Promoter Handing Over Reins to Granddaughter!
Southern California boxing promoter Ed Holmes (All Star Boxing Promotions) will be hosting his final show on Saturday, February 8 at the Commerce Casino in the City of Commerce. BUT his company will continue to promote fights in the southland as his granddaughter Franky Epstein will be in charge of All Star Boxing and their popular shows in Socal. Their “Battle of the Rising Stars” have continued to showcase future world champions, local stars and some of the brightest in the sport.
The company was established in 1998 and All Star’s very first matches are logged in on BoxRec beginning in 2001. I wrote my first article about All Star Boxing way back in 2009. And yes, the years have really flown by. I always enjoyed watching the action (boxing, MMA and Muay Thai), networking with the local boxing circles, catching up with the champs and spotting future talents in the ring. Quiet Cannon was the perfect venue for the fights; a spacious yet cozy ballroom, an outdoor patio, a casual friendly environment and the best fresh taco bar in the city! I remember those nights well. And now All Star hosts their battles at the famed Commerce Casino, where the large crowds continue to convene. And this Saturday will definitely be a memorable evening.
To commemorate this special fight night (and Ed’s official last card as the main promoter), I reached out to those in the boxing community who have worked with Ed and/or been guests at this shows through the years. Known for their Friday night fights at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, All Star also branched out and hosted shows at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the Commerce Casino, and more.
During the decades, thousands of prospects and contenders got in rounds at All Star shows. Prizefighters Israel Vazquez, Mikey Garcia, Nonito Donaire, Sergio Mora, Mariana Juarez, Javier Mora, Aron Martinez, David Rodela, Rico Hoye, Art Hovhannisyan, Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis, Crystal Morales, KJ Noons, Vito Gasparyan, Yonnhy Perez, Kaliesha West, Jose Armando Santa Cruz, Urbano Antillon, Francisco Arce, Jose Navarro, Stevie Quinonez Jr., Nam Phan, Adam Lopez, Laura Ramsey, Efrain Esquivias, Shibata Flores, Glenn Donaire, Kahren Harutyunyan, Bobby Pacquiao, Ruben Rivera and countless others fought in All Star matches.
And through the years, so many famous faces were spotted in the crowd such as Gennady Golovkin, Ryan Garcia, Fernando Vargas, Amir Khan, James Toney, Seniesa Estrada, Henry Tillman, Mike Anchondo, Paul Banke, Chris Arreola, Alfonso Gomez, Freddie Roach, Abel Sanchez, Mauricio Herrera, Jesus Soto Karass, John Molina Jr., Oscar Muniz, Alfredo Angulo, Gerald Washington, Johnny Tapia, Julio Gonzalez, Frank Stallone, Rudy Hernandez, Antoine Fuqua, Brian McKnight are just a few of the names I recall being at past shows.
Being a boxing promoter is one of the toughest jobs in combat sports. It can be one of the most stressful and thankless jobs around. And through all the years, all the ups and downs in the fight game, Ed and All Star Boxing continued to stand firm and promote their shows in and around Los Angeles.
Check out some recent pics and vintage photos from past events through the decades. And read on to hear some of boxing’s best and busiest share their thoughts, memories, well wishes and more for the beloved boxing veteran, Ed Holmes.
FRANKY EPSTEIN (Ed Holmes’ granddaughter who will now run All Star Boxing Promotions/Matchmaker):
I’m so excited for my grandpa Ed Holmes (my Bobo) to retire after over 20 plus years! I have so many amazing memories at Quiet Cannon/Westin Bonaventure/Jonathan Club/Pacific Palms City of Industy/Commerce Casino! We always have action packed nights. The past eight years or so I have truly learned our business from the very best professional local club promoter in Los Angeles. All Star Boxing is unique we have a diverse group of fighters every show. I look forward to continuing his legacy for many years and he will always be ring side supporting me at my shows!
I’m so excited for him! I got to see all the behind the scenes stress that comes with the sport so I’ve been able to mentally prepare for it all and I’m glad he will finally be able to RELAX he turns 75 next month.
