CONSIDERED one of the most powerful man in the world of boxing, Mexican Mauricio Sulaiman, president of World Boxing Council, arrived yesterday in Bacolod City to be the guest of honor of the 54th Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Convention at the L? Fisher Hotel.
Mayor Monico Puentevella said it?s good that Sulaiman came to the Philippines especially in Bacolod as it showed respect to the country?s Games and Amusement Board headed by its Chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon.
?Likewise, it means stronger connections in the organization particularly for our aspiring boxers aside from Manny Pacquiao,? the mayor said.
?It?s always good for Filipino boxers to have the WBC president here.
Let?s all welcome him in the City of Smiles,? Puentevella stressed.
For his part, Bacolod City Representative Evelio Leonardia said: ?We are honored to host the Sixth President of the WBC who has the distinction of following the footsteps of his father, Jose Sulaiman, whom he succeeded in the top seat of the world governing body for boxing.?
?Indeed, we are inspired by the man?s privilege of taking on his father?s shoes, especially because he won it on the back of an election that saw him voted upon unanimously by boxing federation and board of governors,? Leonardia said.
?Again, welcome to Bacolod, Mr. Sulaiman. You inspire as well as honor us,? he added.
OPBF president and GAB chairman Guanzon said the presence of Sulaiman in Bacolod will further motivate boxing stakeholders to fortify their passion towards the sports.
?It?s rare opportunity for us Bacolodnons to have Sulaiman in the city. It will help us strengthen our ties with WBC in order to give our aspiring boxers the chance to get title fights,? he added.
?Let?s give Sulaiman the warmest Bacolod welcome,? he said.
During the convention, Sulaiman will also be recognized as ?adopted son of Bacolod City.?
