Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

This one is for diego


Archie Moore and Giulio Rinaldi

[kikibalt]

Frank I stand corrected on Aragon/Ike. It should be Art/Carter.

diego it was Enrique Bolanos that fought Ike Williams, fought him 3 times, fights that I seen live.
Aragon fought Jimmy Carter 3 time that I can remember, the first 2 times were 1951, I also seen those fight live.

[kikibalt]

Tami Mauriello, Jack Curly & Willie Ferguson

[Expug]

Rick and Randy,Just the fact that you guys hold dear to your hearts the fact that fighting at The Olympic is a special experience and the event of a lifetime makes you two extraordinary individuals.
Most people who I come across, dont get it.They dont understand the honor and greatness of jumping in a ring and fighting at a historic venue with so much tradition and history.
I understand and so do the other guys who contribute to this thread.
A big thrill in my life was having the great announcer Ben Bentley introduce me.
Hell , he introduced Robinson and many other all time greats.I was honored.
But, of course if I told 99 percent of the population this they would think"who gives a f".
Not you guys, you understand what I mean by this being an honor.

[raylawpc]

Sean O'Grady had those eyes, you know. The coldest eyes. He was some fighter, too.

Yeah, but outside the ring, Sean fit Carlos Ortiz description of most prizefighters - a "cupcake." Really a sweet kid.

One day while working out at the Main Stree Gym, some guy comes up to Mel and says his kid forgot his towel, he needs one to wipe the sweat off the kid. Mel asked if I could lend him one of mine, since I always had two towels, one for the workout and one for the shower. I let him borrow one. I looked over at the kid. He was young, eighteen years old or so, and skinny. I asked Mel who he was. His name was Sean O'Grady. Some kid from Oklahoma. He was fighting Danny Lopez that weekend. Mel just shook his head and said with some empathy, "Danny's, gonna hurt him". Sure enough. The kid had some stones, I'll give him that. By the way, I had to ask for my towel back. Funny how you remember the lttle things.

Believe it or not, Sean was just ten days or so past his 17th birthday when he fought Danny Lopez.

[kikibalt]

Rick and Randy,Just the fact that you guys hold dear to your hearts the fact that fighting at The Olympic is a special experience and the event of a lifetime makes you two extraordinary individuals.
Most people who I come across, dont get it.They dont understand the honor and greatness of jumping in a ring and fighting at a historic venue with so much tradition and history.
I understand and so do the other guys who contribute to this thread.
A big thrill in my life was having the great announcer Ben Bentley introduce me.
Hell , he introduced Robinson and many other all time greats.I was honored.
But, of course if I told 99 percent of the population this they would think"who gives a f".
Not you guys, you understand what I mean by this being an honor.

Puggys

Just been in the Olympic's dressing rooms was a thrill by its self, who can forget the old "Catacombs"? huh, Rick, Randy?

[kikibalt]

Enrique Bolanos when he got robbed vs Maxie Docusen
at the Olympic....

[Randyman]

Rick and Randy,Just the fact that you guys hold dear to your hearts the fact that fighting at The Olympic is a special experience and the event of a lifetime makes you two extraordinary individuals.
Most people who I come across, dont get it.They dont understand the honor and greatness of jumping in a ring and fighting at a historic venue with so much tradition and history.
I understand and so do the other guys who contribute to this thread.
A big thrill in my life was having the great announcer Ben Bentley introduce me.
Hell , he introduced Robinson and many other all time greats.I was honored.
But, of course if I told 99 percent of the population this they would think"who gives a f".
Not you guys, you understand what I mean by this being an honor.

Pug, we get it. That's why this thread is so great. The guys here respect boxing and the boxers. To guys like us, any man that steps in the ring is deserving of respect. I night write or say something about a certain fighter every once in a while, but that's just rhetoric. The bottom line is, I respect all fighters. We all feel the same way about fight arenas. Places like the Olympic are sacred grounds. Worthy of remembrance and respect. I know the Olympic Auditorium is not the only one but it just happens to be the one I hold dear. I stopped talking about boxing with people who could care less, a long time ago. I save it for those who care. The guys on this thread care.

