All Star Boxing Coming to Woodland Hills
All Star Promotions is known for their live shows at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello where the 
Southern California team have hosted the “Battle of the Rising Stars” and “Combat United” events through the years. Known for their spirited crowds and all-action bouts, the promoters will be hosting a special show this month at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills on Thursday, June 21. “Mixed Combats: The Rising Stars of Boxing, MMA and Muay Thai” will take place in the Grand Ballroom in a new united combat show.
I caught up with All Star’s promoter Ed Holmes and matchmaker Pete Hironaka at last Saturday’s show that featured boxing, pro MMA and amateur MMA. The guys make it clear that they will continue to promote their popular series up on the hill of the Quiet Cannon Country Club. But in a couple of weeks, Holmes and Hironaka will also be trying a new venue for this month’s contest.
All Star first became known for their boxing shows, but through the years requests from local fighters and the demand of fans have seen the company branch out in offering mixed martial arts, Muay Thai and California Amateur Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) competitions at their sold-out events. I’ve attended their shows for many years and have watched the promotion expand as the sport continues to change and grow.
Mainstays like ring announcer Jim FitzGerald, All Star’s bevy of ring card girls and special celebrity guests are still showcased in the All Star Boxing & MMA promotions. These days, there are also new additions like large screens and flat screen TVs located in the building enhance the fans’ experience during these fight nights.
Fans continue to pack the house and rock the venue and the promoters are appreciative of all this loyal support. “I want to thank everyone for joining us at these shows and for always being here through the years,” veteran promoter Ed Holmes told the crowd as he stood center ring. Emcee “Fitz” also announced boxing luminaries in the attendance including former WBA Lightweight Champ Art Frias and IBF Female Flyweight Champ Ava Knight.
Matchmaker Pete Hironaka says it will be a busy summer for the SoCal promotion. “We’re also having a show on August 18,” he mentions. “This is our boxing and Muay Thai show at the Bonaventure; it will be a night of standup.” They put on an annual night of combat at the famed Westin Bonaventure Hotel that is a popular draw for fans.
The promoters look forward to their summer showdown in Woodland Hills where Valley fight fans will get to see some of the rising stars, along with some local favorites. Boxing manager Ivaylo Gotzev (IFC Gym in Van Nuys) and Robert Ortiz Sr. (Kid Gloves Boxing in Simi Valley) introduced me to one of the 
combatants on the June 21 card, James “The Beast” Williams. The muscle-bound slugger was hard to miss with his hulking presence and his assortment of tattoos covering most of his body. “The Beast” will be in action at the Warner Center Marriott and says he can’t wait till showtime.
Trainer Ortiz Sr. told me his son, Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz Jr., is also scheduled to lace up. Fighting out of Scraptime Fight Club, the Ortiz family is already training the next generation of fighters. Robert Jr.’s son, Timmy, is now fighting amateur.
As Ed, Ivaylo and Robert unveiled the brand new poster for June 21, “The Beast” signed autographs and posed with the fans. Besides James Wilson and Robert Ortiz Jr., the promoter adds that Oxnard fan fave Roger Romo (Fernando Vargas’ brother) is also slated for the event.
For fans, the night will offer a little something for everyone: Plenty of boxing, MMA and Muay Thai for all.
See you at the fights!
“MIXED COMBATS”
All Star Promotions (in association with Square Ring Promotions and Epic Sports & Entertainment)
Thursday, June 21 7:00 PM
Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills
Tickets: (818) 575-0151
Photos by Michele Chong