Remembering Genaro Hernandez

I remember Genaro as a great fighter, but more so as an even greater family man and gentleman,” – Hall of Fame ring announcer Michael Buffer

“He was a lovely man, and he was really a credit to the sport of boxing” – Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

Genaro Hernandez, the popular Los Angeles fighter known as “Chicanito,” sadly passed away 14 years ago this week (June 7, 2011).

Genaro turned pro in the fall of 1984. He ran off 15 straight wins before capturing the California State Super Featherweight title while amassing a large fan base in southern California. In 1991, He traveled to France and in a great performance beat Daniel Londas by TKO 9 to capture the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title.

He faced Azumah Nelson for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title in March of 1997. He gutted out a hard-earned SD to claim the title. Hernandez would defend the title 3 times over the next year before defending it for a 4th time in what would turn out to be his last fight.

Challenging for Chicanito’s WBC belt was future-legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. While Genaro fought well, showing the heart of a champion, thunderous uppercuts and vicious counter-shots by “Pretty Boy” convinced trainer and brother Rudy Hernandez that Genaro had taken enough; the fight was stopped at the end of the 8th.

In December of 1998, after he was diagnosed with a blood clot and a torn cartilage muscle, Hernandez announced his retirement. He closed out his outstanding career with a record of 38-2-1 (17).

Mayweather always appreciated Genaro as a great champion, thanking him for the opportunity to fight for his belt. Speaking on HBO’s “Ring Life”, Mayweather said, “Genaro Hernandez, may he rest in peace. He gave me my first opportunity.” (In a heartfelt gesture for a fellow champion, Mayweather paid Genaro’s funeral expenses.)

In retirement, Hernandez enjoyed training fighters while also providing commentary on television and PPV telecasts for Top Rank Boxing. Sadly, in 2008, Genaro was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Much like the way he conducted himself in and out of the ring, he handled the disease with class and dignity. Throughout his battle, his good nature always shone through. Hernandez was always smiling, never feeling sorry for himself, always brave. Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who quietly went about covering medical expenses during Genaro’s cancer treatment, summed him up best to boxing writer Dan Rafael, saying, “He was a lovely man, and he was a credit to the sport of boxing.”

In an outstanding career, which included two world titles, Hernandez faced notable opponents such as Jorge Paez, Oscar De La Hoya, Azumah Nelson, and Floyd Mayweather Jr., among others. 

Hernandez, a champion in and out of the ring, passed away on June 7, 2011. Hernandez is survived by his wife, Liliana, and their two children.

Remembered fondly by everyone at MaxBoxing - gone but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Champ!