WBC Boxing News: Don Jose Sulaiman Clarifies Outcome Of Mississippi Rift

From the office of WBC President José Sulaimán:

To clarify the situation concerning the two WBC bouts held in Mississippi on September 13, 2008, the WBC is pleased that the Mississippi Athletic Commission (MAC) reached an amicable resolution regarding the WBC’s bouts, which were held fully in accordance with WBC rules and regulations.

On September 12, WBC President José Sulaimán and the MAC Chairman Jon Lewis spoke at length in a respectful and cooperative manner. On September 13, the Commission announced that for both WBC bouts, it had appointed the first two names on the list of proposed outside officials originally submitted by the WBC for these bouts approximately one month before, when the WBC had understood previously that only local Mississippi officials would be used. The WBC is aware and appreciative that a change was made with respect to the officials for the event.

As the WBC gave full recognition to the authority and responsibility of the MAC, the Mississippi Athletic Commission gave full recognition and respect to the WBC’s legitimate interests and participation in its bouts.

Aside from assigning the two WBC-approved officials to each bout, the MAC requested that WBC official scorecards be used by the judges, that the WBC concentration sheets be used to tabulate the official scores, and that the bouts be supervised by the WBC Supervisors assigned to each bout by President Sulaimán. Additional WBC officials were present and given full respect by the promoter and the Mississippi commission

From the ring, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour thanked the WBC, Don King Productions, and all parties that helped to make the promotion a success, and the WBC warmly thanks Governor Barbour and the Mississippi Athletic Commission for their hospitality to the WBC and its officials, and especially its proud defending WBC super lightweight world champion Timothy Bradley Jr., and new WBC featherweight championship mandatory contender Elio Rojas.

The WBC is pleased to have an amicable and respectful relationship for the future with the Mississippi Athletic Commission, as with all other commissions in the United States and throughout the world. President Jose Sulaimán congratulates Governor Barbour and the Mississippi Athletic Commission for their success with this event, and especially the great work Governor Barbour has done to help the people of Mississippi since the terrible destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.