“King” Reyes will STILL fight on April 13th!
WBC Latino Welterweight Champion Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. has one loss on his professional ledger. During his second outing as a new pro back in 2008, he was defeated by Mike Dallas Jr. The Mexican power puncher was no doubt pained by this early loss, feeling the sharp edged of disappointment seep in when he didn’t get the decision.
But that early loss and the mental pain of coming up empty is nothing like what Thompson Boxing Promotions’ hot prospect is going through right now.
Always “Fighting 4 Pops,” the lanky knockout artist has been a force in the ring–honoring his father Artemio Reyes Sr., who remained comatose after a tragic auto accident in 2008. This prodigal son stepped up–stepping in for his family–when his dad was unresponsive and bedridden, unable to be the bread winner for the fam.
Sadly, Reyes Sr. passed away on Tuesday. A visitation will be held next Monday, April 9; the funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10. Losing a loved one is never easy but the timing of this heartbreaking loss is more than ironic. After the Reyes family gets through the Easter holiday and the memorial services, the “King” and his camp will then gear up for his ESPN “Friday Night Fight” to take place on Friday, April 13 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Yes, that is correct. Just a mere ten days after the death of his father and the painful void it has left, Junior will really be “Fighting 4 Pops.”
Offering my condolences, I contacted Reyes Jr. (15-1, 12 KOs) to see if he would still be fighting in this rematch versus 21-year-old Alan Sanchez (9-2-1, 3 KOs).
Ever the brave warrior, there was never a doubt he would courageously fight on–to honor his beloved father.
“I WILL still be fighting on April 13,” Junior told me. “My dad wouldn’t want me to pull out…plus he IS the reason I fight so I’ll fight even harder!”
With “4 POPS” proudly proclaimed from his satin boxing trunks, Reyes Sr.’s only son will pound away his pain, hiding his heartbreak behind leather gloves aimed at his opponent in those four corners.
But this time, there will be someone special in the Reyes corner. An extraordinary force.
“He will be our guiding angel,” the 25-year-old slugger adds, of his father’s spirit and memory kept alive. “I’m going out there to bring the victory home for my dad.”
Scheduled for ten rounds, the KO king may not need to go the distance if his past bouts are any indication. Training out of the Capital Punishment Boxing Club with Ruben Castanon and Charlie Perez, this young banger has been getting a lot of attention, especially after his upset win over 2008 Olympian Javier Molina last October in Atlantic City. The Capital Punishment crew have a talented stable with Jose “El Niño” Reynoso fighting tonight in Thompson’s “Path to Glory” show.
Thompson Boxing promoter Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have been big on this Reyes kid for some time now. His fights always draw a huge local following with the fans showing up in support of their hard-working hero and Riverside Community College graduate who balances boxing along with school while managing the family’s El Taquito Restaurant in Colton.
Since the horrible car accident that maimed his father, Artemio has firmly stepped in to look after his family. Now with the sad passing of his Pops this week, Junior will now continue to carry on in his footsteps. Reyes Sr.’s widow, Fatima, has always been a rock of support for her son. She and many other family members, friends and fans show up to each and every fight confidently displaying their Reyes team spirit with pride. Cheering loudly as a Sombrero-wearing Reyes Jr. enters the ring, they have become notable for their horn blowing, banner waving and drum pounding support. Fatima (whose name is also on Junior’s shorts) is a “championship” mama in every sense of the word, banding the tribe together whenever her boy fights, bringing busloads of loyal fans in tow to root for her son.
I asked Artemio how this close-knit family was doing.
“We are doing okay…” he answered with a brave stance, “just thinking positive about his passing. He is longer in pain or suffering.”
“I’m sure my son will make him proud,” Fatima replies when I also offer her my condolences, “from wherever he’s watching over us.”
While tears may be shed upon Team Reyes’ planned victory one week from tonight, the family’s hearts will all be bursting with pride in knowing that Artemio Jr. will carry on for his father–and in his name.
“It’s BOMBA TIME!” Reyes Jr. says of his Las Vegas and ESPN showdown.
Artemio Reyes Sr. (“Tony”) always knew his son was a true warrior. Now the world will find out what a true champion the “King” really is.
My condolences to Artemio Jr., Fatima and their family.
Rest in Peace, Artemio Reyes Sr.: October 20, 1956–April 3, 2012
Descanse en la Paz.
Photos by Marlene Marquez