Bobby Chacon’s “Celebration of Life”

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Tributes Continue After Champ’s Passing

Five weeks ago today news broke that the boxing world had lost champion Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon.

wbcHe died on September 7 at the age of 64. As word spread that the Pacoima slugger passed away after a fall in a health care facility, the fight community held various tributes in honor of the fallen warrior who had suffered from Dementia Pugilistica for years. On November 28, Chacon would have celebrated his 65th birthday…this milestone day will never take place now. Instead, those in Southern California have remembered Bobby with several gatherings held in September and October.

Here’s a recap of the many remembrances held in honor of the two-time world champion whose professional record was 59-7-1 with a whopping 47 knockouts. The popular warrior was a fixture in Southern California boxing circles. The WBC super featherweight titlist loved attending live shows and was known for his big grin, love of practical jokes, and willingness to showcase his shadowboxing skills.

Immediately after Chacon’s passing, a special “Ten Count” was held September 10 at the Forum fights in Inglewood as K2 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler and World Boxing Council President (WBC) Mauricio Sulaiman invited a group of champs to be ringside for this Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzales vs. Carlos Cuadras main event. A private funeral (paid for by the WBC) for family and close friends was then held on September 11.

On September 23, Chacon’s family, friends, boxing pals and fans packed the banquet hall at Steven’s Steakhouse in the City of Commerce for a “Celebration of Life” hosted by the National Boxing Hall of Fame’s Bill and Linda Young. The WBC also had a strong presence there as Pepe Sulaiman, Nancy Rodriguez and Cecy Sulaiman brought banners and also photo cards to hand out to the crowd. There was a full house of familiar faces from the fight game including fighters Carlos Palomino, Gabe Ruelas, Paul Gonzales, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Paul Banke, Chango Carmona, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Loreto Garza, Richard “Trino” Savala, Art Frias, Herman Montes, Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, Frankie Duarte, Mando Muniz, Danny Valdez, and more. PR legend Bill Caplan (who coined the “Schoolboy” nickname) was also there along with noted boxing historian and author Gene Aguilera, singer/former fighter Larry Covin, longtime companion Rosie Legaspi, Tina Quarry (wife of Jerry Quarry), Team Chacon’s Mike Donohue and more also showed support.

Linda Young made centerpieces documenting the fact that Bobby passed away on the same day of his first title win 42 years ago. Some of the boxers were former foes or sparring partners of Chacon and onstage told funny anecdotes, sharing poignant memories of trading leather with the Sylmar scrapper. Through tears and laughter, stories were told of the early days of the “Schoolboy’s” beginnings with Joe Ponce, Johnny Flores, etc. The podium was adorned with a WBC championship belt, vintage photos of a young, healthy, always smiling Bobby and floral ribbons to remember the champ.

As the attendees continued to take the microphone, Bobby’s family listened on. His mom Gloria Banegas and stepdad John Banegas, youngest son Jayme Chacon, sister Roberta “Birdie” Banegas, siblings, cousins and other relatives were there for this bittersweet fiesta honoring Bobby. Commemorative T-shirts were on sale with the proceeds going to the family of Chacon. EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS from this “Celebration of Life” gathering are included in this piece.

On the same night, Thompson Boxing Promotions held a “Ten Count” at their “Locked n’ Loaded” fight card at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. President/Founder Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo both knew Chacon for many, many years. A page in their September 23 fight program was also dedicated to the “Schoolboy.”

The next night (on September 24), Bill and Linda Young’s son, Drew Young, performed in a live concert at the Sylmar Olive Festival with his band The Walking Phoenixes. Drew dedicated a song in honor of the boxer who grew up in the the San Fernando Valley. It was a fitting tribute at this Sylmar event when The Walking Phoenixes performed the song “Hurt” with video of Bobby playing in the background.

Chacon was a puncher who always gave it his all; a gladiator who left it all in the ring, always willing to go out on his shield. He loved his fans; he loved the limelight. Even as his faculties and reflexes faded, the Hall of Famer still tried to remain part of the boxing scene.

After his death, the local tributes continued to stream in.

On September 25 West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame’s Rick Farris posthumously inducted Bobby into the WCBHOF (this induction was planned long before Chacon’s passing). Onstage, Farris, Dan Hanley and Jacquie Richardson unveiled two vintage robes (newly restored) that Bobby had worn in his battles versus Rafael “Bazooka” Limon and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. The next day there was the official internment at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery on September 26. And on October 2, Coach Steve Harpst held a “Ten Count” in the park at the Burbank Boxing Club’s 20th Anniversary Bash. Chacon had been a guest at several BBC events; he and Harpst first met years ago.

Five weeks after he died, those in the SoCal community continue to honor Bobby Chacon. He loved being around people. He loved meeting new faces and posing with young amateurs in mock face offs. While his health issues robbed him of normal speech, he communicated with a smile and laughter and funny quips. The boxing universe will remember the “Schoolboy” for his wars in the ring and for his playful persona outside the ropes. Bobby was brought up in an era in which fighters were blood-and-guts heroes willing to face anyone and everyone.

The “Schoolboy” will not be forgotten.

Photos by Michele Chong

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Michele Chong has been involved in the sport of boxing for over a decade. Her “Chatter Box” column covers a variety of subjects in both professional and amateur boxing, and features exclusive one-on-one interviews, recaps of fight events, shows and tournaments, book/film reviews and much more. Inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, she is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Golden State Boxer’s Association and the Burbank Boxing Club. Michele is also involved in many non-profit and charitable organizations.