Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

R.I.P. Lou Filippo...

I remember watching Lou Filippo on TV reffing the fights. He was a mainstay in Los Angeles boxing. My sympathies with his family.

[scartissue]

Lou Fillipo passed away today.

Rest in Peace Lou.



By the way, Dan Hanley and I interviewed Lou on camera exactly two years ago. At the time, he had just lost his wife.


-Rick Farris

Rick, I too thought about the interview while reading about Lou, God rest him. Do you realize that's two interviewees gone since we did that? Man, time is fleeting and it makes me realize how we have to get these old pugs on film before their day is done.

Scartissue

[kikibalt]

Six-month ban for Arreola

American in the dock following foul language

3rd November 2009
.
Arreola: Six-month ban

..American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been banned from the sport for six months by the World Boxing Council.

The punishment comes after the 28-year-old was found guilty of swearing in the aftermath of his stoppage defeat to Vitali Klitschko on September 26.

Arreola, who harbours hopes of becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage, was in an emotional state after his corner had stopped the fight after the 10th round.

After being reduced to tears by the outcome, the Californian fighter was later heard using industrial language to express his intent to hit back following the defeat.

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman took a very dim view of the use of a swear word in Arreola's post-fight interview, and on Tuesday proposed he be banned from competing for six months.

The WBC's board of governors approved the sanction at the body's annual convention in Jeju, South Korea and the ban will be backdated to the fight night.

[Rick Farris]

Six-month ban for Arreola

American in the dock following foul language

3rd November 2009
.
Arreola: Six-month ban

..American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been banned from the sport for six months by the World Boxing Council.

The punishment comes after the 28-year-old was found guilty of swearing in the aftermath of his stoppage defeat to Vitali Klitschko on September 26.

Arreola, who harbours hopes of becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage, was in an emotional state after his corner had stopped the fight after the 10th round.

After being reduced to tears by the outcome, the Californian fighter was later heard using industrial language to express his intent to hit back following the defeat.

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman took a very dim view of the use of a swear word in Arreola's post-fight interview, and on Tuesday proposed he be banned from competing for six months.

The WBC's board of governors approved the sanction at the body's annual convention in Jeju, South Korea and the ban will be backdated to the fight night.

No Class?

OK, Chris Arreola has no class. I'm not so pure as to be upset over his post fight rantings, it just made me think he was stupid.
Still, the guy wasn't trying to hurt anybody with his words, he just couldn't control his emotions.
This is an easy fix, penalize the guy that forgot to enroll Chris in charm school prior to his first title shot.
They want you to fight like a violent animal, and then want sweet & innocent talk after his dream was just shattered.
Some people just don't know how to act, they weren't taught. Arreola needs to be educated, but I'm sure Sulaiman has another agenda.
Tell a guy like Chris that he gets docked five thousand for every foul word, he'll choose his words better- next time. Five grand buys a lot of Budweiser.
Now at a time when this man needs to be active (which is better for boxing) some genius penalizes boxing fans.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Bobo Olson, Manager Sid Flaherty & Maurice Harper

Circa 1954

[kikibalt]

Six-month ban for Arreola

American in the dock following foul language

3rd November 2009
.
Arreola: Six-month ban

..American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been banned from the sport for six months by the World Boxing Council.

The punishment comes after the 28-year-old was found guilty of swearing in the aftermath of his stoppage defeat to Vitali Klitschko on September 26.

Arreola, who harbours hopes of becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage, was in an emotional state after his corner had stopped the fight after the 10th round.

After being reduced to tears by the outcome, the Californian fighter was later heard using industrial language to express his intent to hit back following the defeat.

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman took a very dim view of the use of a swear word in Arreola's post-fight interview, and on Tuesday proposed he be banned from competing for six months.

The WBC's board of governors approved the sanction at the body's annual convention in Jeju, South Korea and the ban will be backdated to the fight night.

No Class?

OK, Chris Arreola has no class. I'm not so pure as to be upset over his post fight rantings, it just made me think he was stupid.
Still, the guy wasn't trying to hurt anybody with his words, he just couldn't control his emotions.
This is an easy fix, penalize the guy that forgot to enroll Chris in charm school prior to his first title shot.
They want you to fight like a violent animal, and then want sweet & innocent talk after his dream was just shattered.
Some people just don't know how to act, they weren't taught. Arreola needs to be educated, but I'm sure Sulaiman has another agenda.
Tell a guy like Chris that he gets docked five thousand for every foul word, he'll choose his words better- next time. Five grand buys a lot of Budweiser.
Now at a time when this man needs to be active (which is better for boxing) some genius penalizes boxing fans.


-Rick Farris

My boys would have had hell to pay if they spoken after a fight like Arreola did, Connie would have knock the hell out of them and I would have help her....

[Rick Farris]

Six-month ban for Arreola

American in the dock following foul language

3rd November 2009
.
Arreola: Six-month ban

..American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been banned from the sport for six months by the World Boxing Council.

The punishment comes after the 28-year-old was found guilty of swearing in the aftermath of his stoppage defeat to Vitali Klitschko on September 26.

