Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Guys check it out. Rounds 11 and 12 of El Gato vs Carmona

Scartissue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4

Scar . . . It's easy to see why Rodolfo Gonzalez was tagged "El Gato" early in his career. Gonzalez had patientily, yet forcefully set up Chango Carmona for the kill. By the 11th, Rodolfo was batting Carmona around playfully (like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn) as he increased the pressure, taking total control of his opponent and destiny.

Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is one of the most perfectly balanced boxers I have ever seen. You never saw "El Gato" miss a step. He was always in position to punch and a master of distance. One of the most punishing lightweight champs in history.

I wasn't surprised to discovered that Rodolfo Gonzalez had scored more consecutive knockouts (35) than ANY other world boxing champion in history, anytime, any weight. Rated by "The Ring Magazine" as one of boxing's all-time "100 Greatest Punchers".

-Rick Farris

Rick, I'm probably one of the pickiest and dissenting human beings going when it comes to fighters. It's obviously just the way I view my horse-flesh. I'll pick them apart, view the good but keep nagging at the bad (he has to improve this, he has to correct that, etc.). Anyways, when I first acquired this fight I watched it and as usual disected the performance. I found Rodolfo's performance impeccable, but, I said to Pops, who was watching it with me for the 3rd or 4th time, "Dad, do you think he's carrying his hands too low?" And my Pops replied without dwelling on my anal question, "No, where he's carrying them gives him the opportunity to fire tham off perfectly." So, there ya go. Two people watching it from two different eras. I'm sure everyone of us might see something differently in any fight for that matter. But I tell ya, it was one helluva performance, wasn't it? Considering Carmona was viewed as such a monster after the Ramos beating.

Scartissue

Scar . . . Pops makes a good point. Also, Rodolfo kept his head moving, bobbing, not dramatically, but enough to throw off his opponents timing and accuracy. I've seen Rodolfo hit, but rarely solid. This accounts for his longevity of close to a hundred fights and his current superior physical and mental health. All those fights, the cancer he overcame, the malnutrition during his prime. Had Rodolfo anything less than superb defensive skills he's be in sad shape today. Like you, I like the hands up, but when Rodolfo's timing was on he'd find away of slipping inside and out of his opponent's offense and then, after making them miss, he'd make them pay! It was a beautiful thing to watch, unless you were the boxer in front of him.

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Am I the only one that when I'm seeing Rodolfo fight, I'm also seeing Jose "Manteqilla" Napolas fight, or vice-versa?

[scartissue]

Scar . . . It's easy to see why Rodolfo Gonzalez was tagged "El Gato" early in his career. Gonzalez had patientily, yet forcefully set up Chango Carmona for the kill. By the 11th, Rodolfo was batting Carmona around playfully (like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn) as he increased the pressure, taking total control of his opponent and destiny.

Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is one of the most perfectly balanced boxers I have ever seen. You never saw "El Gato" miss a step. He was always in position to punch and a master of distance. One of the most punishing lightweight champs in history.

I wasn't surprised to discovered that Rodolfo Gonzalez had scored more consecutive knockouts (35) than ANY other world boxing champion in history, anytime, any weight. Rated by "The Ring Magazine" as one of boxing's all-time "100 Greatest Punchers".

-Rick Farris[/quote]

Rick, I'm probably one of the pickiest and dissenting human beings going when it comes to fighters. It's obviously just the way I view my horse-flesh. I'll pick them apart, view the good but keep nagging at the bad (he has to improve this, he has to correct that, etc.). Anyways, when I first acquired this fight I watched it and as usual disected the performance. I found Rodolfo's performance impeccable, but, I said to Pops, who was watching it with me for the 3rd or 4th time, "Dad, do you think he's carrying his hands too low?" And my Pops replied without dwelling on my anal question, "No, where he's carrying them gives him the opportunity to fire tham off perfectly." So, there ya go. Two people watching it from two different eras. I'm sure everyone of us might see something differently in any fight for that matter. But I tell ya, it was one helluva performance, wasn't it? Considering Carmona was viewed as such a monster after the Ramos beating.

