World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman Dies; Son Likely To Take His Place

World Boxing Council President JOSE SULAIMAN died in L.A. at the age of 82 "from complications following heart surgery," according to Ron Lewis of the LONDON TIMES. The Mexican "was in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-reigning president in any sport," having been voted into the top job at the WBC in Dec. '75, the same weekend that JOHN H. STRACEY won the world welterweight title. He "pushed through many medical improvements in the sport," including reducing championship bouts from 15 to 12 rounds. However, he was heavily criticized for "favouring certain boxers and promoters," notably DON KING, which affected the organization’s credibility. Sulaiman’s son, MAURICIO, who is exec director of the WBC, "looks most likely to take over as the governing body’s president." British Boxing Board of Control and WBC VP CHARLES GILES said that "he believes Mauricio is likely to be elected" (LONDON TIMES, 1/17).