Southern California Gym Hopping

Published

12 years ago

February 11, 2013

We visited numerous Southern California boxing gyms during the past week. It’s clear that boxing is about to erupt very soon in the area.

In between press conferences and meetings, one of the most important duties in my opinion is visiting those houses of boxing where the truth is actually shown in front of your eyes.

Boxing has a clarity that can’t be disguised. You can talk to all the trainers, promoters and match makers in the world who spew out reasons why this fighter will beat that fighter. In reality, all one needs to find the truth is visit the gym and see in person.

One of the first gyms on our target list was the new boxing facility owned by WBC featherweight titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon. Located in Montebello, it’s a spanking brand new boxing hub that has two boxing rings. The entire gym has a shininess and sparkle as if put together by an interior design artist. Ponce de Leon was not present when we arrived.

Putting on head gear and gloves was San Diego’s junior featherweight contender Chris Martin (picture of Martin above by Al Applerose). The slick counter-punching 122-pounder recently signed a contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions. He’s scheduled to fight on Feb. 22, at the Ontario Doubletree Hotel on a Thompson fight card.

Martin is a veteran at age 26 with 30 professional bouts in six years as a prizefighter. Only two times has he tasted defeat and his next opponent Jose Angel Beranza is one of the guys that handed it to him. Martin wants revenge.

“He was the first guy to beat me,” said Martin (25-2-3, 8 Kos). “He took away my jab. That won’t happen again.”

Inside Ponce De Leon’s gym Martin is sparring with a tall southpaw. The junior featherweight’s team drove all the way from San Diego to get sparring. Either the other trainer pulled a fast one or there was a mix up, but Martin decided to spar the lefty though he’s scheduled to fight a right-hander. He didn’t want to waste the trip.

It wasn’t a good sparring session. The lefty was tall and rangy and both tangled many times with their feet. One thing Martin doesn’t need is an accidental butt that leads to a cut and postponement. If the fight falls through due to injury, then nobody gets paid.

Watching the entire proceedings was Alex Camponovo, the matchmaker and operations director for Thompson Boxing. He’s not pleased at all that Martin was forced to spar a southpaw. But after several unproductive rounds the session is over and Martin walks out of the ring unscathed. There’s a sigh of relief. Martin is fighting the main event in a few weeks.

The San Diego boxer has recently exhibited newfound power with two consecutive knockouts. It’s one of those revelations that happens to some fighters when they reach a certain age or certain technical level with their boxing expertise. For Martin it might be both of those reasons.

“I honestly think I already had it,” says Martin about his punching power. “But I always try to win each round and the fight. The last thing I have on my mind is going for the knockout.”

Camponovo has guided two fighters – Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez – from their earliest fights to world titles. He also has Josesito Lopez on the cusp of winning a welterweight world title should he get an opportunity. Now he has a few more prospects and contenders under his supervision. Martin could enter that championship fold.

“I want to be in a position to fight Nonito Donaire,” says Martin. “I’m hoping to get a title shot.”

Standing five feet away was East L.A.’s Xavier Montelongo, a very fast former amateur star who is making the difficult transition to professional prizefighting. So far he’s fought three times in a prize ring and remains undefeated. One fight ended in a draw.

Montelongo

As an amateur Montelongo won numerous national titles and performed on the international stage as well. But amateur fighting differs greatly from pro fighting, which prefers power over speed. Knockdowns count for much more than quick touches from a jab. After years of perfecting the amateur style Montelongo is now revamping his fight technique to the pro style of power boxing.

“It’s difficult and it’s tough,” said Montelongo honestly. “In international boxing you can’t beat the Russians or Cubans if you go for power. It’s more touches.”

During sparring Montelongo used his quick reflexes to avoid punches by moving his head and taking a few quick steps out of range. Before he was more accustomed to scooting out of danger and moving around the ring. Audiences don’t like to see what they perceive as running. Mexican fans especially do not like to see this and will tell you with their collective boos. Montelongo is adapting and it shows in the sparring session.

“Every day I’m getting better,” says Montelongo. “My speed is my advantage.”

