Thompson Boxing Promotions’ Local Heroes
The stars shined bright at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) 2019 “Night of Champions” live boxing show held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Orange, Calif.
The private dinner and fight night is a special fundraiser with this year’s recipient being the Burbank Boxing Club, an organization for amateur boxers.
The March 9 affair featured three fights on tap. Ukrainian star Taras Shelestyuk scored his 17th victory as an unbeaten pro with a unanimous decision win over Martin Angel Martinez. Their match was the main event at the yearly bash attended by guests and sponsors from Thompson Building Materials and more.
Also showcased in the ring were Mexico’s Angel Ruiz. He had a knockout night with his Round 1 demolition of his opponent Roberto Almazan. And Arnold Dinong opened the night with an entertaining bout against Miguel Angel Moreno; Dinong “The Hawaiian Pitbull” stays undefeated with a 40-36 shutout on all three judges’ scorecards.
Brandon Trejo was also scheduled to fight on the card but his opponent had health issues so the bout was canceled.
President/Founder Ken Thompson, General Matchmaker Alex Camponovo, Executive Assistant Jeanette Gonzales and the TBP crew welcomed the guests who entered the banquet hall. The evening began with a social hour with a live band headed by Luis Villegas and musicians performing on stage. The crowd also enjoyed photo ops with the beautiful ring card girls Ashley and Cassandra and also selfies with the champs, Olympians and prizefighters who were mingling with the ticket holders.
During the dinner there was a prize raffle, live entertainment in the ring (the versatile and popular singer/guitarist Roderick Chambers) and gifted anthem singer April Kae entertaining the patrons. Then noted ring announcer Lupe Contreras introduced the VIP guests to the audience. The show benefited the Burbank Boxing Club (BBC) and Ken Thompson presented a generous donation to boxing coach and BBC founder Steve Harpst.
Next up was a steady stream of familiar faces with current champions, past champs, hungry contenders and young up-and-comers taking their spot on the canvas as Contreras introduced a knockout lineup of talents ncluding WBA super bantamweight Danny Roman (fighting TJ Doheny April 26), Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez, Michael Dutchover, Erick Ituarte, Saul Sanchez, Richard Brewart, Max Becerra, Mario Hernandez, Louie Lopez, George Acosta, trainer Danny Zamora, trainer Eddie Gonzalez, commentator Carlos Avilas and more receiving commemorative medallions from the Hall of Fame promoter Thompson.
The spectators showed their appreciation for the fighters who took time to pose for photos and sign boxing gloves for the attendees at the gala; the autographed gloves were a nice souvenir for the centerpiece winners.
The “Night of Champions” dinner show is always a special treat for boxing fans; it’s something different than the usual fight nights and club shows that dot the southland. Wearing suits, coats and ties, the audience gets an up-close view of the boxing ring as each seat provides an excellent view of the action. The tables surround all sides of the ring giving the venue an intimate feeling and a chance to see boxing in a private setting and classy environment.
The local heroes said they had a great time watching the fights and also meeting the guests at this annual event.
Ken Thompson and team have a busy schedule as usual with promoting and co-promoting monthly fights in and around California and the U.S. Their next show will take place April 19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.
See you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong
