By Ray Cerda

Photos By George Garcia

On Saturday, September 22nd, with a standing room only crowd, over 500 people crowded into the Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, California to pay tribute to the 2007 class of inductees into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. The class was packed with a very impressive list of inductees that included Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Fernando Vargas, Albert Davila, Art Frias, Jimmy Harryman, Genaro Hernandez, Armando Muniz, and Cali Martinez.

The non-boxer category read the same with Richard Schaefer, Don and Lorraine Chargin, Dr. Michael De Luca, Frank Espinoza, Josie Arrey-Mejia, Carlos Avilas, Hank Nagamine, David Martinez, and Frank Baltazar, Sr.

Sugar Shane Mosley and David Martinez

In the posthumous category were Henry Armstrong, Diego Corrales, Larry Soto, Howie Steindler, and Dynamite Jackson.

I was fortunate enough to be in attendance to watch my good friend Mr. David Martinez receive his induction along with a personal acknowledgement from the City of Los Angeles. On this very special day, David was surrounded by 50 close friends and family members to support and celebrate with him.

Forty-seven years have gone into this achievement and the love for boxing that David started with is still going strong. He took the advice that the late great Boxing Historian Al Nelson gave him, which was to learn his trade in boxing and the gifts will come later.

This day marks one which will go down in the history books. Anybody who’s had the chance to talk to David about boxing has been blessed in some way shape or form. Just ask the many people that leave messages on his answering machine on a daily basis or the guy who has no one else to turn to and emails David to find out about his Grandfather who used to fight in the 1920’s in Ohio and is looking for whatever information he can find on him. Everyday David Martinez is there doing the research and answering those questions.

Thank you for your love and passion that you have given to this wonderful sport.

May you enjoy this gift. Congratulations!

Albert Davila and Marty Denkin

Frankie Jr., Frankie., and Tony Baltazar

Carlos Avilas and Ken Thompson

Dr. Joe Noriega and Armando Muniz

Jim Lampley and Richard Schaefer

Josie Arrey-Mejia and Gwen Adair

Hank Nagamine and Lee Baca

Lorraine and Don Chargin

Hedgemon Lewis and Don Fraser

On Saturday, November 10th, the most anticipated fight of the year will take place, as Miguel Cotto will put his WBA world title on the line when he squares off against WBC Interim Champion Sugar Shane Mosley.

The fight will take place inside the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden.

Tickets have been on sale since September 6th with seat prices going for $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100.

The fight will be available on closed circuit TV and also pay per view with a suggested retail price of $49.95.

Both fighters bring a skill set that has made both of them world champions, but also bring a tremendous amount of will to win this fight.

There is no need for animosity or trash talking.

This fight sells itself.

This fight not only has two world-class fighters fighting each other, but also two world-class guys who hold nothing but respect for one another.

Shane believes that Miguel will be the toughest body puncher he has ever faced.

With Miguel acknowledging that Shane is his biggest test to date.

In addition, both fighters have given their word that this would not be a snooze fest nor would they be content winning by running and dancing – which therefore means fireworks for us fans.
My name is Ray Cerda I have been an avid boxing fan for almost 19 years now.

I’m privileged to know and call David Martinez my friend and mentor.

I have always believed that if you are going to talk boxing you better know your stuff.

And who better to learn from than David.

I had the pleasure of meeting David at Marco Antonio Barrera’s victory party after he beat Eric Morales in their second fight, June 22, 2002.

We talked boxing until the early hours of the morning.

I could see the genuine love he had for the sport, and we have been friends ever since.