Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez Benefit On Sat.

Only two boxers can claim victory over Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, who ruled the 130-pound junior lightweight division from 1991 to 1998 until he lost to burgeoning star Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hernandez’s only other loss was to Oscar De La Hoya after a total of 41 pro bouts.

A few months back, the humble former world champion was diagnosed with a form of cancer detected behind his right eye. Hernandez is now undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation treatments in hopes of eradicating the deadly tumor.

The World Boxing Council and a number of other boxing organizations are hosting a benefit on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino. An auction, dinner, and entertainment are planned.

WBC representative Rudy Tellez said that a number of artifacts will be auctioned and hopes that people can bring canned goods and other donations to raise money for the now retired fighter.

Hernandez was working as a color commentator for both boxing and mixed martial arts. Then, last October a bump near his eye formed and when he saw a physician it was diagnosed as a rare form of cancer.

Many people like his easy-going demeanor and humble personality and when word spread of his ailment, the boxing world has rallied on his behalf.

Inside the boxing ring, he slugged it out with a number of the biggest names in boxing, such as Mayweather, De La Hoya, Jorge Paez, Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Azumah Nelson.

Hernandez, 42, was voted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

Now Hernandez is battling the effects of the cancer treatment and hopes it can eliminate the disease.

“One of the top promoters in Japan is even coming out,” stated Hernandez in a press release. “To me its heartbreaking to know that people want to help out. It touches me.”

Sugar Shane Mosley, a good friend of Hernandez for almost 20 years, said the stricken fighter is one of the good guys of the sport. He called Hernandez to talk about his condition.

“I’ve known Chicanito since we were kids,” said Mosley from his Big Bear training camp. “We used to spar at the Brooklyn Gym in East L.A.”

The museum is located inside American Sports University 399 N. D Street in San Bernardino. Ticket donations are $50. For more information call Tellez at (323) 229-1694 or Jaime Ochoa (951) 230-9157.

Showtime card

Mexico’s Leonilo Miranda (30-0, 28 KOs) of Sonora faces undefeated Puerto Rican Orlando “The Olympian” Cruz (15-0) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The winner moves on to contention while the loser faces going back down the ladder.

The fight card will be televised on Showtime on Friday.

WBC title fight

Andre Berto defends the WBC welterweight title against Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo on Saturday Jan. 17, from Biloxi, Miss. The fight will be shown on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Berto’s last fight was a win over Steve Forbes at the Home Depot Center. Collazo also fought on the same card. Now they’re facing each other.

Macho Time

Hector Camacho Jr. will fight Sammy Sparkman in a middleweight contest at Kissimmee, Florida on Sat. Jan. 17. The son of Hector Camacho was facing suspension for not showing up to a fight card in Mexico where he was allegedly facing Yory Boy Campas. But he denied signing any contract and accused the promoters of forgery. The matter is under investigation.

Fights on television

Fri. ESPN2, 6 p.m., Eromosele Albert (21-2-1) vs. Saul Roman (29-5).

Fri. Showtime, 11 p.m., Leonilo Miranda (30-0) vs. Orlando Cruz (15-0)

Sat. HBO, 9:45 p.m., Andre Berto (29-0) vs. Luis Collazo (29-3).