Don José Sulaimán, the legendary leader of the World Boxing Council (WBC), spent over 38 years transforming the sport of boxing. His impact on the lives of fighters, the safety of the sport, and the culture of boxing as a whole is immeasurable. Today, on October 22, 2024, Fajador.co pays tribute to the ten most history-changing contributions of this Mexican giant, whose legacy will be felt for generations to come.
1. From 15 to 12 Rounds: A Safer Fight for Boxers
One of Don José Sulaimán’s most groundbreaking contributions to boxing was reducing world championship bouts from 15 rounds to 12. This change, unanimously endorsed by the WBC Board of Governors, aimed to make boxing safer without diminishing its competitive edge. Studies had shown that many serious injuries occurred in the later rounds, and Sulaimán’s decision was driven by a desire to protect fighters from life-threatening dangers. The new rule, set to take effect on January 1st 1996 was part of a broader effort by the WBC to enhance fighter safety while maintaining the sport’s excitement.
Sulaimán also proposed additional safety measures, including the introduction of a standing 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. By spearheading these changes, Sulaimán cemented his legacy as a leader committed to improving the safety and welfare of boxers.
2. The 24-Hour Weigh-In Rule
Don José Sulaimán’s introduction of 24-hour weigh-ins revolutionized fighter safety in boxing. Before this change, boxers would weigh in on the same day as the fight, leaving them severely dehydrated and weakened by the time they entered the ring. This often led to life-threatening accidents. By giving fighters 24 hours to rehydrate and recover, Sulaimán drastically reduced the number of serious injuries and fatalities 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 aim of unifying boxing commissions around the world, owes much of its success and growth to Sulaimán’s leadership. He became WBC president in 1975 and spearheaded numerous reforms that shaped modern boxing. Sulaimán’s contributions, including the creation of intermediate weight divisions and innovative safety measures like the thumb-attached glove, showcased his commitment to the well-being of fighters. His initiatives have allowed the sport to grow while ensuring it remains safer for the athletes involved.
Under Sulaimán’s leadership, the WBC’s commitment to fighter safety extended beyond just rule changes. He established annual medical examinations for champions and classified boxers, introduced retirement plans for fighters in need, and worked tirelessly to create a safer, more just environment for boxers. His efforts not only shaped the careers of countless fighters but also solidified the WBC as the premier global boxing organization. Today, under the leadership of his son, Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC continues to uphold his legacy of safety, fairness, and integrity in the sport.
3. Creation of Intermediate Divisions
To prevent fighters from resorting to dangerous measures to make weight, Don José Sulaimán championed the creation of intermediate weight divisions. This allowed boxers to compete closer to their natural weight, reducing health risks like dehydration and fatigue while expanding 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 Mexico’s President Adolfo López Mateos, aimed to unify boxing commissions worldwide. Sulaimán, who became president in 1975, strengthened the WBC’s influence by introducing groundbreaking safety measures.
4. The Thumb-Attached 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, Sulaimán helped reduce thumb-related injuries, such as eye pokes, making the sport safer for fighters.
5. Instant Replay for Fairness
In an effort to eliminate controversial and incorrect decisions, Don José 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 outcomes.
In an effort to eliminate controversial and incorrect decisions, Don José 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 outcomes.
6. Open Scoring: Transparency in the Ring
The open scoring system, introduced by José Sulaimán, revolutionized boxing by revealing judges’ scorecards after the fourth and eighth rounds. This system provided fighters and fans with a clearer understanding of the fight’s progress, allowing for more transparency in the scoring process. By knowing where they stood mid-fight, boxers could make strategic adjustments, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the match.
This system, primarily used by the World Boxing Council (WBC), aimed to promote fairness and transparency in boxing. Before its implementation, fighters and spectators had to wait until the end of the fight to see the scores, often leading to confusion and controversy. By revealing scores during the fight, boxers could adapt their tactics, pushing harder if they were behind or playing defensively if they had a comfortable lead.
In addition to promoting fairness, the open scoring system also served as a source of motivation for fighters. Seeing the scores at key moments in the fight gave athletes a clearer picture 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 a Heart
Don José, alongside 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 sport’s positive influence on communities.
8. Scholarships for Mexican Legends
Sulaimán also secured scholarships for legendary Mexican fighters, helping them transition to life after boxing. His efforts ensured that these champions, who gave everything to the sport, had the support they needed to succeed outside the ring.
9. The José Sulaimán Fund
One of José Sulaimán’s most meaningful legacies was the creation of the “José Sulaimán Fund,” an initiative designed to support current and former fighters facing financial difficulties. The fund provides much-needed assistance to boxers during challenging times, offering them stability and hope when they need it most. It reflects Sulaimán’s deep compassion for those who 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 every boxer’s struggle with understanding, addressing not only financial needs but also offering holistic support such as mental health resources, educational opportunities, and mentorship programs. The fund also advocates for boxer’s rights, working with industry leaders and policymakers to create a more equitable environment for fighters. By fostering a sense of community, the fund unites the boxing world in helping those who need it most, honoring the legacy of Sulaimán’s leadership and vision.
10. The WBC Medical Committee: Researching Fighter Safety
José Sulaimán understood the critical role that scientific research plays in enhancing safety within boxing, leading 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 injuries, particularly concerning brain health and safety protocols. By prioritizing scientific inquiry, the WBC has made significant strides in safeguarding the well-being of boxers and ensuring 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 Scientific Medical Committee. This committee will engage in multidisciplinary research initiatives and various educational outreach programs focusing on critical areas such as mental health, nutrition, prevention of brain injuries, and personal finance. The goal is to enhance the overall health and well-being of millions who practice boxing, both at the amateur and professional levels.
The guiding principle of this scientific alliance is to protect the physical integrity of boxers while promoting optimal athletic development through prevention protocols, risk assessments, and safety measures. With boxing being 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, ultimately improving health outcomes for practitioners. The committee’s efforts will be bolstered by a team of specialists from ITESM and the WBC Medical Committee, who will design and implement research and educational programs to make boxing a safer discipline for all involved.
