Boxers Tee Off in the Desert
Southern California pro boxers Isaac Zarate (14-3-3, 2 KOs) and George Acosta (5-0, 1 KO) put down the gloves and picked up the clubs at the Thompson Boxing Promotions’ (TBP) 2018 Golf Tournament of Champions.
Here’s a recap of the May 4 golf outing held at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City (near Palm Springs).
This annual event is a favorite of the returning attendees and the two fighters said they had a blast testing their skills on the golf course in this desert oasis. Besides Zarate and Acosta (a newly-signed TBP prospect), the special guests also included boxing trainers trainers Joel Diaz, Henry Ramirez and Steve Harpst plus ring announcer Sonny Franco.
It’s been an exceptionally busy year for TBP President Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo. The promotional company hosts frequent shows in the Southland; they just celebrated their 18th year in the boxing business during their May 11 fight night.
The yearly golf tourney is a brief break from the boxing ring where invited guests, sponsors, vendors and golf teams can compete during 18 holes on the greens. The weather was perfect as the sluggers took their shots on the Lagos and Cielo courses. After taking their swings to try and win first-place bragging rights, the foursomes all gathered for the awards dinner held in the banquet room.
Guests were greeted by TBP Executive Assistant Jeanette Gonzales as they entered the dining room while the hot desert sun set in the background. The golfers dined on filet mignon while ring card girls Evina and Lauren got the crowd ready for the fun prize raffle that is always a highlight during the dinner.
After this golf tournament, it was back to boxing for the crew. The promotional company has monthly shows from June through November with their “New Blood,” Path to Glory,” “Locked N’ Loaded” live events. They have a full stable of young, hungry prospects, contenders and champions all rising though the ranks. Thompson is known for building homegrown champions like the current WBA Super Bantamweight Champ Danny Roman, WBO Intercontinental titlist Robert Arriaza, and more.
Pugilists George Acosta, 21, and Isaac Zarate, 26, are scheduled to fight in separate bouts at the next Thompson Boxing show. And while teeing on the back nine, the punchers added to their win streak as both picked up brand new victories during the golf tourney. The boxers won first and second place in the 2018 Tournament of Champions in the celebrity division!
Photos by Michele Chong
