Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

[Expug]

Hi Rick.
Your friend was speaking of Hayward Nishiioka.
What a great judo man he is.From L.A. also.
He was a great competitor. National AAU champ several times, author of many judo books and a tremendous coach.
Hes a credit to the art/sport.


I recall Phil Jackson was warmly received last time he was here in Chicago.
Hes a great coach as far as Im concerned.
He has critics that say it hasnt been so tough for him because hes had great players.
I dont agree with that. He still kept cohesiveness and egos in check and thats hard to do.
Believe me , there are some LARGE egos in the NBA.

[bennie]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

Believe me, Rick, Blackpool is no LA. If you get out without a tattoo and an earring, you've done well.

[kikibalt]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

Believe me, Rick, Blackpool is no LA. If you get out without a tattoo and an earring, you've done well.

He already has a tattoo and earring....

[kikibalt]

What Pacquiao-Hatton means for Shane Mosley


Los Angeles Times
Shane Mosley celebrates after defeating Antonio Margarito in the WBA welterweight title fight on Jan. 24.
Even after his last victory, Mosley doesn't seem to be part of the mega-fight club.

Bill Dwyre
May 1, 2009

At the moment, boxer Shane Mosley is the odd man out. He has much to offer, but he is like a screenwriter, shopping the studios.

"I don't hear my name being called," Mosley says.

He is in Las Vegas, as is most everybody else from the world of boxing, the week before Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton at MGM's Grand Garden.

The hallways and lounges of the casino have started to fill up for Saturday's fight with people with pasty skin who use the word "mate" a lot. The Brits aren't coming. They are here.

For everybody else, Pacquiao-Hatton is a time of anticipation. It should be a great fight. Entertaining, dramatic. For Mosley, it is a time of frustration.

Three months ago, the Pomona fighter put himself back in the picture for future mega-fights by beating Antonio Margarito at Staples Center at 147 pounds. The match drew a huge crowd and Mosley, who had made his mark over the years with two victories over Oscar De La Hoya but had also lost enough to become a journeyman in some minds, was impressive in his domination of the favored Margarito.

"I had a spectacular victory," Mosley says.

But his sport is fickle, and when Paul Williams fought Winky Wright on April 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mosley used the occasion to seek out several boxing writers and plead his case. Boxing is all about who's got next, and Mosley, at 37, wanted to make sure "next" involves him.

"I want mega-fights," he says. "I love the excitement. I thrive on it."

But the permutations and politics could easily bring roadblocks.

Mosley lists his preference for his next fight as follows: 1) winner of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight; 2) the currently retired Floyd Mayweather Jr.; 3) Miguel Cotto, to whom he has already lost.

Bob Arum of Top Rank promotions, who has both Pacquiao and Cotto and whose matchmaking agenda correctly needs to best serve his fighters and his company's bottom line, lists Pacquiao's next likely opponents, assuming a victory over Hatton, as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Cotto, Mayweather and Edwin Valero.

"Mosley's name hasn't been mentioned," Arum says. "Now, of course, if others fall out, he could be in there."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, says that Mosley visited the Pacquiao camp and talked about a fight.

"I asked Shane if he could get down to 142, and he said no," Roach said. "I don't think Pacquiao-Mosley is likely."

Pacquiao won the biggest fight of his life at 147 pounds, when he beat De La Hoya last December, but Roach has been fairly steadfast in wanting him to stay at 140, where he will fight Hatton.

There is also the thought in the Pacquiao camp that their superstar, again assuming he beats Hatton, would be best served with a breather before the next big box-office bonanza sometime late in the year. That would make the match with Chavez Jr. seem likely, even though he is considerably bigger than Pacquiao, although nowhere near the fighter yet.

Arum appears to like that, especially because he promotes both fighters. Roach appears to be ready to veto it, seeing that Chavez Jr. is more like a 154-pounder, or, at the lowest, 147.

"He's too big," Roach says.

A Hatton victory, or even a loss, might work for Mosley, who says he might consider going to Hatton's home of Manchester, England, to fight. But Hatton has said he also wants to stay at 140, and that remains a tough downward stretch for Mosley.

"Hatton is such a huge draw," Mosley says. "That would be exciting."

The real wild card in all this is Mayweather, who retired after he knocked Hatton against the ring turnbuckle in the 10th round Dec. 8, 2007.

Everybody seems to just assume Mayweather will return. There are rumors of an IRS lien against him, plus word that he remains in fighting shape. And because Mosley is both a partner in, and a fighter for, De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, that may be his best shot.

