Q&A With Ed Holmes Of All Star Boxing

Long-time popular Southern California–based promoter Ed Holmes (All Star Boxing) ran his Battle of the Rising Stars series for nearly 25 years. He had a large list of fighters who appeared on the series and went on to become world champions. The list includes names such as Israel Vazquez, Mikey Garcia, Nonito Donaire, Antonio Margarito, Charles Martin, Sergio Mora, Isaac Dogboe, Sergey Lipinets, Mariana Juarez, Yhonny Perez, and more.

Holmes never promoted any boxers himself and had a very old-school way of promoting. He spoke about his years as a promoter and his thoughts on the current state of boxing.

Whose idea was it to name your series The Battle of the Rising Stars?

It was my idea. I remember being laughed at because the thought was that I had no stars on the card. My response was to give it time. Years later, a number of those same guys who fought on my events went on to become world champions, the majority fighting on major networks and some even on pay-per-view.

What would you say to a fighter or their manager when they asked to fight on your event?

It was usually a local fighter who wanted to fight in front of family and friends. They would be given tickets that they could sell to those family and friends, which made the show special.

How many fights did you usually do a year?

A busy year for me would be around 10 shows. A schedule like that does not allow for much time to take a break in between. One fight ends, and I have to begin preparing for the next. I would be in the community putting up fight posters and also speaking with potential sponsors about my next event.

Did you ever consider promoting your own fighter(s)?

No, I did not. I never lost sight of the fact that I was a club promoter. It takes a large financial investment and time to get a fighter in position to challenge for a world title. They have to be built up properly with the right matchmaking. Even then, you still don’t know if they are going to be good enough to win a world title. I have seen a number of fighters who fought on my events go on to do big things in boxing, but I have zero regrets that I never signed a fighter.

How do you see the current state of boxing?

In my opinion, the way it is today, it is becoming much more of a form of entertainment for the most part. It was much different years ago when prospects were tested (win or lose) early in their careers instead of losing badly years later in their first major fight. I still watch some major fights, though.

How is retirement?

Very good! I spend a lot of time with my family. I work out daily, play golf, go fishing, and travel the world—things I couldn’t do as much during my years as a promoter. Life is good!

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