Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Cholo]

Frank, Did you ever see Phil Kim fight? he fought Art Aragon......

[bennie]

Somebody on Eastside, presumably an Aborigine, has said that it is disrespectful to post photos of one of their deceased. I'm glad I didn't.

[Cholo]

The Ring 1951
Punching harder then ever before and attacking with the fury of a women scorned. Art Aragon knocked out Carlos Chavez in the first round of there rematch at the Los Angeles Olympic. Aragon entered the ring in a vengeful mood, for, his foe was not only the one who had tarnished the Golden Boy's reputation in a previous clash, but also the one who had insisted that Aragon fork over $200, because he was half pound overweight.
After a few moments of sparring, Aragon whipped over two solid punches, a left and right, that rocked Chavez back on his heels. Two more hard blows to the jaw knocked Carlos back into a corner. Aragon sprang in for the kill drove in murderous rights and lefts to Chavez's unprotected head and the stocky Mexican sank to the floor in a sitting position. Grotesquely, his left glove still clutched the ring rope above him, which he had grabbed in trying to keep from going down.
He remained in this position, unable to move a muscle, while being counted out for the first time in his career, Aragon weighed 138, Chavez 135. A crowd of 7200 paid $12,864 to witness the bout. (Their first clash, five months previous, drew over $32,000.)......Frank did you see this one?.....

[kikibalt]

Frank, Did you ever see Phil Kim fight? he fought Art Aragon......

Yes, I seen Kim fight a few times. Kim was an all-action fighter, always coming forward, one tough guy....

[kikibalt]

The Ring 1951
Punching harder then ever before and attacking with the fury of a women scorned. Art Aragon knocked out Carlos Chavez in the first round of there rematch at the Los Angeles Olympic. Aragon entered the ring in a vengeful mood, for, his foe was not only the one who had tarnished the Golden Boy's reputation in a previous clash, but also the one who had insisted that Aragon fork over $200, because he was half pound overweight.
After a few moments of sparring, Aragon whipped over two solid punches, a left and right, that rocked Chavez back on his heels. Two more hard blows to the jaw knocked Carlos back into a corner. Aragon sprang in for the kill drove in murderous rights and lefts to Chavez's unprotected head and the stocky Mexican sank to the floor in a sitting position. Grotesquely, his left glove still clutched the ring rope above him, which he had grabbed in trying to keep from going down.
He remained in this position, unable to move a muscle, while being counted out for the first time in his career, Aragon weighed 138, Chavez 135. A crowd of 7200 paid $12,864 to witness the bout. (Their first clash, five months previous, drew over $32,000.)......Frank did you see this one?.....

No, I missed the rematch, though I'd see the first fight, Carlos out-boxed Aragon in the first fight. As for the rematch, its being known for many years that Carlos went in the tank in that fight, Carlos could never forgive himself for doing so and it dogged him for the rest of his life.

[kikibalt]

Don't know if I have already posted this



Tony and me...circa 1980

Frank, your hair might be a little more grayer now-but to me you look the same. ! God Bless.

Charlie, thanks for your kind words. that pic. was shot about 30 years ago when I was about 44 years old, didn't have gray hair then, felt good then, now I am 74 years old, my hair is mostly all gray and I feel like sh*t .....

[Cholo]

Frank, Thanks for the info on the Aragon/Chavez fight....

[Cholo]

Frank, Did you ever see Phil Kim fight? he fought Art Aragon......

Yes, I seen Kim fight a few times. Kim was an all-action fighter, always coming forward, one tough guy....

Frank, I've been reading up on Phil Kim, like you said, tough guy.....

[Cholo]

Frank, The colorful Art Aragon, from what i've read, Art said he went into the bail bonds business because if ever got into trouble he could bail himself out, he also hit a off duty policeman once.....

[kikibalt]

Phil Kim

[scartissue]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/spor ... 633cf.html

Bennie, I always liked Richie Kates. Held some brilliant wins, one of the best being his 10 round win over the pride of South Africa, Pierre Fourie. And he did it in South Africa no less. If anyone ever saw his bout with Saad Muhammad, one would never think Saad could actually get up after Kates decked him let alone come back to win by KO. Such a packed division back then.

Scartissue

[Cholo]

Phil Kim

Frank, Thanks for sharing the Phil Kim photo's.....

