Clash Of Mexican Titans Zurdo & Benavidez!

(March 11th) The two Mexican six footers David ‘’Red Flag’’ Benavidez and Gilberto ‘’Zurdo’’ Ramirez squared up, shook hands, embraced and showed respect, as David challenges Zurdo for his cruiserweight titles on May 2nd at the T Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, slap bang in the middle of the traditional Mexican Cinco De Mayo Festivities.

The festival atmosphere Super Martes a Café of the World Boxing Council, was at the magnificent Camino Real Hotel in the Pedregal district, deep in the south of Mexico City. David who is the WBC light heavyweight champion has sought and been granted permission to contest Zurdo`s WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. To mark the occasion which is so very brilliantly Mexican, the WBC has had a special commemorative Belt made which the winner will hold aloft. It is the Tollan Tlatequi Belt.

The Light heavyweight category is 175 pounds while the cruiserweight limit is 200 pounds. Some experts are calling for an intermediate Bruiserweight Division to bridge a hefty twenty- five pounds difference. David who says he was thinking about a new division on these lines the other day, but candidly says he hasn`t found a problem in beefing up to this new limit, and because he tends to fight twice a year, there won`t be a problem in slimming back down again to fulfil his commitments as the WBC light heavyweight champion. But he does think there should be another weight division to fulfil the gap.

Size wise, the two of them match/math up fairly evenly. While Zurdo is six feet two and a half inches, David is just half an inch shorter. Zurdo`s reach is seventy- five inches, while David`s wingspan is just half an inch less. Zurdo is thirty- four. David is five years younger. Zurdo`s record is 48-1, 30 KO`s. David`s tally is 31-0, 25 KO`s. David has been WBC super-middleweight champion, is the current WBC light heavyweight champion. WBO super-middleweight and now WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion. Standing side by side, David is leaner and slimmer and Zurdo is noticeably bulker.

David says everything has been perfect in training and an important key to unlock victory is speed. The other day he was at the Pyramids at Teotihuacan with his young son Anthony. They were shadow boxing against this magnificent backdrop. With the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk fight at the pyramids at Giza, David says he would be honoured to fight at a world- famous site like the Teotihuacan pyramids, Chichen Itza, the Parthenon or even Stonehenge, as it would be an historic milestone. He also says that winning a world title at a third weight division would be fantastic and a confirmation towards his heritage.

He described it by saying: ‘’I`m very happy with everything that has happened in my life. Sometimes the hardest lessons I had to learn were the ones which made me the strongest. I`m happy about my accomplishments, but I don`t like to live in the past dwell on them and live with them, as there`s still a lot more I can accomplish. And by the time I`m done with boxing there is always going to be more room to do more.

‘’Over the years, learning different stuff and different techniques. I never stop watching boxing and I`m a big fan of boxing. I`m always studying, trying to be the best and I can still learn. Once you`ve told yourself you`ve learned everything about boxing, that`s when you`re done. But there are so many things I continue to learn now and that allows me to be better and better every single fight.’’

Zurdo is more relaxed and calm than David, but that belies the power, commitment and pride of a champion he too possesses. He said: ‘’David is an excellent boxer and for sure this is going to be a truly great fight between the two of us. The twenty-five pounds heavier division at cruiserweight at which I`m comfortable is going to be an advantage for me and concerning power. I`ve been training in the United States for this one and I`ve been training extra hard. For me the secret building towards success will be my timing of punches. By the end of this fight, David will know, understand and appreciate the difference between light heavy and cruiser. Probably…yes.’’

Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions sees this as a classic which both fighters were clamouring for. He said: ‘’They`re both big, but I think you can throw that out of the window, as each is a master boxer and they are both big punchers. It`s going to be a great fight. David is a big kid, who killed himself to make weight, so I think this fight is going to give him an advantage growing naturally and he`s now closer to his natural weight.

