A KO Night at Sierra Vista High School

As this year comes to a close, we are all knee deep in this hectic holiday season. Yes, I am certainly feeling the crunch of the “holidaze” that December always brings.

And for some, the holidays can add extra stress, a sense of loneliness and despair. So the World Boxing Council (WBC) found a way to “knock out” some of these issues that young people face at their first-ever “Keeping the Happy in Holidays” (A Celebration of Life, Love, and Boxing) fiesta held December 15 at Sierra Vista High School in Baldwin Park, Calif.

Here is my special report and photos from the bash presented by the WBC, WBC Cares, the Baldwin Park Unified School District and Sierra Vista High School. This holiday rally featured wall-to-wall prizefighters, government officials, the California State Board of Education, members of the California State Athletic Club, boxing stars and more.

But the real “stars” of the show were the youth sitting in the gym bleachers–with “Don Pride” painted on the walls–bonding together on Tuesday night. These high schoolers were treated to an evening of celebration, music, performances and fun giveaways courtesy of the event organizers and sponsors. The main focus of this gathering was bringing awareness about mental health issues and fighting back against anxiety, depression and suicide. In fact, on the very morning of the event was when various LAUSD area schools were closed due to an email threat in security; reports now say it was just a hoax. Nonetheless, the teens in today’s world have to go through a lot in these situations we are currently living in.

But this week’s outing was festive and positive; a spirited rally that the kids I chatted with said they really enjoyed while taking a brief break from homework and finals. There was a huge wave of support from the boxing community at this unique event held in the school’s gymnasium (Home of the Dons).

And who knows better than boxers on how to combat insecurities, stress and anxiety? I think they are a perfect fit to encourage youngsters to be strong and stay strong. Boxers know how to counter against adversity; they learn to get up when knocked down. They fight back when their backs are against the ropes. They show courage and heart while they may be bloodied and battered. And they live to fight another day–”DON’T GIVE UP!” A solid message for all.

I know the WBC team worked months to plan this evening and their hard work, dedication and selflessness showed. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is carrying on the legacy his beloved father Don Jose Sulaiman first began. The organization gives back to the boxing community and beyond in many countries around the world. And Mauricio took time from his busy schedule to host this inaugural event. He and his team worked tirelessly to ensure one epic day for all.

There was plenty of Christmas cheer with red and green decorations plus the signature colors of WBC green and gold throughout the venue!

President Sulaiman and the WBC Chairperson Jill Diamond, the WBC’s Pepe Sulaiman, Bill Caplan, Mo Noor, Nancy Rodriguez, Rudy Tellez, U.S. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Mayor Manuel Lozano, and more welcomed the guests and students sitting near the boxing ring and in the stands.

The champions, athletes, government officials, and invited VIPs all donated their time to meet with the teenagers. The list of champs (past and present), prizefighters, rising stars, amateur fighters, local luminaries and more was a pound-for-pound bunch including Erik Morales, Leo Santa Cruz, Francisco Vargas, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Mia St. John, Mauricio Herrera, Josesito Lopez, Israel Vazquez, Daniel Franco, Edwin Sandoval, Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios, Daniel “Chapulin” Valdivia, Eddie de la Huerta, Julian Rodarte, Yovani Rodarte, Ruben Castillo, Chango Carmona, Mando Muniz, Herman Montes, Qurane McMullen, Angel Silva, Cesar Garcia, amateur fighters Sulem Urbina-Soto, Joseph Landeros (14-year-old champ), Danny Garcia (Burbank Boxing Club), ring announcer Joe Martinez, California State Athletic Commission’s (CSAC) Jack Reiss, Raul Caiz, Larry Ervin, Willie Arriola, Cleto Reyes’ Elizabeth Reyes and Guillermo Moreno, radio star and ring personality DJ Tattoo, author/historian Gene Aguilera, singer/songwriter Paris St. John, singer Janet Uribe, sportscasters Erika Garza and Carlos Avilas, boxing trainer/artist Steve Harpst, Supreme Boxing photographer Jennifer Arredondo, Thompson Boxing photographer Carlos Baeza, boxing manager Ralph Heredia, BoxStats’ Roger Ruiz, the IGMOB (“I Got My Own Back”) crew and many more. If I’ve inadvertently missed mentioning anyone that’s only because there was a never-ending stream of familiar faces that continued to pour into the gym–all in support of the Sierra Vista Dons.

There were tons of free giveaways for attendees like WBC gold pins, bracelets, green scarves, autograph cards and even a commemorative “SV WBC” patch. Set up in the building was a large boxing ring along with a mini Cleto Reyes ring display. There was a live band performance, posting of colors by the Pomona Police Explorers, raffle prizes of cash, boxing gloves, tablets, Golden Boy tickets to an upcoming fight and more. The SV cheerleaders and the Sierra Vista Drama Club also took part in the ceremonies. There were several presentations to chosen individuals including Sierra Vista Principal Christine Simmons, who received WBC prized collectibles (WBC belt, gold coin and a huge gold Cleto Reyes boxing club autographed by all the fighters) from President Sulaiman. Chango Carmona and boxing twins Julian and Yovani Rodarte joined referee Jack Reiss (who just returned from working in Japan) for a boxing demo and Daniel Franco (fighting December 21) and boxing official Raul Caiz spoke about good sportsmanship in the ring.

There was also a “Ten Count” to pay respects to those we’ve recently lost.

The WBC’s Nancy Rodriguez introduced amateur standout and Olympic hopeful Sulem Urbina-Soto, who accepted in honor of her brother Alex Urbina, 17. Alex, a national boxing champ, was killed in a vicious home robbery attack. The two men responsible for his 2013 death have since pleaded guilty. One of the many highlights of the night was this surprise award for Sulem and Alex. It was a very moving tribute for the Urbina family, a moment which had the crowd in awe. Sulem showed the students that one can remain strong and fight back after living through such a senseless and horrible tragedy. President Sulaiman embraced the petite boxer in a big bear hug as she accepted her family’s awards. It was an emotional moment that had the audience in tears.

“It was such a great surprise I had to keep myself from crying,” Sulem told me. “I still can’t get over it. I’m extremely grateful.”

Mia St. John and daughter Paris St. John are also examples of fighting back from a heartbreaking tragedy. Mia’s son Julian St. John was staying in a mental health facility where he took his own life in 2014. Julian was a young talented artist who suffered from schizophrenia. In the ring, Paris St. John spoke from the heart, imploring the teens to be strong and live to make your dreams come true.

All of the pugilists I chatted with told me they were honored and humbled to be able to speak to these teens and hopefully encourage, support and inspire any of the kids who may need an extra little lift in spirits and roll with the punches. Young pro fighter Edwin “El Sicario” Sandoval had visited the school previously and made a return trip Tuesday night. The athlete and singer had participated in a boxing demo earlier this month to promote the December 15 holiday bash. The former World Series of Boxing star says he enjoys meeting the teens; he is dedicated role model for youngsters.

Tuesday’s “Keeping the Happy in Holidays” was a night the crowd will never forget. It was a “KO” night handled with class and dignity. Counselors were also present in the gym and provided handouts and information on mental health issues. It was a great success and President Sulaiman, Jill Diamond and Nancy Rodriguez hope to make this an annual event.

A personal thank you from me to Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond and Nancy Rodriguez for inviting our boxing group to this event.

AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FROM “THE CHATTER BOX”!

Photos by Michele Chong