Championship Wives Honored

GSBA hosts awards luncheon for boxers’ “better halves”!

The “knockout” wives of some of California’s best fighters and champions were the stars at yesterday’s awards luncheon. Some have been married for over 50 years, some are recent widows, some are still active in the fight game supporting their sons or grandchildren who are currently boxing. Soul mate. Partner. Wife. Mother. Best Friend. What they have in common is complete and full support for their husbands–the fighters and champions who dedicated years to the sport.

On Saturday, the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA) held their 1st Annual “Women Behind the Boxer” Awards at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce, California to honor some of these ladies who have stood by their men, through the ups and downs of boxing. The awards, named “Tender Hearts” for the wives of some of the toughest guys in the squared circle, were beautiful heart-shaped crystal statues presented with framed photo plaques.

The speeches were all from the heart and included words of appreciation, inspiration or encouragement from the 2009 inaugural awardees.

“She was the type of mother a fighter would want,” an emotional Frankie Baltazar Jr. said as he helped present an award to his mother, Connie. “She was there for all the fighters.” His brother, Bobby, added proudly, “Our mom supported all the boys!” as Connie took the stage with husband, Frank, and three of their children.

As the women were called up one by one to the podium, they laughed and they cried as they remembered their husband’s lifelong bond to boxing and experiences the sport brought to their lives. It was bittersweet for a few of the recipients like Trudie Latka and Sylvia Ramos, whose husbands, George and Mando, recently passed away in 2008.

Lynette Bean said of her husband Willie Bean attending the GSBA weekly meetings, “He lived for Tuesdays where he was able to reminisce about all the fights he had.” The heavyweight passed away in December 2007.

The husbands in attendance were all beaming with pride and thrilled to have their wives receive the lion’s share of the spotlight during the afternoon’s event. They cheered enthusiastically for their spouses along with many other family members who came out to join the festivities.

“Without her, I’d never be Champion!” said an exuberant Danny “Little Red” Lopez of his wife, Bonnie, as the two celebrated with their kids and grandchildren at their table.

GSBA President Larry Montalvo and V.P. Bill Young managed to surprise their own wives with “Shining Star” awards that they presented to Elsa Montalvo and Linda Young, who hosted the luncheon.

Former California State Athletic Commission’s Joey Olmos presented special Joe Louis Humanitarian Awards to Montalvo, Young, Baltazar Sr. and Howard Smith.

A fun raffle was also held with rare boxing memorabilia, “Rocky” action figures, pink gloves, vintage programs and gift baskets included. Special entertainment included a live performance by Drew Young and the Red Muffs Band. Drew is the son of Linda and GSBA V.P. Bill Young.

Among those in the sell-out crowd were two-time champion Bobby Chacon, emcee Danny Valdivia, publicist and promoter Don Fraser, referees and judges Vince Delgado and Gwen Adair and World Boxing Hall of Fame Treasurer Josie Arrey-Mejia.

Don Fraser counts Enrique Bolanos as his very favorite fighter of the ’40s and ’50s and was happy to be able to present an award to Ruby Bolanos. Enrique wasn’t able to attend due to illness, but his wife, Ruby, gave a very moving speech as did every honoree who took the podium.

Awards were presented to: Connie Baltazar (Frank Baltazar Sr.),  Bonnie Lopez (Danny “Little Red” Lopez), Sylvia Ramos (Mando Ramos), Trudie Latka (George Latka), Ann Cote (Norm Cote), Ruby Bolanos (Enrique Bolanos), Eva Futch (Eddie Futch), Lynette Bean (Willie Bean), Irma Powell (Charlie Powell), Dorothy Smith (Howard Smith), Lucille Ratcliff (Monroe Ratcliff), Emma Vaughn (Willie Vaughn), Vera Robledo (Joe Robledo), Yolanda Muñiz (Mando Muñiz) and Elise Syers (Allen Syers).

The GSBA was founded over 30 years ago and meet once a week in Hollywood. If you would like any information on upcoming future events the organization is planning, please call Larry Montalvo at (323) 268-6830.

Photos by Michele Chong: The Baltazar family; Don Fraser and Ruby Bolanos; Drew Young on guitar; The Joe Louis honorees; Bobby Chacon is a raffle prize winner!; Bonnie Lopez and husband “Little Red”