Boxers Attend “Yuca” Saldivar Event

Veteran boxing trainer Hector “Yuca” Saldivar had an unfortunate accident in the gym last month and remains in a Los Angeles-area hospital. His family has traveled from Mexico and are keeping the faith while Yuca remains in a coma. His boxing family banded together this past Saturday for a fundraiser to assist the family (Saldivar has a 4-year-old daughter).

Here is my special report and photos from the day in which over 450 people attended the four-hour event held at the new SCMT Boxing Club in Montebello, Calif.

This March 21 fundraising bash was hosted by WBC champion Leo Santa Cruz in association with SCMT Boxing Club, Andrew Rodriguez, Mexican Tradition Boxing (MTB), Supreme Boxing, WBC and Hezcar Designs. Approximately 450 people streamed through the gym throughout the day that offered a sparring exhibition, autographs, food, raffles, auction and more. Pugilists from different gyms and promoters banded together and united for this cause.

I caught up with many of the champs, pro fighters and amateurs that wanted to donate their time, money and boxing collectibles to help raise funds for Saldivar, who helped coach Santa Cruz, Oscar Negrete, Jesus Ivan Delgado and countless others through the years. Leo Santa Cruz greeted everyone who came to the SCMT Boxing Club (formerly Ponce de Leon Boxing Club) and thanked everybody for their support.

Lending support were boxing manager Francisco “Pancho” Espinosa, prizefighters Leo Santa Cruz, Ray Beltran, Israel Vazquez, Jesus Soto Karass, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Chango Carmona, Gio Segura, Eddie De La Huerta, Roy Tapia, Jesus Ivan Delgado, Freddy Hernandez, Oscar Negrete, Cesar Villaraga, Andres Fabian Figueroa, Jose Santa Cruz, Luis Segura, amateur fighters Daniel Ponce de Leon Jr., Oscar Torres, Larry Treybig, Michael Madrid, Supreme Boxing’s Nancy Rodriguez, Jennifer Arredondo and Diana Garcia, local trainers/cornerman, family and the hundreds of boxing fans who joined this fundraiser.

The connections we make through the sport can be strong ones and boxing becomes a second family for many.

I met Claudia Delgado, sister of Jesus Ivan Delgado, whose godfather is Yuca Saldivar. She told me how they enjoyed spending time with Yuca and how funny–and fun–he is as a person. Yuca’s sisters were also there in support and a group of fighters were introduced by Andrew Rodriguez to speak about the boxing coach.

Everybody donated their services for the day. Pancho Espinosa and Jesus Soto Karass honored the family and offered a generous donation. Anna Farias cooked up some fresh ceviche and aguachiles and donated this food so monies could be raised for Team Saldivar. And many champs, companies and individuals donated signed boxing gloves, souvenir photos, shoes, mouthpieces to be auctioned for cash to help out Saldivar’s familia.

And the boxers took time from their busy schedules and training camps to be part of this event.

Host and WBC super bantam champ Leo Santa Cruz says he may fight in May (no official announcement yet) and will be conquering a new weight division soon. Leo was a popular draw with the fans and he happily signed autographs and posed for photos. Leo’s wife and new baby Al were also there along with Leo’s father and brothers.

Several fighters who were there also have bouts in the near future. Cesar Villaraga will be squaring off on April 3 at Thompson Boxing’s ESPN show; Jesus Soto Karass has an April 4th “Big Knockout Boxing” (BKB) battle versus Ed Paredes which will take place in Vegas. Both fighters took a brief break from camp to attend the special fundraiser. Villaraga and a group of Colombian punchers met with their fellow fighters and boxing fanatics who joined together for Yuca.

I also spoke to boxers Roy Tapia, Eddie De La Huerta, and Gio Segura. They are all currently training and are hoping to lace up again in April on separate cards. And Ray Beltran has an important match coming up too. The warrior will be facing Takahiro Ao for the vacant WBO lightweight title on May 1 in Vegas.

And it was a family day at this weekend fiesta. Many of the athletes brought their parents, wife, kids and even their pets (Jesus Soto Karass’ new pitbull puppy as a big hit). And the next generation of champs looks to be in good hands as several talented amateurs showed their skills in the ring.

Former champ Daniel Ponce de Leon’s young son, Daniel Jr. got in the ring to spar some rounds, impressing the crowd. The sparring, autograph sessions and fresh food ensured the crowd kept streaming in for the gathering.

I met Yuca’s sisters who said they are grateful for everyone’s support. While they didn’t speak English, no words were needed as I could see–and feel their pain–when I chatted with them. It was an emotional moment as Yuca’s health remains uncertain. But Team Saldivar is staying strong and hopeful.

Accidents and sudden tragedies can happen to anyone and prayers and get well wishes continue for Yuca Saldivar.

Photos by Michele Chong