Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Toilet paper champion

Cheap toilet paper.....

Used cheap toilet paper

[CNorkusJr]

Nathan's

Ah, Yes, Coney Island. The picture of Nathans in Coney Island looks like a recent one. It looks just like that today.
The picture must be from the fall/winter months as the sides come down around the lower level and it opens up to a large counter space.
Still packing them in today,Nathans crowds are famous as the crowd usually spills out into the street needing NYC Police officers to direct the local traffic around the building.

I manage to get there twice a year during the summer, as the Brooklyn Cyclones double-A baseball team plays just a 1/2 block away in their stadium. The baseball stadium sits right where the old Coney Island Amusement Park was that you might have seen in newsreels.
The parachute drop ride tower still stands today (unused) as a landmark.

Presently, the area is going through its last leg of revitalization, bringing back a more family friendly area with new Boardwalk and Amusement Park for families.

In the 1970's & 80's, the area was crime ridden with burnt out buildings and drug infestation.
Nathans has always persevered since its inception.
Nathans in New York is a chain restaurant as well with many smaller versions being found in local malls, and on Main avenues in the city and long island. Of course the Coney Island branch is the Queen of the Ball you might say, but all the chains serve identical foods.
Their homemade crinkle cuts French Fries are the best around.

Every 4th of July weekend, they hold their "Hot Dog Eating Contest". If you look on the side of the building in the picture,you will see a huge countdown clock till the next years event and what the record is. I believe the latest record is 68 hotdogs in 10 mins. I am not kidding.They usually get 6 or 7 really serious contenders each year,and you cant get near the place it gets so crowded.
And though my waist might look like it, I do not hold the record. 2 is my limit on those. With Sauerkraut I might add.

http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/getpage.php?pgid=38

Thanks Frank-no pun intended-I think I know what I'll get for lunch today.

[raylawpc]

Walker, Greb, Robinson, Fullmer, Monzon, Hagler and . . . . Chavez Jr.???

Proof that the apple sometimes does fall far from the tree. Chavez deserved no better than a draw. (In fact, I scored it for the German.)

[kikibalt]

[kikibalt]

[Rick Farris]

Walker, Greb, Robinson, Fullmer, Monzon, Hagler and . . . . Chavez Jr.???

Proof that the apple sometimes does fall far from the tree. Chavez deserved no better than a draw. (In fact, I scored it for the German.)

This is one of the biggest embarrassments in the history of boxing.
This is a tongue-in-cheek job for Freddie Roach (Why not?)
An easy payday with no expectations (for Freddie).
The German didn't lose last night, boxing did. What's next?

However, didn't we all know that Chavez would win? Who was unaware that we were being set up? ;;-)

[Rick Farris]

It looks like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a good drawing card even if he has mediocre talent at best. If it is determined that Chavez can't compete when facing good fighters, careful matchmaking could enable him to stick around and still make a good living.

- Chuck Johnston

Drawing card? HBO brings the money.
I'd like to see the figures from tickets sold, and an exact tally of how many seats were comped to give the appearance of a big crowd for the TV cameras?
If they want to sell seats, match him with Sergio Martinez. I'll buy one just to watch the kid get executed.

[Rick Farris]

An idea ...

Talked to Audie Aragon today. He and I hope to meet Hap Navarro in the near future, and I will bring a cameraman and a lot of questions. We'll see what happens?

Rick,

I must see if Hap feels up to it, and take it from there.

[Cholo]

