Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Actor - Abel Fernandez


Abel Fernandez co-starred on the very popular television series "The Untouchables," from 1959 through 1963. He was born on July 14, 1930 in Los Angeles, California. His mother was Yakaii Indian and his father, Mexican Indian. Abel the youngest of a large family lost his mother at birth. He attended Belmont High (now Cathreal High) in Los Angeles. Enlisted in the Army at age 16 and was a paratooper. Won Middleweight boxing champ of Asiatic Forces. Became a professional boxer in 1950 but quit in 1953 after almost killing an opponent. Studied acting and started in films in 1953. Said to be mixed with Spanish, Portuguese, Irish and Italian. Produces theatrical shows for disadvantaged children.

ABEL'S Filmograhy (I hope I got these right)

Films:

"Second Chance" (1953)......? Co-starred with Robert Mitchum
"Alaska Sea" (1953)......? Co-starred with Robert Ryan
"Rose Marie" ( 1954)......? Co-starred with Fernando Lamas
"Many Rivers To Cross" (1955) ...... Slangoh
"The Last Wagon" (1956) ...... Apache Medicine Man
"The Harder They Fall"...... (1956) ......Chief Firebird Co-Starred with Humphry Bogart
"Pork Chop Hill" (1959) ......Kindley
"The Scar Face Mob" /aka "Untouchables (1962) ...... William Yougfellow
"Madigan" (1968) ......Detective Rodriquez
"Quicksilver" (1986) ......Guyamo
"Fort Yuma" ...... ?
"Target Zero" ......?
Note: "The "Scarface Mob" aka Untouchables" movie was filmed after the series was already on air and popular. Later , also in "62 it was aired on tv.

Television:

"The Untouchables" (1959 -1963)......William "Bill" Youngfellow
"Steve Canyon" (1958 or 1959-1960)......Airman, Abel Featherstone
"Second Chance" (1953) ......?
"Gunsmoke" (1955) ......Little Wolf
"Gunsmoke" (1995) ......Indian
"Gunsmoke" (1995) ......Nate
"Zane Grey Theater (1956) ......? [ Episode # 3.21 ]
"Zane Grey Theater (1956) ......? [ Episode # 31.6 ]
"Rin Tin Tin" ? ......?
"Wagon Train" ? ......?
"Lassie" ? ......?
"Have gun Will Travel" ? ......?
"Andy Burnatt" ? ......?
"Daniel Boone" ? ......?
"Jim Bowie" ? ......?
"Playhouse 90" ? ......?
"The Tine Tunnel" ? ......?
"CBS Playhouse" ? ......?
"77 Sunset Strip" ? ......?
"Climax" ? ......?
"The fall Guy" ? ......?


This was supplied by a fan. Her sources were various magazine artcles. Some info even came from Abel himself!

I'll list some of the sources just to help other fans who's looking for material:
"The TV Collector" (August-September 1985, Page18)
"TV Radio Mirror" (February 1961, Pages 66 &67)

BOXER - Abel Fernandez

birth date 1930-07-14
division light heavyweight
nationality United States
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
birth place Los Angeles, CA
won 12 (KO 6) + lost 11 (KO 3) + drawn 1 = 24
rounds boxed 143 KO% 25




1953-03-17 196 Leonard Morrow 192 25-7-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 8 10
~ time: 2:52 | 34-33 ~
Morrow was knocked down in the 2nd for a five-count, and again in the 3rd round. According to the Los Angeles Times, a blow to Fernandez's Adam's apple, left him unable to continue.

1953-01-27 190½ Freddie Beshore 196 33-14-1
Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, United States L UD 10 10
~ referee: Ralph Gruman | judge: Eddie Volk | judge: Freddie Steele ~

1953-01-06 195 Sonny Andrews 179 12-5-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Joe Stone 56½-53½ | judge: Jack McDonald 58-52 | judge: Lee Grossman 57-53 ~
Andrews was knocked down once in the 1st and 2nd round.

1952-10-21 194 Freddie Beshore 196½ 31-14-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L UD 10 10
~ referee: Joe Stone 52-57 | judge: Frankie Van 52-57 | judge: Dynamite Jackson 52-57 ~

1952-09-20 194 Jack Nelson 185 20-3-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L UD 10 10
~ referee: Joe Stone 52½-57½ | judge: Dynamite Jackson 52½-57½ | judge: Frank Holborow 53½-56½ ~
Nelson was knocked down for a nine-count in the 4th round.

1952-07-05 183 John McFalls 183 11-1-3
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 10 10
~ time: 1:25 | referee: Joe Stone ~
According to the Los Angeles Times, McFalls was knocked down in the 2nd, Fernandez was knocked down in the 4th round, in the 10th Fernandez behind on the scorecards, knocked McFalls down for an eight-count with a right hand. The referee stopped it as McFalls rose.

