The WBC Turns 62
The World Boxing Council (WBC) was born out of a visionary idea by then-Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos. His goal? To create a unified global organization that would regulate and elevate professional boxing worldwide.
On February 14, 1963, the WBC officially came to life with the backing of 11 founding nations:
The Pioneers Who Built the WBC
At the heart of the WBC’s creation were passionate leaders like Luis Spota and Professor Ramón G. Velásquez from Mexico, Onslow Fane from England, and Justiniano Montaño from the Philippines. These pioneers set the foundation for what would become boxing’s most respected governing body.
The Sulaimán Era: A Game-Changer
Since its inception, only six presidents have led the WBC, but none have left a greater mark than José Sulaimán Chagnón. Taking over on December 5, 1975, in Tunis, he transformed the WBC into the world’s most influential boxing organization, serving an unprecedented 38 years until his passing in 2014.
Under Sulaimán’s leadership, the WBC introduced pioneering reforms to enhance boxer safety, including reducing title fights from 15 to 12 rounds, mandatory medical examinations, and stricter regulations on weight cuts.
WBC: Protecting Fighters, Honoring Tradition
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is a non-profit organization driven by a passion for boxing and a commitment to fighter safety. Representing 170 countries, its mission is to ensure the sport remains fair, regulated, and secure for all athletes. Today, under the leadership of Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC continues to uphold its core values—loyalty, justice, integrity, and social responsibility—while prioritizing the health and well-being of every boxer above all else.
More Than Just a Sanctioning Body
For 62 years, the WBC has stood as a guardian of fighters’ well-being, ensuring that the sport prioritizes health, respect, and safety. Boxing isn’t just about winning titles; it’s about honor, legacy, and passion.
As the WBC continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: its commitment to shaping the future of boxing while honoring its storied past.
