas such as mental health, nutrition, brain injury prevention and personal finance. The goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of millions of boxers, both amateur and professional.
The guiding principle of this scientific partnership is to protect the physical integrity of boxers while promoting optimal athletic development through prevention protocols, risk assessments and safety measures. Given that boxing is a deeply rooted sport, particularly among socially and economically vulnerable populations, the initiative aims to detect potential nutritional, physiological, psychological and medical risks early on and ultimately improve health outcomes for practitioners. The committee’s efforts will be reinforced by a team of specialists from ITESM and the WBC Medical Committee, who will design and implement educational and research programs to make boxing a safer discipline for all involved.
