Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

[kikibalt]

[kikibalt]

Dynamite Jackson

[kikibalt]

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

d

[Rick Farris]

"Show me a fighter whose undefeated and I'll show you a fighter who hasn't fought anybody." --Whitey Bimstein, legendary boxing trainer.

Did Whitey forget a certain fellow named Rocky Marciano?

Good point!

[HomicideHenry]

Dynamite Jackson

I wonder kikibalt, if this is the same man Louis L'Amour wrote about?

[Dongee]

Kiki:

No never fail us on the Forum or CBZ with your interesting dip into boxing of years gone by. I may not mention it often enough, but you are one interesting source, my friend. Marshall was one of my favorites when in his prime, a time when he was whipping all comers(except Bivins). And Dynamite Jackson, who was really Ernest Bendy, looked like the real thing early in his career, when he was managed by Pop Hubley and Wirt Ross. He was probably still refereeing when you and your boys were active in the game.

take care, pal.

hap navarro

[Rick Farris]

"Show me a fighter whose undefeated and I'll show you a fighter who hasn't fought anybody." --Whitey Bimstein, legendary boxing trainer.

I agree, but, there's Rocky Marciano, as noted. I get Whitey's point, but I think he could have worded it better. But then again, these guys spoke with "deez and doz, and dis", so who gives a damn about politically correct? As I said, I get the message and agree, people put to much into a winning record, and fighters who have never tasted the canvas (that's where Rocky proved himself, he got up. So we know what he's made of), but Roy Jones, was a perfect example of what Bimstein was talking about.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Kiki:

No never fail us on the Forum or CBZ with your interesting dip into boxing of years gone by. I may not mention it often enough, but you are one interesting source, my friend. Marshall was one of my favorites when in his prime, a time when he was whipping all comers(except Bivins). And Dynamite Jackson, who was really Ernest Bendy, looked like the real thing early in his career, when he was managed by Pop Hubley and Wirt Ross. He was probably still refereeing when you and your boys were active in the game.

take care, pal.

hap navarro

Thanks, Hap, for your kind words. My boys never had the chance to see Jackson ref, Jackson was way before their time, I did see him ref back in the early 1950, remember him real good as a referee, his fighting career was before my time.

[kikibalt]

Dynamite Jackson

I wonder kikibalt, if this is the same man Louis L'Amour wrote about?

I don't know, tell me what did L'Amour write?.

[HomicideHenry]

In his memoir EDUCATION OF A WANDERING MAN, he mentioned when he helped set up Athletic shows, Dynamite Jackson was one of the stablemates or something.

[kikibalt]

Give the Women a Hand!
February 26, 2009 by Michele Chong

Saturday’s awards salute the “women behind the men” in boxing
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “Behind every great man is…?” Drumroll please…A great woman! Because with every great fighter, behind every great champion, you wouldn’t have to look too far to find a great woman who lends her invaluable support.

The gals behind the guys in boxing have to be pretty tough cookies themselves. Think about it. The girlfriends and wives of any man involved in boxing have to put up with a lot: long training sessions, spur-of-the-moment trips, plans changing on a dime, and the disappointment that the fight game can invariably bring. They may be in the shadows, but the fairer sex always knows what’s going on. They may not say anything, often taking the high road. They may have to bite their tongues and grit their teeth over and over as boxing can be an unforgiving sport. But trust me, the women are aware of everything their fighter husbands are going through!

The highs, the triumphs of the sport that their men receive are worth it. Ask anyone who’s “addicted” to the sweet science and they’ll tell you of their days in the limelight, that championship feeling, and the once-in-a-lifetime memories that boxing has given them. The men, these brave warriors, live for these moments, sometimes sacrificing their families in the hunt for glory.

And through it all are the strong, classy women in the background–who finally get to share in the victory once these fleeting moments arrive.

One California boxing organization will salute these women–these “unsung heroes” of boxing who never laced up, never traded leather, but are still every inch a champion as their male counterparts. Presenting the 1st Annual “Women Behind the Boxer” Awards is the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA). The group will be hosting a “Tender Heart” gala luncheon and awards ceremony this Saturday, February 28th at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce, California.

