Get ready for a “Rumble in the Jungle” TOMORROW night!
The final countdown begins for tomorrow night’s “Marconi Fight Night 12” gala event and fundraiser benefiting the Marconi Foundation for Kids and Augie’s Quest.
I am looking forward to attending this exciting evening that will be held at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California. While guests enjoy a delicious steak dinner and Martini bar, there will be both professional boxing and kickboxing matches, a live and silent auction and special celebrity guests.
At the wheel of this 12th annual charity event are Dick and Priscilla “Bo” Marconi. The couple is well-
known for their philanthropic endeavors with their non-profit foundation, whose goal is raising a million dollars a year for at risk-youth in the Orange County area.
I originally met Dick and his brother, Ray, through cutman Chuck Bodak and have had the privilege of visiting their first-class museum before. The brothers Marconi were amateur fighters, managers and promoters and have kept their ties to boxing through the years. Showcased in their amazing museum of over 20,000 square feet are some special tributes to the sweet science including an Oscar De La Hoya Truck, a Fiat 850 Spider “decoupaged” by Bodak, and a boxcar decorated by and dedicated to the late cutman.
And the two siblings will be awarding two of the boxers with a gorgeous new trinket to fight for. Some of the lucky sluggers on their Friday night card will be vying for a very special belt–The Marconi Championship.
Intrigued, I get the full scoop from promoter Roy Englebrecht, whom Bo tells me is their trusty “go-to guy” in charge of their fight card. Contacting the Orange County-based promoter, I hear more details about what’s on tap for tomorrow. “We have six bouts including three pro boxing matches and three kickboxing fights, with some female fighters too,” Englebrecht says. “They will be fighting for a beautiful championship belt–‘The Marconi Belt.’ It’s something that they will have forever and this award is just as beautiful as an IBF or WBC belt.” Juan Manuel Sanchez will face Juan Zuniga for the coveted boxing belt and Lisa Mauldron and Michele Calisto will fight for the Marconi women’s belt.
Roy, known for his “Battle in the Ballroom” series in Irvine, tells me he really enjoys being part of special shows like these Marconi fights. “I love doing these type of private shows, especially working with people like Dick and Bo Marconi, who are very passionate about their charity,” he states. “And someone like Dick really knows his combat sports; he was a great amateur fighter years ago. Plus the fact there’s about 50 million dollars worth of cars there just adds to the excitement!”
The friendly and always-professional Englebrecht, a recent California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee, 
says they are right on track and ready for the event. “Yes, we’re all set. Today at 4 p.m. we will be having the weigh-in at the Crowne Plaza.” He also says fighter Sharif Bogere will be making a special appearance tomorrow night to lend extra support to the boxers. “In going with the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ theme, he will be the fighters’ ‘mascot’ tomorrow night since he’s got that amazing walkout with the costume and the cage!” I have personally witnessed the Ugandan fighter’s ring entrance. It’s something you don’t forget. When I saw him fight, he was enrobed in a full lion’s head get-up, ornate gold-fringed trunks and was accompanied by a live singer dressed like a royal empress. Like I said, it’s something you don’t forget and all the Marconi guests are in for a treat.
The Marconis have hosted this fight night for 12 years now, and a ticket to their event has become a much sought-after commodity. The foundation was founded in 1994 and since then, Bo has been tireless in her efforts to assist kids in need and looks forward to their annual fight night with an impressive goal in sight. “What we’re most looking forward to is reaching our goal of raising $500,000 NET from Fight Night,” the pretty CEO of the Marconi foundation explains. “This will benefit Augie’s Quest as well as give the Marconi Foundation more money to grant to various at-risk kids’ causes.”
“Augie’s Quest” is named for Augie Nieto, who has been battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) since 2005. Their organization raises funds for research efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments and, hopefully, a cure for the deadly disease.
“Dick has known Augie Nieto for many years because of the connection to the fitness and vitamin industries,” Bo says in regards to their fundraising partnership. “We reconnected about six months ago when we spoke about doing a joint venture with Fight Night 12.”
While Team Marconi has their eye on raising a net half a million dollars for their charities, one associate believes wholeheartedly that they will succeed. Promoter Englebrecht gives me his prediction, “If anyone can do it in this economy, Bo can!”
With that goal in mind, there will be unique silent auction, accompanied by a rousing live auction with over 100 items up for bid, as well as a prize raffle. But these prizes aren’t just your everyday, run-of-the mill items. With the right bid, you can claim luxury vacations, golf outings, a rafting trip, a private chef, your own chaeffeur, beautiful jewelry, autographed Academy Award movie posters, Lakers tickets, rare sports, music and entertainment memorabilia and more.
To put the Marconi auction in perspective, one little furry item up for auction went for a total of $50,000 donated to their foundation. Yes, a very adorable Golden Retriever puppy went for fifty grand at a previous Marconi Fight Night. That’s one prized pooch who enabled hundred of at-risk kids a chance at a better life.
“If I can change one kid’s life then I’ve been a success with mine,” Dick Marconi says with a loyal determination. He often recalls his father’s words of wisdom in working hard and giving back. “Learn, Earn and Return” is the motto he lives by. The Gary, Indiana native and boxing veteran is also a health and fitness entrepreneur. And he is a walking billboard for his business, staying healthy, slim and trim through the years. A former Golden Gloves champ, Dick was also was a competitive driver in various car races including the Grand Prix. He is currently a talented and successful artist and painter who works are featured in several galleries.
But his main passion is helping the less fortunate children. And he’s been a true champ in his cause; in fact, he really can be named a “Champion for the Kids.”
With that in mind, the countdown continues. Gentlemen (and women), start your engines…
Here’s to a great fundraising night at the museum. See you at the fights!
Marconi Fight Night 12
Doors Open 5:30 p.m.
Dinner and Boxing 7:00 p.m.
For tickets:
www.marconimuseum.org
Images courtesy of Marconi Automotive Museum/Marconi Foundation for Kids/ Photos by Michele Chong