Fernandez humbled by Hall honor

Pete Fernandez's reaction is classic.

"For this little boy from Ybor City to where I am today, Lord have mercy," he said with a humble chuckle.

Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at Tampa's Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, Fernandez will be one of 23 people honored by the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

The newest class includes: Fighters – Tyrone Booze, Roland LaStarza, John Mugabi, Elisha Obed, Freddie Pendleton, Manuel Quintero and Holman Williams; Trainers – Fernandez, Alton Merkerson and Dwaine Simpson; Promoter – Pete Ashlock; Historian – Ramiro Ortiz; Media – Karl Freitag and Col. Bob Sheridan; Official/Commission – Eddie Eckert; Participants – John Daddono, Frank Freeman, Harold "Hackie" Reitman, Tommy Torino, Steve Yerrid; Honorees – Dana Jamison, Jim McLoughlin and Leo Thalassites.

The organization will hold events every day through Sunday, starting tonight with a "Meet the Inductees" cocktail party, starting at 7:30 at the Sheraton Riverwalk at 200 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa.

"When I first put on a pair of gloves at 13 years old, I never in my wildest dreams would think this day would come," Fernandez, 66, said of that day in 1958 when he stepped into a ring at the Cuban Club. "Never ever did I think that when I was fighting, never ever did I think that when I was a trainer, never ever did I think that when I was a manager, promoter."

As with any fairy tale, Fernandez vows to end this one on a good note. When the year finishes, he said he is removing himself from the boxing world to enjoy his life with his wife Teri. The two have a deep passion for dancing and traveling, and that's what they plan to do. He occasionally will work with his Pete Fernandez Promotions, but someone else will run it.

"It's been a long time coming," said Fernandez, who has been mulling retirement since January 2010. "I want to enjoy life. My dad retired at 71 years old in December of 1990 and he died in February 1991."

For the little boy who grew up in Ybor City, shared a baseball field at the old Jefferson High with Tony La Russa and Pop Cuesta, it's time to relax.

"The dessert for me is the induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame," said Fernandez, who thanked his wife and local promoter Terry Trekas for their help. "To be recognized in my own state, in my own city (is special)."

For a full schedule of events, visit www.floridaboxinghalloffame.com.