Team Ready at Official Weigh-In
The Los Angeles Matadors will be back in the ring TONIGHT, March 14 as they square off against the Mexico City Guerreros at the Avalon Hollywood.
And for you Southern California fight fans, take note that this is the final homestand for this talented amateur team of boxers–your last chance to check out the live L.A. action in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) competition.
I visited with the two teams yesterday before their official weigh-in began at the Hollywood Heights Hotel. All the fighters were relaxed and ready to go as they jockey for the number-one slot in the standings. The Matadors in red are making their mark in the city as they rack up wins in the WSB league.
And tonight’s “Battle For The Americas: The Brawl To Settle It All” will settle the score. The five bouts featured tonight will be: Eric Flores vs. Juan Pablo Romero, Vyacheslav (Slava) Shabranskyy vs. Kennedy Katende, Chris Pearson vs. Yamaguchi Florentino, Rau’Shee Warren vs. Braulio Avila and David Imoesiri vs. Mario Heredia.
Continuing to gain steam as the international playoffs approach, the L.A. Matadors have become the new fresh faces on the local sports scene. Embraced by Tinseltown’s celebs, VIPs and pro athletes, I’ve spotted Evander Holyfield, Andre Ward, Paulie Malignaggi, Laker owner Jerry Buss, actress Jenny McCarthy, several “Dancing With The Stars” hoofers and many other familiar mugs taking in the scene.
While L.A. sports fans can choose amongst the L.A. Lakers and Clippers, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Kings, L.A. Galaxy and more (we don’t have a professional football team, but that’s a whole ‘nother story!), big plans are already in the works to keep the L.A. Matadors’ momentum going as they head into their second season next year.
Chatting with Rich Orosco, a managing partner for the L.A. Matadors, he echoed thoughts that the town has come out in big support of these young amateur boxers, who hope to earn a berth in the 2012 Olympic Games. He says tickets always sell out fast with a high demand from the premium seats all the way to general admission.
Their new home of the Avalon is an added bonus as well. At the last outing, I watched fans in the balcony and guests on the floor all having a great time as the Matadors punched their way to victories. The organization hopes to become one of L.A.’s most recognizable sports teams.
With their Hollywood connections growing, tonight’s fight night doubles as a fundraiser for Jenny McCarthy’s Generation Rescue organization.
Just footsteps from the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the weigh-in included some Walk of Fame touches as well with some of the sluggers testing the chin of the George Clooney wax statue seated nearby. As I spoke with a few of the Matadors, I glanced over at the Guerreros to their left. Standing by the Mexico City team was Francisco Vargas, a 2008 Mexican Olympian, and his trainer Rodrigo Mosquera. Both have worked with many of the Guerrero boxers while they’re in town and the boxer and coach attended Sunday’s weigh-in to support both teams.
I noticed things were very friendly between all the ring rivals; many first met years ago through the amateur circuit.
But is there ever any trash talking between the boxers or competing teams?
“You guys keep things pretty friendly?” I ask Joseph Diaz Jr., a Matador bantamweight.
“Yes! There’s no trash talking; everyone’s friends here,” the 18-year-old replies. “But..It’s ALL business when it comes to stepping into the ring!”
“Any predictions for Monday night?”
Diaz, the pride of South El Monte quickly answers, “All my teammates are prepared and we’re gonna do well. I think we’re gonna take it!”
Having fought to victory on February 28, Diaz will be there to support all his fellow boxers. Some who aren’t fighting tonight will be traveling to Miami for Thursday’s matchups.
But for now, the focus is on the tough team representing Mexico City. “You are tied with the Guerreros in the points standings,” I comment to Diaz, “but you have a slight edge in the rankings with wins.”
“We have a slight edge, yes. And plus it’s at L.A.,” the amateur standout, nicknamed “JoJo,” nods. “So it’s not in Mexico City and the elevation is not gonna hit us. We’re prepared!”
Talking to his teammates seated together on a couch in the lobby, it’s easy to see the natural camaraderie and effortless rapport between the Matadors. They live together in an apartment facility, eat together, travel together, and of course, train together. Asking Diaz if they ever get sick of each other, the teen pugilist answers with a laugh, “NO! Even though we all live together we’re not sick of each other!” He then joins the guys on the couch as they pile close together for a group shot.
Check out these exclusive pics before the weigh-in got underway as the teams got revved up for tonight’s brawl!
See you at the fights.
Battle For The Americas: The Brawl To Settle It All
Los Angeles Matadors vs. Mexico City Guerreros
Monday, March 14
7 p.m. Bouts Scheduled to Begin
Tickets begin at 20.00 (General Admission)
www.lamatadors.com
Photos by Michele Chong
