Classic American West Coast Boxing

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Ken Norton

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Tommy Tibbs

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Archie Moore and Joey Maxim

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Carl "Bobo" Olson vs Randy Turpin

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Luis Rodriguez

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF FORUM BOXING



Forum Boxing has long been recognized as one of the premier boxing organizations in the world and has more than lived up to its reputation for putting on consistently good, competitive fights.

Forum Boxing has averaged nearly 20 fight cards a year at Great Western Forum since 1982. Since 1988, it's averaged more than 25 shows (including six a year at Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim). Amazingly, there has never been a cancellation.

Since February 1989, Forum Boxing has promoted 95 world title fights, 67 of which were at the GW Forum. In the last 97 months, it also has promoted or co-promoted world title fights in Las Vegas, Sacramento, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Corpus Christi, Tex., at the Arrowhead Pond.

Besides world title fights, Forum Boxing also has staged countless boxing tournaments. World class boxers in all weight classes compete in these tournaments, some of which have offered as much as $106,000 to the eventual winner.

Simply, Forum Boxing, under the direction of president Dr. Jerry Buss, who also owns the Los Angeles Lakers, is the reason why boxing is alive and well in Southern California.

Forum Boxing also is responsible for introducing not only to Southern California but to the United States many of the top prizefighters from south of the border.

If you didn't know, a difference between Forum Boxing and the vast majority of promoters is that, for the most part, it promotes fights, not fighters. In other words, it does not stage mere formalities; that is, "house fights" where one guy not only is expected to win but will look good doing so. Bottom line is, it does not tolerate matchups that insults the fans. Forum Boxing doesn't care if a favorite wins, of course, providing he has to fight to win.

Even world champions haven't had it all their way in Forum Boxing-promoted title fights. In a five-month stretch in 1989-90, for example, four consecutive WBC champions were dethroned at Great Western Forum, aka The House of Upsets.

Forum Boxing is no stranger to pay-per-view, having promoted several successful pay-per-view events since 1991, among them the first two fights in the memorable Chiguita Gonzalez-Michael Carbajal series. Other main events on our PPV shows were Chiquita-Jesus Zuniga, Marco Antonio Barrera-Jesse Benavides, Chiquita-Saman Sorjaturong and Thomas Hearns-Virgil Hill.

Forum Boxing established a first in March 1994 on pay-per-view when it promoted a world title fights from each of the four major organizations -- the IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO.

Forum Boxing's Monday fight cards are shown nationally on Fox Sports West. KCAL-TV, Channel 9, televises six shows a year live on Saturday nights in Southern California. The popular fight cards get terrific ratings. KCAL won an Emmy in 1996 for their June 1995 presentation of the WBO world title fight between Hector Lopez and Sammy Fuentes in Las Vegas.

In the past, Forum Boxing has been honored many times by various boxing groups and publications (Fight of the Year, Upset of the Year, Round of the Year, Promoter of the Year, Site of the Year, Ringcard Girls of the Year, etc.).

All the accolades are nice, to be sure.

Even more satisfying, however, is forever knowing that the type of fights it promotes leave a good taste in the mouths of the fans, who come away feeling that they got their money's worth.

Some of the boxers who have appeared on Forum Boxing Fight cards at the GW Forum in the past (including the days of promoters George Parnassus and Don Fraser) are Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, Ruben Olivares, George Foreman, Bobby Chacon, Thomas Hearns, Alexis Arguello, Chucho Castillo, Jerry Quarry, Jean Josselin, Alan Rudkin, Billy Backus, Julio Cesar Chavez, Lionel Rose, Terry Norris, Roger Mayweather, Jorge Paez, Jose Naploes, Carlos Zarate, Raul Soriano, Alfonso Zamora, Jesus Pimentel, Oscar De La Hoya, Greg Page, Albert Davila, Jose Legra, Hedgemon Lewis, Marty Monroe, Tim Witherspoon, Bonecrusher Smith, Ernesto Marcel, David Kotey, Danny Lopez, Sean O Grady, Lupe Pintor, Art Frias, Enrique Pinder, Randy Shields, Rafael Herrera, Rodrigo Valdez, Hedgemon Lewis, Emile Griffith, Rodolfo Martinez, Ahzuma Nelson, Marcos Villasana, Juan Ò KidÓ Meza Curtis Cokes, Micheal Carbajal, Jonny Tapia, "Chiquita" Gonzales, Arturo Lomeli, Ben Villflor, Rodolfo Martinez, Dwight Hawkins, Takao Sakurai , Frankie Narvaez, Evan Armstrong, Irish Frankie Crawford, Rafael Herrera, Raul Cruz, Enrique Pinder, Ruben Navarro, Manuel Pulgarcito Ramos, Jack O'Halloran, Rafael (Bazooka) Limon, Paul Ferreri, Erbito Salavarria, Mike Waever, Juan Kid Meza, Ruben Castillo, Frankie Duarte, Marcos Villisana, Jaime Garza, Andy Price, Tony Balrazar, Jose Medal, Ernie Red Lopez, Rojelio Lara, Romeo Anaya Irish Art Haffey, Genero Hernandez, Julio Cesar Barboa Vincente Saldivar, Mark Johnson, Marco Antonio Berrera, Sammy Fuentes, Luis Santana and Bollilo Gonzalez.

