Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

Frank and Rick:

Rafael Gutierrez was a fine looking prospect when he started boxing. I used him in the first show I put on for the Albquerque American Legion in 1952. He boxed the main event versis Glen Hendershot. The Hugh Carlisle Post had called our Legion office for guidance in promoting boxing and our Legion sent me out to do the job. I also provided the semi final bout on that card, driving in with the four fighters and my trainer, Chappie Tierno, all the way from LA.The show was a hit and the local Legionaires kept on showing on their own.

I believe it was Rafael's younger brother, Alvaro, who ended the ring career of Golden Boy Art Aragon around 1960. Hope this helps.

hao navarro

Hap, did you spend much time in Albuquerque? Did you ever meet Sammy Burke? He was a top amateur fighter from New Mexico. His career was cut short when he was wounded in (I believe) the Korean War. he became one of New Mexico's top trainers. He is the father of Louie and Rocky Burke. He was from Las Cruces but maybe you crossed paths with him. He passed away in the 1980's.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Frank and Rick:

Rafael Gutierrez was a fine looking prospect when he started boxing. I used him in the first show I put on for the Albquerque American Legion in 1952. He boxed the main event versis Glen Hendershot. The Hugh Carlisle Post had called our Legion office for guidance in promoting boxing and our Legion sent me out to do the job. I also provided the semi final bout on that card, driving in with the four fighters and my trainer, Chappie Tierno, all the way from LA.The show was a hit and the local Legionaires kept on showing on their own.

I believe it was Rafael's younger brother, Alvaro, who ended the ring career of Golden Boy Art Aragon around 1960. Hope this helps.

hao navarro

Thanks Hap, I didn't know Rafael G and Alvaro G were brothers. My wife and I were sitting ringside for the Aragon fight. Also seen Alvaro in a shoot'em down fight against L.C. Morgan.

Hap . . . Thanks for the info on Gutierrez. I recall reading a lot of Alvaro Gutierrez in the old KO/Referee mags, including the Aragon fight.

-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

WBHOF updates . . .

Just got off the phone with Armando Muniz. We were discussing the the WBHOF's first annual "Johnny Flores Award", which will be awarded to our own Frank Baltazar this year.
We also discussed Roger Esty's Boxing Art exhibition which will take place in the autograph signing/memorabelia show, held between 10am-3pm. the day of the event.
Another discussion was focused on this year's Banquet of Champions Program.
Armando and I are in agreement that without a true museum, the annual event program is the only physical representative of the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
These programs are archived in three major institutions, including a Museum, between here and Washington D.C.
The program must not only be 100% correct in every aspect of history, but punctuaton, spelling, etc.
It must be a cut above the average, something special.
This year we're going showcase a great cover, another example of the Roger Esty art we have come to appreciate here.
I'm responsible for the history, and to make sure everything is correct with regard to "proof reading", I've enlisted the help of an attorney who is a former English teacher.
The proof-reader is our buddy, John Bardelli.

Aside form Roger's art exhibit, I am looking forward to spending a good evening with all my Boxrec friends.
And before that, we have the California HOF annual lunch next month.


-Rick Farris

Rick, You could not have a better man than John Bardelli. Between you, John and Roger, this may be your best program yet.

Randy

[dagosd2000]

YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS

As I select what paintings I want to bring up to the WBHOF Night Golf Tournament on the 4th of September,piecing together a full page color ad for the WBHOF banquet,and the paintings I'll have on display at the memorabilia show,I can't get my mind off meeting the fellas again like I did at last year's festivities. Hopefully, Frank and Connie will be there this year.

For a group that I've met for only a few hours,I can't wait to relax and not feel the pressure. The art will take care of itself. I'm not going to stand there and "hawk" the stuff. I'd be kidding myself if I told you I wouldn't like to sell every painting. Find a sponsor who thinks I'm the next Picasso and take me under wing. But if I know that Rick Farris's table is filled up with my buds,that's all the security I need to enjoy this year's banquet.

I've seen artists that drive themselves crazy at shows using every ounce of body English and language to will the customer to buy a painting. They pray, and I think of what God is thinking. Put it in his hands and that's all you can do.

