There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
There were victors and the vanquished at the 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.[Eddie Rivera/Pasadena Now]
The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department hosted its 8th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show event on Friday, Aug. 25 in front of City Hall.
The free, family-friendly event featured 12 bouts of action-packed, Olympic-style boxing with both male and female competitors ages 8 and older.
According to Pasadena Recreation Specialist Fausto De La Torre, young fighters travel each year to Pasadena from all over the state for the eagerly-awaited event.
Many on the night’s card had come from Fresno, Santa Maria, Stockton, the High Desert, and Northern California. Friday’s fighters were matched by age, experience and weight class.
Fausto De La Torre, head of Villa-Parke Community Center’s boxing program said numerous youth participants who initially joined the boxing program experienced bullying while some lack self-esteem.
The program aims to develop strong character, self-esteem, self-control, commitment, dedication, sacrifice and good sportsmanship within the youngsters.
“These values can transition to their everyday life in school, work and home life by showing them the necessary discipline to understand daily life can be a struggle in and out of the ring,” De La Torre said.
“Through discipline and self-control inside the ring, an athlete learns to cope with any obstacles outside of the ring,” he added.
The evening kicked off with the national anthem and a color guard presentation from Pasadena’s 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. Attendees also enjoyed DJ music, classic cars on display, and food for sale.