Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

ROCKIN’ RODNEY MOORE
KING OF THE BLUE

An Interview by Ken Hissner

One can not talk about Philly’s legendary Blue Horizon without mentioning the king of the Blue, Rockin’ Rodney Moore, the self proclaimed “one of Philly’s all time greats”. In 29 appearances he only lost once along with a draw at the classic Philly venue. He was inducted into the New Jersey International Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 2007. I caught up with Moore and he was good enough to do a Q&A with me in spite of his busy schedule as President/CEO of “Fight To Learn”, an after school program designed to help 5-12 year old boys and girls improve their lives through academics, life skills training and athletics. Past funding contributors have included HBO Sports, the Evander Holyfield and the George Foreman Foundations.

KEN HISSNER: Let’s start at the beginning. Who was your trainer, manager and what gym did you work out of?

RODNEY MOORE: Fred Jenkins was my trainer and manager. We worked out of the ABC Recreation Center, 26th & Masters, in Philadelphia. In sparring with guys like Marvin Garris, Ernest Jackson, Bryan “Boogaloo” Jones and Andre Sharpe Richardson, it taught me how to fight. I learned from those early beatings. Jenkins was quoted as saying “I took a guy with no ability and made him into a world class fighter. Adding, “he was a fighter than listened well to instruction.” To that Moore replied, “I believe my trainer Fred Jenkins saw some possible talent in me early in my career. Fighting those very rough and tough experienced guys when I was inexperienced and none of them inflicted any damage to me or really hurt me. I was put in over my head (a lot in my first 15 fights) at the very beginning and survived any serious physical beatings. Therefore, after all that Fred realized that he had a guy that can potentially become a future world champion. Fred is one of those “good” trainers that should get more recognition than he has gotten. After all he has produced so many quality fighters that came from his stable.

KH: There have been some world champions and top contenders come out of there.

RM: Olympic gold medalist and world champion David Reid, along with IBF lightweight champion Charley “Choo Choo” Brown were two of the world champions.

KH: You lost three of your first five fights. Were you discouraged?

RM: No, because I first fought Tyrone Trice, a top amateur out of Detroit’s Kronk gym. In losing a close fight to him I knew I could fight. I was also put in over my head in my fifth fight with Ricky Young in New York. That was another learning experience.

KH: Then you reeled off eight straight wins before being put in with contender Brian Baronet (29-2) of South Africa and losing a split decision.

RM: It was my first 10-rounder. I jumped from a six to a ten (rounder). (Baronet had won a WBA eliminator match the year before).

KH: You also lost to Miguel Santana (18-0) but would reverse it two years later.

RM: I was much more experienced by then.

KH: You were put in with former title challenger Terrence Ali (32-4-2) after that.

RM: By the ninth round my nose had swelled up and I couldn’t continue.

KH: You then went on a 20 fight unbeaten streak including two draws.

RM: The one draw was with Bryant Paden on four days notice and I had to lose 15 pounds.

KH: In that win streak you beat some good fighters. Names like Santana, Olympic gold medalist Jerry Page, future world champ Sammy Fuentes, Tony Baltazar and Victorio Belcher. Tell us about some of those bouts.

RM: When I was to fight Belcher (30-2-1) I overheard his manager at ringside, Lou Duva say “you’ll get him out of there quick. He’s nothing but a gym worker.” He was talking about his fighter Belcher whom he signed so he didn’t have to put his other fighter Meldrick Taylor in with him. I stopped him in the 5th. I watched Page (11-3) in the amateurs and won but just couldn’t get him out of there. (He was surprised when I told him it was Page’s last fight). Fuentes was a hard puncher. I was able to get him out of there early. Baltazar was the second hardest puncher I ever fought. (Felix Trinidad would later become the first.)

KH: After the Baltazar fight you lost what would be your only loss at the legendary Blue Horizon by split decision to a Mexican boxer named Ramon Zavala (13-7).

RM: For some strange reason I used my bathroom scale while in training. It kept showing a high weight and I believe I over trained not realizing I was on weight.