Like I said,if our table doesn't have an empty chair,the night will take care of itself just like the paintings. Then when it's over, I can go to bed and dream about that art show in Paris.

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS

As I select what paintings I want to bring up to the WBHOF Night Golf Tournament on the 4th of September,piecing together a full page color ad for the WBHOF banquet,and the paintings I'll have on display at the memorabilia show,I can't get my mind off meeting the fellas again like I did at last year's festivities. Hopefully, Frank and Connie will be there this year.

For a group that I've met for only a few hours,I can't wait to relax and not feel the pressure. The art will take care of itself. I'm not going to stand there and "hawk" the stuff. I'd be kidding myself if I told you I wouldn't like to sell every painting. Find a sponsor who thinks I'm the next Picasso and take me under wing. But if I know that Rick Farris's table is filled up with my buds,that's all the security I need to enjoy this year's banquet.

I've seen artists that drive themselves crazy at shows using every ounce of body English and language to will the customer to buy a painting. They pray, and I think of what God is thinking. Put it in his hands and that's all you can do.

Like I said,if our table doesn't have an empty chair,the night will take care of itself just like the paintings. Then when it's over, I can go to bed and dream about that art show in Paris.

Roger . . . I work in a world of illusion, but I have to say that if you see an empty seat at "our" table, it will be an illusion.
OUR table is THE table! Just ten seats and not all of us will fit. There are ten seats . . . You and Maria, Frank & Connie, Dan Hanley and his Pop, Monica & I, Randy & Jeri.
The very next table to ours is that of historian Tony Triem, and that will have others from our group such as Brian, Chuck Johnston and Ed Hernandez. Others at that table will be historian friends of Tony Triem. Guys, I wish we could all fit at one table, but there are only ten seats per and I'm trying to keep the couples together. We'll all be next to each other becasue Tony's table is next to mine. I know Tony is anxious to meet Chuck Johnston as he has worked recently with Tracy Callis. Chuck, of course, has a great West Coast Boxing history book out with Tracy Callis.

Guys, if you don't like the seating and have a better idea, go for it with my support. Just make sure I'm sitting with my lady. We are all paying the same price to attend.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Guitar legend and multitracking innovator Les Paul dead at 94
August 13, 2009



Guitar legend, inventor and pop music hit-maker Les Paul has died at age 94. Paul died of complications from pneumonia at White Plains Hospital, surrounded by friends and family, in White Plains, N.Y. From The Times' obituary:

One of the finest pickers on the American music scene, Paul was often cited as a major influence on other guitarists, including Chet Atkins, who called him "one of my idols."

But for many other music fans, it was Paul's innovations that will ensure his legacy. They include an early electric guitar as well as new ways to create multiple tracks and echo effects for recordings, which he used in his recordings with Ford and which were later were broadly adopted by other musicians.

The music world was never the same after Paul introduced multi-tracking in the late 1940s. (Having taken time off from a lucrative career playing guitar with such singers as Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, Paul holed himself up in a garage right here in L.A., eventually emerging with his first multitracked hit, "Lover.") With his then-wife Mary Ford, he recorded a litany of hits like "How High the Moon," "Mockingbird Hill" and a singular version of old favorite "Tennessee Waltz."

Beyond his innovative recording-studio creations, Paul was an extraordinarily gifted guitar player; his famous solo on Crosby's hit "It's Been a Long, Long Time" is viewed by many as one of the best guitar solos ever recorded. When Paul's arm was injured in an automobile accident, he even made a famous request of his doctors -- when told that his arm would remain locked in the position in which it was set, he asked that it be set at an angle so he could still play the guitar. And one of rock music's most instantly recognizable guitars -- created by the Gibson Guitar Corp. using Paul's guitar-building concepts -- even bears the name Les Paul.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Paul with Ford in 1951. Credit: Associated Press

[kikibalt]

DON KING’S Birthday wish came true
August 24, 2009 by Edgar Gonzalez

Don King said last Thursday his 78th birthday wish was for the California State Athletic Commission to overturn the decision made in the Aug. 1 prizefight featuring WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley vs. Nate Campbell and make it “no contest.” His wish was granted today. The CSAC met today in Los Angeles and determined that an accidental head butt in round three that left a serious gash over Campbell’s left eye should have been ruled no contest after the fight was stopped on advice of the ringside physician after the round.

