Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

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

I found Rod's true record or at least closer to what it should be

Rodrigo Contreras

Country USA
Global Id 151249
Division Featherweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1977-02-02 Billy Turner Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1975-04-16 Dale Hernandez Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1974-01-24 Juan Morales Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1973-12-07 Carlos Barragan Vasquez San Diego, USA D PTS 6
1973-11-08 Danny Castro Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1973-09-28 Felix Garcia San Diego, USA D PTS 6
1973-05-04 Nick Alfaro Tucson, USA L KO 1
1972-09-06 Les Baker Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1971-07-22 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-25 Esteban Olvera Santa Barbara, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-09 Jose Torres El Paso, USA W KO 3
1970-10-29 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1970-06-04 Humberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1970-04-23 Gilberto Ortiz Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1970-02-12 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA L KO 4
1969-05-27 Rodolfo Lobato Woodland Hills, USA L KO 4
1968-06-20 Roy DeFilippas Los Angeles, USA L KO 7
1968-03-26 Roy DeFilippas San Diego, USA L KO 2
1968-02-01 Felipe Torres Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-08-03 Baby Cassius Los Angeles, USA L TKO 1
1967-07-03 Rene Macias Las Vegas, USA W PTS 8
1967-04-27 Baby Cassius Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-04-20 Gabriel Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-02-16 Tony Porter Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-01-23 Jose Garcia Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1967-01-19 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-11-03 Gabriel Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-10-03 Rene Macias Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1966-09-15 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1966-08-16 Johnny Perez Fresno, USA W PTS 8
1964-08-25 Jerry Stokes Las Vegas, USA L PTS 5
1964-03-24 Mario Luciano Phoenix, USA L PTS 4
1963-04-30 Billy Liffick Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1963-02-05 Cozy Webb Phoenix, USA L PTS 4
1962-07-25 Sonny Nunez Phoenix, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 14 (KOs 4) Lost 18 Drawn 3 Total 35

[kikibalt]

Los Angeles Sports Arena...1959
Jose Becerra vs Alphonse Halimi

[kikibalt]

Dolph Thomas and Fred Apostoli...C.1940

[dagosd2000]

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

ROY

Roy DiFilippis was the first professional fighter to pull me aside and try to teach me something about the Sweet Science. I was hitting the heavy bag down at the Coliseum. There were a slew of fighters there training. I waited my turn until the pros had fininished using the big bag. When my opportunity came up,I planted my feet in front of it and was socking it as hard as I could.I knew I had little skill,so I thought I could show the rest of the fellas' that I could hit with power,kinda'. After about 15 minutes doin' my imitation of Paul Bunyan hewing down a pine tree,I stepped back and flicked a few jabs at the bag.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Roy DiFilippis walking towards me. He was in his sweats and boxing shoes.
"I'll show how to throw that jab,"he said.
At first I was taken back by his offer. I knew who he was. Saw him fight plenty of times and workout. Slick little guy coming from the left side. Didn't have the KO power,but would win with what he knew between his ears. But I figured fast that here was a guy,a pro,who wanted to teach me something. I was all right with it.
"What am I doing wrong?", I asked him.
"You're throwing it from your elbow. You're not getting any power behind it."
DiFilippis then showed me how he worked his jab.
"Here,"he said. "Hold out your glove."
The little fighter then jumped two right jabs into my glove. My hand snapped back like it had been hit with a stone.
"You need to start it here from your trapezious,threw the shoulder, so it comes out at the end of your glove."

DiFilippis stood me in the proper stance. Showed me how to shift my weight with the punch. I felt awkward. One time I'd do it right,then I'd forget and couldn't execute.
"Again,"he'd yell.
"Again. That's more like it. 20 times now until you understand and get a feel for it."
My arm felt like a lead weight.

After somewhat satisfying him,he told me he'd be around tomorrow.
"You're a strong kid,"he said. "I wish I had your strength."
I looked at him while he gave me the compliment. He wasn't a big guy. No big biceps. He sure wouldn't scare anybody at muscle beach I thought.

