Connect with us

Featured Articles

Avila Perspective, Chap, 251: Golden Boy Returns to Roots

Published

on

Avila-Perspective-Chap-251-Golden-Boy-Returns-to-Roots

COMMERCE, Calif.-Within a few miles of Oscar De La Hoya and half his team’s old stomping grounds in East L.A., Golden Boy Promotions staged their press conference with a touch of old fashion promoting on Thursday.

World champion Yokasta Valle, lightweight contenders William Zepeda and Mercito Gesta and some local fighters will showcase their skills and pride on Saturday, Sept. 16, Mexican Independence Day at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif.

“For some strange reason, whenever anyone steps inside that ring on Mexican Independence Day, they fight with such passion,” said De La Hoya who grew up less than two miles away in East L.A.

YouTube.com and DAZN will stream the Golden Boy Promotions card.

Years ago, promoter Aileen Eaton would scoop up boxing talent from around the Southern California area like a runaway vacuum. East L.A. and the surrounding areas were always a hotbed for talent if you could pry them away from the barrio gangs.

Mando Muniz, Bobby Chacon, Mando Ramos, Ruben Navarro and Art Aragon, the original Golden Boy, were all discovered within a dozen miles from the Golden Boy promotion press conference.

This boxing show on Saturday has some of those elements that return to the roots and include an international cast of world class elite fighters.

Zepeda (28-0, 24 KOs) and Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) will clash for a regional title and a higher place in the lightweight standings. Both have a thirst for action.

“I am so excited to be facing William Zepeda who is undefeated. Zepeda is an up-and-coming fighter. He’s great and he excites me,” said the always classy Gesta (pictured on the right), a fan favorite.

“To face a grand rival like Mercito Gesta is a great privilege, and I can’t wait to demonstrate to everyone of what “El Camarón” is made of,” said Zepeda, a hard charging lightweight from the state of Mexico.

The co-main event features two-division world champion Yokasta Valle (28-2, 9 KOs) defending the WBO and IBF minimumweight titles against Guatemala’s Maria Santizo (11-3, 6 KOs). Both faced each other years ago as amateurs.

“We have prepared 100-percent for this fight to give you guys the show you have all been waiting for and one that is worthy for this special Sept. 16 date. I am so excited for the first bell to ring this coming Saturday,” said Costa Rica’s Valle who has been training in Los Angeles for nearly two years and absorbing the local culture.

The remainder of the boxing show is filled with fighters of various skill level. Some from right down the street in East L.A. and others from out of state such Darius Fulghum from Houston, Texas or Eric Priest from Kansas City.

During the weeks leading up to this date Golden Boy was reaching out to East L.A. area businesses and schools introducing their brand to adults and children. It was old fashioned promoting that seemed to disappear as social media emerged.

It’s one thing to post photos and video clips. It’s more engaging to meet and greet in person. It’s lasting. Even for the fighters it adds excitement.

Middleweight great Bernard Hopkins added a reminder to the fighters of the importance of this show.

“This is an opportunity to get respect for your team because the world is watching,” said Hopkins.

It’s also an opportunity to showcase the Golden Boy brand.

Friday Shows

Two rival promotions are going head-to-head on Friday, Sept, 15.

Matchroom Boxing duels Top Rank with a heavy-duty show featuring both male and female highly ranked prizefighters.

Former featherweight world titlist Erika Cruz (15-2) meets Melissa Odessa Parker (6-1) in a super featherweight fight set for 10 rounds at Auditorio Municipale in Tijuana, Mexico. DAZN will stream the boxing card at 1 p.m.

Cruz battled the great Amanda Serrano ferociously and lost the WBC featherweight belt by decision. It was a bloody affair that cemented her reputation as an awkward but crafty southpaw.

Almost all her fights are bloody.

Parker is a hard charger from Texas who recently suffered her first loss. She will be eager to gain notoriety by defeating Mexico’s Cruz.

Another female title match pits Australia’s super athletic Skye Nicolson (7-0) against Mexico’s Sabrina Perez (18-1-1). Both are fighting for an interim featherweight title. It’s not the actual title but one meant to gain sanctioning money for the WBC.

Lightweight contenders Angel Fierro (21-1-2) and Brayan Zamarripa (13-1) meet for a regional title.

Top Rank

Later, on Friday, Top Rank matches Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) against always tough Joet Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) for the IBF featherweight world title with super welterweights Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) and Roberto Valenzuela (21-4) meeting in the co-feature. The undercard will stream on ESPN+ with three-bout main card on the main ESPN platform.

Lopez demolished British isle fighters Michael Conlan and Josh Warrington to get to this point.

Gonzalez has three losses, but all were to world champions Shakur Stevenson, Isaac Dogboe and Emanuel Navarrete. He can fight.

Fights to Watch

Fri. DAZN 1 p.m. Erika Cruz (15-2) vs Melissa Odessa Parker (6-1).

Fri. ESPN+ 3:30 p.m. Luis Lopez (28-2) vs Joet Gonzalez (26-3).

Sat. DAZN 5 p.m. William Zepeda (28-0) vs Mercito Gesta (34-3-3).

Photo credit: Al Applerose

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

 

 

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles6 days ago

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

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

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

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

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

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles4 days 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 Articles5 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles1 day ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles8 hours ago

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

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles1 day 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 Articles4 days 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 Articles5 days 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 Articles6 days 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 Articles1 week 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 Articles2 weeks ago

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

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

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

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending