Boxing mastermind Bobby DePhillippis has been putting on shows for nearly 30 years. He knows the main ingredient to a successful event, having fun.

“Everybody who comes to my fights has a good time,” he said. “They’re going to have some drinks, listen to music and have a good time for three to four hours.”

The boxing enthusiast has been hosting the Bobby D. Presents Show for several years. After moving to numerous venues, it has finally found a home at the Four Points Sheraton in San Diego.

The monthly professional boxing show, which is sponsored by Coors Light, attracts fans of all ages. Bobby D. keeps it a laid-back, family-oriented event where handshakes and friendly chats fill the arena.

He prides himself on having evenly matched fights. He said the best part of his show is the fairness. Bobby D. is also known for creating a warm, easy-going environment. Fighters and friends are always having a good time.

“It’s like a big family get together,” he smiled. “It’s a different group of people.

And many of the shows fans remain loyal. He said they have a consistent fan base, but they’re always looking for more.

The show is definitely a deal. Food and drinks are available along with live entertainment. Tickets are very affordable ranging from $25, $50 and $70. It’s obvious that Bobby D. is in the entertainment business for the fun of it, and not the money.

“We sell all the tickets and we don’t even break even,” he shrugged. “Boxing is an investment, in time and money.”

But Bobby D. knows what it takes to work hard and save money. Growing up in Philadelphia, his father was a manager. As a child, Bobby D. wanted to box but had to work 12 hours a day six to seven days a week.

Bobby D.’s father was a boxer in the United States Navy. And his love for the sport was passed down.

“I just became a big fan,” he said. “Once it gets in your blood its tough to get it out.”

He hosted his first professional fight in 1981. Determined to host a show and desperate for a venue, he has even held a show at an ice skating rink. Since then, he’s put on more than 100 shows. He’s even held fights in Honolulu, Hawaii and throughout Mexico.

“I always liked boxing, it’s something you get hooked to,” he said. “I enjoy the camaraderie, I just enjoy the action, the sport, almost everything about it.”

He has managed more than 40 fighters throughout his career. Some of the big names he’s worked with since he got his start in the 80s include Tony “Bazooka” De Luca, James “The Heat” Kitchen, Jesus “The Hawaiian Punch” Salud, Orlin “Night Train” Norris, Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden.

Bobby D. has taken on the role of both a manager and a promoter. Throughout his career, he has traveled to London, Italy, France, Spain, Venezuela, and many other countries to support his fighters.

To say that Bobby D. is a man of many talents would be an understatement. He is a boxing manager and promoter, an entertainer, a restaurant owner, a musician and an overall good guy.

“I do many things in life,” he said modestly.  

Bobby D. has brought many things to San Diego, besides his passion for the sport.

He currently owns four of the Filippi’s Pizza Grottos. His grandfather opened the first Filippi’s in 1950. Bobby D. moved to San Diego in 1964 and opened his first restaurant in Escondido in 1972. He also owns the Filippi’s in Poway, Jamul and Santee.

He is also the lead singer of “The Sound Doctors.” The band plays oldies, soul and Latin. He joined the group about four years ago and has performed at numerous venues. Bobby D. is always on the go.

“I just like to be busy,” he said. “I don’t like to be idle.”

Even if he weren’t a restaurant owner or a musician he’d still have his hands full with boxing. Whether it’s promoting a fight, scouting boxers or pleasing his fans, there’s always something to do.

Bobby D. sometimes works with young fighters, guys in their early 20’s. But he only works with the ones he sees has talent and determination, those who need a little hard work.

“I try to work with really good kids that want a break, need a break, deserve one,” he declared. “I grew up with no money so I know how it is.”

He said athletes fight for the love of the sport, there’s no big money in boxing, especially not when fighters start out. A boxer has to pay $800 for a license and will only win about $1,000 for a 4-round fight.

“You’ve got to love the game to do it,” he said. “You don’t make any money on a
4- or 6-round fight.”

Bobby D. has a reputation of taking care of his fighters. He has put up money to move his fighters, and their families, nearby. He also spends money on getting them a car, an apartment and anything else they need. But he also tests them, he pushes them to work hard so they can advance in their career.

“I try to take care of my guys,” he said. “I’m not going to put them in over their head but sometimes you’ve got to test them to see if they can go up to the next level. You’ve got to have the talent, a little luck and a manager that directs you to the right career moves.”

But he won’t take on just any fighter. He has a few requirements for anyone trying to get a spot under his wing.

“They’ve got to be excited about the sport, stay in shape, got to be nice to his family and good with the media.”

Because of his philosophies, and his expertise in boxing, the majority of his fighters have gone on to win junior titles

Bobby D. has a unique show because of the closeness between everyone. What also makes his show different from others is that he has a female fighter. He tries to have a female bout on the card as often as possible. But he said it’s difficult because of the lack of fighters in the particular weight class and it’s also a big expense to bring someone in.

He is currently working on getting more publicity for his fighters. Bobby D. is reaching out to the media trying to get appropriate and well-deserved coverage for his fighters. Other than that, he has no big plans for the show.  

“I’m just happy doing what I’m doing,” he smirked. “I want to keep it fun, keep it a good night out, have people leaving with smiles on their faces.”

Whether Bobby D. is out looking for publicity, scouting new fighters or promoting his show, one this is for sure... he will always have a passion for the sport of boxing.

“I love the excitement in the air, the uncertainty of who’s going to win the fights, the card girls, the crowd... all of it,” he smiled. “I just want to have fun and make sure everyone else is too.”

Written by Brandi Perez [San Diego Fights / www.sandiegofights.com]