In this post, we take a look at the 'Longmont Boxing Club' and it's owner, manager, and head coach Raul Utajara.
After starting out almost ten years ago primarily as an alternative to the streets for the local youth, the gym has blossomed into a quality manufacturer of boxers representing the city and state.
Utajara talked about the long road from the gym's humble beginnings to where he finds himself and his fighters now.
"We have a program that started off just trying to keep kids busy and out of trouble. We had a bunch of amateurs we were getting off the streets, trying to give them something to do. It developed into a good core of fighters that grew and grew.
"Next thing you know, we're competing at the state and regional level and winning."
Utajara made very clear what it is that separates 'Longmont Boxing Club' from other boxing gyms in the region.
"Where we've ultimately ended up is having every facilitated outlet for boxing from beginners to professionals. I have a program where I start kids off at eight years old through 'USA Boxing'.
"For those fighters that want to end up going professional, I'm also a manager for professional fighters with our 'Ghost Town Gladiators' stable.
"A lot of the gyms here are limited in what they can do for fighters. They can only take them so far. We've been lucky to be able to extend our horizons to all facets of competition."
In addition to being the head trainer and manager of the gym, Utajara is also one of the state's boxing promoters with his 'Ghost Town Promotions'.
"There are three main promoters in Colorado. 'Airtight' is putting on a lot of shows and so is 'Poor Boys Boxing'. That's sometimes the problem with Colorado boxing. There's always been a lot of competition among the promoters so no one really works together to make it bigger.
"We've had a couple shows where we've all partnered in but everybody was pulled in different directions making sure their needs were met, looking at is as an individual promotion thing."
During our conversation, the topic shifted to the cost of putting on boxing events in the state compared to Mixed Martial Arts and why there is such a big difference.
"It a lot more expensive to put boxing shows on because there is a lot more money involved in boxing. For a pro boxing event here, you're looking at an average of $150-$250 a round.
"If I want to put on an event and I have a professional boxer that goes four rounds, he's easily going to make $650 to $900. Just his purse. If he doesn't want to fight someone local and I have to bring someone in I have to pay their purse, the blood work , hotel, meals.
"On the local level in MMA, most of the general public won't know the true difference between an amateur fight versus a professional fight. So you could have almost all amateur fighters on a card that you don't have to pay anything and many will walk away feeling they saw all professional fights.
"You can put on 4-5 MMA fights for one boxing match. Steve Mestas (Airtight Boxing) is getting smart about it. He's getting into the MMA world putting on some MMA with his boxing events."
The next upcoming event for 'Ghost Town Promotions' is June 30th and it's a big one.
"The show is 'Warriors Conquest' and it's going to be at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. Colorado's Raul Carrillo is in the main-event facing New Mexico's welterweight prospect that is coming up, Josh 'Pitbull' Torres.
"I also have a couple of other guys coming up from New Mexico that will be also be facing Colorado fighters. The whole lineup features really good match ups with legitimate fighters."
And what keeps Utajara going during those long nights at the gym in addition to promoting?
The answer was an easy one.
"These kids.
"These kids keep us going. They're the life blood to the gym. It's very fulfilling. You walk out in the evening and it's just a feel good feeling.
"We love our gym."
For tickets to 'Warriors Conquest' on June 30 call 720-296-6176.
If you liked this story, check out the links found below:
http://www.colorado-mma-colorado-boxing.com/2012/05/fight-to-win-super-heroes-results.html
http://www.colorado-mma-colorado-boxing.com/2012/05/strikeforce-grand-prix-results.html
See you at the fights!
