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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

 






 

Jesse Benavides
Boxing

 

Jesse Benavides

Boxing
AAU & Golden Gloves Champ

 

Jesse Benavides (born November 8, 1963 in Corpus Christi, Texas) is an American former professional boxer.

Jesse Benavides was the 1981 National AAU Light Flyweight Champion and 1983 National ABF Bantamweight Champion. Jesse Benavides was a four time State Golden Gloves Cham pion. Jesse also was the 1981 Light 

Flyweight National Golden Gloves Champion, the 1982 Flyweight National Golden Gloves champion, and the 1983 Bantamweight National Golden Gloves Champion. Jesse Benavides was runner up at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials. Jesse Benavides began his Professional career in 1984 and on 11-20-1987 Benavides won the United States Boxing Association (USBA) 1221bs Championship. On 05-24-1991 Jesse Benavides won the WBO super bantamweight World Title with a win over Orlando Fernan dez. Jesse defended the belt once before losing it in London, England to Duke McKenzie in 1992. On 05-21-1993 Jesse Benavides won the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) 122 lbs. Championship and earned a title fight against Tracy Harris Patterson. Benavides loss a close unanimous decision.

He also loss a close decision to Kevin Kelly for the WBC Featherweight Title in 1994. Benavides retired in 1996 after a KO loss to Marco Antonio Barrera for the WBO super bantamweight title. Awards: Jesse Benavides won the Outstanding Boxer Award of the 1982 Golden Gloves National Tournament, in 1983 Benavides was the winner of the Sullivan Award for Amateur Boxer Of the Year. In 1991 Jesse Benavides was honored to be named the recipient of the Congressioilal Hispanic Caucus, Medallion of Excellence Award, for Role Model of the Year in Washington, D.C.