Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi pose during a press conference ahead of their fight in November at the Manchester 235 Casino on September 17, 2008 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

[Rick Farris]

John Thomas

One of my two favorite L.A. ref's along with Dick Young.

What was it you liked about them, Rick?

You know Frank, these guys both were great refs and had a lot of class. John Thomas, as you know, was a great boxer in his own right. Thomas fought guys like Armstrong, Williams, Bolanos, to name few. I used to enjoy watching Thomas move around the ring when he was referee. He would glide, light on his feet, spin, yet he was never in the way while always close enough to control ring. He fiught at lightweight but could break clinching heavyweights like they kids in a school yard fight. He never called a fight to early or too late, to my recollection. And I also had my personal reasons, such he ref'd my first pro KO and also my first amateur KO, both Olympic Boxing Club promotions. Dick Young ref'd my first pro fight, and another a few years later, a toe-to-toe blood bath at the Forum. In a later match, the only fight in which I was stopped, Dick Young saved my ass by refusing to let me continue after climbing off the deck three times in the 4th round. As I insisted I was OK to continue, Young wrapped his arms around me and, ''that's it Ricky, I'm sorry son, tonight's not your night''. I shook my head and acted disappointed, however, what I was thinking was, '' Thank God it's over, that sonofabitch was killing me!'' -Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

One of my two favorite L.A. ref's along with Dick Young.

What was it you liked about them, Rick?

You know Frank, these guys both were great refs and had a lot of class. John Thomas, as you know, was a great boxer in his own right. Thomas fought guys like Armstrong, Williams, Bolanos, to name few. I used to enjoy watching Thomas move around the ring when he was referee. He would glide, light on his feet, spin, yet he was never in the way while always close enough to control ring. He fiught at lightweight but could break clinching heavyweights like they kids in a school yard fight. He never called a fight to early or too late, to my recollection. And I also had my personal reasons, such he ref'd my first pro KO and also my first amateur KO, both Olympic Boxing Club promotions. Dick Young ref'd my first pro fight, and another a few years later, a toe-to-toe blood bath at the Forum. In a later match, the only fight in which I was stopped, Dick Young saved my ass by refusing to let me continue after climbing off the deck three times in the 4th round. As I insisted I was OK to continue, Young wrapped his arms around me and, ''that's it Ricky, I'm sorry son, tonight's not your night''. I shook my head and acted disappointed, however, what I was thinking was, '' Thank God it's over, that sonofabitch was killing me!'' -Rick Farris

Thanks Rick.

[raylawpc]

BTW, Rick, on the "Fighters We Never Talk About" thread, I mentioned the great Japanese Jr. middleweight Koichi Wajima. I checked, and to my surprise, this 3-time WBA and two time undisputed Jr. Middleweight Champion is not in either the IBHOF or the WBHOF. He was a great champion fighter, and arguably the second best Japanese champion of all time, just behind Fighting Harada.

Any chance of getting this outstanding fighter into the WBHOF next year?

[Rick Farris]

BTW, Rick, on the "Fighters We Never Talk About" thread, I mentioned the great Japanese Jr. middleweight Koichi Wajima. I checked, and to my surprise, this 3-time WBA and two time undisputed Jr. Middleweight Champion is not in either the IBHOF or the WBHOF. He was a great champion fighter, and arguably the second best Japanese champion of all time, just behind Fighting Harada. Any chance of getting this outstanding fighter into the WBHOF next year?

YES!! Tom, thank you for this. In keeping with our being the WORLD Boxing HOF, I was planning to look for a worthy Japanese boxer to put on the ballot next year. You just saved me the trouble. I can promise you he will be on the ballot and almost certain to be inducted. If this happens, would you consider presenting him with the honor? It will give you a good reason to join us at my table next year. -Rick

[bennie]

Miguel Canto v Orlando Javierto
November 19, 1976

I'm a big fan of Canto's. He made 14 successful defences of his world flyweight title, which is as many as Monzon made of his middleweight crown. Once Canto lost the belt (in Korea), the division really suffered in his absence. Fighters couldn't hold on to the belt for five minutes.

