Annual Show is a Knockout
Hall of Fame boxing promoter Ken Thompson is used to hosting live shows throughout California with his Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP). On Sunday, the busy TBP promoter switched gears as he hosted the Thompson Building Materials’ 3rd Annual Classic Car Show in the City of Fontana.
The businessman and his crew held this popular event in the sprawling grounds that include gardens, a design center, a live bird aviary, lavish ponds bubbling with Koi fish and water turtles and fresh plants and flowers. The crowd was out in abundance as hundreds of gleaming automobiles lined the cement lots in the yard. There were over 30 acres to explore at the outdoor and indoor company (open 7 days a week).
This April 29 fiesta was well attended by many families in the community, boxing fans and car aficionados from near and far. It was a Sunday Funday with perfect weather, raffle prizes, KOLA 99.9 radio in attendance, vendor booths, food trucks, car clubs and more. Those who wanted to get in the swing of things could dance to live music performed under the canopy.
This is one of my favorite events; the turnout and car participants continue to grow each and every year. And this year’s bash was the biggest to date! The area was filled with a steady stream of attendees throughout the day. There were also prizes for the best cars on display with some of the proceeds benefiting nonprofit youth programs. It’s always a tough competition as there are so many cars to vote on; the vintage beauties were plentiful on Sunday.
Both kids and adults had plenty to look at while touring the 30 acres of sights at Thompson Building Materials. And of course, there were some boxing connections at Sunday’s gathering too. Ken Thompson was a World Boxing Hall of Fame President and has been inducted in numerous Hall of Fame organizations. The fighters and trainers speak of his loyalty and class through the years.
During the car show, I caught up with former pro fighter Carlos Bojorquez. Nicknamed “El Elegante,” the Mexican warrior reminisced about fighting on the very first show that Thompson promoted 18 years ago. The champ has beat the likes of Pernell Whitaker and Grady Brewer and has won several titles before he retired in 2007. He is currently working for Ken Thompson and is a regular at the local SoCal shows at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario; in 2000 Bojorquez fought at the “Oak Tree Inn” on that fateful night that began it all for TBP.
The slugger met with fans in front of the Youth Helpers for the Kids Summer Camp booth, which helps kids learn and grow at their summer outings. The organization’s Charles and Becky Lepins were there along with noted boxing trainer Ben Lira (who is in the corner with coach Abel Sanchez and their prized pupil Gennady “GGG” Golovkin).
Joining this hard hitting group was Fontana Chamber of Commerce’s Phil Cothran, Miss Fontana Princess 2017-2018, and some of the young girls who are part of the summer camp festivities. The Youth Helpers are planning on holding future camps in Big Bear (where Team GGG trains); GGG will be fighting Vanes Martirosyan on May 5.
While talking boxing, there was also time to chat about cars at Sunday’s event. This weekend car show was truly a knockout day as the large crowd enjoyed the rows and rows of classic cars, rare automobiles, hot rods and antique wheels. And when stomachs began to growl, Ken Thompson provided everyone with a complimentary lunch with 1600 freshly grilled hot dogs, soda and bottled water handed out to the visitors at the yard.
Thompson Boxing has had an extremely busy schedule this year with their live show that just took place on Friday, April 27, the National Boxing Hall of Fame awards on Saturday, Sunday’s car show the next day, their annual golf tournament for vendors on May 4 and then more live boxing come May 11. With their “New Blood,” “Locked N’ Loaded,” “Path to Glory” and “Night of Champions” events in Ontario, Corona, Salinas, San Diego, etc., the promotional company is revved and always ready to go.
While boxing is their mainstay, Sunday’s annual Classic Car Show proved to be a KO day as well!
Photos by Michele Chong