"Mayweather is unbeaten (39-0), and was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world when he retired," Mosley says. "He shouldn't be afraid of anybody."

The larger question is whether Mayweather wants to come back against one of the two boxers in the world -- Pacquiao being the other -- who may be able to match his speed.

Mayweather's desire for a lucrative comeback, if that is his desire, will face tough roadblocks with Arum. One of Mayweather's advisors is music producer Al Haymon, who also represents Paul Williams.

According to sources, Haymon and Arum had a deal a few years ago for Williams to fight Top Rank star Kelly Pavlik, but the deal came apart.

Now, Arum, who also once promoted Mayweather, says that Haymon "did some things that weren't very nice," and calls him "a Machiavellian SOB." Arum says that about the only way he would get involved in a Pacquiao-Mayweather promotion -- which may eventually be the fight the public clamors for -- would be if Mayweather used Golden Boy and its chief executive, Richard Schaefer, as his promoter.

"Richard and I can negotiate tough and fight hard," Arum says, "but he is a good businessman and I trust him."

The likelihood is that Mosley will cast about for several more months, while the aftermath of Pacquiao-Hatton sorts itself out.

"Ten years ago, I was listed among the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters," Mosley says. "I want to get back there."

[email protected].

[kikibalt]

My granddaughter, Jordan, (Bobby's daughter)

[scartissue]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

Believe me, Rick, Blackpool is no LA. If you get out without a tattoo and an earring, you've done well.

Bennie, my parents honeymooned in Blackpool. Man, I'll have to tell my Pops how things have changed.

Scartissue

[dagosd2000]

My granddaughter, Jordan, (Bobby's daughter)

Another great looking Baltazar girl

Que chulada es el maiz prieto

[dagosd2000]

I WISHED THEY"D ALL DONE GOOD

Everybody wants to make it to the big time. Big time means big money. This big time fight coming up between Pacman and Hatton. I know it's in Vegas somewhere. Haven't been following it too close,but I know it's the big time. Big money for everyone. With a fight like this,I don't feel sorry for the loser. For big time money like that,nobody loses.

But I'm for the fighters. All of them. What the hell. Tough way to make a living. They asked Carmen Basilio not too long ago how he felt about the fighters today.
"What the hell. I hope they all do good,"he answered grauwchily.
Sometimes I think some of these old timers would rather talk about their grandchildren than fighting.
"What was Sugar Ray like?"
"Who was the toughest guy you fought?"
All I know is Basilio could have fought a thousand fights and not made half as much money as Manny or Ricky are going to put into the bank after Saturday.

So what I'm trying to say is the road to the top is what interests me. These future champions that paid their dues at arenas like the Hollywood Legion,the San Diego Coliseum,and the Tijuana Auditorium. Fighting 4 round pre lims and crowd chasers. Fighting against pugs that were on a ticket to nowhere.

Too bad those guys that rode that train didn't do good. They deserved better.

[Rick Farris]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

Believe me, Rick, Blackpool is no LA. If you get out without a tattoo and an earring, you've done well.

To each his own, but a tattoo & earring? I'll pass.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Believe me, Rick, Blackpool is no LA. If you get out without a tattoo and an earring, you've done well.[/quote]
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
He already has a tattoo and earring....

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Not in this lifetime

[kikibalt]

Just messing with you, Rick...

[Rick Farris]

What Pacquiao-Hatton means for Shane Mosley


Los Angeles Times
Shane Mosley celebrates after defeating Antonio Margarito in the WBA welterweight title fight on Jan. 24.
Even after his last victory, Mosley doesn't seem to be part of the mega-fight club.

Bill Dwyre
May 1, 2009

At the moment, boxer Shane Mosley is the odd man out. He has much to offer, but he is like a screenwriter, shopping the studios.

"I don't hear my name being called," Mosley says.

He is in Las Vegas, as is most everybody else from the world of boxing, the week before Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton at MGM's Grand Garden.

The hallways and lounges of the casino have started to fill up for Saturday's fight with people with pasty skin who use the word "mate" a lot. The Brits aren't coming. They are here.

For everybody else, Pacquiao-Hatton is a time of anticipation. It should be a great fight. Entertaining, dramatic. For Mosley, it is a time of frustration.

Three months ago, the Pomona fighter put himself back in the picture for future mega-fights by beating Antonio Margarito at Staples Center at 147 pounds. The match drew a huge crowd and Mosley, who had made his mark over the years with two victories over Oscar De La Hoya but had also lost enough to become a journeyman in some minds, was impressive in his domination of the favored Margarito.