1952-04-26 187 Babe Edwards 186½ 30-12-5
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Abe Roth 59-51 | judge: Dynamite Jackson 56½-53½ | judge: Frank Holborow 56-54 ~

1952-04-05 175 Tommy Harrison 172 13-5-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L UD 12 12
~ referee: Abe Roth 63½-68½ | judge: Tommy Herman 61-71 | judge: Tommy Hart 62½-69½ ~
~ vacant USA California State light heavyweight title ~

1952-03-18 182 Eddie Cotton 171 16-5-1
Seattle, Washington, United States L KO 4 10
~ time: 2:10 ~

1952-01-29 180 Sammy Saunders 175¼ 2-1-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 5 6
Fernandez came back from a 2nd round knockdown, to floor Saunders in the 5th round.

1951-12-11 180¼ Tommy Harrison 171 11-3-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 2 6
Harrison was knocked down once in both the 1st and 2nd round.

1951-11-23 179 Tommy Harrison 172½ 10-3-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L PTS 6 6
Fernandez was knocked down for a nine-count in the 3rd round.

1951-10-30 176 Bob Couch 170½ 1-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4
1951-10-23 177¼ Mike Angustain 165½ 17-5-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L UD 6 6
1951-10-12 177 Bob Couch 171 1-0-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W PTS 4 4
1951-09-28 175 Walter Landry 170 5-2-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 2 4
1950-12-19 174½ Watson Jones 173¾ 41-29-8
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L KO 4 6
1950-07-11 175 Lonnie Malone 170 14-1-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 6 6
Malone was knocked down in the 3rd round.

1950-06-06 175 Lonnie Malone 171 12-1-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 4 4
1950-05-16 175 Lonnie Malone 171 11-1-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 4 4
1950-05-12 174¾ Monte Clark 174½ 3-5-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 3 4
Clark was knocked down twice.

1950-05-05 175½ Joe Cardenas 168 9-5-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 1 4
1950-04-25 174 Al Hernandez 165 11-22-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W UD 4 4
Hernandez was knocked down in the 2nd round.

1950-04-18 173½ Al Hernandez 163½ 11-21-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4
Pro debut for Fernandez, according to the Los Angeles Times

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umds7jGTiSQ

La Cadenita

Sonora Dinamita
BANG BANG HE SHOT HIS WIFE

This song brings back a lot of warm memories. The Monaco Club. The swirling lights. Crowded dance floor. The sweat permeating the thick perfume. And Beatriz. She strutted around that place showing her stuff and all the other girls hated her. The blonde hair and the sequin dress and the high heels. The night her husband came in(they said it was her husband)and we were having a friendly drink. All was innocent. The husband sees it different and pulls out a gun. It was like being in a vacuum. I thought I was going to cash it all in right there. But instead of seeing my life flash before my eyes,the guy points the gun at Beatriz and shoots her instead of me. We bum rushed the guy and had him down. The cops drug him outside and that was the last anyone saw of him. Oh,Beatriz just suffered the good 'ol flesh wound. Shot in the arm is all. Took one for me. Can't beat a gal like that. I heard the next night the owner of the Monaco Club dropped dead of a heart attack in the place.I got the word to Beatriz to switch bars if she wanted to see anymore of me. Never saw her again. I guess she liked all that excitement.

[Rick Farris]

Abel Fernandez . . .

Interesting record, Frank. I notice he fought some good fighters. He also fought Sammy Saunders at the Olympic.
I believe thats the same Sammy S. who was promoting amateur fights in L.A. in the 60's?
Tommy Harrison, and Eddie Cotton. I remember in the mid-60's, Jose Torres defended the light-heavy title against Cotton.
Eddie Cotton was 40-years-old, and easily out boxed Torres. It wasn't even close.
Torres got the nod, one of the worst decisions I ever saw. It was on national TV, a major network.
By the way, is Sammy Saunders in the CBHOF? He was really a part of the L.A. boxing scene. He also coached Mike Stewart.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Abel Fernandez . . .

Interesting record, Frank. I notice he fought some good fighters. He also fought Sammy Saunders at the Olympic.
I believe thats the same Sammy S. who was promoting amateur fights in L.A. in the 60's?
Tommy Harrison, and Eddie Cotton. I remember in the mid-60's, Jose Torres defended the light-heavy title against Cotton.
Eddie Cotton was 40-years-old, and easily out boxed Torres. It wasn't even close.
Torres got the nod, one of the worst decisions I ever saw. It was on national TV, a major network.
By the way, is Sammy Saunders in the CBHOF? He was really a part of the L.A. boxing scene. He also coached Mike Stewart.


-Rick Farris

Same Sammy Rick....Abel fought some good fighters, Freddie Beshore, Leonard Morrow, & Sonny Andrews were top fighters, Beshore was close to getting a title shot vs E. Charles.

