THE 12TH ROUND
By Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President – Jose Sulaiman’s son
North American Boxing Federation
The NABF celebrated it’s 49th annual convention in San Diego, California with the presence of members from most of the states in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The NABF was founded in 1968 with the goal to serve as a Continental Federation affiliated to the World Boxing Council . It was formed by the affiliation of individuals representing their state of the 3 countries mentioned above. These individuals were boxing commissioners, most if not all, chairmen of their state boxing commission. It was through the NABF that the administration of boxing and implementation of rules to make boxing safer was a great success.
The Muhammad Ali Act came to the USA and became a law and it includes a clause prohibiting boxing commissioners to be members of a Governing body. This measure has hurt the sport in a tremendous way as there is limited or no reciprocity agreements between the boxing jurisdictions and it is basically impossible to implement new rules in the USA which is the greatest country in boxing in the world .
Instant Replay, 4&8 rd Open Scoring, Point deduction to uncut boxer, 30 second signal, etc….. These rules are used in most countries with the exception of USA and UK.
This year 2 legendary champions have lost their world title in close controversial fights. Chocolatito and Pacquiao lost on split decisions their world titles. Both champions suffered from one thing in common, huge cuts coming from accidental headbutts. Blood came down their face, limiting their vision, taking effect in their strength, and of probably making an impact in the judges on close rounds .
Had the WBC rule be in place both would have retained the title on Majority draw.
The WBC implemented a rule many years ago in which a point is deducted from the uncut boxer on accidental headbutt. Even when questioned at times, it has proven to be a very good rule to balance the extreme difficulties that a cut brings to a fighter.
The NABF has a new President. Craig Hubble was elected by acclamation and his term of 2 years has begun . Outgoing President, Duane Ford enjoyed several standing ovation moments during the convention and will be remembered as a true leader who fought tirelessly to bring the NABF champions their due value. During his term 50 NABF champions challenged for a world title !
I am honored to continue to serve as VicePresident in the NABF, as I was reelected to the post I have held since 1994.
There were so many magic moments during this annual gathering. I would like to share them through these pictures :
Ray Beltran awarded by the NABF gave a speech which brought everyone to tears. Ray shared his difficulties through life, even days which he had no food and no hope to survive and boxing has given him a life and might soon give him his much needed green card to continue with his quest to become world champion.
Hope for Henry Foundation has become the NABF’s beneficiary with it’s great inspiration and cause. Chuck Williams stood up and offered $4000 donation for this poster to continue traveling the world to be auctioned in a rotation basis. This years auction and voluntary donations raised close to $15 000 dollars.
NABF Executive committee – The Reyes family, Deborah Hawkins, Gaby Mancini, Rex Walker, Mike George, Jill Diamond, Sammy Macias, Craig Hubble, Mauricio Sulaiman, Joanna Aguilar, Duane Ford, Travis Ford and Misty
WBC Lightweight champion receives his Green and Gold belt at Petco Park .
The honor to throw the first pitch before the Padres vs Dodgers game !
The youngest member of the NABF family with his dad, former NABF fly and superflyweight Champion Oscar Cantu.
Thank you my President Duane Ford.
I want to wish all a happy fourth of July ! . Thank you and I welcome any comments, ideas or suggestions at contact@wbcboxing.com
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