This corrects the ruling made in favor of Bradley on the night of the fight at Agua Caliente Resort, Casino & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“I only asked for justice for my fighter Nate Campbell, and that is what I received from the California State Athletic Commission today,” promoter Don King said. “I applaud the members of the commission for righting this wrong, and I have a phone call in to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to congratulate him on this important decision.

“This is a victory for the boxers, the sport and the great state of California upholding the rules of justice and fair play. The fairest outcome of all is the one they chose where neither fighter’s record is blemished from a match that was halted early due to an accidental clash of heads.”

[kikibalt]

That Lucky Old Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdLjJqWfTs4
Frankie Laine

[raylawpc]

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY ~ How about You?

[kikibalt]

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY ~ How about You?

I pity the BOSS!!

[telboy66]

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY ~ How about You?

Mate I can relate to every word of that plus my upholstery is sagging & the suspension has had it on one side

[kikibalt]

BRIAN LONDON
August 24, 2009 by Jim Amato

The British produced some quality heavyweights during the 1950’s and 60’s. Of course ” Ol’ ” Enry ‘ Cooper comes to mind. There was rugged Joe Erskine and Wales gave us Dick Richardson. Later Billy ” The Golden Boy ” Walker would emerge. One of the best was Brian London who would twice fight for world title honors.

Brian was born in 1934 and turned professional in 1955. He won his first twelve bouts, eleven by knockout before being stopped in one round by Henry Cooper in 1956. Brian bounced back to win eight of his next nine before dropping a decision to the clever Willie Pastrano in 1958. Three months later London would halt Joe Erskine in eight rounds to win the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. He would then stop Pastrano on cuts in a rematch.

Brian was now a serious contender for a world title shot. In 1959 he lost his titles by decision to Henry Cooper. Nevertheless he was awarded a shot at Floyd Patterson’s heavyweight title. After a valiant effort, Floyd stopped London in eleven rounds. Brian would then be stopped in seven by the dangerous Nino valdes.

In 1960 London would halt former Olympic Gold Medallist Pete Rademacher. Later in the year Dick Richardson he stop Brian in his attempt to win the European title. In 1961 the highly rated Eddie Machen kayoed London in ten. In 1962 he dropped a decision to Santo Amonti.

In 1963 Brian would lose a twelve round decision to former world champion Ingemar Johansson. It would be Ingo’s last fight. In 1964 he again lost a fifteen rounder to Henry Cooper with the European, British and Commonwealth titles on the line. He then lost to up and coming Johnny Prescott but amazingly rebounded to defeat Chip Johnson, Billy Walker and Roger Rischer.

In 1966 he dropped a decision to a very talented Thad Spencer. Later in the year Brian received his second shot at immortality when he met Muhammad Ali for the world’s title. In one of young Ali’s best performances, he battered Brian in three rounds.

Brian continued on. He lost a tough decision to the highly touted Jerry Quarry. He then defeated Zora Folley. In 1968 he suffered damaging kayo losses to Roberto Davilla and Jack Bodell. Although he drew with Henry Clark in 1969 he later lost to Jimmy ” The King ” Fletcher and was taken out in two in a return bout with Quarry.

In 1970 Brian was taken out in five by rising star Joe Bugner and that ended his career. London engaged in 58 professional contests. He won 37 of them, 26 by knockout. He fought four world champions. Ali, Patterson, Johansson and Pastrano. He met six boxers that vied for world title honors in Henry Cooper, Pete Rademacher, Eddie Machen, Jerry Quarry, Zora Folley and Joe Bugner. He also met other top notch guys like Nino Valdes, Thad Spencer and Henry Clark just to name a few.

Brian London had a very respectable career and he did England proud.

[dagosd2000]

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY ~ How about You?

Tom
I'm beginning to believe that the secret of life is how to adapt for the inevitable.

