The opening ceremony kicked off the WBC's 63rd boxing convention and the simultaneous first muay thai convention at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Queens Park in Bangkok, all commencing to the beat of the drum. The setting featured a shimmering sea of floating silk banners and ornate lattice signs, all choreographed by a giant drum and smaller accompanying drums. Drummers wielding thick sticks delivered a performance that was drilling, thundering, and rolling in perfect, synchronized tempo. Less than an hour before the main event, final rehearsals ensured perfection and got the adrenaline flowing. This rhythmic start was followed by a smattering of Mozart from a string ensemble. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman praised the assembly for working so hard to make dreams come true, urging them to cherish these moments forever.
Governor of The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, delivered a speech describing her country as the Motherland of Muay Thai, dedicated to building integrity and a shared dream. This was followed by a display of the Klong Sabet Chai Drums and greetings from Muay Thai stars Liam Harrison and Shannon Gardiner.
Champions Oleksandr Usyk and Katie Taylor were invited on stage. Oleksandr said: “My color is green. Mauricio, thank you for what you do. I like it!”
Katie, attending her first WBC Convention, said: “This is the most prestigious belt. Thank you so much for giving us a platform.”
The great Roberto Duran modestly expressed that he was thrilled to see all the champions, confiding that he had watched many Mexican films as a child, and now there was a film about his own life.
Former world featherweight champion Naseem Hamed and his two sons came on stage. Naz, who once dazzled the world of boxing, was awarded an "ambassadorship."
WBC Cares and Courage Awards
Jill Diamond and Christiane Manzur, who fostered WBC Cares (a powerful force that opens doors and changes lives), gave a memorable presentation. Jill called the event a “gathering of hearts,” stating, “we are born and die, but dance in the middle.” Christiane explained that WBC Cares now has twenty-seven chapters worldwide.
Awards for courage and fortitude followed:
The Bravest Man Honor was presented to Pedro Silva. His daughter, Jesselyn, a brilliantly promising boxer, fought brain tumor cancer for three titanic years and sadly died in 2024 at just eighteen. He praised the WBC for all its support, describing his daughter as a true fighter who loved life.
Champion of Hope went to former boxer Jasilly Musa, who disarmed a knife man in a Kazakhstan airport.
Champion of Life was awarded to Joe Gallagher, who overcame stage four bowel and liver cancer. Joe reflected on the difference a year makes since his diagnosis, thanking Mauricio for a WBC bracelet that inspired him, and thanking the boxers he trains for their continued support.
Presidential Vision and Legacy
Two awards recognized special men: Salvatore Cherchi was named Man of the Year, and Chuck Williams was presented with The Loyalty Award.
The dream of Don José Sulaiman, though delayed, has come to fruition in Saudi Arabia with the full support of Turki Alalshikh. This involves 128 fighters from forty nations, with the Grand Final scheduled for Riyadh on December 20th.
A vital WBC team highlights narcotics awareness. Rocky Herron, a thirty-year DEA agent with a compassionate heart, runs a drug awareness program for the WBC, having given talks to 287,600 kids, saving countless lives in the process.
The most poignant and emotional moment of the morning was the award of the Lifetime Legacy Award to the Father of Muay Thai, General Kovid Bhkdjbhumi. He and Don José united to build Muay Thai following a solemn pledge to the King of Thailand in 2001. His son, Thanapol, who now leads Muay Thai, received the award alongside his father, saying: “We are deeply honored to receive this award. There is a partnership between our two Families.”
