The WBC Legends of Boxing Award for Lifetime Achievement was established and sanctioned first in 2008 by Chairman Rudolph J. Tellez to honor an individual who has made significant fundamental contributions to the world of pugilism, either through a single branch of the sport or through a body of work combining different elements of boxing. These contributions, whether they have been in boxing competition, promotion, training, announcing, sports journalism, photography, leadership or mentorship, must have had a lasting impact on the boxing world and must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress and promotion of the Sweet Science.

The 1st Annual Award will be presented at the 2008 WBC Legends of Boxing Annual Induction Ceremony at the American Sports University in San Bernardino, Ca, U.S.A. on 27 June 2008.

Bennie Georgino grew up in a suburb northeast of downtown Los Angeles, California. While selling newspapers on the streets he would visit the Main Street Gym to see the visiting boxers that would come in and train. This created a love for boxing that stayed with him forever. He boxed as an amateur and sparred with the late great champion Lou Ambers. In time Georgino began training and managing boxers such as WBC Legends Danny Lopez and Alberto Davila. Bennie also trained and managed Jaime Garza, Oscar Muniz, Herman Montes and John Montes.He was named The Ring Magazine’s Trainer of the Year for 1983 and had already attended over 10,000 fights by the mid 1970’s and continues to this day. He currently lives in Riverside, California, and promotes shows for the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester, Washington. Mr. Georgino is recognized for his dedication to 60 plus years in boxing.

Jackie Kallen is widely known as one of the most influential females to ever lay hands in the sport of boxing. Kallen has held many prestigious titles and most recently was named Youth Sports Coordinator for the LA County Sheriff Department. She visits at-risk areas and sets up boxing gyms to help children find a constructive outlet. She also goes to schools and churches, speaking to kids about the importance of education. A mother of two sons and grandmother of two young boys, Kallen was one of the first females to succeed in the male-dominated world of professional boxing. She served as commissioner of the International Female Boxing Association, mentors many young women hoping to work in the boxing industry and has won numerous awards and honors. Jackie Kallen has managed six champions and was twice nominated as Manager of the Year. Her life story also inspired the Paramount film “Against the Ropes” starring Meg Ryan. A former journalist, TV host and radio personality in her native Detroit, MI, Kallen is a successful motivational speaker who travels the country addressing various conventions, women's health groups and college audiences. She is also the author of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. She was the Den Mother on the first season of “The Contender” on NBC with Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard. Jackie Kallen’s concrete steps in boxing are truly historic and her love for boxing and dedication for improvement in the community truly sets her as one in a million.

Jeff Mayweather was born on July 4th, 1964 in Grand Rapids, MI. Jeff attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI in the mid 1980's while competing in Golden Gloves tournaments. He became a professional boxer and fought throughout the 1990s. He had a great career boxing record of 32-10-5 (10 KOs). He is a member of the great Mayweather boxing family. His brothers are former welterweight contender Floyd Mayweather Sr. and two-division world champion Roger Mayweather. His nephew is five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He captured the IBO Super Featherweight Title from John Roby on April 21st, 1994. Jeff Mayweather also battled boxing great Oscar De La Hoya on March 13th, 1993. 15 years later he trained Steve Forbes to fight against his one time opponent, Oscar De La Hoya.Mayweather trains Zahir Raheem, Shannon Briggs, and Sultan Ibragimov. Jeff Mayweather’s contribution to boxing as both fighter and trainer is one of great accomplishments.

Floyd Joy Mayweather, Sr. was born on October 19th, 1952, in The Bronx, New York. He is currently a professional boxing trainer, and is the father of five-division champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Floyd Sr. was a 1970s and 1980s welterweight contender. Floyd Sr. is known for his defensive ability as well as his overall knowledge of boxing strategy and is credited for teaching his son the defensive skills that made him a champion. He has on many occasions, including HBO's Mayweather-Hatton 24/7, claimed to be "Floyd Joy Mayweather Sr., The Greatest Trainer of All Time”. Currently he is the trainer of boxing great Oscar De La Hoya, WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Chad Dawson, WBO Super Featherweight Champion Joan Guzman and women's multi-belt champion Laila Ali. Floyd Mayweather Sr. continues to share his skill and special training talent in the world of boxing and will remain as one of the best of the best.

