Classic American West Coast Boxing

[bennie]

McCloskey stopped with a nothing cut.

[bennie]

Well done to Victor Ortiz, who proved a few of you guys wrong.

[CNorkusJr]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

[bennie]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

Good luck, Charley.

[kikibalt]

Paramount Studios- Stage 20



I worked here yesterday, and this is the stage where "I Love Lucy" was filmed.
I was told that the Ricardo's apartment set, and Ricky's night club lounge set was on this stage.
Yesterday, it was a set for a little TV gig I have on a kids show for Nickleodeon, "Big Time Rush".
It's about a boy band known as "Big Time Rush", aimed at 10-12 year-olds and a big hit. The boys in the band are very talented singers, dancers and actors.
I have to say this is the worst photographed TV show I have ever worked on, but kids don't know the difference, they love it.
These guys are always working. Five long days a week filming, recording or performing on weekends, several international tours annually. Yesterday we went on a two-week hiatus as the guys go on a short concert tour of Europe, then are back to finish this season's filming in early June. The stage was also used for "My Three Sons" in the 60's, Andy Griffith Show, Brady Bunch, The Godfather, Happy Days, and on and on.


Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

Good luck Charlie. Hope you come through okay....

[scartissue]

About last night.....Khan-McCloskey, did not see the ending. Khan did not look comfortable at all fighting a southpaw or was it just McCloskey's hands down style? I don't know but I zonked out after about 3 rounds. The styles weren't meshing for me compounded by the fact I worked 12 hours and have a real nasty cold, I woke up when McCloskey was arguing the stoppage in the post fight interview with a visible cut. Could someone please elaborate for me???? As for Ortiz-Berto, great fight. Ortiz has come a long way in redeeming himself after that Maidana debacle. For me, he still has some ground to make up before I forget about him quitting. It's still stuck in my mind, but again, great fight. Gaspar Ortega's son Michael has to stop listening to the combatants when he's referring. Berto was whining and Ortega was listening. That was a legitimate knockdown the first time around and he was playing the rabbit punching for all it was worth. As for the Lopez fight. Lopez has the Bob Satterfield thing going there. He can bang but can't take it. Did not think the fight should have been stopped. They couold have made a fortune with him and Gamboa but this is the thing. When a big money fight is out there you take it. Don't fart around with pointless defenses otherwise one punch can turn it around like last night. Remember Kennedy McKinney and Tracy Harris Patterson? Both poised to make a million dollar purse against each other. What happens? They fart around and both lose their titles within about a week or two of each other against two fighters who wouldn't draw flies. Strike when the iron is hot!

Scartissue

[Rick Farris]

About last night.....Khan-McCloskey, did not see the ending. Khan did not look comfortable at all fighting a southpaw or was it just McCloskey's hands down style? I don't know but I zonked out after about 3 rounds. The styles weren't meshing for me compounded by the fact I worked 12 hours and have a real nasty cold, I woke up when McCloskey was arguing the stoppage in the post fight interview with a visible cut. Could someone please elaborate for me???? As for Ortiz-Berto, great fight. Ortiz has come a long way in redeeming himself after that Maidana debacle. For me, he still has some ground to make up before I forget about him quitting. It's still stuck in my mind, but again, great fight. Gaspar Ortega's son Michael has to stop listening to the combatants when he's referring. Berto was whining and Ortega was listening. That was a legitimate knockdown the first time around and he was playing the rabbit punching for all it was worth. As for the Lopez fight. Lopez has the Bob Satterfield thing going there. He can bang but can't take it. Did not think the fight should have been stopped. They couold have made a fortune with him and Gamboa but this is the thing. When a big money fight is out there you take it. Don't fart around with pointless defenses otherwise one punch can turn it around like last night. Remember Kennedy McKinney and Tracy Harris Patterson? Both poised to make a million dollar purse against each other. What happens? They fart around and both lose their titles within about a week or two of each other against two fighters who wouldn't draw flies. Strike when the iron is hot!

Scartissue

Medroso triumphs!

Dan, I have to give Victor Ortiz credit for not revealing any of his inner traits that surface when he is badly hurt. Berto landed a few solid blows and upended Ortiz a couple times, but the Oxnard lad was basicly in control of the fight and not so challenged that he'd turn tail and surrender, as he does when the going gets too rough. Berto can hang out and make a few more bucks as a stepping stone, but his hopes of becoming a "real" champ have been pretty much eliminated. In a perfect world they might throw Manny Pac a bone and give him an easy pay day using the Oxnard "Medroso" for target practice. (Medroso is a Portugese term.)

