Classic American West Coast Boxing

[THEHAMMER321]

Frank I have seen you and other posters on here mention the name Hap Navvaro many times can you give me some info on him please

[kikibalt]

Frank I have seen you and other posters on here mention the name Hap Navvaro many times can you give me some info on him please

Paulino....Hap was the matchmaker at the Hollywood Legion Stadium back in the early '50's, he is still alive, he is in his early 90's. He will post here now and then....

[kikibalt]

Gillette's Friday Night Fights.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_s1ohwBbJA
Charlie Powell vs Mike DeJohn

I still remember watching the Friday Night Fights with my father back in the 1950’s. It was a ritual for my father. I remember the old beer commercials and the company that my father had at the house when we watched the fights, usually my uncle Gilbert and uncle Jimmy. I was young but I clearly remember. I didn’t know who was fighting but I just loved being there with my dad. I would ask my father “Who are you voting for?” he would laugh and say “You don’t vote for the fighters, son”. I didn’t quite get it yet. Sometimes I would see what appeared to be an opening and yell out to my father “How come he didn’t throw a punch” His answer was almost always. “It’s a lot harder to see those things when you’re in the ring”. I would run around the house throwing punches at imaginary opponents. I wanted to be a boxer. My father had some old leather boxing gloves and a speed bag in the garage. I would punch away at the bag without any real knowledge of what I was doing. I just wanted to feel like a boxer.

When I was older I came to understand that the 1950’s was one of the greatest era in boxing and some of the best fighters of that time would appear on Friday nights. Guys like Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio, Chuck Davey, Chico Vejar, Kid Gavilan, Gene Fullmer, Johnny Saxton, Tony DeMarco, Charlie Powell and so many more that I would never be able to mention them all. It was a “Golden Age” for boxing. I was lucky enough to be born at a time when I can still remember it. A little fuzzy perhaps because I was so young but still I remember those nights in our small front room in Santa Fe Springs, California, watching the fights, my father and uncles standing and yelling at the television, their hands swinging away, beer cans in their hands, hoping to be heard by their favorite fighter. Those were special days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_GPxz5D7vo
Sugar ray Robinson vs Carmen Basilio

I’m not a 100% sure if this fight between Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio was shown on the Friday Night Fights but I’m reasonably sure it was, either way it fits in perfectly with what I’m trying to say, the 1950’s was an unmatchable and remarkable era for boxing. The above video shows highlights of their September 23, 1957 fight at the Yankee Stadium, a fight won by Basilio via a 15 round hard fought split decision. Both men were still doing their best to win the fight when the final bell sounded. I can’t think of a more difficult fight to judge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMCDDuyzYUc
Rocky Marciano Vintage Commercial

This Rocky Marciano-Hamm’s beer commercial is vintage 1950’s and early 1960’s and I can remember the Hamm’s commercial with the native drumbeats, to this day.

Great post Randy. As you know I remember those years real well. I actually remember watching fights from the Hollywood Legion in 1949....

[THEHAMMER321]

Gillette's Friday Night Fights.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_s1ohwBbJA
Charlie Powell vs Mike DeJohn

I still remember watching the Friday Night Fights with my father back in the 1950’s. It was a ritual for my father. I remember the old beer commercials and the company that my father had at the house when we watched the fights, usually my uncle Gilbert and uncle Jimmy. I was young but I clearly remember. I didn’t know who was fighting but I just loved being there with my dad. I would ask my father “Who are you voting for?” he would laugh and say “You don’t vote for the fighters, son”. I didn’t quite get it yet. Sometimes I would see what appeared to be an opening and yell out to my father “How come he didn’t throw a punch” His answer was almost always. “It’s a lot harder to see those things when you’re in the ring”. I would run around the house throwing punches at imaginary opponents. I wanted to be a boxer. My father had some old leather boxing gloves and a speed bag in the garage. I would punch away at the bag without any real knowledge of what I was doing. I just wanted to feel like a boxer.

