Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Frank, your a walking encyclopedia on boxing

The thing is, Paul, that, I don't remember much, not the way Rick does, if I only had the memory Rick has....

Frank, your memory has kept us informed and entertained since the beginning of this thread. You're right though, Rick does have an excellent memory and we are all lucky that both of you share your memories with us.

Thanks Randy...

[THEHAMMER321]

Tired of people with no manners or class, it seems to me every time I go to a place of business [ a gas station,grocery store etc] I run into people working in these places who greet the customer as they make a purchase with ''what do you need'' instead of ''how can I help you'' , is it my imagination or has it become fashionable to be ignorant ? .

Have a bad day at the tables,Paul ?

Actually been on a minor win streak, that's why I will probably come out to California early June and play a little at the Bicycle club and the Commerce and stay until the CBHOF luncheon.

[Cholo]

Frank, Do you remember Johnny Gonsalves?, i read he had a close fight with the "Golden Boy" July 24 1951 at the Olympic,
Aragon said Gonsalves was a excellent boxer..

[bennie]

The build-up to Amir Khan's fight tomorrow night has been amateurish, with Khan's management team (a few of his Bolton mates) looking out of its depth:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/others ... mbles.html

[Cholo]

The build-up to Amir Khan's fight tomorrow night has been amateurish, with Khan's management team (a few of his Bolton mates) looking out of its depth:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/others ... mbles.html

I wouldn't watch this fight if it was for free, you said it when you said amateurish, including the fighter's......

[Cholo]

Frank and Rick, Do you remember a fighter called Octavio "Famoso" Gomez, i've recently purchased a dvd called Toy Tiger.
It's the story of Art Hafey, Famoso seemed to be a bit of a playboy, excellent dvd have you seen it?..

[kikibalt]

I was at the Olympic for this 1951 fight and I can still clearly hear the roar of the crowd as Aragon was pounding Gonsalves against the rope.



Art Aragon (L) vs Johnny Gonsalves

Paul, I was at the Aragon/Gonsalves fight, it was the only time I seen JG fight live, though I seen him fight on TV a few times. JG was a great boxer who lacked a punch.

[kikibalt]

Frank and Rick, Do you remember a fighter called Octavio "Famoso" Gomez, i've recently purchased a dvd called Toy Tiger.
It's the story of Art Hafey, Famoso seemed to be a bit of a playboy, excellent dvd have you seen it?..

I seen Gomez fight a couple of times, don't think he was any thing special. A play boy?, don't know anything about that.

Toy Tiger movie?, No, I haven't see it. I was invited to the Hollywood/Los Angeles opening, I didn't make it because I wasn't feeling good at the time. Hell! I am still not feeling good...

[Cholo]

I was at the Olympic for this 1951 fight and I can still clearly hear the roar of the crowd as Aragon was pounding Gonsalves against the rope.



Art Aragon (L) vs Johnny Gonsalves

Paul, I was at the Aragon/Gonsalves fight, it was the only time I seen JG fight live, though I seen him fight on TV a few times. JG was a great boxer who lack a punch.

What memories Frank, great photo's.....

[CNorkusJr]

Charlie, thanks for the interesting info. I figured he was a fighter at some level. I'm going to look for his books. There are probably several books, do you know what the title is.

Costello played a cowardly buffoon in the movies but I heard he was anything but. He was a savvy business man, as understand it, he didn't take any crap.

Thanks

No Randy, Henry didnt mention his book that he is talking about, but I did a quick "google" search on Lou Costello and several short biographies came up about him.
No mention of his boxing days, but mostly his vaudville, Hollywood history.
It made mention that he was shrewd, as you said, and it sounded like he was getting screwed over by various Hollywood bigshots, so he stole stuff from the sets and furnished his home with the stuff from the sets. LOL. Pretty funny stuff, unless you really have to live it though I guess.

Since the Lou Costello club didnt open until 1971, I gather they named it after his son,who's drowning as a little boy traumatized Lou Sr, as recognition of Lou Sr.'s allegiance to boxing and of Patterson,NJ in which it is stated in one site, he never failed to mention Patterson in many of his movies or gigs he performed in.

[Rick Farris]

Frank and Rick, Do you remember a fighter called Octavio "Famoso" Gomez, i've recently purchased a dvd called Toy Tiger.
It's the story of Art Hafey, Famoso seemed to be a bit of a playboy, excellent dvd have you seen it?..

I seen Gomez fight a couple of times, don't think he was any thing special. A play boy?, don't know anything about that.

Toy Tiger movie?, No, I haven't see it. I was invited to the Hollywood/Los Angeles opening, I didn't make it because I wasn't feeling good at the time. Hell! I am still not feeling good...

