Bringing a Champion to My Home Town!

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

It was October 2000, and I had just met unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight champion, Willie Jorrin, at our annual president’s pre-dinner for the World Boxing Hall of Fame at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles 다운로드.

Willie Jorrin shadow-boxing in Santa Barbara

As we talked, I told him that it would be a delight if I could bring him to my home town of Santa Barbara, California, to spar and sign autographs for the kids at a local PAL boxing club 마리오 카트 8.

To my surprise, without any hesitation on his part, he said “yes.” So, four months later, in February of 2001, I promoted his arrival, and it was nothing less than spectacular 3ds max 2018 download.

I introduced Willie to the approximately 200 people in attendance, before he shadow-boxed, sparred with the club fighters, and hit the speed bag 오늘의 날씨 다운로드. Afterwards, he signed autographs and took many pictures with the kids.

Following the two hour show, he was treated to a complimentary dinner before flying south to Los Angeles to spend some time with his trainer, Freddie Roach 트랙스 다운로드.

I must say that the most satisfying part of the whole event was seeing the joy in so many kids who were absolutely thrilled to see a world champion come to their town – Willie Jorrin 다운로드.

[Scroll down to see a few pictures of that most memorable day, as well as the actual news feature article which I wrote.]

Police Chief Cam Sanchez, Super-Bantamweight Champ Willie Jorrin, Boxing Historian David Martinez

Willie Jorrin Comes To Santa Barbara

By DAVID MARTINEZ, Boxing Historian

On February 19, 2001 the city of Santa Barbara, California was treated to a boxing event when WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Willie Jorrin (28-0) visited the local PAL (Police Activities League) State Street Downtown Boxing Gym 다운로드.

Willie put on a dazzling display of his boxing skills, took pictures and signed autographs for the 200 people, mostly kids, who were on hand.

Willie Jorrin talking to the fans

I first met Willie at our October 2000 World Boxing Hall of Fame dinner banquet at the Westin Bonaventure 다운로드.

He was thrilled to be there for this most spectacular event and we both talked boxing and became “instant” friends!

I approached him with the idea of coming to my hometown Santa Barbara to put on this exhibition for the kids 다운로드.

He was more than willing and supportive of the whole idea, so I got myself in high gear and started to work out the details to make it a reality ds file.

Police Chief Cam Sanchez and his staff helped set up the local gym and the local media newspaper, radio and television helped with full coverage.

Willie Jorrin sparring

This was the first time a fighter of this magnitude had come here to put on the trunks and perform in the ring.

He even had some youths jump into the ring for a mute sparing session and talked, answered questions about his brilliant amateur career that started when he was the age of 11 at the River City Youth Center in Sacramento.

Jorrin 30, is from Sacramento and claimed the 122 pound championship last September, when he won a majority decision over previously unbeaten Michael Brodie of England for the then vacated Erik Morales WBC belt.

Willie successfully defended his title last January by pounding out a unanimous decision over number one ranked contender Oscar Larios.

A rematch with Brodie is already set for June 1, 2001 at Sacramento’s Arco Arena … I know I will be there ringside for him, as he was definitely ringside for the kids & fans here recently in Santa Barbara!

Willie Jorrin doing TV interview