The GSBA was founded in 1977 by Welterweight Champion Jimmy McLarnin, Willie Bean, Clarence Henry, George Levine, Ray Owens, Hugh Sublett and Petey Servin; present members currently meet once a week in Hollywood. President Larry Montalvo, Vice President Bill Dempsey Young, and Special Advisor Don Fraser are all looking forward to their inaugural event honoring the women behind some great personalities in boxing.

“This is the very first time the women are being honored,” says President Montalvo, “My wife, Elsa, had this idea since the men usually get all the glory. She said, ‘What about the women?’ and she’s right! So with Bill and Linda Young’s help we are now honoring these women behind the boxers.”

Honorees in the 2009 class are: Connie Baltazar (Frank Baltazar Sr.), Yolanda Muñiz (Mando Muñiz), Bonnie Lopez (Danny “Little Red” Lopez), Sylvia Ramos (Mando Ramos), Trudie Latka (George Latka), Elise Syers (Allen Syers), Ann Cote (Norm Cote), Ruby Bolanos (Enrique Bolanos), Eva Futch (Eddie Futch), Lynette Bean (Willie Bean), Irma Powell (Charlie Powell), Dorothy Smith (Howard Smith), Vera Robledo (Joe Robledo), Lucille Ratcliff (Monroe Ratcliff) and Emma Vaughn (Willie Vaughn).

“Frank Baltazar Sr. was head of the Teamsters Boy’s Club and was involved in the Junior Golden Gloves. Connie was always there through it all,” says Rick Farris, close friend of Frank Baltazar Sr. The former fighter remembers seeing Connie Baltazar ringside at all the Los Angeles fights back in the ’60s. As wife of Frank Sr., Connie was also kept busy raising their brood of boxing boys. Sons Frankie Jr., Tony and Bobby Baltazar all fought in the ring just like their father, who literally grew up in the pugilistic sport. “Connie’s sons were boxing by the time they were five years old,” remembers Farris. “The boys were all top talents with incredible records. She was always so supportive behind her husband and sons!”

Many times the secret weapon in a boxer’s success is their steadfast and sturdy wife who is often overlooked. Come Saturday, the chicks will rule the stage, getting their chance to finally share in the spotlight.

Ladies, can you hear our applause? We salute you! Congratulations to all of these wonderful women and their contributions to boxing!

Special guests, entertainment, and a prize raffle (with pink boxing gloves and more) will also take place this weekend’s event from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tickets are 30.00 and the luncheon is on track to be a sell out. Call (323) 268-6830 if you’d like to attend the awards luncheon.

Photos courtesy of Rick Farris, Frank Baltazar Sr. (Classic American West Coast Boxing), Linda Young, Don Fraser and http://www.californiaboxinghalloffame.com: Connie and Frank Baltazar Sr.; Connie with two of her sons; Yolanda and Mando Muñiz; Mando and Sylvia Ramos

[Randyman]

In his memoir EDUCATION OF A WANDERING MAN, he mentioned when he helped set up Athletic shows, Dynamite Jackson was one of the stablemates or something.

I read "The Education of a Wandering Man". I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of Louis L'mour, especially Hondo,the Sacketts and so many others that I can't quite remember right now. Check out "Last of the Breed" if you get a chance. I'm going to have to reread "Wandering Man" again. I can't recall the reference to Dynamite Jackson. Thanks for mentioning L'Mour.





Randy

[Randyman]

Give the Women a Hand!
February 26, 2009 by Michele Chong

Saturday’s awards salute the “women behind the men” in boxing
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “Behind every great man is…?” Drumroll please…A great woman! Because with every great fighter, behind every great champion, you wouldn’t have to look too far to find a great woman who lends her invaluable support.

The gals behind the guys in boxing have to be pretty tough cookies themselves. Think about it. The girlfriends and wives of any man involved in boxing have to put up with a lot: long training sessions, spur-of-the-moment trips, plans changing on a dime, and the disappointment that the fight game can invariably bring. They may be in the shadows, but the fairer sex always knows what’s going on. They may not say anything, often taking the high road. They may have to bite their tongues and grit their teeth over and over as boxing can be an unforgiving sport. But trust me, the women are aware of everything their fighter husbands are going through!

