Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Guys, keep my mother in your prayers. She hasn't been feeling well. Lots of things going wrong lately and I'm starting to get a little worried. She'll be 80 this coming May 2nd. What makes it hard is that she lives about 70 miles away and I can't just jump in the car in the middle of the week and check in on her. Jeri and I are driving up Friday night to spend the weekend and Easter with her.

I've been pretty busy with work this last couple of weeks so I haven't had much time to post. I have some catching up to do.

First: Tom. you're in my prayers my friend. I hope all is well with you.

Rog, Happy belated birthday. I hope you had a great birthday.

Randy

Randy, I hope your mom will start feeling better, we here will keep her in our prayers.

[kikibalt]

Frank, you might have already posted the answer to this question but when and where is the California Boxing Hall of Fame this year? Who are the inductees? Enquiring minds want to know.

Randy

September 26, Randy, at Steven's Steakhouse.

[Randyman]

The West Coast Boxing Guys "Top Dog" stand in T.J...

Frank
They've got these carts in TJ that sell hot dogs. They bring 'em out at night. They put the dogs on a grill and open up the bun and set the bun on the grill too . The bun gets some of the fat on it. Then the guy will ask you what you want on it. If you ask for everything,it's mayonaise,ketchup,mustard,onions,tomatos,and chile. Sounds like a "gut bomb". Only if you've had too much too drink that night

Rog, I'm a sucker for a hot dog. At both the Staples Center and The Home Depot Center, after the fights, they have these vendors in the parking lot that sell hot dogs grilled with bacon wrapped around them. Great stuff, bacon and a hot dog. It couldn't miss.

Randy

[Randyman]

Frank, you might have already posted the answer to this question but when and where is the California Boxing Hall of Fame this year? Who are the inductees? Enquiring minds want to know.

Randy

September 26, Randy, at Steven's Steakhouse.

Thanks Frank

[kikibalt]

Speaking of "Cannonball" Green . . .
On November 15, 1935, Cannonball fought Maxie Rosenbloom to a six-round draw, in Ventura, California.


-Rick Farris

Rick...One nite that Frankie was fighting at the Olympic, Cannonball Green had a fighter fighting on the card and we were sharing a dressing room, he told me that he wasn't happy with the money he was getting, I told him to go see Don Chargin and see if he can get some more, he did, when he came back he had a big smile on his face,
well" I said,
"I got more" he tells me,
"How did you do it?
"I don't try to out smart'em, I just out dumb'em? he tells me....

[Randyman]

EYESIGHT TO THE BLIND

I think one of a fighter's first signs of realizing that he's slipping is when he comes in second with his jab. I was sitting with Ronnie Wilson and Denny Moyer and the rest of the guys after a training sesiion at the Coliseum when I over heard the two friends discuss the matter.

They lamented the fact that their opponents were timing the punch. When the Irish boys would start their jab their opposition would jump their lefts in their faces before they could connect with theirs. The snap was gone. The jab was heavy.

The futility of it was that they knew there was nothing they could do to recapture the past. Besides, they'd been fighting a long time. They didn't look forward to training anymore. They hoped they just would fight a guy who had no jab. I think that was the punch they worried about the most when they climbed through the rops. The jab,if it was a good one,was somethin' they couldn't see coming until it peppered their pan. The scartissue around their eyes attested to the fact.

It was fun to watch them fight though. It was fun because I knew them. Now,looking back,I wouldn't have seen it that way. From what's been kicked around, both fellas' are hurt as they advance towards old age. There's nothin' they can do about that either. No one can do anything about preventing the aging process,but to bring a hurt fighter into that arena is something I don't like to think about.

Ronnie and Denny probably couldn't see that comin' either.

Rog, that was a very insightful article. I think all of us, in one way or another, can relate to that. Sometimes there's nothing we can do except do what we have always done. Fighting, working, whatever.

Thanks Rog!
Randy

[Dongee]

Rick:

On Cannonball Green's draw with Maxie Rosenbloom at Ventura: Ring Magazine ran a photo of Maxie being dragged to his corner after he had been dropped by a Cannonball shot to the body. It was later deterrmined that the blow had landed below the belt line.

And on Baby Dutch Culbertson: He was one of several fine heavyweight prospects active in our area at the time. The kid started out like a true comer by staying unbeaten for a spell but ended his career with a series of defining losses. The Martin Burke shown as his co-manager was a sharp ex-heavyweight who fought many of his top contemporaries, including George Godfrey. After retiring from the ring Burke became a siuccessful restauranteur in New Orleans. He was also the father of movie star Paul Burke. And Clarence Henry was developed in the amateurs by Harry Shall, who had started Tony Zale's career many years earlier.

