TONIGHT’S “Locked N’ Loaded” just one week after Tournament
Prizefighters usually look for that knockout punch. At the recent 2012 Tournament of Champions, hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP), the boxers were looking for that “Hole in One” shot at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City, near Palm Springs. Hosted by founder and President Ken Thompson, this is a highly-anticipated affair for those in the Inland Empire and beyond. It’s a chance for the golfers to partner up with the boxing champs while competing for that all-important victory. In a span of just one week, Thompson Boxing held their annual golf tourney last Friday while also gearing up for TONIGHT’S live fights at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.
But before the fight game commences tonight (May 11), it was the game of golf that held the boxers’ focus.
The rolling greens were ready, the golf carts all lined up, and the weather remaining perfect as over 200 participants and celebrity guests headed out after the shotgun start.
Taking swings on the course were WBC USNBC heavyweight champ Chris Arreola, NABF Super Bantamweight champion Efrain Esquivias, IBF Light Welterweight titlist Mauricio Herrera, pro fighter Alberto Herrera, former WBC, WBA belt 
holder Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, WBC Supervisors Rudy Tellez and Dr. Joe Noriega, boxing trainer Henry Ramirez and trainer/manager Eddie Gonzalez, ring announcer Sonny Franco, World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) alum Steve Harpst and Richard Perry, among others. Thompson and Noriega are also past Presidents of the WBHF. Ring card girls Lindsay (a former San Diego Chargers cheerleader) and Christina also made the rounds as the golfers got to meet the brunette beauties sporting hot pink Thompson tees. Punchers Esquivias (fighting May 25 in an ESPN bout) and Herrera fight under the Thompson banner; Riverside heavyweight Arreola is a Goossen Tutor boxer.
Most of the sluggers had golfed before and mentioned that they enjoy the challenge of taking swings on the course. Teeing off, it was a fierce battle for this year’s braggin’ rights while fighting to stay on par on those lush Cielo and Vista links.
Perfecting their strokes, the champs gave everyone a real run for their money. As the pugs picked up the clubs in Palm Springs, the athletes applied their focus in a new way of getting that dimpled white ball to fall into the hole. And after the last cart came in, it was time to tally up the scores. Coming in first place was the San Diego #2 Crew with their score of 58; the Wilmington Team took second with 61 on the board. In the celebrity contender division, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola snagged first place honors while Efrain Esquivias Jr. bagged a close second.
All the guys told me they had a great time at this Thompson Boxing Golf Tournament, presented by Thompson Building Materials and Omega Products International. While they proudly wore their red caps embroidered with the “9th Annual Tournament of Champions,” I had a chance to chat with Team Herrera. Mauricio Herrera Sr.’s two sons, Mauricio Jr. and Alberto have both picked prizefighting as their profession of choice. Alberto just fought Las Vegas’ Anthony Lenk in Pomona and Mauricio recently went toe to toe versus Denver’s Mike Alvarado in an intense crowd-pleasing war. The pair are known for their toughness and heart.
The Herreras tell me their love of pugilism began very, very early–and it’s a real family passion. “My dad and uncles loved boxing and they would have us fight when we were kids,” Mauricio says, laughing at the memory. “So when I was little we’d fight–and they’d watch!” The Riverside boys were a big hit with the golfers as they signed autographs and posed for photos with their fans.
Later in the night, the special Awards Dinner was held. During the ceremony, a prize raffle was held as well as the announcement of this year’s tournament winners.
California Hall of Fame fight promoter Ken Thompson was introduced by ring emcee Sonny Franco. Thompson acknowledged all the sponsors, champions and attendees who came out for the competition: “This has been a fabulous day. A big thanks to everyone for making this the best year ever!” Many Thompson team members from the boxing side also lent their support to the event including Jeanette Gonzales, Art Olson and Carlos Baeza.
And the busy Team Thompson is not one to rest on their laurels. Right after the golf tournament, the camp went into full throttle mode to get ready for tonight’s live fights at the Doubletree Hotel in the City of Ontario. Setting aside their golf clubs, the boxing aficionados will be back ringside. Ken Thompson and TBP’s General Manager and Matchmaker Alex Camponovo will once again offer Southland boxing fans a night of “Locked N’ Loaded” action with a full card intact. The main event will be East Los Angeles’ Aron Martinez versus Joshua Marks and the packed card also has one female match that has fans salivating. Unbeaten female warriors Sindy “La Alacrana” Amador and Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana will engage in a “turf war” with Riverside’s Amador taking on San Diego’s Quintana on tonight’s event.
Crossroads Boxing’s Eddie Gonzalez said he had a great time at the tourney but like all the other corners, it’s back to boxing tonight. “I had a ball at the tournament! I’ll see everyone tonight at the fights too,” the Downey trainer and manager told me. “I have Isaac Zarate on the first bout of the night.”
While it’s back to boxing for all parties involved, the champs will always remember their relaxing day on the links.
From the boxing ring to the golf course, here’s some exclusive shots of the fighters enjoying a day in the desert–and see you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong
Ticket Info: (714) 935-0900 (Also available at the door)
Thompson Boxing Promotions
“Locked N’ Loaded” Live Boxing
Friday, May 11
Doubletree Hotel
222 North Vineyard, Ontario
Doors: 6:30 PM/ First Bell 7:30 PM