Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

Jack "Doc" Kearns

[kikibalt]

Don Fraser and friend

[kikibalt]

Charlie Powell

[kikibalt]

Women Behind The Boxer Honoree, Lucille "Jackie" Ratliff


Lucille and husband Monroe Ratliff


Monore Ratliff

[dagosd2000]

Charlie Powell

If Charley would have stayed in Pro Football ,he'd be in the Hall Of Fame.

[dagosd2000]

GIVE 'EM THEIR MONEY'S WORTH

Mexican fighters at the smaller weights have always been the most consistent when it comes to competitive fights. I think of all the Arturo Lomelis,Raul Cruzes,and Julio Guerreros that banged away during the 60's and 70's. Oh the list can go on and on. Usually they stepped up to face a Olivares or a Saldivar and then it was back to fighting in the various Mexican arenas scattered throughout the Republic.

But these guys gave the expression "Have Gloves Will Travel" its relevance. Most of the Mexican fighters from light weight on down that put all their hearts in every bout, I saw fight in Tijuana. Some would be brought up as set up guys for a big name in L.A. Tury Pineda fit that description for a hot Little Red Lopez. But you knew those guys would come straight ahead swingin' with both hands. The downtown bullring,Olympic Auditorium,and the San Diego Coliseum were examples of stages where there were some of the greatest dramas of boxing lore .

I talked to Gato Gonzalez about Kid Irapuato. The Kid was one of Gato's KO victims. I saw Irapuato fight the great Davey Moore at the downtown bull ring. The Kid was a friend of my father. He was one fun lovin' guy. Too much fun and not enough trainin' though. I knew The Kid would not have enough to beat Davey Moore. Funny,the crowd that night in the bull ring thought Irapuato was the odds on favorite. It was a massacre. The Kid was bleeding and beaten in 7 rounds.

Of course The Kid had a huge following in TJ. Moore? Even though he was a great fighter, and showing that greatness against an over matched Irapuato, Davey Moore had had his way with too many Mexican fighters. Davey had all he could do from being killed after the bout was stopped. I've never seen a fighter leap out of the ring with his gloves still on.

And Kid Irapuato? Yeh,he came to fight ,though not always in the best shape. I told the story before. He became a motorcycle cop. Rides up and down the boulevard in TJ shaking down motorists for money. Then at the end of the day he's in one of the two cantinas on the street where he "upholds" the law. Nacho's Bar and the Jungla.

I could see The Kid in there now. Throwin' his money at the girls and setting up the house. Why not? Hell,he could have beatin' Davey Moore. Just had a bad night. He'll tell you that.

[kikibalt]

Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c1JpxewHB8

[kikibalt]

Championship Wives Honored
March 1, 2009 by Michele Chong

GSBA hosts awards luncheon for boxers’ “better halves”!


The “knockout” wives of some of California’s best fighters and champions were the stars at yesterday’s awards luncheon. Some have been married for over 50 years, some are recent widows, some are still active in the fight game supporting their sons or grandchildren who are currently boxing. Soul mate. Partner. Wife. Mother. Best Friend. What they have in common is complete and full support for their husbands–the fighters and champions who dedicated years to the sport.

On Saturday, the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA) held their 1st Annual “Women Behind the Boxer” Awards at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce, California to honor some of these ladies who have stood by their men, through the ups and downs of boxing. The awards, named “Tender Hearts” for the wives of some of the toughest guys in the squared circle, were beautiful heart-shaped crystal statues presented with framed photo plaques.

The speeches were all from the heart and included words of appreciation, inspiration or encouragement from the 2009 inaugural awardees.

“She was the type of mother a fighter would want,” an emotional Frankie Baltazar Jr. said as he helped present an award to his mother, Connie. “She was there for all the fighters.” His brother, Bobby, added proudly, “Our mom supported all the boys!” as Connie took the stage with husband, Frank, and three of their children.

As the women were called up one by one to the podium, they laughed and they cried as they remembered their husband’s lifelong bond to boxing and experiences the sport brought to their lives. It was bittersweet for a few of the recipients like Trudie Latka and Sylvia Ramos, whose husbands, George and Mando, recently passed away in 2008.

Lynette Bean said of her husband Willie Bean attending the GSBA weekly meetings, “He lived for Tuesdays where he was able to reminisce about all the fights he had.” The heavyweight passed away in December 2007.

The husbands in attendance were all beaming with pride and thrilled to have their wives receive the lion’s share of the spotlight during the afternoon’s event. They cheered enthusiastically for their spouses along with many other family members who came out to join the festivities.