‘’Hand speed will be a big and significant factor during this fight. Also, this is a Mexican Vs a Mexican fight. The amount of pride involved means that these guys are going to go to war. You can slice and dice it any way you want, but this is going to be one exciting fight. Their styles and the way they fight, speaks for them. No need for trash talking, there`s a lot of pride in what they do. This is what our sport needs. These guys want this to be an instant classic and it has all the makings and ingredients.

‘’I truly believe when two fighters want to fight it`s easy to make. These two really wanted this fight and It was very easy to make.’’

Sampson Lewkowicz who has been with David from the beginning says: ‘’David wants to possess his very own legacy. He cannot wait any more for any champion. Even if there was a fifty pounds weight difference, David would take the fight anyway. David is definitely more mature and his aim is to make himself the number one. He is going to take advantage of all the experience he has accumulated. If I tell you the secret of spotting fighters like David, the Fundoras and Sergio Martinez I would look funny, so…I`m not going to tell you.’’

The event was a magnificent showpiece. World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman presented a WBC mini belt to young Anthony Benavidez, together with a jacket and some boxing gloves. The lad did a dynamo session of shadow boxing which made Dad proud and brought a huge round of applause from the assembled. Mauricio also gave Zurdo Green and Gold Belts for each of his two children.

There was a mariachi band belting out and four indigenous dancers sporting war pain, feathered head dresses with a black pot of fire, shields and banging out a beat on drums.

What a WBC event. As Carly Simon once sang: ‘’Nobody does it better.’’

WBC: Rocky:

Half A Century Of Inspiration… and Great Trainers!

(March 6th) In 1976, the world met a character who embodied perseverance and the fighting spirit of the human being like few others: Rocky Balboa.

With the release of that film, boxing found a new place in popular culture, and millions of people identified with the story of a fighter who, against all odds, had the chance, temerity and tenacity to prove his worth in the ring, when and where it counts.

Today, the World Boxing Council is preparing to celebrate throughout the year the 50th anniversary of this cinematic masterpiece that left a lasting purple patch and red badge of courage on generations. During this commemorative period, the WBC will share special publications, activations, and historical features to remember how Rocky became a source of inspiration for thousands of fighters around the world, many of whom have gone on to win the legendary Green and Gold belt.

 The Rocky saga has become one of the most iconic stories in sports cinema. Throughout the films, boxing is portrayed not only as a sport of discipline and sacrifice, but also as a profound relationship between fighter and trainer—one that often defines and the destiny of a champion via a beacon of inspiration.

 In the story of Rocky Balboa, several trainers played a crucial role in his development both inside and outside the ring. Each contributed knowledge, character, and experience that helped shape the fighter the world came to admire.

These are some of the trainers who defined Rocky’s story:

Mickey Goldmill

The first great mentor of Rocky Balboa. Mickey was the owner of the gym where Rocky trained in Philadelphia and a former fighter with years of boxing experience. Although he initially doubted Rocky’s commitment, he eventually became his trainer and manager. His tough, uncompromising and straightforward approach helped transform Rocky into a legitimate contender for the world championship. Mickey guided him through the early stages of his career until his emotional farewell in the saga.

Apollo Creed

After once being his greatest rival, Apollo Creed later becomes Rocky’s trainer and fried. Following Rocky’s defeat to Clubber Lang, Apollo decides to help him regain his confidence and refine his style. With a focus on speed, movement, and strategy, Apollo brings out a new version of Rocky, guiding him back to the top of the boxing world.

Tony “Duke” Evers

Tony Evers, known as Duke, was Apollo Creed’s trainer and later worked with Rocky as well. His high-level boxing experience made him an important figure during some of the most demanding moments of the saga. Duke represents the wisdom of the gym and the continuation of Apollo’s legacy within Rocky’s team.

Rocky Balboa as a Trainer

Over time, Rocky himself also stepped into the role of trainer. After retiring from boxing, he became a mentor to a new generation of fighters, passing on the lessons he learned throughout his career. In this stage, Rocky shows that the true legacy of boxing is not only found in victories, but also in the knowledge and inspiration shared with the next generation.