Sammy Saunders has been inducted into the CBHOF

[kikibalt]

Freddie Beshore did get a NBA HW title shot vs Charles

Freddie Beshore

sex male
birth date 1922-09-28
death date 1981-06-01
division heavyweight
stance orthodox
height 5′ 9″ / 175cm

nationality United States
residence El Monte, California, United States

birth place Harrisburg, PA, USA
won 35 (KO 12) + lost 17 (KO 7) + drawn 2 = 54
rounds boxed 386 KO% 22.22


1954-05-17 192½ Earl Walls 194 29-8-0
Edmonton Gardens, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada L UD 10 10
~ 0-10 | 1-9 | 3-5 ~

1954-03-08 195 Bobby Volk 175 21-9-1
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada W TKO 2 10

1953-11-18 194 Dan Bucceroni 188½ 45-3-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L TKO 8 10
~ time: 2:41 | referee: Joe Stone 35½-41½ ~

1953-06-16 200 Harry Matthews 180 83-4-6
Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, United States L UD 10 10
~ referee: Eddie Volk 51½-52½ | judge: Freddie Steele 47-63 | judge: Ralph Gruman 44-66 ~

1953-05-12 196¾ Harry Matthews 181¼ 83-4-5
Portland, Oregon, United States D PTS 10 10
~ referee: Ralph Gruman 40-60 | judge: Freddie Steele 56½-53½ | judge: Bobby Richards ~

1953-01-27 196 Abel Fernandez 190½ 12-9-1
Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Ralph Gruman | judge: Eddie Volk | judge: Freddie Steele ~

1952-12-02 195½ Bill McClure 210 17-23-6
Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Freddie Steele 60-52 | judge: Eddie Volk 59-52 | judge: Ralph Gruman 59-52 ~

1952-10-21 196½ Abel Fernandez 194 11-8-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Joe Stone 57-52 | judge: Frankie Van 57-52 | judge: Dynamite Jackson 57-52 ~

1952-10-07 197 Joe Kahut 181 53-20-6
Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, United States W TKO 7 10
~ referee: Ralph Gruman ~
Kahut's corner threw in the towel after the 7th round, as he was badly cut over one of his eyes.

1951-08-27 196 Rocky Marciano 187½ 36-0-0
Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, United States L KO 4 10
~ time: 0:50 | referee: Johnny Martin ~

1951-06-18 192 Harry Matthews 175 66-3-5
Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States L TKO 7 10
~ time: 1:55 | referee: Dauber Jaeger ~
Beshore was stopped on cuts. Beshore put up a determined opposition and it was an interesting fight, but Matthews was more and more in control as the rounds passed.

1951-05-08 193 Rocky Jones 185 7-3-1
Lakewood Park, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, United States W KO 4 10
~ time: 1:24 ~
Jones was knocked down twice in the 3rd, and for the count in the 4th.

1951-04-24 185 Don Cockell 181 52-9-1
Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, United Kingdom L PTS 10 10x3
The Associated Press scored it 8 rounds for Cockell and two even.

1951-02-28 190 Art Henri 183 13-14-1
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States W TKO 5 10
~ time: 2:52 ~
Henri was knocked down three times in the 5th round.

1951-01-03 191½ Joe Louis 210¼ 59-2-0
Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, United States L TKO 4 10
~ time: 2:48 | referee: Johnny Weber ~
The bout was stopped on advice from the ring doctor. Beshore bleeding from his nose, and he had a bad cut on his left eyelid.

1950-11-20 194½ Young Harry Wills 204 20-18-6
Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, United States L SD 10 10
~ referee: Eddie Leonard | judge: Benny Goldstein | judge: Buddy McQuade ~

1950-08-15 184½ Ezzard Charles 183¼ 63-5-1
Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, United States L TKO 14 15
~ time: 2:53 | referee: Barney Felix 2-12 | judge: Anse Carroll 1-12 | judge: Leo Stachowiak 3-9 ~
~ National Boxing Association World heavyweight title ~
The fight was stopped because Beshore suffered a badly cauliflowered ear. Freddie had fought to the limit with all he had. Though badly punished at close range fighting, he never stepped back..Except for occasional rallies by Beshore, the match was decidedly one sided and lacking in thrills." (Nat Fleischer in The Ring, October 1950, page 3.) Beshore was not off of his feet in this fight and lived up to his reputation for toughness.

1950-01-04 183 Lee Oma 192½ 60-26-3
Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, United States L MD 10 10
~ referee: Lou Scozza 5-5 | judge: Willie DeJames 4-5 | judge: Fred Hegnauer 3-5 ~

1949-12-06 180¼ Lee Oma 196 59-26-3
Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, United States L UD 10 10

1949-05-03 199 Baby Dutch Culbertson 181¼ 19-6-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W SD 10 10
~ referee: Frankie Van 57-53 | judge: Frank Holborow 57-53 | judge: Billy Kershner 53-57 ~

1949-03-09 196½ Bob Dunlap 176½ 12-1-0
Auditorium, Oakland, California, United States L UD 10 10
~ referee: Johnny Lotsey ~

1949-02-09 197 Tony Bosnich 31-8-1
Auditorium, Oakland, California, United States W UD 10 10