[Collins2000]

Memorable S.I. cover

[Rick Farris]

Memorable S.I. cover

Memorable L.A. Warrior, that's for sure! Danny brought to the ring the escence of championship power and courage. I probably boxed more rounds with Danny between 1969-76, than I did any other boxer. He was a guy who would hurt you with anything he hit you with. I recall him sticking a jab in my chest one day, and when I got home I saw I was black & blue where the punch had landed. The only glitch in Danny's armor was his lack of defense. I could hit him with right hands very easily. I would dip down, and come over the top with a right, and it would usually bounce off some portion of his head. But Danny would always come right back with his own attack and it was best not to get caught on the end of his shots.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Luis Rodriguez

Frank, I saw Luis Rodriguez fight live at the Olympic, in the summer of 1965. Of course, he also won the welter title here in L.A., on that Dodger Stadium '63 card, when Davey Moore died after his fight with Sugar Ramos.

He was fighting a rematch with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, whom he'd beaten in an earlier match. On this night, Rodriguez had no trouble out boxing Carter, who I remember slowed down as the fight progressed.

-Rick

[Expug]

Rick Farris and Gene Lebell

I can take real good falls also!

I hope you didn't learn how to fall from your fights

Nah just on the mat, not in the ring.
Well...couple times in the amateurs.

[Expug]

Rick Farris and Gene Lebell

Rick, give me your thoughts on Gene.
Being a fellow Judoka and a big propnent of cross training , Ive always admired his skill.
Hes had quite a life.
What a charachter.Hes a stuntman now .
I,d love to do that , what a blast, I can take real good falls also!

PUG . . .Gene is a very interesting charactor, and a very dangerous one. He is most defintily a stunt man, and I know him more from our involvement in the film industry, than I do from boxing. I do recall seeing Gene outside the Olympic Auditorium on thursday fight nights, standing near the box office area. His mother, of course, was promoter Aileen Eaton.

Today, Gene runs a Hollywood Stunt School, in fact, he has for years. I remember he and I talking back in 1978, when he was a stunt player on the Universal TV series, "Six Million Dollar Man". We'd kill time between shots and discuss his mother, The Olympic, his wrestling tales (which are truly classic, involving Strangler Lewis, and other legends that taught him the art of "Grappling".)

As you mentioned, he is an accomplished Judo master, and his signature move is his "Sleeper Hold", guaranteed to make his victims nod out. I have a story that comes from Michael Landon's ex-stunt double, Hal Burton, that tells of he and his brother Billy attending Gene's stunt school, trying to learn some wrestling moves they could use in their stunt gags.

Of course, every stunt man wants to learn Gene's "Sleeper Hold", and he agrees to show anybody that is willing to let him choke them out, just to understand the effects. None of the stunt guys wanted to be choked out, however, like cowboys, they had to do it, and Burton said it was quite an odd feeling. About a dozen years ago, I would experience the effects of the sleeper hold, when Gene showed me how to do it. And man, you just wake up with your head in his arms.

Anybody who wants to meet Gene, and learn about his form of Judo/grappling, need only to show up at the Hollywood gym he runs with his #1 student, Gokar. On monday nights, it's "visitors night", and you can either join in, or watch. For most, I recommend the latter.

Gene LeBell has a very, very interesting life, and past. The stories he could tell, if he would, and he won't, are amazing, as is the man.
Gene, like quite few I know in L.A. has quite a presence.

If anybody is interested in hearing a true, behind-the-scenes story about Gene LeBell, and how he "choked out" Steven Segall on a film set, well, I know the REAL story (yes, there are several versions, and Gene would prefer all be forgotten.)


