Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

I've always got one eye open when it comes to the female teachers on this campus. I know some of you guys think I'm awful,but to be honest,my bark is louder than my bite. Besides ,most of the male teachers around here, I think, squat to pee. I don't associate much with them. If I did ,I think my voice would go up a few ranges after a while.

This gal down a few rooms from me is all right. She won't win any beauty titles,but she's got a great smile, and the more I visit her in her early morning class,she's starting to become dangerous. She's probably around 40. She grew up in the Fresno area in a Mexican family. She's been on her own since she was 18 and now she's a teacher,married,and with a family. Well she confides in me that her kids are a handfull. She's got one son here, and he's a pain in the ass with his teachers. Always screwing around.

I asked her what her husband does about discipling the kid,and her response is that he leaves the upbringing and disciplining up to her. I see that a lot around here with the kids. Mom is at all the parent conferences because dad doesn't want to participate. The result is a major problem because any way you look at it,a Mexican boy knows he's in the driver's seat with his mother. Every morning her son walks in her room(as I'm sitting there)and she's got this glowing smile on her face and a 5 spot in her hand. His lunch money.

The kid's not a sissy and he's kind of athletic. She tells me that he likes to play football(Pop Warner) and he gets in his share of fights. I suggested that she get him into boxing. I told her that not only would it discipline him,but that he'd understsnd how to control his behavior. Maybe it's different today,but I remember the guys that fought in my era conducted themselves pretty good in public. They didn't have to prove how tough they were out of the ring,only inside the ring. I think if the kid went to the gym everyday,his behavior problem wouldn't be a problem any more.

She told me she discussed it with her husband and that they're going to give it a try. Their kid is a little hesitant about it because that's not the traditional path for boys when it comes to participating in sports,but what the hell,he may love it. Besides,if this boxing thing works out.... Well there I go again. Let's just say I don't want my voice to get any higher.

diego,

Are you getting back into the boxing biz?

I take it one step at a time.

[abbachristus]

Paulino Montes

Su verdadero nombre era Jesús Porfirio López García, nacido en Hermosillo Sonora, México, en la Colonia el Mariachi, el 15 de Septiembre de 1926. Empezó en el boxeo de muy joven como a los 16 años de edad. Fué descubierto por Oscar "El Chapo " Romo. Paulino vendía menudo de casa en casa, fué cuando Oscar Romo lo conoció y vió en El aptitudes para el boxeo. Oscar tenía un Don especial para descubrir talentos, tales son los casos de Tony "El Chino Mar", Chucho y Memo Llanes, Baby Escobar, Memo Garmendia, entre otros, y Paulino no fué la excepción. Chapo Romo lo invitó a entrenar y se dió cuenta que Paulino tenía habilidades naturales para el boxeo. Oscar Romo le busco un nombre profesional para Jesús, y El Chapo Romo, tenía un Tío Llamado Paulino Montes y asi lo bautizó Profesionalmente para el boxeo, agregandole "El Menudero", porque Paulino vendía menudo. Oscar fué puliendo a Paulino y descubriendo en El, Sú increible gancho al hígado, que para muchos criticos era superior al del Gran Kid Azteca. En muchas peleas logro quebrar a varios las costillas, buscado el hígado, tales son los casos de Buddy García, Ralph Smith, Ted Agapio, Kid Guadalajara, Trejo Luna y a otros tantos. Paulino Montes falleció el 10 de Junio de 1976, fué atropellado en las calles rayón y blvd. Luis Encinas en Hermosillo.Esta página es un sencillo homenaje a Paulino Montes, iremos agregando más detalles de Sú vida, y buscaremos más información acerca de El. Se apreciará mucho, si tienen algo que compartir acerca de El Menudero, fotos, cronicas y si es posible, videos se los agradecere.