Scartissue[/quote]

Scar . . . Pops makes a good point. Also, Rodolfo kept his head moving, bobbing, not dramatically, but enough to throw off his opponents timing and accuracy. I've seen Rodolfo hit, but rarely solid. This accounts for his longevity of close to a hundred fights and his current superior physical and mental health. All those fights, the cancer he overcame, the malnutrition during his prime. Had Rodolfo anything less than superb defensive skills he's be in sad shape today. Like you, I like the hands up, but when Rodolfo's timing was on he'd find away of slipping inside and out of his opponent's offense and then, after making them miss, he'd make them pay! It was a beautiful thing to watch, unless you were the boxer in front of him.

-Rick Farris[/quote]

Rick, you're right about the head movement. It wasn't overt, like a Joe Frazier bobbing, it was subtle. The torso always seemed to have movement and the legs appeared to have minimally wasted movement, but always aggressively moving forward. It wasn't a Nicolino Loche defense, but it was effective. I would love to see the 2nd Navarro fight again, which is the fight that turned me onto him some 35 years ago. I know you were there that night, but it's a pity more film isn't out there to really scrutinize his ability and style more.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Scar . . . It's easy to see why Rodolfo Gonzalez was tagged "El Gato" early in his career. Gonzalez had patientily, yet forcefully set up Chango Carmona for the kill. By the 11th, Rodolfo was batting Carmona around playfully (like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn) as he increased the pressure, taking total control of his opponent and destiny.

Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is one of the most perfectly balanced boxers I have ever seen. You never saw "El Gato" miss a step. He was always in position to punch and a master of distance. One of the most punishing lightweight champs in history.

I wasn't surprised to discovered that Rodolfo Gonzalez had scored more consecutive knockouts (35) than ANY other world boxing champion in history, anytime, any weight. Rated by "The Ring Magazine" as one of boxing's all-time "100 Greatest Punchers".

-Rick Farris

Rick, I'm probably one of the pickiest and dissenting human beings going when it comes to fighters. It's obviously just the way I view my horse-flesh. I'll pick them apart, view the good but keep nagging at the bad (he has to improve this, he has to correct that, etc.). Anyways, when I first acquired this fight I watched it and as usual disected the performance. I found Rodolfo's performance impeccable, but, I said to Pops, who was watching it with me for the 3rd or 4th time, "Dad, do you think he's carrying his hands too low?" And my Pops replied without dwelling on my anal question, "No, where he's carrying them gives him the opportunity to fire tham off perfectly." So, there ya go. Two people watching it from two different eras. I'm sure everyone of us might see something differently in any fight for that matter. But I tell ya, it was one helluva performance, wasn't it? Considering Carmona was viewed as such a monster after the Ramos beating.

Scartissue[/quote]

Scar . . . Pops makes a good point. Also, Rodolfo kept his head moving, bobbing, not dramatically, but enough to throw off his opponents timing and accuracy. I've seen Rodolfo hit, but rarely solid. This accounts for his longevity of close to a hundred fights and his current superior physical and mental health. All those fights, the cancer he overcame, the malnutrition during his prime. Had Rodolfo anything less than superb defensive skills he's be in sad shape today. Like you, I like the hands up, but when Rodolfo's timing was on he'd find away of slipping inside and out of his opponent's offense and then, after making them miss, he'd make them pay! It was a beautiful thing to watch, unless you were the boxer in front of him.

-Rick Farris[/quote]

Rick, you're right about the head movement. It wasn't overt, like a Joe Frazier bobbing, it was subtle. The torso always seemed to have movement and the legs appeared to have minimally wasted movement, but always aggressively moving forward. It wasn't a Nicolino Loche defense, but it was effective. I would love to see the 2nd Navarro fight again, which is the fight that turned me onto him some 35 years ago. I know you were there that night, but it's a pity more film isn't out there to really scrutinize his ability and style more.

