Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Hap . . .

Looking back on the Hank Hankinson-George Godfrey bout, it would be Godfrey's last fight, and it would be the last bout that Hank Hankinson would win. You mentioned Max Baer as the ref of this bout, and as you also pointed out, Max would KO Hank in just one round in Hankinson's last pro bout, 14 months later in 1938. There is something to this story I find very compelling, yet I just don't know what it is?

Another fact I found interesting is that Hankinson and Godfrey were both big heavyweights for their era. Godfrey, was 6'4" and weighed over 260 for his last bout against Hank. Hank was 6'3" and over 230 himself. These heavyweights were fighting 75 years ago.

-Rick Farris

[Expug]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

[Randyman]

On Randy Shields....

...Im not 100% sure Randy Shields is Irish, but it doesnt matter, he sure as hell fought like one. Randy was trained by his father Sonny Shields, a former boxer and Hollywood stuntman. There arent too many guys tougher than Shields. Tough and elusive. He had a good, credible career but just couldnt win against the very best. His losses read like a walk trough boxings hall of fame; Arturo Tury Pineda, Vincente Saldivar, twice, Pete Ranzany, twice, Wilfredo Benitez, Pepino Cuevas, Sugar Ray Leonard, twice (Randy beat Ray in the amateurs), Tommy Hearns and Milton McCrory. It's a badge of honor just to have step into the ring with any of these men. Shields is a Private Investigator or a bodyguard of some type now, here in L.A. and can legally carry a gun. A couple of years ago, he was in a restaurant having lunch and reading the paper. A couple of armed punks came in and ordered everybody in the place face down. Shields instinctively pulled out his gun and shot one of them (I'm not sure if he killed him) the other guy shot back and then panicked and ran out the door. He was later caught. They don't make them any tougher! True Story.


Mickey Ward....

....Micky Ward is a throwback to another age and has earned his place in Irish boxing history. His three fights with Arturo Gotti alone have earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. He was one of those fighters that was insulted when you didn't land a punch. He took alot and gave alot. Definitely a fan favorite.


And Jerry Quarry....

....Just his dirty rotten luck (luck of the Irish?)to be around at the same time as Ali and Frazier. Probably one of the toughest men to ever step into the ring. I think he would have a better shot at the title if he were fighting today, infact I can't see any current heavyweight that would be able to beat him. But as they say Timing is everything. My son and I met Jerry in the early nineties and even at his age, he was a physically impressive man, with arms like tree trunks, and solid. He gave my son and I some personally autographed photos that I treasure. He talked of making a comeback, but just by talking to him you could see his brain was already starting to show the effects of taking too many shots to the head. I was saddened to hear of his death, especially the way he died.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Rick:

You are right about Dempsey and Benjamin. I understand they were extremely close and got together often whenever Jack traveled to the west coast.

In another bit of trivia, the only fighter who was managed by not one, but two "Barons" was the great George Godfrey. During most of his career he was guided by Jim Dougherty, the so-called "Baron of Leiperville, (Pa.) After he retired and made a brief comeback in 1937 he signed on with a real German Baron, Henry Von Stumme, who got him a match against deadly punching Hank Hankinson at the Olympic. In a riotous finish, Hank kayoed Godfrey, with Max Baer as referee.

In a crazy finale, Baer retired Hankinson by kayoing him in a round sometime later at Honolulu, I believe.

hap navarro

Randy . . . You are right about the Dempsey movie. About 25 years ago, Treat Wiliams played Dempsey in a TV movie. It was OK, but just didn't catch the fire of Dempsey or the era. Here's a little L.A. connection to that film. In Dempsey's title winning match, his opponent Jess Willard was played by former L.A. heavyweight Clay Hodges. Clay and I have remained friends for decades and have worked together many times in the film industry. For the Willard role, Clay put in an extra thrity pounds and did a great job. By the way, Clay Hodges was one of the best amateur heavyweights of the 60's, with two wins over George Foreman in 1967 & 68 (the year George won the Gold Medal), he was also the '67 National Golden Gloves Champ, dropped Jerry Quarry twice in a L.A. Golden Gloves bout awarded to Quarry in '65, lost a close decision to Joe Frazier in the '64 Olympic trials. As a pro, Clay made his pro debut in San Diego with a unanimous decision win over Jimmy Young. An eye injury ended his career a few months later.

