Don Fraser Inducts Class of 2014
Congratulations to the newest inductees ushered into the California Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) at the recent gala held at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, Calif.
Here is my special recap and exclusive photos from the ceremony attended by a pound-for-pound group of current fighters, former champs, veterans in the sweet science and more. In what has become autumn tradition in boxing circles, this event is always a memorable day for the new inductees, their families and fellow prizefighters.
CBHOF President Don Fraser (who–through the decades–has held almost every job in boxing) has met and worked with everyone and anyone in the fight game. Each year he and his crew choose who will be inducted into the hall. This year’s gathering touted 28 names on the cover of the souvenir program book including Montell Griffin, Jaime Ocegueda, Jack Reiss, Emile Griffith, Salvador Sanchez, Jose Napoles, Max Kellerman, Ricky Romero, Marty Sammon, Ersi Arvizu, Louis Perez, Erick Madrid, Elias Madrid, Jose Luis Pimentel, Jerry Cantu, Red Shannon, Earl Beebe, Willie Lucero, Phil Barba, Joe Ruelaz, Abe Gomez, Johnny Ortega, Bobby Castro, Art Avizu, Oscar Reyes, Pete Rokas, Mike Sedillo and Lou Moret.
This October 25 affair had a full house with tickets in demand at the door. To accommodate the growing crowd, tables were added in the Empire Ballroom so everyone would have a chance to be part of this awards luncheon.
Familiar faces in the crowd included current fighters and rising stars Artemio Reyes Jr., Danny Roman, Fabian Ocegueda, former champs and boxers Mike Weaver, Carlos Palomino, Randy Shields, Paul Banke, Zack Padilla, Thell Torrence, Paul Gonzales, Frankie Duarte, Frankie Baltazar Jr., Ronnie Essett and more. Also seated near the stage were promoter Ken Thompson (Thompson Boxing Promotions), Golden State Boxers’ Association’s Bill Young, National Boxing Hall of Fame’s Carol Steindler, the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Rudy Tellez, author/historian Gene Aguilera (“Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles”), the World Boxing Foundation’s (WBF) Alan Santana, California State Athletic Commission’s Andy Foster, Mark Relyea, John Frierson, officials Pat Russell, Pat Connolly, Max De Luca, Tom Taylor, Mike Bell, Mike North and Gwen Adair, among many other boxing aficionados who came out to show their support.
The emcee for the day was ring announcer Jim FitzGerald with live music by The Denise Fraser Band accompanying the inductees’ introduction onstage. Singers Dianne Fraser and Ersi Arvizu also sang some tunes during the show. The band played spirited walkout songs as the inductees climbed the steps to the stage.
And on the stage is where the latest inductees shined. Each had their chance under the spotlight to thank their families, old trainers and cohorts who have supported them through the long and hard-fought road that led to their success in the sport. There were so many memorable, humorous and sincere speeches that had the huge crowd riveted.
Southland Promoter Ken Thompson (former World Boxing Hall of Fame President) accepted the posthumous award for Emile Griffith, who was a frequent guest at the WBHF banquets. Thompson told the audience what humble champ Emile was and how he was proud to accept in his honor.
Oxnard Beach’s Jack Reiss gave a touching speech thanking his wife Josephine and their sons for allowing him to be away so much, traveling to international fights, attending seminars and sanctioning conventions and working countless local shows in California.
And the sentimental favorite on stage was Chicago’s Montell Griffin, who came out to SoCal to accept his Hall of Fame award in front of an enthusiastic audience who hung on his every word. Montell spoke of the early struggles he faced when he was just starting out. He told the spectators not many people believed in him back then and he pointed out the rare few that did. The former champ had 50 victories in his pro career and is known for his fights versus James Toney and Roy Jones Jr.
When the former light heavy looked out into the crowd his strong stance cracked under the emotion and joy that this moment brought him. Saying he never felt the respect and adoration from the boxing world, this California Boxing Hall of Fame award will stand out as the best moment of his career. His voice wavered, tears flowed and genuine emotion poured forth during his time at the podium.
The crowd was moved and twice gave him a rousing standing ovation.
And this is what President Don Fraser’s organization is about.
Paying tribute to those in boxing who have sacrificed so much for a taste of glory. By honoring the warriors for their hard work (which often didn’t earn them as much fame or fortune as they deserved) and remembering the fallen gladiators who once stood tall center ring, they get some well-deserved time at the microphone. The Selection Committee of Don Fraser, Frank Baltazar, Gwen Adair, Rick Resnick and Larry Montalvo chose these 28 inductees as this year’s nominees taking their place in CBHOF history.
It is a yearly tradition that the loyal boxing enthusiasts look forward to each and every year. I always enjoy seeing and reconnecting with everyone at the banquet and this year’s induction ceremony was one of the best ones yet. The vibe in the room was a celebratory one as families and friends cheered on their own heroes and it was a joyous occasion for all.
The CBHOF staff of President and Program Editor Don Fraser, Vice President Rick Resnick, Awards Chairman Linda Young, Advertising Director Ray Maynez, Legal Advisor Ken Green, Associate Editor Rene Ramirez all work tirelessly to grant the inductees this special day in which they are recognized, remembered and honored.
While some of the 2014 inductees are still working and active in boxing, many of the awardees have retired from the sport but still keep boxing close to their heart.
For those in the room, the words spoken from the heart showed how much the California Boxing Hall of Fame means to them.
Congrats to all and keep punching!
PHOTOS BY MICHELE CHONG