Classic American West Coast Boxing

[bennie]

EDDIE “GLOBETROTTER” PERKINS


photo courtesy,
David Martinez

By Jim Amato

In a career that spanned from 1956 to 1975, Eddie Perkins engaged in 99 professional fights. He won seventy five of those contests. He met opponents in over twenty different countries. He truly was a “world” champion.

Eddie lost three of his first five bouts but rallied to win seven straight. In 1958 he lost to Cleveland, Ohio’s Cecil Shorts. He stopped Shorts in a rematch and then he outscored rugged Franke Ryff. In 1959 Eddie won a decision over Paul Armstead but lost to Carl Hubbard and was then halted by Al Urbina. It would be the only stoppage loss of Eddie’s career.

1960 was a good year for Perkins as he beat Larry Boardman, Paolo Rosi and Joey Lopes. In 1961 Perkins lost a verdict to Youngstown, Ohio’s L.C. Morgan. He would bounce right back to outscore the hard hitting Carlos Hernandez. That would lead to Eddie’s first title shot and on October 21st he met defending WBA junior welterweight champion Dulio Loi in Milan, Italy. After fifteen rounds, the bout was judged a draw. They would meet again eleven months later and this time Eddie won the decision and captured his first world title.

Perkins reign lasted only three months as Loi won a decision in their rubber match. Loi decided to retire and on June 15th, 1963 Eddie won his second title with a decision over Roberto Cruz for the WBA and WBC titles.

Perkins would defend successfully against Yoshinori Takahashi and the slick Bunny Grant. He also sqeezed in five non title victories. On January 18, 1965 Eddie lost his crown to Carlos Hernandez. Seven months later he would lose to future great Jose Napoles.

Eddie was bound and determined to regain his title. He scored an important win over Kenny Lane but in 1966 he dropped a points call to Lennox Beckles. In 1967 he beat Adolph Pruitt and Paul Armstead but was then outpointed by the classy Nicolino Locche. Perkins came right back to beat Pruitt again. He finished the year with a draw against Joao Henrique.

Perkins put together a quiet win streak in 1968 but lost a decision in a rematch with Henrique. In 1970 Eddie re-established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He defeated Lion Furuyama, up and coming Clyde Gray and Pedro Adigue. He then lost a return match to Bunny Grant. Eddie then took out Johann Orsolics.

In 1971 Eddie defeated future champion Angel Espada but in 1972 he was upset by Victor Ortiz. In 1973 Eddie put himself in line for a welterweight title shot as he beat the rough and tough Armando Muniz to win the NABF welterweight title. Perkins would repeat his victory over Muniz in 1974.

Besides the two losses to Perkins and losses to Zovek Barajas, Marcos Geraldo and Angel Espada, Muniz was awarded a 1975 title fight with the great champion Jose Napoles. In Muniz’ defense during that time period he did defeat Ernie Lopez and Hedgemon Lewis. Nevertheless in 1974 Eddie deserved a title shot especially after a win over Japan’s Ryu Sorimachi. That would be Eddie’s last victory. After his failure to win the middleweight title from Carlos Monzon, Napoles opted to fight a rematch with Hedgemon Lewis. This left the deserving Perkins out in the cold.

Perkins would lose a decision to future junior middleweight champion Rocky Mattioli. An aging and discouraged Perkins would then lose verdicts to Maxwell Malinga and Shoji Tsujimoto. In 1975 Eddie had his last battle loing an eight rounder in Germany to Franz Czandl.

Perkins met seven world champions and countless contenders in his distinguished career. He fought anyone, anywhere, anytime. This man truly deserves the place he owns in the Hall Of Fame.


photo courtesy,
Boxing Digest magazine
January 2007 issue

Eddie against Adolph Pruitt: one of those fights from which a young fighter could truly learn.

[kikibalt]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

[raylawpc]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

The Fifth Avenue Gym in Miami Beach is also gone, replaced by a modern building housing (I think) a bank. However, somebody arranged to have a very tasteful plaque installed at the site commemorating the gym and the great fighters who trained there.

Maybe the California Boxing Hall of Fame could arrange with the new owners of the Main Street Gym property to post a commemorative plaque at the site. If you guys are interested, I have a photo someplace of the Fifth Street Gym plaque that I will try to find and post.

