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Punches in the Piazza: Honoring Bobby DePhilippis and Building San Diego’s Boxing Legacy

The third annual event filled Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia with energy as local fighters, families, and fans paid tribute to the late Hall of Fame promoter

Amateur boxer Gabriela Gonzales goes on the defense against Kendra Villa during a bloody fight at Punches in the Piazza in San Diego on September 12th, 2025.

Amateur fighter Jonathan Estala Jr. stepped into the ring at Punches in the Piazza on Friday, Sept. 12, with family and friends filling San Diego’s Little Italy in support.

“I have family members coming out watching me, and they’re all excited to see me fight,” Estala Jr.