The World Boxing Council (WBC) is hosting an awards ceremony in San Bernardino, Ca. and all boxing fans can attend this special luncheon and fundraising event.
Join fighters, trainers and cutmen on Saturday, October 11 as the WBC honors some of Southern California’s best in the boxing business.
New 2008 Inductee John Montes, Jr. will receive a Hall of Fame award, alongside four Lifetime Achievement honorees: trainer Freddie Roach, trainers and cutmen Chuck Bodak and Tony Rivera, and announcer Carlos Avilas.
Rudy Tellez, Chairman of the new WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, is happy to give these veterans their time in the spotlight, especially 92-year-old trainer and cutman Chuck Bodak, who suffered a stroke in 2007. “It’s time we acknowledge Chuck. He’s a great man and he’s always been there for people,” explained the WBC Board of Director member, who will be heading to Chengdu, China at the end of this month for the WBC’s 46th Annual Convention. They will be filming this induction and awards ceremony and Tellez said he would personally show all of the event footage to WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman.
Popular trainer Freddie Roach and his brother Pepper Roach are planning to attend. Pepper said,
“It’s great when anybody is recognized in boxing. Fighters are tough people and it’s not an easy sport.” Pepper–just one year older than Freddie–is also a trainer at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. He’s excited about Freddie’s upcoming award, “I’m looking forward to seeing my brother recognized by the WBC.”
Co-Chairman of the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Jaime Ochoa said, “This luncheon will be more personal, as it will be in the actual museum and last time the awards were in the larger theater.” Ochoa is also C.E.O. of Ringleader Fight News and has long admired new honoree Bodak, “I grew up watching Chuck in the ring. He added a lot of color to boxing.”
Ochoa says, “Things are going well since the museum’s Grand Opening in June. We want to have events four times a year and continue to see the museum grow.” The museum has been well-received in boxing circles and Ochoa is already thinking ahead to next year, “In January, we will be honoring the Goossen family and all of their former champions.”
One of the highlights of the June Grand Opening and inaugural awards ceremony was seeing former foes Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales meet in person and have a friendly chat with WBC President Sulaiman. Invited to attend next week’s luncheon are Antonio Margarito, Israel Vazquez, Chris Arreola, Sergio Mora, Paul Gonzales, Carlos Palomino, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Frankie Duarte, Armando Muniz and Oscar Muniz as well as all of the new inductees.
This will be a bittersweet day for former WBC Super Lightweight John Montes, Jr.–the newest Hall of Fame member–since the fundraiser is for his former wife, Joann Montes. She is undergoing treatment for fourth stage breast cancer and the proceeds from this event will help the family with her medical treatments.
Montes, Jr. has known Tellez for decades and appreciates his compadre’s support, “I’ve known Rudy since the ’70s at the Main Street Gym. I’m happy about this event because some people see boxing only as a violent sport, but football and hockey are just as dangerous. The boxing community is so supportive and if can help me, they can help others as well in the future.”
The former Continental Americas Champion continues, “Hopefully it will be a successful event and I want the Legends of Boxing Museum to keep going strong–I’m going to be donating a robe, trunks, gloves, and photos to the museum.” Montes, Jr. will also take part in a title belt ceremony.
Be sure to get your tickets now for this WBC Induction and Awards Luncheon and Fundraiser:
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2008
Location: American Sports University/WBC Legends of Boxing Museum
399 N. “D”
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Call 323-722-2473 to be part of this historic day.
Time: Meet and Greet Social Hour 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Lunch/Entertainment 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Induction and Awards Ceremony 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman and WBC Legends of Boxing Chairman Rudy Tellez celebrate at their Hall of Fame Award Ceremony and Grand Opening, June 2008
Story and photo by Michele Chong