Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Golden finish for best boxers
By Amy Donaldson

Deseret News

Published: Sunday, May 10, 2009

Like most fathers, Jose Benavidez hoped his son would be good at sports.

It turned out his son was gifted, but not in the sports he first attempted.

"I tried to put him in other sports like t-ball and basketball, but he really was not good at those," said the elder Benavidez, who coached his son to a 141-pound National Title at the 2009 Golden Gloves National Championship Saturday night at the Salt Palace.

More than 12,000 boxing fans flocked to the Salt Palace to watch the week-long iconic tournament featuring more than 300 fighters from around the country.

At 16, Benavidez has already won more than 100 bouts and earned four national titles.

In addition to earning an individual title, Benavidez Junior was part of Nevada's team title.

Utahn Alex Canez was awarded the sportsmanship award for the 178-pound division.

Jesus Magdaleno, Nevada, won the Bill Daniels Courage Award for "courage both inside and outside the ring."

"It's an honor ... I can't even find the words," said the teen, who said he got into a lot of trouble before taking up boxing. "It's so great.

He earned a $1,500 scholarship and a championship at 119 pounds Saturday night.

Louie Byrd, Colorado-New-Mexico, won the Golden Boy Award, which was presented by Utah's own Gene Fullmer, as well as the 112-pound title in one of the night's most exciting fights.

"The competition was a lot firmer and stiffer this year," said Byrd, who won a National Golden Gloves title at 106 pounds last year. "That was a tough fight. I know he knew he had to step up his game ... I just needed to take care of it."

His dream is to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in 2012.

"I know as a small guy, it would be tough for me to make it as a professional," said Byrd, who was introduced to boxing by his sister.

"My dad asked me to get in the gym to stay in shape for football and I just fell in love with it," he said.

Byrd's friend, Robert Rodriguez won the 125-pound title.

"I boxed as a child," said Jeff Rodriguez, "and I grew up across the street from our gym."

Robert asked his father if he could tag along, and finally he agreed.

"I really didn't want him to," said the senior Rodriguez. "It's a crazy life. But I signed him up for the Junior Olympics and he won the whole thing. Now it's 11 years later."

As the amateur boxing tournament is a non-profit event, organizers are still accepting tax-deductable donations. The money goes to cover the costs of hosting the tournament and to support local boxing clubs. Contributions can be sent to Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves at 9720 S. 1300 East W200, Sandy, Utah, 84094.

E-MAIL: [email protected]

[Rick Farris]

The night in 1955 that Floyd Patterson fought Calvin Brad I met Mr.B in the dressing rooms at the Olympic, like Rick said, Mr B was a big fan of Patterson.

A Champion's Smile . . .

Frank . . . My late friend, Karl Nelson, told me of seeing this bout, which was Patterson's L.A. debut.
I remember him saying that he was impressed with the speed and power of Floyd, who came out quick and put Brad on the deck twice, winning by KO in the first round.

I recall a dozen years later, seeing Patterson live for the first time myself, when he came to L.A. twice to fight Jerry Quarry.
Although a solid fan of my stablemate Jerry, I had always had a special respect for Patterson after reading his biography, "Victory Over Myself".
My grandfather drove me down to Santa Monica, where Patterson had set up training camp at the Surfrider Hotel.
I watched from a distance his every move. I didn't recognize his sparring partners, some from back east.
After his workout, my grandfather encouraged me to introduce myself to the former champ, but I declined.
I felt it would be disingenious, as I would be pulling for Jerry to KO him the following week. Stupid kid, huh?

I had just watched Sonny Liston workout a few months earlier at the Main Street Gym. Now Patterson. It couldn't be any better for me.
After Patterson had finished, he walked by, wiping his face with a small white towel.
I was standing right in front of him when he passed, and as he dropped the towel from his face, I looked into his eyes.
He glanced down at me, I rarely smiled at fighters and likely had my poker face on, however, when he smiled at me, I felt myself smile back.

It was just like what happened with Liston. Patterson had been serious during his workout, but acknowledged a kid with his only smile of that afternoon.
I was a serious kid, when it came to boxing and fighters. I wasn't a happy, smiling, easy going boy.