[Rick Farris]

The Ring 1951
Punching harder then ever before and attacking with the fury of a women scorned. Art Aragon knocked out Carlos Chavez in the first round of there rematch at the Los Angeles Olympic. Aragon entered the ring in a vengeful mood, for, his foe was not only the one who had tarnished the Golden Boy's reputation in a previous clash, but also the one who had insisted that Aragon fork over $200, because he was half pound overweight.
After a few moments of sparring, Aragon whipped over two solid punches, a left and right, that rocked Chavez back on his heels. Two more hard blows to the jaw knocked Carlos back into a corner. Aragon sprang in for the kill drove in murderous rights and lefts to Chavez's unprotected head and the stocky Mexican sank to the floor in a sitting position. Grotesquely, his left glove still clutched the ring rope above him, which he had grabbed in trying to keep from going down.
He remained in this position, unable to move a muscle, while being counted out for the first time in his career, Aragon weighed 138, Chavez 135. A crowd of 7200 paid $12,864 to witness the bout. (Their first clash, five months previous, drew over $32,000.)......Frank did you see this one?.....

Vince Delgado has great Carlos Chavez stories . . .

Carlos Chavez is related to featherweight contender, Vince Delgado.
One of the best sources of stories relating to the great Johnny Forbes stable (The Chavez brothers, Campos brothers, Nick Diaz, Keeny Teran, Gil Cadilli, Mickey Northrup, Cali Martinez and Vince Delgado) is Vince. Today Vince is a referee/judge in L.A.
Vince fought Davey Moore, which he says he has little memory of.

Vince says that Carlos Chavez was murdered in a robbery attempt on the street.

[Rick Farris]

The Ring 1951
Punching harder then ever before and attacking with the fury of a women scorned. Art Aragon knocked out Carlos Chavez in the first round of there rematch at the Los Angeles Olympic. Aragon entered the ring in a vengeful mood, for, his foe was not only the one who had tarnished the Golden Boy's reputation in a previous clash, but also the one who had insisted that Aragon fork over $200, because he was half pound overweight.
After a few moments of sparring, Aragon whipped over two solid punches, a left and right, that rocked Chavez back on his heels. Two more hard blows to the jaw knocked Carlos back into a corner. Aragon sprang in for the kill drove in murderous rights and lefts to Chavez's unprotected head and the stocky Mexican sank to the floor in a sitting position. Grotesquely, his left glove still clutched the ring rope above him, which he had grabbed in trying to keep from going down.
He remained in this position, unable to move a muscle, while being counted out for the first time in his career, Aragon weighed 138, Chavez 135. A crowd of 7200 paid $12,864 to witness the bout. (Their first clash, five months previous, drew over $32,000.)......Frank did you see this one?.....

No, I missed the rematch, though I'd see the first fight, Carlos out-boxed Aragon in the first fight. As for the rematch, its being known for many years that Carlos went in the tank in that fight, Carlos could never forgive himself for doing so and it dogged him for the rest of his life.

Frank, thanks for the info on Chavez-Aragon. I didn't know he took a dive in the 2nd fight.
I'm happy Cholo brought up the name Carlos Chavez. That's a good excuse for me to call and say hello to Vince.
I'll See if Mr. Delgado has anything to say about the second fight with Aragon and post it here.

[Rick Farris]

Don't know if I have already posted this



Tony and me...circa 1980

Frank, your hair might be a little more grayer now-but to me you look the same. ! God Bless.

Charlie, thanks for your kind words. that pic. was shot about 30 years ago when I was about 44 years old, didn't have gray hair then, felt good then, now I am 74 years old, my hair is mostly all gray and I feel like sh*t .....

Frank, time changes us all but I have to say there is NO WAY that you look 74.
You may not feel like it, but you look about 60 tops.
Boxing has kept you young. When I see you today, you stil look pretty much like the young guy you were when I first saw you.
A little heavier (not much), a little grey (but not much). I wish you felt better.

[Rick Farris]

Question for Al Francis . . .

Hey Alan, back in the mid-60's I was dependent upon boxing mags, such as The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing International for info on boxing in the British Isles.
I recall in one edition of Boxing Illustrated, there was a feature story on your dad, Alan Rudkin. Your dad had this boyish look, blond hair and was pictured in a fighting pose wearing the classic Lonsdale Belt. The story told of his growing up in Liverpool, and said he was a school mate of a couple of "The Beatles". To your knowledge was this true?
The Beatles were the biggest thing in the world when it came to rock music, and your dad was big in the world of professional boxing, a British champion and a world title challenger on top of his game.
In those days we couldn't watch your dad fight here in the U.S. There were no video tapes in those days or coverage of British boxing here (aside from Ali-Cooper). It would be a few years later before I'd see your dad when he was at the end of his career and came to L.A. to challenge Ruben Olivares. Watching him training at the Alexandria Hotel gave me my first look at this special fighter from England, and I would learn his talent the real deal.
Can you share anything about your dad's youth, his growing up in Liverpool, when he began to box and did he cross paths with The Beatles, etc. ?