When I was older I came to understand that the 1950’s was one of the greatest era in boxing and some of the best fighters of that time would appear on Friday nights. Guys like Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio, Chuck Davey, Chico Vejar, Kid Gavilan, Gene Fullmer, Johnny Saxton, Tony DeMarco, Charlie Powell and so many more that I would never be able to mention them all. It was a “Golden Age” for boxing. I was lucky enough to be born at a time when I can still remember it. A little fuzzy perhaps because I was so young but still I remember those nights in our small front room in Santa Fe Springs, California, watching the fights, my father and uncles standing and yelling at the television, their hands swinging away, beer cans in their hands, hoping to be heard by their favorite fighter. Those were special days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_GPxz5D7vo
Sugar ray Robinson vs Carmen Basilio

I’m not a 100% sure if this fight between Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio was shown on the Friday Night Fights but I’m reasonably sure it was, either way it fits in perfectly with what I’m trying to say, the 1950’s was an unmatchable and remarkable era for boxing. The above video shows highlights of their September 23, 1957 fight at the Yankee Stadium, a fight won by Basilio via a 15 round hard fought split decision. Both men were still doing their best to win the fight when the final bell sounded. I can’t think of a more difficult fight to judge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMCDDuyzYUc
Rocky Marciano Vintage Commercial

This Rocky Marciano-Hamm’s beer commercial is vintage 1950’s and early 1960’s and I can remember the Hamm’s commercial with the native drumbeats, to this day.

Randy just watched the beer commercial with Marciano thx for the link I thought it as funny when Rocky squeezed his hand, I am way to young to have seen the Gillette fights but I have heard and read a lot about them and Idid have a ring magazine dated 1978 that profiled most of the fighters who fought on the Gillette fights and I think Ralph ''tiger'' jones made more appearances on that program than anyone I wish I still had that magazine

[THEHAMMER321]

anybody remember boxing program it was on the air about 1980 or 81 it was called '' Top rank fights of the 70s'' it was on our independent channel here in Las Vegas and it of course showed a lot of the top fights of the 1970s :??

[kikibalt]

anybody remember boxing program it was on the air about 1980 or 81 it was called '' Top rank fights of the 70s'' it was on our independent channel here in Las Vegas and it of course showed a lot of the top fights of the 1970s :??

Don't think I ever saw that progam Paulino...

[raylawpc]

Anybody heard anything from Roger?

[kikibalt]

Anybody heard anything from Roger?

Not me....

[Rick Farris]

This year's WBHOF ballot . . .

Within a day or two, those of you who are voting members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, will receive your 2010 ballot.
Regretfully, it once again is an embarrassment. The bios are not complete, the spelling is terrible and it's full of typos.
Just for the record, I had nothing to do with it.
Everett Sanders (The WBHOF founder) must be rolling in his grave.

A couple of us (who are writers) were supposed to "proof read" it before printing. It was never forwarded to us, and mailed without our knowledge or approval.
So, once again, it is what it is, and it ain't much. The boxers on the ballot are not properly represented. I am embarrassed beyond words.

I won't point any fingers, but I want to make sure none are pointed in my direction. It was out of my hands.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

I hear that boxing promoter Lorraine Chargin is real sick with terminal cancer...

[raylawpc]

This year's WBHOF ballot . . .

Within a day or two, those of you who are voting members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, will receive your 2010 ballot.
Regretfully, it once again is an embarrassment. The bios are not complete, the spelling is terrible and it's full of typos.
Just for the record, I had nothing to do with it.
Everett Sanders (The WBHOF founder) must be rolling in his grave.

A couple of us (who are writers) were supposed to "proof read" it before printing. It was never forwarded to us, and mailed without our knowledge or approval.
So, once again, it is what it is, and it ain't much. The boxers on the ballot are not properly represented. I am embarrassed beyond words.

I won't point any fingers, but I want to make sure none are pointed in my direction. It was out of my hands.


-Rick Farris

I got my ballot yesterday.

[kikibalt]

Lalo Guerrero

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4_oD56Pzg8

"Los Chucos Suaves"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNFU9AHrG-M

"I Love Tortillas"

[kikibalt]

This year's WBHOF ballot . . .

Within a day or two, those of you who are voting members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, will receive your 2010 ballot.
Regretfully, it once again is an embarrassment. The bios are not complete, the spelling is terrible and it's full of typos.
Just for the record, I had nothing to do with it.
Everett Sanders (The WBHOF founder) must be rolling in his grave.

A couple of us (who are writers) were supposed to "proof read" it before printing. It was never forwarded to us, and mailed without our knowledge or approval.
So, once again, it is what it is, and it ain't much. The boxers on the ballot are not properly represented. I am embarrassed beyond words.

I won't point any fingers, but I want to make sure none are pointed in my direction. It was out of my hands.


-Rick Farris

I got my ballot yesterday.