[kikibalt]

If you guys are interested, I have a photo someplace of the Fifth Street Gym plaque that I will try to find and post.

Please do!...

[kikibalt]

CHRIS JOHN AND ROCKY JUAREZ
By Edgar Gonzalez

SET TO BATTLE ON FEBRUARY 28 IN HOUSTON ON MARQUEZ-DIAZ CO-FEATURE LIVE ON HBO

LOS ANGELES, January 8 - It’s the homecoming fight Rocky Juarez has dreamed of ever since he turned pro and on Saturday, February 28th at Houston’s Toyota Center, the 2000 US Olympic Silver medalist will have an opportunity to face the premier featherweight in the world, unbeaten WBA World Featherweight Champion Chris John in a 12 round championship bout.

“Chris John has been one of boxing’s most consistent world champions and we’re excited to finally bring him to the United States so the fans here can see him in person,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s in for a tough night against Rocky Juarez, who is more determined than ever to capture a world championship. With John looking to impress U.S. fans and Juarez looking for his first world championship, this has all the makings of a great fight.”

The pride of Indonesia, Chris “The Dragon” John (42-0-1, 22 KO’s) is one of the longest reigning champions in boxing today having won his WBA World Featherweight Crown in 2003 with a win over Oscar Leon. John has since defended his title ten times against the likes of standouts such as Osamu Sato, Derrick Gainer, Hiroyuki Enoki and pound for pound great Juan Manuel Marquez, who John decisioned in 2006. Now, fighting for the first time in his ten year career in the United States, the 29-year-old is ready for the big names that will cement his legacy even further.

“This is an important moment in my life and my career - to not only defend my title against a worthy challenger like Rocky Juarez, but to do so fighting in the United States for the first time,” said John. “I promise all my fans that I will give my best as always and I hope to make even more fans in Houston.”

One of the most exciting and courageous warriors in the game today, Ricardo Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20 KO’s) has been thrilling fight fans ever since he took home a Silver Medal for the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games. Juarez went on to win his first 23 pro fights and though he would later fall short in hard-fought title fights against Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Humberto Soto and Juan Manuel Marquez, a stirring 11th round TKO of Former World Champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios last September propelled the 28-year-old Houston native back into the world title picture. On February 28th, he hopes to finally strap championship gold around his waist.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’ve always felt that I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall,” said Juarez, who will be competing in his fifth world title bout on February 28th. “I’m fighting this fight as if it’s my last and I won’t disappoint my hometown fans. I will win the title on February 28th.”

John vs. Juarez, a 12 round bout for John’s WBA World Featherweight Championship, is the televised co-feature on the Marquez vs. Diaz undercard. Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for Marquez’ Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The world title bouts will take place on February 28th from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase, online at www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX and select Houston area Randalls locations. Tickets will be available at the Toyota Center Box Office starting Monday, January 12th at 9 am CT.

[dagosd2000]

Julio Cesar Chavez

[scartissue]

Yes, it was the same ref who allowed Wilfredo Gomez to dish out a brutal beating to Derrick Holmes a little earlier. I felt sorry for the ref. When he asked Weaver if he was "OK" after an early knockdown, Mike did not respond to him. You could see such a thing bothered the ref (I think his name is Joey Curtis) and he jumped in with Weaver on the ropes and not throwing punches back moments later.
It was a premature stoppage, of course, especially in light of the 15-round draw they fought out a few months later, but Weaver was not too smart in ignoring the ref's question. He broke a golden rule.

Bennie, it was Joey Curtis. Ironically, Curtis was always known for allowing a fight to go on a bit too long. Aside from the Gomez-Holmes fight, he was also know for the Ray Leonard-Pete Ranzany near-decapitation. However, in Dokes-Weaver he goes against his grain, stops the fight way too soon and then tells the media, "I don't want a Du-Koo Kim on my hands!" Kim's recent death at that time caused a real knee jerk reaction it seems.

Scartissue[/quote]

Great point, Dan. [/quote]

Hey Bennie, talking about Joey Curtis had me checking out one of his old fights that he reffed and let carry on a bit too long in the Joey Curtis mold (except for Dokes-Weaver). Anyway, he had a great quote after the Gomez-Holmes battering was finally stopped. When it was revealed Holmes jaw was broken in a couple of places, Curtis snarled, "What am I, an X-Ray technician?" Too funny! Sounds like something from the Mel Epstein/Jake Shugrue days.

