Classic American West Coast Boxing

[CNorkusJr]

Hammer, David and Johnny Sears were introduced together and were sitting at a table on the far side of the room. I can tell you that they both received outstanding applause at length when they stood up to get acknowledged.
I too remember David Sears, as my father refereed on the same card he fought on a few times. A real crowd pleaser.
I regret to say that time went by fast and I did not meet them one on one but from the looks of things they are in fine shape(boxing weight)and in good spirits.
Burt Young was near me and I asked him if he was involved with fighters now. Burt said no-but he did say he had David Sears and a few others.(top names I recall).
A week ago, the movie "Pope Of Greenwich Village" was on TV and I watched it. Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke. Burt played a local mob captain getting neighborhood payoffs and Roberts and Rourke steal the money from his safe. I told Burt I watched it.

He said waving his hand at me in disgust " They threw me though a glass window in that one".
We all laughed at his animated reply. Nice man. Every boxer in the room wanted to take a picture with him. I think he had enough support to join Sly in the IBOF.

By the way, Ring 8 made the following announcement at the dinner which got a standing ovation. A new revitalized "New York State Boxing Hall Of Fame" will next year (2011) be chartered and housed at the Waterfront Crab House in Queens, NY. (Present home of Ring 8 meetings).
There is a previous history of a NY BHOF which started in the early 1970's and housed at the present day Madison Square Garden. After only a few inductions and lack of support it quickly fell by the wayside and left to its own demise. It held artifacts from Ring Magazine collected from Nat Fleishers days till Bert Sugars rein. But lack of inner support of MSG. it now stands in boxes in the attic.
With the IBHOF being far away from the lights of Broadway, and possibly its latest decisions, Ring 8 approached NYSAC Commissioner Melvina Lathan and next sitting Gov. Cuomo and outgoing Gov. Patterson, and will have it all official and in place by early March 2011.
During "Smokin" Joe Frazier introduction it was announced that he will be the first inductee to the new and improved NYSBHOF. Though not mentioned, I'm pretty sure Joe and Ali were the first to get inducted into MSG's HOF back in 1972. No matter-soon the new one will be in place.

[Rick Farris]

I think its raining.....

It hasn't stopped raining!

[Rick Farris]

Rick-You asked above about Archie Moore & Sonny Liston and what feelings or thoughts -if any- that my father had about them.

First Sonny Liston, only because my father hardly mentioned him in my presence. The only time that I can recall was when we both enjoyed a TV replay of Clay-Liston where the focus was whether Liston took the dive or not.
My father never mentioned meeting Sonny Liston anywhere but he did know that he was backed by some organized connections. My father did tell me that once they got you in their "claws", it was the organizations call on where and when and what happens to you hence forth.
What he meant by that was, back then, early on a fighter comes to a nexxus in his career as it gets bigger and bigger. A fighter establishes himself as a "A" fighter ranking-meaning nationally or worldwide ranking.
It is then, that the mob might or might not move in and asks if you want to play the game. A give and take situation. Especially if you want a shot at a title fight. Sometimes public demand is calling enough, but most of the time
paying off the mob might get you a shot. Sometimes an agreement to a rematch fight is required. such as "We'll let you fight for the title, if you win, you must fight a rematch and give it back up, setting up a third match"
The mob was always about money. Period. Fighters names were negligible
sports athletes who drew in the crowds. My father said that there were many more championship fights that were on the level than were set-ups. Only because the mob was taking a cut from both fighters from the sold out house anyway. No matter who won, the next fight was big, and they take a cut from that too. A boxers popularity with the crowd was a huge factor.
Boxers didn't despise this as they got rich from doing this compared to what-selling cars or insurance ?. Some fighters became TV heroes and went on to make movies and TV shows. Do woman following you around count ? Were they gonna get that from selling shoes.?
Fighters fought 6-12 times a year back then. Main eventers made 12- 20 grand a year minus expenses and cuts to whom ever. Avg. pay in my dads time was $5,000 a year to most men outside of boxing.
My father chose not to play with them, thats why more than likely he never faced a title shot in the ring. But the mob used him. They wanted him to win. The mob set the odds and made him the underdog in just about every fight he fought. Especially on TV. Money was flying on the favorites.Mobs money was on the underdog and the odds.
What did my father do- He cleaned house and the mob cleaned up and payed my dad off by giving him another TV shot with another battler and the process repeats. In kindness, Al Weill pats my dad on the back for the millions, says you will finally face Rocky, but you gotta get by Ezzard.
No punches pulled, my father hung in there hoping to land the big one-but Ezzard was too good to relent. Bottom line-no title shot, but dad came home with $10,000 to 12,000 in his pocket for one night. He had no regrets,he provided a living for his family, and better off-his reputation was intact for not caving to the hooked noses. There are many angles on how they used fighters back then.
Did Liston fall down-maybe. There had to be a payoff somewhere. Was Liston a fall guy for the mob and come away with nothing-thats for him to rest on. Did Clay hit him-my father said yes and it was a good enough shot to take out Liston. On the slow-mo replay, my dad said it was a KO shot on the chin.

Later on I'll talk about Archie and my dad. A great friendship made on respect.

Thank you, Charley. This is great!

[scartissue]

Names . . .

I'm usually pretty good with names, however, I have screwed up on a few occasions.
For example, while arguing with one of my wives, I've mistakenly called them by the name of a previous wife.
That's like throwing gasoline on a fire.
It's a natural mistake, those kind of arguments are all pretty much the same, but the names of the players change.

Rick, a friend of mine's ex-girlfriend told him she was in hot water with her new husband because she called him by my friend's name. I said to him, "C'mon, that's no big deal." and he said to me, "Yeah, but it was 'when' she called out his name that was the problem." I said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......!"

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

Hammer, David and Johnny Sears were introduced together and were sitting at a table on the far side of the room. I can tell you that they both received outstanding applause at length when they stood up to get acknowledged.
I too remember David Sears, as my father refereed on the same card he fought on a few times. A real crowd pleaser.
I regret to say that time went by fast and I did not meet them one on one but from the looks of things they are in fine shape(boxing weight)and in good spirits.
Burt Young was near me and I asked him if he was involved with fighters now. Burt said no-but he did say he had David Sears and a few others.(top names I recall).
A week ago, the movie "Pope Of Greenwich Village" was on TV and I watched it. Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke. Burt played a local mob captain getting neighborhood payoffs and Roberts and Rourke steal the money from his safe. I told Burt I watched it.

He said waving his hand at me in disgust " They threw me though a glass window in that one".
We all laughed at his animated reply. Nice man. Every boxer in the room wanted to take a picture with him. I think he had enough support to join Sly in the IBOF.

By the way, Ring 8 made the following announcement at the dinner which got a standing ovation. A new revitalized "New York State Boxing Hall Of Fame" will next year (2011) be chartered and housed at the Waterfront Crab House in Queens, NY. (Present home of Ring 8 meetings).
There is a previous history of a NY BHOF which started in the early 1970's and housed at the present day Madison Square Garden. After only a few inductions and lack of support it quickly fell by the wayside and left to its own demise. It held artifacts from Ring Magazine collected from Nat Fleishers days till Bert Sugars rein. But lack of inner support of MSG. it now stands in boxes in the attic.
With the IBHOF being far away from the lights of Broadway, and possibly its latest decisions, Ring 8 approached NYSAC Commissioner Melvina Lathan and next sitting Gov. Cuomo and outgoing Gov. Patterson, and will have it all official and in place by early March 2011.
During "Smokin" Joe Frazier introduction it was announced that he will be the first inductee to the new and improved NYSBHOF. Though not mentioned, I'm pretty sure Joe and Ali were the first to get inducted into MSG's HOF back in 1972. No matter-soon the new one will be in place.

Charley . . . Congratulations on the charter for the new NYSBHOF !
By the way, how's the seafood at the Waterfront Crab House?
That's a valid question on this thread.

[Rick Farris]

Names . . .

I'm usually pretty good with names, however, I have screwed up on a few occasions.
For example, while arguing with one of my wives, I've mistakenly called them by the name of a previous wife.
That's like throwing gasoline on a fire.
It's a natural mistake, those kind of arguments are all pretty much the same, but the names of the players change.