The East L.A. boxer has a tough assignment against Pedro Toledo on Feb. 22, on the Thompson Boxing card. Toledo’s last fight was a rugged four round war against Derrick “Whup Dat Ass” Murray that saw both hit the deck from punches.

“I got to get his respect early,” said Montelongo.

While we spoke WBC featherweight champion Ponce de Leon walked into his gym and greeted everyone. He’s preparing for his title defense on March 2, against Puerto Rico’s Jayson Velez in New York City. It should be a very difficult fight. I can’t remember a Mexican winning a decision in New York City the past 10 years. Ponce de Leon will have to win by knockout or he won’t retain the world title. Just ask Mexico’s Juan Carlos Burgos.

Next, we headed to Montebello P.A.L. where former junior middleweight world champion Sergio Mora and others train. It’s not open when we get there so I made a few calls to see what else was going on.

South Gate

I received a phone call from one of the trainers that they’re headed to South Gate to get some sparring. I’m in the area and tell them I will meet them.

The gym is called Casillas Boxing Gym and is located on Garfield Avenue. It’s south of Firestone Blvd. and has a big storefront window that makes it easy to spot the boxing gym and numerous heavy punching bags hanging inside.

Sal Casillas is the owner of the gym and is a former prizefighter from Huntington Park who was the last fighter to step in the ring at the historic Olympic Auditorium. He fought Vernie Torres and lost a technical decision. The famed boxing arena never hosted another fight card and was soon sold to a Korean Church. That was in 2005.

Casillas was a very tough opponent for anyone. Whether it was a fledgling fighter or a true contender Casillas battled with a fury and intensity that contrasts with his congenial demeanor outside of the ring. He was bad news for anyone who took him lightly. For years he competed with some of the best in the region and was never overwhelmed. If not for short arms and stature he might have reached the highest level of boxing. He is one of those fighters that I label as “true professionals”. He trained extremely hard and was always prepared to fight at a moment’s notice. That’s the mark of a true professional.

It was good to see Casillas. I hadn’t seen him in years and had heard he was training boxers. His prize pupil is Edgar Valero who has two knockouts in two fights. Casillas also has about 100 kids who are being taught the sport of boxing. Every day Casillas opens the gym at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. That’s dedication. We talked off and on between his chores and supervision. The fighter I had expected to see spar did not show up and it’s getting pretty late in the evening. We part ways and Casillas asks me to return to see his prospect. I tell him I will return. Next week we’re headed toward the desert.

Post Views: 0

Share The Sweet Science experience!

David A. Avila

Results from the Chumash Casino where Akhmedov Gave a GGG-like Performance

Published

6 hours ago

December 13, 2024

David A. Avila

Results-from-the-Chumash-Casino-where-Akhmedov-Gave-a-GGG-like-Performance

Shades of Triple G.

Kazakhstan has another middleweight killer as Sadriddin Akhmedov overran veteran Raphael Igbokwe to win by knockout on Friday evening.

“He’s a tough guy, but I’m a tough guy too,” said Akhmedov of his Texas foe.

Akhmedov (15-0, 13 KOs) excited the crowd at Chumash Casino with a strong performance against a gritty Igbokwe (17-6, 7 Kos). The Kazakh fighter has Gennady Golovkin’s old trainer Abel Sanchez at his side.

It was evident in the first round that Akhmedov wields power, but it was also evident that Igbokwe was not going to quit. Blow after blow was absorbed by the Texas-trained fighter and he continued to press forward.

Akhmedov telegraphed his overhand rights but fired quick and accurate left hooks. Igbokwe withstood the power for round after round.

At the end of the fifth round both fighters continued to fire punches after the bell rang. It angered the two middleweights.

Akhmedov must have still been angry when the sixth round began as he erupted with a 12-punch barrage. Several big blows connected and the Texas fighter was in trouble. Though Igbokwe escaped the first barrage he was unable to avoid the second and the fight was stopped by referee Rudy Barragan at 56 seconds of the sixth round.

The Kazakhstan fighter thanked his fan support and his new trainer Sanchez.

“Every morning at 7 a.m. he wants to kill me,” Akhmedov said of Sanchez.

