Salazar, Frias & Robledo: Ready for the HOF!

September 28, 2018

West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame THIS Sunday

There will be a new Class of 2018 Inductees being honored THIS Sunday at the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame’s (WCBHOF) Banquet of Champions. This event has been SOLD OUT for months and the spotlight will soon be shining on these deserved individuals being honored for their contributions in the sport of boxing.

WCBHOF President and Co-founder Rick Farris and his dedicated team have been working hard to bring the fans another seamless event. I’ve attended these awards luncheons since its inception and the WCBHOF galas are always first-class affairs with detailed touches that former pugilist and Hollywood lighting technician Farris is known for.

This year’s bash will once again take place at the Garland Hotel Event Center in North Hollywood, Calif. This September 30 ceremony will see a knockout lineup of champions and boxing’s best accepting their honors. The honorees include: Archie Moore, Martha Salazar, Canto “TNT” Robledo, Art Frias, Mando Muniz, Ruben Navarro, Hedgemon Lewis, Richard “Trino” Savala, Joey Orbillo, Ray “Windmill” White, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Thell Torrence, Jackie McCoy, Theo Ehret, Eric Gomez and John Beyrooty.

President Farris says he is looking forward to bringing another unique and interesting show to the crowd with many returning attendees who are excited about being in this venue where boxing history will come alive. There are always plenty of surprises and reveals throughout the day and I’m expecting no less from this weekend’s fiesta.

There are always fun celebrity guests to meet, action-packed highlight reels to watch and emotional and touching speeches to hear that make for a KO day. This year, ticket holders can look forward to the beautiful commemorative souvenir programs and seeing the inductees up close and personal. There will also be beautiful portraits by painter Jun Aquino and brand new awards by boxing trainer/sculptor Steve Harpst. Farris and the WCBHOF crew think of everything from start to finish. From the red-carpet arrivals to making sure each guest is treated with respect. And for the former champions and contenders present in the venue, it is their day for accolades and appreciation. Rick’s trademark is to give these blood-and-guts warriors the love and respect they deserve for sacrificing so much inside and outside the ropes.

I caught up with three of the brand new inductees (Martha Salazar, Art Frias, Joseph Robledo) to hear their thoughts about the big day.

Joe Robledo’s father Canto “TNT” Robledo is on the list of honorees and Joseph will also be awarded the “Book of the Year” award for “Blood on the Canvas.” Canto is a legendary trainer who became blind after botched surgeries due to detached retinas from boxing.

“This is a great honor for the entire Robledo and Jimenez families,” Joe tells me. “We feel so proud of my father and his accomplishments throughout the many years of his service to not only the boxing world but his untiring efforts in helping the underprivileged youth in Pasadena. Canto was truly an icon within the realm of the sports world and beyond. He was truly blessed with his amazing coaching and teaching abilities.”

Former champ Art Frias and his wife Serina can’t wait to see everyone on Sunday. These gatherings often become memorable reunions for the ex-sluggers, their friends, families and fans who get to reconnect with each other. And for the inductees, it really is a dream come true. All their hard work, discipline, dedication, blood, sweat and tears wrapped up in this moment in the spotlight applauded by their peers and loyal fans.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame,” says Frias. “I remember being a six-year-old kid thinking I want to be a world champion like Sonny Liston and receiving this award reminds me of accomplishing that little boy’s dream!”

And for some, they reached the pinnacle of success and achieved their dreams, only to have their careers cruelly shortened by fate. World champ Martha “The Shadow” Salazar will take her place on stage in what may be a joyous yet bittersweet day for the female fighter who (on doctor’s orders) was forced to retire last year.

“This award means a lot to me because, unfortunately, I had to stop my career earlier than I wanted to,” the heavyweight explains. “so getting inducted means a lot. It marks, unfortunately, an ending chapter in my life that I am proud of and getting this award makes everything worth it!

“And now after Sunday, a new chapter will open of mentorship of other girls to become the best they can! This sport has been good to me and it’s been a pleasure being a part of history. 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. It’s going to be an amazing day…holding that Hall of Fame award, enjoying it with family and friends!”

Martha and Blanca Gutierrez have paved the way for many young amateur girls wanting to lace up. Beautiful Brawlers is a popular show that features females in the ring. Since retiring from the ring, Martha Salazar has indeed become a strong role model for the youth.

Every inductee has a story to tell. The highs and lows are part of the arc in boxing.These three inductees are all unique with incredible back stories of their time in the sweet science. On Sunday, this trio will join their fellow nominees as President Rick Farris crowns them 2018 WCBHOF INDUCTEES.