Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Panzerfaust]

Great photos

[raylawpc]

For my friend Tom Ray

Thanks Frank. I remember that fight very well. I was in Humph's corner that night.

That night one of my guys - a fellow named Cliff Campbell - won his pro debut. Cliff was one of those guys who had buckets of talent, but not even a timble of desire. He ended up 2 and 2, and then dropped out of the game.

And I even remember that God-awful cover.

Where in the world did you find that?

[Rick Farris]

For Rick Farris, a good friend

Thank you, Frank. I have a good photo of Vic & I that was taken on the set of "Highway To Heaven" about a year before he passed away. He and Michael Landon both passed away at 54-years-old, just two years apart. I just found that photo among my boxing memories, maybe we can post it.


-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Pipino Cuevas v. Randy Shields 30 July 1979 Chicago Stadium Chicago, Illinois W.B.A. Welterweight Championship of the World, Referee Luis Salbaran 71-70, Judge Albert Tremari 73-67 and Judge Marco Antonio Rodriguez 71-70 Unanimous Decision for Pipino Cuevas

In the photo of Randy standing on the scale, the guy with the long curly hair and shades standing behind him is a young Joe Goossen.
I was told that Randy should have got the nod that night?
Randy Shields, another member of Frank Baltazar's 1973 L.A. Golden Gloves team fighting for a world title!


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

I watched Cuevas against Harold Weston the other day. It is easy to forget that Cuevas was a monster for a few years. On the evidence he showed against Weston, he would have 'done' Palomino, I'm sure.

Bennie....I never thought much of Cuevas, even in his best days he was imo just a wild, crude, open fighter without much of a chin, the best I can say about him is that he could punch. we seen lots of fighters like that come out of Mexico. we know that Harold Weston was a finish fighter when he fought Cuevas. Palomino was not a great fighter by no means, Jackie mcCoy told me once that Carlos got as far as he did because of his work ethics, the man was aways in GREAT, GREAT shape.

It was a undoubtedly a battle of left hands. At their peaks, and after serious reconsideration (because I always fancied the more steady Palomino), I now feel that Cuevas would have had the workrate and the 15-round strength to beat Palomino.

Bennie . . . With all respect, I don't see Cuevas beating Palomino. Carlos was too sharp, and Carlos could take a punch.
I know I'm speaking of apples & oranges here, but look what look at both in their fights with Duran. Once Pepino felt the pain, he was done.

[kikibalt]

For Rick Farris, a good friend

Thank you, Frank. I have a good photo of Vic & I that was taken on the set of "Highway To Heaven" about a year before he passed away. He and Michael Landon both passed away at 54-years-old, just two years apart. I just found that photo among my boxing memories, maybe we can post it.


-Rick

Anytime you want to post it Rick....

[kikibalt]

For my friend Tom Ray

Thanks Frank. I remember that fight very well. I was in Humph's corner that night.

That night one of my guys - a fellow named Cliff Campbell - won his pro debut. Cliff was one of those guys who had buckets of talent, but not even a timble of desire. He ended up 2 and 2, and then dropped out of the game.

And I even remember that God-awful cover.

Where in the world did you find that?

I knew you would have some ties to this program Tom,.... I found it surfing the net....

[kikibalt]

What a big mess this is....

[Rick Farris]

What a big mess this is....

It feels like I just walked into the wrong house????

[kikibalt]

Courtesy Rick Farris



Rick Farris & Victor French
On the set of "Highway to Heaven" - 1988

Actor/Director Victor French was a good friend of mine. He was also a great friend to boxing.
I would join Michael Landon's production "Little House on the Praire" during it's last season.
Vic was Mike's co-star. When he discovered that I had been a pro fighter, he informed me that he was backing a new boxing club in the San Fernando Valley, "Ten Goose Boxing". It was thru French's financial support, that the Goossen family would be able to enter the world of pro boxing, and the rest is history.

The Goossen's got started promoting pro boxing in the Valley by showcasing boxers such as Alonzo Strongbow, and a comebacking bantamweight, Frankie Duarte (another world title challenger from Frank Baltazar's 1973 L.A. Golden Gloives team). However, what really gave them strength was the aquisition of a top amateur ready to turn professional, Michael Nunn. When Dan Goossen was struggling to scrape together the cash to buy Nunn's contract, it was Victor French to the rescue.

Victor was not just an actor, but a talented director who was the son of a stunt man who had worked on many of the old Republic Pictures westerns, many filmed right in the Valley. Vic grew up on film sets, and in the mid-60's got his big break as a guest start on two episodes of the long running "Gunsmoke" TV series. Vic and the shows star, James Arness hit it off and Victor would return to direct several episodes.

Michael Landon was a big believer in Victor French, and when he created "Highway To Heaven", he insisted that his old friend and "Little House" co-star, once again co-star on "Highway". NBC executives thought that Landon would be better served hiring a "younger" actor to play his partner. Landon told them straight out, "This is non negotiable, it's Vic or no series!" Landon had been TV's biggest male star, with 14 successful seasons on "Bonanza" and another 9 seasons on "Little House". Landon got his way, and Vic and the rest of us would rejoin Michael Landon on another series.

When I met Vic, "Little House" was on it's last of nine seasons. When the show went down, we stayed in touch. One day I get a call from Vic, "Hey, you want to join me at the fights tonight? Meet me at my house at 6pm, we'll get something to eat first."

This would be the first of many monthly fight cards I'd attend with Vic at Reseda's Country Club, a converted super market turned disco/fight arena. I don't remember the date, but I do remember the year and who was fighting. It was 1984 and the main event that evening featured a familar name from my past, Tony Baltazar. Tony "The Tiger" was matched with Roger Mayweather that night, and would win an easy unanimous decision over the guy who today trains Floyd Mayweather Jr. The thing that I remember most about that night was driving to the Country Club with Vic.

"Your going to like tonight's main event, have you ever see this Baltazar fight?"
I told Vic I first saw Tony fight when he was about four years old. He looked at me like I was crazy.
I then proceeded to tell him my knowledge of Tony, and the Baltazar family.

In due course I would sit with Vic at the club's celebrity table and watch fighters such as Nunn, Duarte, and the Ruelas brothers.

Fast forward to to late 1988. After five seasons, "Highway To Heaven" was dropping in the ratings and Michael Landon pulled the plug. A month later Vic invites me to another card at the Country Club, one that would be our last. "I'm on my way to Ireland to direct a couple films", he told me. He was having a lot of pain in his joints, would see a doctor when he returned.

A couple months later, I receive a call from Vic's daughter, Tracie. It wasn't good news.
The next day I would visit Vic at Tarzana Medical Center, where he was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer in his lungs, bones and brain. The Ireland films were just a story. Victor was dying.

This was in early May, 1989. I would visit Vic often until June 15th, the day he passed.
During the several years we had been friends we had shared a lot of experiences, all fun.

Old school film workers, be they actors or technicians, lived hard. We had a lot of fun, but those who don't know when to quit, rarely live long lives. Today things are different, but the guys who rode into the sunset with Mike Landon and Victor French were a special breed. I grew up in their world, luckily for me, it's all a memory.

No Funeral- A Party . . .

A month after Victor passed, a huge party was held in his honor at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum near Griffith Park. Vic had designated several pages of his will to this party which was charged to his estate. He had over 500 people present, legends from the film and boxing world. His kind of people. He had two bands, one the Les Brown band for the older people and a rock band for the younger. There were four bars, female hostesses to provide "company" for anybody who might desire it, and giftes for all. Vic insisted everybody get drunk and that not a tear be shed. It was an unbelieveable party. I attended with my wife at the time, Kathy. He had been a guest in our house many times to watch the HBO fights.
For those who had too much to drink, dozens of limo's were parked out front to escort them home. I didn't drink that night, aside from a quick shot of tequilla to toast our friend. I chose to enjoy the good company and memories of a great guy.

Rest in Peace, Vic. I'll never forget you!


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

I feel like a blind man feeling my way around.

They couldn't leave well enough along.....

[kikibalt]

Rick, in that pic. with Vic F. you look like a Jr Glover, flat top and all....

[Rick Farris]

I feel like a blind man feeling my way around.

They couldn't leave well enough along.....

If something ain't broke, why fix it?
It kinda reminds of a time in the late 60's when Howie Steindler decided to paint the Main Street Gym.
It made some of the fighters feel out of place, a lot of guys didn't show up for awhile, until the place got comfortable again.
I guess we'll get used to it, once there's a little blood on the walls.


