The CBZ Newswire

By Ricardo Ibarra

Photos by Mike Blair

Campillo cracks with the right hook.

SHELTON, WA, August 2, 2014 – Never underestimate a former world champion. At one point in time former WBA title holder Gabriel Campillo had been on top of the heap in the Light Heavyweight division, but after a few disappointing losses his run as a contender in the 175 lbs. class had been seen by many as close to done. Coming into last Friday’s ESPN2 Friday Night fights main event at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington, he was being looked at as a stepping stone — a past-it name that would look good on undefeated prospect Thomas Williams’ record. But Campillo proved to be far from past it, schooling the young hopeful en route to a fifth round stoppage and claiming the NABO title and a spot atop the IBF rankings. The skill, determination, and experience were the difference in the fight as Campillo showed he had an edge over his opponent in all of those areas.

In the first two rounds the fight appeared to be getting away from Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KO’s, 174.8 lbs.). Williams (17-1, 12KO’s, 175 lbs.) used the ring well, moving and firing hard combinations at a very busy rate. The hand speed and energetic approach was racking up points for Williams, but Campillo remained determined and had a look of confidence as he patiently stepped forward and, as the rounds wore on, began to find his mark with short, stiff jabs. (continue reading…)

Funez, at left, with Golovkin (photo by Abel Sanchez)

SHERMAN OAKS, CA, January 15, 2014 — Southern California’s undefeated super featherweight prospect Juan Funez (3-0, 1 KO) who takes on Auburn, Washington’s local favorite Marcelo Gallardo (3-0) on January 24th at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington is working with the big boys in anticipation of his bout. Trained by his uncle Ricky Funez and assisted in the corner by Joe Goossen at the world famous Ten Goose Gym, Juan took this training camp to a very familiar location in preparation for his upcoming bout, Big Bear Lake.

It all started in 1989 when Larry Goossen, brother of Joe and Dan Goossen, was looking for a place where world-class fighters could have a secluded and high-altitude (6,744-feet) camp in preparation for their upcoming bouts — Big Bear Lake turned out to be the answer. It instantly became a second home to Joe Goossen trained fighters, and a young Ricky Funez. (continue reading…)