Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

I don't understand how Margarito's people thought they could get away with illegally wraping Margarito's hands, or how they supposedly did in Las Vegas, because for all fight the opposing fighter has a right to have somebody looking on as his opponent is having his hands wrap, if its true that Margarito's hands were loaded for the Cotto fight, then Cotto's people were not doing their job and he should get rid of them, you can bet I always had somebody looking on for us.

[kikibalt]

I bet £10 on Mosley to win at odds of 10/3 (roughly 3/1). Not because I thought he would win, but I didn't think he was a 3/1 shot, its only a 2 horse race after all (so to speak), and there was always the chance however small he would pull out one last great performance. I got back £43.33. :)

Can I have my 10% now?

Check's in the post Frank

Good! I'll drink a beer on you and Mosley....

[Randyman]

Before last night's fight between Antonio Margarito and Sugar Shane Mosley, an illegal substance similar to Plaster of Paris was allegedly found in Margarito's handwraps. I don't know how true or accurate that is but when we don't know the full story we go with what we do know. We know that there are checks in place by the commission to protect both boxers. There is someone from the opposing camp watching the hands being wrapped. We know that Margarito has had 44 fights with 37 wins, 27 by knockout, losing 6 of those fights. While the various commissions, promoters and sanctioning bodies have at times proven themselves to be stupid beyond all belief, I find it hard to believe that someone could get away with loading up the handwraps.

I don't know Margarito but from what I do know, it's a safe bet that this blue collar fighter is not someone who would cheat. I don't think he has that type of character. I think guys like Margarito place too much value on their manhood. Some will understand that and some won't. Could it have gone on with out his knowledge? I don't know, maybe, but I just find it improbable that it would happen at all.

Whatever the case may be, the damage is done. His reputation and credibility may never recover. Like an accusation of rape, the stigma is there. Last nights fight, regardless of what went on in the dressing room was on the up and up. It was an honest fight. Mosley won because he was the better man last night. Margarito lost because, for whatever reasons, he was unable to get his act together. That was evident from the first round.

Did Margarito cheat when he fought Miguel Cotto? My belief is that he did not cheat. Men like Margarito and Cotto place so much value on their manhood, their machismo, I don't believe they are capable of it. That is why losing in such a manner affects their psyche. There will likely be a rematch between Cotto and Mosley or between Cotto and Margarito. Even if Margarito loses against Cotto that will not be conclusive proof. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

Randy

[dagosd2000]

SHANE MOSLEY

[kikibalt]

Rick, for your project next week

[kikibalt]

[Boxingnut]

A Brazilian footballer, Kaka, recently turned down an offer to go to Manchester City. He was offered weekly wages of £250,000. That's how barmy footie is here.

I read reports Bennie that Kaka was offered £500,000 a week. That was in the Guardian, normally a reliable source. I support Everton, the "other" team in Liverpool as no one has ever heard of us. We have a long and proud history but the glory days are long gone. Tomorrow we play our rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup (a knockout cup competition).
I enjoy watching US sports, hockey and football are my favourites, although I don't understand all the tactics.

What's off sides in soccer?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offside_(a ... _football)

I'll bet it's as clear as mud now!! :)

[kikibalt]

Is Mosley-Mayweather the next mega-fight?

Although the latter continues to say he's retired, a mega-millions matchup against the suddenly rejuvenated 'Sugar' Shane may be too much for Floyd Jr. to resist.

By Lance Pugmire

Certainly, the bows to the record-setting Staples Center crowd was a treat, but it was minutes later in a quieter celebration that Shane Mosley received what qualified as the best ovation of all.

His beaming promoter, Richard Schaefer, hugged Mosley and whispered into his ear: "I will start having conversations with Team Mayweather tomorrow morning," Schaefer said.

Thirty-seven-year-old boxers don't always have that luxury, but Pomona's Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) earned it Saturday night, dominating Tijuana's Antonio Margarito. He won every round on one judge's score card and pummeled the younger Margarito to win by ninth-round TKO and gain his fifth wold title by wresting the World Boxing Assn. welterweight title from the champion who kept the belt for only this one defense.

"The only right word for this was spectacular," Schaefer said. "Shane told me, 'Believe in us,' and there was no question he believed in himself. He turned back the clock."

