3-day Event Is A Huge Hit

The inaugural 2015 California Invitational Amateur Show was a knockout three days as the Alhambra Youth Boxing Club and Rudy Tellez (“Mouthpiece Doctor”) hosted this first-ever World Boxing Council (WBC) Amateur sponsored event along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the United Police Officers Against Crime (UPAC).

Here is my special report from Friday’s kickoff show held at the Star Center in Whittier, Calif. This amateur bash was held on three consecutive days July 31-August 2. Each day had a full house at the weigh-ins as California’s young sluggers all vied for a chance to win medals and belts donated by the WBC. Since this was not a single-elimination tournament, boxers could fight each day if they were able to land a bout, therefore the turnout was huge.

This L.A. invitational show saw 20 bouts on Friday, 25 bouts on Saturday and 20 bouts on Sunday in this historic amateur show sanctioned by USA Boxing. And I have to say this gathering had it all. The coaches, amateur fighters, pro champs, fans and sponsors in attendance all raved what a first-class affair this was. As an added bonus during the three days, several pro fighters and pro champs were ringside to cheer on the amateurs and also participated in autograph sessions with the fans.

And the fans were treated to free admission at the STAR Center venue while enjoying hours of sizzling action in the ring.

The amateur boxers all received free WBC Amateur blue or red tank tops (“Keeping His Dream Alive”) to wear, commemorative WBC Amateur patches, tote bags (Cleto Reyes) packed with shirts, hats and boxing souvenirs, and complimentary snacks for the competitors. It was a generous showing of support by WBC Amateur, Teiken, Espinoza Boxing Club, Pro Boxing Supplies, FOA: Family of Athletes, Sombra Apparel along with additional prizes/donations from Cleto Reyes, Golden Boy, Don King, DiBella Entertainment and more. There was also a special taco bar set up in the outdoor court featuring delicious offerings from local restaurateur Rudy Lopez (know for the Pasta House and Rudy’s Baja Grill).

During the three days of competition, USA Boxing’s Dick Jones, Delilah Rico, Dominic Serna Sr., Michelle Serna, Dr. Ralph Vega, etc. all put in their time to ensure a safe environment for all the youth and Olympic hopefuls. The late Jose Sulaiman always believed in supporting these kids along with their dreams in earning their chance at Olympic glory–and maybe even a shot at a WBC championship belt later on down the road.

Each step to that journey begins with competing in the amateur circuit.

The boxers really gave it their all on the canvas. And the kids, teens and young adults fighting each received medals (for the winners and runner-ups) with an engraved portrait of Jose Sulaiman on them. The punchers also all vied for a unique WBC amateur championship belt for the three winners of this brand new 2015 California “Outstanding Boxer” champ. At the end of the three days, the three victors of this coveted leather strap were: 10-year-old Christian Perez (Flash Boxing), 15-year-old Christopher Zavala (Jack Rabbit) and 18-year-old Carlos Balderas (Santa Maria Elite).

Known for their famed green and gold belts, the WBC believes in supporting the world’s future pro champs while keeping Jose Sulaiman’s dream alive of giving these amateur champs the support the deserve. This weekend show was organized and supported by the WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond, Jose “Pepe” Sulaiman Jr., Alain Flores (WBC Art Director), Nancy Rodriguez (WBC Public Relations), Supreme Boxing’s Jennifer Arredondo, Arnold Vasquez, and their committee of officers and volunteers. The ring announcer was Mark Caloumenos and the toe-to-toe action was kept at a brisk pace throughout the bouts.

The amateurs also received words of inspiration from many professional prizefighters including the four WBC Amateur Ambassadors Daniel Ponce de Leon, Mauricio Herrera, Daniel Valdvia and Israel Vazquez, Gabe Ruelas, Art Frias, Oscar Negrete, Roy Tapia, Sindy Amador, Francisco Bojado, Angel Bojado and more.

There were many familiar faces I caught up while at the Friday night show. While amateur boxing is not in the media spotlight or on TV like the pros, I often see many pro trainers and second-generation boxers in the gyms. I chatted with MMA cutman and trainer Rudy Hernandez (brother of beloved WBC champ Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez) and pro trainer Danny Zamora who were both coaching their young lions to victory. And amateur standouts Hector Lopez Jr. and Adam Lopez (sons of champ Hector “El Torero” Lopez) are continuing in the family business of boxing with Team Lopez also fighting in the show.

For the majority of the amateurs lacing up at this show, boxing is in their blood. And win or lose, it’s a great experience for the youngsters.

The show was very impressive with a deep pool of young talent continuing to develop in the Southland. I am already looking forward to the 2nd Annual California Invitational Amateur Show.

Congrats again to all the athletes and coaches taking part in this 3-day blast!

Photos by Michele Chong