The highs, the triumphs of the sport that their men receive are worth it. Ask anyone who’s “addicted” to the sweet science and they’ll tell you of their days in the limelight, that championship feeling, and the once-in-a-lifetime memories that boxing has given them. The men, these brave warriors, live for these moments, sometimes sacrificing their families in the hunt for glory.

And through it all are the strong, classy women in the background–who finally get to share in the victory once these fleeting moments arrive.

One California boxing organization will salute these women–these “unsung heroes” of boxing who never laced up, never traded leather, but are still every inch a champion as their male counterparts. Presenting the 1st Annual “Women Behind the Boxer” Awards is the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA). The group will be hosting a “Tender Heart” gala luncheon and awards ceremony this Saturday, February 28th at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce, California.

The GSBA was founded in 1977 by Welterweight Champion Jimmy McLarnin, Willie Bean, Clarence Henry, George Levine, Ray Owens, Hugh Sublett and Petey Servin; present members currently meet once a week in Hollywood. President Larry Montalvo, Vice President Bill Dempsey Young, and Special Advisor Don Fraser are all looking forward to their inaugural event honoring the women behind some great personalities in boxing.

“This is the very first time the women are being honored,” says President Montalvo, “My wife, Elsa, had this idea since the men usually get all the glory. She said, ‘What about the women?’ and she’s right! So with Bill and Linda Young’s help we are now honoring these women behind the boxers.”

Honorees in the 2009 class are: Connie Baltazar (Frank Baltazar Sr.), Yolanda Muñiz (Mando Muñiz), Bonnie Lopez (Danny “Little Red” Lopez), Sylvia Ramos (Mando Ramos), Trudie Latka (George Latka), Elise Syers (Allen Syers), Ann Cote (Norm Cote), Ruby Bolanos (Enrique Bolanos), Eva Futch (Eddie Futch), Lynette Bean (Willie Bean), Irma Powell (Charlie Powell), Dorothy Smith (Howard Smith), Vera Robledo (Joe Robledo), Lucille Ratcliff (Monroe Ratcliff) and Emma Vaughn (Willie Vaughn).

“Frank Baltazar Sr. was head of the Teamsters Boy’s Club and was involved in the Junior Golden Gloves. Connie was always there through it all,” says Rick Farris, close friend of Frank Baltazar Sr. The former fighter remembers seeing Connie Baltazar ringside at all the Los Angeles fights back in the ’60s. As wife of Frank Sr., Connie was also kept busy raising their brood of boxing boys. Sons Frankie Jr., Tony and Bobby Baltazar all fought in the ring just like their father, who literally grew up in the pugilistic sport. “Connie’s sons were boxing by the time they were five years old,” remembers Farris. “The boys were all top talents with incredible records. She was always so supportive behind her husband and sons!”

Many times the secret weapon in a boxer’s success is their steadfast and sturdy wife who is often overlooked. Come Saturday, the chicks will rule the stage, getting their chance to finally share in the spotlight.

Ladies, can you hear our applause? We salute you! Congratulations to all of these wonderful women and their contributions to boxing!

Special guests, entertainment, and a prize raffle (with pink boxing gloves and more) will also take place this weekend’s event from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tickets are 30.00 and the luncheon is on track to be a sell out. Call (323) 268-6830 if you’d like to attend the awards luncheon.

Photos courtesy of Rick Farris, Frank Baltazar Sr. (Classic American West Coast Boxing), Linda Young, Don Fraser and http://www.californiaboxinghalloffame.com: Connie and Frank Baltazar Sr.; Connie with two of her sons; Yolanda and Mando Muñiz; Mando and Sylvia Ramos

Congrats to Connie and all the women receiving their honors. They've earned it.

[kikibalt]

In his memoir EDUCATION OF A WANDERING MAN, he mentioned when he helped set up Athletic shows, Dynamite Jackson was one of the stablemates or something.

I have not read Education Of A Wandering Man, I have read some of L'Amour's books though.

[kikibalt]

GREG RICHARDSON vs MARCO A BARRERA
By Jim Amato



What Might Have Happened…

I recently did a piece on the classy former WBC bantamweight champion, Greg Richardson out of Youngstown, Ohio.

