By MARK REY MONTEJO
Once again, legendary Gabriel “Flash” Elorde was honored, this time, by a California-based boxing organization in a ceremony that reminded everyone, especially aspiring Filipino boxers, about his greatness on top the ring.
This happened on Monday, April 29, at the Quiet Cannon Crystal Grand Ballroom in Montebello, California when one of three revered Filipino boxers was inducted into the 2024 National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHF).
Also honored were revered prizefighters Evander Holyfield, Shane Mosley, Roy Jones Jr., Reggie Johnson, Micky Ward, Winky Wright, Canadian Arturo Gatti, Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera and Manuel Medina and Panama’s Hilario Zapata.
Female pugilists in Great Britain’s Barbara Buttrick and American Sumya Anani were likewise honored.
It marked the third time the pride of Bogo, Cebu was recognized as a Hall of Fame winner – 31 years after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF).
A year later, Francisco Villaruel Guilledo, commonly known as Pancho Villa, was added to the exclusive club of great boxers.
The 5-foot-5 slugger was also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame Class 1998).
Famous for his speed, quickness and ferocity, Elorde won 89 of his 116 fights throughout his storied career, that included winning the WBC and WBA super featherweight belts.
He highlighted his career with 33 knockouts and held the title for seven straight years – the longest reign by any boxer in the said division.
For his charisma, Elorde was loved by many – young and old.
Elorde died at the young age of 49 in 1985, when his heir apparent – the former Senator Manny Pacquiao was only seven years old.
