Congressman Issa Introduces Bill in Ramona Honoring Boxing Legend Archie Moore

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced legislation to rename the Ramona, California post office in honor of world champion boxer and community service leader Archie 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.”

Issa’s bill, H.R. 4982, will name the U.S. Post Office at 1444 Main Street in Ramona after Moore. The event led by Rep. Issa was hosted at the Ramona MMA Center by owner Kevin Hosseini. 

Also in attendance were William T. Spencer, HUD Pacific, Regional Administrator, former Congressman Duncan Hunter Sr., and Moore’s children, Billy and J’Marie Moore. During the event, Congressman Issa presented Billy and J’Marie Moore with a frame of the official bill text and recognized Kevin Hosseini for his contributions to the Ramona community. 

Born into poverty in segregated St. Louis, Missouri, Moore defied the odds and discovered his passion for boxing. In 1935, Moore turned professional, and by age 39, earned the light heavyweight title. Over his career, he faced legends including Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali, and would later go on to train and advise both Ali and, predominantly at his “Salt Mine Training Camp” in Ramona, California.

Upon retirement from boxing, Moore established the “Any Body Can” foundation to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to learn life skills, emphasizing self-discipline, confidence, and resilience, through the sport of boxing. Moore has been recognized for his humanitarian work by numerous Presidents, including Eisenhower, Reagan, and H.W. Bush.

President Ronald Reagan appointed Moore to work in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop Project Build, teaching boxing to underprivileged youth in California’s under served communities.

The Foundation’s outreach has continued to grow, and “Any Body Can” is still serving California’s youth, led today by Moore’s son, Billy. Moore’s life stands as a testament to overcoming adversity through determination and giving back to his community through humanitarian work.

Issa’s bill, H.R. 4982, will name the U.S. Post Office at 1444 Main Street Ramona after Moore.  The introduction event led by Issa was hosted at the Ramona MMA Center in downtown Ramona, and following the gathering, the Congressman said: “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

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