Arreola, who harbours hopes of becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage, was in an emotional state after his corner had stopped the fight after the 10th round.

After being reduced to tears by the outcome, the Californian fighter was later heard using industrial language to express his intent to hit back following the defeat.

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman took a very dim view of the use of a swear word in Arreola's post-fight interview, and on Tuesday proposed he be banned from competing for six months.

The WBC's board of governors approved the sanction at the body's annual convention in Jeju, South Korea and the ban will be backdated to the fight night.

No Class?

OK, Chris Arreola has no class. I'm not so pure as to be upset over his post fight rantings, it just made me think he was stupid.
Still, the guy wasn't trying to hurt anybody with his words, he just couldn't control his emotions.
This is an easy fix, penalize the guy that forgot to enroll Chris in charm school prior to his first title shot.
They want you to fight like a violent animal, and then want sweet & innocent talk after his dream was just shattered.
Some people just don't know how to act, they weren't taught. Arreola needs to be educated, but I'm sure Sulaiman has another agenda.
Tell a guy like Chris that he gets docked five thousand for every foul word, he'll choose his words better- next time. Five grand buys a lot of Budweiser.
Now at a time when this man needs to be active (which is better for boxing) some genius penalizes boxing fans.


-Rick Farris

My boys would have had hell to pay if they spoken after a fight like Arreola did, Connie would have knock the hell out of them and I would have help her....

Arreola wasn't raised in your house, Frank. Your boys have charactor, Arreola is a charactor, a sad one.

[Rick Farris]

Bobo Olson, Manager Sid Flaherty & Maurice Harper

Circa 1954

Carl "Bobo" Olsen

birth date 1928-07-11
death date 2002-01-16
middleweight
alias Carl Olson
residence Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
birth place Honolulu, HI, USA
birth name Carl Olson
stance orthodox
height 5′ 10½″ / 179cm
won 97 (KO 47) + lost 16 (KO 7) + drawn 2 = 115
rounds boxed 870 KO

[Expug]

Six-month ban for Arreola

American in the dock following foul language

3rd November 2009
.
Arreola: Six-month ban

..American heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been banned from the sport for six months by the World Boxing Council.

The punishment comes after the 28-year-old was found guilty of swearing in the aftermath of his stoppage defeat to Vitali Klitschko on September 26.

Arreola, who harbours hopes of becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican heritage, was in an emotional state after his corner had stopped the fight after the 10th round.

After being reduced to tears by the outcome, the Californian fighter was later heard using industrial language to express his intent to hit back following the defeat.

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman took a very dim view of the use of a swear word in Arreola's post-fight interview, and on Tuesday proposed he be banned from competing for six months.

The WBC's board of governors approved the sanction at the body's annual convention in Jeju, South Korea and the ban will be backdated to the fight night.

No Class?

OK, Chris Arreola has no class. I'm not so pure as to be upset over his post fight rantings, it just made me think he was stupid.
Still, the guy wasn't trying to hurt anybody with his words, he just couldn't control his emotions.
This is an easy fix, penalize the guy that forgot to enroll Chris in charm school prior to his first title shot.
They want you to fight like a violent animal, and then want sweet & innocent talk after his dream was just shattered.
Some people just don't know how to act, they weren't taught. Arreola needs to be educated, but I'm sure Sulaiman has another agenda.
Tell a guy like Chris that he gets docked five thousand for every foul word, he'll choose his words better- next time. Five grand buys a lot of Budweiser.
Now at a time when this man needs to be active (which is better for boxing) some genius penalizes boxing fans.


-Rick Farris

Reminds me of something.
After my last fight which was ruled a draw, I let out a four letter word out of disgust with myself.
It was in the ring when the ref was raising both my opponennt and my hand. It was not something I would normaly do but I was dissapointed.
After letting it fly, I looked down at ringside and my Grandmother was sitting there staring daggers at me.
Shed heard it before, she was a Chicago Cop, but nevertheless...

[dagosd2000]

LOSING WINNING

I knew I'd had it as a football coach when losing wasn't such a big deal anymore. I didn't like it if I saw a player not give it his all,but that was very seldom. I figured both teams practiced hard during the week to prepare for the game. Someone had to win. Someone had to lose. If a player dropped a pass or a lineman missed a block,they didn't do it on purpose. Those kids felt bad if something like that happened. It got so after the game it didn't matter to me any more if we won or lost. I knew it was time to walk away.

A fighter who rants and raves after losing is not there yet. He's young. In Arreola's case,he was getting the crap beat out of him. He was probably mad at himself. So what's the big deal? You made some money. You'll never beat Klitschko on your best night. There are more important things in life.

Depression goes hand in hand with losing sometimes. We lose a lot along the way. People we love. We worry about the health of ones that are close. If we can believe that the sun rises each morning we'll make it to the end winning something.