Rick, a friend of mine's ex-girlfriend told him she was in hot water with her new husband because she called him by my friend's name. I said to him, "C'mon, that's no big deal." and he said to me, "Yeah, but it was 'when' she called out his name that was the problem." I said, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......!"

Scartissue

Timing . . .

Dan, it's all about timing.
It isn't what you say, but when you say it and to who.
Bad timing fills graves.

[CNorkusJr]

Charley . . . Congratulations on the charter for the new NYSBHOF !
By the way, how's the seafood at the Waterfront Crab House?
That's a valid question on this thread.

You got me laughing so hard on this question I almost pee-ed my pants. You know your setting me up on this one. Sounds like you know the answer to this one already too . Tony Mazzerella(Board member of Ring 8 & owner of Waterfront Crabhouse) will have my head handed to me for my revue.
Something tells me you got the book I mentioned a couple of dozen pages back " My Father, My Don" by Tony Napoli.

Each meeting of Ring 8 is preceded by a meal at the Waterfront Crabhouse upstairs in the catering room for all Ring 8 members & guests -gratis. Meats and Potatoes,and pasta, vegetables. Nice meal served buffet style by waitresses filling your plate and seconds if you desire. Tony puts out a fine spread. One thing though- no fish. No one complains because its all free and who is the ungrateful who's going to complain.
One month during the summer, I arrived at the Restaurant about 3 hours early for a beer or 2 and to peruse the great boxing memorabilia hanging on the walls and ceiling everywhere. All items autographed-original boxing on-site posters,candid 8x10 glossies,ticket stubs -1900's and on to today.
Every boxing great worth his salt passed through its doors and left something. News Conferences held in the joint. It would take 10 hours to see it all closely and still be some left. Great place to visit if boxing in your blood.
I decided to sitdown and enjoy one of the seafood menu items offered,pay for it out of pocket and pass on the upstairs fare that night. I love seafood anyway,of course. For openers-Manhattan Clam Chowder-bowl size. The bowl must of been about the size of a kiddie pool. Well, it was big. All fresh ingredients-very good and a little kick to it too.
Followed by a nice big salad with a nice vinagarette drizzle. Fresh bread of course. For entree- went with the 16 oz Lobster Tail stuffed with crabmeat.and baked potato. Nicely done. Passed on the dessert.
Bill was just short of 3 figures. The food was good, but could be found cheaper out on Long Island by me near the ocean. Tony has been a family friend to my dad for years. I didnt tell him I was eating downstairs as i'm sure whole or part of the tab would disappear.I'm not like that. Besides, he gives me dinner at each meeting gratis, so why not support the rest. and its staff every now and then.A few other Ring 8 members do the same thing every now and then I notice. What he has done for my dad and I over the years with recognition-I could never pay that tab back in full. Him and Bob Duffy are the two gentlemen who sat me and my guests up front for Sunday's luncheon. I didnt expect that.
If you guys should come visit-Let me treat you to a trip to the Waterfront Crabhouse, it is a must and I know you will love the joint, meeting & food with all the trimmings.
Located on the Queens side of the East River across from Manhattan Skyline near the entrance to the midtown tunnel.
Not far from the New Gleason's Gym located in Brooklyn.

Picture taken at Waterfront Crabhouse about 1991 Ring 8 mtg
(L-R) Charley Norkus,Tippy Larkin,Billy Kilroy(not Johnny Busso my mislabeling),Sandy Saddler,John Squires,Tony Mazzarella,Patsey Giovanelli, sitting Tami Muriello
I sat with Patsey's nephew Danny Giovanelli at Sundays lunch.

