Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

You guys got me thinking about San Diego talent.

Amado Vasquez

Hildo Silva

David Love

Eddie Mazon

Jimmy Rosette

Roy DePhillipis

Jesse Island

and sadly Spud Murphy ...to name a few of the lesser names,but an important contribution to the sport.

[kikibalt]

Rick....I have Claude Durden's phone #, you want call him?...

[Rick Farris]

Another Teamsters's fighter trained and managed by Louie J.

Armando Cordova

Country USA
Global Id 77632
Hometown North Hollywood CA
Birthplace Mexico
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-11-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L TKO 2
1978-01-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L KO 2
1977-01-21 Alex Alfaro Laredo, USA W PTS 4
1976-06-02 Ezra Davis Las Vegas, USA D PTS 8
1976-05-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1976-03-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1975-07-11 Carmelo Cruz San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1975-06-13 Dave Lopez San Diego, USA W KO 3
1974-11-23 Jose Macias Inglewood, USA W SD 5
1974-10-03 Victor de la Cruz Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1974-09-26 Memo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1974-03-04 Randy Shields Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1974-02-01 Rod Contreras San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-10-27 Claude Durden Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1973-10-18 Roberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-10-04 Isaias Velasquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-08-16 Javier Muniz Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1973-06-08 Ramon Cabrera San Diego, USA W KO 1
1973-05-17 Rudy Acuna Los Angeles, USA W KO 3
1973-04-12 Luis Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1973-02-16 Luis Marquez San Bernardino, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 10 (KOs 6) Lost 9 Drawn 2 Total 21

Armando Cordova was the first boxer I ever fought in a real boxing match, three weeks after I'd started boxing in 1965. Cordova had more experience and gave me a good whipping on his way to winning a decision. He had experience, and fighting him first proved to be a good experience for me, despite losing. I learned that night just how tired a guy can be in a fight and from then on I worked hard running, building my wind and stamina. In my next bout, a few weeks later, I won easily over another boxer from Jerry Moore's stable.

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Another Teamsters's fighter trained and managed by Louie J.

Armando Cordova

Country USA
Global Id 77632
Hometown North Hollywood CA
Birthplace Mexico
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-11-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L TKO 2
1978-01-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L KO 2
1977-01-21 Alex Alfaro Laredo, USA W PTS 4
1976-06-02 Ezra Davis Las Vegas, USA D PTS 8
1976-05-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1976-03-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1975-07-11 Carmelo Cruz San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1975-06-13 Dave Lopez San Diego, USA W KO 3
1974-11-23 Jose Macias Inglewood, USA W SD 5
1974-10-03 Victor de la Cruz Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1974-09-26 Memo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1974-03-04 Randy Shields Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1974-02-01 Rod Contreras San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-10-27 Claude Durden Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1973-10-18 Roberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-10-04 Isaias Velasquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-08-16 Javier Muniz Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1973-06-08 Ramon Cabrera San Diego, USA W KO 1
1973-05-17 Rudy Acuna Los Angeles, USA W KO 3
1973-04-12 Luis Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1973-02-16 Luis Marquez San Bernardino, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 10 (KOs 6) Lost 9 Drawn 2 Total 21

Armando Cordova was the first boxer I ever fought in a real boxing match, three weeks after I'd started boxing in 1965. Cordova had more experience and gave me a good whipping on his way to winning a decision. He had experience, and fighting him first proved to be a good experience for me, despite losing. I learned that night just how tired a guy can be in a fight and from then on I worked hard running, building my wind and stamina. In my next bout, a few weeks later, I won easily over another boxer from Jerry Moore's stable.

-Rick Farris

Armando had a brother that also fought when they were fighting for Louie J., I think that they later left Louie for somebody else, not sure.

[Rick Farris]

Rick....I have Claude Durden's phone #, you want call him?...

Call him what? Actually, I would like to talk to him in due course. We would cross paths on occasion and we always acknowledged each other. His brother Thurman was one of Johnnie Flores favorite fighters. I thought Thurman was going to be a contender. He won a Nat'l GG title in '67, same year as Clay Hodges and Paul Bad Horse. L.A. had three NAt'll GG's champs that year. When Claude took a solid shot, I saw his legs start to go and he did a funny little dance before he went down. I'd have to say that was my biggest Jr. GG's win, and it came early. When Frankie Jr. stopped Claude in the pros, did Durden do that little dance before he kissed the canvas?

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Willie Ray fought Manny Lugo couple of times.