Art Aragon-Hate Made Him Rich, From The Ring September 1956,
THERE is one book you won't find in the home of Art Aragon, famed Golden Boy of Los Angeles, and that's Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friends and Influence People". Art isn't interested in winning freinds. Aquiring enemies has made him rich. He has made a career of inspiring hate. It has paid off, big. Aragon, now fighting as a middleweight, and with aspirations to meet Sugar Ray Robinson for the title, certainly merits the tag Golden Boy. He has the touch of Midas.
His last 36 fights in Los Angeles have grossed about $1,100,000-that's an average of more then $30.000 per fight.
Can you name any non-champion who can boast that kind of average over a six year period? Indeed, how many champions, outside of Rocky Marciano, can equal that average for 36 fights?
Funny thing is, there are times when Aragon sadly bemoans his lack of popularity. Let him step into the ring for an introduction, and the house bursts into a thunderous chorus of boos, catcalls and hisses. Yes, he gets the blues about that, occasionally.
But then he looks at his Cadillac, and his station-wagon, the swimming pool in the back yard of his lovely home, the closet jam-packed with niffty and expensive togs, the balance in his bank-book-and he stops bemoaning his fate.
Then there was the night he boxed a boy named Elmer Beltz, on a Fight For Lives programe. Aragon scored a quick Kayo-one round. Instead of getting applause, he was awarded with a storm of boos and hisses. The Golden Boy calmly turned to the audience and clearly, distinctly thumbed his nose at the crowd. Then, to make sure he wasn't overlooking anyone, he turned to the other side of the house and gave them the same treatment.
Incensed and infuriated fans wrote letters to the State Athletic Commission, and to the sports writers. One scribe recommended that Aragon be given a hefty fine and a suspension.
Aragon was equal to the occasion. He went on the air, with a friendly broadcaster-yes, he had one friend among the broadcasters-and here's what he said: "why, I didn't thumb my nose at the customers! I was kissing my hand-blowing kisses at 'em. Maybe I missed my aim a little and had my glove up higher then i thought."
No doubt about it, Aragon is one of the best-known men in California today. Not only because of his ring activities-he has appeared in half a dozen movies-with Audie Murphy in "To Hell And Back", with Bob Hope in "Off Limits", and others. He was on TV with Spring Byington in "December Bride" ; In that skit he played the role of a stage-struck pugilist. Among his lines was Hamlet's soliloquy, which he delivered with hammy enthusiasm-and stole the show. "Being a ham comes natural", he admitted, later.
Not long ago he appeared on "Juke Box Jury" , a popular TV program. He ad-libbed with the best of 'em. Aragon his glib of tongue. He has a sense of humor, gets of many a wise crack. One thing about the guy-he may irritate you; he may arouse your anger; he may goad you to the point where you want to throw things at him. But one thing is certain: he never bores you....

[CNorkusJr]

Walker, Greb, Robinson, Fullmer, Monzon, Hagler and . . . . Chavez Jr.???

Proof that the apple sometimes does fall far from the tree. Chavez deserved no better than a draw. (In fact, I scored it for the German.)

This is one of the biggest embarrassments in the history of boxing.
This is a tongue-in-cheek job for Freddie Roach (Why not?)
An easy payday with no expectations (for Freddie).
The German didn't lose last night, boxing did. What's next?

However, didn't we all know that Chavez would win? Who was unaware that we were being set up? ;;-)

Glad I missed it. The way you guys describe it,I am sick and tired of this crap too.
Watched Froch vs Kessler the other nite. Kessler won I thought as Froch was lazy or too slow to put up a fight. On a bigger picture of the fight, any top ten contender from the 50's could clean their clocks in half that time.Good luck to the Dane,as it looks like he has alot of heart.

Interesting to see TV listing Carl Froch fighting a MMA match last nite.Maybe it was taped-I dont know. Saw the listing. Had no interest whatsoever in it.

[Randyman]

It looks like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a good drawing card even if he has mediocre talent at best. If it is determined that Chavez can't compete when facing good fighters, careful matchmaking could enable him to stick around and still make a good living.

- Chuck Johnston

Drawing card? HBO brings the money.
I'd like to see the figures from tickets sold, and an exact tally of how many seats were comped to give the appearance of a big crowd for the TV cameras?
If they want to sell seats, match him with Sergio Martinez. I'll buy one just to watch the kid get executed.

I love the Chavez name in boxing but the kid gets stopped early if he tangles with Sergio Martinez. There is no doubt in my mind. I thought the best Junior could have got last night was a draw but I would have given the fight to Zbik, he earned the win.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr ain't no Julio Cesar Chavez but I don't blame Junior, I blame everyone else around him, including Papa Chavez. Junior is a willing, earnest and honest fighter. I believe he is fighting to the best of his ability, mediocre though it may be. I think he's being sold a bill of goods.

I've seen Junior fight a few times and on each night the commentators have excused his performance as an "off' night. Every time I have seen him fight I get the feeling his heart is not truly in boxing, that he is trying hard to please his father. I could be wrong, it's just an opinion.