1949-01-11 197½ Jo Weidin 212½ 21-3-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W MD 10 10
~ referee: Frankie Van 55-55 | judge: Benny Whitman 56-54 | judge: Jack McDonald 59-51 ~

1948-08-30 189½ Pat Valentino 184½ 41-10-4
Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, United States L PTS 10 10

1948-08-10 194 Roland Spencer 187 13-6-7
Ferris Field, Spokane, Washington, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Bud Oliver | judge: Bill Mohr | judge: Bob Wold ~

1948-07-13 191 Bobby Zander 201 14-8-1
Ferris Field, Spokane, Washington, United States W UD 10 10
Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title

1948-06-08 192 Tiger Jack Fox 185 145-21-12
Ferris Field, Spokane, Washington, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Bud Oliver ~
Vacant Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title

1948-04-06 193 Baby Dutch Culbertson 187 18-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W MD 10 10
~ referee: Abe Roth 54-54 | judge: Joe Stone 57-51 | judge: Benny Whitman 56-52 ~

1948-01-30 196 George Millich 178 18-1-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W SD 10 10
~ referee: Billy Kershner 53½-56½ | judge: Reggie Gilmore 57-53 | judge: Joe Stone 56½-53½ ~

1947-12-19 195 Tommy Garland 193 40-12-5
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W UD 10 10
~ referee: Reggie Gilmore 58-52 | judge: Tommy Herman 59½-50½ | judge: L.W. McConnaughay 56½-53½ ~

1947-10-31 194 Francisco de la Cruz 243 14-11-4
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L TKO 5 10
~ time: 0:32 | referee: Billy Kershner ~
Beshore was bleeding badly from the mouth and nose, after taking some smashing uppercuts from Francisco de la Cruz,and the referee stopped the fight.

1947-09-12 196 Ernie Rios 183½ 14-12-4
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 6 10
Rios was knocked down in the 5th round. The bout was stopped after the 6th round, as Rios was bleeding badly from the nose.

1947-06-13 197 Dick Underwood 177
Coliseum, San Diego, California, United States W PTS 10 10

1947-04-28 194 Al Jordan 188 16-13-1
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 10 10
~ referee: Benny Whitman ~

1947-04-07 190 Bill McClure 198 13-11-2
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States L KO 1 10
~ time: 0:29 | referee: Mushy Callahan ~

1947-03-17 197 Ernie Rios 185 12-10-4
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 10 10

1947-02-10 194 Charley Riggs 188 14-5-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 10 10
~ referee: Billy Kershner ~

1947-01-13 193½ Bobby Bonger 179 20-4-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W TKO 6 10
~ referee: Frankie Van ~
Bonger was suffering from cuts and a trouncing in the sixth round, causing the fight to be stopped.

1946-12-17 191½ Babe Edwards 176 21-3-4
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1946-09-24 190 Carlton Perry 195 3-13-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1946-08-12 189 Carlton Perry 210 2-12-2
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1946-08-06 188½ Horace Thompson 183 5-11-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 2 4

1946-07-29 191 Jesse McGowan 192½ 4-15-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W TKO 2 6

1946-07-23 191 Jack Glover 204 2-8-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1946-06-04 191 Babe Edwards 179 17-2-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States D PTS 4 4

1946-05-21 190 Jack Glover 210 0-3-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 3 4

1946-05-07 190 Nick Moreno 192 2-0-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1946-04-23 186 Bill McClure 193 3-6-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1946-04-16 178 Easy Flowers 173
Ryan's Auditorium, Fresno, California, United States W TKO 2 4
~ time: 2:20 ~

1946-03-26 190 Jimmy Wilson 178 3-7-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W TKO 2 4

1944-05-08 Dan Biggers 7-20-0
Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, United States W PTS 6 6

1944-04-03 190 Joe Levy 195 0-1-0
Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States W KO 2 6

1944-03-03 Sammy Maltempo 9-5-1
Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, United States L PTS 6 6

1942-10-30 189½ Tom Clark 180 2-1-1
Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States L PTS 6 6
Source: Philadelphia newspapers (Jack Kincaid).

[kikibalt]

Rick..I seen Fernandez's 1952 fight with Freddie Beshore live at the Olympic, that was the only time I seen Beshore live, Fernandez I seen a few times...

[kikibalt]

The "El Monte Kid" Freddie Beshore

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

Abel Fernandez . . .

Interesting record, Frank. I notice he fought some good fighters. He also fought Sammy Saunders at the Olympic.
I believe thats the same Sammy S. who was promoting amateur fights in L.A. in the 60's?
Tommy Harrison, and Eddie Cotton. I remember in the mid-60's, Jose Torres defended the light-heavy title against Cotton.
Eddie Cotton was 40-years-old, and easily out boxed Torres. It wasn't even close.
Torres got the nod, one of the worst decisions I ever saw. It was on national TV, a major network.
By the way, is Sammy Saunders in the CBHOF? He was really a part of the L.A. boxing scene. He also coached Mike Stewart.


