20 Questions with Ricky H Derouen, President - Bomber Promotions LLC
June 2006
Why did you form Bomber Promotions?
Many reasons, but mainly to promote combative sporting events right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our friends and associates are right here from the Biloxi area and those are the people that we want to entertain.
How did you form Bomber Promotions?
Well, Bomber Promotions was actually formed back in 2001 by my brother Rusty and another partner. They took alot of hard hits in the early days because of lack of business knowledge and accountability issues and struggled to make ends meet. Looking in from the outside I saw the potential that was there with Bomber Promotions and partnered up with Rusty to form Bomber Promotions, LLC in 2003. Here we are 3 years and 7 events later, and guess what, we are about rock the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
Who are Bomber Promotions?
Well, Bomber Promotions consists of a multitude of people coming together to make things happen. I am the President and CEO and Rusty is the Vice President. Rodney, our older brother, joined us in 2005 as a general partner. We each had very extensive amatuer boxing careers and have met many influentual people over the years. Our focus now is the promotion side of the sport. My sister-in-law, Collette, acts as our secretary and keeps me sane when requests, phone calls, e-mails, and many necessary tasks become to overwhelming for me when crunch time gets closer. I even put my kids and family to work at times. We have surrounded ourselves with good people and that's what makes us successful today.
Does Bomber Promotions have a special theme to their events?
Our events can be as much a "social event" as they are a "boxing event". The fights in the ring will be unpredictable, but I can predict that everyone who attends will have a great time just being a part of the crowd, being amongst friends, and meeting new ones. I guess you could say it's like a Mardi Gras Ball with fights.
What are Bomber Promotion's goals?
I'm not a big goal setter. I just believe in working hard to make the "next show" better than the "last one". If my parents and my kids are proud of me, then that's the only goal that really matters.
What all goes into putting on a Slugfest event?
Well, I'm a perfectionist and that probably contributes to alot of sleepless nights during the two months it takes to plan and organize an event. I've actually jumped out of bed at 3AM to write down an idea that may come to my head. Every detail is planned in my home office. The more you do something the easier it gets and this is our sixth Slugfest event. I don't want to make it sound like it's easy now, because there is alot of hard work, dedication, and preparation that goes into every little intricate detail. After two months of hard work and sleepless nights, it's very exciting and rewarding to see thousands of people in the audience as the time comes for that first bell to ring. And then to have the show unfold flawlessly.... It's just very rewarding!!!!!!!!!!
How was Bomber Promotions affected by Hurricane Katrina?
Well, Bomber Promotions wasn't directly affected. Each of our personal lives were hit hard, but we will be stronger than we were before. This is the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and we ain't gonna let anybody or anything get the best of us!!
In the months following Hurricane Katrina, Bomber Promotions hosted Operation Slugfest at Keesler. What obstacles did you face trying to put the event on following the devastation that hit the Ms. Gulf Coast?
Good question!! Actually, every show has a few obstacles which need to be overcome. The shows at Keesler were a little different due to security reasons concerning terrorism more than problems from the Hurricane. However, the people at Keesler Services were a pleasure to work with and got me everything I asked for and needed. As far as Katrina, locating people we do business with was probably the biggest obstacle. Looking back, I'm glad we did those two Keesler shows, everyone needed something to do that didn't require swinging a hammer or dealing with their insurance. Those shows were a huge success for everyone involved. I am very proud of those two shows!!!!
Why Slugfest's instead of longer matches?
Slugfest events give the spectator a chance to cheer for someone they can relate to. It could be a relative, a friend, or a co-worker slugging it out. The entertainment value of a Slugfest event far exceeds traditional boxing! I always say, "If you didn't have a blast at Slugfest, it's because you weren't there!"
What can spectators expect when attending a Slugfest?
A Slugfest!!!! The action in the ring is so unpredictable. None of the fighters knows anything about their opponent. They don't even know who their opponent will be until minutes before the fight. They have to fight whoever we put in the other corner. Both fighters have the same strategy, start throwing punches when the bell rings and try to knock the other guy out!! That is the whole concept of Slugfest.. It's a mystery until the end.
What are some of your most memorable moments of past Slugfest's?
I had a fighter that got hit so hard that his wallet flew out of his pocket and landed in center ring, the referee picked up the wallet, put it in his own pocket and continued to count the fighter out. In our first Slugfest event, Rusty forgot to bring the stairs to enter the ring, we didn't realize it intil minutes before showtime. After getting the stair situation settled and we were ready to continue, we realized that Rusty forgot to bring the bell too!! We've learned alot from Rusty.
What kind of Slugfest's are planned for the future?
Wow, the interest is overwhelming from spectators, sponsors and fighters. Basically, we will keep doing what we've done in the past, the format is to successful to change it. Maybe we will pass up the "Friday the 13th" movies, I think they are up to 11 or 12 by now.
Where do you find the fighters?
No particular place. Some of the fighters for the next show where spectators at the last show and want to give it a shot. We set up registration booths and basically get the word out. I had over 80 applicants for one show and had to narrow it down to 24 fighters. I meet with each applicant to make sure they can take care of themselves before I allow them to compete.
In the last Slugfest, women were included in the event. What did the crowd think of seeing women fight?
The feedback was very positive. We probably will have women again in the future.
Do you have plans for fighters other than men/women categories?
Hmmm. The PGA has a senior tour, that's an idea. Seriously, I have been approached about doing a law enforcement championship for the entire state of Mississippi. That could probably be a 2 night event.
What makes Bomber events different from others that have been hosted on the coast?
My brothers and I are going to put 100% of ourselves into every event that we do. We are Biloxi boys and we will be here for days, weeks, months, and years following the events. I am approached almost daily by someone who had a blast at the last event and wants to know when the next one will be. That is the best way to measure the success of any show. The promoter that comes in from Las Vegas, takes the money and runs home after the event, he won't have to face the music when he is walking through the mall a month later. So, his desire to entertain the local fans may not be a fraction of the desire that I have to make sure every single person that purchases a ticket gets more than what they paid for.
How many fights a year do Bomber Promotions plan to host?
No particular number, right now we promote more fights than any other promoter in the state. We had four events in 2005 and that seemed like a pretty good number. Just enough time between shows for the people to get over the last one and start begging for the next one.
Other than the events, how else is Bomber Promotions involved in the community?
Well, just about any night of the week you can find Ricky, Rusty, or Rodney Derouen at a local boxing club or gym giving boxing instructions to a group of youths or an individual wanting to learn. Self gratification comes from seeing someone succeed at something you taught them. Dedicating time has alot more value and impact than simply wiritng a check to someone. We have all been involved in our local baseball leagues for many, many years in different voluntary capacities. Bomber Promotions has also sponsored many players and teams needing financial donations for travel and other expenses.
If someone would like to enter a Slugfest or be notified of future Slugfest events, what do they need to do?
If someone is interested in fighting, they can register at our events or they can visit our website at www.bomberpromotions.com to register on-line. If they're serious, I'm serious!!!! To get a reserved table at an event, they must be on our mailing list or our e-mail list to be notified early. We have 84 tables for The Ultimate Slugfest and they were sold out over a month in advance. Anyone looking to become an event sponsor can contact me.
Sum it all up for us, What has Slugfest meant to Ricky Derouen?
A great feeling of accomplishment when I think back to the day this was all just an idea and how it has progressed into this great event that everyone loves and talks about. I think of all the awesome people I have met and the countless relationships I have developed along the way. But getting to walk through the door of success with my brothers next to me, that probably means the most!!!!
Interview published June 2006