Willie Ray

Country USA
Global Id 83697
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1968-10-10 Al Meza Los Angeles, USA L TKO 3
1968-07-26 Bobby Sedillo San Bernardino, USA W PTS 10
1968-05-02 Centavito Antonio Hernand Los Angeles, USA L PTS 10
1968-03-14 Pajarito Corona Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1966-06-17 Fernando Trujillo San Bernardino, USA W KO 1
1966-06-02 Fernando Trujillo Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1966-02-24 Ignacio Matias Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-11-25 Manuel Lugo Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-10-14 Manuel Lugo Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1965-09-02 Billy Coleman Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-07-28 Pete Gonzalez San Francisco, USA L MD 10
1965-05-11 Richard Sue Seattle, USA L TKO 3
1965-04-01 Jose Barrera Seattle, USA W KO 8
1965-03-17 Beto Maldonado Santa Monica, USA L UD 10
1965-02-22 Al Sandoval Santa Monica, USA W KO 2
1964-08-11 Luis Robles San Diego, USA W KO 3
1964-08-06 Chato Arzola Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1964-07-30 Luis Robles Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1964-05-19 Daniel Valdez North Hollywood, USA D PTS 6
1964-04-30 Lucio Gomez Los Angeles, USA W TKO 2

Record to Date
Won 12 (KOs 7) Lost 6 Drawn 2 Total 20

Frank, wasn't his ring name, "Bumble Bee"??

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Another Teamsters's fighter trained and managed by Louie J.

Armando Cordova

Country USA
Global Id 77632
Hometown North Hollywood CA
Birthplace Mexico
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-11-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L TKO 2
1978-01-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L KO 2
1977-01-21 Alex Alfaro Laredo, USA W PTS 4
1976-06-02 Ezra Davis Las Vegas, USA D PTS 8
1976-05-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1976-03-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1975-07-11 Carmelo Cruz San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1975-06-13 Dave Lopez San Diego, USA W KO 3
1974-11-23 Jose Macias Inglewood, USA W SD 5
1974-10-03 Victor de la Cruz Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1974-09-26 Memo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1974-03-04 Randy Shields Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1974-02-01 Rod Contreras San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-10-27 Claude Durden Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1973-10-18 Roberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-10-04 Isaias Velasquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-08-16 Javier Muniz Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1973-06-08 Ramon Cabrera San Diego, USA W KO 1
1973-05-17 Rudy Acuna Los Angeles, USA W KO 3
1973-04-12 Luis Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1973-02-16 Luis Marquez San Bernardino, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 10 (KOs 6) Lost 9 Drawn 2 Total 21

Armando Cordova was the first boxer I ever fought in a real boxing match, three weeks after I'd started boxing in 1965. Cordova had more experience and gave me a good whipping on his way to winning a decision. He had experience, and fighting him first proved to be a good experience for me, despite losing. I learned that night just how tired a guy can be in a fight and from then on I worked hard running, building my wind and stamina. In my next bout, a few weeks later, I won easily over another boxer from Jerry Moore's stable.

-Rick Farris

Armando had a brother that also fought when they were fighting for Louie J., I think that they late left Louie for somebody else, not sure.

I knew Armando was a Teamsters boxer and so was another kid who kicked his ass bad, Bobby Montgomery. Bobby was a white kid, blonde hair & blue eyes, had a couple tatoos at 14. Montgomery was a powerhouse and I ended up fighting him toe-to-toe in an exhibition at a Latino Festival where they set up a ring in fairground off of the Golden State Fwy in the City of Commerce. I was aware of Montgomery's power but my style worked against him and I hit him pretty often and took little in return. Styles make fights I guess, I was surprised he wasn't that difficult considering how he ran over Cordova a few months earlier in the '67 Jr. GG's. open class eliminations.

A few years later Montgomery was long gone, and I asked Louie whatever happened to him. Louie just shook his head, "He got involved with drugs." That said it all.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Willie Ray fought Manny Lugo couple of times.

Willie Ray

Country USA
Global Id 83697
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1968-10-10 Al Meza Los Angeles, USA L TKO 3
1968-07-26 Bobby Sedillo San Bernardino, USA W PTS 10
1968-05-02 Centavito Antonio Hernand Los Angeles, USA L PTS 10
1968-03-14 Pajarito Corona Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1966-06-17 Fernando Trujillo San Bernardino, USA W KO 1
1966-06-02 Fernando Trujillo Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1966-02-24 Ignacio Matias Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-11-25 Manuel Lugo Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-10-14 Manuel Lugo Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1965-09-02 Billy Coleman Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1965-07-28 Pete Gonzalez San Francisco, USA L MD 10
1965-05-11 Richard Sue Seattle, USA L TKO 3
1965-04-01 Jose Barrera Seattle, USA W KO 8
1965-03-17 Beto Maldonado Santa Monica, USA L UD 10
1965-02-22 Al Sandoval Santa Monica, USA W KO 2
1964-08-11 Luis Robles San Diego, USA W KO 3
1964-08-06 Chato Arzola Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1964-07-30 Luis Robles Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1964-05-19 Daniel Valdez North Hollywood, USA D PTS 6
1964-04-30 Lucio Gomez Los Angeles, USA W TKO 2

Record to Date
Won 12 (KOs 7) Lost 6 Drawn 2 Total 20

Frank, wasn't his ring name, "Bumble Bee"??