“Without her, I’d never be Champion!” said an exuberant Danny “Little Red” Lopez of his wife, Bonnie, as the two celebrated with their kids and grandchildren at their table.

GSBA President Larry Montalvo and V.P. Bill Young managed to surprise their own wives with “Shining Star” awards that they presented to Elsa Montalvo and Linda Young, who hosted the luncheon.

Former California State Athletic Commission’s Joey Olmos presented special Joe Louis Humanitarian Awards to Montalvo, Young, Baltazar Sr. and Howard Smith.

A fun raffle was also held with rare boxing memorabilia, “Rocky” action figures, pink gloves, vintage programs and gift baskets included. Special entertainment included a live performance by Drew Young and the Red Muffs Band. Drew is the son of Linda and GSBA V.P. Bill Young.

Among those in the sell-out crowd were two-time champion Bobby Chacon, emcee Danny Valdivia, publicist and promoter Don Fraser, referees and judges Vince Delgado and Gwen Adair and World Boxing Hall of Fame Treasurer Josie Arrey-Mejia.

Don Fraser counts Enrique Bolanos as his very favorite fighter of the ’40s and ’50s and was happy to be able to present an award to Ruby Bolanos. Enrique wasn’t able to attend due to illness, but his wife, Ruby, gave a very moving speech as did every honoree who took the podium.

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

The GSBA was founded over 30 years ago and meet once a week in Hollywood. If you would like any information on upcoming future events the organization is planning, please call Larry Montalvo at (323) 268-6830.

Photos by Michele Chong: The Baltazar family; Don Fraser and Ruby Bolanos; Drew Young on guitar; The Joe Louis honorees; Bobby Chacon is a raffle prize winner!; Bonnie Lopez and husband “Little Red”

[HomicideHenry]

Here's a story I wanna tell on my friend Brian Paul, whose a boxer/manager.

I believe it was shortly after his release from prison, and he was looking to make a comeback. Paul and I discussed what his plans were, and I remember him saying for a time him and his friend and fellow boxer Dean Nichols were planning on entering the Toughman contest down at Dayton's Hera Arena. I told Paul that imo that would be a step down from actual boxing, and that it wouldnt prove anything beating local tough guys and bar room brawlers. Paul agreed, and never went into the Toughman contest. Not even a week later, he was signed on to fight a man named Oisin Fagan, who recently lost to Amir Kahn. The fight was too much on short notice, but Brian needed the money, and he ended up losing by kayo in the 2nd.

Brain summed it up to me that he never quite liked to train, and he was going to be paid at least a few thousand for the Fagan bout, so it didnt matter to him. But, it wasnt too long after that bout, give or take 3 months, he was lined up with a man named Tramane Townes. This time Brian trained, and he won the fight, knocking him down three times in four rounds. Sadly, it was clear to me, that Brian may have suffered too much in the ring and outside of it, considering his drug use and the car wreck that put him into a coma some time before. He just wasnt able to pull the trigger on a guy who was 0-2-0.

Brian reassured me, that flukes happened in boxing, and Townes was just one of those guys. While I didnt buy it entirely, I continued to encourage him, saying that if he fought more guys like Townes, and kept up the training, he would get back a win streak and probably get up in the rankings again. It wasnt to be. The following month, Brian, in need of money again, took on 12-1-0 Deandre Latimore, whose now a big deal at welterweight. He knocked Brian out in the second.

It was after that time, that me and my brother in law went to Lima, Ohio and trained at Brian's gym alongside Dean Nichols, 'Rockstar' Walt Upshaw and a few other guys. I hit bags, and Brian had me in the ring and did pad work as well as some light sparring. I was amazed when he told me for a guy who never boxed, that I had a natural jab and hit hard with it too. I never thought I ever had anything in my left. It made me feel good. Brian and me talked about contracts, and he said next time I came down he would sign me up and get me a bout somewhere in Indiana more than likely against one of Reggie Strickland's (who at one time was Brian's manager) guys.

Next thing I knew, Brian was scheduled to fight some guy whose name escapes me at the moment, but, then he got a DUI and broke probation. He was originally sent into rehab, and had he successfully completed it, he would have been released in March of 2008. Again, it wasnt meant to be. He got into a fight in rehab, and was sent straight into prison. He's up for appeals, but I believe he was denied. His release date is 2010.

Brian wrote to me, that he wishes to make a come back once he is out of prison. While I have my doubts about his success if he does come back, I owe him a debt of gratitude. He gave me plenty of information on boxing, and getting federal ID's and who was good in boxing and who wasnt. When he does come out, I hope to see him and help get him back on track.

[kikibalt]

Here's a story I wanna tell on my friend Brian Paul, whose a boxer/manager.

