WBC Awards Belts To Tszyu, Lewis, Mayweather

WBC President Jose Sulaiman oversaw a busy and productive day at the general assembly meeting on Tuesday at the WBC’s 45th annual convention at the Manila Hotel.

Some of the resolutions of the day include:

Manny Pacquiao was awarded an Emeritus Championship at a very emotional ceremony last night. Manny joins the following WBC Emeritus champions:

·        Konstantin Tszyu

·        Erik Morales

·        Lennox Lewis

·        Vitali Klitschko

·        Bernard Hopkins

·        Floyd Mayweather

The WBC decided to create the position of Boxers’ Representative on the WBC Board of Governors to represent the interests of boxers and former boxers. Jeff Fenech was unanimously elected.

Don Majeski was elected as the Managers’ Representative on the Board, joining promoter Salvatore Cherchi of Italy, who was elected Promoters’ Representative two years ago.

A new list of levels for boxers will be created during the upcoming year to be implemented in 2009. All boxers in the world will be placed in a level or bracket according to their current abilities, which will be based on factors like:

·        Amateur career

·        Number of professional fights

·        Number of rounds fought

·        Record

·        Style

·        Latest results

This categorization of boxers is intended to match fighters against others at the same level to avoid mismatches that are dangerous for the health of boxers, and many times a fraud to the public.

The WBC will work through its 10 affiliated Continental Federations for the implementation of a world format of authorization for travelling boxers. The WBC will seek reciprocity in all countries to make sure that boxers are not suspended and are medically cleared to fight by their residence commission.

A world school of trainers will be launched.

A plan to help Michael Nunn, who is in desperate need in prison, will be studied and presented on Friday.

The second day for ring officials was dedicated to referees and was a great success. 140 officials attended, and the seminar was considered one of the best ever held.

Ratings and mandatory title defenses will be reviewed tomorrow.