"I had a spectacular victory," Mosley says.

But his sport is fickle, and when Paul Williams fought Winky Wright on April 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mosley used the occasion to seek out several boxing writers and plead his case. Boxing is all about who's got next, and Mosley, at 37, wanted to make sure "next" involves him.

"I want mega-fights," he says. "I love the excitement. I thrive on it."

But the permutations and politics could easily bring roadblocks.

Mosley lists his preference for his next fight as follows: 1) winner of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight; 2) the currently retired Floyd Mayweather Jr.; 3) Miguel Cotto, to whom he has already lost.

Bob Arum of Top Rank promotions, who has both Pacquiao and Cotto and whose matchmaking agenda correctly needs to best serve his fighters and his company's bottom line, lists Pacquiao's next likely opponents, assuming a victory over Hatton, as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Cotto, Mayweather and Edwin Valero.

"Mosley's name hasn't been mentioned," Arum says. "Now, of course, if others fall out, he could be in there."

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, says that Mosley visited the Pacquiao camp and talked about a fight.

"I asked Shane if he could get down to 142, and he said no," Roach said. "I don't think Pacquiao-Mosley is likely."

Pacquiao won the biggest fight of his life at 147 pounds, when he beat De La Hoya last December, but Roach has been fairly steadfast in wanting him to stay at 140, where he will fight Hatton.

There is also the thought in the Pacquiao camp that their superstar, again assuming he beats Hatton, would be best served with a breather before the next big box-office bonanza sometime late in the year. That would make the match with Chavez Jr. seem likely, even though he is considerably bigger than Pacquiao, although nowhere near the fighter yet.

Arum appears to like that, especially because he promotes both fighters. Roach appears to be ready to veto it, seeing that Chavez Jr. is more like a 154-pounder, or, at the lowest, 147.

"He's too big," Roach says.

A Hatton victory, or even a loss, might work for Mosley, who says he might consider going to Hatton's home of Manchester, England, to fight. But Hatton has said he also wants to stay at 140, and that remains a tough downward stretch for Mosley.

"Hatton is such a huge draw," Mosley says. "That would be exciting."

The real wild card in all this is Mayweather, who retired after he knocked Hatton against the ring turnbuckle in the 10th round Dec. 8, 2007.

Everybody seems to just assume Mayweather will return. There are rumors of an IRS lien against him, plus word that he remains in fighting shape. And because Mosley is both a partner in, and a fighter for, De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, that may be his best shot.

"Mayweather is unbeaten (39-0), and was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world when he retired," Mosley says. "He shouldn't be afraid of anybody."

The larger question is whether Mayweather wants to come back against one of the two boxers in the world -- Pacquiao being the other -- who may be able to match his speed.

Mayweather's desire for a lucrative comeback, if that is his desire, will face tough roadblocks with Arum. One of Mayweather's advisors is music producer Al Haymon, who also represents Paul Williams.

According to sources, Haymon and Arum had a deal a few years ago for Williams to fight Top Rank star Kelly Pavlik, but the deal came apart.

Now, Arum, who also once promoted Mayweather, says that Haymon "did some things that weren't very nice," and calls him "a Machiavellian SOB." Arum says that about the only way he would get involved in a Pacquiao-Mayweather promotion -- which may eventually be the fight the public clamors for -- would be if Mayweather used Golden Boy and its chief executive, Richard Schaefer, as his promoter.

"Richard and I can negotiate tough and fight hard," Arum says, "but he is a good businessman and I trust him."

The likelihood is that Mosley will cast about for several more months, while the aftermath of Pacquiao-Hatton sorts itself out.

"Ten years ago, I was listed among the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters," Mosley says. "I want to get back there."

[email protected].

I'd like to see Shane fight Mayweather.
I'll go so far as to say I think he'd whip Floyd.
Styles make fights, I think Mosley would trouble him.
The loud little Pretty Boy could handle a part-time Oscar, and one dimensional Ricky Hatton.
Shane's a different subject, always fit, fast, hit's hard, has many options including a granit chin.
Watch Mayweather avoid this one.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

My granddaughter, Jordan, (Bobby's daughter)

My bonita, Frank. Bobby did good

I have two daughters, and I know Frankie, Tony and Bobby have daughters.
Did any give you a grandson?
Seems all we L.A. Jr. Glovers make is girls, Duarte, too. (which works fine for me.)

