Mario Rivera Martino

Mario Rivera Martinó (April 20, 1924 – September 13, 2017) was a journalist, sports writer and President of the Puerto Rico Boxing Commission. In 2006, he was inducted into the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame. In December 2018, the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that Rivera Martinó would be inducted into their hall of fame during their 30th annual induction ceremonies which were held from June 6 to 9, 2019 in Canastota, New York.

Early years Rivera Martinó was one of nine siblings born to Nicolás Rivera Muñiz and María Luisa Martino Muler in the town of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. In 1930, when he was six years old, his family moved to New York City. There he received his primary and secondary education. He helped his family economically by shining shoes.

According to Rivera Martinó, on one occasion in 1935, Puerto Rican boxer Pedro Montañez came up him with scuffed shoes. Montañez was recognized by Ring Magazine as one of history's most prolific knockout winners with 56 knockout wins, and one of the Latinos with the most knockout wins—while only being knocked out twice himself. He also ranks as number 14 in boxing history, also recognized by Ring Magazine, among boxers with most wins in a row, totalling 88 wins in a row. Rivera Martinó did not hesitate and shined Montañez's shoes. He was quoted as saying the following:

Rivera Martinó joined the United States Army in 1942, serving during World War II. The Ring, an American boxing magazine, gave him the assignment of covering Joe Louis’s tour of Army camps. The Army had placed Louis in its Special Services Division rather than sending him into combat. Louis went on a celebrity tour with other notables, including fellow boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. Rivera Martinó served actively in the Army as a reporter until his honorable discharge from the Army in 1944.

Later years On February 4, 2009, Rivera Martinó incorporated the "MARIO RIVERA MARTINÓ FOUNDATION Inc." whose mission is to provide educational methods, such as tutorials, materials, fees, professional and amateur boxer exams to promote education and combat social problems.

Rivera Martinó moved to Orlando, Florida. He had a weak heart and was suffering from health issues. Apparently his health situation became complicated when he came down with pneumonia and was therefore, hospitalized. Rivera Martinó was unable to recuperate his health and on September 13, 2017, he died.

Rivera Martinó was posthumously nominated to be enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019. He was officially inducted during the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend ceremonies in June, 2019.