KH: You win back to back fights over Louie Lomeli (33-3) and former WBA lightweight champion Livingstone Bramble (34-9-2) to earn a title bout in 1993.

RM: I fought Charles Murray (28-1) for the vacant IBF light welter title. I trained like never before, doing more than I ever did. I think I left my fight in the gym. I made the mistake of trying to knock him out while he was scoring punches by boxing.

KH: After scoring a knockout win in your next fight you go nine months without a fight and get your second title shot against Frankie Randall (51-3-1) for his WBA light welter title in December of 1994 in Mexico.

RM: I don’t like using excuses but I had trouble making weight. It would be my last fight as a junior welterweight. Don King was my promoter and promised me if I took this fight he would get me another shot if I didn’t win.

KH: You were stopped in the 7th round. Then you beat three guys with losing record’s and are put in with IBF welter champ Felix Trinidad (27-0).

RM: That was for taking the Randall fight. Trinidad was the hardest puncher I ever fought. I knew my career was coming to an end after that loss.

KH: Over a year later you beat Tony Ortiz (8-3-1) in three rounds ending your career. Did you know it would be your last fight?

RM: I pretty much knew it because I was starting to complain to my wife about training. She said “the fire is out of your eyes.” We both knew I was finished after that fight.

KH: I have your record as 38-10-2 with 20 knockouts. I know you have it a little different, and better I must say. One thing for sure you can’t help to think about the Blue Horizon without thinking about Rockin’ Rodney Moore.

RM: I had 29 fights at the Blue Horizon losing only once. I was given the nickname “Mr. Blue Horizon”. It would be upgraded to “King of the Blue Horizon”. I’m glad we finally got together. I look forward to reading the article.

[dagosd2000]

My wife has been sick for a couple of days. I let the dishes pile up. I'm going to do the right thing and do the dishes for her. I'm just trying to muster up the will. I might even do a little cleaning. Just not right now.

Good boy

Randy, diego will come over and help you.....

Randy
CORRECTION. Diego will not come over and help you. You're on your own pal.

[Randyman]

Randy, diego will come over and help you.....


Randy
CORRECTION. Diego will not come over and help you. You're on your own pal.

Do you mean to tell me that I have been waiting all this time on the front porch for nothing! I was going to pull the ol' Tom Sawyer, Rog and let you do the whole thing. Jeez!

Seriously, when my wife saw that I was about to do the dishes she just took over. Red blooded American husband that I am, I didn't argue the point. I tried, right?

[dagosd2000]

I had forgotten about this photo taken during the filming of Rocky at the Main Street Gym in 1976. I believe I got it off the Rocky website some time ago. Mel is at the extreme left, wearing a white shirt, standing behind Jimmy Gambina, who is holding the white towel. Jimmy is the son of the late trainer Ralph Gambina. I'm standing nest to Mel but can't be seen. This scene was deleted from the movie.

During the filming of the movie, Burgess Meredith ate lunch with Mel and I. He was as down to earth as anyone could be. He picked Mel's brain as only a professional actor would do. He was researching while he was eating lunch. He was a pro. Now, a lot has been said over the years, about Burgess' Mickey being patterned after Howie Steindler, the owner of the Main Street Gym. I couldn't say. I see a lot of Mel Epstein in Mickey Goldmill.

Rick and Randy
Your stories about Mel Epstein,like Bruce says,are very funny. Those old timers couldn't understand the "new wave" that had taken over. The generation gap is exemplified with guys like Epstein.

I used to coach with an old timer like Mel. His name was George Dixon.He was an ex WWII Marine drill sergeant.Dixon still cut his hair short like he hadn't left the Corps. He had coached with Ara Parsegian at Notre Dame and was Vince Lombardi's backfield coach when Vince was with the Redskins. I was working with a staff at Clairemont High School in San Diego made up of ex pros. Monte Jackson(former Raider),Dan Audick(ex 49er),Nate Wright(head coach and ex Viking). Dixon was an offesive co ordinator.

