Huge Turnout at WBC & Supreme Boxing Event
The fans began lining up early as Sunday’s Meet & Greet “Honoring a Champ” got underway at the Magnifico Boxing Gym in South Gate, Calif..
Here are my snapshots from the day that included an awards tribute to Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez, live entertainment, a DJ, food booths, boxing gear and memorabilia, silent auction and much more.
This was a fundraiser hosted by Supreme Boxing in association with the World Boxing Council (WBC), WBC Cares and Junior Foundation Charities.
In attendance and seated at “Champions Row” were pro fighters Israel Vazquez, Leo Santa Cruz, Julian Ramirez, Mauricio Herrera, Miguel Vazquez, Carlos Molina, Ray Beltran, JoJo Diaz, Alex Luna, Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, Javier Molina, Oscar Molina, Oscar Venegas, Gabe Ruelas, Efrain Esquivias Jr., Jose “Gato” Roman, Jesus Soto Karass, Jose Luis Soto Karass, Rick Farris, Adrienne Alegria, Myra Manzo, amateur boxers Manny “Bam Bam” Rodriguez, Misael Elias, and many more. The prizefighters wore green WBC ribbons in support of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
During breaks in the activities, I also chatted with boxing historian and best-selling author Gene Aguilera, filmmaker Alan Swyer (“El Boxeo”), WBC Supervisor Rudy Tellez and WBC Supervisor Joe Noriega while the crowd watched the popular music group RPM-7 perform. The boxing community came out strong at the inaugural event. There were many veteran and current trainers and cornerman also there.
The boxers and special guests all took time out of their busy schedules and training camps to support this worthwhile cause in fighting back against cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
There were also emotional speeches in honor of two young boys who lost their battles against the deadly disease. Angel Santos and Mikey Reyes had met the champs and were honorary WBC champions as well. And during the weekend fiesta, the brother of Angel Santos sang a tune in honor of the little warrior that passed away.
Besides the fighters coming out in person, there was also a committed show of support from boxing promoters. Golden Boy Promotions (Roberto Diaz and Joel De La Hoya), Top Rank (Ricardo Jimenez), Thompson Boxing Promotions (President Ken 
Thompson) and Goossen Promotions (Rodney Hunt) joined forces for this day of giving back to others.
In the ring, little Lencis Diaz and Martin Mejia were introduced to the audience. They are two brave warriors battling their illnesses. It was announced that Lencis and Martin will be sponsored by Golden Boy to help the families in their plight. I saw the smiles on their faces and the expressions of gratitude from the families as we heard many moving speeches through the ceremony.
I talked to Lalo Rodriguez as we watched his wife (and show organizer) Nancy Rodriguez multi-task in and around the gym and also oversee the outdoor activities taking place in this South Gate location. Nancy, a mother of four, credits the hard work of the Supreme Boxing team (Hector De La Cruz, Victor Martinez, Alicia Magana, Javier Zendejas, Jennifer Arredondo, Diana Garcia, Adriana Jimenez, Rodrigo Jimenez, Arnold Vazquez, Israel Vazquez) for all working and striving to make this event a knockout one.
Lalo sees first-hand all the hard work his wife Nancy, champ Israel Vazquez and the dedicated Supreme Boxing crew have put into each and every event and he was very proud to see them have a truly successful day. Many well-deserved individuals received recognition while raising funds to help others in need.
It was a joining of forces that made this day a memorable one. And joining the sponsors, vendors and volunteers were the long lines of fans excited to meet their boxing heroes.
Click here for my additional report on Israel Vazquez’s Award Ceremony!
PHOTOS BY MICHELE CHONG