-Rick

Yes, it was...

[Rick Farris]

Frank . . .

Thanks for these memories. We really had a good time back then, didn't we?

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Another Teamsters's fighter trained and managed by Louie J.

Armando Cordova

Country USA
Global Id 77632
Hometown North Hollywood CA
Birthplace Mexico
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-11-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L TKO 2
1978-01-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L KO 2
1977-01-21 Alex Alfaro Laredo, USA W PTS 4
1976-06-02 Ezra Davis Las Vegas, USA D PTS 8
1976-05-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1976-03-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1975-07-11 Carmelo Cruz San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1975-06-13 Dave Lopez San Diego, USA W KO 3
1974-11-23 Jose Macias Inglewood, USA W SD 5
1974-10-03 Victor de la Cruz Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1974-09-26 Memo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1974-03-04 Randy Shields Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1974-02-01 Rod Contreras San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-10-27 Claude Durden Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1973-10-18 Roberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-10-04 Isaias Velasquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-08-16 Javier Muniz Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1973-06-08 Ramon Cabrera San Diego, USA W KO 1
1973-05-17 Rudy Acuna Los Angeles, USA W KO 3
1973-04-12 Luis Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1973-02-16 Luis Marquez San Bernardino, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 10 (KOs 6) Lost 9 Drawn 2 Total 21

Armando Cordova was the first boxer I ever fought in a real boxing match, three weeks after I'd started boxing in 1965. Cordova had more experience and gave me a good whipping on his way to winning a decision. He had experience, and fighting him first proved to be a good experience for me, despite losing. I learned that night just how tired a guy can be in a fight and from then on I worked hard running, building my wind and stamina. In my next bout, a few weeks later, I won easily over another boxer from Jerry Moore's stable.

-Rick Farris
Armando had a brother that also fought when they were fighting for Louie J., I think that they late left Louie for somebody else, not sure.


I knew Armando was a Teamsters boxer and so was another kid who kicked his ass bad, Bobby Montgomery. Bobby was a white kid, blonde hair & blue eyes, had a couple tatoos at 14. Montgomery was a powerhouse and I ended up fighting him toe-to-toe in an exhibition at a Latino Festival where they set up a ring in fairground off of the Golden State Fwy in the City of Commerce. I was aware of Montgomery's power but my style worked against him and I hit him pretty often and took little in return. Styles make fights I guess, I was surprised he wasn't that difficult considering how he ran over Cordova a few months earlier in the '67 Jr. GG's. open class eliminations.

A few years later Montgomery was long gone, and I asked Louie whatever happened to him. Louie just shook his head, "He got involved with drugs." That said it all.

-Rick

Rick...I remember Bobby M. real good, he was a very strong kid but, couldn't boxed at all.
I got my pockets picked (wallet) at that Latino Festival on Atlantic Blvd. about two weeks later my wallet arrived by mail at my house...

[kikibalt]

Frank . . .

Thanks for these memories. We really had a good time back then, didn't we?

-Rick

Yes, we did, some of my fondest memories in boxing were in the Jr's, just about every friday nite we would go to a Jr show and watch the kids fight.

[kikibalt]

Rick...Remember the Valenzuela brothers, Victor, Tony and Bobby, they lived in Duarte and fought for Canto R. they started fighting at the same time my boys did, 1964, and fought for years in the Jr's.

[Rick Farris]

Rick...Remember the Valenzuela brothers, Victor, Tony and Bobby, they lived in Duarte and fought for Canto R. they started fighting at the same time my boys did, 1964, and fought for years in the Jr's.

Frank . . . I remember all three very well. I'd see them at every junior show. I apologize for not getting my own amatuer/pro memorabelia to you to post, because I have lots of programs loaded with these junior boxer's names. Of course, lots of Balatzar stuff. I recall the Valenzuela's and also your kid's friend, Alfonso "Pancho" Velasquez, and too many others to name. The Teamsters Gym, Stanton A.C., Hawaiian Gardens, Sacred Heart out in Pomona where Tony Cerda worked with his own boys plus Albert Davila and the Sandovals. I have the boxes out of storage and I promise to get some of this classic amateur memorabelia to you. When you see the names, dates and clubs, it's like an express ride back in time.

