Meet & Greet With Alfonso Gomez & Fighters

The “Chatter Box” is spreading the word that TONIGHT is the night for the special boxing calendar unveiling helmed by Alfonso Gomez and his new “The Boxing Agency” company.

This gala is FREE to attend and open to the public. The fiesta will take place at The Palms in Downey, Calif. at 7 p.m. Fighters greeting the fans include Alfonso Gomez, Jesus Soto Karass, Eddie De La Huerta and Edgar Nava. Fans get the opportunity to be the first to get their hands on this boxing collectible which will be given out with compliments of Team Gomez and their sponsors.

Here are some my exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the calendar shoot which took place last month with the six champs and boxers featured in this “Pro Boxers Calendar Collection 2015.”

Starring in this new wall poster/calendar are popular female champ Mia St. John, “Champion on the Rise” unbeaten heavyweight Gerald Washington, WBC titlist Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, veteran warrior and fan fave Jesus Soto Karass, amateur champ/new pro Eddie De La Huerta and boxer Edgar Nava (also turning pro). The photos were taken at the Elite Pro Boxing Gym in Santa Fe Springs. Steve Rodarte and Roger Ruiz (Elite Pro Boxing Gym) and Sombra Apparel’s Joe Chavez were also at the shoot lending support. I had a great time watching the action as the fighters were filmed individually (both inside the gym and outside) and also in a group shot. They had their hair and makeup done by Ely as they smiled while the camera clicked. The boxers all said they had fun being part of this project.

This six-pack of fighters were handpicked by Alfonso and his wife Dulce Padilla and the finished product offers a variety of boxers. The busy group all have a lot going on right now but took time to be “models” for a day. Mia St. John is currently in Las Vegas taking part in the famed WBC Convention, Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington just scored a KO victory at Pechanga on December 11 and will be shooting a TV commercial today, and Yeyo Thompson will be fighting this Saturday in Cancun for a WBA strap. And young Eddie De La Huerta will be making his professional debut January 23 at the All Star Promotions show.

Gomez and the trio of athletes (Soto Karass, De La Huerta, Nava) that will be there in person tonight will greet all the boxing aficionados that come out to join the festivities. the The former WBC Continental Americas welterweight champ fought in July of this year, adding his 24th victory as a pro with a win over Ed Paredes.

I spoke with Alfonso today to hear the latest about what he’s got planned for this highly-anticipated unveiling.

“I can’t wait for everyone to see the calendar!” the boxer known for “The Contender” told me. “We really enjoyed getting together with the boxers and doing this calendar. I’m humbled to have this group of fighters on the calendar. They are a great group!”

The SoCal pug also said the calendar is perfect for fans, boxing gyms, restaurants, stores, etc. “It is the first in our new collection and it is definitely a collectible,” he added. “And these fighters are doing well in the careers. I’m happy for them all.”

And you can be the very first to own this work of art (shot by photographer Ramiro Gaytan/Gaytan Productions) at tonight’s gathering. Gomez says he will also have an update soon for fans who can’t be there to pick up their calendars tonight.

Alfonso mentions that tonight will be a great evening for all. And he wants to thank all his sponsors and supporters who he says are invaluable to making this calendar the best it can be.

“I really want to thank all our sponsors including Señor Baja Fish Tacos, Sombra Apparel, Viva Los Sanchos Tequila, Montebello Auto Sales, Ronzio & Associates Immigration Attorney,” Gomez says.

And during the November shoot, Alfonso had a hard-working crew all hustling behind the scenes to ensure knockout photos. I witnessed a team of professionals all working together to make sure the schedule stayed on time. Gomez’s wife Dulce was instrumental in organizing and overseeing the day as well.

Alfonso (who designed the calendar art) gives thanks to the shooting crew including the Elite Pro Boxing Gym, Gaytan Photography, Hair and Makeup by Ely, and The Boxing Agency (Gomez and his wife Dulce Padilla).

The artwork will be unveiled and displayed TONIGHT. So come out and get your own autographed calendar at the boxing party with the fighters!

Boxing Calendar Unveiling Party
Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
The Palms Restaurant
8060 E. Florence Avenue
Downey, CA 90240

Photos by Michele Chong