On its portal, the World Boxing Council (WBC) described it as “a sea of humanity with waves of green, white, and red.” And rightly so. Yesterday, at Mexico City’s iconic Zocalo Plaza, thousands gathered for a unique celebration of sport, unity, and culture. The largest boxing class in the world! What made it even more historic was that this wasn’t just a Mexico City event. It spanned all 32 states of the country, with nearly a million participants joining in simultaneously for half an hour of boxing.
With full support from the WBC and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, the event, called ‘Clase Nacional de Boxeo,’ was led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. But the true magic came when the boxing legends joined everyday people. They guided them through basic movements and turned a national fitness event into something far more symbolic. Among the legends in attendance were Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, and Oscar De La Hoya. The trio, along with others, took to the stage to lead sections of the workout, offer tips, and show solidarity with the cause. Soccer may dominate the sports landscape in Mexico. But boxing is deeply ingrained in its history.
Oscar De La Hoya energizes Zocalo with a personal touch
Boxing Kingdom shared footage from the event. It captured De La Hoya signing autographs, mingling with fans, and leading a segment of the workout. “Oscar De La Hoya is currently leading the world’s biggest boxing class in Mexico,” read the tweet. As the camera focused on him, Oscar De La Hoya urged viewers to look at the people. Speaking in chaste Mexican Spanish, he said, “Qué tal, amigos? Estamos aquí en la Ciudad de México, en el Zócalo, la clase nacional de boxeo que la presidenta Claudia de México va a estar conduciendo.”
Oscar De La Hoya is currently leading the worlds biggest boxing class in Mexico. pic.twitter.com/LIzxYqCwAi
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) April 6, 2025
It roughly translates to, “Hey friends, we’re here in Mexico City, at the Zócalo, for the National Boxing Class that President Claudia of Mexico will be leading.” The footage showed people of all ages and backgrounds joining in with infectious energy.
Wearing t-shirts in the red, white, and green of the national flag, they mirrored the legends’ movements. They warmed up, then threw jabs, and practiced hooks beneath a clear sky before the day’s heat set in.
United by the Gloves
A particularly touching moment came when, honoring left-handed fighters like De La Hoya and Marco Antonio Barrera, Mauricio Sulaiman led a southpaw-specific boxing session. Both fought in an orthodox stance despite being left-handed by nature. “This event has been absolutely amazing,” he said. “We will forever be grateful to our beautiful Mexico and its tremendous people. I don’t doubt it. I’m sure there will be another giant class, but it will be worldwide!”
CA: CREED III Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals Oscar De La Hoya arrives at the CREED III Los Angeles Premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, February 27, 2023. Los Angeles CA USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xSipaxUSAx Editorial use only
Helping make it all happen was Miguel Torruco, Mexico’s National Director of Sports Promotion and Well-being. As a gesture of unity, he carried the symbolic White WBC Belt for Peace across all 32 states. “Not only did Mexico make history but also worldwide because this is the first time one country has makes something in common with one particular sport for peace and against addictions,” said Mr. Torruco.
More than just a fitness session, the event served as a celebration of Mexican identity, community empowerment, and global vision. It blended tradition with forward-thinking optimism. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something greater than themselves and to share space with the titans of Mexican boxing history.
Who do you think is the greatest Mexican boxer of all time?
The post Oscar De La Hoya Turns Coach in Mexico’s Biggest Boxing Class Ever appeared first on EssentiallySports.