Back in the day, my father would say that with some fighters, when they win a title, something changes inside of them, their confidence and belief in themselves grows and they become better fighters. My hope for junior is that he fools everyone and lives up to his own expectations. Despite all the hype, I consider junior a real live underdog in the sport. I don't really follow Chavez jr but for his sake I hope he overcome the odds against him. Shame on everyone else!

[Randyman]

An idea ...

Talked to Audie Aragon today. He and I hope to meet Hap Navarro in the near future, and I will bring a cameraman and a lot of questions. We'll see what happens?

Rick,

I must see if Hap feels up to it, and take it from there.

Good luck with project Rick!

[Randyman]

Frank, are you feeling any better? Get to the doctor, man!!

[kikibalt]

Frank, are you feeling any better? Get to the doctor, man!!

Don't feel too bad right now. Seeing the doc tomorrow....

Thanks Randy

[Panzerfaust]

Anybody here like smoked salmon?

[Randyman]

Proof that the apple sometimes does fall far from the tree. Chavez deserved no better than a draw. (In fact, I scored it for the German.)

This is one of the biggest embarrassments in the history of boxing.
This is a tongue-in-cheek job for Freddie Roach (Why not?)
An easy payday with no expectations (for Freddie).
The German didn't lose last night, boxing did. What's next?

However, didn't we all know that Chavez would win? Who was unaware that we were being set up? ;;-)

Glad I missed it. The way you guys describe it,I am sick and tired of this crap too.
Watched Froch vs Kessler the other nite. Kessler won I thought as Froch was lazy or too slow to put up a fight. On a bigger picture of the fight, any top ten contender from the 50's could clean their clocks in half that time.Good luck to the Dane,as it looks like he has alot of heart.

Interesting to see TV listing Carl Froch fighting a MMA match last nite.Maybe it was taped-I dont know. Saw the listing. Had no interest whatsoever in it.

Carl Froch defended his Super Middleweight title last night against Glen Johnson, in the semi final of the Super Six tourney. It was actually a good fight and Froch answered a lot of questions by not just out boxing Johnson but at times out fighting him. he also showed that he has a granite chin and a stout heart. Andre Ward will have his hands full when he and Froch meet later this year. I didn't care much for the super six Tourney when it started a couple of years go but it's starting to get pretty competitive now near the end. Froch vs Ward should be a good fight.

Mikkel Kessler fought Mehdi Baoudla last night, stopping him in the six round and dominating the fight. Kessler was on the mark last night. He had previously beaten Froch in the tourney but was forced to take a 14 months layoff due to an eye injury. though no longer part of the super six, he'll no doubt be waiting to fight the winner of the finals. hope he gets a shot.

[Randyman]

Frank, are you feeling any better? Get to the doctor, man!!

Don't feel too bad right now. Seeing the doc tomorrow....

Thanks Randy

Glad to her that Frank. You gotta take care of yourself!!

[Randyman]

Anybody here like smoked salmon?

Lox? I love it!!

[Panzerfaust]

Anybody here like smoked salmon?

Lox? I love it!!

I got a aquintance who is pretty awesome at smoking different sorts of fish, he makes the best smoked salmon ive ever had.

I thought id try to bring some over as a gift to my CAWCB pals later this month. (if i can get it into the U.S offcourse

[Rick Farris]

This is a true story, one I never planned on sharing . . .
---------------------------------------------------------

"Why don't we match Ricky with Art?"

Mel Epstein liked Art Hafey. He was not only tough and hard hitting, he was in great condition. Art was a worker in the gym, and Epstein liked his haircut!
Shortly after Art Hafey relocated to Southern California, he and I boxed together in the Elks Club gym one day.
We only went three rounds, and it was a hard session, Art kept the pressure on.
I stayed with my jab, but would go toe-to-toe briefly, and try to spin my way back to the outside.

After we finished Mel rinsed out my mouthiece and smiled.
"This guy will get you in shape. Don't stand inside with hm too long, he's stronger inside. Step in, bang-bang-bang, and then move outside."
As I pulled off my handwraps, Suey Welch, who was Hafey's new manager and involved with my management (no contract) approached Mel.
"Let's match Ricky and Art. That would be a great fight." Welch told Epstein.

