Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Sportsmen's Lodge

[Rick Farris]

Frank . . . 1000 guests? I don't know what you normally draw but I believe you were well over 600 at Steven's Steakhouse this year.
I've never cared much for Steven's, but the Lodge is a lot better venue and nicer location, especially for Don Fraser.
I don't know what your goals are, but you could sell a thousand seats, I believe?


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Chata will be going on her first fishing trip, this Thursday James, Chata, James's daughters and girlfriend, et al, will be
going up Highway 395 to the June Lake Loop for some trout fishing....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Frank . . . How is Charley doing? I was watching the USC-Notre Dame game on saturday.
I remember Charley was a Trojan fan last season, right befoe he got thrown in the can.

[kikibalt]

Chata will be going on her first fishing trip, this Thursday James, Chata, James's daughters and girlfriend, et al, will be
going up Highway 395 to the June Lake Loop for some trout fishing....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Frank . . . How is Charley doing? I was watching the USC-Notre Dame game on saturday.
I remember Charley was a Trojan fan last season, right befoe he got thrown in the can.

He has managed to stay out of jail so far.....

[kikibalt]

Frank . . . 1000 guests? I don't know what you normally draw but I believe you were well over 600 at Steven's Steakhouse this year.
I've never cared much for Steven's, but the Lodge is a lot better venue and nicer location, especially for Don Fraser.
I don't know what your goals are, but you could sell a thousand seats, I believe?


-Rick Farris

We did over 700, Rick, don't think we can do 1000, thats a tough nut to crack....

[Rick Farris]

Frank . . . 1000 guests? I don't know what you normally draw but I believe you were well over 600 at Steven's Steakhouse this year.
I've never cared much for Steven's, but the Lodge is a lot better venue and nicer location, especially for Don Fraser.
I don't know what your goals are, but you could sell a thousand seats, I believe?


-Rick Farris

We did over 700, Rick, don't think we can do 1000, thats a tough nut to crack....

Maybe so, but I can see it being bigger than ever?

[kikibalt]

Frank . . . 1000 guests? I don't know what you normally draw but I believe you were well over 600 at Steven's Steakhouse this year.
I've never cared much for Steven's, but the Lodge is a lot better venue and nicer location, especially for Don Fraser.
I don't know what your goals are, but you could sell a thousand seats, I believe?


-Rick Farris

We did over 700, Rick, don't think we can do 1000, thats a tough nut to crack....

Maybe so, but I can see it being bigger than ever?

With the right names (Inductees), maybe so...

[Randyman]

Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles vs Ernie "Indian Red" Lopez II

http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com/2009/10 ... es-vs.html

Randy

[kikibalt]

F**k, I'm down with the flu....

[Dongee]

Fellas:

Wasn't the original Sportsmen's Lodge started by Grace Lind Hayesm the mother of actor comic Peter Lind Hayes?

Just curious hap

[kikibalt]

Rick..Do you know anything about this?. What is this Alan Santana doing?

Alan Santana- Come out and hang with some of the Great Former and Current Champions of Boxing. $20.00 at the door. This Thursday night. Lynwood, Ca,. World Boxing Hall of Fame Fund Raiser,-Time:7:00PM Thursday, October 22nd

Location:Guelagetza Mexican Food Restaurant at Plaza Mexico, Lynwood, Ca

Alan Santana=- The World Boxing Hall of Fame Fundraiser This Thursday Night see wall post for more info
Alan Santana

WBHF FUNDRAISER AT THE GUELAGETZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT AT THE PLAZA MEXICO On Thursday night, at 7pm,we will have a Noche de Campeones at the Guelagetza Mexican Food Restaurant at Plaza Mexico at 11215 Long Beach Blvd. in Lynwood, Cal ph. # 310-884-9...234. Orlando Canizales, Rafael Herrera, and Brian Mitchell, along with Israel Vasquez, Rene Arredondo, Jesus Pimentel, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ruben Castillo

[Rick Farris]

Rick..Do you know anything about this?. What is this Alan Santana doing?

Alan Santana- Come out and hang with some of the Great Former and Current Champions of Boxing. $20.00 at the door. This Thursday night. Lynwood, Ca,. World Boxing Hall of Fame Fund Raiser,-Time:7:00PM Thursday, October 22nd

Location:Guelagetza Mexican Food Restaurant at Plaza Mexico, Lynwood, Ca

Alan Santana=- The World Boxing Hall of Fame Fundraiser This Thursday Night see wall post for more info
Alan Santana

WBHF FUNDRAISER AT THE GUELAGETZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT AT THE PLAZA MEXICO On Thursday night, at 7pm,we will have a Noche de Campeones at the Guelagetza Mexican Food Restaurant at Plaza Mexico at 11215 Long Beach Blvd. in Lynwood, Cal ph. # 310-884-9...234. Orlando Canizales, Rafael Herrera, and Brian Mitchell, along with Israel Vasquez, Rene Arredondo, Jesus Pimentel, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ruben Castillo

