Classic American West Coast Boxing

[raylawpc]

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

Don't forget the GREAT George Dixon, either!!! (Unless he's already in . . . I didn't see him on the list I have.)

[dagosd2000]

Gene Tunney

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0nIkXH4fVU

Sarah Vaughan

MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT

[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

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

Johnnie's Shrimp Boat . . .

Randy, when I was around 13 or 14, I'd ride the bus to the gym from the Valley. When I'd leave the gym, I'd stop at Johnnie's Shrimp Boat for a 7UP. You remember how hot that gym could get in the summer? Well, I'd leave the gym and stop by Johnnie's for something to drink before the bus ride. It's one of those little memories that popped up as I tried to figure out exactly where the stand would have been. Today there is a high rise office building on the sight of the old strip joint, Johnnie's and the parking lot, all the way to the corner of 3rd Street. I started to tell Monica about the place, but she couldn't appreciate the irony. For that, I must come here.

That entire street, what a change. Guy's wait until you hear this. On the corner of 6th & Main, in what once was a porn shop is now a dog & cat day care center & salon! They will babysit bowser for the yuppie artist loft dwellers and discerning residents of the trendy "Skid Row" area of downtown. Lots of cute little Malibu blondes walk the street carefree, Cartier on their wrists. No more Paddy Wagons with tired cops to scoop the derelicts off the sidewalk and take to the drunk tank. No more blatent crack or heroin sales. No more crack ho's, not a transvestite in sight, no underground pool hall a few steps down below the sidewalk. No world class boxers and managers being interviewed at the little MExican Cafe a block from the gym. It's a Frozen Yougurt chain store.

Sorry, but I'm still lost. Where the hell did I just go?

-Rick Farris

[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

Don't forget the GREAT George Dixon, either!!! (Unless he's already in . . . I didn't see him on the list I have.)

Gotcha

[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

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

Congrats on your appointed, know that you will do a great job, wishing you the best, Rick....

[Rick Farris]

Congrats on your appointed, know that you will do a great job, wishing you the best, Rick.... [/quote
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________


Thank you, Frank. My heart is really in this. I honestly had no idea I would be asked to do it.
The timing is right, I have something to contribute.

-Rick

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXeZ6OeXpQw

Cal Tjader

BONITA

The Old Heidelburg on the corner of 5th and Revolution was a German owned restaurant that served German Food and German beer. I never dined downstairs,but on the the roof was a patio. Strewn tables,chairs. There was always a Latin Combo playing music like the song I just posted. A summer night,German beer(Bohemia for me)and a little help from the corner drug store. A view of the city with all its different neon signs flashing off and on.A neon rainbow was what it was. The cabarets,the bars and restaurants. The Caesar Hotel was down the street. Street sounds with Latin rhythms. I'd sit up there till closing.

[dagosd2000]

Congrats on your appointed, know that you will do a great job, wishing you the best, Rick.... [/quote
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________


Thank you, Frank. My heart is really in this. I honestly had no idea I would be asked to do it.
The timing is right, I have something to contribute.

-Rick

Rick
All your pals know you're the best choice they could have made. You're honest ,and enthusiastic,and intelligent. Kick Ass!!! Rog

[Randyman]

Johnny's Shrimp Boat, Main Street, Los Angeles



Guys it doesn't look like much and it wasn't but it produced the tastiest cheap eats on Main Street. Thick chunks of dough covered shrimp fried to perfection, chili poured over rice and pinto beans. A soft drink served in the small old fashioned bottles that you only see at the antique store. It was an institution in it's own right. The picture doesn't do it justice. It didn't look that nice in real life.

After working out I would walk down the stairs from the gym, get my Shrimp, chili, beans and rice and orange soda. I would catch the bus (the old RTD) on 6th street, in front of Cole's. The bus took me to Pico Rivera via Whittier Blvd. The bus had it's fair share of nuts too. Hey Rick, remember Cole's? It was the site for a few movies.