His real name was Porfirio Jesus Garcia Lopez, born in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico, September 15, 1926. He began boxing in the very young as 16 years old. It was discovered by Oscar "El Chapo" Romo. Paulino often sold menudo from house to house, was when Oscar Romo knew him and saw in boxing skills. Oscar had aspecial gift to discover talent in boxing such are the cases of Tony "Chino mar," Chucho and Memo Llanes, Baby Escobar, Memo Garmendia, among others, and Paulino was not the exception. Chapo Romo invited him to train and realized that Paulino had natural abilities to boxing. Oscar Romo is seeking a name for professional Jesus, and El Chapo Romo, had an Uncle Call Paulino Montes and baptized Professionally well as for boxing, adding "The Menudero" because often sold Paulino. Oscar was polishing to Paulino and discovering in him , His incredible hook to the liver, which for many critics was higher than the Great Kid Azteca. In many fights breaking achievement in several ribs, sought the liver, these are cases of Buddy Garcia, Ralph Smith, Ted Agapi, Kid Guadalajara, Trejo Luna and many others. Paulino Montes died on June 10, 1976, was hit in the streets and rayon blvd. Luis Encinas en Hermosillo. This page is a simple tribute to Paulino Montes, we will add more details of his life, and seek more information about Montes. We appreciate, if they have something to share about The Menudero, photos, stories and if possible, videos Thanks. Paulino Montes Family

[dagosd2000]

Paulino Montes

Su verdadero nombre era Jesús Porfirio López García, nacido en Hermosillo Sonora, México, en la Colonia el Mariachi, el 15 de Septiembre de 1926. Empezó en el boxeo de muy joven como a los 16 años de edad. Fué descubierto por Oscar "El Chapo " Romo. Paulino vendía menudo de casa en casa, fué cuando Oscar Romo lo conoció y vió en El aptitudes para el boxeo. Oscar tenía un Don especial para descubrir talentos, tales son los casos de Tony "El Chino Mar", Chucho y Memo Llanes, Baby Escobar, Memo Garmendia, entre otros, y Paulino no fué la excepción. Chapo Romo lo invitó a entrenar y se dió cuenta que Paulino tenía habilidades naturales para el boxeo. Oscar Romo le busco un nombre profesional para Jesús, y El Chapo Romo, tenía un Tío Llamado Paulino Montes y asi lo bautizó Profesionalmente para el boxeo, agregandole "El Menudero", porque Paulino vendía menudo. Oscar fué puliendo a Paulino y descubriendo en El, Sú increible gancho al hígado, que para muchos criticos era superior al del Gran Kid Azteca. En muchas peleas logro quebrar a varios las costillas, buscado el hígado, tales son los casos de Buddy García, Ralph Smith, Ted Agapio, Kid Guadalajara, Trejo Luna y a otros tantos. Paulino Montes falleció el 10 de Junio de 1976, fué atropellado en las calles rayón y blvd. Luis Encinas en Hermosillo.Esta página es un sencillo homenaje a Paulino Montes, iremos agregando más detalles de Sú vida, y buscaremos más información acerca de El. Se apreciará mucho, si tienen algo que compartir acerca de El Menudero, fotos, cronicas y si es posible, videos se los agradecere.

His real name was Porfirio Jesus Garcia Lopez, born in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico, September 15, 1926. He began boxing in the very young as 16 years old. It was discovered by Oscar "El Chapo" Romo. Paulino often sold menudo from house to house, was when Oscar Romo knew him and saw in boxing skills. Oscar had aspecial gift to discover talent in boxing such are the cases of Tony "Chino mar," Chucho and Memo Llanes, Baby Escobar, Memo Garmendia, among others, and Paulino was not the exception. Chapo Romo invited him to train and realized that Paulino had natural abilities to boxing. Oscar Romo is seeking a name for professional Jesus, and El Chapo Romo, had an Uncle Call Paulino Montes and baptized Professionally well as for boxing, adding "The Menudero" because often sold Paulino. Oscar was polishing to Paulino and discovering in him , His incredible hook to the liver, which for many critics was higher than the Great Kid Azteca. In many fights breaking achievement in several ribs, sought the liver, these are cases of Buddy Garcia, Ralph Smith, Ted Agapi, Kid Guadalajara, Trejo Luna and many others. Paulino Montes died on June 10, 1976, was hit in the streets and rayon blvd. Luis Encinas en Hermosillo. This page is a simple tribute to Paulino Montes, we will add more details of his life, and seek more information about Montes. We appreciate, if they have something to share about The Menudero, photos, stories and if possible, videos Thanks. Paulino Montes Family

Thanks for sharing that. That was something special.

[bennie]

Hugo Corro beats a slick, dangerous southpaw like Ronnie Harris and then 'throws' the Vito match so he doesn't have to fight a slick, dangerous southpaw like Hagler (who always steered clear of Harris).
You couldn't make it up.