Interestinglly, Baby Dutch lost to both Jake Williams and Jimmy Sheets, two young prospects who boxed a main event for me when I was making matches briefly, for our Hollywood Legionaires at the Valley Garden Arena, not far from your home, Rick.

hap navarro

[Randyman]

Hap, I was browsing through that other boxing forum earlier today and I saw where you asked if I was related to Placido De La O. Up until Frank asked me that question about a year ago I had never heard of him. However last year, through my family genealogy research, I came in contact with his daughter. We think there maybe a connection but nothing has been proven. At the California Boxing Hall of Fame last year, Cali Martinez asked me the same question. Turns out they were friends.

What I did discover was that Placido just vanished into thin air sometime in the 1950's. No one, friends, family or the police ever found out what happened to him. It's still a mystery all these years later.

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hu ... &cat=boxer

Hap, I'm not sure if I asked you this already but did you know my uncle Larry De La O?

Randy

[Randyman]

We had it all at the Legion Stadium, Randy.

A Placido de la O boxed seven of his eight bouts for me at the Legion Stadium, making him the second de la O to appear at Hollywood. This one was a lightweight managed by Ralph Gambina. Another de la O named Joe boxed once at the Legion back in 1948. He was a featherweight. Any relation, Randy?

hap navarro

Hap, I was contacted last year by Placido's daughter. She believes that we are related. I tend to agree with her.The actual connection has not been made but some things match up. I've been doing a little genealogical research the last few years so I'm hoping to make a connection. I was talking with Cali Martinez at last years California Hall of Fame. He asked me the same thing. Turns out they were friends. Up until Frank, had asked me a couple of years ago, I had never heard of him.

According to his daughter, Placido disappeared off the face of the Earth years ago. While he was still fighting. She heard rumors that he had resurfaced some time ago back east. New York, maybe. But she really has no idea. She thinks there may have been foul play.Who knows, after so many years. This is the first I have heard of Joe De La O.

Hap, I would appreciate any stories or memories you may have of Joe and Placido. Almost without exception, when I meet another De La O, we find we are related. Sometimes going back a few generations.

Thanks Hap
Randy

[Randyman]

Regarding boxing and aging: One of the saddest quotes I ever heard from Roberto Duran, came a year or two before he retired. He was asked (I'm paraphrasing) why he continues to box at such a late age. His reply? "I don't know how to do anything else". A scary concept.

Randy

[kikibalt]

The West Coast Boxing Guys "Top Dog" stand in T.J...

Frank
They've got these carts in TJ that sell hot dogs. They bring 'em out at night. They put the dogs on a grill and open up the bun and set the bun on the grill too . The bun gets some of the fat on it. Then the guy will ask you what you want on it. If you ask for everything,it's mayonaise,ketchup,mustard,onions,tomatos,and chile. Sounds like a "gut bomb". Only if you've had too much too drink that night

Rog, I'm a sucker for a hot dog. At both the Staples Center and The Home Depot Center, after the fights, they have these vendors in the parking lot that sell hot dogs grilled with bacon wrapped around them. Great stuff, bacon and a hot dog. It couldn't miss.

Randy

Anybody for a hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

[dagosd2000]

The West Coast Boxing Guys "Top Dog" stand in T.J...

Frank
They've got these carts in TJ that sell hot dogs. They bring 'em out at night. They put the dogs on a grill and open up the bun and set the bun on the grill too . The bun gets some of the fat on it. Then the guy will ask you what you want on it. If you ask for everything,it's mayonaise,ketchup,mustard,onions,tomatos,and chile. Sounds like a "gut bomb". Only if you've had too much too drink that night

Rog, I'm a sucker for a hot dog. At both the Staples Center and The Home Depot Center, after the fights, they have these vendors in the parking lot that sell hot dogs grilled with bacon wrapped around them. Great stuff, bacon and a hot dog. It couldn't miss.

Randy

Randy
Your mom's health is in my prayers for a long and happy life.

Randy
Sounds like these guys outside the Staples is the same outfit that sells them in TJ. I forgot about the bacon wrapped around them. Yeh,I get hooked on those dogs also.

[dagosd2000]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.[/quote]


Throw in some hot links and Italian sausage and I make "bow wow" noises.

[Randyman]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

That's what I'm talking about!! Lots of onions, chiles and delicious bacon grease. I don't care what anyone says, good health is over rated. Frank, that's an award winning photo. I was worried about you for a while Frank. No cheese, no this, no that, but I know we're on the same page here.

