Gilberto Gonzales Steals the Show at LA Fight Club

By Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña (At ringside)
Photos by Cynthia “Cindy Lou” Saldaña (At Ringside)

Friday night there was plenty of action at Golden Boys LA fight Club which had the likes of Jesus Soto Karass, Metta World Peace and Light Heavyweight undefeated prospect Slava Shabranskyy in attendance. It was Gilberto Gonzalez in the co-main event that stole the show. Gonzalez, 25-3, 21 KO’s of Mexico City took on Luis Arceo, 28-14-4, of Aguas Calientes, Mexico in a battle of Mexican warriors. The crowd stood the whole fight as these two slugged it out in what turned out to be a bloodbath in the ring. In the 6th round Gonzalez eventually caught Arceo with a huge overhand left to the temple of Luis leaving him face down on the canvas. Arceo beat the count but his corner had seen enough and threw in the towel.“I knew I was ahead of him the entire fight, however there were moments in which I felt like he had me,” said Gilberto Gonzalez. “It’s my first fight of the year and I felt some ring rust, so my timing was off at times. Fortunately, I was able to break free in those moments and was able to land the punches that gave me the victory. I am looking forward to this year and hopefully a world title will be in my midst soon.”

In the main event former Super Bantamweight Champion Manuel “Tino” Avila, 20-0, 8 KO’s came away with a big win over his opponent and former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Germelo” Alvarado, 23-7, 16 KO’s in a 10 round bout. Avila seemed very comfortable in his first bout as a Featherweight. Tino technically broke down Alvarado with better ring generalship. Avila controlled the fight and never let Alvarado get into his groove. Avila controlled the pace of the fight and stayed one step ahead of Rene throughout the 10 round bout. Alvarado looked very frustrated as he was unable to use his aggressiveness to hurt Avila. Tino came away with a unanimous decision to remain undefeated and improve to 20-0.“I felt that the fight went in different stages in which he would win or I would win,” said Manuel Avila of his victory. “I know I need to work on my inside game, and stick to the game plan. I’m excited to get back in the gym and hopefully 2016 will bring more action inside the ring for me.” Alvarado stated afterwards “I felt that this decision was fair, We are obviously in his house, but I felt that throughout the fight it was a very close match. I’m excited to go back to Nicaragua, and work on my technique. Hopefully, if given the opportunity I will come back and fight in Los Angeles.”

To kick of the television broadcast undefeated Golden Boy prospect Oscar Torres, 8-0 battled Marquis Taylor, 3-1, of Houston Texas in a 6 round Welterweight bout. In what was a clear robbery on the judges scorecards, this wild back and forth sloppy fight saw Torres hurt Taylor many times with wild shots to the head throughout the fight. Taylor used his footwork and a dancing style defense to stay away from the heavy handed Torres. Taylor played to the crowd several times with his footwork and after 6 the judges gave gift split decision to Taylor by the scores of 58-56 (Taylor), 59-55 (Torres), and 59-55(Taylor). “Honestly, this is one of my biggest wins. I am so thankful, and only God could have made this happen. After my loss in Vegas, I was willing to take any fight offered to me, knowing that even meant going into enemy territory. Torres was a tough fighter, and we fought to the nail. I hope that with this win, I will have more opportunities to come to LA and show the West Coast what I have to offer, and give them a performance to remember, even my little dances in the ring.”

The night started with Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava making his pro debut in front of his hometown fans as he fought Antonio Martinez, 3-6, 3 KO’s of Durango, Mexico. Nava won his debut by unanimous decision 40-36 x2 and 39-37 “T-Dog” Nava moves to 1-0.

Up next was undefeated Joshua Franco, 5-0, 3 KO’s of San Antonio, Texas as he took on Jorge Perez, 2-1, of Riverside California in a 6 round Bantamweight fight. Franco came out strong in the 1st hurting Perez with power shots to the head and body. Franco went on to win by 2nd round KO. After the fight Franco stated “I think I’ve been able to retain my undefeated status because I’ve been sparring with amazing world champions. I feel that the opportunity to receive a lot of their attention and skill has opened me up to be an even better fighter, and I’m looking forward to be built up even more.”

Pablo “The Shark Rubio”, 5-0, 3 KO’s was next inside the ring as he took on Juan Carlos Benavidez, 5-7-1, 2 KO’s of Obregon, Mexico. Benavidez came out quick taking the fight to Rubio. Benavidez caught Rubio with a straight jab busting up Pablo’s nose in the 1st. Both fighters showed the heart of a champion as they battled tough through 4 in this Super Bantamweight match-up. After 4th the judges handed Rubio a split decision improving Rubio to 5-0, 3 KO’s. Rubio stated after the fight “Benavides was a tough guy, but I always train harder for these kinds of fights,” said Pablo Rubio. “I need to step in and make sure to use my distance and be braver to land them. I am excited to be partners with Metta World Peace and we are looking forward to growing together in the business of boxing.”

Local fan favorite and recently signed Golden Boy prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio, 5-0, 3 KO’s made quick work of his opponent, Javier Rodriguez of 3-1, 2 KO’s of Monterrey, Mexico with a knockout at the 1:30 mark of round 1. “I am glad I was able to get in the ring and do what I came here to do, secure another victory,” said Edgar Valerio. “I am a hungry fighter who has high energy that translates well into the ring. My goal is to become a world champion and I am on my way.” Valerio improves to 6-0, 4 KO’s.

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