-Rick Farris

Same Sammy Rick....Abel fought some good fighters, Freddie Beshore, Leonard Morrow, & Sonny Andrews were top fighters, Beshore was close to getting a title shot vs E. Charles.

Sammy Saunders has been inducted into the CBHOF

Thanks, Frank!

[Rick Farris]

The "El Monte Kid" Freddie Beshore

Frank . . . I knew of Freddie Beshore, who he fought. He not only fought Marciano, Louis, Charles, and the guys you named, he fought Tiger Jack Fox. Fox whipped Jersey Joe Walcott, twice.

What I didn't know, was that Freddie Beshore was from El Monte.
He's suddenly more interesting now that I know he is a "home boy".

[Randyman]

This is for Smoking Joe Frazier.


Joe, I became a fan of yours on May 4, 1967 when you beat ScrapIron Johnson in 10 at the old Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. This was the first time I saw you fight. ScrapIron was a tough guy. You impressed the hell out of this seventh grader. You impressed my father too and he was not so easily impressed. I knew you were something special. You proved me right when in your very next fight you Ko’ed one of the toughest man to ever lace up a pair of gloves, George Chuvalo, no easy feat but you did it in four.

Over the next few years you ran up a string of victories against guys like Buster Mathis, Mexico’s Manuel Ramos and a second win against the Argentinian Bull, Oscar Bonavena. You beat one of my favorite fighters, not once but twice when you stopped West Coast favorite “Irish” Jerry Quarry in both fights. I admired the way you stayed out of the heavyweight tournament, content with the New York state version of the heavyweight title, knowing all along that your day was coming. You never doubted yourself.

Your time arrived when you faced the elimination Champ Jimmy Ellis at the Madison Square Garden on February 16, 1970, stopping him in the fifth at the Madison Square Garden. Now you were the undisputed champ. You earned that title the hard way. No one can say Joe Frazier was born with a silver spoon in his mouth!

Your next fight, a fifth round KO of the great Light heavyweight Champion, Bob Foster, sealed the deal and “The Fight of the Century” was set. I believe to this date it was the most anticipated fight of all time. I couldn’t wait.

I was still in high school when that fight took place. I have to be honest, I was as much a fan of Muhammad Ali as I was of Smoking Joe Frazier but I did know one thing. Smoking Joe was going to win this fight. I bet my weeks lunch money on you, five bucks. I knew that the man I saw beat ScrapIron did not know how to lose. Granted, Scrap Iron was no Ali but I knew that you had the right stuff inside you to find a way to win. You didn’t disappoint. You were great that night Joe, about as great as any heavyweight champ in history. I can’t imagine how you felt that night. Both of you made history that night, two legitimate undefeated heavyweight champions with a rightful claim to the title facing each other. You came through that night Joe. You had a heart the size of the moon and it didn’t let you down.. You were King of the world that night Joe! That bum I bet the five dollars with never did pay me but it didn’t matter, you gave me bragging rights too.

You never left anything in the ring Joe, your heart and your style didn’t permit it. You fought like a man Joe, no one can ever question that. Sometimes though, as they say, styles make fights and George Foreman had the right style, that’s life. We can’t always choose when we are going to lose but we can choose how we lose. That Smoking Joe heart kept you from staying on the canvas. When I look at the tapes of that fight I am always moved by your courage, and you big heart.. There was no quit in Joe Frazier. You faced him again a few years later. Not many would have faced Big George a second time.

You would meet Ali three times in total but it was the third fight, the “Thrilla in Manilla” that would once again cause the world to stand still and hold it’s breath while you and Ali would meet at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines, again making history in what many consider the greatest heavyweight fight in history.

You had a career to be proud of Joe and you gave fight fans like me a thrill that has lasted a lifetime. You always carried yourself with pride and distinction and made your family proud. I remember that era, possibly the greatest in heavyweight history and I remember Joe Frazier. You stood head and shoulders above the rest. You were one the fighters that inspired me to become a boxer.

Thanks for the memories Joe.

[Expug]

This is for Smoking Joe Frazier.


Joe, I became a fan of yours on May 4, 1967 when you beat ScrapIron Johnson in 10 at the old Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. This was the first time I saw you fight. ScrapIron was a tough guy. You impressed the hell out of this seventh grader. You impressed my father too and he was not so easily impressed. I knew you were something special. You proved me right when in your very next fight you Ko’ed one of the toughest man to ever lace up a pair of gloves, George Chuvalo, no easy feat but you did it in four.

Over the next few years you ran up a string of victories against guys like Buster Mathis, Mexico’s Manuel Ramos and a second win against the Argentinian Bull, Oscar Bonavena. You beat one of my favorite fighters, not once but twice when you stopped West Coast favorite “Irish” Jerry Quarry in both fights. I admired the way you stayed out of the heavyweight tournament, content with the New York state version of the heavyweight title, knowing all along that your day was coming. You never doubted yourself.