I went back to the Coliseum the next day. Roy wasn't there. Burke Emery told me that Roy had been asked to fill in for a fight out of town. I kind of laughed. I thought if the fight's at muscle beach those boys better watch themselves.

[kikibalt]

Rog, Vasquez fought my buddy Orlando De La Fuente in 1970

Amado Vasquez

Alias (Leonardo)
Country USA
Global Id 26308
Division Light Heavyweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1982-11-04 Ron Wilson San Diego, USA L PTS 8
1977-12-16 Lenis Provo San Diego, USA L KO 2
1977-11-04 David Wynne San Diego, USA L KO 3
1975-04-30 Marvin Camel Las Vegas, USA L KO 3
1975-04-09 Larry Cruz Las Vegas, USA W KO 4
1975-02-21 Lee Mitchell San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-12-07 Terry Lee San Diego, USA L PTS 10
1973-10-23 Al Bolden Seattle, USA L KO 4
1973-09-08 Dawie du Preez Johannesburg, South Afric L PTS 10
1973-08-13 Gerrie Bodenstein Cape Town, South Africa W PTS 8
1973-06-20 Andy Kendall Orlando, USA L PTS 10
1973-04-25 Terry Krueger Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1973-03-26 Kosie Smith Cape Town, South Africa L PTS 10
1973-02-17 Hill Chambers Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1973-01-22 Len Hutchins Detroit, USA L KO 5
1972-11-21 Pat O'Connor La Crosse, USA L KO 9
1972-09-28 Billy Wagner Cleveland, USA L KO 2
1972-08-30 Hildo Silva Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1972-07-14 Koroseta Kid San Carlos, USA L KO 6
1972-05-22 Don Fullmer Salt Lake City, USA L KO 1
1972-05-10 Tony Dowling Las Vegas, USA W KO 4
1972-05-02 Mark Tessman Houston, USA L PTS 10
1972-03-20 Pierre Fourie Cape Town, South Africa L PTS 10
1972-02-28 Chuck Hamilton San Carlos, USA L TKO 3
1972-02-12 Terry Lee Long Beach, USA L UD 10
1972-01-15 Jeke Naqelevuki Reno, USA W UD 10
1972-01-06 Jake Nagelezuki Stateline, USA W PTS 10
1971-12-08 Cipriano Hernandez Las Vegas, USA W KO 5
1971-11-17 Jake Nagelezuki Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1971-10-21 Andy Kendall Portland, USA L UD 10
1971-09-24 Ray White Anaheim, USA L TKO 10
1971-08-18 Billy Hester Las Vegas, USA L UD 10
1971-08-03 Bobby Rascon Tucson, USA W SD 10
1971-07-05 Bobby Rascon Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1971-05-31 Mike Quarry National City, USA L TKO 9
1971-04-28 Carl Moore Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1971-03-24 Cassius Naito Japan L MD 10
1970-12-19 Mike Quarry Woodland Hills, USA L UD 10
1970-12-02 Hill Chambers Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-10-26 Hill Chambers San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1970-09-18 Hill Chambers San Diego, USA D PTS 10
1970-07-15 Hill Chambers Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-06-26 Jesse Hill San Diego, USA W KO 2
1970-05-29 Larry Cruz San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1970-04-17 Enrique Villareal San Diego, USA W KO 6
1970-04-01 Scott Wisooker Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1970-03-26 Orlando de la Fuentes Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1970-03-13 Ken Watkins San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1970-03-10 Rocky Martin Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-03-04 Ed Butler Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1970-02-13 Enrique Villareal San Jose, USA L PTS 6
1970-02-05 Chief Bad Horse Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1970-01-30 Johnny Foster San Diego, USA W KO 1

Record to Date
Won 21 (KOs 6) Lost 30 Drawn 2 Total 53

[kikibalt]