Producing an unexpectedly spirited, vibrant effort, Mosley possessed a hand-speed mismatch against Margarito and landed a steady, damaging barrage of overhand rights and left hooks while moving easily away from the champion's attempts to impose his formidable power.

He credited new trainer Nazim Richardson's guidance and training regimen in Big Bear and also had plenty of incentive to take frustrations out on Margarito. Mosley's marriage is ending, he's involved in two BALCO-related lawsuits over his past steroid use and he walked into the ring amid media speculation that he was nearly finished.

"I have a chip on my shoulder to be competitive," Mosley said.

It didn't look like it was more than eight years after Mosley's last fight at Staples, that upset over Oscar De La Hoya best remembered by the Pomona boxer's continued late-round ability to beat his then-rival Golden Boy to the punch. It looked more like eight weeks later.

"I was just getting caught," Margarito said. "Over and over."

Now, with no rematch clause obligation to Margarito, Mosley says, "whatever person steps in front of me is a mega-fight, and that's what I've always wanted."

He'd like to avenge a November 2007 loss to Miguel Cotto. Yet Schaefer asked, "How does [unbeaten] Floyd Mayweather Jr. sound?" Said Mosley: "Great."

Contacted by The Times on Sunday morning, Mayweather Jr.'s manager, Leonard Ellerbe, essentially opened the negotiations this way: "Floyd is retired."

It's almost stupefying that Mosley-Mayweather hasn't happened yet. Will it now? Mosley's speed, power and boxing versus Mayweather's speed, defense and savvy? Mayweather has said recently through his manager that he's willing to end his "retirement" dating to December 2007. Schaefer said, "Let me talk to them first."

The welterweight division is so loaded, counting Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Paul Williams, Mayweather and Cotto as members, Mosley appears assured of landing another big one like Saturday's when a record 20,000-plus packed Staples.

"You saw this . . . everyone came out," Mosley said. "These are the kinds of fights I like to fight."

Margarito, meanwhile, remains scheduled for a June 13 rematch with Cotto, perhaps at Staples Center, his promoter Bob Arum said.

"Margarito had an off night," Arum said. "In boxing, you win, you lose. It's like a pitcher throwing four shutouts in a row. He might lose the next one, but he's still good. It might be a completely different outcome if they fought again. The way this division is, all these guys will fight each other again and again."

Margarito has more to worry about than how to rebound from the Mosley loss. Before the bout, his original hand wraps were removed and Mosley's attorney said "flecks of a substance" that appeared to be like plaster of Paris were found on pads wrapped atop his fist. His hands were re-wrapped, and the contents of the original wraps and the "flecks" were secured in a box.

The California State Athletic Commission will begin "investigating" the contents of Margarito's hand wraps Monday in Sacramento, commission official William Douglas said Sunday.

[Randyman]

One little detail about last nights alleged accusations of illegal hand wrapping of Antonio Margarito really bothers me. Margarito's hands were wrapped three times. Are we to believe that each time they wrapped the hands they took another shot at cheating? Maybe this time no one will notice? It doesn't make sense.

Randy

[Randyman]

Is Mosley-Mayweather the next mega-fight?

Although the latter continues to say he's retired, a mega-millions matchup against the suddenly rejuvenated 'Sugar' Shane may be too much for Floyd Jr. to resist.

By Lance Pugmire

Certainly, the bows to the record-setting Staples Center crowd was a treat, but it was minutes later in a quieter celebration that Shane Mosley received what qualified as the best ovation of all.

His beaming promoter, Richard Schaefer, hugged Mosley and whispered into his ear: "I will start having conversations with Team Mayweather tomorrow morning," Schaefer said.

Thirty-seven-year-old boxers don't always have that luxury, but Pomona's Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) earned it Saturday night, dominating Tijuana's Antonio Margarito. He won every round on one judge's score card and pummeled the younger Margarito to win by ninth-round TKO and gain his fifth wold title by wresting the World Boxing Assn. welterweight title from the champion who kept the belt for only this one defense.

"The only right word for this was spectacular," Schaefer said. "Shane told me, 'Believe in us,' and there was no question he believed in himself. He turned back the clock."

Producing an unexpectedly spirited, vibrant effort, Mosley possessed a hand-speed mismatch against Margarito and landed a steady, damaging barrage of overhand rights and left hooks while moving easily away from the champion's attempts to impose his formidable power.

