Genaro Hernández, a former super featherweight champion, died today after a lengthy battle with cancer. The Mexican-American, who turned 45 on May 10, debuted in 1984, and retired in 1998, after dropping a decision to Floyd Mayweather. His record stood at 38-2-1, with 17 KOs. He beat Daniel Londas to capture the vacant WBA super featherweight crown in 1991. He held that title until 1994, when he vacated it to move up in weight. A title shot against Oscar De La Hoya came up short in 1995, but Hernandez triumphed over Azumah Nelson in 1997, and "Chicanito" took his WBC super featherweight crown. The Los Angeles-based fighter battled the invader in his body hard. He had tumors on his shoulders, on his thigh, on his neck and three on his back. Hernandez will be remembered as a classy pugilist, one who used both hands to good effect, moved smartly, used his height wisely...all told, he was a well rounded boxer who had superior command of all the basics, and then some. Some recall that he could have taken the easy way out against Nelson in 1997. Nelson dropped Hernandez after the seventh round ended, and Genaro could have opted out of continuing, as Nelson would have been disqualified. Hernandez said heck with that, I want to continue. He valued honor, and doing the right thing. He showed his toughness going in to the fight with De La Hoya. Shane Mosley broke his nose in sparring a week before the opportunity of a lifetime. Hernandez didn't pull out of the fight,however, and Oscar targeted it, and broke it into 22 pieces. Hernandez was hit hard in the 2001 stock market crash, largely because he invested in Enron, which went belly up because of fraud. He needed a hand up battling the cancer, and got it. Promoter Bob Arum helped financed many of his treatments, so part of the boxer's legacy will be showing, or reminding people, that the fightgame fraternity isn't only populated by cads. Condolences out to his wife Liliana, and children Amanda, and Steven. Written by Michael Woods
Already posted my condolences on the thread in general, but I'll add to it here. At his best, Hernandez was a terrific operator who did everything very very well inside the ring. If you weren't one of the elite, he was breaking your heart...And doing it in smooth, efficient fashion. Go easy, champ.
I also said my condolences in the general thread, but I feel so bad about this I will say it here also. Rest in peace Genaro. This is so sad. I met him at the Boxing Hall of Fame dinner and he was so polite and generous. I always said if I were training a fighter I would have my fighter watch tapes of Genaro Hernandez. His boxing angles and moves and defense were one of the best. So smooth. This is such a sad day. Rest in Peace champ.
The measure of a man isn't how good he is at his craft, but how he lives his life. He just so happened to have excelled at both. Thanks for the memories, Chicanito.
Toll the bell and thank for the memories, champ. You were taken too soon. Best wishes to the family and loved ones.
One of the nicest guys in boxing.. Had the honor of meeting him a few times and was always a gentelman..Quick to take a pic,sign and autograph, or have a chat, and the only i guy i ever rooted for to beat ODLH.. RIP Champ.
RIP champ. And from everything I've heard, not just at boxing- Genaro was a champ in the ring and out. While I don't celebrate death, the man deserves the peace he's got now and I'm glad he's got it.
A cruel illness, that took a decent man far too early. I always remember it being suggested de la Hoya would fight Hernandez on his debut. But Oscar was smart, he did not want to lose so early in his career...
