A slice of Phoenix now bears the name of a local boxing legend. According to the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, Fillmore Street from 9th to 10th has been christened Michael Carbajal Way on Tuesday to honor the former six-time world champion boxer, Michael Carbajal.
Standing guard over a street that, like the fists of the champion it’s named after, has seen a lot of action, the new blue and white signs mark the corners of 9th and Fillmore, and 10th and Fillmore streets, steps away from Carbajal's 9th St. Gym. The event saw local heavyweights from the worlds of politics, community, and entertainment, with hundreds turning out to witness the sign unveiling and salute the champ's influence both in and out of the ring.
Carbajal, known as “Manitas de Piedra" (Little Hands of Stone), enjoyed a glittering career inside the ropes, bagging a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before turning pro. He reigned as a champion across six weight classes and earned the title of 1993 RING Magazine Fighter of the Year. But it's beyond the canvas where he continues to pack a punch, mentoring youth at his gym to engage positively in their community.
Under the Ceremonial Street Sign Program in Phoenix, the Camunez Family Trust, as reported by the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, took on the costs for the creation and upkeep of Carbajal’s honorary signs. Crafted by the Street Transportation Department, these signs not just memorialize a local hero but also mark a spot for kids to spar with life's challenges at the 9th St. Gym.
Phoenix City Council gave the green light for the project on March 20, and with these signs, Carbajal’s legacy is set to be a permanent fixture in Phoenix, much like the steadfast resilience and dedication he showed throughout his illustrious career.