This was somebody's sudden idea for a fund raiser. I got notification yesterday. There will be nothing to publicize it.
Santana is a guy who was hired to straighten out our Web site. But it's still a mess so who knows what is going on?
Lynwood? Great choice, huh? Nothing against Lynwood but it's a bit of a drive during traffic hour from LAX.
People come to our event from around the world. Why shuttle them to a restaurant in an area just south of Watts?
Are we so inconsiderate that we not show the legends and the world something a little nicer?
You can bet I will not be there. Saturday we are going to have a great time. I especially look forward to my responsibilites for the evening.
Introducing you is my honor, and I also am happy to have the chance to be a part of Lucia Rijker's induction.
Of the four boxers inducted, one a guy I boxed with at the Main Street Gym, I prefer Lucia. Her award will start with an awesome video.
That was my job, get something special to put on screen for her award. Wait until you see what she and I came up with.
It will get everybody's attention as she'll get her award first.

[dagosd2000]

24 DOLLARS

So when we were teenagers we'd go over to Rucker's backyard and his old man would come out and throw out the gloves. Yeah Rucker's old man used to be a fighter and he taught his son a thing or two.
"So who wants to put on the gloves first?",asked the old man's son.
"Bruce,why don't you go in there with him,"I suggested.
"I'm no fighter,"said Bruce."Besides, Gary has known how to fight since he was a kid. His old man has shown him everything."

Bruce was a big guy. We were all pretty big. I remember those backyard boxing matches got plenty rough.Gary would always get the best of us,but I don't remember anyone not wanting to get in there with him.
"Look Bruce,"said Gary. "I'll fight you with only my left. Really. Only my left hand."
Bruce nodded, and then two of us were working the gloves on him.With only Gary's left hand Bruce would be no match for him anyway. We signaled go and watched how the two approaced each other. Bruce was blinking his eyes. He didn't know what to do. Suddenly,Gary throws a big right cross that lands flush on Bruce's jaw. He goes down like a busted roll of nickels. He's moaning as he rolls over.
"I thought you weren't going to use your right hand?"he gasped.
"I'm really sorry Bruce ,but you dropped that left hand and I instictively went over the top of it. It was instincts."

Gary was pretty good all right.He was tough,but kind of quiet. Married the best looking gal of our senior class,but that would be down the road. On the football field or in the backyard,we all took him on. He was tough as nails.

I remember one night we all piled into our cars.We wanted to go to Tijuana to kick up our heels. We'd always start out at the Long Bar. A big pitcher of Mexicali beer was 75 cents. Well after a few hours we had around ten empty pitchers at our tables. There were a lot of people in the Long Bar that night. Well the trough in the bathroom couldn't handle the big crowd. There was a lake of piss on the floor .That trough looked like a septic waterfall.

As tough as Gary was,he had no intentions taking a leak in that bathroom .We saw him walk outside. Figured he'd go next door to the Boom Boom Club to take care of business,whatever that was. After about a half hour Gary still hasn't returned. I walked next door to the Boom Boom and asked the doorman if he'd seen a big guy that looked like he couldn't hold his bladder. The doorman says that about a half hour ago some guy came out of the Long Bar and started peeing in the street. A cop saw him and then there were about five more coming around and the next thing you know they cart Gary off to the Tijuana jail.

Now you've heard all the stories about cops taking bribes in Tijuana. For taking a piss in the street,you went to jail.It was automatic,.The Mexicans thought that peeing in the street showed disrespect. However, after they brought you the the slammer they weren't shy about shaking you down.

Well to get Gary out was going to cost him 25 bucks. There must have been twenty of us and we didn't have 25 bucks between us. So we go begging in the street . After about 2 or 3 hours we came up with 24 dollars.
"That's enough,"I said. "Hell,he's been in there too long. Let's go to the station."
We walk the few blocks to the 8th Street Jail and tell the watch commander that we came to get Gary out,but all we had was 24 dollars.
Well the watch commander pulled my shoulder and walked me to the cells. I look inside and there were two cells. The one on the left has around 30 guys in it and the one on the right has Gary all by himself.
"Please,"pleads the watch commander. "Get your friend out of here. Please. Everytime we put someone in his cell he beats him up."
I looked at Gary. I told him we were here to get him out. He didn't look up. I think he was frothing from the mouth. His face was all red.He was breathing real hard and he was mumbling something. I decided to go back to the rest of the guys waiting outside. I told Bruce that Gary was waiting for him.

[Rick Farris]

Fellas:

Wasn't the original Sportsmen's Lodge started by Grace Lind Hayesm the mother of actor comic Peter Lind Hayes?

