Classic American West Coast Boxing

[bennie]

Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique and Ruby Bolanos

Bolanos and his glamorous wife certainly make a striking couple.

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Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique and Ruby Bolanos

Bolanos and his glamorous wife certainly make a striking couple.

Bennie, not only do they make striking couple, but both are great people.

[Rick Farris]

Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique and Ruby Bolanos

Bolanos and his glamorous wife certainly make a striking couple.

I never had the opportunity to see Enrique Bolanos fight. I grew up listening to stories of Bolanos from my grandfather, Johnny Flores, Suey Welch and, of course, George Parnassus. In 1971, I did have a chance to meet Bolanos, shake his hand at least. He smiled easily and often in the company of the guys he was most comfortable with. At a lunch put on by Parnassus in his office, there were several all-time great fighters in attendence, but it was obvious that Bolanos was the "main event" guest. I love all these Bolanos pics and stories, and I envy Frank and those here who saw him up close. Thanks for passing this info along to former L.A. fighters like Randy and myself, because I know he and I will help keep it alive as long as we are breathing.

L.A. Boxing is in our DNA.

-Rick Farris

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Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique Bolanos (L) Manuel Ortiz second from right

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The WBC’s Newest Legends of Boxing
Story and photos by Michele Chong

The World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing Museum held their second Induction and Awards Ceremony this past Saturday, saluting the first WBC Continental Americas champ to be inducted, John Montes, Jr., and presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to Chuck Bodak, Freddie Roach, Tony Rivera and Carlos Avilas. The event took place in their new museum, located on the grounds of the American Sports University in San Bernardino, Ca., where over 300 attendees witnessed the festivities.
Veteran cutman Chuck Bodak spent decades in and out of the ring, but in his free time he loved to spend countless hours carefully creating his unique collages; decorating caps, watches and rings that he would give away as gifts. Suffering a stroke in August of last year–his left side now partially paralyzed–he cannot design his custom jewelry anymore.

But thanks to this new museum, his “treasures” are now on permanent display in a special case that showcases his handmade items, as well as a bronze statue by sculptor Steve Harpst that Bodak received
at the gathering. This tribute to the boxing icon touched many in the audience, including family friends
Dick Marconi, Ray Marconi, and nephew Bob Bodak, who traveled from Indianapolis, In. to be part
of Chuck’s ceremony.

Now in his 90s, the stroke may have sidelined his speech but not his spirit, as the once boisterous cutman for Ali, Hearns, Holyfield, De La Hoya and other various champions posed for photos, occassionally managed to say a few comments and in his trademark move, gave the crowd the “bird”–the middle finger salute! Speaking in a hoarse whisper, he expressed his appreciation, “I’m excited to be here.” When asked if he was happy about the Lifetime Achievement award bestowed upon him, the colorful cutman exclaimed, “Hell, yeah!”
The museum’s Chairman of the Board Rudy Tellez now gets to emulate one of his earliest and most valuable mentors, Don Fraser, the esteemed former promoter and publicist. Fraser is founder and president of the California Boxing Hall of Fame and holds his yearly induction awards to honor the fight game’s best in the business.
“If it wasn’t for Don Fraser, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” explained Tellez, who first met
Fraser while Tellez was still in dental school, “Don gave me the opportunity to make Joey Olivo a World Champion by giving us our first break at the Forum. He’s one in a million. He’s a big mentor to me and I owe him a lot.”
Also known as the “Mouthpiece Doctor,” Tellez sandwiched the museum event between a Telefutura WBC Latino title bout in Tucson on Friday night and a trip to Mexico with Dr. Joe Noriega on Saturday afternoon for an Erik Morales fight night. The two had to leave right after the acceptance speeches to rush down south.
But the awards luncheon was in good hands and well organized, as the WBC Supervisor Tellez can count on a group of hard-working young guys that have really strived to make the new museum flourish in a short amount of time. This WBC Legends of Boxing “Dream Team” includes Jaime Ochoa and Vincent Johnson, both Co-Chairmans, Eric Casillas, V.P. (from the Chicago headquarters), Angel Ochoa, Executive V.P., Teresa Marquez, Executive Secretary and many other dedicated individuals who work together to make these events run so smoothly.
Ochoa expresses, “We have the same vision, determination and goal to create this museum. It’s growing faster than we even anticipated. In the next year, we’ll be wall-to-wall with memorabilia and we’re happy to be part of history. We may have to open a second building soon,” he says excitedly.
Fellow Co-Chairman Vinnie Johnson cannot hide his enthusiam for their burgeoning museum and at Saturday’s event said, “We had some great people helping us today. And the inductees have all contributed so much to boxing. Chuck and Freddie are legends, Avilas has done a lot for the sport, predominantly for the Hispanic fans, and Montes gave us so much excitement when he boxed.” Johnson was born near Gary, In., where Chuck is from, and says, “Chuck worked with a lot of people I knew while growing up and we have a lot of connections. He trained a lot of champs that were my heroes. I’m happy he’s getting an award.”
During the awards ceremony, their museum garnered even more boxing history, as new inductees Montes, Bodak, and June’s inaugural inductee Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez all generously donated their prized boxing robes, trophies, framed artwork, signed boxing gloves and vintage posters that, during Saturday’s luncheon, were enshrined in glass cases for public viewing. Longtime boxing fan and supporter Bert Murrieta graciously donated a pair of red gloves autographed by Alexis Arguello and Jake “The Raging Bull” LaMotta.
A funraising raffle was also held for Joann Montes, former wife of John Montes, who is looking forward to traveling to Mexico to undergo treatment for breast cancer. The benefit was festive and had all the warmth of a family gathering, as the boxing community came together for a good cause: To honor boxing veterans and champs while also helping out a fellow fighter’s family in need. As homemade cake was passed around, all of the fighters in attendance signed autographs and posed for photos, including Danny “Little Red” Lopez, ‘84 Olympian and Gold Medalist Paul Gonzales, Frankie Duarte and Ruben Castillo.
The bonds between all the fighters, trainers and cutmen go way back, as Montes, Jr. remembers flying to New Orleans in 1978 with Danny “Little Red” Lopez for the Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks fight in the Superdome, “I was only 18. I remember sitting next to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was just a weighlighter back then. I also remember somehow ending up marching in a parade in the streets of New Orleans. I was dancing…tap dancing somehow! It was great,” the boxer laughs.

