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Philippines, 23 Apr 2026 |
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Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Unsung Heroes and the Value of Service By Mauricio Sulaimán PhilBoxing.com Thu, 12 Mar 2026  While the news flooding our televisions, social media, and newspapers—as well as every conversation we have—revolves around the crisis in the Middle East and the tragedy of a war that frightens us all, I write this column hoping to provide a moment of respite to those who honor me with their readership. I had the great honor of throwing the first pitch at the Mexican National Baseball Team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. As I stepped onto the mound, the spirit of the great “Toro” Valenzuela took over, and a tremendous strike flew from my arm (well, at least that’s how I imagined it in my mind).  The Mexican team is a formidable force; I am certain they will perform brilliantly, but there is fierce competition as baseball national teams are playing with heart and strategy. World Baseball Classic Mexican team is under the leadership of manager Benji Gil, Vinicio Castilla, and the rest of the coaching staff. It was a true pleasure to greet Noé Muñoz, now a coach for the team, as we shared the Little League years playing together at Liga Lindavista. By the way, Major League Baseball (MLB) has yet to correct their grave error in naming this tournament the “WBC” (World Baseball Classic), which in Spanish also translates to CMB. We have amicably agreed on several occasions that they should address this, as they have infringed upon our trademark with significant impact on social media.   My trip to Phoenix was wonderful. Beyond the experience on the diamond, I had the opportunity to hold very productive meetings and enjoy two memorable dinners with beloved members of the local boxing community. I dined with Michael Carbajal, that “Little Giant” who fought three times against “Chiquita” González; our interim WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jesús Ramos Jr., his father, and his brother Abel, a future champion; Elijah García and his father; the brave fighter Sulem Urbina and her mother, whom I love dearly; PR expert Martín Bater and his wife; my great friend César Verduzco, Martín Reyes, and Dr. Silverman and Jacob Tilzer. I also had the pleasure of spending time with my friend Fernando Valenzuela Jr., his wife, his brother, and other family and friends.   Over the weekend, we attended the birthday celebration for the wife of my dear Dr. Pablo Orozco. Ivonne celebrated reaching the “fifth floor” (her 50th), and we shared a table with the team of doctors led by Dr Ortiz DelaPeña. These team saved my life during a medical crisis in 2018, and since then, we have built a very special friendship. There are certain professions I deeply admire, as those who dedicate themselves to them are special people—individuals who are always there to serve humanity, often in anonymity, behind the scenes, and with personal sacrifices that few appreciate. I am referring, first and foremost, to doctors and all healthcare providers, teachers, police officers, the armed forces, and firefighters. Doctors do not have a life of their own; their time belongs to others in need. They are available for any urgency, and their total focus remains on their patients, especially during emergencies. Speaking with the wife of Dr. Ortiz de la Peña, she told me how often they have had to cancel trips to stay and care for a critically ill patient. Like that, there are a thousand stories of how their lives always depend on others. Doctors must always be ready for the call; they are very careful with their own health, they don’t “party,” and they head home early to rest. My friend Pablo became famous because, on a flight a few months ago, he noticed a woman choking mid-flight; he stood up and heroically saved her life. The incredible part was that no one flinched; the passengers carried on as if nothing had happened. Only one person, a journalist who saw what occurred, took it upon himself to report it and make the story public. The pilot? Not even a thank you. The airline Aeroméxico? Not a single note of gratitude. Imagine the consequences of such a tragedy mid-flight! But the “Doc” was there, just as they are ready to act every day, wherever they may be.  I admire TEACHERS profoundly; they are people who dedicate their lives to sharing knowledge and shaping the lives of everyone who passes through their classrooms. We were all students once, and we all benefited from the work of teachers from kindergarten through university. I admire the POLICE and ARMED FORCES because they step into a ring every day where there are no rules and no referee, fighting constantly to keep us safe. Without a second thought, they are willing to risk their lives for any of us; they are true unsung heroes. And the FIREFIGHTERS—how great these men and women are! No one values this profession until the day they need their help. Likewise, they are ready to sacrifice their lives at any moment and live day-to-day, simply waiting for the call.  The beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, had an incredible gift for synthesis; he managed to deliver profound, lasting messages in very few words. On one occasion, I was fortunate enough to be present at an audience with my brother Héctor. A group of firefighters gave their report to the Pope, who, after hearing their testimony, responded with his characteristic warmth, composure, and a gaze full of compassion: “Every day I pray that everyone in the world has a job… and every day I also pray that firefighters have no work.”  Did you know…? Today, David Benavidez, the great two-division WBC Champion, and “Zurdo” Ramírez, the unified WBO-WBA Cruiserweight Champion, arrive to attend our traditional “Martes de Café” to promote their upcoming fight on May 2nd in Las Vegas.  Today’s Anecdote My father was a unique person, my hero. Just as I mentioned those I admire, he possessed much of each of those professions: always ready to help, willing to intervene in emergencies, a great teacher who shared his experiences and ideals, and always fighting against common injustices like discrimination and the abuse of power. “Mijito, never do anything expecting something in return; one must always seek to serve others and fight with solid, consistent principles and values,” he would tell me. “Always remember that there is no temptation or pleasure worth more than the honor of your last name; you must be a person of good and of service.”  I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com Click here to view a list of other articles written by Mauricio Sulaimán.  |
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