TBP’s Alex Camponovo Inducted at Ceremony
It was a knockout day at the National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) awards ceremony as Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) Alex Camponovo was inducted into their Class of 2017 honorees.
The yearly luncheon was held at Steven’s Steakhouse in the City of Commerce. The April 29 “Salute to the World of Boxing” event was attended by over 400 guests. Camponovo is the General Manager and Matchmaker at Thompson Boxing. Founder and President Ken Thompson was at the annual show and accepted the award for Camponovo (who was in England for the Darleys Perez vs. Luke Campbell bout).
This year’s induction ceremony ushered in Alex Camponovo, Earnie Shavers, Mia St. John, Israel Vazquez, Michael Spinks, James “Quick” Tillis, Ruben Olivares, Yaqui Lopez, Jorge Paez Sr., Jolene Blackshear, Gaspar Ortega, Nacho Beristain and Carol Steindler with special awards going to Jill Diamond, Joey Olivo, Norm Lockwood, Howard James Triem and Budd Schulberg.
Since Camponovo was out of the country, promoter Ken Thompson was introduced on stage by NBHOF President Bill Young and his wife Linda Young (Vice President) to accept the latest award on Alex’s behalf. The Southern California promoter and businessman spoke of Camponovo’s hard work, dedication and commitment in providing exciting matches for fans around the world watching their monthly shows.
Thompson Boxing is celebrating their 17th anniversary this month. They are known for their “Path to Glory, “Locked N’ Loaded,” “New Blood” and “Night of Champions” events in and around the Southland. Through the years they have also built homegrown champions from the ground up. Their next live boxing show is May 19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.
Representing Team Thompson were Ken Thompson and his wife Vera were a team of young TBP fighters including WBA-NABA Super Bantamweight champion Daniel “Baby-Faced Assassin” Roman, Ukrainian Olympic medalist and unbeaten boxer Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk with model/dancer wife Alina, Juan “Pochito” Reyes, Erick Ituarte, Mario Hernandez, Isaac Zarate, trainer Eddie Gonzalez, TBP photographer Carlos Baeza and more.
Three of these young fighters will be in action next week in Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” show. Mario Hernandez is featured on the card along with Ituarte and Zarate–who will square off against each other on May 19.
The Thompson Boxing crew all had a great time at the awards lunch celebrating matchmaker Camponovo. In addition to current fighters, Thompson and the sluggers had the chance to catch up with some former champs including Ruben Olivares, James “Quick” Tillis, Rafael Ruelas and Mia St. John.
Check out my snapshots from the day and congrats to all!
Photos by Michele Chong