He credited new trainer Nazim Richardson's guidance and training regimen in Big Bear and also had plenty of incentive to take frustrations out on Margarito. Mosley's marriage is ending, he's involved in two BALCO-related lawsuits over his past steroid use and he walked into the ring amid media speculation that he was nearly finished.

"I have a chip on my shoulder to be competitive," Mosley said.

It didn't look like it was more than eight years after Mosley's last fight at Staples, that upset over Oscar De La Hoya best remembered by the Pomona boxer's continued late-round ability to beat his then-rival Golden Boy to the punch. It looked more like eight weeks later.

"I was just getting caught," Margarito said. "Over and over."

Now, with no rematch clause obligation to Margarito, Mosley says, "whatever person steps in front of me is a mega-fight, and that's what I've always wanted."

He'd like to avenge a November 2007 loss to Miguel Cotto. Yet Schaefer asked, "How does [unbeaten] Floyd Mayweather Jr. sound?" Said Mosley: "Great."

Contacted by The Times on Sunday morning, Mayweather Jr.'s manager, Leonard Ellerbe, essentially opened the negotiations this way: "Floyd is retired."

It's almost stupefying that Mosley-Mayweather hasn't happened yet. Will it now? Mosley's speed, power and boxing versus Mayweather's speed, defense and savvy? Mayweather has said recently through his manager that he's willing to end his "retirement" dating to December 2007. Schaefer said, "Let me talk to them first."

The welterweight division is so loaded, counting Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Paul Williams, Mayweather and Cotto as members, Mosley appears assured of landing another big one like Saturday's when a record 20,000-plus packed Staples.

"You saw this . . . everyone came out," Mosley said. "These are the kinds of fights I like to fight."

Margarito, meanwhile, remains scheduled for a June 13 rematch with Cotto, perhaps at Staples Center, his promoter Bob Arum said.

"Margarito had an off night," Arum said. "In boxing, you win, you lose. It's like a pitcher throwing four shutouts in a row. He might lose the next one, but he's still good. It might be a completely different outcome if they fought again. The way this division is, all these guys will fight each other again and again."

Margarito has more to worry about than how to rebound from the Mosley loss. Before the bout, his original hand wraps were removed and Mosley's attorney said "flecks of a substance" that appeared to be like plaster of Paris were found on pads wrapped atop his fist. His hands were re-wrapped, and the contents of the original wraps and the "flecks" were secured in a box.

The California State Athletic Commission will begin "investigating" the contents of Margarito's hand wraps Monday in Sacramento, commission official William Douglas said Sunday.

Frank, What a coincidence. I just wrote briefly about this on my website. It's a fight I've wanted to see for a while. I hope it happens!

Randy

http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com

[dagosd2000]

[quote="dagosd2000
I read reports Bennie that Kaka was offered £500,000 a week. That was in the Guardian, normally a reliable source. I support Everton, the "other" team in Liverpool as no one has ever heard of us. We have a long and proud history but the glory days are long gone. Tomorrow we play our rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup (a knockout cup competition).
I enjoy watching US sports, hockey and football are my favourites, although I don't understand all the tactics.

What's off sides in soccer?[/quote]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offside_(a ... _football)

I'll bet it's as clear as mud now!! :)[/quote]

Mud I understand. Offsides? Well it's still muddled in my mind. Thanks anyway. Rog

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvDuT4hyObI

Luis Manuel Rodriguez and Denny Moyer

[scartissue]

http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/n...utteridge.html

Just heard Reg Gutteridge died. Never heard any of his commentary but I enjoyed his writing. Bennie, your thoughts?

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Is it me or does Margarito look sluggish and weak?

Yeah, an ass whipping does that to boxer. This is one time I'm very happy that I was wrong. Shane Mosely didn't just defeat Antonio Margarito, he broke the Mexican. There is no need for a rematch, Shane owns him, and you can expect that Margarito will never be the same. I'm glad Margarito was gilded by a 100% original Los Angeles prizefighter. I'm happy for Shane, Los Angeles boxing, and the new era of "Superior Seniors"! Brain over brawn, talent over bull strength. Now Shane has the title, a couple more big pay days remain, he's going thru a divorce, is still hounded over the Balco allegations, at least he has the title and a couple more big paydays.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

I pick Margarito to win this fight because of Mosley's age, but I have always said that Margarito is not a well school fighter, he tough, but thats all he has...