Scartissue[/quote]
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scar . . . Your mention of Loche brings to memory something the great Ray Arcel told his fighter, title challenger Alfonso "Peppermint" Frazier, prior to the Panamanian upsetting Loche and winning the Jr. Welter crown. Arcel had disguised himself, went to Loche's training camp and studied the great champion. He noticed that Loche would draw boxers to the ropes and then he'd do a number on them, controlling the action. Arcel told Peppermint Frazier not to follow Loche when he backs into the ropes, to just stand there and force him back in the center of the ring to fight. This broke Loche's momentum and cost him control. He looked a bit lost in that fight.

-Rick

[Dongee]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

[raylawpc]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

That's a great story, Hap. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[raylawpc]

Am I the only one that when I'm seeing Rodolfo fight, I'm also seeing Jose "Manteqilla" Napolas fight, or vice-versa?

Alot of similarities.

[kikibalt]

Am I the only one that when I'm seeing Rodolfo fight, I'm also seeing Jose "Manteqilla" Napolas fight, or vice-versa?

Alot of similarities.

Tom, I think you're the only one that agrees with me....

[kikibalt]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

That's a great story, Hap. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jackie McCoy was one of the most astute man in boxing I ever met, learn alot from him.

[Rick Farris]

Am I the only one that when I'm seeing Rodolfo fight, I'm also seeing Jose "Manteqilla" Napolas fight, or vice-versa?

Alot of similarities.

Tom, I think you're the only one that agrees with me....

Frank, I never gave it any thought, but your right.

Rodolfo Gonzalez' early record is comparable to the early numbers Ruben Olivares racked up. "El Gato" was 52-0 (50 KO's) before suffering his first loss. He won his first 35 bouts by KO (unequaled by any world champ), was extended ten rounds to a unanimous decision win, in a rematch KOed the guy and another 15 before extended the distance again.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

Hap . . . Once again, you hit the nail on the head with your story of Buddy Evatt. Just as Jackie prepared Buddy for Escobar, he saw something in Carmona's style that Rodolfo could take advantage of. I think "El Gato" is going to drop in here tonight, maybe he'll tell us the plan Jackie McCoy had for him the night he fought for the title. Jackie was the best, hands down.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

EL GATO

I was intruduced to him once at the Coliseum.He was down to see Art Hafey fight. Gato was with his trainer Jackie McCoy. Gato was behind McCoy. Gato was dressed impeccably . Sweater ,slacks,patent leather shoes. Good lookin' kid. Dark cocomplextion. Wavy hair. Modest on top of that. Something the ladies would go for.

Later that year I went up to L.A. to see him destroy Carmona to win the Light Weight Title. I always thought Gato was a razor sharp boxer,and he he could put his opponents away too. I was surprised his career came to a halt after his fights with Suzuki in Japan. Think he got sick is what I heard.

I met him again this year and we talked extensively. I liked talking to him in Spanish. My wife is from a small town in Michoacan where Gato had a few of his early fights. Familiar scenario. Young fighter coming up. Not much amateur experience. Fighting the older more seasoned opponent. You win,you go on. Lose.Well ,you're cannon fodder for all the guys with talent.

Well Gato made it to the top. A Champ. A very good Champ. Stylish as they come in the ring.

Today when I speak to him,he wants to visit Mexico with his soul mate Barbara.He says he hasn't been back in 40 years. I've offered him to stay at our home in Jiquilpan. He's very moved by this gesture. I'll be very moved when Barbara and El Gato take me up on the offer. Besides, when he does go finally,the old aficianados remember him still with affection.

[El Gato]

First of all---

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you. It has been a very long time since I have written.

When I read these most recent posts from all of you, it was very heartwarming. I am honored that you thought so much about my boxing style. As for the Carmona fight, I don't know if I told you this before but Jackie McCoy told me right after the second round to just carry him on. I could have knocked him out in the early rounds but, I was really just having fun practicing my side steps.This was the style I had to use to handle Carmona and make the fight easier for me. Jackie and I had spotted his weakness during a sparring session a week before the fight. If you put pressure on Carmona and pushed him back he was lost. If you let him come to you you better get out of the ring. He had a good liver punch and I did not want him to use it. To tell you the truth, this was one of the easiest fights of my boxing career.