[kikibalt]

The Ring 1951
Punching harder then ever before and attacking with the fury of a women scorned. Art Aragon knocked out Carlos Chavez in the first round of there rematch at the Los Angeles Olympic. Aragon entered the ring in a vengeful mood, for, his foe was not only the one who had tarnished the Golden Boy's reputation in a previous clash, but also the one who had insisted that Aragon fork over $200, because he was half pound overweight.
After a few moments of sparring, Aragon whipped over two solid punches, a left and right, that rocked Chavez back on his heels. Two more hard blows to the jaw knocked Carlos back into a corner. Aragon sprang in for the kill drove in murderous rights and lefts to Chavez's unprotected head and the stocky Mexican sank to the floor in a sitting position. Grotesquely, his left glove still clutched the ring rope above him, which he had grabbed in trying to keep from going down.
He remained in this position, unable to move a muscle, while being counted out for the first time in his career, Aragon weighed 138, Chavez 135. A crowd of 7200 paid $12,864 to witness the bout. (Their first clash, five months previous, drew over $32,000.)......Frank did you see this one?.....

No, I missed the rematch, though I'd see the first fight, Carlos out-boxed Aragon in the first fight. As for the rematch, its being known for many years that Carlos went in the tank in that fight, Carlos could never forgive himself for doing so and it dogged him for the rest of his life.

Frank, thanks for the info on Chavez-Aragon. I didn't know he took a dive in the 2nd fight.
I'm happy Cholo brought up the name Carlos Chavez. That's a good excuse for me to call and say hello to Vince.
I'll See if Mr. Delgado has anything to say about the second fight with Aragon and post it here.

Rick, Don Fraser knows the story on Aragon/Chavez II better than me....

[kikibalt]

Frank, your hair might be a little more grayer now-but to me you look the same. ! God Bless.

Charlie, thanks for your kind words. that pic. was shot about 30 years ago when I was about 44 years old, didn't have gray hair then, felt good then, now I am 74 years old, my hair is mostly all gray and I feel like sh*t .....

Frank, time changes us all but I have to say there is NO WAY that you look 74.
You may not feel like it, but you look about 60 tops.
Boxing has kept you young. When I see you today, you stil look pretty much like the young guy you were when I first saw you.
A little heavier (not much), a little grey (but not much). I wish you felt better.

Might not look 74, but sure as HELL feel it. The bar hopping/night clubbing I did in my youth has come back to hunt me....

[Rick Farris]

Charlie, thanks for your kind words. that pic. was shot about 30 years ago when I was about 44 years old, didn't have gray hair then, felt good then, now I am 74 years old, my hair is mostly all gray and I feel like sh*t .....

Frank, time changes us all but I have to say there is NO WAY that you look 74.
You may not feel like it, but you look about 60 tops.
Boxing has kept you young. When I see you today, you stil look pretty much like the young guy you were when I first saw you.
A little heavier (not much), a little grey (but not much). I wish you felt better.

Might not look 74, but sure as HELL feel it. The bar hopping/night clubbing I did in my youth has come back to hunt me....

Damn! If that's what did it I guess one day I can expect to pay Hell!

[Rick Farris]

Question for Al Francis . . .

Hey Alan, back in the mid-60's I was dependent upon boxing mags, such as The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing International for info on boxing in the British Isles.
I recall in one edition of Boxing Illustrated, there was a feature story on your dad, Alan Rudkin. Your dad had this boyish look, blond hair and was pictured in a fighting pose wearing the classic Lonsdale Belt. The story told of his growing up in Liverpool, and said he was a school mate of a couple of "The Beatles". To your knowledge was this true?
The Beatles were the biggest thing in the world when it came to rock music, and your dad was big in the world of professional boxing, a British champion and a world title challenger on top of his game.
In those days we couldn't watch your dad fight here in the U.S. There were no video tapes in those days or coverage of British boxing here (aside from Ali-Cooper). It would be a few years later before I'd see your dad when he was at the end of his career and came to L.A. to challenge Ruben Olivares. Watching him training at the Alexandria Hotel gave me my first look at this special fighter from England, and I would learn his talent the real deal.
Can you share anything about your dad's youth, his growing up in Liverpool, when he began to box and did he cross paths with The Beatles, etc. ?

