At a guess I would say it it is Juan Antonio Villa.kikibalt wrote:
Mark Breland vs who?
Breland made Dennis Andries look stylish. I hate those gangling, chin in the air types. Even when he won, Breland looked BAD.
Classic American West Coast Boxing
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Breland made Dennis Andries look stylish. I hate those gangling, chin in the air types. Even when he won, Breland looked BAD.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Holyfield ruined Bowe, in my opinion. although Bowe's lifestyle hardly helped.kikibalt wrote:
Riddick Bowe vs Evander Holyfield
11-6-1993
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Enrique always seems to be surrounded by beautiful woman. I tend to have the reverse effect.kikibalt wrote:I send Hap an email, asking for help in identifying the unknowns in this photo and I received two replieskikibalt wrote:Photo and caption by Robert Bolanos
Here is another picture. The person on the left is Ricardo Montalbal, Rita Moreno, I don't know this person is, Enrique, Jimmy Lennon Sr, Ruby, and I don't know who the two people on the far right are . Perhaps the other members can help identify them.
Robert jr
First reply below
Friend Kiki:
Sorry, I don't seem to recognize any of the others not mentioned in your email. But I did want to let you know about an earlier picture posted that shows Bobo Olson, Jimmy Carter, Jimmy Lennon, Sr. and some ladies taken at the beer sponsored television show......I was there, and was interviewed along with Bobo, whom I had taken to that show for publicity purposes.
I had to leave early, but I had a picture taken with Bobo and the lady who is in the center of the other picture you posted, the Spanish actress Sarita Montiel (she is wearing a black dress with spaghetti shoulder straps).. She had been in "Vera Cruz" the movie with Burt Lancaster and Gary Cooper. I think she married Anthony Mann, the director who was with her that night.. When I find the photo I will send you a copy via email
regards
hap navarro.
Second reply below
Kiki:
On second thought, I am sue that the fellow standing to Enrique's right, next to Rita, is an old friend of my dad's Santiago Campbell, who had been Mexican Consul in Los Angeles and later in Fresno. Perhaps the occasion was somewhat political and not necessarily a sporting event.
Hope that helps somewhat.
regards
hap navarro
Last edited by bennie on 22 Oct 2008, 02:54, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Guys, I received this C.1980 pic., of me from my sister Annie, it show me at a burger stand then owned by John Beyrooty and his brother, John (behind me) was the boxing writer for the now defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, notice the names of the burgers above me.
-
Rick Farris
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7200
- Joined: 15 Feb 2008, 16:04
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
I had my second pro fight on the undercard of this match. Johnny Flores had boxers in all four of the matches that night, and we all won.kikibalt wrote:
Frank, did you see this fight? I heard there was a real grudge going into this and this seems to corroborate.
Dan
Dan, no, I missed that fight, I don't know of any grudge that Ruben and Jimmy might have had.
Btw, look at those prices
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Frankie is clearly a 'foodie'. Look at that grin!kikibalt wrote:Guys, I received this C.1980 pic., of me from my sister Annie, it show me at a burger stand then owned by John Beyrooty and his brother, John (behind me) was the boxing writer for the now defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, notice the names of the burgers above me.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Yeah!, Bennie, I can eat all day long... 
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
3-18-1971Rick Farris wrote:I had my second pro fight on the undercard of this match. Johnny Flores had boxers in all four of the matches that night, and we all won.kikibalt wrote:
Frank, did you see this fight? I heard there was a real grudge going into this and this seems to corroborate.
Dan
Dan, no, I missed that fight, I don't know of any grudge that Ruben and Jimmy might have had.
Btw, look at those prices
-Rick Farris
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California,
Ruben Navarro L Jimmy Robertson MD 12
Armando Muniz W Cipriano Hernandez UD 10
Jose Luis Martin Del Campo W David Sotelo SD 10
Rick Farris W Gabe Gutierrez PTS 4
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Frank . . . the author of this story is a friend and has re-written this story which you posted earlier on the thread. Could you please post this re-written version. Rick
--- On Mon, 10/20/08, Michele <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Michele <[email protected]>
Subject: WBC Legends Article
To: "elbandito52" <[email protected]>
Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 1:36 PM
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 on Saturday, October 11, 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 the 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 the 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 fundraising 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 weightlifter 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 this 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 the "12th Round”of his long and illustrious life.
