Classic American West Coast Boxing

[raylawpc]

After the Roberto Duran fight?

The second Laguna fight, Randy.

In the recent Duran biography, Hands of Stone, the writer claims that Buchanan could have fought Duran again but that the Scot didn't want to travel to Panama (he wanted the fight at MSG). Given Kenny won the title in Puerto Rico and defended in LA and fought all over the globe (including a later challenge in Japan), I found such a revelation quite interesting.

Panama is Duran country. With all respect to Ken Buchanan, he fought Duran gamely and fought hard to the finish. However, he took an ass-whipping, and let's face it, he was never the same. Duran broke him.

-Rick

Carlos Ortiz told me that Panama is a miserable place to fight. ("The most miserable place on earth," was his exact quote, I believe.) The humidity was stifling, he said, and only a native could fight there and be unaffected by it. He told me that, had he known how miserable it would be to fight there, he would have never agreed to defend his title against Laguna in Panama.

Maybe Ortiz told Buchanan the same thing.

[kikibalt]

Joey Maxim


"Joey M."

By Diego

[kikibalt]

Carlos Zarate


"Carlito"

By Diego

[kikibalt]

Johnny Saxton vs Livio Minelli

[dagosd2000]

Tell Frankie that a fighter normally shows symptoms of dementia pugilistica within 14 to 16 years after turning professional. That info is from the AMA. Frankie Jr. turned pro in what 1975, 1976? If he wasn't showing anything by 1992, he has nothing to worry about.

Tom, Frankie turned pro in 1976, Frankie like Randy said is fine, clear eyes and clear head, Tony is something else, like I said he does slur his words, but he is no worse today then he was 10 years ago, so hopefully thats as bad as he will get.

Based on what I've read and learned - and I don't want to sound like a "know-it-all" but I have read about it and talked to neurologists who are clients - if Tony hasn't gotten noticably or progressively worse in the past ten years, then that should be it for him; he won't get any worse. If senility or Alzeheimer runs in your family, he might get it earlier than others, but that'll be about it.

Frank
i've talked to Frankie a couple of times at the banquets. He's all right. He's incitefull . Perfectly normal. Don't let no one kid ya',I always look for something in an ex fighter. He's fine. A real good kid to boot.

[Boxingnut]

Barry McGuigan vs Eusebio Pedroza

Barry kept an entire nation indoors on a warm summer's night. The way boxing has degenerated, it will probably never happen here again.
You know, Pedroza would have been stopped but his corner broke ammonia capsules under his nose between every round.

If my memory serves the official TV audience that watched McGuigan - Pedroza on the BBC was 20 million. The population of the UK at that time would of been about 55 million.

[kikibalt]

Burbank Boxing Club’s 12th Anniversary
By Edgar Gonzalez

Bobby Chacon made Honorary Member

Burbank, CA–Chocolate cake, fudge brownies, tri-tip steak, tamales, carne asada, lasagna–
usually not popular choices for fighters. But on this special occasion, everyone indulged…if just for
one day as the Burbank Boxing Club recently celebrated their 12th Anniversary with a barbecue
and picnic that was attended by over 65 club members.

A presentation was made inducting Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon into the Burbank Boxing Club as an honorary member. The two-time world champion said, “I’m happy to be here. I love you guys!” as he joked and laughed with the crowd, playfully posed for photos and signed autographs.

Although the event was all about boxing, the only fights that took place on this day were a
water balloon fight and the fight for the ball in a rowdy game of touch football. The only gloves put
on were BBQ mitts and the main event at this celebration was food, fun, and friendship.

The BBQ cookout quickly became a reunion as old photos were passed around, charter members
met new members, and everyone vied for prizes during a fundraising raffle. And as the sun set, everybody vowed to head back to the gym after partaking in a huge potluck-style buffet that would satisfy any heavyweight.

