WBC News: Jose Sulaiman Boulevard

December 27, 2004. One of the major thoroughfares in Ciudad Victoria was named “Jose Sulaiman Boulevard” in a ceremony in honor of the President of the World Boxing Council. With a population of over 600,000, Ciudad Victoria is the capital city of the state of Tamaulipas, and the birthplace of Jose Sulaiman.

The city council, which is formed of councilmen from four political parties, voted unanimously in favor of the honor. Ciudad Victoria mayor Jose Manuel Asaad Montelongo led the naming ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of the city’s citizens.

Jose Sulaiman Boulevard is six miles long, and connects the city to the highway that leads to Matamoros and Reynosa, Mexico, and Brownsville and McAllen, Texas.

The accomplishments of Dr. Sulaiman, a businessman and leader in sports, city and social services, have long been revered in his hometown. Under his leadership, the WBC has become an institution of change and reform in boxing, and led the sport to its present heights, especially in regards to safety and equal opportunities for boxers.

With tears in his eyes, Dr. Sulaiman said, “Not even in my wildest dreams did I ever think that some day an honor of such magnitude would be bestowed on my name.

“I accept it with humility on behalf of all the friends of my younger years in Ciudad Victoria to accomplish what we did. I also accept it on behalf of all my friends in boxing from Mexico and all the wide world for having done what we have for the betterment of boxing, but also accept it deep in my heart in honor of my father Elias, my mother Wasila, my uncle Jorge Chagnon and my brother Hector, all to whom I pray in heaven to make me strong, and help me in my passion for the service of the poor through boxing.

“This undeserved honor fortifies my commitment to continue struggling as hard as I can with honor and pride for my dear Ciudad Victoria.”