Exclusive: Pro Boxers at Unveiling Party
As 2014 comes to a close, it’s time to gear up for a brand new year. And a group of pro fighters promise 2015 will be a “knockout” year with this slick wall calendar that was unveiled last Thursday night at The Palms Restaurant in Downey, Calif.
The fiesta was hosted by fighter Alfonso Gomez (“The Contender”) and his wife, Dulce (“The Boxing Agency”). The festive gala was free to attend and open to the public. Here’s my special report with exclusive photos from the party that had a full house as fans came from near and far to be the very first to see this brand new calendar. It’s a nice souvenir highlighted by a KO group of fighters ranging from beginning pro to wily veteran.
Showcased on this new wall poster are fighters Mia St. John, Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, Jesus Soto Karass, Eddie “The Monster” De La Huerta and Edgar Nava. Four of the calendar models were there in person at Thursday’s gathering. St. John was at the WBC Convention and could not attend; Thompson was in Mexico for a December 20 fight.
Alfonso introduced the sluggers, special guests and sponsors as the fans continued to stream in. The artwork was framed and displayed onstage and copies of the calendar were handed out to all guests. The boxers met with the crowd and autographed the large calendars, making it an instant collectible for boxing aficionados. This “Pro Boxers Calendar Collection 2015” features the six-pack of prizefighters in various training modes. The shoot took place at the Elite Pro Boxing Gym in Santa Fe Springs (Steve Rodarte and Roger Ruiz). The photographer is Ramiro Gaytan with makeup by “Hair and Makeup by Ely.”
The unveiling was a big hit as the audience got a chance to check out the new calendar. Also in attendance were former WBC champ Erubey “Chango” Carmona, super bantamweight Danny “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Roman, Elite Pro Boxing Gym’s Steve Rodarte, All Star Boxing & MMA promoter Ed Holmes, female fighter Cassie Trost (who competed in pro boxing, pro MMA and pro Muay Thai), trainer Alfonso Gomez Sr., Hy3rid’s Zeuz Gomez and family, trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst, trainer Anthony Huizar, referee Ray Chavez and more.
The guests also got to meet some of the sponsors who had info booths and giveaways in the foyer leading to the restaurant. Boxing buff and businessman Joe Chavez was there to greet the VIP guests and fans. His special Sombra Apparel company began with “shadow” shirts of boxers and continues with his new line of “Train Hard, Fight Hard” T-shirts. The athletes commented that they’re great quality shirts worn both in and out of the gym.
The SoCal fighters enjoyed meeting everyone while they took a quick holiday break from the gym. Heavyweight Gerald Washington (who was also a USC football player) just scored a KO in his December 11 fight and remains unbeaten and a champion on the rise. Hawaiian Gardens’ Eddie De La Huerta is scheduled to make his pro debut on January 23 at All Star Promotions’ Quiet Cannon in Montebello. And Edgar Nava told me it looks like the month of February will mark the beginning of his professional boxing career.
The guys said they had a good time at this community event. And The Boxing Agency’s Alfonso Gomez and Dulce Padilla were very happy to present this free calendar to fans, thanking everybody for all their support. Gomez lists Señor Baja Fish Tacos, Sombra Apparel, Viva Los Sanchos Tequila, Montebello Auto Sales, Ronzio & Associates Immigration Attorney as this year’s sponsors. Alfonso designed the calendar art while he and Dulce organized the calendar shoot.
And the finished product is the glossy art that will be seen in gyms, restaurants, offices, businesses, schools in the community and beyond. Gomez mentions that this work of art is something that the fans can keep forever.
Looks like 2015 will be a “knockout” year!
Photos by Michele Chong
