Connect with us

Featured Articles

Avila Perspective, Chap. 226: Another Look at Pomona and More

Published

on

Avila-Perspective-Chap-226-Another-look-at-Pomona-and-More

Pomona, a hidden treasure.

If you are not acquainted with Pomona, it’s located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Decades ago it was an area with roots in farming and livestock. Only the Los Angeles County Fair today maintains that tie to farming and livestock.

Houses and more houses dot Pomona’s city of more than 150,000 people. It’s the last city inside the border of the County of Los Angeles.

Years ago, the first time I ever heard the term Pomona was during the 1950s movie “War of the Worlds”. During a town meeting in the film, the characters mention Pomona and Corona. Back then only citrus orchards, grapevines and livestock existed in the area.

Not many people.

Pomona also has some bad history. It was not a place welcoming for people of color, though it was first inhabited by Native Americans and later Mexican rancheros. During World War II a Japanese internment camp was placed in the Pomona Fairplex area.

A few famous individuals were raised in Pomona including Major League Baseball’s Mark McGwire, actress Jessica Alba, rapper Suga Free, author Richard Armour, Olympic gold medalist Bob Seagren, and boxers Alberto Davila, Richie Sandoval and Sugar Shane Mosley.

That’s where boxing comes in.

Last week Golden Boy Promotions brought its brand of prizefighting to the city of Pomona. On Thursday a press conference was held inside an artsy Mexican restaurant named El Jefe. The food was good and the service excellent. Golden Boy Promotion’s Oscar De La Hoya held his media conference inside the eatery.

Across the street from El Jefe the Pomona Fox Theater stands. It was built in 1931 and has that great feel that you only get from the movie theaters of that era. Big and lush the theater was the site for a Golden Boy boxing show.

Shane Mosley Jr. was one of the competitors in the crowd at the press luncheon. He’s a ranked fighter in the super middleweight division. He also grew up in Pomona and has family, friends and fans in the town located in-between the 1-10 and 60-Freeways.

Seeing Mosley all grown up made me realize how fast time flies.  (That’s Mosley Jr on the right, tagging Mario Lozano whom he outpointed handily.)

The first time I met Shane Mosley Jr. was when he attended a boxing card in Las Vegas around the year 2000. He was about 8 years old and was with his dad, aunt and grandfather Jack Mosley. We were all there for different reasons. I was covering the Felix Trinidad vs. David Reid super welterweight world title fight at Caesar’s Palace.

I was with my photographer, who I would later marry, and Jack Mosley asked if we could watch over Shane Mosley Jr. We consented and Jack and Shane Sr. ran off to track down Tito Trinidad who just knocked out Reid and beat Oscar De La Hoya a few months earlier.

As we watched over Shane Mosley Jr. one of the other fighters seeking a big fight walked over to me. It was Vernon Forrest. He also was seeking a big fight and Mosley was one of the guys he sought. We chatted a bit and even took a photo together. I still have that photo of the great Vernon Forrest who was tragically killed in 2009 during a robbery in Georgia. A great fighter and a great guy. R. I. P.

Jack Mosley soon returned and we all went into the big conference room to hear Trinidad talk some and Don King talk even more. Nobody can run a press conference like Don King. He had everybody talking and had so many fighters under contract and they all would show up to his boxing cards.

I remember Mosley taking a shot with the microphone and asking to get a fight with Trinidad and others jumping in to challenge Mosley, Trinidad and each other. One of those was Randall Bailey.

Anyway, getting back to 2023, sitting in the middle of the Fox Theater in Pomona and watching Mosley Jr. talk to the media was like fast-forwarding in a time machine. While he was talking I could see his grandfather Jack Mosley, aunt Serena Mosley and father Shane Mosley walk toward a row of seats.

After the session ended everyone got up and began chatting with one another. As I began talking to one of the cameramen, someone tapped me on the shoulder and I looked and he said “remember me?”

