Thompson Boxing Promotions’ Fight Series
Thompson Boxing Promotions hosted their monthly fight night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
This popular series of live fights includes “Path to Glory,” “Locked N’ Loaded,” “New Blood” and more presented by President/Promoter Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo. Their latest installment could also be called “Friday Night Fireworks” as the packed crowd enjoyed seven bouts of action including the main event of Jose “Gato” Roman vs. Hector Velazquez in defense of Roman’s WBC CABOFE lightweight belt. Roman won by unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 79-73) in the eight round punch out. The Orange County boxer has scored 18 victories in his pro career and the sold-out audience cheered loudly for their hometown hero from Garden Grove.
The night featured some bloody good fights as the sluggers blasted away at each other. In one rough-and-rugged affair, Ukrainian Taras Shelestyuk (co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions) took on a scrappy Patrick Boozer (who had former heavyweight champ James Toney in his corner). The two lefties banged it out in the ring with Shelstyuk suffering a cut and Boozer later deducted a point for a low blow in the ensuing rounds. After eight frames, Taras (a 2012 Olympian) remains unbeaten earning a split decision win of 76-75 twice for Shelystuk and 76-75 for Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Boozer.
The Ontario fights always draws a big crowd with spectators loyally coming back for more at each and every show. The fans know what’s in store at a Thompson fight: competitive matches, current and veteran champions sitting ringside and a chance to catch the latest crop of new talent and rising stars honing their craft in the ring.
Friday’s “Path to Glory” featured all these aspects and more including T-shirt giveaways from ring card girls Ashley and Lindsi and a “Row of Champs” lining up in the ring. Announcer Sonny Franco introduced fighters in attendance including James Toney, Israel Vazquez, Juan Reyes, Alberto Davila, Artemio Reyes Jr., Isaac Zarate, Carlos Bojorquez, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Andy Nance, Richard Contreras, Saul Rodriguez, Danny Hernandez, among others.
Ex-boxers and local favorites can always be spotted in the venue. Former WBC Super Bantamweight champion Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez works ringside at these fights with fellow commentator Carlos Avilas. Vazquez says he enjoys the Thompson fights and the fans always flock to meet the blood-and-guts warrior. And Ken Thompson mentioned to me, “Israel is always a pro who comes prepared. The fans love him and he’s a great person to work with!”
Thompson Boxing has two upcoming events scheduled to take place on October 24 and November 21. Two fighters in the Thompson Boxing stable are looking forward to lacing up at these shows soon. Juanito “Pochito” Reyes told me he’s on tap for the October card and Artemio “King” Reyes says it looks like he’ll be fighting on November 21.
One bonus about these local shows is that it gives you a chance to see some fresh faces and young talent in the game. Thompson Boxing is known for bringing up homegrown heroes and cultivating champions along the way including Josesito Lopez, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley and others who got their start through Thompson shows.
So don’t miss out on the next “Path to Glory” later this month. See you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong
