“Showdown in Downtown”

Story & Photos by “The Sparring Partners” Roy & Marlene Marquez, & "Big" Joe

 

A boisterous crowd packed Little Tokyo’s Yaohan Plaza to watch the “Showdown in Downtown” Los Angeles.  Skybox Promotions, together with All Star Promotions, produced an event that featured culinary delights, live music, and yes, boxing!   

 

Gustavo Torales v. George Moreno – 4 rounds, Welterweights

In the main event, Santa Ana based welterweight George Moreno, 3-10-1, looked more bodybuilder than boxer in losing a unanimous decision to Gustavo Torales who improved to 4 -1.  Torales bloodied Moreno’s nose moments before scoring a flash knockdown in the fourth round of a fight he had already won.   

 

Roberto Estrada v. Velvet Malone – 4 rounds, Middleweights

In the most entertaining and well-fought fight of the night, Roberto Estrada earned a unanimous decision over Velvet Malone to run his record to 3 -1.  All three judges scored the fight 40-36 for Estrada who landed hard right hands throughout the bout.  Malone was game but outgunned in losing his second straight fight.   

 

Dustin Schaeffer v. Leon Weathersby – 4 rounds, Cruiserweights

In a clash between fighters making their professional debuts, Leon Weathersby stopped Dustin Schaeffer with a devastating right hand in the third round of a scheduled four round fight.  Schaeffer looked tight and was never able to get off against the more aggressive Weathersby. 

 

Darren Freeman v. Phillip Reynolds – 4 rounds, Heavyweights

In a bout between light heavyweights masquerading as heavyweights, Darren Freeman knocked out Phillip Reynolds to earn his first professional victory.  Referee Dr. James Jen Kin counted to 10 at 1 minute 33 seconds of the third round to bring the bout to a close. 

 

Peter Nylund v. Bryan Brooks – 4 rounds, Super Middleweights

A draw isn’t a win, but it isn’t a loss either.  Bryan Brooks won the first and fourth rounds to earn a draw to improve to 0-6-1.  Peter Nylund, 3-1-1 looked to have control of the bout after winning the second and third rounds but allowed Brooks to back him up in the final round.