Main Street Gym Tribute and Edy Valencia Fundraiser
The World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing hosted a triple-threat event this past Sunday at Rudy’s LA in Los Angeles, Calif.
This June 30 fiesta was a tribute to the Main Street Gym Alumni, the 2024 WBC Legends of Boxing Inductions and a fundraiser for prizefighter Edy Valencia (who was injured in a fight last July). Edy’s wife Rosa Barajas was there in support of her beloved husband who continues to recuperate in a recovery home.
This luncheon had a full house with many past and present boxers joining forces. The gathering was presented by Dr. Rudy Tellez (“The Mouthpiece Doctor”) with support from WBC Cares, the Castineyra brothers (Ricardo, Rodrigo and Rafael), Denise Ramirez, Sal GonzalezJr., Brenda Zaragoza (“ESO”), Brenda Martinez, the Board of Directors and sponsors.
Here is my recap from the afternoon which featured an awards ceremony, exhibit booths, prize raffle and a Mexican lunch. Tina Marie Puente and Ricardo Castineyra sang the National Anthems and noted author/historian Gene Aguilera was the official emcee for the festivities.
The list of inductees, honorees and awardees includes Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Alberto Davila, Joey Olivo, Carlos Palomino, Henry Tillman, Lee Espinoza, Victor Terrazas, Ernesto Amador, Sergio Estrada, Alvaro Puentes, Benjamin Rendon, Michael Nunn, Max DeLuca, Julie Lederman, Harold Lederman, Tom Taylor, Jesus “Chiquito” Haro, Patrick Ragan, Bejhan Razi, Jimmy Gambina, Mark Lerma, Jesse Hernandez, Carol Steindler, Vincent Tran, and more plus posthumous awards to Don Jose Sulaiman, Howie Steindler, Dr. Michael DeLuca, Ralph Romero, Marty Denkin, Fernando Paramo, Dick Young, and Gaspar Ortega.
Special thanks went to current WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and their legendary organization (known for their green and gold championship belts). The award recipients at the weekend gathering received the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum plaques and certificates and WBC medals. There was also a WBC Wall of Fame at the entrance of the venue. The award show was held in the outdoor patio with approximately 200 attendees and VIP guests (coming in from Palm Springs, Oxnard, San Mateo, Tijuana, Mexico, New York, Zimbabwe) visiting throughout the day.
There was also a KO group of familiar faces lending support to the get-together including past and current pro fighters, world champs, amateur boxers, cornermen, trainers, managers, promoters, referees, judges, and more. Spotted in the crowd were Paul Banke, Francisco “Panchito” Arce, Greg Puente, Mike Anchondo, Aron Martinez, Herman Montes, Steve Harpst, Gil Carrillo, Juan “Panda” Martinez, Bill and Linda Young (National Boxing Hall of Fame).
And it was definitely a family affair for many of the honorees. Olympian gold medalist and pro heavyweight Henry Tillman had a large group of family members all cheering for him when he went up to accept his award. Boxing official Max DeLuca had his sisters at his table when he received his own award along with his late father Dr. Michael DeLuca’s award in addition to Max’s fiance Julie Lederman’s award and her father’s award, the late Harold Lederman.
It was a very memorable function with a great turnout. I enjoyed catching up with everyone and hearing some of the guests reminisce about their days in the sport.
Several people talked about Rudy Tellez’s Alhambra Youth Boxing Club and how he managed many professional boxers as well. Boxing official Max DeLuca mentioned that Rudy helped him enter the pro boxing ranks over 27 years ago. And the connections continued with Max remembering his father was the boxing doctor during the 1984 Olympics (in which Henry Tillman won his gold medal).
Hall of Fame author and famed boxing historian Gene Aguilera’s table was also a popular one with all four of his best-selling books on display. And two of the cover boys were also at the party–Carlos Palomino appears on the cover of “Latino Boxing in Southern California” and Herman Montes is showcased on the cover of “Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles.”
I also met young WBC belt holder Jesus “Chiquito” Haro (who will be fighting July 13) and amateur boxer Vincent Tran. It was also fun hearing “Mighty” Mike Anchondo and Aron Martinez reminisce about their amateur days in “Region 8” of USA Boxing. They started out as little boys and continued to battle all the way to fight for glory as professional boxers.
I chatted with the Castineyra family (Castineyra Boxing) as they spoke about their nonprofit and how they want to help boxers such as Edy Valencia. They had previously held an early fundraiser in February for the fallen fighter. Ricardo, Rodrigo and Rafael continue to work hard and show strong support in and around the fight community. Their mother Veronica was also there proudly watching on as her sons manned the stage area.
Rudy Tellez and the Castineyra brothers thanked everyone for coming out to support the fundraising mission and also to celebrate the brand new WBC Legends of Boxing inductees and special award recipients too!
Donate to Edy Valencia: https://www.gofundme.com/f/edy-valencias-path-to-recovery
Photos by Michele Chong