Ontario Closes Out 2014 Series
It was a night of fisticuffs at Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “Locked ‘N Loaded” show held Friday at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. Southern California fight fans came out to watch the last show of 2014 presented by the Inland Empire promotional company.
With the holidays upon us, boxing matches will take a brief backseat as the fighters get to enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve with their families. But first, it was time for one last night of hard-hitting action as resident/Promoter Ken Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker celebrates Thompson Boxing’s 14 years of promoting live boxing. Always aiming high, Thompson Boxing prides itself on presenting competitive and entertaining matchups.
At this close-out show for 2014, there were many notables in attendance with a couple of awards presented to Thompson Boxing as well. In the building were several former champs and current prospects including Wayne McCullough, Gerald Washington, Israel Vazquez, Isaac Zarate, Min-Wook Kim (“The Korean Sniper”), Daniel Roman, Luis Solis, Carlos Bojorquez, Rodolfo Gonzalez and more. The pugilists were brought up in the ring as special presentations were made by ring announcer Sonny Franco.
Earlier in the night, Richard Perry Certificate of Recognition (California Legislature Assembly) to Thompson Boxing Promotions. Ken Thompson and Richard Perry were both members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame (with Thompson being a WBHF President).
And in center ring, emcee Sonny Franco also had a surprise for promoter Thompson and matchmaker Camponovo. Sonny had commissioned boxing trainer and artist Steve Harpst to create a unique plaque to honor Ken and Alex. The ring announcer wanted to commend and congratulate the men for their 14 years of promoting fights and building world champions. This “Award of Achievement and Appreciation” showcased a 3D boxing glove holding a microphone. Both Thompson and Camponovo expressed thanks to Sonny for surprising them with this gesture. After the presentation, it was time for Franco to say his signature phrase of “Let the battles begin!” to usher in the main event.
On Friday’s card “Locked ‘N Loaded” featured five bouts including the main event between Colton’s Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. versus Monterrey’s Christopher Degollado in an eight-round battle. Local favorite Reyes won his 23rd pro victory and his 19th knockout scored over challenger Christopher Degollado hailing from Mexico. The clash didn’t go the distance as Reyes took matters into his own hands stopping his scrappy opponent in the seventh frame. Going head to head in the rounds, the tough Degollado gave Reyes all he could handle before the “King” rocked his foe in Round 6.
“I knew he was hurt in the sixth round,” Artemio (who’s training with Joel Diaz now) told me after the fights. “My corner told me to go back out and finish him in the next round.”
While his mom, girlfriend, family and friends all sounded horns at the stoppage, Reyes Jr. says he is thankful for all the support. He also gave props to Degollado for the spirited performance. “He had never been knocked out,” Reyes notes. “He was tough.” As Team Reyes continued to celebrate, the show signals the finale for Thompson Boxing Promotions’ 2014 season.
And through the night there was a festive air at the show. Special VIP guest Wayne McCullough came to support “Locked ‘N Loaded” and enjoyed the fights ringside. Wayne (an Olympic Silver Medalist and WBC and NABF champ) was with wife Cheryl and their daughter Wynona Leigh (a recording artist known as Wy Mac). The family said they had a fantastic time at the event and look forward to attending more shows in the future. Wayne thanked promoter Thompson saying: “Thank you for treating me like a king here!”
McCullough is currently working in SoCal now. Many of the boxers and fans in attendance were happy to get a chance to greet the Belfast boxer known as “Pocket Rocket.”
Super bantamweight Danny “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Roman talked boxing with Wayne. Danny and his team plan on staying busy in 2015 with Team Roman’s Eddie Gonzales saying they’re hoping for six fights next year. McCullough spoke with Roman about his own fast track as a new pro. Wayne had 15 pro bouts in a quick succession (less than two years) after turning pro and earning his first shot at a belt. Known for his toughness, McCullough always takes time to talk to young fighters, giving them words of wisdom and encouragement he learned from his own pro career.
And Thompson Boxing is a magnet to young sluggers hungry for success. The Southland promoters are known for raising homegrown champs who get valuable ring experience at the local shows like “Locked ‘N Loaded,” “New Blood” and “Path to Glory.” They have had years of success with Timothy Bradley, Mauricio Herrera, Josesito Lopez, Yonnhy Perez, Juan Carlos Burgos and more getting their start with the promotional company. Team Thompson looks forward to building brand new champs in their young stable.
Going 14 years strong and proving they are in top form, look for 2015 to be another banner year for Thompson Boxing Promotions.
Photos by Michele Chong