After Patterson passed by me, I was smiling the rest of the day.


-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

Lady From Spain

[kikibalt]

Lady From Spain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnmQDxZVzvI
"Lady of Spain"

[kikibalt]

Diana Krall trio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mx5-pQ7D2k
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams"

[dagosd2000]

Diana Krall trio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mx5-pQ7D2k
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams"

Frank
Nice that you put this up. She's got everything.Beautifull voice,great jazz piano,style. Sings the great songs. With her looks she could have sold out and gone the MTV route. Tells me she's a true artist

[kikibalt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it1NaXrIN9I
"The Look of Love"

Diana Krall

[kikibalt]

It was said that Main St. at Third St. was the Boulevard of Broken Beaks.

[Rick Farris]

AMANDA DIGS BIRD AND DIZZY AND DINO...

It's no secret. I probably enjoy the company of my grand daughter Amanda more than anyone. She turned 13 last month. I remember when she was 4 years old and asked me if I could find a ballet school for her. She said she liked to dance. Nuff said.

Well the ballet and Flamenco started around the same time. The Flamenco was kind of a fluke.There's a studio down the hill from us. Juanita Franco's Academia de Baile. A Flamenco school. Why not try that?

The only Flamenco I had ever seen was some old movies with Jose Greco.Anyway, I signed her up. Amanda was dancing the ballet and the Flamenco and was cute as hell. I don't mind tellin' ya' some of the mothers were jealous of her because she was the prettiest. Take this to the bank. Those mothers are the worst influence on their daughters. They have a name for it. Stage Door Mothers.

Aside from the dancing,I've introduced Amanda to other forms of art and culture. She speaks fluent Spanish,learning French and German in school. We go to plays and concerts. In Europe I explain the birth of Western Civilization. It's like walking through a museum.

When I drive Amanda to her classes,I have on my music in the car. She digs it.
"Abuelito. The music of the 50's is my favorite."
She borrows my CD's. Most of the time I just give them to her. I talk about the music I like. The other day she identified Charley Parker and Dizzy Gillespie playing Salt Peanuts.
"Abuelito. After the song,can you put on Dean Martin's "An Evening In Roma"?

Gee,"Ain't That A Kick In The Head"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sTP994tOMk

Ain't That A kick In The Head

Dino

A Breath of Fresh Air . . .

Rog . . . I was talking with Gwen yesterday after the meeting. She asked about you, and I told her a few of the things I know about you. I told her you had boxed, did some sparring with Ken Norton in the 60's. Told her about your grandfather. And about being a teacher, and you and Maria's home in Mexico. I also told her how proud you were of Amanda, how you helped her realize her dreams, and how you take she and Adam to Spain & Italy with you each year. "Flamenco?" Her eyes widened when I said the word. "I love Flamenco, so that explains Spain," she concluded. Gwen is a good lady, loyal to her friends. I have to respect somebody who never has a bad word to say about anybody, always looking for the best in people. She does not have a solid grasp on boxing history, but neither does anybody else in the organization. She is a part of the history, however. And she will support our efforts, that is worth a lot, to me at least.

In today's world, people only seem to care for themselves or their own interests. This is especially true when it comes to the WBHOF board. They can't see the big picture, maybe they don't care? On June 13th, they will see more than the big picture, they will see your pictures. An impression will be made. Business will be discussed, a fresh breeze will over power polluted air. We will show them the way, a first step in the right direction. A small step at first, that will grow to a giant leap. I believe this!


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

It was said that Main St. at Third St. was the Boulevard of Broken Beaks.

Yes it was!

And I got mine to prove it .
Danny Lopez and Centavito Hernandez did me the honor at 318 1/2 South Main Street (circa 1970).


-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

Well, I'm out of the hospital, and the good news there is nothing wrong with my heart this time. Bad news, they don't know for sure what my problem is . . . They think it might be my esophagus now.

. . .I think I'm falling apart . . .

Thanks for all of your best wishes.

[kikibalt]

Well, I'm out of the hospital, and the good news there is nothing wrong with my heart this time. Bad news, they don't know for sure what my problem is . . . They think it might be my esophagus now.

. . .I think I'm falling apart . . .

