Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., the founder of CES Boxing, received an unexpected honor on Saturday evening. The North American Boxing Federation (NABF) recognized him with the “Promoter of the Year” accolade during their 53rd annual gathering.
This event was hosted at the exquisite Caribe Royale resort in Orlando, Florida. Distinguished attendees included Tim Bradley, a two-division world champion and ESPN commentator, reigning WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, the recent NABF super featherweight champion Jordan White, rising star Callum Walsh from Ireland, promoter Tom Loeffler, and renowned manager, fight maker, and journalist Don Majeski.
Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC President, together with NABF President Duane Ford, bestowed this crucial award upon Burchfield.
Receiving this distinction, Burchfield remarked, “This recognition means a lot to me. I’ve had a deep connection with the NABF and WBC since the times of Jose Sulaiman.”
He recalled an incident where the late Don Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio’s father and the former WBC president, contacted him regarding a committee dedicated to ‘Rocky Marciano’. The idea was to erect a statue in honor of Marciano. Burchfield added, “Jose managed to get the statue crafted in Mexico, transported it to Boston, similar to the Statue of Liberty. If you’re in Massachusetts, visiting this statue in Brockton is a must.”
This endeavor resulted in an impressive 20-foot tall, 2-ton statue of Marciano, the sole heavyweight champion who concluded his career without a loss. This impressive statue was positioned in Marciano Stadium near Brockton High School in 2012.
Expressing his gratitude, Burchfield appreciated both Duane Ford and Mauricio Sulaiman. He also honored Sammy Macias, a revered former NABF President, who passed in 2018. Sharing a lighter moment, Burchfield mentioned, “Attending an NABF convention with Sammy Macias was so eventful; it felt like you needed a holiday afterward!”
He also touched upon the significant subjects discussed during the convention, focusing on honesty and responsibility in how fights are judged. Burchfield stated, “My life and business are driven by integrity.”
Burchfield, once a judge, swapped his position in 1992 to get a promoter’s license. Subsequently, he transformed CES into a dominant force in the Northeast. For over 30 years, he has groomed numerous world champions, such as Vinny Pazienza, Chad Dawson, and Peter Manfredo Jr. Currently, he’s promoting top-contender lightweight Jamaine Ortiz, who is scheduled to fight Antonio Moran this Friday on ESPN in Corpus Christi, TX, alongside several promising fighters from New England.
Wrapping up his address, Burchfield looked back on his achievements and aspirations concerning CES fighters acquiring NABF championships. He mentioned, “Years ago, I bagged this award with either 5 or 6 NABF champions with me. My ambition is to have an NABF champion in every division. I discussed with Duane Ford about a major event at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. My aim is to have three NABF championship titles contended that evening. We’re committed to making this happen. Thank you, and much love to all.”