It's amazing that I just stuffed my faced with braised short ribs and now I'm craving hot dogs with bacon.

Randy

[dagosd2000]

Went to the Getty Museum yesterday. Any of you guys hear of an eatery called "Honey Kettle" in Culver City?We ate there on the way back. They make fried chicken with pancakes on the side. Unbelievable.

[Randyman]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

Throw in some hot links and Italian sausage and I make "bow wow" noises. [/quote]

Who's photo is that??

Hot Links and Italian Sausage and/or Linguicia with oniions and peppers.

Randy DD

[dagosd2000]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

That's what I'm talking about!! Lots of onions, chiles and delicious bacon grease. I don't care what anyone says, good health is over rated. Frank, that's an award winning photo. I was worried about you for a while Frank. No cheese, no this, no that, but I know we're on the same page here.

It's amazing that I just stuffed my faced with braised short ribs and now I'm craving hot dogs with bacon.

Randy

Randy
I just flashed on something looking at that picture. When I die I want to be layed to rest with all those dogs.

[Randyman]

Went to the Getty Museum yesterday. Any of you guys hear of an eatery called "Honey Kettle" in Culver City?We ate there on the way back. They make fried chicken with pancakes on the side. Unbelievable.

I've seen Fried chicken with waffles but never with pancakes. Hmmmm

Randy

[Randyman]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

That's what I'm talking about!! Lots of onions, chiles and delicious bacon grease. I don't care what anyone says, good health is over rated. Frank, that's an award winning photo. I was worried about you for a while Frank. No cheese, no this, no that, but I know we're on the same page here.

It's amazing that I just stuffed my faced with braised short ribs and now I'm craving hot dogs with bacon.

Randy

Randy
I just flashed on something looking at that picture. When I die I want to be layed to rest with all those dogs.

Hot Dog Heaven!!?? I'll meet you there when the time comes. DD

Randy

[dagosd2000]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

Throw in some hot links and Italian sausage and I make "bow wow" noises.

Who's photo is that??

Hot Links and Italian Sausage and/or Linguicia with oniions and peppers.

Randy DD[/quote]

Randy 'ol Pal
I posted a while ago that when I think of you,I think of food. If we're talking dogs,let's not leave out Chorizo from my wife's home state. We don't want to piss off the Poles. They do a pretty good job with kraut and mustard .

[Rick Farris]

Speaking of "Cannonball" Green . . .
On November 15, 1935, Cannonball fought Maxie Rosenbloom to a six-round draw, in Ventura, California.


-Rick Farris

Rick...One nite that Frankie was fighting at the Olympic, Cannonball Green had a fighter fighting on the card and we were sharing a dressing room, he told me that he wasn't happy with the money he was getting, I told him to go see Don Chargin and see if he can get some more, he did, when he came back he had a big smile on his face,
well" I said,
"I got more" he tells me,
"How did you do it?
"I don't try to out smart'em, I just out dumb'em? he tells me....

Frank . . . Great story! I know what you mean. In the spring of 1971, he worked with me for just over a week. He was also training my stablemate Gil King, for Suey Welch. Then Mel Epstein takes over, and a few months later we fight one of Cannonball's boxers in Long Beach, on the undercard of the Armando Muniz-Clyde Grey fight. In a prelim, I'm having my way with Cannonball's featherweight. I didn't drop him, but I pretty much was beating the crap out of the guy in his own corner.

Cannonball is right below us, shouting instructions. He's yelling, "to the body Ricky, he can't take it in the body!"
The man is telling me how to beat his fighter. How must my opponent, a guy who fought under the name of "Juaquin Murrieta" feel?
I shifted my sites to his body and he was just about finished when the final bell saved him.

When I was awarded the decision, Cannonball came over and lifted me in the air.
You should have seen the look Mel Epstein gave him as he lifted me off my feet :x
When he put me down, Epstein looked at me and shook his head, "He ain't right".
Of course, in Mel's eyes, nobody was "Right".


-Rick

[Randyman]

Anybody for hot dog?, shot this pic. at a barbecue we had last summer.

Throw in some hot links and Italian sausage and I make "bow wow" noises.

Who's photo is that??

Hot Links and Italian Sausage and/or Linguicia with oniions and peppers.

