Freddie Roach to receive special award!
In the spirit of the season, the sport of boxing and giving back to the community will be combined at an event taking place TOMORROW in the L.A. area. I encourage all boxing fans to lend their support to this worthwhile cause as the World Boxing Council (WBC) hosts a Christmas Toy Drive at Rudy’s Baja Grill with doors opening at 2 p.m. The restaurant is located at 5226 E. Pomona Blvd. in Los Angeles.
As you may know from this column, the WBC hosts many charitable events for the community worldwide. And December is proving to be an especially busy month for the boxing group; Chair Jill Diamond tells me the organization has THREE different charity functions on tap for tomorrow!
In a “triad of charity’ from the West Coast to the East Coast to South of the Border, Jill, L.A.-based Rudy Tellez and the WBC are all pitching in to make the holidays merrier for those who need it the most.
Besides the L.A. toy drive, there will also be a “Cesar Bazan Run” in Mexico City to honor the former light welterweight and WBC champ. Agustín “Zorrita” Luna and Elizabeth Reyes (of Cleto-Reyes gloves) will join fighters and trainers in this outing down south.
Diamond, also with WBCares and NABF, will be hosting the third event with the WBC. Tomorrow morning, she and other Santa’s elves will be providing 150 foster children with a delightful Christmas breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. With the New York Foundling Program and Athletes for Charity, Diamond reveals to me they’ll also surprise the kiddies with Nike sneakers and other treats.
Yes, times are tough for everyone…but let’s remember the littlest ones who still believe in Santa. A little help goes a long way. Help to ensure a better holiday for many underprivileged boys and girls. I say don’t be a “Scrooge,” if you’re near the L.A. location, come out and join the festivities to assist others in need!
For just a small donation of 20.00 (plus a toy to add to Santa’s sleigh), you get to take part in a fun afternoon where you can mingle with some of boxing’s brightest luminaries, nosh on a luncheon buffet and enjoy live Mariachi music. During the gathering, there will also be a special recognition and awards presentation with a very unique first–a very special WBC belt that will be bestowed upon trainer Freddie Roach. Former two-time Junior Lightweight World Champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez has been invited to be a guest emcee, along with well-regarded ring announcer Jim FitzGerald, who is gallantly stepping in for our friend Danny Valdivia, who recently passed away.
Take a break from the holiday madness to join some well-known faces of the sweet science–invited guests include Israel Vazquez, Timothy Bradley and other surprise guests. There will also be an induction ceremony, live entertainment and a fundraising raffle hosted by the WBC. Event sponsors include World Boxing Cares, WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, Salazar y 3 Campeones, All Star Boxing, Wild Card, Standing Eight Management, Alhambra Boxing Club and the Burbank Body Shop.
“I want to support Rudy and the toy drive,” Ed Holmes says during our phone conversation yesterday. His company, All Star Boxing, is just one of Sunday’s generous sponsors. “That’s what’s it’s all about–the kids, the promoter adds. “And I’m happy to be part of the event.” Holmes holds his live boxing and MMA shows at the Quiet Cannon, which just down the road from Rudy’s Baja Grill, so he’s no stranger to the venue.
During tomorrrow’s event, many “unsung heroes” of the ring will also get their due respect–a tribute is planned for several ring officials (referees, judges, timekeepers) including Marty Denkin, David Denkin, Raul Caiz Sr., Raul Caiz Jr., Jack Reiss, Pat Russell, Dr. Lou Moret, Dr. James Jen Kin, Gwen Adair, among many others. Several promoters will also share the limelight in receiving their special recognition awards, including Don Fraser, Don Chargin, Goossen Tutor Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.
Boxing, food, drinks, music and more. Just what could be better? Imagining the smile your donation brings to an underprivileged child is a priceless reward.
And knowing that you contributed to a worthy charity is just icing on the cake.
From the “Chatter Box” to you and your family: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all!
WBC Toy Drive
Sunday, December 20th at 2 p.m.
Rudy’s Baja Grill
5226 E. Pomona Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022