Mauricio Sulaiman commented on the recent statements by Zuffa Boxing and Dana White's plans to hold professional boxing bouts. The President of the World Boxing Council (WBC) published an open letter to the boxing community, expressing his position on the proposed changes.
The WBC president noted that boxing has recently been in the spotlight, but in his opinion, not for sporting reasons. Sulaiman pointed out that a financially powerful organization is trying to make its name by announcing far-reaching changes to the functioning of professional boxing.
“We are dealing with an attempt to dominate the market and limit the role of promoters and sanctioning federations for fights,” Sulaiman wrote.
The letter also addresses the issue of using financial resources to influence public opinion and legislative actions in the United States.
“Money can make life easier, but it cannot buy history, reputation, and trust,” emphasized the WBC president.
Sulaiman reminded that boxing has always been a sport providing opportunities for people from disadvantaged families and allowing them to fulfill their sporting ambitions. “It's a sport for those who dream of becoming world champions and want to change their lives by working in the gym,” he emphasized.
The head of the WBC assured that his organization continues to support fighters at every stage of their careers—from debut to retirement. In his statement, he also named the most important federations and promoters, emphasizing that the current model is based on a free market in which boxers have real influence over their financial future.
“Boxing is WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. It also includes hundreds of promotional companies worldwide. There is no single structure that is bigger than the entire sport as a whole,” he wrote.
In conclusion, Sulaiman assured the community, reminding them that boxing has existed for over 150 years and has survived many periods of change.
“There is no reason to panic. Boxing has been around for a long time and will continue to thrive,” concluded Sulaiman.
The letter from the WBC president shows that the federations intend to protect the current model of professional boxing and do not plan revolutionary changes dictated by any single organization.