Frank will remember Clay Hodges. Clay was trained at the Hoover Street Gym by Jerry Moore and Henry Blouin.

-Rick Farris
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hap . . . I heard Hankinson could bang, but that he also had a weak chin? I've heard that he was a good looking guy and got close to the film industry, dating a lot of actresses including Suey's old friend, Mae West. As Hankinson's appeal diminished, so did the level of actress whom he'd hook up with. The night he beat the young girl to death, he went directly to Suey Welch's bar, he had a money dispute (?), and he took it out on Suey's brother Chang, who was the bartender. Chang Welch was in a coma for two weeks as a result of the beating.

Suey didn't talk about Hankinson, at least not with me, however a couple of Suey's friends did. This is a very interesting and important part of L.A.'s boxing history. There is no bigger name in boxing history than Jack Dempsey. Ali was Ali, Louis was Louis, and Dempsey was Dempsey. All three were huge, but none bigger than Dempsey. And a lot of Dempsey news would flow from Los Angeles. Some of the great Dempsey's brightest and darkest moments took place in the City of Angels.

-Rick Farris

Rick, you said it right about Jack Dempsey. When I was growing up he was my hero. There are none bigger. It was Jack Dempsey and Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller). I'm surprised that someone has not made the definitive movie about Dempsey. A real movie.

Randy [/quote]

[Expug]

Randy, I once mentioned here about a guy I used to spar with named Louie Mateo fighting Randy Shields.
I'll never forget the whole deal and how Mateos people thought they were gonna bring in Shields to Chicago and he would be Louies first "name opponent " victory".
Fuggedaboddit. Randy beat the shit out of Louie. No contest.

[Dongee]

Brian, speaking of Irish fighters, I wrote this brief comment on Mickey walker a while back.....



...After Jack Dempsey no other fighter epitomized Boxing better than Mickey Walker during the Roaring Twenties, and surely no fighter better epitomized the Irish fighter than Walker. Quite an accomplishment in an era of great Irish fighters. Walker was pure hell in and out of the ring. He was a hard drinking, hard fighting, womanizing Son of a B****, in other words he was an Irishman. He didn't box, he threw punches nonstop round after round and Winning the Welterweight and the Middleweight Titles in the process. He was managed by the legendary manager (and con man) Jack Kearns. Walkers Moniker Was the Toy Bulldog and at five foot seven, and pug nosed he lived up to it, fighting everyone from welters to heavyweights, here's a small sampling; Jack Britton, Pete Latzo, Lew Tendler, Mike McTigue, Harry Greb, Tiger Flowers, Paul Belenbach, Ace Hudkins, Tommy loughran, Jack Sharkey, Max Scmeling, Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, and Young Corbett II. The final stats are; 163 bouts 93 wins 19 losses 4 draws 60 KO's 46 no decisions 1 no contest. Like old movies, cars and dames, they don't make'em like this anymore. Another tip o'the hat to the Irish.

Randy

Hope you meant the piece for all of us, because I must tell you it is well done, Randy, and so true! The photo you posted tells us all what the Mick was made of.....and it is in direct contrast to the way he looked and carried himself long after retiring from the ring.Quietly unassuming, dapper, and secure as to who he was.
When I find it, I'll try to post a photo in which he appears in a group with Don Chargin, Fidel La Barba and me, taken at one of our Hollywood Legion Stadium Sports Night events around 1953.
Once more, good study you posted, Randy.

hap navarro

[Randyman]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

Thanks, Brian. Walker is one of my historical favorites. Can you imagine a night of drinking with him?

I'm sorry to hear about your friends, however long ago it was. They live in your heart and memories my friend.