[Rick Farris]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

Charlie, my prayers are with you and all the heros of 9/11.

[Cholo]

Good luck Charlie....

[Rick Farris]

Strike when the iron is hot!

-Scartissue
----------------------------------

Words of wisdom, Dan.
That's what the great promoters would do, make it happen.
We have so little today when it comes to competitive fights of great interest.
When a hot fight is out there, gotta make it happen.
Of course, what can you do when you have a champ that would rather turn down $30 mllion plus than risk losing to a guy he might beat?
Another American medroso!

Can you imagine what Ike Williams, Tony Canzoneri, Henry Armstrong and a few other former greats must be doing at the moment?
Rolling in their graves! The above legends would have fought Manny Paquiao for a pastrami sandwich.

[Rick Farris]

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde . . .


Back in the early 60's when I began following boxing closely, we had some solid champions.
Cassius Clay, Willie Pastrano, Dick Tiger, Emile Griffith, Carlos Hernandez, Carlos Ortiz, Flash Elorde, Vicente Saldivar, Fighting Harada, Pone Kinpetch.
At the time, the names would occasionally change, but they were all undisputed world champs. These were the guys recognized by The Ring magazine.

I was intriged by Flash Elorde, the Filippino World Jr. Lightweight Champion.
I had no way of seeing him box. We had TV, but no video tapes or discs. And back then there were three major television networks, and a few local stations.
Boxing was big here in L.A. and we were fortunate to have a weekly televised boxing card from the Olympic.
Network boxing coverage had subsided after the mob related scandels of the 50's. Occasionally ABC would broadcast a heavyweight title fight, rarely were lighter classes featured.

Today we have it all in YouTube! Today I can appreciate the fighter I read so much on, and asked questions about when I was a young boxer.
What a helluva southpaw he was! He and Saddler can be seen on YouTube, but it was later, at 130 pounds Elorde found a home.
That home was a world title he would hold for a record length of time. Flash Elorde was the best 130 pounder on the planet.
In the mid-60's he would challenge Carlos Ortiz for the lightweight title, as he had Saddler for the featherweight title in the 50's.
He fought here in California, up north in San Francisco, where there is a strong Filippino population.

Manny Pac might remind the old timers of Flash Elorde. Different, but similar.

[Randyman]

Victor Ortiz was on a mission Saturday night. It showed when he stepped into the ring. It was evident when he and Andre Berto met for their instructions by referee Mike Ortega. Ortiz had a look of complete confidence about him. He seemed sure of himself. Little did we know.

Victor Ortiz was challenging undefeated champion Andre Berto for Berto's WBC Welterweight title. The fight was held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. There were questions about both fighters going into the fight but the prevailing notion was that Berto would be too much for Ortiz, who was moving up in weight, fighting as a welterweight for the first time. His critics, and I was one of them, underestimated him. There were reasons of course, mainly the Marcos Maidana fight, where he failed the test of "Intestinal Fortitude". Sometimes though, in the midst of a bitter defeat, in the ring or outside of it, there are lessons to be learned. Ortiz was given a second chance last night against a good strong champion, though relatively unproven, at his physical peak. Ortiz stepped into the ring with redemption on his mind, prepared to finally exorcise the memory of his past defeat. In the face of adversity, he answered every question mark thrown at him by Andre Berto.

When the first round began Ortiz was unaware that he would be fighting two opponents but as the fight progressed it became evident. The first knockdown of Berto was incorrectly ruled a slip by Ortega. Later in the round Ortiz would again drop Berto, there was no doubt about it this time. Berto would never quite recover but he was still dangerous and he proved it in the very next round when he knocked down an off balanced Ortiz, who recovered quickly. With every exchange, and the fight was filled with them, Ortiz came back stronger and more determined. Ortiz emerged as a fighter willing to take risks and that is what made the difference for him. Ortiz took everything that Berto threw and always answered back with his own punches, only more so,

In round six Berto fighting now in the middle of the ring and trying hard to gain command of the fight, knocked down Ortiz with a stiff, strong right hand. Ortiz was hurt this time and I have no doubt that everyone held their breath waiting to see what Ortiz' reaction would be. He answered the question by knocking down Berto and staying in control of the fight.

