Patricia "Sandy" Martinez
of Pino, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, our 2019 IWBHF Inductee, passed
away on September 28, 2018, and is one of our Posthumous inductees.
Sandy was one of the main contributors for female boxing to be involved
not only in National Tournaments but in the Olympics as well. She not
only opened the door for the females to box but also for females to also
be included in Refereeing and Coaching at the Amateur Boxing Levels.
Thus the testing the AIBA was finally opened up for Women to test as
referees and judges.
Sandy also was the only female to be USA Boxing President, (Hispanic) as
well as a term as Vice President and Secretary as well. Not only was
Sandy there for the Women but she was totally for equality in the
Coaching and Officials programs as well.
Sandy attended every Olympic game from the 1984 Los Angeles games to the
2008 Olympics in Beijing. She attended three World Championships, two
Pan American games and countless amateur and professional events.
Sandy also worked more than 30 years for the Albuquerque Police
Department. She adored her law enforcement family and after retiring,
went back to work at APD as a crime prevention specialist.
Stephen Blea said, "I can personally say Sandy was my Mentor and she
helped open many opportunities for me as Boxing Official I Became and
AIBA and a USA Boxing Level 4 Coach as well on the Amateur Levels. Sandy
broke down barriers and achieved accolades no woman had achieved before
in this Sport."
