Fight night benefits three charities
Thompson Boxing Promotions scored another knockout this past weekend as they hosted a special fight night honoring three charities in the Southern California area. Their annual “Night of Champions” was held at the Doubletree Hotel in the City of Orange and the evening lived up to its billing as the sold-out crowd got to mingle with current boxing champs, future contenders, celebrity guests and more.
The night was a perfect blend of the sweet science and a first-class charity event as those in the audience were treated to live boxing matches while enjoying a filet mignon dinner. Promoter Ken Thompson told me they have been hosting these galas in Orange County for about five years now. “We sell out every year and it’s a great way to give back to several charities,” the businessman and former World Boxing Hall of Fame President commented as we watched the venue quickly fill to capacity. With Thompson Boxing’s Matchmaker/General Manager Alex Camponovo overseeing 
the pro fights and also an amateur exhibition, the energetic duo kept in constant motion as they greeted guests and fighters in attendance.
As I maneuvered my way around the entrance of the busy ballroom during the evening’s Social Hour, I encountered a boxer every few steps of the way! As a Mariachi band entertained everyone with some lively music, I first ran into IBF Bantamweight Champion Yonnhy Perez. The tough Colombian is fighting Abner Mares on May 22 and he said their recent Staples Center press conference was great with a lot of people in attendance. I then chatted with fighters Mauricio Herrera, Abraham Lopez, and Jonathan Arellano who are all planning to fight April 23 at the Doubletree in Ontario. These young pugs (all dressed up and looking sharp at the gala fundraiser) also looked in shape and ready to battle. Each one said enthusiastically that they are looking forward to their next fight.
Making my way through the hallway, I said hello to Chris Arreola’s longtime cutman “Indian” Willie Schunke. His favorite heavyweight is facing Tomasz Adamek on April 24 and Arreola’s cornerman said sparring is going well with “the big guy.” Two other boxers who are featured on the April 24 undercard both came out to support this annual event. The talented Jose Lopez is always a fan favorite at Thompson shows and is trained by the well-regarded Henry Ramirez. 
Jose said he’s excited about fighting at the Citizens Business Bank Arena next month. Junior middleweight Alfredo “Perro” Angulo is also on the Arreola-Adamek card and is another popular boxer who always takes time to pose with fans and sign autographs for the guests. And last Saturday night, the Mexican warrior had a gorgeous date with him–his four-year-old daughter Rebeca. The cute little girl was all decked out for the party in a frilly princess dress, pearl necklace and painted nails as her doting father proudly looked on. Not to be outdone, her dad was wearing a cool “El Perro” bracelet of his own and the pair made for a cute couple.
There was one other girl getting a lot of attention from the boys in the crowd. I caught up with model and dancer Lindsay, whom I recognized from previous Thompson fights. The former San Diego Chargers cheerleader was greeting the ticket holders and had a long line of photo ops with the guests. The Charger Girl is used to large crowds at the football stadium, but she said she really likes the energy of the fight community too and is always happy to participate at these boxing events. The pretty ring card girls also handed out complimentary beads and bracelets at the festivities.
Entering the banquet room before the bouts began, I joined the hundreds of patrons as we made our way around the tables and full-sized boxing ring that was set up. The floral centerpieces showcased red boxing gloves and Thompson Boxing mini posters were also at every table so the guests could take home an autographed souvenir from the splashy affair. Inside the venue, I said hi to Dean Lohuis, former CSAC Chief Athletic Inspector and loyal boxing enthusiast (who still takes diligent notes on every fight he watches!) and Dr. Joe Noriega, female fighter Carina Moreno’s manager.
Then the classy Jimmy Lennon Jr. entered the ring to announce the generous sponsors and VIP guests at the charity event. The event donations will benefit both the needy and at-risk youth. The three notable organizations were introduced as Yonnhy Perez, boxing trainer/manager Eddie Gonzalez and WBO Light Welterweight Champ Timothy Bradley (and RING magazine’s April cover boy) took to the canvas to represent the night’s chosen charities: Red Cross (Haiti and Chile relief efforts), the Crossroads Gym and a youth football league. World titlists Bradley and Perez, co-promoted by Thompson and Gary Shaw Productions, and Gonzalez all thanked the Thompson Boxing President as the three expressed their heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the checks for the charities. As the two champions climbed down the steps, both guys (always polite and down-to-earth) were surrounded by fans requesting a signature or a quick pic. Timmy also gave a warm 
greeting to the promoters’ “better halves,” Vera Thompson and Bea Camponovo.
During the program, the room was treated to competitive live pro fights and spirited amateur exhibitions. There was a heavyweight special attraction between Garret “Good Nite” Simon vs. Lamont Williams. As the crowd cheered in appreciation of the two sluggers, Simon was awarded a majority decision (37-37, 39-35, 38-36) after knocking down Williams twice in the opening round. In the Main Event were Alberto Morales vs. Alan Sanchez in a junior welterweight brawl. In somewhat of an upset, Sanchez wowed the crowd with a fifth-round KO over the previously unbeaten Morales.
Many in the audience make sure to frequent Thompson Boxing’s action-packed “Path to Glory” and “New Blood” shows, but there were also many rookies in the crowd who got to experience boxing for the first time. For these folks, they were given an up-close opportunity to see skilled up-and-comers as well as hungry, young amateurs who are honing their craft.
And since the celebration was called “Night of Champions,” Ken Thompson, Alex Camponovo and Jimmy Lennon Jr. invited the group of boxing stars inside the ropes–a powerful lineup full of 
pizazz. The Thompson fighters are a sough-after stable; look for these current boxers to be fighting at various Southland arenas in the next few months. Joining the aforementioned Timothy Bradley, Yonnhy Perez, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, Jose Lopez, Mauricio Herrera, Abe Lopez and Jonathan Arellano were fighters Julio “The Kid” Diaz (Thompson’s newest signee), Dominic Salcido, Daniel “El Travieso” Hernandez, Efrain Esquivias, Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, trainers Joel Diaz and Willie Silva and referee/judge Gwen Adair.
Now going 10 years strong, Thompson Boxing Promotions continues as one of the busiest and most successful SoCal fight promoters in the region, offering fans several shows a year at both the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario and the outdoor Omega Products International in Corona. But this one very special charity fight night is always one of their most memorable shows where they get to showcase exciting matches while giving back to the community.
Congratulations to Kenny, Alex, Jeanette, Alan, “Arturo,” and all of Thompson Boxing Promotions for a knockout “Night of Champions”!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst