“El Gato” Honored With Humanitarian Medal
Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez was awarded the prestigious Joe Louis Humanitarian Award at a special gala recently hosted by the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA).
I attended this holiday show in Commerce, California where I witnessed the Mexican warrior receive his medal of honor from boxing veterans Johnny Ortiz and Joey Olmos.
“El Gato” is the former WBC Lightweight Champion known for his string of knockouts–and for beating his most dangerous and deadly foe of cancer.
If you ever have a chance to meet Rodolfo, you will find a friendly, kind and gentle soul outside of the ring. Inside the ropes, the world titlist was a ferocious and hard-hitting puncher feared by many. He logged in almost 100 bouts during his career with almost as many KOs to match.
The knockout artist was recognized by his esteemed peers for his dedication, contribution, commitment and loyalty to the sport. GSBA President Larry Montalvo and Vice President Bill Dempsey Young (whose father was famed referee Dick Young), Ortiz and Olmos acknowledged this former prizefighter.
The sold-out crowd was riveted by “Gato’s” speech which included an emotional retelling of his battle with cancer, his strong religious beliefs and how sacrificing his championship belt to the church saved him.
It’s a story that plays like a movie.
In fact, Gonzalez’ life has garnered interest from the world of show business. The drama, the highs and lows, and the victories of his true-life story may be coming to the big screen someday soon. It is also a classic “rags to riches” story; as a youth, Gonzalez said he never went to school during his hardscrabble childhood.
Boxing was his salvation.
He fought in his native Mexico many times and was also showcased in Las Vegas and Japan, as well as the storied venue of the Olympic Auditorium. He was blood, guts and glory–what a real Mexican warrior is made of. Now the boxer from Guadalajara has received one of the highest honors from his Southern California peers.
And this Joe Louis award is one he accepts with pride.
No one is more deserved of receiving recognition than Rodolfo. I have known the champion and his partner Barbara for several years and I know of “El Gato’s” never-ending love of boxing. Always dressed to the nines, Gonzalez shows his support at many local boxing shows and fundraising events in the Southland. And today he will be attending the memorial service of a fellow fighter, Allen Syers. The British lightweight lost his own fight against cancer on December 5. Rodolfo told me he first met Syers in the late ’60s when they sparred together. They reconnected decades later when Gonzalez was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
The Mexican gladiator remains grateful and appreciative that he won his own battle against cancer. Rodolfo says it was a true miracle–and he will continue to inspire and help others.
“Since my miracle healing of cancer at age 17, I have devoted my life to God and I am thankful for each day I am here on Earth,” the spiritual champ tells me. “My mission in life is to help others to see the beauty in life, to make a difference in people’s lives by encouraging them to become closer to God, to follow the Ten Commandments, and to love and respect and be kind to each other. It goes without saying that I love boxing and am looking forward to having my own gym where I can pass on my knowledge and skills that I have learned to others.”
This December award was a very special one for Rodolfo to accept, one he will keep close to his heart. This unique humanitarian award has also been presented to Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton in previous ceremonies.
“It is a very special honor to receive this award and the medal that was presented to me by Johnny Ortiz, the host of ESPN radio,” the proud recipient relays to me. “It has been my mission in life to give hope to the youth of America, to encourage young and old to be true believers in God by telling them the story of my miraculous healing of cancer. Also, telling my audience the story of my own young upbringing with no schooling. If you work hard for something you believe in, with God in your heart, there is nothing in life that is impossible to accomplish.”
A perfect ending to a true comeback story.
Photo courtesy of Bill Dempsey Young
Congradulations Gato.. We love you. Ros
He is in a movie from the early eighties called “Buscando Un Campeon” the movie featured other greats like Carlos Zarate, Kid Azteca, and Raton Macias, it’s like a Mexican Rocky
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