[bennie]

Ricky Burns is set to make the second defence of his WBO super-featherweight title against Ghana's Joseph Laryea in Glasgow in the New Year, although nothing is yet confirmed.
The Scot comes off a hard-earned decision over Norway's Andreas Evensen in defence of the belt earlier this month. Ricky looked a little flat after his thrilling title victory over Puerto Rico's Rocky Martinez in September but he still got the job done against a good opponent and can enjoy the Christmas break with a few quid in his pocket.
He knows all about Laryea, of course, another good opponent who earned his shot with an upset 12-round decision over Paul Appleby on the same bill as Burns-Evensen in Glasgow. The tall African, even taller than the rangy Burns at 5ft 11ins, boxed very well indeed against the much-touted Appleby and proved that he could travel in his first ever fight outside of Ghana. Make no mistake about it, Laryea is a talented kid.
However, Burns brings far more experience to the table than Appleby, having beaten Osumanu Akaba and Yakuba Amidu in Commonwealth title fights - two Ghanaians who have beaten Laryea. Styles make fights, but this gives Ricky an obvious edge next year, although the champion is unlikely to stop Laryea.

[bennie]

What do you guys make of this Andy Lee knockout over Carl Daniels? It looks like Lee nails Daniels with a body shot and yet the American falls like he has been shot.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2bPJQcDyu0

[bennie]

Charley . . . Congratulations on the charter for the new NYSBHOF !
By the way, how's the seafood at the Waterfront Crab House?
That's a valid question on this thread.

You got me laughing so hard on this question I almost pee-ed my pants. You know your setting me up on this one. Sounds like you know the answer to this one already too . Tony Mazzerella(Board member of Ring 8 & owner of Waterfront Crabhouse) will have my head handed to me for my revue.
Something tells me you got the book I mentioned a couple of dozen pages back " My Father, My Don" by Tony Napoli.

Each meeting of Ring 8 is preceded by a meal at the Waterfront Crabhouse upstairs in the catering room for all Ring 8 members & guests -gratis. Meats and Potatoes,and pasta, vegetables. Nice meal served buffet style by waitresses filling your plate and seconds if you desire. Tony puts out a fine spread. One thing though- no fish. No one complains because its all free and who is the ungrateful who's going to complain.
One month during the summer, I arrived at the Restaurant about 3 hours early for a beer or 2 and to peruse the great boxing memorabilia hanging on the walls and ceiling everywhere. All items autographed-original boxing on-site posters,candid 8x10 glossies,ticket stubs -1900's and on to today.
Every boxing great worth his salt passed through its doors and left something. News Conferences held in the joint. It would take 10 hours to see it all closely and still be some left. Great place to visit if boxing in your blood.
I decided to sitdown and enjoy one of the seafood menu items offered,pay for it out of pocket and pass on the upstairs fare that night. I love seafood anyway,of course. For openers-Manhattan Clam Chowder-bowl size. The bowl must of been about the size of a kiddie pool. Well, it was big. All fresh ingredients-very good and a little kick to it too.
Followed by a nice big salad with a nice vinagarette drizzle. Fresh bread of course. For entree- went with the 16 oz Lobster Tail stuffed with crabmeat.and baked potato. Nicely done. Passed on the dessert.
Bill was just short of 3 figures. The food was good, but could be found cheaper out on Long Island by me near the ocean. Tony has been a family friend to my dad for years. I didnt tell him I was eating downstairs as i'm sure whole or part of the tab would disappear.I'm not like that. Besides, he gives me dinner at each meeting gratis, so why not support the rest. and its staff every now and then.A few other Ring 8 members do the same thing every now and then I notice. What he has done for my dad and I over the years with recognition-I could never pay that tab back in full. Him and Bob Duffy are the two gentlemen who sat me and my guests up front for Sunday's luncheon. I didnt expect that.
If you guys should come visit-Let me treat you to a trip to the Waterfront Crabhouse, it is a must and I know you will love the joint, meeting & food with all the trimmings.
Located on the Queens side of the East River across from Manhattan Skyline near the entrance to the midtown tunnel.
Not far from the New Gleason's Gym located in Brooklyn.

Picture taken at Waterfront Crabhouse about 1991 Ring 8 mtg
(L-R) Charley Norkus,Tippy Larkin,Billy Kilroy(not Johnny Busso my mislabeling),Sandy Saddler,John Squires,Tony Mazzarella,Patsey Giovanelli, sitting Tami Muriello
I sat with Patsey's nephew Danny Giovanelli at Sundays lunch.

Great post, Charley.