However, since I was 3 to 1 underdog, the gamblers were betting heavy on Carmona. Apparently, it was one of these guys that broke through security as I was walking away from the ring and caught all of us off guard. He punched me so hard in the stomach that he put me down on the floor. In that respect, the fight wasn't a piece of cake.

El Gato

[Rick Farris]

First of all---

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you. It has been a very long time since I have written.

When I read these most recent posts from all of you, it was very heartwarming. I am honored that you thought so much about my boxing style. As for the Carmona fight, I don't know if I told you this before but Jackie McCoy told me right after the second round to just carry him on. I could have knocked him out in the early rounds but, I was really just having fun practicing my side steps.This was the style I had to use to handle Carmona and make the fight easier for me. Jackie and I had spotted his weakness during a sparring session a week before the fight. If you put pressure on Carmona and pushed him back he was lost. If you let him come to you you better get out of the ring. He had a good liver punch and I did not want him to use it. To tell you the truth, this was one of the easiest fights of my boxing career.

However, since I was 3 to 1 underdog, the gamblers were betting heavy on Carmona. Apparently, it was one of these guys that broke through security as I was walking away from the ring and caught all of us off guard. He punched me so hard in the stomach that he put me down on the floor. In that respect, the fight wasn't a piece of cake.

El Gato

Gato . . . When you prepared for the Carmona fight, where did you train and who were your sparring partners?

[scartissue]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

Hap, the following is a write-up from boxrec on the second Gonzalez-Navarro fight. As we can see it was remarkably different than the majority decision win for Gonzalez only eight months earlier. McCoy must have been an excellent tactician on devising this strategy and Rodolfo was obviously an excellent student.

Scartissue

1973-03-17 : Rodolfo Gonzalez beat Ruben Navarro by TKO in round 9 of 15
Location: Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
Referee: George Latka

"In the first two rounds Ruben peppered the jab but Gonzalez casually slipped the weapon with bob and weave tactics and then rocked Navarro back on his heels with jolting left hook counters. By the 3rd round Gonzalez was beginning to catch the challenger on the ropes with solid combinations, which immediately caused an ugly mouse to form beneath his right eye. Aggressive but never awkward, Gonzalez managed to connect constantly with punches ranging from hooks to right uppercuts, while Ruben could land nothing in return. At last conceding that the jab was not the proper strategy, Navarro, 133, decided to try and club his foe in close. That wasn't the answer either. Strong as an ox, Rodolfo, 135, out-muscled Navarro with few difficulties and seemed almost bored in the process. But, although his eye was closed and his lips were caked with blood, the scrappy Navarro refused to give up until Referee George Latka took matters into his own hands at 2:33 of the 9th round." -International Boxing, August 1973 issue

Post fight comments

"I worked my ass off for this fight, but I just couldn't do anything. I don't know what the hell went wrong. He didn't hurt me but he humiliated me. He's 1000 percent improved since he won the title and I don't see anyone beating him for a few years." -Ruben Navarro
"I felt I was on top all the way. Actually I was pacing myself for the full route, but as it turned out, I got to go home early." -Rodolfo Gonzalez
Attendance: 16,146 Gate: $192,755

[Rick Farris]

No one can deny "El Gato's" extreme poise and balance in all of his ring outings, but I have to insert the name of my old pal Jackie McCoy, who was one of the better students of the game even after he had retired as an attraction. I understand he managed Rodolfo's ring career.

In 1953 I matched our Hollywood Legion pride and joy Andy Escobar with Jackie's prize pupil at the time, Buddy Evatt. The result was more or less as expected, Andy winning a thriller by kayo.

A couple of weeks passed before Jackie began to lobby for a rematch despite my counseling that it would be another tough battle for his fighter. The Escobar camp was quick to agree to a retake, and therein hangs the tale of Jackie's keen grasp of the fight game and its nuances.

