Robles vs Vargas will be one of the most memorable fights in San Diego boxing history

Adrian Vargas (L) and Emmanuel Robles (R) pose for a photo at Friday's press conference held at the Brew House Restaurant & Brewery in Eastlake, a neighborhood of Chula Vista, CA. Photo: Jim Wyatt

It’s not often you hear people make such outlandish claims. Believe me, I’m no relation to either Don King or Bob Arum, and in no way do I want to be accused of hyping a boxing card just to get in good with a promoter. My loyalties have always been with the boxers and the fans.

In five days, Friday, January 27, 2012 to be exact, Bobby D. Presents, in association with Jorge Marron Productions and A&T GYM will be offering their first boxing event of 2012 in partnership with the Gonzalez Sports Academy and Athletes of the Future Foundation. This “Champions of Tomorrow” fight card will be held at the GSA facility at 2390 Boswell Road in Chula Vista and believe me, it’s going to be special.

(L to R) David Gonzalez, Jr., boxers Pablo Armenta and Christian Bojorquez, promoter Bobby DePhilippis, boxers Adrian Vargas, Emmanuel Robles, Emilio Bojorquez and matchmaker Jorge Marron. Photo: Jim Wyatt

For years, local boxing promoters have been searching for a location that fulfills their needs. It’s possible this 29,000 square-foot facility in Chula Vista is the location they’ve been seeking. The Valley View Casino Center (Sports Arena) in Point Loma has always been considered too big and too costly.

This newly opened state of the art sports training center has now been serving the community for over a year and a half. It houses three volleyball courts, a track and field installation, batting cages and pitching mounds along with an impressive weight room which Antonio Margarito recently used to prepare for his rematch with Miguel Cotto.

In the show’s eight round main event, 21-year-old welterweight Oscar Godoy (4-1, 2 KOs) will be taking on KO artist Joshua Marks (7-3, 7 KOs) of El Centro. As an amateur, Godoy of Watsonville, CA by way of Colonia Libertad, Tijuana, Mexico, amassed a record of 95 wins to only 5 losses with 40 knockouts before turning pro in 2009. In his pro-debut, Godoy won a split decision victory over Eduardo Herrera. In his second bout, he suffered his only defeat. Since then he’s rattled off three quick wins.

He’s now looking to keep that streak alive when facing the hard-hitting and more experienced “Superman” Marks. Originally from Georgia, Marks has found a home in the Imperial Valley. Seven of his ten pro fights were staged in Mexico and not one of those seven boxers had a winning record. To his credit, Marks has knocked out every opponent in each of those seven wins which should make for an action packed bout against Godoy.

To state Adrian Vargas has knockout potential is what most people would say is an understatement. Here we see one of his victims, Alejandro Garcia, being revived by the referee and fight doctor. Photo: Jim Wyatt

When you live in San Diego and have an opportunity to spar with the likes of Emmanuel Robles (R), Oscar Molina (L) and Mercito Gesta (C) you jump at the chance. Photo: Jim Wyatt at the Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista.

Now for that special attraction of which I spoke. To use Mr. DePhilippis’ words from Friday’s press conference, “Someone’s “0” has got to go.” National City’s Adrian Vargas (5-0, 3 KOs) will be taking on Emmanuel Robles (4-0, 2 KOs) of Imperial Beach. Many moons ago, the two young men battled it out in the amateur ranks and Vargas came out on top in a hotly contested bout. Robles is now looking forward to evening the score.

“This is a great fight,” said DePhilippis. “These two young, local fighters are facing each other, not only for the bragging rights, but the pride of their respective gyms and neighborhoods. Both have been asking me to make this fight, well before they turned pro. This will be a real treat for the local boxing fans.”

As long as I’ve been covering the local boxing scene, I’ve never seen anyone with quicker hands than Robles. Robles won title after title in the USA Amateur ranks and the former National Pal Champion is always exciting to watch.

From a promoter’s point of view, Vargas is the ideal boxer to promote. Not only does he have a granite chin, he exhibits the type of nonstop power that can put opponents on their back.

What usually happens when you have talent like this? The manager won’t allow his fighter to go up against a formidable foe until they’ve had at least 10 wins. That way they’re insuring their fighter gets a much larger payday.

Not to be crass but I believe a comparison with the following statement is in order: “This is like taking two brand new Italian sports cars, a Ferrari 458 and Ferrari 430 to a demolition derby. One of these boxers is going to end up as damaged goods.”

Also, the two coaches, Joe Vargas of the Undisputed Fitness and Training Center in Downtown and Ernie Johnson of Old School Boxing near San Diego State University will have their reputations on the line. Arguably, these are two of the best boxing coaches around. One will have their head held high, while the other will be humbled.

(L to R) Pablo Armenta, Emilio Bojorquez, Adrian Vargas and Christian Bojorquez. Vargas along with the Bojorquez brothers workout at the same gym, Undisputed Fitness & Training Center, at 16th and K Streets in San Diego. Photo: Jim Wyatt

Also featured on the card is fan favorite, lightweight Pablo “Bronco” Armenta (6-1-1, 2 KOs) of South San Diego. Armenta, who intends to rebound off his first professional loss to Guy Robb on September 16, 2011, is scheduled to face Omar Sanchez (0-2-1) of Fairfield, CA.

Sanchez should be considered an unknown quantity since his losses came against two tough hombres, Guy Robb (7-1) and Maximilliano Becerra (5-0).

Jonathan Quiroz, from Rhino’s Boxing in Vista, CA, will be making his much anticipated pro debut against Anthony Briones (1-0, 1 KO) of Riverside. There’s a strong possibility these two gents met before, since both competed in the USA Amateur ranks in the same LBC-44.

As an added treat, super bantamweight Christian “Huevo” Bojorquez (4-0, 1 KO) of Tijuana will be taking on Raymundo Chacon (3-1) of Los Angeles. Chacon is coming off a split decision loss on September 23, 2011 to David Reyes.

Super bantamweight Pablo Copul (6-2, 4 KOs), of Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be announced. Copul is hoping to rebound after losing his last two bouts.

Since the promoters are expecting a packed house, it’s recommended you get your tickets early. With the many connections of the Gonzalez family, it’s expected that many celebrities from both the sports and entertainment world will be present.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the first bell to sound at 8 p.m. This event is all ages and the venue has plenty of free parking. As mentioned, the Gonzalez Sports Academy is located at 2390 Boswell Road, Chula Vista (619) 600-3965 www.GonzalezSportsAcademy.com. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SanDiegoFights.com or by calling (619) 420-8866 or (619)743-0698.

(L to R) David Gonzalez, Jr., Gonzalez Sports Academy General Manager, boxing promoters, Jorge Marron, Guillermo Mayen, Bobby DePhilippis, Gabriel Barron and Chicago Cubs minor league ball player, Edgar Gonzalez. Photo: Jim Wyatt

On a side note, on January 4, 2012, the Gonzalez Sports Academy’s very own Edgar Gonzalez, the older brother of the former Padre All Star Adrian Gonzalez who now plays for the Boston Red Sox, was offered a minor league contract from the Chicago Cubs. Edgar played second base for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies (in the SF Giants farm system) last year. He batted a more than respectable .315 with 14 homers and 14 steals.