[kikibalt]

Local heavyweight Jimmy Harryman has pass

boxer: Jimmy Harryman

division heavyweight
nationality United States
alias Wildman
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
won 9 (KO 7) + lost 3 (KO 2) + drawn 1 = 13
rounds boxed 58 : KO% 53.85

1965-10-21 197 George Johnson 212 7-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 10 10
~ time: 1:18 | referee: John Thomas 3-4 | judge: Joey Olmos 3-5 | judge: Dick Young 4-5 ~

1965-09-23 196 Gene Hamilton 184 6-26-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 3 6
~ time: 1:37 | referee: Lee Grossman ~

1965-09-09 199 Charles Williams 193
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 6 6

1965-08-19 194 Dave Centi 219½ 8-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1965-08-05 195½ Rees van Heeringen 192 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 2 6

1964-06-18 199½ Henry Clark 188 0-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1964-05-28 194½ Larry McGee 180½ 5-12-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-07-20 192 Eddie Foster 200 1-1-0
Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-05-11 189 Andres Muela 186½ 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 5 5

1959-04-28 192 Eddie Jackson 187 1-1-0
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States L KO 3 6

1959-03-10 JD Harvey 10-21-2
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States W UD 4 4
Harvey was knocked down in the 1st round.

1959-02-28 191½ Cleveland Graham 182 2-1-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

1959-01-24 189 Andy Isaacs 185 0-1-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

[raylawpc]

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS.......... I QUALIFY ~ How about You?

Mate I can relate to every word of that plus my upholstery is sagging & the suspension has had it on one side

I blew a tire Sunday (Hopped off a retaining wall, and sprained my knee).

[Rick Farris]

Local heavyweight Jimmy Harryman has pass

boxer: Jimmy Harryman

division heavyweight
nationality United States
alias Wildman
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
won 9 (KO 7) + lost 3 (KO 2) + drawn 1 = 13
rounds boxed 58 : KO% 53.85

1965-10-21 197 George Johnson 212 7-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 10 10
~ time: 1:18 | referee: John Thomas 3-4 | judge: Joey Olmos 3-5 | judge: Dick Young 4-5 ~

1965-09-23 196 Gene Hamilton 184 6-26-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 3 6
~ time: 1:37 | referee: Lee Grossman ~

1965-09-09 199 Charles Williams 193
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 6 6

1965-08-19 194 Dave Centi 219½ 8-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1965-08-05 195½ Rees van Heeringen 192 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 2 6

1964-06-18 199½ Henry Clark 188 0-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1964-05-28 194½ Larry McGee 180½ 5-12-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-07-20 192 Eddie Foster 200 1-1-0
Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-05-11 189 Andres Muela 186½ 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 5 5

1959-04-28 192 Eddie Jackson 187 1-1-0
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States L KO 3 6

1959-03-10 JD Harvey 10-21-2
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States W UD 4 4
Harvey was knocked down in the 1st round.

1959-02-28 191½ Cleveland Graham 182 2-1-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

1959-01-24 189 Andy Isaacs 185 0-1-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

Jimmy Harryman . . .

As Don Fraser pointed out today at the Golden State Boxer's Association meeting, Jimmy Harryman was one rough guy, a legendary street fighter in the San Pedro Harbor area where he worked as a long shoreman. I remember watching Jimmy Harryman going toe-to-toe at the Olympic in the mid-60's. At the time Aileen Eaton was calling the Olympic Auditorium, the "Home of the Heavyweights", with local stars such as Jerry Quarry, Joey Orbillo, Big Train Lincoln, Manuel Ramos, Scrap Iron Johnson and Harryman contributing a lot of great heavyweight action at the 18th & Grand arena.

I didn't meet Harryman until many years after his retirement, two years ago, when I spoke with him the day he and Frank Baltazar were inducted into the California Boxing HOF.
He was very humbled by the honor bestowed upon him by Don Fraser and the California HOF.
Here is my memory of Jimmy Harryman. Jimmy never would where boxing shoes into the ring. He preferred a pair of hi-top Keds sneakers.
I remember mentioning to Jimmy that I remembered he wore tennis shoes into the ring and he smiled. "Tennis shoes worked for me in the street and just as well in the ring."

May he rest in peace.