[Randyman]

Rick and Randy,Just the fact that you guys hold dear to your hearts the fact that fighting at The Olympic is a special experience and the event of a lifetime makes you two extraordinary individuals.
Most people who I come across, dont get it.They dont understand the honor and greatness of jumping in a ring and fighting at a historic venue with so much tradition and history.
I understand and so do the other guys who contribute to this thread.
A big thrill in my life was having the great announcer Ben Bentley introduce me.
Hell , he introduced Robinson and many other all time greats.I was honored.
But, of course if I told 99 percent of the population this they would think"who gives a f".
Not you guys, you understand what I mean by this being an honor.

Puggys

Just been in the Olympic dressing rooms was a thrill by its self, who can forget the old "Catacombs"? huh, Rick, Randy?

Frank, it was one of the biggest thrill of my life. Jimmy Lennon came down and asked me how I would like my name pronounced. He repeated it until he got it right. He was a pro and so is his son.

"Catacombs" is an apt description. Frank, when I was a kid, I was buried alive, I was buried for several minutes. When the fire department, police and rescue squad got there, they thought the were pulling out a dead body.I was already being mourned they were so sure I was dead. I was black and blue and my insides were filled with dirt and sand. I fooled them all. I survived. The reason I'm telling you this is because I never knew I was claustrophobic until I was in those catacombs. I had to fight it off. I never said anything to anyone, not even Mel. I was too embarrassed.

[Randyman]

Randy, it's truly an honor being a part of your web site. It's unique, it takes me home.

-Rick

Thanks, Rick.

[Randyman]

Believe it or not, Sean was just ten days or so past his 17th birthday when he fought Danny Lopez.

All the more amazing. A 17 rear old kid having the stones to step into the ring with Danny Lopez. Now there's a story for the grandkids.

[Randyman]

Frank I stand corrected on Aragon/Ike. It should be Art/Carter.

diego it was Enrique Bolanos that fought Ike Williams, fought him 3 times, fights that I seen live.
Aragon fought Jimmy Carter 3 time that I can remember, the first 2 times were 1951, I also seen those fight live.

Frank, you may or may not consider yourself a writer. But you have become one of the leading historian of boxing in Southern California. You lived it!

[dagosd2000]

This one is for diego


Archie Moore and Giulio Rinaldi

ANOTHER THREE
"Rog,you want to go another three?"
"Naw,I took enough of a beating today."
Gary and myself climbed through the ropes. Burke Emery had a couple of smaller boys he wanted to bring in there to spar.
"You guys fininished?,"asked Burke.
Burke was wearing his customery white T Shirt with the towel around his neck.
"You better ask me that question Burke," I said half joking. "Gary still wants to rough me up." Before changing into our street clothes,me and Gary wanted to watch the lighter guys go at it.
"Rog,you're getting me in good shape."
" I know. I can feel the migraine comin' on now."
"I'm telling you Roger,you're coming along fine. You could beat most of the amateur heavies now. That right hand was hitting my shoulder everytime. I don't think I'll be able to move it in the morning."
"Sure. Tomorrow I'm callin' up Foreman for a title shot. Besides I was trying to hit you on your jaw."

The two lighter fighters were quick. Burke stopped the action to tell one of them he was bringing his left back to his hip after he threw the jab.
"I think I can beat this guy next week,but as usual the crowd will hate me."
"That's only because you're fighting a sailor."
We studied the two boys again. This time the one guy brought his lreft back to his chin.
"Did you hear about Hildo?"asked Gary.
"No.What happened?"
"Got drunk again and got in an accident. There was a fatality."
"Geez,I wish that didn't happen."
"It's a manslaughter rap."
"That's tough. His career was goin' nowhere,and now this."
"He's pretty broken up."
"What's gonna' happen?"
"Archie is passin' the hat."
"It's not the first time he's done something like this."
"He's got Sid and Danny working on something. Burke's guys are coming through too."
"How about the Nat City boys. He's from there."
"They have a dinner put together. Archie will manage everything."

I watched the two light weights go at it still. They were in pretty good condition. Burke was leaning on the ropes watching everything.
"Too stiff with that jab still,"Burke told the fighter he had just corrected.
"Well," said Gary. "You want to go home?"
"I hope things work out for Hildo. He's got a family."
"Roger,he's got some good guys in his corner right now."

Burke stopped the action to take the two boys over to the mirror to corrrect sometning.
"You two boys want to get back in there?"
"No," said Gary . "We're finished."
"Hold on," I said. "I'll go three more with you Gary. I want to make sure you're ready next week."

