Heart, courage, and bravery...the highest complimentary words a warrior can recieve when being described by others. For former two-time world champion Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez, those words were defined in his rise to the top, questioned in his biggest spotlight fight, and now in death will be remembered for what he was and had as a fighter and as a truly genuine human being. I became a fan of Hernandez as a young teenager after reading an article in Ring Magazine talking about his triumphs in overcoming the many evils that often capture the youth of his south central Los Angeles community. The article was an introduction to a newly-crowned jr. lightweight champion that showed the heart and confidence of a true warrior, who traveled to then champion Daniel Londas's home country of France to dethrone him.
After 8 successful title defenses, Hernandez moved up in weight in 1995 to chalenge then WBO lightweight champion Oscar De La Hoya in a Los Angeles turf war showdown that was years in the making. Unfortunately, luck was not on Hernandez's side for the bout as his sparring partner at the time, Shane Mosley, reportedly fractured his nose during a sparring session weeks before the fight. Knowing that the big opportunity was a chance of a lifetime, Genaro refused to pull out, however, and moved forward with the fight. It was competitive in the early rounds of the bout, but De La Hoya would take over and land several flush uppercuts that ended up shatttering not only Chicanito's nose, but his dreams of being recognized as the L.A. hero of the time. After the 6th round, instead of faking it in the corner and having his brother/trainer Rudy possibly surrender him in the fight, Genaro took it upon himself to inform the referee that he was done. It was a move that had many in the fight community questioning the very heart of the warrior that Genaro had become known for.
Hernandez would go on to earn his vindication with critics in his March 1997 bout against Azumah Nelson. Fighting for the WBC super featherweight title held by Nelson, Hernandez took a shot right to the throat that came just after the bell ended round 7. Although given 5 minutes to recover, Hernandez was still having trouble breathing, but he could've chosen not to continue and would've won the title by disqualification. The proud warrior in him, however, chose to fight on and muscled through the remainder of the fight to earn a split decision victory. Genaro would go on to fight 5 more fights. In the last one, he lost his title to rising star Floyd Mayweather Jr., who ended up capturing his first title via 8th round TKO over Hernandez in October 1998. Hernandez would plan a comeback fight against Cesar Bazan, but the revelation of an eye injury forced the end of his career before he could attempt to make a run for his third championship.
In November of 2008, I traveled on a Saturday to the Maywood boxing gym in Los Angeles to do a report on 2008 US Olympian Shawn Estrada, who was about to make his pro debut. While at the gym awaiting Estrada, I saw how hot the L.A. boxing scene was as Jose Navarro, Urbano Antillon, and Alfredo Angulo were all at the same facility training for seperate bouts. In one corner of the gym, speaking with fellow coaches, was Genaro Hernandez himself. I told him that I had drove from Lake Tahoe and was there to do a story and get sparring footage on Estrada. He then introduced himself with his full name, to which I responded with a laugh and stated, "I know who you are." I thought about interviewing him some time later during the day as I witnessed him demonstrate some old school speed bag drills. After Estrada's sparring session, they traveled to another gym to finish the day. I packed up my equipment and followed team Estrada and thought, "maybe next time," regarding a quick interview with Hernandez. It was the very next day that word went out that he was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer. When I heard the news, I immediately wondered if there would be a next time?
Late last year on his Facebook page, Genaro sent out a message that he had spent the weekend at the hospital, but was okay. Not long after, I ran into him in the press room during at the Marquez-Diaz II card and reminded him that we had met at the Maywood gym. We spoke about what had recently happened. One day, after telling his fighters not to come to the gym if they were sick, he was working mitts with a young fighter and when he heard the fighter cough, he knew he was in trouble. So, the courageous and brave Genaro had another fight, but this time, it was a weekend battle with the flu that had to be overcome. Never one to give up, Genaro said of his cancer, "Well, it's in remission, but you know how that goes." I told him I'd be one of the many rooting for him through any battle he faced. A simple handshake and his words "take care my friend" have remained in my mind since then.
Genaro passed away on Tuesday, losing his fight with the cancer that came back and spread until it consumed him. There was nothing more that could be done this time as he faced the ultimate fight. At 45, a warrior passed on. For all the battles he fought and poured his heart into, that strong-willed heart stopped beating in perhaps the only way he would've wanted it to; close to the ones he ever wanted to display it to...his family. Rest in peace Genaro. Your heart beats on and when I see you on the other side, myself and many others will still know who you are.