-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

Local heavyweight Jimmy Harryman has pass

boxer: Jimmy Harryman

division heavyweight
nationality United States
alias Wildman
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
won 9 (KO 7) + lost 3 (KO 2) + drawn 1 = 13
rounds boxed 58 : KO% 53.85

1965-10-21 197 George Johnson 212 7-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 10 10
~ time: 1:18 | referee: John Thomas 3-4 | judge: Joey Olmos 3-5 | judge: Dick Young 4-5 ~

1965-09-23 196 Gene Hamilton 184 6-26-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 3 6
~ time: 1:37 | referee: Lee Grossman ~

1965-09-09 199 Charles Williams 193
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 6 6

1965-08-19 194 Dave Centi 219½ 8-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1965-08-05 195½ Rees van Heeringen 192 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 2 6

1964-06-18 199½ Henry Clark 188 0-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1964-05-28 194½ Larry McGee 180½ 5-12-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-07-20 192 Eddie Foster 200 1-1-0
Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-05-11 189 Andres Muela 186½ 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 5 5

1959-04-28 192 Eddie Jackson 187 1-1-0
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States L KO 3 6

1959-03-10 JD Harvey 10-21-2
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States W UD 4 4
Harvey was knocked down in the 1st round.

1959-02-28 191½ Cleveland Graham 182 2-1-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

1959-01-24 189 Andy Isaacs 185 0-1-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

Jimmy Harryman . . .

As Don Fraser pointed out today at the Golden State Boxer's Association meeting, Jimmy Harryman was one rough guy, a legendary street fighter in the San Pedro Harbor area where he worked as a long shoreman. I remember watching Jimmy Harryman going toe-to-toe at the Olympic in the mid-60's. At the time Aileen Eaton was calling the Olympic Auditorium, the "Home of the Heavyweights", with local stars such as Jerry Quarry, Joey Orbillo, Big Train Lincoln, Manuel Ramos, Scrap Iron Johnson and Harryman contributing a lot of great heavyweight action at the 18th & Grand arena.

I didn't meet Harryman until many years after his retirement, two years ago, when I spoke with him the day he and Frank Baltazar were inducted into the California Boxing HOF.
He was very humbled by the honor bestowed upon him by Don Fraser and the California HOF.
Here is my memory of Jimmy Harryman. Jimmy never would where boxing shoes into the ring. He preferred a pair of hi-top Keds sneakers.
I remember mentioning to Jimmy that I remembered he wore tennis shoes into the ring and he smiled. "Tennis shoes worked for me in the street and just as well in the ring."

May he rest in peace.

-Rick Farris

And his trainer didn't have to scratch up those leather soles on his shoes before the fights. Or stomp around and grind his feet in that rosin in the neutral corner. One of my jobs with O'Grady on fight night was to make sure we had plenty of rosin in the neutral corner.

We had a main event fighter in Oklahoma City - Alonzo Harris - who wore those high-top Chuck Taylors from Converse. I asked him why once, and his pithy reply: "Don't have to mess with that da*n rosin."

I guess him and Harryman were ahead of their time. It looks like everybody wears rubber soled shoes now.

[Rick Farris]

Local heavyweight Jimmy Harryman has pass

boxer: Jimmy Harryman

division heavyweight
nationality United States
alias Wildman
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
won 9 (KO 7) + lost 3 (KO 2) + drawn 1 = 13
rounds boxed 58 : KO% 53.85

1965-10-21 197 George Johnson 212 7-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 10 10
~ time: 1:18 | referee: John Thomas 3-4 | judge: Joey Olmos 3-5 | judge: Dick Young 4-5 ~

1965-09-23 196 Gene Hamilton 184 6-26-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 3 6
~ time: 1:37 | referee: Lee Grossman ~

1965-09-09 199 Charles Williams 193
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 6 6

1965-08-19 194 Dave Centi 219½ 8-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1965-08-05 195½ Rees van Heeringen 192 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 2 6

1964-06-18 199½ Henry Clark 188 0-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1964-05-28 194½ Larry McGee 180½ 5-12-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-07-20 192 Eddie Foster 200 1-1-0
Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 5 6

1962-05-11 189 Andres Muela 186½ 5-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 5 5

1959-04-28 192 Eddie Jackson 187 1-1-0
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States L KO 3 6

1959-03-10 JD Harvey 10-21-2
Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States W UD 4 4
Harvey was knocked down in the 1st round.

1959-02-28 191½ Cleveland Graham 182 2-1-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

1959-01-24 189 Andy Isaacs 185 0-1-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W KO 2 4

Jimmy Harryman . . .