Just curious hap

Hap, I really don't know. It was my watering hole of late. I live around the corner, about a block away.
There was an L.A. Times feature on the Lodge shortly before it closed on January 2nd. But I forget the names mentioned.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Alan Santa Anna, Newest Director at the World Boxing Hall of Fame


By Dan Hernandez


Scheduled to fight Gabriel Ruelas (49-7 (24 KO’s), Alan Santa Anna, fighting name, Alan Santana, suffered injuries in an auto accident that ended his dream of a future world championship. His ring record according to BoxRec.com is 1-2-1, however, according to Alan and many individuals that officiated at his fights at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, Ca. believe that Alan’s record should read nine wins and one draw. They claim that BoxRec.com does not maintain a tight record on retired fighters who never achieved championship status. Alan sold out the arena on many occasions and had earned the right to fight Ruelas, a championship caliber performer and now a retired former WBC Jr. Featherweight title-holder. Regardless, Alan’s career was cut short and his championship heart has had him succeed in many fields of endeavor without relinquishing his passion for our favorite sport.

Alan, who has a long-time marriage and four beautiful children, manages to maintain multiple business ventures, a budding career in television broadcasting, and a new venture named 12 Round Championship Boxing Management and Advisor Group, managing and advising both men and women boxers with the goal of reaching championship status and providing his much needed public relation and business savvy to the professional athlete. Santa Anna has now been acknowledged for his tireless work in aiding boxers achieve their maximum success and maintaining the bulk of their earnings by being named a Director to the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Most of Alan’s time this month is committed to ensuring the success of the Hall’s 30th Annual Banquet of Champions to be held at the MARRIOTT HOTEL LAX in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 2009. Many boxing dignitaries are expected to be in attendance for this year’s affair, including this years recipients; Al Bernstein, Dr. James Jen Kim, Amilcar Brusa, Orlando Canizalez, Brian Mitchell, Rafael Herrera, and Lucia Rijker. Posthumous awards will be presented in the memory of George Dixon and Alphonse Halimi. Alan is confident that the Memorabilia and Collectables Exhibit, the autograph sessions, the dinner, and simply hobnobbing with many greats of the game that always attend these functions will guarantee a memorable day for any fan of boxing. He is urging anyone interested to call # 562-631-2680 or # 951-.202-7988 to secure their reservations. Interested parties may also log on to the Hall’s website, http://www.newwbhf.com to obtain more data or obtain their tickets via the internet. There is also a PPV availability should you not be able to be there in person and that can be purchased through the Hall’s website as well. Alan was pleased to share some of his experiences and goals in the following interview:

DH: Good morning Alan, thank you for taking the time for this interview.

Good morning, Dan I am looking forward to our communication.

DH: Is life good Alan?

Life is as good as it is going to get for now, yes.

DH: Tell me about your family.

I have one daughter and three boys. My daughter, Victoria is going to be 19 in November, my twins, Austin and Andrew are going to be 14 in October, and my youngest son Aaron is 10 years old. My wife, Annamarie and I have been married almost 24 years. I’ve been fortunate with a great family and wife.

DH: Alan, let’s start with your fighting days and move forward. You quoted your ring record of 11-0; however, BoxRec.com disagrees, why is that?

Actually, I don’t know, and the odd thing about that is I actually have the tapes to prove the record. I have all my professional fights on film. I had nine wins and one draw. My record on BoxRec.com is completely wrong. I fought at the Irvine Marriott and then the bulk of my fights were down in Redondo Beach.

DH: Your record, as I see it, was a draw versus Francisco Jimenez, a win against Albert Mora and losses to Reuben Maldonado and Francisco Jimenez.

I remember those fights and honestly, those losses were not valid. The Maldonado fight was appealed because the scoring announced was incorrect and it was changed to a win. The story on the Porter fight was that the verdict was thrown out period as a no decision.

DH: That is odd, we use BoxRec.com all the time, it’s like the bible of boxing records.

My promoter at the time was John Ellis, who is promoting the fights in Redondo Beach now. I have been involved with John for over 20 years, however, his record keeping regarding his fighters records have not always been diligent. I don’t know how to correct those errors.

DH: Your last recorded bout was in 1989, is that correct?

My last fight would have been in 1989, 1990, yes that’s right.

DH: Was that against Maldonado?

I had one fight after that one, but I can’t recall my opponents’ name.

DH: Was there any noteworthy names in the nine wins you show?

I don’t believe there was anyone that went on to win any titles or register big wins.

DH: Hey, it’s been awhile, I have trouble remembering what happened yesterday so I can understand. Tell me about your amateur career.

I had 149 amateur fights with 141 wins. The eight losses came in tournaments, national competitions.

DH: What titles did you hold in the amateurs?