Randy DD

Randy 'ol Pal
I posted a while ago that when I think of you,I think of food. If we're talking dogs,let's not leave out Chorizo from my wife's home state. We don't want to piss off the Poles. They do a pretty good job with kraut and mustard .[/quote]

Rog, let's not piss anyone off. I'll take whatever they throw my way. The Germans are pretty good with sausage too. With sauerkraut. We don't want to offend anyone.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Went to the Getty Museum yesterday. Any of you guys hear of an eatery called "Honey Kettle" in Culver City?We ate there on the way back. They make fried chicken with pancakes on the side. Unbelievable.

Roger . . . Had a girlfriend that I worked with at MGM. We were working long hours on a movie and stuck on stage for hours, so at lunch we'd drive off the lot to eat. We ate at the "Honey Kettle" quite a few times.

-Rick

[Randyman]

Speaking of "Cannonball" Green . . .
On November 15, 1935, Cannonball fought Maxie Rosenbloom to a six-round draw, in Ventura, California.


-Rick Farris

Rick...One nite that Frankie was fighting at the Olympic, Cannonball Green had a fighter fighting on the card and we were sharing a dressing room, he told me that he wasn't happy with the money he was getting, I told him to go see Don Chargin and see if he can get some more, he did, when he came back he had a big smile on his face,
well" I said,
"I got more" he tells me,
"How did you do it?
"I don't try to out smart'em, I just out dumb'em? he tells me....

Frank . . . Great story! I know what you mean. In the spring of 1971, he worked with me for just over a week. He was also training my stablemate Gil King, for Suey Welch. Then Mel Epstein takes over, and a few months later we fight one of Cannonball's boxers in Long Beach, on the undercard of the Armando Muniz-Clyde Grey fight. In a prelim, I'm having my way with Cannonball's featherweight. I didn't drop him, but I pretty much was beating the crap out of the guy in his own corner.

Cannonball is right below us, shouting instructions. He's yelling, "to the body Ricky, he can't take it in the body!"
The man is telling me how to beat his fighter. How must my opponent, a guy who fought under the name of "Juaquin Murrieta" feel?
I shifted my sites to his body and he was just about finished when the final bell saved him.

When I was awarded the decision, Cannonball came over and lifted me in the air.
You should have seen the look Mel Epstein gave him as he lifted me off my feet :x
When he put me down, Epstein looked at me and shook his head, "He ain't right".
Of course, in Mel's eyes, nobody was "Right".


-Rick

Rick, I can just see Mels face contorting and his eyeballs going every which way. I gotta agree with Mel on this one though. Talk about fair weather friends. I've heard of fans switching during a fight but never a trainer. That's one for the books! DD

Randy

[scartissue]

Former Heavyweight Champion of the World Ken Norton and his friend, Hassan Chitsaz

By Dan Hernandez

“If you believe, you can achieve!”

I had an afternoon meeting on April 1, 2009 at a diner in Laguna, California with multi-time World Heavyweight Boxing champion of the world, Ken Norton, 50-7-1-1, 33 KO‘s, Current WBA, NABA, & WBA FedCaribe Continental Heavyweight Champion, Hassan Chitsaz, 10-0, 10 KO’s, and Retired Educator and Sinecure, Tom Baca. Baca, a friend for over 30 years has aided me by volunteering his photographic talents to some of my pieces and is a long time Norton fan.

Norton started boxing in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1963 through 1967, compiling a record of 24-2 and winning three All-Marine Heavyweight titles. He turned pro in 1967. Registering a career defining victory over Muhammad Ali in 1973 and winning the NABF Heavyweight crown in the process. In 1978 Norton was named heavyweight world champion by the WBC, stating that Norton’s victory over Jimmy Young, victor over George Foreman, was a title elimination bout. Losing his title to Larry Holmes, in what many consider to be the 10th greatest heavyweight fight in history. Norton lost his title by an extremely close decision on June 9, 1978. Norton remains the only holder of a world heavyweight title to win a world title fight by a no-contest.

.

Norton's record is 42-7-1 not 50-7-1-1. I'm going to assume that last digit is supposed to be the no-contest that was mentioned. Well that never happened anytime in Ken's career. He won a 15 round decision over Jimmy Young and when the WBC stripped Leon Spinks of his title for failure to defend against their #1 contender (Norton), the title was belatedly awarded to Norton on the basis of that win. He then lost his title on a 15 round decision to Larry Holmes. That gibberish about Norton being the only heavyweight champion to win a world title on a no-contest (a no-contest is a no-contest, you cannot win or lose) should have read, "Norton is the only heavyweight champion never to win a heavyweight title fight". I'm surprised at Dan Hernandez' gaffs in this piece.

Scartissue