Boxing’s back big time at the famed Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
Here’s what Wednesday’s Los Angeles news conference was like as the highly-anticipated Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Mike Alvarado blasts off on May 17 in a 12-round welterweight bout.
For SoCal fans, this May Day battle brings the history of this storied venue back to life. Many world champions laced up at the Forum in decades past. The L.A. Laker dynasty also built their legacy in this domed building, now newly renovated by Madison Square Garden Company.
Come May 17, the “Fabulous Forum” will rumble once again. Tickets to this “Inaugural Brawl” go on sale Tuesday, April 1. This card is promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions and will air live on HBO. A “packed undercard” will be announced soon.
For the Mexican warrior and the Colorado slugger, this clash has a lot at stake for both prizefighters. The victor will then be scheduled to face the winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley rematch on April 12. The veteran “Dinamita” Marquez, 40, is coming off his October loss to Bradley while Thornton’s Alvarado, 33, is rebounding from his defeat last October at the hands of Ruslan Provodnikov.
This matchup has fight fans salivating. A beloved hero and future Hall of Famer against a tough young Denver puncher. Who will win?
One thing’s for certain, local fans are excited and happy to have boxing back at Manchester and Prairie, where the columned Forum can be found. It just reopened in January with the Eagles kicking off the opening ceremonies. The nostalgia remains strong for the beloved Forum and now the “Sport of Kings” will be once again featured in this hall with Marquez-Alvarado bringing the fans back in the stands.
The two gladiators held court on stage in the prestigious Forum Club alongside legendary promoter Bob Arum, Zanfer Promotions’ Fernando Beltran, Marquez’ trainer Nacho Beristain and strength and conditioning coach Angel Heredia, Team Alvarado’s Henry Delgado and Shann Vilhauer and more. The boxing vet Marquez was dressed in a gray suit while the Denver boxer was sporting a turquoise blue track suit. Both were subdued with no trash talking taking place.
But both former champs say they will be ready and welcome the chance to get back in the win column.
The promoters say this bout will make history as boxing returns to the Forum. It was announced at the podium that there have been 400 fights that have taken place at the Forum, where the glory days first began in the ’60s. The arena was renovated and has been hosting concerts this year.
But this Marquez-Alvarado collision will be the first live boxing card to be held in the building (which was also called the Great Western Forum) in recent times.
Bob Arum spoke of the heralded fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, that have traded punches in the fabulous Forum.
Now Marquez (who first fought at the Forum back in 1995) plans a victorious homecoming in Inglewood while his foe Alvarado says he plans on “retiring” the ex-champion.
Will this fight go the distance?
We will wait and see on the night of May 17 in a main event that is sure to ignite sparks.
With this announcement, many veteran boxing fans are reminiscing about having witnessed spirited wars and blood-and-guts duels taking place center ring at the Forum. This bygone era is a rich part of the Southern California boxing scene and the Inglewood arena will always be remembered for these classic fights.
Now Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado have a chance to write their own page in history when they lock horns in May.
Two former champions. Two guys willing to go out on their shield. But only one will walk away with his hand raised in victory.
The fight fans are looking forward to seeing this contest. As I was leaving the Forum Club, a large group of fans were waiting to see their favorite boxing heroes. Armed with trunks, gloves and photos, they said they are thrilled to have boxing back in their own backyard.
Boxing comes back at the Forum on May 17!
DON’T MISS IT.
Photos by Michele Chong