[bennie]

Is it just me or is Blake doing his best impression of "Rocky" in that pic? Come to think of it they both sort of resemble that character at that moment.

I can still remember reading about this one at the time, a clash of dangerous, hungry prospects. That's what boxing should be all about.

[kikibalt]

Luis (Kid) Aguierrez

[dagosd2000]

Miguel Canto v Orlando Javierto
November 19, 1976

I'm a big fan of Canto's. He made 14 successful defences of his world flyweight title, which is as many as Monzon made of his middleweight crown. Once Canto lost the belt (in Korea), the division really suffered in his absence. Fighters couldn't hold on to the belt for five minutes.

About a slick a boxer that I've ever seen. Relaxed. Didn't try to run from you. Stood in front of you and made you miss. Almost like a Pep.

Too bad he was a Fly Weight. Too bad he didn't have the big punch. Too bad he came along at a time when the great Mexican fighters were also knockout artists.

Too bad he isn't recognized more.

[raylawpc]

BTW, Rick, on the "Fighters We Never Talk About" thread, I mentioned the great Japanese Jr. middleweight Koichi Wajima. I checked, and to my surprise, this 3-time WBA and two time undisputed Jr. Middleweight Champion is not in either the IBHOF or the WBHOF. He was a great champion fighter, and arguably the second best Japanese champion of all time, just behind Fighting Harada. Any chance of getting this outstanding fighter into the WBHOF next year?

YES!! Tom, thank you for this. In keeping with our being the WORLD Boxing HOF, I was planning to look for a worthy Japanese boxer to put on the ballot next year. You just saved me the trouble. I can promise you he will be on the ballot and almost certain to be inducted. If this happens, would you consider presenting him with the honor? It will give you a good reason to join us at my table next year. -Rick

Certainly, but I have no connection with Wajima other than reading about him in Ring and BI back in the day, and thinking he was a very good - yet largely unrecognized - champion.

[kikibalt]

From: in the Year 1955!
That's only 53 years ago!

'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.'

'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.'

'If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.

'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'

'If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.'

'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'

'Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'

'I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it.'

'I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas.'

'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'

'I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.'

'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.'

'It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.'

'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.'

'I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.'

'Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress.'

'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.'

'There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.'

'No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood.'

'If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.'

[bennie]

BTW, Rick, on the "Fighters We Never Talk About" thread, I mentioned the great Japanese Jr. middleweight Koichi Wajima. I checked, and to my surprise, this 3-time WBA and two time undisputed Jr. Middleweight Champion is not in either the IBHOF or the WBHOF. He was a great champion fighter, and arguably the second best Japanese champion of all time, just behind Fighting Harada. Any chance of getting this outstanding fighter into the WBHOF next year?

YES!! Tom, thank you for this. In keeping with our being the WORLD Boxing HOF, I was planning to look for a worthy Japanese boxer to put on the ballot next year. You just saved me the trouble. I can promise you he will be on the ballot and almost certain to be inducted. If this happens, would you consider presenting him with the honor? It will give you a good reason to join us at my table next year. -Rick

Certainly, but I have no connection with Wajima other than reading about him in Ring and BI back in the day, and thinking he was a very good - yet largely unrecognized - champion.

Great choice. The Japanese warrior - like Edwin Rosario - kept losing his world title but then kept winning it back.

[bennie]

LEFT HOOK magazine cover / April 1973, courtesy David Martinez Private Collection

Man, you gotta love this cover!

[bennie]

Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi pose during a press conference ahead of their fight in November at the Manchester 235 Casino on September 17, 2008 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

I see the 'great' trainer with the punk-like son has failed to prevent Hatton blowing up as usual.

[Rick Farris]

BTW, Rick, on the "Fighters We Never Talk About" thread, I mentioned the great Japanese Jr. middleweight Koichi Wajima. I checked, and to my surprise, this 3-time WBA and two time undisputed Jr. Middleweight Champion is not in either the IBHOF or the WBHOF. He was a great champion fighter, and arguably the second best Japanese champion of all time, just behind Fighting Harada. Any chance of getting this outstanding fighter into the WBHOF next year?

