Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced legislation to rename the Ramona, California post office in honor of Archie Moore, a world champion boxer and community service leader. The bill, H.R. 4982, proposes naming the U.S. Post Office at 1444 Main Street after Moore.
“Archie Moore was both a regional and national treasure whose public service and legendary sports accomplishments should never be forgotten,” said Rep. Issa. “For decades, “The Mongoose” commanded the heights of the sports world and then dedicated himself to Ramona and the region, especially through his youth foundation, Any Body Can. I am proud to join with the Moore family and the extraordinary Ramona Community to forever honor Archie Moore’s life and legacy here in Southern California.”
The introduction event took place at the Ramona MMA Center, hosted by owner Kevin Hosseini. Attendees included William T. Spencer from HUD Pacific, former Congressman Duncan Hunter Sr., and Moore’s children Billy and J’Marie Moore. During the event, Rep. Issa presented Billy and J’Marie with a framed copy of the official bill text and recognized Hosseini for his work in the community.
Moore was born in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation and overcame poverty to become a professional boxer in 1935. By age 39, he held the light heavyweight title and faced notable opponents such as Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali. Later in his career, he trained Ali at his Salt Mine Training Camp in Ramona.
After retiring from boxing, Moore established the “Any Body Can” foundation to help underprivileged children learn life skills through boxing. His humanitarian work received recognition from several presidents including Eisenhower, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.
President Ronald Reagan appointed Moore to work with HUD on Project Build, which taught boxing to underserved youth in California communities.
The “Any Body Can” Foundation continues its outreach today under Billy Moore’s leadership.
Darrell Issa has represented California’s 48th district since 2021 after replacing Duncan D. Hunter [source]. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 and currently lives in San Diego [source].
Following the event at Ramona MMA Center, Issa commented: “This gym is part of the glue that holds together the tight-knit community of Ramona.”
“Ramona played an integral part in [Archie Moore’s] life. On behalf of the entire ABC Youth Foundation, we thank [Mr. Issa] for his consideration of renaming the post office after Archie Moore.” – Billy Moore, President and CEO Any Body Can Youth Foundation
“Here at Ramona MMA Center, we teach the same values Archie Moore lived by, discipline, respect, and giving kids a positive path forward. Honoring him by renaming the Ramona Post Office is a powerful reminder for our youth that greatness comes from hard work and giving back to the community.” -Kevin Hosseini, Owner Ramona MMA Center
“Archie Moore was a world class athlete and citizen who set a lifetime example for young people who are seeking direction and inspiration. Congressman Darrell Issa is to be thanked for recognizing Archie’s legacy and submitting a bill in Congress to rename the Ramona Post Office to the Archie Moore Memorial Post Office. Decades ago, Archie Moore embraced Ramona and now, Ramona, indeed America, has the opportunity to acknowledge Archie’s remarkable life.” – Dan Summers, Chairman, Archie Moore Memorial.
“As a boxing fan, very few champions have accomplished so much in a short amount of time. A world-class community like Ramona deserves a post office named after a world-class champion like ‘the Mongoose.’ I’d like to personally thank Congressman Issa for honoring Archie Moore in this special way.” – San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson
