Israel Vazquez & Genaro Hernandez Lend Support!
“It never rains in Southern California,” goes that song from the ’70s. But during a recent weekend in Los Angeles, there was a constant and heavy downpour that never ceased.
On this particular Sunday, we made our way over to Rudy’s Baja Grill in L.A. to join everyone at the World Boxing Council’s Legends of Boxing Museum’s (WBC LBM) special charity fundraiser for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Former WBC Champions Israel Vazquez and Genaro Hernandez lent their time, support and more to this WBC Japan Relief function.
All the funds from the luncheon, raffle and auction will go to the thousands of people whose lives have been uprooted following the 9.0 quake.
With the uncommon spring storm clogging the freeways and muddying up the streets, it took a while to reach the event. When I got out of the car, the wind blew my umbrella up and away and the rain came showering down on us. As I shivered in my now-soaking wet clothes, I caught myself from complaining. The weather conditions we were experiencing does not even compare to the thousands upon thousands of innocent victims whose lives were upended–or ended tragically–by a vicious force of nature.
At the fundraising luncheon in association with WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, and WBCares’ Jill Diamond, I spoke with the WBC LBM Executive Board, committee and volunteers who told me they put this charity day together very fast–literally in just a few days. WBC Supervisor Rudy Tellez, and WBC LBM’s Jaime Ochoa, Angel Ochoa and Vinnie Johnson, the supporters and champions all braved the rain to lend a hand in raising relief efforts.
A Mexican buffet, DJ, prize raffle, live auction and prayer led by Dr. Melda Yaneza provided the guests to donate even more to the cause as emcee Max Adame kept the audience engaged.
And the champions in the house were happy to pose for photos and sign autographs for the fans. Champs and fan favorites Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez and Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez are two prizefighters with amazing courage and heart who know what it’s like to be down for the count.
Hernandez continues to battle Stage 4 cancer and Vazquez’ well-documented eye issues are still a topic of discussion. While speaking with Israel, he mentioned to me that while he enjoys ringside commentating, he does want to fight again. After his four wars versus Rafael Marquez, many thought the tough Mexican warrior would hang up his gloves. “No,” he told me with a smile. “I want to fight again–maybe in June or July!”
Besides the former world champions Vazquez and Hernandez, other notables attending were Genaro’s brother, trainer Rudy Hernandez, uncrowned welterweight champ Mando Muniz, WBC “Judge of the Year” Max De Luca, WBC officials David Mendoza, Raul Caiz Sr., Tom Taylor, Zac Young, Monique Rendon, Benjamin Rendon, World Boxing Hall of Fame’s Dr. Joe Noriega and Steve Harpst, trainer and AIBA official Anthony Huizar, WBC LBM’s “Photographer of the Year” Big Joe Miranda.
“It all came together really quickly–like in four days!” WBC LBM Co-Chair Jaime Ochoa commented at the end of the day. “The word spread fast and it was really sparked by everyone.”
And having the two champs at the event added to the fundraising festivities. “Dr. Sulaiman got a hold of everyone with the idea and it was great we were able to fulfill it with the money going to the Red Cross,” Dr. Rudy Tellez said to me while chatting with him after the event ended. “Everyone pitched in! We had Tony’s Jewelers donate watches for the raffle, this restaurant was the perfect place to have it, and I appreciate everyone coming out, especially the champs. Israel and Chicanito always respond–they are the best!”
Sunday’s venue, Rudy’s Baja Grill, is no stranger to the world of boxing. During a break in the activities, I took a look around and see that lining the walls are many glossy 8x10s of fighters, boxing judges and referees. Fight posters also cover the walls at this eatery.
At the weekend luncheon, several framed pieces of boxing art and posters were also auctioned off. Led by the WBC LBM Team, the Japan Relief fundraiser in L.A. with the local boxing crowd kept the victims in the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers.
Say what you will about the cruelty and brutality of boxing, but when push comes to shove the “boxing family” always steps up to help out others in need. I’ve seen it time and time again and I’m honored to be part of this boxing scene.
It was a nice showing at the WBC LBM fundraiser where I watched the fighters and the boxing officials in attendance bond together in support of Japan–with the victims first in their minds. Here are some exclusive photos as the fighters, their families, friends and fans all came out to open their hearts–and wallets–to those in dire straits in Japan.
As of today, March 31 while scanning the current news reports, I see staggering, sobering and heartbreaking numbers continuing to mount: There are now over 11,000 dead, over 16,000 missing and almost 175,000 people living in evacuation shelters. This doesn’t include all the beloved pets and wild animals lost and displaced.
In a personal note from me, “The Chatter Box,” I’d like to remind everyone that you can still help in donating to the Japan Relief Fund.
There will even be a “Triple World Championship” taking place on April 8 in Kobe, Japan, where Jhonny Gonzalez will square off against WBC titlist Hosumi Hasegawa. As they say, “the show must go on” and I think that having a world title fight will help bring revenue and more attention to continue in the relief efforts!
Last Sunday, ex-WBC Champs Israel Vazquez, Genaro Hernandez and the many others in attendance showed the people of Japan that they are also in their corner.
If you’d like to donate:
World Boxing Council – Japan Relief Fund
Account number: 23909506
ABA: 06009155
Bank: Total Bank
2720 Coral Way
Miami, Florida 33145-3271
Photos by Michele Chong
(Genaro Hernandez photo courtesy of Anthony Huizar)