Boxing week unites Mexico around classes, tributes and champions

Mexico’s 2026 National Boxing Class brought together participants across all 32 states, combining grassroots activity with tributes to the sport’s legends and recognition for its current champions. The nationwide programme was coordinated by CONADE, the World Boxing Council, the Mexican Boxing Federation and the Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro programme of the Ministry of Labor.

The event was the fourth edition of the national initiative, following two gatherings at Mexico City’s Zócalo in 2022 and 2023 and a nationwide format in 2025. This year’s class involved state coordinators, ambassadors, FECOMBOX, boxing commissions and hundreds of gyms. It also supported the Boxeando por la Paz programme established by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The week included commemorations for Salvador Sánchez, who was remembered 44 years after his death. A tribute was held at Mexico City’s Chamber of Deputies before events in Santiago de Tianguistenco, where Sánchez’s mother, María Luisa Narváez, was honoured. A mass, a procession to Sánchez’s grave, an amateur boxing card and a taco festival formed part of the programme.

Boxing also mourned Puerto Rican fighter Prichard Colon, who died after spending 11 years affected by a ring accident. His case inspired the WBC’s campaign against rabbit punches. The organisation’s Prichard Colon Rule prohibits intentional blows behind the head and behind the ear, with referees authorised to issue warnings, deduct points or disqualify fighters.

William “Camarón” Zepeda received his WBC lightweight championship belt at the Chamber of Deputies. Zepeda had beaten Lamont Roach on August 1, and attended the presentation with his family and trainers Jay “Panda” Nájar and Carlos Duarte, who were given champion towels in recognition of their work with a world champion.

The Chávez family also featured in the week’s programme. Julio César Chávez joined his sons Julio César Jr. and Omar in Puebla to present their September 19 fight at the Miguel Hidalgo Gymnasium. Proceeds from the event will go towards efforts against addiction. Claressa Shields added another sporting highlight by defeating Australia’s Kaye Scott to become unified middleweight champion, adding those titles to her undisputed heavyweight championship. Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a world champion in five weight divisions.