El Monte pugilists lead the Thompson Boxing Promotions fight card when southpaw welterweight Ricky Duenas and big hitting junior lightweight Alejandro Luna step into the boxing ring in separate competitions and are accompanied by Riverside’s punching machine Juan Reyes on October 19 at Ontario’s Doubletree Hotel.
Duenas (12-1, 6 KOs), has been racking up wins in crackling fashion but now he faces Canada’s Steve Claggett (14-1-1, 9 KOs) in the main event set for eight rounds in the welterweight division. A win by either fighter places them in the contender status.
Despite starting a boxing career a mere four years ago, Duenas, 29, has continues to improve at a meteoric rate. Under the tutelage of famed trainer Ben Lira, the quicksilver southpaw has evolved from a natural-born boxer into a one-punch knockout artist. Three consecutive knockout victories can verify he has found his power.
Claggett, 23, also has three consecutive knockout victories. The prizefighter out of Calgary, Canada has only one loss in his career and knows a win against Duenas can put him in the welterweight spotlight. This is only his second fight outside of Calgary. His first and only loss occurred when he fought in the Philippines. Now, he looks to avenge his out of country loss stigma by solid win.
Riverside slugger Richard “Terminator” Contreras (9-0-1, 8 KOs) has a tough task when he faces Denver’s Shawn Nichols (6-12, 5 KOs) in a six round junior featherweight match. Contreras enters the ring after a short absence due to a broken jaw. Despite that injury suffered during his last fight, he survived and rallied to a draw. Now he faces the very under-rated Nichols, who can upset anyone not taking him seriously.
Riverside’s Juan “Pochito” Reyes (7-1-1) returns to Ontario and faces Mexicali’s very tough Jose Angel Cota (15-8-1, 11 KOs) in a six round junior featherweight battle. Cota has fought top notch competition and can give any opponent trouble. Reyes last fought in August and handed Jafar Kirtley his first loss.
In a six-round event El Monte’s Luna, 20, will be featured in a junior lightweight clash. No opponent has been set at the moment. The knockout specialist Luna (10-0, 8 KOs) has been brought along slowly by ace trainer Ben Lira.
Southern California heavyweight Javier Torres (3-0, 1 KO) returns to Ontario to face Gary Cobia (0-2) of Utah. Torres is a former member of the L.A. Matadors semi pro boxing team. In his last bout the Long Beach heavyweight won by split decision in a spirited four round battle with Avery Gibson.
In a female bout Maywood’s outstanding Lissette Medel (7-1-1) will fight Mexico City’s Cynthia Munoz (6-1, 3 KO’s) in a junior lightweight fight set for four rounds. Medel has impressive wins over Yolanda Ezell and Tatina Anderson. Munoz’s only loss was in Japan.
Canadian heavyweight Matt Kadian (6-1, 4 KO’s) fights Lancaster’s Avery Gibson (0-1-1) who was impressive despite defeat in his last appearance in a Thompson Boxing show. Fight fans can expect an entertaining heavyweight showdown.
Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the first bell rings at 7:30 pm. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario. The hotel phone number is 909-937-0900.