I understand what you mean by boxing taking you back in time. Duran and Leonard I & II do that for me. On the first fight my dad and I went to see the fight at one of his friends house. There was some guy there about my fathers age that was talking so much shit my dad was going to kick his ass. They through the guy out. I think my dad was sorry he didn't get to kick his ass.

On the second fight, though it was only a few months later, my dad was stricken with cancer and had a hard time going out of the house. He also had no appetite. Still he came over, enjoyed the fight with my friends and I and drank some beer and ate some green chile. I can't think of Duran v Leonard without thinking of my"Pops".

Randy

[Expug]

One of the great boxing legends .
According to Mickey, he and Harry Greb fought a rematch in a nightclub right after there fight in the ring which Greb one on decision.
Mickey said he got the better of that one.
Wouldnt you love to have been there for either of those bouts?
Those were great times Im sure.

[Randyman]

Brian, speaking of Irish fighters, I wrote this brief comment on Mickey walker a while back.....



...After Jack Dempsey no other fighter epitomized Boxing better than Mickey Walker during the Roaring Twenties, and surely no fighter better epitomized the Irish fighter than Walker. Quite an accomplishment in an era of great Irish fighters. Walker was pure hell in and out of the ring. He was a hard drinking, hard fighting, womanizing Son of a B****, in other words he was an Irishman. He didn't box, he threw punches nonstop round after round and Winning the Welterweight and the Middleweight Titles in the process. He was managed by the legendary manager (and con man) Jack Kearns. Walkers Moniker Was the Toy Bulldog and at five foot seven, and pug nosed he lived up to it, fighting everyone from welters to heavyweights, here's a small sampling; Jack Britton, Pete Latzo, Lew Tendler, Mike McTigue, Harry Greb, Tiger Flowers, Paul Belenbach, Ace Hudkins, Tommy loughran, Jack Sharkey, Max Scmeling, Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, and Young Corbett II. The final stats are; 163 bouts 93 wins 19 losses 4 draws 60 KO's 46 no decisions 1 no contest. Like old movies, cars and dames, they don't make'em like this anymore. Another tip o'the hat to the Irish.

Randy

Hope you meant the piece for all of us, because I must tell you it is well done, Randy, and so true! The photo you posted tells us all what the Mick was made of.....and it is in direct contrast to the way he looked and carried himself long after retiring from the ring.Quietly unassuming, dapper, and secure as to who he was.
When I find it, I'll try to post a photo in which he appears in a group with Don Chargin, Fidel La Barba and me, taken at one of our Hollywood Legion Stadium Sports Night events around 1953.
Once more, good study you posted, Randy.

hap navarro

Hap, coming from someone like you, that is a great compliment and honor. Thank you!

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

Brian, it's like we have a calender in our minds that ties our lives with our passion. You are a fighter Pug, and so is Randy. It's our passion. OK, here's one for all of us who fought. Think of the music that was popular, that you liked when you were fighting. What you heard on the stereo or car radio on the way to a fight. The songs you heard on that little transistor radio that one of the brothers had in the dressing room. What played on the radio on your drive home, after your first KO win? When you were with that special lady after the fight, what was the song, or songs? I'll never forget that.

-Rick

[dagosd2000]

TAMALES

That picture was taken in Barrio Logan under the bridge on a mid Sunday afternoon. Pretty quiet in the barrio on Sunday. At least in that area. Chicano Park is a block away. Not many people around. It's pretty much a Mexican community. On Sundays I figure people go to TJ to visit relatives and friends. Maybe they go to LA. for the same thing. Not much movement in the barrio. The big franchises won't risk anything there. No WalMarts or Jiffy Lubes. Local merchants. Mostly Mexican. Put A Taco Bell there and they'd have to put the food out for the cats and dogs. Shows you how good that kind of "Mexican " food is. No Mexican would eat there. Only a tourist,but they never venture in that area. Nothing to attract them. Very plain and basic. No malls .No Starbucks.

I passed that cart and stopped the car. My mouth got to waterin' for a tamale. Looks like the carts in TJ. Probably the guy selling the tamales is from there. I bet Pepe or his wife made those tamales. No one was around. The cart was sitting there. No one around. Where was Pepe? Or his wife? Someone sell me a tamale.

