Thompson Boxing FRIDAY NIGHT!

Unbeaten Efrain Esquivias (12-0, 8 KOs) will face Colombia’s John Alberto Molina (28-15-3, 19 KOs) THIS Friday, March 25 in the “Path to Glory” live boxing show at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Esquivias is trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach and if you haven’t seen the undefeated Carson product in the ring yet, you’ll have your chance Friday night. I’ve witnessed the super bantam’s knockout performances many times; his upcoming clash against this hard-hitting ring veteran will be his next test to stay undefeated. The two will by vying for a vacant WBA FedeLatin world title. Be sure to take in Esquivias’ ring entrance–it’s always a highlight of the night! He’s got a huge following as you’ll see tomorrow night.

Presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP), this latest event in the “Path to Glory” series will showcase many other popular Southland fighters as well including Richard Contreras, Artemio Reyes, Sergio Nuñez, and Miguel Diaz. The latter three are part of the new “Magnificent Seven” inked by the promoter.

TBP President/Founder Ken Thompson and Matchmaker/General Manager recently added seven new sluggers to their talent-rich stable that includes champions Timothy Bradley, Mauricio Herrera, Josesito Lopez, along with Yonnhy Perez, Julio Diaz, Juan Carlos Burgos, Jhon Ortega, Jonathan Arellano, Abraham Lopez, among many others.

For those in the SoCal area, their Friday night fights are always a blast for the fans! At every show i’ve attended, I have watched some great competitive bouts while getting a chance to see the next champions in the ring. The promotion also features a lively DJ, giveaways by the ring card girls and special celebrity guests.

Their “New Blood” show held last month featured non-stop action from the gladiators in the squared circle. Check out some of my snapshots from the night as the “Chatter Box” caught up with some familiar faces in boxing circles!

Promoter Ken Thompson introduced me to young Miguel Diaz, who is one of the new signees in Team TBP. Also greeted some loyal fans of the Thompson fights, former WBC Lightweight Champ Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, amateur boxer Ruben Gutierrez, boxing commentator Carlos Avilas, Yolanda Perez and her son and aspiring future champ, Javier Albonica.

From the amateur boxing world, I ran into Coach Mike Quintana from Sloans Lake Boxing Club. I met the Colorado trainer and his young charge, Andres Borrego while covering the Silver Gloves finals. At the Ontario fights in February, Quintana brought along pro fighter Juan Bladimir Hernandez to cheer on fellow Denver fighter Shawn Nichol, who went toe to toe with Efrain Esquivias that night.

I also spent some time with the Arellano family. Super bantamweight Jonathan Arellano notched his seventh pro victory at the last show, keeping his perfect record intact. Wife Selina shared some good news with me–Team Arellano will be adding a new little slugger to their camp. She’s pregnant with their second child. First son Josiah has become the TBP’s tiniest mascot at the fights; the cute toddler gets all decked out in his own satin TBP robe, miniature gloves and a game face to match the pros. Now he’ll have a “sparring partner” with the arrival of the newest member of the Arellano stable.

Long after the fights had ended, we headed out into the pouring rain. At the exit I met Jeena and Sarah with their new line of “Deathtouch (Destroy Adversity) ” T-shirt line, along with co-owner Andy. It was the girls’ first time repping the combat clothing at the Thompson fights. The trio said they had a great time and loved the energy of the crowd, saying they can’t wait to be at the next show.

Now fight fans have their chance as the next show takes place TOMORROW night, Friday, March 25th.

See you at the fights!

Thompson Boxing Promotions
“Path to Glory”
Doors 6:30 p.m.
First bell 7:30 p.m.
For more info: (714) 935-0900

Photos by Michele Chong/ Fight poster courtesy of TBP