Pancho Villa: World Champion, 1923: Sacramento Book Talk & Boxing Workshop

Pancho Villa, World Champion 1923: Book Talk and Boxing Workshop

Come join us on September 26, 2025, at the Creation District in Sacramento for an exciting event celebrating the history behind Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo, Flyweight World Champion of 1923.

In 1923, Filipino boxer Francisco “Pancho Villa” Guilledo shattered expectations by becoming the first Asian flyweight world champion. This historic triumph not only ignited the Great Filipino Boxing Era but also emboldened a nation facing the violence of U.S. imperialism. Pancho Villa: World Champion 1923, tells the incredible story of Villa’s rise from humble beginnings in the Philippines to his world-renowned victory, and how his journey changed boxing forever.

Join us for a vibrant Book Talk on Filipino boxing, history, and culture with Dr. Bernard James Remollino, Kirby Pábalan-Táyag Aráullo, and Jean "JT" Teodoro. Dr. Remollino will discuss their new book published in collaboration with Bayani Art: Pancho Villa: World Champion, 1923. Culture bearer and historian Kirby Aráullo will join poet and boxing coach Jean Teodoro in sharing their perspectives on Dr. Remollino's work.

The talk will be followed by a Boxing Workshop led by JT, the founder of Bayanihan Boxing, in the Bay Area. Some gloves and hand wraps will be provided, but interested attendees may also bring their own equipment.

The workshop will be followed by a Book Signing and community gathering. Book publisher Bayani Art will be selling the book and their other works. Community organizations will be sharing their resources. Light refreshments will be provided.

Admission is Free. Please register in advance as space is limited.

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More about the book:

In a time when racial prejudice and imperial power shaped the world, a small, determined fighter stepped into the ring and rewrote history. From his early days in the backstreets of Manila to the grand stage of New York’s Polo Grounds, Villa’s perseverance, skill, and honor captured the hearts of millions. Rich archival research, rare photographs, and engaging narrative bring Villa’s legendary career and the cultural legacy of Filipino boxing to life.

This hardcover book tells the deeper story of how boxing became a weapon of resistance for Filipinos under U.S. empire in the early twentieth century. It situates Villa’s triumph within the larger history of colonialism, racial performance, and the politics of the body to demonstrate how one fighter’s journey emboldened a generation and inspired global audiences. In an America grappling with renewed debates over racial justice, immigration, and the legacy of empire, Villa’s story resonates more urgently than ever.

As movements and campaigns for immigrant rights shine a spotlight on systemic inequality, this book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about “benevolent assimilation,” racial spectacle, and the ongoing impact of colonial attitudes in sports and society. Some may find this project controversial. It unapologetically critiques U.S. imperial history and centers the voices of those long marginalized. More than a history book, it is an act of protest.

By supporting this book, you join in elevating a voice of resistance, reminding us that the fight for justice spans generations and that the lessons of Villa’s era still echo in our streets and stadiums today.

Info: Guests check in at front desk. Refreshments will be available while waiting for programming to begin.

Info: Book talk with Dr. Bernard James Remollino, Kirby Pábalan-Táyag Aráullo, and Jean "JT" Teodoro. This will include time for kuwentuhans and questions with attendees.

Info: Attendees will break to stretch, get refreshments, and check in with resource tables.

Info: JT will lead interested attendees in a boxing workshop to introduce the community to Bayanihan Boxing's programming. Bayanihan Boxing is an affordable, inclusive, low-impact boxing program for all skill levels in Berkeley and San Francisco. We want to train folks who might not see themselves boxing because of the hypermasculinity, exclusivity & expenses around the sport, but totally could and should join. We as innately shy people are passionate about being shy-people friendly. If you are trying to get a start in boxing, this is for you!

Bayanihan Boxing is a sports and martial arts program with a holistic method to training in the sweet science. This program is a great way to empower one's cardiovascular health, physical strength, presence of mind, management of anxiety, communication skills, assertiveness and self-defense skills.

Participants will practice lessons that apply to both the sport and martial art of boxing, as well as their daily lives.

Info: The author will be signing books as the event wraps up.

Host or Publisher Bayani Art x Bernard Remollino