I won a Golden Glove Tournament; I’m going to say late 1977 and the Diamond Belt tournament in California and many local titles. I represented the United States boxing team in international competition. I had numerous titles and I used to have trophies all over my house. I went to the ‘84 Olympic Trials and lost there. I fought professionally and as an amateur in the featherweight ranks.

DH: Do you recall a few of your fellow Olympians?

I can recollect on the Team was my good friend Paul Gonzalez, Paul Banke, Henry Tillman, Hector Lopez, and Ricky Romero. Ricky was another guy that went on to have a very good professional career. Paul Gonzalez and I actually became friends when we were fighting on the boxing team. Paul became an Olympic champion but never quite got a title in the pros.

DH: I remember Paul very well. Didn’t he have a problem with his hands?

Yes, he had fragile hands, he was a great fighter but his hands just didn’t hold up. He could have been De La Hoya; he had the looks, the charisma, and the talent, nevertheless, his hands just couldn’t get strong enough.

DH: Did you start your boxing training as a young boy?

I put my first pair of gloves on, which I’m looking at right now, when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I keep them on my wall.

DH: Was your father a boxer also?

My father was a professional fighter and I didn’t find that out until later in life.

DH: Your dad didn’t tell about being a boxer? What was he doing as your were growing up?

As a kid, I remember my dad was a semi-professional baseball player; he is a very athletic man. I remember going to watch him play baseball as a little boy. That was a lot of fun and I have good memories of that time. My father had numerous jobs then he became a paving contractor.

DH: When did you find out that your dad had been a professional boxer?

That happened later when I was about 16 or 17 years old when I walked into the Broadway Gym, on 108th and Broadway in Los Angeles. I walked in and didn’t really know anyone, except my trainers, and a gentleman came up to me and said that I looked just like my father. I was amazed that my dad was known in these circles and then he spoke of my dad as a fighter. I still have a great relationship with my dad, but he had never shared that part of his life. The neat thing for me was that boxing came very easy.

DH: How old were you when you fought in the Trials?

That was back in 1984 so I was probably 23 or 24 years old. I stayed amateur a little longer after the Olympics and did not turn professional until I was 27.

DH: You loved boxing, then you stopped. What happened?

I was involved in an auto accident in 1990 that ended my career. It was a pretty serious accident and it messed up my back and threw my shoulder out. The doctors told me that my boxing career was done. I had just signed to fight Gabe Ruelas, it was the fight I had been hoping to get.

DH: How did you take that?

Very hard, when you do something pretty much all your life and you have so much invested and it’s taken away from you, it’s tough. I wasn’t able to walk away from the fight game on my terms. I did it because I was forced into retirement.

DH: Did you do anything irrational?

No, I was married and happy. Soon after we had our daughter Victoria.

DH: Being married and having your first child eased the pain of losing boxing, is that right?

Yes, it did, plus I had my first business going and that helped me take my mind off boxing. I started a paving company while I had been boxing, and was helping my father with his company while establishing my own. I have now Santana Companies Inc, and I have Bay City Paving Company. These companies have been doing well since 1989. These businesses are focused in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

DH: I understand that you are involved in many other areas.

I’ve got my hands into a few other things (Laughs).

DH: You must have very large hands, what else do you do Alan?

I’m involved with a company out of Las Vegas, Nevada, by the name of VM Direct, it is an internet service that allows you to stream video live over the internet and communicate with people on a business-to-business format. Anyone can find out more information by viewing my VM website; http://www.attainresponse.com/santana.

DH: Has this VM connection aided your boxing endeavors?

Yes, it has opened other doors in the boxing arena. It has allowed me to be in boxing again as a commentator with John Ellis Promotions. I’ve been able to sit at ringside and have done commentary and was just recently voted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as a Director, and that has opened other doors.

DH: Had you left boxing for a bit?

I always stayed in touch with boxing after about a 5 year hiatus. The first 5 years away from the ring was particularly difficult and I would get very upset about not being able to continue in my quest for a professional title. I would get very emotional when I watched a fight and had to walk away for that period of time. Even at this age, once you’re a fighter, I know guys that are 60 or 60 years old and they still want to get in the ring.

DH: When were you born?

October 9, 1961

DH: I’m not going to buy you a present, I just want to know.

(Laughter) Yes, I’m 48 and I know I’ll never fight again.

DH: Does this VM Enterprises have all that you’re looking for?

I think what it offers people is the ability for all businesses to stream their events live over the internet. It is very cost-effective, I tell promoters that they can pay as little as $100.00 per month and they can stream their fights live over the internet. It is an amazing opportunity for any business to advertise their product or promotion locally, nationally, and worldwide. They can set this up as a public, private, or PPV event and it allows them to instill advertising completely around the site. Therefore, they can sell advertising space in addition to promoting their service or product.

DH: Is this service currently in effect or is it coming?