Frank
When they said that Tony had to re wrap his hands because of that hardening agent ,I turned to a buddy I was watching the fight with and said that I smell an upset. You're right about Tony being un schooled,but maybe that toughness that he always displayed was left on the dressing room floor before this fight. I wonder how many of his fights were won with that stuff in his gloves?

Rog...I don't think the wraping had much to do with Margarito losing this fight, he just met a guy with to many skills to his none...

That says it all

[Randyman]

Is it me or does Margarito look sluggish and weak?

Yeah, an ass whipping does that to boxer. This is one time I'm very happy that I was wrong. Shane Mosely didn't just defeat Antonio Margarito, he broke the Mexican. There is no need for a rematch, Shane owns him, and you can expect that Margarito will never be the same. I'm glad Margarito was gilded by a 100% original Los Angeles prizefighter. I'm happy for Shane, Los Angeles boxing, and the new era of "Superior Seniors"! Brain over brawn, talent over bull strength. Now Shane has the title, a couple more big pay days remain, he's going thru a divorce, is still hounded over the Balco allegations, at least he has the title and a couple more big paydays.

-Rick Farris

I posted that comment right after the fourth round. Even before getting his ass kicked Margarito looked different. His timing was off and he looked weak. He underestimated Mosley, so did the rest of the world. I'm happy for Mosley as well. Now I want to see him do the same to Floyd Jr.

Randy

[Randyman]

SHANE MOSLEY

Another great one Rog. It's the eyes. The window to the soul.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

I don't understand how Margarito's people thought they could get away with illegally wraping Margarito's hands, or how they supposedly did in Las Vegas, because for all fight the opposing fighter has a right to have somebody looking on as his opponent is having his hands wrap, if its true that Margarito's hands were loaded for the Cotto fight, then Cotto's people were not doing their job and he should get rid of them, you can bet I always had somebody looking on for us.

I don't know what was put on his wraps, but it wasn't plaster of paris. And for the record, if Dempsey's gloves were loaded for the Willard fight (and why would they need to be?) it was not done with plaster of paris. That's a myth that was long ago debunked. As for Margarito, his payback will come in a few years when the concussion of those brutal Shane Mosely blows take their effect. That one beating will effect Antonio Margarito's future health & happiness. Considering his ploy against Mosely, I say good, I hope he ends up sleeping in the gutter.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

SHANE MOSLEY

Another great one Rog. It's the eyes. The window to the soul.

Randy

Now that's a future Hall of Famer! Viva Shane!

[kikibalt]

Bob's Big Boy



A new Bob's Big Boy was open in West Covina about a month ago,
today James asked Connie and I if we wanted to go try it, hey, I'm
always ready to eat, so I said yes, so did Connie, we get there about
3:00pm, Connie tells me, "you know this is going to be your dinner, I'm
not cooking tonight", I said ok, "I'll have a top sirloin steak", well never
again will I eat a steak at Bob's Big Boy, that steak was like an old piece
of dry leather, so now Connie is cooking tonight.... ;;-)

Btw, Connie and James had burgers, which they said were great...go figure

[kikibalt]

http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/n...utteridge.html

Just heard Reg Gutteridge died. Never heard any of his commentary but I enjoyed his writing. Bennie, your thoughts?

Scartissue

From the CBZ

R.I.P - Reg Gutteridge

Gutteridge dies following illness

Legendary boxing commentator and journalist Reg Gutteridge
Gutteridge was a well-respected figure in the world of boxing

Legendary boxing commentator and journalist Reg Gutteridge has died after a short illness aged 84.

An amateur boxer as a youngster, he turned to journalism after losing a leg when he stepped on a mine in Normandy during the Second World War.

He worked for the Evening News, in London, as its boxing correspondent for 40 years but made his name as ITV's voice of boxing before moving to Sky.

Awarded an OBE in 1995, Gutteridge also covered six Olympic Games.

Gutteridge, who lived in Barnet, died on Saturday. He leaves a wife, daughter and four grandsons.

His daughter Sally said: "He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. He touched many lives."

