The “Schoolboy” still a fan favorite!
Former two-time world champion Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon scored 47 knockouts during his career as a prizefighter.
At a special community gathering held yesterday at Daphne’s California Greek Cafe in Burbank, California, the puncher proved he’s still a knockout fighter years after hanging up his gloves. The ex-pro boxer joined the Burbank Boxing Club, along with founder and trainer Steve Harpst, at a lively gathering with over 25 members of the club taking part in the festivities.
The boxing coach invited the former WBC Super Featherweight and WBC Featherweight Champ (59-7-1, 47 KOs) to meet some of the amateur pugs at the popular eatery in the San Fernando Valley where Chacon grew up. The boxer and his companion Rosie said they had a great time meeting everyone, signing autographs and posing with the fans.
And Chacon, who turned 60 last year, can still pack a punch. Shaking hands and shadow boxing, the “Schoolboy” surprised many with his still-powerful strength and reflexes. “He’s got a ton of strength!” Rosie laughs. “People are always shocked at how strong Bobby is.”
Coach Harpst has known Chacon for over 15 years; Bobby is always a crowd pleaser and loves being around people.
There was also a meeting of the generations at this get together.
Seventeen-year-old Hector Lopez Jr. is the son of the late Hector “El Torero” Lopez. The Mexican warrior, who was a Mexican Olympian, NABF titleholder and a WBO NABO Light Welterweight Champion, passed away last year. But during his all-too short life, he passed along his love of the sweet science to his two boys, Hector and Adam.
Chacon enjoyed meeting the young amateur fighter along with Hector Jr.’s mom Norma, his uncle Jimmy and grandmother Sara (who celebrated her birthday yesterday). Bobby took Hector under his wing, showing the teenager some moves from the “Schoolboy’s” time in the limelight. Bobby was a student and boxer decades ago who gained a strong following for his heroics in the ring. Jerry Hoffman coined his now infamous nickname. “I gave him the ‘Schoolboy’ moniker in 1972 in a radio interview at Cal State Northridge,” Hoffman tells me. “My association with him in college (he’s one month older than me) got me going in the boxing world, so I am forever thankful, and hopefully helped him out a bit also.”
Interestingly, 17-year-old Hector Lopez is at a similar crossroads as Chacon was as a young man ready to make his mark in the world. The Burbank team celebrated Hector’s graduation from John Burroughs High School; he graduated just last week. Lopez Jr. is also at the same age when his father went to the Olympics. Boxing’s in his blood; the teen now has Olympic dreams of his own. Bobby and Hector Jr. bonded over their passion for boxing during the celebration.
Several other patrons and employees also put their dukes up as they got a chance to meet the former world champion. Daphne’s team members Jenn, Katie and General Manager Thom had a good time meeting both the ex-champion and the future amateur champ.
Bringing the community together, the boxing club and their guests enjoyed Daphne’s classic gyro sandwiches, hot kabobs, fresh salads, flatbread pizzas, their famous Street Pitas and more. For more than half of the group, this was their very first time to the restaurant. The fighters (always mindful of keeping in shape) said they will return to enjoy the healthy cuisine the cafe offers.
Check out some exclusive photos from the day as Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon proves he’s still got that knockout punch!
Photos by Michele Chong
Bobby is still one of my unforgettable favorites!! Many of his fights were all time classics. About a year or so ago I had heard that he was having a bit of health problems. Glad to see him up and around. A truly refreshing article. Thanks!
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