Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

We're over 100,000 views......

Hitting the big time!!

[Randyman]

1974 Los Angeles Nat. G.G. team on the way to Denver for the national tournament.

Frank, is that Zeffie in the back row. Sure looks like him. It's been years since I've seen him.

[kikibalt]

The movie

Frank, this movie is one of my personal favorites. A slice of 1940's-1950's L.A. from a Chicano perspective. Of course everyone knows that Art Aragon was in the movie, playing himself but did you know Keeny was in the movie? He's in a gym scene skipping rope.

Randy, I was there when the scene with Keeny was shot. I watch that movie at least once a month.

[kikibalt]

1974 Los Angeles Nat. G.G. team on the way to Denver for the national tournament.

Frank, is that Zeffie in the back row. Sure looks like him. It's been years since I've seen him.

It sure is, Randy.

[Randyman]

Rick; do you remember Felipe Torres?

By Randy De La O
Thoughts on Boxing and Boxers and Fights

Felipe Torres
Last Sunday, March 2nd, 2008, the following letter was posted on our message board on the Main Street Gym entry. It is from the brother of Felipe Torres, Epifanio Z. Torres. You may or may not remember but I wrote briefly about my experience sparring with him during the 1970's. They didn't make them any tougher than Felipe. Mr. Torres informs me that his brother Felipe passed away in 1993 under difficult circumstances. Our condolences to the entire Torres family.

My time with Felipe was brief, a couple of years at best. I never forgot him. How do you forget a man that taught you some of life's hardest lessons. He forced me to learn to stand my ground, taught me how to endure pain, forced me to learn how to slip a punch, and out of desperation taught me how to use the jab to keep an opponent off of me. More than anything he taught me humility, and to never judge a man by his appearance. I never made that mistake again and I have carried his memory and that lesson around with me my entire life. I have passed that lesson to my children.

I have no idea how much his family knows about his career or if they have an insight into the mind of a fighter, but I can tell them without even speaking to Felipe that he was proud of his days in the ring. Every fighter is. You carry that pride all of your days. It never leaves you, whether you had a couple of fights or a hundred. Whatever work you do after that, you are still a fighter. With that in mind you should know that when Felipe fought Roberto Duran on March 28, 1970 in Mexico City, he did not just fight another fighter, he fought a legend. How many men have passed that can make that statement? Just a handful, trust me. When Duran was young, and knocking out everyone that was put in front of him, Felipe fought him and went the distance. He went the distance with a legend!

I hope that someone who reads this will be able to provide a photo for the family, or perhaps a personal story. I'll be happy to print it. When Mr. Torres and family provide more about details about Felipe, I'll pass them on to you. Below is the letter by Epifanio Z. Torres

Rest in Peace, Felipe

Dear Sir,

My name is Epifanio Z. Torres. I live in El Centro, Ca. I am Felipe Torres' brother. My mom is right next to me right now, and I was translating to her the part of the article that you wrote about my brother Felipe. It almost brought tears to my mom and I. You probably don't know, but Felipe died in 1993. As you were saying, he was a tough little fighter, but like many of them, he died in very difficult conditions. I'd really appreciate in other information, pictures articles that you might have about him. My mom is 83 yrs. old and she'd probably love to see some of that stuff you and your readers might have about him. I have found, in some other websites, a partial boxing record of his. From what I remember, he fought with the best featherweights of his time: He fought Roberto Duran in Mexico City: Kuniaki Shibata in Japan (he lost split decision there which is equal to a victory), he also fought with Shozo Saijo in Hawaii and lost split decision; Ricardo Arredondo, was another one of his rivals, and I am not quite sure, but I think he fought a boxer named Cesar Sinda who died after their fight. I believe I saw his name on the WBC classifications as being the #7 featherweight of the world in the 1970's. A cousin of mine sent me this link, which I am planning to bookmark. I hope you, or some of your readers might have some more info. about my brother, or other links related to him.


