Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

Roger --- I am in total awe after seeing and meeting Jack Johnson, Joe Gans, Stanley Ketchell, and "hobo days" Jack Dempsey. I recognized, instantly, each one, again by browsing down from their forehead to their eyes --- and bingo!!! --- recognition.

You've brought Ketchell back to life! Great work, Roger. I am excited to share these with my brother, again.

And, I confess, I laughed like hell regarding your transformation of Money Mayweather to Penny Mayweather! It must be the inflationary times!

John
Thanks for the kind words. Painting is like anything connected to creativity. You have your good days and days that aren't quite as good. I admit ,I had a good weekend.

[raylawpc]

The two new portraits of Dempsey and Ketchel are truly top-drawer, Roger. Maybe you could do one of Jeffries in that style and take it to the CBHOF banquet. ((Hint, hint, nudge, nudge))

[Rick Farris]

Jack Dempsey

A gree with Randy. It just keeps getting better!

[Rick Farris]

Frankie Duarte and I
2-3 years ago

Toy Tiger . . .

Frank . . . Frankie and I were both interviewed for the movie, "Toy Tiger", Art Hafey's story, which debuts at a theatre in North Hollywood on October 3rd.
The film maker, Canandian Brad Little, asked if I had Duarte's phone number so he could leave passes for Frankie at the box office.
I have always had the number but have lost track of it. If you have it could you send it to me via E-mail so I can let Frankie know?

I helped Brad hook-up with several L.A. boxing personalities for his documantary interviews and Duarte, as always, made for a great interview.
Brad Little wanted to interview Frankie on film at Phil Barba's Venice barber shop where the former bantam contender works.
He wanted Frankie to cut his hair while the camera was rolling, and the result was great, that is with the exception of Brad's hair cut, which ended up a short, buzz cut.
I suggested Brad do what we in the film business and let Frankie, pretend to be cutting his hair, but Brad decided to take his chances.

I look forward to seeing how the film turned out. The film maker put his heart into the story and spend a lot of time in San Diego with Burke Emory, El Gato, etc.
He even traveled down into Mexico seeking out Ruben Olivares, whom Art KOed in their first match.


-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

The two new portraits of Dempsey and Ketchel are truly top-drawer, Roger. Maybe you could do one of Jeffries in that style and take it to the CBHOF banquet. ((Hint, hint, nudge, nudge))

Tom
I have a Jeffries in my warehouse that is in a similar style. I'll grab it tonight and see if I can post it. I know you are writing a book on Jeff. Maybe you can use it. Roger

[kikibalt]

Frankie Duarte and I
2-3 years ago

Toy Tiger . . .

Frank . . . Frankie and I were both interviewed for the movie, "Toy Tiger", Art Hafey's story, which debuts at a theatre in North Hollywood on October 3rd.
The film maker, Canandian Brad Little, asked if I had Duarte's phone number so he could leave passes for Frankie at the box office.
I have always had the number but have lost track of it. If you have it could you send it to me via E-mail so I can let Frankie know?

I helped Brad hook-up with several L.A. boxing personalities for his documantary interviews and Duarte, as always, made for a great interview.
Brad Little wanted to interview Frankie on film at Phil Barba's Venice barber shop where the former bantam contender works.
He wanted Frankie to cut his hair while the camera was rolling, and the result was great, that is with the exception of Brad's hair cut, which ended up a short, buzz cut.
I suggested Brad do what we in the film business and let Frankie, pretend to be cutting his hair, but Brad decided to take his chances.

I look forward to seeing how the film turned out. The film maker put his heart into the story and spend a lot of time in San Diego with Burke Emory, El Gato, etc.
He even traveled down into Mexico seeking out Ruben Olivares, whom Art KOed in their first match.


-Rick Farris

Rick, I'll e-mail you the one # I have on Frankie.

[Rick Farris]

The Welterweights I remember . . .


They were guys who usually stepped up from lower weight classes, like Jose Napoles.
Napoles was a lightweight who fought junior welters, and finally won the 147 lb. title at what was considered the "end" of his career.
We were a little light in the number of world titles available when guys like Mantequilla, Homicide Henry and the "real" Sugar Ray ruled the 147 pound division.
There was only ONE title, and only one guy got to claim it.
Napoles, Armstrong and Robinson never looked down in weight when considering challenges.
Well into his 30's, about fifteen years into his career, Napoles had exhausted all of the welter challengers of his era, and it was a great era.
He didn't look down in search of a blown up featherweight to fight, he challenged an all-time great middleweight champ in his prime, Carlos Monzon.

