By James Blears
The Telmex Foundation is giving pensions for life to twenty-two former fighters, who've blazed a trail in Mexico's impressive boxing history.
Jose Becerra retired fifty years ago, while the most recent recipient is Victor Rabanales, who hung his gloves up fifteen years ago. Victor Burgos, who's career was cut short by serious injury is included. The family of the late great Raul Raton Macias will also recieve a pension. The other champions who will benefit from this include: Reuban Olivares, Carlos Zarate, Jose Napolis, Ultiminio Ramos, Pipino Cuevas, Chucho Castillo, Guty Espadas, Rafael Herrera, Miguel Canto, Rodolfo Martinez, and Jose Luis Ramirez.
Telmex Foundation President Arturo Elias Ayub told BoxingScene: "Our aim is to recognize these very great leaders of boxing in Mexico, who've lost the fight against the economy. They put the name of Mexico very high up there in boxing terms, but now they're living in circumstances that we do not like to see, and we think they deserve much more than they have right now."
This latest initiative means that Telmex Foundation is funding a Spring and Autumn program for boxing, because it's already sponsoring a group of young and upcoing boxing prospects. In two years, the youngsers have won 111 of 121 fights, which adds up to a 92 percent success rate.
World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman suggested the pension for life idea to Telmex owner and billionaire Carlos Slim. Slim was not able to attend the ceremony, But Don Jose, who's still recovering from knee surgery, did. He explained Slim had asked what could be done to help these boxing heroes. So a list was drawn up of well deserved cases. The pension for life will now enable Mexican boxing greats to live in greater comfort
