“Path to Glory” Features a KO Show!
Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP) has been in the fight game for over 20 years now. On February 21, the Southern California-based company hosted their first live show of the year with an exciting “Path to Glory” card. Featuring six bouts of action, the standing-room only crowd cheered on the young combatants. The main event showcased Ruben Torres, who won a knockout victory over Gabino Cota in the fourth round.
The energy in the audience and the talent in the ring made for a KO night. President/Founder Ken Thompson and Vice President/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have been drawing a crowd for two decades. They continue to build their own world champions and contenders from a deep stable of young pugs. Through the years, their “Path to Glory,”New Blood” and “Locked ‘N Loaded” live shows have featured competitive battles in a fun, friendly and entertaining environment. Whether you’re a hard-core boxing fan or a newbie catching the action for the first time, the Doubletree shows and the outdoor Omega Products International venue always provide a solid night of fights.
During their recent show held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, there were many current and pro fighters seated ringside including former WBA/IBF champ Danny Roman, WBO titlist Ruben Villa, Mark “Madman” Hernandez (fighting James Kirkland March 14), Isaac Zarate, Danny Santiago (“The Contender”), Alex Castro (visiting from Colombia) and more.
In a break between matches, ring announcer Sonny Franco held a very special ceremony honoring veteran boxing judge/referee David Mendoza who passed away in January. There was a poignant “Ten Count” moment of silence for the respected official with David’s wife Teri and their daughter Natalie introduced in the ring for this moving tribute.
TBP continues to grow and expand with new talent emerging, live streaming on social media platforms and interactive experiences with the fans around the globe.
Hall of Famer Ken Thompson is known for his trademark suits and his successful businesses and he still takes time to personally greet guests at the gate. Celebrating 20 years in the boxing biz, the busy promoter has a full lineup of shows in Ontario and Corona for the rest of the year. Next up is a private show on March 14 and then an April 10 show back in the city of Ontario.
As a former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Thompson has long been an integral part of the fight scene especially in Southern California. His company continues to thrive in the sport as they build their own homegrown champions on the rise.
Congratulations to Thompson Boxing Promotions on their 20th Anniversary!
FIGHT RESULTS:
This past Friday, Thompson Boxing Promotions celebrated its 20th Anniversary in boxing with their signature “Path to Glory” event from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. In the main event, fan favorite Ruben “Ace” Torres (12-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated with a spectacular 4th round knockout over Gabino Cota (19-11-2, 17 KOs).
From the opening bell, Torres came out firing his jab while applying pressure. A looping overhand right followed by a left hook to the head, sent Cota to the canvas in round one. Torres stayed poised and controlled the action in rounds two and three. In round four, Torres landed a straight right to the body and Cota could not continue. Torres scored the knockout at the 52 mark of round four.
“My opponent was a warrior and showed a lot of heart,” said Torres. “I’m gaining a lot of experience with each fight. I know he was getting uncomfortable in there when I was going to the body. Eventually I ended the bout with a powerful shot to his ribs. I want to thank Thompson Boxing Promotion’s for giving me another opportunity to fight in front of my fans. I’m ready to step up and fight the best guys in my division. I believe I’ll become a world champion when the opportunity presents itself. I’m just going to keep working hard. My time will come soon enough.”
“Our 20th Year Anniversary show was a major success to start off 2020,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Ruben Torres is a world class fighter and I see him in big fights with all the top fighters at 135 pounds.”
“Torres showed he’s one of the brightest prospects in the lightweight division,” said Alex Camponovo, Vice President and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing. “His height and reach, along with his punching power will give anyone problems. He will soon be in a meaningful fight with a ranked opponent.
Undercard Results:
6-Round Lightweight Bout (Co-Main Event)
Lightweight George Acosta (9-1, 1 KO) outworked Ivan Benitez (14-4, 6 KO) over six rounds. Acosta used superior boxing skills and got the unanimous decision victory. Scorecards read 59-55, 60-54, 58-56.
8-Round Bantamweight Bout
Bantamweight Saul Sanchez (12-1, 7 KOs) routed Victor Trejo (17-12-2, 8 KOs) for eight full rounds winning a unanimous decision. Sanchez took the fight inside slugged out a hard fought win. Scorecards read 80-72 and 78-74 twice for Sanchez.
4-Round Featherweight Bout
Featherweight Jose Sanchez (6-0, 4 KOs) battered Luis Montellano (1-7-2, 1 KO) for four rounds. Sanchez applied a tremendous amount of pressure from the opening bell. Scorecards read 40-36 by all three judges in favor of Sanchez.
4-Round Middleweight Bout
Super Middleweight Richard Brewart (7-0, 3 KOs) scored a third-round knockout against Erick Martinez (14-16-1, 8 KOs). After landing some powerful combinations, Brewart ended the bout at the 1:36 mark of round three with a strong uppercut to the head.
4-Round Bantamweight Bout
Super Bantamweight Ivan Zarate (2-0) defeated Ulises Gabriel (0-2) by way of unanimous decision. Zarate displayed a great body attach throughout the fight. Score cards read 40-36 across the board.
Photos by Michele Chong