The Battle of the Rising Stars ignited Saturday night at the legendary Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Presented by new promoter Franky Epstein (who’s grandfather Ed Holmes recently retired from All Star Boxing Promotions), the seven-bout card featured a night of live boxing, special guests and an entertaining evening for the packed crowd in the ballroom. Billed as “The Becoming of Legends,” local shows like these are the perfect way for hungry, young warriors to showcase their talents as the move up the ranks in professional boxing.
The audience was filled with huge fan bases all waiting to see their favorite prizefighter enter the ring. This July 12 event featured the pro debut of Joseph “JJ” Subia (three-time national amateur champion and California state champ) who scored a knockout win over Dimitri Glenn. The 22-year-old has already built a large following as he was cheered on by the appreciative audience.
Also making a splash was local teen phemom Peter “Saucy” Martinez,19, who got his second win as a professional fighter, a KO victory versus Ricardo Antonio Luna. With his family, friends and fans all sporting blue Team Saucy shirts, Martinez is quickly becoming a top fan favorite.
And unbeaten Sincere Brooks vs. Brandon Mendoza squared off in the main event with Brooks keeping his perfect record with his unanimous win on Saturday night.
Sitting ringside were many special guests including actor Eric Finch (a popular Snoop Dogg lookalike), the Younger Twins (Jim and John), actor and martial arts icon Ewart Chin, Robert Sale, Paul Banke, Jorge “Kid Flash” Diaz, Joseph Diaz Sr., Steve Harpst, Roberto Santacruz, nine-year-old ring announcer Cameron “Killa Cam” Michael and more.
Official emcee and noted ring announcer Jim FitzGerald was center ring for all the fighter intros and announcements before and after the bouts (which were streamed live on bxngtv.com).
All Star Boxing is known for their exciting fight nights in the Southland through the decades. After Holmes retired earlier this year, his granddaughter was ready to step into the role as their new promoter. While honoring her grandpa (who proudly watched from ringside on Saturday night), the petite powerhouse is excited about continuing the legacy of All Star Boxing Promotions.
And it’s only fitting that her very first show was held at the storied Bonaventure. Franky told me that she first worked with her grandfather eight years ago at the very same venue. She certainly has learned all the nuances of promoting from Holmes and plans on making her own impact in the sport.
She’s already proven to be extremely well prepared and flexible when the original date of the fights (June 14) had to be rescheduled due to the ICE protests in L.A. Franky rescheduled everything to ensure that July 12 would be a knockout success. The twenty-something brunette may be young but she has many, many years of experience in both boxing and the business world. Her mom Tamra mentioned to me that Franky has been a self-taught businesswoman for years. She’s very proud of her daughter and says she’s always been a smart young woman.
While chatting with Franky, I mention to her that she bounced back like a pro after all the revisions since the June event was officially canceled by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). On Saturday, one fight fell out (as it often happens in the sport) but the show continued on without a hitch.
“I can’t be stopped!” she said with a smile as she walked toward the boxing ring.
I noticed her greeting sponsors, talking to the fight camps, overseeing the ticket booth, meeting with potential customers and more with the confidence and class of a seasoned veteran–cool, calm and collected. The years of working with Ed Holmes and her family have proven to be invaluable training for this brand new promoter.
Franky and her team are already planning for the next show which could take place in September.
This July bash was well attended with the crowd entertained by the spirited matchups. It was a fun night of boxing for the fans and a great opportunity for boxing fans to see and meet some talented fighters who are training hard to rise in the ranks!
thiswas awesome with great upcoming fighters a spectacular night of boxing.with friends
Awesome night of Boxing,love it
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