[kikibalt]

[dagosd2000]

A SONG FROM SOMEWHERE

A few weeks ago I bugged out from work to head up to San Juan Capistrano. I have a buddy,Kenny, who'd been hospalized for four months due to open heart surgery and a dirty pancreas. It was tough on him,but he was finally released to go home. For a while it was touch and go . The doctors told his wife there was a chance he might not recover. But he did, and now his wife put together a little luncheon for him at the El Adobe Restaurant in San Jusn Capistrano near where he lives. His wife called some of his old team mates to see if they could make it up to the restaurant and make Kenny feel at home. I rode the Coaster from the Santa Fe Station in San Diego to the San Juan Capistrano station. I got there early. The stop is right near the El Adobe and in front of the old mission. Since I had some time,I walked over to the mission.

It was a Monday and there wasn't much of a crown around. A few old people. Some Asians with their big cameras. Somehow none of the visitors surprised me. It was sunny and warm and bright. The sponteneaity of going to the mission made me feel comfortable. I hadn't been there in years. I had forgotten what the place looked like.

I slowly walked around the compound. The soldiers quarters with the wood beds. The pottery yard. A lena in the cooking area. A lot of Indian artifacts. Arrow heads. Beads and shawls. Even a teepee.. I especially liked looking at the gardens. I went inside the gift shop. There was an old lady dressed in pastels behind the counter. I was the only person, besides her, inside. I bought a souvenier coin with an image of the mission for my grandson Adam. The old lady smiled softly at me . Her hand was shaking. I think she had what they call Saint Vitas Dance.

As I was headed to the exit I caught sight of the church out of the corner of my eye. I walked through the door. There was a bowl of holy water. I dipped my finger in and crossed myself. In front of the pews were rows of candles. A few were lit.Their flames wavering. I lit a candle for everyone in my family. I sat at the end of a pew. I was the only person inside.

Everything was old and simple. The church was small. The altar not overadorned. A breeze came in through a side door. i could see the haze through the sunlight. There was Gragorian Benedictine music being played . I couldn't see where it was coming from.

I was raised a Catholic when I was a kid. I was an altar boy and felt much guilt. I couldn't see how anyone could be a priest. In the small church by myself I felt like I never wanted to leave,but I knew that I had to get to the luncheon for my friend. As I left the church I looked to see where the Benedictine music was coming from. I couldn't see any speakers or wires. It wasn't important anyway.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MbDqc3x97k

Benedictine Chants

[Rick Farris]

"Boxer" . . .

Does anybody remember this guy?
Our paths crossed a few years back.
He was living in the streets on Los Angeles skid row. His street name was "Boxer".
His best friend was a glass pipe.
He's in and out of L.A. County. Whenever Boxer has been released from jail, he begins to feel excitement in the moments before he steps onto the street.
He knows that within minutes, he will be reunited with the pipe.
After days, weeks, or months in custody, his body is clean of drugs. He's been thinking about that "first hit" for days.
When he takes it, he'll get the jolt he wants, then the cycle repeats itself once again.
In his fifties, too many punches and too much crack have altered his mind.
He's paranoid, he'll throw punches if provoked.
"Yeah, I knock out Henry Tillman. He beat Tyson." He smiles, his features soften, he transforms into something different as he recalls boxing.
A stranger interupts, and Boxer puts the mask back on. The face tightens, the eyes dart side-to-side, he clenches his fists.
The intruder moves away. The game face softens once again, but not for long.
He pulls the glass stem from his pocket and and fills it with rock cocaine.
He holds the lighter to the pipe and the rock crackles as it evaporates into smoke. Boxer sucks it into his lungs and holds it in for several seconds.
When he exales his eyes glass over and he jumps to his feet. "Hey, can you take me down to 7th & Alameda?"
I told him I was working with a film company, I didn't have my car. "Yeah, OK." he said.
He turned and walks away.
__________________________________________________________________



boxer: Dwain Bonds

birth date 1953-05-11
division
heavyweight
residence Detroit, Michigan, United States
won 14 (KO 8) + lost 17 (KO 9) + drawn 2 = 33
rounds boxed 187 KO% 24.24




1991-04-02 200 Jimmy Ellis 223 15-0-1
Country Club, Reseda, California, United States L KO 2
1990-08-24 Jerry Halstead 228 68-7-1
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States L KO 4
1988-07-27 210 Orlin Norris 214 18-1-0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, United States L UD 12 12
~ referee: James Jen-Kin | judge: Vince Delgado 111-118 | judge: Chuck Hassett 110-119 | judge: Dave McCullough 111-117 ~
~ NABF heavyweight title ~

1987-11-20 220½ Henry Tillman 26½ 17-2-0
Showboat Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W TKO 8 10
~ referee: Davey Pearl ~
Corner retirement. Tillman down in 1st and twice in 7th

1987-10-15 215 ST Gordon 194 24-6-0
El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California, United States W TKO 1 8
~ time: 0:49 | referee: Frank Rustich ~

1987-10-02 Mike Gans 11-5-0
San Francisco, California, United States D PTS 8 8
1987-08-29 209 Alex Garcia 214 5-0-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L UD 6 6
~ referee: Frank Rustich | judge: Gwen Adair 56-59 | judge: Lou Moret 56-58 | judge: Hal Rickard 56-58 ~

1987-06-05 225 Olian Alexander 207 14-1-0
Pleasanton, California, United States L TKO 5
1987-04-27 220 Rodney Smith 223 6-6-0
Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, United States W KO 5 6
~ time: 2:30 | referee: Eddie Rodriguez ~