[kikibalt]

(Ah, if only Genies existed!)

CHICANO GENIE

A Mexican lady was walking along the bank of the L.A. River when she
stumbled upon an old empty cerveza bottle. She picked it up, rubbed
it,

and SNAP!!! a Genie appeared. She talked with him awhile then the
Genie told her he would grant her ONE wish.

She said to the Genie, 'I heard from mi prima that I could get three
wishes if I ever found a Genie.' The Genie then said, 'Oh no, sorry,
esa. Three-wish genies are story-tale myth.'

I'm a ONE-WISH Genie, Uno, no mas! So...que quieres?'

The lady didn't hesitate. She said, 'I want Peace in the Middle East.
See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other

and I want all the Arabs to love Jews and Gringos and I want all the
Jews and Gringos to love the Arabs. It will bring world peace and
harmony.' she continued.

The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, 'Orale! BE REASONABLE!.....
Those fools have a pedo that goes back thousands of years, chale! I'm

out of shape after being in that bottle for five hundred years. I'm

good, but NOT THAT GOOD!!! I don't think it can be done. PLEASE make

another wish and please be reasonable.'


The lady thought for a minute and said, 'Well, I've never been able
to

find the right man. I want a Mexican boyfriend....You know, one that
DOESN'T DRINK ALCOHOL, nice y fun, likes cumbias, and helps with
cleaning la casa. I want him to be great in bed and gets along con
mi familia, and is FAITHFUL and doesn't throw chingasos at me.
That's

what I wish for....a good Mexican man!'


The Genie let out a long sigh, shook his cabeza and said, 'Chingada
vieja!!!......Let me see that pinche map again.

[kikibalt]

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez with actor Peter Falk in the dressing room immediately
after winning the world title from Chango Carmona.

Photo courtesy of Scarface

[kikibalt]

Eddie Perkins vs Baby Vasquez

[kikibalt]

Pat Valentino

[Expug]

Eddie Perkins vs Baby Vasquez

A good shot of Eddie Perkins.
As I posted a little earlier, I knew Eddies trainer and manager . A real good guy by the name of Frank Tommasso.
He worked a little in the gym with me as he still had his hand in boxing after Eddie retired.
I couldnt do anything like Perkins, but Frank was patient.
Anyway,One day Frank gave me an old copy of the Ring Record book.From 1976.
It was one of those books that was hard cover and looked like a bible.
The thing is Frank had torn out all the pages of Eddies record right out of the book.
He was ok with giving away the book, but he was keeping Eddies record.
He really loved Perkins. He would talk about him all the time.
It was nice. You dont always see that type of relationship in boxing.

[dagosd2000]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

[kikibalt]

A good shot of Eddie Perkins.
As I posted a little earlier, I knew Eddies trainer and manager . A real good guy by the name of Frank Tommasso.
He worked a little in the gym with me as he still had his hand in boxing after Eddie retired.
I couldnt do anything like Perkins, but Frank was patient.
Anyway,One day Frank gave me an old copy of the Ring Record book.From 1976.
It was one of those books that was hard cover and looked like a bible.
The thing is Frank had torn out all the pages of Eddies record right out of the book.
He was ok with giving away the book, but he was keeping Eddies record.
He really loved Perkins. He would talk about him all the time.
It was nice. You dont always see that type of relationship in boxing.

Pug,

I remember seeing Perkins fight at the Olympic in 1959 he fought Hilario Morales and in 1961 he fought L.C. Morgan.
Those were good fights, though he lost to Morgan, he still looked good, when he fough those two fights you could tell Perkins was not in his prime yet, the best was yet to come, great fighter? don't know about that, but he was a good, good fighter, who won't have much of a problem cleaning up on the 140 pounder's that we have today.

[kikibalt]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

[kikibalt]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

diego,

I remember seeing Serrano fight two of my friends, Danny Valdez and Phil Garcia, he lost to Danny and beat Phil.

[Robinson]

Pat Valentino in that pic looks a bit like Rorion Gracie.