Send my back yesterday, and I already forgot who I voted for...LOL!!

[kikibalt]

I hear that boxing promoter Lorraine Chargin is real sick with terminal cancer...

PRESS RELEASE-Cambria CA, March 19, 2010 - After having been involved within the "sweet science" for over five decades and having seen hundreds of prize fighters battle their way to the top of the boxing world, Lorraine Chargin’s career within the sport is coming to an end due to a terminal battle with cancer.

It’s been an ongoing struggle that has undoubtedly taken it’s physical toll on the woman known as "boxing mom" by some and "dragon lady" by others. While the physical pain endured in fighting cancer has been excruciating to say the least, Lorraine’s spirit has remained assuredly strong throughout the process.

Lorraine states, "Yes there’s been a lot of pain involved in this process but that’s life. Life can be cruel at times but we just have to learn to deal with it. I very much appreciate all the support we’ve received through this tough time from people I didn’t even know might show it. While the flowers and cards are extremely lovely and very much appreciated, I’m requesting that any would-be senders instead make a donation of any amount to the Connecticut Junior Republic."

Connecticut Junior Republic
http://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/
Hedy Barton, Director of Development
Ph: 860-567-9423

Lorraine continues, "My mother and I have supported this charity for years and have seen the many positive effects of the organization. It’s a non-profit company that helps troubled youths become positive contributors to their communities. We must remember that many fighters have come from troubled backgrounds that merely needed some guidance to shape their lives positively so giving back to this organization is very important to me. I appreciate the very kind gestures by the public but would like to see any potential future gifts to be presented to this organization."

Here is a very brief bio on Lorraine Chargin and her involvement within boxing:

As a teenager growing up in New Haven, Connecticut Lorraine Chargin was warned by her father never to walk down Church Street. This street was where the local boxing gym was located and he had many concerns about her somehow becoming involved in the sweet science or a practitioner of thereof. Little did he know that not only would she becomeintimately involved in the sport he was fearful of, she would ultimately contribute a lifetime of achievement to this tumultuous sport.

Growing up in the Depression era as one of fourteen siblings, Lorraine developed a work ethic that would carry over for decades upon decades within boxing. She started working when she was a mere 8 years old and hasn’t stopped ever since.

Lorraine first met her husband and future hall-of-fame promoter Don War-a-week Chargin in 1957. He proceeded to invite her to a fight card he had produced at Oakland, California. While Don offered to purchase her ticket and treat her as a special guest, Lorraine stated, No thank you, I’ll purchase my own ticket Don. Nothing in life is for free.

It’s been an exciting and fulfilling marriage ever since.

Lorraine’s first experience becoming involved in the logistics of boxing promotions was in the Gene Fullmer-Dick Tiger bout which took place in 1962 in San Francisco, California. When Don caught wind that he’d need a strong, stern woman in order to deal with the stress he immediately employed Lorraine in order to perform the publicity work.

In the late mid 60’s through the mid 80’s, Lorraine not only worked at the Olympic Auditorium as building manager, she also served as the lead promoter for the various Sacramento shows that took place. Being competitive by nature, at times Lorraine would borrow fighters from her husband Don in Los Angeles, in order to produce the most compelling match-ups possible in Northern California.

With a staff comprising of virtually just two people in Don and Lorraine, it was an extremely busy time for the promotional firm and had ultimately taken it’s toll on Don in 1972 in which he suffered a heart attack.

I had thoughts of giving up the business altogether. The Olympic had us working virtually 24 hours, 7 days a week. Don threatened to quit following his heart attack but I said no because it was his passion. It was at this point that I reallybecame immersed in boxing.

Following the closing of the Olympic Auditorium, Lorraine delved into real estate although she was still intimately involved in boxing assisting in the nitty gritty of the sport as she likes to call it. All press passes, ticket sales, documentation, and paperwork needed to go through Lorraine for each and every Chargin produced show.

As for her proudest moment in boxing, Lorraine states, That’s easy. When Loretto Garza became a world champion, I wept. I believe that to truly become a champion you must carry yourself as such both inside and outside of the ring. He was just such a sweet heart.

While the show continued on from Las Vegas to Sacramento for Lorraine Chargin, she’s never lost sight of what’s the most important aspect of her life.

