Eddie Montalvo (Advocate, Mentor,
Manager), retired as the Executive Director of the International
Women's Boxing Hall of Fame (iwbhf.com),
where he served on its Executive Board of Directors from 2015
until August 27, 2021, when he retired from the IWBHF; but Eddie
is still very much involved with the “IWBHF” behind the scenes.
Eddie has also been with the Women’s Boxing Archive Network (WBAN),
(www.womenboxing.com),
since 2007, when he wholeheartedly entered into advocacy within
the sport of women’s boxing. WBAN was founded by Sue “Tiger
Lily” Fox, In 1998, and was the very first website to recognize,
honor and support female fighters.
Eddie Montalvo was elected by WBAN's and the International
Women's Boxing Hall of Fame's Founder and President Sue TL Fox
to be her 'Right-Hand Man' because of the passion and
transparency Montalvo has always demonstrated.
Eddie has been actively involved for many, many years within the
sport of boxing with emphasis on advocating for transparency,
fairness, better purses, fair matchups and better representation
for fighters.
At the tender age of 6, Eddie fell in love with boxing after
going to see his uncle (at Heart) Puerto Rican Olympian and WBC/WBA
World Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jose “Chegui“ Torres in
Madison Square Garden. “When I saw “Tio Chegui“ (I called him "Tio"),
knock this guy out I knew I wanted to box,” Montalvo emphasized.
He fought his first amateur boxing match in the Summer of 1970,
and never looked back.
In his teens, Montalvo competed in local amateur boxing events
in New York, Detroit and Ohio, while training with Mickey and
Negra Rosario (PAL, East Harlem, 1977-78).
In 1978, Eddie had the privilege of sparring 3 rounds with
former world champ Wilfredo Gomez and 3 rounds with Roberto
Duran at the Boys Club of New York, East Harlem. In 1979, Eddie
won Bronze Gloves in the 1979 NYC Golden Gloves in the 139lb
division while under the tutelage of the late Ralph Rosario,
boxing coach of the Boys Club of New York, East Harlem. There
was a lapse of 5 years before Eddie returned to competition…
In 1984, Eddie again attempted to win the NYC Golden Gloves but
fell short in the Quarterfinals. Eddie missed out on the 1984
Metros, 1984 PAL Regionals and the 1984 Empire State Games while
being mentored and trained by Lt. Sal Corrente (NYPD Ret.) at
the Yonkers PAL Boxing gym and at the U.S. Olympic Training
Center, Lake Placid, NY., due to his being shot that October of
1984. Eddie survived , and returned in 1985 to win the PAL
Eastern Regionals Middleweight Championship and a Bronze Medal
at the 1985 Empire State Games, Buffalo, NY.
In preparation for his upcoming competition and Wilfred Benitez’
upcoming fight that year (1985) against Kevin Moley, Eddie
sparred 2 rounds with Wilfred at Gleason’s, Manhattan.
After the 1985 Empire State Games, Montalvo relocated to Los
Angeles where he first worked for the Law Offices of McGuire &
Herrera as an intern, at Viacom/Group W Productions - Burbank,
California, as an intern; then alongside Christopher Gray
(Christopher Gray Casting - Los Angeles,
http://chirstophergraycasting.squarespace.com/credits-1/),
for close to 20 years (with some time in between, Montalvo
added) as an Assistant Casting Agent, learning the ins and outs
of the film industry.
In late 2007, Eddie decided to assist his childhood friend the
late World Boxing Champion Hector Macho Camacho (RIP) and, as a
result, began working with other athletes in the sport of
boxing, in and outside of the ring as an advocate, advisor and
mentor.
In 2009, when the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame held its
inauguration of its First Class of Indictees into the Florida
Boxing Hall of Fame (FBHOF), Eddie and his Wife Jackie became
volunteers (2009-2012). Eddie was dear friends with the late
President of the FBHOF and his lovely wife Butch & Cathy
Flansburg. Eddie is also friend and is well known by current
President of the FBHOF Steve Canton (for over 30 years), Dalia
Duran and the rest of the FBHOF Board of Directors, as well.
Eddie was mentored by the late Angelo "Angie" Dundee (RIP), who
was not only his mentor and friend, but who was also like a
Godfather to Eddie.
Eddie has also assisted another childhood friend, Alex “The
Bronx Bomber” Ramos, with his Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF),
and with Mia St. John’s Saber Es Poder Foundation.
Eddie also hosts fundraisers together with John “ The Iceman”
Scully to draw funds for fallen fighters. A passion which
continues today.
For two (2) decades plus, Montalvo has been a key player (behind
the scenes) in some of women's boxing's greatest fighters'
careers.
"I entered into the 'Advocacy' for better representation and
equality within the Sport of Women's Boxing because I felt
(feel) I can make a difference. I have assisted fighters and
managers; booked many fights and appearances, signings and
productions for athletes, many times Pro-Bono. I continue to
negotiate many contracts; of working with managers, fighters,
trainers, promoters, sponsors, investors and producers.
I care and have deep respect and admiration for these ladies,
these athletes, and I am confident that the sport and its
athletes will earn the respect it well deserves as time
progresses. And I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to
be part of the sport where it counts." - Eddie Montalvo
Montalvo also has a passion for mentoring and is always seeking
opportunities to mentor. As a PAL Alumni and Champion he enjoys
working closely with the Police Athletic League. He finds that
bridging the gap between youths and law enforcement is
imperative to healthy communities.
“Don't underestimate the power of your vision to change the
world. Whether that world is your office, your community, an
industry or a global movement, you need to have a core belief
that what you contribute can fundamentally change the paradigm
or way of thinking about problems.”
Photo: Eddie Montalvo
Contact info:
e.montalvo1@me.com
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Related Story by Eddie Montalvo published on WBAN
Title: WANG "The China Girl" YANAN - dated April 17, 2011
Link to Story