-Rick

[kikibalt]

My granddaughter, Jordan, (Bobby's daughter)

My bonita, Frank. Bobby did good

I have two daughters, and I know Frankie, Tony and Bobby have daughters.
Did any give you a grandson?
Seems all we L.A. Jr. Glovers make is girls, Duarte, too. (which works fine for me.)

-Rick

Rick...Frankie only has a son, no daughters, Tony, two daugters, no sons, Bobby, two daughters, one son, Linda, one of each, James, two daughters, no sons....

[Rick Farris]

My granddaughter, Jordan, (Bobby's daughter)

My bonita, Frank. Bobby did good

I have two daughters, and I know Frankie, Tony and Bobby have daughters.
Did any give you a grandson?
Seems all we L.A. Jr. Glovers make is girls, Duarte, too. (which works fine for me.)

-Rick

Rick...Frankie only has a son, no daughters, Tony, two daugters, no sons, Bobby, two daughters, one son, Linda, one of each, James, two daughters, no sons....

Got it Just Tony, James, Duarte and I can't make a boy, or stopped trying after two

[Rick Farris]

Roger . . .

I'll send you a PM within a week, maybe we can discuss some ideas for the WBHOF, your art, etc.
After that, we can set-up a 3-way call with Mando Muniz, and put things in motion for October.
Thi is all new, a first time, see what we can do with it.

Our next board meeting is next saturday, the 8th


-Rick

[dagosd2000]

Roger . . .

I'll send you a PM within a week, maybe we can discuss some ideas for the WBHOF, your art, etc.
After that, we can set-up a 3-way call with Mando Muniz, and put things in motion for October.
Thi is all new, a first time, see what we can do with it.

Our next board meeting is next saturday, the 8th


-Rick

Rick,I'm at your humble service.Rog

[kikibalt]

Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard & Oscar De La Hoya: The Impact on Boxing of Angelo Dundee
Exclusive Interview by Dan Hernandez-May 1, 2009


Dan Hernandez & Angelo Dundee

“I’ve been blessed by a lot of good fighters and I’ve worked with a lot of good fighters.”--Angelo Dundee

He was born “Angelo Merena” on August 30, 1921, “Angelo Dundee,” the boxing corner man of champions. Having worked with the premier boxers of the 60 years, Hall of Fame fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Jose Napoles, George Foreman, Willie Pastrano, Carmen Basilio, and Oscar De La Hoya head the list of the plethora of talent encompassing the world of Mr. Dundee. Born in Philadelphia, Angelo moved to Miami to aid his brother Chris in establishing his Fifth Street Gym. It was there that he learned the tricks of the trade from such legendary corner men as; Charlie Goldman, Ray Arcel, and Chickie Ferrera. He was their “Bucket guy,” their aid and corner man in training Carmen Basilio, former Welterweight and Middleweight Champion was Dundee’s first champion, working his corner when Carmen defeated Tony De Marco for the world welterweight crown.

He is best known to the general boxing public for his association with former Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali. Ali is on most peoples’ list of the top heavyweight champions in the history of the sport. Angelo was the corner man in each and every one of Ali’s battles. After Ali’s retirement, Dundee became involved in most of the “Big” fights in the career of Sugar Ray Leonard whom Dundee referred to as, “A smaller version of Ali.”

In the famous first fight between Leonard and Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, Dundee uttered the now oft-quoted phrase, “You’re blowing it son, you’re blowing it!” This was said at the end of the 13th round with Leonard behind on all scorecards. He proceeded to overcome the deficit and score a shocking 14th round stoppage and winning the bout in dramatic fashion. Later, Angelo teamed up with George Foreman in his successful return to boxing, highlighted by Foreman’s unprecedented title winning victory over previously undefeated World Heavyweight Champion, Michael Moorer.

I met Angelo prior to a major fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I recall asking him to allow me to photograph him. He stopped me and said “Sure, but only if you take a picture with me.” He then asked his friend to take “Our” picture. It was a
memorable moment for me and I felt as if I’d been touched by royalty, certainly, boxing royalty. I reminded him of that story as we began our interview and he just laughed and said that he appreciated being recognized. Dundee at 80 plus years of age is active, very sharp, and committed to the betterment of boxing.

DH: You’ve done so many interviews over the years, how do you feel about that?

As long as people want to talk to you, that’s a good sign. When they don’t want to talk to you, then you’re in trouble. I enjoy talking to people because of the different outlooks and different approaches. A different setting makes it all interesting.

DH: The last thing I remember with you was your involvement with Oscar De La Hoya when he fought Manny Pacquiao.