Museum V.P. Casillas, on his way back to Chicago today, spoke of the weekend’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)
October 13, 2008 posted by Edgar Gonzalez
--- On Mon, 10/20/08, Michele <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Michele <[email protected]>
Subject: WBC Legends Article
To: "elbandito52" <[email protected]>
Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 1:36 PM
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 on Saturday, October 11, 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 the 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 the 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 fundraising 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 weightlifter 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 this 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 the "12th Round”of his long and illustrious life.
Museum V.P. Casillas, on his way back to Chicago today, spoke of the weekend’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)
October 13, 2008 posted by Edgar Gonzalez
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
I always liked Larry. His win over Ray Mercer in 1990 is similar to Hopkins' win over Pavlik, a result that makes you look twice.kikibalt wrote:
Larry Holmes
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
bennie wrote:I stopped reading this after Hamsho's comments on Minter. Cobblers!kikibalt wrote:Former Middleweight Contender Mustafa Hamsho, Goes on the Record with RSR
Exclusive Interview by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Ringside Report
“It’s very nice to be remembered from an Era that was very strong in the Middleweight Division”--Mustafa Hamsho
In the history of boxing, we have had so many diverse personalities come through the sport. Some were hailed as the “Golden Boy’s” while others were labeled as “Black Bart” the guy who wore all black in the movie westerns and was supposed to be the bad guy. Mustafa Hamsho throughout his career was labeled the bad guy, but titles can be quite deceiving. During our interview, Hamsho was honored to be remembered and spoke fondly about his boxing career that saw him rise to the top of the middleweight ranks, twice challenging, Marvelous Marvin Hagler for his Undisputed Middleweight Championship of the World.
There is no doubt in today’s boxing; Hamsho would have been a World Champion and excited fans as he did in his heyday…
BB: First of all for the boxing fans who watched many of your exciting matches in the early to mid 1980’s, what are you doing today?
I am an average guy working hard to get ahead. Currently, I do public relations for a New York restaurant and own a small deli.
BB: You turned pro in 1975 in a middleweight division that was filled with tons of talent. What are your recollections of your first professional fight?
My first opponent was Pat Cuillo and he was a tough kid. He was very popular in his town and the crowd was behind him all the way. In the end, I won the decision and was happy to have my first professional win.
BB: On September 21, 1978, you face tough Philadelphia fighter Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts. In this fight, you knock out Watts in the sixth round. What are your recollections of this fight?
Watts was looking for a tune up fight, but the opponent was not supposed to be a south paw fighter like I was. It was funny he wanted a picture of me before we fought. We sent him a picture with me fighting in the conventional stance. Well, we get in the ring, and I go south paw on him. Watts turned to his manager and said, “I thought this guy wasn’t a southpaw”? His manager turns to him and says, “Too late.”
BB: You go undefeated in a 4 ½ year span in your boxing career, (1977-1981). During those years, you have big wins against top contenders Wilford Scypion, Curtis Parker, and former World Middleweight Champion, Alan Minter. Tell me about your recollections of the Minter fight.
I can remember Minter promising the Queen he would beat me in the ring. Minter couldn’t do anything to me on that night because I was in great shape. At no time did he hurt me in the ring and I felt the referee for that fight was favoring him which had me fighting two people, but only getting paid for one.
BB: After the Minter fight, you face then World Middleweight Champion, Marvelous Marvin Hagler on October 3, 1981. You gave a gutsy performance against Hagler, but were stopped on cuts in the 11th round. What are your recollections of this fight and how would you rate Hagler as a champion?
I cannot take anything away from Marvin Hagler. He truly was one of the greatest fighters to step into the ring. When he retired, they finally gave him the credit he deserved as one of the greatest middleweights of all-time. To have the opportunity to fight him twice, I think was an honor and made me one of the tops guys in the middleweight division.
BB: The main event fight when you faced Hagler, was WBA Heavyweight Champion Mike Weaver vs James “Quick” Tillis. What do you recall about this fight and the atmosphere around it?
