Exclusive Report/Photos: 2013 “A Night of Champions”
CHAMPION–definition: cham·pi·on, noun \ˈcham-pē-ən\ : a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition, esp. in sports so as to hold first place, a fighter or warrior; a person who fights for a cause or on behalf of someone else.
Mia St. John, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns wowed the crowd at Saturday’s “A Night With Champions” hosted by The Mia St. John “El Saber Es Poder” Foundation. Here is my SPECIAL REPORT from the 2013 gala held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles where the 2013 honoree Ray Leonard was presented with the “Courage and Humanitarian” Award presented by the nonprofit organization founded by St. John.
It was a rainy winter’s day but the rainfall stopped just as I got ready to attend this event with these pound-for-pound boxing heroes. The awards dinner was fittingly located on a street called Avenue of the Stars with this trio of superstars greeting the crowd in this exclusive setting. Also at the awards dinner were soap opera star Kristoff St. John (“The Young and the Restless”, K-1 GLOBAL representatives, IFBA Lightweight Champ Crystal Morales (fighting on December 21), fighter/trainer Shannon Torres Gilman, Olympic hopeful Deborah Castillo, the family of kickboxing legend Andy Hug, noted Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Laurence Rifkin and more.
During the evening, guests enjoyed a dinner, awards presentation and live auction at this top-notch affair. Paris St. John (Mia and ex-husband Kristoff’s daughter) assisted in the spirited auction and also passed out special-edition beverages with a photo of Sugar Ray Leonard gracing the front of the glass bottle. I met Rocket Fizz President and Co-Founder Robert Powells who manufactures this “knockout” soda pop. Sampling the drink, I have to say it is a tasty brew (root beer flavored)!
Master of Ceremonies Henry Acosta introduced the special guests while Mia thanked everyone for their support.
St. John has 62 pro fights during her career (and she plans on “un-retiring” from the ring soon). She is known for her work outside the ring as a mental health advocate, Playboy model, author and fitness guru (“The Knockout Workout”) and more. While she is known for her striking good looks, perhaps many people do not realize how hard she works in giving back to others, especially through the charity in her name. I know she has worked tirelessly while donating her time, resources and her own money to help others.
And she is a strong and resilient warrior who has battled back from obstacles and challenges outside the ropes. She is a recovering alcoholic and former drug abuser who also conquered suicidal tendencies, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, eating disorders, and generalized anxiety disorder. The boxer vows to help the youth who may also be suffering from similar issues. And fundraising dinners like Saturday’s gala help raise funds while bringing attention to helping underprivileged youth with mental illnesses along with physical, emotional and social needs. St. John’s son Julian was diagnosed with schizophrenia so Mia knows firsthand the issues at stake.
In previous years, the charity organization honored Hector “Macho” Camacho and Flavor Flav and now their third awardee Sugar Ray Leonard was brought forth on stage. “I am truly honored,” Mia said about the foundation’s 2013 recipient. “Ray is a legend and a true inspiration.”
St. John wanted to honor her friend and fellow fighter Ray Leonard, who revealed in his book (“The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring”) that he had suffered sexual abuse as a young boxer. His raw honesty and bravery has now helped countless individuals who felt alone or helpless after suffering through similar abuse. After a heartfelt introduction by Mia, Ray accepted his bronze trophy from former ring rival and now lifelong pal Tommy Hearns. The ex-adversaries were also featured in film clips highlighting their Hall of Fame moments.
The guests had a chance to witness the prizefighters’ verbal jabs at each other during this KO night. Ray and Tommy joked back and forth with Hearns ribbing Leonard about who really won their second feud. It was fun to see the champs interacting with each other–and just one of my personal highlights I’ll always remember.
And the punchers’ mutual respect and love for St. John was clearly evident. I playfully asked Tommy if he had ever sparred Mia in the ring and before the “Motor City Cobra” could answer, Mia quickly replied with a smile “Yeah, we did…And I kicked his ass!” Hearns laughed out loud at her cheeky response before giving her a warm embrace.
Then the bidding wars began in the live auction with Henry Acosta in the middle of the action. There were one-of-kind autographed items, signed boxing gloves and more up for grabs. The NFL’s Michael Irvin even popping in to bid on some of the autographed memorabilia with the proceeds going to the charity (www.miastjohnfoundation.org). Mia’s WBC championship belt was also on display for the patrons to see up close.
And St. John parted with some of her own personal memorabilia (framed photo and autographed ticket stub from Hearns-Leonard at Caesars Palace) so that she can further help the at-risk youth combatting mental health issues. Her foundation has also donated 30 computers to the youth in Mexico and continues to empower the kids and teens through education and wellness programs while raising awareness of mental illness among inner-city youngsters.
“I always tell the kids: ‘You get knocked down and you get back up!'” Mia told us. Her foundation “El Saber es Poder” translates into “Knowledge is Power.”
She began a program with El Centro in Echo Park and is also hoping to build a similar project with the Indio Boys & Girls Club where she is currently training.
After the dinner and awards ceremony, the guests stayed to mingle with the boxing icons while DJ Johnny spun some tunes.
I had a chance to chat with one of Mia’s fellow fighters and personal friends, Shannon Torres Gilman from the Knuckleheadz Boxing & MMA Gym in Ventura County. While center stage, Mia introduced Shannon, who is valiantly fighting cancer and flew in from treatment just so she could attend the dinner. You would never know she was battling any illness, as the blonde beauty looked amazing Saturday night. Shannon spoke of how her amiga Mia would drop everything to help her, so she wanted to be at this prestigious gala in person. Torres Gilman says that everyone sees Mia’s outside beauty but her closest friends really know what a truly giving and selfless individual Mia is as well.
And there was a huge wave of love and support permeating the room–a testament to heroes St. John, Leonard, and Hearns.
Boxing trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst had the honor of seeing his bronze statue presented to Sugar Ray. This Harpst bronze is entitled “The Victor” and depicts a champion with his hands held high in triumph. The award-winning artist was very impressed with the charity event and the hospitality of its gracious host, Mia St. John.
“Mia was a great and charming host,” Harpst commented. “This was a very special evening–first-class all the way–and it is obvious what a big heart Mia has in giving back to others.”
Mia St. John and Ray Leonard have both overcome obstacles and challenges that have shaped their lives. They remain true champs who continue to fight to help others.
“I am so honored and grateful that Ray and Tommy did this for the foundation,” St. John told me a couple of days after the big night. “Their generosity will not be forgotten!”
And the generosity of everyone involved with The Mia St. John Foundation’s “A Night With Champions” will help benefit the youth.
TRUE CHAMPIONS.
Here are my EXCLUSIVE shots from the gala and CONGRATS TO ALL!
To donate: www.miastjohnfoundation.org
Photos by Michele Chong