I was there in an advisory capacity and I didn’t do a good job. I’d hoped that I would’ve done a better job because he’s such a good guy and a hard training guy. I enjoyed being around him and the people with the Golden Boy group. They are real nice people and their good for boxing.

DH: I’m glad to hear that because I questioned some of their promotions.

Well, you know, you can’t always bat a thousand. We had a bunch of good fights this weekend, Jermain Taylor/Carl Froch, and the others. And I watched them all. I’d go back and forth and check them because you never know when you’re gonna have somebody fight one of those guys.

DH: That’s true, you had better know the competition.

That’s right, like on the second of the May, I’m gonna be in Fairfax, Virginia, with Jimmy Lange and then on the ninth I’ll be in Atlantic City with “Macho” Camacho. Macho is fighting Yori Boy Campas. It’s an interesting fight because of the styles, Yori Boy Campos is an aggressive guy and he’s right on top of you. Camacho, thank God, is a little slicker.

DH: Did you enjoy working with De La Hoya?

I enjoyed him, I enjoyed going up to the mountains. But, if I had known that Big Bear mountain was such a big mountain, I would have hesitated about going up. I got there at night and I tell ya, it’s really magnificent. That’s a big, big, mountain.

I live in Florida you know, it’s flatland. So being a kid from Philadelphia with a little bit of an asthmatic problem, it was heavy breathing.

DH: It seems that you are busier than you’ve ever been, is that correct?

I could be busier, but I’m as busy as I wish. I take them as they come and I enjoy them. I enjoyed doing the book, “My view from the Corner,” me and Bert Sugar coordinated it and it’s doing well, thank God.

DH: Congratulations.

Thank you.

DH: The first time I heard your name was when you were connected with Muhammad Ali.

I know, but I’ve done a lot. I’ve been around since 1948. I’ve been blessed by a lot of good fighters and I’ve worked with a lot of good fighters. They are fun, they are different, and they keep you sharp.

DH: Do you have a list of favorite fighters that you’ve worked with?

They are all my favorites. The closest kid I got to was Willie Pastrano, I was like a father image to him. Ralph Dupas was another one; I’d known those kids since they were 16. I went through their whole careers together and now Ralph has passed away and Willie Pastrano passed away.

Pastrano was a heck of a fighter. I went to Vegas with him many times. He died of problems with his liver, a little bit of cancer, who knows. It’s a variety of things, they pass away it’s a shame. I hate to see them go because they were so good.

DH: Pastrano was one of the best boxers I’d ever seen.

Well, I prided myself for that; I like to teach my kids to box, it gives them longevity.

DH: Dupas was also a tremendous fighter.

He was great. See they had a genius teaching them how to box, a guy by the name of Whitey Esneault. He took them off the streets to teach them boxing, he was a great teacher. New Orleans has a great history of coming out with great fighters, they had: Petey Herman, and so many others. Thank God.

DH: Please tell me what you felt happened to De La Hoya in the Pacquiao fight?

There’s no explaining, no looking for excuses. The other guy was the better fighter that night. That’s what happened. You don’t look for excuses, he fought a great fighter in Pacquiao and he got beat. Pacquiao is just a tremendous fighter. He is going to have a tough fight with Ricky Hatton because of styles, it’ll be a difficult fight, it’ll be a great fight and I’m looking forward to seeing it.

I can’t be there because I’ll be working with Jimmy Lange that same evening. You better believe that I’ll be checking out the Pacquiao-Hatton fight every chance I get.

DH: How about Jimmy Lange, is he a good fighter?

Oh you’ll like him. Here’s a kid that fights in his own hometown and their not bucking closed circuit because the people that come to his fights are local kids. He’s a local kid there and the fight will draw three or 4 thousand people. Jimmy Lange is a nice looking fighter and I’m having lots of fun with “Macho” Camacho, he trains like he’s 22 years old.

DH: I had an interview with Macho a few months back and he sounded very positive.

Well he’s fine, he enjoys what he does. He has fun and he’s around this west coast of Florida, where I’m living right now. The kid enjoys what he does and we’re having fun together. That’s the big key, if you can have fun, do it.

DH: Tell me about your association with Muhammad Ali.

I had a great time with him, and I still do. We stay in touch and whenever I make an appearance at his Foundation we have fun doing it and talking about Zaire. We stay in touch, he’s a friend.

DH: It must have been sad for you as Ali’s career was coming to an end.

It was sad, but what are you going to do? Life goes on; he’s a very happy guy, by the way. Physically he’s messed up with the Parkinson’s but mentally he is as sharp as ever, it affected his speech not his thinking process.

