Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

The road to Josefa's house.

[dagosd2000]

Pipino Cuevas

[Rick Farris]

Pipino Cuevas

Welcome home!

[Rick Farris]

Making Keeny Teran's last match, 1955 . . .

Back in Arpil, 1955, Hap Navarro was the promoter at the Hollywood American Legion Stadium, one America's leading fight venues.
In those days, when you planned to stage a title fight, be it for a world title, national title, whatever, you had to have persmission."
The permission came from New York, where the powers in the world of boxing called home.

Hap Navarro wanted to promote a North America Flyweight title bout between North American champ, Keeny Teran, and Mexican champ, Memo Diez.
Hap went thru the proper channels, petitioning NBA (National Boxing Association) President, Fred J. Sandy.

A few days later, Navarro was notified via Western Union telegram (sent collect), that read . . .


"Hollywood Legion staging bout, North America Flyweight title, between Keeeny Teran, North American Champion,
and Memo Diez, Mexican champion, should help stimulate action in the 112 pound division." -Fred J. Sandy


Hap got his blessing, and the bout went off as planned. It would be Keeny Teran's last professional fight.

Hap Navarro was kind enough to forward a copy of this historic telegram which I have in my files.
Frank may also have a copy of this document and may have already posted it? If not, maybe in the future?

Hap Navarro explained, in part, some of the challenges promoters faced during the era.
He speaks highly of the integrity of Legionaires in their support of the promotion of professional boxing.


-Rick Farris

[THEHAMMER321]

Hi Rick i will def be there in October just let me know whenever tickets go on sale,I hope to meet some of the posters on here especially you and Kiki because I never tire about talking of boxing from the past as I was just thinking about ''The Pride And The Glory '' AKA Holmes vs Cooney from June 11,1982 it was the first Heavy weight championship fight I ever attended it was just electric as I walked through the lobby of Ceasars palace into the arena little did I know on the undercard were some of my favorite fighters Earnie Shavers and Wilfredo Gomez, what a great fight card

[kikibalt]

Making Keeny Teran's last match, 1955 . . .

Back in Arpil, 1955, Hap Navarro was the promoter at the Hollywood American Legion Stadium, one America's leading fight venues.
In those days, when you planned to stage a title fight, be it for a world title, national title, whatever, you had to have persmission."
The permission came from New York, where the powers in the world of boxing called home.

Hap Navarro wanted to promote a North America Flyweight title bout between North American champ, Keeny Teran, and Mexican champ, Memo Diez.
Hap went thru the proper channels, petitioning NBA (National Boxing Association) President, Fred J. Sandy.

A few days later, Navarro was notified via Western Union telegram (sent collect), that read . . .


"Hollywood Legion staging bout, North America Flyweight title, between Keeeny Teran, North American Champion,
and Memo Diez, Mexican champion, should help stimulate action in the 112 pound division." -Fred J. Sandy


Hap got his blessing, and the bout went off as planned. It would be Keeny Teran's last professional fight.

Hap Navarro was kind enough to forward a copy of this historic telegram which I have in my files.
Frank may also have a copy of this document and may have already posted it? If not, maybe in the future?

Hap Navarro explained, in part, some of the challenges promoters faced during the era.
He speaks highly of the integrity of Legionaires in their support of the promotion of professional boxing.


-Rick Farris

Rick...I remember the Memo Diaz fight real well, Connie and I were ringside for that fight, I heard that Keeny got a fix close to fight time, I was piss with Keeny when I heard that and I told him so when I saw him a few days later....

[Rick Farris]

Hi Rick i will def be there in October just let me know whenever tickets go on sale,I hope to meet some of the posters on here especially you and Kiki because I never tire about talking of boxing from the past as I was just thinking about ''The Pride And The Glory '' AKA Holmes vs Cooney from June 11,1982 it was the first Heavy weight championship fight I ever attended it was just electric as I walked through the lobby of Ceasars palace into the arena little did I know on the undercard were some of my favorite fighters Earnie Shavers and Wilfredo Gomez, what a great fight card

Hammer . . . I've told this story before, so the reg's may wish to stop here. However, I first saw Earnie Shavers at the 1969 National AAU Championships in San Diego. I came there with the Southern Cal team, Shavers came in with the team from Cincinnatti. The big favorite in heavyweight division was a Navy champ who had fought in L.A. during the late 60's, Jim Elder. Another favorite was one of our Southern Cal heavies, Walter Moore. Moore had just won the Nat'l Golden Gloves title the month previous, repping our Southern Cal team in Kansas City. Earnie Shavers and the rest were in the shadows of these two. Walter Moore was a little nervous about fighting, Jim Elder. It was no secret. He then came down with a "stomach problem" after learning he was matched with Elder in the opening round. He pulled out, sick.