Other Bouts

A battle between Olympians saw Carlos Balderas (15-2, 13 KOs) knock out Cesar Villarraga (11-11-1) in the sixth round for the win at super lightweight.

A one-two combination found the mark for Balderas at 56 seconds of the sixth round. Villarraga beat the count but once the fight resumed the referee stopped the fight after Balderas connected with another right.

“My coaches told me it was there,” said Balderas of the right cross that finished the fight.

Balderas fought for Team USA in the Olympics and Villarraga for Team Colombia.

Super welterweights Jorge Maravillo (10-0-1, 8 KOs) and Damoni Cato-Cain (8-1-2) fought to a split draw after eight back-and- forth rounds.

Cain-Cato sprinted ahead for the first three rounds behind subtle pressure and focusing on the body then the head against the taller Maravillo. Then, it stopped.

Maravillo stopped retreating and used his long stiff left jabs as a probe and counter punch and became the stalker instead of the prey. It turned the fight around. But Cain-Cato was reluctant to give up too much territory and fought through a damaged left eye to keep the match tight. After eight rounds one judge saw Maravillo the winner, another saw Cato-Cain, and a third saw it even for a split draw.

It was a fitting score.

Angel Carrillo (4-0-1) out-pointed Joshua Torres (0-2-2) with combination punching and in-and-out maneuvers to win by decision. Though 14 years younger, Carrillo wore a protector near his chest. Twice he placed it far above his belly button and was never warned.

Fidencio Hernandez (3-0) was the more polished fighter and used straighter punches and a tighter defense to shut out Laguna Beach’s Josaphat Navarro (1-3-1) and won by unanimous decision.

In her pro debut Perla Bazaldua (1-0) won by knockout over Mollie Backowski (0-4) in a super flyweight contest. Bazaldua fights out of Los Angeles and has long been touted as a one of that city’s best amateur prospects. Now she is a pro.

Photo credit: Lina Baker / 360 Promotions

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Post Views: 0

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Avila Perspective, Chap. 308: SoCal Rivals Rocha and Curiel Rumble and More

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2024

David A. Avila

Avila Perspective, Chap. 308: SoCal Rivals Rocha and Curiel Rumble and More

Decades ago, battles between regional warriors were as common as freeway traffic in Los Angeles during rush hour.

Bobby Chacon repped San Fernando Valley, Mando Ramos came from the docks of San Pedro, Danny “Little Red” Lopez lived in Alhambra and Ruben “Maravilla Kid” Navarro hailed from East L.A. And they rumbled repeatedly with each other.

The boxing sphere in California has grown much larger despite the closure of boxing palaces such as the Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium, Great Western Forum, the L.A. Coliseum and Wrigley Field.

Those were classic venues.

Today in the 21^st century boxing continues to grow.

Golden Boy Promotions presents SoCal regional rivals Santa Ana’s Alexis Rocha (25-2, 16 KOs) facing Hollywood’s Raul Curiel (15-0,13 KOs) in a welterweight clash on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. DAZN will stream the main card and YouTube.com the remainder.

Ontario is located in the Inland Empire known as the I.E.

Rocha, 27, has grown into a crowd favorite with a crowd-pleasing style developed by Orange County boxing trainer Hector Lopez. I remember his pro debut at Belasco Theater in downtown L.A. He obliterated his foe in three rounds and the small venue erupted with applause.

Wherever Rocha goes to fight, his fans follow.

“Anyone I face is trying to take food away from my family,” said Rocha.

Curiel, 29, has traveled a different road. As a former Mexican Olympian he took the slower road toward adapting to the professional style. Freddie Roach has refined the Mexican fighter’s style and so far, he remains unbeaten with a 10-fight knockout streak.

“I want to fight the best in the division,” said Curiel who is originally from Guadalajara.

Super welter hitters

Another top-notch fighter on the card is super welterweight Charles Conwell from Cleveland, Ohio. Conwell (20-0, 15 KOs) faces Argentina’s undefeated Gerardo Vergara (20-0, 13 KOs) in the co-main event.

Conwell may be the best kept secret in boxing and has been dominating foes for the past several years. He has solid defense, good power and is very strong for this weight class. Very Strong.