[bennie]

What do you guys make of this Andy Lee knockout over Carl Daniels? It looks like Lee nails Daniels with a body shot and yet the American falls like he has been shot.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2bPJQcDyu0

I didn't make it to the slow motion.

[bennie]

Sinan Samil Sam, the bull of a Turk who holds wins over Audley Harrison and Danny Williams and was unlucky not to get a shot at a major world heavyweight title, has drunk himself into near-oblivion at the age of 36, which is going some. Sam currently lies in intensive care in an Istanbul hospital but his condition is said to be improving and that is gratifying. The fighter retired two years ago. Life without boxing must have really hurt.

[Rick Farris]

Charley . . . Congratulations on the charter for the new NYSBHOF !
By the way, how's the seafood at the Waterfront Crab House?
That's a valid question on this thread.

You got me laughing so hard on this question I almost pee-ed my pants. You know your setting me up on this one. Sounds like you know the answer to this one already too . Tony Mazzerella(Board member of Ring 8 & owner of Waterfront Crabhouse) will have my head handed to me for my revue.
Something tells me you got the book I mentioned a couple of dozen pages back " My Father, My Don" by Tony Napoli.

Each meeting of Ring 8 is preceded by a meal at the Waterfront Crabhouse upstairs in the catering room for all Ring 8 members & guests -gratis. Meats and Potatoes,and pasta, vegetables. Nice meal served buffet style by waitresses filling your plate and seconds if you desire. Tony puts out a fine spread. One thing though- no fish. No one complains because its all free and who is the ungrateful who's going to complain.
One month during the summer, I arrived at the Restaurant about 3 hours early for a beer or 2 and to peruse the great boxing memorabilia hanging on the walls and ceiling everywhere. All items autographed-original boxing on-site posters,candid 8x10 glossies,ticket stubs -1900's and on to today.
Every boxing great worth his salt passed through its doors and left something. News Conferences held in the joint. It would take 10 hours to see it all closely and still be some left. Great place to visit if boxing in your blood.
I decided to sitdown and enjoy one of the seafood menu items offered,pay for it out of pocket and pass on the upstairs fare that night. I love seafood anyway,of course. For openers-Manhattan Clam Chowder-bowl size. The bowl must of been about the size of a kiddie pool. Well, it was big. All fresh ingredients-very good and a little kick to it too.
Followed by a nice big salad with a nice vinagarette drizzle. Fresh bread of course. For entree- went with the 16 oz Lobster Tail stuffed with crabmeat.and baked potato. Nicely done. Passed on the dessert.
Bill was just short of 3 figures. The food was good, but could be found cheaper out on Long Island by me near the ocean. Tony has been a family friend to my dad for years. I didnt tell him I was eating downstairs as i'm sure whole or part of the tab would disappear.I'm not like that. Besides, he gives me dinner at each meeting gratis, so why not support the rest. and its staff every now and then.A few other Ring 8 members do the same thing every now and then I notice. What he has done for my dad and I over the years with recognition-I could never pay that tab back in full. Him and Bob Duffy are the two gentlemen who sat me and my guests up front for Sunday's luncheon. I didnt expect that.
If you guys should come visit-Let me treat you to a trip to the Waterfront Crabhouse, it is a must and I know you will love the joint, meeting & food with all the trimmings.
Located on the Queens side of the East River across from Manhattan Skyline near the entrance to the midtown tunnel.
Not far from the New Gleason's Gym located in Brooklyn.

Picture taken at Waterfront Crabhouse about 1991 Ring 8 mtg
(L-R) Charley Norkus,Tippy Larkin,Billy Kilroy(not Johnny Busso my mislabeling),Sandy Saddler,John Squires,Tony Mazzarella,Patsey Giovanelli, sitting Tami Muriello
I sat with Patsey's nephew Danny Giovanelli at Sundays lunch.

Charlie . . . That's a great post and I like the photo! Sandy Saddler looked great in that pic.
Next time I'm in NY I want to visit the Waterfront Crabhouse. I love seafood as much as Frank does Menudo con Pata.
My friend, Michael Castellano, asked me if I wanted to visit the City with him in March. Mike's a Staten Island guy and we have friends in that live near Port Richmond. My friend Ralph's family owns a very well known Pizzeria on Staten Island known as DaNino's. I'm tied up with that movie thru May, so I can't make it then but maybe in the summer?

