Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

The Boys from Classic American West Coast Boxing
Brian Higgins, Dan Hanley Jr., Randy De La O, Roger Esty and Ed Hernandez

Look at all those beers!

Borracho's....

[bennie]

The Boys from Classic American West Coast Boxing
Brian Higgins, Dan Hanley Jr., Randy De La O, Roger Esty and Ed Hernandez

Look at all those beers!

Borracho's....

Has Dan strapped a few of his 'empties' round his chest?

[dagosd2000]

Oh man, first chance I've had to log on since waking up. Got in pretty late last night and the coffee is too good right now. Just had to chill and roll the weekend over in my head. First of all let me say the guys on this group are some of the most knowledgable and without a doubt the nicest bunch of guys anyone would want to meet. Bennie, it was like Brian said, you guys who didn't make it were not forgotten, we talked about all of you. So, if your ears were burning, rest assured, it was all complimentary. Frankie, the kidnapping Rick talked about was true, but it somehow got lost in the MGD's, Bud's and Heinekins that conspired around our table. I'll be shooting you over some photos over the next few days, Frankie, and relating some stories of the event. The guys in the fight fraternity make this such an easy transition to attend, as there are so few airs about them (unless your name is Whitaker). Again, meeting up with Randy, Brian, Roger (Dago, your Spanish was an indispensable commodity this weekend and BTW, what the hell happened to you Sunday morning?), Chuck, Rick, my brother and his wonderful wife Monica, was the best. Frankie, Bennie, Boxbuzz, Tom (I'm sorry if I'm missing people, the coffee hasn't kicked in yet), you were all missed.

Scartissue

Dan
Sorry we missed you guys for breakfast Sunday morning. Our daughter,who lives down the road in Irvine,called us up and took me and Maria to brunch.

BTW,be sure to kick Pops in the balls for me. Rog

[dagosd2000]

The Boys from Classic American West Coast Boxing
Brian Higgins, Dan Hanley Jr., Randy De La O, Roger Esty and Ed Hernandez

Look at all those beers!

Borracho's....

Frank
We were going to go over to your house that night and wake you up,but instead we invited ourselves over to your house for Thanksgiving.

[kikibalt]

The Boys from Classic American West Coast Boxing
Brian Higgins, Dan Hanley Jr., Randy De La O, Roger Esty and Ed Hernandez

Look at all those beers!

Borracho's....

Frank
We were going to go over to your house that night and wake you up,but instead we invited ourselves over to your house for Thanksgiving.

Diego, if you want to have Thanksgiving dinner with us, you're going to have to go to Arizona...

[scartissue]

Oh man, first chance I've had to log on since waking up. Got in pretty late last night and the coffee is too good right now. Just had to chill and roll the weekend over in my head. First of all let me say the guys on this group are some of the most knowledgable and without a doubt the nicest bunch of guys anyone would want to meet. Bennie, it was like Brian said, you guys who didn't make it were not forgotten, we talked about all of you. So, if your ears were burning, rest assured, it was all complimentary. Frankie, the kidnapping Rick talked about was true, but it somehow got lost in the MGD's, Bud's and Heinekins that conspired around our table. I'll be shooting you over some photos over the next few days, Frankie, and relating some stories of the event. The guys in the fight fraternity make this such an easy transition to attend, as there are so few airs about them (unless your name is Whitaker). Again, meeting up with Randy, Brian, Roger (Dago, your Spanish was an indispensable commodity this weekend and BTW, what the hell happened to you Sunday morning?), Chuck, Rick, my brother and his wonderful wife Monica, was the best. Frankie, Bennie, Boxbuzz, Tom (I'm sorry if I'm missing people, the coffee hasn't kicked in yet), you were all missed.

Scartissue

Dan


BTW,be sure to kick Pops in the balls for me. Rog

Consider it done.

