Olympic Gold Medalist Paul Gonzales Turns 50!

Celebrates B-day & 30th Olympic Anniversary

It was an Olympic-size celebration for East Los Angeles’ Paul Gonzales, winner of a gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

The light flyweight Olympian was the toast of the town at his birthday party held at Steven’s Steak House in Commerce, Calif. on Friday night. This was a dual celebration for Paul (who turned 50 years young) as it’s the 30th anniversary of the boxer’s gold medal victory.

Here is my special report with exclusive photos from the gathering.

When I arrived at the fiesta, the room was already packed with standing-room only guests greeting the birthday boy who turned 50 on April 18. Paul said he was honored to have so many friends and family join the party. And there were many veterans from the local boxing circle in attendance including World Boxing Hall of Fame alum, California Boxing Hall of Fame inductees, former champs and current trainers including former WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Paul Banke, former pro fighter Herman Montes, former USA California State Super Flyweight Champ Ricky Romero, Manny Nava (Hawaiian Gardens Boxing Club), Louie Valenzuela (Duarte Boxing Club), boxing historian and author Gene Aguilera, trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst, Spanish intepreter Ray Torres, and many more.

The room stayed lively with the conversation flowing, the salsa dancing going and the boxing talk never ending throughout the night.

A lot of Paul’s friends spoke of that gold medal moment, saying it’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Gonzales’ achievement.

Many of the partygoers told me of knowing Paul since he was a boy, of taking pride when the SoCal fighter won gold, and being happy to celebrate these two milestone events in Gonzales’ life. Paul was an amateur star who went to Roosevelt High School and has stayed a loyal Angeleno. He also won a silver medal 1983 Pan-Am Games. After his amateur career and winning Olympic gold, the Mexican warrior went to to fight in 20 pro bouts. He has trained many young sluggers through the years with the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Eddie Heredia Boxing Club.

And there was also a third celebration–the unveiling of a brand new boxing book (“Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles”) by well-regarded historian Gene Aguilera. Gene’s book features Herman Montes on the cover and among the myriad of vintage photos also includes pictures of Paul Gonzales. Aguilera told me Gonzales was a pivotal force who inspired the book. It was a treat for the crowd to get a sneak peek at this new tome featured in the “Images of America” series by Arcadia Publishing. The book’s official release date was April 21.

Montes, Gonzales, and Aguilera had a good time reminiscing about the golden eras showcased in this “Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles” ode to the fight game. On Friday night, there was plenty to celebrate with birthdays, anniversaries and book unveilings.

Blowing out his B-day candles, the champ thanked everyone for coming out to the gala.

The celebration continued through the evening and it was fun hearing anecdotes and recollections from his friends who have known him for decades.

“Great time celebrating an awesome guy, Mr. Paul Gonzales,” former pro and current boxing coach Manny Nava said. “I had lots of fun!”

“It was a very nice party,” Herman Montes agreed, “with nice music.” Montes’ father and brother John Montes Sr. and John Montes Jr. were also part of the boxing scene back in the day.

For these boxing veterans, the sweet science continues to strengthen their bond after all these years.

Happy 50th Birthday to Olympian Paul Gonzales!

Photos by Michele Chong