B-day celebration for “El Magnifico”
Christmas comes once a year–but December 25th also marks the date of fighter Israel Vazquez’ birthday, with an early birthday celebration taking place at last weekend’s World Boxing Hall of Fame’s (WBHF) 2nd Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive.
We know that boxers are tough and brave, but the guests attending this party had to be pretty tough themselves, braving the snail-like holiday traffic on L.A. freeways to reach the event’s location in Commerce, California. But no one complained, since it was a good opportunity to share some holiday cheer one last time before the new year begins.
Since my own birthday (December 20th) just happened to land on the same date of the party, the WBHF were very kind to include me in the birthday festivities too.
The WBHF group had some tricks up their sleeves, delivering a “one-two punch” and surprising Israel and me with two cakes–vanilla and chocolate. And while blowing out the candles, the partygoers sang “Happy Birthday” to us in two versions, in English and in Español, serenading us with the traditional Spanish birthday song of “Las Mañanitas” as well. What could be better?
So with Israel and I both being “over 21,” the candles on the cake we shared were “double zeros,” and I hope this stands for the infinite legacy that the Mexican warrior has already built in such a short amount of time. Everybody’s birthday wish for him is to stay healthy and strong while achieving more victories in the ring for the rest of his successful career.
Israel may have enjoyed a taste of cake, but the super bantamweight is staying in shape as he gears up for a likely fourth bout against Rafael Marquez in the Spring of 2009, “I want to fight Marquez again. It could be in March or April.”
With wife Laura by his side, the nice young couple enjoyed a three-course dinner at the gathering, taking part in a fun and relaxing day with friends and boxing associates before heading home to their two young sons.
The Mexico City native (43-4, 31 KOs) is close friends with WBHF President Adolfo Perez and the superstar always makes time to support the non-profit boxing organization. So the WBHF wanted to take time of their own to honor this popular fighter, giving him the respect and birthday attention that the gritty warrior deserves.
Just voted the WBC Best of 2008 “Fight of the Year” was the third fight of the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy. Exceptional in a year packed with plenty of other great battles, this last fight in their classic trilogy still stands out from the rest–and arguably will stand the test of time in the minds of many fight fans for decades to come.
Yet anyone who has ever met Vazquez knows that “El Magnifico” is a humble, sincere and down-to-earth guy–a high-profile champ that never turns down fans’ requests for a photo or autograph. With all the accolades and attention heaped upon him, he still remains unaffected by the fame.
The Birthday Boy Vazquez and the guests were all in great spirits at the party, enjoying a festive night with lots of laughter, surrounded by fellow
fighters, friends, and family.
Also joining the WBC Champion Emeritus with birthday greetings were boxers Alfonso Gomez, Shawn Estrada, Paul Gonzales and Walter Sarnoi.
I must add that having a December birthday isn’t the greatest thing in the world–okay, it basically sucks since it’s always a crazy holiday time for everyone! Most of the time my boyfriend (and WBHF Board of Director) Steve Harpst and I choose to go out of town to quietly celebrate our birthdays (December 27th is Steve’s b-day), so this year’s birthday certainly became a memorable one for me.
It’s not every day you can say you celebrated your birthday with a true champion and a room full of great boxing pals! I am a lucky gal indeed.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the party–Thanks a “Punch”!
Special thanks to Davnet for the home-baked delicious chocolate cake.
¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Israel!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst: Alfonso Gomez and Israel Vazquez; December Birthdays for Michele and Israel; The Birthday Boy with wife Laura; The champion gives the celebration a “thumbs up”