“Path to Glory” Returns Friday, February 22!
It was a perfect day of boxing under the blue skies for the big crowd that came out to Saturday’s “Path to Glory” open workout hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. Friday’s card at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario is the very first live show of the year for the Southern California promoter.
I had a chance to chat with the fighters at the weekend bash held at the Thompson Building Materials in Fontana on Saturday. Here is the “Chatter Box’s” exclusive report and snapshots from the day. In attendance were WBC Silver Welterweight champ Josesito Lopez and the “Path to Glory” four in San Diego’s Chris Martin, East L.A.’s Xavier Montelongo Jr. and new Thompson signees Juanito Reyes and Joshua Conley.
Jose Lopez, the “Riverside Rocky,” is still the talk of the town after upsetting Victor Ortiz last summer. There had been some heavy-duty talk about Lopez facing British star Amir Khan next but the camps ceased negotiations after catchweight issues. Now the buzz is that Josesito will take on Argentinean puncher Marcos Maidana (possibly in April) in what would be an ultimate slugfest for fight fans.
Lopez took time to meet the SoCal crowd who joined the festivities. Many of the visitors came from both near and far to meet their favorite boxing hero. Several families told me they love Josesito, a perennial underdog who came out on top. Lopez is also staying well connected to his fans through social media. “We saw this event on his Facebook fan page so we couldn’t wait to come out and meet him!” those in line noted. Some of the people brought him gifts including special handmade items in honor of Team Lopez.
During the fiesta, the “Path to Glory” fighters displayed their skills in the ring, on the heavy bag and with the jump ropes as ring announcer introduced all the boxers and special guests including WBC’s Joe Noriega and the Inland Empire’s KGGI 99.1 radio station deejays. They had a live broadcast with KGGI and the popular Jeff Pope was also there to greet the fans at the gathering.
The steady stream of kids and adults continued on with many happy fans receiving their prized autographs from the athletes, walking away with signed gloves and big smiles on their faces. Thompson Boxing treated everyone to a complimentary BBQ, fresh hot popcorn, raffle prize giveaway and tours of the spacious Fontana lot. And there was plenty of action in and around the ring that was set up just for the day. The “Path to Glory” quartet thrilled the crowd with their sizzling speed and lightning reflexes on the canvas.
And this Friday’s live event will feature this foursome of fighters, who alongside Lopez, took time for the meet and greet. Friday’s main event will be the Chris “Marvelous” Martin vs. Jose Angel Beranza rematch with the co-feature of Artemio Reyes Jr. vs. Rodolfo Armenta.
Martin is new to the Thompson stable and is looking forward to seeking revenge on nemesis Beranza. The two last tangled in October 2011 in which Beranza won a split decision. Friday’s bout will be for a vacant WBC title in the super bantamweight division.
Another new prospect joining Thompson Boxing is Juanito Reyes. Nicknamed “Pochito,” Reyes expressed his excitement in being with Team Thompson, President and Founder Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo.
“I had my first fight with them in October,” Reyes tells me during a break in the boxing workout. “So this is just my second fight with them.”
Juanito trains at the Jurupa Valley Boxing Club with California Hall of Famer Willy Silva and Eddie Valdivia. Team Reyes was there in full support with Pochito’s proud mom watching her son sign autographs.
“Fans will love Juan,” Ken Thompson mentioned a couple of days after the workout. “He is a young talent who throws hundreds of punches!”
Thompson and Camponovo were in Tijuana the same day as the “Path to Glory” outdoor workout. They were there with Thompson fighter Jonathan “Momo” Romero, who was challenging local favorite Alejandro Lopez. Thompson says a star is born with Momo being mobbed by thousands of fans in Tijuana.
One of the “Path to Glory” fighters was especially looking forward to watch the fight on TV after the workout blitz was over. Xavier Montelongo Jr. had a chance to spar with Momo. “It was great sparring with him,” Xavier commented, “and I can’t wait to watch him fight tonight!”
After the open workout and later on that night in an exciting clash between the Colombian and Mexican gladiators, Romero upset the Mexican warrior, becoming the new IBF Super Bantamweight titlist.
So the Thompson Boxing stable continues their win streak.
And this Friday, you can watch the prizefighters continue on their own “Path to Glory” in the ring.
Thompson Boxing Promotions
“PATH TO GLORY”
Friday February 22, 2013
Tickets (714) 935-0900
Photos by Michele Chong
