Frank Espinoza’s “Knockout” Donation

Boxing manager’s generosity shines at “Chicanito’s” Event

As boxing manager of many champions, including superstar Israel Vazquez, Frank Espinoza is accustomed to stepping in and looking after his fighters. During a fundraising dinner this past weekend, the manager raised his hand once again to help out another champ fighting a brave battle–Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez.

The sold-out benefit, hosted by the World Boxing Council (WBC), was held on the grounds of the American Sports University in San Bernardino, California at their WBC Legends of Boxing Museum and the adjacent Fox Theater. Both a silent and live auction were featured to raise funds for the fighter who is currently undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer that was first diagnosed just three months ago.

Items up for the live auction included breakfast with super bantamweight Israel Vazquez, autographed boxing gloves, fight tickets, lunch with Mia St. John, and even a workout session with famed trainer Freddie Roach. The finale of the auction was a brand new bronze statue donated by sculptor and boxing trainer Steve Harpst. The piece, from Steve Harpst Bronzes and Fine Art, was inspired by Genaro. “It’s for a good cause and I wanted to help ‘Chicanito.’ I had an idea for this new piece and I was really excited to get to work on it,” said Harpst. The bronze, entitled “Knockout Cancer,” was unveiled on stage for the very first time at this gala event.

Beverly Hills-based auctioneer Jonathan Holiday got the bidding war started with an opening bid of $350 from Louie Raposo of Impact Boxing. As the donation amounts quickly rose, the bidding became fast and furious and the crowd was electrified by the intensity of the moment. After a round robin of paddles were raised throughout the banquet hall, the proud recipient of the bronze statue was renowned boxing manager Frank Espinoza. Sitting at a table with Israel Vazquez, Israel’s wife Laura and their two young sons, the manager’s hand was raised in victory with a final bid of $3,500.

The museum-quality bronze, represents a symbolic ribbon (synonymous to fighting cancer) intertwined with a strong and defiant boxing glove. The sculpture, in a rich classic patina, features a finely-detailed boxing glove on a custom mahogany base. Personally signed by Genaro during the presentation to Espinoza, “Chicanito’s” autograph will be forever bonded with the bronze statue that is something special to the boxing manager, “I’m always going to cherish this bronze–it’s sentimental and close to my heart. I want the best for Genaro and just to be able to help out a little bit and participate–that’s what it’s all about. It was amazing.”

And if three thousand five hundred reasons weren’t enough, the Los Angeles resident explains to me why he not only gave with his wallet, but most importantly with his heart, “I was inspired to give to ‘Chicanito’s’ cause because I understand how this type of medical situation can be. Many of us have had a family member or friends who have gone through the process of cancer and it can be a lonely fight. The goal is to let ‘Chicanito’ know we’re in his corner and we are praying for the cancer to go into remission.”

The President of Espinoza Boxing Club continued, “The fundraiser was a tremendous success. It was a great evening; it demonstrated that the boxing community is more than willing to come to help one of its own during a difficult time.”

While taking time to commend the highest bidder of the evening for his generous donation, I also want to say that ALL DONATIONS–both big and small–have helped make Genaro’s fundraising efforts a success. EACH AND EVERY person who has given their time, services or donations to “Chicanito” and his family should also be commended for their generosity!  This has been a collective effort–any donation made is a substantial and important donation, whether it be one dollar, five dollars or twenty dollars–every donation benefits the champ and his family.

“Chicanito” has inspired many others to give and help out any way they can. Harpst, whose bronzes were also presented at the WBC Legends of Boxing Hall of Fame ceremony last June and included Genaro as one of the WBC’s inaugural inductees, witnessed the bidding on his bronze skyrocket. The award-winning artist was honored to participate in this historic night for the champ, “We need more people in the world like Genaro. And we need more people like Frank Espinoza–now I see where his fighters get their heart from.”

Manager Espinoza founded his club in 1991 and is well-known and very active in the boxing community. Among his stable of fighters are champions Martin Castillo and Julio Zarate and top prospects Manny Roman, Luis Ramos and Jesus Hernandez. The dapper and debonair Espinoza has been presented with several “Manager of the Year” awards by various boxing organizations, including the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and is always a first-class act in or out of the ring.

You can find him in action this Friday night when his boxer Jesus Hernandez squares off against Manuel Sarabia at All-Star Boxing’s fight night in Montebello. Pete Hironaka of All-Star Boxing is always impressed with the manager, “Frank is really good for boxing. His fighters are always accessible, always add something to the show and they’re always ready, as is Frank. We’ve worked with him many times and he’s always been a joy to work with.”

Besides Espinoza, countless others have donated their with just as valuable efforts and contributions–volunteering their time and services to help generate funds for Genaro’s medical treatments. The two-time junior lightweight world champion received a huge amount of support, not just from the boxing community but from various other individuals as well.

“I was there donating my services,” Jonathan Holiday explained to me. “I’ve been an auctioneer for 15 years; I work with all types of charities. I usually have a three-month planning time, but I saw an article about the event so I called Rudy Tellez offering to help.”

“We had a wide range of items in the auction and I was glad to be part of it,” he added with enthusiasm. And of declaring Espinoza the winning bidder of the bronze, “I was blown away by the donation. It’s a beautiful statue–and the money it raised speaks of the beauty of Steve’s work.”

The prestigious auction veteran was inspired by the evening’s show of support, “I’ve been in front of thousands of people but this event really showed me how much love there is for Genaro. The humanity of it all was impressive and I felt the warmth; it was a special night.”

New pro fighter Katarina De La Cruz, in attendance with her trainer Ben Lira, was enlisted to assist auctioneer Holiday and WBCares’ Jill Diamond in both the silent and live auction during the weekend’s festivities. While speaking with her today, De La Cruz was still amazed at the outpouring of support for the champ, “This was right after the holidays and it’s incredible how everyone helped Genaro. The boxing world has that spirit and magic. Ben and I were saying, just last night, what a beautiful evening it was.” The pretty boxer sums it up best, “I see all the support and love that everyone has for him–Genaro is a people’s champion!”

It was a wonderful evening full of heart, warmth and generosity-all qualities that “Chicanito” himself is known for. Champ, continue to fight the good fight!

  
Photos by Michele Chong: “Knockout Cancer” bronze statue with winning bid from Frank Espinoza; Genaro Hernandez and sculptor Steve Harpst; Espinoza and “Chicanito”; Genaro autographs the bronze; Jonathan Holiday and female fighter Katarina De La Cruz during the live auction; Katarina with Frank Espinoza and Ben Lira; Israel Vazquez with son at the benefit dinner