New award recipient Tony Rivera, who was recently in Ricardo Mayorga’s corner during his battle with Shane Mosley, says during his early days of his career, “I really admired Chuck Bodak while I was coming up. He and Norm Lockwood are two that I’ve always looked up to and still do.” Next month, Rivera will be teamed up once again with Marco Antonio Barrera, as the “Baby-faced Assassin" will be fighting for a lightweight title in China.
The bronze statues given to these newest honorees were designed specifically for the October 11th celebration, by boxing trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst. The boxer and artist has close ties to Chuck Bodak. The Burbank Boxing Club founder promotes an International boxing show in Canada and took Chuck there twice as a guest of honor, “Chuck was so funny. He’d ‘hold court’ in the airports–the fans would swarm him and he loved to talk to them all. Chuck would never turn anyone down.”
The Marconi brothers also purchased an additional bronze for Chuck from Harpst’s line of bronzes.
They chose a bronze statue entitled “The Victor” and as Dick Marconi presented this statue–depicting a triumphant boxer with his hands held up in victory–to Chuck, Marconi said with emotions rising,
“This IS Chuck!” Marconi was in his early teens when he first met Bodak and the cutman was both inspirational and instrumental in helping Dick and his brother, Ray while they were growing up.
Now the three have come full circle, as the Marconis are assisting Chuck during his “12th Round”
of his long and illustrious life.
Eric Casillas, on his way back to Chicago today, spoke of Saturday’s ceremony and fundraiser, “The crowd stopped when Chuck entered the room. It was a beautiful sight. Everyone had a joyous time. The inductees’ achievements and accomplishments are stand up in the world of boxing. It was a day of absolute honor and recognition for these lifelong contributors to boxing.”

(Photo of Tony Rivera, Michele Chong and Steve Harpst courtesy of Roy and Marlene Marquez)

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George Trafton vs Art Shires
December 16, 1929
Chicago

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Photo and caption by Robert Bolanos


This is our tio Gregorio (Gollo). Gollo is brother to Enrique's mother, Herlinda Arango Bolanos. In the picture above with Ruby and Enrique, you can read that he dedicates it tio Gollo.
There two interesting stories. When Enrique started to get into trouble in Mexico City, fighting, He was sent to live in Nuevo Laredo Texas to live with tio Gollo. While living in Nuevo Laredo, he met a guy name la Polencha Vera. He either encouraged or somehow got Enrique into boxing. I think he had about 22 fights before Gollo found out that he was boxing. I think he was fighting under a different first name. Once Gollo found out that he was boxing, he sent him back to Mexico City.

The second interesting story is that of my grandmother Herlinda Arango Bolanos. Her father who is my great grandfather is Hipolito Arango. Hipolito Arango is brother to Pancho Villa whose real name is Doreoteo Arango. There are some newpapers articles that make the same statement. Now, if you look at Gregorio, he resembles Pancho Villa without the moustache especially in some of the picture where he is older.

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Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Roberto "Panchito" Bolanos (L) and Enrique Bolanos with some cousins.
Roberto is Robert's dad.