I believe it was shortly after his release from prison, and he was looking to make a comeback. Paul and I discussed what his plans were, and I remember him saying for a time him and his friend and fellow boxer Dean Nichols were planning on entering the Toughman contest down at Dayton's Hera Arena. I told Paul that imo that would be a step down from actual boxing, and that it wouldnt prove anything beating local tough guys and bar room brawlers. Paul agreed, and never went into the Toughman contest. Not even a week later, he was signed on to fight a man named Oisin Fagan, who recently lost to Amir Kahn. The fight was too much on short notice, but Brian needed the money, and he ended up losing by kayo in the 2nd.

Brain summed it up to me that he never quite liked to train, and he was going to be paid at least a few thousand for the Fagan bout, so it didnt matter to him. But, it wasnt too long after that bout, give or take 3 months, he was lined up with a man named Tramane Townes. This time Brian trained, and he won the fight, knocking him down three times in four rounds. Sadly, it was clear to me, that Brian may have suffered too much in the ring and outside of it, considering his drug use and the car wreck that put him into a coma some time before. He just wasnt able to pull the trigger on a guy who was 0-2-0.

Brian reassured me, that flukes happened in boxing, and Townes was just one of those guys. While I didnt buy it entirely, I continued to encourage him, saying that if he fought more guys like Townes, and kept up the training, he would get back a win streak and probably get up in the rankings again. It wasnt to be. The following month, Brian, in need of money again, took on 12-1-0 Deandre Latimore, whose now a big deal at welterweight. He knocked Brian out in the second.

It was after that time, that me and my brother in law went to Lima, Ohio and trained at Brian's gym alongside Dean Nichols, 'Rockstar' Walt Upshaw and a few other guys. I hit bags, and Brian had me in the ring and did pad work as well as some light sparring. I was amazed when he told me for a guy who never boxed, that I had a natural jab and hit hard with it too. I never thought I ever had anything in my left. It made me feel good. Brian and me talked about contracts, and he said next time I came down he would sign me up and get me a bout somewhere in Indiana more than likely against one of Reggie Strickland's (who at one time was Brian's manager) guys.

Next thing I knew, Brian was scheduled to fight some guy whose name escapes me at the moment, but, then he got a DUI and broke probation. He was originally sent into rehab, and had he successfully completed it, he would have been released in March of 2008. Again, it wasnt meant to be. He got into a fight in rehab, and was sent straight into prison. He's up for appeals, but I believe he was denied. His release date is 2010.

Brian wrote to me, that he wishes to make a come back once he is out of prison. While I have my doubts about his success if he does come back, I owe him a debt of gratitude. He gave me plenty of information on boxing, and getting federal ID's and who was good in boxing and who wasnt. When he does come out, I hope to see him and help get him back on track.

Hank, be there for your buddy when he gets out, he is going to need your help, maybe you can get him to post on our thread, I for one would like to hear him out, I bet he have some stories to tell.

[Chuck1052]

Juan Manuel Marquez has much more in the way of skills than Juan Diaz, but I thought that the fight between the two would be an interesting one because the latter has youth, size and strength on his side. What a fight it turned out to be!

Chris John turned out to be more of a boxer than a brawler. I thought that he had an edge in the bout with Rocky Juarez, but it was close largely due to the fact that he faded down the stretch.

- Chuck Johnston

[dagosd2000]

PISSIN' BLOOD

Just got done watching the movie FAT CITY. Taped it for further viewing. Underrated and underplayed. Maybe that's why the movie is underrated. There's no tour de force by any of the stars. Just common dialogue and the reality of what the Stockton area has always been. Farm workers in the fields picking, and it was non forgiving. Mexican and Philipino farm pickers going through a life of back breaking work. Many made that their careers.

There was a time when there was no pro sports going on in Northern California. At least when talking about football,baseball,and basketball. But there was boxing. On a Saturday night the local arenas would do pretty good. But boxing is tougher than picking lettuce,so most of the boys would stoop down rather than stand up in the ring. A head of lettuce won't hit back.

But that was Northern California. Where I lived in San Diego it was a world of servicemen. Marines and mostly Navy. Some of the fellas' had aspirationms of becoming fighters after their hitches were up. The Coliseum,32nd Street Gym,and Junior Robles's Camp were packed with young men living on the base and in the afternoon when change into boxing togs.

If they went to Nam,well that was about as rotten as it got. Maybe fighting for a living had a brighter outlook. But like anywhere else fighting in the ring has its common sacrafices. Can't take a M 16 into the ring with you.

