California Boxing Hall of Fame 2008 Inductions

Congratulations to the Teran Family and all the 2008 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees.

Every once in while we can go to bed at night and think to ourselves, today was a great day. Saturday, June 21, 2008, was that kind of day for me, a great day. It was a chance to see old friends and make new ones. In my opinions boxers are among the best people in the world and certainly at the top of the list when it comes to athletes. It was great to see so many fighters, managers and others that have been involved in the sport, get recognition and rewarded for their contribution to the sport of boxing. It was good to hear Johnny Ortiz speak of the Main Street Gym, which as you might know, is near and dear to my heart. For those that don't know, Johnny was co-owner of the gym, along with Howie's daughter Carol, after Howie Steindler's death in 1977.

This year’s induction , at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, California, was a little more personal for me. The late Keeny Teran was being inducted and honored posthumously. Keeny is the uncle of my life long friend Mike Teran. My wife and I and friend Ed Hernandez Sr. were honored to be seated alongside the Teran Family and share in the moment. Keeny’s brother Manuel (Manny) Teran was accepting the award on behalf of the Teran family.

Keeny was known for his battles with tough Tommy Umeda and for being one half of one the greatest six round fight in boxing. Gil Cadilli was the other half. They fought to a draw at the old Hollywood Legion Stadium, that old time fight fans still recall with fondness and with awe.

Manuel Teran accepting the certificate from "Cali" Martinez for his brother the late Keeny Teran

Anita Teran Ware, Manuel Teran, Cali Martinez and Penny Teran, Keeny' daughter

Jeri and I with Manuel and Lupe Teran

It was an emotional time for Manuel Teran and the entire family as Manuel was accepting the award from “Cali“ Martinez, former fighter and friend of Keeny. Manny was overcome with the memory of his brother Keeny and was unable to say what he wanted. Let me say it for him here. Manny wants you to know that the entire Teran family is grateful to the California Boxing Hall of Fame for remembering Keeny. This induction validates Keeny’s career and life and justifies their belief that he was one of California’s great fighters, that he has a place in our memories as well as California’s rich boxing history. They thank you and want you to know that Keeny Teran would be honored.

I personally want to thank my friend, 2007 inductee Frank Baltazar Sr. and California Boxing Hall of Fame President Don Fraser for making it happen. You guys did a great thing.

Frank Baltazar Sr. and I

I don’t know what the numbers were for attendance but it was announced that this was the biggest turn out in the Hall of Fame history, so boxing is alive and well in California. It was great to be in a room filled with boxers and the people that love them. Some of the fighters in attendance were Frankie Baltazar Jr., “Cali” Martinez, Carlos Palomino, Mando Ramos, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Alberto “Superfly” Sandoval, Randy Shields, Joey Olmos, Ruben Castillo, Andy Nance, Paul Banke and just so many more. California has produced some fine fighters.

The program began at 11:00 am with an hour to socialize and catch up. A prime rib lunch with all the fixings was served at noon. After lunch the induction ceremonies began. It was great for this fight fan to see so many boxing greats honored.

Also, thanks to Frank Baltazar Sr. for introducing me to his son, Frankie Jr., whom along with his brother Tony “the Tiger” Baltazar, were two of my favorite fighters of the seventies and eighties. It was an honor.

With Frankie Baltazar Jr. former number one contender

The Keeny Teran table

Manny Teran enjoying the day.

Scott & Anita Teran Ware

Me, Cali Martinez and Ed Hernandez Sr.

The above two photos are Frank Baltazar Sr. speaking of and introducing Ben Lira

The above two photos: Ben Lira accepting his inductions

Jackie Kallen

Joey Olmos

The above three photos: Cali Martinez speaking about Keeny Teran and introducing Manuel Teran

Anita Teran Ware, Manuel Teran and Cali Martinez

Anita Teran Ware

The above two photos: Anita Teran Ware, Manuel Teran, Cali Martinez and Penny Teran Molina

Mr and Mrs Teran receiving congratulations for Keeny Teran's induction

With Mr & Mrs Teran

Jeri and I with Mr & Mrs Teran (Manuel & Lupe).

Gabe Teran, Manny Teran, Anita Teran Ware, Penny Teran Molina

Ed Hernandez Sr., Randy Shields, and me.

Andy Nance, Me, (unknown) and Ed Hernandez Sr.

Me, and?,  and Ed Hernandez Sr.

The California Boxing Hall of Fame 2008 Inductees:

Mando Ramos, Paul Banke, Joey Olivo, Ben lira, Jackie Kallen, Laila Ali, Israel Vasquez, Johnny Ortiz, Andy Nance, Albert "SuperFly" Sandoval, Jack Mosley, Joe Valverde, Allen Syers, Pat Connolly, Steve Beljian, Ed Holmes, John Hall, Orlando De La Fuente, Steve Harpst & Michele Chong, The Docusen Brothers..Bernard & Maxie and Berry Gordy Jr.

Posthumous category:

Joe Louis, Jackie McCoy, Eddie Futch, Keeny Teran, and Larry Rozadilla