Classic American West Coast Boxing

[raylawpc]

Johnnie Flores & Jerry Quarry 1967-68 . . .


I was fifteen, when Muhammad Ali was stripped of the Heavyweight title and exiled from boxing for more than three years.
Somebody would have to take his place, and there were ten contenders suddenly eligable to win the title that Cassius Clay had held since stopping Sonny Liston in 1964.

Nobody had come close to beating Ali, not at that point in his career, not at age 25.
But Ali was gone, at least for a few years and there would have to be a tournament to find his successor.

New York quickly declared the winner of a 15-round bout between Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis, as the new heavyweight champ. However, the rest of the world would recognize the winner of the eight man WBA Heavyweight Tournament as the true Successor.
Frazier beat Mathis for the N.Y. version of the title, but he would not be recognized universally as champ until he defeated the winner of the eight man contest.

This was a great time in my life. I had been boxing in the Johnnie Flores boxing stable for nearly three years. Johnnie handled Jerry Quarry.
Johnnie had managed the 22-year-old heavyweight from the time he was a junior boxer, only seven-years-old.
Jerry began his boxing career in the same place I would a dozen years later, at Flores' backyard gym in Pacoima, California.
It was like a second home to me when I was a teenager.

I was within my element at the gym, and when Johnnie Flores walked in later in the evening, after eating his dinner, the place really came alive.
Johnnie was one of the greatest story tellers I'd ever know.
He'd walk thru the door, acknowledge everybody, usually a toothpick in his mouth. He'd then share his day with us.

One night, Johnnie had a big smile on his face. He had good news.
Johnnie's heavyweight, Jerry Quarry, would be among the eight contenders who would meet in a tourney to crown a new WBA Heavyweight Champ.
This was a big deal, and Johnnie Flores would come very close to managing a World Heavyweight Champion before it was over.

In those days, Johnnie had a lot to share, a lot about current state of the heavyweight division.
His boy, Jerry Quarry, was in the mix, seriously so after whipping favored Thad Spencer in Oakland in the semi-final.
This earned Jerry a shot at the title, in the championship match with Jimmy Ellis.
Jerry had just turned 23, and a slight favorite to beat Ellis and take the title. Jerry's power roared in the Spencer match, and Ellis wasn't a "big" heavyweight.
It would later be proven later that Jerry could not beat either Frazier or Ali, however, he was favored to beat Ellis, and rightly so.

Of course, the Jerry Quarry that showed up to fight Ellis in Oakland, forty-one years ago, wasn't the same Jerry that showed up for Scrap Iron Johnson, or Earnie Shavers, or Ron Lyle, or Spencer, or Mac Foster, or even Joe Frazier the following year.
That Jerry Quarry was a dangerous heavyweight, an explosive puncher with great boxing skills.
Jerry's worse opponent was himself, and when he wasn't right, he was a dog with a lot of fleas.
It was all about his mind. He was never predictable, but don't be foolish enough to take Quarry for granted.

I remember Jerry was matched with Floyd Patterson in the quarter-final. Patterson had held Jerry to a draw a few months earlier, but this Jerry was on a mission and Patterson would lose a decision this time.

As the tournament progressed, right thru to the title fight, Johnnie Flores kept us on top of things. And of course, he had a couple other headliners as well, featherweight Dwight Hawkins and the "Maravilla Kid" Ruben Navarro. Ruben was getting a Jr. title fight with Rene Barrientos, the WBA 130lb Champ, in Manila. Ruben also fought in Japan that year. Dwight Hawkins, in 1968, had three back-to-back bouts in Tokyo, in a three month period, KOing Kiniaki Shibata in 7, Rokuro Ishiyama in 2, and dropping a close decision to the great Fighting Harada.

Between Jerry's 1968 heavyweight title elimination bouts, Hawkins and Navarro's overseas bouts, and then his other boxers at home, Johnnie Flores was a busy man. He was one of the hottest managers on the West Coast, and in 1968, a major player in the world of world class professional boxing.

Those were exciting times for all of us. "Our Stable" nearly included the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Unfortunatly, the "wrong" Jerry showed up for the Jimmy Ellis fight.


-Rick Farris

Rick, I recall reading that Jerry had suffered a back injury before the Ellis fight but unwisely declined to postpone the bout. His loss had alot to do with the back injury.

Do you have any information about that?

Thanks!

Tom . . . Jerry injured his back when he was a teenager diving into a pool. On occasion he would have problems, but nothing major. Jerry was accident prone, stupid things, and I remember Jerry blaming his back for his poor performance, however, those close to Jerry know the problem was not with his back, but his brain. Jerry fought a stupid fight with a guy he should have blown out. In a dramatic exit from the ring, as Jimmy Ellis basked in winning the heavyweight title, Jerry Quarry grabbed the ring microphone and announced his retirement from boxing. He was 23-years-old. After the embarrassing performance, nobody cared.

