New interview with Genaro Hernandez as he continues to fight!
Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez is no quitter. In October, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Since then, Hernandez (38-2-1, 17 KOs) continues to fight a brave battle as the boxing community rallies around this popular fighter.
As you could imagine, the medical treatments involved are a massive financial toll. Many fundraisers have been held for the former WBC Junior Lightweight World Champion including a benefit dinner that was hosted by the World Boxing Council. Hernandez will also be honored at two more functions taking place in the Los Angeles area this week.
The boxer has stayed busy throughout his medical treatments–and has stayed connected to the sport–not letting his illness keep him down.
I find out immediately that his voice has been affected by the chemotherapy he has endured. But Genaro wants to talk, speaking freely about his illness and lighting up when we chat about boxing (no surprise there)! In this exclusive interview, the tough warrior tells me his thoughts on the Margarito controversy, his newest Hall of Fame I
nduction and how he stays strong through his chemo.
Q: Genaro, it’s been a month since the WBC benefit dinner–just wanted to catch up with you and see how you’re doing since that evening.A: That was a great night and I was impressed by the hundreds of people that came out. I was honored to see everybody.
Q: How did your kids (Amanda and Steven) react to the outpouring of support at this sold-out event?A: I think they saw how much everyone cared and I think they appreciated that!
Q: At the dinner I met your sister-in-law Adriana. She told me how you first met your wife, Liliana. Can I tell our readers that story?A: (Chuckles) Yes, that’s fine. You can tell them.
Q: Okay…Adriana says that you’ve always been such a humble person. She told me how you and her sister met: Liliana was working at a fast food place near your house. You’d go there to eat but you were a little shy to ask her out. So you gave a kid a dollar and had him find out what Liliana’s name was so you could ask her out. Then once you two started dating you had to drop her off far from her home since her parents thought she was too young to date. Is this what happened?A: Yes, it was at a Burger King and she was just a month away from turning 18. And it was her mom who thought she was too young to date! (He laughs).
Q: Your fans are always asking about you. How are you doing?A: I appreciate their concerns–I’ll keep fighting. I just have to live my life. It’s up to God now.
Q: Since first diagnosed in October, you have remained active in the boxing community–still attending fights and events. A: Yeah, I was in Houston at a cancer research center but then after that went to the Honda Center for the Arce-Darchinyan fight! I always enjoy the fights.
Q: How are you doing with the medical treatments?A: Pretty good, I guess. Up to this point I’ve lost 36 pounds. I’m at 128 pounds and trying to gain the weight back. The chemo is over but it did affect my vocal pads, the vocal cords. Now I’m going through radiation.
Q: As you know, I’ll keep talking forever…so if you’re in any discomfort at all, please tell me and we can chat another time!A: (Laughs) I’ll answer any of your questions. You’ve been perfect.
Q: Okay, champ, I hope you’re not in too much pain.A: It strains my vocals to talk and it irritates a bit but I’m okay. I want to talk, it’s okay.
Q: Are you still working with HBO?A: As of right now I’m unemployed due to the cancer since it affected my voice; I can’t announce right now.
Q: So I have to ask you what you thought of Antonio Margarito and Javier Capetillo’s licenses being revoked?A: Oh, Capetillo’s a cousin. Margarito’s trainer, he’s my cousin.
Q: Okay, well then you don’t have to answer that question. I didn’t know he was a relative of yours!A: Well, about Margarito…I disagree with the punishment. It’s unfortunate. He never went up in the ring wearing the wraps, he didn’t actually throw a punch with the wraps. The fighter is so concentrated on the fight–he’s not paying attention sometimes. I just disagree with their decision.
Q: We watched your brother Rudy in Alfredo Angulo’s corner during last Saturday’s fight. He was busy tending to the cut over “Perro’s” eye. What did you think of that fight against Cosme Rivera?A: Any time you win you’re happy so they were happy with the victory. But a lot of strange things happened that night.
Q: Yeah, what did you think of the other fights? With Nate Campbell not making weight and the Martinez-Cintron fight a draw, it was an unusual night of boxing. But I’m such a diehard that I watched them all again the next morning! A: You watched them all again? (Laughs) I actually thought the judges were off, it was strange. It was bizarre. There were a lot of strange judgments! And in the Sergio Martinez-Kermit Cintron fight, I think that Cintron lost.
Q: By the way, on a sad note, I know you heard about the passing of cutman Chuck Bodak.A: Yes, I didn’t get to work with him too much, but I always saw him at fights. He was a pleasure to be around and it is sad news.
Q: On a happier note, have a couple of events in March that we’d love for you to come out to. The first one is on March 6–an amateur show in El Monte. And we’d like to invite your brother to bring some fighters if he’s got any amateurs.A: Great. Rudy works with both pros and amateurs, I think he’s got a couple of amateur kids, some good fighters–give him a call!
Q: Alright, sounds good, we’ll do that. What other boxing events are you planning to attend in the future?A: This Thursday, February 19, I’ll be at the fights in Irvine with Roy Englebrecht.
Q: And you’re getting an award at this show?A: Yes, I’m getting inducted into their Hall of Fame. I will be there, I’m looking forward to it.
Q: There’s also an event in East L.A. that’s coming up?A: A bunch of fighters are getting together and there’s going to be a soccer game in East L.A. My understanding is that it will take place this Sunday and I plan to be there for that.
Q: That will be fun! Have a great week, Genaro. Thanks again for your time. Take care. And we hope to see you soon!A: Thank you. And thank you to everyone for all of their support!
Note: Please continue to donate funds to assist Genaro. You may send contributions to:World Boxing Cares36 West 22nd StreetNew York, New York 10010Tax ID number: 26 2665978(A beautfiul WBC Lifetime Certificate will be sent to you to acknowledge your donation)Please mark them “Genaro” and make payable to World Boxing CaresAll money is tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Genaro Hernandez family
Photo by Michele Chong