After 15 minutes I left. Would have to wait for those tamales. Like I said,Sundays it's pretty slow in the barrio. Everyone takes off. I guess Pepe wasn't selling many tamales that day. Probably got a hair and went to Sea World.

[Expug]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

Thanks, Brian. Walker is one of my historical favorites. Can you imagine a night of drinking with him?

I'm sorry to hear about your friends, however long ago it was. They live in your heart and memories my friend.

I understand what you mean by boxing taking you back in time. Duran and Leonard I & II do that for me. On the first fight my dad and I went to see the fight at one of his friends house. There was some guy there about my fathers age that was talking so much shit my dad was going to kick his ass. They through the guy out. I think my dad was sorry he didn't get to kick his ass.

On the second fight, though it was only a dew moths later, my dad was stricken with cancer and had a hard time going out of the house. He also had no appetite. Still he came over, enjoyed the fight with my friends and I and drank some beer and ate some green chile. I can't think of Duran v Leonard without thinking of my"Pops".

Randy

Great memories of your Father Randy.
Im sure he was a wonderful guy.He turned out a great son.
Maybe that is boxings greatest legacy of all.
The way it brings together Dads and sons . Grandfathers and grandsons. And of course good buddies.

[Rick Farris]

Brian, speaking of Irish fighters, I wrote this brief comment on Mickey walker a while back.....



...After Jack Dempsey no other fighter epitomized Boxing better than Mickey Walker during the Roaring Twenties, and surely no fighter better epitomized the Irish fighter than Walker. Quite an accomplishment in an era of great Irish fighters. Walker was pure hell in and out of the ring. He was a hard drinking, hard fighting, womanizing Son of a B****, in other words he was an Irishman. He didn't box, he threw punches nonstop round after round and Winning the Welterweight and the Middleweight Titles in the process. He was managed by the legendary manager (and con man) Jack Kearns. Walkers Moniker Was the Toy Bulldog and at five foot seven, and pug nosed he lived up to it, fighting everyone from welters to heavyweights, here's a small sampling; Jack Britton, Pete Latzo, Lew Tendler, Mike McTigue, Harry Greb, Tiger Flowers, Paul Belenbach, Ace Hudkins, Tommy loughran, Jack Sharkey, Max Scmeling, Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, and Young Corbett II. The final stats are; 163 bouts 93 wins 19 losses 4 draws 60 KO's 46 no decisions 1 no contest. Like old movies, cars and dames, they don't make'em like this anymore. Another tip o'the hat to the Irish.

Randy

Hope you meant the piece for all of us, because I must tell you it is well done, Randy, and so true! The photo you posted tells us all what the Mick was made of.....and it is in direct contrast to the way he looked and carried himself long after retiring from the ring.Quietly unassuming, dapper, and secure as to who he was.
When I find it, I'll try to post a photo in which he appears in a group with Don Chargin, Fidel La Barba and me, taken at one of our Hollywood Legion Stadium Sports Night events around 1953.
Once more, good study you posted, Randy.

hap navarro

Hap, coming from someone like you, that is a great compliment and honor. Thank you!

Randy

Hap . . . I have that photo of you with a young Chargin, Walker, Tom Kennedy, LaBarba, etc. Please post it. Now that is truly "CLASSIC WEST COAST BOXING"! Hap looks like a Latin film idol , Don looks like a kid in college. Great shot!

[Randyman]

One of the great boxing legends .
According to Mickey, he and Harry Greb fought a rematch in a nightclub right after there fight in the ring which Greb one on decision.
Mickey said he got the better of that one.
Wouldnt you love to have been there for either of those bouts?
Those were great times Im sure.

I've heard about that night. Those were fighters. By the way, one of the greatest compliments I was ever given came from Benny Georgino. He called me the "Toy Bulldog". Now I know I didn't deserve it, and he was probably just being kind, but part of me likes to think he saw something. It's one of those old memories i love to hang onto. Only you guys can understand what something like that would mean.