Scartissue

[Randyman]

Congratulations to the Entire Bardelli Family on the Induction of Guido Bardelli (Young Firpo) to the 2008 World Boxing Hall of Fame at the
29th Annual Banquet of Champions at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott


Young Firpo - Guido Bardelli - The Uncrowned Light Heavyweight Champion
and 2008 World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee


John Bardelli and sister (My apologies for forgetting her name) and World Boxing Hall of Fame Board of Directors member and friend of the Bardelli family, Rick Farris


John Bardelli and Rick Farris


John Bardelli remembering his father


John Bardelli and Emcee Tom Kelly

To read more on Young Firpo go here: http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com/search?q=firpo

[kikibalt]

Young Peter Jackson

[Randyman]

My thanks to Rick and Maria, for having us at the World Boxing Hall of Fame. They were great hosts and Rick is a true friend. It was a generous thing to do and will not be forgotten. Jeri, Ed and I were overwhelmed. It was great to really get to know the guys from this thread, Brian, Dan and his father, Roger and his wife Maria. It was like we knew each other for years. it was amazing.

As for Rick, I said it before a million times but I love repeating it, we have not seen each other since 1976. It was great to see him again after all these years, and know that he is doing well. Mel Epstein is smiling sown on us right now (I hope he's looking down, not up).

Rick, thank you my friend
Randy

[Randyman]

You wanna know what a stand up guy looks like? Take a look, that's Brian Higgins, a stand up guy! It was great to finally meet him and put a face with the words. He made a big impression with Jeri. With both of us really. As you know, Brian fought as a light heavyweight. He looks like he could handle most of todays light heavies. I'm not joking. My new friend for life. I'm sure of it.

Randy

[Expug]

Had a great time meeting all the guys and their wonderful spouses this past weekend in LA.
As I said, its an honor getting to know all of you.
This will be a yearly tradition for me. Next time, Frank, Bennie and the rest of those who couldnt make it this year can hopefully come next year.
Its hard to articulate on a website how great it was spending time with all of you. Thanks for having me.
Roger, Rick, Randy and their wonderful wives.Ed, Dan and his wonderful Father, Im truly honored to be able to call all of you friends.
Brian

[Expug]

You wanna know what a stand up guy looks like? Take a look, that's Brian Higgins, a stand up guy! It was great to finally meet him and put a face with the words. He made a big impression with Jeri. With both of us really. As you know, Brian fought as a light heavyweight. He looks like he could handle most of todays light heavies. I'm not joking. My new friend for life. I'm sure of it.

Randy

Im sure of it too Randy.
You and Jeri are very special people.

[Expug]

Bennie, We all must have mentioned a dozen times how much we wished that you were there also.

Come on, then, Pug, let's have all the nitty gritty. What is Yaqui like? Pops Johnson? Mando? Lopez?

The fighters were also great Bennie.
Mando Muniz is a guy loaded with personality.Seeing him fight years ago, he had that tough stern demeanor in the ring.
But, out of it, a super friendly guy.
Yaqui Lopez is the same way. He looks great . Looks like he could still get in the ring.
Gato Gonsalez is the same way also. A great guy.
Danny Lopez, I loved watching him fight,he is one of my all time favorite fighters and it was great meeting him.
I told him I have seen him fight, he said "the Salvador Sanchez fights?"and had sort of a long face.
I said" not just those but one of the best fights Ive ever seen, the Mike Ayala fight."
Danny lit up a little hearing that and I felt good.Danny is pure class.
Everyone is aware that Bobby Chacon struggles, but he seems so happy that it feels good to be around him.
Lots of other fighters there and they all seemed very friendly and personable.

[kikibalt]

You wanna know what a stand up guy looks like? Take a look, that's Brian Higgins, a stand up guy! It was great to finally meet him and put a face with the words. He made a big impression with Jeri. With both of us really. As you know, Brian fought as a light heavyweight. He looks like he could handle most of todays light heavies. I'm not joking. My new friend for life. I'm sure of it.

