Remembering the 52nd Annual WBC Convention in Las Vegas

Legends on stage during the 52nd Annual WBC Convention in Las Vegas

By Chris Robinson

Earlier this month in Las Vegas, inside of the Mirage, the 52nd Annual WBC Convention was held.

It is hard to understate the amount of legendary fighters, trainers, and overall great boxing people who came through town throughout the convention’s duration and there was no shortage of emotions in the building.

On Jan. 16 of this year, longtime WBC president Jose Sulaiman passed away at the age of 82.

You could tell by all of the boxing brethren in the building just how much respect Sulaiman commanded and how much love he still receives.

Please check below for exclusive photos from HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson as well as award-winning photographer Naoki Fukuda that capture the energy inside of the Mirage.

WBC President Mauricio, son of Jose, during the ceremonies

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Oscar De La Hoya, and Erik Morales interacting

Thomas Hearns and Floyd Mayweather shaking hands

Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard years later

Leon and Michael Spinks with their loved ones

Jorge Arce, Don King, and Roberto Duran

Heavyweight great Mike Tyson speaking

Zab Judah is at nearly every Las Vegas event and he soaked up the festivities with Laila Ali

Sugar Ray Leonard with a smile on his face

Former super middleweight champ Joe Calzaghe enjoyed himself all week

Kostya Tszyu with Ricky Hatton, reunited years after their memorable encounter

The one and only Riddick Bowe signing autographs

Marvin Hagler being greeted by fans

Mauricio Sulaiman and WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne

Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns signing autographs

Oscar De La Hoya on stage

Mariana Juarez is always a fan favorite

Paulie Malignaggi speaking on stage

Sugar Ray Leonard and Mauricio Sulaiman on stage

Ava Knight and trainer Ben Bautista

Reconnecting years later

Cornelius Boza-Edwards and Jessie Vargas

Marvin Hagler with DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley

Former champ Iran Barkley always gets respect

Photographer Naoki Fukuda is always on the scene

Sulaiman’s wife on stage with former champ Jeff Fenech

Former champions Clarence ‘Bones’ Adams and Lamon Brewster

Heayweight legend Evander Holyfield

BONUS PHOTOS

EXTRA ATTRACTIONS

Cleto Reyes has been a staple in the boxing world for years to come and their product continues to stand out. For a full listing of Cleto Reyes’ gear please click HERE

Eduardo de la Cruz’s Box Art Apparel Collection offers up a fresh perspective for anyone looking for custom made boxing shirts. The Floyd Mayweather Sr. edition has especially been drawing interest. For more click HERE

Rival Boxing Gear was present at the 52nd annual WBC Convention. Having recently set up a personal store out in Las Vegas, Rival Boxing is definitely a fixture in the city. For more click HERE