In 2002 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe also paid tribute to Gutteridge, saying: "His distinctive voice, knowledge of the sport's greats, insights from decades reporting it and partnership with Jim Watt brought boxing to life for so many viewers.

"Just two weeks ago we mourned the death of the BBC's David Vine. With Reg's passing, we have lost another figure so familiar from our TV screens over so many years - a real broadcasting great."

(BBC Sport website).

I spoke to Reg on the phone a couple of times and met him at the IBHOF in 2002 - the year he was inducted. A lovely man who always had time for you (even if it was to talk football (soccer) and not boxing).

He also authored a number of books on boxing and was the nephew of the famous Gutteridge Twins who were respected trainers/cornermen in the UK many moons ago.

There is a famous story about Reg sitting at a function with Sonny Liston and Liston performed his party piece of breaking a thick, glass beer mug with his grip. Reg said "very good Sonny, but can you do this?" and rammed a fork into his leg. Liston's eyes almost popped out of his head (he didn't know Reg had a false leg).

R.I.P. Reg.

[Rick Farris]

http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/n...utteridge.html

Just heard Reg Gutteridge died. Never heard any of his commentary but I enjoyed his writing. Bennie, your thoughts?

Scartissue

From the CBZ

R.I.P - Reg Gutteridge

Gutteridge dies following illness

Legendary boxing commentator and journalist Reg Gutteridge
Gutteridge was a well-respected figure in the world of boxing

Legendary boxing commentator and journalist Reg Gutteridge has died after a short illness aged 84.

An amateur boxer as a youngster, he turned to journalism after losing a leg when he stepped on a mine in Normandy during the Second World War.

He worked for the Evening News, in London, as its boxing correspondent for 40 years but made his name as ITV's voice of boxing before moving to Sky.

Awarded an OBE in 1995, Gutteridge also covered six Olympic Games.

Gutteridge, who lived in Barnet, died on Saturday. He leaves a wife, daughter and four grandsons.

His daughter Sally said: "He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. He touched many lives."

In 2002 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe also paid tribute to Gutteridge, saying: "His distinctive voice, knowledge of the sport's greats, insights from decades reporting it and partnership with Jim Watt brought boxing to life for so many viewers.

"Just two weeks ago we mourned the death of the BBC's David Vine. With Reg's passing, we have lost another figure so familiar from our TV screens over so many years - a real broadcasting great."

(BBC Sport website).

I spoke to Reg on the phone a couple of times and met him at the IBHOF in 2002 - the year he was inducted. A lovely man who always had time for you (even if it was to talk football (soccer) and not boxing).

He also authored a number of books on boxing and was the nephew of the famous Gutteridge Twins who were respected trainers/cornermen in the UK many moons ago.

There is a famous story about Reg sitting at a function with Sonny Liston and Liston performed his party piece of breaking a thick, glass beer mug with his grip. Reg said "very good Sonny, but can you do this?" and rammed a fork into his leg. Liston's eyes almost popped out of his head (he didn't know Reg had a false leg).

R.I.P. Reg.

As a kid, I would read Reg Gutteridge for insight on what was going on in Great Britain. He was one of my favorites. May he rest in peace.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

Bob's Big Boy



A new Bob's Big Boy was open in West Covina about a month ago,
today James asked Connie and I if we wanted to go try it, hey, I'm
always ready to eat, so I said yes, so did Connie, we get there about
3:00pm, Connie tells me, "you know this is going to be your dinner, I'm
not cooking tonight", I said ok, "I'll have a top sirloin steak", well never
again will I eat a steak at Bob's Big Boy, that steak was like an old piece
of dry leather, so now Connie is cooking tonight.... ;;-)

Btw, Connie and James had burgers, which they said were great...go figure

Frank
That Bob's Big Boy reminds of a big rucuss across the border many years ago. There used to be a Bob's Big Boy in Tijuana. They had the statue with the kid holding the plate with the burger standing out front. Problem was it wasn't owned by Bob's Big Boy. The whole thing was counterfeit.

The Big Boy Corporation up here was crying foul of violating international copywrite laws. Eventually,nothing could be done about removing the Big Boy from TJ.Bringing a law suit down there was like trying to sue Cantinflas for stealing Charlie Chaplin's act. The thing that got me was everyone knew that it was a copy. The restaurant was near the old racetrack at the time when the big bet was the "5/10"(pick the winners race five through ten). The place did a pretty good business. Then they torched the old racetrack to get Johnny Alessio out of there and the Big Boy eventually closed its doors.

