By David Martinez / Boxing Historian
Joe Valverde receives Joe Louis Humanitarian Award / October 2004
At the recent California Boxing Hall of Fame ceremony last month, I must say that I was truly honored to be a presenter for inductee Joe Valverde 견우와 직녀.
I first met Joe back in the mid-nineties, upon my arrival into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, where Joe was Senior Vice President under President Maurice “Dub” Harris 다운로드. He later served as Executive Vice President.
Joe and I are no longer with the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Joe served seventeen and I served ten years, and during our tenure together we became best of friends with a mutual respect for each other 다운로드.
Joe Valverde with wife Rose, attending World Boxing Hall of Fame banquet / October 1999
Joe is the president of Valverde Construction, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, California, a company that he founded in 1972 다운로드.
In 1955, Joe married his then high school sweetheart Rose Martinez (no relation to me) they have five children – four sons, one daughter – and eleven grand children 다운로드.
Joe Valverde with Danny “Little Red” Lopez, attending Golden State Boxers Association awards banquet / August 2004
Just some highlights that I would like to share regarding Joe Valverde are:
* First amateur boxing bout as a fighter was on August 17, 1952, and had a career total of 30 amateur fights 다운로드.
* Graduated from John C. Fremont High School in 1954, where that school has inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1997.
* Served in U.S 다운로드. Army 1954 – 1957, with honorable discharge.
* Professional boxing career as a lightweight (1955-1960) ring record: 1 win, 1 loss.
* Volunteer work for Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for over thirty years (Sheriff’s Relief Foundation, coached boxing team in Police Olympics since 1978, participant in Sheriff’s Baker to Vegas relay Run event, LA County Sheriff’s Service award 1983, LA County Sheriff Exemplary Service award 1989, LA Sheriff Athletics award 1997, and in 2002 Sheriff Lee Baca dedicated a youth center to be named the Joe Valverde Boxing and Learning Center for at risk youths in Whittier, California) 다운로드.
* Two time recipient of Joe Louis Humanitarian Award
* Inducted into California Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2008
Joe Valverde with (presenter) David Martinez, receives induction into California Boxing Hall of Fame / June 2008, photo by George Garcia
Joe has received many other notable awards, but what makes him so special is his unselfish dedication to all that he does Cat goes fishing download. He gives back to his local community, and his willingness to help others in need is remarkable … my friend, JoeValverde, is truly – a special man, a special person 다운로드!