YES!! Tom, thank you for this. In keeping with our being the WORLD Boxing HOF, I was planning to look for a worthy Japanese boxer to put on the ballot next year. You just saved me the trouble. I can promise you he will be on the ballot and almost certain to be inducted. If this happens, would you consider presenting him with the honor? It will give you a good reason to join us at my table next year. -Rick

Certainly, but I have no connection with Wajima other than reading about him in Ring and BI back in the day, and thinking he was a very good - yet largely unrecognized - champion.

I know, Tom. But you may be the one responsible for getting him on the ballot. You're suggestion is valid and appreciated.

-Rick

[raylawpc]

Okay Rick. I'm happy to do anything I can to honor this excellent fighter and great champion.

[dagosd2000]

A DEBATE IS NOT A FIGHT


The last thing I'm going to preach is politics. I'm watching the Presedential debate. The Presedential debates often remind me of these "hyped up" fights that are supposed to be the battles of the century. Great expectations,but leave you in the end like you've been ripped off. I started to nod off.

I guess in a Presidential debate the candidate can't really say what he means because people will think he's too extreme. So both boys are carefull. Maybe a flurry,but they don't press the action. Instead of acting like Marquez and Vasquez,they pitter patter like DeLa Hoya and Mayweather. The economy 's wheels are coming off the cart and they're both prying for openings.The American public is looking for a real toe to toe behind those podiums.

I don't know how you guys feel,but I'm looking for a guy that says what's in his heart. Political correct is not for main eventers

[dagosd2000]

AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE

What I like about Frank is he's the personification of the LA. Chicano. I don't think he could explain what that means,but that's the reason he's what he is. Frank's not here to explain to us. He says he's not a writer. Often though with his short responses he says volumes. Born and raised in the neighborhood,he doesn't have to have it explained to him. Seeing East La. grow over the 70 odd years of his life has defined his character and visa versa. What would the Olympic Auditorium have been without Frank and his uncles going to the fights? Frank handling his sons. His friends and family socializing,shopping,driving up and down Whittier and Figueroa. Frank's a walking time capsule. He works off impulse. We often follow him around. If he's not interested,he won't say anything, or say it doesn't interest him.

Frank has a wry innate street sense. A biting sense of humor. Frank has been married for 54 years.He's into old cars. Frank picks up the guitar. Anyone who listened to Hunter Hancock is for real. Frank knows were to eat menudo con pata. What you see is what you get with Frank.He'll tell you what he likes and what he doesn't. No pretensions. No sneaky innuendos.

When I play "oldies" I think of Frank.Frank loves "oldies."

[kikibalt]

A DEBATE IS NOT A FIGHT


The last thing I'm going to preach is politics. I'm watching the Presedential debate. The Presedential debates often remind me of these "hyped up" fights that are supposed to be the battles of the century. Great expectations,but leave you in the end like you've been ripped off. I started to nod off.

I guess in a Presidential debate the candidate can't really say what he means because people will think he's too extreme. So both boys are carefull. Maybe a flurry,but they don't press the action. Instead of acting like Marquez and Vasquez,they pitter patter like DeLa Hoya and Mayweather. The economy 's wheels are coming off the cart and they're both prying for openings.The American public is looking for a real toe to toe behind those podiums.

I don't know how you guys feel,but I'm looking for a guy that says what's in his heart. Political correct is not for main eventers

Diego; I too Watch the Pres. debate, and it reminded me of the old fighter and the young fighter,the old fighter trying to use every trick in his old bag of tricks to put some hurt on the young fighter, but fining the young bull bobbin' & weavin' for 15 rounds and landing his jab at the old fighter, I seen the young bull winning a close decision and a rematch is in the making, the old fighter I think needs to hang up the gloves because he doesn't have a future, just has a past now, the fight I want to see is the one between their two sparring partners, that one I think will end by ko.

