NABF Champ at Weekend Workout
NABF Super Bantamweight Champ Efrain Esquivias Jr. was “Chillin’ like a Villain” after his time in the ring at yesterday’s Open Media Workout hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) with Ken Thompson (President and Founder of TBP) and Matchmaker/General Manager Alex Camponovo. This special outdoor event featured the prizefighters from the upcoming “New Blood” February 24 card at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
In these exclusive photos, check out the “Boss Man” vs. “Batman” as Esquivias went toe to toe with actor Burt Ward, who played Caped Crusader “Robin” in the iconic “Batman” TV series showcasing the masked crime fighters.
The “Boy Wonder” talked boxing with Efrain (15-0, 9 KOs) after the open workout that was held at the 33-acre Thompson Building Materials in Fontana. Back in the day when the actor wore tights in his stint as “Batman’s” famous sidekick, Ward told us he weighed in as a featherweight. He was also a trained athlete skilled in martial arts, football, track, wrestling and more–and has a high appreciation for the sweet science. And the man famous for playing “Robin” is also a real “fighter”–a true champion for animals with his successful dog rescue and adoption and his all-natural dog food company, Gentle Giants.
During the day while “Batman” fans lined up to see the actor, the prizefighters took to the ring before meeting with the boxing fans and families in the community that all came out to enjoy the festival that also included a live radio feed with 99.1 KGGI, food trucks, craft vendors and more.
Efrain said he had a blast at the show and the whole team is looking forward to his bout at the end of this month. He’s now training with Manny Robles at The Rock in Carson after previously training at Wild Card with Freddie Roach. At Saturday’s bash, the fighter was flanked by Team Esquivias including Coach Robles, with his son and fighter Manny Robles Jr., and Efrain’s manager Eddie Gonzalez.
After puttin’ in work, Esquivias joined fellow Thompson fighters Artemio Reyes Jr., Richard Contreras, Aaron Martinez and Sindy Amador for a Meet & Greet Autograph Session with the boxers. As the fans lined up for their chance to meet their boxing heroes, the punchers signed fight posters (printed in both Spanish and English), gloves, photos, T-shirts and more.
Then it was “BAT TIME” for the boxer as Efrain got the rare chance to sit in the infamous Batmobile. Outfitted with gadgets and gizmos just like in the TV show, the fighter was a real action hero while sitting in the sleek black auto. He had a great time chatting with Ward about boxing and “Batman” and the dynamic duo also had fun trading fight posters and 8×10 glossies.
Here’s the slugger in his new ride–equipped with the Batbeam Firing Button, the Detect-a-Scope and yes, even the emergency red Batphone!
Come February 24, Efrain Esquivias may be donning a satin boxing robe instead of a silky Superhero cape–but it’s a guarantee that the fiery pugilist will be trading a lot of leather as he fights for his sixteenth victory.
As Batman and Robin would say: “KA-POW!”
“NEW BLOOD” Tickets: (714) 935-0900
Photos by Michele Chong