Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), recently presided over the inauguration of the Emporio Gym in Alcorcón, Madrid. This gym is now officially the first High Performance Center for boxing development in Spain, a landmark achievement for the country’s boxing scene. The endorsement by the WBC positions the gym as a focal point for nurturing boxing talent in Spain, a nation where the sport has struggled to gain the prominence it enjoys elsewhere.
Several important figures from the boxing world were present for the opening, including Spanish businessman Fernando Sánchez, Sandor Martín—three-time European champion and current official challenger in the 140-pound division—renowned promoter Salvatore Cherchi, and veteran trainer Chano Planas. The event marked a significant moment for Spanish boxing, which has historically been overshadowed by other sports like football and basketball in the region.
A New Era for Boxing in Spain
Mauricio Sulaimán emphasized the importance of this new center for Spain’s growing boxing community. “I am proud to officially present the plaque that endorses the Emporio gym as a WBC High Performance Center in Spain. For me, it is an honor to be here with Fernando, a great human being who has put his effort and heart into boxing,” Sulaimán stated during the ceremony.
The Emporio Gym’s inauguration represents more than just the opening of a new training facility. It symbolizes a broader commitment by the WBC to help grow the sport in a region that has yet to fully tap into its potential for producing world-class boxing talent. Spain has had its share of boxing greats, but the opening of a WBC-endorsed facility signals a new level of support for the development of future champions.
Fernando Sánchez, the businessman behind the Emporio Gym, shared his gratitude and determination to use this new platform to elevate boxing in Spain. “I thank President Mauricio for all the support he gives us. We are going to work hard to give boxing the place it deserves in Spain,” Sánchez said, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by many involved in Spanish boxing.
Sandor Martín: The Face of Spanish Boxing
One of the biggest names at the inauguration was Sandor Martín, who has rapidly become the face of Spanish boxing. Martín, a three-time European champion, has continued to make waves in the international boxing scene, most notably after his upset victory over former world champion Mikey Garcia in 2021. This win not only raised Martín’s profile but also put Spanish boxing on the radar for many who may have previously overlooked its potential.
The Emporio Gym’s focus on high-performance training aligns with the trajectory of fighters like Martín, who are looking to compete at the highest levels of the sport. With his career on an upward trajectory, Martín’s presence at the event added a layer of significance, symbolizing the gym’s role as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.
Since making his professional debut in 2011, Martín has built an impressive record (42-3) and is currently ranked among the world’s best super-lightweights. His success is a testament to the talent emerging from Spain, and the hope is that with facilities like Emporio Gym, even more fighters can rise to international prominence.
The Controversy Surrounding Mauricio Sulaimán
Mauricio Sulaimán, while widely respected for his work in promoting and growing the sport of boxing, has not been without controversy. In 2022, Sulaimán came under fire for his association with Daniel Kinahan, a figure who has been linked to organized crime. Kinahan, a boxing promoter, was sanctioned by the U.S. government for his involvement in criminal activities, leading to scrutiny of anyone in the boxing community who had dealings with him. Sulaimán, who had met Kinahan shortly before these sanctions were announced, denied any knowledge of Kinahan’s illicit activities.
Despite this controversy, Sulaimán continues to play a central role in shaping the future of boxing. His commitment to fostering boxing talent around the world, as seen in the inauguration of the Emporio Gym, reflects his desire to keep pushing the sport forward, even amidst challenges.
The Future of Spanish Boxing
The opening of the WBC-endorsed Emporio Gym marks a turning point for Spanish boxing. While the sport has often taken a backseat to other athletic pursuits in the country, the new High Performance Center is poised to change that. With figures like Fernando Sánchez and Sandor Martín leading the charge, the goal is clear: to make Spain a major player in the world of boxing.
With the WBC’s backing, the Emporio Gym is expected to attract talent from all over Spain, offering young fighters the resources they need to compete on the global stage. As the country’s boxing landscape continues to evolve, the Emporio Gym will undoubtedly be at the heart of this transformation, helping to secure a brighter future for the sport in Spain.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Emporio Gym in Alcorcón represents a significant milestone for Spanish boxing. Endorsed by the WBC, the gym is set to become a hub for developing top-tier talent and elevating the status of boxing in Spain. With support from figures like Mauricio Sulaimán and Fernando Sánchez, the future of boxing in Spain looks promising, with hopes that it will soon rival the sport’s popularity in other European countries.