DH: I just spoke with an opponent of Ali, Ken Norton.

Yeah, Ken’s having open-heart surgery.

DH: Yes, he is in recovery now. The surgery was considered a success.

I talk to him, I stay in touch, and Kenny and I are very friendly. I told him to hurry up and get better because we see each other at the Hall of Fame every year, so I told him that he has to be there so I can bug him. We have a lot of fun together; he tells me “Why are you always picking on me.” Imagine little old me picking on that big guy. He is a very nice man. He is a great family man.

DH: How about you…do you have family?

I’ve got a lot of family, that’s why I’m living up here right now. I have a son and a daughter that live up here and six grandchildren. I’m blessed. And they are great because you don’t have to babysit them, they take off on you. It is a great feeling to have children and grandchildren.

DH: It is amazing. Apparently, you’ve had a similar feeling with many of your boxers, is that correct?

Yes, it was fun.

DH: What are your immediate plans?

Well, there’s the fight this Saturday and I’m going to be in Atlantic City on May 9, 2009. I tell you, I can be as busy as I want to be.

DH: To complete the interview, are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with the fans and upcoming fighters?

All we need is a bunch of Jimmy Lange’s in each local town and boxing will be alive and well again. That’s all we need, that’s all, get fighters that the public recognizes. That’s why Pacquiao and Hatton are going to be such a great attraction, because the people know who the heck they are. The other thing is that if you don’t speak Russian you’re in trouble with the heavyweight division.
(Laughter)

DH: They do seem to have a stranglehold on the heavyweights these days, don’t they?

They’ll disappear; big guys can’t survive (More Laughter). God bless you and thanks for the interview.

[kikibalt]

Manny Pacquiao vs Rustico Torrecampo

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

[Expug]

BOXING IMITATING ART

Just because someone puts on the gloves and goes out at the gong to inflict bodily punishment on his opponent doesn't make him an animal.
There are many fighters that have an aptitude for the prettier side of life. Some try to sing. Those are usually the biggest failures. Some pick up a brush and daub away at a canvas. Mickey Walker and Rocky Graziano come to mind. (Imagine those two wearing berets.)

Archie Moore always wanted to be a jazz musician. The string bass was his ax. I told you of my lunch with him at Huffman's Bar B Q in Southeast San Diego one afternoon. 'Ol Arch had lost his hair and his beard was iron gray. He was working with his boy's club at the time. He'd kind of semi train a fighter or two that wanted him to share his enyclopedia of boxing knowledge. The Mongoose was a happy man.

But get that guy talking about music and you'd think he never saw the inside of a boxing ring. I really think he was a little frustrated that he couldn't do both. At least not on an equal level.

Let's face it. Archie Moore knew more about boxing than Colonel Sanders did about chicken. (Archie knew a lot about chicken too. Had a recipe for sauce that he protected with his life). To watch the old film of Archie winning the title from Joey Maxim is interesting. Maxim,a cutie, who could tie a slugger in knots,was put in a hangman's noose by Archie in St. Louis that night.

So Archie the boxing artist was also Archie the frustrated string bassist artist. Well,'ol pal if you're listening up there,when you bump into Joey, I'm sure he'll tell you what a frustrating night it was for him in St. Louis that night when he lost his title.

Entertaining A Dream . . .

Roger . . . You're post has a lot to say about boxers who dabble in other art forms, especially those relating to entertainment.
Many will remember Joe Frazier and "The Knockouts", his band that made a few recordings in the 60's.
Watching Smokin' Joe attempt to belt out his version of "I Did It My Way", comes to mind.
Good for Joe he didn't quit his day job.

Then there was Jerry Quarry.
Now here is something that many don't know, but "Irish" Jerry actually had a helluva singing voice.
Gwen Adair tells the story of a fight card held in Bakersfield during the early 90's. The card featured the youngest Quarry brother, Bobby.
Before the main event, Adair was surprised to see the former heavyweight contender introduced in the ring, then grab the Mike and sing the National Anthem.
I started to laugh, and asked Gwen if Jerry's singing chased everybody out of the arena?

"Are you kidding?" Gwen asked, "He was great, he had a beautiful voice and was given a standing ovation."
I then remembered that he and sister Diane had a duo for awhile in the 60's, backed up by a band consisting of Mickey Davies sons.