[raylawpc]

Believe it or not, Sean was just ten days or so past his 17th birthday when he fought Danny Lopez.

All the more amazing. A 17 rear old kid having the stones to step into the ring with Danny Lopez. Now there's a story for the grandkids.

I always thought his old man had even bigger stones for putting him in there with Lopez.

In all seriousness, Sean was a pretty remarkable kid in many ways. I wish I had stayed in contact with him over the years.

[dagosd2000]

Randy, it's truly an honor being a part of your web site. It's unique, it takes me home.

-Rick

Thanks, Rick.

Thenks from the Spaghetti Eater. Those posts of my art? I'll never forget that.

[kikibalt]

Frank I stand corrected on Aragon/Ike. It should be Art/Carter.

diego it was Enrique Bolanos that fought Ike Williams, fought him 3 times, fights that I seen live.
Aragon fought Jimmy Carter 3 time that I can remember, the first 2 times were 1951, I also seen those fight live.

Frank, you may or may not consider yourself a writer. But you have become one of the leading historian of boxing in Southern California. You lived it!

Thanks, Randy...

[Randyman]

Believe it or not, Sean was just ten days or so past his 17th birthday when he fought Danny Lopez.

All the more amazing. A 17 rear old kid having the stones to step into the ring with Danny Lopez. Now there's a story for the grandkids.

I always thought his old man had even bigger stones for putting him in there with Lopez.

In all seriousness, Sean was a pretty remarkable kid in many ways. I wish I had stayed in contact with him over the years.

I can't remember what station it was, cable, network or whatever but he caught a lot of flack when he was a color analyst for one of Ray Mancini's fight, I don't recall who he was fighting but after Mancini took a good shot from the guy O'Grady says "He takes a pretty good punch....for an Italian".

[Randyman]

Randy, it's truly an honor being a part of your web site. It's unique, it takes me home.

-Rick

Thanks, Rick.

Thenks from the Spaghetti Eater. Those posts of my art? I'll never forget that.

Are you kidding me? Thank you!!

[kikibalt]

Rick and Randy,Just the fact that you guys hold dear to your hearts the fact that fighting at The Olympic is a special experience and the event of a lifetime makes you two extraordinary individuals.
Most people who I come across, dont get it.They dont understand the honor and greatness of jumping in a ring and fighting at a historic venue with so much tradition and history.
I understand and so do the other guys who contribute to this thread.
A big thrill in my life was having the great announcer Ben Bentley introduce me.
Hell , he introduced Robinson and many other all time greats.I was honored.
But, of course if I told 99 percent of the population this they would think"who gives a f".
Not you guys, you understand what I mean by this being an honor.

Puggys

Just been in the Olympic dressing rooms was a thrill by its self, who can forget the old "Catacombs"? huh, Rick, Randy?

Frank, it was one of the biggest thrill of my life. Jimmy Lennon came down and asked me how I would like my name pronounced. He repeated it until he got it right. He was a pro and so is his son.

"Catacombs" is an apt description. Frank, when I was a kid, I was buried alive, I was buried for several minutes. When the fire department, police and rescue squad got there, they thought the were pulling out a dead body.I was already being mourned they were so sure I was dead. I was black and blue and my insides were filled with dirt and sand. I fooled them all. I survived. The reason I'm telling you this is because I never knew I was claustrophobic until I was in those catacombs. I had to fight it off. I never said anything to anyone, not even Mel. I was too embarrassed.

"Catacombs"? How best to describe those dressing rooms?
I remember as a kid going to the Olympic and standing outside of the "Catacombs" and waiting for the fighters, Aragon, Bolanos, Teran etc, etc, to come out so I could get near to them, it never cross my mind that someday I would be working there, and my sons fighting there, and main events to top it off.

Randy, sorry that you were buried alive, but the good thing is that you surived to join us in this great thread.

[kikibalt]

Lucia Rijker and trainer Dub Huntley.

[kikibalt]

Greg is a friend of mine, who is also a very, very good writer, this article is from the 2006 CBHOF

California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon

By Greg Beyer
Photos by Frank Baltazar, Sr.

Former boxing great Bobby Chacon (left) and highly acclaimed trainer, Freddie Roach, smile for the camera


STUDIO CITY, Calif., August 19, 2006 – Songwriter Singer Willie Nelson once said in a song that his heroes have always been cowboys. For me, they have always been fighters.