It turned out to be another great fight, but this time Evatt stopped Andy to win the southland's "Fight of the Year" award as chosen by the local press. That was a simple case of spotting a bit of a flaw in his conqueror's style for a stunnng reversal of form...Jackie McCoy style!

hap navarro

Hap, the following is a write-up from boxrec on the second Gonzalez-Navarro fight. As we can see it was remarkably different than the majority decision win for Gonzalez only eight months earlier. McCoy must have been an excellent tactician on devising this strategy and Rodolfo was obviously an excellent student.

Scartissue

1973-03-17 : Rodolfo Gonzalez beat Ruben Navarro by TKO in round 9 of 15
Location: Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
Referee: George Latka

"In the first two rounds Ruben peppered the jab but Gonzalez casually slipped the weapon with bob and weave tactics and then rocked Navarro back on his heels with jolting left hook counters. By the 3rd round Gonzalez was beginning to catch the challenger on the ropes with solid combinations, which immediately caused an ugly mouse to form beneath his right eye. Aggressive but never awkward, Gonzalez managed to connect constantly with punches ranging from hooks to right uppercuts, while Ruben could land nothing in return. At last conceding that the jab was not the proper strategy, Navarro, 133, decided to try and club his foe in close. That wasn't the answer either. Strong as an ox, Rodolfo, 135, out-muscled Navarro with few difficulties and seemed almost bored in the process. But, although his eye was closed and his lips were caked with blood, the scrappy Navarro refused to give up until Referee George Latka took matters into his own hands at 2:33 of the 9th round." -International Boxing, August 1973 issue

Post fight comments

"I worked my ass off for this fight, but I just couldn't do anything. I don't know what the hell went wrong. He didn't hurt me but he humiliated me. He's 1000 percent improved since he won the title and I don't see anyone beating him for a few years." -Ruben Navarro
"I felt I was on top all the way. Actually I was pacing myself for the full route, but as it turned out, I got to go home early." -Rodolfo Gonzalez
Attendance: 16,146 Gate: $192,755

Scar . . . As you know, I was at both Gonzalez-Navarro bouts. Ruben had been my stablemate and I came to root for him, but it was clear from the opening bell of the second fight that Ruben was in for bad night. Gonzalez overwhelming power seemed to grow with every bout starting with his stoppage of Jimmy Robertson. I guess his body had finally healed, miraculously.

At the time, Duran held the WBA crown and was an intimidating force in the lightweight division. Duran would fight on the undercard of the second Gato-Ruben fight, and looked less than awesome in dominating Mexican champ Javiar Ayala. Those in attendance naturally had a chance to evaluate both lightweight champs one right after the other. By the third round of the Navarro fight, the Duran fight was long forgotten as El Gato began to mow down the "Maravilla Kid" with his aggressive, rolling, shifting style.

As the above account states, Gonzalez just weaved himself and his punches in and out of an outgunned Navarro. I was back about 20 rows, but could clearly see the pain in Ruben's face as Gonzalez ripped his body & head with hooks and uppercuts. In a still photo taken by the Olympic Boxing Club house photographer, Theo Ehret, Gonzalez' right uppercut snaps Navarro's head back into the ropes.

You hear a lot of today's trainers talk about "angles", but it's rare to see a boxer today who understands the concept. Rodolfo was a master of angles, and this would unravel his opposition, especially when seasoned with that brutal gancho to the liver.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

EL GATO

I was intruduced to him once at the Coliseum.He was down to see Art Hafey fight. Gato was with his trainer Jackie McCoy. Gato was behind McCoy. Gato was dressed impeccably . Sweater ,slacks,patent leather shoes. Good lookin' kid. Dark cocomplextion. Wavy hair. Modest on top of that. Something the ladies would go for.

Later that year I went up to L.A. to see him destroy Carmona to win the Light Weight Title. I always thought Gato was a razor sharp boxer,and he he could put his opponents away too. I was surprised his career came to a halt after his fights with Suzuki in Japan. Think he got sick is what I heard.

