Exclusive From the WBC Convention

Now that the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) 49th World Convention has been officially recorded in the history books, there’s one shining moment that many will remember from the week-long mega event at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

During the Opening Ceremonies, the event got a KO kickoff from one talented teen and her champion father.

Thirteen-year-old Wynona Leigh McCullough (“Wy Mac”) is the daughter of the beloved “Pocket Rocket” himself, former WBC Bantamweight Champion Wayne McCullough (27-7, 18 KOs).

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this talented father-daughter duo at various boxing and WBC Cares charity events so I was especially looking forward to seeing the family in Vegas. Chosen by Jose Sulaiman and Mauricio Sulaiman’s famed organization, Wynona was handpicked to sing “We Are The World” as over 4,000 people were expected to join the convention. Wy Mac’s live performance wowed the crowd and was also broadcast around the globe on the WBC boxing channel.

Wynona was the perfect choice for the solo. Decked out in gold pants and a sparkling WBC T-shirt, the teenager nailed her performance in front of approximately 1,400 delegates from all over the world including over 100 champions and contenders, and thousands of WBC officials, judges, referees, promoters, and more. Singing in front of a choir of children who joined the starlet on stage, the petite brunette received a unanimous decision from the large crowd in the hall.

And Team McCullough had a one-two punch of a day as champ Wayne McCullough was one of the elite prizefighters picked to carry one of the flags during the Opening Ceremony festivities. Wayne carried Nevada’s “Battle Born” flag; alongside fellow champs Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Canelo Alvarez and others, the Belfast boxer walked in the honorable procession toward the grand stage. It was truly a sight to behold as this pound for pound group greeted Don Jose Sulaiman, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr., Joe Dwyer, Board of Governors, and all of the dignitaries on the VIP dais.

I caught up with Wayne, Wy Mac and the third member of the team, Cheryl McCullough later that night after the Champions Gala where Wayne was honored with honored with a special WBC medallion plate and a miniature WBC belt in a ring ceremony during the awards banquet. As a former WBC and NABF Bantamweight Champion, a Ring magazine titlist, a two-time Olympian, a Silver Medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Games, and a 1988 Seoul Olympian, McCullough is definitely worthy of his newest awards. He is currently an author, trainer, and fight correspondent and is also involved in many charitable foundations including “IHOW” (I Helped Out Wayne).

The McCulloughs lived in Las Vegas for many years before relocating to Los Angeles because of Wynona’s burgeoning career in show business in Hollywood. Her parents, Wayne are Cheryl, are very supportive of their girl while Tinseltown calling. Cheryl is also a force behind the scenes as a manager and PR extraordinaire. Both parents were extremely proud of their young daughter. This “triple threat” of an artist also plays the piano, can spit a mean rap and is a YouTube sensation known for her many covers including takes on Justin Bieber (whom she’s met) and is also known for her hip hop routines with Brooklyn Jai.

And if you’ve ever met the spirited McCulloughs, one thing that stands out is their sense of humor and fun-loving attitudes. I teased Wayne about losing his latest “challenge” by his daughter, which meant he was “forced” to perform in YouTube reenactments of hit songs by Beyonce and LMFAO. Yes, the Northern Ireland fighter donned a black leotard while dancing to “Single Ladies.” Google it–it’s a big hit!

His brand new video is a parody of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” where he does pushups poolside.

I asked Wynona how she got her father to perform in front of the cameras, recreating the vids–and I also remark that she always seems to win in their challenges!

She laughs. “I do always win,” the 13-year-old (and video editor) tells me. “The videos were really fun to make–and somehow I don’t think my dad really minds doing them.”

The girl is then summoned for more photo ops with champs and I watch as she poses with a hand symbol in the shots.

“That’s her ‘Wy Mac’ symbol,” mom Cheryl mentions to me. Watching Wayne rise to the top, it looks like the pretty wife of the world titlist will now get to see daughter Wynona bloom in the entertainment world.

And during the evening, it was obvious from all passersby how popular this family is. As I visited with the McCulloughs, a steady stream of well wishers stopped by to greet both the trio. And there was a common sentiment among the boxing crowd that chatted with Cheryl, the champion and their cute singing daughter.

First were the rave reviews for the dynamo’s “We Are The World” performance. Second was the exclamation upon seeing the girl up close and all grown up was: “I knew you when you were a baby!”

Wynona smiled and greeted each boxing veteran that marveled over how time flies…and how the little girl is now a stylish teen–and a bright star during the Opening Ceremonies. Referee Kenny Bayless told me he really enjoyed watching Wayne’s daughter sing on stage–and yes, he, too knew her when she was a toddler.

Former WBC Middleweight Champ Iran “The Blade” Barkley and ex-WBC Light Heavyweight Champ Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum were also impressed with the singer/dancer/actress’ stage presence.

“I remember her when she was just a baby,” the Jamaican puncher told me. “She did a great job singing! She is amazing–and so poised for a young girl.”

Wynona is very poised–and with nerves of steel that match her championship dad’s. Wayne was known for his explosiveness, heart and steel chin in the ring and for always giving 101%. A “chip off the old block,” his daughter shined on stage–in front of a star-studded and massive worldwide platform.

I asked her how she felt going into her performance.

“I was a little nervous before I sang,” she admitted. “But once I reached the stage I was not nervous at all! It was fun and I really enjoyed it. I love performing!”

Spoken like a true champ.

Photos by Michele Chong