New Interview with the “KO King”
The “King” is back.
After suffering a defeat in his bout against Alan Sanchez in April of this year, Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. is back on track–and right on schedule–climbing up the ranks toward his dream of a title fight.
The slugger (17-2, 13 KOs) scored a KO victory Friday night at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” show at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California. This August 24 bout was against Texas challenger John David Charles (7-6, 1 KO) and was in defense of Reyes’ WBC Latino Welterweight championship belt. The Mexican warrior needed just two rounds to claim a W with a knockout win in the second stanza. The “KO King” proves he wants that shot at a world title.
Always a popular draw, the crowd went wild when their favorite fighter won. Junior is known for his spirited walkouts and large fan following. This time Team Reyes were all sporting sparkling crowns on their heads and blowing whistles hanging from their necks as they celebrated the KO with Reyes’ promoter Ken Thompson. A spirited and lively group they are.
And as the fighter would say, it was “La Bomba Time” in the ring!
I caught up with the triumphant boxer who trains at Riverside’s Capital Punishment Boxing Club with Ruben Castanon and Charlie Perez. Artemio’s father passed away this year after being rendered comatose from injuries suffered in an auto accident. Fighting for his dad will be forever in the welterweight’s DNA. Always fighting “4 POPS,” the boxer talks about his most recent win, explains his solid work ethic (as both a prizefighter, college student, and restaurant manager) and what the future holds for him.
Here’s “King” Reyes in our latest interview conducted the day after his latest victory.
Michele Chong: Hi Junior, congrats on your win last night! Hope I didn’t wake you up…Are you still celebrating?
Artemio Reyes: (Laughs) Thanks! I woke up early and I’m actually on my way to the restaurant (El Taquito in Colton) to work.
MC: The fights ended around 11 p.m. last night and you’re heading to work early this morning? No time to celebrate and take a break?
AR: I can’t stop. (Laughs) When we got home last night we did have a celebration but I gotta handle business. The restaurant never sleeps, so I can’t stop either!
MC: So what are your thoughts about your fight last night? It was quick work but did he manage to get to you at all?
AR: Yes, in the first round he came in with a looping left that really woke me up! I was wide awake after that. (Laughs) It was my first time as a pro facing a southpaw but I was prepared for him and I adjusted to his ways of attacking. He had wide looping shots but once I let go of my power and turned over my punches I got him with a straight right hand on the chin that stunned him. In the second round I hit him with a couple of uppercuts. His eyes went back in his head and he crumpled down. I heard his jaw might be broken and they told me he was taken on a gurney to the hospital too…
MC: I hope he’s okay. Was it more challenging for you to face a lefty for the first time?
AR: No, not really. It was a regular fight and we both came out throwing hard punches!
MC: I know you’re one of the hardest-working guys around. When will you return to the gym and do you plan on fighting on this current pace?
AR: I will be back in the gym on Monday! (Laughs) I AM a “workaholic”! Yes, I want to have two more fights before the end of the year. It’s the only way I get better. I want to fight again soon but it’s up to my team and management. I like to stay busy; I remember back in 2010 I fought once a month in September, October and November!
MC: Do you think you’ll take a break at all this year? You are planning a vacation during the holidays still–when it’s a slow time in boxing.
AR: I will…I’ll be taking a year-end trip to Florida for a cruise. But before that, it’s business as usual in the gym!
MC: You train with Charlie and Ruben at Capital Punishment in Riverside. I heard it’s always triple digits in the gym!
AR: Oh yeah. It’s usually 110º-115º and with the humidity it feels worse. We keep the heater on to make sure it stays hot.
MC: What? Gyms are usually hot inside anyways…you actually turn a heater on? Who does that? (Laughs)
AR: (Laughs) Yes, when I get there I turn the heater on or someone else will do it; it’s on a timer and we keep it going. It feels like “Hell’s Kitchen” in our gym!
MC: Do you feel the added heat enhances your training and work outs?
AR: Yes, I really do. The heat helps with everything–it makes it easier to sweat, to build the lungs and to lose weight too.
MC: Hmmm. Okay, maybe I’ll stop by your gym for a couple of hours; I’d love to lose five pounds! (Laughs)
AR: (Laughs) You’re welcome to come by and visit! We have a growing stable and it’s great.
MC: I know your stablemates always come out to support you as well as your family and friends. They literally come by the busload!
AR: They do! They are great. I always appreciate their support. My family is so supportive. Last night my sisters Helen and Mhelina were there and my mom Fatima is now in my corner.
MC: Your mom’s enthusiasm is awesome. I saw her up in the ring in the team tracksuit and headband! Is she officially a corner person now?
AR: Yes. After my father died, I decided I wanted her in my corner. So she’s my fourth corner. We’re doing it “4 POPS”…Always.
MC: Junior, congrats again on your win and have a good day at the restaurant today. And you are known for your chile, right?
AR: Yep. We are known for our Chile Verde. Sometimes fans come by to visit and it’s great to meet them. They’ll bring posters for me to autograph and it’s nice to have their support.
MC: That’s very cool. Well, I’ll let you head into the kitchen now. Have a good weekend and thanks again!
AR: Thank you, Michele!
Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. will continue his ascent up the ranks as he keeps his eye on earning those championship matches.
The Colton “King” promises to keep his nose to the grindstone–working hard to make his dreams come true–fighting 4 POPs forever.
Photos by Michele Chong/ Ring photos by Marlene Marquez