-Rick Farris

Rog and Rick,do you guys remember Jerrys acting appearance on "I Dream Of Jeannie"?
I could swear I saw him on that show when I was a kid.
He also did a great Miller Lite commercial with his brother Mike.
It seems like lots of fighters want to get into acting and performing etc.
I never knew Jerry could sing.
Of course every Irishman thinks hes Bing Crosby.
Just look at "Uncle John".

[Expug]

Hi chaps, just got back from Blackpool for a week with the Mrs, riding the trams, climbing the famous tower, watching a few shows, hanging on for dear life on the rollercoasters (Jesus!), drinking too much, eating too much and basically over-indulging.
I feel great right now but a long diet lays ahead.

Cheers, Bennie! Welcome home

Speaking of Blackpool, two years ago I worked on the pilot for a TV series that was a spin-off of a British series.
The show was titled, "Viva Laughlin", and starred Hugh Jackman (who also produced it), Melanie Griffith and Lloyd Owen.
Our version wasn't as successful as it's British counterpart, and was voted the worst of the new season, and was shelved after a few episodes.
I believe the British series was titled, "Viva Blackpool"?

Barring the unforseen, I'll return to the U.K. next year to catch up with a few of my mates from years gone by.
Last time I was there, my friend Jane planned to take me to Blackpool, but we got sidetracked. Maybe next time?

-Rick

Welcome back Bennie.
Glad your well my friend.

[kikibalt]

BOXING IMITATING ART

Just because someone puts on the gloves and goes out at the gong to inflict bodily punishment on his opponent doesn't make him an animal.
There are many fighters that have an aptitude for the prettier side of life. Some try to sing. Those are usually the biggest failures. Some pick up a brush and daub away at a canvas. Mickey Walker and Rocky Graziano come to mind. (Imagine those two wearing berets.)

Archie Moore always wanted to be a jazz musician. The string bass was his ax. I told you of my lunch with him at Huffman's Bar B Q in Southeast San Diego one afternoon. 'Ol Arch had lost his hair and his beard was iron gray. He was working with his boy's club at the time. He'd kind of semi train a fighter or two that wanted him to share his enyclopedia of boxing knowledge. The Mongoose was a happy man.

But get that guy talking about music and you'd think he never saw the inside of a boxing ring. I really think he was a little frustrated that he couldn't do both. At least not on an equal level.

Let's face it. Archie Moore knew more about boxing than Colonel Sanders did about chicken. (Archie knew a lot about chicken too. Had a recipe for sauce that he protected with his life). To watch the old film of Archie winning the title from Joey Maxim is interesting. Maxim,a cutie, who could tie a slugger in knots,was put in a hangman's noose by Archie in St. Louis that night.

So Archie the boxing artist was also Archie the frustrated string bassist artist. Well,'ol pal if you're listening up there,when you bump into Joey, I'm sure he'll tell you what a frustrating night it was for him in St. Louis that night when he lost his title.

Entertaining A Dream . . .

Roger . . . You're post has a lot to say about boxers who dabble in other art forms, especially those relating to entertainment.
Many will remember Joe Frazier and "The Knockouts", his band that made a few recordings in the 60's.
Watching Smokin' Joe attempt to belt out his version of "I Did It My Way", comes to mind.
Good for Joe he didn't quit his day job.

Then there was Jerry Quarry.
Now here is something that many don't know, but "Irish" Jerry actually had a helluva singing voice.
Gwen Adair tells the story of a fight card held in Bakersfield during the early 90's. The card featured the youngest Quarry brother, Bobby.
Before the main event, Adair was surprised to see the former heavyweight contender introduced in the ring, then grab the Mike and sing the National Anthem.
I started to laugh, and asked Gwen if Jerry's singing chased everybody out of the arena?

"Are you kidding?" Gwen asked, "He was great, he had a beautiful voice and was given a standing ovation."
I then remembered that he and sister Diane had a duo for awhile in the 60's, backed up by a band consisting of Mickey Davies sons.


-Rick Farris

Rog and Rick,do you guys remember Jerrys acting appearance on "I Dream Of Jeannie"?
I could swear I saw him on that show when I was a kid.
He also did a great Miller Lite commercial with his brother Mike.
It seems like lots of fighters want to get into acting and performing etc.
I never knew Jerry could sing.
Of course every Irishman thinks hes Bing Crosby.
Just look at "Uncle John".

Jimmy Lennon Sr. was a great singer....

[dagosd2000]

BOXING IMITATING ART

Just because someone puts on the gloves and goes out at the gong to inflict bodily punishment on his opponent doesn't make him an animal.
There are many fighters that have an aptitude for the prettier side of life. Some try to sing. Those are usually the biggest failures. Some pick up a brush and daub away at a canvas. Mickey Walker and Rocky Graziano come to mind. (Imagine those two wearing berets.)