Kenneth Thompson was born in Lubbock, Texas and since May of 2000 has been a driving force behind many young boxers on the west coast and is California’s premier boxing promoter. His hard work in developing young talent into champions and providing first class events has turned Thompsons Boxing Promotions into one of the best promotions company in the country. Some of the best boxers in boxing are here including Timothy Ray Bradley, Josesito Lopez, Juan Carlos Burgos, Sergio Espinoza, Paul Miranda, Yonnhy Perez, and Dominic Salcido. Ken has been on the Boxing Scene for a long time and was the former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Ken’s continued commitment to the sport and to his young and established boxers has made him one of boxing’s all time greats.

Gary Shaw is President and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions, one of boxing’s most successful promotion companies. The only major promoter with a regulatory background, Mr. Shaw began his professional affiliation with boxing in 1971, when he was appointed Inspector to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Commission by chairman, Joe Walcott. Mr. Shaw’s 28-year tenure with NJSAC included a promotion to Chief Inspector followed by his nomination by Governor Florio and confirmation by the State Senate to the Board, formerly the NJSAC, a position he held until 1999 when he became the COO of Main Events, a premier boxing promotional company. Gary is truly a pioneer in the sport. His loyalty to his fighters is one of a kind and he has made a huge impact in the world of boxing. Gary has also been able to cross into the Mixed Martial Arts world and is currently the President of Elite XC, a company he helped turn into a powerhouse in MMA. Gary has made a great impact and brought leadership by helping pave the way for fighters, managers, and promoters and is setting the standard for all the top organizations in combat sports. Mr. Gary Shaw’s genuine treatment of everyone he comes across, and everything he is a part of, makes him a true class act.

Aldolfo Perez was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1940. He arrived in the United States in 1954. He courageously volunteered (not drafted) in the US Army at the age of 18 during the Korean conflict and was discharged in August of 1961. In 1962 he attended C.B.C. (Columbia Broadcasting College) obtaining a degree in Radio & TV Broadcasting. Mr. Perez is an active member of the A.F.T.R.A and S.A.G. (Screen Actors Guild). He has also been an active member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the Cauliflower Alley Club which is similar to the hall of fame for professional wrestlers for over 20 years. He has been a boxing & wrestling promoter for 25 years. He is Editor/Publisher of the oldest boxing magazine in Latin America since 1959, Ring Mundial. He is President/Owner of Action Construction for nearly 40 years. Since the inception of the W.B.H.F. almost 30 years ago, Mr. Perez is the first Mexican American to hold the position of Executive V.P. and is currently the President of the W.B.H.F. Mr. Perez has been married for 45 years to his loving wife Dennise and has 5 children; Dennise, Deanna, Dorian, Davnet, Adolfo Jr. and has 7 grandchildren. Mr. Perez’s favorite fighter is Mr. Sugar Ray Robinson.

Adolfo Perez’s contributions and dedication to the world of boxing is unprecedented and his legacy in boxing will live forever.

Danny Valdivia’s longevity and contributions to the world of boxing has spanned for over 40 years. He has shared his talent as a ring announcer at many venues and his great charisma and voice in the ring has landed him on numerous movies and television shows. Some of these films include the movie “Split Decisions” by New Century Films starring Gene Hackman, appearances on television shows “Quantam Leap” and “Sisters”, and he was also featured on a “Pacific Bell” commercial. Valdivia has held ring announcer licenses in Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Washington, and Mexico. He has served on the highest caliber television and sports stations with some of the most notable boxers in the sport. Some of these include;

