MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) — Two-time world super featherweight champion Genaro Hernandez has died of a rare cancer. He was 45.
Hernandez's wife, Liliana Hernandez, said he died Tuesday at his home of rhabdomyosarcoma, which attacks muscle fibers.
Hernandez, nicknamed Chicanito (little Mexican), was born in South Central Los Angeles and began his professional boxing career in 1984. He was WBA super featherweight champion from 1991-94 and WBC super featherweight champion from 1997-98.
"He had been boxing from the age of 8 and dedicated his life to the sport," Liliana Hernandez said in a telephones interview Wednesday night.
He won his first championship in 1991 with a ninth round knockout of Daniel Londas in France.
Hernandez relinquished that belt to fight Oscar De La Hoya for the lightweight championship in 1995. De La Hoya knocked out Hernandez in the sixth round.
He won the WBC title in 1997, taking a decision against Azumah Nelson. He lost his last fight and the title to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 1998.
Hernandez retired later that year due to a small blood clot in his brain and finished his career with a record of 38-2-1 with 17 knockouts.
In addition to his wife of 21 years, Hernandez is survived by his son, Steven; his daughter, Amanda; three brothers; two sisters; and his father.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
To our brother - Genaro " Chicanito " Hernandez : Thanks for the great times we all shared with you . You attended our W.S. BOYS Annual Picnic & we were so honored . W.S. BOYS 4 LIFE . You were the King of the Ring & yet you were the definition of : Being Humble . We will ALWAYS keep you in our hearts & prayers . Amen . Sincerely , The Vasquez Family / W.S.BOYS
VICTOR VASQUEZ SR
September 06, 2025 | Friend
You will always be with your family in spirit and I hope that they know. I will remember you as being so true about your feelings for Lilly.
Angie Moreno
May 30, 2015 | Downey, CA
Genaro, you were my hero and a great inspiration to me and the others that you touched. I still remember all the great times very vividly. You are still loved and missed. I have a picture of you at my cube to always remember. Thank you for helping me become a better person champ!
Rick Takatani
January 08, 2013 | Yorba Linda, CA
I always admired you growing up. You were a true gentleman inside and outside the ring. RIP Mr. Chicanito we all love you
Richard Varela
December 12, 2012 | Oxnard, CA
Dear Dad, it's been a long time without seeing you. We miss you and wish you were here. You are in our hearts forever. My brother Steven and I love you, so much!
Amanda & Steven Hernadez
February 18, 2012 | Mission Viejo, CA
Our love will never die, babe.
Genaro you will always be the love of my life. The kids and I will see you again in heaven. Our love is forever and it's frozen in time. Love you, your wife Lilly
Liliana Hernandez
February 18, 2012 | Mission Viejo, CA
We love and miss you uncle
- Hernandez. family
January 10, 2012 | Los Angeles, CA
a true champ
neil pasquale
July 17, 2011 | Norristown, PA
The talks we had and the wisdom he shed are irreplaceable. He will always be a part of my life as I have become the person I am through the teachings of Genaro.
Nona
July 07, 2011 | Aliso Viejo, CA