Fifty years after Rocky emerged as a cultural phenomenon, the multi faceted saga continues to remind us that behind and beside every great champion, there are always trainers, mentors, and teachers who help shape the story inside the ring.

Chiquita Boxing Charity Event To Bring

Boxing And Solidarity To Nezahualcóyotl!

(March 3rd) Chiquita Boxing will stage a charity event on Saturday, March 7, at the esplanade of the Municipal Palace in Nezahualcóyotl, combining high-level boxing with a clear social purpose: collecting new toys to be donated on Children’s Day.

Admission to the event will not require a monetary ticket. Instead, entry will be granted in exchange for a new toy, which will form part of the collection benefiting children in the community.

The card will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and Box Televisa, expanding both the reach of the event and its charitable message.

The main event will feature former world champion Mauricio “Bronco” Lara, who returns at a pivotal stage in his career. Lara expressed his motivation to fight again after three years of inactivity: “I want to give my people a victory after being inactive for three years. I’m very happy to fight with Chiquita Boxing.” The Mexico City native aims to deliver a convincing performance and reestablish himself on the national scene.

Hall of Fame former world champion Humberto “Chiquita” González, the driving force behind the project, emphasized the importance of the event: “It will be a great card. Don’t miss it. Bring your toy.” His message highlights the dual purpose of the night: sporting spectacle and social commitment.

Humberto González Jr. added that the event will meet high expectations: “We’re waiting for you. It will be a great show. There will be great talent. Bronco is in a great moment; it will be a top-level event.” The card will feature a mix of prospects and established fighters, reinforcing its competitive quality.

The combination of national television coverage, an emblematic venue in Nezahualcóyotl, and a concrete social cause positions this event as a meaningful platform for both boxing and the community. On March 7, the ring will be a stage not only for competition, but also for solidarity.

Magnesi Earns Victory In Tune-Up Bout

Ahead Of Title Opportunity!

(March 3rd) Michael Magnesi secured an important strategic victory, although the bout was not contested for a title.

The fight was designed as part of his preparation for an upcoming world championship opportunity, prioritizing rounds, competitive rhythm, and technical adjustments.

From the outset, his approach was methodical: distance control, consistent body work, and intelligent energy management. Rather than seeking a rushed finish, the objective was to solidify physical and tactical readiness ahead of the major challenge on the horizon.

The win allows him to remain active, maintain momentum, and continue refining key details within his roadmap toward a title shot. It was a functional, strategic performance aligned with a championship trajectory.

The WBC was established as an initiative of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo López Mateos, to create an organization that would unify all the commissions of the world and  develop the expansion of boxing.

This is how on February 14, 1963 the World Boxing Council was founded, initially created by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, England, France, Mexico, the Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil.

Its main founders were the Mexican Luis Spota and Professor Ramón G.

Velasquez, who were Presidents  of the World Boxing Council, as well as Onslow Fane, from England and Filipino Justiniano Montaño.

So far there have been six honorable men who have held the position of President of the World Boxing Council; However, Dr. José Sulaimán Chagnón, who became President on December 5, 1975 in the city of Tunisia and remained as Leader for more than 38 years, was the one who consolidated the organization as the most important at international and global level.

Thanks to  his unstinting efforts, innovation and guidelines, the WBC evolved, grew and transformed the way this noble sport is viewed. For the WBC the most important thing has always been to promote and safeguard, safety, health plus respect for the boxer, who gets into the ring with a hunger and thirst to win, and to entertain the fans, in spite of the risks.

The World Boxing Council is a non-profit organization that works motivated by the love for boxing with dedicated, loyal people who seek to safeguard the safety of boxers. Consisting of 168 countries with their respective confederations, its main function is to make boxing a fair and safe sport.

Today, with  the leadership of its President Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC continues to work to enhance boxing, as well as to protect the health and well-being of all boxers, above any interest, always promoting our values: loyalty, justice, integrity and respecting the social commitment that supports our history.