The smile on Mel's face soured, he shook his head.
"Not yet, I need to work with Ricky longer, turn him around. He needs more strength"
Suey shook his head, "C'mon Ginsberg, it'll be a helluva fight, they just put on a good show."
Mel stood strong, "If you want to make the match go ahead - but I won't be a part of it!" Mel said, with his hands on his hips.
Welch shook his head and walked away.

"I'll fight him, he's easy to hit." I said.
Mel looked at me glaring. "Get yourself in shape and we'll talk about it."
Mel looked at me for a few seconds and shook his head again. He then began to talk to his invisible friend, "and I'm trying to help this guy . . "

It's when I think back on moments like this that tells me just how good a man Mel Epstein was.
I have a lot of great memories of my days with Johnny Flores, but Flores didn't care about his boxers. He'd match them with anybody, ready or not.
Most managers don't care for their boxers and Flores was no exception.

I would have fought Art Hafey without giving it a second thought. Mel knew it would have been a bad match for me at the time.
Thanks, Mel. You were right!

[Cholo]

An idea ...

Talked to Audie Aragon today. He and I hope to meet Hap Navarro in the near future, and I will bring a cameraman and a lot of questions. We'll see what happens?

Rick,

I must see if Hap feels up to it, and take it from there.

Rick, Okay buddy, i know Hap is 92, would be great if you could meet him..

[Rick Farris]

Rick,

I must see if Hap feels up to it, and take it from there.

Rick, Okay buddy, i know Hap is 92, would be great if you could meet him..

I've known Hap Navarro for ten years!
I will only do this if it is comfortable and convenient for Hap.
Hap means more to me than boxing history. But you are right, it would be great to visit with him.

[Cholo]

This is a true story, one I never planned on sharing . . .
---------------------------------------------------------

"Why don't we match Ricky with Art?"

Mel Epstein liked Art Hafey. He was not only tough and hard hitting, he was in great condition. Art was a worker in the gym, and Epstein liked his haircut!
Shortly after Art Hafey relocated to Southern California, he and I boxed together in the Elks Club gym one day.
We only went three rounds, and it was a hard session, Art kept the pressure on.
I stayed with my jab, but would go toe-to-toe briefly, and try to spin my way back to the outside.

After we finished Mel rinsed out my mouthiece and smiled.
"This guy will get you in shape. Don't stand inside with hm too long, he's stronger inside. Step in, bang-bang-bang, and then move outside."
As I pulled off my handwraps, Suey Welch, who was Hafey's new manager and involved with my management (no contract) approached Mel.
"Let's match Ricky and Art. That would be a great fight." Welch told Epstein.

The smile on Mel's face soured, he shook his head.
"Not yet, I need to work with Ricky longer, turn him around. He needs more strength"
Suey shook his head, "C'mon Ginsberg, it'll be a helluva fight, they just put on a good show."
Mel stood strong, "If you want to make the match go ahead - but I won't be a part of it!" Mel said, with his hands on his hips.
Welch shook his head and walked away.

"I'll fight him, he's easy to hit." I said.
Mel looked at me glaring. "Get yourself in shape and we'll talk about it."
Mel looked at me for a few seconds and shook his head again. He then began to talk to his invisible friend, "and I'm trying to help this guy . . "

It's when I think back on moments like this that tells me just how good a man Mel Epstein was.
I have a lot of great memories of my days with Johnny Flores, but Flores didn't care about his boxers. He'd match them with anybody, ready or not.
Most managers don't care for their boxers and Flores was no exception.

I would have fought Art Hafey without giving it a second thought. Mel knew it would have been a bad match for me at the time.
Thanks, Mel. You were right!

Rick, You had alot of balls even to spar with Art Hafey, i've watched the "Toy Tiger" several times, Hafey was one tough SOB..

[Rick Farris]

This is a true story, one I never planned on sharing . . .
---------------------------------------------------------

"Why don't we match Ricky with Art?"

Mel Epstein liked Art Hafey. He was not only tough and hard hitting, he was in great condition. Art was a worker in the gym, and Epstein liked his haircut!
Shortly after Art Hafey relocated to Southern California, he and I boxed together in the Elks Club gym one day.
We only went three rounds, and it was a hard session, Art kept the pressure on.
I stayed with my jab, but would go toe-to-toe briefly, and try to spin my way back to the outside.