Silva also fought Orlando and he also fought some real good fighters

Hildo Silva

Country USA
Global Id 18316
Division Light Heavyweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1976-11-24 Vonzell Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1976-09-14 Clarence Geigger Sacramento, USA D TD 5
1976-03-08 Eddie Mustafa Muhammad New York, USA L KO 7
1976-02-26 Karl Vinson San Jose, USA D PTS 10
1975-11-13 Lonnie Bennett San Jose, USA L PTS 12
1975-07-02 Danny Brewer San Carlos, USA W KO 8
1975-06-11 Terry Lee Stockton, USA W PTS 10
1975-05-06 Joe Cokes San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-04-11 David Smith San Jose, USA W UD 10
1975-03-06 Lee Mitchell San Jose, USA W KO 3
1975-02-13 James T Jackson San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-01-29 James T Jackson San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1974-11-13 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 10
1974-09-30 Dale Grant Las Vegas, USA W TKO 8
1974-05-10 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 12
1974-03-04 Terry Lee Oakland, USA L PTS 10
1974-02-15 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W KO 2
1974-01-25 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-11-09 Al Stankie San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-08-17 Ray White San Diego, USA D PTS 8
1973-08-10 Terry Lee Richmond, USA W UD 10
1973-07-27 Alfonso Gonzalez Richmond, USA W KO 7
1973-05-01 Dan Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 0
1973-04-21 Yaqui Lopez Santa Rosa, USA L PTS 10
1973-03-30 Dan Johnson Anaheim, USA L PTS 10
1973-02-07 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1973-01-17 Orlando de la Fuentes Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-12-06 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1972-11-08 Jimmy Lester Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-29 Koroseta Kid San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-13 Don Smith Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-08-30 Amado Vasquez Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-07-24 Jesse Burnett Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1972-07-14 Angel Baggini San Carlos, USA W PTS 6
1972-07-01 Bobby Stripling Los Angeles, USA W KO 4
1972-05-17 Memo Lopez San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1972-04-26 Bobby Rascon Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-03-20 Steve Ewell San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1972-02-15 Polo Corona Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-01-27 Bobby Rascon Stateline, USA W KO 4
1971-12-11 Danny Kimberling Long Beach, USA W PTS 6
1971-12-01 Darrell Martin Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1971-11-12 Victor Manuel Basilio Stateline, USA W PTS 6
1971-11-03 Woodrow Hagler Las Vegas, USA W KO 2
1971-10-27 Steve Stark Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-10-16 Avery Garabedian Northridge, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-25 Sonny Fields Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-21 David Love Santa Monica, USA W PTS 4
1971-07-28 Willie Henderson Las Vegas, USA W KO 5
1971-04-30 Freddie Simms San Diego, USA D PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 33 (KOs 9) Lost 11 Drawn 6 Total 50

[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

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.

Great story!

[Rick Farris]

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

I found Rod's true record or at least closer to what it should be

Rodrigo Contreras

Country USA
Global Id 151249
Division Featherweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1977-02-02 Billy Turner Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1975-04-16 Dale Hernandez Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1974-01-24 Juan Morales Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1973-12-07 Carlos Barragan Vasquez San Diego, USA D PTS 6
1973-11-08 Danny Castro Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1973-09-28 Felix Garcia San Diego, USA D PTS 6
1973-05-04 Nick Alfaro Tucson, USA L KO 1
1972-09-06 Les Baker Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1971-07-22 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-25 Esteban Olvera Santa Barbara, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-09 Jose Torres El Paso, USA W KO 3
1970-10-29 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1970-06-04 Humberto Reyes Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1970-04-23 Gilberto Ortiz Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1970-02-12 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA L KO 4
1969-05-27 Rodolfo Lobato Woodland Hills, USA L KO 4
1968-06-20 Roy DeFilippas Los Angeles, USA L KO 7
1968-03-26 Roy DeFilippas San Diego, USA L KO 2
1968-02-01 Felipe Torres Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-08-03 Baby Cassius Los Angeles, USA L TKO 1
1967-07-03 Rene Macias Las Vegas, USA W PTS 8
1967-04-27 Baby Cassius Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-04-20 Gabriel Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1967-02-16 Tony Porter Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1967-01-23 Jose Garcia Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1967-01-19 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-11-03 Gabriel Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1966-10-03 Rene Macias Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1966-09-15 Tony Alvarado Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1966-08-16 Johnny Perez Fresno, USA W PTS 8
1964-08-25 Jerry Stokes Las Vegas, USA L PTS 5
1964-03-24 Mario Luciano Phoenix, USA L PTS 4
1963-04-30 Billy Liffick Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1963-02-05 Cozy Webb Phoenix, USA L PTS 4
1962-07-25 Sonny Nunez Phoenix, USA W KO 4

