By Miguel Rivera
On Friday, Mauricio Sulaiman told reporters that he wasn't interested in taking over as the president of the World Boxing Council. Mauricio's father, the legendary Jose Sulaiman, passed away on Thursday. Jose died at the age of 82-years. Jose was the president of the sanctioning body for nearly four decades. Mauricio has the been Executive Secretary of the WBC for many years. He plans to continue his post.
Fernando Beltran, owner of the largest Mexico-based promotional company - Zanfer Promotions - is backing Mauricio to take over. Other promoters, like Don King, have also jumped on board and want Mauricio in the top spot of the WBC.
"I would not take the statements [from Mauricio] as something official. I find it very unfair that at this time he would be asked [questions on whether] he wanted to be president of the [WBC]. You have to give him time to make a decision, "he said.
"We as the promoters and fighters, will try to convince Mauricio. He is beginning another stage of life. I know that his father was his life. feel it is too early to make a decision, but this is his life and it is up to him. We know the value that he has and we'll try to invite and convince him to continue the legacy of his father."