Michael Carbajal Way Signs Honor Champion Boxer

​The Phoenix Street Transportation Department joined with the family of Phoenix legend and six-time world champion hall of fame boxer Michael Carbajal on Tuesday to unveil ceremonial signs identifying Fillmore Street from 9th to 10th streets as Michael Carbajal Way. The blue signs with white lettering are flag mounted on the sign poles at the northeast corners of 9th and Fillmore streets, and 10th and Fillmore streets near Michael Carbajal's 9th St. Gym.

Various elected officials, community leaders and local celebrities were among the several hundred people who gathered at 9th and Fillmore streets for a celebration to unveil the signs and recognize Carbajal's career and impact on the community.

Carbajal was a professional boxer for more than a decade, winning six world championships and being named the prestigious 1993 RING Magazine Fighter of the Year. Also known as "Manitas de Piedra" (Little Hands of Stone), he had a highly decorated amateur career, winning a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. In 2006, Carbajal was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At his 9th St. Gym, he provides a place for youth to gather, learn, work out, socialize and become responsible members of the community.

As part of Phoenix's Ceremonial Street Sign Program, a requesting organization or individual is responsible for the fabrication, installation, maintenance and repair of ceremonial signs, which require City Council approval. The fabrication and installation costs for the Michael Carbajal Way signs was funded by the Camunez Family Trust. The Street Transportation Department fabricates and installs the city's street name, speed limit, traffic control and memorial signs.

Installation of the Michael Carbajal Way signs was approved by Phoenix City Council on March 20, 2024. ​​