• Irvine Marriott – “Battle in the Ballroom” – Don Fraser/Brown Kow/Roy Englebrecht Promotions, 1985 – 2002
  
• Bilingual announcing on Spanish TV – Telemundo, Galavision, Univision
  
• Top Rank Boxing – Bally’s, Hacienda Hotel, Sands, Caesars Palace, The Aladdin, MGM Grand
• HBO “Boxing After Dark” – Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
• Event Entertainment – Pay Per View – Biloxi and Lula, MS; Las Vegas, NV; Bossier City, LA; Atlantic City, NJ
• Great Western Forum Boxing – Inglewood, California
• ESPN Boxing – Las Vegas, NV; Albuquerque, NM; Tulsa, OK; Palm Springs and Los Angeles CA
• Boxing at the Pyramid – 365 Entertainment, Warner Center Marriott Boxing – Top Ring USA
• Indio Boxing – Fantasy Springs Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino
• De La Hoya/Hernandez undercard – Caesar’s Palace
• Anaheim Boxing – Anaheim Convention Center; Las Vegas, NV; Burbank Hilton
• Spruce Goose Boxing – Long Beach – L.A. Sports Arena – Robles Promotions
• Foreman/Moorer undercard – MGM Grand
• M.C. World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet of Champions – ’86 to Present
• Spokesman – B.A.A.D. (Boxing Against Alcohol and Drugs) – 1983 to Present
• The Boxing Scene/Norman Carter, Guest Spot
• “Jabs & Goals”, local cable boxing show, Media One
• 1991 Olympic Festival – Loyola Marymount; The Great Western Forum

1984 OLYMPIC GAMES BOXING COMPETITION:
Los Angeles Sports Arena – Announcer – English and Spanish
50th Anniversary of Olympic Games – Los Angeles Coliseum

Danny Valdivia’s career in boxing runs long and strong and continues to this day. The WBC Legends of Boxing Museum is honored to acknowledge the days, months, and many many years of outstanding work Mr. Valdivia has given the world of boxing.

Dr. Rudolph J. Tellez has been involved with boxing in some way or another his whole life. He began managing and training fighters in 1969. He is currently licensed through the Nevada and California State Athletic Commissions. He has been involved in counseling for the East Los Angeles Skill Center and was also a Youth Physical Education Instructor for boxing at the Youth Training School located in Chino, California. Dr. Tellez’s talent and drive allows him to wear many hats. He is a W.B.C. Youth World Championship Representative, a Ring Official, the founder of the Alhambra Youth Boxing Club and he is also known as the “Mouthpiece Doctor”. Dr. Tellez graduated from Dental School from the University of Southern California in 1976. He also owns the Den-Telesis Dental Laboratory which he has been running for over 25 years. Rudy Tellez has fabricated mouthpieces for amateur boxers as well as professional boxers which include past and present World Champions and is currently associated with the World Boxing Council, North American Boxing Federation, State Athletic Commission in California as a licensed boxing manager, California Coaches Association in boxing, and Amateur Boxing Inc. In early 2008, Dr. Tellez began a new chapter in his life when he spearheaded the creation of the first WBC Boxing Museum in the United States. Dr. Tellez quickly established and created a board of directors and began working immediately. Where most hall of fame boards have a year of planning and execution, Dr. Tellez completed this task in a mere five months. With the inaugural induction ceremony on June 27, 2008, Dr. Rudolph J. Tellez adds a new hat. His newest title, “Chairman of the Board, WBC Legends of Boxing Museum.”     

A Special Thank You

Dr. Rudolph J. Tellez would like to thank Executive Secretary Teresa Marquez for her outstanding work ethic and dedication. Teresa Marquez has been with Dr. Tellez since 1976 and he credits her and her hard work for his lifelong success. Teresa Marquez has distinguished herself by superb execution of her duties and thus, we the board, and more specifically Dr. Tellez, selected Teresa as a hands down, no brainer choice to serve as the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Executive Secretary.   

Teresa, we thank you.