I helped Brad Little line up interviews for "Toy Tiger". And I tried to tell him what it was really like here when Art was in town.
I fought for Art's manager, Suey Welch when Hafey came to town in '72.
I remember Gomez very well. I was interviewed too, but I don't think Brad liked what I had to say about his view of L.A. featherweights of the era.
Brad was born in 1972, at the time I was an L.A. featherweight and boxing with many of those featured.
Art is a great guy, and one of the toughest I've ever met. But he was a cut below the best from Mexico, and that is why he was not a world champ.
Nobody ducked Art Hafey, or set him up to lose as the film suggests.

[Rick Farris]

Charlie, thanks for the interesting info. I figured he was a fighter at some level. I'm going to look for his books. There are probably several books, do you know what the title is.

Costello played a cowardly buffoon in the movies but I heard he was anything but. He was a savvy business man, as understand it, he didn't take any crap.

Thanks

No Randy, Henry didnt mention his book that he is talking about, but I did a quick "google" search on Lou Costello and several short biographies came up about him.
No mention of his boxing days, but mostly his vaudville, Hollywood history.
It made mention that he was shrewd, as you said, and it sounded like he was getting screwed over by various Hollywood bigshots, so he stole stuff from the sets and furnished his home with the stuff from the sets. LOL. Pretty funny stuff, unless you really have to live it though I guess.

Since the Lou Costello club didnt open until 1971, I gather they named it after his son,who's drowning as a little boy traumatized Lou Sr, as recognition of Lou Sr.'s allegiance to boxing and of Patterson,NJ in which it is stated in one site, he never failed to mention Patterson in many of his movies or gigs he performed in.

My home is also partially furnished with movie props!

[Rick Farris]

The build-up to Amir Khan's fight tomorrow night has been amateurish, with Khan's management team (a few of his Bolton mates) looking out of its depth:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/others ... mbles.html

I wouldn't watch this fight if it was for free, you said it when you said amateurish, including the fighter's......

Ditto!

[Rick Farris]

The thing is, Paul, that, I don't remember much, not the way Rick does, if I only had the memory Rick has....

Frank, your memory has kept us informed and entertained since the beginning of this thread. You're right though, Rick does have an excellent memory and we are all lucky that both of you share your memories with us.

Thanks Randy...

Thanks from me as well, Randy. I have such a great memory that I was almost late for work yesterday looking for my car keys.

[Rick Farris]

Interesting. I knew Lou Costello was a boxing fan but never knew about the gym, thanks fro sharing that. In the photo with Costello and Tommy Bain, it looks like Costello knows a little about boxing. Did he ever fight? Amateur perhaps?

I am not sure Randy. I knew about the gym for years now and I will talk to the right people in getting the answers.

I want to correct- New Jersey holds Diamond Gloves Tournament-not Silver Gloves Tournament as i stated before. I stand corrected.

I received the following email from Henry Hascup-Pres of New Jersey Boxing HOF.

From Henry Hascup :
They said that Lou Costello, who's real name was Louis Francis Cristillo, fought as an amateur, some sources say that he had 11 amateur bouts.. In his book, he stated that he fought 1 bout as a Pro fighting under the name of Lou King, while fighting Paddy Malone. I looked through my records and sure enough Lou King lost to Paddy Malone on November 10, 1925 in Paterson. The papers at that time stated that Lou King was actually Max Kaufman Jr. He won the 1st round But lost the other 3. Paul Cavaliere fought the main event, beating Tom Roper in 8 rounds.

Lou Costello always supported boxing, as he would appear and perform many times at the Diamond Glove Tournament in Paterson. He was also a manager of Johnny Juliano who was a top 10 contender in the bantamweight division from September 1940 to April 1941.

He was an excellent athlete. He also played baseball and basketball. A group of neighborhood kids made up "The Armory 5, basketball team and they claim that Lou won the "Foul Shot Championship" of the State.

The Costello Club in Paterson opened up in 1971, under the name of Lou Costello Jr. Club, then in 1973, they renamed it the Lou Costello Club.

Charlie, thanks for this great information. It's always great for me when a subject comes up that relates boxing and the entertainment industry.
I was a big Abbott & Costello fan as a kid. By the way, shortly before his death, Lou Costello was a guest star on the 50's TV western, "Wagon Train".
As I write this, I can visualize a scene with Costello sitting atop a horse with a hangman's noose around his neck.

[Cholo]

Rick, Thank's for putting the story straight, i wish you and Frank could do a documentary on the history of Los Angeles boxing....

[Cholo]

Frank and Rick, Do you remember a fighter called Octavio "Famoso" Gomez, i've recently purchased a dvd called Toy Tiger.
It's the story of Art Hafey, Famoso seemed to be a bit of a playboy, excellent dvd have you seen it?..

I seen Gomez fight a couple of times, don't think he was any thing special. A play boy?, don't know anything about that.

Toy Tiger movie?, No, I haven't see it. I was invited to the Hollywood/Los Angeles opening, I didn't make it because I wasn't feeling good at the time. Hell! I am still not feeling good...

Frank, Keep punching buddy....