Robinson stepped up to middleweight and won the title five times. Many consider him the best ever, all-time P4P (in contemporary boxing fan lingo?)
Ray also stepped up and challenged Joey Maxim for the light-heavy crown on a hot summer night at Yankee Stadium.
The intense heat and weight disadvantage did Robinson in late in the fight. I never heard of Sugar Ray challenging Chalky Wright.
He didn't look down to see what the little guys were doing.

Armstrong was a little guy, I doubt weighed much more than 132lbs when holding every title between 126-147.
Armstrong had to go up and down, and still defended the welter title a record 18 times in less than two years. He whipped Ceferino Garcia in a title defense.
When Garcia won the middleweight title, Armstrong took him on, hoping to add the middleweight title to his collection.
Armstrong dominated, but the fight was declared a draw, a bad decision?

Today, I communicated with another pretty good welter champ, he held the title three times, his name is Emile Griffith.
Griffith had won and lost the welter title, re-winning it twice. Like other greats, he'd dominated the welterweights then stepped up to win the middleweight title twice.
Emile told me he'll be at the WBHOF banquet again this year. He'd be coming with his son, Luis, and will also bring James "Bonecrusher" Smith.
I was pleased we were speaking for reasons not related to the WBHOF, I almost hesitated telling him I was involved with the organization.

Just a few seconds ago, I hear Jim Lampley scream with excitement that Floyd Mayweather Jr. "IS BETTER THAN EVER!!!!"
I truly believe that Mantequilla Napoles would have looked better than ever had he fought men two divisions below has natural weight class, instead of two above.

To bring things a little closer to present, a few years back another welterweight champ, Sugar Ray Leonard, demanded all the edges and usually got them.
However, Sugar Ray Leonard fought bigger men as his career progressed, not the smaller.

Floyd Mayweather looked sharp tonight. Of course he did. He wasn't in the ring with Shane Mosely. That's who he should have fought.
The problem with Shane Mosely is obvious. He's too much man for a guy who calls himself "Money".


-Rick Farris

Beautifully written Rick. You took the words right out of my mouth, only you said it much better than I ever could. It amazes me that some people thought they saw a great fight last night.

Rick, I posted this on my site. I also quoted your last paragraph. Hope you don't mind.

After last night's confrontation between Mosley and Mayweather I think a fight between them is a foregone conclusion. Mosley got inside his head. Big time.

Randy

Randy . . . I am always honored when I find my posts in either yours or Frank's blogs.
As for Shane, that would be a tough fight for Mayweather, despite Mosley's advanced age.
Shane can box and he can punch and I can't think of another 147 pounder who can give Mayweather a better challenge.
I believe that I feel that in many ways Shane has fallen into the same hole with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Shane came up in Oscar's shadow and despite whipping him as a kid, as well as twice in world title fights, gets little respect.
My favorite bout in recent memory is Mosley's beat down of Antonio Margarito. Considring what was found in Margarito's wraps, Shane's victory was just beautiful.
Mosley walked away with another impressive win and Margo walked away from millions in future purses. Palookaville is all that awaits Margarito.
I'm not as excited about the Mayweather-Pac bout as I would be one with Shane.
I think your right, Randy. Shane got into his head.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

I just posted Duarte vs Davila II on my site. It was recently posted on youtube.

http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com

Randy

Randy . . .

One of my all-time favorite Classic American West Coast Boxing matches.
They were both 32, past prime, and fought with the same spirit we came to take for granted once upon a time in Los Angeles.
I think Oscar should insist his new superstar, Victor Ortiz, watch this bout before considering another match.
Without words, this bout can teach even a stupid bastid what fighters are all about.
Thanks for posting it. I have watched my VHS copy of this bout so many times I know every blow by heart, yet I can't resist watching again & again.

To Davila & Duarte, a couple of Los Angeles Jr. Golden Gloves champs who took their talent to the top!


