Alan Santana’s 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament!
A knockout group of former boxers went toe to toe while competing at Alan Santana’s 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament at the Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, Calif. Here is my exclusive recap all about the day with the champs.
This was a special fundraising event honoring Mexican warrior and world champion Israel “El Magnifco” Vazquez. The former World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight champ passed away on December 3 after a valiant battle against cancer. The January 18 bowling bash was a way to raise funds to present to Israel’s wife Laura and their three children, Israel Jr., Anthony and Zoe.
Alan Santana said he was happy to contribute and organize this fundraiser for the Vazquez family. He mentioned that author Chris Smith first approached him with the idea to help give back to the family. Israel (known for his wars with Rafael Marquez) was a beloved member of the Southern California fight scene and was always a popular draw anywhere he fought.
And at this recent gathering, the participants and guests kept the fallen fighter in mind as they honored the humble and classy champ. Showing support was the day’s co-host Gene Aguilera (historian/award-winning author/Hall of Famer), former fighters, contenders and world titleholders Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Art Frias, the Weaver Triplets (Floyd, Lloyd and Troy), boxer Mathew Porcellino, actor/prizefighter Greg Puente, author Chris Smith, trainer/artist Steve Harpst, boxing’s Rodrigo Castineyra and Ricardo Castineyra, actor Avery Waddell, PR maven Deborah Hayter, ESO’s Brenda Zaragoza, Ruben Lucero (son of boxer Willie Lucero), Creative Charity Auctions’ Lauren Hammond, and many more.
At the start of the proceedings, Greg Puente’s wife Tina sang the National Anthem before the bowling began. Greg and Tina’s sons Deco, 14, and Greg Jr., 16, were also enjoying the day. The boys were in a heated competition to see who could known down the most pins! Athleticism runs in the family as the young men told me they both wrestle at their high school.
And then the fighters began to trade their boxing boots for bowling shoes as they entered the lanes in teams of five. The fierce competitors gave it all they had to reach the highest score. Instead of knockouts, they were aiming for strikes as they put their best efforts into the game.
During breaks in the action, the participants enjoyed pizza, beer and soda. The guests also browsed the booths set up on the top floor where there were books, photos, T-shirts and boxing memorabilia for sale. There was also an auction with collectibles available and a huge prize raffle with many coveted items including a Roberto Duran-signed boxing glove, a James Toney autographed glove (donated by Chris Smith), Danny “Little Red” Lopez hats (donated by the champ and his wife Bonnie), Dodger jerseys, baseball gloves, Laker jerseys, boxing shirts, tickets to live fights (courtesy of Fight Club OC’s boxing promoter Roy Englebrecht), and green “Magnifico” Boxing Gym shirts donated by the Castineyra brothers.
All proceeds and 100% of the donations will be going to the family of Israel Vazquez. He was always friendly and down to earth even while battling several health issues through the years. We all shared memories of Isra and we will always remember how he sacrificed everything to entertain the boxing fans around the world. Vazquez won WBC, IBF and The Ring belts during his career and was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, among many accolades. He was a tough-as-nails gladiator in the ring and the nicest guy outside the ropes.
His local boxing community was lending their support and letting the Vazquez family know that they are being thought of during this painful loss of their husband, father, and friend.
Alan Santana and Gene Aguilera were very affable hosts and kept the games moving along toward the finish line. The bowling alley was filled with several prizefighters, bowling pros, and fans which made for a spirited atmosphere. Many traveled long distance (from Oxnard, Victorville, Arizona, etc.) to attend this memorable outing. The energy was great and the Orange County venue was nice and spacious for all the bowlers and guests.
And when the final scores were tallied, the winners were announced! The top finishers and scoring first place were Joline Neal, Josh Neal, David Francom Jr., Gilbert Chaparro and Jeff Muraska. Second place honors went to “The Brew Crew’s” Big Charles Gray, Dave Francom Sr., Robert Lowman, Marcey Arguelles and Alex Arguelles. And the third place medals go to Joey Bartholomay, Ray Ochoa, Crystal Candler, Esteban Herrera and James Ochoa.
Alan thanked all the bowlers, boxers, luminaries and spectators for joining his bowling fundraiser. Alan’s wife Annamarie, Bay Cities Paving Inc. employees, and many family members were also taking part in the activities at the Fountain Bowl and he showed them appreciation as well.
Alan is known for giving back to the community. A former fighter himself, he is also an international boxing judge, a business owner, the North American West Coast Supervisor for the World Boxing Federation (WBF), an award-winning author, a longtime actor, a film producer, a Hall of Famer and he runs a nonprofit organization! He told me that he’s already thinking about his 3rd Annual Bowling Tournament in the future.
All in all, it was a KO day for a great cause. Stockton’s Yaqui Lopez was not able to attend the fundraiser but the champ generously contributed money to go to the Israel’s family.
There has been a continuous outpouring of support for Team Magnifico. This past Saturday, a beautiful commemorative WBC Azteca Warrior belt (in honor of Vazquez) was presented to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz who won his fight versus Angel Fierro. In a brawl that was reminiscent of the Vazquez-Marquez slugfests, it seemed only fitting that the victor received the special strap. And, it is also fitting, that both Israel Vazquez and Isaac Cruz were born in Mexico City.
Please continue to keep the Vazquez family in your thoughts. They have shown so much strength, dignity and heart since his tragic passing at age 46. The SoCal boxing circle is a strong one and we will always remember “El Magnifico.”
Alan Santana Interview: https://www.myboxingfans.com/alan-santanas-2nd-annual-bowling-tournament
Photos by Michele Chong