Classic American West Coast Boxing

[scartissue]

[quote="Rick Farris
Dan . . . As you know I used to box with Torres in the gym, and he was so active, quick, shifty, busy. He was also not a big single shot banger (although he scored his share of KO's). When I was working with Torres, I always came into a match in shape, eyes sharp, reflexes ready. I also worked with Sinda, and he was a guy who could punch. Just about every African boxer I sparred with, including Ray Adigun, had a big punch from the right side. I rarely hit the canvas at any point in my career, but my ass hit the deck for a flash knockdown in one session with Sinda. It was not a big deal, I jumped up and right back into the action with a clear head and my feet under me. However, for a split second, I did not recall my short journey to the deck until my butt hit canvas. You are right, it was the Bobby Valdez victory that put Torres on the title map. He also gave Duran a good go before being stoped by "Hands of Stone."


-Rick Farris[/quote]

Rick, there is an urban myth out there that I have heard more than once, that Felipe rocked Duran in one of the rounds in their 10 rounder. Hard to prove or dispel since coverage out of Panama seemed to be non-existant or probably biased. I mean the story I heard was that Duran was hurt. I'd love to know more.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

[quote="Rick Farris
Dan . . . As you know I used to box with Torres in the gym, and he was so active, quick, shifty, busy. He was also not a big single shot banger (although he scored his share of KO's). When I was working with Torres, I always came into a match in shape, eyes sharp, reflexes ready. I also worked with Sinda, and he was a guy who could punch. Just about every African boxer I sparred with, including Ray Adigun, had a big punch from the right side. I rarely hit the canvas at any point in my career, but my ass hit the deck for a flash knockdown in one session with Sinda. It was not a big deal, I jumped up and right back into the action with a clear head and my feet under me. However, for a split second, I did not recall my short journey to the deck until my butt hit canvas. You are right, it was the Bobby Valdez victory that put Torres on the title map. He also gave Duran a good go before being stoped by "Hands of Stone."


-Rick Farris

Rick, there is an urban myth out there that I have heard more than once, that Felipe rocked Duran in one of the rounds in their 10 rounder. Hard to prove or dispel since coverage out of Panama seemed to be non-existant or probably biased. I mean the story I heard was that Duran was hurt. I'd love to know more.

Scartissue
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dan . . . Torres had the crack to rock anybody. However, he did not hold the dynamite of a Danny Lopez, Olivares, Chacon, etc.
His game was a fast shuffle, to jump right into the fight behind fast hands and an unorthodox attack, bouncing in & out, darting jabs, short hooks, over hand punches.
He'd keep you honest with body shots off winging combos, pinpoint accurate.
He held his hands high, sometimes in front of his face, sometimes by his ears. He took chances.

I discovered that the best thing to establish with Felipe Torres was a readiness to fight, you don't want to give him the upper hand or you'll be in trouble.
His style didn't bother me, I learned how to fight it. We worked good together, I liked and respected Felipe Torres.

Also, I forgot that the most impressive part of the Duran fight was that Torres took Roberto the full ten, he wasn't stopped as I claimed in the earlier post.

Just memories off the top.

(By the way, you mentioned you'd like to know more about Torres hurting Duran. Why don't we ask the only guy who knows for sure? Duran would credit Torres, if Felipe did rock him. We need to get him to the banquet this year. I have a plan.)


-Rick Farris

[iskigoe]

Hey check this out

http://gizmodo.com/5231112/best-video-i ... -you-smile

ki

[kikibalt]

Hey check this out

http://gizmodo.com/5231112/best-video-i ... -you-smile

ki

Great video, Kevin, thanks for posting it...

[iskigoe]

What a great idea. There is a lot of untaped greatness out there.


ki

[dagosd2000]

AND THE MUSIC GOES ROUND AND ROUND

"So what kind of music do you like?"
"Any music that's good."
Wilson Mizner said that he could judge a man by what he laughed at.That's a pretty good barometer. I like to think another test is what a man's ear is fond of when it comes to a song.

The cats who are the real artists dig a lot of everything. Being one of those cats doesn't mean you swing an ax. If your ear is in tune then you're in the club.

Leonard Bernstein would go to the village to listen to jazz. Wynton Marsalis studied Mozart to play the horn. Pavarotti sang with Elton John.Elvis borrowed from Big Mama. The rappers loved James Brown. Sinatra was at Pedro Infante's funeral. Dolly Parton gave Placido Domingo a standing ovation.