Throughout the fight Berto was complaining about being hit in the back of the head. Referee Ortega reprimanded Ortiz a few times. What he should have done was remind Berto that when you turn your back or head on an opponent you get what you deserve. Ortega continued to make a pest of himself all through the fight, especially when Ortiz had Berto against the ropes, grabbing Ortiz by the arm and continually yelling at him to get back. Berto sensing an opportunity began to whine to the referee about every punch thrown anywhere near the side of the head. In the tenth round, while in the middle of an exchange, Berto lowered his head and was caught near the side, it was out of Ortega's view but Berto put on such a display, he simply took his word for it and deducted a point from Ortiz. Throughout the fight Ortiz was hit behind the head and Betro was continually holding. To Ortiz' credit he never voiced a complaint, choosing instead to win the fight the old fashioned way, by kicking his opponent's ass. There was no quit in Victor Ortiz last night, not one iota. He fought a great fight. It was an old school win and I liked it.

When the fight was over, don't ask me why, I had that sinking, sickening feeling that we were going to witness a robbery. Was the point deduction going to make the difference? Did Berto's whining influence the judges? You just never know what the judges are thinking, which way they will go. I needn't have worried. Judge Julie Lederman had it 114-111, judge Glenn Feldman scored it 114-112, and judge Clark Sammartino had it115-110, all in favor of Victor Ortiz. A well deserved and hard fought victory. In the post fight interview Ortiz was humble and courteous and while Berto tried his hardest to convince us that it was not him in the ring last night, those of us that saw the fight know better.

Ortiz showed that even in the face of adversity, he has what it takes to reach down deep and find a way to win. It was a lesson that was learned the hard way. His reputation and his character took a beating but he proved he could learn and come back. He was mindful of his legacy and his place in boxing. He changed the way we will remember him. he finally lived up to his nick name "Viscious" and he at last, came through for those that believed in him. To the "Victor" belongs the spoils (pun intended). One thing though Victor, lose the sombrero!

[Randyman]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

Charlie, my prayers are with you and all the heros of 9/11.

The same goes for me Charlie, there are no greater heroes. God bless all of you.

[Rick Farris]

Victor Ortiz was on a mission Saturday night. It showed when he stepped into the ring. It was evident when he and Andre Berto met for their instructions by referee Mike Ortega. Ortiz had a look of complete confidence about him. He seemed sure of himself. Little did we know.

Victor Ortiz was challenging undefeated champion Andre Berto for Berto's WBC Welterweight title. The fight was held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. There were questions about both fighters going into the fight but the prevailing notion was that Berto would be too much for Ortiz, who was moving up in weight, fighting as a welterweight for the first time. His critics, and I was one of them, underestimated him. There were reasons of course, mainly the Marcos Maidana fight, where he failed the test of "Intestinal Fortitude". Sometimes though, in the midst of a bitter defeat, in the ring or outside of it, there are lessons to be learned. Ortiz was given a second chance last night against a good strong champion, though relatively unproven, at his physical peak. Ortiz stepped into the ring with redemption on his mind, prepared to finally exorcise the the memory of his past defeat. In the face of adversity, he answered every question mark thrown at him by Andre Berto.

When the first round began Ortiz was unaware that he would be fighting two opponents but as the fight progressed it became evident. The first knockdown of Berto was incorrectly ruled a slip by Ortega. Later in the round Ortiz would again drop Berto, there was no doubt about it this time. Berto would never quite recover but he was still dangerous and he proved it in the very next round when he knocked down an off balanced Ortiz, who recovered quickly. With every exchange, and the fight was filled with them, Ortiz came back stronger and more determined. Ortiz emerged as a fighter willing to take risks and that is what made the difference for him. Ortiz took everything that Berto threw and always answered back with his own punches, only more so,

In round six Berto fighting now in the middle of the ring and trying hard to gain command of the fight, knocked down Ortiz with a stiff, strong right hand. Ortiz was hurt this time and I have no doubt that everyone held their breath waiting to see what Ortiz' reaction would be. He answered the question by knocking down Berto and staying in control of the fight.

Throughout the fight Berto was complaining about being hit in the back of the head. Referee Ortega reprimanded Ortiz a few times. What he should have done was remind Berto that when you turn your back or head on an opponent you get what you deserve. Ortega continued to make a pest of himself all through the fight, especially when Ortiz had Berto against the ropes, grabbing Ortiz by the arm and continually yelling at him to get back. Berto sensing an opportunity began to whine to the referee about every punch thrown anywhere near the side of the head. In the tenth round, while in the middle of an exchange, Berto lowered his head and was caught near the side, it was out of Ortega's view but Berto put on such a display, he simply took his word for it and deducted a point from Ortiz. Throughout the fight Ortiz was hit behind the head and Betro was continually holding. To Ortiz' credit he never voiced a complaint, choosing instead to win the fight the old fashioned way, by kicking his opponent's ass. There was no quit in Victor Ortiz last night, not one iota. He fought a great fight. It was an old school win and I liked it.