-Rick Farris

[bennie]

I can't agree with your opinion Bennie that the prizefighter format is so ghastly the fans that fill the arenas certainly do not agree with you & as for Harrison now being "The Man" you obviously don't visit many forums Harrison is & has always been thought of by the fast British boxing fans as a bum & no amount of wins over inexperienced fighters will change that

Keep your 'dissing' on Eastside. This is a friendly place. By the way, I had to giggle - in a friendly way - at your long-winded attempt to 'dispute' my post on Billy Walker over there. When he turned pro amid huge fanfare and publicity, of course he didn't top the Wembley bills - but he was still the main attraction.
He sold out Wembley 11 times.

[bennie]

Shep, turn it back, mate. You're winding up the regulars.

[bennie]

Pipino Cuevas v. Randy Shields 30 July 1979 Chicago Stadium Chicago, Illinois W.B.A. Welterweight Championship of the World, Referee Luis Salbaran 71-70, Judge Albert Tremari 73-67 and Judge Marco Antonio Rodriguez 71-70 Unanimous Decision for Pipino Cuevas

In the photo of Randy standing on the scale, the guy with the long curly hair and shades standing behind him is a young Joe Goossen.
I was told that Randy should have got the nod that night?
Randy Shields, another member of Frank Baltazar's 1973 L.A. Golden Gloves team fighting for a world title!


-Rick Farris

They should have had Randy doing the fight scenes in The Champ. He looks a ringer for Jon Voight.

[bennie]

Terry Downes & Trainer Tom Ryder New Garden Gym Boston, Massachusetts, January 4, 1961 Preparing for the then up-coming bout with Paul Pender.

A good shot of Terry's "hooter".

[Rick Farris]

A few matches listed from a 1968 Junior Golden Gloves program . . .
_____________________________


15th Annual JUNIOR GOLDEN GLOVES TOURNAMENT

Sponsored by the Joint Council of Teamsters No. 42

Date: Friday, August 23, 1968
Place: Alexandria Hotel - 5th & Spring St. Los Angeles

Showtime: 7:30pm
Weigh-in: 6:30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------

SEMI FINALS- Open Class

35-45 pounds:

Gus Hurtado Jr. (Wilminton Gym) vs. Steven Huggins (Stanton AC)
Donald Stanfield (Teamsters BC) vs. Bobby Rizo (Sacred Heart AC)
Donnell Crowder (San Diego BC) vs. Frank Reyes (Eastside BC)
Danny Barragon (Teamsters BC) vs. Tony Baltazar (Eastside BC)

Stand by- Tony Campa
_____________________________________________________

56-65 pounds:

Bobby Valenzuela (Tony Valenzuela) vs. Frankie Baltazar (Eastside BC)
Andy Barragan (Teamsters BC) vs. Danny Aguilera (Stanton AC)
_____________________________________________________

66-75 pounds:

Alfonso "Pancho" Velasquez (Teamster BC) vs. Joe Salazar (Elmer Lasley BC)
Albert Davila (Sacred Heart AC) vs. Tony Salazar (Elmer LAsley BC)
_____________________________________________________

96-105 pounds:

Ronnie Reynolds (Moore/Blouin) vs. Jimmy Cruz (Stanton AC)
Rick Farris (Johnny Flores Gym) vs. Phil Hernandez (Stanton AC)
_____________________________________________________


These are just a few weight classes that competed that night.
It was a semi-final elimination which pits four boxers from each weight class.
Frank pointed out to me today that there were so many kids in the lowest weight class (first listed) that they had nine semi finalists. That is a lot of competition for 35-45 pounders.
People might smile and think 35-45 pounders are cute. Truth is, more than half of them were childhood veterans.
Several had more natural boxing skills than many of the professionals you see in action today. No exageration.


-Rick Farris

Rick...seeing the 1968 Jr GG program, I can't believe how deep the pool of talent was in those years, I remember some of the fighters in the program, not all....

Gus Hurtado out of the Wilminton teen post was trained by his father, whom's name I can't recall at the moment.

THE Barragan brother's were trained by Tommy Cocan out of the Teamsters Gym/BC

The Stanfield brothers fought for Louis J. out of the Teamsters Gym/BC

Tony Campa, another Teamsters boy

Alfonos "Poncho" Velasquez was another Teamsters boy

Jimmy Cruz, out of Stanton AC was Noe Cruz son

The Salazar brothers fought for Elmer Lasley out of Riverside

Frankie Reyes fought for Pete Avalos out of the Eastside BC.