After my fight with Hagler, we both had to go straight to the hospital to get sewn up, so I wasn’t able to see the WBA Heavyweight Title fight.
BB: After the Hagler fight, you go right back into tough competition taking on Curtis Parker again winning a decision. You have another knockout win over Gil Rosario and from there, you face, NBC darling the “Matinee Idol” Bobby Czyz who was being groomed as a future champion. You scored a huge upset when you took the decision over the then 20-0 Czyz. What are your recollections of this big win?
I can remember my manager at the time was hearing from the Czyz camp that he really wanted to fight me. We did a mind game on them by saying, “Mustafa is not training, and he is up in Canada drinking along with partying.” Czyz was a very easy fight for me, but once again, I felt the referee was helping him. My late manager, God rest his soul, told me not to do anything wrong in the ring or they would stop the fight, giving it to Czyz.
BB: On June 16, 1983, you have one of your career best wins, when you defeated former Welterweight and Junior Middleweight Champion Wilfred Benitez. With Benitez being the Master of Defense, what was your game plan going into this fight?
I really went into that fight in top shape and the winner was supposed to be made the IBF Middleweight Champion, which was until I beat him. My game plan going in was to take away his body. On our flight home (Benitez was on the same flight as Mustafa), he was urinating blood from the body work I did on him.
BB: The Benitez win puts you back in another title fight with Marvelous Marvin Hagler on October 19, 1984. This time around, you are stopped in the third round of the fight. Which fight do you think Hagler was better in?
Hagler was better the first time around. Even though we only went three rounds, he was missing a lot of punches.
BB: Were there any other fighters in your career that ended in 1987, which you wish you could have faced?
I was supposed to fight Tommy Hearns and really wanted that fight, but he pulled out for some reason.
BB: Do you favor a mandatory retirement fund for all boxers and if so, how would you like to see it accomplished?
I totally agree with you that it needs to be done for all fighters. Last week, I was at a fight that had the NY police versus the police from Ireland. In the crowd with me was a great former champion who many know as “The Blade” Iran Barkley. He is walking around broke with hardly any money to eat. Guys like him and so many others need a pension plan like other sports such as football, baseball and basketball have.
The promoters need to pay in as well because they don’t take any punches. So many boxers are such great people and to see them broke after what they gave in the ring, breaks my heart.
BB: Now that you are retired from boxing for over 21 years, how do you want your fans to remember you?
I know that many people liked me and many didn’t. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I always gave everything I could when I stepped into that ring.
BB: Finally, what is the saying you live your life by?
“Do the best at everything you do no matter what it is in life”.
Mustafa wanted to add the following to our interview:
I really appreciate you remembering me and taking the time to do this interview. My manager once told me, whether they say good or bad things about you is not the problem. The problem comes when they say nothing about you at all.
Coincidentally, Minter's son, Ross, takes part in the prizefighter welterweight event on Friday night here in good ol' England, and I would be very surprised if the smooth-boxing, sharp-hitting Minter doesn't make the final (at least). Ross "The Boss" has lost his last two but only Michael Jennings and solid American Freddy Curiel turned the trick (late on) in real wars. A natural welterweight, Ross has held Southern Area and English titles at the weight and challenged Jennings for the WBU bauble last time out in February at the cavernous ExCel Arena in east London, and was stopped in nine thrilling rounds. The 29-year-old Crawley man busts up like his famous father but brings talent, experience and good support, although he could have done with a sharpener going into this.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Haven't any of these guys ever heard of a savings account? I know this probably sounds "heartless" from somebody who loves boxing and boxers, but, geez, it doesn't take an M.B.A. degree to know you need to save some of your money.kikibalt wrote:Former Middleweight Contender Mustafa Hamsho, Goes on the Record with RSR
Exclusive Interview by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Ringside Report
* * *
BB: Do you favor a mandatory retirement fund for all boxers and if so, how would you like to see it accomplished?
I totally agree with you that it needs to be done for all fighters. Last week, I was at a fight that had the NY police versus the police from Ireland. In the crowd with me was a great former champion who many know as “The Blade” Iran Barkley. He is walking around broke with hardly any money to eat. Guys like him and so many others need a pension plan like other sports such as football, baseball and basketball have.
