HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A ceremony was held in Waiʻanae, renaming the District Park Boxing Gym in honor of Fred Fernandez Pereira, Sr., also known as "Pops." The ceremony was held on Pops' 91st birthday, intended to permanently enshrine his legacy onto the boxing gym. The renaming was made possible with the passage of Honolulu City Council Resolution 24-222, spearheaded by Councilmember Andria Tupola. Early morning crash claims life of juvenile in Mililani "Pops was a cherished leader in the Waiʻanae community and the world of boxing from April 12, 1934 until his passing on April 25, 2024," Tupola said. "In 1972, he founded the Waiʻanae Boxing Club, which became a beacon of hope for local youth, addressing issues like drug abuse and juvenile delinquency. Under his mentorship, the club produced numerous champions and taught important life lessons such as hard work and respect. This renaming honors his profound impact, ensuring his legacy is remembered for generations to come." The event was filled with community and loved ones sharing stories of the iconic boxer, such as Senator Samantha DeCorte and Representative Darius Kila. Pops' daughter, Lena Marie Silva, expressed excitement for her father's legacy. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You "My dad made a huge difference, and you see that with the people here today, his ʻohana," Silva said. "Now the world's going to know about my papa and his legacy. It's going to live on forever." The entrance of the boxing gym is now adorned with a sign with Pops' name, with photographs, memorabilia and awards line the interior walls. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here The Fred "Pops" Fernandez Pereira, Sr., Waiʻanae District Park Boxing Gym neighbors the Shinyei Nakamine Gymnasium Complex as a part of the almost 23-acre Leeward Park. The recreation building in the complex is currently undergoing renovations and upgrades to its flooring, roof, bathrooms and more, but will become the fully realized Pops' boxing gym upon completion. ...read more read less