Thompson Boxing’s House of Champs

“Path to Glory” Returns on February 22!

This will be one busy year for Thompson Boxing Promotions. I caught up with Team Thompson and the champs this past weekend at a special meet and greet with promoter Ken Thompson and fighters Josesito Lopez, Mauricio Herrera, Ralph Lopez, Artemio Reyes Jr. and Juan Reyes. The boxers signed mini posters for the fans while chatting about their upcoming fights.

Artemio and Juan are both on the “Path to Glory” show taking place on Friday, February 22 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. This will be the first live show of 2013 presented by Thompson Boxing.

And this show will kick off a KO year for Founder/President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo as they have one live show planned each month (from February through November) to be held at the Doubletree and the outdoor Omega Products International. It will be quite a full schedule for the Thompson crew of champs.

These cards have proven to be a fertile ground for up-and-comers and champs in the making and this year will be no different.

Two Riverside, California pugs have fought in many barn burners at the lively Thompson shows.

Both Josesito Lopez and Mauricio Herrera honed their skills early in their careers at the Doubletree and Omega venues. Lopez (co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions) found worldwide fame and watched his fan base blow up after winning his WBC Silver Welterweight belt in his June 2012 upset over Victor Ortiz. And Herrera is another tough customer the fans really enjoy watching. In 2011, Mauricio won his IBF North American Light Welterweight Championship in his action-packed showdown against Ruslan Provodnikov (who will face Tim Bradley on March 16). Both Lopez and Herrera always come to fight. They never back. down, facing their foes with courage and heart that has earned the respect in boxing circles and beyond.

Herrera told me he’s looking to get back in the ring himself in April. No opponent has been named yet but there are two sluggers he’d like to feud with. “I’d love to eventually fight the winner of Rios and Alvarado!” Mauricio told me. Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado will tangle once again on March 30. Herrera fought Alvarado last April and was also hoping to take on Rios last July but, unfortunately, that bout did not come to fruition. So the junior welterweight would love nothing more than to fight the victor of the upcoming Rios-Alvarado rematch. He looks lean and ready and looking to lace up again.

And who will Jose Lopez square off with next? Word on the street was that he was the frontrunner to fight Amir Khan if the war was on U.S. soil. As of now, no new plans have been decided yet. But Lopez says he still wants to fight in April. “I will fight anyone,” the “Riverside Rocky” replied when I quizzed him for the latest news. “I just wanna fight! And hopefully we’ll have some news soon.”

However, he WILL be in the ring on March 9–but in the corner of his younger brother, Rafael Lopez, who is making his comeback in boxing. The Brothers Lopez are training together and both are really looking forward to Ralphie’s return. “I can’t wait to get back in the ring!” Ralph states. “I want that feeling again.” Ralph will be looking for his sixth victory as a pro and hopes to continue striving for the top as he has witnessed his older bro Josesito do. Jose is excited about training his sibling and the duo can’t wait till Thompson’s March 9 bash.

Ken Thompson has a full stable with his champions, contenders and hungry rising stars all looking to make a mark in the sport. Team Thompson continues to build champions, one fight at a time.

For many, the shot a world title is in their sights, close to their grasp. And monthly boxing shows like “Path to Glory” and “Locked N’ Loaded” give these young punchers a chance to shine.

Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. has become a homegrown hero at these fight nights. He is known to bring in busloads of loyal supporters with his fans dressing up in King Reyes gear, pounding on drums and blowing horns in celebration. Artemio is a WBC Fecarbox Welterweight and WBC Latino titlist who keeps his focus on the future. I asked him about his February fight.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a great show,” Reyes told me, “and display myself as a fighter who continually works on improving in order to show I can fight for a championship!”

Thompson praises his young champs. “These are all fabulous fighters,” he says, “and we really have a great show planned for February 22nd!”

The main event will be San Diego’s Chris Martin, who will face Jose Angel Beranza in a fierce rematch.

During the Thompson gathering, the Lopez brothers, Herrera, Reyes Jr. and Reyes signed autographs and posed with the guests.

It was also weekend family time for the fighters as the boxers were able to share the day with their wives and girlfriends. It’s the families that sacrifice the most while the athletes are in training camp, traveling for bouts and suffering the strict discipline of being a professional prizefighter so a rare occasion away from the gym is a treat for all. And at the Sunday gala, the power punchers were able to get a quick break away from the gym.

Check out some exclusive photos from the day–and be sure to join the “Path to Glory” on February 22!

Tickets: 714-935-0900 (February 22, 2013 at the Doubletree Ontario)

Photos by Michele Chong/ Artemio Reyes Photo Courtesy of Team Reyes