Thompson Boxing Promotions hosts desert showdown
Some great swings were made by some Southern California fighters this past weekend at the 7th Annual “Golf Tournament of Champions” hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City.
Fighters Timothy Bradley, Mauricio Herrera, Alberto Herrera, Abraham Lopez, Antonio Diaz, Jonathan Arellano, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, trainers Joel Diaz and Willie Silva all joined the foursomes on the links to take their best shots at the tee. Whatever their handicaps were, the consensus was it was a great day of relaxation, 
laughs and camaraderie amongst an elite group of boxing’s best.
For promoter and President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo, this event provided some R&R before the powerhouse duo continue on to a busy and exciting month of high-profile fights for their stable.
Celebrating 10 successful years in the fight game, Thompson Boxing Promotions keeps right on schedule in their championship pace. This Friday night both Julio Diaz and Dominic Salcido have bouts on tap at Stateline, Nevada; on May 22 Yonnhy Perez will be facing Abner Mares; and Juan Carlos Burgos will be heading to Mexico for a May 29 matchup.
But away from the squared circle, the pugilists were invited to “take off the gloves and pick up the clubs” and enjoy a few hours on the rolling hills of a beautiful course that features 21 lakes and 85 bunkers on their Lagos and Cielo fairways. In the breezy warm Palm Springs temperature, we drove around on the golf carts taking in the sights.
Hear all about this great day on the greens; here is an exclusive look at the fun day in the desert sun.
The group of boxers have all golfed before and are quite proficient with the irons as I watched them hit the little dimpled ball. These knockout artists were also champs on the golf course, hitting with precision and power just like they do in the ring.
There were also a pair of knockouts in attendance who spent time greeting the guests. Lindsay and Christina, in their special aqua blue Thompson Boxing T-shirts, handed out cold drinks and gave complimentary gifts to the golfers. In between holes, the friendly guys at Belgard handed out refreshing drinks and took team photos of all the players in the tourney.
With the competition heating up, the teams were close in score as they rounded the last few holes. And after the 18 holes were completed, the participants converged in the Desert Princess banquet hall to await the announcement of the 2010 Thompson Boxing “Golf Champion” rights.
As the awards gala got underway, WBO Champion Junior Welterweight Timothy Bradley (co-promoted by Gary Shaw) led the benediction right before the filet mignon dinner was served. The boxer, nicknamed “Desert Storm,” lives nearby and always looks forward to this yearly affair. He’ll be fighting on July 17 at Agua Caliente against an opponent yet to be determined. Marcos Maidana recently pulled out of their scheduled brawl, so I asked Camponovo if they had a challenger yet for their unbeaten young champ. “It’s in the works!” he replied.
Bradley was accompanied by his pretty fiancé Monica and her two children, Robert and 
Alaysia. Their wedding just around the corner and the happy couple were all smiles as Timmy (25-0, 11 KOs) signed autographed and posed for pics with the crowd. And their kids were gave a very helpful assist to emcee Sonny Franco during the big prize raffle where the golfers all vied for a bounty of surprises. As guests enjoyed a tasty spumoni cheesecake, Robert (already a State Scholar at age 10) and Alaysia (the most charming 5-year-old you’ll ever meet), called out the lucky numbers as some grand prizes were given away, including a state-of-the art outdoor BBQ grill, autographed gloves, fight posters, a trip to Las Vegas, spa certificates, golf clubs and more.
Thompson thanked Camponovo, Art Olson, Jeanette Gonzales and everyone at Thompson Building Materials and Omega Products International, as well as their sponsors, boxers and golfers who all came to take part in an exciting day. Then came the official announcements of first place. With scores averaging 68-72, the first-place golf gladiators scored victory with a final tally of 58. Second place finishers were a close 59. For the celebrity teams, ring announcer Sonny Franco bagged first place braggin’ rights; close second was “Lil Thunder” himself, undefeated Jonathan Arellano.
I went to congratulate Arellano as we chatted with his fellow fighter Abe Lopez too. Both just 22, the boxing world better keep an eye on these hot prospects. The two sluggers are always crowd favorites at Thompson’s fight cards held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario and Omega Products International in Corona. And both boxers are training for their next bout; they are on tap to fight in June and July. And the two also keep busy outside the ropes. Abe (11-0) earned a degree in math and science and will continue classes in respiratory therapy. He is coached by the late Edwin Valero’s former trainer. Jonathan, a father of 2-year-old Josiah with wife Selina, tells me about his dedicated training regimen and his focus for a successful career in prizefighting is evident. He is trained by Henry Ramirez, heavyweight Chris Arreola’s coach.
Ken Thompson, a former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, comes by our group and is clearly impressed with the two fighters; Lopez was on Thompson’s April 23 show, scoring a huge TKO win in the first round. The well-regarded promoter and businessman says with a grin, “These guys are the next champions–GUARANTEED!” As co-promoter of World Champions Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez, Thompson knows a future champ when he sees one!
As he graciously thanked everyone for coming out, the guests said they’re already looking forward to next year’s function.
Congratulations to everyone at the Thompson Boxing Promotions “Tournament of Champions”!
Photos by Michele Chong