Do you recall a real sharp little southpaw (he was a little older than your boys but younger than me) from San Diego, Ernie Grenier? He won his division title in the '67 Jr. GG's, I believe. There was also another from S.D. who gave me a tough fight, his name was George Combite. I believe they were the only two San Diego kids who came up for the Jr. GG's and they were pretty good. And of course, who could forget Robert Alan Windsor? Robert kind of reminded me of that kid in the movie "Million Dollar Baby", the one who was kind of retarded and used to say he wanted to fight Tommy Hearns. I was surprised when you told me just how well he did in the Nationals. Goes to show you, best not to count anybody out.

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Rog, tell us something about DePhillipis

Roy DePhillipis

Country USA
Global Id 92620
Birthplace Idaho Falls
Division Lightweight
Born 1945-01-01


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1970-07-20 Benito Juarez San Diego, USA W SD 10
1968-07-04 Joey Aguilar Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1968-06-20 Rodrigo Contreras Los Angeles, USA W KO 7
1968-06-11 Gabriel Hernandez San Diego, USA W KO 4
1968-04-11 Jose Moreno Los Angeles, USA L TKO 2
1968-03-26 Rodrigo Contreras San Diego, USA W KO 2
1968-01-30 Marcello Cid San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1967-10-26 Gue See Singsiam Chin Tep Los Angeles, USA W PTS 10
1967-08-31 Ramiro Yaqui Nides Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1967-08-17 Sergio Medina Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1967-07-13 Rene Macias Anaheim, USA W PTS 6
1967-06-22 Rene Macias Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-06-01 Rene Macias Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 12 (KOs 4) Lost 1 Drawn 0 Total 13

[Rick Farris]

Another Teamsters's fighter trained and managed by Louie J.

Armando Cordova

Country USA
Global Id 77632
Hometown North Hollywood CA
Birthplace Mexico
Division Lightweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-11-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L TKO 2
1978-01-21 Victor Martinez Las Vegas, USA L KO 2
1977-01-21 Alex Alfaro Laredo, USA W PTS 4
1976-06-02 Ezra Davis Las Vegas, USA D PTS 8
1976-05-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1976-03-15 Pedro Constancio Fresno, USA L PTS 6
1975-07-11 Carmelo Cruz San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1975-06-13 Dave Lopez San Diego, USA W KO 3
1974-11-23 Jose Macias Inglewood, USA W SD 5
1974-10-03 Victor de la Cruz Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1974-09-26 Memo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5
1974-03-04 Randy Shields Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1974-02-01 Rod Contreras San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-10-27 Claude Durden Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1973-10-18 Roberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-10-04 Isaias Velasquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1973-08-16 Javier Muniz Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1973-06-08 Ramon Cabrera San Diego, USA W KO 1
1973-05-17 Rudy Acuna Los Angeles, USA W KO 3
1973-04-12 Luis Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5
1973-02-16 Luis Marquez San Bernardino, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 10 (KOs 6) Lost 9 Drawn 2 Total 21

Armando Cordova was the first boxer I ever fought in a real boxing match, three weeks after I'd started boxing in 1965. Cordova had more experience and gave me a good whipping on his way to winning a decision. He had experience, and fighting him first proved to be a good experience for me, despite losing. I learned that night just how tired a guy can be in a fight and from then on I worked hard running, building my wind and stamina. In my next bout, a few weeks later, I won easily over another boxer from Jerry Moore's stable.

-Rick Farris
Armando had a brother that also fought when they were fighting for Louie J., I think that they late left Louie for somebody else, not sure.


I knew Armando was a Teamsters boxer and so was another kid who kicked his ass bad, Bobby Montgomery. Bobby was a white kid, blonde hair & blue eyes, had a couple tatoos at 14. Montgomery was a powerhouse and I ended up fighting him toe-to-toe in an exhibition at a Latino Festival where they set up a ring in fairground off of the Golden State Fwy in the City of Commerce. I was aware of Montgomery's power but my style worked against him and I hit him pretty often and took little in return. Styles make fights I guess, I was surprised he wasn't that difficult considering how he ran over Cordova a few months earlier in the '67 Jr. GG's. open class eliminations.

A few years later Montgomery was long gone, and I asked Louie whatever happened to him. Louie just shook his head, "He got involved with drugs." That said it all.

-Rick

Rick...I remember Bobby M. real good, he was a very strong kid but, couldn't boxed at all.
I got my pockets picked (wallet) at that Latino Festival on Atlantic Blvd. about two weeks later my wallet arrived by mail at my house...