Coach Steve Harpst, founder of the Burbank Boxing Club, said, “I’ve seen the club grow so much. It’s great to witness all the progress through the years. Early members who were just teens when they began are now over 30 with kids of their own who are beginning to box–the second generation of the BBC.”

The boxing trainer, who was voted the “Best of Burbank” Fitness Instructor 2008, has enjoyed seeing
the club continue to grow. “When we first started out back in ‘96 (at the Burbank Community YMCA),
we were in a tiny room. We barely had any equipment and a lot of it was hand-me-downs,” he laughs.
“Now we have a brand new ring in a new Club Room.”

The club is made up of both men and women of all ages. Many use the boxing workout to get in shape, others to learn new skills, and some go on to fight in amateur bouts or go pro. Harpst and his team of young, amateur boxers will be heading to Canada for an International boxing show next month.

California Boxing Hall of Fame President Don Fraser, World Boxing Hall of Fame President Adolfo Perez, Vice President of Golden State Boxers Association Bill Dempsey Young (son of referee and judge Dick Young), and British lightweight Allen Syers also came to the event to show their support for Harpst’s club.

President Perez hopes to see a future champion come out of the club, “If these young fighters keep training right, I know we’ll have more champs. I think the Burbank Boxing Club should have BBQs
two to three times a year– I had a great time here!”

“The club is full of real nice, young people,” said President Fraser, “and there was so much food. It
really was a nice party.”

[kikibalt]

Jorge Arce in Los Angeles
By Edgar Gonzalez

Three-time world champion Jorge “El Travieso” Arce is currently in Los Angeles training for his upcoming fight in less than 22 days. If you recall Jorge Arce recently fought in September 15 against Rafael Concepcion and won the WBA interim super flyweight crown

”I did not get cut and had a lot of conditioning left over from that training camp and couldn’t let go by an opportunity to fight in Las Vegas. I love fighting there,” said Arce.

Arce will take on former world champion Isidro “Chino” Garcia in the co-main event under card show of “Final Impact” headline by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Matt Vanda on November 1 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino.

Arce is fighting some great wars to prove his a worthy opponent for Israel Vazquez. “I want big fights against great fighters and big names. I believe a fight with Israel Vazquez would be a great fight and I hope we get the opportunity to fight soon.”

Arce is one of my favorite boxers and I respect him for making each fight entertaining, but I don’t want to see him getting in the ring with Israel Vazquez, Vazquez is a killing

[kikibalt]

Antonio Margarito with Erik Morales

[Boxingnut]

Antonio Margarito with Erik Morales

at Morales size

[kikibalt]

Joe Louis & Max Schmeling....1938

[kikibalt]

Ruben 'Hurricane" Carter

[kikibalt]

[Boxingnut]

Ruben 'Hurricane" Carter

What a physique Carter had. I didn't care much for Carter's autobiography though, anyone else read it?

[kikibalt]

Antonio Margarito with Erik Morales

at Morales size

I'll bet he was 165-70 in that photo......

[kikibalt]

Courtesy of Bruce

Sometimes I worry about history repeating itself!

The trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange just after the crash of 1929. On Black Tuesday, October twenty-ninth, the market collapsed. In a single day, sixteen million shares were traded--a record--and thirty billion dollars vanished into thin air. Westinghouse lost two thirds of its September value. DuPont dropped seventy points. The "Era of Get Rich Quick" was over. Jack Dempsey, America's first millionaire athlete, lost $3 million. Cynical New York hotel clerks asked incoming guests, "You want a room for sleeping or jumping?"

[Randyman]

This photo was taken in November of '03 in my backyard. It was my sons going away party. These are the guys that I grew up with. To use Pug's term, they are a bunch of "Stand Up Guys". We have known each other since we were kids. We still pal around when we get the chance. They came that night in support of my son. That's being a stand up guy! From the left: Mike Teran (Keeny's Teran nephew), Big Al Campos, Me, Ken Robledo, Gabe Herrera.

