Classic American West Coast Boxing

[bennie]

Tony Baltazar (R) and Victor ?...circa 1984

Frankie, what weight was the Victor fella'?

[bennie]

Naz on Saturday night in Glasgow. The other geezer is ex-pro Drew Docherty.

[kikibalt]

Tony Baltazar (R) and Victor ?...circa 1984

Frankie, what weight was the Victor fella'?

Don't know. Tony didn't fight him, he was just a fan....

[kikibalt]

Mando Ramos vs Raul Rojas

I opened the show that night with a win in a four rounder.

They can't take that away from you, Rick.

I missed Rick's fight, as Connie and I got to the Olympic late that nite....

[Chuck1052]

Thanks, Charlie!

- Chuck Johnston

[CNorkusJr]

Mando Ramos vs Raul Rojas

I opened the show that night with a win in a four rounder.

That was some fight card. Armando with 1st Rd KO too.
Those were the days. 8,000+ in the stands.
You had to be thrilled Rick especially coming away with the victory.

[CNorkusJr]

Thanks, Charlie!

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson walks arm-in-arm with former light heavyweight champ
Jose Torres at the funeral for Jimmy Jacobs, Tyson's co-manager, at Hillside Memorial Park.
Jacobs was remembered by Torres as a man "with an iron will to win." Photo dated: March 26, 1988.

[kikibalt]

Top row: Jimmy McLarnin, former Welterwieght Worlds Boxing Champion; Ike Williams,
former Lightweight World Boxing Champion. Sitting, from left: Count Billy Varga, former Worlds
Heavyweight Wrestling Champion; Sugar Ray Robinson, former Worlds Welterweight and Middleweight
Boxing Champion and his wife, Millie Robinson. Photo taken: June 1987.

[Randyman]

It's been a busy two weeks with my son here visiting. Lots of visiting, eating at restaurants and a birthday party this past weekend and a lot of driving. I'm bushed. Time to get back to my routine. My son went back to Seattle last night. He'll be at the California Boxing Hall of Fame in June. He's looking forward to meeting some of you.

[Randyman]

Top row: Jimmy McLarnin, former Welterwieght Worlds Boxing Champion; Ike Williams,
former Lightweight World Boxing Champion. Sitting, from left: Count Billy Varga, former Worlds
Heavyweight Wrestling Champion; Sugar Ray Robinson, former Worlds Welterweight and Middleweight
Boxing Champion and his wife, Millie Robinson. Photo taken: June 1987.

Great photo as always Frank. Almost two years after this photo was taken, Sugar Ray Robinson would pass into boxing immortality and history. To my way of thinking, there is only one Sugar Ray.

Somehow, with all the rushing around the last couple of weeks I managed to read and finish Barney Ross" by Douglas Century, an excellent book. It talks about the great trilogy that Ross and Jimmy McLarnin fought, Ross winning the first and last. They were all hard fought and went the distance. The Jewish and Irish rivalry were among boxing's best, as well as Italians. those were great years for boxing.

By the way, I recommend the book.

[Randyman]

Mando Ramos vs Raul Rojas

I opened the show that night with a win in a four rounder.

They can't take that away from you, Rick.

I agree. What a great personal memory!

[Randyman]

Mando Ramos Highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTw3y2A_CoQ

[Rick Farris]

I opened the show that night with a win in a four rounder.

They can't take that away from you, Rick.

I agree. What a great personal memory!

December 10, 1970 . . .

