Path To Glory Returns To Ontario In February

29.01.04 – Thompson Boxing Promotion’s Path to Glory Series will make its awaited return on February 16th, which once again will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California. This venue has witnessed sold out events since Thompson Boxing brought boxing back to the Inland Empire in May of 2000. Six bouts are on tap for the opening night of a nine-event series that will end in the month of November.

Path to Glory – February 16th will feature Jaime De La Torre (11-2-2, 8 KOs) in the main event near his hometown of Miraloma. His opponent will be Errol “Taz” Banner (8-8-1, 4 KOs) who will be a legitimate danger to De La Torre’s intentions. De La Torre vs. Banner will be a 10 round super middleweight bout. “We are elated with the prospect of returning to our home,” said Ken Thompson, president and promoter of the upcoming show. “The Doubletree plays host to our biggest cards and we have been able to feature championship boxing in a very competitive fashion,” added Thompson.

De La Torre, a local household name, will comeback to the Inland Empire after a two-year hiatus as he hopes to earn a title shot. His last bout in Ontario was against rugged Juan Carlos Barreto, who gave him fits in the ring and did enough to frustrate De La Torre to a draw. A more dedicated De La Torre won his past four consecutive fights in Washington. “It’s great to be back at this level and it feels wonderful to be home, surrounded by my people,” said De La Torre from trainer/manager Willie Silva’s gym, located in Miraloma. “I rearranged my professional life after the Barreto fight and now I am focused to reach the top.”

His opponent, Errol “Taz” Banner, who will fight for Thompson Boxing Promotions for a second time, has faced fighters such as WBO and NABA super middleweight champion Ikeke Kingsley, highly rated contender Librado Andrade, and crowd favorite Pat Lawlor. . “Errol Banner can be a really complicated opponent for Jaime De La Torre; both fighters are very seasoned and we expect an exciting fight,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager of Thompson Boxing Promotions.

In the under card, Thompson Boxing will feature Dominic “DJ” Salcido (3-0, 2 KOs), one of Southern California’s hottest prospects, who will appear in six-round semi main event in the super featherweight category. Dominic had 85 fights as an amateur and won the Jr. Golden Gloves and various Blue and Gold tournaments. As a professional he looks poised and possesses an aggressive style that collects gasps from the crowd. “When Dominic knocked out Alberto Bonilla in his previous fight in Ontario there was electricity in the air,” said promoter Thompson. “That’s exactly what we want.”

However, DJ’s task will be a dangerous one as he faces East Los Angeles’ Rogelio “Peyo” Ramirez (3-2-2, 1 KO), who has developed a style that has dethroned undefeated foes such as Octavio Lara and Robert “Scrappy” Ortiz. “He comes forward all the time, and puts a lot of pressure on his opponents,” explained trainer Rafael Ramirez. “Salcido is without a doubt our toughest test to date, but I predict a knock out in the fifth round.”

Path to Glory will additionally feature a historic bout between Marilyn Salcido (10-4-3, 2 KOs), Dominic’s older sister, and will face Seattle’s Carla “Hard Rock” Wilcox (4-4, 1 KO) in a six round bantamweight special attraction. For the first time in local history siblings will be showcased in a boxing card. Marilyn Salcido is ranked number one in the world by the IFBA and number four by the WIBA; “I can’t wait, I have been preparing for this moment for a long time,” said Salcido. “This fight with Wilcox is long overdue.”

Various promoters have unsuccessfully matched the Salcido vs. Wilcox bout, and Thompson Boxing Promotions has finally landed what should be a no holds bar bout. Wilcox, on the other hand, is ranked number eight by the IFBA and is poised to surprise Salcido, “I can’t say what I’ll do to her in the ring, but it won’t be pretty,” concluded Wilcox.

Three other fights are on tap for a six-bout card. Path to Glory will start at 7:30 pm, doors will open at 6:30 pm. Tickets for the show are available by calling 714-935-0900 and are sold for $75 and $45, the general admission tickets priced at $30 are sold out; the remainder tickets can also be purchased by visiting www.thompsonboxing.com. The Doubletree Hotel is located on 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario. A press conference to formally announce the entire boxing card will be announced shortly.