Record to Date
Won 14 (KOs 4) Lost 18 Drawn 3 Total 35

The night I made my pro debut at the Olympic, 6/4/70, Rod whipped Umberto Reyes in a four-rounder. Later, I fought to a draw in a five-rounder, after the main event featuring future world champ Antonio Gomez vs. Centavito Hernandez (another stablemate). Johnnie Flores had a good sized stable at the time and that night, as well my 2nd pro fight, every fight on the card featured a Johnnie Flores' fighter, and we all won. On 7/9/70, Ruben Navarro whipped Raul Rojas, and Ron Cisneroz, Centivito Hernandez and myself all won in prelims ranging from 4-to-10 rounds.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Ronnie Wilson . . .

I just reviewed Ronnie Wilson's record. I know Roger knows the guy, saw him up close. Surprised to discover he last fought in '99, over 50-years-old. He fought for Bennie Georgino at the Lucky Eagle Casino in Oregon. Looks like he had bad night.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Another "One Loss Wonder" . . . "Handsome" Larry Harding

This guy was a product of Aileen Eaton's "Youth Development Program", featuring two amateur bouts as an opener to her televised professional card from the Olympic Auditorium, during the 60's and early 70's. Aileen eliminated her usual four round pro "show opener" between 8-8:30pm. Instead she put on two, 3-round amateur bouts featuring a lot of top local talent. From this program, a lot of great contenders and a few world champs came. The fans watched the hard fighting young amateurs build a fan base, one that would carry over to their pro careers. Of course, Mrs. Eaton benefitted as well.

The first group of amateurs the program showcased included a tough lightweight from Hawthorne named Jimmy Robertson. Another favorite was the rugged Armando Muniz, and another was a good-looking welterweight that ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr. nicknamed "Handsome" Larry Harding.

Harding looked like a Robert Conrad double. He was an aggressive fighter with good power. After turning pro, Harding racked up ten straight wins with eight knockouts. In his next fight, he was floored four times in a ten rounder he ended up winning by decision, over Rugene Parker.

Harding was a guy who in his previous two wins had dropped each opponent four times. Larry suddenly was looking up from the deck for the first time and lucky to pull out a win in #11. In his next bout, he takes on a battle scarred vet named Eddie Garcia. Eddie had once been a top prospect but heroin got in the way and he dropped out of sight. Garcia was now clean and working hard to comeback. In his 12th fight, Harding gets that "tell all" ass-whipping and is stopped. He disappears for awhile. He resurfaces shortly and wins another fight, but he wasn't the same. You could see the difference, he no longer had that confidence. He never fought again.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Little Mike Stewart . . .

Frank, you certainly remember Sammy Saunders slick little flyweight-bantam, Mike Stewart. He was a good kid and I'd see him training for years at the Main St. Gym from the time he was about 9-or-10. He had a pretty mom who would drop him off at the gym, and Sammy looked after him. He would turn pro and do all right, before getting out when the time was right. That makes him a winner, he took more from boxing than it took from him.

Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Another "One Loss Wonder" . . . Heavyweight, Henry "Bunky" Aikens . . .

This guy was one of L.A.'s best amateur heavies in the mid-late 60's. He would turn pro in 1969 and become a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, when the "greatest" trained for his 1970 ring return. Bunky would rack up five straight KO's before facing a young Earnie Shavers in a six round prelim.

Shavers knocked out Bunky in one round, and that was the last we saw of him. One loss- ADIOS!

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Eddie Land . . .

