Community honors boxing champion with anti-bullying initiative

In a recent city council meeting, community leaders gathered to honor the legacy of Robert Piquin Quiroga, the first world champion boxer from San Antonio, who tragically lost his life in 2004. The meeting highlighted a proposal to name a pavilion in his honor, recognizing both his achievements in boxing and his impact on the community.

Eppie Quiroga, a representative of the initiative, emphasized Robert's historic accomplishments, including being the first American to capture the International Boxing Federation super flyweight title. He noted that Robert's fight in 1991 against Kitaki Mana Fauci is remembered as one of the top 100 greatest title fights in boxing history.

In addition to celebrating Robert's athletic prowess, the meeting addressed the ongoing issue of bullying, which Robert faced in his youth. Eppie Quiroga shared details about the USA SA Bully Free Campaign, a program inspired by Robert's story that has reached 36,000 students across various school districts in San Antonio. The initiative aims to educate children about the consequences of bullying and promote a culture of respect and kindness.

Henry Rodriguez, executive director of LULAC, also spoke in support of the pavilion naming, praising the efforts to combat bullying and highlighting the importance of recognizing Robert's contributions to the community. He described Robert as a role model, embodying the qualities of a good student and citizen.

The council members expressed their support for the initiative, with a vote expected to formalize the naming of the pavilion in honor of Robert Quiroga, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.