1987-03-09 235 Mike White 290½ 16-7-1
Spruce Goose Dome, Long Beach, California, United States L TKO 6 8
~ time: 0:44 | referee: Raul Caiz ~

1986-07-11 Anthony Davis 17-4-0
Stevensville Hotel, Swan Lake, New York, United States L PTS 8 8
1986-06-17 Lorenzo Canady 5-1-1
Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States L PTS 6 6
1983-11-06 Melvin Hosey 1-15-0
Raceland, Kentucky, United States W PTS 6 6
1981-06-02 202¾ Gordon Ferris 207¾ 16-4-0
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, United Kingdom L RTD 3 10x3
~ referee: Sid Nathan ~
Cut eye stoppage

1980-12-17 Renaldo Snipes 17-0-0
Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, United States L KO 8
1980-04-19 Willie Shannon 16-0-1
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine, United States W KO 9 10
1980-03-31 20 Walter Santemore 220 16-7-0
Stokley Athletics Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States W PTS 6 6
1979-10-20 Robbie Williams 6-2-0
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa W PTS 6 6
1979-06-02 Mike Schutte 37-9-1
Independence Stadium, Mmabatho, North-West, South Africa D PTS 8 8
1979-03-27 Jimmy McCauley
Yack Arena, Wyandotte, Michigan, United States W KO 1
1979-01-25 Ron Gabaree 2-11-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States W KO 1
1978-07-24 199½ Calvin Cross 247 5-0-0
Southwest Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois, United States L TKO 2 6
~ judge: James DiVito | judge: Gerald Hults | judge: Collins Brown ~

1978-04-27 Calvin Cross 3-0-0
Bridgeview, Michigan, United States L KO 2 6
1978-02-10 Charlie Johnson 11-2-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States L PTS 8 8
1977-11-25 Dave Johnson 3-0-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States W PTS 6 6
1977-01-19 Mike Weaver 204 10-6-0
Silver Slipper, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States L KO 9 10
1976-05-04 208 Pedro Lovell 212 16-2-1
Civic Auditorium, San Jose, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1976-01-03 Angel Baggini 4-4-0
Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W KO 6
1975-12-18 Stan Ward 3-0-2
Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1975-10-16 Frank Pina
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 1
1975-09-05 Joe Garcia
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W PTS 5 5
1975-05-30 203½ Marty Monroe 196 5-0-1
San Diego, California, United States L PTS 5 5
1974-07-27 Fred Jones 1-0-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States

[scartissue]

Frank, actually I believe that's a pic of Len "Stinger" Hutchins.

Scartissue

[scartissue]

"Boxer" . . .

Does anybody remember this guy?
Our paths crossed a few years back.
He was living in the streets on Los Angeles skid row. His street name was "Boxer".
His best friend was a glass pipe.
He's in and out of L.A. County. Whenever Boxer has been released from jail, he begins to feel excitement in the moments before he steps onto the street.
He knows that within minutes, he will be reunited with the pipe.
After days, weeks, or months in custody, his body is clean of drugs. He's been thinking about that "first hit" for days.
When he takes it, he'll get the jolt he wants, then the cycle repeats itself once again.

Such a waste.
__________________________________________________________________



boxer: Dwain Bonds

birth date 1953-05-11
division
heavyweight
residence Detroit, Michigan, United States
won 14 (KO 8) + lost 17 (KO 9) + drawn 2 = 33
rounds boxed 187 KO% 24.24




1991-04-02 200 Jimmy Ellis 223 15-0-1
Country Club, Reseda, California, United States L KO 2
1990-08-24 Jerry Halstead 228 68-7-1
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States L KO 4
1988-07-27 210 Orlin Norris 214 18-1-0
Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, United States L UD 12 12
~ referee: James Jen-Kin | judge: Vince Delgado 111-118 | judge: Chuck Hassett 110-119 | judge: Dave McCullough 111-117 ~
~ NABF heavyweight title ~

1987-11-20 220½ Henry Tillman 26½ 17-2-0
Showboat Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W TKO 8 10
~ referee: Davey Pearl ~
Corner retirement. Tillman down in 1st and twice in 7th

1987-10-15 215 ST Gordon 194 24-6-0
El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California, United States W TKO 1 8
~ time: 0:49 | referee: Frank Rustich ~

1987-10-02 Mike Gans 11-5-0
San Francisco, California, United States D PTS 8 8
1987-08-29 209 Alex Garcia 214 5-0-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L UD 6 6
~ referee: Frank Rustich | judge: Gwen Adair 56-59 | judge: Lou Moret 56-58 | judge: Hal Rickard 56-58 ~

1987-06-05 225 Olian Alexander 207 14-1-0
Pleasanton, California, United States L TKO 5
1987-04-27 220 Rodney Smith 223 6-6-0
Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, United States W KO 5 6
~ time: 2:30 | referee: Eddie Rodriguez ~

1987-03-09 235 Mike White 290½ 16-7-1
Spruce Goose Dome, Long Beach, California, United States L TKO 6 8
~ time: 0:44 | referee: Raul Caiz ~