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Roger --- I am in total awe after seeing and meeting Jack Johnson, Joe Gans, Stanley Ketchell, and "hobo days" Jack Dempsey. I recognized, instantly, each one, again by browsing down from their forehead to their eyes --- and bingo!!! --- recognition.

You've brought Ketchell back to life! Great work, Roger. I am excited to share these with my brother, again.

And, I confess, I laughed like hell regarding your transformation of Money Mayweather to Penny Mayweather! It must be the inflationary times!

John, I agree with you 110%. Yesterday, Monica was working and I was playing. Went to visit a few of my film industry co-workers down at the beach.
One of my friends, Stanley, is a top still photographer who shoots on film sets.
He was showing a couple of us one his latest "off-camera" shots of Julia Roberts, which was very good.
After we checked out his on-line gallery, I switched over to the "Roger Esty" Gallery, just to let them see the work of the painter they have heard me speak of.
"WOW! Damn he is good, look at the color, the eyes . . .", etc. Was the typical reaction.

I explained how the artist is working with the WBHOF, how I met Roger and how he paints. No lessons, no instruction, not even an easil.
"Rog will usually take a canvas, sit it on his kitchen table resting against the wall, and roughly an hour later will have his portrait."

Stanley shook his head, "He's a real artist. He has a gift."
Yes he is, Stanley. And yes he does!


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Frankie Duarte and I
2-3 years ago

Toy Tiger . . .

Frank . . . Frankie and I were both interviewed for the movie, "Toy Tiger", Art Hafey's story, which debuts at a theatre in North Hollywood on October 3rd.
The film maker, Canandian Brad Little, asked if I had Duarte's phone number so he could leave passes for Frankie at the box office.
I have always had the number but have lost track of it. If you have it could you send it to me via E-mail so I can let Frankie know?

I helped Brad hook-up with several L.A. boxing personalities for his documantary interviews and Duarte, as always, made for a great interview.
Brad Little wanted to interview Frankie on film at Phil Barba's Venice barber shop where the former bantam contender works.
He wanted Frankie to cut his hair while the camera was rolling, and the result was great, that is with the exception of Brad's hair cut, which ended up a short, buzz cut.
I suggested Brad do what we in the film business and let Frankie, pretend to be cutting his hair, but Brad decided to take his chances.

I look forward to seeing how the film turned out. The film maker put his heart into the story and spend a lot of time in San Diego with Burke Emory, El Gato, etc.
He even traveled down into Mexico seeking out Ruben Olivares, whom Art KOed in their first match.


-Rick Farris

Rick, I'll e-mail you the one # I have on Frankie.

Gracias, Frank. Brad will be at the CBHOF banquet and I'd like to introduce him to our group. Good guy.

[dagosd2000]

James J. Jeffries

[dagosd2000]

JUMP THAT LEFT TO THE FACE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

I used to think a jab wasn't much of a punch until I worked out with fighters. Ken Norton broke my nose with his jab. I've had my lips shredded by jabs,eyes closed,teeth loosened ,and an assortment of purple and red welts tattoed on my mug.

I remember a slight looking fighter by the name of Roy DePhilippis trying to get me to properly throw a jab at the San Diego Coliseum one day. He took no quarter with me and after 15 minutes I thought my arm was going to fall off. It burned and felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. I was striking the heavy bag and then DePhilippis would hold out his glove as I tried to "properly" strike with the jab. I realized that it was a skill that would take a long time in developing.

Boxing ,I think, is a sport a lot of fellas' think they can get in there and deal out death and destruction. They put on the gloves,step into a ring,and after a minute realize why they call boxing "The Art Of Self Defense."

After Norton broke my nose,I made up my mind to learn the defensive end of boxing first before I dealt out "death and destruction."

[Rick Farris]

JUMP THAT LEFT TO THE FACE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

I used to think a jab wasn't much of a punch until I worked out with fighters. Ken Norton broke my nose with his jab. I've had my lips shredded by jabs,eyes closed,teeth loosened ,and an assortment of purple and red welts tattoed on my mug.

I remember a slight looking fighter by the name of Roy DePhilippis trying to get me to properly throw a jab at the San Diego Coliseum one day. He took no quarter with me and after 15 minutes I thought my arm was going to fall off. It burned and felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. I was striking the heavy bag and then DePhilippis would hold out his glove as I tried to "properly" strike with the jab. I realized that it was a skill that would take a long time in developing.