Thanks for all of your best wishes.

Tom...You need a shot of Patron....to roll with the good and bad news... ..

[raylawpc]

Well, I'm out of the hospital, and the good news there is nothing wrong with my heart this time. Bad news, they don't know for sure what my problem is . . . They think it might be my esophagus now.

. . .I think I'm falling apart . . .

Thanks for all of your best wishes.

Tom...You need a shot of Patron....to roll with the good and bad news... ..

I need a shot of something . . . or maybe a can of what you were drinking yesterday.

[kikibalt]

Dedicated to Roger and Maria Esty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugNQ5uIN09Q
Volver Volver

Vicente Fernandez

[kikibalt]

Well, I'm out of the hospital, and the good news there is nothing wrong with my heart this time. Bad news, they don't know for sure what my problem is . . . They think it might be my esophagus now.

. . .I think I'm falling apart . . .

Thanks for all of your best wishes.

Tom...You need a shot of Patron....to roll with the good and bad news... ..

I need a shot of something . . . or maybe a can of what you were drinking yesterday.

There you go, now you're talking like a man that wants to do a little living....
Maybe Rog will take you to the Boom Boom Club when you come to Calfornia next time...

[kikibalt]

This one is for Tom . . .



I grew up about five blocks from Jeffries Barn. This Burbank street runs E&W, about a block from where the legendary Boxing venue once stood at the intersection of Buena Vista & Victory. In 1954, it was reconstructed on the property of Knott's Berry Farm and had a small boxing museum and a historian, Al Nelson. Nelson passed and the Museum disappeared decades ago. It was designated a historic California Landmark and I believed could not be destroyed. I just learned that the entire Jeffries Barn was torn down and destroyed, new attractions would take it's place.

I expected the barn would still be standing.


-Rick Farris

[iskigoe]

I grew up a few blocks from James Corbetts house. Hype lived a few houses over.
W.C. Fields lived near, and the dressler sisters. It was cosidered actors row long before
movies were made in LA.

KI

[kikibalt]

[iskigoe]

I know Frank. some day Iwill learn to down size my pics.

KI

[kikibalt]

Courtesy of Jim Glen

Lee's daughter knocks 'em out . . at 94

16 September 2008

By BRIAN DONALD

AGNES LEE MURPHY stole the show at the bi-annual Scottish Hall of Boxing Fame induction ceremonies in Glasgow – at the age of 94.

Mrs Lee Murphy is the sole surviving child of legendary Leith flyweight and featherweight James "Tancy'' Lee and she travelled from North Carolina to ensure she could pick up her late father's induction award.

"I have lived for the last 40 years

in Hendersonville, North Carolina," she explained, "but when a relative of mine who lives in Joppa alerted me to the article in the Evening News appealling for members of my late father's family to attend the Boxing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony honouring my Dad I was determined to come across the Atlantic and be there.''

"Tancy" Lee was honoured by Mrs Lee Murphy being presented with a gold signet ring by another Edinburgh ring legend – former World, European and British lightweight champion Ken Buchanan in recognition of her father's achievements – and there were plenty of those.

He was the first Scottish boxer to win a Lonsdale Belt at flyweight, the first to win two Lonsdale Belts – one outright at featherweight – and also for his achievements as an Olympic boxing coach. Lee guided Leith Victoria welterweight Alex Ireland to a silver medal and his own nephew, George McKenzie, to bantamweight bronze at the 1920 Games in Antwerp.

Fourteen other members of "Tancy" Lee's family were on hand for the induction.

Other boxers to be inducted were Edinburgh-raised Vernon Sollas, holder of the British featherweight title in the 1970s, 1970 Commonwealth Games light-middleweight gold medallist Tom Imrie, and Hugh Roddin from Musselburgh, winner of the 1908 Olympic featherweight bronze.
the ONLY report in all of Scotland about the induction event and Brian Donald mentions NOT ONE fighter that wasn't from Edinburgh (area). Scottish Boxing historian, Hah - his first loyalty is to Edinburgh and the age old catholic, protestant prblem that is rife in Scotland/Britain... Donald a protestant and the Glasgow Edinburgh yhing is far worse than the East coast, West coast business.
Boxing as we know Frank is seriously wounded and these guys are only interested in 'securing' their own paychecks, 'kissen ass and doing what they want. Tragic, tragic shame for other great fighters!
he's supposed to have a new book out, we'll see if he mention's Bert in that one. No need to post on the websites Frank, the good Lord will put it'll all right in due time.

