By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain says he expects over 500 guests for the WBC Convention to be held in Manila next month and among them will be former world champions such as Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Vitali Klitschko, Erik Morales and Oscar Larios among others.
However, former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis begged off while it isn’t likely that either Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier who are best remembered for their historic “Thrilla in Manila” on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum will be here.
WBC president Jose Sulaiman said he is eagerly looking forward to the Manila visit and to meet with his longtime friend and WBC founding secretary general Rudy Salud.
Sulaiman also disclosed that the WBC will give President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo an award in recognition of her unstinted support for sports especially boxing. In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Sulaiman said “we know of her support to sports and very specially to boxing and we want to recognize the leaders of the world who support our sport.”
Sulaiman added” we want leaders such as President Arroyo to know that we the people in boxing see that and applaud them.” President Arroyo is best know for her unwavering care and support for Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao even before he made a name for himself on the international boxing scene.
