Burbank, CA–Chocolate cake, fudge brownies, tri-tip steak, tamales, carne asada, lasagna–
usually not popular choices for fighters. But on this special occasion, everyone indulged…if just for
one day as the Burbank Boxing Club recently celebrated their 12th Anniversary with a barbecue
and picnic that was attended by over 65 club members.
A presentation was made inducting Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon into the Burbank Boxing Club as an honorary member. The two-time world champion said, “I’m happy to be here. I love you guys!” as he joked and laughed with the crowd, playfully posed for photos and signed autographs.
Although the event was all about boxing, the only fights that took place on this day were a
water balloon fight and the fight for the ball in a rowdy game of touch football. The only gloves put
on were BBQ mitts and the main event at this celebration was food, fun, and friendship.
The BBQ cookout quickly became a reunion as old photos were passed around, charter members
met new members, and everyone vied for prizes during a fundraising raffle. And as the sun set, everybody vowed to head back to the gym after partaking in a huge potluck-style buffet that would satisfy any heavyweight.
Coach Steve Harpst, founder of the Burbank Boxing Club, said, “I’ve seen the club grow so much. It’s great to witness all the progress through the years. Early members who were just teens when they began are now over 30 with kids of their own who are beginning to box–the second generation of the BBC.”
The boxing trainer, who was voted the “Best of Burbank” Fitness Instructor 2008, has enjoyed seeing
the club continue to grow. “When we first started out back in ’96 (at the Burbank Community YMCA),
we were in a tiny room. We barely had any equipment and a lot of it was hand-me-downs,” he laughs.
“Now we have a brand new ring in a new Club Room.”
The club is made up of both men and women of all ages. Many use the boxing workout to get in shape, others to learn new skills, and some go on to fight in amateur bouts or go pro. Harpst and his team of young, amateur boxers will be heading to Canada for an International boxing show next month.
California Boxing Hall of Fame President Don Fraser, World Boxing Hall of Fame President
Adolfo Perez, Vice President of Golden State Boxers Association Bill Dempsey Young (son of referee and judge Dick Young), and British lightweight Allen Syers also came to the event to show their support for Harpst’s club.
President Perez hopes to see a future champion come out of the club, “If these young fighters keep training right, I know we’ll have more champs. I think the Burbank Boxing Club should have BBQs
two to three times a year– I had a great time here!”
“The club is full of real nice, young people,” said President Fraser, “and there was so much food. It
really was a nice party.”
By Michele Chong Photos by Michele Chong
What a GREAT article! Sounds like it was a successful and fun event. I am sad that I was unable to attend, but will make sure I go to their next pot luck!
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