Randy

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80kaOvrBfhI

CIEN ANOS

Pedro Infante for Hap and Frank

[Randyman]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

Thanks, Brian. Walker is one of my historical favorites. Can you imagine a night of drinking with him?

I'm sorry to hear about your friends, however long ago it was. They live in your heart and memories my friend.

I understand what you mean by boxing taking you back in time. Duran and Leonard I & II do that for me. On the first fight my dad and I went to see the fight at one of his friends house. There was some guy there about my fathers age that was talking so much shit my dad was going to kick his ass. They through the guy out. I think my dad was sorry he didn't get to kick his ass.

On the second fight, though it was only a dew moths later, my dad was stricken with cancer and had a hard time going out of the house. He also had no appetite. Still he came over, enjoyed the fight with my friends and I and drank some beer and ate some green chile. I can't think of Duran v Leonard without thinking of my"Pops".

Randy

Great memories of your Father Randy.
Im sure he was a wonderful guy.He turned out a great son.
Maybe that is boxings greatest legacy of all.
The way it brings together Dads and sons . Grandfathers and grandsons. And of course good buddies.

Now that's great insight! That legacy is worth more than money or fame.

[Expug]

Randy, Great insights from you on Geery. Also , as usual, your thoughts and writing on Mickey are spot on.
Walker is one of my all time favorites. My Grandfather loved him too.He used to talk about him all the time.
Mickey had so much charisma in and out of the ring. He must have been a blast to hang around with.
Did you know he became an artist after his ring days?
Just like our buddy Rog.

Rick, that shot Geery hit Holmes with was a real bomb.
I certaintly didnt shed a tear for Larry catching that punch thats for sure.
Neither did anyone who I was watching that fight with.
Its sad though when I think back to that night as two of the guys I was watching that fight with who were great friends and big Cooney supporters are now dead.
Larry and Timmy.Timmy was my cousin .He died a few months ago from what was called by the family a heart attack. The truth was, it was booze related.He just couldnt quit man.
Larry was killed on his sisters wedding day in a motorcycle accident.He was all fu,,,, up coming back from the recepton and blew a red light.
Frankie was on the back of the bike and lived. Broke about twenty bones though.That was about twenty years ago.
Boxing has a way of taking you back in time and remembering other things then just the fights doesnt it?

Brian, it's like we have a calender in our minds that ties our lives with our passion. You are a fighter Pug, and so is Randy. It's our passion. OK, here's one for all of us who fought. Think of the music that was popular, that you liked when you were fighting. What you heard on the stereo or car radio on the way to a fight. The songs you heard on that little transistor radio that one of the brothers had in the dressing room. What played on the radio on your drive home, after your first KO win? When you were with that special lady after the fight, what was the song, or songs? I'll never forget that.

-Rick

Your so right Rick.
The memories come back.
I remember being in the dressing room before a fight and one of the other fighters, a guy by the name of "Downtown" Freddie Brown was playing some Marvin Gaye stuff on one of those big Boom Boxes.
It was 83.
Of course , it might have put him in the wrong frame of mind as Marvins music is about layin pipe not fightin.
Brown got his ass kicked by James Salerno.

[dagosd2000]

Mickey Walker

[Randyman]

On Observation: I know that because we talk a lot about California fighters and especially Los Angeles area fighters, past and present, we sometimes tend to dwell on Mexican and Chicano fighters. I especially admire and appreciate the way that you guys appreciate Latin fighters. The reverse is also true. I have always had a special affinity for Irish, Italian and Jewish fighters.

There might not be boxing today, or boxing as we know if not for these great fighters giving every ounce of their beings inside the ring. The same for black fighters. As I have said before boxing is a great equalizer. Want world peace? Want to solve race relations in America? Go see a fight!

Randy

[Expug]

One of the great boxing legends .
According to Mickey, he and Harry Greb fought a rematch in a nightclub right after there fight in the ring which Greb one on decision.
Mickey said he got the better of that one.
Wouldnt you love to have been there for either of those bouts?
Those were great times Im sure.

