Bobby D Presents’ first of seven shows at Del Mar

After losing his last 11 bouts, super bantamweight Pablo Cupul of Lakeside, CA by way of Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, comes through to defeat Anecito Gesta of Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines to get his first win on U. S. soil and improve his record to 7 wins, 11 losses. Photo: Jim Wyatt

Friday, May 24, 2013, marked the first of what’s expected to be seven monthly boxing shows at the Del Mar Fairgrounds presented by San Diego’s premier boxing promoter Bobby DePhilippis. As you might expect attendance at the inaugural event was excellent in the 1,500+ range, and to celebrate the return of professional boxing to the Fairgrounds, fans received a free admission ticket to this year’s County Fair.

With the grandiose size of the Bing Crosby Hall, the all new carpet, ring and overhead lighting, all top of the line, the impressed boxing fans walked about with their mouths ajar. It appeared every last detail had been worked out to insure the spectators experienced a grand evening of boxing.

Under the heading, “Oh my God, you look just like…” With celebrity sightings all the time, you got to figure this opportune snapshot of actress Catherine Zeta- Jones would be a memorable addition to anyone’s photo collection. Word did circulate that Zeta-Jones was in town promoting her soon to be released movie, Red 2, an action comedy with Bruce Willis. Then there she was or was it a mirage of the starlette sitting next to promoter Bobby DePhilippis at ringside. Photo: J.Wyatt

The main event featured a 10 round bout for the NABA Bantamweight Title between Khabir Suleymanov (14-3-0, 6 KOs) who hails from Los Angeles by way of Chelyabinsk, Russia against Michael Ruiz (9-2-0, 3 KOs) of Fresno, CA.

In this one, the 24 year-old Ruiz, a southpaw, had trouble catching up with the more skittish, defensive minded, orthodox fighter, who had a penchant for dropping his hands to belittle his opponent. Between Suleymanov’s holding and Ruiz’s inability to land the solid punch, the 10 rounder was not all that entertaining. Halfway through the fight, Ruiz’s corner sought relief and complained to the ref about the tactics. Referee Jose Cobian followed up and did issue a warning regarding excessive holding and punches thrown at the back of the head.

On and on went this struggle with Ruiz trying to make Khabir miss and Suleymanov fluttering in and out like an elusive butterfly.

In the end, Suleymanov, benefitting from the longer reach which allowed him to score from angles, got the decision from all three judges. Sergio Caiz scored the bout 96-94, while Alejandro Rochin and Tony Crebs had Suleymanov dominating 98-92 and 97-93 respectively.

(top, left) Michael Ruiz makes his entrance on Friday evening at the Bing Crosby Hall. The other three photos show his opponent Khabir Suleymanov of Chelyabinsk, Russia (yellow trunks) landing a solid, straight right to Michael Ruiz’s head.

After his win, Khabir Suleymanov who hails from Los Angeles by way of Chelyabinsk, Russia improves to (15-3-0, 6 KOs) while Michael Ruiz of Fresno, CA drops to (9-3-0, 3 KOs).

In the Co-feature it was super featherweight Aaron “Gavilan” Garcia (12-3-2, 3 KOs) of Vista, CA stopping Cesar Garcia (8-14-1, 4 KOs) of Ensenada, B. C., Mexico after just three minutes.

Aaron Garcia, who was making his return after a year and seven month layoff, looked a bit rusty at first which may have been a result of his opponent’s awkward style. Cesar Garcia came at him the same way a fencer attacks with a foil. The target he left was the left side of his body and before long Aaron was hitting this target with hard, crunching left hooks and right uppercuts, one of which bruised if not broke a rib which in the end had Cesar Garcia’s corner contemplating throwing in the towel. After complaining of intense pain, referee Tony Crebs called for the ringside doctor who’s assessment suggested Garcia may have broken a rib.

In the co-feature it was Aaron “Galivan” Garcia (l) of Vista, CA (black with gold stripe trunks) taking on Cesar Garcia of Ensenada, Mexico (white trunks, rainbow sashes).

(Top left photo) Cesar Garcia’s corner talks over the injury and the decision to call it quits. (below) Aaron Garcia celebrates his victory with the lovely Ring Card Girls.

Leon Spinks III (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Huntington Beach, CA by way of St. Louis, MO weighed 135 pounds for his appointment with Dominic Coca (8-2-0, 2 KOs) from Lynwood, CA. who weighed 133 pounds for their four round lightweight match.

