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Ruben Villa Makes National TV Debut on Showtime Jan. 11 2019

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Ruben Villa, right, makes his ShoBox debut on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 LIVE on SHOWTIME

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BAEZA / THOMPSON BOXING

 

ORANGE, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2018) – Two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted Californian prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will make his national television debut against hard-hitting former Puerto Rican amateur champion Carlos Vidal (14-0, 13 KOs) on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019.

Villa vs. Vidal is the 8-round featherweight co-feature on ShoBox: The New Generation airing live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 21-year-old Villa started boxing when he was just 5 years old and compiled an impressive 166-17 record as an amateur. The Salinas, Calif., native was a two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion.

He owns two wins over eventual Olympic Silver Medalist Shakur Stevenson as an amateur before losing to his rival twice in the 2016 Olympic Trials. Villa turned professional in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials and has registered 14 professional victories in just over 24 months. The southpaw will face his toughest test to date and just his second undefeated opponent in Vidal on January 11.

“My team and I are really grateful and excited to finally be able to showcase my talents on a national platform and we will not take this opportunity for granted,” Villa said. “I’ve been working overtime to look perfect for this event. I’m coming to put on a show and prove I’m ready for the bright lights.”

Vidal was a two-time Puerto Rican National Champion with an amateur record of 104 wins against just 10 losses. The 29-year-old is a strong power-puncher with 13 KOs in 14 professional fights, with all 13 coming inside of three rounds. Vidal, who lives and trains in Las Vegas, will be making just his second start in the United States against his first undefeated opponent.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself against another undefeated fighter,” Vidal said. “I live in the gym and have dedicated my life to this dream of being a world champion. This is just the first step of that process and nothing is going stop me from achieving that goal.”

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

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Sports Business

Ontario Tower Buzzers and IE Chamber to Host Exclusive VIP Reception at New ONT Field

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Business and community leaders invited to experience state-of-the-art stadium and celebrate new regional partnership

A new era of sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity is taking shape in the Inland Empire.

The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC), in partnership with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, will host an exclusive VIP Reception & Stadium Showcase on April 8 at the team’s newly unveiled home, ONT Field.

The event marks the Tower Buzzers’ official membership with the Chamber and offers business and community leaders a first-hand look at one of the region’s most anticipated new developments.

As the newest affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Ontario Tower Buzzers bring a powerful combination of professional sports, entertainment, and economic impact to the City of Ontario and the broader Inland Empire.

A First Look Inside ONT Field

Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to ONT Field, a modern, fan-focused stadium designed to elevate the minor league experience while serving as a premier venue for community engagement and regional events.

The evening will feature guided behind-the-scenes tours, highlighting premium areas, hospitality spaces, and the stadium’s innovative design—offering a unique perspective on a project that is expected to drive both visitation and investment in the area.

Celebrating Partnership and Regional Growth

“This is exactly the kind of partnership that reflects where the Inland Empire is headed,” said Edward Ornelas Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario Tower Buzzers represent more than a new team—they represent momentum, investment, and a new level of opportunity for our region. We’re proud to welcome them as members and to showcase this incredible facility to our business community.”

The VIP Reception underscores IERCC’s role as a connector—bringing together business, government, and emerging industries to support strategic growth across the Inland Empire.

Where Business, Sports, and Community Converge

With the addition of the Tower Buzzers and ONT Field, Ontario continues to strengthen its position as a destination for sports, entertainment, and economic development.

The event is expected to draw a curated audience of executives, stakeholders, and community leaders—further reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to providing high-level access and meaningful opportunities for its members.

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Sports Business

Fontana’s Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF World Title in Las Vegas

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Sponsored by Lluvia, the undefeated champion earns unanimous decision victory with guidance from Robert Garcia

Premium alkaline water brand Lluvia proudly stood behind Raymond Muratalla this past weekend as the Fontana, California native successfully defended his IBF World Lightweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Cruz in Las Vegas.

Muratalla delivered a composed and technically sound performance, controlling the pace of the fight and earning a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards. The win further solidifies his position among boxing’s elite lightweights and marks another defining moment in his championship run.

Lluvia, a premium 9+ pH alkaline water brand inspired by rain and engineered for modern hydration, served as an official sponsor of Muratalla for the bout. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparation, performance, and intentional excellence—qualities Muratalla continues to display inside the ring.

Guiding Muratalla’s success is renowned trainer Robert Garcia, recently named Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine. Garcia’s championship pedigree and strategic leadership were evident throughout the fight, reinforcing the strength of a team built for sustained success at the highest level of the sport.

Beyond the victory itself, Muratalla’s rise continues to resonate with his hometown of Fontana, where he has become a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes. His disciplined approach, humility, and dedication to craft have helped establish him not only as a world champion, but as a respected representative of his community.

Lluvia’s sponsorship underscores the brand’s growing presence in elite athletics and performance-driven environments. Packaged in plastic-free aluminum cans and protected by advanced can technology, Lluvia is designed to help preserve water quality, taste, and pH stability—delivering clean, elevated hydration for athletes and active lifestyles.

As Muratalla continues to build his legacy as IBF World Lightweight Champion, Lluvia looks forward to supporting the journey ahead—both in and out of the ring.

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City of Ontario Announces “Ontario Sports Empire” as Name for Largest Multi-Use Sports Complex on West Coast

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The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies and Greater Ontario CVB scheduled to open 190-acre facility in fall 2026

The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced the official name of their groundbreaking multi-use sports complex: The Ontario Sports Empire. Set to open in fall 2026, the complex is positioned to become the premier venue for major regional and national tournaments, elevating Ontario as a key sports destination in the United States.

With 190 acres of top-tier athletic facilities, including 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields and two championship baseball fields, the Ontario Sports Empire will be the largest sports complex of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains.

“The Ontario Sports Empire will bring new jobs, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our local businesses,” said Paul Leon, Mayor of Ontario. “This project represents a key part of Ontario’s future as a regional hub for commerce, recreation, and culture.”

“This complex is not just another sports facility; it’s a national destination for elite competitions and youth development. It will also be home for the community to host events and celebrations,” said SFC Partner and National Director of Business Development Jim Arnold. “We’re excited to work alongside city leaders and industry experts to create a venue that will elevate Ontario’s profile on the sports tourism map and serve the community for years to come.”

Located just 10 minutes from Ontario International Airport, the Ontario Sports Empire is designed to draw teams from across the country. The city already boasts 6,000 hotel rooms and numerous entertainment options, making it an ideal location for visiting teams, athletes, and fans.

“This venue will position Ontario as a must-visit city for major sporting events. It’s an exciting development that will put Ontario on the national stage, driving significant growth in both sports tourism and local economic impact,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL (Greater Ontario California) and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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