When the fight was over, don't ask me why, I had that sinking, sickening feeling that we were going to witness a robbery. Was the point deduction going to make the difference? Did Berto's whining influence the judges? You just never know what the judges are thinking, which way they will go. I needn't have worried. Judge Julie Lederman had it 114-111, judge Glenn Feldman scored it 114-112, and judge Clark Sammartino had it115-110, all in favor of Victor Ortiz. A well deserved and hard fought victory. In the post fight interview Ortiz was humble and courteous and while Berto tried his hardest to convince us that it was not him in the ring last night, those of us that saw the fight know better.

Ortiz showed that even in the face of adversity, he has what it takes to reach down deep and find a way to win. It was a lesson that was learned the hard way. His reputation and his character took a beating but he proved he could learn and come back. He was mindful of his legacy and his place in boxing. He changed the way we will remember him. he finally lived up to his nick name "Viscious" and he at last, came through for those that believed in him. To the "Victor" belongs the spoils (pun intended). One thing though Victor, lose the sombrero!

Good story, Randy.
Although there is truth in your words, in my mind Victor Ortiz shall always remain . . . Medroso!
He screwed the pooch once, he'll do it again.

[Randyman]

Good story, Randy.
Although there is truth in your words, in my mind Victor Ortiz shall always remain . . . Medroso!
He screwed the pooch once, he'll do it again.

Thanks Rick, truth be told, there is just as much truth in what you say. My hope is that he continues to fight the way he did last night. Looked up the word , Medroso, the definition I got was "fearful", I saw no evidence of that last night.

[telboy66]

Randy- Thanks for your experience on the Ruelas - Garcia fight, enlightning and tragic.

Watched the fights on HBO & Showtime last night. Berto was beaten early on. Salido looked looked a winner last night coming into Puerto Rico the underdog.
Those Puerto Ricans sure do know how to throw a party if one of their guys loses. Along with chairs and water bottles. Seen it a few times myself at the Garden. Trinidad & Hopkins 2001- I was waiting to get hit with a kitchen sink on the way out.

Paying price now for watching fights late- 6 am -off to see Fire Dept doctor for lungs check-up. 8 Am appt. Every 3 months - on a Sunday- I go. Doctor sees retired guys on weekends.Mostly WTC guys. On last visit 2 guys were preparing for lung transplants at John Hopkins Hosp in Baltimore. Today I will find out how they did. All told the doctor will see about 20 of us individually today. FDNY supply my meds for my lungs.(Through Congress help). Small Respiratory infection going on now- our weather has been cold-damp lately. Had worse. See what he says. Hopefully they will be able to give me- lung capacity test. Its kinda predictor of the future. See you guys later.

Charlie, my prayers are with you and all the heros of 9/11.

The same goes for me Charlie, there are no greater heroes. God bless all of you.

Good luck with the tests charlie, very proud of you guys & the work you do , I always make a point of visiting a NY fire house when in the city

[Rick Farris]

Good story, Randy.
Although there is truth in your words, in my mind Victor Ortiz shall always remain . . . Medroso!
He screwed the pooch once, he'll do it again.

Thanks Rick, truth be told, there is just as much truth in what you say. My hope is that he continues to fight the way he did last night. Looked up the word , Medroso, the definition I got was "fearful", I saw no evidence of that last night.

Looking at the big picture . . .

Very true, Randy. But your response validates my point. The key words being "last night."
Andre Berto didn't have what makes Ortiz medroso, but when he faces that man again, you'll see the fleas jumping off this dog.
A man with heart may not beat everybody he fights, but he does not know the word "quit" (and the "No Mas" Duran fight is not a valid comparison in this case).
Victor Ortiz, with all his talent, has already proven what he'll quit when served up a strong dose of pain.
Berto landed some shots, even put him on the canvas, but he did not hurt Ortiz.
The boxer from Oxnard falls apart when in pain.
An old school trainer would recognize this, and use this knowledge in designing a plan to defeat Ortiz.
All you have to do his hurt Ortiz, cut his flesh, and he'll get nervous. Do it again and he'll start to unravel.
This what old timers did, they knew how to use a boxer's weaknesses against them, they were brilliant strategists.
Today we don't have sharpshooters, or sharp minds guiding them. It is no longer a thinking man's game.
So, what will happen is some lucky guy, by chance, will land that punch that "hurts" Ortiz. If he does it twice, Ortiz will hand over his belt.
Now I think I've covered this issue well enough. If anybody disagrees, that's cool. In due course, you'll see somebody knock the fleas off Ortiz again.
When that happens he'll quit in smarter fashion than he did last time, he'll roll over and play dead, thus not risking any chance of having his purse suspended.

