Introduction
Mauricio Sulaimán, the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), revealed that the iconic belt to be awarded on May 3, 2023, to the winner of the fight between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia, draws inspiration from Tlaxcala, a Mexican state.
The Global Boxing Event and Tlaxcala’s Prominence
The upcoming bout will be broadcast live to millions, providing an enviable platform for the WBC. Tlaxcala’s historical “Tlaxcala exists, a destination to visit in the heart of Mexico” campaign has garnered attention, highlighting the state’s unique attractions, such as mesmerizing firefly watching experiences.
Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez, a native of Tlaxcala, frequently promotes the state as the “cradle of evangelization and mestizaje.” The state also birthed the rock group Tex-Tex, originating in Ixtenco, now a Pueblo Mágico.
WBC’s Cultural Recognition and Tlaxcala’s Influence
Sulaimán mentioned the WBC’s Verde Oro exhibition in Tlaxcala last year, which included motivational talks by champions and a boxing event attended by fans from various states. The support and enthusiasm received from Governor Lorena Cuéllar inspired the new emblematic belt, named Guerrero Xicotencatl, crafted by Tlaxcala artisans.
Sulaimán emphasized the WBC’s commitment to recognizing Mexico’s culture through its diverse emblematic belts, drawing from the country’s rich history.
Historical Context: Xicotencatl and Tlaxcala’s Significance
Xicoténcatl Axayacatzin, also known as Xicoténcatl, was the young Tlaxcalteca captain who confronted Hernán Cortés’ forces during the Spanish incursions into Tlaxcallan in September 1519, according to the National Library of Mexico.
In recent times, Tlaxcala’s prominence has continued to grow. Crescencio Tlilayatzi Xochitemol, a local artisan, was invited to the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, further solidifying Tlaxcala’s presence on the global stage.
The Saudi Arabia-Tlaxcala Connection and Tourism Potential
The unique bond between Saudi Arabia and Tlaxcala should not be overlooked, as it presents an opportunity for a disruptive tourism promotion campaign for Mexico.
Coincidentally, the UNWTO Executive Council’s historic meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will announce the new Secretary-General for the 2026-2029 term in November. Should Mexican candidate Gloria Guevara win, Josefina Rodríguez will likely attend and congratulate her on behalf of the Mexican government.
Call for Quality Content in Mexican Tourism
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for well-crafted, high-quality content to benefit Mexican tourism and its anticipated relaunch.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the upcoming boxing event in Saudi Arabia? The iconic belt to be awarded is inspired by Tlaxcala, a Mexican state, highlighting its cultural importance.
- Who is Josefina Rodríguez and why is she relevant? She is the Federal Tourism Secretary and a native of Tlaxcala, promoting the state’s unique attractions and cultural heritage.
- What is the historical connection between Tlaxcala and Xicoténcatl? Xicoténcatl Axayacatzin was a young Tlaxcalteca captain who confronted Hernán Cortés’ forces in 1519.
- What recent developments have boosted Tlaxcala’s global presence? Local artisan Crescencio Tlilayatzi Xochitemol was invited to the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, and the WBC’s emblematic belt, Guerrero Xicotencatl, was crafted by Tlaxcala artisans.
- What is the potential impact of the Saudi Arabia-Tlaxcala connection on Mexican tourism? This unique bond presents an opportunity for a disruptive tourism promotion campaign for Mexico, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage.