1986-07-11 Anthony Davis 17-4-0
Stevensville Hotel, Swan Lake, New York, United States L PTS 8 8
1986-06-17 Lorenzo Canady 5-1-1
Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States L PTS 6 6
1983-11-06 Melvin Hosey 1-15-0
Raceland, Kentucky, United States W PTS 6 6
1981-06-02 202¾ Gordon Ferris 207¾ 16-4-0
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, United Kingdom L RTD 3 10x3
~ referee: Sid Nathan ~
Cut eye stoppage

1980-12-17 Renaldo Snipes 17-0-0
Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, United States L KO 8
1980-04-19 Willie Shannon 16-0-1
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine, United States W KO 9 10
1980-03-31 20 Walter Santemore 220 16-7-0
Stokley Athletics Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States W PTS 6 6
1979-10-20 Robbie Williams 6-2-0
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa W PTS 6 6
1979-06-02 Mike Schutte 37-9-1
Independence Stadium, Mmabatho, North-West, South Africa D PTS 8 8
1979-03-27 Jimmy McCauley
Yack Arena, Wyandotte, Michigan, United States W KO 1
1979-01-25 Ron Gabaree 2-11-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States W KO 1
1978-07-24 199½ Calvin Cross 247 5-0-0
Southwest Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois, United States L TKO 2 6
~ judge: James DiVito | judge: Gerald Hults | judge: Collins Brown ~

1978-04-27 Calvin Cross 3-0-0
Bridgeview, Michigan, United States L KO 2 6
1978-02-10 Charlie Johnson 11-2-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States L PTS 8 8
1977-11-25 Dave Johnson 3-0-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States W PTS 6 6
1977-01-19 Mike Weaver 204 10-6-0
Silver Slipper, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States L KO 9 10
1976-05-04 208 Pedro Lovell 212 16-2-1
Civic Auditorium, San Jose, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1976-01-03 Angel Baggini 4-4-0
Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W KO 6
1975-12-18 Stan Ward 3-0-2
Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1975-10-16 Frank Pina
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 1
1975-09-05 Joe Garcia
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States W PTS 5 5
1975-05-30 203½ Marty Monroe 196 5-0-1
San Diego, California, United States L PTS 5 5
1974-07-27 Fred Jones 1-0-0
Detroit, Michigan, United States

Rick, I remember Bonds as an amateur rather than a pro. I beleive he was an AAU champ in his simon-pure days. Like you said, what a waste.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Rick, I remember Bonds as an amateur rather than a pro. I beleive he was an AAU champ in his simon-pure days. Like you said, what a waste.

Scartissue
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scar . . . I expanded on the story a bit. I saw Bonds while working on skid row a few years ago.
Real sad case, but certainly not unique.

[kikibalt]

Frank, actually I believe that's a pic of Len "Stinger" Hutchins.

Scartissue

You might be right, Dan, it sure as hell don't look like FM

[kikibalt]

Lou Filippo dies at 83; boxing hall of famer appeared in 'Rocky' movies

Filippo was known as a pillar of honesty in the sport. He refereed and judged 85 world championship fights, including Sugar Ray Leonard's split-decision win over Marvin Hagler in 1987.



Lou Filippo, shown in 1954, had a distinguished career as an amateur before turning pro. His fight career ended in 1957. He appeared in five "Rocky" films. (Los Angeles Times)


By Lance Pugmire

November 5, 2009

Lou Filippo, a boxing hall of famer from Downey who became a referee and ring judge, memorably counting out Sylvester Stallone's champion rival Apollo Creed in the film "Rocky II," died Monday at Downey Regional Medical Center after suffering a stroke. He was 83.

Filippo was a distinguished amateur fighter who fought in more than 250 bouts before turning pro. His fighting career ended in 1957 with a no-contest outcome and a technical knockout loss against Hall of Famer Carlos Ortiz, a bout stopped because of Filippo's cuts -- bleeding plagued his 23-9-3 pro career.

Boxing historian Don Fraser of the California Boxing Hall of Fame recalled that Filippo was originally awarded a victory in the first bout against Ortiz after being hit after the bell, but a Times reporter questioned a member of the California State Athletic Commission about that ruling, and the no-contest decision was invoked.

Fraser said about 40 gamblers who were set to lose money on the Filippo victory then forced the ring announcer to re-enter the Legion Stadium ring in Hollywood and announce the ruling so they could avoid the payoffs.

In a sport often stained by shady behavior, Fraser and veteran boxing publicist Bill Caplan recalled Filippo as a pillar of character and honesty who proceeded to referee and judge 85 world championship fights, including Sugar Ray Leonard's controversial split-decision victory over Marvin Hagler in 1987. Filippo scored narrowly in Hagler's favor.

"He took some heat, but why?" Caplan asked. "The perfect man would've taken heat over that fight. Half of the people thought each guy won."

Filippo also judged Shane Mosley's split-decision victory over Oscar De La Hoya at Staples Center in 2000, awarding Mosley a 116-112 score.

Filippo told his two daughters that the most important part of his job was to maintain integrity and to "listen to yourself, not the fans."

