Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

My son Andrew emailed me this video. Interesting.

http://vimeo.com/15273009

[Randyman]

Boxing commis, Clayton Frye, Al Silvani, Nat Fleischer, Pone Kingpetch and Pascuel Perez.
In back wearing glasses is George Parnassus.

Los Angeles, Ca....1960

Great picture, Frank.

Al Silvani appeared in a few films, I believe, as an extra. He had one of those rugged, lived-in faces. I seem to remember him in Stir Crazy.

Silvani was also in the original Rocky.

[Randyman]

Don't know about this hours you're keeping Rick, getting up so early and going to work is not healthy for you.....

I had my first cup of coffee and breakfast this morning and left the house about 5:00. I've had 2 cups here at work. It's what gets me through the day. I long for the day when I become a kept man. D

Have a great day Randy. Some day you and Rick shall achieve the status of a kept man, then we can get together at the the park and feed the pigeons....

Sounds good to me Frank, only let's hang out at a boxing gym

[kikibalt]

I had my first cup of coffee and breakfast this morning and left the house about 5:00. I've had 2 cups here at work. It's what gets me through the day. I long for the day when I become a kept man. D

Have a great day Randy. Some day you and Rick shall achieve the status of a kept man, then we can get together at the the park and feed the pigeons....

Sounds good to me Frank, only let's hang out at a boxing gym

Okay!, but who is going to feed the pigeons??....

[bennie]

Great picture, Frank.

Al Silvani appeared in a few films, I believe, as an extra. He had one of those rugged, lived-in faces. I seem to remember him in Stir Crazy.

Yeah, Bennie, I was watching Stir Crazy couple of days ago and I noticed him in the movie. Don Fraser told me about a week ago that his widow, Norma, still receives a check now and then for his movie work.

Stir Crazy would have been the greatest comedy film ever if somebody had cut out all the unnecessary build up to the rodeo.

[THEHAMMER321]

Good morning, gotta get the coffee going ! , how are the kept men doing these days ? , hopefully all is good living in leisure.

[THEHAMMER321]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

[kikibalt]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

When Ali came on the scene.....

[kikibalt]

Good morning, gotta get the coffee going ! , how are the kept men doing these days ? , hopefully all is good living in leisure.

This kept man is living, but not in leisure....

[kikibalt]

Turkey Thompson

[THEHAMMER321]

I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

[kikibalt]

I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

I too, Paul, don't watch fights much anymore, I'll watch the big fights, don't bother with the ESPN fights at all, like you; my light for boxing has turned into a candle that is fast burning out...

[THEHAMMER321]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

When Ali came on the scene.....

My dad also didn't care for Ali,I remember the first fight I ever went to was at the silver slipper it must have been 1972 or 1973 didn't remember who was fighting but the one thing I remember most was meeting Robert Goulet, he was so friendly to my dad and I, unlike so many stars who wouldn't give you the time of day, was sorry to hear his passing a couple of years ago

[Rick Farris]

Charlie . . . I hope the Jets end the Colts season next week. It's great to read of your experiences with FDNY.
Yesterday I was talking with Bill Dempsey Young. Bill is the V.P. of the Golden State Boxer's Assoc, and the son of Hall of Fame ref, the late Dick Young.
Dick Young was one of my favorite referees, and an L.A. County fire fighter. As I spoke with Bill about his father, I asked if he remembered Charlie Norkus.
Of course, Bill knew of your dad, and I told him about you and your history (what I know) with FDNY, and your current boxing involvment.

Rick, Thank You very much for mentioning my dad's name to Bill Dempsey Young. Dick Young was one of the great referees of our time. Of notoriety, he and Arthur Mercante Sr. were two of the biggest names in the sport. I have a tape of the Norton-Ali fight from CA and Dick Young was the ref. A close one which was called a split decision-but Dick scored it dead on I thought in favor of Ali. I did not know he was a LA Firefighter. It certainly must have been a treat to have him in the firehouse watching other fights with on TV. with the guys when he wasnt refereeing (which I dont think he missed a card in CA in all that time).LOL
I am sure Bill can relate some great experiences as his son during those years. He would be a great person to sit down to talk to about his dad. Very proud I'm sure.
I dont remember ever meeting Mr Dick Young here in New York. I am sure my dad would have known him as well as he referreed at the same time (1970-80's) here in NY.Mr Young's legacy and fame precedes him.

