Boxing event creates fireworks

     By W.G. Ramirez
     View staff writer
      Most fireworks shows took place outdoors during the Fourth of July weekend.
      At Nevada Partners' Gym, there were plenty of fireworks going off during the center's fourth Boxing Explosion, which featured amateur boxing between Nevada Partners and Center Ring on July 3.
      "This event means a lot to me because it shows our kids that their friends and family are here and will support them," said Richard Steele, gym manager at Nevada Partners. "We had a lot of people planning to go out of town and they stayed because their kids were participating in this event."
      More than 250 people attended the event, which raised money for both gyms, which are both located in North Las Vegas.
      "It's a friendly rivalry," said James Pena, assistant gym manager at Nevada Partners. "It's competitive, but not aggressively competitive. I mean, we want to win, but it's not an ugly rivalry."
      Said Josˇ Ba–ales, coach and CEO of Center Ring Boxing: "The rivalry is like any other, they want to win. Outside the ring, though, they're great. Our kids all get along and they all benefit. And by being together, they share morals with each other as well."
      Following the 11 bouts, a barbecue was provided for all boxers and everyone in attendance.
      "You could see in their fighting that they were definitely trying to win. Outside the ring, after the fight and all the bloody noses and busted mouths, everyone was eating together," Steele said. "That's wonderful and that's what the neighborhood -- the community -- should do. That's what Nevada Partners is all about, that's what we're here for: is to help the community come together in any way we can.
      "That shows a lot of discipline and character and that's what we at Nevada Partners promote and strive on. Whether we win or lose, we want to see good sportsmanship."
      Kelvin Davis' second-round stoppage of James Bonkavich earned him Boxer of the Night honors.
      In other bouts:
      Jose Magallon outpointed Daniel Lujan, 5-0; Lucio Mendoza outpointed Gilberto Martinez, 4-1; Julio Diaz stopped Darin Mayweather in the second round; Anthony McNair outpointed Andy Anquamea, 4-1, and Angelo Vallejera outpointed Mark Lujan, 5-0;
      Jessie Vargas outpointed Eric Lujan, 5-0; Thee Mayweather outpointed David Lujan, 5-0; Alex Sepulveda outpointed Mike Salcido, 5-0; Anthony Dotson outpointed Medina Gustavo, 5-0, and Davon McClodden outpointed Jesse Feliciano, 5-0.