San Diego-based professional boxers looking to put on a show and rise through the rankings will get their opportunity on Saturday in Mission Valley under a new and promising promotional partnership.
The initiative is the creation of promoter Saul Rios of Borizteca Promotions, along with Carlos Barragan Jr. of the House of Boxing. It’s backed by No Boxing No Life, the professional gloves and boxing gear company owned by world-class boxing trainer Eddy Reynoso.
Reynoso and Barragan Jr. have worked together for several years in support of Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, who lives in San Diego.
Participants and organizers met with news media on Monday at a news conference held at the 3N1 Sports Bar & Grill in Eastlake.
Six fights are scheduled at the Town and Country Hotel on Saturday, all either four or six rounds. Among the featured athletes are super lightweight Diego Luna of San Diego, and undefeated welterweight Rockman “Rocky” Somo of El Cajon, both looking to build a fan following and improve their records on Saturday.
Boxing is all about overcoming adversity, and both the event and Luna are doing so. The original main event was withdrawn due to an injury, so Luna was asked to step up. He is rebuilding after a loss and is on a winning streak.
“I’ve seen great advancement on his boxing skills,” said Rios. “I’m sure 100% he’s going to be fighting for a world title in a few years.”
Luna’s opponent, Sachin Rohila, is a native of India training in Los Angeles. “Two tough guys, going at it,” said Rios.
Luna says he’s excited to be the star on Saturday, using the billing as motivation to put on a better show. “Every time, I try my best to do this, so the job the same, the goal is the same,” said Luna, who had no hesitation when offered the opportunity.
“This is an exciting moment. I mean, this is where you get to rise to the occasion, and I’m excited to do so,” said Luna.
In the co-main event, Somo will try to maintain his unbeaten record against a veteran Mexican opponent, Jose Marruffo, now training in Phoenix. Somo hopes to become the first Chaldean-American champion in boxing.
Somo has been fighting in Mexico, and looks forward to being on friendlier turf in San Diego.
“We’re gonna put on a show,” he promised. “I got a tough fight against an experienced fighter and I’ve done my homework, I’ve done my sparring and it’s going to be a good fight.
“This fight has been more hyped than my previous fights and my last fight in San Diego last year under Borizteca. The fight should be really, really entertaining. A lot of skills on display,” Somo added.
Barragan Jr. thanked Reynoso for his support and for investing in local boxing talent development, giving athletes the experience they need as aspiring professionals.
Both Barragan and Somo have promoted multiple amateur boxing events, and smaller professional cards. They outgrew their previous venue and found a new partnership with the recently remodeled Town and Country.
“Now we’re evolving into a professional boxing company and producing tickets online. We didn’t do that before, but we’re evolving,” said Barragan Jr., who has been involved at the sport’s highest level as a cornerman with Reynoso’s team at events from Las Vegas to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Barragan Jr. aims to give talented San Diego prospects a similar experience, including their first media interviews and fighting in front of growing audiences.
Rios wants to produce another world champion from San Diego. The last San Diego-born boxer to win a world championship was Paul Vaden, who captured the IBF light middleweight title in 1995. He was the first and only native San Diegan to win a world boxing title.
Previous world champions based in San Diego, including Terry Norris and Ken Norton, were not natives. Welterweight Giovani Santillan of La Mesa lost his first attempt to win a world title in 2024, but continues he push for another opportunity.
“My dream is that I want to see a world champion, a local San Diego kid, become a world champion out of San Diego. I haven’t seen that since the 1990s. I think we all can do it together, helping out and supporting all these boxing events. All these kids have the ability to become a world champion. They just need the help,” Rios said.
“I know for sure that I’m not gonna throw in the towel until I see one of these kids raise their hand, and they will call them, “And the new world champion out of San Diego, California!”
Ticket prices range from $70 to $125 and are available online or through the Town and Country box office. Opening bell is at 7 p.m., with pre-fight activities and giveaways starting at 4:30 p.m.
