Looking back at their decade of building Champions
Thompson Boxing Promotions has been bringing the action to Southern California fight fans for 10 years now. At their “Path to Glory 2010” show held last Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, a special announcement was made celebrating their milestone 10th Anniversary in the fight game.
President Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo, Matchmaker and General Manager, have been promoting a successful series of live pro boxing shows including their sold out “Path to Glory,” “New Blood,” and “Locked N’ Loaded” events. At each and every show I’ve attended, it’s always a full house packed with fans who are treated to lively matches, celebrity guests, pretty ring card girls, fun giveaways and more.
In the commemorative anniversary program given out to all attendees, Thompson, former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, states, “Shortly before May 2000, we embarked on a vessel that has taken us on an incredible voyage.
“Through this very ring, we have seen former champions solidify their careers, young kids in the beginning of theirs, and future champions on the road to stardom.”
The promoter and entrepreneur also thanked fans, sponsors and boxers for their ten years of loyalty. The Thompson Boxing stable is brimming with talented champions, contenders and prospects including Timothy Bradley, Yonnhy Perez, Mauricio Herrera, Juan Carlos Burgos, Patrick Lopez, Jose Lopez, Abe Lopez, Dominic Salcido, Efrain Esquivias, and Danny Hernandez.
Fans familiar with Thompson shows are accustomed to high level energy while watching some of the best up-and-coming champs in a cozy setting where every seat offers a great view. For those who want to relive the night, fight replays also air on Fox Sports en Español. At last weekend’s show featuring five bouts, the main event was Mauricio Herrera vs. Efren Hinojosa, with Herrera and his stablemates Patrick Lopez, Abe Lopez and Efren Esquivias all fighting that night and earning one more win on their ledgers.
While attending many shows through the years, I’ve witnessed exciting pro debuts to brawling grudge matches to scintillating knockouts and more. SoCal fans also get to meet many of the VIP guests that have frequented Thompson shows in the past couple of years including Fernando Vargas, Jimmy Lennon Jr., Alfredo Angulo, Chris Arreola, Yusaf Mack and countless 
others.
“The Nightmare” from Riverside, Chris Arreola himself, stopped by to show his support at Thompson’s recent show. The heavyweight is always a popular attraction and had a long line of well-wishers waiting to get an autograph or photo with the friendly Mexican-American slugger.
HBO’s “unofficial” ringside scorer Harold Lederman was also in attendance. The East Coast resident was in town for the Arreola-Adamek fight also taking place in Ontario the following 
evening. Harold enjoyed catching up with everybody in the West Coast boxing scene and says he always looks forward to attending Thompson shows whenever he’s in town. I caught up with the affable Lederman today; he’s in Vegas for the Mayweather-Mosley showdown but says he can’t wait to return to Cali.
“I always love being in California where there’s more boxing than any other state,” Harold said about last week’s visit to Thompson’s night of fights. “These are some of the best fighters, really good fighters here.”
Saying Vegas was a bit chilly, he enjoyed the weather much better in L.A. “And it’s fun being at the fights; we had a big weekend–three shows in three nights: Nokia, Thompson’s Doubletree and Arreola-Adamek. It was a big weekend in boxing.”
Lederman has known Arreola and Thompson for many years; Chris even fought on Thompson shows in 2003 and 2004. “I really like to watch action guys like Chris Arreola,” Harold said with a chuckle, “who said he was ‘Baba Booey’ed’ in the fight! I mean who says that? Only Chris! I bet Mayweather or Mosley won’t say that.”
Other familiar faces from the L.A. boxing circle were trainer Bennie Georgino, former boxers Rodolfo Gonzalez and Jimmy Jackson, and cutman Joe Chavez, who were all part of this 10th Anniversary “Path to Glory” show.
One very special guest at the show was fighter Danny Hernandez, who is recovering from a gunshot to the head. I had a chance to visit with the fighter and his trainer and they showed me a video of “El Travieso” already working out on the speed bag. Less than a month after the shooting, Danny is a walking miracle and a testament to the heart and courage of boxers. “I 
can’t wait to get back in there,” he told me as he looked up at the ring.
Also introduced inside the ropes, a special “Ten Count” was held by ring announcer Sonny Franco to honor the passing of legendary referee Arthur Mercante and well-regarded promoter Lorraine Chargin.
Besides the boxing shows held at Doubletree, Team Thompson also hosts their highly-anticipated summer series at the outdoor Omega Products International. But before those cards take place, it looks like Thompson and Camponovo will be kept busy with their reigning champions and contenders.
Scanning the boxing calendar, I see that newest signee Julio “The Kid” Diaz will be taking on Herman Ngoudjo on May 14 at Buffalo Bill’s at State Line. Dominic Salcido vs. Guillermo Sanchez will also be showcased on the undercard. Next up will be their Colombian sharpshooter Yonnhy Perez (co-promoted by Gary Shaw ), who will face off against Abner Mares on May 22 at the Staples Center on the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez card. And expect more fireworks in the ring when Tim Bradley (also co-promoted by Shaw) takes on challenger Marcos Maidana on July 17 in a desert duel at Agua Caliente.
After fights against Nate Campbell and Lamont Peterson, everyone was abuzz over who Bradley would battle next. Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi, Luis Carlos Abregu were potential names mentioned. Bradley had told me that Khan didn’t want to fight him and both he and Camponovo have always said they’ll fight anyone.
“Timmy will fight anyone at 140,” Alex would always say with confidence. “ANYONE!”
Now the WBO champ will tussle with the Argentinean powerhouse. And Bradley is the perfect example of his own “Path to Glory” through Thompson Boxing. Still unbeaten with 25 victories, the boxer from nearby Palm Springs made his professional debut at Thompson’s outdoor Corona venue back in 2004. Flash forward six years later, and Timothy Bradley is a Ring magazine cover boy and current WBO light welterweight titlist.
Who will be Thompson Boxing’s next champions in the next 10 years? After their first prodigious decade, expect more champs to emerge from their stable.
Here are some snapshots from their special anniversary show. Ten years going strong, a “Happy 10th Anniversary” to everyone at Thompson Boxing!
Ring Photos courtesy of Marlene Marquez/ Additional Photos courtesy of Michele Chong