Lorraine states, It’s all about us, our lives together and our marriage. The strongest thing is the life both Don and I live together. We each come from families that are very family oriented. If there’s no love, there’s no family. We’ve seen so many people come and go in boxing. It has been a great trip, Don and I are so different being that our egos aren’t so great. You have to put your life in proper perspective.

As for her outlook on boxing today- I think boxing today is good. I see a future for it. It’s different. The people in boxing that feel that there’s no future are very self absorbed. There’s been people before us and people after us.

As for her peers within the sport - I know what people say about me, the only thing that counts is that as long at the end of the day they respect me.
It will unquestionably be a tough pill to swallow when Lorraine’s battle with cancer claims one of boxing’s classiest individuals. Her contribution to the sport will be an extremely difficult act to duplicate as she was an extremely, dedicated hard-worker by nature and a fighter at heart.

Boxing is not only a better sport because of Lorraine but at it’s core simply a better place because of Lorraine Chargin.

Here is the information to make donations to the Connecticut Junior Republic:

Connecticut Junior Republic
550 Goshen Road
P.O. Box 161
Litchfield, Connecticut 06759
http://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/
Hedy Barton, Director of Development
Ph: 860-567-9423

[THEHAMMER321]

Ricardo "Guapo" Varela


You guys remember Ricardo?, he fought at the
Olympic a few times in the 1970s, maybe into
the early 1980s

I don't remember him.

-Rick

Frank I remember him well I saw him fight many times in the 1980s,as most of us know on here the 50s and 60s was your time for boxing so to speak mine was the 1980s I hardly ever missed a fight in those days however in the last 10 years don't watch many fights I guess I became an old fart at a young age

[Rick Farris]

Ricardo "Guapo" Varela


You guys remember Ricardo?, he fought at the
Olympic a few times in the 1970s, maybe into
the early 1980s

I don't remember him.

-Rick

Frank I remember him well I saw him fight many times in the 1980s,as most of us know on here the 50s and 60s was your time for boxing so to speak mine was the 1980s I hardly ever missed a fight in those days however in the last 10 years don't watch many fights I guess I became an old fart at a young age

Paul . . . When you compare the fights of today, with those we grew up on thru the 80's, it's not hard to understand why we have all become "old farts". It isn't exciting as it used to be. Too much hype and BS related to boxers that no longer are taught how to box, or to think. People aren't as tough as they once were, and they are a lot more arrogant. I see Manny Pac as a gift to boxing, as he exhibits many of the old school qualities that great fighters used to have. That's why he has so little problem mowing over boxers of any size or rating. He's not "one-in-a-million", he's the only one. In other words, boxing as we knew it, no longer exists.

[Rick Farris]

I hear that boxing promoter Lorraine Chargin is real sick with terminal cancer...

It's sad to hear this. I have met Lorraine Chargin, but I don't know her.
Don Chargin is one of the best people I have met in boxing.
Both are in my prayers.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Ali Rap . . .

"I should be a postage stamp.
That's the only way
I'll ever get licked"

[Rick Farris]

Ali Rap . . .

"Howard Hughes dies,
with all his billions, not a tear.
Joe Louis, everybody cried."

[Rick Farris]

Ali Rap . . .


"That's the only time
I was scared in the ring.
Sonny Liston.
First time.
First round.
Said he was gonna kill me."

[Rick Farris]

An Olympic Auditorium memory . . .

It was voted the Olympic's "Action Fight of the Year". 1967.
I'll never forget this night in June. My boxing idol was in the main event.
Billed as a featherweight title elimination bout, Dwight "The Hawk" Hawkins vs. Bobby Valdez.
I watched Bobby Valdez right from the begining, he fought many times at the Olympic.
He had been in the Navy, fought out of San Diego, beat some top featherweights of the era.

Both Hawkins and Valdez were worthy title challengers, but mature as contenders, time was slipping away.
I knew Hawkins, watched him up close in the gym, in exhibitions and, of course, the ring.
Hawkins was a Henry Armstrong-like fighter, devistating body puncher, a finisher.
Valdez could bang too, and had solid boxing skills.
Bobby was a true fighter, "had balls", as Johnny Flores would later comment.

They went toe-to-toe at the opening bell, Hawkins catches a right and hits the deck, more off balance than hurt.
It was ruled a knockdown. From that point on, both men rocked each other.
In the end, Hawkins laid into Valdez and the San Diego fighter reeled in the tenth round.
The final bell rings. The verdict, a draw. I thought it was a good call.
I was a Hawkins fan, he was part of the Flores stable, but Valdez held his own. A draw was fair.
Wes Wambold, Bobby Valdez's manager, told Aileen Eaton "No way", when offered a rematch.
Hawkins didn't need Valdez again, either. Both had done enough damage to each other, time to move on.