What I like most about these monthly boxing get-togethers is the friendship. I know that since I have been involved with these things I've met and have been reuntied with some great boxing people. The WBHOF was in pretty bad shape when I became involved, nobody truly interested in the boxers, lots of non-boxing types. However, the Golden State Boxer's Association and the CBHOF are a warmer group, a lot of fun and great boxing history. It seems as if things were more organized and established on the East Coast. Despite the changes in boxing and the personalities involved, you guys still seem to keep things going. The men who do that here on the West Coast are Don Fraser, Larry Montalvo and Frank Baltazar.

[Rick Farris]

Saddler vs. Salas . . .

Frank, Sandy Saddler stopped Lauro Salas at the Olympic in 1951.
Do you remember that fight?

[wsbuf]

New York State BHOF? Hope it don't end up being the NY City BHOF.

www.ring44.com

[kikibalt]

Saddler vs. Salas . . .

Frank, Sandy Saddler stopped Lauro Salas at the Olympic in 1951.
Do you remember that fight?

Rick, I seen Saddler fight both Salas and Freddie Babe Herman live at the Olympic, in one of those cards Ramon Fuentes ko Charlie Green, don't remember on which card it was though, I also don't remember much about the Saddler fights.

[CNorkusJr]

Thanks Rick for your reply. I dont get to Staten sland as much as I use to. I worked with many firemen who lived there also and on few occasions found myself at a picnic or party there with them.
One thing that has to change is that I miss the Teddy Atlas Foundation event that he runs every year. I hear it is a wonderful dinner for a great cause and Teddy does a great job for many years with it. I always seem to have something booked for that date-I gotta change that.

From your posts, it sounds like you guys have it together with the CBHOF. Your meetings and dinners sound just like our events and the former fighters are always in attendance.

Ring 8 has been around from the 1950's. One thing that I noticed was that in New York back in the day,it was said that when you fought in Mad. Sq. Garden's Ring back then-thats when you knew you arrived. Some still say it today. NY-NJ metro area has been a hotbed of boxing for years and most had joined Ring 8 early in their careers. One thing for sure is that every boxer I know has to be carried out of Ring 8 on a wagon,no one just leaves.
Thats why there is so many members active or not.
Also there is quite a few gyms around training young guys and vets alike.
The trainers and mgrs.,corners all belong to Ring 8 and gets the fighters in the org. early-hence its popularity and large membership.
At the luncheon, besides announcing all the fighters in the room by name to stand up and be recognized, I was pleasantly suprised when they announced to all a brief bio on my dad and then said "here in attendance is his son, Charley Norkus Jr" which I gratefully acknowledged. They did the same for Joe Miceli's wife and Franz Suzina's daughter whom those great fighters just passed on over the year. Ring 8 doesnt forget its long past and hence the huge turnouts.
I was talking to young Gabe Bracero-who received "Prospect Of The Year". I asked him about his future schedule. He told me and then said to me out of the blue- "Your the son of the guy who fought Ezzard Charles & Archie Moore-He must of been a great fighter to do that".(They announced that info during my dads bio.). Here is this 23 yr old kid who knew of Archie Moore & Ezzard Charles, and not just the Vladimer Klitschkos' and
Manny Pacquios'. I think that is what defines the organization now.
Just as my dad who use to tell me about who I was sitting next to at these events.Like Danny Giovanelli on Sunday, who gave Art Aragon a good tussle at The Legion Bowl. Its really a great thing to see and the meetings are bit informal and you can talk all day to these guys.
I would love to sit and talk with Bobby Chacon and Frank's Tony & Frankie
Baltazar Bros. and you too Frank of course . Great fighters to speak with on their experiences, and the meetings are perfect for that.
Ring 8 is probably the largest in the nation. New Jersey has Ring 25 & Ring 14 and a few others but their membership is smaller but the fighters and the experiences are the same. It is great to have these older fighters still around and the newer generations coming up and being involved yet still. (David & Johnny Sears, Gerry Cooney, Juan LaPorte). Its a good thing.
And as my good friend pointed out above-Ring 44 out of Western NY.