Randy

Hey Brian, you need a manger? with my guts and your blood we'll go places, guarantee.... :)

[dagosd2000]

Had a great time meeting all the guys and their wonderful spouses this past weekend in LA.
As I said, its an honor getting to know all of you.
This will be a yearly tradition for me. Next time, Frank, Bennie and the rest of those who couldnt make it this year can hopefully come next year.
Its hard to articulate on a website how great it was spending time with all of you. Thanks for having me.
Roger, Rick, Randy and their wonderful wives.Ed, Dan and his wonderful Father, Im truly honored to be able to call all of you friends.
Brian

Don't go to any high school reunions anymore. My old football buddies,who meet once a month for lunch,are very bitter about life. But I'll be a regular at the WBHOF every year. Maria ,who isn't a sports fan,had a great time meeting Jeri and Monica. I think though what she appreciated the most was the style and class of the BoxRec Boys. No wimps . No snivelers.Everyone reaching for the tab. Lots of laughs. I'll say it again,did we all know each other in another life?

BTW,Dan,time for another kick. Geez,your dad looked a lot like my dad. I told you that when I met him. I can sit and listen to old timers like that forever.

[Expug]

You wanna know what a stand up guy looks like? Take a look, that's Brian Higgins, a stand up guy! It was great to finally meet him and put a face with the words. He made a big impression with Jeri. With both of us really. As you know, Brian fought as a light heavyweight. He looks like he could handle most of todays light heavies. I'm not joking. My new friend for life. I'm sure of it.

Randy

Hey Brian, you need a manger? with my guts and your blood we'll go places, guarantee.... :)

I'll tell ya what Frank.
If I "make a comeback," your my guy.
The only thing is, I'll need a place to live cuz my wife will sure enough throw me out.
Can I come stay at your house?

[Randyman]

Help Genaro Hernandez!


Monday, November 17 2008

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

The boxing world is rallying around former world champion Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez, who is in need of assistance. Diagnosed with a rare cancer, Hernandez' insurance will not cover his full treatment. The WBC has set up a special fund to help Genaro. Please mark donations "Genaro" and make payable to World Boxing Cares, 36 West 22nd Street, New York, New York 10010. (Tax ID number: 26 2665978)All donations are tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Hernandez family. On January 17, there will be a dinner, autograph signing, and silent auction at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino, California. Email [email protected] for reservations. Also the Thompson Promotions fight card on January 30 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Bernardino, California, will be dedicated to Hernandez.

Although facing the fight of his life, Genaro kindly took the time to share with Fightnews.com readers: "I would like to say to everyone, whether it be boxers, wrestlers, MMA fighters, to be aware of any little lump anywhere in your body that just doesn't seem to be normal and all of a sudden appears. I had a little lump appear under my right side of the jaw, and not even a week had passed by when all of a sudden three more lumps appeared on my right side of the neck. Please take the time and go get a checkup if it ever appears. You'll probably save your own life if you do."

[Randyman]

You wanna know what a stand up guy looks like? Take a look, that's Brian Higgins, a stand up guy! It was great to finally meet him and put a face with the words. He made a big impression with Jeri. With both of us really. As you know, Brian fought as a light heavyweight. He looks like he could handle most of todays light heavies. I'm not joking. My new friend for life. I'm sure of it.

Randy

Hey Brian, you need a manger? with my guts and your blood we'll go places, guarantee.... :)

I'll tell ya what Frank.
If I "make a comeback," your my guy.
The only thing is, I'll need a place to live cuz my wife will sure enough throw me out.
Can I come stay at your house?

If you're making a comeback I'm working the corner with Frank.

[bennie]

Bennie, We all must have mentioned a dozen times how much we wished that you were there also.

Come on, then, Pug, let's have all the nitty gritty. What is Yaqui like? Pops Johnson? Mando? Lopez?