So the music goes round and round. Hap and Frank go round and round. Keeps the mind open.See things a little more clearly. So when someone like Uncle John wanders in and asks "What's happening?",you answer,"Don't worry. Grab something to eat."

[Rick Farris]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

Next year, 2010, will be pretty big.
Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez will be on the ballot, certain to be inducted.

Both are expected to be at this years event.
If Ernesto Marcel is inducted this year, Roberto Duran will be there too.
Duran and Tyson are friends. Talk show host, Jimmy Kimmell, wants to be a part of any event Tyson attends.
I think that can be worked out

You must make things happen.


-Rick

[kikibalt]

Rodolfo Gonzalez vs Guts Suzuki I

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjWJQ2zkG1k

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fQ1RlPuo74

[bennie]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

Ernesto Marcel (beat Arguello)
Santos Laciar (rock hard and dominated the flyweight division after a period when nobody could hang on to the title for five minutes)
Terry Downes (The fearless Londoner beat Giardello and never gets enough credit for beating Pender for the world title because Pender quit on his stool after a good ninth round. It was simply Pender's final fling, however, and Downes laughed in his face at the bell.
"He quit because I made him quit," says Downes.
Jung Koo Chang (won the world title from the slick Joey Olivo and then held on to it for seemingly decades).

[raylawpc]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

I look forward to getting the ballot. Thanks.

[kikibalt]

Big Robert 'Jeep' Swenson vs Frankie Garcia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLozSYy7SxQ
Olympic. Aud....6-15-1988

Btw, thats Beto Maldonado working with the Jeep

[Rick Farris]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

Ernesto Marcel (beat Arguello)
Santos Laciar (rock hard and dominated the flyweight division after a period when nobody could hang on to the title for five minutes)
Terry Downes (The fearless Londoner beat Giardello and never gets enough credit for beating Pender for the world title because Pender quit on his stool after a good ninth round. It was simply Pender's final fling, however, and Downes laughed in his face at the bell.
"He quit because I made him quit," says Downes.
Jung Koo Chang (won the world title from the slick Joey Olivo and then held on to it for seemingly decades).

Bennie . . . Great Britain is well represented on the ballot this year. Next year I'll try again for Maurice Hope. I'm a bit amazed that Raul Rojas has been passed over when guys such Greg Haugen have made it. Rojas was not only a two-time former champ, but one of the best to come out of Los Angeles in the 60's. Sadly, it gets down to who people were able to see world wide thanks to cable TV. People saw Haugen, where as Rojas was featured only on local TV in Los Angeles during his career.

-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

Who's on the ballot? . . .

Some of you will be receiving your WBHOF ballots soon, in a week or so.
Here's a preview of what to expect in the "Boxer" catagory:

Choose your four favorites:

Sir Henry Cooper
Terry Downes
John Stracey
Ernesto Marcel
Rafael Herrera
Raul Rojas
Santos Laciar
Brian Mitchell
Toko Gushiken
Kiniaki Shibata
Orlando Canizalez
Rene Barrientos
Lucia Rijker
Jung Koo Chang
Eijiro Murata
Sung Kil Moon

(More will appear in the expande catagories)

Posthumous Inductess:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi
Lily Rodriguez


-Rick Farris

Ernesto Marcel (beat Arguello)
Santos Laciar (rock hard and dominated the flyweight division after a period when nobody could hang on to the title for five minutes)
Terry Downes (The fearless Londoner beat Giardello and never gets enough credit for beating Pender for the world title because Pender quit on his stool after a good ninth round. It was simply Pender's final fling, however, and Downes laughed in his face at the bell.
"He quit because I made him quit," says Downes.
Jung Koo Chang (won the world title from the slick Joey Olivo and then held on to it for seemingly decades).

Bennie . . . Great Britain is well represented on the ballot this year. Next year I'll try again for Maurice Hope. I'm a bit amazed that Raul Rojas has been passed over when guys such Greg Haugen have made it. Rojas was not only a two-time former champ, but one of the best to come out of Los Angeles in the 60's. Sadly, it gets down to who people were able to see world wide thanks to cable TV. People saw Haugen, where as Rojas was featured only on local TV in Los Angeles during his career.

-Rick Farris

That is sadly true, Rick. But a record like Rojas' should speak for itself.

