Longtime coach Ralph Luna reached kids through boxing

Rosa Ramirez, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 23, 2007 at midnight

Text size

More Obituaries

Ralph Luna, a well-known Denver boxer and trainer, didn't stand before large crowds to speak about equality for minorities or lead marches for better jobs.

Instead, he took his fight for these causes into the ring, lacing up his gloves time and time again to help those most vulnerable, say those who loved him.

"He wanted young people to have a chance at education and a choice in their employment," said Mr. Luna's second-youngest son, Raul Luna, 45.

"He was an unseen champ."

Mr. Luna, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer about three years ago, died Feb. 8. His family said the disease took a toll on him during the last three months of his life, often making it difficult for him to get out of bed or to speak.

He was 76.

Mr. Luna was born and raised in Denver and began boxing during his teens. He coached boxing for more than 40 years in an effort to give youngsters an alternative to the streets.

"He felt lucky he was there at a time when boxing was in its golden age," Raul Luna said.

Mr. Luna's sparring partner, he said, was Chicano Movement leader Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales.

Mr. Luna's stamina and agility in the ring helped him win a Golden Gloves title in the '50s. But it was coaching that gave him the chance to teach teenagers to be focused and disciplined so they could pursue their dreams, said Lou Silva, 45, a longtime friend.

He and Mr. Luna worked side by side for some 15 years coaching young boxers.

"He had a lot of dedication for the kids," Silva said. "He turned a lot of kids around."

Unlike coaches who focused on young boxers who showed promise, Mr. Luna paid closest attention to those who struggled.

"He'd say they needed his help more than the other ones. He'd help those who weren't very good, and he'd try to make them feel comfortable, to get their confidence up," Silva said.

During his coaching career, Luna "put out a lot of champions," Silva said.

Mr. Luna's oldest son, Ralph Luna Jr., 58, of Brighton, said his father was so dedicated to training youth, that he'd "even go train when he was sick."

Lou Silva's son, professional boxer Joseph Silva, 21, said Mr. Luna trained him for some 11 years.

The fighter, with a 5-0 record with two knockouts, credits his success to Mr. Luna.

"Ralph was there for me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him," he said, adding that he saw Mr. Luna as a grandfather figure.

Mr. Luna was apparently equally fond of Joseph Silva and even recorded a song in Spanish to encourage him to be fearless in the ring.

"Call me with the good news, kid," Mr. Luna would tell Joseph Silva before every fight.

The two met when his father asked Mr. Luna to train Joseph Silva.

"My father knew what type of reputation he had. He was a really good coach and was a champion," he said.

During a fight Feb. 9 in Tucson, televised on Telefutura, Silva dedicated his fight to his coach.

In addition to his two sons, Mr. Luna is survived by his wife, Susie; daughters, Mercedes Archuleta and Carolyn Luna; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Luna.

Memorial services were held Saturday at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 2301 York St. in Denver.

ramirezr@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5067

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News