As Don Fraser pointed out today at the Golden State Boxer's Association meeting, Jimmy Harryman was one rough guy, a legendary street fighter in the San Pedro Harbor area where he worked as a long shoreman. I remember watching Jimmy Harryman going toe-to-toe at the Olympic in the mid-60's. At the time Aileen Eaton was calling the Olympic Auditorium, the "Home of the Heavyweights", with local stars such as Jerry Quarry, Joey Orbillo, Big Train Lincoln, Manuel Ramos, Scrap Iron Johnson and Harryman contributing a lot of great heavyweight action at the 18th & Grand arena.

I didn't meet Harryman until many years after his retirement, two years ago, when I spoke with him the day he and Frank Baltazar were inducted into the California Boxing HOF.
He was very humbled by the honor bestowed upon him by Don Fraser and the California HOF.
Here is my memory of Jimmy Harryman. Jimmy never would wear boxing shoes into the ring. He preferred a pair of hi-top Keds sneakers.
I remember mentioning to Jimmy that I remembered he wore tennis shoes into the ring and he smiled. "Tennis shoes worked for me in the street and just as well in the ring."

May he rest in peace.

-Rick Farris

And his trainer didn't have to scratch up those leather soles on his shoes before the fights. Or stomp around and grind his feet in that rosin in the neutral corner. One of my jobs with O'Grady on fight night was to make sure we had plenty of rosin in the neutral corner.

We had a main event fighter in Oklahoma City - Alonzo Harris - who wore those high-top Chuck Taylors from Converse. I asked him why once, and his pithy reply: "Don't have to mess with that da*n rosin."

I guess him and Harryman were ahead of their time. It looks like everybody wears rubber soled shoes now.

Tom . . . When I was a teenager in the 60's, my grandfather would take my boxing shoes to the wardrobe dept. of Warner Borthers Studios a have shoe repairman glue a thin layer of rubber over the soles, like they would do on a ballet dancers slippers. I never had a problem with slipping & sliding on a wet canvas after that. They worked out so well, that my manager, Johnny Flores, had my grandfather do the same thing for a couple pairs of Jerry Quarry's boxing shoes.

Earlier today, while having lunch with Frank Baltazar, Don Fraser and the guys of the GSBA we all watched boxing DVD's from Frank's collection. We watched Mando Ramos vs. Sugar Ramos, and when Frank spotted Mando scraping his shoes in the Rosin box, he commented on the the rosin boxes of the past.

They just kind of disappeared a couple decades back. I can't credit my grandfather for the idea of putting rubber soles on boxing shoes, however, I never heard of anybody doing before we did. It was a number of years later that rubber soles bacame common on boxing shoes. By the way, my grandfather was an Oklahoma guy just like you and the O'Grady's.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

We had a main event fighter in Oklahoma City - Alonzo Harris - who wore those high-top Chuck Taylors from Converse. I asked him why once, and his pithy reply: "Don't have to mess with that da*n rosin."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tom . . .

I remember Alonzo Harris fighting at the Olympic in the mid-60's, about the same time as Jimmy Harryman.
I remember him fighting both Orlando De La Fuente and Andy Heilman at the 18th & Grand Arena.
Ironically, Frank and I saw Orlando De La Fuente today at the GSBA lunch/meeting.

-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

Our very own Rick Farris with the legendary Henry "Homicide Hank" Armstrong, and his dad Bill Farris at the Main Street Gym-1965. A classic photo.

[Rick Farris]

The great Henry Armstrong . . .

When I heard that Henry Armstrong was in the gym, I couldn't concentrate on my own workout.
He was nearly 53-year-old, and hadn't fought in twenty years.
He was in the gym training a young welterweight, Gary Carr.

My eyes kept looking over to Armstrong as he worked with his fighter.
I wanted to watch closer, maybe pick something up from one of the greatest prizefighters in history.
I was just a kid, but I knew all about Henry Armstrong. I was like a little leaguer standing on the same ball field with Babe Ruth.

How many other world champions held three undisputed world titles simultaniously?
How many champs defended the welterweight title eighteen times (the record) in less than two years (five defenses in a three week period!).
He did the above while also holding and defending the featherweight and Lightweight titles, not to mention a few non-title contests, as well.
Then he fights to a disputed "draw" in an attempt to add the middleweight title to his collection. (He had beaten the middle champ in an earlier match.)