I've heard about that night. Those were fighters. By the way, one of the greatest compliments I was ever given came from Benny Georgino. He called me the "Toy Bulldog". Now I know I didn't deserve it, and he was probably just being kind, but part of me likes to think he saw something. It's one of those old memories i love to hang onto. Only you guys can understand what something like that would mean.

Randy

Thats a great compliment for sure Randy.
I like that nickname for you.
I understand exactly what it means.
Bennie called you that because you have heart.
At the end of the day, thats all that matters.

[Randyman]

Mickey Walker

As always Rog, you are right on target. I hope Mickey can hear us, wherever he's at! I hope his ears are ringing.

Randy

[Expug]

On Observation: I know that because we talk a lot about California fighters and especially Los Angeles area fighters, past and present, we sometimes tend to dwell on Mexican and Chicano fighters. I especially admire and appreciate the way that you guys appreciate Latin fighters. The reverse is also true. I have always had a special affinity for Irish, Italian and Jewish fighters.

There might not be boxing today, or boxing as we know if not for these great fighters giving every ounce of their beings inside the ring. The same for black fighters. As I have said before boxing is a great equalizer. Want world peace? Want to solve race relations in America? Go see a fight!

Randy

The ancient Celts were wildmen. What badasses!
They even went into battle naked.
At one point in time, they even sacked Rome.
The thing about them also was, they wanted to solve major battles by putting there toughest guy against the enemies toughest guy one on one.
That idea was thrown out by their rivals however . Nobody wanted to fight any of those barbarians one on one.
So, all out warfare became the rule with thousands of casualties instead.
Just think how different history may have been if warfare was done the ancient Celt way.

[Randyman]

TAMALES

That picture was taken in Barrio Logan under the bridge on a mid Sunday afternoon. Pretty quiet in the barrio on Sunday. At least in that area. Chicano Park is a block away. Not many people around. It's pretty much a Mexican community. On Sundays I figure people go to TJ to visit relatives and friends. Maybe they go to LA. for the same thing. Not much movement in the barrio. The big franchises won't risk anything there. No WalMarts or Jiffy Lubes. Local merchants. Mostly Mexican. Put A Taco Bell there and they'd have to put the food out for the cats and dogs. Shows you how good that kind of "Mexican " food is. No Mexican would eat there. Only a tourist,but they never venture in that area. Nothing to attract them. Very plain and basic. No malls .No Starbucks.

I passed that cart and stopped the car. My mouth got to waterin' for a tamale. Looks like the carts in TJ. Probably the guy selling the tamales is from there. I bet Pepe or his wife made those tamales. No one was around. The cart was sitting there. No one around. Where was Pepe? Or his wife? Someone sell me a tamale.

After 15 minutes I left. Would have to wait for those tamales. Like I said,Sundays it's pretty slow in the barrio. Everyone takes off. I guess Pepe wasn't selling many tamales that day. Probably got a hair and went to Sea World.

Rog, I never met a tamale I didn't like. So simple and so good. Man you made me hungry!

[Randyman]

On Observation: I know that because we talk a lot about California fighters and especially Los Angeles area fighters, past and present, we sometimes tend to dwell on Mexican and Chicano fighters. I especially admire and appreciate the way that you guys appreciate Latin fighters. The reverse is also true. I have always had a special affinity for Irish, Italian and Jewish fighters.

There might not be boxing today, or boxing as we know if not for these great fighters giving every ounce of their beings inside the ring. The same for black fighters. As I have said before boxing is a great equalizer. Want world peace? Want to solve race relations in America? Go see a fight!

Randy

The ancient Celts were wildmen. What badasses!
They even went into battle naked.
At one point in time, they even sacked Rome.
The thing about them also was, they wanted to solve major battles by putting there toughest guy against the enemies toughest guy one on one.
That idea was thrown out by their rivals however . Nobody wanted to fight any of those barbarians one on one.
So, all out warfare became the rule with thousands of casualties instead.
Just think how different history may have been if warfare was done the ancient Celt way.

Aye lad, we might all be speaking with a fooking Irish Braugh today!

[Expug]

Night gents.
Gotta hit the rack.