Ken Thompson Scores a Knockout!
Trading in the boxing ring for an ice skating rink, promoter Ken Thompson took to the ice at a special cross-promotion event held this week at the STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The Thompson Boxing Promotions Founder and President took to the ice along with some real “knockouts”–the girls from LA Kings Ice Crew. Along with boxing trainer Steve Harpst, the veteran promoter greeted the champions on ice including the popular Ice Crew beauties and fan favorites Carrlyn and Vanessa. The gals said that “fighting” is often seen among the hockey players, known for their big brawls and lively punch outs resulting in black eyes and missing teeth. “We love boxing,” the girls say, adding with a laugh, “and there are always a lot of fights breaking out at hockey games!”
Boxing and hockey co-mingled as Ken met with a famed play-by-play duo. Hall of Fame commentator Bob Miller (the “Voice of the Kings”) and former Kings right winger and longtime color commentator Jim Fox were at the special get-together for STAPLES Center premier patrons. Upon hearing that Thompson was a boxing promoter, “Foxy” says last Saturday there was a boxing match at the same venue during one of their hockey events. Last weekend, “Frozen Fury” (featuring the LA Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche) was held at the MGM Grand. “Oh you mean the Rafael Marquez vs. Toshiaki Nishioka fight?” I asked. “Yes! That was going on at the same time at the MGM so I saw a lot of boxing fans,” replied the ex-Kings player.
Thompson has a long relationship with the STAPLES Center; one of his fighters, Yonnhy Perez fought Abner Mares in center ring last year, in the same location where the ice rink is now standing. As the owner of Thompson Boxing Materials and Omega Products International (where their outdoor fights take place), Ken also enjoys bringing his team of boxers to the storied venue where the LA Kings, Lakers, Clippers and Sparks all play.
And next weekend, Ken will be returning to STAPLES with many of his Thompson Boxing fighters. “We’ll have some of our local boxers in a suite watching the Bernard Hopkins–Chad Dawson fight,” he says.
During this one night on ice, boxing was briefly put on the back burner as ice hockey took over for the evening. At this LA Kings party, Thompson briefly turned his attention to the sport of hockey. Taking to the ice, he tried his hand at shooting pucks into the net and also testing out a slapshot or two.
As they say in hockey, “He shoots! He scores!” Ken had his own cheering section with wife Vera, daughter Kelly, friend Maddy and the Ice Crew ladies all rooting him on.
While fighters use boxing gloves as their tools of the trade, players in the National Hockey League (NHL) use hockey sticks to score victories. Thompson, who has a full stable brimming with champions, current contenders and new prospects is used to being victorious inside the ropes.
As co-promoter (with Gary Shaw) he witnessed Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez both become champions, as well as Juan Carlos Burgos, Josesito Lopez and Mauricio Herrera. While the well-documented litigation continues with Bradley, the Inland Empire promoter is looking ahead to the future–and a busy future it most certainly is.
During the festivities at the STAPLES Center I had some time to catch up with the Southland businessman who promotes his action-packed fight series including “Path to Glory,” “Locked ‘N Loaded” and “New Blood” shows.
Colombian Darley Perez and Riverside’s Richard Contreras are two freshly-inked future stars signed by Thompson Boxing. Perez just won an impressive stoppage over the tough Oscar Meza on the “ShoBox” at Chumash Casino and looks to be a breakout star in the fight game. Thompson raves about this new-to-the-U.S. lightweight sensation saying he’s got what it takes–to take it to the next level.
Scoring three goals in hockey is called a “hat trick.” With Darley Perez, speed, power and a smart ring IQ just may be this future star’s “hat trick.”
Thompson is very impressed with his newly-signed undefeated slugger, ranked #5 in the WBA. “He’s got great accuracy and is a hard-hitting young boxer we believe has got what it takes to become a world champion.” Darley is trained by Danny Zamora, who also guided Yonnhy Perez to his championship.
“We have three new Colombian fighters that will all be on the same card in December,” the former World Boxing Hall of Fame President adds.
He also has rising stars Artemio Reyes Jr., Efrain Esquivias Jr., Jonathan Arellano, among other “young guns” making their mark.
This year has already been a banner one for the California Boxing Hall of Famer. “We’ve had 22 shows this year,” the promoter states with a smile. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. His next “Path to Glory” show will be on October 14 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. “Abraham Lopez will be the main event; Richard Contreras, Alberto Herrera and Rigoberto Flores will also be fighting,” he mentions.
Ken will be helming another Thompson Boxing show on November 4 sandwiched between travels with two of his fighters on high-profile undercards. Thompson’s featherweight Juan Carlos Burgos will be facing Luis Cruz on the Manny Pacquiao–Juan Manuel Marquez clash taking place on November 12 in Las Vegas and later this month Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. will be fighting fellow L.A. fighter Javier Molina on the Tony Thompson vs. Eddie Chambers card in Atlantic City on October 28.
As the entrepreneur juggles a lot of plates in the business world and the boxing universe, the multi-tasking Thompson is also quick to credit his matchmaker and general manager Alex Camponovo for helping to keep things running so smoothly. “Alex is amazing!” Ken nods. “He never stops; he’ll be on the phone during the night, taking calls and going over everything. Alex has been fabulous–he is the best!” Camponovo will be representing Thompson Boxing Promotions at the upcoming World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention later this year.
Pucks aside, it’s back to boxing as the promoter and his team get ready for the next “Path to Glory” show.
With a jam-packed schedule, boxing is never far from promoter Ken Thompson’s mind.
But for one night, the sweet science was put “on ice” as he took part in a unique experience at STAPLES Center.
Thompson Boxing Promotions
“Path to Glory” at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario
Friday, October 14
Tickets: (714) 935-0900
Photos by Michele Chong