Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz on Thursday’s Card
Fight fans in Southern California will be able to witness four generations of Team “Scrappy” Ortiz when the fierce foursome gathers in the ring at “FIGHT NIGHT,” taking place at the Sheraton in Agoura Hills. This special boxing show will feature professional boxing and amateur MMA and will benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.
I caught up with Robert Ortiz Sr. today as the fighters were getting ready for the weigh-in tonight in Westlake Village.
Robert is a former body builder and father to boxer “Scrappy” Ortiz, who will be looking for his eighth pro victory Thursday night. The lightweight will be squaring off against Highland Park’s Osman Rivera. And the family will be saying “It’s Scrap Time” once again as four generations of Ortiz men will be in attendance at the show promoted by Fight Sports Entertainment, Scraptime Fight Club, in association with All Star Promotions.
“Scrappy” made his pro debut in 2001 and now the boxer will watch his own son, Timmy “Kid Hollywood” Ortiz, fight in an exhibition boxing match Thursday evening. Robert Jr. also has a young daughter, Teagan.
“Tomorrow night will be a real family affair,” Ortiz Sr. tells me during our chat before today’s weigh-in. “The legacy continues; it’s a whole new generation in the ring with Timmy fighting now too.”
Robert Sr. handles the marketing for Team Scrappy and his brother Danny “Big Shorty” Ortiz is Timmy and Robert Jr.’s trainer. The crew trains at Kid Gloves Boxing Gym in Simi Valley. Ortiz is also proud to have his father Mike Ortiz in town from Vegas, which completes the fourth generation of the Ortiz clan.
“My dad is here now and we also have other family members fighting,” Robert mentions. “My nephew, Ricky “Shrek” Eubler, will be in an MMA fight too. We’ll have two fighters in MMA (Ricky and T.J.) and two in boxing matches (“Scrappy” and Timmy).”
Ortiz says the show has five boxing bouts scheduled along with six amateur MMA fights–all for a good cause in helping the East Coast victims of Hurricane Sandy. The Simi Valley family is also prepping for a big holiday toy drive that they have been organizing.
“Yes, it’s been a busy week!” Robert Sr. laughs. “We had the media workout, the press conference and a meet-and-greet that was open to the public and it was a packed house. We’ll also be having a toy drive taking place next week.”
And the Ortiz camp plans on staying busy in the new year.
“After this fight, ‘Scrappy’ may be fighting again in February,” Robert says. “And Timmy will continue boxing too.”
I then tell Ortiz that I remember seeing Timmy when he was just a toddler–in the ring for “Scrappy’s” fights. Now the teenager is almost as tall as his dad and has been training in both boxing and MMA.
“I know! I remember when Timmy used to sit on my shoulders,” his proud grandpa chuckles. “And now the legacy continues!”
Stepping into the ring will be “Kid Hollywood” followed by his father, Robert Jr.
Four generations of Ortiz athletes will gather together Thursday night.
This time, “Scrap Time” will be pulling in double shifts as father and son go to war.
“FIGHT NIGHT” in Agoura Hills
Tickets: 805-914-4602
Doors Open 6:30 PM/ Show Begins 7:30 PM
(All Bouts Subject to Change)
Photos courtesy of Scraptime Fight Club/ Team Ortiz/ Paul D