Boxing Fundraiser for Villa-Parke
It’s not every day you see fiery fisticuffs at a gorgeous private estate on Markham Place in Pasadena, Calif. Surrounded by historic homes, towering shady trees and wild parrots, the suburbs in this SoCal area is known for its beautiful houses where the movers and shakers in the San Gabriel Valley reside.
But on Saturday afternoon, 22 boxers squared off in a backyard boxing ring set up just for this special fundraising show for the Villa-Parke Boxing and Fitness Center restoration and expansion plan. “A Fighting Chance” was hosted by Pasadena’s Villa-Parke Head Coach Fausto De La Torre and show organizer Barbosa Polverini.
This USA Boxing-sanctioned show was an entertaining day for the guests in attendance. I have to say it was a nice change of pace to see the fighters square off in the great outdoors instead of the usual hotbox gyms where shows usually take place. There was a taco bar, refreshments and city officials showing support at this event.
The proceeds will benefit the longtime gym which opens its doors to the wayward and underprivileged youth in the surrounding neighborhoods. Giving the kids and teens a chance to learn the discipline of the sweet science can also be a deterrent to the lure of drugs, gangs and crime.
VIP guests included Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck, amateur boxing champ Tamara Espinet (who served as the ring announcer) and pro fighter Ricky “Showtime” Quiles. Ricky is now training fighters at his own brand new gym. During his career he had 39 pro victories and fought everyone from Julio Diaz to Nate Campbell to Edner Cherry and more. Quiles is based in L.A. after living in Lorain, Ohio for many years. He introduced me to a young athlete making his boxing debut at the show. Wayne Mackins (an acclaimed dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet and Debbie Allen) and trainer Lee Tonks were looking forward to lacing up at the weekend show.
There were plenty of competitive matches with the young guns blazing on the canvas. The sun was shining, a light breeze was flowing while punches were being thrown inside the ropes. And win or lose, the amateur bouts provide a great training ground for boxers of all ages and levels. Saturday’s bash featured sluggers ranging in from 11 years old all the way to the Masters division with a bout between a 57-year-old (Edward Powell from Ventura) versus 48-year-old George Perez, hailing from Santa Clarita.
Coach De La Torre and the Villa-Parke Youth Boxing Club presented trophies to all the participants. The gold statues did not proclaim “First Place” or “Second Place” on the name plates, a decision made by the coach. “I wanted all the fighters to take one home, regardless if they won or not,” Fausto tells me. “Everyone’s treated the same–and I feel they are all winners.”
The veteran coach grew up in the amateur boxing program and is appreciative of the city’s support. “Barbosa has a heart of gold,” De La Torre comments. “And it was Michael Beck who referred our program to her. They both have been great in giving back to the community!”
Additional fundraising efforts will continue on in future events and Coach Fausto says Villa-Parke will be hosting their next show on November 1 as they strive to give children “A Fighting Chance.”
Photos by Michele Chong