[kikibalt]

AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE

What I like about Frank is he's the personification of the LA. Chicano. I don't think he could explain what that means,but that's the reason he's what he is. Frank's not here to explain to us. He says he's not a writer. Often though with his short responses he says volumes. Born and raised in the neighborhood,he doesn't have to have it explained to him. Seeing East La. grow over the 70 odd years of his life has defined his character and visa versa. What would the Olympic Auditorium have been without Frank and his uncles going to the fights? Frank handling his sons. His friends and family socializing,shopping,driving up and down Whittier and Figueroa. Frank's a walking time capsule. He works off impulse. We often follow him around. If he's not interested,he won't say anything, or say it doesn't interest him.

Frank has a wry innate street sense. A biting sense of humor. Frank has been married for 54 years.He's into old cars. Frank picks up the guitar. Anyone who listened to Hunter Hancock is for real. Frank knows were to eat menudo con pata. What you see is what you get with Frank.He'll tell you what he likes and what he doesn't. No pretensions. No sneaky innuendos.

When I play "oldies" I think of Frank.Frank loves "oldies."

Diego,
I had Connie read your post, and she tells me, "did you pull the wool over Diego's eyes too" I say to her " what do you mean?" she answer's back "well thats not the kiki I know, the kiki I know is a dick.
Dick or not, thank you for your kind words, now I have to think of some kind words for you..

[dagosd2000]

AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE

What I like about Frank is he's the personification of the LA. Chicano. I don't think he could explain what that means,but that's the reason he's what he is. Frank's not here to explain to us. He says he's not a writer. Often though with his short responses he says volumes. Born and raised in the neighborhood,he doesn't have to have it explained to him. Seeing East La. grow over the 70 odd years of his life has defined his character and visa versa. What would the Olympic Auditorium have been without Frank and his uncles going to the fights? Frank handling his sons. His friends and family socializing,shopping,driving up and down Whittier and Figueroa. Frank's a walking time capsule. He works off impulse. We often follow him around. If he's not interested,he won't say anything, or say it doesn't interest him.

Frank has a wry innate street sense. A biting sense of humor. Frank has been married for 54 years.He's into old cars. Frank picks up the guitar. Anyone who listened to Hunter Hancock is for real. Frank knows were to eat menudo con pata. What you see is what you get with Frank.He'll tell you what he likes and what he doesn't. No pretensions. No sneaky innuendos.

When I play "oldies" I think of Frank.Frank loves "oldies."

Diego,
I had Connie read your post, and she tells me, "did you pull the wool over Diego's eyes too" I say to her " what do you mean?" she answer's back "well thats not the kiki I know, the kiki I know is a dick.
Dick or not, thank you for your kind words, now I have to think of some kind words for you..

You just did.

[dagosd2000]

A DEBATE IS NOT A FIGHT


The last thing I'm going to preach is politics. I'm watching the Presedential debate. The Presedential debates often remind me of these "hyped up" fights that are supposed to be the battles of the century. Great expectations,but leave you in the end like you've been ripped off. I started to nod off.

I guess in a Presidential debate the candidate can't really say what he means because people will think he's too extreme. So both boys are carefull. Maybe a flurry,but they don't press the action. Instead of acting like Marquez and Vasquez,they pitter patter like DeLa Hoya and Mayweather. The economy 's wheels are coming off the cart and they're both prying for openings.The American public is looking for a real toe to toe behind those podiums.

I don't know how you guys feel,but I'm looking for a guy that says what's in his heart. Political correct is not for main eventers

Diego; I too Watch the Pres. debate, and it reminded me of the old fighter and the young fighter,the old fighter trying to use every trick in his old bag of tricks to put some hurt on the young fighter, but fining the young bull bobbin' & weavin' for 15 rounds and landing his jab at the old fighter, I seen the young bull winning a close decision and a rematch is in the making, the old fighter I think needs to hang up the gloves because he doesn't have a future, just has a past now, the fight I want to see is the one between their two sparring partners, that one I think will end by ko.

