Another KO Night for Thompson Boxing!

Ontario was the place to be last Friday night as Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “Path to Glory” attracted a whole slew of champions, contenders and up-and-comers who all came out to take in the action at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario.

This Southern California fight night is one of the most popular around town. Last weekend’s card featured six bouts of explosive combat including the main event of Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez vs. Gerardo “Locomotora” Espinoza and the co-main of Richard Contreras vs. Angel Torres. Abe Lopez was victorious in his featherweight scrap after scoring a fifth-round knockout. And Riverside’s “El Terminador” Contreras continues to impress after annihilating his opponent at 1:11 in the opening round.

Hall of Fame Promoter Ken Thompson and General Manager/Promoter Alex Camponovo have had a banner year as their full stable of talent has been frequently showcased in many of the major broadcasts.

Their own promotion of “Path to Glory” gives prospects and contenders a chance to shine under the spotlight.

Check out my snapshots of a real “knockout” bunch of sluggers who were in attendance and lending support to their fellow fighters.

Announced by emcee Sonny Franco, this crew of hard hitters took their spot on the canvas. Included in this pound-for-pound group of special guests is a long list of alphabet straps and numerous prizefighting titles!

Boxers greeting the sold-out crowd included NABF and WBC heavyweight Chris Arreola, former WBC titleholder Daniel Ponce De Leon, NABF Light Welter titlist Josesito Lopez, WBC Latino Welterweight champion Artemio Reyes Jr., WBA titlist Efrain Esquivias Jr., WBC Youth Intercontinental Super Bantam champ Jonathan Arellano, young boxers Charles Huerta, Saul “Neno” Rodriguez, Rashad Hughes, All American Heavyweight star George Faavae, youth amateur champs 2011 National PAL champion Ryan Garcia, Silver Gloves champ Sean Garcia, amateur multi-titlist Jesse Villanueva, former pro champs, ex-WBC Featherweight world champion Danny “Little Red” and the “uncrowned welterweight champ” Armando Muniz, World Boxing Hall of Fame’s Muniz, Dr. Joe Noriega, Claude Sutherland and Steve Harpst, famed trainer Bennie Georgino and many others.

Boxing transcends all ages and ethnicities. It is a fraternity of fighters bonded by their love of the sport.

As the champs made their way down from the ring, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola stopped to say hello to veteran boxing trainer Bennie Georgino. In their warm exchange, I watched as the well-regarded coach clasped Arreola’s fist, looked into his eyes while giving some words of wisdom, even wagging a finger at him during one point. While Chris always receives his share of criticism for his weight, training and discipline, I was curious what advice Georgino gave to the Mexican-American heavyweight.

“So I see Bennie was giving you some sort of advice, huh?” I asked Chris.

“Of course!” the amiable Arreola replied with a laugh.

“Bennie, what did you tell Chris?” I said, trying to coax the living legend to spill the details.

“It’s a SECRET!” Georgino answered with a twinkle in his eye.

Like I said, boxing is a fraternity.

As for Arreola, the power puncher is scheduled to fight in Mexico on November 5.

And as for many of the fighters at the Thompson card, it will be a busy time for all involved. Josesito Lopez recently waged a very close war versus Jessie Vargas and TBP’s Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo have an exciting schedule of matchups ahead. There will be a ShoBox October 28 showdown with Artemio Reyes vs. Javier Molina, a November 10 battle between Thompson’s newly-signed Aaron Martinez, taking on Ricardo Williams Jr. during an ESPN telecast and on November 12, Juan Carlos Burgos will face Luis Cruz on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao–Juan Manuel Marquez clash.

Back in the Inland Empire, Thompson and Camponovo will continue their own popular fight series (airing at later dates on Fox Deportes) with their November 4 “New Blood” card headlining Efrain Esquivias Jr. and Jonathan Arellano in separate bouts.

Once again, Ontario will be the place to be as stars collide inside and outside the ring.

See you at the fights!

Photos by Michele Chong