Pacquiao condoles with Sulaiman’s family

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and Hall of Fame promoters Bob Arum and Don King have joined the boxing world in condoling with the family of the late World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman.

Pacquiao posted on his Twitter account that Sulaiman, who died Thursday at a hospital in Los Angeles at age 82,  was “very kind” to him.

“My prayers go out to the family of Jose Sulaiman.  He was very kind to me.  God bless you all,” Pacquiao said.

The 82-year-old Arum, Top Rank CEO and promoter of Pacquiao, told ringtv.craveline.com: “I knew Jose for a long time, and he devoted his life to boxing. He gave it a good battle against his condition, but, unfortunately, he didn’t make it. My condolences go out to Mauricio (WBC secretary general), to the other brothers and to the rest of the family.”

For his part, the controversial King, said in the same report: “I’m in a state of shock right now. I’m deeply grieving. He was one of my greatest friends in life. I want to celebrate his life.”

Sulaiman steered the WBC for nearly four decades and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

He also instituted new rules regarding boxers’ safety and welfare, including the the reduction in the number of rounds from 15 to 12.