[iskigoe]

[iskigoe]

I tried Frank I just cant do it. LOL

KI

[iskigoe]

Hey Frank check this out. http://john-adcock.blogspot.com/

[dagosd2000]

AMANDA DIGS BIRD AND DIZZY AND DINO...

It's no secret. I probably enjoy the company of my grand daughter Amanda more than anyone. She turned 13 last month. I remember when she was 4 years old and asked me if I could find a ballet school for her. She said she liked to dance. Nuff said.

Well the ballet and Flamenco started around the same time. The Flamenco was kind of a fluke.There's a studio down the hill from us. Juanita Franco's Academia de Baile. A Flamenco school. Why not try that?

The only Flamenco I had ever seen was some old movies with Jose Greco.Anyway, I signed her up. Amanda was dancing the ballet and the Flamenco and was cute as hell. I don't mind tellin' ya' some of the mothers were jealous of her because she was the prettiest. Take this to the bank. Those mothers are the worst influence on their daughters. They have a name for it. Stage Door Mothers.

Aside from the dancing,I've introduced Amanda to other forms of art and culture. She speaks fluent Spanish,learning French and German in school. We go to plays and concerts. In Europe I explain the birth of Western Civilization. It's like walking through a museum.

When I drive Amanda to her classes,I have on my music in the car. She digs it.
"Abuelito. The music of the 50's is my favorite."
She borrows my CD's. Most of the time I just give them to her. I talk about the music I like. The other day she identified Charley Parker and Dizzy Gillespie playing Salt Peanuts.
"Abuelito. After the song,can you put on Dean Martin's "An Evening In Roma"?

Gee,"Ain't That A Kick In The Head"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sTP994tOMk

Ain't That A kick In The Head

Dino

A Breath of Fresh Air . . .

Rog . . . I was talking with Gwen yesterday after the meeting. She asked about you, and I told her a few of the things I know about you. I told her you had boxed, did some sparring with Ken Norton in the 60's. Told her about your grandfather. And about being a teacher, and you and Maria's home in Mexico. I also told her how proud you were of Amanda, how you helped her realize her dreams, and how you take she and Adam to Spain & Italy with you each year. "Flamenco?" Her eyes widened when I said the word. "I love Flamenco, so that explains Spain," she concluded. Gwen is a good lady, loyal to her friends. I have to respect somebody who never has a bad word to say about anybody, always looking for the best in people. She does not have a solid grasp on boxing history, but neither does anybody else in the organization. She is a part of the history, however. And she will support our efforts, that is worth a lot, to me at least.

In today's world, people only seem to care for themselves or their own interests. This is especially true when it comes to the WBHOF board. They can't see the big picture, maybe they don't care? On June 13th, they will see more than the big picture, they will see your pictures. An impression will be made. Business will be discussed, a fresh breeze will over power polluted air. We will show them the way, a first step in the right direction. A small step at first, that will grow to a giant leap. I believe this!


-Rick Farris

Thanks Rick and Gwen



Amanda dancing at Cafe Sevilla ,Gaslamp Downtown San Diego. Mother's Day




My daughter Patty(Amanda's mother),Amanda,Rocio Carerra(Amanda's teacher),and my wife Maria. Cafe Sevilla

[kikibalt]

I received this e-mail (below) from Roberto Bolanos Jr. with some great (Priceless) photos of his dad, Roberto Sr. and uncle, Enrique Bolanos, Enrique ino was the greatest Mexican lightweight that I have ever see and I have seen a ton of them, following photos courtesy of robert Bolanos Jr.


Hi Frank,

I have some more photos for you. You have permission to post. I feel comfortable with you being the history keeper of my uncle accomplishments as a fighter.


Picture of my dad Robert with my uncle Enrique before his debut fight with Joe Cotero.

Roberto Bolanos Jr.