It is up and running now! This Hall of Fame event is the first venture in the boxing venue and we are very excited. To this point, there have been live concerts, and public speaking events in successful PPV endeavors. It is set up through PayPal and any person that wants to view the event will be able to purchase via this outlet. The consumer than receives a code that they register on the computer and receive the desired programming.

DH: Is the Redondo Beach fight card an ongoing promotion?

Yes, they are planning on having a good card once monthly. The first two events have featured the comeback of Lance “Mount” Whitaker and he is looking very good. The next card is scheduled for November 7, 2009. Mount is fighting former world heavyweight champion Oliver McCall in Las Vegas soon and we all wish him well.

DH: Do you have any other plans or goals in the boxing business?

I am very interested in the VM Direct Company and the streaming video and in addition, things develop. I received a call last night from a gentleman named Terry Hilton who requested that I interview Al Bernstein live on film for the HOF Banquet, this filming would take place on Thursday, October 22, just prior to the event. I will meet with both men at the Marriott that day to complete the interview in honor of Al Bernstein’s induction. Plus, I’ll be at the Banquet all day interviewing present and past boxing greats and dignitaries. This will be streamed via the internet via VM Direct.

DH: Who is expected to attend?

Al Bernstein, Lucia Rijker, Orlando Canizalez, and virtually a who’s who of boxing. In the past people like George Foreman, Ken Norton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Emile Griffith, Terry Norris, and people of that caliber have attended. I’ve seen Oscar De La Hoya there, the great Alexis Arguello was there, and it is a truly respected event. The boxing community, for the most part, is like one big family and this is our time to enjoy together.

DH: Who is the current President of the Hall of Fame?

Armando Muniz, and he was a great fighter and it’s funny that Armando actually was the commentator at my first professional fight. It’s a small world and it’s funny.

DH: Is there anything that you would like to add?
One of my main objectives for boxing is to bring the luster back. I feel it has somehow lost that due to the competition; like MMA. I would just love to be instrumental in helping boxing get back to its glory days. I have just begun advising fighters in trying to clean them up and secure their tomorrows. Image is very important to a fighter and if you saw the interview with Chris Arreola after his loss to Klitschko and I understand that he was emotional but he started saying the “F” bomb there and kept saying it. I don’t feel that is very professional, he had a unique opportunity in fighting for a world title and he diminished his showing. If I can affect one fighter and change his image then I’ve done my job in helping him along. It goes back to my fighting days; I always tried to carry myself in a professional way. I wore suits and ties to press conferences and spoke with courtesy and for all audiences. It has helped me tremendously in my later careers

[Rick Farris]

Alan Santa Anna, Newest Director at the World Boxing Hall of Fame


By Dan Hernandez


Scheduled to fight Gabriel Ruelas (49-7 (24 KO’s), Alan Santa Anna, fighting name, Alan Santana, suffered injuries in an auto accident that ended his dream of a future world championship. His ring record according to BoxRec.com is 1-2-1, however, according to Alan and many individuals that officiated at his fights at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, Ca. believe that Alan’s record should read nine wins and one draw. They claim that BoxRec.com does not maintain a tight record on retired fighters who never achieved championship status. Alan sold out the arena on many occasions and had earned the right to fight Ruelas, a championship caliber performer and now a retired former WBC Jr. Featherweight title-holder. Regardless, Alan’s career was cut short and his championship heart has had him succeed in many fields of endeavor without relinquishing his passion for our favorite sport.

Alan, who has a long-time marriage and four beautiful children, manages to maintain multiple business ventures, a budding career in television broadcasting, and a new venture named 12 Round Championship Boxing Management and Advisor Group, managing and advising both men and women boxers with the goal of reaching championship status and providing his much needed public relation and business savvy to the professional athlete. Santa Anna has now been acknowledged for his tireless work in aiding boxers achieve their maximum success and maintaining the bulk of their earnings by being named a Director to the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Most of Alan’s time this month is committed to ensuring the success of the Hall’s 30th Annual Banquet of Champions to be held at the MARRIOTT HOTEL LAX in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 2009. Many boxing dignitaries are expected to be in attendance for this year’s affair, including this years recipients; Al Bernstein, Dr. James Jen Kim, Amilcar Brusa, Orlando Canizalez, Brian Mitchell, Rafael Herrera, and Lucia Rijker. Posthumous awards will be presented in the memory of George Dixon and Alphonse Halimi. Alan is confident that the Memorabilia and Collectables Exhibit, the autograph sessions, the dinner, and simply hobnobbing with many greats of the game that always attend these functions will guarantee a memorable day for any fan of boxing. He is urging anyone interested to call # 562-631-2680 or # 951-.202-7988 to secure their reservations. Interested parties may also log on to the Hall’s website, http://www.newwbhf.com to obtain more data or obtain their tickets via the internet. There is also a PPV availability should you not be able to be there in person and that can be purchased through the Hall’s website as well. Alan was pleased to share some of his experiences and goals in the following interview:

DH: Good morning Alan, thank you for taking the time for this interview.