Alan, Frank & I have a friend here in L.A. who was a pro lightweight in the 60's and he came here from Liverpool.
His name is Allen Syers, and he was a good one in his day, gave Mando Ramos a good go way back when.
Today I'll see Allen at various HOF events, etc. and we always have a nice chat.
We spoke recently of your dad, and he said he had known him prior to coming to the States.
Allen Syers had nothing but great things to say about your dad and I appreciate having you as a part of this forum.

[kikibalt]

Danny "Little Red" Lopez has recently been diagnose with Parkinson disease....

[AlFrancis]

Danny "Little Red" Lopez has recently been diagnose with Parkinson disease....

Really sorry to hear that Frank, Danny is one of my favourite fighters, what a warrior!

[Rick Farris]

Danny "Little Red" Lopez has recently been diagnose with Parkinson disease....

I'm not surprised. Recent conversations I've had with Danny led me to believe this might be a possible, tremmers and the like.
God bless my old friend. He is one of the greatest memories I have in life.
Danny and I boxed often as amateurs and pros. Howie liked us to work together and we always worked hard.
Watching him from his first day at the Main Street Gym in 1969, right thru his career and last fight with Salvador Sanchez.
What a great man, he is. Inside and outside the ring. And could he FIGHT!!!
My prayers are with Danny Lopez.

[AlFrancis]

Question for Al Francis . . .

Hey Alan, back in the mid-60's I was dependent upon boxing mags, such as The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing International for info on boxing in the British Isles.
I recall in one edition of Boxing Illustrated, there was a feature story on your dad, Alan Rudkin. Your dad had this boyish look, blond hair and was pictured in a fighting pose wearing the classic Lonsdale Belt. The story told of his growing up in Liverpool, and said he was a school mate of a couple of "The Beatles". To your knowledge was this true?
The Beatles were the biggest thing in the world when it came to rock music, and your dad was big in the world of professional boxing, a British champion and a world title challenger on top of his game.
In those days we couldn't watch your dad fight here in the U.S. There were no video tapes in those days or coverage of British boxing here (aside from Ali-Cooper). It would be a few years later before I'd see your dad when he was at the end of his career and came to L.A. to challenge Ruben Olivares. Watching him training at the Alexandria Hotel gave me my first look at this special fighter from England, and I would learn his talent the real deal.
Can you share anything about your dad's youth, his growing up in Liverpool, when he began to box and did he cross paths with The Beatles, etc. ?

I know the article your talking about Rick. It's getting late here now, I'll sit down and put something together on my dad tomorrow.

[AlFrancis]

Question for Al Francis . . .

Hey Alan, back in the mid-60's I was dependent upon boxing mags, such as The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing International for info on boxing in the British Isles.
I recall in one edition of Boxing Illustrated, there was a feature story on your dad, Alan Rudkin. Your dad had this boyish look, blond hair and was pictured in a fighting pose wearing the classic Lonsdale Belt. The story told of his growing up in Liverpool, and said he was a school mate of a couple of "The Beatles". To your knowledge was this true?
The Beatles were the biggest thing in the world when it came to rock music, and your dad was big in the world of professional boxing, a British champion and a world title challenger on top of his game.
In those days we couldn't watch your dad fight here in the U.S. There were no video tapes in those days or coverage of British boxing here (aside from Ali-Cooper). It would be a few years later before I'd see your dad when he was at the end of his career and came to L.A. to challenge Ruben Olivares. Watching him training at the Alexandria Hotel gave me my first look at this special fighter from England, and I would learn his talent the real deal.
Can you share anything about your dad's youth, his growing up in Liverpool, when he began to box and did he cross paths with The Beatles, etc. ?

Alan, Frank & I have a friend here in L.A. who was a pro lightweight in the 60's and he came here from Liverpool.
His name is Allen Syers, and he was a good one in his day, gave Mando Ramos a good go way back when.
Today I'll see Allen at various HOF events, etc. and we always have a nice chat.
We spoke recently of your dad, and he said he had known him prior to coming to the States.
Allen Syers had nothing but great things to say about your dad and I appreciate having you as a part of this forum.

Love to hear Allen's story, how did a Liverpool lad end up plying his trade in LA?