Thank you,

Epifanio Z. Torres

Man, I just posted yesterday and already there's 3 pages added to this thread since then. No moss growing on anything here. In regards to Felipe Torres. He was a real favorite of mine. When he was a featherweight he was considered very fast and even went by the monicker Felipe 'The flash' Torres. He broke into the world ratings with a 6th round KO over Bobby Valdez. I didn't get a chance to see him until he fought lightweight and probably lost alot of that speed in the move up. He was funny, no muscle tone at all but a damn good body-puncher and forget about trying to hurt him. He wasn't big in defense but what a jaw. You could hit him all day but it was like there was a hinge attached to the back of his neck and he would just keep coming. I saw both of his fights with Cesar Sinda and both times Sinda looked phenominal boxing rings around Felipe. In the 1st fight, after losing the 1st 9 rounds, Felipe came out for the 10th like a man on a mission. Throwing nothing but body punches he knocked out Sinda. In the rematch Sinda stayed the course and took the decision. His best weight was probably at Featherweight, but he also held another KO over Angel Mayoral who went on to become #1 lightweight contender and regarding the fight with Duran, I glommed bits and pieces about that fight and found that Felipe hurt Duran pretty good in one of the rounds of their 10 rounder. Incidentally, I once had a conversation with Rick about two of the best jaws I ever saw, Raul Montoya and Felipe Torres. I mentioned to him, "Man, did you ever see Montoya go down?" And to my surprise he said, "Yeah, against Dwight Hawkins." Of course I researched the fight, which I always do and found Rick's memory of course to be 100% correct. And, researching Felipe Torres, which I had to do, I could find only one instance where he went down. Amazingly, against Raul Montoya in the 2nd round of their fight (I think they fought twice), but I believe Torres got up to win. Good memories of a damn good fighter.

Scartissue

Scar, you're not kidding about Felipe's jaw. It was made of granite. One day when we were sparring I landed a right hand with everything I had behind it. Might have been the best right hand I ever threw. He stopped for just a second, ripped of his head gear, staring at me the whole time. I'm sure it was just my imagination but I could swear I remember him scratching the ring floor like a bull. I remember thinking "Oh Sh*t", then he was on me. I've written before that sparring with Felipe was like fighting for you life. It was. Later, Mel said I hurt him, and that's what pissed him off. I don't know. I know all of you guys here will understand when I say, looking back, it was an honor to spar with someone like Felipe Torres.

[Randyman]

The movie

Frank, this movie is one of my personal favorites. A slice of 1940's-1950's L.A. from a Chicano perspective. Of course everyone knows that Art Aragon was in the movie, playing himself but did you know Keeny was in the movie? He's in a gym scene skipping rope.

Randy, I was there when the scene with Keeny was shot. I watch that movie at least once a month.

Man, I thought I knew something that you didn't, LOL.

[kikibalt]

Junior Golden Gloves Jackets . . .

While going thru boxes full of old boxing memorabelia that I pulled from storage this past week, I came across one of two Jr. Golden Gloves jackets that I had won as a kid. It was exactly like the photo Frank posted when he found a couple his son's had won in the 70's. The date on mine was 1968, the last year I fought in the Jr's before moving up to the amateurs.

That jacket meant something to me, like a title belt. Lots of great L.A. boxers had won and worn those jackets . . . the Quarry brothers, Mando Ramos, the Baltazar brothers, the Sandoval brothers, Albert Davila, Frankie Duarte and so many others. Frank, this is just a short list from my era. Can you name a few moere L.A. Jr. Golden Gloves champs that went on to make it in the pros? Before and after my days.

-Rick

Rick & Frank,
Did you guys have Jr. Olympics in So-Cal; we had Jr. Olympics in Nor-Cal but not Jr. Golden Gloves. We just didn't have enough amature tournaments in Nor-Cal I fought in the Jr. Olympics a couple years, then at sixteen we could move up to amatures, (I think 1972 the rule changed the age from 17 to 16), which is the year I fought in the Golden Gloves I had turned 16 nine days before and had been yapping in my dads ear the second I heard the rule changed. If we were lucky there would be one other amature show a year for some benefit or another and I was also lucky enough to open on a few pro cards as an amature. I am a firm beleiver that you do most of your learning as an amature, you can get away with a mistake or two without getting your head knocked off and if you prove yourself worthy then you turn pro, which I never did. Of course today you would turn pro and your first fight would be a world title fight of some kind or another.
Bruce

Bruce,

Yes we had the Jr. Olympics here in L.A., in 1976 my son Tony won the national tourney. that when we met Alex Ramos for the first time.