Just to listen to this guy everyday on his viewpoints was hysterical.
Fighters. "Shit,if these guys weren't fightin' they be thrown in jail all the time and have syphyillis."
Co Ed P.E. "Shit, I can't tell the girls from the boys anymore."
Today's football players. "Shit,all these specialty players. In my day you played both ways. The whole game, or you didn't play at all."
Modern music. "Shit. Listen to this stuff. I'm surprised everyone isn't runnin' around throwing spears at each other and fornicating in the streets."

And if he didn't know your name,that meant he wasn't interested in you. So if he called you "Thimble Dick",you knew you weren't on his Christmas list.

[dagosd2000]

Randy, diego will come over and help you.....


Randy
CORRECTION. Diego will not come over and help you. You're on your own pal.

Do you mean to tell me that I have been waiting all this time on the front porch for nothing! I was going to pull the ol' Tom Sawyer, Rog and let you do the whole thing. Jeez!

Seriously, when my wife saw that I was about to do the dishes she just took over. Red blooded American husband that I am, I didn't argue the point. I tried, right?

Randy
You made my point. My wife could be suffering from pneumonia ,and if she saw me trying to wash dishes and do laundry or something like that,she get mad . I don't even have to fake it. I'm no good at being a domestic. You'd think that the women in my life would want to see me help out. All I do is make things worse. Gee,I'm lucky

[Rick Farris]

My wife has been sick for a couple of days. I let the dishes pile up. I'm going to do the right thing and do the dishes for her. I'm just trying to muster up the will. I might even do a little cleaning. Just not right now.

Good boy

Randy, diego will come over and help you.....

I will too. I'll bring Monica over, she'll clean the dishes while you, Roger and I have a beer and watch football, or some old fight tapes. I just made that suggestion to Monica and this was her reply: Oh well, I'll work on this and maybe . . . well, maybe not. Uh, see you guys at the banquet

-Ricardo

[Randyman]

Speaking of big hearts. Here's two photos of Danny "Little Red" Lopez that have never been published on the web before. The top photo was taken at the Main Street Gym. The bottom photo is from the Olympic Auditorium July 26, 1975. The victim is Raul Cruz. Stopped in the 6th round by Danny.

[Randyman]

Hey guys, I'm no domestic either. The last time I did the dishes was around 1982. My wife was in the hospital. I really was going to do the dishes. I gotta be honest though, it didn't hurt my feelings any when she told me to get out of the way. I feigned disappointment and then left quickly before she changed her mind!

[dagosd2000]

Speaking of big hearts. Here's two photos of Danny "Little Red" Lopez that have never been published on the web before. The top photo was taken at the Main Street Gym. The bottom photo is from the Olympic Auditorium July 26, 1975. The victim is Raul Cruz. Stopped in the 6th round by Danny.

Randy
Interesting shot of Danny standing over Cruz. I used to watch Cruz fight in TJ. He had his moments. Beat Alfredo Marcano and Castillo.I don't know much about him,but he either took the guy out or he wound up looking like he did in that picture.

[dagosd2000]

Hey guys, I'm no domestic either. The last time I did the dishes was around 1982. My wife was in the hospital. I really was going to do the dishes. I gotta be honest though, it didn't hurt my feelings any when she told me to get out of the way. I feigned disappointment and then left quickly before she changed her mind!

Feigning dissapointment. Very imprtant to have that mastered.

[Randyman]

Speaking of big hearts. Here's two photos of Danny "Little Red" Lopez that have never been published on the web before. The top photo was taken at the Main Street Gym. The bottom photo is from the Olympic Auditorium July 26, 1975. The victim is Raul Cruz. Stopped in the 6th round by Danny.

Randy
Interesting shot of Danny standing over Cruz. I used to watch Cruz fight in TJ. He had his moments. Beat Alfredo Marcano and Castillo.I don't know much about him,but he either took the guy out or he wound up looking like he did in that picture.

