Memorable moments from “The North Show” at Encinitas Boxing

After his unanimous decision victory over the tough Nico Marchan (r) was announced, Brandon Ruiz (l) from Mariscal Boxing, Tijuana, went down on one knee to give thanks to God for his ability to defeat such a tough opponent.

After being an Olympian on Team USA with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Vernon Forrest, Raul Marquez, etc. and then a professional, it’s now all about being a family man, making personal appearances and giving motivational talks. On TV shows like Celebrity Family Feud where his teammates were Mikey and Robert Garcia, Shane Mosley and James Toney. Byrd has also lent a hand in the training of today’s up and coming heavyweights at Encinitas Boxing and City Boxing Downtown. It’s been a fascinating life. Coach Mike Robinson, now in his 15th year of coaching has also helped a great many boxers, Pro and Amateur.

Imagine rubbing elbows or sparring with an athlete of Russell Wilson’s stature, the QB who led the Seattle Seahawks to that 43-8 shellacking of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Could Mr. Russell be contemplating a career change?

Before the first bout on Saturday, the local USA Amateur Boxing LBC44 CAL Border President Hondo Fontane (l), introduced the crowd to two local and National USA Boxing standouts, Nico Sanchez (c) and Eric Puente (r).

Bout #1 winner by walk-over was Raulito Uribe shown here having his arm raised by LBC44 CAL Border President Hondo Fontane.

Andy Barajas (blue) dominated this bout and had punches coming from every direction. All Saul Garza could do was cover up and remain in survival mode.

At the conclusion of Bout #2, we see referee Hondo Fontane raising the arm of the victorious Andy Beltran Barajas (l) who with the win improves to 5-1.

With the first round going so well for Monray Marable, you could almost imagine the coach’s between rounds pep talk: “So far so good! You’re stinging him with your jab and clobbering him from long range but you can’t just stand there. Move to your right, don’t let him get in close where he can control you.”

The coach’s comments must have fallen on deaf ears, especially after Martinez managed to get inside and negate Marable’s offense of hit and move. Instead, Marable found himself handcuffed and Martinez continued to pound a way at the midsection and on occasion landed an uppercut to Marable’s chin.

After Marable’s lead disappeared, Alejandro Martinez (r) maintained his scoring edge by fighting in close as if they were fighting inside a telephone booth.

At the conclusion of Bout #3, Alejandro Martinez (r) has his arm raised in victory by referee Dana Kaplan after defeating the despondent Monray Marable.

Early on, with the wild all or nothing blows flying in every direction, you felt certain, the contest had no way of going the distance. What hindered Jesse Reseniz was his accuracy or lack there of. His blows were missing the target.

By round three, Leo Cruz (red gloves) was landing at will.

(bottom photo) At the conclusion of Bout #4, we see referee Dana Kaplan raising the arm of the victorious Leo Cruz (r) from Backyard Boxing, Vista, Calif.

With both boxers being relative newcomers, round one turned out to be a bit chaotic. Even so, Christian Abuan (red gloves) was on the receiving end of the majority of punches thrown. All photos: Jim Wyatt

After that wild and wooly first round, Cameron Frazier must have been advised or admonished for not using his jab to set up his punches. As they began the second round, there it was, the perfect jab in all its glory.

As the boxers awaited the judges’ decision, you could see blood coming from Christian Abuan’s mouth and teeth. He looked to be completely exhausted.

In the end, it was Cameron Frazier (l) having his arm raised in victory

Upon later examination, after his all out war with Cameron Frazier, it was discovered Christian Abuan had fractured his jaw, in layman’s terms: Frazier broke Abuan’s jaw.

In round one of Bout #6 the two accomplished boxers probed to find their opponent’s weaknesses with Brandon Ruiz landing more of the telling blows.

(top photo) At the conclusion of Bout #6, the boxers joined veteran referee Rick Ley in the center of the ring to await the judges’ scores. In this one, it was Brandon Ruiz (l) winning a unanimous decision to improve his record to 52-2.

It’s rare when you see this much good will towards an opponent right after going toe to toe in a close match but believe me, it was genuine. Wouldn’t it be something if these two young men entered the field of Politics and one day ran for President of their respective countries? Mexico and the Philippines.

On this day, the judges decided that Antonio Padilla (red gloves) had outpointed Giovani Rosendale (blue gloves) in their very close match.

(bottom photo) Antonio Padilla from the Bound Boxing Academy, Chula Vista has his arm raised in victory by referee Andrew Moreno. Showing good sportsmanship, Giovani Rosendale from Backyard Boxing claps for Padilla.

second to last

From the opening bell, Ricky Gutierrez (blue gloves) was all over Hunter Williams suffocating him with punches from every angle. Even when Williams was in retreat, Gutierrez chased after him to give him no relief.

Both fighters threw and landed some heavy bombs on their opponent.

Even after throwing bombs at each other nonstop, the Warriors were respectful enough to pose for photos after their clash. That is true sportsmanship.

It seemed to be all or nothing in that first round.

After referee Andrew Moreno raised his arm and presented Fernando Lopez his trophy, Lopez (bottom, left) posed for this photo with his proud coach Bernie Nevarez.