I hope next year we can see Koichi Wajima on the ballot. Not that he'll necessarily be elected (probably for the reason you give above - he fought exclusively in Japan), but a two-time junior middleweight champion with 13 title fights under his belt certainly deserves at least a nomination.

[kikibalt]

Richie Sandoval vs Jeff Chandler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjYm2c4AA0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiuqfqNx1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7I2zUFfgdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcJwFKP8Es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWwGarT4Qgs

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

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ8ZNKugpLs

The Music Goes Round And Round

Tommy Dorsey

[Rick Farris]

Richie Sandoval vs Jeff Chandler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjYm2c4AA0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiuqfqNx1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7I2zUFfgdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcJwFKP8Es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWwGarT4Qgs

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

Richie was special . . .

Sandoval gives Philadelphia's Chandler a good Los Angeles' ass-whipping.
Richie was a product of the Los Angeles Jr. Golden Gloves' tournaments.
Fought out of Sacred Heart A.C. in Pomona, younger brother of Albert and Joey. Tony Cerda, coach.
Made the USA Amateur team and won the World Bantamweight title as a pro.
Albert Davila was from the same stable.
Frank matched all of these kids, some were just special.
Hey Frank, have any memory of Richie Sandoval in the juniors or amateurs?


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

That is sadly true, Rick. But a record like Rojas' should speak for itself.

I hope next year we can see Koichi Wajima on the ballot. Not that he'll necessarily be elected (probably for the reason you give above - he fought exclusively in Japan), but a two-time junior middleweight champion with 13 title fights under his belt certainly deserves at least a nomination.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tom . . . Wajima will likely be on next year's ballot. As will Bennie Briscoe. Tyson. Chavez.
Too early to say for sure. With Tyson and Chavez a lock, we'll see who pulls in 3rd & 4th choices.
I'm also partial to Venezuela's Carlos Hernandez.

As for Rojas, I know his true talent & value, so does Frank.
As far as his being inducted, I can tell you it will happen eventually.
The question is, will he be alive or will it be posthumously?
He's not doing well physically, there was lots of abuse.
I can't force his induction just because he is breathing.
Yet I will have power to induct him immediatly, without vote , posthumously.
I'd prefer to do it while he's still warm, we'll see.

-Rick Farris

[Expug]

I would love to see Bennie Briscoe on next years ballot .
Hes another all time favorite of mine.The definition of a Philly Middleweight.
They had some bad asses back in the seventies in them Philly gyms.
Bad Bennie, Cyclone Hart, Willie "The Worm" Monroe, Bogaloo Watts, Kitten Hayward, Gypsy Joe Harris,.
Bennie was the toughest of a tough group.
I hear that he is a very reclusive guy.He worked or still works for the Philly sanitation dept. on a truck.
Man, getting him to the banquet would be really great.

[Rick Farris]

I would love to see Bennie Briscoe on next years ballot .
Hes another all time favorite of mine.The definition of a Philly Middleweight.
They had some bad asses back in the seventies in them Philly gyms.
Bad Bennie, Cyclone Hart, Willie "The Worm" Monroe, Bogaloo Watts, Kitten Hayward, Gypsy Joe Harris,.
Bennie was the toughest of a tough group.
I hear that he is a very reclusive guy.He worked or still works for the Philly sanitation dept. on a truck.
Man, getting him to the banquet would be really great.

Brian . . . Briscoe was a choice of Dan Hanley, I couldn't do it this year.
He'll be on next year. Notice has already been posted.


-Rick Farris

[Expug]

Great Stuff. Thanks Rick.

[dagosd2000]

THE LUNCH PAIL

Moyer called me up and asked if I'd have lunch with him. He was working at Goodyear's a few blocks from the Coliseum. I said I'd be over around noon time. I'd been out drinking with him and Pat Vetere the night before. All I knew was I was glad I didn't have to go to work the next day.

Denny was scrubbing his hands and toweling them off when I walked in.
"Rog,you want to go across the street and eat Mexican food?"
"Sure."
Goodyear's was a couple of blocks west of the Coliseum where Moyer was to fight in a week.
"I wouldn't have asked you to come down,but I left my lunch pail in my locker at the Coliseum. I was feeling so good last night I forgot about it."