[Expug]

A good shot of Eddie Perkins.
As I posted a little earlier, I knew Eddies trainer and manager . A real good guy by the name of Frank Tommasso.
He worked a little in the gym with me as he still had his hand in boxing after Eddie retired.
I couldnt do anything like Perkins, but Frank was patient.
Anyway,One day Frank gave me an old copy of the Ring Record book.From 1976.
It was one of those books that was hard cover and looked like a bible.
The thing is Frank had torn out all the pages of Eddies record right out of the book.
He was ok with giving away the book, but he was keeping Eddies record.
He really loved Perkins. He would talk about him all the time.
It was nice. You dont always see that type of relationship in boxing.

Pug,

I remember seeing Perkins fight at the Olympic in 1959 he fought Hilario Morales and in 1961 he fought L.C. Morgan.
Those were good fights, though he lost to Morgan, he still looked good, when he fough those two fights you could tell Perkins was not in his prime yet, the best was yet to come, great fighter? don't know about that, but he was a good, good fighter, who won't have much of a problem cleaning up on the 140 pounder's that we have today.

Thanks Frank.
Bennie, I should add that Frank Tommaso and Johnny Lira got along real well.
It was alot of fun being around the two of them.
I remember another Lira story.
One time the trainer of a club fighter named Emilio Sotomayer started bugging Lira about taking a match with Emilio.He felt Johnny was past it .
You could see Lira starting to get steamed.
Finnaly he looked at the trainer and said why dont we just do it for free right now?
That was the end of the disscusion.

[dagosd2000]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,the Sayonoviches,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

[kikibalt]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

diego,

You're still young enough, why not open a gym there in San Diego?

I guess its not safe to go to T.J., was it ever safe?

[Expug]

Frank
Remember Pulga Serrano?. He fought that Jr. Welter Ronnie Harris,I first mentioned, and lost a split decision to Harris here in San Diego.

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

Dagos, its so much the same way here in Chicago too.
The legendary Windy City Gym closed about a year or so ago.
The Park District gyms were all over the city years ago which had tons of amateur fighters.Many are gone now.
When I first fought in the Golden Gloves here in the 70s, even the lighter weight divisions like 106, 112, 118 had lots of entries.
Not anymore.
Also the finals of the Golden Gloves had to be held at the old Ampitheatre to accomadate all the fans.Even the semi finals were held at places like Depauls Alumni hall because of the popularity.
The preliminary rounds were at St Andrews school gym and still are.
But now the entire tournament is held there because a bigger venue isnt neccesary.
I have some real concerns about the direction that amateur boxing is going.

[kikibalt]

Pat Valentino in that pic looks a bit like Rorion Gracie.

Valentino was good decent fighter, he fought some good fighters in his career, always put up a good fight.

[dagosd2000]

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

diego,

You're still young enough, why not open a gym there in San Diego?

I guess its not safe to go to T.J., was it ever safe?

Frank 'Ol Pal
You know a lot better than me. Training fighters and handling a business like that is time consuming. Then trying to keep a young fighters focused and getting qualified people to help and pay them,well I've got the grandkids now. I follow Flamenco dancing that my granddaughter performs. And now my grandson plays acoustic guitar.I'm a happy grandpa.Me and the wife take them to Spain every year so they can practice and perform where Flamenco originated. That's why I still work.

As far as Tijuana being safe? It was once. Not only was it safe,but it had style. Great restaurants,a magnificent racetrack,hotels and nightclubs that were top drawer which featured the best entertainment. The people controlling the action South of The Border ran it like when the Mob ran Las Vegas. They made you feel important,and you were "comped" more often than not. There wasn't a neighborhood down there that I didn't feel safe in. And that included my wife and kids. I didn't worry about them getting mugged,let alone getting shot.

You know Pal, that was one of the reasons I enjoyed the Father/Son Luncheon. The people there reminded me when Latinos knew how to have a good time. Laughing with friends and family,sharing stories.Mexicans are like Italians. You bring the kids. Your grandson that was at the table, was taking everything in. What a good looking kid. You get invited to a "gringo" party and the kids aren't welcome. Screw that. What's a party without the kids?If I wanted to be happy,all I had to do is look at your grandson. Down below ,where my wife is from, is still like that.The kids may be with their friends or "novios",but it's a family affair. The kids in TJ are tearing away from their parents too fast and in the wrong way.Especially the girls.

Open up a gym. Tijuana 40 years ago. Buddy,I'll talk to you on the Forum. You keep my memories fresh and good. It makes my time with my grandchildren even more richer.

