Thompson Boxing Features NABF Bouts
Kicking off the weekend was Friday night’s “New Blood” show featuring five fights (including two championship bouts) at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. Presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions, SoCal fight fans know they can always count on plenty of action at these spirited Thompson shows.
Founder/President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have been providing plenty of pro fisticuffs since Thompson Boxing began over 14 years ago. Their “New Blood” show pits rising stars and prospects in the ring as they make their way up the ranks. And there was a couple of young lefties making their marks in the win column at this “New Blood” bash.
On Friday’s card, Giovani “Gallo de Oro” Santillan successfully defended his NABF Junior Light Welterweight title in an eight-round battle versus Progreso, Mexico’s Luis Solis. The San Diego southpaw won a unanimous decision with scores of 79-73, 78-74, 77-75. With an undefeated win streak of 16 victories, look for Santillan, 22, to continue to rise and tabbed as one to watch.
In the co-main, San Pedro’s Isaac Zarate became the new NABF Junior Super Bantam champ after winning the vacant belt in his eight-round war against Phoenix’s Fermando Samaniego Jr. (who was unbeaten coming into battle). Both warriors wore pink gloves in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and went at it in the ring. Zarate was the hometown hero with the fans cheering loudly in support. The 23-year-old took matters into his hands (and fists) pounding out a unanimous decision against his foe, thus handing Samaniego his first professional loss. When the final bell rang, it was 79-73 for Zarate from all three judges.
After his match, Isaac told me he’s happy with his latest win. Training out of Crossroads Boxing Gym with Eddie Gonzalez, the new champ looks to be back in the ring early next year. He thought the fight was good and gave his challenger props for being tough.
Thompson’s last show of 2014 will be on November 21 and the headliner on this card is scheduled to be the popular Artemio Reyes Jr., who was ringside to catch the action at Friday’s show. No opponent has been named yet, but “King” Reyes has been training hard for his upcoming fight. Look for the welterweight to be gunning for his 23rd victory next month.
During the formal introductions, ring announcer Sonny Franco introduced Artemio Reyes Jr., heavyweight Gerald Washington, IFBA Light Flyweight champ Sindy Amador, fighters Danny Hernandez, Richard Contreras, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Mando Muniz and more to the packed audience. There was also a special “10 Count” for promoter Dan Goossen, who passed away on September 29.
Fans were out in force on Friday. The ticket holders got their money’s worth with five matchups, T-shirt giveaways by the ring card girls and a chance to check out some talented prospects, contenders and championship hopefuls.
Don’t miss out on Thompson Boxing’s last show for 2014. November 21 promises more fireworks inside the ropes as the fans get to see the future stars in the ring!
Photos by Michele Chong