-Rick Farris

Thanks Rick.

[raylawpc]

America takes great pride in helping other countries (and usually destroying them in the process), but it ignores and in many cases abuses it's elderly.

-Rick Farris

Destroy first and then rebuild, it just business, and the people in power make sure their buddys get the contracts, didn't we just witness that in the last few years?

The sad thing was what has happened to the moral of the American people. Things just kept getting worse, day by day. It's been ages since we had a real leader, somebody we could believe in. The guy in office today cannot be expected to clear up eight years of economic Hell over night, however, he's a leader, and decent, and maybe we can get out of that "bully mode", that of the last coward to hold the most powerful position in the world.


-Rick

One man's Heaven is another man's Hell, I suppose. Until 2008, and with the exception of the months immediately following 9/11, my stock portfolio did great in the Bush years.

[dagosd2000]

Bennie . . . The most successful amateur boxing venue in Southern California history was Jim Jeffries Barn in Burbank. In 1954, after the former champ's death, the barn was declared a "Historic Building" which prevented it from being destroyed, however, it was taken apart and relocated more than twenty miles away, where it was reconstructed at "Knott's Berry Farm", which would grow into a major amusement theme park.

The site where the building once stood became home to a supermarket, and in mid 60's a Union Hall also was built on the property. A few years back, the original market and Union Hall was torn down, and a newer, larger market built. In California, a buildng's lifetime is considered to be forty years. The sad thing about American is a society is that it has little respect for anything old, and that includes people. This is especially true in Southern California, where anything over age forty is considered on the down side of productive. This is not a great place for people to grow old and retire, and it's not a place to expect fine craftsmanship, generally speaking. Today, buildings are considered to have a shelf life of about forty years, and the same applies to people. America takes great pride in helping other countries (and usually destroying them in the process), but it ignores and in many cases abuses it's elderly.

Your story about York Hall brought a smile to my face. Your referring to "People Power" also brought a smile to my face. I know things have changed a great deal in Great Britain in recent years, same is true here, however, respect for that sweltering boxing venue (and that's exactly how my actor friend described it) shows that some people still have their heads on straight. Next year, when I retrun to the U.K. I'm going to attend a match at York Hall with my English mates. I'm also going to stop into one of those "Boxer Pubs" I've heard about. By the way, as per your recommendation, I will submit the name Maurice Hope for WBHOF induction this week, as well as Henry Cooper.

-Rick Farris[/quote]

A great post, Rick. Growing old is the same here, really. My mother says you become invisible.[/quote]

THE GRINGO THEY CALL DON

One of the reasons John McCain didn't get elected President was because of his age. He was considered by many voters as old. Funny how Americans view anyone over 30. You're getting long in the tooth. Most of this perception has to do with physical appearances. Skin sags,wrinkles form,hair starts to fall out and turn gray. Might as well throw in all your chips ahead of time because in 50 years (if you last that long)the journey gets worse.

Creaky bones and a cataract are part of my reasons to visit Doctor Sawbones,but I don't feel that I'm of no use. Being a Dago has its advantages when aligning oneself in the pecking order. With Latins it's a custom. A natural feeling.

Yeh,if it's old here in the U.S., we tear it down or put one in a nursing home. I've been to England. The elderly seem older than their years. Not as bad as here,but they're not allowed to remain mainstream as easily.

Maybe that's why this grease ball from Chicago is one day going to gather it all in and move to our home in Jiquilpan. Age in Mexico is connotated with experience. Wisdom has been learned. Given respect goes along with the advancement of years . Women and the young come to the eldery for advice.Notice I said women. Not a bad tradition. The grand parents live with the family. It is never questioned to put the patriarchs and matriarchs in an institution.

In Jiquilpan I've absorbed myself into a Latin way of life. There was no transition. I paint. the cultural center has even provided my with a studio if I wanted. The town folk treat me with respect. The newspaper has written articles about the American artist who's in love with their pueblo. Many of the people call me Don.

I'll grow old in Jiquilpan. Manners and respect are equated with intelligence. If that is the case I will die within a crystal ball.A very old and beautifull one.

[dagosd2000]

Jiquipan's local newspaper. A story about me. I wasn't aware that they were going to do this. It's called respect.

[bennie]

Jiquipan's local newspaper. A story about me. I wasn't aware that they were going to do this. It's called respect.

A nice and wholly deserved tribute, Rog.

[dagosd2000]

AMERICAN YOU,PERHAPS

I can't stand it when I see more people who think that manners and politeness is a sign of weakness and fear. "You gotta' be tough"is the credo nowadays. Kids are the greatest offenders. In my classroom the other day,the little tykes started sounding off on how thw police are the bad guys.