Frank will remember this guy from both the pros and amateurs in L.A. Eddie Land would fight on & off professionally from 1965 to 1979. He fought a young Jerry Quarry in the pros as well as Ron Lyle. He had a younger brother nicknamed "Stoney" Land, who also fought in L.A. Stoney's name has become part of Eddie's record, confusing the two boxer's records. My trainer Manny Diaz whipped Eddie Land in an early 60's L.A. Golden Gloves championship. Stoney beat my stablemate, Al "Kit" Boursse' in the '68 Novice LA GG's finals.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Big Matt Blow . . .

This 1965 New York Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champ came to L.A. and turned pro at the Olympic. He started out good but just didn't make it. He fought Chuck Leslie and a few other Olympic Auditorium heavies between 1965-68, when Jimmy Lennon Sr. would call the 18th & Grand arena, the "Home of the Heavyweights". We had some good ones, and we'd attract great ones. There was boxing magic in the air, you could feel it.

-Ricardo

[Rick Farris]

Joey Aguilar . . .

This Mexican vet campained in Los Angeles during the mid-to-late 60's. His chin provided a stepping stone for a couple of young Los Angeles prospects, Mando Ramos and Frankie Crawford, as well as others. Joey left his fair share of plasma on the Olympic's powder blue ring canvas, most noteably when he was stopped on a deep cut by featherweight legend Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno. In one of his last, he lost to Beto Maldonado.

One look at Joey Aguilar's face left no doubt what he did for a living. He looked like the stereo typical "prizefighter".


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Buenos Noches . . . mucho mas manana!

-Rick

[dagosd2000]

AMANDA "OLE!!!"

[dagosd2000]

Ronnie Wilson . . .

I just reviewed Ronnie Wilson's record. I know Roger knows the guy, saw him up close. Surprised to discover he last fought in '99, over 50-years-old. He fought for Bennie Georgino at the Lucky Eagle Casino in Oregon. Looks like he had bad night.

-Rick Farris

Rick
Last time I talked to Burke Emery,he said Ronnie was back in Canada.
"You know they have free health care there",said Burke.
I think I know what he was getting at. :)

[dagosd2000]

Silva also fought Orlando and he also fought some real good fighters

Hildo Silva

Country USA
Global Id 18316
Division Light Heavyweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1976-11-24 Vonzell Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1976-09-14 Clarence Geigger Sacramento, USA D TD 5
1976-03-08 Eddie Mustafa Muhammad New York, USA L KO 7
1976-02-26 Karl Vinson San Jose, USA D PTS 10
1975-11-13 Lonnie Bennett San Jose, USA L PTS 12
1975-07-02 Danny Brewer San Carlos, USA W KO 8
1975-06-11 Terry Lee Stockton, USA W PTS 10
1975-05-06 Joe Cokes San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-04-11 David Smith San Jose, USA W UD 10
1975-03-06 Lee Mitchell San Jose, USA W KO 3
1975-02-13 James T Jackson San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-01-29 James T Jackson San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1974-11-13 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 10
1974-09-30 Dale Grant Las Vegas, USA W TKO 8
1974-05-10 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 12
1974-03-04 Terry Lee Oakland, USA L PTS 10
1974-02-15 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W KO 2
1974-01-25 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-11-09 Al Stankie San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-08-17 Ray White San Diego, USA D PTS 8
1973-08-10 Terry Lee Richmond, USA W UD 10
1973-07-27 Alfonso Gonzalez Richmond, USA W KO 7
1973-05-01 Dan Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 0
1973-04-21 Yaqui Lopez Santa Rosa, USA L PTS 10
1973-03-30 Dan Johnson Anaheim, USA L PTS 10
1973-02-07 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1973-01-17 Orlando de la Fuentes Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-12-06 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1972-11-08 Jimmy Lester Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-29 Koroseta Kid San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-13 Don Smith Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-08-30 Amado Vasquez Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-07-24 Jesse Burnett Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1972-07-14 Angel Baggini San Carlos, USA W PTS 6
1972-07-01 Bobby Stripling Los Angeles, USA W KO 4
1972-05-17 Memo Lopez San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1972-04-26 Bobby Rascon Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-03-20 Steve Ewell San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1972-02-15 Polo Corona Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-01-27 Bobby Rascon Stateline, USA W KO 4
1971-12-11 Danny Kimberling Long Beach, USA W PTS 6
1971-12-01 Darrell Martin Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1971-11-12 Victor Manuel Basilio Stateline, USA W PTS 6
1971-11-03 Woodrow Hagler Las Vegas, USA W KO 2
1971-10-27 Steve Stark Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-10-16 Avery Garabedian Northridge, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-25 Sonny Fields Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-21 David Love Santa Monica, USA W PTS 4
1971-07-28 Willie Henderson Las Vegas, USA W KO 5
1971-04-30 Freddie Simms San Diego, USA D PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 33 (KOs 9) Lost 11 Drawn 6 Total 50

