Boxing Center Reopens in Tribute to Young Champion

For nearly a year, the small Eastside Boxing Center near Emma Heredia’s home had served as a source of pride and reminiscence for the East Los Angeles woman. Though run-down and scarred with gang graffiti, the center that unofficially bore the name of her late son, Eddie--who trained at the center before dying of leukemia in 1987 at age 17--was as fitting a tribute to the boxer as Heredia thought possible.

But a few months ago, when Los Angeles County officials removed the sign bearing Eddie’s name, it was as if a memory had been stolen.

“I was hurt and shocked,� Heredia recalled. “I know it wasn’t the official name, but I still couldn’t believe Eddie’s name wasn’t there. I sent my other son over to find out what was going on. They had closed (the center), and I thought they were going to turn it into a church or something.�

But after a press conference and a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning, a refurbished Eastside Boxing Center again opened its doors to area pugilists--this time as the home of the official Eddie Heredia Boxing Team.

The culmination of a $60,000 rehabilitation effort by the county Department of Parks and Recreation and the Sheriff’s Department, the gleaming boxing center will serve as training grounds for the team’s male and female fighters, who will range in age from 6 to 15. It is the only boxing center in the area.

“This is a good investment,� said Ed Edelman, supervisor of the county’s 3rd District. “When you think about the cost of arresting young people and putting them in Juvenile Hall or jail, this investment makes a lot of sense.�

Alfred Garcia Sr., who trained Eddie Heredia, said the county unofficially renamed Eastside Boxing Center after the late athlete because he was the first California fighter to win the state Junior Division Championship three consecutive times. County officials said they retained the name, this time officially, though, for the boxing team.

“Eddie was the first champion from the Eastside Boxing Center,� said Garcia, 34, who said he will also work with the youngsters on the new team. “Everybody here was really proud of him. This was the best thing you could do for him, naming something like this after him.�

The facility at 5127 Olympic Blvd. will be run by Parks and Recreation officials and sheriff’s deputies, who will recruit volunteers from the boxing community to train the youngsters.

Although the area is bounded by gang turf, Sheriff’s Sgt. David Tellez said the facility could play a major role in depleting the gangs’ ranks.

“Kids like to participate in team sports, especially when they have nice uniforms,� he said. “One of the big draws for the East Los Angeles gangs is that these kids don’t have something they can participate in. They also don’t have family support and they want to be a part of something organized.