By Lauren Rodriguez

PICO RIVERA, CA - Boxing is back in Southern California. MarvNation Promotions presented the first club show in California after a year-long pandemic. The new promotion company began with a bang as the headlining event brought together legends for an exhibition fight.

The highly anticipated main event, between former WBC NABF champ, Jesus Soto-Karass (29-13-4, 18 K.O.) and former multi-weight champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Marco “Baby Face” Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 K.O.) was one of love for boxing. The legendary battle had fans standing on chairs and ready to jump over barriers for their prized fighters.

The two veteran fighters went toe-to-toe for 6 rounds. The elder men eased into their bout, saving energy for their last round. After almost 4 years of retirement, Soto, 38, proved he still held the combos to bring action into the ring. Soto’s length and 10-year age difference benefitted the champion as he moved around Barrera’s sturdy jabs. Barrera, 47, showed boxing fans how powerful his punches still were, dazing Soto in the last round.

The two went pound for pound in the last 30 seconds, giving viewers a show to scream for as the exhibition came to an end. As an exhibition, the match was not scored but solely for entertainment purposes.

“These two warriors put on a big show. This is the beginning of many great battles we’re going to be bringing to the city of Pico Rivera and around the world,” said MarvNation CEO, Marvin Rodriguez.

Other bouts

In the co-main event of the evening, son of MarvNation’s very own CEO and Pride of Pico Rivera, Angel “El Moreno” Rodriguez (8-0, 5 K.O.) went head-to-head against Bergman Aguilar (15-7-1). Upon entering the ring, Rodriguez’s entrance into the outdoor arena included riding in on a horse, a spectacle that riled everyone out of their seats. Rodriguez proved that his dramatic entrances match his energy in the ring, while he gave the crowd a show. Within the first two rounds, Aguilar took several knee’s, kneeling as he attempted to grab a breath and put himself together. By the third round, Aguilar took his last long pause before the referee called the bout to an end. The match ended in KO at 1:40 of the 3rd round.

Fighting in the super welterweight division, Mexican fighter, Diego Padilla (1-2-0) went head-to-head against Ukrainian fighter, Oleg Zubenko (3-1-0). The first three rounds for these two progressed slowly as both appeared tired, sluggishly landing one out of every few shots. The last round of the bout was the most action packed, the two fighters going pound for pound until the last bell rang. The bout was scored 40-36 Padilla and 38-38 twice bringing the match to a split draw.

In the welterweight division, Tyrell Washington (2-0) of Long Beach, went against Ginno Montoya (0-3) of Lincoln, Nebraska. Montoya, who was seeking his first professional victory, was quickly shot down as Washington used his height difference to an inevitable advantage. The bout ended at 1:19 in the first round, with a right overhand by Washington.

The featherweight division included South Los Angeles fighter, Pablo “Bam Bam” Meglar (4-1-0) against Houston’s Adrian “Cuban Link” Leyna (1-2). Leyna was all speed as he fought far from home. Despite the crowds chanting for Los Angeles native Meglar, Leyva stole the show. Weaving in and making his way into his opponent’s blockades. The bout was scored 39-37, 40-36 (x2) in favor of Leyva as winner.

In the super-featherweight division, Oliver “El Gallo Negro” Galicia (3-0, K.O.) put on a show against Michael “No Mans” Land (1-2.) Galicia’s energy in the ring was unmatchable for Land who struggled to land as many shots as his opponent. Relying on hugging, land was no match for an enthusiastic Galicia who smiled with every hit he received and threw, smiling even as he took several stumbles. The bout was unfavorably scored 37-37, a draw for the two.

In the lightweight division Cris Reyes (9-0, 8 K.O.) received his 10th victory, against Braullio Avila (3-8).

(PHOTO BY ALONZO COSTON)