At this remarkable event, Boxing Bob Newman brought us exclusive reports and photos. The emcee, DAZN Boxing broadcaster Barak “The Boxing Bully” Bess, was ably supported by WBC board member Robert Lenhardt. The evening kicked off with a video showcasing the WBC board of directors roll call, followed by the impressive roll call of WBC champions - both male and female. BDB president Thomas Pütz extended a warm welcome to the convention in Hamburg, a city with a rich boxing heritage. A video greeting from Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher added to the excitement as he welcomed the convention into his city. Germany's first world champion Max Schmeling made his home in a suburb of Hamburg, along with future champs Eckhard Dagge and the Klitschko brothers. During Germany's boxing boom in the 90s and early 2000s, multiple world title fights were held here. The delegation heard words of gratitude from champions Gabriela and Sebastian Fundora, Skye Nicolson, Shawn Porter, and Tina Ruprecht, who welcomed the delegates and thanked the WBC for their support. Chairwomen Jill Diamond and Cristian Mansour spoke about the important work of the WBC Cares around the world and announced the WBC females dinner cruise on Tuesday evening. Bridger Walker, the WBC's bravest man on Earth, passed the mantle to Abdu Rozik (Abdurozik Savrikul Muhammadroziqi), a Tajikistani entertainer with dwarfism. Rozik sent a video expressing his gratitude to the WBC and Bridger Walker. Adonis Stevenson was recognized as a champion of life after his battle back from life-threatening injuries suffered in his WBC light heavyweight championship loss to Oleksandr Gvosdyk six years ago. Former IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib also received a Champion of Life award at last year's convention in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This year, he bestowed the award on up-and-coming fighter Bruno Macho Prado, who is also a cancer survivor. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the local children's choir that was supposed to sing the WBC theme song, “We Are the World,” was replaced by a spontaneous chorus of champions and board members. A video homage to Jose and Martha Sulaiman was played, including a touching clip of former champion Julio Cesar Chavez visiting Martha in her bed just one day before her passing. President Mauricio Sulaiman shared details of several important meetings during the past year. A February meeting with promoters aimed to strengthen and unify efforts to improve the sport. A meeting with Pope Francis was held at the Vatican later in the year, and the Pope expressed his positive thoughts on boxing as a lifelong fan. Unified champion Oleksander Usyk met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his win over former champ Tyson Fury and proclaimed the victory for all of Ukraine. After Blair Cobbs upset Adrien Broner in a Don King promoter fight for the People's Champion title, he finally received his belt from two former welterweight champions - Shawn Porter and Terence Crawford. Former WBA and IBF Super featherweight world champion Brian Mitchell from South Africa was honored with a WBC belt. During his reign, he was unable to compete for the WBC belt due to the apartheid policy in his native South Africa. Apart from winning the title against Alfredo Layne in South Africa, he had to defend his belt on the road twelve times due to the WBA's stance on title fights within South Africa. For five years, he was a champion without a country. Mitchell was overjoyed to finally hold the green and gold belt and expressed his eagerness to fight his WBC counterpart Azumah Nelson, also an African from Ghana. Sadly, due to politics, the fight never took place. A group photo was then taken with all the fighters and champions present. Tonight will be the opening banquet at 6:00 p.m. in the main ballroom. The WBC's Journey in Hamburg - Champions and Memories
Emcee and Support
The emcee for this momentous event was none other than DAZN Boxing broadcaster Barak “The Boxing Bully” Bess. His energetic presence was backed up by the reliable WBC board member Robert Lenhardt. Together, they set the tone for an evening filled with boxing excellence.
This dynamic duo ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly, from the roll calls to the heartfelt speeches. Their combined efforts added to the overall excitement and professionalism of the occasion.
City's Boxing Heritage
Hamburg, with its rich boxing history, was the perfect backdrop for this WBC convention. Germany's first world champion Max Schmeling made his home here, followed by other boxing greats like Eckhard Dagge and the Klitschko brothers.
The city's boxing boom in the 90s and early 2000s saw multiple world title fights take place, leaving a lasting mark on the sport. This history was beautifully captured in a video greeting from Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher.
Champions and Awards
The evening was filled with recognition for various champions. Gabriela and Sebastian Fundora, Skye Nicolson, Shawn Porter, and Tina Ruprecht all took the stage to welcome the delegates and express their gratitude to the WBC.
Adonis Stevenson was honored as a champion of life after his remarkable comeback from life-threatening injuries. Billy Dib also received a Champion of Life award, and this year, he passed it on to Bruno Macho Prado, a fellow cancer survivor.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Unforeseen circumstances led to a change in plans for the evening. The local children's choir that was supposed to sing the WBC theme song was replaced by a spontaneous chorus of champions and board members.
This unexpected turn of events added an element of surprise and unity to the event. It showed the close bond between the champions and the organization.
International Connections
The WBC's reach extended beyond national borders with the presence of champions from different countries. Bridger Walker, a Tajikistani entertainer with dwarfism, received the mantle from the WBC.
Former WBA and IBF Super featherweight world champion Brian Mitchell from South Africa also made his mark. His story of being a champion without a country due to political reasons added a unique dimension to the event.
Important Meetings and Meetings with VIPs
President Mauricio Sulaiman shared details of important meetings during the past year. A February meeting with promoters aimed to strengthen and unify efforts in the sport.
A meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican later in the year was a significant event. The Pope's positive thoughts on boxing added a spiritual aspect to the WBC's activities.
Champion's Victories
Unified champion Oleksander Usyk met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his win over former champ Tyson Fury. His proclamation of victory for all of Ukraine showed the sport's power to bring people together.
Blair Cobbs also achieved a major milestone by finally receiving his belt from two former welterweight champions. This moment was a testament to his hard work and determination.