I remember that Latino festival real well. I fought once on friday night against a heavier Montgomery, and the next night against a kid from Stanton AC. Montgomery was strong but he wasn't stronger than the middleweight pro I was boxing with at Johnny Gym, Bobby Rye. I was used to moving around stronger, heavier guys and he couldn't land on me when I stood right in with him. I was faster and he tried to load up and would catch a lot of punches. I remember perfectly catching him with uppercuts inside and follwing over with the hooks. He tried to keep a distance and actually backed up, trying to get punching room. He was open to the body and head and especially for the uppercut, right into the solar plexus and chin. He was surprised and so was Louie. Johnny was out of town, I think in Mexico with Dwight Hawkins, so Bobby Bell and Manny Diaz worked with me. I remember my grandfather was concerned about the weight difference, nearly ten pounds, but he was real happy I did well. It would be one of the last times he saw me fight, and the start of a winning streak for me. The guys on this thread would have liked my grandfather. He was one of the toughest men I would ever know, and definitly one of the smartest. He had heart!

By the way, glad you got the wallet back. I bet it was a bit lighter.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

The wallet was LIGHTER...

[Rick Farris]

Rene Macias . . .

Another guy who was always in a war and he'd almost always leave his fair share of blood on the canvas.
Lot's of scar tissue decorated his brows. He was a tough guy, always fought hard and strong.
Became an opponent, but he was always dangerous, he was involved in lots of bloody ones.
Not a top rate contender, but a top rate opponent, for sure.
He fought some good ones at the Olympic.


-Rick Farris

[Expug]

Guys, I really am enjoying the info on some of the west coast lesser known warriors of days gone by.
prelim guys journymen etc.
These guys are what boxings all about in my opinion.
Most of them are twice as interesting as some of the pretty boys makin the big dough.
Here are some midwest guys from past days that are in the same category:
"Good Time" Henry Mobley
Randy Smith
Johnny Heard
Tom "Roughhouse"Fisher
Rodney Wilson
Lorenzo Smith
Danny Blake
Carl Williams
Pete Podgorski
Bill"Crystal Kid" Clayton

There are so many more.
Once in awhile, these guys would pull a big upset. Even in an out of town fight.
Johnny Heard, a good friend, kod Marjan Benes in Europe.
Bill Clayton went to knew York and kod a fighter who was being touted named Robert "Pee Wee" Rucker.
These guys could surprise sometimes.

[Rick Farris]

Baby Cassius (Eric Thomas) . . .

Johnny Flores had this guy as an amateur and then he went with Canto Robledo's Crown City Boxing Stable in Pasadena. This guy was a lightweight Cassius Clay look alike! He had Ali's face, hair, build, same white trunks and shoes, and the hands down Ali style. He was really pretty good and had his way with a lot of prelim boys, but the ten round guys made him pay for holding his hands low. So did Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles.

The great welter champ hired Eric as a sparring partner in 1971, for his first defense against Hedgeman Lewis. I was working with Ruben Olivares at the time, and would see Baby Cassius box with Napoles beforehand. It wasn't a pretty sight. Cassius really took a beating, but hung in, got off the canvas and still tried to box.

One day, as I dressed for my workout with Olivares, Eric was taking off his hand wraps after working with the champ. His eyes were both swollen, his black skin turned reddish under the swelling. "All I wanna do is earn a little Xmas money. But this man is killing me", he moaned.

I could relate.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Rene Macias . . .

Another guy who was always in a war and he'd almost always leave his fair share of blood on the canvas.
Lot's of scar tissue decorated his brows. He was a tough guy, always fought hard and strong.
Became an opponent, but he was always dangerous, he was involved in lots of bloody ones.
Not a top rate contender, but a top rate opponent, for sure.
He fought some good ones at the Olympic.


-Rick Farris

Rene Macias was an opponent to the opponent...

Rene Macias

Country USA
Global Id 31088
Division Lightweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1969-10-23 Al Ford Portland, USA L PTS 10
1969-05-20 Enrique Jana San Jose, USA L TKO 4
1969-03-17 Frankie Crawford San Carlos, USA L PTS 10
1968-12-19 Rodolfo Gonzalez Los Angeles, USA L TKO 9
1968-11-07 Bobby Rodriguez Los Angeles, USA L UD 10
1968-09-30 Richard Sue Portland, USA L UD 10
1968-08-15 Jose Moreno Los Angeles, USA W MD 10
1968-07-17 Pete Gonzalez Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1968-06-05 Pete Gonzalez Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1968-05-29 Tony Alvarado Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1968-02-27 Bobby Valdez San Diego, USA L TKO 1
1968-02-07 Pete Gonzalez Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1968-01-16 Bobby Valdez San Diego, USA L TD 5
1967-12-14 Gabriel Hernandez Los Angeles, USA W SD 10
1967-11-09 Felipe Torres Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1967-10-05 Baby Cassius Los Angeles, USA D PTS 10
1967-09-07 Vic Jimenez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-08-24 Memo Guerrero Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-08-03 Eliseo Estrada Los Angeles, USA L SD 6
1967-07-13 Roy DeFilippas Anaheim, USA L PTS 6
1967-07-03 Rodrigo Contreras Las Vegas, USA L PTS 8
1967-06-22 Roy DeFilippas Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-06-05 Tony Alvarado Las Vegas, USA L PTS 8
1967-06-01 Roy DeFilippas Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-03-23 Al Bolton Los Angeles, USA L KO 1
1966-11-07 Jose Garcia Las Vegas, USA W PTS 5
1966-10-24 Fidel Cruz Las Vegas, USA W KO 2
1966-10-03 Rodrigo Contreras Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1966-09-20 Lloyd Ungbricht Las Vegas, USA L PTS 5
1966-05-09 Leonardo Lopez Las Vegas, USA L KO 4
1966-04-23 Len Kesey Portland, USA L KO 4
1966-04-04 Tony Alvarado Las Vegas, USA L PTS 5
1966-03-07 Eddie Santos Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1965-06-16 Manny Linson Las Vegas, USA L KO 1
1965-04-12 Raul Montoya Guaymas, Mexico L KO 2