FAT CITY was a good look at what this glamour sport is like. More routine and sweat than glamour. When Sixto Rodriguez is pissin' blood before his fight with Stacey Keach,I often think there's a metaphor. Boxing and working on your knees. Like pissin' blood.

[Randyman]

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (TK0 9)

To the great Juan Manuel Marquez . . .

Last night we saw the difference between very good, and great.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I'm still in awe over this fight. We just don't get 'em like this anymore. Totally agree with you and Frank. The Marquez brothers could have made their mark in any era. As a guy who had Juan Manuel winning both fights against Pacquiao, I hated to pick against him, but it seemed insurmountable. But I don't mind saying, Damn! What a performance!

Scartissue

Dan, I am still in awe over this fight too. it was no easy task to beat this Juan Diaz kid. We have to applaud both of their big hearts. With this win, and especially the way he won, Marquez jumps to a whole new level. He truly is great. Diaz got as near to greatness as a damned good fighter can get. Again it doesn't any better than this.

Even with all we saw I am still apprehensive about a Marquez-Floyd Mayweather Jr fight. What do you guys think?

Randy

[Randyman]

PISSIN' BLOOD

Just got done watching the movie FAT CITY. Taped it for further viewing. Underrated and underplayed. Maybe that's why the movie is underrated. There's no tour de force by any of the stars. Just common dialogue and the reality of what the Stockton area has always been. Farm workers in the fields picking, and it was non forgiving. Mexican and Philipino farm pickers going through a life of back breaking work. Many made that their careers.

There was a time when there was no pro sports going on in Northern California. At least when talking about football,baseball,and basketball. But there was boxing. On a Saturday night the local arenas would do pretty good. But boxing is tougher than picking lettuce,so most of the boys would stoop down rather than stand up in the ring. A head of lettuce won't hit back.

But that was Northern California. Where I lived in San Diego it was a world of servicemen. Marines and mostly Navy. Some of the fellas' had aspirationms of becoming fighters after their hitches were up. The Coliseum,32nd Street Gym,and Junior Robles's Camp were packed with young men living on the base and in the afternoon when change into boxing togs.

If they went to Nam,well that was about as rotten as it got. Maybe fighting for a living had a brighter outlook. But like anywhere else fighting in the ring has its common sacrafices. Can't take a M 16 into the ring with you.

FAT CITY was a good look at what this glamour sport is like. More routine and sweat than glamour. When Sixto Rodriguez is pissin' blood before his fight with Stacey Keach,I often think there's a metaphor. Boxing and working on your knees. Like pissin' blood.

One of my favorite boxing movies Rog. Thanks for the beautiful words as always. The movie doesn't sugar coat. I think that's part of what makes it great. Like a club fighter looking to make a few bucks, it doesn't pretend to be anything it's not.

Randy

[Wildhawke11]

No disrespect meant to the two fighters of course but you can look bad good or great, all depends on the competition your in with. Well that's how i see it.


PS
Hope i did not upset anyone with this post it really was not my intention. Its just in my mind i was comparing them to the great fighters i can think of when i hear on some forums All Time Greats mentioned. It was a great contest and possibly fight of the year. Lets hope the Hatton v Pac Man can come close to this one.

[HomicideHenry]

Hank, be there for your buddy when he gets out, he is going to need your help, maybe you can get him to post on our thread, I for one would like to hear him out, I bet he have some stories to tell.

God, did he tell me stories I cant remember them all, but, damn. The one thing that he said, which stuck in my head the most was when I started rambling on about wanting to do things my way, my deals, and money. Brian all but cried and told me:

"You sound like me when I broke from Reggie. I thought he was taking my money, when he was only taking his cut and to pay back the wins he bought for me. I went out on my own and got thrown to the wolves. I didnt know any better. Reggie was protecting me. All I could think about was me. I dont want you to make the same mistakes I did in boxing."

Brian, imo, was a Jekyll and Hyde, his own worst enemy. He had all the talent in the world, but didnt like to train, didnt always do the right things, and let too much shit outside the ring effect him inside the ring. He could have did better for himself, and Brian admitted that to me. Its something I wont ever forget.

[HomicideHenry]

I agree, Fat City is by far, one of the best, if not the best, boxing films ever made.

It pulls no punches in what a clubfighters existence is.

[El Gato]

Roger,

I haven't been able to post on Boxrec for a few days and want to wish you well regarding your eye surgery. I hope your eyes are completely healed soon. Our prayers are with you. Please give me a call. I would call you but I don't have your phone number.(Only your address).

Tom,

Also our prayers are with Anita and her daughter. Tell her with faith in our beautiful God, anything is possible.