-Rick Farris

Thanks Rick.
I have heard about the Segal story.
The result doesnt surprise me.
Gene has got the chokes down to a science.
As you said , hes a dangerous guy.
When he won the judo nationals he basicaly came out of nowhere and beat Chicagos Johnny Osako two years in a row. 54 and 55 in the finals.
Im sure there are a million stories about this guy.
His book is good and he talks alot about boxing in it.

[El Gato]

Scartissue,

I haven't yet thanked you for posting the link to more information about me. This link is to the Chronicle of a Champion, which was originated by my good friend, Dan Hanley. It has three areas to click on.

1. What makes a Fighter Hall Worthy. It gives my entire boxing career knockout record and more.

2. This has many photos of my career including Connie Stevens presenting me with the 1972 California Fighter of the Year award. Also has other photos of fights and movie stars.

3. This has a video showing one round of my Championship fight against Chango Carmona.

It can be found on page 80 and was entered by Scartissue on March 28.

El Gato

[El Gato]

Dago,

It is interesting to know that you are an artist and that your work is displayed at the Lazaro Cardenas Cultural Center in Jiquilpan and other places in Mexico. When we take our trip to Guadalajara we will definitely go to Jiquilpan and be sure to stop to see your art. And thank you so much for offering your home to us. We will let you know when we get our plans together. I probably won't recognize the area because I haven't been back there since 1960. I hope there are still people alive who remember me. I have relatives in Guadalajara (Jose Becerra) and cousins in Los Altos de Jalisco that I would like to visit, right near the Butcher's Mountain.

El Gato

[dagosd2000]

Dago,

It is interesting to know that you are an artist and that your work is displayed at the Lazaro Cardenas Cultural Center in Jiquilpan and other places in Mexico. When we take our trip to Guadalajara we will definitely go to Jiquilpan and be sure to stop to see your art. And thank you so much for offering your home to us. We will let you know when we get our plans together. I probably won't recognize the area because I haven't been back there since 1960. I hope there are still people alive who remember me. I have relatives in Guadalajara (Jose Becerra) and cousins in Los Altos de Jalisco that I would like to visit, right near the Butcher's Mountain.

El Gato

Gato,
I first saw Jiquilpan in 1968. It hasn't changed that much. I'm still the only gringo who goes there. I'll let the Director of the Cultural center know when you go. His name is Conrado Leyva and he's a class act. He's up in years and has to use a walker,but everyone loves this guy. I think I told you that my little grand daughter ,who's 12, teaches Flamenco dancing at the Cultural Center. Every morning the first thing Conrado does is go to her classroom hobbling with dignity with his walker and stands at the door .
"Buenos dias Amanda. Como estas mija?"
The people are beautifull,the town is charming,the food is wonderfull,and the prettiest girls in Mexico live there.
I don't know if you'll be going to the father/son banquet the 12th of April. If you are,I'll see you there. I'm looking forward to meeting you and I'll bring "mi golondrina con los ojos negros" with me. Now you got me thinking of Mexico. Gracias, Dagos

[dagosd2000]

Luis Rodriguez

Frank, I saw Luis Rodriguez fight live at the Olympic, in the summer of 1965. Of course, he also won the welter title here in L.A., on that Dodger Stadium '63 card, when Davey Moore died after his fight with Sugar Ramos.

He was fighting a rematch with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, whom he'd beaten in an earlier match. On this night, Rodriguez had no trouble out boxing Carter, who I remember slowed down as the fight progressed.

-Rick

Hey Rick,
This Luis Rodriguez was one tough Cuban. I saw him training down here for his fight with Rafa Gutierrez. One of Louie's sparring partners was a local middleweight named Johnny Wise. Wise goes up to Rodriguez and tells him he won't be wearing the head gear because he has this skin rash on his face. Ferdie Pacheco translates what Wise says. I thought I heard Rodriguez say someyhing like "maricon"(queer). Rodriguez takes the head gear and throws it at Wise and says to him in Spanish "Pongatelo si quieres tu dinero."
Wise didn't wait for Pacheco to translate. Wise put on the headgear and for three rounds Rodriguez treated him pretty rough. I don't think Louie threw one shot to the body.

[Rick Farris]

Luis Rodriguez

Frank, I saw Luis Rodriguez fight live at the Olympic, in the summer of 1965. Of course, he also won the welter title here in L.A., on that Dodger Stadium '63 card, when Davey Moore died after his fight with Sugar Ramos.

He was fighting a rematch with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, whom he'd beaten in an earlier match. On this night, Rodriguez had no trouble out boxing Carter, who I remember slowed down as the fight progressed.

