(June 19) On Tuesday, June 4, the City of Raton honored two-time women's boxing world champion Teri “Lil' Loca” Cruz. Residents of Cruz's hometown, family and friends attended the event. Cruz retired from professional boxing in 2011 with a record of 17 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws. Cruz had a career of 26 bouts and 130 rounds, fighting in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Nevada, Arizona, Korea (twice), Australia and Germany.
Cruz won her first IFBA World Boxing Bantamweight title by defeating Heather Perciville by unanimous decision in 2005. She then won her second Women's International Boxing title by defeating Jessica Morse by technical knockout in 2008. Additionally, Cruz is also Colorado's first Women's International Boxing Champion.
“Raton is honored to welcome the long awaited return of one of our citizens,” said Raton City Manager Richard Mestas. Mayor Neil Segotta presented Crews with a proclamation and membership in an honorary club that recognizes the achievements and community spirit of Raton's outstanding citizens and employees.
Cruz also received her International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame boxing ring from her sister, Brandi Cruz Fernandez, and childhood friend Roger Rael, who organized the event. “This has been a long time coming, and I'm thrilled that the City of Raton and sponsors Trinidad National Bank, Bruno's Pizza, the City of Raton and private donors have come forward to honor this incredible woman and her accomplishments and contributions to women's boxing,” Rael said.
Special guest speaker and presenter Stephen Blair (WBC referee and judge and 2004 National Boxing Hall of Fame inductee), accompanied by his longtime girlfriend, Raylene, presented a commemorative medal to the City of Raton and event organizers for their help in honoring Cruz. Linda Hadley, director of Zia Youth Center, a major sponsor of the event, said, “The powerful message we are teaching our youth today is that a champion lies within each of us. We must not be intimidated by the size of our dreams or the work it will take for our children to achieve them, but rather keep on working hard.”
The Raton community came together to celebrate Cruz's achievements and the impact she made by donating sports equipment and books. Cruz interacted with attendees and left an indelible impression on the young people who aspire to follow in her footsteps. “It was tough growing up in Raton. I had to overcome so many life-changing experiences to become a world champion. I'm grateful that opportunities came my way when I started to focus on what matters. I want kids to know that they can write their own destiny. If you want to be successful at anything, you have to work, train, pray, practice, and enjoy life because we're only here for a short time,” Cruz said. To cap off this special event, Cruz had the chance to celebrate her 53rd birthday with friends and family. It was even better than icing on a birthday cake.
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