[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
Two dozen aspiring boxers from across California and several from the East Coast showcased their talents Friday night at the ninth annual Centennial Plaza Boxing Show in Pasadena. The event, sanctioned by USA Boxing and co-sponsored by the Southern California Association of USA Boxing and Pasadena’s Recreation and Parks Department, featured 12 Olympic-style bouts and drew hundreds of spectators to City Hall.
Marvin Gomez, a 16-year-old local fighter in the 125 lb. weight class, emerged as a standout performer.
Gomez won his bout against Leonardo Gonzalez from John’s Boxing. Coach Fausto De La Torre identified Gomez as a potential contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, praising his six-year dedication to the sport.
“He has been devoted to the program for the last six years,” De La Torre said. “His goal and his dream is obviously to make the Olympic team and to bring home a gold medal to the city of Pasadena.”
The tournament provided valuable experiences for athletes with Olympic aspirations. De La Torre emphasized the importance of such events in preparing California competitors for the upcoming Games, noting the “endless hours of conditioning, workouts, sparring sessions” required.
Adriana Nuñez, the sole female fighter representing Pasadena, claimed victory in her match against Kristal Punificacion of Undefeated Boxing.
Carl Ford, another local boxer, also emerged victorious in his bout against Julian Figueroa. However, Pasadenan Jesse Kang lost his match with Luis Mora of Stockton Boxing.
In a notable bout, David Reyes, Pasadena’s 51-year-old Assistant City Manager, competed in the Masters division. Reyes easily defeated his opponent, Gilbert Ortiz of Triad Boxing, sending him to the canvas three times.
Reyes took up boxing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were all trapped inside, but I wanted to exercise and work out, and stay sharp mentally and physically,” Reyes explained. “I found out about some outdoor boxing classes that were eventually being held, and that was it for me.”
The event featured a professional atmosphere, complete with a boxing ring, U.S. Marine color guard, Aztec dancers, smoke, lights, a DJ, and a professional ring announcer. This setup gave fighters a taste of high-level competition.
De La Torre highlighted the broader benefits of the Villa Parke Boxing program, which extends beyond athletic training.
“That’s one of the bigger components in our training,” he said, referring to the program’s focus on mental health and overall wellness.
Looking ahead, organizers hope to expand the program’s reach. Plans are underway to establish two additional satellite programs at Victory Park and Robinson Park, further nurturing local boxing talent and Olympic aspirations.
Four out of the five Pasadena-based boxers won their Friday night matches, demonstrating the strength of the local program.