Clothing Company Surprises Amateur Boxers
New clothing company line Sombra Apparel recently stopped by the Burbank Boxing Club (BBC) to meet some of the members and share their new merchandise with the amateur boxers in the gym. The BBC was founded by Head Coach Steve Harpst and celebrated their 19th Anniversary this year.
Trainer Harpst first met Sombra Apparel owner Joe Chavez at a boxing meet-and-greet hosted by former champ Alfonso Gomez and the City of Pico Rivera. Steve is also a sculptor and artist of boxing bronzes and his exhibit was next to Joe’s display booth; the two hit it off and have supported each other’s work since then.
Chavez has made workout shirts, walkout gear and boxing attire for many pro fighters and amateur champs. He and Sombra partner Lantz Simpson (designer/photographer) are both big boxing aficionados and have had a great time visiting various gyms in the Southland while introducing their shirts to the athletes.
Joe mentioned to me that he liked seeing the support and camaraderie between all the BBC members. No matter what age or athletic level each member is, they are quickly welcomed in to the fold in a friendly, professional environment. The club also held a fundraiser for teenager Damien Lopez, who just traveled with his father David Lopez and Coach Harpst to Colorado where he competed all the way to the quarterfinals in the Olympic Trials qualifier.
During their visit with the BBC, they met with the men, women, teens and children who learn the skills of the sweet science. Harpst and assistant trainers Maya and Sean work with all skill levels and many of the members I spoke with said boxing has helped them lose weight, maintain a healthier lifestyle while teaching them discipline and building strength and coordination.
And the sport of boxing has also been a longtime favorite for the Sombra businessmen. Both Joe and Lantz said they enjoy boxing and believe in their popular slogan of “TRAIN HARD FIGHT HARD.”
Chavez first began Sombra in December 2013.
“I wanted to bring a different look and feel to boxing apparel. A brand that encompasses the entire scope of the sport which is so dear to me,” he tells me. “More of a lifestyle that all ages can relate to. There are too many cookie-cutter clothing companies in the sport that quite honestly don’t pay homage to the sport of boxing. Boxing is an art form that can be expressed even in the way the fighter or the fans dress.”
And the Sombra Apparel duo of Chavez and Simpson work well together.
“We share the same vison of a brand that could be set apart from any other clothing line in the boxing world,” Joe states.
“Lantz and I met in the 7th grade and went to high school together; we even lived on the same block,” Joe says. “After high school we really didn’t stay in touch. I reached out to Lantz in January 2014 knowing he could take the brand to another level–Lantz is a world renowned designer and artist working in in fashion for over 25 years so his expertise and creativeness is what exactly what Sombra needed.”
Sombra has now designed gear for pro fighters like Alfonso Gomez, Gerald Washington, Seniesa Estrada, Eddie de la Huerta and more. And the future looks bright for this SoCal business.
“We have sponsored the fighters you mentioned,” confirms Chavez, while sharing his enthusiasm about adding new contacts. “We were also recently contacted by Elite Pro Management to sponsor three more fighters in their stable of high-level prospects including Edgar Valerio and Leo Chavez. World champion trainer Clemente Medina also reached out to us to sponsor his undefeated fighter (and son) Emanuel Medina.”
So look for Sombra in the corners of both the amateur and pro boxing world.
Coach Harpst said he enjoyed having Joe and Lantz visit the club and they’re welcome back anytime. And several lucky participants during the night got the chance to test out the clothing line. Both the males and females said the shirts are great and liked the comfort, style and versatility–in and out of the gym.
“Yes, while we are currently focused on boxing, they line can also be wore as a fashion statement for all ages and genders in and out of the gym!” the Sombra Team agrees. And their “TRAIN HARD FIGHT HARD” logo is currently a best-seller.
Check out Joe and Lantz’s visit to the club and some of the lucky young athletes who are now rockin’ their new gear thanks to Sombra Apparel!
Photos by Michele Chong
