CiCi’s Pizza Serves Up a Slice of Boxing

Pizza and boxing are not exactly known in tandem but for the families and individuals who visited Cici’s Allen location (204 N. Greenville Ave) Friday evening such a combination was predominately on display. The reason for Cici’s addition of pugilism to its pizza centric menu Friday night was to host a formal meet and greet for local super featherweight prospect Antonio “The Juggernaut” Reyes. By all accounts the promotion worked wonderfully as the restaurant was filled with the mixture of adoring Reyes fans and families who eyed the flashy boxing quizzically, especially as his entrance was accompanied by a thunderous applause.

Reyes is a throwback to the days when fighters had to cultivate a regional following in order to ensure that their endeavor into the sweet science was a lucrative one.  Though possessing an aura of self assurance that hinges on being perceived as cocky, Reyes is one of the warmest and most affable individuals you will ever meet.  Reyes glided through the restaurant warmly greeting each and every one that he came in contact with a poise that far exceeds his 22 years.

After working the room Reyes set up an autograph signing that had a steady stream of curious kids and their parents in line to receive an autographed poster.  Adding further to the festive atmosphere was a raffle that had every patron, boxing fan or not, transfixed and thoroughly entertained.  It was the kind of atmosphere and result that Reyes and his team had hoped for.

“We want to change the face of boxing.  The thing is we want to bring up fighters that are approachable, that can be looked up to, and who are considered fighters with integrity and honesty.  They become role models over time.  The other thing is, we want family’s to get more involved as apposed to people that just go to sports bars or people that hang out at these PPV events and things like that.” Ruben Reyes, father, trainer, and manager of Antonio explains.

Ruben continues, “We want to get more people involved in the sport because the people that are in the sport, fighters, they all started as kids.  Their interest started somewhere along that line.  So if we can get these kids [involved] they will be the next generation of fighters coming up.”

Antonio agrees with his father’s sentiments but admits that approaching complete strangers is no easy feat.  “I was definitely a little nervous; it kind of kept me up a little bit last night. I just knew a lot of people were going to show up and I was just nervous, I don’t know why.” Reyes confides.  “Honestly I really don’t get nervous, even before a fight.  Climbing into the ring, my nerves never get to me but I don’t know, for some reason coming here today I was a little bit nervous I ain’t going to lie.”

If Reyes’ nerves were less then steady it sure was not evident as his smile and was ever present.  Sure Reyes has just begun his career in the hurting business but for the young pug from Allen the future is bright.

FIGHT INFORMATION

Of course the reason for staging a meet and greet is to draw attention not only to Reyes but the fact that he will be fighting in Dallas on Saturday May 3rd.  Reyes will face Gerardo Alarco of San Antonio on the undercard of Galvans Promotions “Boxeo Mano A Mano” card Saturday night at Eddie Deen’s Ranch (944 South Lamar) in Dallas.

Fight information and ticket prices can be found at http://www.myspace.com/galvansboxing or by calling 682-554-6925.