Your time arrived when you faced the elimination Champ Jimmy Ellis at the Madison Square Garden on February 16, 1970, stopping him in the fifth at the Madison Square Garden. Now you were the undisputed champ. You earned that title the hard way. No one can say Joe Frazier was born with a silver spoon in his mouth!

Your next fight, a fifth round KO of the great Light heavyweight Champion, Bob Foster, sealed the deal and “The Fight of the Century” was set. I believe to this date it was the most anticipated fight of all time. I couldn’t wait.

I was still in high school when that fight took place. I have to be honest, I was as much a fan of Muhammad Ali as I was of Smoking Joe Frazier but I did know one thing. Smoking Joe was going to win this fight. I bet my weeks lunch money on you, five bucks. I knew that the man I saw beat ScrapIron did not know how to lose. Granted, Scrap Iron was no Ali but I knew that you had the right stuff inside you to find a way to win. You didn’t disappoint. You were great that night Joe, about as great as any heavyweight champ in history. I can’t imagine how you felt that night. Both of you made history that night, two legitimate undefeated heavyweight champions with a rightful claim to the title facing each other. You came through that night Joe. You had a heart the size of the moon and it didn’t let you down.. You were King of the world that night Joe! That bum I bet the five dollars with never did pay me but it didn’t matter, you gave me bragging rights too.

You never left anything in the ring Joe, your heart and your style didn’t permit it. You fought like a man Joe, no one can ever question that. Sometimes though, as they say, styles make fights and George Foreman had the right style, that’s life. We can’t always choose when we are going to lose but we can choose how we lose. That Smoking Joe heart kept you from staying on the canvas. When I look at the tapes of that fight I am always moved by your courage, and you big heart.. There was no quit in Joe Frazier. You faced him again a few years later. Not many would have faced Big George a second time.

You would meet Ali three times in total but it was the third fight, the “Thrilla in Manilla” that would once again cause the world to stand still and hold it’s breath while you and Ali would meet at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines, again making history in what many consider the greatest heavyweight fight in history.

You had a career to be proud of Joe and you gave fight fans like me a thrill that has lasted a lifetime. You always carried yourself with pride and distinction and made your family proud. I remember that era, possibly the greatest in heavyweight history and I remember Joe Frazier. You stood head and shoulders above the rest. You were one the fighters that inspired me to become a boxer.

Thanks for the memories Joe.

Beautiful tribute to Joe Randy.
I agree with everything you wrote. Joe was one of those guys we would call a fighters fighter.
I was never wild about all of the smack talk from Ali directed at Joe. Muhamad was a great champ no question. However, to me some of his insults towards Joe and Floyd Patterson got old.
Joe called him on it once or twice and Ai told him"Joe, Im trying to sell tickets for our fight."
Frazier told him,"the place is already sold out".
The thing about Alis taunts that got me,were that he always had a little entourage of yes men standing around giggling at his schtick.Encouraging him.
Guys who grew up in the street or who had been around the block a time or two are gonna get even more pissed when they feel they are getting made out to be a fool by a group of people.
Many of us have been there.It never ends well.

[Rick Farris]

This is for Smoking Joe Frazier.


Joe, I became a fan of yours on May 4, 1967 when you beat ScrapIron Johnson in 10 at the old Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. This was the first time I saw you fight. ScrapIron was a tough guy. You impressed the hell out of this seventh grader. You impressed my father too and he was not so easily impressed. I knew you were something special. You proved me right when in your very next fight you Ko’ed one of the toughest man to ever lace up a pair of gloves, George Chuvalo, no easy feat but you did it in four.

Over the next few years you ran up a string of victories against guys like Buster Mathis, Mexico’s Manuel Ramos and a second win against the Argentinian Bull, Oscar Bonavena. You beat one of my favorite fighters, not once but twice when you stopped West Coast favorite “Irish” Jerry Quarry in both fights. I admired the way you stayed out of the heavyweight tournament, content with the New York state version of the heavyweight title, knowing all along that your day was coming. You never doubted yourself.

Your time arrived when you faced the elimination Champ Jimmy Ellis at the Madison Square Garden on February 16, 1970, stopping him in the fifth at the Madison Square Garden. Now you were the undisputed champ. You earned that title the hard way. No one can say Joe Frazier was born with a silver spoon in his mouth!

Your next fight, a fifth round KO of the great Light heavyweight Champion, Bob Foster, sealed the deal and “The Fight of the Century” was set. I believe to this date it was the most anticipated fight of all time. I couldn’t wait.

I was still in high school when that fight took place. I have to be honest, I was as much a fan of Muhammad Ali as I was of Smoking Joe Frazier but I did know one thing. Smoking Joe was going to win this fight. I bet my weeks lunch money on you, five bucks. I knew that the man I saw beat ScrapIron did not know how to lose. Granted, Scrap Iron was no Ali but I knew that you had the right stuff inside you to find a way to win. You didn’t disappoint. You were great that night Joe, about as great as any heavyweight champ in history. I can’t imagine how you felt that night. Both of you made history that night, two legitimate undefeated heavyweight champions with a rightful claim to the title facing each other. You came through that night Joe. You had a heart the size of the moon and it didn’t let you down.. You were King of the world that night Joe! That bum I bet the five dollars with never did pay me but it didn’t matter, you gave me bragging rights too.