It was Clarence “Bones” Adams the former bantamweight world champion. He now trains Mosley Jr. Back in the early 2000s one of my favorite fights of that era was Adams versus Paulie Ayala. Those guys could fight.

The smaller weight divisions were filled with great fighters like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Prince Naseem Hamed, Johnny Tapia and more. The list seemed endless. And then came Manny Pacquiao who made the jump from super flyweight to super welterweight.

Now, 23 years later, we seem to be having a resurgence in the smaller weight divisions. Last Saturday’s match between Luis Nery and Azat Hovhannisyan re-ignited that old spark with a flamethrower.

It had been about a year since I saw a truly good fight in person that made the crowd roar like a dragster revving its engine.

Though the Fox Theater doesn’t hold more than 1,000 people it was loud and rocking with excitement at the action provided by the two super bantamweights. It was savage and intense.

After 11 rounds of this ferocious firefight, the crowd needed a breather to gather their composure. Even those sitting in the media section who have witnessed hundreds of fights needed a moment to register in their mind what they had witnessed.

Those watching on DAZN saw an excellent example of prizefighting. But those watching in person at the Fox Theater truly got the whole brunt of excitement and electricity that comes from a prize fight like this.

Magical.

Golden Boy at Fantasy Springs

Tonight, the main event pits super flyweights John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) fights Luis Villa Padilla (16-3-2, 2 KOs) at Fantasy Springs Casino.

Also featured are super bantamweights Manuel Flores (14-0) versus Franklin Gonzalez (25-1, 2 KOs) in the semi-main event. DAZN will stream the Golden Boy Promotions boxing card that includes two female bouts.

DiBella Entertainment card in NYC

Heather Hardy (23-2) leads a main event when she fights Brazil’s Taynna Cardoso (5-1) at Sony Hall in Manhattan tonight.

Hardy, a former featherweight world champion recently lost her longtime trainer Hector Roca. She is dedicating this fight to her mentor and friend who passed away in January. Watch the fights on YouTube channel: Boxing Insider.

Super lightweight title fight

Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias challenges Argentina’s Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF super lightweight world title on Saturday Feb. 25, at the Armory at Minneapolis, Minn. Showtime will telecast the match.

You never know what you will get from Argentina. Because we don’t often view contenders from South America, you can get a beast or a dud. But when they are good, they are really good like Marcos Maidana.

Ponce is undefeated and has fought several times in Europe and sports a spotless record and shows power.

Matias is a Boricua and has speed, power and attracts fans with his flashiness. We will see if he can deal with the Argentine on Saturday.

Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

Fast-rising Jake Paul has chased Tommy Fury for over a year and now they finally meet on Sunday Feb. 26, at Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. ESPN+ will show the fight on pay-per-view at 11 a.m. (Pacific Time).

“The Problem Child” Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) fights “TNT” Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) at the Diriyah Arena in a cruiserweight clash set for eight rounds.

From the first time I saw Paul perform I quickly realized he had something. He does pack a punch and has a willingness to learn and accept pain while picking up skills. Those two things are key to any prizefighter. I say prizefighter because it’s different from boxing amateurs which is slap fighting in my opinion. That’s all speed and holding. Prizefighting is hitting and hurting and that’s what Paul strives to do in all his fights.

Fury is a different matter. He comes from a fighting family that includes heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. But Tommy Fury is not Tyson. They don’t look the same and Tommy Fury looks more bodybuilder than fighter.

We shall see on Sunday.

Fights to Watch (Pacific Time)

Thurs. DAZN 6 p.m. John Ramirez (10-0) vs Luis Villa Padilla (16-3-2).

Sat. Showtime 6 p.m. Subriel Matias (18-1) vs Jeremias Ponce (30-0).

Sun. ESPN+ ppv 11 a.m. Jake Paul (6-0) vs Tommy Fury (8-0); Ilunga Makabu (29-2) vs Badou Jack (27-3-3).

Photo credit: Al Applerose

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles16 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles3 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending