Boxing Hall of Famer Attends Annual Event
Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon was a special guest at the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA) annual holiday luncheon held this month at the Dunes Inn in Hollywood.
The GSBA group meets every Tuesday to discuss boxing matches, share fight information, catch up with one another while reconnecting and reuniting with those in boxing circles from past and present.
Helmed by President Bill Dempsey Young and and his wife Linda Young, the GSBA gathering always pays respect to the warriors in the ring. They are a fun and hearty bunch who have all been connected in one way or another to the sweet science. And if you enjoy boxing history, this group is for you. Their colorful memories are always great to hear–and these tidbits are straight from the source from those who were in the gritty gyms and fight venues of yesteryear. Decades may have flashed by but these men regaled me with plenty of recollections from bygone eras in our sport.
And one of the most beloved gladiators in days past is Bobby Chacon. This fierce puncher (59-7-1, 47 KOs) was a popular draw back in the day. After suffering through personal tragedies and having gone through his share of health issues, Bobby is still standing proud at age 64. The former WBC champ and Hall of Famer is well known for his nonstop wars in the ring. While he officially hung up his gloves in 1988, the “Schoolboy” has always remained part of the Southern California boxing community.
His friends Mike and Laura brought Bobby to the holiday party in the heart of Hollywood so he could join his peers in this yearly GSBA Christmas lunch hosted by the Youngs (founders of the National Boxing Hall of Fame).
In attendance were approximately 40 boxing pals including former GSBA President Larry Montalvo and wife Elsa, boxer/actor Abel Fernandez, Herman “Kid” Montes, former fighter Larry Covin (who is now a singer/entertainer/boxing historian), trainer/sculptor Steve Harpst, Chacon’s old gym mate Frank Cortinas, and more.
History came to life as I listened to the guests chat about the Golden Age of boxing. The men fought in an era that was certainly different than today’s landscape of multi-million dollar PPV fights, performance enhancing drugs and paper champions.
Back in their days, these boxers would fight at the storied Olympic Auditorium and the Forum while training out of gyms that are no longer around like the legendary Main Street Gym. Herman Montes told me vivid stories about when he fought at the Olympic. He fought there while still a baby-faced young teen–AND as an amateur boxer–as he explained how he first got the nickname of “Kid.” This was a time before USA Boxing’s rules so a teenaged Herman was able to fight at the Olympic with spectators always asking when the spunky amateur “kid” was gonna be on the card. It’s memories like that that are golden.
And that is what the GSBA crew wants to convey. Respect and honor for all champs, contenders, veterans. They talk boxing in a comfortable and casual environment, with friendly banter between the fighters taking place. And their special December lunch was one to celebrate Christmas while ushering in the New Year.
And the group was especially happy to have the hard-hitting “Schoolboy” with them. Bobby Chacon first turned pro in 1972 at the Forum in Inglewood before retiring in 1988. Since then, the last 27 years may not have always been an easy road for Bobby but he is a warrior, a true survivor in this vicious sport. To see him laugh and bond with his buddies made me happy.
Hardscrabble champs like Bobby should be respected for what they gave in the ring. They gave it all. While they fought there way out of poverty, they sacrificed their health and well being in the process. During this year’s holiday bash, Bobby Chacon took in the scene, happy to see his friends.
At times, he was quiet just looking around at his compadres in the room. And at other times, he was the same old “Bobby” with that big grin we have all gotten to know. He laughed, he joked, he shadow boxed and had fun being that sly “prankster” playing around with everyone. He is being cared for at a Southern California facility and his boxing friends (especially Mike and Laura) all keep a watchful eye on him too. They also held a fundraiser for Bobby a few months ago. He’s in good hands.
While he doesn’t get out as often these days, Bobby Chacon still showed he’s the “man.” He pretended to dance with all the females in the room and flashed that smile of his whenever people approached him.
At the end of the day, I wished Bobby a “Merry Christmas,” he looked at me for a second and I thought maybe he didn’t hear me. Before I could say it again, his eyes twinkled and he grabbed me in a bear hug to say “Happy Holidays” too.
While he is slowing down at age 64, more often than not, the ‘ol Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon still remains.
Check out my exclusive pics from my day with the Golden State Boxers’ Association.
HAPPY 2016 TO YOU ALL!
Photos by Michele Chong
