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| It was the perfect day off in California; a pleasant afternoon at the beach, with Hawaiian barbecue, a few Coronas, beautiful women and harmonic melodies. In short, a celebration of life. Indeed, it was a celebration as the WBO celebrated the title winning effort of Daniel Ponce De Leon, 27-1 (25), and gave five local boxing gyms the day off. Yesterday, at downtown Long Beach’s Hawaiian BBQ & Fish, |  Click for larger image © Parimal Rohit Saddo Boxing |
Daniel Ponce De Leon was honored by receiving his championship belt as the WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion for his twelve round, unanimous decision victory over Sod Looknongyangtoy on October 29, 2005. Also, the WBO presented donations to five Los Angeles area boxing gyms. Held in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, the five represented gyms honored by WBO President Paco Valcarcel were: Maywood Boxing Club, Azteca Boxing Club, Los Reyes Boxing Gym, Daniel Ponce De Leon Club and First Street Boxing Gym.
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The WBO President’s luncheon, which featured beautiful waitresses, legendary boxers and trainers, live mariachi music, and a cameo mariachi singing performance by Ceci De La Hoya, was intended to raise awareness of the Puerto Rico based organization’s vision beyond boxing. “We have a commitment to help kids all around the world,” stated Valcarcel. “It’s not just about boxing, but also helping kids everywhere,” he added. In fact, the WBO President listed all the countries where the organization is already active, such as Panama, Argentina, Nicaragua, Colombia, El Salvador, and even Germany, Hungary, and Thailand. Valcarcel drew a little heat and laughter when Joe Gonzales sarcastically stated that he failed to mention Mexico, home to Ponce De Leon.
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Valcarcel quickly added Mexico to the list, adding that the WBO has been there the longest, and their involvement in that country is well publicized. Valcarcel continued in stating that the WBO’s goal is to have sixty countries worldwide, within the next ten years, who receive aid from the organization. That aid comes in many forms, such as toys for kids, Christmas gifts, donations to Boys Clubs in each country, contributions toward research of cancer and other diseases as well as scholarships for education and sport.
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Lofty goals, but the WBO has made significant strides toward such worthy causes. While today the sanctioning body donated money to local boxing gyms, in the very near future we shall no doubt witness another WBO luncheon where a country is the recipient of such philanthropy.
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