*** FLASHBACK *** this article originally appeared on dmboxing.com on March 16, 2016 … please note that Gene officially retired from the banking business after 37 years this past March 29, 2019 and is enjoying family, friends, and life as he knows it best!

By David Martinez / dmboxing.com

I met Gene Aguilera a few years ago and consider his friendship to be a blessed gift from Heaven.

I had heard about Gene years prior through mutual friends. However, when he contacted me directly in early 2015 to inform me he would be my presenter at my induction into the WBC Legends Hall of Fame, I could tell by the enthusiasm in his voice that he was not only sincerely happy for me, but also happy in my honor.

My attraction to Gene is simple; he is a kind and giving human being.

Gene is a true boxing expert. As a kid, he grew up living in the historic boxing scene and attended many of the great fights in Los Angeles.

He is the author of one the best boxing books on the market today, “Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles.” This publication is a must for any boxing fan, especially ones who grew up and/or live in the southern California area.

Gene’s writing is a wonderful blend of boxing history, with 170 outstanding black and white photos in order chronologically of the different eras.

The book sure brought back great memories of the days when I was a kid myself, traveling from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, attending these fights. Gene and I were probably at the same fights and didn’t even know. How ironic is that?

Gene went to Lakewood High School and is a 1976 graduate of USC. He serves as Vice President at Community Commerce Bank in Monterey Park, California.

He will be inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame next month, which is an honor well deserved.

Gene’s book is comfortably priced at $21.99 and available by contacting Gene at his email address: geneaguilera@sbcglobal.net

Thank you, Gene Aguilera, for who you are – my friend!