For me, boxing is the highest form of athletic endeavor. Former professional boxer Frankie Baltazar told me at the California boxing hall of fame luncheon this weekend that, just like me being in little league or any other kid being in soccer, that boxing was just the sport that he took up. He was raised in it and to him it seemed natural. A statement of that kind helps me realize why I have idolized fighters for so many years.


In a baseball game, in football, basketball, sometimes athletes are injured. In boxing it is a guarantee. These fighters that enter a ring to do combat, to put their courage and fighting hearts on display to an arena filled with fans are in essence the most amazing of all athletes. We watch them, we cheer them on while they are still young enough and able enough to compete in this violent sport and then to most of us they disappear. For me, since they were all heroes of mine, I wondered about them after they have left the arena for good. Are they okay? Do they have regrets? Has life awarded them in any way for the fact that they had the guts to put it all on the line for a bit of glory, for meager pay and the endless suffering they endured just to be able to compete in a sport so few would ever consider entering into.

This past Saturday at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California, a selected group of these courageous souls were honored for their achievements in the world of professional boxing in the state of California.

Meeting the Baltazar brothers along with their father, trainer, manager and CBZ stalwart Frank Baltazar, Sr. was a special treat for CBZ editor Stephen (“The Bucket”) Gordon and myself. We flew down from Washington State to finally get a chance to meet and honor the entire Baltazar family on their well-deserved day of glory. I have to say here how impressed I was with the beauty and graciousness of Frankie and Tony as well as their entire family. Seated a few tables away form us, they made a special effort to come over and speak to "The Bucket" and I and we appreciated their courtesy and good-natured conversation immensely.

From left to right: former WBC Lightweight Champion Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez, Frank Baltazar, Sr. and Baltazar's son and former pro fighter, Tony Baltazar

In the non-boxer category another CBZ regular being inducted into the hall was none other than the venerable former Hollywood legion stadium matchmaker Gabriel "Hap" Navarro. Pictured in the program was "Hap" in a circa 1950s photo showing a dashing young Hispanic in the mold of a Rudolf Valentino. While this stunning photo lit up that page of the program I suddenly realized it would make it hard for us to search out "Hap" in the crowd before the ceremony began. This dilemma was alleviated when none other than another of my life long idols Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez came up to us and said "Hap wants to meet you guys" and took us to his table where "Hap", eyes tearing up, said how proud he was to finally meet us and how glad he was that we made the trip down. My heart swelled when he asked how long it had been since I had left my hometown of San Pedro, California. How wonderful that he remembered where I was born. What a day!

Danny "Little Red" Lopez and his wife, Bonnie

Former boxing promoter Don Fraser who sponsored this event put on an excellent show, which was evidenced by the huge crowd, filled with many respected and formerly honored boxing greats. Among them was my personal all-time favorite, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, and his lovely wife and life-long friend Bonnie. What a joy it was to be able to tell Danny that I followed his entire career and how glad I was to see that Danny, after all those wars, is still the same fine gentleman that I saw stepping into the ring to face Steve Frajole at the Olympic auditorium in his very first pro fight so many years ago.

What a particular joy it was for "The Bucket" and I to be able to hug and shake hands with our own Rodolfo "el Gato " Gonzalez and his wonderful Barbara. For them to be so glad to meet us was a heart rendering experience I will never forget.

These great fighters and wonderful people I met Saturday. They are well. They survived. What a beautiful day it was to see that so many of my heroes made it through that tough arena and that "the Bucket" and I were there to share this special day with them.

I got back to Washington early Sunday morning with memories confirming what I have always known...my heroes have always been fighters.

From left to right: Stephen "The Bucket" Gordon, Frank Baltazar, and Greg Beyer

[kikibalt]

Don't know if I have posted the above article before, either way, some of the new guys probably haven't see it or read it. so its for them.

[kikibalt]

Rudy Tellez, (L) former manager of former Jr. Flyweight champion Joey Olivo and referee Vince Delgado

[kikibalt]

( L to R )
Tony Baltazar, Hedgemon Lewis and Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

[kikibalt]

( L to R )
Devin Phelps, Chanelle Baltazar, Tony Baltazar and Nakojua Baltazar, the Baltazar girls are Tony's daughters