Heavyweight Champ at Awards Gala
Martha Salazar can now add West Coast Boxing Hall of Famer to her bio as a world champ in the sport.
The Jalisco, Mexico warrior proudly took her place as the sole female in the Class of 2018. The awards show took place this past Sunday at the Garland Hotel Event Center in North Hollywood, California.
Here’s my special report about the day which honored this year’s inductees Martha Salazar, Archie Moore, Art Frias, Ruben Navarro, Mando Muniz, Hedgemon Lewis, Richard “Trino” Savala, Joey Orbillo, Ray “Windmill” White, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Thell Torrence, Eric Gomez, Jackie McCoy, John Beyrooty, Canto “TNT” Robledo, and Theo Ehret.
Founded in 2015 by President Rick Farris and Vice President Dan Hanley, the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame (WCBHOF) is always a sold-out affair and this year’s installation had sold out months in advance. The officers, Board of Directors, and volunteers put in months of planning this first-class function. They are known for taking special care in honoring each fighter with the respect they deserve. And the WCBHOF is showing their support of women’s boxing; Salazar is the second female boxer to be inducted (after Lucia Rijker).
Known as “The Shadow,” Salazar won the World Boxing Council (WBC) female heavyweight title and the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) belt during her pro career. Unfortunately, her ring life was cut short; was forced to retire early due to doctor’s advice. The athlete (13-5, 3 KOs) fought in both boxing and MMA before hanging up her gloves in 2017. But she remains connected to the sweet science now mentoring young athletes in Beautiful Brawlers Boxing, an all female promotion with her manager Blanca Gutierrez (who was previously inducted into the WCBHOF–expanded category). The world heavyweight champ also is a WBC Cares Ambassador who loves to give back to the community and inspire others to go after their dreams.
Besides all of the 2018 living inductees, the September 30 induction ceremony was well attended by a room full of champs, contenders, and celebs including the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Carlos Palomino, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, “Iceman” John Scully, Mike Weaver, Loreto Garza, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Jeff Bumpus, Paul Banke, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ronnie Essett, Joey Olivera, J’Marie Moore, Hedgemon Robertson, Eliza Olson, sportscaster Patrick O’Neal, matchmaker Robert Diaz, PR’s Bill Caplan, director/writer/producer Alan Swyer, promoter Russell Peltz, boxing historian/author Gene Aguilera, trainer/manager Johnny Elorde, trainer Lee Espinoza, author Joe Robledo (2018 “Book of the Year” winner), timekeeper John Liechty and many more.
And it was in front of this knockout crowd that the female fighter took her stance in the spotlight. As the official WCBHOF emcee Jim FitzGerald announced her entrance, the prizefighter was joined onstage by her trainer Dee Pooler and manager Blanca Gutierrez along with a huge group of supporters that traveled to Los Angeles to witness this epic moment in person. Team Salazar shared in their hero’s joy by hoisting a banner showcasing photos of a triumphant Martha.
The pugilist gave a moving speech as she accepted her awards which included a painting by noted artist Jun Aquino and a special glove award crafted by sculptor/trainer Steve Harpst. The audience cheered for the California boxer as she raised her hands in victory one more time.
Her spirited contingent of supporters was impressive. After the awards, I got in touch with the new honoree to wish her a hearty congrats on being inducted into the WCBHOF.
“Thank you so much,” the humble heavyweight replied. “Much love!”
I had to ask her about this loyal crew of family and friends that joined her at the weekend bash? Did they all come down from the San Jose and San Francisco area?
She said they came from all over including Pacifica, Hayward, Gilroy, San Francisco and San Jose. There was her coach Dee Pooler and manager Blanca Gutierrez (Babyface Boxing), plus brother and sisters Everardo Salazar, Mireya Salazar, and Norma Ortiz.
“Plus my partner Monika Toth and daughter Aniko Nelson, sparring partners Eliza Olson and Daniel Basques. Nieces and nephews Ariana Borrero, Edwin and Brandon Salazar, Anthony, Cynthia Ortiz, Celia Cabrales,” she replied “and friends Cristina Gutierrez, Daisy Bamberger (amateur fighter), her dad Mario Bamberger, Marissa Lai, George Del So, Tammy Pooler (coach’s wife), Suzi Manneh, and Lupi Gutierrez.”
It was a full house as the champion was inducted into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame. She plans on staying involved in boxing, mentoring future champs and continuing her work in the sport.
“This sport has been good to me and it’s been a pleasure being a part of history,” Salazar had told me before accepting her award. “I am also so excited to share this moment with my family and friends that have been there through it all and have supported me all this way.”
Congratulations to “The Shadow” and to all of the new inductees. And stay tuned for my additional summary and photos from the 2018 WCBHOF awards!
Photos by Michele Chong