Boxingnewmexico.com 2024 New Mexico Boxing Hall Of Fame nominees.

Last September, I had the honor of introducing long time boxing media guru, Dan Sisneros to the class of 2023. It was a nice event and the drive was not to bad to Roswell, NM, home of the Hall of Fame. Ray Baca the President of the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame, has done a great job in his attempt to restoring the Hall’s credibility.

I was asked earlier this year on who I thought should be in this years class. I had to think for a bit and with time came up with a list. It’s only our opinion, but below are our nominees.

RONNIE RENTZ 197-15 amateur record

Professional Record 3-1

Rentz is one of the most decorated Amateur boxers New Mexico has ever had, him not being in was one thing I was shocked about. He was the 1981 National 112 Golden Gloves Champion, captured the PAL Nationals 1975-1979,National Silver Glovers 1976-1979 Rentz has had the most (16 international trips) in NM History, including travels to Russia, Cuba, Bolivia, and Germany. Rentz was seen 6 times on ABC Wide World of Sports representing the USA in dual meets.

Rentz, stopped former world champions Paul Banke, Kennedy McKinney and Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker. His calling is way past due.

JACKIE CHAVEZ IFBA Bantamweight Champion world champion. Professional Record 9-4

The Los Lunas, NM native had an outstanding amateur career in kickboxing, mix martial arts, but made a name for herself in boxing.

Chavez captured the IFBA Title in 2005 against Audrey Vela. Chavez defended her title in 2007, on national TV against Jackie Brown, the fight was the first all women’s card to be televised on Fox. Holly Holm was the main event.

CHRIS LINSON JR. NBA World Welterweight Champion

Amateur Record 100-20

Professional Record 21-6-1

Linson Jr. representing Santa Fe, NM, captured the NBA World Welterweight title in 2000, defended it 2 times. Linson Jr. defeated 2023 Hall of Fame inducteee Rudy Lovato in an all out brawl that was fight of the year in 1998. Linson captured his share of New Mexico Amateur titles, before turning professional in 1996. Linson, will be opening the first Mayweather Boxing Gym in Santa Fe in 2024.

LEGACY PROMOTIONS

Legacy Promotions 27th fight card is in the works for August 10th, the card is co-promoted with Top Rank and will feature a world title fight to be televised. Aaron Perez, along with brother Jordan, Miguel Leo, Pepe Sanchez, Gabe Carlin and the late Eric Martinez started Legacy Promotions in 2015. Aaron and Carlin, now are the main force behind Legacy Promotions. Legacy has promoted former World Champions Angelo Leo and Brian Mendoza when they were up and coming. Legacy has been instrumental in helping others get publicity and contracts. Jordan Perez, helped Popular Jason Sanchez get his big fight opportunity in Panama, Sanchez defeated Golden Boy prospect Jean Carlos Rivera, this helped propel Sanchez to his title shot against Oscar Valdez, Sanchez came up short, but secured more fights with Golden Boy and Top Rank.

Legacy, has promoted the likes of Josh Torres, Guero Sanchez and unbeaten flyweight Matthew Griego to name a few other popular New Mexico fighters.

Aaron Perez and brother Abraham, have been the faces of Legacy for the past 3 years. Abraham is the 2020 Olympic Trials winner and current IBA Flyweight world title.

With Top Rank coming to the Duke City to co-promote with Legacy I think it solidifies Legacy Promotion's trip to the Hall of Fame.

Others to consideration Jake Valencia and Jim Johnson, I am in the process of gathering all their information to add to our nominations.