Record to Date
Won 7 (KOs 1) Lost 27 Drawn 1 Total 35

[Rick Farris]

Guys, I really am enjoying the info on some of the west coast lesser known warriors of days gone by.
prelim guys journymen etc.
These guys are what boxings all about in my opinion.
Most of them are twice as interesting as some of the pretty boys makin the big dough.
Here are some midwest guys from past days that are in the same category:
"Good Time" Henry Mobley
Randy Smith
Johnny Heard
Tom "Roughhouse"Fisher
Rodney Wilson
Lorenzo Smith
Danny Blake
Carl Williams
Pete Podgorski
Bill"Crystal Kid" Clayton

There are so many more.
Once in awhile, these guys would pull a big upset. Even in an out of town fight.
Johnny Heard, a good friend, kod Marjan Benes in Europe.
Bill Clayton went to knew York and kod a fighter who was being touted named Robert "Pee Wee" Rucker.
These guys could surprise sometimes.

Brian . . . I know what you mean, these guys sometimes can surprise you. We had a guy in L.A. that Frank knows. His name is Rod Contreras, and he was a Flores' stablemate of mine. In the early 60's, Rod turned pro, and a guy he fought died after Rod KOed him. He quit for awhile, then came back about the same time as Mando Ramos, Crawford, Navarro, and El Gato Gonzalez were coming up. He was a good fighter but fell short of the others mentioned.

One day, Jr. lightweight champ, Hiroshi Kobayashi, is in the gym training for an upcoming L.A. fight. He spars with Rod, who was fighting six rounders at the time. Here is where the old saying of styles make fights is so true. Kobayashi couldn't do a thing with Rod, who outboxed and outpunched the Japanese world champion. Kobayashi's nose began bleeding hard and he was on a mission to KO Contreras. He'd go wild trying to uncork a big one on Rod's chin but would miss, and then Rod just stepped in and rattled him with stiff, straight punches that would come right down the middle like a fast ball. After a few rounds, Kobayashi got out of the ring looking a little beat up.

It was a good show. I was happy to watch my friend from the Eastside kick the powerful Japs ass.

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Baby Cassius (Eric Thomas) . . .

Johnny Flores had this guy as an amateur and then he went with Canto Robledo's Crown City Boxing Stable in Pasadena. This guy was a lightweight Cassius Clay look alike! He had Ali's face, hair, build, same white trunks and shoes, and the hands down Ali style. He was really pretty good and had his way with a lot of prelim boys, but the ten round guys made him pay for holding his hands low. So did Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles.

The great welter champ hired Eric as a sparring partner in 1971, for his first defense against Hedgeman Lewis. I was working with Ruben Olivares at the time, and would see Baby Cassius box with Napoles beforehand. It wasn't a pretty sight. Cassius really took a beating, but hung in, got off the canvas and still tried to box.

One day, as I dressed for my workout with Olivares, Eric was taking off his hand wraps after working with the champ. His eyes were both swollen, his black skin turned reddish under the swelling. "All I wanna do is earn a little Xmas money. But this man is killing me", he moaned.

I could relate.