[Rick Farris]

Frank and Rick, Do you remember a fighter called Octavio "Famoso" Gomez, i've recently purchased a dvd called Toy Tiger.
It's the story of Art Hafey, Famoso seemed to be a bit of a playboy, excellent dvd have you seen it?..

I seen Gomez fight a couple of times, don't think he was any thing special. A play boy?, don't know anything about that.

Toy Tiger movie?, No, I haven't see it. I was invited to the Hollywood/Los Angeles opening, I didn't make it because I wasn't feeling good at the time. Hell! I am still not feeling good...

Frank, Keep punching buddy....

Frank is an amazing individual but he'll laugh when he reads this.
The photos he provides are incredible, his memories of boxing and Los Angeles are priceless.
As I once wrote, as a friend and a father, Frank Baltazar is an undisputed World Champ.
Gracias, Kiki!

[Rick Farris]

Rick, Thank's for putting the story straight, i wish you and Frank could do a documentary on the history of Los Angeles boxing....

Somebody else suggested that about three years ago. But I think the world will have to settle for this great thread.

[kikibalt]

The build-up to Amir Khan's fight tomorrow night has been amateurish, with Khan's management team (a few of his Bolton mates) looking out of its depth:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/others ... mbles.html

I wouldn't watch this fight if it was for free, you said it when you said amateurish, including the fighter's......

Ditto!

I'll watch it because the Ortiz/Berto fight will also be shown, hoping to see Berto send Ortiz into retirement...

[kikibalt]

I seen Gomez fight a couple of times, don't think he was any thing special. A play boy?, don't know anything about that.

Toy Tiger movie?, No, I haven't see it. I was invited to the Hollywood/Los Angeles opening, I didn't make it because I wasn't feeling good at the time. Hell! I am still not feeling good...

Frank, Keep punching buddy....

Frank is an amazing individual but he'll laugh when he reads this.
The photos he provides are incredible, his memories of boxing and Los Angeles are priceless.
As I once wrote, as a friend and a father, Frank Baltazar is an undisputed World Champ.
Gracias, Kiki!

[CNorkusJr]

Some sad news: A friend of mine called me and informed me that boxing great from the past, top heavywt. contender, Pat McMurtry is not doing well at all.
Complications from kidney failure has Mr McMurtry in hospice care and family at bedside.

Pat McMurtry- a West Coast boxer from Tacoma,Washington was at one time the 5th ranked heavy in the world. Born in 1932, he had a good amateur record of 114 wins -2 losses.Pacific NW Golden Gloves Champ in 1951, Entered the Marines,was U.S. All-Marine Heavyweight Champion in 1953 (A title my father held in 1948).
Turning pro he was 33-4-1 (25 KOs). He beat Ezz Charles,Bobo Olsen,George Chuvalo
He had notable fights vs Valdes, Pastrano (11,000 in Lincoln Bowl,Tacoma,Wash. witnessed this one),Besmanhoff and others.
A loss to Eddie Machen in Oct 1957, had Pat banging his head against the canvas causing some serious injury and he had to retire from boxing.
He beat Howard King in San Francisco in 1955.
He beat my father in Tacoma in 1958 (10 Dec).
My father said he was a tough kid-tall and lanky and had "sting" in his punches.
His brother Mike McMurtry, was a AAU & Collegiate Champ, his first pro fight had him receive a severe injury and left the ring.
Both McMurtry's have contributed alot to their hometowns in Washington through the years.

My Prayers for Pat McMurtry and his family at this tough time.
Norkus vs McMurtry Tacoma 1958 Norkus on right

[Rick Farris]

Frank, Keep punching buddy....

Frank is an amazing individual but he'll laugh when he reads this.
The photos he provides are incredible, his memories of boxing and Los Angeles are priceless.
As I once wrote, as a friend and a father, Frank Baltazar is an undisputed World Champ.
Gracias, Kiki!

[Rick Farris]

I wouldn't watch this fight if it was for free, you said it when you said amateurish, including the fighter's......

Ditto!

I'll watch it because the Ortiz/Berto fight will also be shown, hoping to see Berto send Ortiz into retirement...

As the late featherweight contender, "Irish" Frankie Crawford, would say of guys like Victor Ortiz . .
"He has a heart the size of a pea."

I'll be watching.

[Rick Farris]

Neighborhood lockdown . . .

Well, a murder suspect was spotted in my neighborhood by a detective. He ran off, and an immediate perimeter was set-up.
Cops are everywhere, roads are blocked off, police & news helicopters are buzzing above.
I don't go to work until 2pm today, fifteen minutes away in Hollywood, and I'm planning my escape route.
I'm seeing an aerial view of our neighborhood on TV, mass congestion.
Drama-Drama-Drama.
As luck would have it, this is one of those easy days at work, show up at 2pm, make a few changes to a simple lighting plot, go home by 4pm.
Show up for two simple hours, get paid for ten hours. Almost perfect, now I've gotta get there.