Good morning, Dan I am looking forward to our communication.

DH: Is life good Alan?

Life is as good as it is going to get for now, yes.

DH: Tell me about your family.

I have one daughter and three boys. My daughter, Victoria is going to be 19 in November, my twins, Austin and Andrew are going to be 14 in October, and my youngest son Aaron is 10 years old. My wife, Annamarie and I have been married almost 24 years. I’ve been fortunate with a great family and wife.

DH: Alan, let’s start with your fighting days and move forward. You quoted your ring record of 11-0; however, BoxRec.com disagrees, why is that?

Actually, I don’t know, and the odd thing about that is I actually have the tapes to prove the record. I have all my professional fights on film. I had nine wins and one draw. My record on BoxRec.com is completely wrong. I fought at the Irvine Marriott and then the bulk of my fights were down in Redondo Beach.

DH: Your record, as I see it, was a draw versus Francisco Jimenez, a win against Albert Mora and losses to Reuben Maldonado and Francisco Jimenez.

I remember those fights and honestly, those losses were not valid. The Maldonado fight was appealed because the scoring announced was incorrect and it was changed to a win. The story on the Porter fight was that the verdict was thrown out period as a no decision.

DH: That is odd, we use BoxRec.com all the time, it’s like the bible of boxing records.

My promoter at the time was John Ellis, who is promoting the fights in Redondo Beach now. I have been involved with John for over 20 years, however, his record keeping regarding his fighters records have not always been diligent. I don’t know how to correct those errors.

DH: Your last recorded bout was in 1989, is that correct?

My last fight would have been in 1989, 1990, yes that’s right.

DH: Was that against Maldonado?

I had one fight after that one, but I can’t recall my opponents’ name.

DH: Was there any noteworthy names in the nine wins you show?

I don’t believe there was anyone that went on to win any titles or register big wins.

DH: Hey, it’s been awhile, I have trouble remembering what happened yesterday so I can understand. Tell me about your amateur career.

I had 149 amateur fights with 141 wins. The eight losses came in tournaments, national competitions.

DH: What titles did you hold in the amateurs?

I won a Golden Glove Tournament; I’m going to say late 1977 and the Diamond Belt tournament in California and many local titles. I represented the United States boxing team in international competition. I had numerous titles and I used to have trophies all over my house. I went to the ‘84 Olympic Trials and lost there. I fought professionally and as an amateur in the featherweight ranks.

DH: Do you recall a few of your fellow Olympians?

I can recollect on the Team was my good friend Paul Gonzalez, Paul Banke, Henry Tillman, Hector Lopez, and Ricky Romero. Ricky was another guy that went on to have a very good professional career. Paul Gonzalez and I actually became friends when we were fighting on the boxing team. Paul became an Olympic champion but never quite got a title in the pros.

DH: I remember Paul very well. Didn’t he have a problem with his hands?

Yes, he had fragile hands, he was a great fighter but his hands just didn’t hold up. He could have been De La Hoya; he had the looks, the charisma, and the talent, nevertheless, his hands just couldn’t get strong enough.

DH: Did you start your boxing training as a young boy?

I put my first pair of gloves on, which I’m looking at right now, when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I keep them on my wall.

DH: Was your father a boxer also?

My father was a professional fighter and I didn’t find that out until later in life.

DH: Your dad didn’t tell about being a boxer? What was he doing as your were growing up?

As a kid, I remember my dad was a semi-professional baseball player; he is a very athletic man. I remember going to watch him play baseball as a little boy. That was a lot of fun and I have good memories of that time. My father had numerous jobs then he became a paving contractor.

DH: When did you find out that your dad had been a professional boxer?

That happened later when I was about 16 or 17 years old when I walked into the Broadway Gym, on 108th and Broadway in Los Angeles. I walked in and didn’t really know anyone, except my trainers, and a gentleman came up to me and said that I looked just like my father. I was amazed that my dad was known in these circles and then he spoke of my dad as a fighter. I still have a great relationship with my dad, but he had never shared that part of his life. The neat thing for me was that boxing came very easy.

DH: How old were you when you fought in the Trials?

That was back in 1984 so I was probably 23 or 24 years old. I stayed amateur a little longer after the Olympics and did not turn professional until I was 27.

DH: You loved boxing, then you stopped. What happened?

I was involved in an auto accident in 1990 that ended my career. It was a pretty serious accident and it messed up my back and threw my shoulder out. The doctors told me that my boxing career was done. I had just signed to fight Gabe Ruelas, it was the fight I had been hoping to get.

DH: How did you take that?

Very hard, when you do something pretty much all your life and you have so much invested and it’s taken away from you, it’s tough. I wasn’t able to walk away from the fight game on my terms. I did it because I was forced into retirement.

