Fresno's Pete Rokas inducted into California Boxing Hall of Fame

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A big honor for a Fresno native Saturday night, as Pete Rokas was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame.

Rokas was honored down in Studio City for a boxing career that spanned four decades, and was one of 20 inducted at the event. Born in Fresno and raised at local boxing matches, Rokas became the youngest matchmaker in the United States at age 26. He then became a promoter, and in the late 1960s, Rokas was involved in "The Fight of the Century" between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

Rokas said he's honored to be recognized for something he was so passionate about for most of his life.

"I started out in boxing my uncle would take me to the arena at 8 years old," Rokas said. "And from 8 years old I didn't pay attention in kindergarten. School and boxing was on my mind. From that day on I never forgot boxing. And still in my mind boxing has never left me. I'm 82 years old; [it has] been a long time."