Rey Danseco was packing his bags in his cool and quiet San Francisco home when he got a message from a Manila scribe, who was attempting to beat every writer’s perennial foe: The deadline.
He was getting ready to fly to Europe with London as the first stop as part of his attendance and participation in the World Boxing Council (WBC) annual convention in Hamburg, Germany, that formally opens Monday.
The Calauag, Quezon-born boxing judge, who has made the Bay Area his home, is taking part in his nth WBC convention and he is looking forward to spending the next few days in the company of longtime friends, fellow officials and select delegates from the Philippines.
“This is an opportunity to be with dear friends from the WBC. Attending the (WBC) convention is a must.”
A big part of being in attendance during these gatherings is vital since it shows one’s dedication and commitment to the boxing body, an enviable trait Danseco possesses.
Since relocating to America, it has been this way for Danseco, who has become the Philippines’ premier boxing judge and the most accomplished ring official since Thrilla in Manila referee Carlos Padilla.
“I consider these ringside assignments as an honor not just for me but for my beloved country, the Philippines,” said Danseco, who used to be a sportswriter in Manila before deciding to seek better opportunities overseas.
While it appears that Danseco gets juicy posts more often than usual, it is probably because of one thing.
“Loyalty,” he said.
“I have always been an official of the WBC. I think I am the only guy who has officiated just title fights of the WBC.”
His close relationship stretches back to the presidency of Mauricio’s father, Don Jose Suliman, who was the WBC’s big boss from 1975 until his passing in January 2014.
“I was very close with Don Jose,” Danseco said. “I visited him in his deathbed in Los Angeles and he shed a tear when he saw me. He couldn’t speak and it was through sign language that we communicated.”
Every time Danseco remembers Sulaiman, he could not help but feel sad and lonely.
“He was like a father to me.”
So affected is Danseco by Sulaiman’s departure that during the family’s marking of Sulaiman’s death, Danseco makes it a point to always attend the commemoration in Mexico City to be with Mauricio and the entire family.
“I am eternally grateful to Don Jose,” he added.
In 2012, Danseco was named Judge of the Year by the WBC. Even the annual Elorde Boxing Awards has named him as the recipient of top judge numerous times over the years.
Danseco, who kicked off his judging career two decades ago, has been everywhere.
He has judged fights of Canelo Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Shawn Porter, Bernard Hopkins, Amir Khan, Errol Spence, Ryan Garcia and Fury.
His stops have included Canada, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Russia and Saudi Arabia aside from his regular stints in America.
Judging from Danseco’s trajectory, the list is going to get longer.
Who knows, if man somehow finds a way to stage a fight on the moon, don’t be surprised if Judge Rey ends up getting the call for a lunar judging.
