Caught on Camera: Some familiar faces!
The Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California was the place to be last Friday night as All Star Boxing held their very first show of the year. It was a chance to catch up after the holidays with a lot of familiar faces who came out to watch seven bouts of action. The show was promoted by Ed Holmes and Pete Hironaka and in this smaller venue any seat offered a great view.
Whether it’s at large Vegas arenas or smaller club fights, the usual suspect show up because we all love boxing. It was a fun, lively night with a big surprise guest: Grammy-nominated singer Brian McKnight sang the national anthem and kept the sell-out crowd on their feet.
This was also the perfect opportunity to capture these images of the night and chat with some of the Los Angeles locals that frequent the fight scene.
Here’s a rundown of some who were there and what they’ve been up to:
Talked to trainer Pepper Roach (Freddie Roach’s brother) and met his two gorgeous daughters, Esa and Rayenn, as “Papa Roach” tried to keep the boys away from his two young girls. I asked what was new and he said, “I’m working with Craig McEwan for the Maywood fight that’s coming up.”
Waved to manager extraordinaire Frank Espinoza and his son Frankie as they walked out with their fighter, Jesus “Pollo” Hernandez, who went on to keep his undefeated record in a bout against tough veteran Manuel Sarabia. After “Pollo’s” victory, Team Espinoza passed by and I saw Rudy Hernandez (brother of Genaro “Chicanito”) who I had last seen on stage with the whole Hernandez family at the WBC benefit dinner for Genaro.
Saw Sarabia’s compadre, the friendly Hervi Estrada of Team Estrada. The energetic Hervi is a popular matchmaker and always has a lot going on. He wanted me to meet boxer Gilbert Amaro, who will be fighting on a Thompson Boxing Promotions card next month.
And it’s always nice to see the friendly emcee, Jim FitzGerald, who was the voice Forum boxing and the Lakers. You may also recognize him from the Apple Mac vs. PC commercial. Greeting the ring announcer, I asked him to pose with three brunette models and Fitz was happy to oblige.
Chatted with two of my favorite cutmen, the legendary Joe Chavez (cutman for Oscar De La Hoya and more) and “Indian” Willie Schunke. The “Indian” will be in Michael “Lil Warrior” Franco’s corner at the upcoming Maywood fight on February 6. Chavez spoke of “Pollo” Hernandez’s talent in the six-rounder, “He’s a good fighter and he’s really coming around.”
Cornerman “Maestrito” Garcia and Gil Nieves introduced me to Amir Khan, who will be battling Marco Antonio Barrera on March 14 in Manchester, England. I asked the British lightweight about his upcoming match and he told me, “I’m ready. I’m always ready to fight!”
Shared a lighthearted conversation with female boxer Kaliesha West, who has one of the best personalities in boxing. The little sparkler is planning to fight soon, possibly in April at San Manuel. Kay is turning 21 next month and her father, who’s also her trainer and manager said, “She’s excited about her 21st birthday–now she can fight at all the venues that were limited to her before because of her age.”
David Avila, one of the greatest writers around, also visited with Kaliesha and me. David is one of the busiest guys in boxing and it’s always a pleasure to see him. He is one classy guy, a pure professional.
Sat with fighter Benjamin Diaz to watch the main event and saw Fernando Zuniga motion to Diaz that he wants to fight him next. The super middleweight Diaz laughed it off and said to me he’s up to the task of fighting Zuniga. We’ll see if the bout materializes on All Star’s next fight on March 27.
Went over to say hello to Edward Edwards, whom many fans have seen at various shows. He sells fight T-shirts, photos, posters, collectibles and souvenirs at his display tables. I found Jesse Chavez (Joe’s son) checking out the merchandise that was set out and spoke a while with the two.
Shook hands with Joe Hanks, a heavyweight who’s getting his name out there. He’s on a boxing reality TV show and is trained by the celebrated trainer Pepe Correa and managed by the legendary Prentiss Byrd, which means he’s in excellent hands with this A-Team. Hanks won his bout, adding to his record of 5-0. Correa speaks highly of his protegé, “He is a dedicated, determined individual. When I tell him to meet me at 5 a.m. for road work, he’s out there at 4 a.m.! He reminds me of Ray Leonard.”
Later in the evening, I went to hang out with “Indian” Willie and his wife Dolores Schunke, who were supplying the gloves for the night’s bouts. They are good people and I’m always happy to see the cheerful couple.
Heading outside for some fresh air, I ran into Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, who was being interviewed by a local fight show. He asked me if I was going to Florida for his fight and I said I can’t make it this time, but I’ll be sure to watch his February 14th bout against Ricardo Mayorga. “Perro” looks to be the next Mexican superstar in boxing, especially since the Margarito hand wrap scandal.
Speaking of Antonio, just one week ago the buzz was all about the Margarito-Mosley fight that was taking place the following night. Everybody was so excited about the bout and the consensus, of course, was that the Tijuana Tornado would demolish “Sugar” Shane.
Boy, how things change in a week! Now the talk is all about the tainted hand wraps. But just seven days ago, Antonio Margarito was still “King of the Ring.” Now, shockingly, amid all the allegations and suspicions, he has now become the “Prince of Plaster of Paris” and is suspended from boxing.
But at last Friday’s fights, we were all clueless about the hand wrap scandal to come. Guess they call Los Angeles “La La Land” for a reason.
Photos by Michele Chong: Pepper Roach and daughters; Rudy Hernandez; Hervi Estrada and Gilbert Amaro; The Jim FitzGerald Trio; Joe Chavez and “Indian” Willie; Amir Khan; Kaliesha West and David Avila; Benjamin Diaz strikes a pose; Edward Edwards with Jesse Chavez, Joe Hanks A-Team; “Perro” at the fight; Singer Brian McKnight gives a thumbs up and a wink
Yes, I was there. Brian McKnight was perfect. I am the photographer for Ed Holmes. I have some pictures in the ring of McKnight singing. They can be seen at http://www.allstarboxing.net along with more shots I took of Mosely and Margarito some time ago at the All Star Boxing shows as well. I think you could do without the Indian pic though. In case you are wondering who I am, I’m the one who takes pictures of the crowd from the ring and designs the program for the show. Just not any of the shows in late 2008, but most of the ones before that and the new ones to come. Say cheese at the next show and you get your pic on the program. Cheers! To the ones who know me and owe me, PAY UP!
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