Thompson Boxing On The Runway!

January 10, 2011

Knockout Team at PAL Fashion Show

Pro fighter Jonathan Arellano is used to stepping into a boxing ring. But on Saturday night, the undefeated bantamweight stepped onto the catwalk–and down the runway–with his 3-year-old son and future champ Josiah at the 1st Annual Inglewood PAL “Funky Fresh Fashion Show” held at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

The unbeaten boxer, one of Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) newest signees, represented founder, president and promoter Ken Thompson at the gala event benefitting the Inglewood Police Activities League (IPAL).

Arellano recently signed with the Southland promoter as one of the talented “Magnificent Seven” group of up-and-comers under the Thompson Boxing banner. Thompson, heading into his eleventh year of promoting sold out shows, is known for exciting “Locked ‘N Loaded” and “New Blood” fight cards. The businessman and 2010 WBC “Promoter of the Year” first gained fame through his “Path to Glory” shows.

Rockin’ the runway, the Arellanos (nicknamed “Lil Thunder” and “Mini Thunder”) walked their own “Path to Glory” as the packed venue loudly cheered them on.

And it was certainly fitting that Jonathan was part of the show since he was a young amateur fighter in the city of Ontario’s PAL boxing program. In fact, as he appeared on the red carpet, Jonathan donned a PAL boxing tank top from his early years as he posed with lookalike son Josiah. “My uncle was a fighter and an Olympic qualifier,” Jonathan, 23, told me at the weekend fundraiser, “so I began boxing when I was seven years old–and I was in the Ontario PAL program too.”

In these behind-the-scenes photos, you’ll see the KO father and son pair with the championship models all showcasing their fun TBP logo wear. And his tiny tot is already a natural in front of the flashbulbs. Outfitted in a custom satin boxing robe, trunks and gloves, Josiah turned around to show us his special “Thompson Boxing Promotions” on the back of his hooded blue robe. This little dynamo is really a “Triple Threat”–a future athlete, model and actor.

As he charmed everyone in the building, Josiah joined a hard-hitting quartet who got ready for their time in the spotlight.

Our stylish lineup of models were part of the Rock ‘N Roll category that kicked off the affair. Joining the Arellanos in struttin’ their stuff was a good-looking mother and son duo, Angela and Damien Lopez. Angie is a standout member of the Burbank Boxing Club (BBC). The striking brunette’s son Damien is also a boxer and football player from Burbank High School. His father, David Lopez, is a BBC coach.

Bryan Gonzalez also made his mark in the fashion show. The eighteen-year-old is another member of the BBC who just made the track team for Glendale City College. As the audience clapped wildly for the TBP team of models, first up was Bryan, wearing a black “New Blood” T-shirt. The teen showed off some fancy footwork and touched gloves with the fans. Next up was Damien, in a white TBP shirt, who confidently shadowboxed down the carpeted catwalk. Angie, decked out in a red Thompson T, heard whistles from the crowd as she strolled past the appreciative audience.

Next it was show time for pro boxer Jonathan, featured in a gray TBP polo shirt, alongside the youngest and arguably cutest model, Josiah, in a debut of his shiny boxing robe. Walking out with his father, the toddler had the attendees applauding as he performed his own version of a boxer’s shuffle while throwing punches as the seated audience roared for more.

Also cheering on all the models were Josiah’s mom and Jonathan’s wife, Selina, Bryan’s girlfriend Yadira and BBC trainer Steve Harpst.

While the TBP team marched down the ramp, the Hall of Fame promoter himself was in Las Vegas with another of his fighters, Mauricio Herrera, who won a thrilling victory over the equally tough Ruslan Provodnikov. But Thompson was well represented as model Angie showed off some fight posters heralding the highly-anticipated clash between Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander. Thompson is also co-promoter of champion Bradley.

The fashion show had something for everyone with an array of both casual, evening and ethnic costumes. The evening included a silent auction, live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres offered in the sprawling University Hall venue. There were even city officials and VIPs, law enforcement members, hip hop dancers, soccer players and the Inglewood PAL boxing team all shining during the festivities.

This charity event itself looked like a success with the proceeds benefitting IPAL, which helps combat youth crime and delinquency through sports and education programs while offering positive role models for the children. All the volunteers I spoke with were very excited about this inaugural show. Early in the night, I met Elmo Johnson, the LMU Event Specialist, who remained smiling and enthusiastic from the get-go all the way till the very last model strolled down the runway.

And naturally, one of the biggest “little stars” who stole the show has to be Josiah Arellano. After his turn on the catwalk, the boy changed into his street clothes complete with a miniature leather jacket and black motorcycle boots–the perfect rep for the “Funky and Fresh” theme of the fashion show! With his spiked hair, he also slipped on his favorite dark shades as he played with the other kids in attendance.

As the patrons began to notice Josiah’s cool new attire, they clamored for an encore. The child happily obliged as he was beckoned to the red carpet once again. His dad signed some photos for the fans as his son struck a pose for the cameras. Look for Jonathan to lace up next month as he goes after his seventh professional victory–and his very first bout out of the Thompson Boxing stable. TBP’s next show will be February 25 in Ontario.

Arellano can’t wait to step into the ring but at Saturday’s “Funky Fresh Fashion Show,” the slugger–and the whole team of models–proved to be a big hit on the runway.

Thank you to Ken Thompson. Thanks to all of our models–and see you at the fights!