The fight was a sellout. 10,400 fans. Aileen Eaton often claimed smaller attendance, to reduce the percentage of the gate take of some boxers contracts.
Ramos fought on a guarantee & percentage, so did Mando Muniz in later years. But on this night every seat was filled. I'd fought at the Olympic before, but this time Mando Ramos was matched with former world champ, Raul Rojas, his former stablemate. This was a legit grudge match. Ramos never looked better, and years later he would share with me his story of that night, and and what had gone on in days leading up to it. I remember the Olympic had this incredible energy, that electricity you hear people talk about. That's what Mando Ramos brought to the table, he did it everytime, what a fighter he was, fans loved him, men and women. Rojas also had a big following, both guys lived and worked on the docks. And in the televised ten rounder, Irish Frankie Crawford KOed opponent with a left hook a couple seconds after the final bell. He was awarded a decision win. I didn't see the Mando Muniz fight, as it was right after mine and ended quick. I was in the dressing room and recall that Mando had gone to the ring, fought, and had returned to his dressing room before I was out of the shower. The place was almost full when I entered the ring. I had never fought on a card that had sold out the upper balcony. Man, I recall that as I went down the aisle, when I passed from under the balcony, the sound of the crowd was deafening. They were excited about Mando, and the rest of the card. I recall they made noise when my opponent and I mixed it up, and this can really push a fighter if he hears it. Sometimes you don't hear it, but I did this night. I was 18 that night, this was my 6th pro fight. When I stepped into the ring, Jimmy lennon flipped a disc and I recall we were sent to the white corner. Johnny Flores was a great cornerman, Frank can tell you from first hand experience. Johnny is always strong, cool, in control. I remember that as I stood in my corner before the intros, Johnny would tap me on the shoulder and point to a few of the ringside guests. Today, I am glad that he did, or I might not have noticed Connie Stevens, Burt Reynolds, Ryan O'Neal, Bill Cosby, Chuck Connors, Mickey Cohen, Edy Williams, Jerry West. Johnny would point out one and then say, look over there. I saw Connie Stevens look up at me and smile and wave. It really motivated me to kick Antonio Villlanuevas arse, as he had held me to a draw in my pro debut six monts previous. George Latka was the ref, and Flores told me to box my opponent. I have some photos of the night that my dad took at the weigh-in, that morning. I'll post them one day. It was a night to remember, most definitly!

[Bobbin & Weavin]

They can't take that away from you, Rick.

I agree. What a great personal memory!

December 10, 1970 . . .

The fight was a sellout. 10,400 fans. Aileen Eaton often claimed smaller attendance, to reduce the percentage of the gate take of some boxers contracts.
Ramos fought on a guarantee & percentage, so did Mando Muniz in later years. But on this night every seat was filled. I'd fought at the Olympic before, but this time Mando Ramos was matched with former world champ, Raul Rojas, his former stablemate. This was a legit grudge match. Ramos never looked better, and years later he would share with me his story of that night, and and what had gone on in days leading up to it. I remember the Olympic had this incredible energy, that electricity you hear people talk about. That's what Mando Ramos brought to the table, he did it everytime, what a fighter he was, fans loved him, men and women. Rojas also had a big following, both guys lived and worked on the docks. And in the televised ten rounder, Irish Frankie Crawford KOed opponent with a left hook a couple seconds after the final bell. He was awarded a decision win. I didn't see the Mando Muniz fight, as it was right after mine and ended quick. I was in the dressing room and recall that Mando had gone to the ring, fought, and had returned to his dressing room before I was out of the shower. The place was almost full when I entered the ring. I had never fought on a card that had sold out the upper balcony. Man, I recall that as I went down the aisle, when I passed from under the balcony, the sound of the crowd was deafening. They were excited about Mando, and the rest of the card. I recall they made noise when my opponent and I mixed it up, and this can really push a fighter if he hears it. Sometimes you don't hear it, but I did this night. I was 18 that night, this was my 6th pro fight. When I stepped into the ring, Jimmy lennon flipped a disc and I recall we were sent to the white corner. Johnny Flores was a great cornerman, Frank can tell you from first hand experience. Johnny is always strong, cool, in control. I remember that as I stood in my corner before the intros, Johnny would tap me on the shoulder and point to a few of the ringside guests. Today, I am glad that he did, or I might not have noticed Connie Stevens, Burt Reynolds, Ryan O'Neal, Bill Cosby, Chuck Connors, Mickey Cohen, Edy Williams, Jerry West. Johnny would point out one and then say, look over there. I saw Connie Stevens look up at me and smile and wave. It really motivated me to kick Antonio Villlanuevas arse, as he had held me to a draw in my pro debut six monts previous. George Latka was the ref, and Flores told me to box my opponent. I have some photos of the night that my dad took at the weigh-in, that morning. I'll post them one day. It was a night to remember, most definitly!

Great memory Rick, thanks for sharing. Love to see the photos you spoke of.
Bruce

[CNorkusJr]

Wonderful Post Rick ! Just Great !

[CNorkusJr]

Somehow, with all the rushing around the last couple of weeks I managed to read and finish Barney Ross" by Douglas Century, an excellent book. It talks about the great trilogy that Ross and Jimmy McLarnin fought, Ross winning the first and last. They were all hard fought and went the distance. The Jewish and Irish rivalry were among boxing's best, as well as Italians. those were great years for boxing.

