Female fighters stole the show at Saturday night’s Second Annual
Throwdown in Garlic Town, put on at Gilroy’s California National
Guard office and organized by Jerry Rodriguez of Left2Right Boxing
Club.
Female fighters stole the show at Saturday night’s Second Annual Throwdown in Garlic Town, put on at Gilroy’s California National Guard office and organized by Jerry Rodriguez of Left2Right Boxing Club.
In one of the co-main events, 100-pounder Elizabeth Rodriguez, 14, won a unanimous “open division” decision over Alexia Sanchez to win two belts, the first coming by way of her victory, while the second was awarded by the judges who declared her the “Best Boxer” of the evening. In the other main event, Jesus Renteria lost to Angel Borgaien.
Of the 16 bouts that took place, the fight of the night was provided by two newcomers to the ring – 10-year-old Jacky Gomez of Left2Right and Tina Guerrero, 13, of Silver and Black Boxing Club. Gomez had modest expectations before the bout, saying she would try her best but wouldn’t guarantee victory. She ended up taking the decision in electric fashion, as both fighters left it all in the ring.
Derek Shingu, 13, lost a split decision to Damian Attand of Concord, which left many in the crowd disappointed, most of all Jerry Rodriguez.
“Everybody thought he got robbed,” the organizer said. “It was so disappointing. It was the only flaw in my show. I’m still trying to digest it.”
Overall, though, the evening couldn’t have gone much better, according to Jerry Rodriguez. Filling the building to capacity, hundreds of fight fans were entertained by an assortment of music, prize giveaways and, of course, boxing. Two-time IBF Featherweight champ and Gilroy native Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was also in attendance, watching his younger brother, Randy Guerrero, fight in a split-decision defeat to Omar Cortez.
“It was a really good show, action-packed,” Jerry Rodriguez said. “The chief official said, ‘You should have six of these shows a year.’ ”
Other local fighters who took part included 10-year-old Diego Castillo, who lost by a referee stoppage, 23-year-old Albert Hernandez, who lost on points, and Noe Lopez, 11, and Lorenzo Dominguez, 19, both of whom lost by a split decision.
Jerry Rodriguez said the turnout was so positive, he is considering the idea of trying to get the Throwdown in Garlic Town to be part of the Garlic Festival for next year.
“It was a real success,” he said. “It even went better than last year. It was all worth it.”