You never left anything in the ring Joe, your heart and your style didn’t permit it. You fought like a man Joe, no one can ever question that. Sometimes though, as they say, styles make fights and George Foreman had the right style, that’s life. We can’t always choose when we are going to lose but we can choose how we lose. That Smoking Joe heart kept you from staying on the canvas. When I look at the tapes of that fight I am always moved by your courage, and you big heart.. There was no quit in Joe Frazier. You faced him again a few years later. Not many would have faced Big George a second time.

You would meet Ali three times in total but it was the third fight, the “Thrilla in Manilla” that would once again cause the world to stand still and hold it’s breath while you and Ali would meet at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines, again making history in what many consider the greatest heavyweight fight in history.

You had a career to be proud of Joe and you gave fight fans like me a thrill that has lasted a lifetime. You always carried yourself with pride and distinction and made your family proud. I remember that era, possibly the greatest in heavyweight history and I remember Joe Frazier. You stood head and shoulders above the rest. You were one the fighters that inspired me to become a boxer.

Thanks for the memories Joe.

Great story, Randy. I also remember the Scrap Iron Johnson fight, and Chuck Leslie & Al Jones.
Frazier left his mark in L.A. for sure. He really impressed me when I saw him at the Main St. Gym, when he was 8-0 (8KO's)

[THEHAMMER321]

Hi good morning guys on page 30 some great stuff so far,Frank I noticed you like old westerns as I watch the western channel all the time,love so many of actors Lee Van Cleef being my favorite also Rick nice story on smoking Joe,good work guys

[kikibalt]

Hi good morning guys on page 30 some great stuff so far,Frank I noticed you like old westerns as I watch the western channel all the time,love so many of actors Lee Van Cleef being my favorite also Rick nice story on smoking Joe,good work guys

Hammer...The western channel is my favorite channel....

[THEHAMMER321]

You know Frank of the actors in the old westerns the two guys who make me laugh when I hear them speak is Slim Pikenns and Pat Bertram I dont know if that is the way they really talk because it sounds so exaggerated but it just makes laugh also Breakhart pass great movie.

[kikibalt]

You know Frank of the actors in the old westerns the two guys who make me laugh when I hear them speak is Slim Pikenns and Pat Bertram I dont know if that is the way they really talk because it sounds so exaggerated but it just makes laugh also Breakhart pass great movie.

Hammer...My fav westerns were from the 1940's, here is a link to a great web site

http://www.b-westerns.com/

If you care to buy some of those old westerns go here

http://www.oldies.com/format-view/movies.html

[THEHAMMER321]

Frank thanks for the link I like all the westerns except the ones made in the last 30 years actually my cutoff point is breakhart pass I think all the westerns made after that are garbage Ialso go to another website its called Brians B movie westerns, I dont know how to use a lot of functions on my computer so I dont put a link to it I need my kids to do that they know how to do all this hi tech stuff lol

[kikibalt]

Heard through the grapevine that Chicanito Hernandez's cancer has come back and that Bob Arum paid all expenses for Hernandez to go to a cancer center in Texas.
If that is true I take my hat off to Bob Arum....

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

Hi good morning guys on page 30 some great stuff so far,Frank I noticed you like old westerns as I watch the western channel all the time,love so many of actors Lee Van Cleef being my favorite also Rick nice story on smoking Joe,good work guys

That was Randy's story on Joe Frazier.

[dagosd2000]

TIME TO CUE UP THE BAND

I spoke about how a few years ago I saw Joe Frazier at the fights at the Pechanga Indian Reservation. I was coaxed into going with by friend Pat Vetere. He had a couple of free ducats so I caved in. To tell the truth I can't even remember who was on the card that night. All I know was it a bunch of guys playing Pitter Patter with each other. However,I was surprised to see sitting at ringside Smokin' Joe Frazier.

I remember before the first prelim they introduced him to step up into the ring. Joe,as always,got a big hand. As the fights progressed I couldn't take my eyes off of Joe. Like I said,the fights were nothing to write home about so I became mesmerized watching one of the greatest heavyweight champs of all time even though he was just sitting in a chair.

Once in a while a fan would approach him for an autograph or to pose with him for a picture. Joe looked like he was by himself. One thing though,Joe was pounding away the beers pretty good.

Before the main event they wanted him to step into the ring for more kudos. Joe couldn't get out of his chair. It was then I heard laughter. Some real stupid remarks.

Joe Frazier ain't right. The man we all wanted to be( a champion of the world),to have the guts he had,was being made fun of by the knuckleheads. But that's the way it is. It comes with boxing. The fighter who ain't right no more is the butt end of a joke.

