See the Batmobile at Open Workout

“HOLY UPPERCUT, BATMAN!”

Two of my favorite passions will collide this Saturday, February 11 at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) Open Media Workout with the featured boxers on the upcoming “New Blood” live boxing show taking place February 24 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario.

The sweet science joins forces with the cult classic “Batman” as the prizefighters will share the spotlight with the Caped Crusader “Robin” (actor Burt Ward) at this special outdoor fiesta hosted by Thompson Building Materials in Fontana. That’s right…Gotham City is gonna take over the City of Fontana!

Southern California fight fans will also get a chance to see the infamous Batmobile! Really? Yes! The gleaming black auto will be alongside the boxing ring, where fighters Artemio Reyes Jr., Efrain Esquivias Jr., Richard Contreras, Aaron Martinez, Sindy Amador and Dashon Johnson will be lacing up and sparring on the canvas. The workout is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

So not only do I get to get my “geek” on checking out all the “Batman” memorabilia but I also get to watch these champs and contenders showcase their skills inside the ropes.

“What could be better?” Ken Thompson, President and Founder of TBP laughs as we chat about the weekend bash. “We’re gonna have a ring set up, fans can get autographs and photos, there will be a radio station broadcasting–and the Batmobile will be there too. Plus it’s open to the public with no entrance fee!”

Yep, what more could you want?

Fans will also get an opportunity to win tickets to the February 24 fight in a prize raffle. This event is FREE and open to the public and Thompson relays that the team is anticipating a great crowd where attendees can participate in a Meet & Greet Autograph Session with the boxers. Ken and TBP Matchmaker/General Manager Alex Camponovo are known for their action-packed cards in the Southland.

In addition, with the purchase of Gentle Giants dog food (Burt Ward’s company), you will get to take home a signed photo from the comic book hero. The “Boy Wonder” is a big animal advocate with a dog rescue program and also sells this all-natural dog food worldwide.

Plus the Inland Empire’s Jeff Pope will be doing a live radio feed airing on KGGI’s 99.1 the “Hottest Music” with the Street Team there 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

This week I caught up with three of the boxers who will be working out at this unique event.

And this trio is just as excited as I am upon hearing about this “bat” crazy weekend.

NABF Super Bantam Champ Efrain Esquivias is looking forward to the festivities. Upon hearing that the “Batman” car will be there, the unbeaten SoCal favorite shared his enthusiasm. “The Batmobile is going to be there? Now I am even more excited!” Efrain said with a laugh. “I’m excited about the event– it’s the first time I’m experiencing a Media Workout too. Hope it’s a great turn out!”

Another young pug will also experience his very first Media Workout as well. Richard Contreras, just 21, and his trainer Joe Esquivel will be at the upcoming bash where “El Terminador” is fierce enough to challenge any “Superhero” or “Villain”! Contreras has been making a splash since turning pro last year. His coach raves about this up-and-coming southpaw sensation. Esquivel, who was a former parole agent working in Fontana, now trains fighters out of the Riverside Lincoln Boxing Club.

“We’ve had nine fights with Richard and he’s been doing well, especially since he signed with Thompson,” the boxing trainer/manager tells me. “Our whole team will be there Saturday; Richard’s really excited about doing this since it’s his first Media Workout.”

“What can fans expect to see when Richard enters the ring?” I ask the veteran coach.

“His weapon is in both hands,” Esquivel answers. “He has tremendous power; he’s relentless.” Joe enjoys working with Team Contreras and credits trainer Henry Ramirez (Chris Arreola and Josesito Lopez) for showing him both the sport and the business side of boxing. “I really learned a lot from Henry,” he mentions. “And with Richard, I’m really enjoying this since everything is brand new for him since he’s so young.”

With youth on their side, I wondered if the fighters had ever seen the old “Batman” TV show?

“I saw the old ‘Batman’ but vaguely remember it,” Artemio Reyes replies after I pose that question to the WBC Latino Welterweight Champ.

Reyes was born in 1986–a full two decades after the 1966 series debuted.

But since it’s such an iconic classic, the slugger is still a huge “Batman” fan.

“I remember the theme music that would come up when they would switch scenes!” Reyes chuckles in reference to the campy and corny “Batman” episodes. “And I do look forward to posing with an original Batmobile. To have an opportunity in seeing an old piece of history like the original Batmobile is very exciting!”

“HOLY GUACAMOLE, BATMAN!” This is gonna be one big boxing bash.

Meet this power-punching team of Thompson boxers THIS Saturday.

THOMPSON BOXING Open Workout
Saturday, February 11 at 11 a.m.
Thompson Building Materials
11027 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92337

Photos courtesy of Michele Chong, Team Thompson, Team Contreras and Team Esquivias