The promoters need to pay in as well because they don’t take any punches. So many boxers are such great people and to see them broke after what they gave in the ring, breaks my heart.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Too true.raylawpc wrote:Haven't any of these guys ever heard of a savings account? I know this probably sounds "heartless" from somebody who loves boxing and boxers, but, geez, it doesn't take an M.B.A. degree to know you need to save some of your money.kikibalt wrote:Former Middleweight Contender Mustafa Hamsho, Goes on the Record with RSR
Exclusive Interview by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Ringside Report
* * *
BB: Do you favor a mandatory retirement fund for all boxers and if so, how would you like to see it accomplished?
I totally agree with you that it needs to be done for all fighters. Last week, I was at a fight that had the NY police versus the police from Ireland. In the crowd with me was a great former champion who many know as “The Blade” Iran Barkley. He is walking around broke with hardly any money to eat. Guys like him and so many others need a pension plan like other sports such as football, baseball and basketball have.
The promoters need to pay in as well because they don’t take any punches. So many boxers are such great people and to see them broke after what they gave in the ring, breaks my heart.
Minter, for the record, wobbled Hamsho in the fifth round and boxed his ears off for much of the fight. Strangely, he eased off in the last three rounds and Hamsho put in a strong finish and snatched a split decision. Minter, of course, would have secured a Hagler rematch had he won (Hamsho got the crack instead and picked up around 100 stitches).
Ask yourself this: did Minter want another fight with Hagler?
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
FURY IN THE RING
by Felipe Leon
On Thursday night, Bobby D. Presents returns to the San Diego boxing scene with an explosive five bout card billed as “Fury in the Ring”. In a cold war main event, local favorite Denis Grachev (4-0, 2KO) of Siberia, Russia by way of San Diego puts on his undefeated record on the line as he takes on his biggest challenge to date in the all action Thomas “The Hurricane” Haines (4-5, 2KO) of Vallejo, CA. Grachev is coming off an impressive 2nd round KO of Caleb Caldwell in his last bout this past July. The light heavyweight contest is scheduled for six rounds or less.
In the semi main event, Chula Vista’s welterweight Israel Ornelas (7-2-1, 4KO) makes his return to the squared circle after a year hiatus as he takes on the always dangerous TBA in a six rounder.
Former NABA bantamweight champion Arturo Valenzuela (20-12-1, 17KO) of Tijuana will test Glendale, CA’s Gabriel Tolmajyan (3-1) in a featherweight six round bout.
Another fighter who is scheduled to take on the feared TBA is light middleweight amateur standout Abraham Han. the hard hitting Han of El Paso, TX, holds a record of 2-0 with both wins within the distance.
In a middleweight four rounder, pro debuter Chris Chantman of San Diego, CA, goes after his first win when he faces the slightly more experienced Mike Alexander (1-2-2) of Antioch, CA.
After two successful shows this year in two separate locations, Bobby DePhilippis has found a permanent home for his upcoming shows, the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Centrally located between the I-15, 805 and 163 freeways, the new venue is only 5 miles from downtown San Diego at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Doors open at 6:30PM with the first punch thrown at 7:00pm. Food and drinks will be served and the venue is all ages. Tickets starting at $30 and they are going fast. Please visit http://www.SDFights.com for more info or call 619.420.8866.
by Felipe Leon
On Thursday night, Bobby D. Presents returns to the San Diego boxing scene with an explosive five bout card billed as “Fury in the Ring”. In a cold war main event, local favorite Denis Grachev (4-0, 2KO) of Siberia, Russia by way of San Diego puts on his undefeated record on the line as he takes on his biggest challenge to date in the all action Thomas “The Hurricane” Haines (4-5, 2KO) of Vallejo, CA. Grachev is coming off an impressive 2nd round KO of Caleb Caldwell in his last bout this past July. The light heavyweight contest is scheduled for six rounds or less.
In the semi main event, Chula Vista’s welterweight Israel Ornelas (7-2-1, 4KO) makes his return to the squared circle after a year hiatus as he takes on the always dangerous TBA in a six rounder.