-Rick Farris

Baby Cassuis/Eric Thomas came up on the Jrs in the early 1960's

Baby Cassius

Alias Eric Thomas
Country USA
Global Id 33545
Division Lightweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1974-03-01 Miguel Mayan San Diego, USA L KO 10
1974-02-06 Javier Ayala San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1973-12-11 Ray Lunny III San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1973-05-24 Jimmy Robertson Los Angeles, USA L TD 3
1973-01-15 Miguel Mayan Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1972-05-17 Gerardo Ferrat Guaymas, Mexico L KO 6
1971-09-25 Victor Tshabalala Jabulani, Johannesburg, S L PTS 10
1971-05-24 Leo Young Melbourne, Australia W PTS 10
1971-05-14 Toro George Brisbane, Australia L PTS 10
1970-09-21 Jose Angel Herrera San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1970-08-07 Angel Mayoral San Diego, USA L PTS 10
1970-06-20 Anthony Morodi Soweto, South Africa L PTS 10
1970-04-28 Rudy Tolongari Honolulu, USA D PTS 10
1969-10-14 Hubert Kang Honolulu, USA W PTS 10
1969-06-26 Jimmy Robertson Los Angeles, USA L TKO 2
1969-05-19 Gerardo Ferrat Mexicali, Mexico L PTS 10
1969-04-24 Bobby Rodriguez Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1969-02-09 Ignacio Pina Mexicali, Mexico L PTS 10
1968-12-15 Gerardo Ferrat Mexicali, Mexico D PTS 10
1968-11-24 Ignacio Pina Mexicali, Mexico W PTS 10
1968-10-10 Fernando Sotelo Los Angeles, USA L TKO 9
1968-09-26 Luis Ramirez Los Angeles, USA L UD 10
1968-08-23 Memo Morales San Bernardino, USA W KO 7
1968-07-26 Felix Jasso San Bernardino, USA W KO 9
1968-04-25 Hidemori Tsujimoto Japan L KO 7
1967-10-23 Len Kesey Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1967-10-05 Rene Macias Los Angeles, USA D PTS 10
1967-09-18 Dave Simonini Las Vegas, USA W KO 3
1967-08-03 Rodrigo Contreras Los Angeles, USA W TKO 1
1967-07-27 Jose Garcia Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-05-25 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA L PTS 8
1967-04-27 Rodrigo Contreras Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-03-16 Tony Porter Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1967-03-02 Ruben Navarro Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-12-01 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-11-24 Memo Guerrero Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1966-10-26 Jeff Phillip Magnan Oakland, USA W SD 5
1966-10-13 Jimmy Curiel Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 16 (KOs 5) Lost 19 Drawn 3 Total 38

[kikibalt]

Guys, I really am enjoying the info on some of the west coast lesser known warriors of days gone by.
prelim guys journymen etc.
These guys are what boxings all about in my opinion.
Most of them are twice as interesting as some of the pretty boys makin the big dough.
Here are some midwest guys from past days that are in the same category:
"Good Time" Henry Mobley
Randy Smith
Johnny Heard
Tom "Roughhouse"Fisher
Rodney Wilson
Lorenzo Smith
Danny Blake
Carl Williams
Pete Podgorski
Bill"Crystal Kid" Clayton

There are so many more.
Once in awhile, these guys would pull a big upset. Even in an out of town fight.
Johnny Heard, a good friend, kod Marjan Benes in Europe.
Bill Clayton went to knew York and kod a fighter who was being touted named Robert "Pee Wee" Rucker.
These guys could surprise sometimes.

Brian . . . I know what you mean, these guys sometimes can surprise you. We had a guy in L.A. that Frank knows. His name is Rod Contreras, and he was a Flores' stablemate of mine. In the early 60's, Rod turned pro, and a guy he fought died after Rod KOed him. He quit for awhile, then came back about the same time as Mando Ramos, Crawford, Navarro, and El Gato Gonzalez were coming up. He was a good fighter but fell short of the others mentioned.

One day, Jr. lightweight champ, Hiroshi Kobayashi, is in the gym training for an upcoming L.A. fight. He spars with Rod, who was fighting six rounders at the time. Here is where the old saying of styles make fights is so true. Kobayashi couldn't do a thing with Rod, who outboxed and outpunched the Japanese world champion. Kobayashi's nose began bleeding hard and he was on a mission to KO Contreras. He'd go wild trying to uncork a big one on Rod's chin but would miss, and then Rod just stepped in and rattled him with stiff, straight punches that would come right down the middle like a fast ball. After a few rounds, Kobayashi got out of the ring looking a little beat up.

It was a good show. I was happy to watch my friend from the Eastside kick the powerful Japs ass.

-Rick Farris

I don't think, no, I know this is not right

Rod Contreras

Alias (Rodrigo)
Country USA
Global Id 83347
Division Featherweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1974-07-08 Nick Alfaro Las Vegas, USA L KO 3
1974-05-02 Carlos Becerril Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1974-02-01 Armando Cordova San Diego, USA L PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 0 (KOs 0) Lost 3 Drawn 0 Total 3

[Rick Farris]

Guys, I really am enjoying the info on some of the west coast lesser known warriors of days gone by.
prelim guys journymen etc.
These guys are what boxings all about in my opinion.
Most of them are twice as interesting as some of the pretty boys makin the big dough.
Here are some midwest guys from past days that are in the same category:
"Good Time" Henry Mobley
Randy Smith
Johnny Heard
Tom "Roughhouse"Fisher
Rodney Wilson
Lorenzo Smith
Danny Blake
Carl Williams
Pete Podgorski
Bill"Crystal Kid" Clayton

There are so many more.
Once in awhile, these guys would pull a big upset. Even in an out of town fight.
Johnny Heard, a good friend, kod Marjan Benes in Europe.
Bill Clayton went to knew York and kod a fighter who was being touted named Robert "Pee Wee" Rucker.
These guys could surprise sometimes.

