“Desert Fisticuffs” Show in Arizona

For six kids from the Southland, their summer vacation got underway with a road trip to Arizona, as they recently competed in the “2011 Desert Fisticuffs” Boxing Show in Tucson.

The host club, the Tucson Wolfpack, trainer Ray Mitchell, the 6th Street Gym, and its gym director Ed Torrejon invited this group of young athletes to take part in the competition, which was a fundraising effort for the 6th Street Gym.

Boxers Jesse Villanueva, Adam Lopez, Damien Lopez, Jermaine Powell, Nelson Melendez, and Isaac Chavez and their trainers all trekked through the desert to take part in the show. Clubs represented were the Burbank Boxing Club, Fabela Chavez Boxing Club and Ten Goose Boxing Gym; coaches for the outing were Steve Harpst, David Lopez, Joel Chavez.

A few of the fighters even had a special kickoff before their trip at boxing scribe Igor Frank’s “Boxing Trailer,” which is filled with mementos from the ring. Frank, the Glendale Boxing Examiner writer, lent his support to these amateurs. After the spirited send-off, those who traveled the 500 miles to be ringside at the show were boxer Hector Lopez, photographer Ray Flores and California Hall of Fame Inductee and the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Dr. Joe Noriega.

Once in Tucson, the weigh-in was held at the 6th Street Gym followed by a spaghetti lunch with coach Ray Mitchell’s family. Then it was time for the weekend warriors to lace up. And it’s a good thing that these boxers are trained to face any adversity–even if their foe is 100 degree heat. Yes, the show was an outdoor event in the middle of the afternoon, which meant that the SoCal boys had to acclimate to the super hot weather quickly–while punching their way under the blazing sun.

“I was very impressed with all the boxers and how they fought in the heat and away from home,” head trainer Steve Harpst commented. “It was over a hundred degrees and they all adjusted very well.”

Not letting the desert temperatures hinder them, all of the kids gave it everything they had. While the team didn’t score a perfect shutout, all of the pugilists walked away proud of their efforts.

The event featured many exciting bouts between Arizona sluggers and their counterparts from California, including one crowd-pleasing female scrap during the show sanctioned by USA Boxing.

Two of the Cali kids’ fights especially stood out. Adam Lopez, 15, went against Christian Moreno in what the emcee told the large crowd was an “outstanding bout.” Wearing leopard trunks, Lopez displayed good footwork and hand speed to take the win. His older brother Hector, 16, was happy with Adam’s performance. “He did really good!” Hector told me. “It made me want to be in the ring too.” Both brothers box, but this time only Adam had a matchup.

In another bout, in which many commented was a “Fighter of the Night” performance by Jesse Villanueva, the four rounds had the audience on its feet. Villanueva, 21, pressed the action using speed and power to claim victory over the tough Armando Aldaniro out of Tucson Southwest Boxing.

Fifteen-year-old Damien Lopez fought southpaw Enrique Duarte in a very competitive bout as well.

All of the competitors received a medals for their efforts. For the kids, these out-of-state boxing shows are an opportunity to travel, learn good sportsmanship and get experience fighting outside of their comfort zone. For this team of Southern California amateurs, their time in Arizona also included some fun field trips after their matches had ended.

This was the first time some of the kids had traveled outside of California and once the gloves were set aside, they had the chance to check out the local scene.

“It was fun for all the guys,” the coaches said. “The kids got to see another city and take in the sights after the show too.”

The boys spent a full day hiking in Sabino Canyon, where they got to walk amongst various cactus plants, watering holes, and watch ground squirrels, roadrunners, snakes, lizards and more in the historical desert oasis. After the lively hike, the group also enjoyed tasting some Tucson treats at Eegee’s, Waffle House and the Golden Corral Buffet while making some friends along the way too.

And the frozen fruit slushes and local eats made a big impression on the growing boys.

During a victory dinner, I asked some of the boxers what their highlights were during the trip. In a unanimous decision, the restaurants (not usually found in Southern Cal) were a big hit.

“The fights–and Waffle House!” Adam Lopez replied with a smile of his own personal highlights.

His friend and fellow boxer Damien Lopez echoed the same. “The fights, the desert air and traveling outside of California,”
answered Damien. “Oh–and Waffle House!”

Chatting with the oldest member of the team, Jesse Villanueva, the 21-year-old expressed how much he liked going on the road and competing. “It was awesome. Our group was great,” he said. “It was fun seeing something new and meeting different people–and the food here made it even more fun!”

Jesse, an open fighter whose brother, Matt Villanueva is a 6-0 pro out of Goossen’s gym, has had a successful amateur career of his own. He’s a two-time Desert Showdown champ and later this month will also be competing in the Coachella tournament near Palm Springs.

While there are plans for Jesse to turn pro in the future, for now he’s keeping his focus on the amateurs. Father Joaquin stays busy with both Matt’s pro career as well as Jesse in the amateur ranks. “Jesse said he had a great time in Tucson,” the boxer’s dad raved. “The amateurs are a blast!”

Boxing veteran Dr. Joe Noriega said he also enjoyed watching the amateurs. Normally ringside at many pro bouts, Noriega, along with his wife Nelly, got to witness some of Arizona and California’s talented young pugs, and perhaps tomorrow’s future champs.

“I had a great time with everyone,” the former World Boxing Hall of Fame President nodded. “It was an absolutely GREAT trip and I enjoyed seeing these young champs!”

Congratulations again to all of the “Desert Fisticuffs” challengers and champions.

Photos David Lopez and Michele Chong/ Ring photos by Ray Flores