DH: Did you do anything irrational?

No, I was married and happy. Soon after we had our daughter Victoria.

DH: Being married and having your first child eased the pain of losing boxing, is that right?

Yes, it did, plus I had my first business going and that helped me take my mind off boxing. I started a paving company while I had been boxing, and was helping my father with his company while establishing my own. I have now Santana Companies Inc, and I have Bay City Paving Company. These companies have been doing well since 1989. These businesses are focused in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

DH: I understand that you are involved in many other areas.

I’ve got my hands into a few other things (Laughs).

DH: You must have very large hands, what else do you do Alan?

I’m involved with a company out of Las Vegas, Nevada, by the name of VM Direct, it is an internet service that allows you to stream video live over the internet and communicate with people on a business-to-business format. Anyone can find out more information by viewing my VM website; http://www.attainresponse.com/santana.

DH: Has this VM connection aided your boxing endeavors?

Yes, it has opened other doors in the boxing arena. It has allowed me to be in boxing again as a commentator with John Ellis Promotions. I’ve been able to sit at ringside and have done commentary and was just recently voted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as a Director, and that has opened other doors.

DH: Had you left boxing for a bit?

I always stayed in touch with boxing after about a 5 year hiatus. The first 5 years away from the ring was particularly difficult and I would get very upset about not being able to continue in my quest for a professional title. I would get very emotional when I watched a fight and had to walk away for that period of time. Even at this age, once you’re a fighter, I know guys that are 60 or 60 years old and they still want to get in the ring.

DH: When were you born?

October 9, 1961

DH: I’m not going to buy you a present, I just want to know.

(Laughter) Yes, I’m 48 and I know I’ll never fight again.

DH: Does this VM Enterprises have all that you’re looking for?

I think what it offers people is the ability for all businesses to stream their events live over the internet. It is very cost-effective, I tell promoters that they can pay as little as $100.00 per month and they can stream their fights live over the internet. It is an amazing opportunity for any business to advertise their product or promotion locally, nationally, and worldwide. They can set this up as a public, private, or PPV event and it allows them to instill advertising completely around the site. Therefore, they can sell advertising space in addition to promoting their service or product.

DH: Is this service currently in effect or is it coming?

It is up and running now! This Hall of Fame event is the first venture in the boxing venue and we are very excited. To this point, there have been live concerts, and public speaking events in successful PPV endeavors. It is set up through PayPal and any person that wants to view the event will be able to purchase via this outlet. The consumer than receives a code that they register on the computer and receive the desired programming.

DH: Is the Redondo Beach fight card an ongoing promotion?

Yes, they are planning on having a good card once monthly. The first two events have featured the comeback of Lance “Mount” Whitaker and he is looking very good. The next card is scheduled for November 7, 2009. Mount is fighting former world heavyweight champion Oliver McCall in Las Vegas soon and we all wish him well.

DH: Do you have any other plans or goals in the boxing business?

I am very interested in the VM Direct Company and the streaming video and in addition, things develop. I received a call last night from a gentleman named Terry Hilton who requested that I interview Al Bernstein live on film for the HOF Banquet, this filming would take place on Thursday, October 22, just prior to the event. I will meet with both men at the Marriott that day to complete the interview in honor of Al Bernstein’s induction. Plus, I’ll be at the Banquet all day interviewing present and past boxing greats and dignitaries. This will be streamed via the internet via VM Direct.

DH: Who is expected to attend?

Al Bernstein, Lucia Rijker, Orlando Canizalez, and virtually a who’s who of boxing. In the past people like George Foreman, Ken Norton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Emile Griffith, Terry Norris, and people of that caliber have attended. I’ve seen Oscar De La Hoya there, the great Alexis Arguello was there, and it is a truly respected event. The boxing community, for the most part, is like one big family and this is our time to enjoy together.

DH: Who is the current President of the Hall of Fame?

Armando Muniz, and he was a great fighter and it’s funny that Armando actually was the commentator at my first professional fight. It’s a small world and it’s funny.

DH: Is there anything that you would like to add?
One of my main objectives for boxing is to bring the luster back. I feel it has somehow lost that due to the competition; like MMA. I would just love to be instrumental in helping boxing get back to its glory days. I have just begun advising fighters in trying to clean them up and secure their tomorrows. Image is very important to a fighter and if you saw the interview with Chris Arreola after his loss to Klitschko and I understand that he was emotional but he started saying the “F” bomb there and kept saying it. I don’t feel that is very professional, he had a unique opportunity in fighting for a world title and he diminished his showing. If I can affect one fighter and change his image then I’ve done my job in helping him along. It goes back to my fighting days; I always tried to carry myself in a professional way. I wore suits and ties to press conferences and spoke with courtesy and for all audiences. It has helped me tremendously in my later careers

I think it's great inducting Al Bernstein in the expanded catagory for broadcasters & announcers, but he really should follow the boxers in the overall picture of Hall of Fame induction.
Al is an announcer, and a very good one, but it's about THE BOXERS!
As for Mr. Santa Anna . . . In the words of Sly & The Family Stone . . . . "Everybody is a star . . ."