Former NABA bantamweight champion Arturo Valenzuela (20-12-1, 17KO) of Tijuana will test Glendale, CA’s Gabriel Tolmajyan (3-1) in a featherweight six round bout.
Another fighter who is scheduled to take on the feared TBA is light middleweight amateur standout Abraham Han. the hard hitting Han of El Paso, TX, holds a record of 2-0 with both wins within the distance.
In a middleweight four rounder, pro debuter Chris Chantman of San Diego, CA, goes after his first win when he faces the slightly more experienced Mike Alexander (1-2-2) of Antioch, CA.
After two successful shows this year in two separate locations, Bobby DePhilippis has found a permanent home for his upcoming shows, the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Centrally located between the I-15, 805 and 163 freeways, the new venue is only 5 miles from downtown San Diego at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Doors open at 6:30PM with the first punch thrown at 7:00pm. Food and drinks will be served and the venue is all ages. Tickets starting at $30 and they are going fast. Please visit http://www.SDFights.com for more info or call 619.420.8866.
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scartissue
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1893
- Joined: 31 Mar 2002, 20:00
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Too true.
Minter, for the record, wobbled Hamsho in the fifth round and boxed his ears off for much of the fight. Strangely, he eased off in the last three rounds and Hamsho put in a strong finish and snatched a split decision. Minter, of course, would have secured a Hagler rematch had he won (Hamsho got the crack instead and picked up around 100 stitches).
Ask yourself this: did Minter want another fight with Hagler?[/quote]
Bennie, I thought it was in the 2nd round he wobbled Hamsho, but I'll take your word for it since I haven't seen the fight since it happened. Minter was known for a sharp punch but never the kind of 'dig' that would cause Hamsho's legs to do the Judah dance. I believe he caught him at the end of the round and didn't have the time for the followup. Is that about right? It's been a long time. Anyway, I recall the goofy announcer doing a post-fight interview with Minter and saying, "Well, Alan, I'll bet your happy that this is the first fight you've lost by decision and not stoppage." The look Minter gave him was priceless. Minter then proceeded to state, "I guess the jab doesn't mean much in this country." Incidentally, this was one of the few fights being televised here that didn't have a title attached to it, as that was the way the networks were now steering their policy. And it goes to show you, a well matched 10 rounder between talented pugs is far and away better than some of the crap they foist on us today with a title attached to it.
Scartissue
Minter, for the record, wobbled Hamsho in the fifth round and boxed his ears off for much of the fight. Strangely, he eased off in the last three rounds and Hamsho put in a strong finish and snatched a split decision. Minter, of course, would have secured a Hagler rematch had he won (Hamsho got the crack instead and picked up around 100 stitches).
Ask yourself this: did Minter want another fight with Hagler?[/quote]
Bennie, I thought it was in the 2nd round he wobbled Hamsho, but I'll take your word for it since I haven't seen the fight since it happened. Minter was known for a sharp punch but never the kind of 'dig' that would cause Hamsho's legs to do the Judah dance. I believe he caught him at the end of the round and didn't have the time for the followup. Is that about right? It's been a long time. Anyway, I recall the goofy announcer doing a post-fight interview with Minter and saying, "Well, Alan, I'll bet your happy that this is the first fight you've lost by decision and not stoppage." The look Minter gave him was priceless. Minter then proceeded to state, "I guess the jab doesn't mean much in this country." Incidentally, this was one of the few fights being televised here that didn't have a title attached to it, as that was the way the networks were now steering their policy. And it goes to show you, a well matched 10 rounder between talented pugs is far and away better than some of the crap they foist on us today with a title attached to it.
Scartissue
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Courtesy of Dan
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Danny Valdez...c.1960
Danny Valdez...2007
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Pepe Arciga
May 22, 1957
Give or take a match, professional boxing in all of Southern California has been almost totally in the hands of gloved warriors of Mexican descent for, say, the last 25 years.
This monopoly, if you want to call it such, is no mere accident. It is no scheme on the part of anyone, much less promoters. It is no design of convenience, period.