The fighters were also great Bennie.
Mando Muniz is a guy loaded with personality.Seeing him fight years ago, he had that tough stern demeanor in the ring.
But, out of it, a super friendly guy.
Yaqui Lopez is the same way. He looks great . Looks like he could still get in the ring.
Gato Gonsalez is the same way also. A great guy.
Danny Lopez, I loved watching him fight,he is one of my all time favorite fighters and it was great meeting him.
I told him I have seen him fight, he said "the Salvador Sanchez fights?"and had sort of a long face.
I said" not just those but one of the best fights Ive ever seen, the Mike Ayala fight."
Danny lit up a little hearing that and I felt good.Danny is pure class.
Everyone is aware that Bobby Chacon struggles, but he seems so happy that it feels good to be around him.
Lots of other fighters there and they all seemed very friendly and personable.

Cheers, Pug.

[bennie]

Former British Heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno is seen at the David Haye
and Monte Barrett Heavyweight eliminator title fight at the O2 arena,
London on November 15, 2008. Haye knocked out Barrett in the fifth
round of his first Heavyweight match to win the bout after moving
from the Cruiserweight division. AFP PHOTO/CARL DE SOUZA
(Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Nice shot of Frank, who suffered severe depression after his career came to an end and was ultimately 'sectioned' by his family (ala Joe Louis) and had to endure the disgusting headline in one of our national newspapers, "Bonkers Bruno locked up".

[bennie]

Help Genaro Hernandez!


Monday, November 17 2008

Photo: Big Joe Miranda

The boxing world is rallying around former world champion Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez, who is in need of assistance. Diagnosed with a rare cancer, Hernandez' insurance will not cover his full treatment. The WBC has set up a special fund to help Genaro. Please mark donations "Genaro" and make payable to World Boxing Cares, 36 West 22nd Street, New York, New York 10010. (Tax ID number: 26 2665978)All donations are tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Hernandez family. On January 17, there will be a dinner, autograph signing, and silent auction at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino, California. Email [email protected] for reservations. Also the Thompson Promotions fight card on January 30 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Bernardino, California, will be dedicated to Hernandez.

Although facing the fight of his life, Genaro kindly took the time to share with fightviews.com readers: "I would like to say to everyone, whether it be boxers, wrestlers, MMA fighters, to be aware of any little lump anywhere in your body that just doesn't seem to be normal and all of a sudden appears. I had a little lump appear under my right side of the jaw, and not even a week had passed by when all of a sudden three more lumps appeared on my right side of the neck. Please take the time and go get a checkup if it ever appears. You'll probably save your own life if you do."

I was composing a preview yesterday and kept inadvertently writing the name Genaro Hernandez (instead of Genaro Rodriguez, a Chicago referee who messed up in the first Ricardo Torres-Kendall Holt fight). Now this. Upsetting news.

[bennie]

A crossroads fight in California tonight pairs exciting scrappers Martin Honorio and Frankie Archuleta over 10 super-featherweight rounds.
Honorio was blown away in 56 seconds in a crack at the IBF featherweight title held by Robert "Ghost" Guerrero late last year in Arizona but the lanky Mexican is a notoriously slow starter and the loss is possibly not as bad as it looks, although it must have come as a crushing mental blow. Honorio, 24-4-1 (12), had won his previous five fights, including a fine 10-round decision over Steven Luevano in 2005, the current WBO featherweight champion, climbing off the floor in the second round to really hammer Luevano. The grizzled Honorio is 28 going on 40. If he gets past the early rounds, however, he can fight.
Archuleta is 32 going on 40 himself, and he can fight himself, although the rugged New Mexican tends to lose the bigger fights and has fought only once since dropping a close, thrilling 10-round decision to Johnny Tapia in April 2005, a man he had previously beaten. Frankie, 25-5-1 (14), is tough and a fast starter and we can expect him to jump on Honorio, who has taken this fight very late for California's injured Roger "Speedy" Gonzalez, but Archuleta's lack of recent work will hinder him and I would rule out a quick fight in favour of a long, punishing, entertaining one. In fact it could be a war.

[kikibalt]

They're giving this fight a hook


Chris Farina - Top Rank
Manny Pacquiao, right, hits the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach during media day at the Wild Card Gym on Monday. Pacquiao is in training for his December 6 boxing match against Oscar De La Hoya.

