When Maurice Hope lost his WBC super welterweight title to Wilfredo Benitez, the belt he’d originally earned by defeating Rocky Mattiolli was never returned to him.
The WBC put that right for southpaw Maurice with a surprise, emotional and memorable presentation, from another great champion.
From the age of 13 Maurice trained with John H Stracey at the Repton ABC East London. John H was 1st world Champion of the Royal Oak Gym of Terry Lawless, and Maurice was the Second . They are close friends. John H presented the new Championship belt. With Jamie Moore of SKY TV former Euro Champ and Michael Watson was also there. It was truly inspirational to all in attendance.
Maurice thanked WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC Family, John H, and James Wright for arranging the surprise. He had no idea of the event and said it was one of the best days in his whole life to get his belt back.
The evening raised funds for Naimhs Next Step a Childrens rare Cancer Charity. It was held in The Cutting Room Wellingborough Northhamption James Wright of WBC Cares arranged for a Church to donate the room for the night.
The next day James Wright went to meet the Champ in his hotel and Maurice was still sitting with his belt at Breakfast!
