Local Fighters on the Rise!
On a hot Friday night, boxing matches sizzled in the ring at All Star Promotions’ night of pro boxing and amateur Muay Thai kickboxing presented by promoter Ed Holmes and matchmaker Pete Hironaka.
With seven boxing matches and seven amateur Muay Thai fights erupting, the large crowd at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello cheered on the combatants delivering inside the ropes. And it was a knockout night with four of the seven boxing matches ending in KO victories.
In the main event, Ismayl Sillakh scored a TKO over Alvaro Enriquez in the opening round of a scheduled eight rounder; Terrell Williams won by KO in the second stanza of his match against Bernardo Guereca; Troy Corbin also got a TKO victory in his bout versus Roberto Valenzuela; and Jose Hernandez won by KO in his pro debut against lefty Elliott Lemon, also making his pro debut.
In the battle of pro debuts, both Hernandez and Lemon had plenty of supporters in their corners. The crowd was on their feet for this action-packed feud with many saying this one was “Fight of the Night.” Hernandez was aggressive, coming out swingin’ from the get go. Lemon, fighting out of the Sweet Science Boxing Gym, did his best to try to ward off the punches of his foe. But Jose kept connecting, going to the torso of his opponent and unleashing a barrage of shots aimed at the lanky Lemon.
Hernandez was victorious with the bout waved off by referee Raul Caiz Sr. in the third frame. After his pro debut win, Jose came out of the dressing room a hero to the throng of family and friends who came out to catch his big debut.
I caught up with the fighter while Team Hernandez was celebrating. Jose trains with Coach Alan Cox at the House of Fitness. Many of his Hernandez’s fans made the drive from Antelope Valley and Lancaster to watch his bout. “We sold 120 tickets,” the boxer, surrounded by a large group of supporters, told me. “I’m really happy everyone got to see me fight–it’s great having my friends and family here!”
Jose told me he was very satisfied with his win over the southpaw Lemon. The middleweight has fought lefties before and has some combat experience as well. “I have fought 12 amateur Muay Thai fights,” Hernandez nods.
Since 120 tickets were snatched up quickly by his team of supporters, the warrior hopes to be back in the ring soon, looking for his second win as a new pro boxer. Fans can catch Jose in action on August 9, as he is scheduled to be on All Star Promotions’ next fight night.
All Star’s show also brought out champs and contenders in boxing including new champs Khabir Suleymanov (NABA USA Bantamweight) and Matt Villanueva (WBO Latino Super Flyweight). Matt just won his brand new belt on June 21 in Mexico City. The boxer was there with his brother, Jesse Villanueva, who is also a pro fighter with six victories. The Villanuevas are trained by Shadeed Suluki, who also coaches the main event’s Ismayl Sillakh.
Ring announcer Jim FitzGerald also introduced Fabian Ocegueda, a young prospect on the rise with an undefeated record of 8-0-1. Also known as “Lil Rocky,” the junior welterweight is a popular draw at the All Star fights. The Montebello High School grad is a fan favorite and will also be featured on the August 9 card.
On Friday night, Team Ocegueda was well represented with the fighter and his uncle Julio Ocegueda at ringside lending support. Fabian (Jaime Ocegueda Jr.) is a fourth-generation fighter. His dad is Jaime “Rocky” Ocegueda who fought at the Forum. “He retired ranked #7 by the WBO,” Julio says. “Now I just want to help my nephew conquer them belts!”
Emcee Jim FitzGerald had the distinction of now having introduced both father and son in the ring. “I introduced Jaime during his fights,” the announcer known as “Fitz” tells me during a break, “and I have also introduced ‘Lil Rocky’ in the ring.”
Look for Fitz, Team Ocegueda, Team Hernandez and All Star Promotions giving the fans another KO night of combat on August 9.
Check out some of the exclusive photos from the night including shots of Fabian “Lil Rocky” Ocegueda, WBO Champ Matt Villanueva, Jesse Villanueva, new pro Jose Hernandez, Hall of Fame referee/judge Gwen Adair and Ring Card Girl Nairobi.
Photos by Michele Chong
