Phoenix boxing legend Michael Carbajal to have city block named in his honor
Michael Carbajal, the most decorated fighter the state of Arizona has ever produced with six world championships, a 1988 Olympic silver medal and a 49-4 career record, is getting a Phoenix city street sign in his name.
Representing a sport that involves unanimous decisions from judges, the 56-year-old Boxing Hall-of-Famer got a unanimous vote from Phoenix City Council members Wednesday, approving the resolution to name a block after Carbajal.
Carbajal was inside the City Council chambers Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by family and friends and community members who came to speak in support of him during the public comments.
Plans to name a section of street after the Phoenix native had been in the works for at least a year, and according to the council's agenda for Wednesday, the "Michael Carbajal Way" ceremonial signs will be mounted on the existing signposts at the northeast corners of 9th and Fillmore and 10th and Fillmore streets near downtown Phoenix.
That's right next to Carbajal's 9th Street Gym, where he currently works with young fighters, and very close to his childhood home.
Those who came to speak to the City Council on Carbajal's behalf spoke of how Carbajal inspired the city during the Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and how the streets near his home were crowded to welcome him home from the Games.
Others talked about the impact Carbajal has had on the community, and former Arizona Republic boxing writer Norm Frauenheim spoke of a conversation he had with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who asked why Phoenix boxing fans have traditionally attended major boxing events in large numbers.
"It's all because of Michael Carbajal," Frauenheim said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Michael Carbajal to be honored with street sign after resolution passes
