Page 8 International Boxing News (Phoenix US)
Arizona Boxing News & Notes With Don Smith
5 June 2013
Beltran: Contender And Good Guy, Vargas, Barrera in Phoenix Boxing Fans,
Lightweight Boxer Raymundo Beltran is a familiar name and face to the Phoenix boxing community. He has trained for several winning fights in Arizona and his proud parents live in Phoenix while the former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner resides in Los Angeles with his wife and 3 children. Raymundo is a fan favorite in the "Valley of the Sun" so when he visits Phoenix, reporters approach the affable pugilist knowing they can expect their Q & A session to be interrupted by fans and well wishers. For the record, Raymundo is very accessible to the media and journalists.
Beltran is a hot commodity these days after decisively defeating Alejandro Rodriguez and Ji-Hoon Kim in his last two action packed fights which were televised and the two upset victories upped his record to 28-6 with 17 knockouts and the "journeyman" tag no longer exists. Contender Beltran is ranked as high as #7 in the rankings and the soon to be 32 year old (July B-Day) is hoping for a world title shot this year. Beltran, aka "Sugar Ray" is willing to face any of the reigning lightweight champions, it doesn't matter who or where; only when? Ray is impatient with the decision making process in boxing and he doesn't pull punches when he suggests that politics carry too much weight in boxing. Behind the wide and warm smile is a man of conviction.
He told me the new and improved Beltran is the product of a better work ethic and a conversation he had with himself. After the in-depth talk, he decided to focus on what really mattered, family and winning. As a result of his better conditioning and personal growth, he shocked the boxing world when he won a majority decision(96-94-96-94-95-95) over Henry Lundy on July 27, 2012, 4 days after his 31st birthday. From that day on, he believed he could win a world title. The Lundy win came after Beltran lost a controversial unanimous decision to Luis Ramos Jr. in January of 2012. I was one of several boxing writers who gave the nod to Beltran. It was a late Christmas gift for Ramos who seemed to blush after his hand was raised. Beltran didn't complain.
Beltran the man is working on a special project worth mentioning. He is spearheading a June 15 fundraiser in Phoenix to help Strong Enough Boxing Club head coach and mentor Andrew Mendez Sr. who is saddled with CLL (Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia) commonly referred to as blood cancer. The long list of symptoms attributed to this life threatening disease include: fatigue,nausea, shortness of breath, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, pain, loss of appetite and spleen enlargement. Ouch! The recommended treatment for Leukemia is Stem Cell Transplant or Chemotherapy. Andrew's prognosis is particularly worrisome because the disease wasn't detected until 4 years after it invaded his blood stream. After numerous mind blowing and body wrecking sessions of Chemotherapy,the antidote to his cancer is still an elusive mystery, but his faith and love for his family keeps him from taking a knee. His courage throughout his battle with cancer has earned Raymundo's respect and admiration. According to Raymundo, Andrew never complains about his condition and the father of four doesn't sit around and feel sorry for himself even though there are days that seem longer than others. Raymundo calls him a hero.
The two men became friends after Raymundo volunteered to work with Andrew at the Strong Enough Boxing Club in Chandler. There is no admission to join the club and the only criteria to stay a member includes tidying up the backyard facility and be respectful to others. Strong Enough has produced some excellent boxers and Andrew laughs when his
boxing club is wrongfully referred to as "just another backyard boxing facility". Strong Enough has produced champions. Despite his weakening physical condition , Andrew continues to work for the City of Chandler and minister to neighborhood kids who face a myriad of deep and personal issues Including parental neglect, truancy, mental and physical abuse and peer pressure to join gangs and commit crimes against society.