[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.

Frank, I'm not sure if you saw this. Mike Teran is in the photo. This is the most recent photo I have of him.

[kikibalt]

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.

Frank, I'm not sure if you saw this. Mike Teran is in the photo. This is the most recent photo I have of him.

Randy, first time I seen it, great photo and it looks like a bunch of great guys.

[kikibalt]

Junior Golden Gloves Jackets . . .

While going thru boxes full of old boxing memorabelia that I pulled from storage this past week, I came across one of two Jr. Golden Gloves jackets that I had won as a kid. It was exactly like the photo Frank posted when he found a couple his son's had won in the 70's. The date on mine was 1968, the last year I fought in the Jr's before moving up to the amateurs.

That jacket meant something to me, like a title belt. Lots of great L.A. boxers had won and worn those jackets . . . the Quarry brothers, Mando Ramos, the Baltazar brothers, the Sandoval brothers, Albert Davila, Frankie Duarte and so many others. Frank, this is just a short list from my era. Can you name a few moere L.A. Jr. Golden Gloves champs that went on to make it in the pros? Before and after my days.

-Rick

Rick, there is some more, I'm sure, give me a day or 2 to come up with some names.

[kikibalt]

The movie

Frank, this movie is one of my personal favorites. A slice of 1940's-1950's L.A. from a Chicano perspective. Of course everyone knows that Art Aragon was in the movie, playing himself but did you know Keeny was in the movie? He's in a gym scene skipping rope.

Randy, I was there when the scene with Keeny was shot. I watch that movie at least once a month.

Btw Randy, that scene with Keeny was shot at the Teamsters Gym.

[Randyman]

Frank says:
Btw Randy, that scene with Keeny was shot at the Teamsters Gym.

I'm glad you mentioned that. Mike didn't know where either. I'll let him know. We had discussed that once.

[Randyman]

Salvador Sanchez vs Nicky Perez

I had a fighter fighting in Tucson Az. one time, Nicky Perez was fighting the main, his opponent didn't show up for the weigh-in, now this is in the days of same day weigh-in's, an unless an opponent could be found for Perez, there was going to be no fights that nite, Jimmy Montoya tells the promoter "don't worry I'll fine somebody for Perez" Jimmy goes outside the hotel and grabs the first guy that he sees that looks close to Perez in weigh, offer him a few bucks to fight, the guy tells Jimmy "I never fought, but I'll do it", I could see Jimmy from my room windrow showing the guy how to jab in the parking lot, LOL!!, well he goes 4 rounds before the fight is stopped, the promoter had a after the fights party and the guy is there and is asking Jimmy "papi, when am I fighting again?'

Oh Frank, GREAT STORY! Classic, although it certainly wasn't the first time. That's boxing, and showmanship, and some tough guys walking down the street.

-Rick

Frank and Rick, I have a good story for you. My cousin Louie Burke was at the fights, somewhere in New Mexico, most likely either Albuquerque or Las Cruces, I forget which. He was with his brother referee Rocky Burke and some friends. He had been drinking a few beers. The promoter comes up to him, in a panic "Louie I need a fighter for the main event, one of the guys didn't show up" (I'm paraphrasing). Louie says "Well, what do you want me to do?" "Will you fight Louie"? says the promoter. Not only has Louie been drinking but he's been retired about four or five years. But he goes in and pounds out a 10 round decision.

[Randyman]

[BoxBuzz]

Over 100,000 views.....and ALL PURE BOXING SATISFACTION!!

Heartfelt and sincere thanks for this rich source of fascinating boxing history.