I think I better go back to Writing School.

[dagosd2000]

Paul Newman died. He certainly entertained us throughout our growing years into adulthood. All the profits he made from his salad dressing he gave to charity. He was a regular guy it seemed to me.

I remember him playing Rocky Graziano. Now that he's gone,he'll soon discover Somebody Up There Likes Him.

[kikibalt]

Paul Newman died. He certainly entertained us throughout our growing years into adulthood. All the profits he made from his salad dressing he gave to charity. He was a regular guy it seemed to me.

I remember him playing Rocky Graziano. Now that he's gone,he'll soon discover Somebody Up There Likes Him.

One of the greatest actors of my life time, for sure.

May he R.I.P.

[kikibalt]

Shane Mosley to fight Ricardo Mayorga

Both boxers are thinking ahead to who might be their next opponents after the Saturday fight at Home Depot Center.
By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Ten months ago, in the despair of a hard-fought unanimous-decision loss to then-world welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, Pomona's Shane Mosley admitted retirement crossed his mind. He resolved instead to fight on, insisting he'd restrict his future bouts only to major events.

Mosley (44-5, 37 knockouts) was pitted in a non-title fight against another veteran beaten by Cotto, Zab Judah. But when Judah was injured in a training camp tantrum, Mosley's May bout was canceled. Now, his 37th birthday has passed and he's heading to the ring tonight at Home Depot Center's 7,000-seat tennis venue against veteran super-welterweight Ricardo Mayorga. In a non-pay-per-view fight against a man who has lost three of his last six bouts, former four-time world champion Mosley is a 9-to-1 favorite still striving for an elusive bigger fight.

Last week, he inserted his name as a possible opponent for current welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who dethroned Cotto in June. But the promoter of Cotto and Margarito, Top Rank, wants to schedule each of them against lesser foes in a January doubleheader and then have their rematch later in 2009.

Mosley "could be in the picture" to fight the Cotto-Margarito winner in late 2009, a Top Rank publicist said. Top Rank rejected Mosley's immediate interest in a Cotto rematch. Mosley's promoter, Richard Schaefer, said his fighter will immediately "call out" the retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. if victorious.

"That's truly the mega-event," Schaefer said. Contacted Friday, Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, said: "Floyd's enjoying his retirement. He has no interest in fighting Shane Mosley or anyone else."

The question, as it was nearly a decade ago when the pride of "P-town" was a rising star knocking out nearly every man he fought, is: What big name does want to fight Mosley?

Until Oscar De La Hoya made the leap (and lost) to Mosley in 2000, several other top fighters avoided the speedy, power-punching fighter who was a world champion at 25. He was "too good for his own good," boxing experts said. Problems with past promoters didn't help. His prime was spent (wasted?) routing Willy Wise, Adrian Stone and Shannan Taylor.

Now, post-Cotto, retirement could be one knockout loss away -- Mayorga is brazenly predicting a KO victory by the end of Round 3 -- and an impressive showing tonight appears essential for Mosley.

"This fight is my first step to the next step," Mosley said.

Mosley's popularity has been dinged by less-than-stellar pay-per-view sales with Cotto -- eclipsed by Cotto-Margarito -- along with his current steroid-related lawsuits against BALCO founder Victor Conte and by his former trainer Derryl Hudson.

"Cotto wouldn't take another big fight with me, Judah got hurt, and I couldn't sit around and wait," Mosley said. "I decided to go to Mayorga . . . and I get to do it in my own backyard."

Schaefer says he'll find that big bout for Mosley, cautioning "every fight is tough to make."Mayorga (29-6-1, 23 KOs) boasts he'll end Mosley's career tonight. "Mosley's speed is gone already," he said.

If Mayweather Jr. doesn't bite, Mosley's next-opponent options include once-beaten middleweight Paul Williams, a third bout against Vernon Forrest, or a third date with De La Hoya, Schaefer said.

"I don't care about belts anymore, but I do care about . . . the win that gives me the most respect," Mosley said.

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