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03/06/2006 Archived Entry: "Hernandez and Son a Hit at High School Literacy Program!"
Hernandez and Son a Hit at High School Literacy Program!
By Juan C. Ayllon
Photos by Tom Barnes
WAUKEGAN, IL, March 4 – Whap! Whap-whap! Whap-whap-whap-whap!
Starting out slowly and quickly building up to a pitched crescendo, the blows struck with unusual crispness, control and power for a 10 year old.
Joshuah Hernandez, son of World Boxing Council U.S.A. Middleweight Title holder, “Macho” Miguel Hernandez, demonstrated considerable boxing skills in hitting the punching mitts in his father’s hands as students and adults watched with rapt attention.
And, thus, father and son captivated some 50 participants as they participated in a literacy program held at Waukegan High School’s Upper Grade Center on Saturday morning.
Dr. Beverly (left) with Joshua and Miguel Hernandez
Aptly emceed by Dr. Sherman Beverly, Professor Emeritus at Northeastern Illinois University, the literacy program’s agenda focused primarily on readings and follow-up discussion of relevant life lessons contained in the passages.
Miguel Hernandez spoke with equal parts candor, humor, and gratefulness as he discussed his boxing career and his love and admiration for his son, Joshua, who inspired him to become a professional boxer, and who in addition to boxing, gets straight “A’s” in school, plays the saxophone and baseball. “I’m living the dream,” said Hernandez.
At 10 bouts, Joshua has one more amateur fight than his father, Miguel, who had a total of nine amateur bouts before turning professional; Miguel has a professional record of 19-3 and nine knockouts.
When asked at one point if he would like to become a professional boxer when he grows up, Joshuah said, “Yes.” To the laughter of the crowd, Miguel adamantly shook his head, “no,” saying, “I’d rather that he play baseball.” However, he added, “I’ll support anything positive.”
In addition to the mitt drill, Miguel and Joshua interpreted the reading of a report on the recently televised bout between stable mate Jorge Gonzalez vs. Derrick Findley held in Cicero in February. Cat quick, the two alternatively drew “oohs” and “ahs” one second, and laughter the next, as the two exchanged faux blows in their improvised “match.”
Playing Findley, Joshua barely pulled his punches as he rained blows on his father with relish when the reading called for his character to come on strong. Of course, Miguel returned the favor, pouring on flurries with great zest when called for. Of course, the senior Hernandez exercised much greater restraint and control in pulling his punches.
At the end of their performance, both embraced and were roundly applauded.
Afterwards, Miguel Hernandez graciously visited and posed for pictures with participants.
Hernandez with student, Benito Cobio, who is 7-2 as an amateur middleweight
Commenting on the meeting, Hernandez said, “This is really nice.” Clearly, the sentiments were mutual. It was evident to all that Miguel Hernandez is not only a champion in the ring; he’s a champion in life. And, that is truly “living the dream.”
Miguel Hernandez is promoted by Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions in Chicago, Illinois.