We walked across the street and found an empty booth by the window. Ofelia,the waitreess, came over. She was wearing a skirt that was too short for her age,but wasn't a bit shy about revealing what she had left.
"Hola Deeny. Como estas baby?"
Moyer grinned up at her. He was still good looking despite what the ring had taken away from him.
"Pretty good senorita."
They both laughed. Denny didn't pick up the menu.
"I'll have the Rancho Grande Special with 3 rolled tacos on the side and a bottle of beer."
"What kind of beer honey?"
"The one with the most booze in it",answered the Irishman.
I put down my menu.
"Just give me the 3 rolled tacos and a Coke."
Ofelia walked to the kitchen. She moved her hips to show us she still could make us pay attention.

"How you feel after last night?"I asked him.
"I've got a head,but the food should square me away."
"What's Sid got to say?"
"Haven't talked to him in a week."

Ofelia came over with the food. She set two big plates in front of Denny and put a basket with the rolled tacos in front of me.
"I come back boys with the drinks",said Ofelia.
Again she walked that walk. We both looked as she walked to the counter.

"Rog,I wish I liked fighting today like I like drinking."
"Why don't you slow down with it?"
"Why stop now? I don't have it anymore anyways."
Denny started to chomp away at an enchilada. The food on his dish was spilling over the sides.
"You know Rog you think I'd have put enough away to not be fighting anymore."
Ofelia came over with the beer and the Coke.
"Deeny baby. I watch you fight Friday. You win for me ?"
"Sure bonita. I got enough left in me to beat this guy."
Ofelia was very happy to hear him say that.
"After I win,I take you out dancing."
"Oh Deeny baby you are my macho man."
Another customer walked in. Ofelia went to his table.

"Rog. How in the hell was I gonna' stop drinkin' when I took my dough and opened a bar?I must have bought everyone in the world a drink. Are the Irish dumb,or not? Now I have to bust tires to pay my rent."
I didn't answer. I looked at his face. The baby face was gone. He was still good looking,but the scar tissue and the broken veins in his nose told his age. He couldn't fool anyone anymore.


We finished eating. Denny washed down his food with the remainder of his beer.


After eating, Moyer looked at me in the eye.
"Rog,I must have left my wallet in my lunch pail. Pick up the check."

[El Gato]

Rick,

Thank you for posting the link to my fight with Chango Carmona. What people don't know is that I was thinking about my retirement from boxing already until I was finally given the opportunity for this fight. Even though it was late in my boxing career I was keeping myself in the best shape that I could. I even tripled up on multiple vitamin shots. I had to lose 15 lbs. for this fight. By the grace of God this was one of my easiest fights in my boxing career.

On the other hand, the Suzuki fight that Frank posted the link to was really rough. It was 1974 and in ten days I had to lose 25 lbs. During the fight Benny Georgino from time to time had to push me up to get me off my stool because I was so weak. I was hoping the fight would end. I knew then that this was the time for me to retire.

By the way, Rick, I like the fact that Rafael Herrera and Raul Rojas are on the ballot. They deseve to be in the Hall of Fame.

El Gato

[bennie]

Richie Sandoval vs Jeff Chandler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjYm2c4AA0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiuqfqNx1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7I2zUFfgdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcJwFKP8Es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWwGarT4Qgs

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

Richie was special . . .

Sandoval gives Philadelphia's Chandler a good Los Angeles' ass-whipping.
Richie was a product of the Los Angeles Jr. Golden Gloves' tournaments.
Fought out of Sacred Heart A.C. in Pomona, younger brother of Albert and Joey. Tony Cerda, coach.
Made the USA Amateur team and won the World Bantamweight title as a pro.
Albert Davila was from the same stable.
Frank matched all of these kids, some were just special.
Hey Frank, have any memory of Richie Sandoval in the juniors or amateurs?


-Rick Farris

Richie came over here with a hot USA team and licked one of our best ever amateurs, Ray Gilbody. Liverpool's Tony Willis scored a big win over Melvin Paul at the same event.
Paul beat Ray Mancini as an amateur.

[kikibalt]

Big Robert 'Jeep' Swenson vs Frankie Garcia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLozSYy7SxQ
Olympic. Aud....6-15-1983

Btw, thats Beto Maldonado working with the Jeep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32fr6kiCxX0

A young 20 year old Julio Cesar Chavez vs Romero Sandoval.

This fight was on the same card as the Jeep/Garcia fight above, I had the year wrong on the above post, it was 1983 and not 1988.