[CNorkusJr]

New York State BHOF? Hope it don't end up being the NY City BHOF.

http://www.ring44.com

I agree. They announced it asThe NY State BHOF and Melvina Lathan got the Blessings with Ring 8 from Gov Cuomo on this.
Can I suggest you call Tony Mazzarella and ask him the question.
He would be the contact man on this.
The NYSBHOF would be located downstate was the impression I got.
And honestly, do you think they would omit Carmen Basilio,Joey DeJohn and Lee Oma to just mention a few.

[Panzerfaust]

Charlie, I noticed you used the word ''Gratis'' at a couple of occasions in your posts. Is this a commonly used word in american-english or a NY thing?

[CNorkusJr]

Charlie, I noticed you used the word ''Gratis'' at a couple of occasions in your posts. Is this a commonly used word in american-english or a NY thing?

Is it common ?- Not sure, I know I read it a few times in American stories and seen it on giveaway items in stores or menus.. I believe it is of Latin or Greek word referring to "free of charge, out of kindness".
Definitly not a New York slang- New Yorkers would say simply- "Free-O".
Occasionaly you could see it on New York menus when they give away a free item with the meal. Most Rest. would use "Complimentary glass of wine...) but I saw "vino un gratis with meal) too. Probably Latin. Though the Ring 8 meal is 'Gratis", the word is not on the menu at The Crabhouse either- "Bueno Appetito" my wife yells before downing a bottle of red !
I would guess it is used just as much on the West Coast as on the East Coast in Italian areas or stores.

[Panzerfaust]

Charlie, I noticed you used the word ''Gratis'' at a couple of occasions in your posts. Is this a commonly used word in american-english or a NY thing?

Is it common ?- Not sure, I know I read it a few times in American stories and seen it on giveaway items in stores or menus.. I believe it is of Latin or Greek word referring to "free of charge, out of kindness".
Definitly not a New York slang- New Yorkers would say simply- "Free-O".
Occasionaly you could see it on New York menus when they give away a free item with the meal. Most Rest. would use "Complimentary glass of wine...) but I saw "vino un gratis with meal) too. Probably Latin. Though the Ring 8 meal is 'Gratis", the word is not on the menu at The Crabhouse either- "Bueno Appetito" my wife yells before downing a bottle of red !
I would guess it is used just as much on the West Coast as on the East Coast in Italian areas or stores.

I believed for a moment that it was something left behind by the large scandinavian population in NY in the first half of the 1900s but when i googled it i found that its basically used in every single european language there is

Etymology
The term gratis in English comes from the Latin word "gratis" meaning "for thanks".[1]. In several languages, including Afrikaans, Catalan, Danish, Dutch, French, Galician, German, Bahasa Indonesia, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Swedish it is the equivalent to "for free". Note, that the term is often used in a figure of speech in the form of "free gratis," which to some may seem redundant.

[CNorkusJr]

Here are some pictures from Ring 8 Luncheon this past Sunday.12-19-2010

My brother-in-law Paul, with Vito Antuefermo. Vito is a regular at the meetings each month.



Myself and Burt Young



Partial Dais (L-R) Emile Griffith, Leon Spinks,Marvis Frazier, "Smokin" Joe Frazier



My brother in Law, Paul and Leon Spinks. I know you cant make it out here, but Leon's hat says "Leon Spinks 1978 or(79) World Champion

[CNorkusJr]

Few more:

Paul with Iran Barkley



Myself with Marvis Frazier


And with Joe Frazier
Still one of the most cordial Champs you could meet.
Funny and makes you feel most welcome.

[Panzerfaust]

Great photos as always Charlie

[CNorkusJr]

Last set:

Danny Giovanelli and me, who recalled his fights with Joe Miceli and Art Aragon for me at our table.




Referee Benji Esteves who insisted on doing the punches up thing instead of a handshake.



The dais taken from our seats. The fellow with his head in way sitting at the front of our table is Emile Griffith's son or grandson who is his constant companion and is needed nearby. They both live together in Hempstead, NY about 20 minutes from me on Long Island.