Steven Huggins fought for Jake Horn out of Stanton AC

The Valenzuela boys, Bobby, Tony and Victor fought for Canto Robledo and the boys father, Tony, out of Crown City Stables
Victor will be inducted into the CBHOF in 2010

Danny Aguilera fought for Jake Horn, Stanton AC

Bobby Rizo fought for Tony Cerda, Sacred Heart AC

We know who Rick Farris fought for, Phil Hernandez, I don't remember

Some of the boys named above went on to fight pro, other went into other endeavors

Would like to know what these kids are doing today....

MY DAD (RAUL GONZALEZ) ALSO FOUGHT FOR CANTO ROBLEDO

Canto . . .

Gonzalez . . . When I was a kid growing up in Burbank in the mid-60's, I went to school with a kid named Frankie Santillian.
Frankie and I were friends and his dad, Max, was a big fight fan. Frank & I would trade vintage Ring Magazines the way many kids trade baseball cards.
I had a two pairs of Wilson boxing gloves that were given to me for xmas one year, and the only guy who would box me on a regular basis was Frankie.
He and I had no formal training, and would just watch the fighters onTV and copy their moves. We were almost always dead even.
My family moved to the other side of town and Frankie and I lost contact. As soon as I moved, I began boxing for Johnny Flores in Pacoima.
A couple years later, I'm competing in the '68 Jr.GG's tournament and see the name Frankie Santillian listed in the novice division one weight class over mine.
Frankie was fighting out of Canto Robledo's Crown City Boxing Club, and was co-trained by Eddie Johnson. I was an open class fighter by then.
Something told me my old buddy and I would fight one day and I was right. Frankie was very good, and was beating everybody put in front of him.
We would fight after both of us moved up from junior amateurs, to regular amateur status at age 17. It was 1969.
I would win a very close decision in our first fight at El Monte Legion Stadium. A few months later, Frank got the nod in another close one in El Monte.
Two months later we'd fight again, at the Olympic Auditorium, and Frankie again won a close fight.
In our fourth fight, in early 1970, I'd win another close decision over Frankie at the Olympic, in the first Diamond Belt Championship matches.
We split four close fights, two each. A few months later, we both turned professional before graduating high school.
It was thru this series of bouts that I got to know Canto Robledo and he got to know me. What a great man. He fought many legends before losing his sight.
Reading your posts about your father and Canto Robledo brought to mind four of the closest fights I ever engaged in.
I don't believe that Frankie ever defeated me, and I never defeated him. All four should have been declared a draw.
I wish I could help you find more information relating to your dad. He came up after I did and I never saw him fight live.
The video you sent me of his pro fight was fun to watch. He was a good fighter.
Don Fraser promoted the fight at the Irvine Marriott, and our friend Gwen Adair was the referee.
I'm going to post the record of Canto Robledo. You may not recognize the names he fought, but to historians they are legends. Speedy Dado, for example.


-Rick Farris
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Canto Robleto

bantamweight
alias TNT
nationality United States
residence Pasadena, California, United States
won 18 (KO 6) + lost 8 (KO 4) + drawn 5 = 31
rounds boxed 203 KO% 19.35



1932-09-07 Helio Hernandez 9-5-2
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States W PTS 6 6
"The Mexican took an early lead but Robleto punished him with a steady stream of body smashes in the last three rounds. The decision was unpopular with the fans." Everett Daily Herald.

1932-08-26 Rodolfo Teglia 5-6-1
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States D PTS 6 6
1932-08-03 Speedy Dado 64-10-10
Seattle, Washington, United States L PTS 8 8
~ referee: Willie Ritchie ~
"In the opening session, Dado was wrestled to the floor, but bounced back to his feet. He went down again in a wild exchange of blows in the second round, and again jumped up and flailed away without taking a count. He took the last round by a good margin." Everett Daily Herald. Referee and sole judge: former Champion Willie Ritchie.

1932-07-27 Speedy Dado 64-10-9
Seattle, Washington, United States D PTS 6 6
1932-05-04 Ros Dumaguilas 5-4-2
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States W PTS 6 6
1932-04-22 119 Benny Gallup 120 20-14-13
Stockton, California, United States W KO 7 10
1932-03-11 Young Tommy 23-1-1
San Francisco, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1932-02-12 119 Young Tommy 119½ 22-1-1
Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, United States L TKO 9 10
California State Bantamweight Title

1931-12-11 116½ Midget Wolgast 115½ 88-7-2
Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, United States L TKO 5 10
The bout was stopped when Robleto fractured his hand.

