L.A. boxers are guests at local event
Fighters Israel Vazquez, Shawn Estrada, Alfonso Gomez, Walter Sarnoi, and Paul Gonzales arrived at the World Boxing Hall of Fame’s (WBHF) 2nd Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive–all ready and willing to help celebrate the holiday season. The early dinner took place this past weekend at the Commerce, California landmark restaurant Steven’s Steak and Seafood House.
The spirited group of L.A.’s bright young boxers were the guests of honor, receiving a personal invitation from WBHF President Adolfo Perez, “I asked the fighters and champions if they wanted to participate in the party and they all said yes. Everybody is happy to be here and it’s great to see everyone!”
President Perez surprised his Executive Committee and Board of Directors with an awards ceremony to show his appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout 2008. The Ring Mundial publisher generously presented trophies to all board members in attendance and also gave awards to some special invited guests at the function. He and WBHF Vice President Julian Eget announced each recipient with comments about their contributions to the sport of boxing, sometimes adding a humorous anecdote into the introductions as well. It was a friendly, comfortable atmosphere, which is exactly what they were hoping for.
“I wanted to show my appreciation to everyone for working so hard,” explained Perez, as the honorees happily hoisted their new trophies in the air.
The outgoing Eget added, “We’re here for a toy drive–that’s what it’s all about. And everyone’s having a good time too; it’s a nice family and friends event.”
Taking the stage alongside Perez and Eget were super bantamweight champ Vazquez, hot prospect Estrada, “The Contender” favorite Gomez, up-and-comer Sarnoi, and Olympic Gold Medalist Gonzales. The fighters helped present the festive trophies to WBHF members and the other special guests in the crowd. The young athletes are still in training, even during the holidays. The active boxers are looking forward to the New Year, with plenty of fight action that we can look forward to as well.
For Vazquez-Marquez trilogy fans, you’ll be happy to hear that “El Magnifico” (43-4, 31 KOs) is planning to once again take on fellow warrior Rafael Marquez (37-5, 33 KOs) for a fourth go-round. “I want to fight Marquez again. It could be in March or April,” said the WBC Champion Emeritus.
Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs), recently signed by Goossen Tutor Promotions, is looking to get in the ring next month for an undercard battle during the Antonio Margarito-Shane Mosley matchup. The middleweight says, “I’ll be fighting on January 24 at Staples Center.” The Beijing Olympian had his debut in November at the brand new Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, then quickly added a second victory to his pro record on December 13 during the Morongo fight night (scoring first round knockouts in these two fights).
Both he and his good friend Sarnoi are getting noticed in boxing circles, sharing the same record of 2-0, 2 KOs. The super bantamweight and former Golden Gloves champ Sarnoi told me about his third pro bout, “I’ll be fighting in Fresno in January.”
And popular Gomez (18-4-2, 8 KOs), is not only a favorite with fight fans, but also with a fast-growing legion of music fans too. The welterweight and rap star is in a band called Hy3rid (pronounced “hybrid”), along with brothers, Roberto and Jesus. Lead vocalist Roberto, happy and appreciative with all the buzz their band is receiving, says, “We’re working on our second album right now and it will be out in Spring 2009.”
During the boxing party, the guests were offered plenty of Christmas cheer and were treated to a steak and shrimp dinner, delicious desserts, and a complimentary prize raffle with holiday gifts handed out to the lucky winners. The event was a nice break in the hectic yuletide season, and a chance to meet, socialize, and playfully joke around with each other before the year ends. A bonus was the opportunity to donate toys for a very good cause.
WBHF Secretary Deanna Marinez brought her three children and other family members to the 
gathering, and all were assisting with the toy drive collection. She was thrilled to see two huge boxes fill to the top with new, unwrapped toys, “Through Para Los Niños, we’ll be delivering the toys to a school for underprivileged kids. We like to associate with other non-profits and work with charitable organizations. Last year we went to a preschool and this year we’ll be giving the toys to kindergartners.”
The non-profit organization (founded in 1979) is coming off the heels of a busy year of events, including a “Women in Boxing” show, a golf tournament, the annual Banquet of Champions, a Thanksgiving charity event, and this current toy drive for the underprivileged children.
Continue to check this website for updates of the WBHF’s planned events for 2009.
Thanks again to President Perez, the Board of Directors, and to all of the fighters for coming out and joining everyone at the Holiday Party & Toy Drive!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst: “Santa” Israel Vazquez; Shawn Estrada, Walter Sarnoi, and Paul Gonzales at the party; Michele with brothers Robb and Alfonso Gomez; the WBHF and holiday trophies; Secretary Marinez’ children and “Santa’s Helpers” Justine, Eric Jr. and Nathan; the Perez family, boxing manager Cesar Flores with the young fighters; Adolfo Perez and Julian Eget and the Board of Directors, including Adolfo Perez Jr., Steve Harpst, Frank Martinez, Josie Mejia, and Gwen Adair