About Al Campos: Talk about heart! This guy was thrown from his van in an accident, not too long after High School. He was paralyzed and told he would never walk again. He knew otherwise. He was a Basketball player and had plans to play in college. He's 6'6". He was a great all around athlete, and when he had to defend himself, a hell of a street fighter too. He refused to feel sorry for himself. Somehow he found it in himself and willed himself to walk again. It didn't happen right away. He was in a wheelchair for years.

He didn't wait around though. He became part of a group of wheelchair Basketball players ( I'm sure there is another name) and toured the country and lived out his dream to be a basketball player. No sissy this guy. At some point, against everything he was told, he began walking with a cane. Still does. They don't make them any tougher than Big Al. There is no way to say what this guy has been through over the years. But look into his eyes and his face. There is no quit in him.

There is one pal that wasn't there that night, he lives in Salt Lake City now. There have been a few guys that would come into our circle but this was the core. All these guys can take care of themselves and all these guys have my respect.

[Randyman]

Burbank Boxing Club’s 12th Anniversary
By Edgar Gonzalez

Bobby Chacon made Honorary Member

Burbank, CA–Chocolate cake, fudge brownies, tri-tip steak, tamales, carne asada, lasagna–
usually not popular choices for fighters. But on this special occasion, everyone indulged…if just for
one day as the Burbank Boxing Club recently celebrated their 12th Anniversary with a barbecue
and picnic that was attended by over 65 club members.

A presentation was made inducting Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon into the Burbank Boxing Club as an honorary member. The two-time world champion said, “I’m happy to be here. I love you guys!” as he joked and laughed with the crowd, playfully posed for photos and signed autographs.

Although the event was all about boxing, the only fights that took place on this day were a
water balloon fight and the fight for the ball in a rowdy game of touch football. The only gloves put
on were BBQ mitts and the main event at this celebration was food, fun, and friendship.

The BBQ cookout quickly became a reunion as old photos were passed around, charter members
met new members, and everyone vied for prizes during a fundraising raffle. And as the sun set, everybody vowed to head back to the gym after partaking in a huge potluck-style buffet that would satisfy any heavyweight.

Coach Steve Harpst, founder of the Burbank Boxing Club, said, “I’ve seen the club grow so much. It’s great to witness all the progress through the years. Early members who were just teens when they began are now over 30 with kids of their own who are beginning to box–the second generation of the BBC.”

The boxing trainer, who was voted the “Best of Burbank” Fitness Instructor 2008, has enjoyed seeing
the club continue to grow. “When we first started out back in ‘96 (at the Burbank Community YMCA),
we were in a tiny room. We barely had any equipment and a lot of it was hand-me-downs,” he laughs.
“Now we have a brand new ring in a new Club Room.”

The club is made up of both men and women of all ages. Many use the boxing workout to get in shape, others to learn new skills, and some go on to fight in amateur bouts or go pro. Harpst and his team of young, amateur boxers will be heading to Canada for an International boxing show next month.

California Boxing Hall of Fame President Don Fraser, World Boxing Hall of Fame President Adolfo Perez, Vice President of Golden State Boxers Association Bill Dempsey Young (son of referee and judge Dick Young), and British lightweight Allen Syers also came to the event to show their support for Harpst’s club.

President Perez hopes to see a future champion come out of the club, “If these young fighters keep training right, I know we’ll have more champs. I think the Burbank Boxing Club should have BBQs
two to three times a year– I had a great time here!”

“The club is full of real nice, young people,” said President Fraser, “and there was so much food. It
really was a nice party.”

Congratulations to Bobby, and kudos to all those involved in the inductions. There is a special place in Heaven for those that watch over and care for guys like Bobby. There few fighters that have captured my heart like Bobby Chacon.

[Randyman]

Courtesy of Bruce

Sometimes I worry about history repeating itself!

The trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange just after the crash of 1929. On Black Tuesday, October twenty-ninth, the market collapsed. In a single day, sixteen million shares were traded--a record--and thirty billion dollars vanished into thin air. Westinghouse lost two thirds of its September value. DuPont dropped seventy points. The "Era of Get Rich Quick" was over. Jack Dempsey, America's first millionaire athlete, lost $3 million. Cynical New York hotel clerks asked incoming guests, "You want a room for sleeping or jumping?"

I'll bet the jumpers had to pay cash.

[Randyman]

Antonio Margarito with Erik Morales

at Morales size

I'll bet he was 165-70 in that photo......

Good for him. Relax a little. Making weight for so many years is tough on a guy. Just don't do the Duran thing.

[Randyman]

Johnny Saxton vs Livio Minelli

Frank, I don't know how much the photographer got paid for this photograph but whatever it was, it wasn't enough. That is a helluva shot. he's either an extremely good photographer or an extremely lucky one. either way, a great photo.

[Randyman]

Tom says: regarding Mike Quarry
No, if you would have popped one of them, what purpose would it have served (other than make you feel better)? Would Mike have known what it was all about? It would have marred the celebration for your friend, and I'm sure neither you nor Mike would have wanted that.

Yeah, I know you're right. It's not my way anyway. My father, Sage that he was told me "Son, you can't fight everyone, you won't last" and "Always pick your battles". Good advice.

[Randyman]

Tell Frankie that a fighter normally shows symptoms of dementia pugilistica within 14 to 16 years after turning professional. That info is from the AMA. Frankie Jr. turned pro in what 1975, 1976? If he wasn't showing anything by 1992, he has nothing to worry about.

Tom, Frankie turned pro in 1976, Frankie like Randy said is fine, clear eyes and clear head, Tony is something else, like I said he does slur his words, but he is no worse today then he was 10 years ago, so hopefully thats as bad as he will get.

I'm no medical expert Frank but I have to go along with the rest of the guys on this one. However, and I know it sounds cliche, but when I say this I hope you know I mean it. I'll keep your son Tony in my prayers. I honestly believe in the power of prayer. Besides, it doesn't hurt to have God on your side.

Randy

[Randyman]

Ruben 'Hurricane" Carter

What a physique Carter had. I didn't care much for Carter's autobiography though, anyone else read it?

I didn't read the book but I saw the movie and didn't care much for the movie, probably for the same reason you didn't care for the book.

[Randyman]

Speaking of Jerry Quarry. In 1993 I took my son Andrew to a card show at the Long Beach Convention Center. Jerry Quarry was going to be there. I wanted Andrew to meet him. He was scheduled to be there at a certain time so we waited around, walked around, bought a few things and by the time we came back he was all set up and ready to meet his fans.

He had spot that was isolated and separated from all the other celebrity guests, which included Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The lines for these guys formed fast. The crowd was excited to meet these guys. All except Quarry. I would like to say that I waited in a long line to meet him but the truth is not one person besides myself wanted to meet him. It was awkward at first, like when a comic screws up the punchline and no one laughs. Then I though "Srew'em". Andrew and I have him all to ourselves.

We ended up spending about an hour talking to him. He was genuinely grateful that we wanted to meet him and get his autograph. As we talked he said he was making a comeback. Well, not knowing at the time about his failing mental health, I was excited for him, wishing him luck and so forth. The guy that was sitting next to me made eye contact with me and just shook his head ever so slightly, clueing me in on Jerry. He was letting me know not to pay to much attention to what he was saying. Suddenly the light bulb went on and my heart was suddenly broken. I mean it was broken. Here was this big strapping man with arms like oak. Strong and eager but in a few minutes it became obvious to me. my son didn't see it. He was only eleven at the time. It didn't change how I felt about him. He was still Jerry Quarry. he signed two photos for my son and I. I still have them.

In a way, I was glad that no one else spoke with him. people can be cruel. There is a difference between an all around sports fan and a true boxing fan. I think they would have laughed at him. I don't think I would have tolerated that.

I know I posted this a while back but I just wanted to attach the photos that I was talking about.