1931-12-04 Young Sport 4-10-2
San Francisco, California, United States W PTS 10 10
1931-11-26 Speedy Dado 57-7-9
San Francisco, California, United States W PTS 10 10
1931-11-06 115½ Speedy Dado 115½ 56-6-9
San Francisco, California, United States W PTS 10 10
1931-10-01 Bobby Mars 25-24-22
Pasadena Arena, Pasadena, California, United States W KO 3
1931-08-31 Sid Torres 15-17-1
Eastside Arena, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 6 10
1931-07-15 Johnny Jones 4-1-3
Seattle, Washington, United States W DQ 3 6
Jones was disqualified for not trying.

1931-05-06 Joe Calder 32-12-12
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States W PTS 6 6
"Joe De Guzman, Calder's manager, was so incensed at the decision that he slammed the water bottle to the mat, splashing aqua pura over the ringsiders. In an impromptu meeting the Seattle Athletic Commission suspended him for thirty days and warned him that a repetition of such temper displays would mean life disbarment." (Robleto was part of the stable of boxers that Bert Donahue brought north from Los Angeles.) Seattle Daily Times

1931-04-29 Abie Israel 33-6-5
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States W DQ 5 6
Israel was disqualified for "holding on" during clinches.

1931-04-15 Abie Israel 33-5-5
Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States W PTS 6 6
1931-03-21 Speedy Sencio
Main Street Athletic Club, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 1 6
Young Clever Sencio?

1931-01-23 Peppy Sanchez 0-1-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 4
~ referee: Freddie Gilmore ~

1930-10-31 113½ Speedy Dado 113 42-3-8
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States D PTS 10 10
1930-09-04 Pete Sarmiento 34-20-13
Pasadena, California, United States L KO 1
1930-08-08 114½ Midget Wolgast 110½ 63-5-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L PTS 10 10
1930-06-12 Speedy Dado 41-1-7
Pasadena, California, United States D PTS 10 10
1930-05-29 Delos 'Kid' Williams 22-24-11
Pasadena, California, United States W PTS 10 10
1930-05-08 Pedro Villa 7-12-9
Pasadena, California, United States W PTS 8 8
1930-04-24 Chalky Wright 15-4-5
Pasadena, California, United States W PTS 8 8
1930-03-06 Johnny Jordan 3-1-0
Pasadena, California, United States L DQ 4
Robleto landed a blow after the bell.

1930-02-06 Johnny Navarro 5-1-0
Pasadena, California, United States D PTS 8 8
1930-01-16 Johnny Navarro 4-1-0
Pasadena, California, United States L TKO 3
Robleto didn't come out for the third round due to a broken hand.

1930-01-02 Johnny Jordan
Pasadena, California, United States
____________________________________________________________

Canto whipped featherweight champ Chalky Wright.
he beat and lost to Speedy Dado in six fights.
Fought defeated Young Tommy and Midget Wolgast.

It was an era when there were many exceptional Filippino contenders and champions. Today we look at Manny Pac as the best in boxing today.
However, during the great Filippino era of Classic West Coast Boxing, there were many fighters equal to or greater than the brilliant Pac Man.

[Rick Farris]

Canto's record appears in the post above the last one.

[Rick Farris]

"The Boxer" Simon & Garfunkle . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnTa4t-S ... re=related

[Rick Farris]

Randy Shields . . .

I didn't know Randy Shields until years after we quit boxing. Randy was three years younger than me, and I was aware of him, but never saw him compete in any of the Jr. GG's tournaments that I fought in. Frank Baltazar would know Randy best, as head coach of the 1973 L.A. Golden Gloves team in which Randy was a member

Bennie was correct in pointing out that Randy could have doubled Jon Voight in ""The Champ". My cousin worked on that film at MGM in 1978. Randy fought Pepino Cuevas for the Welterweight title the following year. Ironically, Randy's father Sonny was a Hollywood stuntman, and after retiring from the ring, Randy did stunts himself for awhile. Randy's dad had been a boxer, and a well known street fighter. His rep in the Valley is well known.