[kikibalt]

Frank
That Bob's Big Boy reminds of a big rucuss across the border many years ago. There used to be a Bob's Big Boy in Tijuana. They had the statue with the kid holding the plate with the burger standing out front. Problem was it wasn't owned by Bob's Big Boy. The whole thing was counterfeit.

The Big Boy Corporation up here was crying foul of violating international copywrite laws. Eventually,nothing could be done about removing the Big Boy from TJ.Bringing a law suit down there was like trying to sue Cantinflas for stealing Charlie Chaplin's act. The thing that got me was everyone knew that it was a copy. The restaurant was near the old racetrack at the time when the big bet was the "5/10"(pick the winners race five through ten). The place did a pretty good business. Then they torched the old racetrack to get Johnny Alessio out of there and the Big Boy eventually closed its doors.

Don't eat the steak!!

[dagosd2000]

THE LITTLE RUSSIAN CHURCH

"Roger,that's old Russian. I can't read it,"said Ivan.
The Russian was a boxer in the Soviet Union when pro fighting was against the law. Now he was here on an over stayed visa trying to crack into the professional ranks.
"If the signatures are real I may have something really big",I said.
An old guy I knew said that many years ago he knew an ex soldier who smuggled artifacts out of East Germany that had once beloged to a Russian Cossack. It was old money,pictures ,and documents that dated back to Nicholas the last Czar of Russia. The coup of the collection was a photograph of the Royal Family with their signatures under each of their faces. The old guy was hurting for money so he let the collection go for a song. Now I wanted to cash in their value a sing my way to the bank.

"I know of a Russian Orthodox church in Normal Heights. The priest there can read old Russian."
"Ok Ivan. Take me there. There'll be something in it for you."
So early one Sunday morning me and Ivan ,the boxer from Russia, and the artifacts made our way to this Russian Orthodox church.

I'm glad Ivan knew where this church was because I never would have found it. Blocks off the boulevard buried deep into the little side steeets finally sitting at the end of a cul de sac. The neighborhood was old and run down. The people were from all over. Different kinds of Muslims,Latinos, and Africans. Little markets and thrift stores. Winos and crazy types walking the streets. Hookers. The lonely. Far from where they came from and never going back.

The church was tiny. Couldn't tell it was a church except for the dome on the roof.
"Roger,first we attend Mass. Then I talk to the priest."
Inside the church was a dark room where the altar was. Old pictures of saints and small frames of stained glass were on the sides of the wall. I remember everything seemed red. A red look to it. There were no pews or chairs. The church was very crowded. The priest and the altar boys came out from the back. There was a small choir. They started to sing in a manner I only know of as being like madrigals. The sound was deep and very beautifull. Mass lasted for more than two hours. Everone was standing up through it. My legs were killing me. After it was over me and Ivan went outside to the back yard where there was a dinner.

"Roger,this is Father Yuri. He can read what you have."
The priest was born with arms that looked like seal flippers. He couldn't hold anything. Someone was spoon feeding him while he read the documents.
"Please young man,"he said to me."Please eat."
It was the first time I ate borscht. The other stuff I couldn't tell you,but it wasn't too bad. Everyone seemed very happy.

Finally the priest finished reading. The person feeding him wiped his mouth.
"It is the last Czars. The signatures are of the Czar,his wife, and their children."
It turned out that the Rusian Cossack was a body guard of the family. The priest said that everthing was authentic. He didn't seem overwhelmed. It was all taken in stride.
"This picture,"he said. "Do you know what this is?"
"i don't know."
"It is a picture of the Royal Family after they were murdered covered in a sheet. It is documebted that a truck was pulled outside the window to illuminate the room to take the picture. You have the picture."

The priest asked if we wanted more to eat. I wasn't thinking about eating. My mind was swirling with what he had just told me.
"Young man,did you know Russians from all over Southern California come here for Mass every Sunday?"
"I didn't know that."
"It's a fact. There is always something worthwhile to be learned here."

Me and Ivan drove back to town.
"Ivan,if I had to go back to that church,I could never find it again."