Scartissue

[scartissue]

CHRIS JOHN AND ROCKY JUAREZ
By Edgar Gonzalez

SET TO BATTLE ON FEBRUARY 28 IN HOUSTON ON MARQUEZ-DIAZ CO-FEATURE LIVE ON HBO

LOS ANGELES, January 8 - It’s the homecoming fight Rocky Juarez has dreamed of ever since he turned pro and on Saturday, February 28th at Houston’s Toyota Center, the 2000 US Olympic Silver medalist will have an opportunity to face the premier featherweight in the world, unbeaten WBA World Featherweight Champion Chris John in a 12 round championship bout.

“Chris John has been one of boxing’s most consistent world champions and we’re excited to finally bring him to the United States so the fans here can see him in person,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s in for a tough night against Rocky Juarez, who is more determined than ever to capture a world championship. With John looking to impress U.S. fans and Juarez looking for his first world championship, this has all the makings of a great fight.”

The pride of Indonesia, Chris “The Dragon” John (42-0-1, 22 KO’s) is one of the longest reigning champions in boxing today having won his WBA World Featherweight Crown in 2003 with a win over Oscar Leon. John has since defended his title ten times against the likes of standouts such as Osamu Sato, Derrick Gainer, Hiroyuki Enoki and pound for pound great Juan Manuel Marquez, who John decisioned in 2006. Now, fighting for the first time in his ten year career in the United States, the 29-year-old is ready for the big names that will cement his legacy even further.

“This is an important moment in my life and my career - to not only defend my title against a worthy challenger like Rocky Juarez, but to do so fighting in the United States for the first time,” said John. “I promise all my fans that I will give my best as always and I hope to make even more fans in Houston.”

One of the most exciting and courageous warriors in the game today, Ricardo Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20 KO’s) has been thrilling fight fans ever since he took home a Silver Medal for the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games. Juarez went on to win his first 23 pro fights and though he would later fall short in hard-fought title fights against Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Humberto Soto and Juan Manuel Marquez, a stirring 11th round TKO of Former World Champion Jorge Rodrigo Barrios last September propelled the 28-year-old Houston native back into the world title picture. On February 28th, he hopes to finally strap championship gold around his waist.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’ve always felt that I’m at my best when my back’s against the wall,” said Juarez, who will be competing in his fifth world title bout on February 28th. “I’m fighting this fight as if it’s my last and I won’t disappoint my hometown fans. I will win the title on February 28th.”

John vs. Juarez, a 12 round bout for John’s WBA World Featherweight Championship, is the televised co-feature on the Marquez vs. Diaz undercard. Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for Marquez’ Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The world title bouts will take place on February 28th from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase, online at http://www.ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX and select Houston area Randalls locations. Tickets will be available at the Toyota Center Box Office starting Monday, January 12th at 9 am CT.

I am a total die-hard Juan Manuel Marquez fan. But I gotta tell you guys, this fight scares me. He's 35, fighting a 25 year old, whose success has been realized from his strength. Taking a young, bull-like fighter against a 35 year old who has only had one fight at lightweight, and that against a boxer, does not sit well with me. Again, I'm a big Marquez supporter. I had him winning both fights against Manny Pacquiao, but this fight scares me. Nevertheless, I will be rooting for him and trying to formulate a good plan to offset Diaz' natural strength at 135.

Scartissue

[Randyman]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

Wonderfully written Rick. It's a sign that we are becoming dinosaurs. Guys from another age. A better time. Real fighters, real actors, real music, real food and real honest to goodness boxing gyms.

Sometimes I feel like John Wayne's J.B. Books in "The Shootist" or "Rooster Cogburn". Out of touch and out of sync with my surroundings.

Hope you don't mind but I posted this on my website. It was too good not too.

As you said: What's the world coming too?

Randy

[Randyman]

If you guys are interested, I have a photo someplace of the Fifth Street Gym plaque that I will try to find and post.

Please do!...

I'm with Frank. Please do!

[dagosd2000]

What do you guys think of Andre Berto? I see he's fighting Luis Collazo. I think this Berto could be a champ in a year.

[kikibalt]

What do you guys think of Andre Berto? I see he's fighting Luis Collazo. I think this Berto could be a champ in a year.

