New York, NY – Upon hearing Pedro Fernandez‘s final interview with the late Genaro Hernandez, I was overcome with sadness for the charismatic fallen warrior. As so often is the case when dealing with life’s hardships and adversities, I felt obligated to do (and turn to) something that brings me peace. Naturally, what surfaced was to invest concentration into something that I love; writing about boxing. Week after week, I write about the sport; fighters I know of (or even know personally) and those I don’t know much about. I’m not going to pretend that I know a great deal about the fighter or more importantly the person that Genaro Hernandez was, but to those who have known him, and to those (like me) who want to learn more about the fighter he was; below is my effort at paying a ring tribute to Genaro’s commendable career; a career which transcends the sport and speaks volumes about the man that I hear he was.
COMING UP THE HARD WAY
By facing four unbeaten opponents in his first ten bouts as a professional (unlike most modern up starts), super featherweight (130) Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez’s climb up the ranks saw the young charge pitted against formidable opposition straight out of the gate. Over his next 13 affairs, Genaro remained perfect and earned his first title shot. On that evening, Hernandez dazzled the audience in attendance and captured the WBA crown by scoring a 9th round knockout over veteran brawler Daniel Londas.
Genaro then went on to successfully defend his title nine times before meeting a young, hungry, and vicious Oscar De La Hoya. Against De La Hoya, Oscar was able to out box and stop Genaro handing Hernandez his first pro loss. Seven months removed from his setback to Oscar, a galvanized Genaro climbed back between the ropes in emphatic fashion to knock out Javier Pichardo in just five rounds. Thereafter, Hernandez went on to win five straight. During that win streak, after just two comeback fights; Genaro managed to pick up the WBC title against always tough customer Azumah Nelson (W SD 12). After earning another belt, Hernandez continued to impress the masses by upsetting promising “up and coming” talents Carlos Hernandez (W UD 12) and Carlos Gerena (W UD 12). Always eager to take on the best, Genaro agreed to fight (at the time) rising star Floyd Mayweather Jr. As a battle tested 14 year veteran of the game matched against the supreme talents of a young and powerful featherweight version of Mayweather, Genaro was stopped in the eighth round and retired from boxing.
SANS RING, “CHICANITO” WAS NOT FAR FROM THE ACTION
As any boxing enthusiast knows, it’s almost impossible to abandon the “sweet science”, and Genaro was no exception. Hernandez’s offerings to the fight game post combat was as pivotal as his illustrious endeavors within the “squared circle”. Genaro was a well respected commentator for Spanish speaking networks, ringside Compubox data supervisor, radio personality, occasional trainer, and mentor to many. At the end of the day, any offerings from the brilliantly vast mind of a decorated two time champion such as Genaro Hernandez is something that will surely be missed and our sport is less great with out him. May he rest in peace.
John Signorella