Meet & Greet With the Champs!
Pico Park turned into a wall-to-wall convergence of boxing stars at the recent “Round 2” of the Pico Rivera “Boxing Superstars Meet & Greet” hosted by Team Alfonso Gomez, the City of Pico Rivera and Efrain Lee, Special Events Coordinator for the Department of Parks & Recreation. Special certificates were presented to the celebrity guests, who brought along their championship belts, medals and posters for the audience to see.
Here’s another look back at the knockout event where the community had a chance to meet champions and fighters Alfonso Gomez, Israel Vazquez, Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria, Efrain Esquivias, Enrique Ornelas, female star Kina Malpartida, Xavier Montelongo Jr., Denise Rico, Walter “Schoolboy” Sarnoi, Olympian Paul Gonzales, Ruben Castillo, John Montes, Oscar Muniz, Art Frias, Chango Carmona, Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon, Vitaliy Demyanenko, Luis Merced, Misael Elias, Hassan Chitsaz, kickboxer George Valdez, trainers Alfonso Gomez Sr., Mario “Big Yuca” Morales, Steve Harpst, Ben Lira, Gil “Candyman” Nieves, Alex Cornejo, Frank Martinez, Javier Adame, advisor Angelicque McQueen, Universal Boxing Hall of Fame’s Adolfo Perez, Azteca Boxing Club members, Team Cleto Reyes, Mayor Bob Archuleta, among many other luminaries who came out to join the festivities.
Also a big hit at the fiesta were the three Gomez brothers, Alfonso, Roberto (Robb) and Jesus (“Zeuz”). The guys have a popular band in Hy3rid, a fusion of rock, hip hop and Español and they are working on a new album that will be out very soon.
Three fighters are also busy as their fights are scheduled to take place this month.
I caught up with a trio of sluggers who are all looking forward to their upcoming matches:
Amateur standout and new pro Xavier Montelongo Jr. will be squaring off February 10 at the El Faro Plaza Center in Vernon. The “Mongoose” already has a huge fan following, his own line of T-shirts through Relik Realm and also donates his time at his Victory Outreach church.
Unbeaten NABF super bantam champ Efrain Esquivias will be fighting February 24 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario–and looking for his 16th victory as a pro. The Carson slugger has become known for his memorable walkouts with a spirited corp of fans that continues to grow. The undefeated prizefighter thrilled the crowd with his last defeat of Fernando Beltran Jr. at Thompson Boxing’s November 2011 show.
And representing the fierce females is top amateur Denise Rico, who will be in lacing up this month along with the other elite ladies competing in the USA Boxing program. This young lady is a face to keep you eye on and come from a fight family, with brother Damien and mom Delilah both involved in the sport.
The boxing gathering was a great way for the fighters to catch up with each other in a relaxed and fun setting while the fans were able to show their appreciation for their favorite heroes of the ring.
Team Gomez plans on continuing this partnership with the city. Alfonso is hoping to have his own boxing gym in Pico Rivera someday and younger brother, Robb, says they’re already thinking of the 2013 edition of this fan fest.
The Hy3rid singer credits his father, Alfonso Sr. and his brother, Alfonso S. Gomez, along with Alex Cornejo for making 2012 an even bigger success–and now he’s planning next year’s “Round 3” program.
“With three more people to the team the city was able gather more belts this year,” Robb tells me. “And the event was free of charge, the raffle was free and all the boxers bring items that the fans can take for free!”
The focus was on the fans and families in the community.
“The purpose is to give the families an opportunity to meet their boxing heroes, to take pics and ask them questions, and also to bring boxers from all walks of life under on roof,” Gomez relays. “For next year, we’ve invited two more important names to join the Boxing Superstars Team. We have Adolfo Perez, President of Universal Boxing Hall of Fame and you, Michele. With this elite team, “Round 3 in 2013″ will be like nothing ever seen!”
Check out the champs at the 2012 bash–as seen through the lens of Jesus Gomez.
For my full report, click here:
ALL PHOTOS BY JESUS GOMEZ/ ZEUZ PHOTOS