Not unlike the showboat wrestlers of the WWF, both Spinks and his assistant trainer, Boxing’s Hype-Man, Repo Rick went through their customary crazy antics with Repo Rick informing the crowd how Spinks would “Whoop that Ass” then Spinks did this comical – I’m in the ring, then I’m out of the ring, I’m in the ring – sweep under the ropes adding a shoulder roll. The new “head looking skyward” put a smile on most faces. The first timers looked on incredulously and wondered, “Is this guy going to be able to back up such arrogance?” He did.

Spinks’ punches were lightning fast and before long took their toll on Mr. Coca. To his credit, the 8-win Coca came to fight. After cutting the ring off, he had his hands flailing with bad intentions. The challenge submitted by Coca brought out the best in Spinks. This boxing scribe has never seen Spinks look so good, so sharp, so elusive.

Each photo shows a different side of the showman Leon Spinks III. (bottom right) It’s as if a bright, celestial halo has formed around his head. Should we get down on our knees?

Was there any doubt? Leon Spinks III of Huntington Beach, CA by way of St. Louis, MO, the grandson of the legendary World Heavyweight Champion, improves his record to (5-0-1, 3 KOs) after soundly defeating Dominic Coca of Lynwood, CA.

The next bout had the makings of a revenge match with Jesus Sandoval (0-1) from San Bernardino, CA getting a second shot at the guy who roughed him up in February. On February 21st of this year, Sandoval was overwhelmed by the perpetual motion of 19-year-old Jonathan Quiroz (4-1-0, 1 KO). It happened again on Friday night.

Insiders, who have started calling Quiroz, “The Show Stealer,” have started wondering what has made this guy such a phenom. Quiroz benefits big time from 1) living close to the beach where he can workout in the water, 2) he gets to train with his brother, Brian, in the same gym where his father is the head boxing coach, and 3) he comes from a loving, supportive family.

As he did the first time, Sandoval looked impressive for maybe one round and then “Johnny Boy” took over.

After defeating Jesus Sandoval for the second time, Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Quiroz improves to 5-1-0, 1 KO. He’s getting better and better.

In the next match, it was Anecito Gesta, Jr. (2-1-0), the younger brother of Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (26-1-1, 14 KOs) making his debut in the U. S. facing journeyman fighter Pablo Cupul (6-11-0, 4 KOs) a late replacement.

The acceptance of Cupul as the challenger may have been predicated on the following: Cupul was shorter, lighter and hadn’t won a single fight since arriving in the U. S. in early October of 2010, 11 losses ago. What they didn’t consider was the fact Cupul has a big heart, always been a serious competitor, always in shape and always plugging away at his craft.

And, less we forget, Anecito Jr., comes from a fine pedigree himself. He’s the third in a line of former kick boxer, mixed martial arts champions who switched to boxing.

In Round #1, Anecito came out firing on all cylinders. He looked so impressive, there was no doubt he took the first round. Only problem, Anecito had given it his all and Cupul was still fresh. From the second round on, Anecito was in survival mode against Cupul who was not only in better shape but the more accurate puncher.

After suffering 11 losses in a row, Pablo Cupul gets his first win since April 30, 2010. The victory over Anecito Gesta Jr. was his first in the United States.

The final bout was a four round welterweight match between James “Hollywood” Taylor (2-1-0) and Andre Ewell (0-3-0).

Taylor, who lost his last match to Victor Fonseca at 147 pounds, lost seven pounds for this fight and according to his new coach, Travis Stocking, from the Gladiator Gym in Spring Valley, Taylor had rededicated himself and his superior hand speed had returned.

In this one, the defensive minded Ewell from Moreno Valley, CA circled about for three straight rounds. It was like watching a Merry-go-round going round and round maintaining its distance. On a rare occasion, with his back against the ropes or cornered, the crowd saw flashes of what could be a great fighter. Since his promise to be more aggressive versus Taylor never came to be, he drops to 0-4.

(bottom) After defeating Andre Ewell, James Taylor (l) has his arm raised in victory by referee Tony Crebs. Photos: Jim Wyatt

After the launch of Bobby D Presents’ first show at Del Mar, everyone is looking forward to this being a long running partnership which can only benefit the future of boxing within San Diego County. And we can thank Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Bobby De Philippis plus his cadre of hard workers for making it happen. The next show with Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian lookalikes is scheduled for July  26, 2013.