As the Dec. 6 bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao approaches, the propaganda is flowing freely from the two camps.

By Bill Dwyre

Manny Pacquiao versus Oscar De La Hoya has a chance to become the most chewed-on boxing match since Tyson versus Holyfield.

It is still 19 days until the celebrated pair steps into the ring at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas for what has become the most anticipated 12 rounds of the year. But the slings and arrows of pre-fight propaganda have been flying for some time now.

The promoters -- De La Hoya's own Golden Boy Promotions and Bob Arum's Top Rank for Pacquiao -- have cut a deal that will bring De La Hoya a minimum of $15 million and Pacquiao a minimum of $10 million, no matter what happens in the ring the night of Dec. 6.

That's a large nut to crack, so the promoters have been working hard. The fight sold out in 17 minutes, and the goal of 1.5 million pay-per-view buys on HBO will make nice profit margins all around.

But the economy is suddenly of such concern that there is a worry about the embarrassment of empty seats. The casinos buy tickets in advance for their big players, but there are fewer big players going to Las Vegas right now. The same worries can apply to people who may now consider a $54.95 pay-per-view investment for a couple of hours of home viewing a bit extravagant.

In the best of times, this one would have had the Vegas high rollers clamoring for ringside seats and would have challenged the record 2.4 million pay-per-view buys set when De La Hoya lost a split decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., May 5 last year.

Still, if boxing knows nothing else, it knows how to crank up the sales machine.

Monday, at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, the sport played good cop-bad cop for assembled cameras and notebooks. The players were Pacquiao and his trainer, Freddie Roach, and without planning it, they did a great audition for parts on "Law & Order."

Roach, who trained De La Hoya for the Mayweather fight, called his former pupil "weak minded" and his current pupil "strong minded." Pacquiao said he wouldn't comment on that.

Roach has been quoted frequently as saying that Pacquiao could very well knock out De La Hoya in this fight at 147 pounds. Pacquiao said that "a knockout would be a bonus."

Roach called De La Hoya a "part-time fighter who has only fought four times in the last four years while Manny has fought four times in the last year." De La Hoya is 35, Pacquiao 29, and Roach said that De La Hoya will learn, as Ali did against Holmes and Julio Cesar Chavez did against De La Hoya, what happens to old boxers against young guns.

"Oscar will find out how Chavez felt 10 years ago," Roach said. "The younger fighters take over. It's Manny's time now."

Pacquiao, asked whether De La Hoya was the best-skilled boxer he had fought to date in his 52 professional fights, said yes.

To be clear, Roach is not a natural bad cop. He is the opposite of a loud-mouthed carnival barker. A former boxer who battles Parkinson's disease on a daily basis and runs a gym that has produced 22 world champions, he always has been brutally direct and honest. When Roach says he is "100% confident" that Pacquiao is the better fighter in this one, that's because he is.

On the other hand, Pacquiao, the pride of the Philippines, is less likely to articulate confidence or exuberance because English is not his first language and he is more comfortable staying with the safe and predictable.

Clearly, Roach has a plan and is excited about it. Asked what he observed when De La Hoya stopped using his effective jab against Mayweather in the later rounds, leading to his loss, Roach got a twinkle in his eye and said, "I know why the jab stopped working and that's part of our plan."

Clearly, Roach is having fun with all this. Asked why he had a huge painting on the wall of his gym that depicted De La Hoya fighting Felix Trinidad in their 1999 classic, Roach said, "I just put it up there because some guy wanted to sell it."

He paused for effect.

"Been up there a year," he said.

Clearly, the fun has just begun.

[email protected]

[kikibalt]

Photos and caption by Diego


Dan making a point with Brian


Maria and Jeri became fast friends(muchas chismes)


Diego and his better half(much better)

[kikibalt]

Photos courtesy of Rick Farris


Chuck Johnston and Randy De La O


Jonh Bardelli and Rick Farris