The fight was voted "Action Fight of the Year" thru fan's sending post cards to the Olympic.
I sent in ten post cards for the Hawkins-Valdez bout, and others must have also, because it got the votes and the honor.
During the Xmas break when the Olympic was dark one thursday, KTLA Channel-5 replayed the Hawkins-Valdez match.
I was able to watch it live from ringside, and then six months later, on TV. I wish I could find that film.
This is one of my all-time favorite L.A. fights, like the Teran-Cadilli six rounder was for Frank.


-Rick Farris

[BoxBuzz]

I know I don't add much to this great conversation on this thread, but thought I'd chime in today. My 9 year old daughter who is quite the swimmer went to Rochester New York Northeast championships and claimed the gold medal in her age group for the 50 yard butterfly, and when she was asked to compete with 12 and 13 year olds, she agreed. And came back with third place in the 100 yard back stroke and placed second in the 50 yard freestyle, this against the "big girls". LOL.

Yeah I'm a proud papa!

We took in a quick view of Niagra Falls as well. On our way back I treated my family to Graziano's and the International Boxing Hall of fame. I took a few pic's while I was there, and I'll try posting them sometime soon. Sadly no talent in the house that day.

Here's why I chimed in. I think I've heard some knocks on the IBHOF from some folks here and I just wanted an update as what the concern was. The fella (I'm spacin' on the name for the moment) kept the place open well past closing time for me and my daughter and wife, and really allowed us to drink the place in and answered all our questions...maybe he was just having a good day! I got pics of a lot of the fist casts and was pretty impressed with Carnera's exhibit, but couldn't find Liston's on this day.

He even took me downstairs and allowed me to flip through some real treasured files! It was a great time and my daughter seemed genuinely impressed with the sport for the first time. I may go back on a document hunt sometime in the future since he offered to let me peruse the formidable newspaper clippings next time 'round.

So can you give me the "critique" of the organization? I do remember conversations here about the place. But I haven't hit the "search" button yet to dig up your various comments.

[Rick Farris]

I know I don't add much to this great conversation on this thread, but thought I'd chime in today. My 9 year old daughter who is quite the swimmer went to Rochester New York Northeast championships and claimed the gold medal in her age group for the 50 yard butterfly, and when she was asked to compete with 12 and 13 year olds, she agreed. And came back with third place in the 100 yard back stroke and placed second in the 50 yard freestyle, this against the "big girls". LOL.

Yeah I'm a proud papa!

We took in a quick view of Niagra Falls as well. On our way back I treated my family to Graziano's and the International Boxing Hall of fame. I took a few pic's while I was there, and I'll try posting them sometime soon. Sadly no talent in the house that day.

Here's why I chimed in. I think I've heard some knocks on the IBHOF from some folks here and I just wanted an update as what the concern was. The fella (I'm spacin' on the name for the moment) kept the place open well past closing time for me and my daughter and wife, and really allowed us to drink the place in and answered all our questions...maybe he was just having a good day! I got pics of a lot of the fist casts and was pretty impressed with Carnera's exhibit, but couldn't find Liston's on this day.

He even took me downstairs and allowed me to flip through some real treasured files! It was a great time and my daughter seemed genuinely impressed with the sport for the first time. I may go back on a document hunt sometime in the future since he offered to let me peruse the formidable newspaper clippings next time 'round.

So can you give me the "critique" of the organization? I do remember conversations here about the place. But I haven't hit the "search" button yet to dig up your various comments.

Rob . . I have been with the WBHOF for three years. I have never visited the IBHOF, but have heard positive things from those who have.
Former lightweight champ, Mando Ramos, would take his wife Sylvia to their annual induction ceremony.
He asked me to join them a few years back, but my schedule prevented it.
The fact is, they are the only legit Hall of Fame I know of.
They have a museum, and that is a "Hall" of Fame.


-Rick Farris

[scartissue]

Anybody heard anything from Roger?

Not me....

Guys, I gotta tell you, I'm getting worried about Rog. Anyone know how to get in touch with him??

Scartissue

[THEHAMMER321]

I am hoping for the best in regards to Roger I hope it is something like his internet is out or his computer crashed