Women in the Sport Honored at the Golden State Boxers Association “Knock Out” Event!

On Saturday, November 9th, at the Luminarious Restaurant, in Monterey Park, California, the Golden State Boxers Association [GSBA] presented “Ladies First” Hall of Fame Awards honoring eight women, both prominent boxers and females outside the ring who have had a significant impact in the world of boxing with California connections to the sport.

The honorees’ were the following:  Lucia Rijker; Layla McCarter; Mia St. John; Sue TL Fox; Jacquie Richardson; Carol Steindler;  Gwen Adair; and Michele Chong.

In addition there was a special tribute to Ken Norton, the American heavyweight boxer and WBC World Heavyweight Champion, who recently passed.  Norton was honored with the Don Fraser Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Don Fraser to Ken Norton’s daughter, Kenisha and brothers.

President of the Golden State Boxers’ Association.  Lucia appeared with Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank in the Academy Award-winning film in 2005 –  “Million Dollar Baby”.

Jacquie Richardson worked with Alex “The Bronx Bomber” to launch the Retired Boxers Foundation in 1998 incorporating as an IRS 501C charitable organization in 2000.

There were many former and retired world champions and others in the boxing world at the luncheon that included Bobby Chacon, Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos, Mike Weaver, WBC Champs Paul Banke;  John Montes and WBC Supervisor Rudy Tellez; Jill Morley; WBC /WBAN World champion Diana Prazak, Reggie Richardson; Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzales; Krysti Rosario, Jill Morley, Katrina de la Cruz; Mikaela Mayer; Mark Mayer; Alex Ramos, Paul Vaden, Tony Lopez, and many, many more!

Another great highlight of this event was segments of viewing video footage from  “Flash from the Past” fights of many of the boxers who were present, including a special treat of incredible footage of Lucia Rijker and Layla McCarter.

Sue TL Fox awarded by Bill Young.  She was highlighted in Ring Magazine, in the top ten most significant female boxers of all time.  Her contributions as both a pioneer prizefighter and historian cannot be measured.

Bill Dempsey Young said, “The Golden State Boxers Association hopes this is just the beginning of proper recognition for our female contention in this fine sport. In the future we will, of course, be remembering our male boxers as we always have. California has a rich background in outstanding fighters.”

Fox said, “I’d like to thank the Golden State Boxers Association, President Bill Dempsey Young, Linda Young, and all who helped in putting together an unbelievable event that I will always remember.”

“It is such an honor to be recognized by this organization and to be among the other seven females who were also honored for their significant impact in the world of boxing,” added Fox.