Mauricio Herrera’s Coach is 2011 Inductee
From the barrios of Mexicali to the spotlight in Studio City, boxing trainer Willy Silva has seen a lot–and done a lot–during his almost four decades in the sweet science.
But there was one role that was new to him.
The veteran coach–usually found in a sweaty boxing gym–was wearing a slick silver gray suit while speaking in front of hundreds of his peers who had gathered for the 2011 induction ceremony into the California Hall of Fame. Best known for being in the corner of IBF Light Welterweight Champion Mauricio Herrera, this time Silva was under the bright lights and on stage all by himself.
Used to hearing the rat-a-tat-tat of the speed bag and the thumping of the heavy bag, Willy was now hearing the thunder of applause and feeling the support from his fellow trainers, fighters and boxing luminaries who recently gathered at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.
Founder and President of the California organization Don Fraser, Vice President Frank Baltazar Sr., Vice President Rick Resnick, and their whole committee honor worthy individuals such as Silva–longtime loyal members of the boxing fraternity that often go unnoticed for their contributions to the sport; a sport which is quick to recognize flashy, trash talking personalities over humble, hardworking people in the fight game.
At the awards banquet, the trainer from Mira Loma received the recognition he’s earned after putting in almost 40 years honing his craft while working with young amateurs and pros along the way. He now solely focuses on Riverside boxing brothers Mauricio Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs) and Alberto Herrera (7-3-1, 5 KOs).
During the festivities I visited with the Southern California coach and his family who were all looking forward to the day’s events. Willy was accompanied by his wife Angelina, their daughter Evangelina and tables full of Silva family members and friends. I met their spirited group who all came out to witness the Baja-born boxing coach get ushered into the hall.
The weekend was a busy one for the boxing vet. The night before the Hall of Fame induction, Silva’s prized pupil Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera scored a victory over rising star Mike Dallas Jr. on an ESPN broadcast. After the celebration at Pechanga, the next morning the trainer swapped out his cornerman’s jacket for his fancy suit. It was a memorable 24 hours for Team Herrera.
Herrera’s promoter Ken Thompson (Thompson Boxing Promotions) introduced Silva to the crowd as the humble coach made his way to the microphone. At the podium, Thompson lauded the trainer for his dedication in his field. “This really is a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award for one of the greatest trainers in the world today,” spoke the promoter. “Willy first came from the tough town of Mexicali and 
now trains two shining stars in boxing–Mauricio and Alberto Herrera.”
Most trainers take on that tough “salt of the earth” stance while working with their young charges. Silva is no different.
“The best thing about Willy is that he lets me be me in that he is always giving me advice outside the ring,” Mauricio Herrera, his most high profile boxer, tells me. “Willy is tough on me when he feels I’m not giving all that I could–and it’s a good reminder to have. It drives me to keep going strong!”
The no-nonsense, seemingly gruff trainer showed more of a softer side when he collected his award. Thanking California Boxing Hall of Fame President Fraser, promoter Thompson, and others for the award, he then told the crowd about the sacrifices he and his family have endured during his many years as a coach.
His voice showing emotion, Silva expressed the long career he’s had in boxing including the ups and downs in our unforgiving sport. Expressing anecdotes from his boxing career, he had the attendees chuckling as well as dabbing away tears. As he looked at his wife seated at the head table, the trainer acknowledged his spouse thanking her for all of the support and “putting up with him” when he’d come home from long hard days at the gym, sometimes complaining, sometimes cranky. It was a very moving speech that really touched the audience.
After the awards were presented, I caught up with the Silva camp again. I wanted to ask Willy what’s next for Mauricio Herrera after his fighter’s win over Mike Dallas. Mauricio has had two big victories this year–his defeat of Ruslan Provodnikov in January and now his June victory over Dallas Jr. Herrera is the reigning IBF title holder and many wondered if there would be a possible Dallas rematch looming in the future?
“No rematch,” Silva told me when I posed the query to him. “We’re looking ahead now.”
And after his gritty battle against Provodnikov, Herrera’s face really showed the damage of their war in the ring. After the Dallas match, Silva said Mauricio’s face was fine, almost untouched. “He just had a small mouse here,” Willy said gesturing toward his eye.
“So when will you guys be back in the ring?” I say.
“Maybe in August when he’ll defend his belt,” his trainer replies. “Jessie Vargas is saying he wants to fight us.” The two were supposed to face each other in April but that original matchup fell through.
We will have to wait and see whether or not the Herrera camp faces the Vegas fighter for Mauricio’s championship strap.
But one thing is for sure. The next time Mauricio Herrera laces up he will have a new Hall of Famer in his corner.
Congratulations to trainer Willy Silva and all of the 2011 inductees.
Photos by Michele Chong