“World Series of Boxing” Scores a KO

The results are in: The Los Angeles Matadors vs. the Miami Gallos showdown was a big hit with the boxing fans in L.A.!

This new World Series of Boxing (WSB) competition through Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) is propelling the sport of amateur boxing to an even higher rank as eight fierce young sluggers faced off at last night’s show held at LA LIVE’s Nokia Theatre. Without the usual head gear and tank tops of the amateurs, the audience was treated to a non-stop night of fisticuffs in four competitive bouts. The WSB Americas’ L.A. home team went 4-1 in this latest installment in which 12 international teams compete in five round three-minute matches.

The “Chatter Box” strikes again as I give you a report and photos from Thursday’s event.

It really was the place to be as several superstars of the ring came out to show their support for the NEXT superstars in boxing.

Upon completion of the tournament, the victors will earn a coveted spot on the 2012 Olympic team. With a prize that prestigious, the athletes certainly gave the appreciative audience their money’s worth. The pro style great action (NO head gear, NO tank tops) surprised many first-timers in the crowd. With adrenaline and pure thunder pounding, both the Matadors and the Gallos really shined on the canvas. While they still may be amateurs, many looked like skilled professionals as they showcased their hand speed, fast footwork and solid punches.

“The Real Deal” himself, Evander Holyfield, gave props to the guys during an exciting night of great action. The ageless heavyweight from Georgia will be stepping inside the ropes once again as he takes on Sherman Williams on January 22. The man they call “Holy” told me he was really enjoying the show. He is very familiar with the Matadors squad as he recently sparred at their Carson gym. As a Bronze Medalist in the 1984 Olympics, he provides these elite amateurs even more inspiration.

Another heavy hitter who lent his support to the WSB league was ex-pro fighter Henry Tillman. He was also a fixture at The Rock Gym and made sure to catch all the thrilling action ringside. Tillman knows exactly what the WSB pugs are fighting for–he himself is also a 1984 Olympian and Gold Medalist.

These boxers have dedicated countless hours in the gym preparing for their wars on the canvas. I spoke with veteran trainer Abel Sanchez who said this talented crop of fighters recently spent time at his Big Bear gym. Sanchez, whose own protégé Urbano Antillon earned many “2010 Fight of the Year” honors for his December war against Humberto Soto, spoke very highly of the WSB team. “They came up and spent 10 days at my gym,” The Summit coach tells me of their intense training and conditioning.

Mexican warrior Israel Vazquez was also there to cheer on the team. Always a crowd favorite, he met 18-year-old amateur fighter Bryan Gonzalez who told the former WBC super bantam champ, “CHINGÓN! My dad and I think you’re the best.” Vazquez laughed and shook hands with the young amateur boxer.

During a break in the show, I also caught up with Jackie Kallen, manager extraordinaire. The female pioneer in the sweet science was with her own rising superstar Mike Dallas Jr. The unbeaten light welter was having a blast checking out his fellow fighters, whom he said he’s known for years. “I know a lot of the guys like Rau’Shee Warren and others,” Dallas Jr. told me. Trained by his father Michael Dallas Sr., he also mentioned he spars at the same gym with the Matadors.

Kallen and Team Dallas is looking forward to their January 28 matchup, where he’ll be squaring off against Josesito Lopez. Dallas’ promoter Dan Goossen said he’s also anticipating a great fight card at Pechanga. “I have visions of where we’re going; he looks great,” Kallen, his Hall of Fame manager, echoes with a smile. “He’s been sparring with Omar Henry. This is his first 10 rounder–and it’s on ESPN too!”

“Any prediction?” I ask her young charge.

“We win!” Dallas Jr. confirmed with a grin as the next Matador vs. Gallo bout got underway.

Winning four out of the four bouts were the victorious L.A. Matadors. Those in the audience had a lot to cheer for as the two squads, based in California and Florida, impressed everyone in the house. Los Angeles local Javier Torres had a huge section of supporters as the Pico Rivera heavyweight had his hand raised in triumph.

During an intermission, I also met the spirited ring card girls, earning fame as the L.A. Matador “Knockouts,” who performed dance numbers and held a T-shirt giveaway between fights as the DJ kept the tunes pumping. The girls are honored to be part of this inaugural WSB contest in L.A. and add an extra sizzle to the crowd too.

And as word continues to spread about these fan-friendly fight nights, look for the WSB Americas team to gain momentum as the best of the very best go on to compete in the London Olympics. For boxing aficionados who want to see the next U.S. boxing heroes, don’t miss out on this WSB competition (airing on the Versus network) where you can see future champs on their way to the top!

The next show will be January 27 as the tournament continues live at Nokia Theatre through spring. I can tell you after witnessing just one show, you too will be “hooked” on the WSB–and boxing’s next superstars.

As heavyweight hero and 1984 Olympian Evander Holyfield might say himself, the World Series of Boxing really is “The Real Deal”!

See you at the fights!

FIGHT RESULTS

Bantamweights:
(Matador) Fernando Martinez 117 pounds vs. (Gallo) Jose Luis Meza Ochoa 117.6 pounds
Martinez wins by unanimous decision with scores of 48-47 from all three judges

Lightweights:
(Matador) Jose Saenz 133.2 pounds vs. (Gallo) Adrian Martinez Medina, Jr. 132.2 pound
Saenz tops Medina with a split decision of 48-47 Saenz from judges Adair and Caiz, 48-47 Medina from Villareal

Middleweights:
(Matador) Russell Lamour 159.8 pounds vs. (Gallo) John Joe Joyce 157.8 pounds
Lamour wins by unanimous decision of 49-46 and 50-45 twice

Heavyweights:
(Matador) Javier Torres 207.4 pounds vs. (Gallo) Craig Lewis 230.6 pounds
Torres victorious when official scores of 48-47, 49-46, 50-45 were announced

(Note: A light heavy bout was scratched due to Matadors injury)

Photos by Michele Chong