I don't think he is that good, but in the days of cheap belts, who knows, he might win ten titles.

[kikibalt]

The Alexandria Hotel. 5th & Spring St. Los Angeles


Once a place where Kings and Presidents roomed. This is where a teenage George Parnassus found work as a dishwasher in 1909, after coming to Los Angeles from Greece. Later it would be headquarters for the original "Forum Boxing Club". Many great fighters trained in the ballroom during the late 60's.

Today, the Alexandria has been given another face lift, and is no longer at hotel. The rooms have been converted to "Micro-Lofts" and are available for lease to artists, etc.

-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

What do you guys think of Andre Berto? I see he's fighting Luis Collazo. I think this Berto could be a champ in a year.

Rog, Ed Hernandez and I were at the Home Dept Center last year when he fought Steve Forbes on the undercard of the Mosley-Mayorga fight. The way Andre Berto looked that night he would have beaten just about anyone. There is no doubt he would have beaten Mosley that night. Luis Collazo looked good the night he fought Ricky Hatton but he hasn't impressed me since. Collazo is one of those stubborn types of fighters that can be a little tricky. I don't expect Berto to knock him out, though it can happen, but I do think he's going to win the fight.

Randy

[Randyman]

The Alexandria Hotel. 5th & Spring St. Los Angeles


Once a place where Kings and Presidents roomed. This is where a teenage George Parnassus found work as a dishwasher in 1909, after coming to Los Angeles from Greece. Later it would be headquarters for the original "Forum Boxing Club". Many great fighters trained in the ballroom during the late 60's.

Today, the Alexandria has been given another face lift, and is no longer at hotel. The rooms have been converted to "Micro-Lofts" and are available for lease to artists, etc.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I am always impressed by all the small details that have literally been forgotten by most but seem to flow from you at a moments notice.

The best we can say about the Alexandria Hotel today is that it is still standing.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

Wonderfully written Rick. It's a sign that we are becoming dinosaurs. Guys from another age. A better time. Real fighters, real actors, real music, real food and real honest to goodness boxing gyms.

Sometimes I feel like John Wayne's J.B. Books in "The Shootist" or "Rooster Cogburn". Out of touch and out of sync with my surroundings.

Hope you don't mind but I posted this on my website. It was too good not too.

As you said: What's the world coming too?

Randy

Thanks, Randy. I acutally have an edited version I re-sent to Frank but he must have posted this one first. If you'd like an edited version without typos it reads better. As you know, my sentiments are the same as yours.

By the way, this old dinosaur has just been appointed Chairman of the WBHOF's selection commitee. Today, Armando Muniz was voted as the new President of the WBHOF. I will join Mando, Julian Eget, Marty Denkin and Gwen Adair on the executive board. I'm also the WBHOF historian. The WBHOF will hold fund raising events thruout the year as well as our annual Banquet of Champions. Next years's banquet should be a good one, especially if we can all make it.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

The Alexandria Hotel. 5th & Spring St. Los Angeles


Once a place where Kings and Presidents roomed. This is where a teenage George Parnassus found work as a dishwasher in 1909, after coming to Los Angeles from Greece. Later it would be headquarters for the original "Forum Boxing Club". Many great fighters trained in the ballroom during the late 60's.

Today, the Alexandria has been given another face lift, and is no longer at hotel. The rooms have been converted to "Micro-Lofts" and are available for lease to artists, etc.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I am always impressed by all the small details that have literally been forgotten by most but seem to flow from you at a moments notice.

The best we can say about the Alexandria Hotel today is that it is still standing.

Randy

Yep. It's an architectural Tex Cobb.

[Randyman]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

Wonderfully written Rick. It's a sign that we are becoming dinosaurs. Guys from another age. A better time. Real fighters, real actors, real music, real food and real honest to goodness boxing gyms.

Sometimes I feel like John Wayne's J.B. Books in "The Shootist" or "Rooster Cogburn". Out of touch and out of sync with my surroundings.

Hope you don't mind but I posted this on my website. It was too good not too.

As you said: What's the world coming too?

Randy

Thanks, Randy. I acutally have an edited version I re-sent to Frank but he must have posted this one first. If you'd like an edited version without typos it reads better. As you know, my sentiments are the same as yours.