[raylawpc]

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.

Frank, I'm not sure if you saw this. Mike Teran is in the photo. This is the most recent photo I have of him.

Randy, your son joins an elite company. Jack Dempsey was a Coastie in WWII - so was my Dad!!

[raylawpc]

I had a fighter fighting in Tucson Az. one time, Nicky Perez was fighting the main, his opponent didn't show up for the weigh-in, now this is in the days of same day weigh-in's, an unless an opponent could be found for Perez, there was going to be no fights that nite, Jimmy Montoya tells the promoter "don't worry I'll fine somebody for Perez" Jimmy goes outside the hotel and grabs the first guy that he sees that looks close to Perez in weigh, offer him a few bucks to fight, the guy tells Jimmy "I never fought, but I'll do it", I could see Jimmy from my room windrow showing the guy how to jab in the parking lot, LOL!!, well he goes 4 rounds before the fight is stopped, the promoter had a after the fights party and the guy is there and is asking Jimmy "papi, when am I fighting again?'

Oh Frank, GREAT STORY! Classic, although it certainly wasn't the first time. That's boxing, and showmanship, and some tough guys walking down the street.

-Rick

Frank and Rick, I have a good story for you. My cousin Louie Burke was at the fights, somewhere in New Mexico, most likely either Albuquerque or Las Cruces, I forget which. He was with his brother referee Rocky Burke and some friends. He had been drinking a few beers. The promoter comes up to him, in a panic "Louie I need a fighter for the main event, one of the guys didn't show up" (I'm paraphrasing). Louie says "Well, what do you want me to do?" "Will you fight Louie"? says the promoter. Not only has Louie been drinking but he's been retired about four or five years. But he goes in and pounds out a 10 round decision.

Gosh, I thought that kind of stuff only happened in Oklahoma City.

[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.

Frank, I'm not sure if you saw this. Mike Teran is in the photo. This is the most recent photo I have of him.

Randy, you son joins an elite company. Jack Dempsey was a coastie in WWII - so was my Dad!!

I'm glad you said that Tom. The Coast Guard gets the least amount of press and attention of all the Military branches. At the time he went in, I had no idea that they traveled the world. The have jurisdiction in a way no other branch does. My son had been on the USCGC Mellon for a few years and had literally been around the world. When he found out the USCGC Midgett was going to Iraq he requested a transfer and went to Iraq. He was training Military Police from some of the military from various countries in the Gulf area. I'm not sure which countries. They taught self defense, arrest techniques, etc. He saved the lives of three ship mates.

I was aware of Dempsey being in the Coast Guard. In one of the buildings in the Cape May Boot Camp facilities in New Jersey there is a tribute and recognition of Dempsey's service. Kudos to your Dad for his service. I was in the Navy myself.

[Randyman]

Jack Dempsey

[Randyman]

Randy De La O-18 years old and fresh out of Boot Camp. Camp Nimitz, San Diego. 1972

[kikibalt]

My brother Mando and I.....C.1970

[Randyman]

My brother Mando and I.....C.1970

Nice photo of you and your brother Frank. Was Mando in Nam?

[Randyman]

I just got off the phone with my son Andrew. We talked for about an hour. It feels good to know that I can still give the kid some advice, regardless of the miles.

[dagosd2000]

The movie

Frank, this movie is one of my personal favorites. A slice of 1940's-1950's L.A. from a Chicano perspective. Of course everyone knows that Art Aragon was in the movie, playing himself but did you know Keeny was in the movie? He's in a gym scene skipping rope.

I'm surprised you red blooded boys didn't mention the young Rosita Moreno. I think she was 16 when she made her first movie in 1950 playing a "Chola" or in those days a "Pachuca". Spicy little thing.

[Randyman]

The De La O Brothers-Top photo from the left: Gilbert, Tony, Jimmy, Larry, and my father Andrew. The man seated on the grass is my grandfather Santiago De La O. There is one other brother, Henry, that is not in these photos. There are also four sisters.

Somewhere in East L.A.