El Gato

[El Gato]

Scar,

Yes, I knew in the beginning of 1972, they had me ranked #2 in the Jr. Welterweight in this division. It would have been a more comfortable weight for me to fight at, but Jacky McCoy wanted me to win the Lightweight Championship of the World first and then move on to go for the Jr.Welterweight.
But do you know that after I had won the Lightweight Champonship from Carmona, Ring Magazine had me ranked #5 Lightweight in the World. I would have loved to fight Bruno Arcari for the Jr.Welterweight Championship of the World. But instead McCoy set me up against Jimmy Robertson. I was 140 lbs. for that fight and was alot stronger.

El Gato

[bennie]

Here's a story I wanna tell on my friend Brian Paul, whose a boxer/manager.

I believe it was shortly after his release from prison, and he was looking to make a comeback. Paul and I discussed what his plans were, and I remember him saying for a time him and his friend and fellow boxer Dean Nichols were planning on entering the Toughman contest down at Dayton's Hera Arena. I told Paul that imo that would be a step down from actual boxing, and that it wouldnt prove anything beating local tough guys and bar room brawlers. Paul agreed, and never went into the Toughman contest. Not even a week later, he was signed on to fight a man named Oisin Fagan, who recently lost to Amir Kahn. The fight was too much on short notice, but Brian needed the money, and he ended up losing by kayo in the 2nd.

Brain summed it up to me that he never quite liked to train, and he was going to be paid at least a few thousand for the Fagan bout, so it didnt matter to him. But, it wasnt too long after that bout, give or take 3 months, he was lined up with a man named Tramane Townes. This time Brian trained, and he won the fight, knocking him down three times in four rounds. Sadly, it was clear to me, that Brian may have suffered too much in the ring and outside of it, considering his drug use and the car wreck that put him into a coma some time before. He just wasnt able to pull the trigger on a guy who was 0-2-0.

Brian reassured me, that flukes happened in boxing, and Townes was just one of those guys. While I didnt buy it entirely, I continued to encourage him, saying that if he fought more guys like Townes, and kept up the training, he would get back a win streak and probably get up in the rankings again. It wasnt to be. The following month, Brian, in need of money again, took on 12-1-0 Deandre Latimore, whose now a big deal at welterweight. He knocked Brian out in the second.

It was after that time, that me and my brother in law went to Lima, Ohio and trained at Brian's gym alongside Dean Nichols, 'Rockstar' Walt Upshaw and a few other guys. I hit bags, and Brian had me in the ring and did pad work as well as some light sparring. I was amazed when he told me for a guy who never boxed, that I had a natural jab and hit hard with it too. I never thought I ever had anything in my left. It made me feel good. Brian and me talked about contracts, and he said next time I came down he would sign me up and get me a bout somewhere in Indiana more than likely against one of Reggie Strickland's (who at one time was Brian's manager) guys.

Next thing I knew, Brian was scheduled to fight some guy whose name escapes me at the moment, but, then he got a DUI and broke probation. He was originally sent into rehab, and had he successfully completed it, he would have been released in March of 2008. Again, it wasnt meant to be. He got into a fight in rehab, and was sent straight into prison. He's up for appeals, but I believe he was denied. His release date is 2010.

Brian wrote to me, that he wishes to make a come back once he is out of prison. While I have my doubts about his success if he does come back, I owe him a debt of gratitude. He gave me plenty of information on boxing, and getting federal ID's and who was good in boxing and who wasnt. When he does come out, I hope to see him and help get him back on track.

Good luck to Brian, and you are a very good friend to him. We all need friends.

[kikibalt]

Women behind The Boxer Award luncheon
2-28-2009


Bobby, Connie, Frank and Frankie Baltazar

[Randyman]

Women behind The Boxer Award luncheon
2-28-2009


Bobby, Connie, Frank and Frankie Baltazar

Frank, what a great family photo. Suitable for framing.

Randy

[kikibalt]

Women behind The Boxer Award luncheon
2-28-2009


Bobby, Connie, Frank and Frankie Baltazar

Frank, what a great family photo. Suitable for framing.

Randy

Thanks, Randy, btw thats a Michele Chong photo, think I'll print it and fame it, thanks for the idea....

[Randyman]

Women behind The Boxer Award luncheon
2-28-2009


Bobby, Connie, Frank and Frankie Baltazar

Frank, what a great family photo. Suitable for framing.

Randy

Thanks, Randy, btw thats a Michele Chong photo, think I'll print it and fame it, thanks for the idea....

On a matted frame.

[Wildhawke11]

Frank
I was just running through some of the older posts. Thank you for putting up these photo's of your wonderful family. You are such a lucky man in many respects. Never have i heard a bad word said about you from anyone. Your Class, Sheer Class Frank.