Former World Champion Andy Ganigan Fundraiser

[hawtinhawaii]

Andrew Ganigan is a Former World Champion Boxer, born and raised in Waipahu, Hawaii. He fought from 1972 to 1983, with an overall career record of 34 wins (30 by KO) and 5 losses. He is noted for his punching ability in The Ring Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Punchers of all time, which include George Foreman, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson. He gained National Recognition when he knocked out Mexico’s hero, highly regarded, world-ranked Tury “The Fury” Pineda with a vicious upper cut in the 2nd round.

In his earlier days, he was known as “Dandy Andy” or “Waipahu Sugarman” as he worked at the Waipahu Sugar Mill. He won the NABF Lightweight Title on March 28, 1978 over Vicente Saldivar. Andy captured the WAA Lightweight Crown by flooring Sean O’Grady 6 times and knocking him out in 2 rounds on Halloween night, October 31, 1981. This fight put Hawaii on the map for professional boxing. Mainland news media named him “Hawaiian Punch”.

Before concluding his explosive boxing career, Andy “Hawaiian Punch” Ganigan fought against legendary fighter The Great Alexis Arguello for the WBC Lightweight Crown. Ganigan floored Arguello in the 1st round, stunned him in the following rounds, but was KO’d in the 5th round after a grueling slugfest.

Andy continued to live a humble life, amongst friends and family, in Waipahu. On February 8, 2000, proudly escorted by his daughter Bridget, he was inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame along with Jesse Sapolu and legendary sports announcer Les Keiter. The Original “Hawaiian Punch” is “Dad” to his sons and daughter, “Papa” to his grandchildren and “Friend” to many.

On March 26, 2010, Andy was brutally assaulted, sustaining brain damage and injuries to his face and body. MRI shows he has bleeding in his brain. He requires 24-hour medical care and therapy presumably for the rest of his life. We, his family, are at our wits end. Police still haven’t made any arrests. The cost of Andy’s care is escalating. We need help. Can you please help us?

We are planning a Fundraiser on June 8, 2010 at Ige’s Restaurant and 19th Puka in Aiea, Hawaii 4pm-9pm with heavy pupu and desserts, entertainment, door prizes, raffle tickets and T-shirt sales. Its gonna be a fun event!
$25. Tickets - $30. Door

Please contact Michell Shue (808) 381-4000 for tickets and more info.

Monetary donations may be made to “Friends for Andy Ganigan” at any Bank of Hawaii branch or mailed to “Friends for Andy Ganigan” P.O. Box 894469, Mililani, Hawaii 96789.