This year’s “Knockout” Convention
WE ARE EVERYWHERE!
From amateur shows to pro fights, from boxing events to exclusive interviews, I try to do my part in spreading the gospel of the sweet science. Boxing sometimes gets such a bad rap; I like to bring a positive outlook to the sport we all know and love.
So this past weekend, our boxing club headed to sunny San Diego to return to the world’s largest convention celebrating everything from A-Z in pop culture. Yep, it’s time for my once-a-year Comic-Con column–complete with fun photos from the gigantic gathering in Southern California.
I “survived” the reigning champion of all conventions–the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) and during the day, we crossed paths with tons of boxing aficionados as you’ll see in these snapshots below.
From the get-go, pugilism surrounded us. While in the Gaslamp Quarter, waiting to cross the street to first enter the San Diego Convention Center, I noticed an older gentleman (not exactly a spring chicken) dressed as Superman–with big bright red boxing gloves. I couldn’t help but notice him. And did I mention this brightly-dressed power puncher was also on roller skates?!
Why? Well, that’s one thing you just can’t answer during Comic-Con.
There are thousands upon thousands of costumed conventioneers that defy any possible or plausible explanation. You’ve heard of “Christmas in July”? Well, the SDCC is like celebrating “Halloween in July.” It’s one big adult dress-up party that I like to call “Halloween on Steroids.” Seeing is believing. And at this infamous convention you just never know what you’re going to see.
Outside of the venue, the energetic superhero-in-his-own-mind punched away while protecting us mere mortals as everyone had fun watching him jab away keeping crime at bay. As we continued into the massive hall, we met many fight fans along the way. This mammoth event has gained worldwide attention with tickets and hotels selling out months in advance. During the preview night and four-day convention, fans come out in droves wearing elaborate costumes that took them months to make. In the “cosplay” (costume play) network of devotees, anything and everything goes.
Comic-Con is always labeled as a “nerd fest” or a “geek get-together” but, as the male population has slowly caught on to, it’s also a place where they can get see and pose with tons of hot chicks too–a real babe fest as they call it! Many exhibits and studio booths feature models and actresses to meet and greet the long lines of attendees. I had a chance to get to know a few of the girls from the ABC event introducing the series “No Ordinary Family.” This new TV show, starring Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz, will be premiering this fall. At the convention, a posse of friendly gals were giving out T-shirts, backpacks and photos.
Meet actress Anya Benton (“The Land That Time Forgot,” “Night of the Dead,” etc.) and model Shanna Vachal–two showbiz performers and also big boxing fans who were part of the ABC interactive display. Chatting with the slender beauties, the pair were intrigued in being able to use boxing as a workout. The outgoing Anya, who was born in Russia and has a long list of credits on her resumé, made arrangements to visit our boxing club in the future. The knockout blondes and their pretty associates practiced their uppercuts during rare breaks of action from the constant crowd of self-described “freaks and geeks” that streamed by.
We also trekked upstairs to the light and airy Sails Pavilion where many other booths and exhibits were set up. I visited with actress Cindy Morgan and PR Manager/Writer Randy Waage, whom I first met last year. We caught up with the two and talked boxing before Cindy’s legion of fans (mostly guys, of course) lined up to meet the “TRON” icon and star of the classic comedy smash “Caddyshack.”
As sexy “Lacey Underall” in the Chevy Chase and Bill Murray movie, Cindy continues to be a fan favorite who’s attained an intense loyal following. There was a recent uproar when the news broke she wasn’t going to be in the new “TRON: Legacy” film. She tells me that there’s still an ongoing petition, Facebook campaign and a whole group dedicated to see Morgan (“Lora/Yori”) in future “TRON” sequels! As the crowd of fans began to gather, Cindy and Randy got into their fightin’ spirit and showed me their best boxing pose.
Making our way through the jam-packed rows, we met a lot of spirited fans. Housed in the giant venue, the attendees really get their fill of visual stimuli while at the show. The conventioneers were also privy to picking up coveted souvenirs, sought-after collectibles and loads of freebies from animation, sci-fi, fantasy, comedy and more. There were also panel discussions, film screenings and autograph signings in various genres of film, TV shows, computer games, anime, Manga, graphic novels, toys and yes, even comic books!
Comic-Con is a blast–THE undisputed champion of all conventions. And this annual event draws over 140,000 people EACH day so it’s no surprise we’d find a lot of familiar faces from the boxing club and area gyms too. This is the 41st installment the convention and since its humble beginning, the show has reached its record-breaking height while accommodating the demand from the fans.
Seeing is believing.
So without further ado, feast your eyes on just some of the sights from this year’s Comic-Con as MyBoxingFans made the rounds!
Photos by Michele Chong