A Return to Johnny Tocco’s for First Friday Exhibition Sparring This Coming Friday, Feb. 5

Inside of Johnny Tocco’s in Las Vegas during their First Friday Exhibition Sparring Series (Photos: Hustle Boss)

By Chris Robinson

When Luis Monda told me in November 2014 that the famed Johnny Tocco’s Boxing Gym was set to embark on a new ritual with their First Friday Exhibition Sparring series, I knew instantly what he had in mind.

I also knew that his idea had a great chance to shine, as Monda, a trainer and manager at Tocco’s, is looking to introduce the talent from his gym by showcasing their sparring against other up-and-comers in the Vegas area.

So far the results have been positive, as some great action has taken place inside of the gym. Three of Tocco’s key fighters, Jeremy “Flash” Nichols, Daijon “Mustard” Carter, and Joseph “El Bandito” Macedo, all have thrown down in memorable sessions while leaving lasting impressions of their abilities.

It was Nichols and Carter who actually engaged one another during our first visit to the gym, with “Flash” later going head-to-head with promising welterweight prospect Keith Hunter.

Monda referred to Macedo as somewhat of a “Little Marquez”, in ode to the great Juan Manuel Marquez, and those traits were on display when we first caught him in action as well as in other sparring sessions, including with former WBC USNBC lightweight champion Rashad Ganaway.

I also remember catching Donte Strayhorn putting in work against both Macedo and Ganaway, and it was excellent action. Seeing unbeaten welterweight prospect Jeremiah Wiggins peform was also a plus, as he has been inactive as far as professional fighting despite still remaining very sharp in the ring.

There has also been competitive children’s sparring prior to the exhibition sparring and generally talent from all levels, novice to world class, has been able to participate. It’s also nice to see support from those in the boxing community, as contenders such as Lydell Rhodes and Sharif Bogere have both stopped by on different occasions.

Hustle Boss is set to return to Tocco’s this coming Friday, Feb. 5, and if you are in the Las Vegas area you are welcome to come by.

Fighters of all backgrounds, ages, and skill level are welcome to come either check out the action or even lace up and step inside of the ring themselves. Some of the sport’s best prospects are in the Valley and this is a chance for anyone who is willing to show their skill.

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In conjunction with this upcoming show as well as other First Friday showcases, Hustle Boss will be selling Las Vegas’ next great snack craze, Popmallows. Imagine freshly-baked popcorn topped with marshmallow-infused coating in a variety of flavors and you have Popmallows. Please follow Popmallows on Instagram

Come swing by the gym for a sample and stay to check out the action going down that night. Tocco’s address is located below. And check below for some previous action from past First Fridays at Tocco’s.

Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Boxing Gym
9 W Charleston Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89102