Exclusive Photos: Charity Bash for the Homeless
World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Welterweight Champion Josesito Lopez certainly made jaws drop with his shocking upset of “Vicious” Victor Ortiz on June 23 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Now everyone’s favorite underdog (dubbed the “Riverside Rocky”) is giving back to others–while celebrating his recent victory. It was also just announced that the former junior welterweight and new welterweight titleholder will be facing Canelo Alvarez on September 15. It’s been a whirlwind three weeks for Lopez, but he still took time out of his busy schedule to be a hero to the less fortunate.
On the hottest day in L.A., the champ joined the Union Rescue Mission’s (URM) private “Christmas in July” charity event for the area’s homeless families who are often in dire straits. The slugger, co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions, has proven to be a worthy role model as he spent several hours at today’s outdoor bash, held just a few miles from the Staples Center venue. But these mean streets near the mission are a world away from the glitz, glamour and bright lights of championship boxing matches.
Josesito told me of his own humble childhood while growing up as a self-described “poor skinny Mexican kid” and said he hoped to inspire the hundreds of children at this temporary outdoor carnival built right on Skid Row. Lopez was invited to be the day’s special guest of honor by the URM’s Alex Cornejo, a big boxing buff, amateur trainer, and former director of the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Jose signed autographs, posed with droves of fans and even got to throw the very first snowball in the annual snowball fight!
During the day, he also went out on the gritty asphalt of San Pedro Street, where many at-risk kids and adults are forced to take shelter on the broken streets–eating out of trash cans, wearing tattered clothes and trying to stay out of harm’s way.
The new WBC champ made a lot of tots happy as he passed out WBC Cares patches and certificates to the smiling faces. WBC Cares is a nonprofit helping thousands around the globe, with the support of Don Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond and the entire WBC Cares committee, the organization has assisted so many in need.
Lopez told me he is truly honored to be a WBC titlist as he gestured to his green and gold strap perched on his shoulder. The down-to-earth fighter even let the youngster touch, hold and try on his world championship belt. “I know what it’s like to grow up poor,” he comments. “I hope I can inspire these kids that dreams can come true if they work hard!”
Living proof of the WBC Cares motto of “Big Champions Supporting Little Champions,” Josesito Lopez proves he is a true champion in giving back to others–sharing in his triumphant “Rocky” moment–and giving encouragement to all the underdogs out there, especially the littlest ones.
Look for my full report and additional photos soon–for now enjoy these exclusive photos of the “Riverside Rocky” and special WBC Cares Ambassador visiting the homeless at the Union Rescue Mission.
Photos by Michele Chong