As expected, Elder fought his way to the championship match. He was arrogant, about 6'2", his pale white belly had a trademark roll of flab. He'd kind of made a mark in L.A. by whipping one of our best, Clay Hodges. He walked with a swagger, had a way of leering at the crowd as he walked to the ring. Something about the guy I never liked. I used to privatly wish that Jerry Quarry was still fighting amateur, just to kick his ass. It was Earnie Shavers who'd impressed the crowd with his surprising KO wins, however, he'd be fighting "Big" Jim Elder in the final, this is where his dream would end.
Shavers looked scared, most of Elder's foes did, kinda like Tyson intimidated opponents. Shavers was one of those guys who didn't run from his fear, he ran right to it. At the bell, a frightened looking, wide-eyed Earnie Shavers ran across the ring to the cocky Elder who had just turned around in his corner. Shavers started throwing bombs, and caught the startled Elder with a big one right away. The Navt vet's leg quivered as he attempted to remain standing. Another shot had him reeling back into the ropes where Shavers pounded him to the canvas. Elder tried to get up, but he had no legs.

The rest is history. Suddenly, Earnie Shavers was the big name in amateur heavyweight boxing. It was off to the pros!


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Making Keeny Teran's last match, 1955 . . .

Back in Arpil, 1955, Hap Navarro was the promoter at the Hollywood American Legion Stadium, one America's leading fight venues.
In those days, when you planned to stage a title fight, be it for a world title, national title, whatever, you had to have persmission."
The permission came from New York, where the powers in the world of boxing called home.

Hap Navarro wanted to promote a North America Flyweight title bout between North American champ, Keeny Teran, and Mexican champ, Memo Diez.
Hap went thru the proper channels, petitioning NBA (National Boxing Association) President, Fred J. Sandy.

A few days later, Navarro was notified via Western Union telegram (sent collect), that read . . .


"Hollywood Legion staging bout, North America Flyweight title, between Keeeny Teran, North American Champion,
and Memo Diez, Mexican champion, should help stimulate action in the 112 pound division." -Fred J. Sandy


Hap got his blessing, and the bout went off as planned. It would be Keeny Teran's last professional fight.

Hap Navarro was kind enough to forward a copy of this historic telegram which I have in my files.
Frank may also have a copy of this document and may have already posted it? If not, maybe in the future?

Hap Navarro explained, in part, some of the challenges promoters faced during the era.
He speaks highly of the integrity of Legionaires in their support of the promotion of professional boxing.


-Rick Farris

Rick...I remember the Memo Diaz fight real well, Connie and I were ringside for that fight, I heard that Keeny got a fix close to fight time, I was piss with Keeny when I heard that and I told him so when I saw him a few days later....

Frank . . . The historical telegram copy Hap sent me is something I value far more thanks to this thread.
You have taken us into the gym and career of Keeny Teran, which takes us into the darker shadows of his life.
This history, the personal history you share, combined with the "inside" professional history that Hap has shared, give us a greater understanding of this L.A. boxing legend. Randy's contributions coming from his friends, who are Teran's family members, are also enlightening. Eventually, I'll forward you a copy of this great Western-Union telegram. I believe you already have seen it? If not, you'll appreciate it and may wish to post it?


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Making Keeny Teran's last match, 1955 . . .

Back in Arpil, 1955, Hap Navarro was the promoter at the Hollywood American Legion Stadium, one America's leading fight venues.
In those days, when you planned to stage a title fight, be it for a world title, national title, whatever, you had to have persmission."
The permission came from New York, where the powers in the world of boxing called home.

Hap Navarro wanted to promote a North America Flyweight title bout between North American champ, Keeny Teran, and Mexican champ, Memo Diez.
Hap went thru the proper channels, petitioning NBA (National Boxing Association) President, Fred J. Sandy.

A few days later, Navarro was notified via Western Union telegram (sent collect), that read . . .


"Hollywood Legion staging bout, North America Flyweight title, between Keeeny Teran, North American Champion,
and Memo Diez, Mexican champion, should help stimulate action in the 112 pound division." -Fred J. Sandy


Hap got his blessing, and the bout went off as planned. It would be Keeny Teran's last professional fight.

