WBC Names Pope Francis Man of the Year

During the 51st annual convention, the WBC presented a number of awards for outstanding achievements over the last year outside of the organization, as well as many to WBC members for their dedication and hard work with no compensation.

Man of the Year: Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Commisioner of the Year: Nevada State Athletic Commission Chairman Bill Brady

Commission Officer of the Year: Michel Hemlin (Canada)

Committee of the Year: WBC International Championships – Mauro Betti

Committee Chairman of the Year: William Boodhoo (Safety Compliance)

Confederation President of the Year: Charles Giles (British Boxing Board of Control)

Eileen Eaton Lady of the Year: Deborah Hawkins

Special Achievement Award: Newton Campos (Brazil)

Broadcasting Award: Colonel Bob Sheridan

Humanitarian Award: Frank Garza

Edmund Lipinski Good Fellow Award: Alberto Reyes

Harry Gibbs Judge of the Year Award: Craig Metcalfe (Canada)

Arthur Mercante Referee of the Year Award: Bruce McTavish (Philippines)

Bobby Naidoo Human Equality Award: Jill Diamond

Commercial Company of the Year: Under Armour

PROCLAMATION
In connection with its 51st Annual Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, and the visit by WBC World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko, the World Boxing Council Board of Governors issued the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, Vitali Klitschko has proven himself not only an exemplary champion in the boxing ring, but also a role model for youth around the world and an ambassador of goodwill for people everywhere, and

WHEREAS, Vitali Klitschko is a pride of the WBC and the sport of boxing, and

WHEREAS, the WBC’s concern is always for the boxers and their success, not only in the ring, but in their lives,

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the WBC, representing 165 countries around the world, joins in absolute solidarity and consensus to offer Vitali Klitschko the very best wishes for success in his campaign for the Presidency of his country, Ukraine, as well as to convey our best wishes, respects, and hopes for unity to all the Ukrainian people.

Board of Governors
World Boxing Council
Bangkok, Thailand 2013

WBC Cares Chairperson Jill Diamond led a visit for a group of champions and other convention attendees to the Apichet Panjarat Orphanage in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon. Former world champions Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez and Nigel Benn, WBC Female featherweight world champion Jelena Mrdjenovich, International Silver heavyweight champion Manuel Charr, and others shared their time with the children. Mr. Kiate Sirigul helped coordinate the visit, and Jill made a donation of 25,000 baht and clothes to the orphanage on behalf of WBC Cares.

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