Boxers at PAL Fashion Show
In a unanimous decision, the team of fighters representing Thompson Boxing Promotions were real “knockouts” at the 2nd Annual Inglewood PAL “Funky Fresh Fashion Show” held Saturday night at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.
Lacing up and struttin’ their stuff down the runway were a crew of amateur boxers and a professional prizefighter who came out to join the gala fundraiser benefiting the Inglewood Police Activities League (IPAL).
Joining Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) President Ken Thompson were female pro fighter Katarina De La Cruz with her adorable toddler Erlinda, along with amateur boxers Bryan Gonzalez, Damien Lopez and Angie Lopez. Also taking part in the fashion event were Steve Harpst and David Lopez, trainers with the Burbank Boxing Club.
Here’s a behind the scenes report as the 2012 “Funky Fresh” extravaganza got underway.
Making their star turns under the spotlights were two teen sluggers, Damien (“I’m Sweet 16 but mean in the ring!”) Lopez and Bryan “Speedy” Gonzalez, 19, who showcased their fancy footwork by jump roping and shadowboxing down the runway in a lively boxer’s shuffle showdown. Both compete in local amateur shows and also travel to other states for competitions. During their modeling gig, the boys did a mock face up and really worked the audience up into a frenzy.
In a one-two punch combo, the ladies also shined on the catwalk–and on the red carpet. Angie Lopez is a mother of two and Katarina De La Cruz is a mother of four yet both keep their enviable figures in tip top shape through the sport of boxing. The gorgeous gals rocked the stage with their mitt work and smooth moves down the walkway to the appreciative cheers of the crowd.
And the littlest model in the bunch?
That would be Erlinda Rafaella Ruelas, barely two and a half. This baby girl is the newest champion who made her modeling debut this past weekend. And the cutie, who’s already sporting a stiff jab, really does have championship genes. “Her father is Gabriel Ruelas,” her mom, Katarina mentions. Ruelas is former WBC Super Featherweight Champ and also an ex-NABF and IBA titleholder who was a local favorite in the Southland. Gabe’s brother, Rafael Ruelas, was also a talented pugilist ; the little girl’s middle name of Rafaella is in honor of her boxing uncle.
Putting her dukes up and her game face on, tiny Erlinda Ruelas was a natural under the glare of the lights as she hot stepped it during the group’s encore performance. De La Cruz says her baby loves being around a boxing gym. As I commented about her new short hairdo, Kat told me the new ‘do was a timely–and ultimate sacrifice–to her love of the sweet science. Normally wearing long thick tresses, the female boxer recently cut her hair–to make weight! “I had a fight and had to make weight,” she said with a laugh. “So I cut of my hair and lost a pound–and made weight!”
Besides being a fighter, Katarina is also an actress and hip hop artist who enjoys donating her time to worthwhile charities. The mother-daughter duo will next be appearing at a Shane Mosley charity event January 20-22 in Pomona.
All of the models said they had a blast participating in the fashion show and giving back to the community.
Wearing their fun black and red Thompson Boxing gear, this KO team really began 2012 with a bang at this Inglewood PAL function.
Boxing promoter Ken Thompson and his wife, Vera, cheered for all the models who took to the runway.
“They did a fabulous job!” the promoter and businessman raved. “This has been a great event–and a great night here.”
The entrepreneur and former World Boxing Hall of Fame President is known for his “Locked ‘N Loaded, “New Blood” and “Path to Glory” live boxing shows in and around Southern California. With a stable of over 20 fighters, Thompson’s next show will take place on February 24 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. Their cards offer plenty of action for the sold-out crowds and Thompson has also promoted many champions including Timothy Bradley, Josesito Lopez, Yonnhy Perez, Juan Carlos Burgos and Mauricio Herrera, along with rising stars Efrain Esquivias, Artemio Reyes Jr., Jonathan Arellano and a whole new crop of Colombian fighters making names for themselves.
During the Inglewood PAL festivities, Thompson met and mingled with the Inglewood Chief of Police Jacqueline Seabrooks, the Mayor of Inglewood James T. Butts Jr., along with many other city officials, PAL Board of Directors and event committee members who all made this year’s fashion show a rousing success. Proceeds will aid the Inglewood PAL, which helps combat youth crime and delinquency through sports and education programs while offering positive role models for the children.
Besides the main event of the “Funky Fresh Fashion Show,” the evening also included a prize raffle and hors d’oeuvres offered in the spacious University Hall venue at LMU.
Stepping out of the squared circle for their stint as models were this explosive team of fighters who came out swinging at the bell!
Check out these exclusive photos by Maria Hedrick of “Team Thompson” on the runway and congratulations to all the models.
Photos by Maria Hedrick
