Pasadena Boxing Mentor Canto Robledo to Be Inducted Into National Boxing Hall of Fame

Robledo overcame blindness to become the only licensed blind boxing trainer in history.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Canto 'TNT' Robledo, a Pasadena boxing figure who lost his sight but went on to become what is believed to be the only licensed blind trainer in the history of the sport, will be inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame later this year. Robledo's son Joseph announced the honor during a Pasadena City Council meeting, noting that his father will be recognized for both his early professional career and the decades he spent mentoring fighters and local youth.

Why it matters

Robledo's induction into the National Boxing Hall of Fame shines a light on his remarkable perseverance and dedication to the sport of boxing and to mentoring young people in the Pasadena community, even after losing his sight. His story serves as an inspiration and highlights the power of determination in overcoming adversity.

The details

Robledo fought professionally in the early 1930s and was scheduled to face world bantamweight champion Panama Al Brown in late 1932, but his career was derailed when he was left blind in both eyes due to detached retinas during a tune-up bout. After stepping away from boxing, Robledo later returned as a licensed blind boxing trainer, opening Crown City Gym in his garage and working with amateur and professional fighters using what he called his 'sense of touch' technique. Over the years, he became a fixture in Pasadena gyms and community programs, highlighting discipline, perseverance and self-respect.

  • Robledo fought professionally in the early 1930s.
  • Robledo was scheduled to face world bantamweight champion Panama Al Brown in late 1932.
  • Robledo lost his sight due to detached retinas during a tune-up bout.
  • Robledo later returned as a licensed blind boxing trainer, opening Crown City Gym in his garage.
  • Robledo will be inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame on April 26.

The players

Canto 'TNT' Robledo

A Pasadena boxing figure who overcame blindness to become what is believed to be the only licensed blind trainer in the history of the sport.

Joseph Robledo

The son of Canto Robledo, who announced his father's induction into the National Boxing Hall of Fame during a Pasadena City Council meeting.

Panama Al Brown

The world bantamweight champion that Canto Robledo was scheduled to face in late 1932 before his career was derailed by the loss of his sight.

Victor Gordo

The Mayor of Pasadena, who indicated the city should revisit plans for a larger bronze statue honoring Canto Robledo.

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What they’re saying

“My father was known as a professional boxer, but that title only tells a small part of his story. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a man who believed deeply in giving young people a better path forward.”

— Joseph Robledo (pasadenanow.com)

“He didn't just teach them how to throw a punch. He taught them how to believe in themselves, how to stay out of trouble and how to keep going when life got hard.”

— Joseph Robledo (pasadenanow.com)

“I can't think of a more fitting tribute than a place where children can play, families can gather and the community can continue to grow just as he always hoped it would.”

— Joseph Robledo (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

The City of Pasadena will explore the possibility of creating a larger bronze statue to honor Canto Robledo, potentially to be placed at Villa Park near the community boxing facilities.

The takeaway

Canto Robledo's remarkable story of overcoming blindness to become a pioneering and influential boxing mentor in the Pasadena community serves as an inspiring example of the power of determination, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others, even in the face of significant adversity.