Caplan said Filippo's reputation as a "loyal, straight-up guy" helped him win Stallone's attention, and the actor used Filippo in five "Rocky" movies. In "Rocky II," Filippo tells Stallone's bloodied character Rocky Balboa before the epic 15th round, "Hey, Rock, you get in trouble one more time . . . ," to which Balboa answers, "Don't stop nothing!" When both fighters fall to the canvas on a Balboa punch and Creed slumps in a corner, Filippo tells the champ, "You're out!"

Filippo was born Dec. 1, 1925 in Los Angeles, attended Fremont High School in South L.A. and served in the Navy during World War II.

He was elected president of the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993, and he judged a bout at the Commerce Casino only two weeks ago, his daughter Patti Petruzelli said. She said her father was never sick and only complained of his first headache last week. But he sorely missed his late wife, Pat, who died in 2007, and his daughter said, "He's where he wants to be now. He loved her.

"Boxing was his second love."

In addition to Petruzelli, Filippo is survived by another daughter, Debbye Shepard; two grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Miller Mies Mortuary, 11015 Downey Ave., Downey. The funeral will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 10727 Downey Ave., Downey.

[email protected]

Twitter.com/latimespugmire

[scartissue]

Frank, actually I believe that's a pic of Len "Stinger" Hutchins.

Scartissue

You might be right, Dan, it sure as hell don't look like FM

And it's a safe bet he speaks more fluently as well.

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Remembering Referee Lou Filippo
Ring veteran passed away on Monday

