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Philippines, 15 Jul 2026 |
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Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The WBC Reaps Rewards in Uruguay By Mauricio Sulaimán PhilBoxing.com Wed, 15 Jul 2026  Greetings from the Southern Cone, where I am beginning a brief tour that will take me through Uruguay and Argentina. I was warmly welcomed by Sergio Márquez, president of CUBAP, and the legendary journalist Pedro Bologna, both of whom helped me gather various members of our sport’s community here in Uruguay. CUBAP began its operations in 2015 with the unconditional support of Sampson Lewkowicz, who is, in truth, a homegrown hero in his native country. From its very inception, the World Boxing Council supported the creation of the Mercosur Tournament, back when this country had only 80 amateur boxers. I was present for the finals in 2017, and it fills me with great enthusiasm to see how each edition of the tournament reaches a higher level. This tournament provides crucial activity for young prospects who have not yet made the leap to the professional ranks, and who will undoubtedly become the future stars of our sport. The winners receive a scholarship to attend a training camp in Mexico, and today, there are already more than 1,200 registered boxers across the nation.  Sampson was born in Uruguay and has become one of the most influential figures in world boxing today. Few individuals have left such a profound footprint on modern boxing as he has, shining as a seasoned promoter and manager. Over several decades, he built a trajectory that turned him into one of the most influential personalities in the sport, thanks to his sharp eye for discovering talent, developing careers, and negotiating some of the biggest matchups on the international stage. Our dear Sampson Lewkowicz has guided dozens of world champions and elite contenders. His work is not limited to simply securing opportunities; he also closely shepherds the athletic growth of his fighters, always prioritizing decisions that benefit their long-term development. Among his greatest successes is his backing of the sibling duo Sebastián and Gabriela Fundora. Sebastián is our reigning WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and one of the most prominent fighters today, having shined and starred in memorable battles. Meanwhile, Gabriela made history by becoming the youngest undisputed female Flyweight World Champion of all time.  Sampson also played a pivotal role in the career of David Benavidez, the current WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion and Unified Cruiserweight Champion. Under his guidance, the “Mexican Monster” cemented his status as one of the most feared and dominant boxers in the world today. Another great success story linked to the Uruguayan promoter belongs to Argentina’s Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez, whom he helped transform into an international superstar during one of the most brilliant stretches of his career. He has also worked with other prestigious fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Celestino “Pelenchín” Caballero, Donnie Nietes, Javier Fortuna, John Riel Casimero, Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno, Hanna Gabriels, Cecilia “Reina” Comunales, and many more.  However, beyond athletic accolades, Lewkowicz has earned widespread recognition for placing the well-being of his boxers above any financial interest. That is exactly what we do at the WBC, and we are deeply proud of Sampson and of being here in his homeland. The 2026 World Cup is well underway, and now it is our turn to experience it from South America. We had the chance to watch the match featuring Argentina, who defeated Switzerland to advance further into the tournament and qualify for the semifinals—an absolute phenomenon, though the sport is increasingly marred by the ongoing controversies caused by VAR day after day.  (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Taking advantage of my visit to the southern part of the continent, I will spend a week in Argentina, where I have highly important meetings scheduled with the local boxing community: the federation’s board of directors, trainers, promoters, and fighters. I will also have the opportunity to visit the church where our beloved Pope Francis used to celebrate Mass back when he was Father Bergoglio. The WBC and I have always shared a wonderful relationship with Pope Francis. Argentina brings back beautiful memories for us; in 1996, the WBC Annual Convention was held in its capital, Buenos Aires, led by my father, Don José. Having our organization return to Argentine soil fills me with joy. My tour is just beginning, and upon my return, I will share all the wonderful experiences I am about to live through during these days.  Did You Know…? Sampson Lewkowicz is a wonderful boxing character whom we love very much. He started out as a passionate fan of the sport and even had a few amateur fights. At the age of 20, he moved to New York without knowing any English and worked various jobs, eventually becoming the manager of an electronics store. It was there that he met Don José Sulaimán, a meeting that changed his life forever and immersed him fully into boxing. Today, he stands as one of the most successful promoters and an extraordinary personality in our sport. Today’s Anecdote As he did at every convention, my father surrounded himself with great champions and various dignitaries from the host nation that welcomed us with open arms. Back in 1996, when the Annual Convention commenced, it was officially inaugurated by the President of the Nation at the time, Carlos Saúl Menem. That day marked the beginning of an extraordinary week, where vital topics for our sport were discussed alongside a truly distinguished guest of honor. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Mauricio Sulaimán.  |
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