Fred Pereira, known as Coach "Pops," was a man of many talents and passions, leaving an indelible mark on the Waianae community and beyond.
In his younger days, he could be found racing his dirt bikes or surfing at beaches in Maili. In his adult years, he used his skilled hands and creative mind to become a master carpenter and there wasn’t anything Papa Fred couldn’t build.
However, it was in the realm of boxing that Pops found his true calling. In the 1970s, he founded Waianae Boxing Club dedicating himself as the head coach to shaping not only the athletic abilities but also the character and resilience of his young fighters.
Pops achieved numerous accolades throughout his life as a coach, including induction into the Golden Gloves of America National Coaches Hall of Fame in 2019. He made history as part of the Hawaii National Golden Gloves team, bringing home three gold medals and coaching the first Hawaii boxer to claim a national Golden Gloves championship.
In 1976, Pops won a Team Trophy at Hawaii state AAU Boxing Championships and the Hawaii State Golden Glove Team Award by capturing 4 individual titles at both events. In 1977, he won the Hawaii Golden Gloves Team Award for five individual division winners, and in 1986 brought home the Hawaii Golden Glove Team Award and Best Boxer Awards. Pops coached a total of 22 professional boxers from Hawaii throughout his career, and countless more in the community.
Outside of the gym, Papa Fred cherished moments spent with his family, especially his grandkids catching a movie at the theater, even if it meant watching the same one over and over again. On the weekends, you could catch him at Zippy’s in Kapolei ordering his favorite strawberry and cream waffles and Zippy's famous Saimin with an apple pie alamode.
Fred “Pops” Pereira's legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring. He was a pillar of the community, a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who knew him. Pops was nothing if not giving, always willing to give the shirt off his back to someone in need and never expecting anything in return.
His unwavering loyalty, boundless compassion, and tireless dedication will forever be remembered and cherished by the countless lives he touched.
As we gather to honor his memory, let us celebrate the extraordinary life of Coach "Pops" Fred Pereira and the profound impact he had on our hearts, our community, and the world of boxing.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0