By Michele Chong

Veteran boxing judge Lou Filippo died on Monday afternoon after suffering a massive stroke. He was 83.
This loss in the L.A. boxing community and beyond has left a void for his countless friends, associates and family members.
While best known to the casual fight fan as the referee/announcer in the first five “Rocky” movies, Filippo was really a cornerstone in the local fight scene. His void will be felt by many for years to come.
Lou was so active in the fight game that he never actually retired from the sweet science. He never had to retire. Well-regarded by everyone, Filippo received steady work as a judge and had even worked right up until his passing.
The dedicated official’s last job was at a boxing show at Commerce Casino on October 22 presented by All Star Boxing. The promoter of that show, Ed Holmes, knew Lou very well. “Lou worked a lot for us,” Holmes told me. “He always had a smile on his face and was always a gentleman!” The local promoter has two shows coming up on November 22 at Quiet Cannon and December 5 at the Bonaventure and he said it will take a while to get used to not having the venerable Lou Filippo there.
As news spread of the boxing judge’s death, comments and condolences have continued to pour in from all across the country. In this column, I’d like to share with you a few personal thoughts I’ve gathered from those who knew Lou for years.
Fellow judge Gwen Adair recently worked with Filippo on that October 22 show. “Lou was always there to help me,” she remembers when first starting out in boxing years ago, as a woman in a “man’s sport.” A female pioneer in boxing, Adair has been a manager, referee and judge. She goes on to tell me that early in her career, “Whenever I had any trouble, Lou would be there. He would give me advice and protect me.
“Years ago at a fight, after the scores were announced, a fighter came up to me and was very angry. He began yelling and coming at me. Lou stepped in and told the guy, ‘Get away from her! Don’t you touch her.’ He always was very protective and I’m really going to miss him.”
Popular HBO judge Harold Lederman also knew Lou well. As I gave the New York resident the details about the weekend’s services for Filippo, Harold said he cannot attend the memorial due to a prior commitment but said, “Thanks for the update; I’ll be in Hartford for Saturday night’s HBO fight.”
Lederman, the “unofficial” official was obviously upset about the passing of another friend in the business, “I feel terrible about losing Lou and Florida boxing judge Stu Winston in the same week. They were both near and dear to me.
“What an awful tragedy. With (Don) Jordan, (Larry) Rozadilla, (Chuck) Hassett and Lou gone, my California crowd is thinning out too fast and it really hurts.”
California resident Marty Denkin, a well-respected boxing judge who has worked in every aspect of the fight game, said of his former trainer, colleague and friend, “I’ve known him for over 40 years. He set the standards for integrity, respect and quality for all these years. Lou was one of the very best–he will be missed.” Denkin, Filippo and Adair were the three judges working the October 22 fights, which turned out to be Lou’s very last time in near the ring.
In his earlier years, Denkin also spent some time lacing up himself and says, “Lou was in my corner for my amateur fights.” And he recalls with a wry chuckle, “He used to drink my water!”
Speaking with the Denkin family this morning, Marty continues, “He was a landmark in California boxing who was known for his integrity. Lou was also a journeyman fighter who would fight any time, any place. And even when he was fighting–win or lose–he had integrity, even in his Carlos Ortiz fights.”
Marty adds with emphasis, “Lou’s attitude was always ‘What can I do for you?’ instead of ‘What can you do for me?’”
Denkin, his son, and daughter are all working officials in boxing. Son David is a boxing referee and judge and daughter Jackie is newly-licensed MMA official. The sport runs through their veins and Jackie tells me that she’s been around boxing since birth. “Lou used to train Dad when he was boxing,” she tells me. “So I was just one years old then. I’ve know Lou since I was a little girl and I’ve followed his career.”
And what a career he had.
Before Lou began judging fights, the Los Angeles native was a teen amateur boxer and pro fighter (and crowd favorite), served a stint in the Navy, and had a long career with Thermo-Electron, Cal Duran District. After his ring career ended, he became a referee, judge and was a longtime member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) as a former President and Treasurer.
A staunch family man, he and his beloved wife Pat were married for over 58 years and raised two daughters while residing in the Downey area of Southern California. Pat died on April 28, 2007, and of course, Lou was devastated. Some observed that he was never the same since then, but he still carried on with his usual scrappiness, strength and fortitude.
Trudie Latka, a close friend of Lou’s for over 38 years, first met him through her husband, George Latka, himself a boxer, referee and judge who passed away at the end of 2007. She and Lou also shared a history of decades on the WBHF Board of Directors and was aware of what a family man Filippo was. “He and his wife, Pat, and their two daughters, were very involved in all the banquets. They did everything together. I remember the girls, Debbie and Patty, would be in charge of selling all the raffle tickets and were really a part of it all.”
And after all these years of friendship, Trudie had to say a final goodbye to her friend this past weekend. A loss is never easy as Trudie says with a heavy heart, “Sunday I was at the hospital when they gave him his last rites. He passed away on Monday at 3:35 p.m.
“He was an honorable man with a good heart and he was a good referee.”
Filippo–short and stocky with that gritty resilience–may have appeared gruff to those who didn’t know him, much like the “Mickey” character in the “Rocky” films. But the Lou I was acquainted with had–just like Trudie Latka says–a very good heart.
I was fortunate to have known Lou for 12 years and also knew his late wife, Pat. I’d see the two at various boxing events around town and would always chat with the the pair. At a party a few years ago, I sat with them at a table and Patty told me about Lou’s early fight career. She said he was such a big hit with the fans that he was christened with the nickname of “The Ever Popular” Lou Filippo.
Well, I really got a kick out of that so after that anecdote, that’s what I would call Lou, much to his chagrin.
The humble boxing veteran would always chuckle when I’d call him by his old nickname. He was fun to tease and was a good sport with a mischievous side too. Lou was that “Salt of the Earth” type of guy but with a twinkle in his eye. The Lou I saw in action was no-nonsense and all business while working; he was the consummate professional–loyal to the sport–right up until the end.
Outside of the ring, he was well-liked by everyone around our local boxing family, always ready for a good laugh. At many luncheons and events, when he would be introduced to the crowd, his associates would always bellow out, “LOU!” He would get embarrassed and shake his head, chuckling.
Here are two photos that offers an example of this. The first one (of Lou working as a judge) is from June of this year at an All Star Boxing card in Commerce. There is Lou–ready for his assignment with his impenetrable expression and steadfast work ethic.
The second picture is from a WBHF meeting in July. After the agenda was over, I had the group pose for a new team photo and after a few serious, static shots I wanted to liven it up a bit, so I asked them to put up their dukes for the next shot. They all paused for a second or two. It had been a very long meeting, most wanted to get on with their weekends and they didn’t feel like “hamming” it up for the camera any longer.
Well, guess who was the very first one to comply with my request?
That’s right, “The Ever Popular” Lou Filippo.
He cracked a smile, eyes twinkling, and held up his fists while mugging for the camera, teasing me. He looked silly and he knew it, but he was game. A trouper. With his two ham hocks of hands guarding his chin, the other Board members quickly followed suit and had fun with it. Look at the photo and you’ll see the spontaneous mood of that one moment! Lou is seated in the bottom row, second from the right. That’s how I will remember him. Always ready, always game. A good heart.
Now the West Coast Hall of Fame organization has one more heartbreaking “Ten Count” to perform. The WBHF also lost two other former Presidents this year, Norm Cote in May and Charles Casas on October 29. And now Filippo. Lou would have turned 84 on December 1.
There will be a viewing this Friday with his funeral to be held on Saturday.
Lou, you will be missed.
And you will always be “The Ever Popular” Lou Filippo.
Photos by Michele Chong/ Vintage photo courtesy of the Lou Filippo Family/boxrec
Copyright © 2009 Michele Chong. All rights reserved.

[Randyman]

R.I.P. Lou Filippo...

I remember watching Lou Filippo on TV reffing the fights. He was a mainstay in Los Angeles boxing. My sympathies with his family.

I too remember watching Lou Filippo on a lot of local boxing on television. My condolences to his family and friends.

Randy

[Randyman]

LOSING WINNING

I knew I'd had it as a football coach when losing wasn't such a big deal anymore. I didn't like it if I saw a player not give it his all,but that was very seldom. I figured both teams practiced hard during the week to prepare for the game. Someone had to win. Someone had to lose. If a player dropped a pass or a lineman missed a block,they didn't do it on purpose. Those kids felt bad if something like that happened. It got so after the game it didn't matter to me any more if we won or lost. I knew it was time to walk away.

A fighter who rants and raves after losing is not there yet. He's young. In Arreola's case,he was getting the crap beat out of him. He was probably mad at himself. So what's the big deal? You made some money. You'll never beat Klitschko on your best night. There are more important things in life.

