KO for Actor Burt Ward & Promoter Ken Thompson
Holy Smokes, “Chatter Box” readers! “Batman” and boxing will collide this weekend at the Open Workout hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. This FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC event will take place THIS Saturday, October 6 in Fontana, Calif. The doors open at 10 a.m.
Actor Burt Ward (“Robin” from the famed TV series) will be making an appearance at the outdoor bazaar held at Thompson Building Materials in Fontana, Calif. The legendary “Caped Crusader” will be joining a slew of boxers who will take to the ring to showcase their skills. Scheduled to step into the ring are fighters Richard “El Terminador” Contreras, Ricky Duenas, Juan Reyes, Javier Torries, Alejandro Luna, Lissette “La Chivita” Medel and Matt Mychajiiv.
The boxers will be featured in Thompson Boxing Promotion’s upcoming “New Blood” boxing show to be held on October 19 at the Doubletree in Ontario. Special invited guests also include WBC Silver Welterweight Champ Josesito Lopez and former WBC Super Bantam Champ Israel Vazquez. Emcee for the festivities will be ring announcer Sonny Franco. The fighters and the “Batman” star will be available for photos and autographs at this community event hosted by Thompson Boxing.
With a growing stable of prizefighters, President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo are recognizable in the Southland for their competitive and action-packed bouts.
And while entrepreneur Ken Thompson is known for his endeavors in the boxing world, he is also a businessman in the world of building materials–and now dog food. Yes, dog food! But not just any dog food, mind you…I caught up with both the boxing promoter and the “Batman” actor who are working together to bring Gentle Giants to canines around the world. Thompson is a big supporter of Ward’s all-natural dog food and is currently a distributor of the product. And Burt is a longtime boxing fan, who in his early years was involved in combat sports including martial arts.
I caught up with the man who portrayed “Robin” in the classic TV show at the recent COMIKAZE Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Besides talking about dogs, we also chatted about boxing. He loves the sweet science and really has a great appreciation for pugilism. Burt and the infamous Batmobile were in attendance at the February Thompson Open Workout held at the Fontana acres and he loved meeting the fighters who were there. The actor says he enjoys his partnership with Thompson in bringing Gentle Giants to more homes across the country and it’s been a successful teaming between the two. The thespian (and animal advocate) is also well known for his Canine Rescue and Adoption Program.
And Thompson said Burt Ward will be back this Saturday to meet both animal aficionados and boxing fans alike. At the earlier bash back in February, the crowd got to watch shadowboxing and sparring sessions, enjoy a live broadcast from KGGI 99.1 Radio, and cruise around the various food trucks and craft booths set up on the spacious lot.
Now in Round 2, a new crop of fighters will be available to meet and greet the fans. Founder Ken Thompson raves about his newly-signed boxers and his ever-growing stable of champions and contenders and says this is your chance to chat with them and get an autograph from your favorite fighter. It’s also a great opportunity to meet Burt Ward, whom Thompson heaps much praise upon.
“Burt is one of the greatest guys to work with,” the Hall of Fame promoter told me. “He’s just fabulous with everybody and very charismatic. He’s doing a great job helping so many dogs and it’s been a real pleasure working with him.”
Thompson and Ward have proven they are a “one-two punch combo” in working together–a KO team in boxing and beyond.
And while I can’t guarantee that the “Batman” actor will be sporting his famous tights worn in the ’60s TV show, you are guaranteed a knockout day of watching the Thompson team of boxers show off their skills in the ring.
So if you’re looking for a fun family experience, head on out to Fontana where “Batman” and boxing awaits!
OPEN BOXING WORKOUT
Thompson Building Materials
11027 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, Calif. 92337
Gates Open at 10 a.m.
Photos by Michele Chong