[Randyman]

Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique and Ruby Bolanos

Frank, you never fail us with the photos that you post. I don't know how you do it. All the photos that you have posted are amazing. Good historical stuff.

[Randyman]

When I see these old Knockout magazines and articles with Hap Navarro, I realize how lucky we are to have him on this thread with us. Good stuff Frank!

[kikibalt]

When I see these old Knockout magazines and articles with Hap Navarro, I realize how lucky we are to have him on this thread with us. Good stuff Frank!

Randy, Eddie Chavez on the Knockout page was a very, very good fighter, top ten in the early 1950, I seen him fight Enrique Bolanos live at the Hollywood Legion in 1951.

[Randyman]

Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique and Ruby Bolanos

Bolanos and his glamorous wife certainly make a striking couple.

I never had the opportunity to see Enrique Bolanos fight. I grew up listening to stories of Bolanos from my grandfather, Johnny Flores, Suey Welch and, of course, George Parnassus. In 1971, I did have a chance to meet Bolanos, shake his hand at least. He smiled easily and often in the company of the guys he was most comfortable with. At a lunch put on by Parnassus in his office, there were several all-time great fighters in attendence, but it was obvious that Bolanos was the "main event" guest. I love all these Bolanos pics and stories, and I envy Frank and those here who saw him up close. Thanks for passing this info along to former L.A. fighters like Randy and myself, because I know he and I will help keep it alive as long as we are breathing.

L.A. Boxing is in our DNA.

-Rick Farris

I with you, old friend. We won't let them forget Aragon, Bolanos, Salas, Teran, Ramos, Chacon, the Lopez, Brothers, The Quarrys, the Baltazars, or the trainers like our Mel Eptsein, Howie Steindler, the Sotos or Johnny Flores or the Main Street Gym, Jake Shagrue's Seaside Gym, The Olympic Auditorium, Hollywood Legion Stadium, Wrigley's Field, and on and on!! You and Frank are head and shoulders above me. In fact all the guys in this thread are amazing and have a great sense of boxing history. Even more so, I appreciate the respect that they have shown for the fighters from the West Coast.

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Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique Bolanos and Manuel Ortiz in the middle.

[Randyman]

When I see these old Knockout magazines and articles with Hap Navarro, I realize how lucky we are to have him on this thread with us. Good stuff Frank!

Randy, Eddie Chavez on the Knockout page was a very, very good fighter, top ten in the early 1950, I seen him fight Enrique Bolanos live at the Hollywood Legion in 1951.

I was looking at his record. He fought a lot of good guys. I see he fought Jackie McCoy a couple of times.

[Randyman]

Frank, it's nice to know that with all the hardships that Keeny suffered in his life, that he did have some really good days.

Randy

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Frank, it's nice to know that with all the hardships that Keeny suffered in his life, that he did have some really good days.

Randy

Randy, Keeny, in 1951-52 was the toast of the town, he had the town eating out of his hand, if even for a brief time, he was on top of the world. I have to give him that.

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Enrique Bolanos


"Enrique"

By Diego

[dagosd2000]

[quote="kikibalt"]Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique Bolanos, Baby Arizmendi and their ladies[/q

BOULEVARD NIGHT

The old photograph taken at a slant. The creases and tears. Black and white images that let you use your imagination to tell what the colors were. Creme and tan colored suits. Empty cocktail glasses with the ice melting into the last of the whiskey.Steaks all around well done. Floral arrangements on a white table cloth. Silk dresses on dark skinned beauties. (They were in the salon all afternoon). Dancing to the voice of Dick Haymes and the big band playing "Perfidia"at the Ambassador,or was it the Bonaventure?

The black and white photograph in the album. The folds and creases at a tilt let us exercise our imaginations. The early 50's. The roadster with the white sidewalls parked in the valet lot waiting for the happy foresome. I'm only guessing,but I know I'm right.

[dagosd2000]

Frank
We need "We Belong Together" Robert and Johnny to top things off.

[kikibalt]

Photo courtesy of Robert Bolanos


Enrique Bolanos, Baby Arizmendi and their ladies[/q

BOULEVARD NIGHT

The old photograph taken at a slant. The creases and tears. Black and white images that let you use your imagination to tell what the colors were. Creme and tan colored suits. Empty cocktail glasses with the ice melting into the last of the whiskey.Steaks all around well done. Floral arrangements on a white table cloth. Silk dresses on dark skinned beauties. (They were in the salon all afternoon). Dancing to the voice of Dick Haymes and the big band at the Ambassador,or was it the Bonaventure?

The black and white photograph in the album. The folds and creases at a tilt let us exercise our imaginations. The early 50's. The roadster with the white sidewalls parked in the valet lot waiting for the happy foresome. I'm only guessing,but I know I'm right.

Most likely the Ambassador, I don't think the Bonaventure was around then.