I started a program at the high school some years back where we would target potential juvenile chronic offenders and take tham to the State Penitentiary named Donovan near by to have the prisoners "talk" with them. We'd select 50 kids.

Oh,they wanted to go all right. Their heroes were there. Their role models. Well let me tell you pal when those guys saw those young and tender things,those young and tender things were glad they were young and tender still.

TV and the movies is sending the wrong message. Gangs and gangsters are glorified. It's when these kids wind up institutionalized is when it's too late.

I've tried to get this program going at the middle school where I work. The district has turned me down saying the kids are too young to be exposed to convicts. I don't know what percentage of these kids have a parent who's served time or is in the slammer now,but I guess it's OK for them to watch movies like "American Gangster" or "American Me."

"American Me." Probably the most revered movie ,along with "Scarface",that's talked about amongst the teens today.
"American Me"? NOT for me.

[dagosd2000]

Jiquipan's local newspaper. A story about me. I wasn't aware that they were going to do this. It's called respect.

A nice and wholly deserved tribute, Rog.

Thanks 'ol Chum.

[bennie]

Happy birthday, Rog.

[Trainer Monkey]

AMERICAN YOU,PERHAPS

I can't stand it when I see more people who think that manners and politeness is a sign of weakness and fear. "You gotta' be tough"is the credo nowadays. Kids are the greatest offenders. In my classroom the other day,the little tykes started sounding off on how thw police are the bad guys.

I started a program at the high school some years back where we would target potential juvenile chronic offenders and take tham to the State Penitentiary named Donovan near by to have the prisoners "talk" with them. We'd select 50 kids.

Oh,they wanted to go all right. Their heroes were there. Their role models. Well let me tell you pal when those guys saw those young and tender things,those young and tender things were glad they were young and tender still.

TV and the movies is sending the wrong message. Gangs and gangsters are glorified. It's when these kids wind up institutionalized is when it's too late.

I've tried to get this program going at the middle school where I work. The district has turned me down saying the kids are too young to be exposed to convicts. I don't know what percentage of these kids have a parent who's served time or is in the slammer now,but I guess it's OK for them to watch movies like "American Gangster" or "American Me."

"American Me." Probably the most revered movie ,along with "Scarface",that's talked about amongst the teens today.
"American Me"? NOT for me.

Thats why I teach boxing.
All of my fighters view me as a total hard ass,but,they learn the discipline they'll need later in life,even if they arent the best boxer.

[dagosd2000]

Sam McVea

[kikibalt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

[kikibalt]

Fair well to Oscar De La Hoya & Bernard Hopkins
April 6, 2009 by Edgar Gonzalez

Rumor has it that Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins will be hosting a media press conference on April 14 in downtown Los Angeles to announce their retirement.

Many people kept asking whether the Golden Boy was going to continue fighting after getting demolished by the Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao and Oscar never gave an answer.

I think it will be best for Oscar De La Hoya to retire, with out any doubt Oscar De La Hoya is a mega superstar whose popularity transcends boxing, Oscar De La Hoya is considered to be one of the best fighters in the world at any weight. Hands down Oscar De La Hoya is the biggest non-heavyweight attraction and money maker at the gate. I think he should continue promoting great fights like Marquez-Diaz and the recent “Lightweight Lighting”. Those were some awesome fights.

For years boxing fans have watched the great middleweight champion and future hall of fame fighter Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins in the ring was like watching a master painter at work. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Philadelphia Executioner in the ring one last time but the question is with whom.

MyBoxingFans will be on hand covering this farewell event. Stay tuned!

[Rick Farris]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

Jerry Quarry. The above was posted on YouTube by Jerry's son.

Other Quarry bouts were also available, including his KO of Mac Foster.
Jerry was at his best that night.

I could always tell in the first moments of a Quarry fight what to expect.
Jerry had this loose coolness about him when he was right. It was more than confidence, it was a certainty.
He'd catch a jab, or two, maybe even get rocked. But he'd drop his hands, and slip the punches with head movement.
Then he would counter, something hard. When he was on target, it was usually the beginning of the end for the other guy.

Jerry Quarry was a finisher. Nobody can deny that. Certainly not Mac Foster.


-Rick Farris
(thanks to Dan Hanley & Kiki for the YouTube link above)

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

Rick
Did Jerry ever talk to you about his loss to Chuvalo? I remember watching that fight. It seemed that Jerry lost track of the count.

[scartissue]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

Jerry Quarry. The above was posted on YouTube by Jerry's son.

Other Quarry bouts were also available, including his KO of Mac Foster.
Jerry was at his best that night.

I could always tell in the first moments of a Quarry fight what to expect.
Jerry had this loose coolness about him when he was right. It was more than confidence, it was a certainty.
He'd catch a jab, or two, maybe even get rocked. But he'd drop his hands, and slip the punches with head movement.
Then he would counter, something hard. When he was on target, it was usually the beginning of the end for the other guy.