By the way, I recommend the book.

I know I met Barney Ross as a youngster, my father reminded me often that my father,mother, Barney and I had dinner together in NYC.(There is a photo of us together on my father's forum thread). My father really liked Barney as a fighter,friend and War hero. My father could talk on hours about him and what he accomplished and meant to alot of people who watched him in the Ring.
I will get around to reading the Ross Story, I'm in the middle of "Jacobs Beach",then on to Don Dunphy's book after that.Thanks Randy for the recommendation.
Note worthy:
Both of those books(hardcover) I got for less than $12 together on Amazon.com
in "like new" shape. Both looked like they were never opened.

[kikibalt]

Coffee time!!

[kikibalt]

Mando Ramos vs Raul Rojas

I opened the show that night with a win in a four rounder.

12-10-1970
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States view

Armando Muniz W Jose Carreon KO 1 10

Frankie Crawford W Jose Luis Martinez UD 10 10

Mando Ramos W Raul Rojas KO 6 10

Rick Farris W Antonio Villanueva PTS 4 4

Jose Orantes W Ignacio Pacheco PTS 4 4

[Rick Farris]

Coffee time!!

Yes it is, Frank. It's 3:58am, I've worked out, showered, and having one cup before I head to work.
I'm enjoying introducing Audie Aragon to the memories of our dear friend, Hap Navarro.
Hap is kindly sending me some his personal Art Aragon memories, which are rich in history and insider knowledge of The Golden Boy's career.
Audie is amazed, "As if looking thru a window into the past", he tells me.
Hap not only knew Art professionally, but on a personal level. There were Xmas cards exchanged, condolences for family deaths, etc.
This is helping my friend see his father thru the eyes of those who helped make his career & celebrity possible, not just reporters words.
This is what we do here. We connect the boxers and their history. We tell a good story, I think.
You who contribute here are a true gift to boxing!
Adios . . . Spider Man awaits!

-Ricardo

[kikibalt]

Coffee time!!

Yes it is, Frank. It's 3:58am, I've worked out, showered, and having one cup before I head to work.
I'm enjoying introducing Audie Aragon to the memories of our dear friend, Hap Navarro.
Hap is kindly sending me some his personal Art Aragon memories, which are rich in history and insider knowledge of The Golden Boy's career.
Audie is amazed, "As if looking thru a window into the past", he tells me.
Hap not only knew Art professionally, but on a personal level. There were Xmas cards exchanged, condolences for family deaths, etc.
This is helping my friend see his father thru the eyes of those who helped make his career & celebrity possible, not just reporters words.
This is what we do here. We connect the boxers and their history. We tell a good story, I think.
You who contribute here are a true gift to boxing!
Adios . . . Spider Man awaits!

-Ricardo

Don't get caught in the spider's web, Rick.....

[raylawpc]

Somehow, with all the rushing around the last couple of weeks I managed to read and finish Barney Ross" by Douglas Century, an excellent book. It talks about the great trilogy that Ross and Jimmy McLarnin fought, Ross winning the first and last. They were all hard fought and went the distance. The Jewish and Irish rivalry were among boxing's best, as well as Italians. those were great years for boxing.

By the way, I recommend the book.

I know I met Barney Ross as a youngster, my father reminded me often that my father,mother, Barney and I had dinner together in NYC.(There is a photo of us together on my father's forum thread). My father really liked Barney as a fighter,friend and War hero. My father could talk on hours about him and what he accomplished and meant to alot of people who watched him in the Ring.
I will get around to reading the Ross Story, I'm in the middle of "Jacobs Beach",then on to Don Dunphy's book after that.Thanks Randy for the recommendation.
Note worthy:
Both of those books(hardcover) I got for less than $12 together on Amazon.com
in "like new" shape. Both looked like they were never opened.

I concur with Randy. It's a great book - a "must read" for anyone interested in boxing history.

[bennie]

Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson walks arm-in-arm with former light heavyweight champ
Jose Torres at the funeral for Jimmy Jacobs, Tyson's co-manager, at Hillside Memorial Park.
Jacobs was remembered by Torres as a man "with an iron will to win." Photo dated: March 26, 1988.

I'm surprised Don King isn't already hovering in the background.

[kikibalt]

3:30 in the A.M.....time for coffee.....

[Rick Farris]

3:30 in the A.M.....time for coffee.....

3:52am . . . Have a good day, Frank.