“El Magnifico” Receives Awards

It was a KO day Sunday afternoon at the Magnifico Boxing Gym in South Gate, Calif. as Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez (44-5, 32 KOs) received several awards at the “Honoring a Legend” ceremony presented by Supreme Boxing, World Boxing Council (WBC), WBC Cares and the Junior Foundation Charities.

Here is the “Chatter Box’s” special report with exclusive photos from the day!

The popular Mexican warrior is known for his ring wars versus Rafael Marquez. Israel, a WBC Super Bantamweight Champion, currently trains young fighters at his South Gate gym and also works as a ringside commentator at various live boxing broadcasts.

There was a a knockout lineup of his fellow champions (look for my next article with more about the day) joining Vazquez at this Meet & Greet and charity fundraiser with the fans. Joining the tribute were pro fighters, amateur stars, veteran boxing trainers, historians, authors, singing stars like RPM-7 and more.

Supreme Boxing’s Nancy Rodriguez and the team of volunteers and sponsors ensured this was a knockout success–and a day honoring popular champ Israel Vazquez. Signing autographs and posing for photos with fans were Vazquez, Leo Santa Cruz, Mauricio Herrera, Miguel Vazquez, Carlos Molina, Ray Beltran, JoJo Diaz, Alex Luna, Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, Efrain Esquivias Jr., Jose “Gato” Roman, Javier Molina, Oscar Molina, Oscar Venegas, Gabe Ruelas, Jesus Soto Karass, Jose Luis Soto Karass, Oscar Venegas, Adrienne Alegria, Myra Manzo and many more.

Israel is also a WBC Ambassador and visits children battling cancer. He recently bonded with young Angel Santos and his family. Sadly, little Angel passed away in March. But Sunday’s fiesta honored Vazquez’s loving connection to the Santos familia and their vow to fight back against cancer. WBC Cares patches, green ribbons (in support for Mental Health Awareness month), and WBC certificates were presented to the boxing luminaries and fans in attendance. There were also collectibles and memorabilia available at fundraising booths and silent auction. Israel and Supreme Boxing have been partnering with WBC Cares’ Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond, Rudy Tellez and others to help others in need. Their champion T-shirts also sported the phrase: “Never Give Up.”

It was also announced that Golden Boy Promotions and Robert Diaz have vowed to sponsor two youngsters fighting the good fight. Little Lencis Diaz and Martin Mejia were also brought into the ring to accept their honors. While Diaz and Mejia continue to battle against deadly illnesses, this weekend gala was also in loving memory of two brave gladiators who recently passed away. Angel Santos and Mikey Reyes were both able to meet boxing champions on different occasions (Israel Vazquez and Oscar De La Hoya), who were inspired by the heart of the young patients.

While Golden Boy was represented, Sunday’s bash also brought together various promotional companies as representatives from Golden Boy Promotions (Robert Diaz and Joel De La Hoya), Top Rank (Ricardo Jimenez), Thompson Boxing Promotions (Ken Thompson) and Goossen Promotions (Rodney Hunt) were all there in person.

Promoter and President Ken Thompson (Thompson Boxing Promotions) and his wife Vera came out to surprise Israel at this awards ceremony. On Friday night, just two days before the event, Vazquez worked the triple-header show promoted by Thompson. Israel is the ringside commentator at Ken’s “New Blood,” “Locked N’ Loaded” and “Path to Glory” shows. At these Thompson live boxing shows, Israel also interviews the fighters in the ring for LA TV and Time Warner Deportes. On Friday, Jose “Gato” Roman was in a thriller of a fight at the Ontario show and on Sunday, the fighter stopped by to see Vazquez and all the champs.

Vazquez was visibly moved when he saw promoter Ken Thompson introduced by emcee Adriana Jimenez. As Ken thanked Israel for his dedication, professionalism and through the years, “El Magnifico” was clearly touched by the gesture of support.

The always humble Israel thanked all the promoters, boxing champions, sponsors, volunteers, and fans for gathering together in support of this worthwhile cause. While accepting his awards, Israel continued to shine the spotlight on the children fighting cancer and getting the word out to help those battling deadly illnesses. Wife Laura and baby daughter Zoe were also there in support. In the emotional speeches to follow, Vazquez, Supreme Boxing and the Santos family all spoke of the courageous fight these young patients go through. Not all of them make it, but while they can the boxing champs vowed to visit the cancer fighters to continue to inspire them.

Vazquez’s fellow champions stood by in the ring in full support of “El Magnifico.” Helping others fight cancer and cheering up the young patients (through WBC Cares, Supreme Boxing and the Junior Foundation) is something all the fighters believe in.

I also spoke to Julian Ramirez (one of the youngest pros there) about how the champs are giving back to others. The 21-year-old is an unbeaten rising star. His nickname is “El Camaron” and he’s becoming known for his sizzling talents in the boxing ring. Julian is also the great nephew of Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, who fought a valiant war against cancer before his passing in 2011. Genaro worked closely with WBC Cares, visiting the kids and teens in the hospital and buying the children Christmas presents with his own money. I interviewed “Chicanito” many times and I mentioned the WBC dinner tribute that was held while Genaro was fighting back against cancer.

“I was there!” Julian smiles.

“Oh wow!” I replied. “I don’t think I got a chance to meet you that night.” The dinner was back in 2009 and Julian was just 16 years old, a future champ sporting braces on his teeth.

Ramirez grabs his cell phone and quickly finds a photo to show me.

“See?” he says with a laugh. Sure enough, there is a teenaged Julian holding a WBC championship belt at his great uncle’s fundraising dinner. The legacy to give back to others continues in the boxing fraternity.

As Julian, Israel and the prizefighters joined forces in the ring, the littlest warriors were remembered on this day “Honoring a Legend.”

PHOTOS BY MICHELE CHONG