WBC at Championing Mental Health Night!
The event “Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing” marked a significant moment for mental health advocacy. Held on May 22, the evening showcased an array of competitive matches—both men and women participated—and featured special presentations, celebrity guests, and an atmosphere dedicated to lessening the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Set in the stunning Avalon Hollywood, the boxing event offered intimate seating by the ring as well as standing-room views from the balcony. Organized by 555 Media Agency in partnership with Steve Bash/Bash Boxing, and supported by the World Boxing Council (WBC), WBC Cares, and several sponsors including alleviatetax.com, the night was a significant community effort.
The WBC and WBC Cares played a vital role during the fights broadcast live on DAZN, with three WBC champions—Zab Judah, Andre Berto, and Mia St. John—showing their support for both the fighters and the audience. Notable figures like Nancy Rodriguez of the WBC, Anthony Girges from CMH Boxing, and Robert and Dr. Diana Santacruz contributed to the event’s success.
The evening was not just about entertainment; it emphasized the crucial nature of addressing mental health for athletes, including newcomers, veterans, and champions. The matches featured fighters who are battling their own personal struggles. The main event saw Jonny “Magic” Mansour maintain his undefeated record with a unanimous decision over Christian Avalos, while co-main event Victor Pasillas claimed victory with a knockout against Carlos Jackson in the seventh round.
Both Mansour and Pasillas spoke openly about their personal challenges. Mansour dedicated his win to his late mother, who passed away just two days after his fight, while Pasillas highlighted his ongoing journey of sobriety, celebrating nearly three years of recovery.
A $5,000 check was presented to the WBC Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund to assist fighters in need, accepted by Nancy Rodriguez and the mother-daughter duo Mia and Paris St. John. This initiative aims to promote mental health awareness and empower individuals towards healthier lifestyles. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of solidarity in addressing mental health challenges, stating, “Together, we rise as a united force breaking the silence around mental health.”
All fighters from the May 22 card were offered a year of free therapy through Athletes for Hope and the WBC, promoting preventative care for managing the mental ups and downs associated with boxing. The event stood out as a remarkable occasion, and there are hopes for it to become an annual initiative supporting mental health awareness in sports.