“I got to go out there and dominate,” said Conwell. “This is a fight that can lead me to a world championship fight.”

Golden Boy Promotions got lucky in picking up this fighter who could compete with any super welterweight out there. Anyone.

Vergara, 30, is another Argentine product and if you know anything about that South American country, they groom strong fighters with power. Think Marcos Maidana. This will be his first true test.

“I really hope he (Conwell) backs what he is saying,” said Vergara.

Marlen Esparza vs Arely Mucino

Former flyweight world titlists finally meet, but at super flyweight.

Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza fights Mexico’s Arely Mucino in a fight that should have taken place years ago. Both are both coming off losses in title fights.

Esparza has the “fast hands” as she said and Mucino the “aggressive style” as she mentioned at the press conference on Thursday in Ontario.

It’s a 10-round affair and could mark the end for the loser.

Friday Night Fights

Undefeated middleweight Sadridden Akhmedov (14-0, 12 KOs) headlines a 360 Promotions and faces Raphael Igbokwe (17-5, 7 KOs) in the main event on Friday, Dec. 13, at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. UFC Fight Pass will stream the event.

Akhmedov hails from Kazakhstan and if you remember legendary Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin also hails from that region. Tom Loeffler the head of 360 Promotions worked with GGG too among other legends.

Is Akhmedov the real deal?

Former American Olympian Carlos Balderas (14-2) is also on the card and fights veteran Cesar Villarraga (11-10-1) who has been known to upset favorites in the past.

Fights to Watch

Fri. UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. Sadridden Akhmedov (14-0) vs Raphael Igbokwe (17-5).

Sat. DAZN 10:30 a.m. Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1) vs Ricardo Espinoza (30-4).

Sat. DAZN 5 p.m. Alexis Rocha (25-2) vs Raul Curiel (15-0); Charles Conwell (20-0) vs Gerardo Vergara (20-0); Marlen Esparza (14-2) vs Arely Mucino (32-4-2).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Post Views: 0

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2024

Arne K. Lang

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

The final ShoBox event of 2025 played out tonight at the company’s regular staging ground in Plant City, Florida. When the smoke cleared, the “A-side” fighters in the featured bouts were 3-0 in step-up fights vs. battle-tested veterans, two of whom were former world title challengers. However, the victors in none of the three fights, with the arguable exception of lanky bantamweight Katsuma Akitsugi, made any great gain in public esteem.

In the main event, a lightweight affair, Jonhatan Cardoso, a 25-year-old Brazilian, earned a hard-fought, 10-round unanimous decision over Los Mochis, Mexico southpaw Eduardo Ramirez. The decision would have been acceptable to most neutral observers if it had been deemed a draw, but the Brazilian won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice.

Cardoso, now 18-1 (15), had the crowd in his corner., This was his fourth straight appearance in Plant City. Ramirez, disadvantaged by being the smaller man with a shorter reach, declined to 28-5-3.

Co-Feature

In a 10-round featherweight fight that had no indelible moments, Luis Reynaldo Nunez advanced to 20-0 (13) with a workmanlike 10-round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Leonardo Baez. The judges had it 99-91 and 98-92 twice.

Nunez, from the Dominican Republic, is an economical fighter who fights behind a tight guard. Reputedly 85-5 as an amateur, he is managed by Sampson Lewkowicz who handles David Benavidez among others and trained by Bob Santos. Baez (22-5) was returning to the ring after a two-year hiatus.

Also

In a contest slated for “10,” ever-improving bantamweight Katsuma Akitsugi improved to 12-0 (3 KOs) with a sixth-round stoppage of Filipino import Aston Palicte (28-7-1). Akitsugi caught Palicte against the ropes and unleashed a flurry of punches climaxed by a right hook. Palicte went down and was unable to beat the count. The official time was 1:07 of round six.

This was the third straight win by stoppage for Akitsugi, a 27-year-old southpaw who trains at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in LA under Roach’s assistant Eddie Hernandez. Palicte, who had been out of the ring for 16 months, is a former two-time world title challenger at superflyweight (115).

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Post Views: 0

Share The Sweet Science experience!