Thompson Boxing’s New 3-2-1 PPV Unveiled!
3-2-1 Boxing blasted off on July 26 as Thompson Boxing Promotions unveiled their brand new pay-per-view (PPV) broadcast held at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA.
I watched three bouts of action as six tough warriors entered the ring. This show was just the second live boxing event to take place in California (Golden Boy Promotions held a card at Fantasy Springs the night before) since COVID-19 put an abrupt and temporary hold on combat sports. But now boxing is back with lots of modifications and no fans in attendance due to the rules of the state (www.myboxingfans.com/2020/07/thompson-boxing-3-2-1-show-this-sunday).
Thompson’s CEO/Promoter Ken Thompson and General Manager and 3-2-1 Boxing creator Alex Camponovo proved that coronavirus isn’t going to knockout the sport of boxing as they featured some young guns in the ring.
Like other sports that have started up again such as pro basketball (NBA) and major league baseball (MLB), boxing also has to adjust and make amendments as the pandemic continues. With no spectators in the stands, it is different watching the fights. It is a new look, new rules for safety, a new frontier. It is unchartered territory. There were the mandatory COVID tests for all involved, face coverings and rubber gloves for the working crew in attendance plus face shields for the boxing officials, plexiglass barriers and more…it is definitely a new world we are all adjusting to. Kudos to Thompson Boxing for putting on this Sunday show.
Before the matches began, there were video profiles of the boxers, a tribute to essential workers and introductions by “The Classy” Jimmy Lennon Jr. with commentators Doug Fischer, Beto Duran and Jessica Rosales ringside.
With all the strict safety precautions in place under the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), it was time to witness the battles inside the ropes. Michael Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs) took on Jorge Marron Jr. (18-2, 6 KOs), Ruben Torres (13-0, 11 KOs) faced Oscar Bravo (25-10, 11 KOs) and Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO) traded leather with Brandon Cruz (6-2, 4 KOs). Dutchover, Torres and Dinong all claimed wins in their matchups at Omega.
Putting in the work and training during these months of coronavirus lockdowns hasn’t been easy for anyone and it was a good opportunity to shine on the canvas. For those watching the PPV feed, it was their chance to watch these young stars continue to rise and hone their skills as they punch their way to the top.
Thompson Boxing’s full stable of prizefighters will keep the promotional company busy in the upcoming months. Former world champion Daniel Roman will be on the undercard of the Charlo Brothers PPV show on September 26 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Roman is scheduled to square off against Emmanuel Rodriguez.
And the countdown begins for the next 3-2-1 Boxing show hosted by the Thompson team. Their next show is being planned for September.
Don’t miss it!
FIGHT RESULTS:
Lightweight prospect, Michael “West Texas Warrior” Dutchover, improved his record to (14-1, 10 KOs) as he dominated Jorge Marron Jr. (18-2, 6 KOs) in the feature attraction of Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1. Boxing pay-per-view streaming event. The 8-round main event bout took place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA.
Dutchover, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions, dominated the bout from the opening bell as he outworked Marron Jr. throughout the entire fight. With his slippery style from the southpaw stance, Marron Jr. was able to avoid a lot of powerful blows from Dutchover, but never landed anything offensively. Dutchover got the best of some heated exchanges that took place in the later rounds, as Marron Jr. was doing his best to make the fight competitive. Dutchover cruised to a unanimous decision victory. Scorecards read 80-72, 78-74 twice.
“I feel with a few more fights, I’ll be ready to take on anyone they put in front of me,” said Dutchover. “Marron showed a lot of heart today by going the distance, but I felt he was trying to survive and make it to the final bell. We had a few nice exchanges, but he wasn’t really engaging. I did what I had to do to get the victory so now its time to move on. I’ll wait to see what my promoters, Thompson Boxing and Banner has next for me. I’ll be ready for war when they call my name.”
In the 8-round co-feature, rising undefeated super lightweight star, Ruben “Ace” Torres (13-0, 11 KOs), kept his unbeaten record intact as he stopped a game Oscar Bravo (25-10, 11 KOs) by way of knockout, as referee Ray Corona stopped the bout at the 1:43 mark of round six.
Torres controlled the action from the opening bell as he used his height and reach to land clean shots throughout the fight. Bravo, who has only been stopped once in his career, applied a lot of pressure in the fight, forcing Torres to use his superior boxing skills. Torres hurt Bravo with body shots in round two and five before the ref halted the bout in round six.
“Tonight, I showed I can use my boxing skills against a tough, aggressive fighter,” said Torres. “Bravo applied a lot of pressure as we expected and the game plan that my coach Danny Zamora implemented worked out perfect. I’m ready to step up and fight anyone in the top ten.”
The opening 6-round featherweight bout showcased Arnold Dinong of Daly City, CA vs. Brandon Cruz of San Diego, CA. Both fighters were feeling each other out in the early rounds but it was Dinong that was landing the harder shots. Cruz had a few moments during some exchanges, but it was Dinong who controlled the action. As the fight entered the later rounds, Dinong continued to outwork Cruz as he landed some powerful overhand rights and left hooks. All three judges scored the bout in Dinong’s favor as he remained undefeated. Dinong record improves to (7-0, 1 KO) as Cruz drops to (6-2, 4 KOs). Scorecards read 58-56, 59-55 twice, all in favor for Arnold Dinong.
“I was excited to get back in the ring today and show the world that I’m ready to take my career to the next level,” said Arnold Dinong. “Brandon Cruz was a very tough opponent and I take my hat off to him for putting up a great fight. I know with more experience against tough opponents like Cruz will make me a better fighter. I believe in myself and want another step up fight in my next bout.”
Photos by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions