WBC Cares Supports Local Amateurs!
“Big Champions Supporting Little Champions” is the mission statement for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Cares nonprofit organization and this message was successfully delivered at yesterday’s 15th Anniversary party for the Burbank Boxing Club (BBC).
We were honored to have the WBC crew as our special guests at this annual function–a fun-filled picnic in the park. It was truly a KO day as special guests and champion fighters came out to join Southern California trainer and founder Steve Harpst’s amateur boxing club. Here’s an exclusive report as ex-heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster, Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon (former WBC Featherweight and WBC Super Featherweight World Champ), unbeaten young prospect Matt Villanueva, British lightweight Allen Syers, promoter and former World Boxing Hall of Fame President Ken Thompson, Don Fraser (California Boxing Hall of Fame President and Founder), female fighter Katarina De La Cruz and many others came out to lend their support to these local amateurs.
Representing the WBC sanctioning body were WBC Supervisor Dr. Rudy Tellez, WBC “Judge of the Year” Max De Luca, WBC Supervisor Bonnie Martinez and WBC Advisor Dr. Joe Noriega. Green and white WBC Cares patches, certificates and Cleto Reyes gloves (Alberto and Elizabeth Reyes) were included in the festivities. The WBC’s Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond and the WBC Cares committee have led the way in charitable efforts around the globe to assist, encourage and inspire the youth. I’ve also attended many fundraising events the group has held to help others in need like the Japan earthquake tsunami victims and functions for former boxing champs in need of assistance.
But Sunday’s affair was all about celebrating the children and teens–tomorrow’s future champs! Coach Harpst had a large crew of the amateur boxers there including BBC fighters Hector Lopez (who won Saturday night at an amateur show in Azusa), Adam Lopez, Damien Lopez, Bryan Gonzalez, RC Young, along with amateur stars known as the “Bash Brothers” Ryan Garcia and Sean Garcia and amateur standout Jesse Villanueva.
More familiar faces enjoying a day in the park with us were Jeannie Bone, daughter of Dub Harris (one of the World Boxing Hall of Fame founding fathers who recently passed away), boxing scribe Igor Frank, fight photographers Ray Flores and Eric Van Dyke, and Golden State Boxer’s Association’s Bill Dempsey Young.
“It was really a nice affair,” fight veteran Don Fraser raved. “It’s too bad people in boxing don’t get together like this more often. Good people, good food–let’s do this again soon!”
Attendees took part in a huge potluck-style buffet and BBQ throughout the day. It quickly became an impromptu reunion for many of the boxing vets and also a place to make some new friends as well. The WBC’s Rudy Tellez told me he remembers Chacon as an amateur and upon seeing a steady stream of fighters arriving, Rudy mentioned he also made mouthpieces for Lamon Brewster and Matt Villanueva. While Brewster has officially retired, Villanueva is on his way to the top. Matt will be 
fighting next month, but there was still time for the super flyweight to enjoy a cupcake or two at the gathering.
Highlights of the event included an action-packed water balloon competition with 20 teams vying for bragging rights as the 2011 Champ. Where else could you see former two-time world champ Bobby Chacon catching the slippery water-filled balloons tossed by his teammate, reigning WBC “Judge of the Year” and southpaw Max De Luca? Although the duo for the day didn’t win this time, they plan a rematch next year.
Besides the food, fun, games and prizes, the “icing on the cake” was a unique–and edible–work of art made just for the Burbank Boxing Club. Local chef Natalie (“Krazy 4 U Edible Favors & Cakes”) brought a colorful treat that stole the show. The Cordon Bleu student handcrafted a “Boxing Ring” cake complete with red boxing gloves, jumprope, workout bag, wood bench, floor mat and barbells–all edible!
As the chocolate cake was unveiled, many group photos were also taken as the young boxers got to meet the professional prizefighters. They all got a chance to get an autograph while receiving valuable advice from the pros. The youngsters gathered around the champions with eyes wide open as they listened and learned from the world titlists.
Heavyweight Brewster was an amateur champ and regaled the kids and teenagers with remembrances of his youth. Lamon also brought his wonderful “Fighting Connection” family with him including wife Juana and their three children. The former champ has been busy building his “Fighting Connection” organization for the boxing community. He and Southland promoter Ken Thompson hit it off at the BBQ with Brewster invited to attend Thompson Boxing Promotions’ upcoming show this Friday in Corona.
Bobby Chacon was also a big hit with the kiddies. The gregarious ex-slugger shadowboxed with the amateurs and had a grin on his face the entire day. “I really liked meeting all the kids,” Chacon remarked a day after the gala. “And the food was great–I’m STILL full!”
“I had a wonderful time; I couldn’t believe all the food,” Tellez, in the fight game for over four decades, said. “What a fun day! It was like being with family. And the kids were so great–you can’t ask for anything better than that.”
And for the kids, the BBC BBQ in the great outdoors was one last hurrah before heading back to school the following day. Sunday afternoon’s cookout stretched out their summer vacation in offering a nice sendoff before school began today.
The smiles on the kids’ faces said it all. Multiple world champs Ryan and Sean Garcia and their sister Kayla came all the way from Victorville to take part in the fiesta as special honorary members of the Burbank Boxing Club. Parents Henry and Lisa Garcia are dedicated members of the amateur circuit thriving across the U.S. Ryan just celebrated his 13th birthday and he and Sean had a blast having the pro champs sign their Junior Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves and Ringside championship belts.
Someday these amateur fighters hope to have a pro world title belt around their waist just like the gold and green WBC straps that Bobby Chacon shed blood, sweat and tears for in the ring.
But for now, they still get to be kids…Which meant playing and running around while enjoying one last taste of summer. And the youth have already begun asking Coach Harpst when the next BBQ or BBC fundraiser will be.
“Everyone’s already looking forward to next year’s BBQ,” Harpst chuckles. “I want to say thanks to everyone for coming out and celebrating with us.” The trainer and recipient of multiple “Best Fitness Instructor” awards was happy to see several charter members of his club back from its inception all the way to brand new members who just joined last week, including boys and girls, men and women. Coach Steve’s motto with his club is, “Building Better Citizens.” And the local community lend strong support with their generous donations Harpst received from Daphne’s California Greek, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks Coffee and Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill.
“I really appreciate all the donations from some great sponsors and individuals,” the trainer nodded. “Everything helps with buying new equipment or helping us cover travel expenses for shows. And the support we received from all our boxers and guests at this celebration was fantastic!”
Check out some exclusive pics from the knockout celebration.
Happy 15th Anniversary to the Burbank Boxing Club and see you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong
