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San Gabriel Valley Aug 07, 2024
| Photo courtesy of the city of Azusa
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The Azusa Community Day of Champions on Sunday celebrated the sport of boxing and drew over 1,000 attendees, city officials announced.
The event was produced in partnership with former world champion Paul Banke and the National Boxing Hall of Fame and highlighted Azusa’s track record of producing top-level fighters, including Olympians, professional boxers and world champions.
The festivities started at 10 a.m. with a “Youth Boxing Showcase” that featured local boxing clubs, trainers and young boxers. Participants displayed their prowess in power punch competitions and in-ring demonstrations.
The showcase featured four prominent local boxing groups: Azusa Youth Boxing Club, Masters Boxing Association, Triad Boxing Club and Valverde Boxing Club.
“The Community Day of Champions not only showcases our city’s strong ties to the sport of boxing but also brings our community together in celebration,” Mayor Robert Gonzales said in a statement. “It’s incredible to see so many families and boxing fans enjoying this special day, and we’re proud to support events that honor our local heroes and inspire the next generation.”
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the sixth annual Paul Banke BOXFAM event offered free food, live music and vendors. Former WBC Super Bantamweight world champion Banke has deep roots in Azusa and brought his vision to life at this new venue, according to the city statement.
Event attendees had the opportunity to meet and mingle with boxing legends and Hall of Famers, including Zachary Padilla, Danny Lopez, Eva Jones-Young, Henry Tillman, Rafael and Gabriel Ruelas, Greg Puente, Arturo Frias, Fidel Hernandez, Joey Olivo, Chris Olivo, Diego Aviles, Allan Santana, Michael Nunn, Mike Anchondo, Richard Torres, Sr., Richard Torres, Jr., Surge Jimenez, Lisa Valencia, Nars Martinez, Sindy Amador, Timothy Ortiz, Pancho Segura, Floyd, Lloyd, Troy and Mike Weaver.
Both events were free and open to the public.
A private “Ringside Watch Party” was held from 6-10 p.m. The ticketed event featured appetizers, wood-fired pizza, beer, wine and a pay-per-view “Fight Night” viewing.
More information is available at AzusaCA.gov.
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