by Ronnie Nathanielsz

World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman has been honored in Panama City by Mayor Jose Isabel Blandon, who presented the WBC president with the keys to the city at the House of the Municipality in the historic village of  San Felipe

Mayor Blandon said the deserved recognition was not just foe Maurico’s superb career and for the outstanding work he has already achieved in his leadership of the WBC but also for the meaning, significance and deep affection boxing has in Panama.

The Mayor said “we are honored to present Mauricio Sulaiman as a distinguished citizen. WE hope thatn good things in boxing continue happening” as he presented the cherished award to the WBC leader.

A visibly happy Sulaiman mentiomned that it was an honor to receive the avward “on behalf of all fighters and members of the WBC.”

The WBC president reiterated the love he feels for Panama, a country that always welcomed his late father Don Jose Sulaiman, the honorary WBC lifetime president “with wide open arms.”

The WBC said Sulaiman is in Panama for “developing and discussing several important matters as well as attending the important fight card on Saturday at the Arena Roberto Duran where two WBC Silver titles will be on the line.

Luis Concepcion of Panama battles Duvan Hernandez of Colombia for the vacant WBC super flyweight Silver title while Leroy Estrada and Carlos Ortega, both Panamanians. Clash for the vacant WBC minimum weight Silver title.