Meet the Officials
Here they are………
Jere “The Old Man” Grimes
With USA Boxing since: 1990
Duties: EVERYTHING!
About Jere: Retired and loving it!
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: It’s boxing!!
Lydia Hernandez
With USA Boxing since: 2006
Duties: Time Keeper, Clerk
About Lydia: I am currently a senior in high school and have been a part of the Junior Official program for 5 years. I have obtained over 380 hours of community service hours from helping USA Boxing.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: I like boxing. It is also a great sport to help these boxers, by giving them opportunities to help them become a part of the Olympic team or future professional boxers.
Tony Alvidrez
With USA Boxing since: 1990
Duties: Level II Referee, Judge, & Timekeeper
About Tony: Initially began my association with amateur boxing in 1982. First as assistant coach then head coach of Phoenix Boys Club. Besides watching and officiating boxing I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones, particularly my grandkids.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: To contribute to the molding of our youth, give them a sense of direction and worthiness. To help them build self confidence, self esteem, teach them respect and discipline.
Tony Zaino
With USA Boxing since: 1993
Duties: Whatever is needed
About Tony: I’ve worked Amateur boxing at every level, from local shows to regional, national and world competition. I’ve been a part of the All Army Boxing Officials team for the past 8 years. I served as the So. Arizona Chief of Officials and to date have worked literally thousands of amateur bouts.
I have been in Tucson for the past 33 years, originally from Conn. I’ve been an electrician for just as long. I currently work for the University of Arizona “Bear Down!” as the Electrical Services supervisor. I enjoy trapshooting, Harley Davidson motorcycles and hot rods. I drive a 1955 Ford F-100 Streetrod and a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback ‘Bullitt’.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: I got tired of watching bad boxing decisions over years and wanted to see how hard it was to be a judge. Once I got involved, I really enjoyed the kids. It’s a great opportunity for me to do my part to help keep high risk kids on a safe path. USA boxing instills values that a lot of these kids don’t get at home (respect, dedication, discipline and sportsmanship). “Protect yourself at all times”
Mary Alice “Lala” Soto Hernandez
With USA Boxing since: 2006
Duties: Level II Judge, Time Keeper, Clerk
About Lala: I am a single mom with 3 teenage kids. I love crocheting, photography, baking,Cowboys and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: I became an official to spend time with my father (Richard Soto) and grew to love the sport of boxing. It’s great to be a part of an organization that supports our youth.
Martin Carrizosa
With USA Boxing since: 2009
Duties: Referee, Judge, Time Keeper, Etc
About Martin: I work as a locomotive engineer. I come to boxing with 20 yrs experience in wrestling both in high school and college. I am married with two kids and a beautiful grandchild.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: There no better way to give back to our youth and to our community. Besides I’m a boxing fan and as an official I always get the best seat in the house.
Richard Soto
With USA Boxing since: 1999
Duties: Chief of Officials
About Richard: I am originally from Los Angeles, Ca moved to AZ in 1984. I have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and I am very proud of every single one of their achievements. I love all competition sports for boys and girls alike and think it is a very important part of their lives. Since we all have to compete throughout our lives. I enjoy deep sea fishing, love to cook (carnitas mmm…), play golf, and attend all my grandchildren’s events.
I have officiated at many Regional’s, Nationals, was invited to officiate at the Western trials, and was a member of the staff at Nationals. I have been the Arizona Chief of Officials for the past 8 years. I am proud to be working with an elite officiating team, the members of LBC 48 Arizona!
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: After being involved with my 4 daughters in all of their different competitions (beauty pageants, dance, gymnastics) I finally decided to get involved in a predominately male sport, boxing. Watching professional boxing on television I thought to myself “I can judge that”. I contacted Harvey Prezant and told him i wanted to be an official. He put me in contact with the Chief of Officials, Joe Joseph. I love the sport of boxing and everything it teaches our young boxers. It gives a young person a goal to strive for and helps them succeed in life. There is never a loss, only a lesson in life.
Harvey Prezant
With USA Boxing since: 1975
Duties: Judge
About Harvey: Born in East Los Angeles in 1939. Began boxing when I was six with my Dad in my corner at the old Main Street Gym in L.A. Moved to Arizona in 1972 and spent my adult life in the banking business. Have two kids, each of whom have three of their own My wife Sandy has also been in boxing and worked the corner with me. At the invitation of Gene Lewis, I began coaching in his club in 1975. It was under Gene’s guidance that I learned the trade.
Gene passed away a number of years ago and I left the sport for several years, returning as an official in 2005.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: I missed the sport. I rejoined boxing as an official at the invitation of Richard Soto. I returned to coaching with the Gene Lewis Club and I am now associated with Devil Dog Boxing with Randy Robles. My time is full now, as I both coach and officiate.
Arnold De Leon
With USA Boxing since: 2008
Duties: Level II Referee, Judge, Time Keeper, Clerk
About Arnold: Born and raised in Phoenix. I am married with three daughters and two grandchildren. Enjoy the outdoors (camping, fishing, target shooting, Etc.)Gene passed away a number of years ago and I left the sport for several years, returning as an official in 2005.
Why did you become an official with USA Boxing: To help contribute and set an example for our youth, help give them the values and direction that is needed to excell in life as well as boxing.
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If you are a USA Boxing official and would like to submit your information to azboxing.org please complete this form or contact us at azboxing5@gmail.com.
