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Candelario "Candy" Lopez

Candelario Lopez MJJ Award.jpg

(L-R) Michael Johnson's brother-in-law Steve Radack, Michael Johnson's widow Nikki Johnson, Candy Lopez, Michael Johnson's sister Jamie Radack, and Michael Johnson's father Dan Johnson.

Candy began his career with San Jose Police Department in 1976 and was promoted to sergeant in 1990.  He worked a variety of assignments in the department including patrol, Field Training Officer (FTO), Juvenile, Child Abuse, Missing Persons, Violent Crimes Unit, Backgrounds, Reserves, and PAL.

 

Candy was one of the founding directors of PAAF and was Vice President when he retired from the board.  In 2008, he was inducted into the PAAF Hall of Fame for his achievements in soccer and boxing.  He was an amateur boxer for San Jose Police Activities League (PAL) and SJPD.  His titles include:

  • NorCal Junior Olympics champion

  • San Francisco Golden Gloves champion

  • Four-time San Jose PAL champion

  • Ten-time California Police Olympics champion

  • International Police Olympics champion

  • World Police & Fire Games champion

 

Candy was the boxing coordinator for the 1985 World Police & Fire Games and the 2001 California Police Olympics, both of which were held in San Jose.  He has also hosted numerous local, regional, and state amateur boxing matches and tournaments.

 

As successful a boxer as Candy was, his coaching career is unmatched.  He has coached the following local organizations:

  • San Jose PAL Boxing Team

  • Santa Clara University Boxing Team

  • San Jose State University Boxing Team

  • San Jose Police Department Boxing Team

 

Additionally, Candy has coached the following national and international organizations, teams, and individuals:

  • 2000 U.S. Olympic Boxing team

  • 1991 & 1999 Pan American Boxing teams

  • 1996, 2002, and 2008 Youth World Championships teams

  • 2004 Women World Championships team

  • 1988, 1992, and 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials

  • 25 International Dual Meets

  • 28 U.S. National Championships

  • 2012 U.S. Olympics Trials Champion, Eros Correa

  • 7 National Collegiate Boxing Association Champions

  • 5 USA Boxing National Champions

  • 18 National Collegiate Boxing Association All-Americans

  • 22 nationally-ranked USA Boxing boxers

  • 10 SJPD Champions

 

Candy is the current coach for San Jose PAL and San Jose State University boxing teams.  When he isn’t coaching, Candy volunteers at Most Holy Trinity School, Second Harvest Food Bank, USA Boxing, and California Golden Gloves.  He has received numerous awards for his community involvement and his time spent coaching youth sports.

 

For his outstanding dedication to athletics and the community, Candy Lopez is awarded the Michael J. Johnson Memorial Award.  The award is being presented by Michael Johnson’s sister, Jamie Radack.

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