Frank
Hildo drank himself out of the sport. Too bad. I see on his record he fought Polo Corona. Another Beto Maldanado type. These guys are great to reminisce about.

[dagosd2000]

Rog, Vasquez fought my buddy Orlando De La Fuente in 1970

Amado Vasquez

Alias (Leonardo)
Country USA
Global Id 26308
Division Light Heavyweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1982-11-04 Ron Wilson San Diego, USA L PTS 8
1977-12-16 Lenis Provo San Diego, USA L KO 2
1977-11-04 David Wynne San Diego, USA L KO 3
1975-04-30 Marvin Camel Las Vegas, USA L KO 3
1975-04-09 Larry Cruz Las Vegas, USA W KO 4
1975-02-21 Lee Mitchell San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1973-12-07 Terry Lee San Diego, USA L PTS 10
1973-10-23 Al Bolden Seattle, USA L KO 4
1973-09-08 Dawie du Preez Johannesburg, South Afric L PTS 10
1973-08-13 Gerrie Bodenstein Cape Town, South Africa W PTS 8
1973-06-20 Andy Kendall Orlando, USA L PTS 10
1973-04-25 Terry Krueger Las Vegas, USA L KO 5
1973-03-26 Kosie Smith Cape Town, South Africa L PTS 10
1973-02-17 Hill Chambers Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1973-01-22 Len Hutchins Detroit, USA L KO 5
1972-11-21 Pat O'Connor La Crosse, USA L KO 9
1972-09-28 Billy Wagner Cleveland, USA L KO 2
1972-08-30 Hildo Silva Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1972-07-14 Koroseta Kid San Carlos, USA L KO 6
1972-05-22 Don Fullmer Salt Lake City, USA L KO 1
1972-05-10 Tony Dowling Las Vegas, USA W KO 4
1972-05-02 Mark Tessman Houston, USA L PTS 10
1972-03-20 Pierre Fourie Cape Town, South Africa L PTS 10
1972-02-28 Chuck Hamilton San Carlos, USA L TKO 3
1972-02-12 Terry Lee Long Beach, USA L UD 10
1972-01-15 Jeke Naqelevuki Reno, USA W UD 10
1972-01-06 Jake Nagelezuki Stateline, USA W PTS 10
1971-12-08 Cipriano Hernandez Las Vegas, USA W KO 5
1971-11-17 Jake Nagelezuki Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1971-10-21 Andy Kendall Portland, USA L UD 10
1971-09-24 Ray White Anaheim, USA L TKO 10
1971-08-18 Billy Hester Las Vegas, USA L UD 10
1971-08-03 Bobby Rascon Tucson, USA W SD 10
1971-07-05 Bobby Rascon Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1971-05-31 Mike Quarry National City, USA L TKO 9
1971-04-28 Carl Moore Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1971-03-24 Cassius Naito Japan L MD 10
1970-12-19 Mike Quarry Woodland Hills, USA L UD 10
1970-12-02 Hill Chambers Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-10-26 Hill Chambers San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1970-09-18 Hill Chambers San Diego, USA D PTS 10
1970-07-15 Hill Chambers Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-06-26 Jesse Hill San Diego, USA W KO 2
1970-05-29 Larry Cruz San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1970-04-17 Enrique Villareal San Diego, USA W KO 6
1970-04-01 Scott Wisooker Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1970-03-26 Orlando de la Fuentes Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1970-03-13 Ken Watkins San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1970-03-10 Rocky Martin Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1970-03-04 Ed Butler Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1970-02-13 Enrique Villareal San Jose, USA L PTS 6
1970-02-05 Chief Bad Horse Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1970-01-30 Johnny Foster San Diego, USA W KO 1