Randy

[Rick Farris]

Johnny's Shrimp Boat, Main Street, Los Angeles



Guys it doesn't look like much and it wasn't but it produced the tastiest cheap eats on Main Street. Thick chunks of dough covered shrimp fried to perfection, chili poured over rice and pinto beans. A soft drink served in the small old fashioned bottles that you only see at the antique store. It was an institution in it's own right. The picture doesn't do it justice. It didn't look that nice in real life.

After working out I would walk down the stairs from the gym, get my Shrimp, chili, beans and rice and orange soda. I would catch the bus (the old RTD) on 6th street, in front of Cole's. The bus took me to Pico Rivera via Whittier Blvd. The bus had it's fair share of nuts too. Hey Rick, remember Cole's? It was the site for a few movies.





Randy

Yes. Monica and I walked past it yesterday while downtown. In '88, we shot a Xmas episode for "Highway To Heaven" inside Coles. The episode featured Dick Van Dyke as a street guy, and artificial snow was spread outside the windows on the sidewalk. The place is known for their French dipped sandwiches. Been there for many decades, how many? I don't know, but it was likely before my mother was born, and I'm 57.

By the way, GREAT photo of Johnnies! That's how it was, the blue and white trim, the bums stretched out in front. Thanks for the memories, Randy.

-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

Johnny's Shrimp Boat, Main Street, Los Angeles



Guys it doesn't look like much and it wasn't but it produced the tastiest cheap eats on Main Street. Thick chunks of dough covered shrimp fried to perfection, chili poured over rice and pinto beans. A soft drink served in the small old fashioned bottles that you only see at the antique store. It was an institution in it's own right. The picture doesn't do it justice. It didn't look that nice in real life.

After working out I would walk down the stairs from the gym, get my Shrimp, chili, beans and rice and orange soda. I would catch the bus (the old RTD) on 6th street, in front of Cole's. The bus took me to Pico Rivera via Whittier Blvd. The bus had it's fair share of nuts too. Hey Rick, remember Cole's? It was the site for a few movies.





Randy

Yes. Monica and I walked past it yesterday while downtown. In '88, we shot a Xmas episode for "Highway To Heaven" inside Coles. The episode featured Dick Van Dyke as a street guy, and artificial snow was spread outside the windows on the sidewalk. The place is known for their French dipped sandwiches. Been there for many decades, how many? I don't know, but it was likely before my mother was born, and I'm 57.

By the way, GREAT photo of Johnnies! That's how it was, the blue and white trim, the bums stretched out in front. Thanks for the memories, Randy.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXeZ6OeXpQw

Cal Tjader

BONITA

The Old Heidelburg on the corner of 5th and Revolution was a German owned restaurant that served German Food and German beer. I never dined downstairs,but on the the roof was a patio. Strewn tables,chairs. There was always a Latin Combo playing music like the song I just posted. A summer night,German beer(Bohemia for me)and a little help from the corner drug store. A view of the city with all its different neon signs flashing off and on.A neon rainbow was what it was. The cabarets,the bars and restaurants. The Caesar Hotel was down the street. Street sounds with Latin rhythms. I'd sit up there till closing.

My kind of place.

[dagosd2000]

Johnny's Shrimp Boat, Main Street, Los Angeles



Guys it doesn't look like much and it wasn't but it produced the tastiest cheap eats on Main Street. Thick chunks of dough covered shrimp fried to perfection, chili poured over rice and pinto beans. A soft drink served in the small old fashioned bottles that you only see at the antique store. It was an institution in it's own right. The picture doesn't do it justice. It didn't look that nice in real life.

After working out I would walk down the stairs from the gym, get my Shrimp, chili, beans and rice and orange soda. I would catch the bus (the old RTD) on 6th street, in front of Cole's. The bus took me to Pico Rivera via Whittier Blvd. The bus had it's fair share of nuts too. Hey Rick, remember Cole's? It was the site for a few movies.





