17th Anniversary for Amateur Boxing Club!

Bobby Chacon, WBC, CBHOF & GSBA at Event

It was a knockout day for the champs, amateur fighters and boxing aficionados at the yearly “BBQ in the Park” for the Burbank Boxing Club (BBC). The amateur club hosted their annual potluck and picnic to celebrate their 17th anniversary.

Sunday’s gathering was the perfect summer send-off for the children, teens and adults who train with BBC Founder and Head Coach Steve Harpst, who boxed in his youth Joining the trainer were special guests including World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Champion Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon, former pro boxer James Wimberly (Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame), WBC Supervisor Dr. Rudy Tellez, California Boxing Hall of Fame President Don Fraser and Golden State Boxer’s Association President Bill Dempsey Young. Cleto Reyes’ Mike Serrano also lent a strong glove of support at this fundraising event.

The young amateur fighters got a chance to see the famed WBC championship belts up close while receiving WBC/NABF patches, WBC Honorary Member certificates and more from Tellez (who is also Chairman of the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum). The boxers got to meet the two-time world champ Bobby Chacon, who shadowboxed with the kids and signed autographs.

During the afternoon, guests enjoyed a BBQ buffet with homemade dishes along with treats from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Daphne’s California Greek. There was also a fierce water balloon competition, a hula hoop contest and coveted prize raffle for the nonprofit group. The prize bounty boasted a WBC Gold Medallion, a signed Cleto Reyes glove, cap and T-shirts, a commemorative teddy bear, Disney DVDs, deluxe luggage sets and more.

Before the lucky winners were announced, boxing trainer Harpst introduced some standout members of the club who have made an impact in the class. Assistant Volunteer Coach Maya Roseman has lost a whopping 56 pounds while training in the gym and was awarded a WBC Cares Silver Medallion for her inspiring story and dedication to the students in the boxing club. She has proven herself to be a role model for the members–and an integral part of the club.

“Maya is one example of how hard work leads to success,” Coach Steve announced. The trainer and award-winning artist has seen many students rise to the challenge that the sweet science brings forth. “I am very proud of Maya and all the members of the club–going strong for over 17 years now!” Harpst recently won a 2013 “Best Fitness Instructor” honor in his community and says he enjoys working with all the children and adults he’s met through the years. The boxing skills they practice teach discipline, strength, coordination all leading to a healthier lifestyle. And at this weekend bash, they stepped out of the ring for an afternoon of food, fun and games.

“I had a great time,” Rudy Tellez (also known as “The Mouthpiece Doctor”) said. He brought his grandson Anthony to meet all the kids. “Everyone really had a lot of fun and it’s a nice day outdoors.”

Back in the gym the next day, the boxing crew was still buzzing about their day in the sun. New members said they liked what a close-knit and supportive group the BBC members have formed. Members include both male and female, all ages and races that transcend the sport. The local club has a friendly, community spirit within. They made compete while honing their craft, but the supportive vibe is strong.

From original old-school members to brand new students, all celebrated a real “KO” day in the park!

Photos by Michele Chong