Today, Randy is the bodyguard/chauffeur for one the world's major building contractors, Richard Tutor. Tutor-Saliba is a company that doesn't build homes, but California's freeways, subways, airports, etc. You may recognize the name Tutor, as he is Dan Goossen's partner and financial backer in Goossen-Tutor Promotions. Dan and Richard were high school buddies. Randy and Dan's brother, trainer Joe Goossen, were high school buddies. You see the connection.
All four were graduates of Grant High School in the San Fernando Valley. Grant was a tough school, alma mater to kick-boxing legend, Bennie "The Jet" Urquidez, as well.

I like Randy Shields and it's always good to see him. We hooked up at the Forum in the mid-80's, when I was attending a fight card with actor Victor French.
Randy remembered me from boxing in the early 70's, and of course, I was well aware of his career. Randy and I have crossed paths many times during the past 25 years since we met at the Forum. I have been friends with Joe Goossen for just as long, but I have been closer to Joe, know him better. The stories Joe can tell of the rough Sonny Shields are priceless, but I won't tell any of them second hand. I do have one Randy Shields story that fits right in with the rest. I have discussed this with Randy, after reading about it in the L.A. Times.

Randy, Freddie Roach and myself all have something in common. We aren't big on fancy restaurants, but all enjoy eating breakfast in simple Coffe Shops, etc. Randy's favorite breakfast diner is close to my home in Studio City. It's the "Four 'N Twenty Pie Shop" on Laurel Canyon Blvd. Randy eats at 4-20 quite often, and one day while he was about to dig into his bacon & eggs, two masked men entered the restaurant and stuck a gun in the cashier's face and demanded all the money. What upset Randy most wasn't the fact that the men were robbing the place, but the abusive language they used when threatening the lady cashier.

As a bodyguard, Randy Shields is licensed to carry a fire arm, and he always has one hidden on his body. As the robbers fled the restaurant, Shields calmly stood up and followed them outside into the parking lot. As the men ran down Laurel Canyon Blvd. toward an awaiting car, Randy pulled his .357 magnum from his holster and took aim. He fired one shot hitting one of the robbers in the ass, as the other escaped. After shooting the bandit, Randy disarmed the man and dragged him back to the restaurant. The robber was too seriously wounded to move, so Randy just left him bleeding in the parking lot. He then went inside and finished his breakfast as the cashier phoned the police. He never said a word to anybody, just did what he had to do and went back to his eggs before they got cold.

The police arrived in less than a minute and arrested the robber. His partner was captured soon afterwards.

Last week I stopped into the 4/20 restaurant for breakfast with my wife, Monica. Randy wasn't there that morning, but when I spoke to our waitress about the incident a big smile came to her face . . . "He is our hero!" the waitress proclaimed.

When I think of guys like Randy Shields, the Goossen's, Benny the Jet, my late pal Kit Boursse' . . . we are all San Fernando Valley boys.
I have heard somebody suggest that "Valley Boys" are sissys. Don't bet on it!


-Rick Farris

[Expug]

Rick, thats a great story about Randy Shields.
Randy was an outstanding fighter. He could give anyone problems.
I didnt see him fight Pipino here in Chicago, but he was very competitive Ive heard.
I mentioned once before how Randy was brought into Chicago to be a name opponent for my old sparring partner Louie Mateo.I think it was in 80 or 81.
Louies people were building him up and probably figured beating Shields would look good on his resume.They fought at the old Chicago Ampitheatre.
It was one way traffic. Mateo wasnt ready for Shields. Although, Louie showed alot of heart going ten.
I never understood why his people thought he was ready for such a solid fighter as Randy Shields.Louie only had about a dozen fights going in.
Hadnt fought anyone nearly as tough either.

[Rick Farris]

Brian . . . I never saw Mateo fight but his record reflects your opinion relating to his match with Shields.
Seems he didn't have a lot of experience before tying into a vet as Randy was at the time, just a few ten rounders.
He was a winning fighter when he quit boxing. He'd won three in a row. Do you know why he quit boxing?