Cruz wasn't alone, 81.25 % of his opponents ended up the same way (I looked it up). In my minds eye, this is how I still see Danny.

[kikibalt]

Hell!, I do the dishs and laundry.

When you're a kept man you have to do those things....

[dagosd2000]

MY TAKE ON WASHING DISHES (and other protocols of etiquette)

Instesd of washing dishes,just throw them away or fling them off the porch. You can buy new ones. Or better yet,use paper plates or eat right out of the can.

Napkins? Never use them. I'm Italian and have hairy arms. Do I need to go on?

Carrying the groceries in: Why should I? I already know how strong I am.

Stashing money from my wife: I spend my money on booze and broads and blow the rest of it.

Lying: What's that?

[dagosd2000]

Hell!, I do the dishs and laundry.

When you're a kept man you have to do those things....

Hey Fellas
It's about time we rescue Frank. I've got a reservation at the Boom Boom Club.

[Rick Farris]

Randy & Rick,
Nothing has made me laugh harder on this thread than the stories you two have told about Mel Epstien; that one takes the cake! Has there been a pictures of Mel posted on this thread? I would love to see one.
Keep up the great stories!
Bruce

Thanks Bruce. Mel was an original. Think Jimmy Durante's Knobby Walsh, Joe Palooka's trainer. Despite Mel's skepticism and cynicism, he had an often hilarious personality, sometimes unknowingly. The flip side of all that is that he had a heart of gold, if he liked you! Or more accurately, you were either on his shit list or you weren't, there were no in betweens with Mel. He had an ongoing feud with most of the other trainers at the Main Street Gym. Usually it was over something petty. If he believed he was right about something there was no changing his mind. Throughout the year regardless of the weather, Mel wanted the windows open. It didn't matter what anyone else wanted, those damned windows were going to be open. "A fighter needs fresh air" he would say. He hated women. Fell in love once in his life, almost got married, it didn't work out so screw women, or as he would say it, wimmin. He was a curmudgeon and mysogynist of the worst kind. Rick can tell you more about that. I can only say that I have never forgotten Mel.

In some ways, he was more like a grandfather to me. He knew that too. Mel had leukemia and was often sick, which could account for his foul moods. I would often run errands for him. Now I lived across town, but when Mel called me for favor I never said no. With all of his peculiar faults I loved the man. There was a time when I was staying with Mel for a few days. He was ill. He was taking a hot bath and for some reason that day, his legs failed him. I heard him yelling for me. He was a little frightened, I could tell by his voice. I went to the door and asked if he was alright. He said "No, I need help getting out" I had to ask! I said "What do you want me to do?" "Get in here and help me get out of here!" So, I did, helped him dry off too. It was awkward, I'll tell you. But he was a friend, so you do what you have to.

I had never had an omelet until I met Mel. It just wasn't anything anyone in my family ate. He made me my first omelet. Got me to drink buttermilk and eat cole slaw. Two things I hated. I enjoy both of them now. He cooked so many meals for me. I learned not only about boxing and boxing history but more importantly he taught me about life. I am in some ways indebted to him. That's how I pay him back. By remembering him.

I don't have any photos of Mel. In fact, that's a sore spot with me, regarding another fighter that Mel was training at the same time as me. I'm sure Rick remembers him. I won't mention his name because I don't believe in gossip. Maybe someday I'll share it, minus the name.

Randy

I have one photo of Mel and I together, and a couple more of him in my corner before a fight. I have just yanked a lot of boxes from storage, and my wife and I are scanning the pictures and articles. Somewhere in the pile is that photo of Mel and I standing in front of the Elks Bldg. where Parnassus and Suey Welch had their offices. I had just weighed in for a TV fight later that night at the Forum. We are standing together, I'm holding a pair of red satin boxing trunks, Mel's hands are on his hips. Neither of us are in smiling moods, we stop for the photo, and then go to Mel's apartment around the corner where he made me breakfast . . . an omlette with oysters in it. Mel told me not to let the oysters make me horny and run off with my girlfriend and "waste" my energy before the fight. He just assumed things, but sometimes he was right, I guess? You know Randy, how he'd stare into your eyes, as if reading the events that transpired in my life since he last looked into them. I'll find the photo, get it to Frank, with other stuff about what we write here. Lots of Jr. Golden Gloves memories, faces that will bring a smile to Frank's face.