Randy

Randy
I haven't had a French dipped sandwich since ny Mother passed. There ain't a joint in San Diego that makes a French dipped sandwich. Leave it to you pal to find the best eats. If you and Jeri ever come to San Diego(Brian's tournament?) I'll take you to a little Italian Deli down in Ocean Beach called Poma's. Best hot and cold sandwiches in town. Made on Solunto's fresh Italian bread. Just a hole in the wall ,but the sandwiches are the best. Rog

[Expug]

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

I know how you feel Randy.

Beautifully written Rick.I can feel the atmosphere of the Main Street Gym in your tribute here.
Imediately I also thought of some of the same things Cus Damato said about a kids first time going to a boxing gym.
He opens the door and hears the sound of the heavy bags and speed bags.
But he hasnt gone up the stairs yet.
If he climbs the stairs and walks through the door hes gonna see guys in the ring sparring.
If he sticks around after seeing what goes on, you might have a fighter.
But, alot of kids will walk down the stairs turn up the collar on there jacket walk down the street and tell themselves they will come back tomorrow...

[Expug]

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!!

Absolutely!
Congrats on your appointment Rick.
The WBHOF couldnt have a better guy than yourself for the job.

[dagosd2000]

El Palenque Jiquilpan

Fights to the death. I don't get off on it,but my nephew has the bravest roosters in the region. Makes a lot of money with them fighting and selling the birds.

[dagosd2000]

My nephew Chelis getting his "gallo" ready for a tournament. Giving the bird the needle. Vitamins and steroids.

[Expug]

Randy and Rick, Im in agreement with you guys about different trainers having an impact.
A guy by the name of Frank Tommaso who was Eddie Perkins trainer used to help me out at times.
Great guy he was. Johnny Lira used to help me too.
He used to say, "us Irish guys gotta stick together".
Johnny is Italian, but he had kinda reddish hair.

Red hair? Close enough, he's got the right idea

Plus, he has the classic "Irish" temper. Johnny could find trouble in outer Space.

Bennie, a couple years ago at the Golden Gloves here in Chicago, there was a heavyweight novice fight in which one of the fighters gets robbed.(in his mind at least).
Im sitting with a few buddies a couple rows back, and as the "robbed " fighter is exiting the ring, he kicks the spit bucket and it flies all over the spectators in the front row.Spit, blood, snot, the works.
One guy is sitting with a date and she gets soaked.
Hes up off his chair like a rocketand punches the fighter right in the chest.
Clearly by the way this guy threw the punch, he was no punk. He looked like he had some fights also.
Anyway, the whole section is pissed at the fighter and wants to beat the shit out of him.
All of a sudden, who comes running over to defend the fighter? you guessed it, Johnny Lira. He was an "official " at the tournament that year.
I see Lira is way outnumbered. So..... yours truly jumps in to help break up the skirmish.
I dont remember any real bombs thrown, but lots of wrestling , pushing , etc.
Any way it ended ok, but you had to see Lira trying to rationalize what the fighter did.
The fighter was wrong and thats where its at but Johnny just liked being part of the underdog side in a 15-1 rumble.

[bennie]

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

Mo is a worthy choice, Rick. He was the inaugural British light-middleweight champion, cruised to a Lonsdale Belt outright, stopped Vito for the European title (in Italy), Mattioli for the world (in Italy), and only lost his world title to a peak Benitez (in Vegas in a no-win fight).
He also boxed in the '72 Olympics.

[bennie]

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.

Berto can whack with the right and has done absolutely nothing wrong up to now. My only beef is that he hasn't really fought anyone. This is unquestionably his biggest test to date.
We will know a lot more about Berto after Collazo.

[kikibalt]

Frankie Baltazar vs Jose "Chango" Cruz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDCJNDXG50w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBroCV1F2O0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff241bOlzu8

[kikibalt]

Frankie Baltazar vs Juan Escorbar

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9roArrg3IFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M-AClYWi4Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2d6dWPFPb0

[kikibalt]

Frankie Baltazar vs Mariano Solorio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5s0uWFu1R0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x20iL270siI

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNFL7ovAtlI

[kikibalt]

I found some of Frankie's fights on you tube, but I can't fine all the parts, will keep looking.