A KO Victory for “King Reyes”
Southern California’s Artemio Reyes Jr. (21-2, 17 KOs) scored a quick and thrilling knockout during the second round of his bout against Francisco “Pantera” Reza (12-8, 9 KOs) at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” card held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario on Friday night. The local favorite was cheered on by the standing-room only crowd as he took the fight to his opponent, punishing him with vicious body shots in the second frame of a scheduled eight rounds. This headline attraction was featured on promoter Ken Thompson’s and general manager/matchmaker Alex Camponovo’s very last show for 2013.
While preparing for battle, Artemio recently made some big changes to his camp. After training at Capital Punishment Boxing Gym with Ruben Castanon and Charlie Perez for years, Reyes’ was thinking of going in a different direction–possibly training with famed boxing coach Joel Diaz (Indio and Mecca Boys & Girls Club). Diaz is best known for his work with champion Tim Bradley. The fighter explains his side of the story on what went down. Reyes says when the subject of training with Joel was broached with Capital Punishment (where he had trained for about five years), he was “kicked” out of the gym in October and thus, subsequently, began to train with Riverside’s Henry Ramirez (trainer of Chris Arreola, Josesito Lopez, Jonathan Arellano, and more) as Artemio’s November 22 match neared.
In our interview below, the welterweight talks about these rumors and controversy, addressing the trash talk he heard through the grapevine. Choosing to focus on the future and not getting caught up in the boxing gossip around him, Reyes scored another KO to his growing record and he is excited about all his new possibilities and, hopefully, opportunities to attain a championship belt.
Fighting out of the Thompson Boxing stable, “King” Reyes had over 75 family members and friends joining the audience in the sold-out venue. Pounding on drums and shaking their noisemakers, Team Reyes formed a tunnel of support when Artemio made his walk to the 
ring. Spearheaded by his mom Fatima and girlfriend Analizia, “El Rey’s” team makes their spirited presence known–and felt–as the roar from the crew echoed in the hall. Wearing “Fighting 4 Pops” gear, Reyes Jr. always draws a crowd.
And since the knockout artist recently made those changes in his camp, currently working with trainer Henry Ramirez out of II Feather Boxing Gym in Riverside, the boxing aficionados were curious to see how these new moves would affect Reyes’ performance. True to form, the 27-year-old went on attack in the round two, scoring on a sizzling left hook and finishing off his foe with a right hook to the body as referee Jack Reiss stood watch. As the 28-year-old Reza dropped to the canvas, Reyes added another W on his pro record.
And now as the holidays are upon us, Artemio can take a brief break from the ring to enjoy the fruits of his labor. After the slugger’s weekend win, I caught up with the Inland Empire puncher. Reyes has always maintained a busy schedule, also “multi-tasking” outside the ring while balancing training, managing a restaurant and college. And his lifelong goal is always honoring his father, who passed away in 2012.
While Junior was training for Friday’s fight, he maintained a strict diet, dedicated long hours of training, and kept up a stringent schedule–always on the grind. Now the prizefighter and restaurant proprietor of El Taquito in Colton can take enjoy the holidays with some smooth sailing ahead! He will be going on a cruise in less than two weeks to Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands.
Before he leaves on this well-deserved vacation, “King” Reyes took some time to chat with me about his latest victory. He opened up about the recent changes in his camp, what’s ahead on the horizon and what he thought about his KO against Reza.
Michele Chong: Congrats on your win, Junior! Do you feel you are ready for more in a big name opponent or a title shot?
Artemio Reyes: I feel that if the opportunity came I would train hard to be as fully prepared as possible. My job is to train and fight so if the opportunity comes for a title shot or a big name fight it would be up to Cameron to decide which route to go and my job to train for the fight. (Reyes’ manager is Cameron Dunkin)
MC: Which fighters would be your “dream match” to face?
AR: A dream match…Hmmm…(Laughs) I would love a crack at any champion to prove my worth but, again, if the opportunity comes against any champion or big name I would train like hell to achieve a victory!
MC: You are now training with Henry Ramirez at Indian’s Willie’s private gym. Are you planning to stay there?
AR: As of now I’m training under Henry but I know Cameron mentioned he still wants to sit down and meet with Joel Diaz. So if we meet I’ll sit and talk with them, then talk it over with my family to see what’s the best option for me. Henry has said I am more than welcome to stay and hasn’t put any pressure on me, which speaks volumes.
MC: So there have been a lot of rumors about you possibly training with Joel Diaz in the future…
AR: Yeah, I already know. I ran into Joel when I was leaving the hotel on Saturday morning and he told me people were talking about him since he “stole me” from Ruben (Castanon). But the funny thing about that is Henry was in my corner so I bet those people who were talking felt stupid.
MC: People have wondered out loud about why you are not with Capital Punishment anymore. You know how boxing is! Do you want to go on record on what happened?
AR: Yes, I have nothing to hide. Put it out there so it can be known exactly what went down…And I think it was very stupid for people to say those things. I bet those guys at Capital felt dumb too since they kicked me out for “seeking” Joel but I ended up with Henry for this fight. They showed their true colors and things happens for a reason. Now I’m moving forward and looking to the future with my mind still set on becoming a champion.
MC: Well I know your large fan base will follow you. What did you think about the support of your mom and Team Reyes with their drums and clappers?
AR: My team is amazing. My mom goes above and beyond looking for ways to create a ruckus at the fights. My girlfriend “bedazzles” my uniform so I stand out! So it’s an effort from everyone on my team that makes me grateful I have such a wonderful team from family to friends to fans.
MC: And now that your fight’s over you will be leaving on a trip soon? You and Ana are going on a cruise where you will be able to eat whatever you want now that your fight’s over. (Laughs) Cruises are great–a new adventure every day!
AR: Very true. Everyday on the cruise is different especially when porting at the different docks. We’ve been counting down the days and vacation time is around the corner! (Laughs)
MC: Thanks again, Junior. Congrats on your win and have a great time on your cruise!
AR: Thank you!
Ring photos by Marlene Marquez/ Photo of Team Reyes/Analizia by Michele Chong