Mexican fighters, born here or yonder, possess a peculiarity which, with the possible exception of glovers of Irish ancestry, isn't always typical of battlers in general.
That peculiarity, my friends, is very basic. It consists of one utterly simple fact: Integrity to the fullest extent.
Translate this into Cauliflower Alley language and they'll tell you, quite candidly, that those "Mexican kids are all action, plenty of guts with never a thought about tank jobs."
One quick glance at the recent past of top-rated Mexican ring stars will bear out the contention.
Look at Tampico-born Baby Arizmendi. Or Mexico City-born Rodolfo Casanova. Or Los Angeles-born Manuel Ortiz. Or Durango-born Enrique Bolanos.
Or Mexico City-born Raul (Raton) Macias and Ricardo (Pajarito) Moreno. Or Laredo-born Kid Azteca.
All of them individuals who enriched and never tarnished the sometimes shadowy profession of I-punch-you, you-punch-me, let's-get-paid.
Even now, when old aficionados of the boxing game sadly shake their heads to moan the fact that "the game ain't what it usta be," Mexican fighters--particularly those of the Mexico City crop--keep sticking out their heads to proudly proclaim that theirs is no dying sport.
For proof, look at your calendar and mark the date of May 23 (when "Pajarito" Moreno and Jose Luis Cotero clash) as a date when Los Angeles will see perhaps the greatest battle of featherweight fury cooked up here since Arizmendi's heroic duels versus Henry Armstrong.
But, now, the inevitable question mark surrounding the overwhelming participation of Mexicans in pro boxing.
Is there a reason why there should not be, in professional boxing circles, a referee, a judge, a commissioner of Mexican extraction?
Tonight, under the joint sponsorship of the Council of Mexican Affairs and the local chapter of the American GI Forum, the absence of officials of Mexican extraction from boxing circles in California comes up for serious discussion and comment.
Attorney Henry Lopez and Frank X. Paz will conduct proceedings which, needless to say, will be highly interesting.
Prominent personalities from the sports and civic world will await the sound of the gong at 8 p.m. at Casa del Mexicano.
The eight-second mandatory count will not be in effect. Not even for Pepe, who'll be there wearing 60-ounce gloves. And plenty of collodion.
I'll be my own referee. Gracias.
May 22, 1957
Give or take a match, professional boxing in all of Southern California has been almost totally in the hands of gloved warriors of Mexican descent for, say, the last 25 years.
This monopoly, if you want to call it such, is no mere accident. It is no scheme on the part of anyone, much less promoters. It is no design of convenience, period.
Mexican fighters, born here or yonder, possess a peculiarity which, with the possible exception of glovers of Irish ancestry, isn't always typical of battlers in general.
That peculiarity, my friends, is very basic. It consists of one utterly simple fact: Integrity to the fullest extent.
Translate this into Cauliflower Alley language and they'll tell you, quite candidly, that those "Mexican kids are all action, plenty of guts with never a thought about tank jobs."
One quick glance at the recent past of top-rated Mexican ring stars will bear out the contention.
Look at Tampico-born Baby Arizmendi. Or Mexico City-born Rodolfo Casanova. Or Los Angeles-born Manuel Ortiz. Or Durango-born Enrique Bolanos.
Or Mexico City-born Raul (Raton) Macias and Ricardo (Pajarito) Moreno. Or Laredo-born Kid Azteca.
All of them individuals who enriched and never tarnished the sometimes shadowy profession of I-punch-you, you-punch-me, let's-get-paid.
Even now, when old aficionados of the boxing game sadly shake their heads to moan the fact that "the game ain't what it usta be," Mexican fighters--particularly those of the Mexico City crop--keep sticking out their heads to proudly proclaim that theirs is no dying sport.
For proof, look at your calendar and mark the date of May 23 (when "Pajarito" Moreno and Jose Luis Cotero clash) as a date when Los Angeles will see perhaps the greatest battle of featherweight fury cooked up here since Arizmendi's heroic duels versus Henry Armstrong.
But, now, the inevitable question mark surrounding the overwhelming participation of Mexicans in pro boxing.
Is there a reason why there should not be, in professional boxing circles, a referee, a judge, a commissioner of Mexican extraction?