Record to Date
Won 21 (KOs 6) Lost 30 Drawn 2 Total 53

Frank
Amado's big chance was when he fought Mike Quarry down here in National City at Kimball Field. The fight took place at the ball field. I wrote about that a while back in the thread. Amado got cut and they stopped it. He was never the same after that. The Quarry's were there with their women. I think they were ready to take on the whole Chicano neighborhood. I would have given the Quarry's even odds.

I swear those Quarry women loved fighting as much as their men folk.

[bennie]

Silva also fought Orlando and he also fought some real good fighters

Hildo Silva

Country USA
Global Id 18316
Division Light Heavyweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1976-11-24 Vonzell Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1976-09-14 Clarence Geigger Sacramento, USA D TD 5
1976-03-08 Eddie Mustafa Muhammad New York, USA L KO 7
1976-02-26 Karl Vinson San Jose, USA D PTS 10
1975-11-13 Lonnie Bennett San Jose, USA L PTS 12
1975-07-02 Danny Brewer San Carlos, USA W KO 8
1975-06-11 Terry Lee Stockton, USA W PTS 10
1975-05-06 Joe Cokes San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-04-11 David Smith San Jose, USA W UD 10
1975-03-06 Lee Mitchell San Jose, USA W KO 3
1975-02-13 James T Jackson San Jose, USA W PTS 10
1975-01-29 James T Jackson San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1974-11-13 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 10
1974-09-30 Dale Grant Las Vegas, USA W TKO 8
1974-05-10 Yaqui Lopez Stockton, USA L PTS 12
1974-03-04 Terry Lee Oakland, USA L PTS 10
1974-02-15 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W KO 2
1974-01-25 Bob Stewart San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-11-09 Al Stankie San Diego, USA W PTS 10
1973-08-17 Ray White San Diego, USA D PTS 8
1973-08-10 Terry Lee Richmond, USA W UD 10
1973-07-27 Alfonso Gonzalez Richmond, USA W KO 7
1973-05-01 Dan Johnson Las Vegas, USA L PTS 0
1973-04-21 Yaqui Lopez Santa Rosa, USA L PTS 10
1973-03-30 Dan Johnson Anaheim, USA L PTS 10
1973-02-07 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1973-01-17 Orlando de la Fuentes Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-12-06 Al Stankie Las Vegas, USA D PTS 10
1972-11-08 Jimmy Lester Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-29 Koroseta Kid San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-09-13 Don Smith Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-08-30 Amado Vasquez Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-07-24 Jesse Burnett Inglewood, USA L PTS 6
1972-07-14 Angel Baggini San Carlos, USA W PTS 6
1972-07-01 Bobby Stripling Los Angeles, USA W KO 4
1972-05-17 Memo Lopez San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1972-04-26 Bobby Rascon Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-03-20 Steve Ewell San Francisco, USA W PTS 8
1972-02-15 Polo Corona Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1972-01-27 Bobby Rascon Stateline, USA W KO 4
1971-12-11 Danny Kimberling Long Beach, USA W PTS 6
1971-12-01 Darrell Martin Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1971-11-12 Victor Manuel Basilio Stateline, USA W PTS 6
1971-11-03 Woodrow Hagler Las Vegas, USA W KO 2
1971-10-27 Steve Stark Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-10-16 Avery Garabedian Northridge, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-25 Sonny Fields Las Vegas, USA W PTS 6
1971-08-21 David Love Santa Monica, USA W PTS 4
1971-07-28 Willie Henderson Las Vegas, USA W KO 5
1971-04-30 Freddie Simms San Diego, USA D PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 33 (KOs 9) Lost 11 Drawn 6 Total 50

Frank
Hildo drank himself out of the sport. Too bad. I see on his record he fought Polo Corona. Another Beto Maldanado type. These guys are great to reminisce about.

