José Sulaimán

José Sulaimán Chagnón (May 30, 1931 – January 16, 2014) was a Mexican boxing official, best known for serving as president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) from 1975 until his death in 2014. During his nearly four decades at the helm, Sulaimán played a pivotal role in modernizing the sport of boxing, implementing reforms aimed at improving fighter safety, and expanding the WBC’s global presence. Despite his many contributions, his tenure was also the subject of debate within the boxing community.

Early Life and Background

Sulaimán was born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. His father was of Syrian descent and his mother of Lebanese heritage.Muere Don José Sulaimán
/ref>José Sulaimán, presidente del CMB, murió a los 82 años de edad
/ref> He became involved in boxing at an early age, joining a local boxing commission in San Luis Potosí at just 16. Fluent in several languages—including Spanish, English, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, and French—Sulaimán also operated a successful medical supply business in Mexico.

Boxing Career

Sulaimán held various roles in the sport prior to his leadership at the WBC. He was an amateur boxer, trainer, promoter, judge, and referee. In 1968, he joined the WBC and quickly rose through its ranks. On **December 5, 1975**, he was unanimously elected president of the organization.

Throughout his tenure, Sulaimán focused heavily on reforms aimed at improving athlete safety and global governance in boxing. Key initiatives included:

* Reducing the length of world title fights from 15 to 12 rounds
* Instituting a 24-hour weigh-in before fights
* Creating new weight divisions for fairer competition
* Promoting the use of thumb-attached gloves to prevent eye injuries
* Establishing the WBC World Medical Congress and supporting research into brain injuries at UCLA

Under his leadership, the WBC sanctioned over 1,100 world title bouts and oversaw the crowning of more than 300 world champions. By the end of his presidency, the organization had expanded to include affiliates from 161 countries.

Legacy and Recognition

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10, 2007.
Sulaimán was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on **June 10, 2007** in recognition of his service to the sport. He is credited with helping transform the WBC into one of the most influential boxing bodies in the world.

*José Sulaimán was honored by Guinness World Records as the longest-serving president of a global sports organization, holding the position for 38 years and 41 days from December 5, 1975, until his passing on January 16, 2014.His son, Mauricio Sulaimán, was elected to succeed him as WBC president shortly after his passing.

Controversies

Despite his significant contributions, Sulaimán's leadership was not without criticism. Some journalists and industry insiders expressed concern over perceived favoritism and governance issues.

Critics pointed to his close professional relationship with American promoter Don King. Journalist Jack Newfield wrote that Sulaimán “became more King’s junior partner than his independent regulator,” while author Peter Heller echoed these sentiments, quoting British promoter Mickey Duff as saying that Sulaimán would only be satisfied “when Don King is the ''only'' promoter in boxing.”

Death

Sulaimán died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles on January 16, 2014. He is buried in the Panteón Francés of Mexico City. He was succeeded by his son Mauricio Sulaimán as president of the WBC.

References

External links

Q & A
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sulaiman, Jose
1931 births
2014 deaths
Mexican businesspeople
Mexican people of Lebanese descent
Mexican people of Syrian descent
Sportspeople from Tamaulipas
People from Ciudad Victoria
Boxing people
Boxing in Mexico
Deaths from diabetes in California
Sportspeople of Lebanese descent
Sportspeople of Syrian descent
World Boxing Council