Thompson Boxing Promotions holds last show of 2009
There was something for everyone at last weekend’s “Path to Glory” show hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions, held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.
From dual pro debuts of scrappy fighters Ramon Valenzuela Jr. vs. Leonardo Saldivar to the the bloody, gutty main event between Patrick Lopez vs. Sergio Rivera, Ken Thompson and matchmaker Alex Camponovo closed out a successful year of shows with this last card of 2009.
But SoCal fight fans need not worry–the year 2010 will begin with a bang as Thompson tells me they are already planning a January show. As promoter of these popular fight cards, he hosts several “Path to Glory” and “Lock ‘N Loaded” shows featuring the best prospects from the Southland and beyond. His outdoor shows at Omega Products International in Corona are always a huge draw in the summer.
During breaks between the five Friday night battles, a “Ten Count” was held for Charles Casas and Lou Filippo, both former Presidents of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Thompson, also a former President, had special tribute photos for boxing referee/judge Lou Filippo available for the crowd.
Jim FitzGerald, emcee for the evening, knew Filippo for almost 25 years from back in their Forum boxing days. The announcer gave an emotional “Ten Count” for both fallen veterans, and was honored to be able to say “The Legendary Lou Filippo” one last time.
Special guests introduced to the audience included fighters Mauricio Herrera (whose brother Alberto was on the card), Abraham Lopez, Jonathan Arellano, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, Ruben Gutierrez, and trainer Bennie Georgino. Notable trainers Henry Ramirez and Joel Diaz were also in the ring.
Thompson’s “Path to Glory” has been a path to success for many young up-and-comers. He tells me, “We have a great stable of fighters right now. All of them are tremendous, tremendous talents.”
And the businessman certainly has proved he has an eye for spotting world-class talent early. Timothy Bradley and Yonnhy Perez, who he co-promotes with Gary Shaw, are now both world champs. Bradley will defend his WBO Junior Welter title against Lamont Peterson on December 12 at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. And as the pride of Colombia, Perez recently won the 
IBF Bantamweight Championship with his non-stop brawl against Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko in Las Vegas.
“Yonnhy is back home right now,” Thompson says, as he recounts the boxer’s exciting win last month. “He’s a hero back there! They held a parade for him in Cartagena and he even rode in a fire truck as they celebrated his victory. Now he gets to spend some time with his family.”
Another Thompson Boxing fighter, Abraham Lopez, is also on his own path to glory. After a victory in Houston last month, the 22-year-old is already looking forward to a possible fight in December. He is now co-promoted by Gary Shaw and Abe says he can’t wait to get back in the ring. With his 10-0 perfect record, be sure to keep your eye on this featherweight.
Here are some snapshots from the “Path to Glory” show–another exciting fight card from Ken and Alex!
Fight results:
Ramon Valenzuela Jr. vs. Leonardo Saldivar (Valenzuela by second round TKO)
Alberto Herrera vs. Jesus Vallejo (TKO in the second stanza–Herrera wins)
Hector “Teco” Serrano vs. Jamie Orrantia (Serrano given the nod by a unanimous decision)
Pavel Miranda vs. Vardan Gasparyan (A majority draw for the two warriors)
Patrick Lopez vs. Sergio Rivera (Lopez is victorious with a unanimous decision)
Photos by Michele Chong/ Ring photos of Ken Thompson courtesy of Marlene Marquez: Abe Lopez, Alan Martinez, Jonathan Arellano, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Bennie Georgino, “Teco” Serrano and Thompson with Miranda and Lopez