GilroyDispatch.com | Fighters ready to throw down

Fighters ready to throw down

Jul 17, 2008
By Josh Koehn





		Elizabeth Rodriguez, left, and Lorenzo Dominguez shadow box inside the ring at GIlroy Community Center Wednesday as they prepare for their fights at Saturday's Throwdown in Garlic Town event. (Photo by Josh Koehn)
		Photo by: Staff








		Derek Shingu, 13, punches the heavy bag in preparation for his fight at Saturday's Throwdown in Garlic Town taking place at the California National Guard in Gilroy. (Photo by Josh Koehn)
		Photo by: Staff

A summer of fight nights continue to heat up the area, as the Second Annual Throwdown in Garlic Town will take place at the California National Guard (8490 Wren Ave.) in Gilroy on Saturday.

Organizer Jerry Rodriguez had put together a 17-bout card as of Wednesday, with fighters ranging from as light a few sacks of potatoes to the big boys who pack a punch. The goal, Rodriguez said, is for the event to be a crowd-pleaser while also providing a safe environment for those in the ring.

"There will be a lot of action, but in the end its safe," he said, noting that standing eight-counts will be given at any sign of danger.

Along with fists, entertainment will be provided in the form of a mariachi band, a DJ and a raffle. Tickets will cost $15 for adults, $8 for 15-and-under and kids under the age of five are free. Doors will open at 3 p.m. with fights starting at 4.

Among the top amateur fighters taking part in the event will be 16-year-old Randy Guerrero - the younger brother of two-time IBF champ Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, Elizabeth Rodriguez, a 14-year-old female fighter who is also the daughter of the organizer, and Derek Shingu, a talented 13-year-old fighter from Gilroy who has big goals in the fight game.

When asked where he wanted to go with boxing, Shingu's answer was as quick as a jab. "Become a professional," he said.

Jerry Rodriguez seems to think Shingu has the talent and luck to possibly do so someday. "Derek loves [boxing]," he said. "The kid don't ever get hurt. Never gets a bloody nose."

Shingu will be taking part in one of four "open" bouts, which designates a higher level of experience in the ring. Elizabeth Rodriguez, who will be facing Alexia Sanchez of Selma Boxing Club, and a pair of 14-year-old featherweights - Angel Borgaien and Jesus Renteria - will be making up the co-main event.

Other Gilroy fighters taking part include: Diego Castillo (10-years-old), Jacky "La Peligrosa" Gomez (11), Tina Guerrero (13) Lorenzo Dominguez (19) and Albert Hernandez (23). Noe Lopez, 11, will be the lone representative of Hollister.

Josh Koehn
Josh Koehn is the sports editor for the Gilroy Dispatch. He can be reached at (408) 842-1694 or at jkoehn@svnewspapers.com.

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