Jose Alonzo: Hall of Famer X2

The whirlwind tour of accolades continues for Jose “CheloMan” Alonzo. On July 8, the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame announced that Alonzo will be entering their Hall of Fame. This marks the boxer’s second induction into such a fraternity in the last seven months. He will now be counted alongside legends such as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Don Wilson. His induction makes him the fifth boxer to ever receive the honor. Alonzo follows in the footsteps of James “Lights Out” Tony, Julio Caesar Chavez Junior, Kelli Pavlick, and Jim Thomas.

“When President Steven Canton from the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame called me on December 26, 2023, at 3:14 p.m., I was completely speechless,” said Alonzo. “It felt like a dream come true, being recognized for my accomplishments in the boxing world. And then, last night, they announced my induction into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame […] I can’t even put into words how I feel right now – overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This Hall of Fame is huge, a national recognition.”

While the date and exact time of the induction is yet to be announced, the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame’s Facebook post noted that the information should be made available later this week after the contracts are signed. “We are so proud to have this man part of our special event that will happen in beautiful Florida!” the Hall stated in its post.

With a professional record of 13-1-7, Chelo was dominant, and his story is compelling inside and out of the ring. As the Sun has detailed in prior stories, Alonzo has overcome trials and tribulations on his path to becoming a decorated boxer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he spent some time as a child in Aguadilla Puerto Rico. During that time, a young Alonzo found himself getting into various fights before his uncle suggested he direct his energy toward boxing. He quickly found a passion for the sport and his career began. He would then move to Spring Hill in 1990 before winning the Florida State Golden Gloves in 1993.

It was in 1998 when he met legendary boxing trainer Don Kahn who took his career to the next level. Four years of intense work and preparation culminated in his 2003 WBA Fedecentro Championship victory over Alberto Albaladejo. After a broken ankle and eight years away from the sport, he mounted a comeback in 2010. After nine months of conditioning, he secured the title of Florida State Super Middleweight Champion at the age of 34. After his retirement from the ring, tragedy struck in 2018.

During the Sun’s coverage of his previous Hall of Fame induction, we detailed Chelo’s harrowing tale and recovery, but it is worth a brief retread here. As Alonzo and his wife, Cristina, were leaving a dance hall during a night of celebrating her becoming a Florida realtor, he was shot in the stomach and colon. He clung to life during an eight-month recovery process that involved 27 procedures, and his wife was by his side every step of the way. Now, Alonzo successfully operates a real estate agency with Cristina and is appreciative of every moment he has.

“As I always say, let’s make today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today,” Alonzo said. “I am so thankful for all the blessings and opportunities I’ve received. It’s all thanks to the grace of the almighty. I feel truly blessed to be alive and to experience everything that’s happening. I’ll keep pushing forward, staying true to myself. I am just so grateful.”

The Hall of Fame is excited to welcome Chelo into their midst in the coming months. For those who wish to register or find out more information regarding the event, the Facebook post encourages people to call (808) 778-8768.