Fighters Flock To Popular Show
It was a knockout weekend at the annual “TheFitExpo” Southern California show held January 23 and 24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Here’s my special report from the bash which featured many members from the local boxing community.
The two-day expo is a one-two punch for both attendees and exhibitors. This gathering is a great way to check out fight demos, try free samples of new products, shop for the latest gym wear, watch fitness competitions, listen in on panels with fighters/athletes and a whole lot more. There was a “Boxing Machine” game in which you could test your speed and power, a kickboxing challenge and martial arts performances.
These popular FitExpo events are featured in various cities throughout the year including L.A., Anaheim, San Jose, Chicago, and Ft. Lauderdale. I’ve attended several expos during the years and these shows are always energetic and exciting, boasting over 100,000 people and 2,000 exhibitors. The attendees arrive in
all shapes and sizes, span all ages and include both male and female participants.
And this year’s L.A. installment showcased some familiar faces in the boxing world.
Pasadena Fight Academy’s SAVANT YOUNG (pro fighter/trainer/promoter/businessman) had a booth at this 2016 TheFitExpo. The former fighter also had referee Herb Dean greet the fans who visited the F2 Fight Formula exhibit. Savant told me many fighters are turning to his new F2 Fight Formula rehydration/recovery drink especially after weigh-ins. The gym owner has promoted amateur boxing shows through USA Boxing and continues to work in combat sports. The drink mix has been incorporated into many post weigh-in routines since the use of IV fluids is being phased out and not allowed in certain professional combat sports.
I also chatted with HEYDAY FOOTWEAR CEO Darin Hager. His company offers a line of innovative sneakers with fresh kicks for both men and women. He had Guy Cisternino (IFBB Pro) meeting the masses at their Heyday booth. Darin trains with boxing champ and Olympic medalist Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough at Gloveworx Gym in SoCal. He says he enjoys the sweet science and the tough workout boxing brings. Champion McCullough and his singer/daughter Wy Mac also sport the Heyday tennies.
And during the show, I caught up with the STYLES MAKE FIGHTS (SMF) duo of Chris Alexander and Gilbert Medina. Their company has burst on the boxing scene with their line of T-shirts, custom walkout wear and more. The guys said they’re looking forward to a great 2016 and busy with lots of new plans. The Styles Make Fights’ walkout gear and gym wear has been a big hit with pro fighters too. They recently outfitted boxers including John Molina Jr., Aron Martinez (who just fought January 23), Jose Felix Jr. (fighting January 30), with more fighters on the horizon.
The exhibitors and attendees all said this year’s L.A. show as a fun KO weekend. The aisles were packed, the booths brimming with plenty of new products to look at and the celebrity guests continued to excite the crowd. And there was a lot to take in at TheFitExpo. It was a pound for pound gathering of countless fitness stars, VIPs and celebs in attendance including Los Angeles Lakers star Metta World Peace (VYB-X Active Bands), actor CT Fletcher (“Hulk Smash”), the legendary Jay Cutler, ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” reality-TV stars Shawn Booth (Healthy Meal Plans) and Kaitlyn Bristowe, etc.
Check out some of the snapshots from TheFitExpo weekend and keep punching!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst
SAVANT YOUNG PIC:
