It was definitely a super Sunday for boxing fans that got to meet Thompson Boxing Promotions’ fighters including welterweight Josesito Lopez, junior welterweight Giovanni “El Gallo de Oro” Santillan, heavyweight Justin Davenport and middleweight Ralph Lopez at the weekend bash held in Ontario, California.
Founder and Promoter Ken Thompson hosted a special Meet & Greet with his champs, contenders and up-and-coming stars of the ring. Over 1,000 attendees got a chance to bump fists and pose with the fighters attending the event. Besides being a boxing promoter, businessman Thompson helms several companies including Thompson Building Materials, Omega Products International and Thompson Boxing Promotions. The sponsors, vendors and customers from these various endeavors all got together to enjoy a day with live entertainment and a gourmet buffet.
And those in the large crowd told me they had a blast meeting the fighters in person. Many had seen them fight live at the Doubletree and the outdoor Omega arena. They mentioned that it’s a completely different experience seeing them face to face in a fun environment and getting to know them a little better. Giovanni Santillan and Justin Davenport will both be featured on this month’s card held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. I chatted with both boxers who say they are looking forward to lacing up. Both guys fought on the November 13 “New Blood” show, each securing a victory inside the ropes. Giovanni is unbeaten with 11 victories and Justin is just embarking on his professional career with one victory and one draw since his professional debut in October 2013.
Davenport and his manager Jerry Valencia train in Lake Arrowhead at the Valencia Boxing Club and the team says they’re looking to have a successful and busy 2014. Justin stands at over 6’5″ and won a California state belt during his time as an amateur. His manager is proud to say his young athlete also had a 4.2 GPA while in school. But now the new pro has traded in the schoolbooks for the boxing gym.
“I just signed with Thompson Boxing about three weeks ago,” Davenport mentioned to me as we talked boxing during the party. “I’m training hard and looking forward to my fight.” And he appears to be a quick study for having only fought for three and a half years before going pro. He knocked out Justin Goslee in his last outing in November.
Thompson President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have built a full stable of prizefighters from experienced champs like Josesito Lopez to hard-working contenders to rising new faces in the game like Justin Davenport and Gio Santillan.
Ken is enthusiastic about all the young sizzling talent fighting under their banner. He speaks highly of the 22-year-old Santillan (who will be the co-main on February 28) and fresh face Davenport (who will be showcased on the undercard).
“These fighters are young, dynamic and outstanding,” he said. “They have everything going for them and we expect great things from them too!”
Thompson, a former President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, also introduced another crowd favorite in Josesito Lopez. The “Riverside Rocky” won a WBC Silver Welterweight championship belt when he upset Victor Ortiz in their battle. Since then he’s faced Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana and Mike Arnaoutis. His promoter told the fans Josesito will be back in the ring come April. Jose’s younger brother Ralph Lopez is also a pro boxer who has fought on the Thompson Boxing’s “Path to Glory” series.
Team Lopez signed postcards for the fans. Jose is also on the Heroes Boxing Sponsorship Agency 2014 calendar that was displayed at Sunday’s bash. Jose was the very first fighter signed to a contract by Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo and they have seen this scrappy Riverside underdog go all the way to the top.
WBC Supervisor Rudy Tellez was also in attendance and remembers when Josesito won his early WBC and NABF titles. The fans love the humble “Riverside Rocky,” who remains loyal to his Inland Empire roots. He never turns anyone down and makes time for each and every handshake and photo op. “I have some great fans,” the down-to-earth Lopez says. As everyone keeps asking about his next bout, his fans will have to wait till his April foe is named soon.
Thompson Boxing is known in the Southland and beyond for their “New Blood,” “Path to Glory” and “Locked ‘N Loaded” action-packed shows. These local cards give fans a chance to see the rising talent and future champ hone their skills.
And all the sluggers are planning on a knockout 2014, staying busy in the ring as they continue their quest for glory. But they also took a little time out from training to meet some new fans at yesterday’s fiesta. The boxers said they really appreciated all the support and their fans told me that they will be watching the guys fight on February 28. Local hero Jose “El Gato” Roman will also be featured in the co-main attraction on the card.
At Sunday’s function with promoter Ken Thompson, heavyweight Justin Davenport was blown away by the huge wave of support with the guests all asking to pose with the up-and-comer. Justin hails from Crestline and made the trek to attend this gathering for the very first time. Thompson Boxing is known for their homegrown champions and their newest heavyweight sensation says he is excited about all the new opportunities the promotional outfit brings. And being introduced to the audience cheering was icing on the cake for the unbeaten boxer.
“I’ve never taken so many photos in my life,” the tall fighter said with a smile. “This is really great meeting everyone!”
And be sure to catch Davenport and Santillan square off against their respective opponents on Thompson Boxing’s February 28 show!
Tickets for February 28 Live Boxing: 714-935-0900
Photos by Michele Chong