Tonight, under the joint sponsorship of the Council of Mexican Affairs and the local chapter of the American GI Forum, the absence of officials of Mexican extraction from boxing circles in California comes up for serious discussion and comment.
Attorney Henry Lopez and Frank X. Paz will conduct proceedings which, needless to say, will be highly interesting.
Prominent personalities from the sports and civic world will await the sound of the gong at 8 p.m. at Casa del Mexicano.
The eight-second mandatory count will not be in effect. Not even for Pepe, who'll be there wearing 60-ounce gloves. And plenty of collodion.
I'll be my own referee. Gracias.
-
dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
THE BLUE DOLPHIN
I caught the tail end of it in the early 60's. I was under age,but I never had any problem getting into the Black clubs. They never checked ID's. That and all the riff raff that went inside those places didn't keep them open for business long. The Vice Squad made their living shutting down the Black clubs in South East San diego.
Everytime there was a good gig in the ghetto,no one knew about it except Black people. No advertising. Nothing. But the hood would know if Jimmy Smith or Cannonball Adderley or Mary Wells or Albert King would be playing in one of those spots.
One of those spots was The Blue Dolphin. If Black musicians ,like the above mentioned ,would play at a posh joint in Mission Valley or Shelter Island,it seemed that the Black musicians would rip everybody off. The White crowd didn't know the difference. They listened to "shit" and thought they were being entertained. I wouldn't go if they were playing in an upscale joint.
People would say if I wasn't scared going into the Black neighborhood just to listen to music. I'd tell them that that was in their heads,not mine. One night I took in a set with the great Hammond B 3 organist Jimmy Smith. He was playing with the trio at The Blue Dolphin way out on Imperial Avenue. The place was small and smoky and dark. In the back they had the all night poker game going on,but out front was the bandstand. The place had atmosphere because it was rundown,but everything was a fit. The hookers,the drugs,hoodlums packing their gats.Archie was there that night. The Powell brothers. I went with my pal Henry Brown. The Blue Dolphin was jammed full.
I see Jimmy Smith looking over the crowd and he focuses on me.
"I see we have a white boy in the audience."
Laughter.
""I ain't no white boy. I'm an albino."
Jimmy Smith about fell on the floor.
"All right man,you're allowed to stay. What can I play for you?"
""How about The Champ?"
"The Champ it is."
After thirty two bars of The Champ,this abino felt like he belonged.
I caught the tail end of it in the early 60's. I was under age,but I never had any problem getting into the Black clubs. They never checked ID's. That and all the riff raff that went inside those places didn't keep them open for business long. The Vice Squad made their living shutting down the Black clubs in South East San diego.
Everytime there was a good gig in the ghetto,no one knew about it except Black people. No advertising. Nothing. But the hood would know if Jimmy Smith or Cannonball Adderley or Mary Wells or Albert King would be playing in one of those spots.
One of those spots was The Blue Dolphin. If Black musicians ,like the above mentioned ,would play at a posh joint in Mission Valley or Shelter Island,it seemed that the Black musicians would rip everybody off. The White crowd didn't know the difference. They listened to "shit" and thought they were being entertained. I wouldn't go if they were playing in an upscale joint.
People would say if I wasn't scared going into the Black neighborhood just to listen to music. I'd tell them that that was in their heads,not mine. One night I took in a set with the great Hammond B 3 organist Jimmy Smith. He was playing with the trio at The Blue Dolphin way out on Imperial Avenue. The place was small and smoky and dark. In the back they had the all night poker game going on,but out front was the bandstand. The place had atmosphere because it was rundown,but everything was a fit. The hookers,the drugs,hoodlums packing their gats.Archie was there that night. The Powell brothers. I went with my pal Henry Brown. The Blue Dolphin was jammed full.
I see Jimmy Smith looking over the crowd and he focuses on me.
"I see we have a white boy in the audience."
Laughter.
""I ain't no white boy. I'm an albino."
Jimmy Smith about fell on the floor.
"All right man,you're allowed to stay. What can I play for you?"
""How about The Champ?"
"The Champ it is."
After thirty two bars of The Champ,this abino felt like he belonged.