Boxing ,I think, is a sport a lot of fellas' think they can get in there and deal out death and destruction. They put on the gloves,step into a ring,and after a minute realize why they call boxing "The Art Of Self Defense."

After Norton broke my nose,I made up my mind to learn the defensive end of boxing first before I dealt out "death and destruction."

Rog, when you stepped into the ring with Norton, you stepped into his office.
At the time, had Norton stepped onto a football field with you, things wouldn't have worked out so well for him.
Of course, I'm speaking of Ken Norton Sr.
Ken Norton Jr.? Best you face Junior in the ring.


-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

JUMP THAT LEFT TO THE FACE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

I used to think a jab wasn't much of a punch until I worked out with fighters. Ken Norton broke my nose with his jab. I've had my lips shredded by jabs,eyes closed,teeth loosened ,and an assortment of purple and red welts tattoed on my mug.

I remember a slight looking fighter by the name of Roy DePhilippis trying to get me to properly throw a jab at the San Diego Coliseum one day. He took no quarter with me and after 15 minutes I thought my arm was going to fall off. It burned and felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. I was striking the heavy bag and then DePhilippis would hold out his glove as I tried to "properly" strike with the jab. I realized that it was a skill that would take a long time in developing.

Boxing ,I think, is a sport a lot of fellas' think they can get in there and deal out death and destruction. They put on the gloves,step into a ring,and after a minute realize why they call boxing "The Art Of Self Defense."

After Norton broke my nose,I made up my mind to learn the defensive end of boxing first before I dealt out "death and destruction."

Rog, when you stepped into the ring with Norton, you stepped into his office.
At the time, had Norton stepped onto a football field with you, things wouldn't have worked out so well for him.
Of course, I'm speaking of Ken Norton Sr.
Ken Norton Jr.? Best you face Junior in the ring.


-Rick Farris

Good one Rick. Around that time Norton busted one in my face,I remember he'd show up at the gym once in a while with Junior. He must have been around 9 or 10 years old. A cute little guy then. Turned out to be one hell of a football player later for UCLA.

[kikibalt]

Lowenbrau commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va_NuPvqcPA
Arthur Prysock

[Rick Farris]

JUMP THAT LEFT TO THE FACE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

I used to think a jab wasn't much of a punch until I worked out with fighters. Ken Norton broke my nose with his jab. I've had my lips shredded by jabs,eyes closed,teeth loosened ,and an assortment of purple and red welts tattoed on my mug.

I remember a slight looking fighter by the name of Roy DePhilippis trying to get me to properly throw a jab at the San Diego Coliseum one day. He took no quarter with me and after 15 minutes I thought my arm was going to fall off. It burned and felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. I was striking the heavy bag and then DePhilippis would hold out his glove as I tried to "properly" strike with the jab. I realized that it was a skill that would take a long time in developing.

Boxing ,I think, is a sport a lot of fellas' think they can get in there and deal out death and destruction. They put on the gloves,step into a ring,and after a minute realize why they call boxing "The Art Of Self Defense."

After Norton broke my nose,I made up my mind to learn the defensive end of boxing first before I dealt out "death and destruction."

Rog, when you stepped into the ring with Norton, you stepped into his office.
At the time, had Norton stepped onto a football field with you, things wouldn't have worked out so well for him.
Of course, I'm speaking of Ken Norton Sr.
Ken Norton Jr.? Best you face Junior in the ring.


-Rick Farris

Good one Rick. Around that time Norton busted one in my face,I remember he'd show up at the gym once in a while with Junior. He must have been around 9 or 10 years old. A cute little guy then. Turned out to be one hell of a football player later for UCLA.

He did pretty well in the NFL, as well. Today, the former UCLA & NFL star is coaching at USC. Seems UCLA didn't think he had anything to offer his alma mater.
Coach Pete Carroll was only too happy to have him. Today he's with the No. 1 Los Angeles College football team.


-Rick Farris

[JABARDELLI]

Monday, 21 September 2009 10:18 UK

Gatti Test Shows Death by Hanging

Arturo Gatti retired from professional boxing in 2007.

