I’m a long – time friend and even a fan of World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman. I sought his wise counsel just a few days ago in this column.
But I have to very respectfully disagree with his recent decision to give troubled former lightweight champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela the “Champion in Recess” designation while he performs six months of court – ordered alcohol rehab.
The timing is terrible and I believe it sends a horrible message. Dr. Sulaiman is a loyal man and I understand his loyalty to help his champion get the help he needs to get better.
Help the person, yes, I agree with that. But as far as being responsible for his actions, Valero has to face the music alone.
It doesn’t matter that his wife didn’t want to press charges against him. I won’t even dignify that here with a comment.
Here is my issue with the “Champion in Recess” used in this manner:
At any time after six months Dr. Sulaiman can pass a note to his Championship Committee and ask that they consider Valero’s options toward getting back into the competitive boxing business. Let’s assume soon after that, Valero will fight for another WBC title on his merits.
By forcing “Champion in Recess” upon us, he’s forcing a title fight upon us and much more importantly looking the other way to the horrible action Valero has committed upon his wife that would have put most mere mortals in prison.
This is not as if he were injured, as say, Vitali Klitchko’s physical problems several years ago. Klitschko properly used the “Champion in Recess” designation to get healthy and after almost four full years off he properly prepared to fight for the title that he still defends to this day.
I doubt our Founding Fathers crafted the Bill of Rights with the “Champion in Recess” clause meant to help WBC Champions cruise through court – ordered probation or rehab periods.
I have no doubt Valero will be successful and wealthy upon fighting again. But he’s now a negative magnet such as Antonio Margarito and if he just keeps his mouth shut and does his time in the long run and not bully his way through this sad and murky point in his career, he might earn some respect in his community down the road for attempting to right himself.
I don’t believe Mr. Sulaiman is trying to bully Valero back into title contention. But he hasn’t thought his actions out all the way. We don’t know that Valero has hit rock bottom yet and he may get worse before he gets better.