I just came across a flyer for a 1994 match between Greg and an upcoming kid named Marcos Antonio Barrera. Greg was now a former world champion. Barrera was 30-0 with 21 knockouts. Richardson’s name would look very good on Barrera’s list of opponents. For Greg, a win over the red hot Barrera would propel him back into the ratings.

Alas the bout never materialized. Barrera dropped out and co-promoters Ray “Boom Boom “Mancini and Ruben Castillo inserted former world title challenger Armando Castro. This was as the great Ali would say, “No contest “! Greg pitched a shutout. I covered the bout for Boxing Times and my headline was “Richardson Whitewashes Castro “. I gave Greg every round. Richardson put on a clinic that night a real masterpiece. Later my friend Jim Borgen and I talked to Greg’s trainer at the time, the respected and now deceased Victor Valle. He was very gracious with his time and was very high on Greg’s chances to regain a world championship.

I’ll always wonder how a still green Barrera would have fared that night against a fired up and impressive Richardson in Greg’s hometown.

Interesting side note;

This show’s co-promoter, Ruben Castillo may have been one of the best fighters to have never won a title during his era. Ruben won his first 47 fights! His first loss was in 1980 when he challenged the great Alexis Arguello for the WBC 130 pound title and lost in eleven rounds. Ruben would go on to lose attempts to win the WBC featherweight title to Salvador Sanchez and Juan LaPorte. He would have one more crack at a world title being halted in six rounds by the great Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC Super Featherweight title. Ruben finished his career with a 70-10-2 record and in his prime he only lost to the absolute best. Today he is a very under rated fighter and I have little doubt if he was around today, he would have picked up a title or two.

Yeah, he was that good…

[scartissue]

FORMER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER TONY LICATA
By Jim Amato


He was one of the better middleweights of the 1970’s. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights. ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby ” Top Cat ” Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina’s Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch. On June 30, 1975 Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon’s only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten.

Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. Not too long ago Tony Licata passed away. He was a world class contender in every sense of the word. May he rest in Peace.

I'm surprised at Amato's research. This is a picture of Carlos Monzon standing over Gratien Tonna of France, not Licata.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

FORMER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER TONY LICATA
By Jim Amato


He was one of the better middleweights of the 1970’s. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights. ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby ” Top Cat ” Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina’s Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch. On June 30, 1975 Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon’s only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten.

Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. Not too long ago Tony Licata passed away. He was a world class contender in every sense of the word. May he rest in Peace.

I'm surprised at Amato's research. This is a picture of Carlos Monzon standing over Gratien Tonna of France, not Licata.

Scartissue

Good catch, Scar. I've seen a lot of that lately, especially on the old Olympic programs. I was aware of this long ago and goes to show that some today's so-called "experts" aren't experts.

-Rick

[El Gato]

Rick, Scar and Frank,

In the begining of 1972 my first two fights at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles were with Manny Leal on February 24th and on March 16th I fought Chun-Kyo Shin from Korea. I knocked both of them out in the 7th round. Manny Leal had a much better style than Shin with more combinations. I thought he was going to make it all the way to the top but I never heard of him after that. I never did hear of Chun-Kyo Shin again either. He was fighting as a featherweight and went up to a lightweight. Maybe you heard of them.


El Gato

[bennie]

On January 20, 1970, 'the fight' played to over six hundred audiences around America. In the 13th round Rocky catches up with Ali and wins by knockout. Marciano had died five months earlier, five weeks after filming.
The whole thing was a sick joke.

[ghoster]

I truley love reading all this at the fightfranchise forum kiki, I had to come here to get more!

God Bless!

[kikibalt]

I truley love reading all this at the fightfranchise forum kiki, I had to come here to get more!

God Bless!

Ghost, you're welcome here to read and post anytime, I try to post at FF as much of this stuff that I post here.

[kikibalt]

Rick, Scar and Frank,

In the begining of 1972 my first two fights at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles were with Manny Leal on February 24th and on March 16th I fought Chun-Kyo Shin from Korea. I knocked both of them out in the 7th round. Manny Leal had a much better style than Shin with more combinations. I thought he was going to make it all the way to the top but I never heard of him after that. I never did hear of Chun-Kyo Shin again either. He was fighting as a featherweight and went up to a lightweight. Maybe you heard of them.


El Gato

Don't know much about Shin, Leal I seen fight often, he was what you would call a losing fighter.