Boxing’s rare gem

Chuck Bodak is a relic, a genuine throwback to an era when professional boxing was in its heyday.

Not unlike a valued artifact that although a little rough around the edges and worn from years of usefulness, Bodak is a true gem who has been revered, respected and cherished throughout his decades involved in the fight game.

At 90, Bodak still has a lot to give.

“Boxing has been my whole life, and I am truly blessed for what the sport has given me over the years,” said Bodak, who has been inducted into the World Boxing Assn. Hall of Fame and the Golden State Boxing Hall of Fame.

“I really don’t know where I’d be without boxing.”

In turn, countless boxers have benefited from Bodak’s involvement in the sweet science.

Renowned for his work as a cut man and trainer, Bodak has been involved with more than 60 world champions. His fighters have been some of the finest athletes ever to grace the sport, including Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez, Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns and Evander Holyfield.

“There are some very good fighters in that bunch, there’re no doubt about that,” Bodak said.

Bodak made a local visit Monday when he spoke to the students of the Burbank Boxing Club at the Burbank Community YMCA. He talked about his experiences in the sport and wooed the audience with his tales of some of the legends he has known in the ring.

Burbank Boxing Club Director Steve Harpst said he was honored when Bodak accepted his invitation to talk to the class.

“I thought it was a rare opportunity to have a real boxing legend come up and spend some time with us,” Harpst said.

“He has been involved with so many of boxing’s biggest names over the years. But despite that, he’s a very humble guy and very down to earth. He also likes to give back to the young fighters.”

Bodak was accompanied by Mike Murano and Joe Angellar, who are in the process of starting the Chuck Bodak Foundation, which will assist small community gyms and boxing clubs.

Chuck Bodak is a name that is probably not easily recognized, expect to die-hard boxing fans. However, mention his trademark and he becomes a recognizable figure that has been seen by millions of boxing fans for decades.

Bodak is known for sticking various words, phrases and pictures on pieces of paper and placing them around his bald head while working the corner of various fighters.

Bodak’s trademark has become almost as recognizable at Don King’s hair.

Bodak said he began his shtick when he was working with Jorge “The Clown Prince” Paez.

“Paez was always doing something crazy in the ring,” Bodak said. “And he asked me to so something for one of his fights. So I just put some stuff on my head.

“Well, people thought that was great and they got a kick out of it. So, I kept on doing it.”

Undoubtedly, Bodak has seen his share of talented fighters during is lifetime. However, when asked who was has favorite, and who was the finest boxer he has seen, there is one individual who he mentions.

“Ali,” he said.

“The greatest, not only fighter, but human being, is Muhammad Ali. There hasn’t been an athlete in any sport like Muhammad Ali. And I’m 90 years old, and I’ve seen all of them.

“He was so exceptional, it was unbelievable. Along with his unbelievable skills as a boxer, he also has the biggest heart of any person who I have ever met.”

Growing up in the slums of Gary, Ind., Bodak admits he has come a long way from a life of poverty as a youth to making a career in boxing.

He has survived not only a rough start in life, but also the Great Depression and even a stint in World War II. However, through it all, he has never lost sight of his one goal in life — helping others, especially the young.

“That is my philosophy in life. What is a life if you don’t help others along the way,” said Bodak, a deeply religious man.

“The man upstairs put me on this earth for a reason. I am just happy to have helped.”

Likewise, there are many who Bodak has touched during his lifetime who are thankful he has given so much of himself in order to help others.