Depression goes hand in hand with losing sometimes. We lose a lot along the way. People we love. We worry about the health of ones that are close. If we can believe that the sun rises each morning we'll make it to the end winning something.

Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. When you win, enjoy the hell out of it and when you lose, suck it up and get over it.

Randy

[Randyman]

Randy . . . When I was a kid we had a dog named pepper. I was maybe ten-yrs-old when we got her from the pound.
I was in my 20's when I stopped by my parents house a couple days before my last pro fight.
Pepper was an old dog, my mother had remarried and her husband had this huge German Sheppard.
Pepper was a small dog, had some beagle in her.
The german sheppard protected this little dog like it was his mother.
The sheppard would stand between pepper and any human that tried to touch her, including me.
I brought pepper inside and sat with the dog for a few minutes. She climbed in my lap and I petted her.
A few days later I fought and lost, then stopped by my mom's place.
She told me that the day before Lad (the sheppard) and pepper had gotten out and were caught by the dog catcher (just like Frank's "Charley")
They bailed the two dogs out and it was said that the sheppard was so protective of Pepper, that it took four dog catchers to corral the two dogs.
A few weeks later, the two got out again and were never seen again. Pepper would have been pushing 100 in dog years.
She was a great dog, but I pity the person who tried to seperate her from Lad, that was one mean german sheppard when it came to protecting Pepper.


-Rick Farris

A Tale of Two Peppers

Rick, we had two Peppers at two different times. The first Pepper was given to Jeri by my mother in 1975 or 1976. In 1978 she was taken by the Dog Pound and lost by the driver (it's a long story). Jeri took it real hard. That dog had prevented a burglary in 1977 at her apartment.

In 1981 I was watching my brother's dog while he and my mother were out of town. The dog got loose and I had to go to the pound to pick him up. After I had found the dog and was getting ready to leave, I heard another dog barking. Actually there were hundreds of dogs barking but I could sense that this bark was calling out to me. I followed the barking to the other side of the kennel and I saw a small white and black dog jumping up and down. I said "Pepper?" She was ecstatic. I could see that the markings were a little different and this dog was slightly larger but it was the dog's character that seemed so much like Pepper. I said out loud "I don't know if you're Pepper or not but you're coming with me." When I got home I parked in the street and the dog ran straight for my front porch. Jeri and the kids came running out screaming "Pepper". I tried to tell them it wasn't Pepper but I never could make anyone believe me. We had the second Pepper until her death in 1992.

Pepper # 1


Pepper # 2

[Rick Farris]

Randy . . . When I was a kid we had a dog named pepper. I was maybe ten-yrs-old when we got her from the pound.
I was in my 20's when I stopped by my parents house a couple days before my last pro fight.
Pepper was an old dog, my mother had remarried and her husband had this huge German Sheppard.
Pepper was a small dog, had some beagle in her.
The german sheppard protected this little dog like it was his mother.
The sheppard would stand between pepper and any human that tried to touch her, including me.
I brought pepper inside and sat with the dog for a few minutes. She climbed in my lap and I petted her.
A few days later I fought and lost, then stopped by my mom's place.
She told me that the day before Lad (the sheppard) and pepper had gotten out and were caught by the dog catcher (just like Frank's "Charley")
They bailed the two dogs out and it was said that the sheppard was so protective of Pepper, that it took four dog catchers to corral the two dogs.
A few weeks later, the two got out again and were never seen again. Pepper would have been pushing 100 in dog years.
She was a great dog, but I pity the person who tried to seperate her from Lad, that was one mean german sheppard when it came to protecting Pepper.


-Rick Farris

A Tale of Two Peppers

Rick, we had two Peppers at two different times. The first Pepper was given to Jeri by my mother in 1975 or 1976. In 1978 she was taken by the Dog Pound and lost by the driver (it's a long story). Jeri took it real hard. That dog had prevented a burglary in 1977 at her apartment.

In 1981 I was watching my brother's dog while he and my mother were out of town. The dog got loose and I had to go to the pound to pick him up. After I had found the dog and was getting ready to leave, I heard another dog barking. Actually there were hundreds of dogs barking but I could sense that this bark was calling out to me. I followed the barking to the other side of the kennel and I saw a small white and black dog jumping up and down. I said "Pepper?" She was ecstatic. I could see that the markings were a little different and this dog was slightly larger but it was the dog's character that seemed so much like Pepper. I said out loud "I don't know if you're Pepper or not but you're coming with me." When I got home I parked in the street and the dog ran straight for my front porch. Jeri and the kids came running out screaming "Pepper". I tried to tell them it wasn't Pepper but I never could make anyone believe me. We had the second Pepper until her death in 1992.

Pepper # 1


Pepper # 2

Randy, the 2nd "Pepper" on the bottom looks just like ours except the coat was shorter on our pepper. Same coloring.
Great story, by the way.

[kikibalt]

Photo and caption courtesy of Rick Farris



Before interviewing Lou Filippo, we had to set it up . . .
Pop Hanley, Gwen Adair, Lou Filippo (back) Lance Dickinson, Bill Farris, Dan Hanley and Rick Farris.