THE YOUNGER TWINS–Jim and John (Businessmen):
On behalf of The Younger Twins our family and friends and all boxing fans who have had the privilege of knowing you and witnessing your incredible contributions to the sport, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the many years of exciting fights you have brought to the boxing world.
Your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport have given countless fighters a platform to shine and provided fans with unforgettable moments in the ring. The energy and excitement you bring to every event make All Star Boxing truly special, and your efforts have left a lasting impact on the boxing community.
Beyond the fights, we are especially grateful for your great friendship. Your kindness, generosity, and genuine love for the sport and its people have made you more
than just a promoter—you are a valued friend and a true ambassador of boxing.
Thank you, Ed, for all that you do and all that you are. We look forward to many more years of thrilling matches and cherished memories, as you pass the torch. Enjoy your personal time and we look forward to meeting up with you to hear all about your new adventures.
HERVI ESTRADA (Matchmaker/Cutman to World Champs/TGB Event Producer):
When it comes to my cool friend Ed Holmes lots of things do come to mind! God put me in his path because after having been in boxing for at least 12 years as an assistant coach I wanted to be a pro Matchmaker and Ed gave me that opportunity!
Thank you friend brother and mentor, I make a LONG story short here I am today writing a few words for this super cool promoter that not only gave me that big opportunity but to also gave MOST of the California fighters that same opportunity by putting them in his great events! Over the years I have seen matchmakers working for Ed and I noticed that they stay there for the longest time…and that says a lot about Ed. It shows how great is to work for him and how honest the man is!
Now I hear he is passing the torch to he’s beautiful and smart granddaughter and what else can we all boxing lovers can ask for? Ed, thank you so very much for everything you gave us and thank you for always been yourself. Go on my brother and enjoy the next chapter of your life like there is no tomorrow! Thank you brother Ed.
STEVE HARPST (Boxing trainer/manager/award-winning sculptor):
I’ve known with Ed since he had his first show at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello He’s been great to work with, great for boxing and is a great friend. His Friday night shows was always the best way to start the weekend. It was a lot of competitive fights, a celebration of friends and exciting nights.
He is a smart businessman and away from the ring, one of the funniest guys I know. He has one of the best sense of humors and I always enjoyed working with him and being around the All Star Boxing team. I want to wish Ed the best and hope he enjoys his retirement. Well deserved!
WHIT HAYDON (Matchmaker):
I was always impressed with the Ed handled difficult situations with people. Sometimes it was with an ultimatum, and sometimes he had to compromise a little, but he was fair. He made it look easy.
TOM TAYLOR (Boxing official):
I will be at the event on Saturday as a spectator (a friend invite me)! With regards to Ed Holmes and his events, it was always a pleasure getting the assignment to work his shows at Quiet Cannon. Ed’s love for boxing and the fighters always showed with very competitive fights, a great enthusiastic crowd and always his respect for the officials. Boxing in particular, the LA boxing scene, was better with Ed Holmes putting on shows. He will be missed.
SINDY AMADOR (Boxing champion/Hall of Famer/Natural Bodybuilder/Boxing trainer):
Following my retirement from boxing, I began covering fights alongside David Avila, and we reported on several female matches at Ed Holmes’ events, where he consistently displayed courtesy and humility towards us. After being inducted into the IWBHOF, I was recognized at the Commerce Casino, a gesture I never anticipated from Ed Holmes. Thank you for the memories.
DOLORES SCHUNKE (II Feathers Promotions/Glove Runners with her husband, the late cutman “Indian” Willie Schunke):
Ed, it’s amazing how the years have gone by. It’s been a great privilege to work with you on the All Star Boxing shows You inspired Willie and I not only to be part of your shows especially letting us work with the boxers with the gloves. Wishing you the best as you continue your journey with another chapter in your life. Blessings on your future!
Photos by Michele Chong/Poster courtesy of All Star Boxing Promotions