World Boxing Council Supervisor at South Point Fight
It’s what young fighters dream about someday wearing and it’s what aging champs proudly continue to wear–a green leather belt adorned with the fancy gold medallion boasting those three famous initials: WBC. At last Friday night’s title fight at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the prestigious WBC belt was in the capable hands of World Boxing Council (WBC) Supervisor Dr. Rudy Tellez.
As the “keeper of the belts,” Tellez has his work cut out for him. He was the supervisor at the Vegas weigh-in and was busy with the behind-the-scenes work that most ticket holders never even realize happens. There’s a lot of paperwork, insurance forms, official reports, securing the WBC patches, belts and more that all help to ensure an excellent fight night for the fans. “It’s a joint effort,” explains the always-professional Tellez, who has been associated with the WBC since 1967.
While easygoing by nature, he can also be stern when necessary. “I make sure the fights happen–and I don’t like to make mistakes,” Tellez tells me. “We always get things in order. It can get hectic and we always want to make sure the fight goes on that night.”
At this recent fight held at the South Point Arena, just off of the Strip, Tellez was the WBC’s “point man” for the evening. The “Bragging Rights” fight card featured four action-packed bouts including the Wild Card Gym’s Dean Byrne. “Dean Byrne is a good looking strong kid,” Tellez states about the “Irish Lightning” welterweight who was awarded the win over southpaw Jose Reynoso. The main event of the night was a battle for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Bantamweight Title. The famous green strap was awarded to Alejandro Perez (14-1-1, 9 KOs), who was victorious over Adolfo Landeros (20-12-1, 9 KOs) in the ninth round of a scheduled twelve. Originally set to square off against Balweg Bangoyan, Perez went toe-to-toe in a tough war with Landeros. “He’s only 23 years old,” Tellez comments. “Perez is a good fighter, a warrior.”
The Los Angeles resident, also known as the “Mouthpiece Doctor,” is proud to represent the WBC and its family of boxing champions. At last week’s fight, one special guest in attendance was WBC Featherweight Champ Salvador Sanchez’s nephew, also named Salvador Sanchez. Before the doors opened, Tellez gave a warm greeting to the young “Sal” Sanchez. His uncle was a beloved Mexican 
slugger who tragically died in a car accident in 1982. And like his namesake, Sal Sanchez is also a boxer. On Friday night, he was brought up into the ring and introduced to the crowd, as was former WBC Bantamweight Champion Wayne McCullough.
The South Point fight was presented by Thell Torrence/Platinum Entertainment and Adam Fish/Big Fish Boxing Promotions. Tellez has known Torrence, a former fighter and Hall of Fame trainer, for a long time. The WBC supervisor enjoys catching up with boxing associates he first met ages ago. “Thell Torrence and I go back for years and years. What a great person. He’s had some of the best fighters in the world.”
He also raved about the event’s matchups by Jimmy Montoya, “They were great fights. Jimmy Montoya deserves an “A” for the day!” says the good-natured Tellez. “I used to work with Jimmy for many years. I love him; we go back a long way.” He then jokes, “I had fighters that beat his fighters all the time!”
Tellez began his love of boxing as a teen when he met Sugar Ray Robinson; he’s been involved in the sport ever since. Since 1990, the L.A. native has been supervising fights while still keeping his mouthpiece business thriving. During his dental school studies at USC, Tellez even became a manager of the famed Main Street Gym. He is also founder of an Alhambra boxing gym and Chairman of the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino, California. On May 16, there will be a pro boxing show on the museum grounds.
Father of two grown daughters, Tellez frequently travels to fulfill his supervising duties. Last year he attended the annual WBC Convention Chengdu, China and next month he will be going to Cancun for the WBC/NABF conference. But for all his worldly travels, there’s one trip he never gets used to: the outrageous traffic going back to L.A.!
“I’ll be packing up to beat the traffic,” he says right after the fights end. “I’ve got some paperwork to do but by 4 a.m. I’m planning to be on the road. I can’t stand all the traffic!” he says, smiling and shaking his head.
And with that green WBC belt safely strapped around new winner Perez’s waist, Tellez knows his mission has been completed.
Photos by Michele Chong: Rudy Tellez and the WBC USNBC belt; The supervisor greets fighters Alejandro Perez, Dean Byrne, Salvador Sanchez at South Point; Perez gets the strap; With matchmaker Jimmy Montoya and Michele Chong (Photo courtesy of Steve Harpst)