[kikibalt]

Cal Eaton, Olympic Auditorium promoter at the 1960 Jose Becerra/Alphonse Halimi fight.

[Rick Farris]

Cal Eaton, Olympic Auditorium promoter at the 1960 Jose Becerra/Alphonse Halimi fight.

I'm of the belief that Aileen (LeBell) Eaton had the stronger business mind, and greater will, than her husband, Cal?
Don Fraser and Hap Navarro's input on this notion would be helpful.
I know both can expand my thoughts and opinion on this one. I'll run it by Hap & Don this week.

[kikibalt]

Watching the "Wild One" with Marlon Brando, Lee Marvin and Mary Murphy on TCM. The movie is base on an incident that happened in Hollister, Ca in 1947 involving motorcyclists. In 1997 Hollister hosted a big M/C rally to honor the towns 15 minutes of fame, I rode up to Hollister for the rally with friends and we partied for a week.....

[Randyman]

Good story, Randy.
Although there is truth in your words, in my mind Victor Ortiz shall always remain . . . Medroso!
He screwed the pooch once, he'll do it again.

Thanks Rick, truth be told, there is just as much truth in what you say. My hope is that he continues to fight the way he did last night. Looked up the word , Medroso, the definition I got was "fearful", I saw no evidence of that last night.

Looking at the big picture . . .

Very true, Randy. But your response validates my point. The key words being "last night."
Andre Berto didn't have what makes Ortiz medroso, but when he faces that man again, you'll see the fleas jumping off this dog.
A man with heart may not beat everybody he fights, but he does not know the word "quit" (and the "No Mas" Duran fight is not a valid comparison in this case).
Victor Ortiz, with all his talent, has already proven what he'll quit when served up a strong dose of pain.
Berto landed some shots, even put him on the canvas, but he did not hurt Ortiz.
The boxer from Oxnard falls apart when in pain.
An old school trainer would recognize this, and use this knowledge in designing a plan to defeat Ortiz.
All you have to do his hurt Ortiz, cut his flesh, and he'll get nervous. Do it again and he'll start to unravel.
This what old timers did, they knew how to use a boxer's weaknesses against them, they were brilliant strategists.
Today we don't have sharpshooters, or sharp minds guiding them. It is no longer a thinking man's game.
So, what will happen is some lucky guy, by chance, will land that punch that "hurts" Ortiz. If he does it twice, Ortiz will hand over his belt.
Now I think I've covered this issue well enough. If anybody disagrees, that's cool. In due course, you'll see somebody knock the fleas off Ortiz again.
When that happens he'll quit in smarter fashion than he did last time, he'll roll over and play dead, thus not risking any chance of having his purse suspended.

Rick I knew as I was writing that you would respond to those two key words "last Night". I knew because it's a valid point. I don't dispute it. I don't have a crystal ball, I can't see the future, no one can. The old saying is "your only as good as your last fight". Ortiz' last fight was pretty damned good. If he screws it up in the next fight that's on him. I believe he has conquered his fears but as I said I don't have a crystal ball. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. The old timers knew their stuff that's for damned sure but when it comes to character I trust my own judgement and experience above anyone else, old time trainers or otherwise. We'll just have to see how his career plays out.

[Randyman]

Watching the "Wild One" with Marlon Brando, Lee Marvin and Mary Murphy on TCM. The movie is base on an incident that happened in Hollister, Ca in 1947 involving motorcyclists. In 1997 Hollister hosted a big M/C rally to honor the towns 15 minutes of fame, I rode up to Hollister for the rally with friends and we partied for a week.....

Frank, I love that movie. I had heard it was based on a true story. Great flick.

[kikibalt]

The crowd waiting to get in to see the 1960 Jose Becerra/Alphonse Halimi fight.

[bennie]

Lonnie Bennett fought Conteh here for the WBC light-heavyweight title. Conteh butted him out of the fight.

Where are you from Bennie?

I'm English, Al, living not too far from Liverpool. Bennett's cut was spouting blood it was so bad.
In Mickey Duff's book, Duff wrote: "Bennett was a typical ghetto tough-nut who had served time for a shooting and then moved from Chicago to Los Angeles and sorted out his life. Conteh wanted to win far more than him."