Brian . . . I know what you mean, these guys sometimes can surprise you. We had a guy in L.A. that Frank knows. His name is Rod Contreras, and he was a Flores' stablemate of mine. In the early 60's, Rod turned pro, and a guy he fought died after Rod KOed him. He quit for awhile, then came back about the same time as Mando Ramos, Crawford, Navarro, and El Gato Gonzalez were coming up. He was a good fighter but fell short of the others mentioned.

One day, Jr. lightweight champ, Hiroshi Kobayashi, is in the gym training for an upcoming L.A. fight. He spars with Rod, who was fighting six rounders at the time. Here is where the old saying of styles make fights is so true. Kobayashi couldn't do a thing with Rod, who outboxed and outpunched the Japanese world champion. Kobayashi's nose began bleeding hard and he was on a mission to KO Contreras. He'd go wild trying to uncork a big one on Rod's chin but would miss, and then Rod just stepped in and rattled him with stiff, straight punches that would come right down the middle like a fast ball. After a few rounds, Kobayashi got out of the ring looking a little beat up.

It was a good show. I was happy to watch my friend from the Eastside kick the powerful Japs ass.

-Rick Farris

I don't think, no, I know this is not right

Rod Contreras

Alias (Rodrigo)
Country USA
Global Id 83347
Division Featherweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1974-07-08 Nick Alfaro Las Vegas, USA L KO 3
1974-05-02 Carlos Becerril Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1974-02-01 Armando Cordova San Diego, USA L PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 0 (KOs 0) Lost 3 Drawn 0 Total 3

There is evidence of Rod's career on the records of other fighters listed by Boxrec. Shouldn't be a big problem clearing this one up. Lots of documentation including my own personal clips that validate we fought on the same card. The above fights I was unaware of, he would have been at the end of the line then.

-Rick

[Expug]

Guys, I really am enjoying the info on some of the west coast lesser known warriors of days gone by.
prelim guys journymen etc.
These guys are what boxings all about in my opinion.
Most of them are twice as interesting as some of the pretty boys makin the big dough.
Here are some midwest guys from past days that are in the same category:
"Good Time" Henry Mobley
Randy Smith
Johnny Heard
Tom "Roughhouse"Fisher
Rodney Wilson
Lorenzo Smith
Danny Blake
Carl Williams
Pete Podgorski
Bill"Crystal Kid" Clayton

There are so many more.
Once in awhile, these guys would pull a big upset. Even in an out of town fight.
Johnny Heard, a good friend, kod Marjan Benes in Europe.
Bill Clayton went to knew York and kod a fighter who was being touted named Robert "Pee Wee" Rucker.
These guys could surprise sometimes.

Brian . . . I know what you mean, these guys sometimes can surprise you. We had a guy in L.A. that Frank knows. His name is Rod Contreras, and he was a Flores' stablemate of mine. In the early 60's, Rod turned pro, and a guy he fought died after Rod KOed him. He quit for awhile, then came back about the same time as Mando Ramos, Crawford, Navarro, and El Gato Gonzalez were coming up. He was a good fighter but fell short of the others mentioned.

One day, Jr. lightweight champ, Hiroshi Kobayashi, is in the gym training for an upcoming L.A. fight. He spars with Rod, who was fighting six rounders at the time. Here is where the old saying of styles make fights is so true. Kobayashi couldn't do a thing with Rod, who outboxed and outpunched the Japanese world champion. Kobayashi's nose began bleeding hard and he was on a mission to KO Contreras. He'd go wild trying to uncork a big one on Rod's chin but would miss, and then Rod just stepped in and rattled him with stiff, straight punches that would come right down the middle like a fast ball. After a few rounds, Kobayashi got out of the ring looking a little beat up.

It was a good show. I was happy to watch my friend from the Eastside kick the powerful Japs ass.

-Rick Farris

Rick, ya gotta love it when an unheralded guy puts it on a hotshot.
Styles make fights is for sure the truth.
I remember watching a big heavyweight get the better of James "Quick" Tillis in the gym one day.
He was a big guy from England who I had never heard of. He was in Chicago for a fight early in his career.
His name..Frank Bruno.