I saw it once almost happen to Joe Louis. Years ago I took my wife to Vegas. I wanted to see Frank Sinatra. He was at the Sands. Don Rickles was his warm up. Well Rickles gets out on the stage with his chest sticking out and he's working the room pretty good. A lot of choice targets. Sitting at a table with Tony Quinn(I remember Quinn) was the Brown Bomber. I'm saying to myself,"Is this Rickles going to unload on Joe Louis.?"

Well Rickles spots him. Baldy is grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh!"exclaims Mr. Insult. "I see Joe Louis."
Just then the band bursts into a loud up tempo song. Rickles is left with egg on his face.
"I guess that's my cue that I'm done."
Yeah. You were done all right. From the corner of my eye I saw Frank standing near the band. He must have given the word when Mr. Big Mouth started to take a shot at Joe Louis,the band was to start playing.

Joe Louis. Joe Frazier. I've seen some of the boys out of LA. Burke's down in my end of the woods. All I can say is leave them alone. Sure,they're grown men,but they ain't right anymore. They did something most males didn't have the guts to do. To make a joke at their expense?All I can say is that those clowns who make fun of those expugs should be kicked off the bandstand. They can't play a note.

[dagosd2000]

For what it's worth. My favorite John Wayne Westerns:Stagecoach and The Shootist.

They wanted John Wayne to be Matt Dillon on Gunsomoke,but he was tied up making movies. Wayne recommended his pal Jim Arness for the part.Couldn't have been a better Matt Dillon. A lot of the people involved with that deries were tied to Jon Ford and John Wayne. Director Andy McLaglin(Victor's son and pal of Wayne and Ford). Ken Curtis(Festus),likewise. Even used some of the music from Stagecoach. A landmark film. A landmark western.

[Randyman]

TIME TO CUE UP THE BAND

I spoke about how a few years ago I saw Joe Frazier at the fights at the Pechanga Indian Reservation. I was coaxed into going with by friend Pat Vetere. He had a couple of free ducats so I caved in. To tell the truth I can't even remember who was on the card that night. All I know was it a bunch of guys playing Pitter Patter with each other. However,I was surprised to see sitting at ringside Smokin' Joe Frazier.

I remember before the first prelim they introduced him to step up into the ring. Joe,as always,got a big hand. As the fights progressed I couldn't take my eyes off of Joe. Like I said,the fights were nothing to write home about so I became mesmerized watching one of the greatest heavyweight champs of all time even though he was just sitting in a chair.

Once in a while a fan would approach him for an autograph or to pose with him for a picture. Joe looked like he was by himself. One thing though,Joe was pounding away the beers pretty good.

Before the main event they wanted him to step into the ring for more kudos. Joe couldn't get out of his chair. It was then I heard laughter. Some real stupid remarks.

Joe Frazier ain't right. The man we all wanted to be( a champion of the world),to have the guts he had,was being made fun of by the knuckleheads. But that's the way it is. It comes with boxing. The fighter who ain't right no more is the butt end of a joke.

I saw it once almost happen to Joe Louis. Years ago I took my wife to Vegas. I wanted to see Frank Sinatra. He was at the Sands. Don Rickles was his warm up. Well Rickles gets out on the stage with his chest sticking out and he's working the rooom pretty good. A lot of choice targets. Sitting at a table with Tony Quinn(I remember Quinn) was the Brown Bomber. I'm saying to myself,"Is this Rickles going to unload on Joe Louis.?"

Well Rickles spots him. Baldy is grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh!"exclaims Mr. Insult. "I see Joe Louis."
Just then the band bursts into a loud up tempo song. Rickles is left with egg on his face.
"I guess that's my cue that I'm done."
Yeah. You were done all right. From the corner of my eye I saw Frank standing near the band. He must have given the word when Mr. Big Mouth started to take a shot at Joe Louis,the band was to start playing.

Joe Louis. Joe Frazier. I've seen some of the boys out of LA. Burke's down in my end of the woods. All I can say is leave them alone. Sure,they're grown men,but they ain't right anymore. They did something most males didn't have the guts to do. To make a joke at their expense?All I can say is that those clowns who make fun of those expugs should be kicked off the bandstand. They can't play a note.

Great story Rog, a little sad though. We see a lot of the great ones that ain't right anymore. Let'em alone. It takes a certain type of meanness and cowardice to mock someone years past his prime and unable to defend themselves anymore, verbally or physically. Why don't they say it to a young fighter? We know why!

Randy

[Randyman]

Hi good morning guys on page 30 some great stuff so far,Frank I noticed you like old westerns as I watch the western channel all the time,love so many of actors Lee Van Cleef being my favorite also Rick nice story on smoking Joe,good work guys

Hammer...The western channel is my favorite channel....

Frank, I'm a lifelong fan of westerns as well. Watching westerns with my dad when I was a kid is one of my favorite memories!

Randy