I watched the man closely, this is what I would take from the gym that day.
He looked a little tired, very calm, a warmth about him. His dark sweater had holes in the sleeves, the soles of his shoes were worn.
I imagined how good life had once been for him. Actors Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler had once had held his contract.

My manager, Johnny Flores introduced me to Hammerin' Hank. My grandad snapped a picture. This took place 44 years ago.
When I arrived home from the gym that evening, I tell my younger brother, "I met Superman today!"
He looked at me like I was crazy, "No you didn't," he said.

Yeah little brother, I really did!


Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

The great Henry Armstrong . . .

When I heard that Henry Armstrong was in the gym, I couldn't concentrate on my own workout.
He was nearly 53-year-old, and hadn't fought in twenty years.
He was in the gym training a young welterweight, Gary Carr.

My eyes kept looking over to Armstrong as he worked with his fighter.
I wanted to watch closer, maybe pick something up from one of the greatest prizefighters in history.
I was just a kid, but I knew all about Henry Armstrong. I was like a little leaguer standing on the same ball field with Babe Ruth.

How many other world champions held three undisputed world titles simultaniously?
How many champs defended the welterweight title eighteen times (the record) in less than two years (five defenses in a three week period!).
He did the above while also holding and defending the featherweight and Lightweight titles, not to mention a few non-title contests, as well.
Then he fights to a disputed "draw" in an attempt to add the middleweight title to his collection. (He had beaten the middle champ in an earlier match.)

I watched the man closely, this is what I would take from the gym that day.
He looked a little tired, very calm, a warmth about him. His dark sweater had holes in the sleeves, the soles of his shoes were worn.
I imagined how good life had once been for him. Actors Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler had once had held his contract.

My manager, Johnny Flores introduced me to Hammerin' Hank. My grandad snapped a picture. This took place 44 years ago.
When I arrived home from the gym that evening, I tell my younger brother, "I met Superman today!"
He looked at me like I was crazy, "No you didn't," he said.

Yeah little brother, I really did!


Rick Farris

Hammering Hank grew up in St. Louis and lived here from time-to-time after his retirement. He has a Star on the Walk of Fame in the Central West End of St. Louis. He's the only boxer so honored. Sonny Liston doesn't have a star, nor do any of the Spinks.

Here's a list:

http://www.stlouiswalkoffame.org/star-location/

[kikibalt]

Johnny Flores, Julio Flores, Memo Soto, Ricky Farris & Duke Holloway
The Main Street Gym - 1965

[kikibalt]

Rick Farris, Henry Armstrong, Bill Farris
1965 - The Main Street Gym



The great Henry Armstrong . . .

When I heard that Henry Armstrong was in the gym, I couldn't concentrate on my own workout.
He was nearly 53-year-old, and hadn't fought in twenty years.
He was in the gym training a young welterweight, Gary Carr.

My eyes kept looking over to Armstrong as he worked with his fighter.
I wanted to watch closer, maybe pick something up from one of the greatest prizefighters in history.
I was just a kid, but I knew all about Henry Armstrong. I was like a little leaguer standing on the same ball field with Babe Ruth.

How many other world champions held three undisputed world titles simultaniously?
How many champs defended the welterweight title eighteen times (the record) in less than two years (five defenses in a three week period!).
He did the above while also holding and defending the featherweight and Lightweight titles, not to mention a few non-title contests, as well.
Then he fights to a disputed "draw" in an attempt to add the middleweight title to his collection. (He had beaten the middle champ in an earlier match.)

I watched the man closely, this is what I would take from the gym that day.
He looked a little tired, very calm, a warmth about him. His dark sweater had holes in the sleeves, the soles of his shoes were worn.
I imagined how good life had once been for him. Actors Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler had once had held his contract.

My manager, Johnny Flores introduced me to Hammerin' Hank. My grandad snapped a picture. This took place 44 years ago.
When I arrived home from the gym that evening, I tell my younger brother, "I met Superman today!"
He looked at me like I was crazy, "No you didn't," he said.

Yeah little brother, I really did!


Rick Farris