(NOV 12)  On Saturday, November 9th, at the Luminarious Restaurant, in Monterey Park, California, the Golden State Boxers Association [GSBA] presented "Ladies First" Hall of Fame Awards honoring eight women, both prominent boxers and females outside the ring who have had a significant impact in the world of boxing with California connections to the sport.

The honorees' were the following:  Lucia Rijker; Layla McCarter; Mia St. John; Sue TL Fox; Jacquie Richardson; Carol Steindler;  Gwen Adair; and Michele Chong.

Bill Young (Left)  Ken Norton's daughter and brother (right)

In addition there was a special tribute to Ken Norton, the American heavyweight boxer and WBC World Heavyweight Champion, who recently passed.  Norton was honored with the Don Fraser Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Don Fraser to Ken Norton’s daughter, Kenisha and brothers.  Ken Norton was also inducted into the Hall of Fame with the GSBA.

Lucia Rijker presented Hall of Fame award by Bill Dempsey Young, President of the Golden State Boxers' Association.  Lucia appeared with Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank in the Academy Award-winning film in 2005 -  "Million Dollar Baby". Photo of Michelle Chong and Lucia Rijker/by Ann Schranz

Multi-world champion (six-time) Layla McCarter poses with her award and certificate from the City of Los Angeles with Bill and Linda Young.  Layla and Lucia are also listed in the top ten by Ring Magazine, February 2012 issue. Mccarter poses with a pair of gloves that she signed for the raffle drawing.  McCarter fought in those gloves!

Jacquie Richardson worked with Alex “The Bronx Bomber” to launch the Retired Boxers Foundation in 1998 incorporating as an IRS 501C charitable organization in 2000.  Alex "The Bronx Bomber" with Jacquie Richardson

Michele Chong accepts her prestigious award.  Chong has been involved in the sport of boxing for over a decade.  As a boxing writer, her articles, videos and photos have appeared in various print and online publications of many popular online boxing sites and more.

Carol Steindler became owner and manager of the Main Street Gym as well as the first woman to manage a gym when her father, the famous Howie Steindler was brutally murdered.  She became a California and Nevada Licensed manager and corner person.

Gwen Adair opened the doors for women in the world of boxing, was professional boxing’s only female referee and the first woman to referee a world title fight. Her only interest was in following her heart “I love boxing” and never set out to be a pioneer.

Group shot of women in the sport:  Far left- Krysti Rosario, next to her "Mie" ; Layla McCarter, next to Sue Fox, Jill Morley, Michelle Chong, Katrina de la Cruz (right)

The Hall of Fame Awards

There were many former and retired world champions and others in the boxing world at the luncheon that included Bobby Chacon, Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos, Mike Weaver, WBC Champs Paul Banke;  John Montes and WBC Supervisor Rudy Tellez; Jill Morley; WBC /WBAN World champion Diana Prazak, Reggie Richardson; Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzales; Krysti Rosario, Jill Morley, Katrina de la Cruz; Mikaela Mayer; Mark Mayer; Alex Ramos, Paul Vaden, Tony Lopez, and many, many more! 

Group shot of many retired champions, along with Rijker and McCarter and Fox

Another great highlight of this event was segments of viewing video footage from  "Flash from the Past" fights of many of the boxers who were present, including a special treat of incredible footage of Lucia Rijker and Layla McCarter.

Sue TL Fox awarded by Bill Young.  She was highlighted in Ring Magazine, in the top ten most significant female boxers of all time.  Her contributions as both a pioneer prizefighter and historian cannot be measured. Photo by Layla McCarter

Bill Dempsey Young said, "The Golden State Boxers Association hopes this is just the beginning of proper recognition for our female contention in this fine sport. In the future we will, of course, be remembering our male boxers as we always have. California has a rich background in outstanding fighters." 

All honorees' who were inducted and receiving the Hall of Fame Award, also received a City of Los Angeles, State of California Certificate, given by BERNARD C. PARKS, Councilmember 8th District.  On the certificates it stated, "It is with great pleasure to join with the Golden State Boxers Association and pay tribute to you during the "Ladies First" Hall of Fame Award event.  The City of Los Angeles commends you in recognition of the valuable contributions you have made to boxing and the world of sports.  The

work you have done is duly noted and will be long cherished by many.  Best Wishes for continued success in all your endeavors."

A very special thanks goes to Dan Goossen, of Goossen Tutor Promotions, who so generously donated tickets for our raffle, as they were $200 seat tickets for the Andre Ward vs. Rodriguez fight that takes place this Saturday, November 16th.  Dan Goossen donated two sets.  Also, a very big thank-you to Ken Thompson, of Thompson Promotions for buying the meals for the Lady Honorees'. 

Fox said, "I’d like to thank the Golden State Boxers Association, President Bill Dempsey Young, Linda Young, and Bernard C. Parks, Councilmember 8th District, for the beautiful City of Los Angeles Certificate, and all who helped in putting together an unbelievable event that I will always remember." 

"It is such an honor to be recognized by this organization and to be among the other seven females who were also honored for their significant impact in the world of boxing," added Fox.

Thumbnail "Behind the Scenes" Photo Gallery