I met him again this year and we talked extensively. I liked talking to him in Spanish. My wife is from a small town in Michoacan where Gato had a few of his early fights. Familiar scenario. Young fighter coming up. Not much amateur experience. Fighting the older more seasoned opponent. You win,you go on. Lose.Well ,you're cannon fodder for all the guys with talent.

Well Gato made it to the top. A Champ. A very good Champ. Stylish as they come in the ring.

Today when I speak to him,he wants to visit Mexico with his soul mate Barbara.He says he hasn't been back in 40 years. I've offered him to stay at our home in Jiquilpan. He's very moved by this gesture. I'll be very moved when Barbara and El Gato take me up on the offer. Besides, when he does go finally,the old aficianados remember him still with affection.

Roger . . . You painted an awesome portrait of "El Gato"!

-Rick

[dagosd2000]

Am I the only one that when I'm seeing Rodolfo fight, I'm also seeing Jose "Manteqilla" Napolas fight, or vice-versa?

Alot of similarities.

Tom, I think you're the only one that agrees with me....

Just got back from taking Amanda to Flamenco. Saw this. No,no,no. You guys are on target. You have that trained eye.Perhaps you were born with it. It's a gift,I believe. They both had everything. It was second nature to them. They made it look so easy. Nothing forced.


Flamenco. Ballet. Mantequilla. El Gato. It's something more than dancing and fighting.

[dagosd2000]

EL GATO

I was intruduced to him once at the Coliseum.He was down to see Art Hafey fight. Gato was with his trainer Jackie McCoy. Gato was behind McCoy. Gato was dressed impeccably . Sweater ,slacks,patent leather shoes. Good lookin' kid. Dark cocomplextion. Wavy hair. Modest on top of that. Something the ladies would go for.

Later that year I went up to L.A. to see him destroy Carmona to win the Light Weight Title. I always thought Gato was a razor sharp boxer,and he he could put his opponents away too. I was surprised his career came to a halt after his fights with Suzuki in Japan. Think he got sick is what I heard.

I met him again this year and we talked extensively. I liked talking to him in Spanish. My wife is from a small town in Michoacan where Gato had a few of his early fights. Familiar scenario. Young fighter coming up. Not much amateur experience. Fighting the older more seasoned opponent. You win,you go on. Lose.Well ,you're cannon fodder for all the guys with talent.

Well Gato made it to the top. A Champ. A very good Champ. Stylish as they come in the ring.

Today when I speak to him,he wants to visit Mexico with his soul mate Barbara.He says he hasn't been back in 40 years. I've offered him to stay at our home in Jiquilpan. He's very moved by this gesture. I'll be very moved when Barbara and El Gato take me up on the offer. Besides, when he does go finally,the old aficianados remember him still with affection.

Roger . . . You painted an awesome portrait of "El Gato"!

-Rick

Thank you very much amigo.

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gSGgmQSoPo

Autumn In New York

Billie Holiday

"It's more than just singing."

[dagosd2000]

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

"More than just fighting."

[Rick Farris]

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

"More than just fighting."

It's hard for me to think of Rodolfo Gonzalez in the mid-60's, without looking back on his relationship with Mando Ramos. The Ramos family took Rodolfo in and put him to work at Mando's grandmother's restaurant. A couple years ago, I sat in Mando's living room and the youngest lightweight champ ever shared fond memories of he and Rodolfo's early morning roadwork after they'd finish work at the restaurant. Mando also complained of having to box with El Gato on days when he came to the gym with a hangover. "Those hooks to the body would do me in," Mando said. Lots of memories shared between these two former stablemates. When Ramos lost his WBC lightweight title to Carmona by brutal knockout, "El Gato" got revenge by handing Chango a whipping before bringing the title back to Los Angeles and the Jackie McCoy stable.