-Rick

Hey Rick,
This Luis Rodriguez was one tough Cuban. I saw him training down here for his fight with Rafa Gutierrez. One of Louie's sparring partners was a local middleweight named Johnny Wise. Wise goes up to Rodriguez and tells him he won't be wearing the head gear because he has this skin rash on his face. Ferdie Pacheco translates what Wise says. I thought I heard Rodriguez say someyhing like "maricon"(queer). Rodriguez takes the head gear and throws it at Wise and says to him in Spanish "Pongatelo si quieres tu dinero."
Wise didn't wait for Pacheco to translate. Wise put on the headgear and for three rounds Rodriguez treated him pretty rough. I don't think Louie threw one shot to the body.

Dagos,

Good story. I remember Johnny Wise from way back in the mid-60's at the Olympic. Later he fought Mike Nixon in a couple of prelims at the Valley Music Theatre in Woodland Hills.

Luis Rodriguez was a real prizefighter, it would be interesting to see today's hot-shots like Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a tactical match-up with Luis Rodriguez. This guy knew a little more than the basics.

-Rick Farris

[bennie]

Alvaro "Yaqui"Lopez vs Michael Spinks

Spinks must have been horrible to fight: awkward, long-armed and heavy-handed. It says a lot for Yaqui's approach to the sport he took him on twice. The likes of Braxton and Gregory never fancied a second go.

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[bennie]

Great left hook, and a great competitive spirit. Henry was ruthless in there but struggled against stocky guys (after Patterson, he wanted no part of the likes of Quarry and Chuvalo) and was much better against guys who he could punch 'up' against. He had a shot against Ellis in 1969 but our Boxing Board did not recognise the WBA and refused to let him travel. There was a lot of fallout from that at the time.
Incidentally, believe it or not, Henry wasn't really a 'bleeder'. He always said the Ali (Clay) fights gave that impression because of the terrible cuts he picked up but he rarely cut in the rest of his career. Henry is an identical twin, you know. When he and George turned pro, George was actually regarded as the better fighter. His career was curtailed by hand injuries.

Bennie, I had a girlfriend in Hertsfordshire, during the 90's, who sent me a great book on Cooper titled, "Our 'Enry". What a great book, and a special man.


-Rick Farris

Rick I have to second that. I always thought that 'Ol Enery was a gentleman,and I know the Brits loved him for that class he showed in public and to his opponents. I've got a picture of Cooper somewhere selling a pear to an old English lady. He had a "green grocer" store. (I always like the different names the Brits have for things). They're both smiling.

As for that left hook.you could make a case that it could have been the best one at that time. Even better than Smokin' Joe's. Cooper threw it fast and high. I never saw Clay fall as hard and on "queer street' like the time the green grocer hit him with the produce stand.

I wouldn't say Henry's left hook was better than Frazier's. Henry was a dedicated guy who immortalised himself against Clay with the punch - but he failed to get close to Ali in the rematch and the Folley rematch is hard to overlook (Frazier would surely have mashed Folley had they fought).
Henry was world class but outside the top seven or eight.

[bennie]

Where is everyone?

[kikibalt]

Where is everyone?

I just got home from the doctor.

[raylawpc]

I'm sitting at my desk in St. Louis.

[scartissue]

Scartissue,

I haven't yet thanked you for posting the link to more information about me. This link is to the Chronicle of a Champion, which was originated by my good friend, Dan Hanley. It has three areas to click on.

1. What makes a Fighter Hall Worthy. It gives my entire boxing career knockout record and more.

2. This has many photos of my career including Connie Stevens presenting me with the 1972 California Fighter of the Year award. Also has other photos of fights and movie stars.

3. This has a video showing one round of my Championship fight against Chango Carmona.

It can be found on page 80 and was entered by Scartissue on March 28.

El Gato

El Gato, a quick question for you when you were talking about how you would fight Ken Buchanan. Did you dwell on the other fighters in your division and how you would fight them if the opportunity arose? Did you strategise with your management team on any particular fight or would they come in after reviewing a fighter and have you work on certain things (He's a sucker for a left hand, kid, I want you to work on this) and who was the best strategist you ever worked with? BTW, here is the link to 'Chronicle of a Champion' again in case anyone wants to see it.

http://rodolfo.890m.com/rodolfo.html

Scartissue

[Boxingnut]

Ken Norton

What a photo that is. Frank, you must have the largest boxing photos collection in the world!

[kikibalt]

Ken Norton

What a photo that is. Frank, you must have the largest boxing photos collection in the world!

NO!!!!!!!!!!!