“Sugar” Shane Mosley Receives Honor
Several of boxing’s best were honored yesterday at the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Legends of Boxing Museum and WBC Cares Awards Banquet and Holiday Toy Drive held at Rudy’s Baja Grill in Los Angeles. Here’s an exclusive peek into the festivities as the “Chatter Box” made the rounds!
The organization’s Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, and Jill Diamond continue to give back to those in need. At Sunday’s gathering, WBC Supervisor and mouthpiece doctor Rudy Tellez, WBC LBM’s Jaime Ochoa, Angel Ochoa and others represented the WBC group from the West Coast.
Bringing toys and good cheer to the charity function were WBC Officials David Mendoza, Zac Young, Benjamin Rendon, Monique Rendon and Eddie Hernandez, along with trainers, fighters, and boxing aficionados like former champs Armando Muniz, Rodolfo Gonzalez, fighters Katarina De La Cruz, Hassan Chitsaz, World Boxing Hall of Fame’s Dr. Joe Noriega and Steve Harpst, author Steve Springer, among many more.
Former WBC Welterweight Champ “Sugar” Shane Mosley and his father/trainer Jack Mosley were there to receive their newest award, along with fellow recipients former boxer, current trainer/cutman Rudy Hernandez and PR legend Bill Caplan (currently with Golden Boy Promotions). Nori Takatani, who was the manager of former world champ Genaro Hernandez, was also bestowed with a special honor.
The awardees all gave heartfelt speeches as they were joined by their proud family members. Cutman Rudy Hernandez gave his three children, Rudy Jr., Christine and Michael a chance to share his well-earned moment as they joined their dad on stage to read his speech in which he thanked his wife, Carol and others. Bill Caplan also gave a memorable thank you to his own cheering squad as he proudly introduced his friends and family, including his beaming grandchildren.
Shane Mosley accepted his WBC award in front of an appreciative audience. The Pomona slugger also says he’s not hanging up his gloves just yet. “I still have a few fights left in me,” he told us. “I wanna go out like I know I can.”
During the gala, there were also several touching tributes: restaurateur Rudy Lopez was presented with a miniature WBC belt of his own in thanks for hosting the party at his eatery; Isaiah Lopez, 12, was also surprised with mouthpiece, boxing equipment and autographed Sergio Martinez gloves to replace those that were stolen from the youth; and a “Ten Count” was held for champions Joe Frazier and Hector Lopez, cutman Joe Souza, Howard Harpst (father of trainer/sculptor Steve Harpst) and prayers also requested for British lightweight Allen Syers, who is currently in the hospital battling both cancer and pneumonia.
A prize raffle was also conducted to raise more funds for those in need. Donations included signed photos of boxing champions (by ringside photographer Miguel Salazar), framed artwork, fight memorabilia and more.
WBC LBM’s Jaime Ochoa announced to the large crowd, “This is what the holidays are about–THIS IS ABOUT GIVING BACK.” Their WBC Legends of Boxing Museum is located on the grounds of American Sports University in San Bernardino. Jaime and his brother Angel will continue the tradition of giving back to others with another toy drive event planned for next month at the sibling’s P-Town Gym in Perris.
I also had the chance to chat with Shane Mosley’s sister, Cerena Mosley-Prude. This knockout duo are also giving back to their community of Pomona. Cerena, who was treated to a gorgeous birthday cake from her champion brother, told me all about their Diamond’s Love Foundation, which will be showcasing a three-day boxing extravaganza January 13-15. Mosley will be hosting this “Pomona Pride Community Event” as he introduces his new Pomona Boxing Club.
As “Sugar” Shane mingled with the guests, posing for photos and signing autographs, there was only one other “champ” who could possibly share the bright spotlight with the popular world titleholder.
During a spirited walkout, hoisting the famed green and gold WBC championship belt was a rare appearance straight from the North Pole. Yep, Old St. Nick himself joined the revelers in spreading holiday goodwill. Santa Claus and his elf held court onstage as this year’s WBC LBM’s awards event came to a close. The WBC team will be next gearing up for December’s big World Boxing Council Convention in Las Vegas.
As for the brimming box of toys that were collected throughout the day, the stuffed animals, games, dolls and action figures will be given to underprivileged children through Ruben Salazar Park in Los Angeles.
The WBC Cares motto is, “Big Champions Supporting Little Champions” and this was clearly evident to all who gave their time, support and donations to the 2011 awards benefit and toy drive.
Congratulations to all the award winners!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst
