Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Rick, you and I are on the same page with regards to Duran. "When Duran was Duran...." His power? He was just born with it.

I was watching Dancing with the stars on Monday night, when Leonard comes on and introduces himself to the camera "Hello, I'm Sugar Ray Leonard and I'm a boxing legend!" It's one thing for fans and the media to call someone a legend but somehow it doesn't set well with me when someone, anyone, calls himself a legend. A little to pompous for me. kind of like Roy Jones Jr, when he speaks in the third person as in "Roy Jones is hungry, Roy Jones is going to bed now". Or am I just being overly critical?

I'm with you, Charlie! Leonard is a prima donna.
Recently, an award-winning filmmaker shot a great documentary on Latino boxers. He interviewed everybody you could think of, including Ray Leonard.
Of all the interview subjects, only one demanded a make-up artist, Leonard.
As for Jones, they should get rid of him. He's not only an egomaniac, he's just plain stupid.
I'm surprised the cable companies don't take advantage of Sean O'Grady, he is interesting at ringside.
Of course, maybe O'Grady wouldn't have patience with the idiocy of Merchant & Lampley?

Rick, that was me not Charlie that replied. We're on the same page with Leonard and Jones too.

Sorry Randy. Charlie pointed out my error, as well. Yeah, I think we are always on the same page where Duran is concerned.
Leonard wasn't a bad fighter, so long as he had all of the edges in his favor. Jones was a product of fan's ignorance of true greatness.

[Randyman]

Back when Leonard was fighting I never cared too much for him, probably because I was such a huge fan of Duran. I never gave Leonard his due as a fighter. Over the years I have come to appreciate his skill, almost begrudgingly. I'll give him his due now. Still, like Manny Pacquiao, Leonard always had to have every advantage possible before stepping into the ring. There's no denying that.

I'm still no fan of Leonard but I do believe he would have beaten Roy Jones as a middleweight, maybe at any weight. Tommy Hearns would have KO'ed Jones at any weight. For the record, I believe Hearns won that second fight with Leonard. He was gracious about the draw.

[Randyman]

Paul, good to see you here today. had any good meals lately?

[Randyman]

He worked Tony's fight vs Pedro Laza on the old USA channel...that fight is on YT....

Ive seen everything of Tony's on youtube so thats probably one of them... ill have to look it up again

Here it is Ram

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp5JKVk_ALs

Tony Baltazar vs Pedro Laza

Frank, I couldn't help but think of Mel when I saw Tony's hair. Mel would've jumped into the ring with a pair of scissors. Mel gave me hell about my hair, it was always too long and it was never short enough.

Back in the day both USA and ESPN used to put on some really good shows. I miss those days!

[THEHAMMER321]

Paul, good to see you here today. had any good meals lately?

Thanks Randy, ate at Beni Hana at the Las Vegas Hilton twice in the last month , I always enjoy that place its almost like a cooking show.

[kikibalt]

Circus World theater, One of the arenas in Norway where they staged alot of boxing cards in the 10s 20s and 30s





Both photos from about 1935

Ram, I want to know about Anders Beer...

I think youll be disapointed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anders_Beer_Wilse

I am, I am, damn!!... Beer was the dude's name...

[Rick Farris]

Back when Leonard was fighting I never cared too much for him, probably because I was such a huge fan of Duran. I never gave Leonard his due as a fighter. Over the years I have come to appreciate his skill, almost begrudgingly. I'll give him his due now. Still, like Manny Pacquiao, Leonard always had to have every advantage possible before stepping into the ring. There's no denying that.

I'm still no fan of Leonard but I do believe he would have beaten Roy Jones as a middleweight, maybe at any weight. Tommy Hearns would have KO'ed Jones at any weight. For the record, I believe Hearns won that second fight with Leonard. He was gracious about the draw.

Like Pac?? You have to be kidding. what edges?
Pac has whipped the best of Mexico. Marquez gave himna good go. Who else?
Leonard was shot after three dozen fights. No comparison.
My only question is whether Duran could have beaten Pac? If so, he's the only one I have seen.
I know you don't like Manny, but he is the best to fight since Duran.
Don Fraser says the same thing, he can't think of a fighter aside from Duran as good as Manny in recent decades.
Fraser went so far as to say Manny would whip Henry Armstrong. Don saw Armstrong fight in the ring, during his prime.
I believe that Jose Napoles and Pac would have been a great match, Pac-Duran.
You don't have to like Pac Man, but there is no evidence to support your claim of Pac having all the edges.
If that were so, JMM would have never made it out of that first round when he was floored three times.
He is the real "Mexican Assassin".

[Rick Farris]

On HBO tonight:

Gamboa vs. Solis

[Rick Farris]

Bennie, after work last night I toasted you with a double shot of Absolut on the rocks.
Would you prefer your's with a splash of tonic, the English way? 8)

[Randyman]

Rick, I was referrng to the catch-all weights that Manny insists on when moving up in weight. I consider that an advantage, of a sort.

I don't dislike Pacquiao, but I just think the timing has been perfect for him. His biggest wins have been over fighters that were nearing the end of their careers. Two of his biggest wins, Hatton and De La Hoya were beaten by Mayweather first, Cotto was destroyed by Margarito first, and Margarto was destroyed by Mosley, now after seeing Mosley fight to a draw with Sergio Mora, Pacquiao agrees to fight Mosley. Do you think he would seriously consider fighting a prime top fighter like Sergio Martinez? It'll never happen. Not unless Martinez gets knocked out in his next fight.

Rick, even you yourself have said in earlier posts that if Pacquiao was fighting in a earlier era he would just be another good fighter. (I'm paraphrasing). His own record here on boxre supports what I say. However, I do respect your opinion.

[Rick Farris]

Rick, I was referrng to the catch-all weights that Manny insists on when moving up in weight. I consider that an advantage, of a sort.

I don't dislike Pacquiao, but I just think the timing has been perfect for him. His biggest wins have been over fighters that were nearing the end of their careers. Two of his biggest wins, Hatton and De La Hoya were beaten by Mayweather first, Cotto was destroyed by Margarito first, and Margarto was destroyed by Mosley, now after seeing Mosley fight to a draw with Sergio Mora, Pacquiao agrees to fight Mosley. Do you think he would seriously consider fighting a prime top fighter like Sergio Mora? It'll never happen. Not unless Martinez gets knocked out in his next fight.

Rick, even you yourself have said in earlier posts that if Pacquiao was fighting in a earlier era he would just be another good fighter. (I'm paraphrasing). His own record here on boxre supports what I say. However, I do respect your opinion.

Can you name any high profile boxer that didn't make there name off those at the end of their careers? I can name only one, Manny Pacquaio, and his record supports my claim.
Was Marquez, Barrera or Morales over-the-hill? No. Martinez is a full on middleweight! Was Margarito past prime? I think anybody fighting today would have a much tougher time in past eras. Sugar Ray Leonard would have never made it to a title shot. Pac has the durability and longevity to be a major player in any era. And did Mayweather really beat Oscar? Not by much. Pac destroyed Oscar De La Hoya, broke his spirit and took his heart. Mayweather doesn't ruin fighters. Pac and Duran ruin boxers. Pac's record does not support your claims. Why not match Pac with the K brothers, if you think he should fight Martinez, that's what you may as well suggest. And who's to say that Sergio Martinez would win. One thing is for sure, fighting beyond the weight nature intended, Pac is having an easier time than he did with the little guys, but it takes a toll guys like Mayweather won't risk. We are witnessing greatness, all-time greatness when we see Pac. He is the ONLY contemporary boxer capable of competeing successfully in any previous era. This is why unbeaten Mayweather is ducking mega figures to fight him. Oscar looked like a kid beaten up in the school yard after Pac finished him. The same would have taken place if Pac was fighting Oscar at his best, at any weight. The kid from ELA with the pretty smile would have never beeen more than a losing opponent if matched with Manny Pacquiao. We are being strangled by non competitive fights at the top, except for Manny Pac, who fights everybody. We have a class act for a hero in boxing today, a guy of the nature of a Dempsey, a Joe Louis. He will likely be the last great fighter we ever see. And Mosely is the only viable opponent, not JMM, which is Oscar's choice. The big money is still a match with Mayweather, why screwit up with a match with Martinez which would surely take a heavy toll on the much smaller Pac (Who would beat Martinez, I believe, if they fought today.) I'd avoid the Martinez fight, it will not pay off like Mayweather and only threaten any chance of that match. I must take issue with every claim you make relating to Pac, those relating to his choice of opposition. You may as well ask why Roberto Duran avoided Carlos Monzon? I hope you aren't suggesting that Floyd Mayweather "softened up" Pacs future opposition? Come on, the guy slaps!

