Walk into the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles on a night when Golden Boy Promotions is hosting LA Fight Club, and you’ll see a jammed- packed venue with some sections having standing room only.
This scene is similar to seeing a musical band at a small club, as opposed to a large arena. At the Belasco Threater, the fans were so close that they can hear every punch land. They can see the sweat fly off of the fighters’ bodies as knockout caliber punches are landed. The fighters appear to feed off of the enegy from the crowd, and the crowd feeds off of the action in the ring.
Oscar De La Hoya, founder of Golden Boy Promotions, had a vision when he created LA Fight Club.
“I’ve wanted to bring boxing back to downtown Los Angeles for some time, so I’m thrilled to have LA Fight Club at the Belasco Theater monthly,” De La Hoya said.
LA Fight Club is somewhat of a minor league for boxing, where young fighters are making a name for themselves, as they strengthen their records, with the goal of a title shot and fame in the sport.
“LA Fight Club will feature up and coming fighters, many of whom are from the greater Los Angeles area,” De La Hoya said. “My hope is that LA Fight Club will give these young fighters the environment and experience to build their skills and move up the ranks to a national and international stage, someday becoming champions and title holders.”
There is a long history of boxing in Los Angeles, most notably at the Olympic Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, and at the Forum in Inglewood. Those venues held world title bouts, as well as featured fighters from around the world who were making a name for themselves.
Matches from the LA Fight Club can be viewed on FOX Sports.
