Tribute to Champion Hector Lopez

Memorial to Celebrate Life of “El Torero”

It’s comes as no surprise to anyone that Hector Lopez was a champion. The tough-as-nails fighter–who passed away on October 24 from heart failure–was born to fight. And through his career he amassed a 41-7-1 ledger with 23 knockouts under his gloves while capturing a Silver Medal in the 1984 Olympics along with NABF and WBO NABO Light Welterweight Championship titles as well.

As a prizefighter, Lopez, who was born in Mexico but raised in Glendale, California, was a fan favorite and was known as one of the original “bad ass” boxers. He was a steely-eyed no nonsense pug with the rare talent to match the talk.

Yes, Lopez was a champion. And yes, they don’t make them tougher than this. With his bald head, menacing glare and a palette of tattoos, Hector was pure machismo. He had the swagger nailed down tight.

But maybe what escaped some fans is the fact that Hector also had a much softer side to him, especially when it came to his family.

Yes, Hector Lopez was a champ. But the Mexican warrior was first and foremost a loyal family man–loved by his large familia, and idolized by the two teen sons he left behind, Adam Lopez, 15, and Hector Lopez, 17, with former wife, Norma Lopez. Their kids both box in the amateurs and their fighting father took extreme pride in the pair. Hector Sr. called Little Hector “Emiliano” and Adam “Benito” after the famed Mexican revolutionaries. His sons visited their dad in Mexico every summer and they even got to go to the Olympic Village with their father.

Now the family must go on as they suffer through the loss of Hector Sr. In this exclusive report, I witnessed a very special day that was recently held to pay tribute to the life and career of “El Torero” (The Matador).

Walking into the spacious Palacios Torres banquet hall, guests were greeted by a beautiful display showcasing Lopez’s many honors hard-earned in the ring. Next to the framed fight posters, personal pictures, various medals and accolades were his championship gloves and belts. Lopez, who also had a memorial service in Mexico, packed a lot of life into his 44 years. And after hanging up his gloves, he was working with the female boxers and the Mexican Olympic team.

A life cut too short, the huge turnout of guests arriving at this tribute in Sylmar, all felt the loss of this fellow fighter, friend and much-loved family man.

In attendance were many faces from the boxing world. I saw several acquaintances I know from both the pros and the amateurs. There to pay their respects to the fallen fighter were former fighters, young amateurs, current trainers, cornermen and more. Guests arriving at the tribute included Paul Gonzales, John Bray, Dub Huntley, Ronnie Essett, Bridgett “Baby Doll” Riley, Hervi Estrada, Steve Harpst, “Blinky” Rodriguez, Jerry “Whiteboy” Rosenberg, Pete Cunningham, Dr. Joe Noriega, Tony Rivera, Katarina De La Cruz, Alonzo Hidalgo, Gloria Mosquera and her young daughter, amateur star Roxonie (“The Roxster”) and so many others.

During this moving celebration of his life hosted by the Lopez family, there were heartfelt speeches from his brothers, cousins, nieces and friends, film clips, a slide show, live musical entertainment and funny anecdotes about the spirited young man who hailed from “Toonerville.” He has three brothers, Sal, Sergio and Robert and is also survived by his mother, Alma Colin. Emcee William” Blinky” Rodriguez, Sergio Lopez and Victor Lopez took their turns at the podium sharing thoughts of Hector with the large crowd. Some spoke of his training days at the Salvation Army and the Jet Center, their adventures while growing up, and the hijinks they got into as teenagers. But all spoke of the love and pride he had for his family–especially for his two sons.

There was also a memorable and powerful prayer led by “Blinky” Rodriguez, a close family friend and trainer, as the room gathered around Hector Sr.’s mother, Alma, whose gut-wrenching grief affected everyone. There was not a dry eye in the house as her pain and heartbreak touched everybody. It was a torrent of emotions, a loss of a loved one physically felt by each person in the room.

In lighter moments, many shared their stories about this lively boxer who fought many times in the Los Angeles area.

There was also live Mariachis playing and after the delicious dinner, a myriad of desserts laid out. One special dish caught my eye. One of Hector’s nieces, Genice Lopez Partida, and I commented about the unique touch at the memorial. Cupcakes iced with “El Torero” made the rounds, a perfect touch to a perfect memorial tribute. “This is to celebrate his life,” Genice says to me. I comment to her about all the loving support from the family. “Family always came first,” his pretty niece says with a smile. “And he was so proud of the boys!”

On this day, much of the support went to young Hector Jr. and Adam. As I offered my condolences to the kids, not many words were exchanged. What can you really say to these teens whose lives were rocked by this tragedy? But as those surrounding them lent strength through a warm hug or words of sympathy, “El Torero’s” sons bravely remained on their feet and will no doubt get through this with the steady support from their family. After all, they come from championship stock.

“Hector was an awesome person; we still had a strong tie because of the boys,” his former wife, Norma tells me. “He had so many great plans; and he had friends everywhere–high places, low places and everywhere in between. We got calls from Germany, Australia, and so many other countries. He really was a great person!”

The ex-junior welterweight champ lived his all-too-short life with passion and the ferocity you would expect from a world title challenger.

He leaves behind a void felt by the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

But at this memorial service, his life was remembered–a life worth remembering.

And he will live on through his two lookalike sons, proud to carry on–and fight–for their father. Hector Jr. and Adam have already returned to the gym and will represent the Burbank Boxing Club at an amateur show this weekend.

Carrying on for their matador patriarch, the Lopez sons will no doubt make their father proud.

“FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH.”

Photos by Michele Chong