Jerry Quarry was a finisher. Nobody can deny that. Certainly not Mac Foster.


-Rick Farris
(thanks to Dan Hanley & Kiki for the YouTube link above)

Rick, I never thought about it until you mentioned it, but yeah, when Jerry was on he was so loose. I remember that smirking confidence in the Eduardo Corletti fight among others. It seemed like a sparring session until he nailed Corletti with a shot to the midsection in the 1st round and you just saw the Argentine cave in. I also remember when he had moved the base to NY, Gil Clancy was very particular about keeping Jerry nice and calm and confident before a bout. There was a story as such until that Prima Donna he married, ex-model Arlene Charles, came barging into the serene dressing room bitching about her seats, thus rattling Jerry. Clancy said in a interview he had a flunky almost physically eject her while telling Jerry, "They're just going to get her a better seat." I wonder what ever became of her.

Scartissue

[dagosd2000]

THEY WERE IRISH AND THEY WERE TOUGH

Jerry Quarry's brother Mike was no stranger to San Diego. I saw him beat an up and comer Amado Vasquez in front of his neighborhood in National City. Then I remember Mike breaking the hearts of San Diego fans by decisioning Ronnie Wilson up at Woodland Hills. Years later when both boys were past their best ,Mike had enough to nod Ronnie down here.

Mike was kind of the "villain" in San Diego because he'd had his way with the local talent. After Mike beat Ronnie again ,I remember him losing then to Pete McIntyre at the Coliseum. McIntyre hadn't a lot of fights and the few he had were mostly in the loss column.

As usual.the fans in that crowded arena booed Mike when his name was announced. I don't think anyone knew who McIntyre was,but he got a good hand.

The fight didn't last long. I don't know if McIntyre was that good or Mike had just slipped that far back. The referee called it off early. I didn't hold anything against Mike Quarry. All the Quarrys were fine with me. Mike may have not have been as talented as his big brother ,but like Jerry he had a big heart.

But the thing I admired most about the Quarrys was their togetherness as a family.Sometimes I thought the family was fighting with their backs to the wall. In So Cal the fight fans were mostly Mexican and their heroes weighed in at 147 pounds or less. I know Jerry had a good following in New York. I was pulling for him against Norton,but Jerry had seen his better days in the rear view mirror.

Mike and Jerry are gone now. I think when we look back on the brothers,maybe we miss them a little more than we thought we would. Everytime I read Hemingway's "50 Grand" and come the words "Irish and tough",the Quarrys boys pop into my head.

[Rick Farris]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

Rick
Did Jerry ever talk to you about his loss to Chuvalo? I remember watching that fight. It seemed that Jerry lost track of the count.

Roger . . . Jerry Quarry's loss to Chuvalo was the last fight our manager, Johnnie Flores, would work Jerry's corner. Jerry had his way with Chuvalo, and the knockdown was a flook, more of an off balance thing. But Jerry stayed down on a knee to catch his breath (not hurt). Jerry said he didn't hear the count or he'd have risen at eight. He was counted out, in a bout that would be more puzzling a loss than the Ellis fight. We never spoke again until long after we both has stopped boxing. One day in the late 70's he was a guest star on the Universal TV show, "Six Million Dollar Man", and I was working next door on "Rockford Files". I stopped in and we visited for a few minutes, however, we never discussed the bout. I got the facts from Flores after he'd returned from New York.

-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

hi guys. I'm in the hospital. Heart procedure tomorrow. Hopefully I'll know what's the matter tomorrow.

[dagosd2000]

hi guys. I'm in the hospital. Heart procedure tomorrow. Hopefully I'll know what's the matter tomorrow.

Tom
My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hang tough.

Your pal,Rog

[bennie]

hi guys. I'm in the hospital. Heart procedure tomorrow. Hopefully I'll know what's the matter tomorrow.

My fingers are crossed for you, Ray. God bless.

[bennie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUnXeDiQ00

This one brings back a lot of memories for me.

-Rick

A fantastic montage. Jerry looked in formidable shape for the Ellis fight. It is such a shame he was one of those moody fighters as we say over here.

[kikibalt]

hi guys. I'm in the hospital. Heart procedure tomorrow. Hopefully I'll know what's the matter tomorrow.

Tom,

We will be praying for you, let us know how things go, maybe the BOSS can post and let us know how you are doing.

[iskigoe]

Tom,

Hate to see one of my on-line friends down. Have those doctors
get you back in shape --ASAP.

Kevin

[kikibalt]

Johnny Ortiz and Henry Davis

Dan

Dan, I don't believe thats Henry Davis with Ortiz

[kikibalt]