[kikibalt]

diego,

I seen Serrano fight a time or two, just don't remember who he fought the times that seen him, old age?..

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

Dagos, its so much the same way here in Chicago too.
The legendary Windy City Gym closed about a year or so ago.
The Park District gyms were all over the city years ago which had tons of amateur fighters.Many are gone now.
When I first fought in the Golden Gloves here in the 70s, even the lighter weight divisions like 106, 112, 118 had lots of entries.
Not anymore.
Also the finals of the Golden Gloves had to be held at the old Ampitheatre to accomadate all the fans.Even the semi finals were held at places like Depauls Alumni hall because of the popularity.
The preliminary rounds were at St Andrews school gym and still are.
But now the entire tournament is held there because a bigger venue isnt neccesary.
I have some real concerns about the direction that amateur boxing is going.

We still have some gyms here in L.A. County, Ben Lira who I got into the CBHOF, he will be inducted in June, he has the South El Monte gym which is in the South El Monte community center, he has been there for years now, he left one time because the city was taken the funds way from the gym, he was gone for a year, and then with the Teamster Union as sponsors he came back and the gym is better then ever, the Teamsters local, I don't know the local's number, brought 3 table for Ben's induction into the hall, at $500 bucks a table.

[kikibalt]

I'm starting to get that way myself. I can't believe how this Forum has stirred up some of my memories. That kid I was talking about whose parents wanted him to try boxing at my suggestion? Well 30 years ago I'd know where to hook this kid up. I've been searching all over town. Not one pure boxing gym in San Diego anymore.

Tijuana still has a few. Pug alluded a while back that boxing is out of touch or something to that affect. Really. As I was asking around,people didn't even know that at one time there were gyms in San Diego. Guys like Ernie Fuentes,Burke Emery,Danny Millsap,Dick Wood,Spud Murphy,even 'Ol Arch were working with fighters at various gyms down here.

I got married and was with the family. Boxing got away from me. I know Las Vegas,Cable TV,the economy,and all the other reasons,but where do fighters learn their trade and begin their amateur foundations? What if this kid I was talking about wanted to become a fighter? Where would he go down here? If all that is left is Tijuana,you can forget about boxing having any base in San Diego.

Frank,you asked me a while back about what's going on in TJ. It's not so much the cartels,but the different police agencies that are fighting with each other to protect the cartels. That was what all that killing was about a couple of weeks ago down there. Right in a busy area downtown. You go to Plaxa Rio,the big mall,and there's swat guys with masks toting M 16's pointing them at people. It's nuts. You can't fight bullets with boxing gloves.

diego,

You're still young enough, why not open a gym there in San Diego?

I guess its not safe to go to T.J., was it ever safe?

Frank 'Ol Pal
You know a lot better than me. Training fighters and handling a business like that is time consuming. Then trying to keep a young fighters focused and getting qualified people to help and pay them,well I've got the grandkids now. I follow Flamenco dancing that my granddaughter performs. And now my grandson plays acoustic guitar.I'm a happy grandpa.Me and the wife take them to Spain every year so they can practice and perform where Flamenco originated. That's why I still work.

As far as Tijuana being safe? It was once. Not only was it safe,but it had style. Great restaurants,a magnificent racetrack,hotels and nightclubs that were top drawer which featured the best entertainment. The people controlling the action South of The Border ran it like when the Mob ran Las Vegas. They made you feel important,and you were "comped" more often than not. There wasn't a neighborhood down there that I didn't feel safe in. And that included my wife and kids. I didn't worry about them getting mugged,let alone getting shot.

You know Pal, that was one of the reasons I enjoyed the Father/Son Luncheon. The people there reminded me when Latinos knew how to have a good time. Laughing with friends and family,sharing stories.Mexicans are like Italians. You bring the kids. Your grandson that was at the table, was taking everything in. What a good looking kid. You get invited to a "gringo" party and the kids aren't welcome. Screw that. What's a party without the kids?If I wanted to be happy,all I had to do is look at your grandson. Down below ,where my wife is from, is still like that.The kids may be with their friends or "novios",but it's a family affair. The kids in TJ are tearing away from their parents too fast and in the wrong way.Especially the girls.

