WBC president Jose Sulaiman is calling for a “World Summit” to discuss the future of boxing and is asking other world organizations to get involved.
The longtime president of the most prestigious boxing organization in the world said “I believe that all those who love boxing must understand that we have to get together for the good of the sport.”
Ring deaths, bum decisions and suits and counter-suits among promoters and managers have hurt the sport in recent years and except for the big fights, even attendance figures have gone down.
The WBC disclosed that Gilberto Mendoza, president of the WBA and IBF president Marian Muhammad have accepted invitations to attend the WBC Medical Convention in Cancun. Mexico where discussions will be held about the format of the summit.
However, there’s been no response as yet from the WBO.
Sulaiman, according to boxingscene.com correspondent James Blears said he would be happy to include the WBO in the World Summit which is set to take place next year. It will coincide with the 45th anniversary of the WBC.
In order to encourage the other world bodies to join, Blears said Sulaiman has indicated that the WBC “will be an equal participant rather than a leading light.” The summit will also be held in a neutral venue.
The report said the plan involves holding four preliminary meetings this year to assess the issues and problems that boxing faces today with a view to establishing a detailed agenda for the World Summit. Sulaiman said the intention was to try to reach more uniformity on rules and especially safety plus welfare for boxers.
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