Imperial Beach hosts latest Battle of Champions
On Saturday, May 16, 2015, the Battle of Champions Fight Series resumes with 15 exciting Muay Thai fights on the docket. The bouts drawing the most attention are the three – 5 round Battle of Champions Title fights.
First up is the Main Event, a Light Welterweight (142 pounds) fight between 24 year-old Bruno Borges from the Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. who trains with Juan Luis Miranda versus the taller, 20 year-old Jeremy Shepard of Spring Valley, Calif. who trains with Carl Gebhardt at the Black House Team Nogueira Gym across from MCAS Miramar in San Diego.
In the co-main event, a Lightweight Title fight (130 pounds) they’re featuring 5’7” Jorge Gamez of San Diego (6-2) from the same Black House Team Nogueira Gym taking on the 18 year-old sensation Jalen Walker (5-2) who comes from the Power MMA Team, Gilbert, Arizona.
And finally, the third, 5 round Battle of Champions Title fight involves the ladies in the Atomweight class (112 pounds). Twenty-nine year old Ashley Acord from Lafayette, Colorado (5-1), trained by Tony Cummings, will be going up against 27 year-old Magalie Alvarez (4-0) of North Hollywood, Calif. who is trained by David Huey.
An additional 12 bouts are on the docket.
Plus Dr. James A. Wilson to be honored
On Saturday, the International Karate & Kickboxing Hall of Fame plans to honor Dr. James A. Wilson (Feb 14, 1943 – Feb 8, 2015) and his martial arts legacy with his induction into their International Hall of Fame. Expected to be present for this grand occasion is special guest Congressman Juan Vargas from the 51st District of California and of course Grand Master Victor Manuel Beltran Jr. from the Southwestern Association of Martial Arts.
It would take a very long time to list the many accomplishments of Dr. Wilson. From his ordination in the church to his earning of a law degree, from his service as a Probation Officer to his appointment as Judge/Commissioner of the San Diego Superior Court, from his exploits in Muay Thai to his passion for teaching the sport to the countless students over the decades. The Founder and Presiding Director of the Southwestern Association of Martial Arts (SWAMA) held numerous titles to include a doctorate in English and Law. He received the President’s Award in Sports, Health and Fitness, served as a consultant to the President’s Counsel on Health and Fitness, all while being recognized as a Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Kenpo. As a youngster he was trained by the late, great Archie Moore and became a Golden Gloves Boxer. Three of Dr. Wilson’s students went on to compete in the Olympics and won Gold medals. These are but a few of the contributions that Dr. Wilson made to the Martial Arts and our community at large.
This weekend’s “Battle at the Park” is an Amateur Muay Thai Event to raise funds for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club of South County with the proceeds benefitting the youth of Imperial Beach and Chula Vista. You can expect a who’s who of San Diego County Muay Thai to be present – everyone from Alexander Caine Palma to Ajahn Ruben Rowell, Bob and Sarinda Chaney, Jhanex Alviz, Preston Peters, Alyshia Madison, Robert Aldama, etc., etc.
