Alfonso Gomez’s event scores a KO

Alfonso Gomez (22-4-2, 11 KOs) hosted a “Boxing Superstars Meet & Greet” last Friday night in Pico Rivera, California. The community gathering with the City of Pico Rivera’s Department of Parks and Recreation was a real knockout of a night, as you can see in these photos that Alfonso and his brother, Robb, have shared with me.

Team Gomez was joined by several Southland boxers who met the fans, signed autographs and posed for pictures at Pico Park.

There was also a lot of “hardware” at the event–check out all those shiny metal crests and smooth leather that the champions brought to the party. Fans were able to see these prizefighting straps up close while meeting the boxer behind the belt.

On stage, the boxing heroes were honored with special city certificates as they were introduced to the audience. In attendance were fighters and champs Alfonso Gomez, Giovani Segura, Xavier Montelongo Jr., Freddy Hernandez, Miguel Vazquez, Charles Huerta, Shawn Estrada, Walter Sarnoi, Leo Santa Cruz, Armando Santa Cruz, radio personality Don Cheto, the City Mayor David Armenta and City of Pico’s Efrain Lee, among many others.

For Alfonso, the night was a great way to pay respect to fellow fighters; some he feels do not get their just rewards.

Upon contacting Gomez today, the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Champion told me, “The highlight of my event is that most of the fighters there haven’t been appreciated by the fans or promoters for their hard work in the boxing world–and we’re talking about World Champions.”

Alfonso has a valid point.

Let’s face it, folks…unless your last name is “Pacquiao” or “Mayweather,” grand opportunities–and even grander paychecks–sometimes don’t ever come your way. There are hundreds upon hundreds of champions, contenders, prospects and even journeymen that never will get the respect or recognition that they deserve.

Gomez agrees; thus his first-ever event last weekend that, hopefully, will help build fan recognition for many of these popular SoCal sluggers.

“Promoters and fans only care about the ‘top guys,'” the “Contender” star tells me. “But Friday night, nobody was above nobody…Everyone was equal and received the SAME respectful treatment and recognition–and to see their expressions as people approached them to inquire about them is the best highlight of all!”

While the veteran boxers mingled with new up-and-comers in the sweet science, Gomez was spot-on in his opinion that all the boxers were treated equally.

I spoke with one of the very brightest stars in the amateur ranks, Xavier Montelongo Jr., who echoed Alfonso’s thoughts. “It was a great opportunity, and very humbling to see the kids faces when we met them,” the Solid Rock teen, nicknamed “The Mongoose,” says. “I want to thank the City of Pico and all the fans for showing up–it was cool to go on stage and see all the supporters from East L.A.!” The 18-year-old is a multiple champion, with almost 200 bouts logged in. I asked him about the belt he chose (from his large bounty of championships) that he brought for the fans to see. “That’s the belt from the Ringside World Championships,” he replies. Next up for the amateur standout will be the Golden Gloves in March.

And even though he has yet to turn pro, Montelongo fit right in with the knockout group of professional prizefighters gathered at Pico Park.

Alfonso and his brother Robb, who was there representing their band Hy3rid (pronounced “Hybrid”), both say their favorite part of their new event is giving ALL the pugilists their time to shine.

“The event was great. We had six boxing champions and six undefeated prospects, also some MMA fighters showed up and a few retired boxers too…The event was a total success!” comments Robb, one of the organizers of the fiesta. “Also, I’ve never seen a boxing event take place with so much elegance. The place was set for a politicians–so you can imagine how cool it was.”

Growing up with nothing in Guadalajara, the Gomez family has never forgotten their roots. Now successful in boxing and music (along with third sibling, Zeuz), they now have the chance to give back, and it’s something they enjoy doing. These guys are the most down to earth you will ever meet and help to bring a positive aspect in the sport.

“Thank you so much, Michele…For everything,” Robb expresses, “and for all the support.”

“Will this become an annual event?” I inquire.

“I hope so, and not only an annual event but I was really impressed with what Alfonso told me. He said, ‘I see these boxers every day in the gym. I say hi to them and train every day but I’ve never felt a chemistry of friendship beyond the sport like I did today,'” his brother remarks. “‘We were here talking, getting to know each other, all for the same cause–but without the competitive feeling inside. I felt we could all be friends and become a huge family.’ So I hope this event brings boxers together and makes the boxing world a little bit more friendly!”

And next year already promises to be bigger and better says the Gomez camp.

“We’re gonna have it again next year–everybody was really happy with everything. The Maywood Gym boxers were saying, ‘This is really cool! I need to gear up for the next event and come even more prepared with photos, merchandise and stuff for the fans!'” Robb reveals. “All the boxers had never experienced something like this. Usually it’s just the ‘main event’ that gets attention, but last Friday everyone got the same exposure! All the boxers were commenting how exciting it was to feel appreciated. Miguel Vazquez said he had never been invited to something like this. I heard other boxers say, ‘How cool is this?’ while they were posing for pictures on the podium. From the champions to the prospects, everyone got treated like a celebrity. Everyone got attention and pictures taken. And everyone left feeling like a million dollars!”

There were obviously plenty of million dollar smiles from excited fans in the crowd too.

Sharing the spotlight, here is Gomez with the beaming group of boxers–and some championship “heavy metal” in Pico Rivera last Friday night!

Photos courtesy of Dulce Padilla/Team Gomez/Hy3rid