Cleto Reyes Coming to CA Hall of Fame!

Famed Glove Company in Attendance

Hey “Chatter Box” readers, an exclusive update for you! In an added attraction, the legendary Cleto Reyes glove makers will be in attendance at the 2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) induction ceremony taking place Saturday at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

Tickets for this year’s banquet, presented by CBHOF President/Founder Don Fraser and his board, were highly-sought after and the awards show SOLD OUT weeks before. This weekend’s gala will usher in the Class of 2012 including new inductees Sergio Martinez, Jim Lampley, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Rudy Hernandez, Norman “Bumpy” Parra, Adrian Arreola, Fritz Werner, Jesse Burnett, James Kinchen, Al Stankie, Rudy Tellez, Burke Emery, Bobby DePhilippis, Lucia Rijker, Pete Vital, Georgie Garcia and Randy De La O. Posthumous Honorees include Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Floyd Patterson, Vic Ponce, Bobo Olson, Charley Norkus, Kid Gavilan and Rudy Ayon.

And this year’s festivities will feature a display from the famed Cleto Reyes company. CBHOF Vice President Rick Farris is a former pug who gives high praise to the leather gloves and boxing equipment manufactured in Mexico. “Cleto Reyes gloves are ‘tools of the trade’ that have taken many a champion into the Hall of Fame,” Farris says.

In a special booth set up in the ballroom, Team Cleto Reyes’ Elizabeth Reyes, Guillermo Moreno and Mike Serrano will be cheering on all the nominees at this weekend’s bash while also meeting fans who can check out the latest products. V.P. Farris comments that this will allow the fans to see the equipment up close. “I consider Cleto Reyes part of the CBHOF family. And this display will also be of interest to fans, many of who have never really seen a professional glove up close,” Rick offers. “Slipping one’s hand into a Reyes glove is like no other boxing glove; it’s clearly the best, it molds to a boxer’s hand.”

Using these gloves have become a tradition for thousands of champs. The renowned company has its Industria Reyes in Mexico with brick and mortar locations in Anaheim and San Diego. I attended their recent Grand Opening where the nonprofit WBC Cares and fighters including Antonio Margarito and Alfonso Gomez lent their support to the legendary glove makers.

I spoke to Elizabeth Reyes (daughter of Owner/President Alberto Reyes) who told me they are all looking forward to Saturday’s show. Her father, sister and brother all work for Cleto Reyes. “We will have a display at the banquet,” the Mexico City native tells me. “It will be nice to see everyone–we are honored to be part of the day.”

Mike Serrano (Lockwood’s Industries) was Cleto Reyes’ very first U.S. distributor. Since 1965, Mike has proudly introduced the handmade products to boxers and fight fans around the world. They offer everything from souvenir autograph gloves to professional gloves to T-shirts, headgear, gym equipment and more. Mike says he’s proud to be part of the Team Reyes crew and had a great time at last year’s California Boxing Hall of Fame luncheon.

And in the future, Farris says the association with the glove maker is a “perfect fit.” Hmmm, fits just like a glove?

“Reyes boxing gloves and equipment have been a part of the Los Angeles boxing scene for decades,” Rick explains. “As a former fighter, I personally rate Reyes the best boxing gear on the planet!”

Come Saturday, the inductees, champs, VIP guests and fans in attendance will have a chance to experience the leather during the awards show.

Each year I’ve attended, there’s always been a room of recognizable faces, some who come from all of the U.S. and other countries. There will be many champions and contenders from bygone eras to present times. It will be a mini reunion for the boxing fraternity. And for the very first time, a special showcase display from Cleto Reyes.

Check out some of my snapshots from the 2011 CBHOF awards where Ely Reyes, Guillermo Moreno and Mike Serrano met with the champs and Hall of Famers in attendance including former heavyweight titleholder Tony “TNT” Tubbs, ex-champ Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez and female pioneer in boxing, referee/judge Gwen Adair.

Photos by Michele Chong