[kikibalt]

Rick...I had never heard of Alan Santana until I seen some of his posting on facebook, then Dan Hernandez send me this interview, reading the interview you would think Santan was a great fighter, I thought I knew all the fighters, pro and amateur, from that era, I guess I was wrong...

[Rick Farris]

This Saturday night . . .

I'll be bringing with me Greg Patterson, a cameraman who shoots interviews with Dan Hanley and I.
Greg will shoot video footage of Frank's "Johnny Flores Award" and perhaps we can put it on YouTube. He'll also shoot some still photos.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Rick...I had never heard of Alan Santana until I seen some of his posting on facebook, then Dan Hernandez send me this interview, reading the interview you would think Santan was a great fighter, I thought I knew all the fighters, pro and amateur, from that era, I guess I was wrong...

Frank . . . Everything is upside down in boxing today. Next year he will likely be inducted

[telboy66]

if this is the guy here's his record boxer: Allan Santana
Global ID 74200
sex male
division featherweight
nationality United States
residence Redondo Beach, California, United States
won 1 (KO 0) + lost 2 (KO 1) + drawn 1 = 4

[kikibalt]

if this is the guy here's his record boxer: Allan Santana
Global ID 74200
sex male
division featherweight
nationality United States
residence Redondo Beach, California, United States
won 1 (KO 0) + lost 2 (KO 1) + drawn 1 = 4

Thats him, but he says thats not his true record, who knows....

[Rick Farris]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all your support!

FYI, the Pasadena City Council will be meeting on Monday, October 26, at 6:30, at the Pasadena City Hall (2nd floor southeast part of the building) to vote on whether the Canto Robledo Memorial Wall Relief at Villa Park will be approved. The meeting is an open forum and you are invited to participate to show you support and to speak on behalf of the Canto project.

This is the 15th round and we want to make sure we win by knock out, so come and join the title fight!!

If you need more information please feel free to call me at (626) 422-1908.


Muchas Gracias,

Joseph Canto Robledo

[Rick Farris]

Things don't just happen . . .

People make them happen. If you want something, you best do something about it.
Things just don't appear and put you where you want to be, usually just the opposite.
Stars are not born (neither are boxers), they are made. Some may be born with a natural instinct, but boxing is a learned art.
Your paycheck doesn't just come in the mail, you have to make that happen by doing something.

These are lessons that should be taught to children immediatly. It's up to you kid, hope you have some help, good luck.
If people live adulthood waiting for that magic moment, or for things to just take care of themselves, they will, but not to one's liking.
I've experienced both realities first hand.
When I sought something passionatly, I always achieved my goals.
When I sat back and waited, all I did was wait.

I don't know why I'm writing this, but I think it relates to the concept of getting things done before necessary.
If you'll notice, The California Boxing Hall of Fame recently had their annual event. No sooner had the party ended, 2010's event is being prepared.
The Venue is secure. Inductees are being selected. There is years of organizational experience. Remember, Don Fraser isn't just a boxing man, he's a promoter, old school PR.
Although Don himself admits that newspaper coverage is no longer what it once was, he still knows how to bring an event together. And he's got Frank.

Our WBHOF event will be great this saturday because it will be "our event" as well as the boxing world's.
I can't wait to sit with all you guys and have some laughs. We, our Boxrec group, will leave it's mark on the 30th Annual World Boxing Hall of Fame event.
The program will feature Rog's art on the cover, a photo-bio of Frank and his award. My photo-bio, Dan Hanley's photo, Young Firpo's name where it should be, Rog's mug as well.
And I fixed the "Honor Roll". History has been served.
I submitted a group pic of a few of us in the pub after last years event. Don't know if it got in before the printing?
This program will be archived permanently at:

The United States Historical Society
200 Maryland Ave. Washington, D.C. 20515

Bancroft Library, University of California
Berkley, Calif. 94720

Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, Calif. 90007


We've come along way in twenty months.

[scartissue]

Hey, guys, I'm here in sunny Cal. Met up with a couple of guys already. They're taking off to a Mexican restaurant for a sort of benefit. I was invited but declined due to Pops a wee bit tired from the travel. Looking forward to meeting up with you guys tomorrow.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Hey, guys, I'm here in sunny Cal. Met up with a couple of guys already. They're taking off to a Mexican restaurant for a sort of benefit. I was invited but declined due to Pops a wee bit tired from the travel. Looking forward to meeting up with you guys tomorrow.

Scartissue

Dan . . . I'll hook up with you manana!


-Ricardo