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The City of Pasadena\u2019s 10th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show transforms the civic center into an Olympic-style boxing arena tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. The free event, which draws hundreds of spectators from across Southern California, showcases the city\u2019s investment in youth athletics and community wellness programs against the backdrop of historic Pasadena City Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve noticed quite the increase in demand for the boxing program and the success of most recently held the Golden Gloves tournament where we doubled the number of participants in that tournament,\u201d said Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.<\/p>\n
The evening features male and female boxers ages eight and older competing in amateur bouts at Centennial Square, 100 N. Garfield Ave. Nine fighters from the Villa Parke Boxing Program will represent Pasadena, including an unusual participant\u2014David Reyes, General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power.<\/p>\n
Reyes took up boxing during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe continues to be a positive influence in our community and a role model for our older adults. He is a big advocate for mental health,\u201d said Villa Parke Boxing Coach Fausto De La Torre about Reyes.<\/p>\n
The utility executive will compete to help raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness among older adults. His participation reflects the program\u2019s broader mission beyond competitive boxing.<\/p>\n
Coach De La Torre brings nearly three decades of experience with the Villa Parke program to tonight\u2019s event. The coach, who has been involved in boxing for over 50 years, started the sport at age eight and began coaching at twenty.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, boxing saved my life,\u201d De La Torre said. \u201cI\u2019m a product of this program. I was one of six kids raised by my beautiful single mom. I don\u2019t know how she did it. Her love, along with this program, saved me from the gangs, drugs and violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Villa Parke Boxing Program stands as one of the oldest boxing gymnasiums in Southern California with more than 50 years of operation. The program currently serves over 300 active members, including 12 elite boxers who compete at regional, state, and national levels.<\/p>\n
The program\u2019s competitive success includes producing two Olympic try-out representatives in 2008. Athletes from Villa Parke regularly participate in tournaments throughout California, including the recent Golden Gloves competition.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s Villa Parke team includes Marvin Gomez, Jessie Kang, Karl Ford, Adriana Nunez, Horacio Rosales, Christopher Cano, Michael Diaz, Quinn Spear, and Reyes. These fighters have committed significant time and energy to their training at the Villa Parke Community Center facility at 363 E. Villa Street.<\/p>\n
The boxing program operates Monday through Friday from morning to night with both youth and adult sessions.<\/p>\n
Membership fees remain accessible at $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents for youth six-month memberships. Adult memberships cost $65 for residents, $130 for non-residents, and $20 for seniors.<\/p>\n
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has proposed a $27.3 million budget for fiscal year 2025. The department has requested reclassification of a part-time boxing instructor position to full-time status, citing increased program demand.<\/p>\n
The boxing program extends beyond the Villa Parke facility through a partnership with the Police Activities League. Villa Parke instructors provide lessons at the PAL building on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six months, building youth-police bonds and community relationships.<\/p>\n
The Centennial Square Boxing Show has evolved into what organizers describe as a \u201cbeloved local summer tradition\u201d over its decade-long run. The event\u2019s location at 100 N. Garfield Ave. places it at the heart of Pasadena\u2019s Civic Center district.<\/p>\n
Two key downtown Pasadena streets will be closed Friday to accommodate the Boxing Show: Garfield Avenue will be closed between Ramona Street and Union Street, and Holly Street will be shut down between Marengo Avenue and Garfield Avenue.<\/p>\n
The closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., according to the City of Pasadena.<\/p>\n
The boxing show represents Pasadena\u2019s commitment to providing athletic opportunities across age groups and skill levels. From eight-year-old beginners to adult executives like Reyes, the program demonstrates the sport\u2019s appeal across demographics.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s anniversary celebration promises what organizers call \u201can electrifying evening\u201d of competition. The outdoor setting at Centennial Square creates a unique atmosphere for amateur boxing in Southern California.<\/p>\n
For more information, residents can contact the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311 during Friday business hours. The Parks Department can be reached at (626) 744-4386.<\/p>\n
The event remains free and open to all members of the public. Organizers expect hundreds of spectators from throughout the region for this milestone tenth anniversary show.<\/p>\n
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