-Rick Farris

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Rick,
Babe Griffin promoted nearly all of Ray Lunny IIIs fights including 14 in the Circle Star Theater. I have a few articles from Nor Cal newspapers about Babe who also owned a bar in San Jose, I'll find a good one and post it while were waiting for Hap to give us the inside skinny.
The Circle Star was a nice little venue that seated around 1800 or so for a fight, it was torn down a few years back and replaced by a real nice office building...NOT!
By the way Lunny fought at the Circle Star four times in 1975 did you fight on one of those cards?
Bruce[/quote]

Bruce . . . Ray Lunney III wasn't on the card when I fought at the Circle Star Theatre at the end of July, 1975. I took the fight on one day's notice and won a close six-round decision over a pretty tough Indian Kid named David Kibbey Jr. who had beaten me in the 1970 Nat'l Golden Gloves tournament in Las Vegas, more than five years previous. The bout isn't listed on either mine or Kibbey's record in Boxrec. Maurice Watkins was in the main event and there must be a news clip from a Northern Cal paper that will validate my bout with Kibbey? If so, I'd appreciate the win be recognized by Boxrec. along with a few others abscent from my Boxrec. record. By the way, thanks for adding my win over Wolverine Campos in 1971.

By the way, this year I will invite Ray Lunney III and his wife to join us at the WBHOF banquet so perhaps you two can remenisce about the Circle Star Theatre and northern Cal boxing in the day. Ray is a true treasure trove of boxing history. As you know, his dad Ray Jr. was inducted into the WBHOF a few years back.

-Rick Farris

-Rick[/quote]

Rick,
I looked up the date and will try to trace local papers to see if we can get this recorded. Dave Kibby was from the Smith River Indian Reservation on the Oregon boarder and would come down to San Francisco to fight in the G.G.s and he was a Warrior...no pun intended. He won the National Golden Gloves title the year he beat you, congrats for reversing that loss in the pros on one days notice, any fight with Dave was a fight indeed!
I fought at the Circle Star twice, once in the ring as an amature and once in a free for all in the stands, I faired pretty well in both.
Bruce

[Rick Farris]

Rick,
Babe Griffin promoted nearly all of Ray Lunny IIIs fights including 14 in the Circle Star Theater. I have a few articles from Nor Cal newspapers about Babe who also owned a bar in San Jose, I'll find a good one and post it while were waiting for Hap to give us the inside skinny.
The Circle Star was a nice little venue that seated around 1800 or so for a fight, it was torn down a few years back and replaced by a real nice office building...NOT!
By the way Lunny fought at the Circle Star four times in 1975 did you fight on one of those cards?
Bruce

Bruce . . . Ray Lunney III wasn't on the card when I fought at the Circle Star Theatre at the end of July, 1975. I took the fight on one day's notice and won a close six-round decision over a pretty tough Indian Kid named David Kibbey Jr. who had beaten me in the 1970 Nat'l Golden Gloves tournament in Las Vegas, more than five years previous. The bout isn't listed on either mine or Kibbey's record in Boxrec. Maurice Watkins was in the main event and there must be a news clip from a Northern Cal paper that will validate my bout with Kibbey? If so, I'd appreciate the win be recognized by Boxrec. along with a few others abscent from my Boxrec. record. By the way, thanks for adding my win over Wolverine Campos in 1971.

By the way, this year I will invite Ray Lunney III and his wife to join us at the WBHOF banquet so perhaps you two can remenisce about the Circle Star Theatre and northern Cal boxing in the day. Ray is a true treasure trove of boxing history. As you know, his dad Ray Jr. was inducted into the WBHOF a few years back.

-Rick Farris

-Rick[/quote]

Rick,
I looked up the date and will try to trace local papers to see if we can get this recorded. Dave Kibby was from the Smith River Indian Reservation on the Oregon boarder and would come down to San Francisco to fight in the G.G.s and he was a Warrior...no pun intended. He won the National Golden Gloves title the year he beat you, congrats for reversing that loss in the pros on one days notice, any fight with Dave was a fight indeed!
I fought at the Circle Star twice, once in the ring as an amature and once in a free for all in the stands, I faired pretty well in both.
Bruce[/quote]
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bruce, I remember Kibby entered the ring wearing a full Native American feathered head dress. He came for my scalp, but I left with his.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

13,000 Posts!

This is the 13,000th post of this thread. The last post was my 1300th. Exactly 10%. Ironic!

-Rick