Hap Navarro was kind enough to forward a copy of this historic telegram which I have in my files.
Frank may also have a copy of this document and may have already posted it? If not, maybe in the future?

Hap Navarro explained, in part, some of the challenges promoters faced during the era.
He speaks highly of the integrity of Legionaires in their support of the promotion of professional boxing.


-Rick Farris

Rick...I remember the Memo Diaz fight real well, Connie and I were ringside for that fight, I heard that Keeny got a fix close to fight time, I was piss with Keeny when I heard that and I told him so when I saw him a few days later....

Frank . . . The historical telegram copy Hap sent me is something I value far more thanks to this thread.
You have taken us into the gym and career of Keeny Teran, which takes us into the darker shadows of his life.
This history, the personal history you share, combined with the "inside" professional history that Hap has shared, give us a greater understanding of this L.A. boxing legend. Randy's contributions coming from his friends, who are Teran's family members, are also enlightening. Eventually, I'll forward you a copy of this great Western-Union telegram. I believe you already have seen it? If not, you'll appreciate it and may wish to post it?


-Rick Farris

I have see and also have a copy of it some where in my files, but send it and I'll post it, I'm sure its here some where in the back, back pages, but so what, we'll post it again...

[THEHAMMER321]

I was curious how good some of these fighters were who did not quite make it Joe Orbillo, Tony Doyle who i see had a draw with Quarry,Rudy Robles who I saw lose to James THE Heat Kinchen but went unbeaten in over twenty fights to start his career btw Kiki you have any more old photos lol

[kikibalt]

Off to see my doctors, will be gone all morning....

[dagosd2000]

GUARDIAN OF THE JUNK YARD


My nephew Chelis has an auto repair shop(taller mechanico) just outside of town. The place is located on a hill next to one of the main roads going in and out of Jiquilpan. A two lane asphalt job that twists and turns through the countryside. There's not much around Chelis's business except some old barbed wire fences made of tree limbs. At night it gets pretty dark up on that hill. There's a gate that's locked up at night and a small brick wall surrounding the yard,but my nephew always has someone staying there at night to watch the place. When I went back this time,my nephew had put an old guy in there named Enrique Margarito. He lives there for free. He does nothing all day but sit around. At night he sleeps inside the garage.

Chelis does a good business. He employs three mechanics including his father who taught his son the ins and outs of repairing cars. Sometimes I go to the "taller" to hang out. I always make a point to sit for a time with Enrique Margarito.

They told me Enrique had been a fighter. I didn't find this out until the end of my vacation. I'd sit next to the the old man and he would ramble on.It didn't matter if anyone didn't sit next to him. He would talk to himself.He really didn't talk to you. He would talk about how the gangsters had killed his son.They had turned his son into an alcoholic and then they killed him. After telling this Enrique would break down. Enrique also would talk about how he would walk by himself to the next town,Sahuayo,which is about 5 miles from Jiquilpan. There he would go to the big church in the plaza and pray for his son. He'd come back with these cards they called"biographias".On the front of the cards there were beautifull pictures of the saints. On the back of the cards there were stories about the particular saint. Enrique would hand them out to anyone who sat next to him. I have about five or six of these "biographias." Enrique kept giving me duplicates. I would hand the duplicates back to him,but it he would hand them back.

Chelis told me that Enrique had spent all his money he had made from fighting on women and alcohol. Chelis told me that Enrique was not a bad fighter. Chelis told me he had never seen Enrique fight. It was before my nephew's time. I looked up Enrique's name on the Boxrec Archives. I didn't find him. This is not unusual. Mexico has more boxers than all the other countries in the world combined.

I tried to ask Enrique who he had fought but he would just put up his hands and throw a few punches and then start to talk about his son and cry again.

Enrique sits in the same spot everyday in front of the junk pile by the side of the "taller." I never saw anyone talk to him except one time when one of the mechanics went over to him and ask him to throw a few"chingasos." Enrique didn't throw any punches. The mechanic kind of laughed and walked away.

Like I said,I'd always make it a point to sit next to Enrique a little. I didn't talk to him after a while. He would do the talking. Like he was talking to himself.The other mechanics,I'd notice, would glance over and see that I was next to Enrique.

In the late afternoon Chelis would lock the gate to the "taller" behind him. Enrique would then be by himself. All the guard dogs had died. Enrique was by himself at night inside the garage. I'm sure he was talking to himself.