After we finished Mel rinsed out my mouthiece and smiled.
"This guy will get you in shape. Don't stand inside with hm too long, he's stronger inside. Step in, bang-bang-bang, and then move outside."
As I pulled off my handwraps, Suey Welch, who was Hafey's new manager and involved with my management (no contract) approached Mel.
"Let's match Ricky and Art. That would be a great fight." Welch told Epstein.

The smile on Mel's face soured, he shook his head.
"Not yet, I need to work with Ricky longer, turn him around. He needs more strength"
Suey shook his head, "C'mon Ginsberg, it'll be a helluva fight, they just put on a good show."
Mel stood strong, "If you want to make the match go ahead - but I won't be a part of it!" Mel said, with his hands on his hips.
Welch shook his head and walked away.

"I'll fight him, he's easy to hit." I said.
Mel looked at me glaring. "Get yourself in shape and we'll talk about it."
Mel looked at me for a few seconds and shook his head again. He then began to talk to his invisible friend, "and I'm trying to help this guy . . "

It's when I think back on moments like this that tells me just how good a man Mel Epstein was.
I have a lot of great memories of my days with Johnny Flores, but Flores didn't care about his boxers. He'd match them with anybody, ready or not.
Most managers don't care for their boxers and Flores was no exception.

I would have fought Art Hafey without giving it a second thought. Mel knew it would have been a bad match for me at the time.
Thanks, Mel. You were right!

Rick, You had alot of balls even to spar with Art Hafey, i've watched the "Toy Tiger" several times, Hafey was one tough SOB..

He was. But he wasn't as tough as Danny Lopez, Bobby Chacon or a lot of other guys I boxed with in the gym.
He was the second toughest "white" featherweight I ever boxed with in the gym. Frankie Crawford was the best.

[Cholo]

This is a true story, one I never planned on sharing . . .
---------------------------------------------------------

"Why don't we match Ricky with Art?"

Mel Epstein liked Art Hafey. He was not only tough and hard hitting, he was in great condition. Art was a worker in the gym, and Epstein liked his haircut!
Shortly after Art Hafey relocated to Southern California, he and I boxed together in the Elks Club gym one day.
We only went three rounds, and it was a hard session, Art kept the pressure on.
I stayed with my jab, but would go toe-to-toe briefly, and try to spin my way back to the outside.

After we finished Mel rinsed out my mouthiece and smiled.
"This guy will get you in shape. Don't stand inside with hm too long, he's stronger inside. Step in, bang-bang-bang, and then move outside."
As I pulled off my handwraps, Suey Welch, who was Hafey's new manager and involved with my management (no contract) approached Mel.
"Let's match Ricky and Art. That would be a great fight." Welch told Epstein.

The smile on Mel's face soured, he shook his head.
"Not yet, I need to work with Ricky longer, turn him around. He needs more strength"
Suey shook his head, "C'mon Ginsberg, it'll be a helluva fight, they just put on a good show."
Mel stood strong, "If you want to make the match go ahead - but I won't be a part of it!" Mel said, with his hands on his hips.
Welch shook his head and walked away.

"I'll fight him, he's easy to hit." I said.
Mel looked at me glaring. "Get yourself in shape and we'll talk about it."
Mel looked at me for a few seconds and shook his head again. He then began to talk to his invisible friend, "and I'm trying to help this guy . . "

It's when I think back on moments like this that tells me just how good a man Mel Epstein was.
I have a lot of great memories of my days with Johnny Flores, but Flores didn't care about his boxers. He'd match them with anybody, ready or not.
Most managers don't care for their boxers and Flores was no exception.

I would have fought Art Hafey without giving it a second thought. Mel knew it would have been a bad match for me at the time.
Thanks, Mel. You were right!

Rick, You had alot of balls even to spar with Art Hafey, i've watched the "Toy Tiger" several times, Hafey was one tough SOB..

He was. But he wasn't as tough as Danny Lopez, Bobby Chacon or a lot of other guys I boxed with in the gym.
He was the second toughest "white" featherweight I ever boxed with in the gym. Frankie Crawford was the best.

Rick, What a experience sparring with those guys, awesome, you must have been a good fighter Rick..