A second post-mortem examination on former world boxing champion Arturo Gatti found he died by hanging, not strangling, Canadian media report.

The autopsy found no signs the Italian-Canadian boxer was tied up or beaten, Montreal newspaper La Presse reported. The second autopsy was carried out at his family's request, They did not accept that he had killed himself.

Mr Gatti was found dead on 11 July in a hotel in north-eastern Brazil where he had been staying with his wife and son.

His Brazilian wife, who was initially arrested on suspicion of strangling him, said she felt vindicated by the latest findings. The second post-mortem follows a ruling by a Brazilian judge that Mr Gatti had probably committed suicide.

According to the autopsy carried out by the Quebec coroner, there were no injuries to suggest he was hung by other people, La Presse reported. However, toxicologists found a substance that causes drowsiness, the newspaper reported.

Mr Gatti's family did not accepted the Brazilian theory that he killed himself and last month had his body exhumed in Canada for a second post-mortem at the Quebec coroner's office.

Mr Gatti was IBF super-featherweight champion in 1995 and WBC light-welterweight champion in 2004, and retired in 2007. His career spanned 49 fights and he won 40 of them, 31 by knockout. He retired two years ago.

[raylawpc]

Well, Roger, I guess Mrs. Gatti didn't need to take her panties off after all.

[dagosd2000]

Frank
What what be a good time to arrive at the CBHOF Saturday? Rog

[kikibalt]

Frank
What what be a good time to arrive at the CBHOF Saturday? Rog

11:00-11:15 A.M. will be fine Rog....

[dagosd2000]

THE THREE LETTERMAN

Not many fighters partake in other sports. Maybe it's different today,but I don't recall many fighters that played Little league or Pop Warner Football or were star athletes in high school. Most fighters never finished school and were sour on them from the get go.

I know in Mexico a fighter would play a little soccer on the dirt fields in the neighborhood,but that was about it aside from going into the gym and trying to make a living hitting another man.

Boxing for the most part wasn't a fun thing to do. A fighter may have loved boxing.Maybe in the end it was the only way to make a buck,but it was never fun. A pastime or a hobby- that's for dreamers.

Kenny Norton though came into the fight game having a rep as a pretty good all round athlete. They say he was a darn good football player in high school and could perform in a few track and field events as well at a high level.

Norton always had that Adonis look. Some thought he lifted weights,but he said he never pumped iron. I don't know if his physique was a prototype for a fighter. He had a narrow waist and wide shoulders. But so did Emile Griffith.

When they show documentaries on Ali, they seem to bypass the trilogy with Norton. They were Ali's toughest fights. When Ali was toe to toe with Frazier and Foreman,it was Norton that gave him the most trouble.

I remember Kenny Norton. He was the baddest dude down here in Dago Town. I hear he's not in the best of health today.

Gee,I remember when he'd workout down here. What a body. They say time waits for no one. I think time has it in for ex fighters.

[dagosd2000]

Frank
What what be a good time to arrive at the CBHOF Saturday? Rog

11:00-11:15 A.M. will be fine Rog....

See you there. Maria really enjoys herself around you guys

[kikibalt]

Frank
What what be a good time to arrive at the CBHOF Saturday? Rog

11:00-11:15 A.M. will be fine Rog....

See you there. Maria really enjoys herself around you guys

We'll be there....

[Randyman]

Frank
What what be a good time to arrive at the CBHOF Saturday? Rog

11:00-11:15 A.M. will be fine Rog....

See you there. Maria really enjoys herself around you guys

Jeri and I we'll be there about 11:00. I just got off the phone with Ed. He and his son will be there about the same time. We're all looking forward to Saturday.

Randy

[Randyman]

Tip Top Meats. Carlsbad California. Full German Market and Restaurant.



Lunch. Maria had the Cordon Bleu Chicken stuffed with ham and mushrooms , red and white saurkraut,mashed potatos,and salad. I had the 3 sausage plate with potato salad,and red and white saurkraut.

No din din for us tonight

BTW. The gang at the CBHOF will be the recipients of 2 bottles of Augustina Helles Dark Lager each.

Tip Top Meats looks like my kind of place Rog. Jeri and I are going to have to head down that way soon. I checked out their website. Definitely my kind of place.

http://www.tiptopmeats.com/default.aspx
Randy