I'm glad you guys are a part of my life today. I value all of you as friends. I mean that!

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Hell!, I do the dishs and laundry.

When you're a kept man you have to do those things....

Hey Fellas
It's about time we rescue Frank. I've got a reservation at the Boom Boom Club.

The BOOM BOOM Club? Tell me where, and when. I'll pick-up Randy and we'll swing over to the barrio and kidnap Frank. Then it's off to the races!

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Hell!, I do the dishs and laundry.

When you're a kept man you have to do those things....

Hey Fellas
It's about time we rescue Frank. I've got a reservation at the Boom Boom Club.

I don't want to be rescue, I like been a kept man, get up when I feel like it, don't have go to work, have a few bucks in my pocket, eat when I want, what can be better then that?... 8)

[Randyman]

I have one photo of Mel and I together, and a couple more of him in my corner before a fight. I have just yanked a lot of boxes from storage, and my wife and I are scanning the pictures and articles. Somewhere in the pile is that photo of Mel and I standing in front of the Elks Bldg. where Parnassus and Suey Welch had their offices. I had just weighed in for a TV fight later that night at the Forum. We are standing together, I'm holding a pair of red satin boxing trunks, Mel's hands are on his hips. Neither of us are in smiling moods, we stop for the photo, and then go to Mel's apartment around the corner where he made me breakfast . . . an omlette with oysters in it. Mel told me not to let the oysters make me horny and run off with my girlfriend and "waste" my energy before the fight. He just assumed things, but sometimes he was right, I guess? You know Randy, how he'd stare into your eyes, as if reading the events that transpired in my life since he last looked into them. I'll find the photo, get it to Frank, with other stuff about what we write here. Lots of Jr. Golden Gloves memories, faces that will bring a smile to Frank's face.

I'm glad you guys are a part of my life today. I value all of you as friends. I mean that!

-Rick

Same here Rick, the feeling is mutual. Most of you guys know that Rick and I know each from back in the day. What you might not know is that it has been almost 32 years since we have seen each other. Our hooking up again is due to Frank Baltazar. Frank contacted me through my website a back in 2007 and has been extremely generous with his photos and stories but more importantly bringing back into the boxing world, and ultimately, here. I am grateful. Frank, I consider you a true friend.

Rick, a few years back, Ed Hernandez came up to me and asked "Didn't you say that Mel also trained a guy named Rick Farris?" Well, it turns out he was reading all your stuff online. When it clicked in him that you were the same Rick Farris. He brought you to my attention. Ed is really looking forward to meeting you. Fate was working to bring us together. Maybe something is brewing in the horizon?

[Randyman]

Hey guys, I'm no domestic either. The last time I did the dishes was around 1982. My wife was in the hospital. I really was going to do the dishes. I gotta be honest though, it didn't hurt my feelings any when she told me to get out of the way. I feigned disappointment and then left quickly before she changed her mind!

Feigning dissapointment. Very imprtant to have that mastered.

It's an acquired skill and one that I have indeed mastered.

[Randyman]

MY TAKE ON WASHING DISHES (and other protocols of etiquette)

Instesd of washing dishes,just throw them away or fling them off the porch. You can buy new ones. Or better yet,use paper plates or eat right out of the can.

Napkins? Never use them. I'm Italian and have hairy arms. Do I need to go on?

Carrying the groceries in: Why should I? I already know how strong I am.

Stashing money from my wife: I spend my money on booze and broads and blow the rest of it.

Lying: What's that?

Rog, just by coincidence that's my exact definition of a red blooded American husband. My arms aren't hairy but I don't let that stop me.

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