Charlie . . . I forwarded this post to Bill Young.
His wife Linda responded and she gave me the full story about Dick Young's career as a fire fighter, as well as her husband Bill's. I had to share this with you:
--------------------------------------


Hi Rick!

Linda Young here....
Just a quick note:

Bill's dad - Dick Young was a firefighter in St. Louis and he was at the same station as his dad. His father
was killed on a firetruck being pulled by horses at that time and it flipped over and he fell into the horses
which was horrific and he passed on. Bill's dad always gave the family corn beef and cabbage on
St. Patrick's Day as his dad was buried on St. Patricks Day. Dick Young was only 7 at the time and it
was such a burden on him thru out his life as he always talked about his father and not getting to know
him.

My Bill is a Ventura County retired Fire Capt of 33 years and I could really brag on him as I am so proud
of him and just to say, that he was the Firefighter of the Year~ Wherever we were, anyone in danger,
auto accidents, he always pulled over and assisted. A funny story he saved our chicken and gave him
CPR...ha~ That was something~ Bill also wrote a song for 911 and its on his website.

[Rick Farris]

Don't know about this hours you're keeping Rick, getting up so early and going to work is not healthy for you.....

I had my first cup of coffee and breakfast this morning and left the house about 5:00. I've had 2 cups here at work. It's what gets me through the day. I long for the day when I become a kept man. D

Have a great day Randy. Some day you and Rick shall achieve the status of a kept man, then we can get together at the the park and feed the pigeons....

Maybe tomorrow we should meet at Lincoln Park?
I'll bring big bag of bird seed and you can show Randy and I the ropes!

[Rick Farris]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

When Ali came on the scene.....

[Rick Farris]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

When Ali came on the scene.....

My dad also didn't care for Ali,I remember the first fight I ever went to was at the silver slipper it must have been 1972 or 1973 didn't remember who was fighting but the one thing I remember most was meeting Robert Goulet, he was so friendly to my dad and I, unlike so many stars who wouldn't give you the time of day, was sorry to hear his passing a couple of years ago

Paul, I never worked with Robert Goulet or met the man, but a former girlfriend of mine's father was Goulet's make-up artist, and good friend. I know that Robert Goulet was one of several celebrities involved with a corporation that managed welterweight contender, Hedgeman Lewis. It was known as "January Fighters Inc." and included Goulet, and actors Ryan O'Neal, Bill Cosby, and the late Christopher Connely. My lady friend's dad told me that he would attend fights with Goulet when Lewis was featured.

[kikibalt]

I had my first cup of coffee and breakfast this morning and left the house about 5:00. I've had 2 cups here at work. It's what gets me through the day. I long for the day when I become a kept man. D

Have a great day Randy. Some day you and Rick shall achieve the status of a kept man, then we can get together at the the park and feed the pigeons....

Maybe tomorrow we should meet at Lincoln Park?
I'll bring big bag of bird seed and you can show Randy and I the ropes!

Nothing to it Rick, us members of the The Kept Men Club will sit on a park bench and wait for the pigeon to come to us, when they do we will toss the bird seeds to them.....We will do this when the wives are at work......

[Randyman]

Frank I know you don't care much for the heavyweights, but I did read where you liked Joe Louis, at what point did you become disenchanted with heavyweights ?

Speaking of Joe Louis, I'm reading a biography on Louis called Joe Louis - Hard Times Man by Randy Roberts. I'm about a third of the way through it. Good reading.

[Randyman]

Have a great day Randy. Some day you and Rick shall achieve the status of a kept man, then we can get together at the the park and feed the pigeons....

Sounds good to me Frank, only let's hang out at a boxing gym

Okay!, but who is going to feed the pigeons??....

They're welcome to come along with us, DD

[Rick Farris]

Sounds good to me Frank, only let's hang out at a boxing gym

Okay!, but who is going to feed the pigeons??....

They're welcome to come along with us, DD

What if they want to come home with us?
(a common question among film company "bird feeders" on location. )

The "Kept Man" Manuel advises:

"It's best to feed them, and let them go"
(Chapter-1, page-1, paragraph-1, sentence-1.)

[Rick Farris]

I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

I too, Paul, don't watch fights much anymore, I'll watch the big fights, don't bother with the ESPN fights at all, like you; my light for boxing has turned into a candle that is fast burning out...

