WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

February 6, 2009 – Mexico City .

From the office of WBC President Jose Sulaiman:

The fundraiser organized by the World Boxing Council last month for former WBC super featherweight world champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez was a great success. It not only raised a substantial amount of money for Genaro, but also showed the heartfelt support of the boxing community for him and his recovery.

WBCares chairperson Jill Diamond and WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Chairman Dr. Rudy Tellez were instrumental in organizing the event that was also attended by WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman.

Doug Fischer reported on The Ring blog [excerpts]: “Last October, the 42-year-old Angelino was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

“On January 17, a dinner and auction was held in Hernandez’s honor. The fund-raising event, organized by World Boxing Cares and held at the World Boxing Council’s Legends Museum in San Bernadino, Calif., attracted more than 300 people and raised $30,000 that will go to aiding Hernandez’s family and help him pay his mounting medical bills, which aren’t completely covered by his insurance.”

Jill received a letter from Genaro after the event that said:

“Good morning Jill!

“My family and I would like to thank you and everyone who made it possible for us to have a wonderful time on Saturday night. It will be the most memorable night of my life, having you guys show me how many wonderful “Angels” were out there that night to show us that no matter whether I was still fighting in the ring or not, they were there to show me ‘Love.’ That will always be something that I will carry out for the rest of my life.

“I would also like to see if you can do me a favor, if you would be so nice to tell the people who signed the autographed poster that you sent to me that, I believe, came from New York, ‘Thank You’ for all the wonderful dedications and that with thier support and prayers, a fighter like myself cannot and will not give up!

A Big Hug To All Of Them!”

Chicanito Hernandez

On February 5, the WBC sent Genaro a check for $33,000, and President Sulaiman sent Genaro a letter that said:

“My dearest champion,

“I am very proud to have been able to send to you the $33,000 obtained from the multiple donations of the so many people that love you, many of whom attended the memorable dinner as an honor bestowed on you not only for the great boxing career that you accomplished, but also for having been a world champion in your private life. This has made you one of the most respected and well-liked boxing champions ever.

“The WBC, the members of the WBC Legends of Boxing, and Jill Diamond, all of whom worked so hard on this unforgettable event, did it with so much empathy and commitment as to leave a permanent mark on the hearts of all the people that attended, as well as on yours. Therefore, I am expressing to them the deepest gratitude from the WBC Board of Governors, all the members, and myself.

“I am sure that you will continue fighting the best, as you always have done, to defeat your problem. All of us are praying to God, knowing that He will give you a happy and prompt complete recovery.

“May God bless and be with you always, just as all your thousands and thousands of friends and fans are always in your corner.”

Jose Sulaiman

*****