Open up a gym. Tijuana 40 years ago. Buddy,I'll talk to you on the Forum. You keep my memories fresh and good. It makes my time with my grandchildren even more richer.

It was just a thought (on the gym)

[dagosd2000]

diego,

You're still young enough, why not open a gym there in San Diego?

I guess its not safe to go to T.J., was it ever safe?

Frank 'Ol Pal
You know a lot better than me. Training fighters and handling a business like that is time consuming. Then trying to keep a young fighters focused and getting qualified people to help and pay them,well I've got the grandkids now. I follow Flamenco dancing that my granddaughter performs. And now my grandson plays acoustic guitar.I'm a happy grandpa.Me and the wife take them to Spain every year so they can practice and perform where Flamenco originated. That's why I still work.

As far as Tijuana being safe? It was once. Not only was it safe,but it had style. Great restaurants,a magnificent racetrack,hotels and nightclubs that were top drawer which featured the best entertainment. The people controlling the action South of The Border ran it like when the Mob ran Las Vegas. They made you feel important,and you were "comped" more often than not. There wasn't a neighborhood down there that I didn't feel safe in. And that included my wife and kids. I didn't worry about them getting mugged,let alone getting shot.

You know Pal, that was one of the reasons I enjoyed the Father/Son Luncheon. The people there reminded me when Latinos knew how to have a good time. Laughing with friends and family,sharing stories.Mexicans are like Italians. You bring the kids. Your grandson that was at the table, was taking everything in. What a good looking kid. You get invited to a "gringo" party and the kids aren't welcome. Screw that. What's a party without the kids?If I wanted to be happy,all I had to do is look at your grandson. Down below ,where my wife is from, is still like that.The kids may be with their friends or "novios",but it's a family affair. The kids in TJ are tearing away from their parents too fast and in the wrong way.Especially the girls.

Open up a gym. Tijuana 40 years ago. Buddy,I'll talk to you on the Forum. You keep my memories fresh and good. It makes my time with my grandchildren even more richer.

It was just a thought (on the gym)

You got me goin'. Sorry if I got on my soapbox. i got to learn that what's in the past is going to stay there. Damn it!

[Expug]

Frank 'Ol Pal
You know a lot better than me. Training fighters and handling a business like that is time consuming. Then trying to keep a young fighters focused and getting qualified people to help and pay them,well I've got the grandkids now. I follow Flamenco dancing that my granddaughter performs. And now my grandson plays acoustic guitar.I'm a happy grandpa.Me and the wife take them to Spain every year so they can practice and perform where Flamenco originated. That's why I still work.

As far as Tijuana being safe? It was once. Not only was it safe,but it had style. Great restaurants,a magnificent racetrack,hotels and nightclubs that were top drawer which featured the best entertainment. The people controlling the action South of The Border ran it like when the Mob ran Las Vegas. They made you feel important,and you were "comped" more often than not. There wasn't a neighborhood down there that I didn't feel safe in. And that included my wife and kids. I didn't worry about them getting mugged,let alone getting shot.

You know Pal, that was one of the reasons I enjoyed the Father/Son Luncheon. The people there reminded me when Latinos knew how to have a good time. Laughing with friends and family,sharing stories.Mexicans are like Italians. You bring the kids. Your grandson that was at the table, was taking everything in. What a good looking kid. You get invited to a "gringo" party and the kids aren't welcome. Screw that. What's a party without the kids?If I wanted to be happy,all I had to do is look at your grandson. Down below ,where my wife is from, is still like that.The kids may be with their friends or "novios",but it's a family affair. The kids in TJ are tearing away from their parents too fast and in the wrong way.Especially the girls.

Open up a gym. Tijuana 40 years ago. Buddy,I'll talk to you on the Forum. You keep my memories fresh and good. It makes my time with my grandchildren even more richer.

It was just a thought (on the gym)

You got me goin'. Sorry if I got on my soapbox. i got to learn that what's in the past is going to stay there. Damn it!

I was talking to somebody the other day about the movie The Godfather.
I asked the guy what is one of the main things you notice in the scenes in that movie.
He said something like the guns, violence, whatever.
I said no man, one thing that stands out is how many scenes have kids running around.

[Robinson]

I wish I could print this entire thread out.

Some good memories shared here guys. I wish I had some to offer.

Thanks again gents