From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
“In view of the very sad and unfortunate passing away of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, the World Boxing Council declares mourning as of today up to his funeral, and kindly requests all 161 affiliated national and continental federations 10 bell tolls at each boxing event in honor and posthumous homage to this Son of God and his Ambassador on Earth for peace and human dignity.
“His Holiness John Paul II always gave spiritual protection to the humble and poor of the world, and issued an Apostolic Blessing during the visit of the WBC President to the Vatican in 1997, which will always be cherished in the hearts of all WBC members.”