I feel exactly the same, Frank.
Think of how much fun and excitment we used to get from boxing. The talent you saw was as good as it gets.
Just the anticipation of a great fight really got the blood flowing, and we had such fights often.
Guys like us could get a fix just by stopping by the gym, watching some world class fighters trading bombs in sparring sessions.
Boxing was all arond us, and we were aroud boxing, especially you for some many decades.
Go back to your days with Tiger, in the back yard gym. And then the CYO Gym. Can you visualize Johnny Flores back then? He never changed much, did he?
Ringside, Williams vs. Bolanos! Three times in all. Cadilli-Teran at the Legion, and Bolanos too. Your favorite fighters.
Training under Hoyt Porter at Teamsters. Teamsters Gym. You have lots of memories there. Hoyt Porter, Louie J., Keeny Teran.
Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. A Baseball fan, but he knew you liked boxing. He took you to an all-time classic trilogy.
And speaking of fathers, you were as good as they come. I saw your boys, Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby.
Your boys and I fought on the same night at Teamsters, Stanton A.C., Pomona, China Lake, The Olympic and several other venues.
You took two of them to the top.
Remember driving Joe Louis and Johnny Flores around Miami? How many people meet there childhood hero like that?
Like you, I too have met my heros in similar situations.
Everything changes. Change is good, but it has not been good to boxing.
What we do have is this thread. Because thru it we can keep the memories, the history alive.
One in awhile a fight of interest surfaces, but I don't watch ESPN, rarely if at all.
I'll watch Pacquiao, but I have no interest in him fighting Mosely, or Marquez or even Mayweather.
Of the three, Mayweather would be the worst. Mayweather is a bore. Pac is anything but boring, but Pretty Boy can stink the place up.
At least we have this thread.

[kikibalt]

You're up Paul, join me to a cup of coffee??

[THEHAMMER321]

I loved boxing in the early 1980s never missed a fight on T.V, by the 1990s the light had dimmed a little, and after 2000 light a candle, I hardly ever watch a fight anymore although I did watch Amir Kahn a few weeks ago.

I too, Paul, don't watch fights much anymore, I'll watch the big fights, don't bother with the ESPN fights at all, like you; my light for boxing has turned into a candle that is fast burning out...

I feel exactly the same, Frank.
Think of how much fun and excitment we used to get from boxing. The talent you saw was as good as it gets.
Just the anticipation of a great fight really got the blood flowing, and we had such fights often.
Guys like us could get a fix just by stopping by the gym, watching some world class fighters trading bombs in sparring sessions.
Boxing was all arond us, and we were aroud boxing, especially you for some many decades.
Go back to your days with Tiger, in the back yard gym. And then the CYO Gym. Can you visualize Johnny Flores back then? He never changed much, did he?
Ringside, Williams vs. Bolanos! Three times in all. Cadilli-Teran at the Legion, and Bolanos too. Your favorite fighters.
Training under Hoyt Porter at Teamsters. Teamsters Gym. You have lots of memories there. Hoyt Porter, Louie J., Keeny Teran.
Your dad sounds like he was a cool guy. A Baseball fan, but he knew you liked boxing. He took you to an all-time classic trilogy.
And speaking of fathers, you were as good as they come. I saw your boys, Frankie Jr., Tony & Bobby.
Your boys and I fought on the same night at Teamsters, Stanton A.C., Pomona, China Lake, The Olympic and several other venues.
You took two of them to the top.
Remember driving Joe Louis and Johnny Flores around Miami? How many people meet there childhood hero like that?
Like you, I too have met my heros in similar situations.
Everything changes. Change is good, but it has not been good to boxing.
What we do have is this thread. Because thru it we can keep the memories, the history alive.
One in awhile a fight of interest surfaces, but I don't watch ESPN, rarely if at all.
I'll watch Pacquiao, but I have no interest in him fighting Mosely, or Marquez or even Mayweather.
Of the three, Mayweather would be the worst. Mayweather is a bore. Pac is anything but boring, but Pretty Boy can stink the place up.
At least we have this thread.

Good post Rick, you know what I think makes guys like Mayweather even more of a turn off than his boxing style is his attitude, you know, say what you want about Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De lahoya they knew how to behave when the mike was on them, and in turn have been the two most popular fighters of the last 30 years, as fighters I wasn't a big fan of either man, but they new how to sell themselves to the public, something Roy Jones or Floyd Mayweather know nothing about.

[THEHAMMER321]

I might have beat the coffee crew to the punch today.