-Rick
________________________________________________________________________________________________


Luis Mateo

birth date 1961-07-23
division super middleweight
alias Rocky / KO/ Louie
residence Chicago, Illinois, United States
won 22 (KO 11) + lost 6 (KO 4) + drawn 0 = 29
rounds boxed 139 KO% 37.93




1990-03-29 164 William Clayton 165 10-17-0
International Amphitheater, Chicago, Illinois, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Stanley Berg | judge: Mike Glienna 45-42 | judge: Jerry Jakubco 45-39 | judge: Collins Brown 45-41 ~
~ USA Illinois State super middleweight title ~

1989-12-05 159 Jake Torrance 158 17-33-1
Park West, Chicago, Illinois, United States W UD 6 6
~ referee: Stanley Berg ~

1988-10-01 156½ Jake Torrance 157 17-25-0
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W UD 6 6
1986-07-25 153½ Pipino Cuevas 155 31-12-0
UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, United States L TKO 3 10
~ time: 0:30 ~

1985-11-02 145 Veabro Boykin 146 17-1-2
Odeum, Villa Park, Illinois, United States L TKO 2 10
~ time: 2:59 | judge: Mike Glienna | judge: William Lerch | judge: Jim LeBel ~
~ USA Illinois State welterweight title ~

1985-09-21 149 Tommy Rogers 151 3-17-1
DiVinci Manor, Chicago, Illinois, United States W TKO 5 8
~ time: 2:21 | judge: William Lerch | judge: Mike Glienna | judge: Jim LeBel ~

1985-06-28 Tony Golden 154 1-3-0
Hammond, Indiana, United States W PTS 6 6
1983-10-10 Ronnie Yoe 1-2-0
Chicago, Illinois, United States W TKO 5 10
~ time: 1:36 | referee: Al Prislinger ~

1983-05-28 147 Pedro Acosta 146 11-15-2
Chicago, Illinois, United States W PTS 10 10
~ USA Illinois State welterweight title ~

1983-04-25 149½ Greg Netter 151 10-13-2
Congress Americana Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, United States W TKO 3 8
~ time: 1:12 | referee: Brian O'Shea ~

1983-04-15 John Lakin 0-1-0
Galaxie Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 8
~ referee: Nate Morgan | judge: Collins Brown | judge: James DiVito | judge: Mike Glienna ~

1983-01-14 Pedro Acosta 11-14-2
Chicago, Illinois, United States NC NC 6 8
IL Result sheet= DOUBLE DQ " Both fighters & trainers started brawling note No double DQ Loss on result scroll bar

1982-10-17 Robert Hines 9-0-0
Claridge Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States L KO 4
1982-06-14 149 Efrain Bennett 145 4-0-0
Park West, Chicago, Illinois, United States W SD 8 8
1981-12-03 154¼ Jake Torrance 151½ 7-0-0
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W UD 8 8
1981-08-21 William Page 1-6-0
Chicago, Illinois, United States W PTS 6 6
1980-12-11 146 Roosevelt Green 146½ 10-1-0
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States L TKO 7 10
~ referee: Al Prislinger ~

1980-09-22 146 Gary Smith 147 0-9-0
Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 10
~ time: 1:29 ~

1980-08-14 146½ Randy Shields 146 36-6-1
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States L UD 10 10
1980-06-27 147 Larry Mayes 146½ 6-4-1
Uptown Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W UD 10 10
1980-05-09 147 Arnell Thomas 152 5-8-1
Uptown Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 10
1980-04-14 147½ Evaristo Rodriguez 147
Uptown Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W TKO 2 10
1980-03-28 147 Jerry Strickland 142½ 9-46-0
Uptown Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 2 8
1980-03-03 146½ Robert Hughes 145 5-0-1
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W SD 6 6
1980-02-18 147 Larry Porterfield 147½
Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 6
1980-02-01 146 Phil Batie 147½ 0-7-0
International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 6
~ time: 2:06 ~

1979-12-15 Eugene Jennings
Circle Arena, Chicago, Illinois, United States W KO 1 8
1979-10-19 144 Robert Hughes 146 3-0-1
Chicago, Illinois, United States L PTS 4 4
1978-01-14 Jorge Mojica 0-0-1
Carolina, Puerto Rico W PTS 4 4

[Expug]

Rick, Im not really sure why Louie hung em up.
He was a good puncher. He really went to the body well also.
We had some real good wars in the gym.
He used to go at it with Johnny Lira all the time also.
We all got along real well, but when the bell rang, it was on. Day in and day out.
Another guy who was always boxing with us was Johnny Heard who I talked about here quite a bit.
He worked my corner a couple times also and I really learned a lot from him. Great guy.
I dont know about you guys, but I remember all these guys and events like it was yesterday. Trouble is I cant remember what happened five minutes ago.

[Rick Farris]

Hap Navarro . . .

Just in case Hap is surfing the net and drops in, I wish to say hello, Don Gabriel.
Hope all is well with you and family. Thanks for everything.



-Rick Farris