During the 21st Annual Latino Spirit Awards held on May 1, the California Legislative Latino Caucus recognized the achievements of several notable individuals, including a family that has had a huge impact on the sport of boxing in the Coachella Valley.
According to a press release, Joel, Antonio and Julio Diaz received the nomination for the Achievement in Athletics award from Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella). The Diaz brothers come from a family with a long history of boxing and collectively represent more than two decades of Coachella Valley boxing history.
Antonio and Julio would become the first world champions from the Coachella Valley. Antonio previously held the titles of International Boxing Association light welterweight and WBO Latino light middleweight champion, while Julio was the IBF Lightweight World Champion. Joel himself was a former IBF Intercontinental champion, and once held the No. 1 rating and mandatory position to the WBC lightweight champion, but he retired from the sport and went on to become a trainer after suffering a detached retina.
“The Diaz brothers are an inspiration for local youth, our aspiring champions,” Garcia said, according to the press release. “Joel, Antonio and Julio have demonstrated what is possible through perseverance and hard work. Our Coachella Valley boxing heroes have expanded their vision of success to uplift our entire community and help others achieve their dreams in the ring and beyond,” Garcia said in a press release. “This annual awards ceremony allows us to spotlight trailblazers like the Diaz brothers who embody the Latino spirit and serve as role models for our communities.”
The Diaz brothers currently own and operate the Diaz Training Camp, a Coachella Valley-based facility that trains current and future champions in boxing, combat sports and self-defense techniques.
Other honorees recognized at the awards included Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, the state's first Latina chief justice and Imperial County native, and David Pérez-Tejada Padilla, a former Baja California congressman who has been a strong advocate for Imperial County border priorities through his policy work.
“It is incredible to see talented homegrown leaders and our binational partners receive recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to our community, culture and state,” Garcia said, according to the press release.
Garcia represents California's 36th Assembly District, which includes Imperial County and cities and communities in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Elected in 2014, Garcia presides as chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, overseeing critical issues such as ensuring energy stability, affordability and safety and California’s groundbreaking efforts to decarbonize its electrical grid. He currently serves on the Assembly Committees on Budget; Budget Subcommittee 3; Communications and Conveyance; Governmental Organization; and Human Services.