Frank . . . I notice that John Martinez passed away in his fifties. Pretty young. How did he die?kikibalt wrote:Thanks to Rob....
-Rick Farris
Frank . . . I notice that John Martinez passed away in his fifties. Pretty young. How did he die?kikibalt wrote:Thanks to Rob....
Great shots, Frank. I wonder if he was training for his title fight with featherweight champ Davey Moore? The Alexandria's Ballroom served up boxing action for decades, featuring all-time greats in training, as well as amateur bouts.kikibalt wrote:
Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno training at the Alexandria Hotel
My art on your cover? Excuse me while I wipe the tears. I always seem to find the words. I have none right now,except"Thank you."Rick Farris wrote:Roger's art . . .
Roger, I spoke with Mando Muniz today and he looks forward to reading your story. Monica is going to copy it here and e-mail it to him. I also told him about your art, and we were curious if later in the year you might consider creating something for the cover of the '09 WBHOF Banquet program. We have months to discuss it, however, your artistic talent would really do the WBHOF proud. It's important for us to involve people who share a passion for boxing, not just looking to advance their own interests. A perfect deal, in my mind, is one where everybody benefits, and this case, most important the fighters and the fans. Were proud of our program, and the dramatic warmth of your art would only make it better.
Regarding the annual WBHOF Souvenir Program, all back issues of this annual publication are permanently kept at:
-The United States Capitol Historical Society (Washington, D.C.)
-Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif.)
-Bancroft Library, University of California (Berkley, Calif.)
-Rick Farris
Now I get it. Moreno was training for the Bassey bout.kikibalt wrote:
Hogan "Kid" Bassey, training
The World Boxing Hall of Fame would be honored to have your painting on our cover. You'd be surprised how that program gets around. We mail copies world-wide after the event, to specific designations. They are archived in more places than those listed in my post. You would be fully credited within the pages of the program, along with your bio. After our first board meeting in february, maybe I can arrange for Mando, you & I to hook-up and discuss the idea. There's some very positive energy behind this idea.dagosd2000 wrote:My art on your cover? Excuse me while I wipe the tears. I always seem to find the words. I have none right now,except"Thank you."Rick Farris wrote:Roger's art . . .
Roger, I spoke with Mando Muniz today and he looks forward to reading your story. Monica is going to copy it here and e-mail it to him. I also told him about your art, and we were curious if later in the year you might consider creating something for the cover of the '09 WBHOF Banquet program. We have months to discuss it, however, your artistic talent would really do the WBHOF proud. It's important for us to involve people who share a passion for boxing, not just looking to advance their own interests. A perfect deal, in my mind, is one where everybody benefits, and this case, most important the fighters and the fans. Were proud of our program, and the dramatic warmth of your art would only make it better.
Regarding the annual WBHOF Souvenir Program, all back issues of this annual publication are permanently kept at:
-The United States Capitol Historical Society (Washington, D.C.)
-Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif.)
-Bancroft Library, University of California (Berkley, Calif.)
-Rick Farris
I always wanted to see a fight there. Never have. Thanks for walking us thru the neighborhood, Rog.dagosd2000 wrote:THE ARENA COLISEO
All the great Mexican fughters squared off there. If later on they fought at the Garden or the Forum,overseas in London or Tokyo,they came through the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City. Joe Louis even put on an exhibition with Godoy in the old building.
The arena still puts on shows. Boxing and wrestling. Wrestling is bigger now. The big fights are pretty much finished in Mexico. The economy. The fights are broadcast,but not across the Republic like before.
Inside, the arena's circular and goes straight up. Four floors. There's signs all around that say "No Apuestos"(No Betting). All that means is that you bet more. Don't tell those aficianados what to do. The place is loud and echos. Smoke drifts up to the balcony. The Arena Coliseo is in the middle of the city. The old part. Not far from Plaza Garibaldi where you can go afterwards and eat tacos,menudo, pozole,and drink beer. You can hire street musicians or just listen to the music for free. There's always people dancing in the plaza. The smells of the cooking pork and carne asada and the sounds of the various bands is a heady dream.
But now you have to be carefull. The area outside the arena and the short walk to Plaza Garibaldi harbors the secret characters that feed on the unsuspecting. Hold up guys,kidnappers,drug dealers. Once was a time when a pick pocket could do the most damage.
I haven't been back to the Arena Coliseo in years. The last time was when Olivares fought his last fight . It was his tribute. His final "go" could only have been at the Arena Coliseo. The trademark of Mexican venues. Ruben got knocked out in four rounds.
For me it's only the memories. The betters shouting at each other from across the ring. The chifles and smoke filling the air. The bottles being thrown into the ring. Azteca to Chavez. Their ghosts must come out at night when the last guy turns out the lights and shuts the door. I bet if you listen close enough and put your ear to the door you can hear the faint roar of the aficianados.
Vince Delgado is an honorary WBHOF director. What a great guy Vince is, and a long-time Southern Cal referee/judge, as well. At a recent meeting, Vince and I discussed his cousin, another former West Coast headliner, Carlos Chavez.kikibalt wrote:
Davey Moore vs Vince Delgado