Local Talent Shines in the Ring

There was a big rumble going on at Taft High School in Woodland Hills at the annual “KO High Boxing Night” took place on the football field at this Southern California high school.

I stopped by the fights to check out the scene as several of SoCal’s talented young warriors were set to lace up at this yearly bash hosted by writer, producer and boxing promoter Marvin Columbus. His September 19 event marked the 20th Anniversary of this popular “KO High” gathering. Marvin says he’s had a great time putting on these shows and giving back to the community. He definitely had the support of the fans as the audience filled the seats set up on the field.

The outdoor boxing arena was set up on the football field and students and fans continued to stream in as they anticipated a night of fireworks in the ring. And the night got off with a funky fresh start as the Taft High School Dance Team performed inside the ropes. There was also a snack bar and additional entertainment by dancers and singers.

There were many special guests seated ringside including pro fighters Gerald Washington, John Molina Jr., Jeremy Williams, Golden State Boxers Association’s Bill Dempsey Young and more. This was a USA Boxing-sanctioned show with USA Boxing’s Joe Zanders, Delilah Rico and their team of officials all working this special event.

The show was a big hit and it gave these young athletes (male and female fighters on the card) a chance to shine in the ring. I caught up with many familiar faces I see at the various local shows (both amateur and pro); dedicated trainers and teens and young adults polishing their skills before they tryout for the Olympics or turn professional.

Ten Goose Boxing Gym’s Ricky Funez was there with his protégé Xavier Smith (known as rapper “Lil Za”). The team has been working together for about a year now and Funez says Smith is the real deal. Lil Za is the brother of rapper Lil Twist and both men are known for their friendship with singer Justin Bieber (who Funez also trains). Smith won his bout and continues finding success in his boxing career.

Brand new pro John Delperdang (Crossroads Boxing Gym) was there to support his amateur stablemates and says he will be fighting again soon.

And there were generations of Team Ortiz including father/trainer Robert Ortiz Sr., son Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz and his son Timothy “Kid Hollywood” Ortiz from Kid Gloves Boxing Gym. Timmy was fighting on the card and notched another W in his passbook with his proud father (and pro fighter) “Scrappy” Ortiz in his corner.

The fighters represented nearby cities like Van Nuys, Duarte, Simi Valley, Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, Pasadena and more and each boxer I spoke to said they enjoy learning the discipline that boxing offers.

Check out some of my snapshots from the night and congrats to all at the 2015 edition of “KO High”!

Photos by Michele Chong