[kikibalt]

Bennie, after work last night I toasted you with a double shot of Absolut on the rocks.
Would you prefer your's with a splash of tonic, the English way? 8)

Rick, yesterday I had Absolut Vodka on the rock with a twist of lime...

[Rick Farris]

Bennie, after work last night I toasted you with a double shot of Absolut on the rocks.
Would you prefer your's with a splash of tonic, the English way? 8)

Rick, yesterday I had Absolut Vodka on the rock with a twist of lime...

Lime is good!

[raylawpc]

Of course, maybe O'Grady wouldn't have patience with the idiocy of Merchant & Lampley?

Ha! Sean is one of the least confrontational people you'll ever meet. And if they pay him enough, he'll put up with stupidity for hours on end . . .

I remember one night when Sean was commentator for a Ray Mancini fight, I don't remember who Ray was fighting but after seeing Ray take a couple of good shots from his opponent, Sean says to his fellow commentator, "Mancini takes a pretty good punch for an Italian". I thought it was hilarious but there but there was a brouhaha about it for a few weeks. Do you remember that Tom?

No, not specifically. Sounds like something he would say, though I'm sure he said it to be funny and didn't intend to insult Mancini specifically or Italians generally. He got that stuff from his dad. His dad thought ethnic jokes and jibes were hilarious, but, to his credit, Pat would laugh just is loudly if somebody ripped the Irish. The O'Gradys never took that stuff seriously, and didn't think other people should either.

[kikibalt]

Ha! Sean is one of the least confrontational people you'll ever meet. And if they pay him enough, he'll put up with stupidity for hours on end . . .

I remember one night when Sean was commentator for a Ray Mancini fight, I don't remember who Ray was fighting but after seeing Ray take a couple of good shots from his opponent, Sean says to his fellow commentator, "Mancini takes a pretty good punch for an Italian". I thought it was hilarious but there but there was a brouhaha about it for a few weeks. Do you remember that Tom?

No, not specifically. Sounds like something he would say, though I'm sure he said it to be funny and didn't intend to insult Mancini specifically or Italians generally. He got that stuff from his dad. His dad thought ethnic jokes and jibes were hilarious, but, to his credit, Pat would laugh just is loudly if somebody ripped the Irish. The O'Gradys never took that stuff seriously, and didn't think other people should either.

My kind of people....

[THEHAMMER321]

Ha! Sean is one of the least confrontational people you'll ever meet. And if they pay him enough, he'll put up with stupidity for hours on end . . .

I remember one night when Sean was commentator for a Ray Mancini fight, I don't remember who Ray was fighting but after seeing Ray take a couple of good shots from his opponent, Sean says to his fellow commentator, "Mancini takes a pretty good punch for an Italian". I thought it was hilarious but there but there was a brouhaha about it for a few weeks. Do you remember that Tom?

No, not specifically. Sounds like something he would say, though I'm sure he said it to be funny and didn't intend to insult Mancini specifically or Italians generally. He got that stuff from his dad. His dad thought ethnic jokes and jibes were hilarious, but, to his credit, Pat would laugh just is loudly if somebody ripped the Irish. The O'Gradys never took that stuff seriously, and didn't think other people should either.

Tom , I couldn't agree more, I am an Italian American, but I am never offended by ethnic jokes, and like Pat O"Grady I often make ethnic jokes and make fun of the Guido Italians, I think to many people especially in recent years take there heritage too seriously when people are only saying things in jest.

[THEHAMMER321]

five people you are not likely to find. 1. an Irishman who doesn't drink. 2. a Black Muslim who likes white people. 3. a male hairdresser who is straight. 4. a women who knows how to drive. 5. a French waiter who is not a snob.

[kikibalt]

five people you are not likely to find. 1. an Irishman who doesn't drink. 2. a Black Muslim who likes white people. 3. a male hairdresser who is straight. 4. a women who knows how to drive. 5. a French waiter who is not a snob.

Paul, all that is true, but what us brown people, you have to have a brown people line...I know you do...

[THEHAMMER321]

five people you are not likely to find. 1. an Irishman who doesn't drink. 2. a Black Muslim who likes white people. 3. a male hairdresser who is straight. 4. a women who knows how to drive. 5. a French waiter who is not a snob.

Paul, all that is true, but what us brown people, you have to have a brown people line...I know you do...

actually Mexicans and polish people are two
ethnic groups I can think of where the stereotype, ''the dumb pollock'' and ''the lazy Mexican'' don't hold water, as a matter of fact they are quite the contrary.

[THEHAMMER321]

The three biggest lies, 1. Black is beautiful. 2. the check is in the mail. 3. I won't come in your mouth.

[kikibalt]

five people you are not likely to find. 1. an Irishman who doesn't drink. 2. a Black Muslim who likes white people. 3. a male hairdresser who is straight. 4. a women who knows how to drive. 5. a French waiter who is not a snob.

Paul, all that is true, but what us brown people, you have to have a brown people line...I know you do...

actually Mexicans and polish people are two
ethnic groups I can think of where the stereotype, ''the dumb pollock'' and ''the lazy Mexican'' don't hold water, as a matter of fact they are quite the contrary.

Speak for yourself Paul, because here you have a lazy Porcho, Mexican-American to you....

[kikibalt]

The three biggest lies, 1. Black is beautiful. 2. the check is in the mail. 3. I won't come in your mouth.

Orale!!....

[raylawpc]

I remember one night when Sean was commentator for a Ray Mancini fight, I don't remember who Ray was fighting but after seeing Ray take a couple of good shots from his opponent, Sean says to his fellow commentator, "Mancini takes a pretty good punch for an Italian". I thought it was hilarious but there but there was a brouhaha about it for a few weeks. Do you remember that Tom?

No, not specifically. Sounds like something he would say, though I'm sure he said it to be funny and didn't intend to insult Mancini specifically or Italians generally. He got that stuff from his dad. His dad thought ethnic jokes and jibes were hilarious, but, to his credit, Pat would laugh just is loudly if somebody ripped the Irish. The O'Gradys never took that stuff seriously, and didn't think other people should either.

Tom , I couldn't agree more, I am an Italian American, but I am never offended by ethnic jokes, and like Pat O"Grady I often make ethnic jokes and make fun of the Guido Italians, I think to many people especially in recent years take there heritage too seriously when people are only saying things in jest.

Being Swedish, I am rarely the brunt of any ethnic jokes. Although I suspect that Remy, being a Norwegian, knows a few . . . I'd actually like to know a few Swedish jokes.

[THEHAMMER321]

No, not specifically. Sounds like something he would say, though I'm sure he said it to be funny and didn't intend to insult Mancini specifically or Italians generally. He got that stuff from his dad. His dad thought ethnic jokes and jibes were hilarious, but, to his credit, Pat would laugh just is loudly if somebody ripped the Irish. The O'Gradys never took that stuff seriously, and didn't think other people should either.

Tom , I couldn't agree more, I am an Italian American, but I am never offended by ethnic jokes, and like Pat O"Grady I often make ethnic jokes and make fun of the Guido Italians, I think to many people especially in recent years take there heritage too seriously when people are only saying things in jest.

Being Swedish, I am rarely the brunt of any ethnic jokes. Although I suspect that Remy, being a Norwegian, knows a few . . . I'd actually like to know a few Swedish jokes.

I guess you could be called, ''a Swedish meatball'' .

[Rick Farris]

five people you are not likely to find. 1. an Irishman who doesn't drink. 2. a Black Muslim who likes white people. 3. a male hairdresser who is straight. 4. a women who knows how to drive. 5. a French waiter who is not a snob.

Paul, all that is true, but what us brown people, you have to have a brown people line...I know you do...

Monica is from Brazil, from Salvador, Bahia.
She is morena, brown and very brown when she gets a lot of sun.
I'm white in an English-Irish kinda way. Brown hair and eyes, from other lineage.
Monica has some funny analogies. The weak might consider us racists.
No way Jose.