By the way, this old dinosaur has just been appointed Chairman of the WBHOF's selection commitee. Today, Armando Muniz was voted as the new President of the WBHOF. I will join Mando, Julian Eget, Marty Denkin and Gwen Adair on the executive board. I'm also the WBHOF historian. The WBHOF will hold fund raising events thruout the year as well as our annual Banquet of Champions. Next years's banquet should be a good one, especially if we can all make it.

-Rick Farris

Rick, send it to me via my yahoo email.

Congratulations on your appointment. They couldn't have a better man for the job, that goes for being the historian too. Congrats to Mando Muniz as well!

As for next years (this years?) banquet, I wouldn't miss it for anything and I suspect the other guys feel the same way too.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Bennie . . . As per your suggestion, Maurice Hope will be on this years ballot for World Boxing Hall of Fame induction.

Tom . . . I'm petitioning the WBHF board regarding a "Pioneer" catagory that will honor legends who have somehow been overlooked by the HOF. The names Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Barbados Joe Walcott might become the first three recognized in such a catagory? Thanks for your suggestion. We are a new administration and a lot of changes are forthcoming. As Chairman of the selection commitee, it's important to me that legends not be overlooked by those not familiar with their place in boxing history.

-Rick

[Randyman]

318 1/2 S. Main Street . . . Today


This is where the Main Street Gym once stood. The Gym was torn down twenty-five years ago, but it still exists in the memories of a few Today, after a quarter century as aparking lot, new construction is under way.

As I look at that driveway, I recall how it led cars thru a tunnel that took tham to a parking lot in the rear of the gym. That tunnel had once been a burlesque theatre that had closed down. The front and rear wall were knocked out to provide access to the rear parking lot. As we'd walk back thru the tunnel to the gym entrance on Main St. you could see the theatre's rusted, antique lighting fixtures still attached to the walls and ceilings. Looking at the photos, just to the left of the driveway, where the gate has opened, marks where the gym entrance was. "World's Leading Boxers Traing Here Daily", the sign in front read. As you pulled open the doors leading to a stairway that took you up into the gym, you'd immediatly here the tapping of speed bags, the sound of jump ropes hitting the floor, punches thudding against heavy bags and the bell. In three minute intervals the gym bell rang all day, until the gym closed in the evening. Main Street is evolving. It is no longer the place I remember. It's no longer a desperate place, it's more of a "trendy" place. In other words, it's no longer a place for a boxing gym. Not the type gym I respect. The street people now sip "Starbucks", the winos are long gone.

Progress. What's the world coming too?

-Rick Farris

The Fifth Avenue Gym in Miami Beach is also gone, replaced by a modern building housing (I think) a bank. However, somebody arranged to have a very tasteful plaque installed at the site commemorating the gym and the great fighters who trained there.

Maybe the California Boxing Hall of Fame could arrange with the new owners of the Main Street Gym property to post a commemorative plaque at the site. If you guys are interested, I have a photo someplace of the Fifth Street Gym plaque that I will try to find and post.

By the way Rick, from the angle of your photos, you were near the spot where Johnnie's Shrimp Boat used to stand. In the world of greasy spoons it had almost as much historical significance as the Main Street Gym. It had no place to sit and you had to walk over the sleeping bums to get though the door but it was good eating. It had an almost cultish following. It was knocked down about the same time the gym was. I missed the food for years. Sometime in the 90's they opened a Johnnie's Shrimp Boat on Washington Bl in Whittier. The food has not changed. Only the prices have changed.

Randy DD

[Randyman]

Bennie . . . As per your suggestion, Maurice Hope will be on this years ballot for World Boxing Hall of Fame induction.

Tom . . . I'm petitioning the WBHF board regarding a "Pioneer" catagory that will honor legends who have somehow been overlooked by the HOF. The names Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Barbados Joe Walcott might become the first three recognized in such a catagory? Thanks for your suggestion. We are a new administration and a lot of changes are forthcoming. As Chairman of the selection commitee, it's important to me that legends not be overlooked by those not familiar with their place in boxing history.

-Rick

The right man for the job, our own Rick Farris!!

[dagosd2000]

Bennie . . . As per your suggestion, Maurice Hope will be on this years ballot for World Boxing Hall of Fame induction.