Archie Moore always wanted to be a jazz musician. The string bass was his ax. I told you of my lunch with him at Huffman's Bar B Q in Southeast San Diego one afternoon. 'Ol Arch had lost his hair and his beard was iron gray. He was working with his boy's club at the time. He'd kind of semi train a fighter or two that wanted him to share his enyclopedia of boxing knowledge. The Mongoose was a happy man.

But get that guy talking about music and you'd think he never saw the inside of a boxing ring. I really think he was a little frustrated that he couldn't do both. At least not on an equal level.

Let's face it. Archie Moore knew more about boxing than Colonel Sanders did about chicken. (Archie knew a lot about chicken too. Had a recipe for sauce that he protected with his life). To watch the old film of Archie winning the title from Joey Maxim is interesting. Maxim,a cutie, who could tie a slugger in knots,was put in a hangman's noose by Archie in St. Louis that night.

So Archie the boxing artist was also Archie the frustrated string bassist artist. Well,'ol pal if you're listening up there,when you bump into Joey, I'm sure he'll tell you what a frustrating night it was for him in St. Louis that night when he lost his title.

Entertaining A Dream . . .

Roger . . . You're post has a lot to say about boxers who dabble in other art forms, especially those relating to entertainment.
Many will remember Joe Frazier and "The Knockouts", his band that made a few recordings in the 60's.
Watching Smokin' Joe attempt to belt out his version of "I Did It My Way", comes to mind.
Good for Joe he didn't quit his day job.

Then there was Jerry Quarry.
Now here is something that many don't know, but "Irish" Jerry actually had a helluva singing voice.
Gwen Adair tells the story of a fight card held in Bakersfield during the early 90's. The card featured the youngest Quarry brother, Bobby.
Before the main event, Adair was surprised to see the former heavyweight contender introduced in the ring, then grab the Mike and sing the National Anthem.
I started to laugh, and asked Gwen if Jerry's singing chased everybody out of the arena?

"Are you kidding?" Gwen asked, "He was great, he had a beautiful voice and was given a standing ovation."
I then remembered that he and sister Diane had a duo for awhile in the 60's, backed up by a band consisting of Mickey Davies sons.


-Rick Farris

Rog and Rick,do you guys remember Jerrys acting appearance on "I Dream Of Jeannie"?
I could swear I saw him on that show when I was a kid.
He also did a great Miller Lite commercial with his brother Mike.
It seems like lots of fighters want to get into acting and performing etc.
I never knew Jerry could sing.
Of course every Irishman thinks hes Bing Crosby.
Just look at "Uncle John".

Brian
Your Irish eyes ain't lyin'. Jerry did an episode on that show.

[dagosd2000]

WHEN THE PASTA FELL OFF THE FORK

Sometimes i wonder about Angelo Dundee. I watched that HBO Documentary on The Thrilla' In Manila. The thing that struck me was Ferdie Pacheco saying that after that fight he walked away from being a part of Muhammad Ali's team. Ferdie said Angelo Dundee wanted Ali to continue fighting. Dr. Pacheco said Ali was peeing blood,losing his coordination,and slurring his words.

Well we know Muhammad went on. Asked about how Dundee felt about Ali's fight with Holmes,Angelo responded that when you're training your guy you see all the positive things. He looks good in your eyes. It's hard to put Dundee on the spot. When asked about what he knew about organized crime(Carbo and Palermo) or the Black Muslims involved with his fighters,he throws up his hands and says all he was was a trainer. He knew nothing.

He wouldn't have cracked on the witness stand. He should have played Michael Corleone in The Godfather.

I remember a fight I went with my dad in San Diego. It was Louie Rodriguez and Rafa Gutierrez. The winner was promised a fight with Benvenuti for the title. Gutierrez is having his way with El Feo. Then in the 6th round(if memory serves me) Louie uncorks a left hook from Havana and Gutierrez is in siesta land.
As Angelo and Rodriguez are getting out of the ring and headed towards the dressing room,my father goes up to Dundee and puts his arm around him.
"Well Ange,you get your shot". And they disappear into the crowd.

Angelo always wound up coming in on the gravy train with a lot of great fighters. What he taught them about boxing you could put in a thimble.

Well Ange is way up in years now. He's practically removed himself from the sport.But he was in Oscar's camp for the PacMan fight. Said Oscar was a sure bet. I wonder what Dundee knew that we didn't?