[dagosd2000]

Tony Baltazar(El Cacheton)

[bennie]

Hi Rick i will def be there in October just let me know whenever tickets go on sale,I hope to meet some of the posters on here especially you and Kiki because I never tire about talking of boxing from the past as I was just thinking about ''The Pride And The Glory '' AKA Holmes vs Cooney from June 11,1982 it was the first Heavy weight championship fight I ever attended it was just electric as I walked through the lobby of Ceasars palace into the arena little did I know on the undercard were some of my favorite fighters Earnie Shavers and Wilfredo Gomez, what a great fight card

I watched the show from London in the old closed-circuit days. I found it a bit painful watching old Earnie fail to finish "Quick" Tillis when he had him in trouble.
Earnie lives over here now - a real English gent.

[Rick Farris]

I was curious how good some of these fighters were who did not quite make it Joe Orbillo, Tony Doyle who i see had a draw with Quarry,Rudy Robles who I saw lose to James THE Heat Kinchen but went unbeaten in over twenty fights to start his career btw Kiki you have any more old photos lol

Hammer . . . I don't know how much you've seen of this thread, but if you have the time to start at the beginning, you'll see that Frank has posted hundreds of photos, programs, news clips, etc. We still have a lot more to come, but a lot of great stuff can be found thruout the thread. It is so big today, we are trying to avoid reposting info, however, sometimes it is necessary as it will support a current topic. If you see a piece from the past that you find interesting, just post a reply and it will kick it right up to the present and we'll be glad to discuss it with you.


-Rick Farris

[bennie]

I took a few shots of Randolph Turpin's old training camp in Llandudno, North Wales, in the summer. He trained atop a mountain; he owned the entire mountain. The complex at the top is now a general tourist attraction, full of tacky gift shops and an overpriced diner.
Only the bar remains in Randy's name.


The summit complex. You can drive to the top, obviously, or catch a cable car or a tram.


The view from outside the bar. That's me, trying to look 'hard'.


The view of Llandudno, taken from a cable car.


A shot on the wall of the bar of Randy's inexplicable loss to Bobo Olson.


The good and bad days.

[dagosd2000]

Frankie Baltazar

[raylawpc]

A shot on the wall of the bar of Randy's inexplicable loss to Bobo Olson.

Not inexplicable at all . . . Bobo was of Swedish descent.

[dagosd2000]

Downtown Jiquilpan




These little girls practiced in front of our house every evening. Cute little things.




A view of Jiquilpan from our house



Peace and Quiet

[Rick Farris]

Not inexplicable at all . . . Bobo was of Swedish descent
_____________________________________________

About Olson . . . Mel Epstein got to know Bobo Olson during the years he lived in San Franciso.
Epstein had a lot of respect for the former middleweight champ, but was most fascinated by the man's love life.
Seems that Olson had wives all over America including Hawaii, San Franciso and New York.
I don't know the whole story, but I guess there came a time when all three found out about each other?
I gotta give the man credit, one wife is a lot of work. Three wives?

Epstein told me that's what happens to a man who is "over-sexed". "Fighters & women don't mix," he'd warn.
Mel really had a problem with boxers that were involved with women. Like it was the worst curse possible.
I know that women have ruined many a boxer, but life is life.


-Rick Farris

[THEHAMMER321]

Well guys I have a lot of reading to do as I am only on page four so far interesting story on Dwight Hawkins in Japan I guess sometimes you got to have a little luck or at least some honest judges /good ''luck'' with that lol, now changing the subject any of you guys pre internet days ever write in to the boxing magazines and post in the forums I used to buy every one that came out from 1982 till about 2000

[Rick Farris]

Downtown Jiquilpan




These little girls practiced in front of our house every evening. Cute little things.




A view of Jiquilpan from our house



Peace and Quiet

What a great place for you and Maria to settle. Simple life, not all the crap we face here.
I guess it all depends what a person wants & needs from life, but it looks like you have the right idea.
I have a feeling that you will one day be regarded as a local legend. Your art & charactor make an impression.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

Ruben Olivares vs Art Hafey

When I think of Ruben Olivares fighting Art Hafey, the above picture puts things into proper focus.
I credit Art for pulling the sheets over Ruben in their first, but I also knew that Olivares was not in shape.

[Rick Farris]

Now THIS is a fight card!

Just the other day, Dan Hanley were discussing the old Forum cards that George Parnassus put together.
You would have three or four competitive feature bouts, all featuring the likes of Napoles, Olivares, etc.

The above show would have been a winner regardless of the fight results. The fans the biggest winners.


-Rick Farris