Rising Stars Shine in Inaugural Event
The action went down Saturday night as Rebel-T Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing presented a live boxing show at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Convention Center.
This was the inaugural event for the brand new Rebel-T promotional company and the night was filled with plenty of fireworks in the ring. There were five bouts featured on this April 15 bash held in the San Fernando Valley. Over 600 attendees were in the arena to catch all the fisticuffs in the ring. The mood was spirited as this event took place the night before Easter.
Saturday’s first-ever show for Rebel-T Promotions is now in the books. The brand new company with promoter Tony Hua, Event Coordinator John Maresca, Production Coordinator Markey Nieves and the Rebel-T team is one of the newest promotional outfit to bring live fights to the boxing fans. Maresca said he always enjoys working with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and the two companies are already planning future endeavors together. RJJ Boxing’s Keith Veltre and Guy Taylor were ringside at Saturday’s fights in Burbank.
Brooklyn’s David Diamante was the man on the mic as he stood center ring announcing the combatants going toe to toe. The busy ring announcer said he was enjoying his Southern California gig before returning to his home base of New York.
There were also some recognizable faces seated in the ballroom. Champs and prizefighters Mauricio Herrera, Gabe Ruelas, Paul Banke, Jesus Soto Karass, Ronnie Essett, Ricky Romero, Seniesa Estrada, Hector Lopez Jr., Javier Mora, Maximilliano Becerra and more were the special guests at this first-ever 
Rebel-T promotion.
Humberto “Filly” Rubalcava opened the show with a knockout victory over Cesar Martinez. Young Filly had a big group of supporters all cheering as Rubalcava stopped his man in the third round of a scheduled four. His team plans on keeping the rising star busy as he continues his win streak. Sporting schoolboy glasses when he’s not fighting, this gladiator goes into beast mode when the bell rings. After his fight, I chatted with the lanky warrior who said he was very happy with his win and he and his trainer Juan Juarez plan on continuing to reach for the top.
Burbank boxer Damien Lopez also notched a KO win with an exciting stoppage of Javier Rodriguez (who was making his pro debut). Lopez scored a knockdown before the match was halted at the 2:28 mark in Round 2. Lopez was aggressive in the contest, landing his punches and hurting his opponent with uppercuts. The 21-year-old boxer keeps his unbeaten record as a professional prizefighter. Damien was representing the Burbank Boxing Club (founded by Coach Steve Harpst) and had a lot of BBC club members in the stands.
Heavyweight Oswaldo Ortega beat MMA fighter Sean Loeffler in a four-round contest with official scores of 39-37 from all three judges.
The anticipated matchup between Adam “Blunose” Lopez and Adan “Temo” Ochoa was a good crowd-pleasing scrap as Lopez (son of the late warrior Hector “El Torero” Lopez) showcased his skills in the ring. This was 19-year-old Ochoa’s third fight as a new pro and Lopez’s sixth bout. “Blunose” used his speed, agility and power to thwart Temo’s offense, who showed heart in this battle. At the end of four rounds, the officials scored it a unanimous decision for Lopez with their tallies of 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37 all for Lopez, just 20 years old. Adam is a Burbank local who had a large fan base behind him. The talented pug continues to prove he has championship DNA in his genes. Currently working with noted trainer Buddy McGirt, keep your eye on Adam Lopez.
The main event didn’t get a chance to reach fruition. The fiery Max “Baby Face” Ornelas vs. Leopoldo “Polo” Martinez collision ended in a technical draw when Martinez was cut above the eye by an accidental head butt in the opening frame. This pair of punchers have exchanged verbal jabs since last year. After the fights, I caught up with Vegas’ Ornelas, who explained their ring rivalry. He said they were originally supposed to fight twice in the past before finally lacing up Saturday night. The deep gash ended this clash early but Max, 18, said he and his team would love a rematch after Laredo, Texas’ Martinez, 23, is cleared to fight again.
The spectators in the Convention Center said they enjoyed this April 15 fight night in which they said they liked the bright airy arena and the chance to see a crop of rising young stars battle it out for glory. Rebel-T Promotions’ second pro boxing show is being planned for this summer. Shows such as these give new pros and up-and-comers a chance to shine and get noticed in the ring, which can lead to bigger and better opportunities in the future.
And with their latest victories, the young lions showcased on Saturday night are all keeping their focus strong, setting their sights high for success!
Photos by Michele Chong
