(JAN 17) Jose Sulaiman will be
remembered as a man of integrity, honorability and pure heart.
Inspired by his heroes, believed in unbreakable values and
principles and lived a life to the fullest and he did it his
way, as Frank Sinatra would sing on "My Way".
Always successful, a natural leader who would never give up,
"there are no impossible tasks, some just take a bit longer".
That was the spirit of Don Jose. His life dedicated to the
service of others, inspired by his parents education and
example, led to a life full of satisfactions, he took tremendous
joy by helping others, specially the underprivileged and the
discriminated.
Many call him the father of
boxing; he certainly treated all fighters as his sons and
daughters, he suffered from their problems and worked every
single day of his life to try to make boxing better and safer.
Regardless if the boxer was an amateur or if he was Mike Tyson
or Chavez, he would treat them the same and would relentlessly
try to help each one at all times.
Nelson Mandela inspired him to fight against discrimination,
battled Apartheid and always struggled to prevent the abuse of
power, which hurt the lesser gifted. He led many actions towards
dignifying the sport of boxing, the female practice of boxing
and the justice for trainers, managers, promoters and specially
boxers.
Pope John Paul II inspired him to
be a better human being every day and to be humble, to serve and
love. Pope Francis brought faith back to him in these few months
as God's representative on earth and the Virgin of Guadalupe
remained by his side at all times while Jesus Christ was his
greatest guide and inspiration.
Our dear father fought the last 12 rounds of his life, inspired
by his hero Muhammad Ali, his corner formed by many doctors,
nurses, care partners, therapist, lift team and staff at 7ICU at
UCLA and with thousands cheering him from all over the world...
The final bell rang; Jose Sulaiman, winner by unanimous
decision!
1931-2014.