New Interview with Simi Valley’s Robert Ortiz
The fireworks in the ring will ignite THIS Saturday, October 2 at the Simi Valley Town Center’s Kid Gloves Boxing Gym as Robert Ortiz (Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation) and Rey Rodis’ Red Boxing Promotions host a live boxing show called “Heroes Among Us.”
This event was originally slated for 9/11 and was rescheduled for this weekend.
There will be some new prizefighters making their debut in the ring with seven bouts lined up: Mathias Radcliffe vs. William Parra Smith, Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz Jr. vs. Mario Aguirre, Jerry Bradford vs. Derrick Clayton, Michael De La Cruz vs. Kevin Perez, Eladio Guerrero vs. Henry Mendez, Jouse Vargas vs. Jamario Mulder, Karpis Burushyan vs. Justin Cole.
And cheering on the young pros will be many former/current boxing champs and fan favorites including Paul Banke, Sindy Amador, Ron Johnson and more who will be attending in person.
Training during the pandemic hasn’t been easy for the athletes and this fight night has been long anticipated by all involved.
I spoke to boxing veteran Robert Ortiz as his show quickly neared. Robert is a fifth-generation fighter, former Marine, gym owner, trainer/father of son Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz Jr. (who is the co-main event on Saturday), and is very active in the community he loves. The Southern California boxing coach is known as one of the good guys in the sport, always giving back to at-risk youth, military members, law enforcement, people with Parkinson’s Disease and autism, etc.
Ortiz is looking forward to putting on a great show for the city. And after the October 2 “Heroes Among Us” show, Robert is also planning an October 19 MMA/CAMO event and a fundraiser in November for the youth in need. To say he’s busy would be an understatement. But during his hectic schedule, he took time out to chat with me a day before the weigh-in. Hear his thoughts on what continues to motivate him after decades in the business, his generous offer to military veterans in the area, what the audience can expect come Saturday night and more!
Michele Chong: Hi Robert! Your show is almost here. With the fights originally schedule for September 11, I’m sure you’re happy they are now taking place this weekend?
Robert Ortiz: Yes! I’m excited to be able to showcase the fighters and give the opportunity to local, Ventura and Valley fighters to show their talents in the ring. And with the fights being held outdoors, this is the first big fight in Ventura County since the pandemic.
MC: Your son “Scrappy” and your grandson Timmy are both pro fighters. Scrappy will be the co-feature; how has his training been for his fight?
RO: Scrappy has been so dedicated and I’m really impressed. His weight is down, he looks great–wait till you see him! I’ve been so busy working on the fights that I haven’t been able to be in the gym with him as much as before but I know he’s ready. My mom is here to watch him fight as well as other family members. Everyone is looking forward to it!
MC: The theme for the show is “Heroes Among Us” and you want to honor servicemen, policemen, firemen and more, right?
RO: Yes, as a Marine myself, I wanted to recognize both firemen and police officers and also those who had served in the military. We’re giving veterans free access to the show–all they have to do is show their military I.D. and they can come to our show for free!
MC: That’s cool! I’ve known you for a long time and I know you have always been willing to give back to the community in and out of boxing. You recently held the memorial service for boxing’s Bernie Hopalian and I know you also do a lot for underserved kids and teens. You’re always humble but could you talk a little bit about your charity work?
RO: I feel blessed to be able to give back. I want to support others. We have people with Parkinson’s and autism working out at our gym, and we also had a bike giveaway for kids who parents were deployed and serving in the military. I also want to give back to any fighters in need and I wish more people would support them. We have worked with the Big Brother, Big Sister program for those kids who don’t have moms and dads, and we’ve invited a group of 20 kids (through our Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation) to watch the fights for free.
And thank you to everyone for all their support! We’ve had sponsors donate items and the Chamber of Commerce has also been great.
MC: And I know it has been extra challenging the last year and a half with COVID-19 and the pandemic with gym closures and planning events.
RO: Yes. I just roll with the punches (laughs). Things are getting better though. And in November, I’d love for the boxing community to all come together for a Christmas charity event. I’d like to invite different gyms and boxing clubs to get together and do a toy giveaway and maybe have the fighters sign autographs for the kids too!
MC: That is awesome, Robert! Count me in and thank you for all you do. Looking forward to all your events!
RO: Thanks, Michele!
If you have ever met Robert Ortiz, you will quickly realize he is on a mission to assist others and his passion in giving back has not waned through the decades. During our conversation, he mentions “being blessed” several times throughout our interview. And he mentions it’s not about money. His gym (like most gyms) does not rake in billions of dollars; they get by just like everyone else. But Robert chooses to open his gym doors to those who can’t afford it and and has certainly shown his strong support for at-risk children/teens and military veterans who may need a boost.
His intentions are always good and I’ve never heard him boast or brag about his charitable work through the years.
“I’ve been blessed,” he says. “And I have a lot of ideas about giving back with more events in the future!”
If you’re in the Simi Valley area, come on out and support these hometown heroes as they give it all in the ring!
Tickets: Click here.
(All bouts subject to change)
Photos courtesy of Robert Ortiz Sr. and Michele Chong