TONIGHT Watch L.A. Matadors in Action!
One of amateur boxing’s best ambassadors came out to inspire the young competitors at last weekend’s Silver Gloves Region VIII Tournament. Los Angeles Matador team member David Imoesiri was introduced in the ring as he awarded the combatants from ages 10-15 a victory medal. In this final competition, the winners will continue on to the National Silver Gloves in Independence, Missouri.
After the Nationals, many of the youngsters also go on to compete in the Golden Gloves, the Olympics and further down the road, hopefully a shot at the pros. And for the kids who fought on Sunday, they had a great role model in Imoesiri right in front of them to help in encouraging and fueling their fistic dreams.
While most of the ink these days goes to professional boxing, I always like to give our U.S. amateurs a shout out. These tough young heroes will be our next Olympians–and our future world titlists as well.
Imoesiri, as a Matador, just competed in Mexico on January 7, where he won a unanimous decision against his Mexico City Guerreros foe. The young man is making a splash as part of this new boxing team under the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Series of Boxing competition. This exciting international event (which kicked off in November) showcases elite boxers from a dozen various teams in five round three-minute matchups.
You can catch his fellow teammates in action TONIGHT as the L.A. Matadors battle to keep their lead in the ranks as they square off against the Miami Gallos. The boxers will be fighting amongst the cream of the crop at Nokia Theatre at LA LIVE. Good news for you boxing fans–the tickets begin at just 20.00! And what’s even more thrilling for SoCal boxing fans is that the pugilists will be featured in a pro style of fighting–with no head gear that is a prerequisite in most amateur shows. An added attraction are the special ring card girls, also known as the L.A. Matador “Knockouts.”
Besides Imoesiri, Javier Torres, Russell Lamour, Eric Fowler, Luke Boyd are just some of the athletes that compete out of the Matadors stable. This competition will pave the way for a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team so the power punchers are fighting for much more than braggin’ rights as a champion.
But it would be a no-brainer to say that “Champion” is David’s middle name. While trainer Joe Zanders announced to the crowd gathered around the ring at Victory Park in Pasadena, he read a long and impressive list of the heavyweight’s accomplishments inside the ropes. The pugilist was a L.A. Golden Gloves Champion, a two-time Washington State Golden Gloves Champion and a three-time Nevada Regional Golden Gloves Champion. He was also the 2010 Blue and Gold Champ, among a lengthy list of additional prestigious championships won by the talented Long Beach fighter.
During the Silver Gloves finals last Sunday, the Matador gave the fans autographed photos and proved to be an inspiration for the young boxers and their trainers who have Olympic dreams in their sights. Imoesiri was also congratulated by USA Boxing official Ray Chavez, a dedicated referee and judge at many shows in the amateur circuit. Ray is a longtime supporter and advocate of amateur boxing and is impressed with the 22-year-old Imoesiri. A cousin of the late Fabela Chavez, Ray knows amateur boxing well. His son, Michael Chavez, was big amateur star in the Southland who is now training out of Barry’s Boxing in Las Vegas while also working as an official for the amateurs.
While the little gladiators at the Silver Gloves show really looked up to Imoesiri (who stands at 6’2″), he remains a positive role model to the youth to train hard and stay focused. Speaking with David’s longtime trainer from his amateur career, Coach Joe Zanders says this is a man to keep your eye on. The busy Zanders, who is on his way to an AIBA conference in Switzerland, has been named as the brand new National Coach for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. The veteran trainer tells me, “I began working with David when he was about 12 or 13. He was a prominent member of the Long Beach PAL. I support everything he’s doing with the WSB.”
His amateur charge fights in a “boxer” style that belies his large frame. “Some guys are brawlers; some have brute strength,” Zanders says of the heavyweight. “David’s best skills are his hand and foot speed. He’s got great reflexes. He has the chance to be extremely successful.”
“It’s amazing for a guy 200 pounds to be throwing such fast combinations. If you haven’t seen that yet, you will!” promises Zanders.
Be sure to check out David’s fellow fighters at tonight’s show. And if you want to catch the next round of competition, Imoesiri and the hard-hitting L.A. Matadors are set to return to Nokia Theatre on January 27.
See you at the fights!
L.A. Matadors vs. Miami Gallos
TONIGHT, Thursday, January 13
Nokia Theatre
LA LIVE
7:00 PM
Tickets: 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
For more info: www.lamatadors.com
Photo of Imoesiri and Chavez by Michele Chong
good article on david saw him on Versu tonight great fighter
Go L A Matadors don’t let the success get to your head go russell lamour oregon is reuting for you
I can’t wait for imoesiri to fight on live t,v, I went to seattle central with him back in 08 and he was ranked 4 in the whole nation he was also only 18 years old young not very strong and I think he had to learn some lessons because of it, but in the end when Imoesiri finally puts his tools all together he can be pretty extrordinary
I can’t wait for imoesiri to fight on live t,v, I went to seattle central with him back in 08 and he was ranked #4 in the whole nation he was also only 18 years old young not very strong and I think he had to learn some lessons because of it, but in the end when Imoesiri finally puts his tools all together he can be pretty extrordinary
Imoesiri, has to make me think he is getting tired of the haters he is like a fine wine each expirenced and time in the pressure make him better he fights with a lot of passion and heart but I think if he just fought smart stick to the game plan and trust his corner he will succeed
Imoesiri is overrated he lost to t.rawling the first week, he will rematch imoesiri and I expect Imoesiri to get KO’d this time
David Imoesiri Is A beast from the youtube videos I hope he is good enough to beat the klistchkos
Imoesiri is good and all but he is 2 and 1 and should have at least 1 knockout to his WSB record I want to see him continue to get better
David Imoesiri Reminded me of Muhammad Ali in his latest fight in Mexico ,city
I’ve personally know David going on about six years now he and his older brother were highschool teammates on Our State Championship Football team long beach poly hs, His brother daniel stuttering self yes to pump him up all through the hallways but given this kids story you learn why Imoesiri fights with passion and brings a uniquely rich skill set that sets him apart I’ve seen him in the amatuers and quickly wonder why he was a national champion yet, I pray peace and victory to him and his family we need more role models like david .imoesiri .true soul survivors
David Imoesiri is a amazing charachter great Article Miss Chong, Ask for your free tickets at will call at the next LAMatadors.com home event courtesty of WSB Americas Athlete Relations
good to know, thanks Bobby!
Liked the article! However, just letting you know that there’s a boxing program in Shreveport, Louisiana that’s making a MAJOR impact in their LBC (the Southern Association): “Road to Glory” Stephens Boxing & Fitness Center! With a total of 10 National, Regional, and State champions this program is making some people take notice in the State of Louisiana! The Director and Head Boxing Coach of RTG Stephens Boxing & Fitness Center is Jerry Wayne Stephens, who had a great amatuer boxing record with the noted “Irish” McNeil’s Sports for Boys Boxing Gym during the late ’70s and ’80s! This team won the 2010 and 2009 Junior/Senior Olympics twice in a roll (2009 in Shreveport, LA and 2010 in Florida)! Be watching for this team!
Comments are closed.