Special Community Event at Magnifico Gym
It was a knockout day at Israel Vazquez’s Magnifico Boxing Gym in South Gate, California as 20 kids and teens showed their skills and talent in the gym.
But the KOs took place outside the ring as the youth took off their boxing gloves and picked up their art tools at the first-ever World Boxing Council (WBC) Art Workshop held Saturday afternoon. I visited with the youngsters at this inaugural event hosted by the WBC’s Jose “Pepe” Sulaiman and WBC Cares in honor of the Scholas program.
Joining the 20 pre-registered young artists were WBC champs Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez and Mia “The Knockout” St. John. Both champions donated their time to mentor the children at this special art bash. Israel (now training fighters and working as a ringside commentator) closed the gym so that the kids could have free rein at the gym during this weekend art class. Mia also took time from her busy schedule (she’s fighting in New Zealand on April 16) to surprise the boys and girls gathered at the gym. The popular fighter signed 8x10s for the attendees and also inspired all the female amateurs in attendance. St. John continues to give back to the community. She has a Stone Art Studio & Gallery (in honor of her son Julian St. John) that helps area youth and has a nonprofit organization El Saber Es Poder.
Also lending support were the WBC’s Nancy Rodriguez and Cecy Sulaiman, Cleto Reyes’ Elizabeth Reyes and Guillermo Moreno, Supreme Boxing’s Jennifer Arredondo (Fight Beauty), Sombra Apparel’s Joe Chavez, Boxing Trend’s Willie Romero, Newton PAL and more. Amateur boxing champs and siblings Browny, Criztec and Perla Bazaldua were also taking part in this free art carving session.
As I watched the kids perfect their craft at the tables set up near the boxing ring, WBC Senior Executive Director Nancy Rodriguez mentioned that this unique event was the brainchild of Pepe Sulaiman, son of the late Don Jose Sulaiman (longtime WBC President) and brother of Mauricio Sulaiman (current WBC President). A talented artist himself, Pepe reached out to the SoCal kids to patiently walk them through the steps of creating these works of art they can keep forever.
The budding young artists first chose a portrait of WBC champs including Israel Vazquez, Mia St. John, Julio Cesar Chavez, Floyd Mayweather, etc. Then they traced the image on carbon paper onto thin blocks of linoleum. From there, they carefully carved and etched out the images on the linoleum. Once their masterpieces were complete, Pepe carefully transferred their one-of-a-kind stencils onto paper and ink souvenirs that the kids got to keep.
It was a great day for the area youth; the sole focus was all on these kids. They got to mingle with the two pro champs in attendance, eat healthy snacks and be part of the WBC family. Several of the tots told me it was their first time participating in an art class and all of the children told me they really enjoyed the event. The vibe was positive and upbeat while the kids concentrated on putting the finishing touches on their projects.
The “Art of Boxing” was a solid victory for all at Saturday’s WBC art class!
Photos by Michele Chong
