I had the pleasure of being invited to check out the GBO (Global Boxing Organization) and all their amazing young talents this past week, at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena. The invite came from a good friend, Yolanda Cortez, who is a passionate owner and plug person for the world of boxing. Yolanda currently runs "Pure Heart Boxing" An organization that teaches youth resiliency and empowerment through sports, specifically, boxing. A few jabs here, a few jabs there, and a knock out later, I found myself being more immersed in this culture. The intensity of it, the high impact blows, and exciting danger of it draws me in even further, like my crazed love for football- and its risky challenges. The love for competing rings a bell. Here was no different- the passion from the people in it and around it intrigued me even more. The precision of the fighters, the butterfly feel entry into the arena, the passionate screaming fans, it all screamed passion! Everyone here loved what they did, from the boxers, to the trainers, to the sponsors, and even the midway through music performers.
This day, boxer Pablo "The Shark" Rubio Jr. was the main event. I arrived at the arena and was greeted by Yolanda, and GBO's very own owner, Rey at the front gate. The passion and excitement to host myself and the potential youths to come through my Nonprofit (The Food, Inc.), & Yolandas Pure Heart Boxing program was an immediate topic. I could only imagine how much of an impact an experience like this could have on the youths I work with on a day to day basis, and what it would be like for them- inspiring, motivating, a memory to cherish. After speaking further with Rey, it wasn't hard seeing his passion and love for boxing, and giving back. We walked through the arena, checked out the back stage, and bumped into boxers, trainers, and even the "Cut Man" Serg- A retired veteran, who passionately serves his patients (The fighters) in their fight to get patched up and heal for their next best moments. Speaking with him was no different then speaking with Rey or Yolanda, the passion for what they or he does spoke volumes. That was the overall consensus of this experience at the Pico Rivera Sporting Arena, there were good, passionate people all around it, 'fighting the Good fight.' Doing good in what they do, and being good to one another. After finishing up an brief but empowering convo with Serg, Yolanda & I headed into the arena behind an up and coming young boxer as he took the stage. We found our seats, a few yards from the ring, and continued to immerse ourselves in the event. A few jabs here, and few jabs there, screams to "Move!," or "Throw the left hook!" came from some passionate fans and myself, as we zoned in on the fight.
Out of all the great fights, some more entertaining then others. A few fighters and fights stood out. (Saul Bustos vs. Angelo Snow) & (Oleksiy Barker vs. Juan Yanez Barrera). The first fight, per my eye test, as if I'm some fighting guru; Saul & Angelo looked to be an even match. Maybe with with slight advantage in favor of Angelo, simply because of the 'eye test' LOL. Angelo looked in shaped, sharp in pre-game routine, and QUICK. No knock on Bustos, who equally was sharp, and looked tough as nails. The fight started and it looked like Angelo would have an athletic advantage over Bustos, and he did- he was quicker, and maybe had a lil more power, but he was undisciplined and took a lot of unbalanced punches. Bustos, well trained, and a lot more disciplined, through out the duration of the fight clearly proved to be a more precise fighter, smarter, and wittier. He went through the fight, countering Angelos' moves, striking punches at opportune times, and looked to be an overall better boxer then what Angelo was. I was impressed by his demeanor, toughness, grit, and craft, and it all made sense when I later found out he was one of Legendz Boxing Gyms very own! A gym that fosters young talent like no other, and currently has some of the best young professional boxers in area, or even country. Angelo eventually walked away with the win, bringing his record to, 9-0-1. The second fight was more of a clinic done by its winner. A guy who walked in the arena, with enough charisma to fill the arena, he took over the crowd. After sharing a few smiles, and waves to the crowd, he calmly walked in the arena and I thought "I wonder how would his personality outside of the ring match his skill inside the ring??" He didn't disappoint! & put on a clinic with precise punches and combos, moving around at the right time, and throwing counter punches at even better times. He landed a quick right hand on his opponent and dropped him for a first round KO! "And the winner by knock out, Oleksiy Barkerrrrrrr!!!" and the crowd went wild! To say that I was impressed with his boxing, would be an understatement. Even got to share a few words of respect and admiration for his great feat with him after the fight. He humbly thanked me. That night, Pablo Rubio (20-0-0, 4KO) won the title! The feat capped off a night with about 9 fights, all worth the price of admission.
All and all, I couldn't help but think about the youth who could possibly benefit from experiencing this great sport! The discipline that comes from it, the hard work, and the determination are all great lessons to help anyone, "Fight The Good Fight,' in their ring. I continued to brainstorm with Yolanda, and left feeling optimistic about future adventures in the world of Boxing, with GBO, and with Pure Heart Boxing. For its viewers/readers, if you haven't already, take a trip down to Pico Rivera Sports Arena, and get a taste of the Global Boxing Organization and see it for yourself! The experience was great, the people were even BETTER!
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