This is what you call five tough years.

[kikibalt]

Another "one loss" and good-by fighter, from Pug's neck of the woods

Walter Moore

Alias Walter E. Moore, Jr.
Country USA
Global Id 23464
Birthplace Sunflower, MO, USA
Division Heavyweight
Born 1946-02-07


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1978-04-28 Jose Roman Chicago, USA W UD 10
1978-02-24 Roy Williams Las Vegas, USA L KO 6
1978-01-23 Fernando Montes Chicago, USA W UD 10
1977-11-22 Terry Daniels Chicago, USA W TKO 6
1977-10-25 Harry Terrell Chicago, USA W KO 3
1977-06-25 Charlie Johnson Chicago, USA W KO 4
1977-05-23 Verbie Garland Chicago, USA W PTS 10
1977-04-25 Jimmy Phillips Chicago, USA W KO 1
1974-11-05 Danny Lee Chicago, USA W PTS 8
1974-11-04 Mel Turnbow W TKO 4
1972-04-22 Harold Carter Akron, USA W KO 3
1972-04-06 Wally Henderson Warren, USA W KO 1
1972-02-15 Frank Evans Beaumont, USA W KO 7
1971-10-16 J D McCauley Akron, USA W KO 3
1971-10-10 Charlie Boston Akron, USA W KO 2
1971-09-14 Johnny Mac Las Vegas, USA W KO 3
1971-02-13 Jimmy Rossette Woodland Hills, USA W KO 5
1970-10-31 Andy Nacosti Woodland Hills, USA W KO 1
1969-12-19 Lee Estes Omaha, USA W TKO 2
1969-10-16 Kenyatta Hockenhull Los Angeles, USA W KO 1

Record to Date
Won 19 (KOs 15) Lost 1 Drawn 0 Total 20

[kikibalt]

Wayne Kindred

His wife, Vickie, once appeared on an episode of THE HOLLYWOOD SQUARES television show. That episode is often repeated on THE GAME SHOW television network to this day. (Guest celebrities were Tony Randall, Rose Marie, Marty Allen, Sandy Duncan, Jonathan Winters, George Gobel, Connie Stevens, Danny Thomas, and, of course, Paul Lynde in the center square.) They even had a Rocky Graciano question during this episode. By the way, she scored more points than her opponent, Ed Rains (name uncertain, but he apparently had become famous for some ordeal or other event right before he appeared on the show), and thus she won the grand prize of a Pontiac Astre car.


Wayne Kindred

Country USA
Global Id 15776
Division Heavyweight

Manager: Johnny Flores


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1970-08-20 Jose Luis Garcia Los Angeles, USA L TKO 2
1969-05-01 Cornell Nolan Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1969-02-20 Ken Norton Los Angeles, USA L TKO 9
1968-07-23 Ken Norton San Diego, USA L KO 6
1967-09-18 Zora Folley Las Vegas, USA L TKO 8
1967-07-27 Dave Centi Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1967-06-09 Wendell Newton Los Angeles, USA W UD 6
1967-04-06 Matt Blow Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1967-02-17 Don Koontz Bakersfield, USA W KO 10
1966-11-21 Cornell Nolan Los Angeles, USA L KO 3
1966-10-20 L J Wheeler Los Angeles, USA W KO 6

Record to Date
Won 5 (KOs 2) Lost 6 Drawn 0 Total 11

[kikibalt]

[geoffreysadao]

Didn't he fight Charlie Magri in England? Also, I think that he was California Flyweight Champion in the late 1970's.

Little Mike Stewart . . .

Frank, you certainly remember Sammy Saunders slick little flyweight-bantam, Mike Stewart. He was a good kid and I'd see him training for years at the Main St. Gym from the time he was about 9-or-10. He had a pretty mom who would drop him off at the gym, and Sammy looked after him. He would turn pro and do all right, before getting out when the time was right. That makes him a winner, he took more from boxing than it took from him.

Rick Farris