Tom . . . I'm petitioning the WBHF board regarding a "Pioneer" catagory that will honor legends who have somehow been overlooked by the HOF. The names Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Barbados Joe Walcott might become the first three recognized in such a catagory? Thanks for your suggestion. We are a new administration and a lot of changes are forthcoming. As Chairman of the selection commitee, it's important to me that legends not be overlooked by those not familiar with their place in boxing history.

-Rick

The right man for the job, our own Rick Farris!!

Way to go Rick. I'm glad someone has the sense to pick the best man for the job. Congrats!!! Rog

[Rick Farris]

Bennie . . . As per your suggestion, Maurice Hope will be on this years ballot for World Boxing Hall of Fame induction.

Tom . . . I'm petitioning the WBHF board regarding a "Pioneer" catagory that will honor legends who have somehow been overlooked by the HOF. The names Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Barbados Joe Walcott might become the first three recognized in such a catagory? Thanks for your suggestion. We are a new administration and a lot of changes are forthcoming. As Chairman of the selection commitee, it's important to me that legends not be overlooked by those not familiar with their place in boxing history.

-Rick

The right man for the job, our own Rick Farris!!

Way to go Rick. I'm glad someone has the sense to pick the best man for the job. Congrats!!! Rog

Thanks guys! Input from this thread will have a strong influence in the WBHOF. I'm serious. By the way, in addition to boxers listed above, Chicago's Johnny Coulon will also be a candidate for induction. Long over due. If anybody here has strong feelings regarding a boxer that they believe is Hall worthy, overlooked, etc. please let me know. I will not guarantee induction, but I can assure they will be considered, possibly put on the ballot. We know more than many who are involved in boxing today and we now have a voice.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

STRAWBERRY SODA

"Just bring the bottle."
"Christ ,what the the hell did you want to drag me in here for? You've got a fight next week."
If Sully won next time out ,he'd be in line for some big fights. Vegas. Television. Hed be a contender. And now he dragged me into a cathouse when everything was at stake.
"I don't care about fightin'",Sully said.
"You mean you want to throw everything away?"
"I'm tired of being slave to the system."
The waiter brought over a bottle of tequila and two glasses.
"I want soda,"I said.
"Cual?"
"Strawberry. Fresa."
"No have. Coca Cola."
"Give me a Coke then."

Sully had been off his feed lately. Training camp was getting stale. He missed the wife. Besides he always thought she was foolin' around when he was up in the mountains. Sully filled his glass with tequila.
"I don't need this. It's all about money. It equates with how many wins. How many knockouts.I'm tired of the system."
Sully poured himself another. Two girls came over and sat down with us.
"You want to buy me drink?",the big one who was sitting next to me asked.
"Not now. Later,"demanded Sully.
"Mas tarde,"I said.
They got got up with a start.
"Cheepie skates,"I heard one of them say.
"Have one with me Rog."
"No I'm OK with the soda pop. Besides I'm going to have to drive you home."
Sully tipped the tequila bottle over the shot glass.

It was cooling down from the summer heat. The bar was open and the ceiling high. The concrete floor helped cool things off. You could tell the sun was setting through the swinging doors. The slit of light was getting lower and lower. Someone had put money in the jukebox. The conversations,the glasses clinking,the music of the juke box made a blended echo that sounded better not understood.

"I'm tellin' ya' Rog. I'm throwin' in the towel. It's all about money. I'm tired of the system."
It went on like that all night. Listening to his self pity. The system. The money. Sully was getting real drunk. I was hoping he wouldn't start anything.
"How do I sound Roger?"
"Ok. Let me know when you've had enough."
Sully poured the last shot into his glass.
"You know buddy,"he said."You were smart not getting into this fighting. You teach school.You give to people."
"I didn't have what it took to be a fighter that's all."
I could see Sully starting to weave in his chair. His eyes were drooping. He began speaking staring at the table.
"You know Rog we're all a part of the universe. Just a bunch of atoms floating around, Today I'm a fighter. Tomorrow,just another atom."
"I better get you home."
"You're smart . You didn't drink. You knew you had to drive."
"Yeh,that's right."
I wasn't drunk,but I was tired of listening to Sully.
I pulled Sully off his stool and led him to the door.
"Rog,we're just a part of the universe. We just take different forms ."
"You're right,"I said. "Besides Jimmy Hoffa is probably a hub cap somewhere."