Genaro Hernandez

Biography

Few stories in boxing history resonate with the poignancy and inspiration of Genaro Hernández. Born on May 10, 1966, this Mexican-American pugilist carved out a career that would see him rise to the pinnacle of the super featherweight division, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved.

Hernández's journey in the squared circle began on September 27, 1984, in Inglewood, California. That night, a young fighter with dreams of glory outpointed Dino Ramirez, setting in motion a career that would span 14 years and see him capture world titles in two separate reigns.

As Hernández built his reputation in Southern California, it became clear that he was destined for greatness. His breakthrough came on November 22, 1988, when he knocked out Refugio Rojas, a fighter who had previously challenged the legendary Julio César Chávez. This victory catapulted Hernández into the WBA super featherweight rankings and set the stage for his ascent to world championship status.

Exactly three years after the Rojas fight, Hernández realized his dream of becoming a world champion. In Épernay, France, he stopped Daniel Londas in nine rounds to claim the vacant WBA super featherweight title. What followed was a dominant reign that included eight successful defences against a murderers' row of contenders.

Perhaps the most bizarre moment of Hernández's career came on April 26, 1993, when his title defence against Raúl Pérez ended in a technical draw after just one round. An accidental headbutt left Pérez bleeding profusely, resulting in the first and only world title fight where no punches were landed. Hernández would go on to win the rematch decisively.

He rebounded spectacularly after vacating his WBA title to challenge Oscar De La Hoya for the WBO lightweight crown—a fight that would hand Hernández his first professional loss. In 1997, he faced the formidable Azumah Nelson for the WBC and lineal super featherweight titles. Despite being hit with an illegal punch after the bell in the seventh round, Hernández showed tremendous heart and sportsmanship, refusing to win by disqualification and instead battling to claim a split-decision victory.

Hernández's final fight came on October 3, 1998, against a young Floyd Mayweather Jr. Although he lost his titles that night, retiring in the 8th round, Hernández had already cemented his legacy as one of the finest super featherweights of his era.

Post-retirement, Hernández seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, lending his expertise as a colour commentator for televised fights. He also gave back to the sport as an instructor at the LA Boxing Gym in Lake Forest, California, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of fighters.

Tragically, Hernández's most brutal fight came outside the ring. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, he faced this challenge with the same courage and determination that had defined his boxing career. Despite the support of the boxing community, including promoter Bob Arum, who covered his chemotherapy expenses, Hernández succumbed to the disease on June 7, 2011, at the age of 45.

In a final testament to the respect he commanded in the boxing world, Floyd Mayweather Jr. - the man who had taken his titles in his last professional bout - stepped forward to cover Hernández's funeral expenses.

Genaro Hernández's life was a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of sportsmanship, and the enduring bonds forged in the heat of competition. His legacy lives on not just in the record books, where his name is etched as a two-time world champion, but in the hearts of boxing fans who remember him as a true warrior both in and out of the ring. From his first professional fight in Inglewood to his final battle with cancer, Genaro Hernández faced every challenge with courage and dignity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire long after his final bell.