An extremely hot Downtown LA was also hot bed of boxing on Thursday. 3 separate events throughout the day show an increased commitment to boxing in Southern California.
More proof of that is the first event of the day, the return of hard punching Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez (43-4, 31 KO’s) at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on October 10th.
There was little mention of his opponent, one Angel Priolo (30-7, 20 KO’s). Clearly this was an event designed to let the world know a pound for pound bad ass was coming back and this is where it begins.
It’s the same team for Vazquez but the game plan is different. Vazquez is coming off a long 20 month layoff due to 3 eye surgeries following his trilogy with Rafael Marquez. Trainer Rudy Perez talked of implementing a more technical style to Vazquez and staying away from constant toe to toe action.
Israel said he is hungry and is working on more speed and better technical skills in the ring. We know he can crack so if he adds a technical aspect look out.
This fight will find a domestic home soon but the prices are more than generous for this big event. Prices go from $25 to $200 and the Nokia Theater is an excellent venue to see a fight.
The second event was the big weigh in for WBC Heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko (37-2, 36 KO’s) faces Riversides Cristobal Arreola (27-0, 24 KO’s). Both men showed up around 3 pm and hit the scales at 3:10. Cris was first and he stepped on the scale wearing a T-Shirt? Michael Buffer announced his weight at 272! Cris said “I am just messing with you guys” and took the shirt off displaying a weighted vest.
Pretty funny and even better was his official weight of 251. Vitali weighed in the same and both seem more than read to get it on Saturday night at Staples Center. Tickets are also reasonable for this potential historic fight and they go from $25-$500.
The third event of the evening was a card at Nokia featuring Louis Ramos and look for that article on this site.
Southern California fight fans, if you have the time and can swing it financially come out and support these cards featuring local fighters. Boxing is alive and well and I don’t know a better place to be for fight fan than here. Much love to my hometown of Philly too.
Photo by Gene Blevins – Hoganphotos/GBP