Franky Epstein’s Debut Show at Bonaventure
All Star Boxing presents the Battle of the Rising Stars–The Becoming of Legends at the famed Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on
Saturday, July 12. This will be a memorable show and the very first live boxing event with new promoter Franky Epstein. Battle of the Rising Stars is promoted by All Star Boxing in association with
BoxBid, FightBook, Phlight, Chase Photography and 200% Boxing Gear.
Franky just might be one of the youngest female boxing promoters out there but she is certainly not new to the fight game. She’s been working for years under the tutelage of her grandfather, longtime boxing promoter Ed Holmes. After hosting his events at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, the Commerce Casino, the Bonaventure and more, Ed officially retired in February of this year.
And during his retirement ceremony, he proudly passed the baton to his granddaughter, Franky. They are both looking forward to her official debut as a professional boxing promoter. This fight night was
originally scheduled for June 14 but the event was canceled by the California State Athletic Commission due to the ICE protests in L.A. They were all notified the day before the weigh-in and Franky handled it all like a seasoned pro with class and professionalism. Rolling with the punches, the Southern California promoter rescheduled the fights for another night–July 12.
Working in the sport of boxing can be a rocky road with its own challenges. And while the plans were all set for June 14, Franky reassessed the situation and quickly pivoted to another date for the fights. Keeping the same venue of the legendary Bonaventure Hotel, this new date of July 12 was booked.
While
looking on the bright side and forging ahead, the timing worked out even better for her.
I caught up with Franky to hear her thoughts about Saturday night.
“Hi Franky, congrats again on this Saturday,” I said. “How many bouts are scheduled and are they the same fighters as were originally planned?”
“Hi Michele! I have 8 total scheduled bouts,” she replied. “They are not all the same fighters as originally planned. Some new, some the same.
“I lost some fights due to schedule conflict/injury/etc.”
Timing is everything and in Franky’s case, the rescheduling and the changing of the dates would’ve been an extremely stressful challenge for even the most veteran of promoters. She had to break the news to all the fighters and corners, revise travel itineraries and contracts, rebook hotel rooms, inform the sponsors, alert all the staff, etc. All the red tape, paperwork and company policies that promoters must complete. But the young promoter looked ahead and dealt with these circumstances that were out of her control and, in hindsight, acknowledges that the timing is perfect.
“So this is finally the right timing,” Franky comments, “and I’m so glad to be at the same original venue DTLA Westin Bonaventure for my show.”
She really has handled all the changes with confidence, faith and determination. I have no doubt that July 12 will be a knockout show for the fans. The Bonaventure always provides a great backdrop and an memorable place to watch live boxing. Through the years, All Star Boxing became known for their entertaining matches, lively atmosphere, innovative promotions and a place to watch new prospects, contenders and future champs hone their skills in the ring. Many world champs have fought on All Star Boxing shows.
For fight fans, it’s an exciting evening of boxing and for those in the boxing community, it’s an excellent place to network as the talented young prizefighters compete to be noticed and continue their rise to the top of the game.
Now that Franky Epstein is at the helm, expect the same quality of fights and the same thrilling action that her grandfather always delivered to the crowd but with her own brand of signature touches too.
“What are you looking forward to most this Saturday?” I ask her.
“I am most looking forward to finally getting all these fighters in the ring! We work HARD,” she states. “It’s been a challenging couple of months and we’ve been through a lot of obstacles but didn’t quit. I’m excited for all of us! It’s a big team effort.”
She acknowledges all the hard work the All Star crew has put in and how appreciative she is of the support from the team–especially her grandpa Ed (whom she affectionately calls Bobo). He paved the way for her and Franky plans on making him proud.
“And how is your grandfather Ed doing?” I say. “I bet he’s so excited for you!”
“Bobo is doing great!” Franky answers. He’s definitely so excited and I’m glad he can finally sit ringside stress-free and just hangout!”
I think she will definitely honor Ed’s vision while building a foundation for the new generation of prizefighters. Saturday night will be where it’s at in Downtown L.A. Watch Franky’s very own All Star Boxing show as she continues the family legacy built by her grandpa Ed Holmes!
Tickets: 562-587-8716
80.00 General admission
Doors open 6pm/First bout 7pm
Please note: Ages 14 and over only
Photos by Michele Chong
Poster courtesy of All Star Promotions
Hi Frankie, do you have an available slot for a 122 to 126 fighter? His name is Daniel Quevedo He’s ready to go
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