Chance Meeting for Promoter & Prizefighter
As they say in boxing, you gotta keep on your toes at all times.
As they say in life, you never know who you’re gonna run into when you least expect it.
At a recent Los Angeles Lakers basketball game, the world of boxing and basketball collided when Southland promoter Ken Thompson just happened to run into “Contender” star and former WBC Light Middleweight champ Sergio Mora at the Staples Center in downtown L.A. In a city that bleeds Purple and Gold, courtside tickets are the hot commodity as fans clamor to be part of this storied franchise.
Sitting in the same vicinity near actor Andy Garcia, actress Penny Marshall and the Lakers’ most famous “cheerleader” Dyan Cannon, were the boxing promoter and the professional prizefighter.
During a break between quarters, the two boxing vets greeted each other while briefly catching up about the sweet science. For both, 2012 looks to be a big year with lots of upcoming plans. And both are no stranger to the Staples Center venue.
Sergio, known as the “Latin Snake,” fought “Sugar” Shane Mosley to a draw at the Staples in 2010. Mora’s last fight was a stoppage against Shibata Flores in November. The local fighter, who has his own gym in Montebello, said he is looking to return to the ring in February. He is also known for his guest commentating during live fights.
Thompson is very familiar with the Staples Center as well since his boxer, former IBF titleholder Yonnhy Perez, fought Abner Mares there during the bantamweight tourney. The former World Boxing Hall of Fame President, who promotes his own monthly shows in Ontario and Corona, already has a packed lineup for the New Year. He and Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo have a full schedule on tap to showcase their young and talented stable bursting with over 20 champions, contenders and prospects.
One of their champs, Mauricio Herrera, will defend his IBF belt in taking on challenger Pier Olivier Cote on February 3 in Quebec. Thompson also told me about a very busy February coming up with two fight nights planned–on the same night and at two different venues. On February 24, their WBC Latino Welterweight Champion Artemio Reyes Jr. will square off at the Doubletree in Ontario with another popular draw Jose Reynoso also on that card. At an additional location, Ken explains that their other two champs, Juan Carlos Burgos and Efrain Esquivias, will be lacing up in their own separate fights for a televised bout.
While we would’ve all loved to continue talking boxing, the whistle blew and it was back to B-ball and the glamorous Laker Cheerleaders too.
Watching the big men take to the court, the hoop stars resumed action. Wearing those famous yellow jerseys were superstars Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Metta World Peace (the boxing fan formerly known as Ron Artest), Pau Gasol and company. In this game, the Lakers were victorious over their foes on the hardwood, beating the Utah Jazz in their first win of the new season.
It was a real KO night for all.
Check out the photo of Sergio Mora and Ken Thompson in front of the Lakers’ championship banners–as both are hoping for a banner New Year too.
Happy 2012 to all!
Photos by Michele Chong