‘The Path of Champions’ Fundraiser at KO!
The famed Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles is known for its concerts and nightclub action throughout the decades. But on Wednesday night, a pound-for-pound group of champions and prizefighters took to the stage in a strong show of support for the “El Boxeo: The Path of Champions” VIP screening. This special fundraising event featured a silent auction, film screening and panel discussion with all net proceeds benefitting the Pepperdine University Hispanic Alumni Council Scholarship program.
Check out my report from the evening along with exclusive photos of the sluggers in attendance.
Joining director and producer Alan Swyer was a star-studded lineup including Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Mia St. John, Mauricio Herrera, Gabe Ruelas, Israel Vazquez, Gilberto Ramirez, Alex Ramos, Paul Gonzales, Frankie Duarte, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ruben Castillo, Mando Muniz, Rick Farris, John Bray, Holly Lawson, Carlos Lopez, Ramon Cardenas, boxing photographer Holly Stein, representatives from Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions, Goossen Promotions, Supreme Boxing and more. And many of these boxers who were at this gala are also seen in the film (now available on DVD and VOD).
I arrived at the legendary theater to see a crowd already forming in front of the venue. Fans waited for the red carpet arrivals and their chance to see their favorite fighters up close. I chatted with the “Man of the Hour,” filmmaker Alan Swyer, who had a big smile the whole night from beginning to end. He and Event Chairman Christopher Garcia have both worked tirelessly with the alumni committee and Madelyn Perry and the Mayan crew to ensure a knockout night for all. With the beautiful Mayan and the City of Angels as the backdrop, the “El Boxeo” fundraising fiesta was a grand affair.
When I saw the entrance brimming with activity right at the get-go, I commented to Alan that he had a really large crowd early, which was remarkable 
since it seems that in L.A. everyone usually arrives “fashionably” late for events due to traffic, etc. “I got here at 5 p.m. and there were already a ton of people who arrived before me,” the “El Boxeo” director told me with a chuckle. “We had another screening in Santa Monica and the same thing happened. Everyone showed up early!”
Swyer says that when it comes to the sport of boxing, there’s such a passion for it with loyal fans wanting to meet the fighters from the past and present.
The hall was packed. Ticket holders got a chance to participate in meet-and-greets with the athletes along with opportunities to get autographs and pose with their heroes.
Mia St. John and pal Mara Fimbres were a huge hit with the patrons in attendance, especially the male fans. The pair of brunette beauties had a steady stream of flashbulbs going off and a long line of reporters wanting interviews. I always enjoy catching up with Mia, known as “The Knockout” and she is also known for giving her time and efforts to many charitable organizations.
During the screening party I was also happy to catch up with Gabe Ruelas. His promoter Dan Goossen recently passed away and the boxing community has mourned this loss. Gabe was staying strong and was joined by Ten Goose trainer Ricky Funez. Ruelas greeted many of his fellow champs on the red carpet at the beginning of what would be a nice event for the guests.
And at the party, guests also got to step into a Cleto Reyes boxing ring for a photo op with ring card girls, dine at a taco bar by El Rico Sabor a Mexico, and experience the three levels of the cavernous theater which first opened in 1927. And it’s fitting that this “El Boxeo” fundraising bash was held at this landmark building as many people I spoke with felt they were part of a very historic night at this VIP screening with the champs. The champions themselves felt like they are part of history thanks to the Alan Swyer bringing their stories, thoughts and recollections to the big screen.
The splashy affair was a KO. I saw veteran punchers meeting some of the young guns; former rivals in the gym shaking hands and sharing a drink. And the boxing stars were proud to be in the film which chronicles the emergence and rise of Latinos in boxing. The fighters were happy to help out a great cause with the Pepperdine Latino scholarship group. The champs all signed a commemorative oversized gold boxing glove (from Cleto Reyes’ Guillermo Moreno and Mike Serrano) which was later showcased in the live auction. The souvenir glove went to the highest bidder, Rodrigo Jimenez from Supreme Boxing.
WBA Light Welterweight Champ Mauricio Herrera (who will be facing Jose Benavidez on December 13) was honored to meet the veteran punchers from past decades. The retired fighters all gave “El Maestro” a warm welcome as each VIP guest was introduced. Several of the pros told Mauricio they felt he won the fight against Danny Garcia and said they will be watching his next fight without a doubt. Herrera and his wife Vanessa also gave a generous cash donation to the cause in a show of support for the Latino scholarship program.
And at the end of the night, the soirée was a big hit with all with a big turnout for “El Boxeo” and the Pepperdine Hispanic Alumni Association, a one-two punch for a successful night. I ran into director/writer/producer Alan Swyer, who still had a grin on his face. He was happy to see all of his boxing associates, filmmaking pals, friends and family all joined together for a great cause.
The “El Boxeo: The Path of Champions” was a powerhouse night all for a good cause!
To purchase your own copy of “El Boxeo”:
www.elboxeothemovie.com
PHOTOS BY MICHELE CHONG
