Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

"Irish" Frankie Crawford . . .

I have a little history with Frankie, personal & professional.
I have a lot of Frankie Crawford stories, my own, those shared with me by Mando Ramos, and a mutual friend John Brumshagen.

I worked out with Art Hafey in 1972, and at the time had been working out with Crawford on and off for more than a year.
Crawford and I always boxed at the Elk's Club. I never sparred with him at Main Street, Hoover Street or the Seaside Gyms he also worked out at.
I worked out with a variety of featherweights and lightweights at the Elks between 1971-72.
It was there I was a sparring partner for Ruben Olivares, and also worked with champs, contenders or former contenders such as Crawford, Romeo Anaya, Rodolfo Martinez, Rogelio Lara, Art Hafey, Hugo Barrazza and Richie Gonzalez.

Crawford was an old school, throw-back type prizefighter. He could be dirty (never with me), but he was always dangerous.
He and Hafey would have been good match because Art would have had an edge in conditioning. It would have been a war but he was made to order for Frankie.
Crawford was a cutie, and he'd be talking to Art in the clinches, insulting him and his country, and his mother, question his masculinity, step on his feet, crack him low, lace him, elbows, the kitchen sink.
He did that to Mando Ramos and beat him in their first go. Ramos said, "I wanted to kill that motherfu*ker!"
Ramos continued, "He really took me out of my game in the first fight."

My thoughts, my memories.

[Rick Farris]

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

I was a preliminary fighter, who worked out with a lot of great boxers.
I could box pretty good, hit good when I was set, and I took a good shot.
I would never quit, and most of the fights I had were very close, win or lose.
I was extremely blessed to begin my career in the prsence of great boxers in a great era.
I was always a boxing fan, and I found myself living the life. I love boxing and boxers.
In many respects, I have lived out a child's dream, my ultimate fantasy.
I can tell somebody first hand what Roberto Duran's "Hands of Stone" felt like when they landed. They landed on me.
I didn't work hard at a time when I should have worked harder. Had I done so, I might have gone a little farther.
The truth is, I'd have likely gone just far enough to insure myself a damaged life.
Today I can share my passion and experiences, and I can do it with friends who share the same with me.
That's about all I can say about it, without bullshitting.

[Randyman]

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!

God Bless Mel Epstein and his cantankerous old soul. He loved his fighters. Rick, Mel always spoke highly of you, except when the subject of wimmen came up, then he was talking to his invisible friend.

[Randyman]

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..

Rick never had an easy opponent in the way that someone like Chavez Jr or countless other modern day fighters have had, his wins and his losses were hard fought and hard earned. You can't ask more of any man that steps into the ring.

[Randyman]

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

I was a preliminary fighter, who worked out with a lot of great boxers.
I could box pretty good, hit good when I was set, and I took a good shot.
I would never quit, and most of the fights I had were very close, win or lose.
I was extremely blessed to begin my career in the prsence of great boxers in a great era.
I was always a boxing fan, and I found myself living the life. I love boxing and boxers.
In many respects, I have lived out a child's dream, my ultimate fantasy.
I can tell somebody first hand what Roberto Duran's "Hands of Stone" felt like when they landed. They landed on me.
I didn't work hard at a time when I should have worked harder. Had I done so, I might have gone a little farther.
The truth is, I'd have likely gone just far enough to insure myself a damaged life.
Today I can share my passion and experiences, and I can do it with friends who share the same with me.
That's about all I can say about it, without bullshitting.

[Rick Farris]

God Bless Mel Epstein and his cantankerous old soul. He loved his fighters. Rick, Mel always spoke highly of you, except when the subject of wimmen came up, then he was talking to his invisible friend.
----------------------------------------------

[Rick Farris]

"He was a crazy sonofabitch, and a hick!"

-Mando Ramos on "Irish" Frankie Crawford ('2006)

[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.)

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? ;;-)

Yep. "Set up" is one way to describe it. I might get banned from the site if I use the other words that come to mind.

However, I applaud the class showed by the German in his comments after losing.

[Rick Farris]

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? ;;-)

Yep. "Set up" is one way to describe it. I might get banned from the site if I use the other words that come to mind.

However, I applaud the class showed by the German in his comments after losing.

Middleweights you didn't forget . . .

When I started boxing, Joey Giardello was middleweight champ, then Tiger, Griffiith, Benvenuti, Monzon, etc.
There was a solid title, and a solid champ you never forgot. There was a natural progression of talent, an order, corrupt or not.
Dick Tiger? At 5'7" Tiger was a great one during his era. He lost the title to Griffith, moved up to 175lbs. and whipped Jose Torres for the Light heavy title.
However, as much as I loved watching he and Griffith, and his whipping Torres, his devistating KO loss to 6'3" Bob Foster is something I'll never forget.
Foster hit him with a whipping left hook. You could have counted 100 over Dick Tiger.
He retired, and in his 40's died suddenly of a heart attack.

[CNorkusJr]

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.

Your absolutely correct Randy. I feel like a fool. I did not follow the middlewt. tournament from the beginning. I am familiar with Carl Froch though. When the TV replayed the the Kessler-Froch fight I taped it on my DVR not knowing it was replay and thought it was live that night. I watched it 4 days ago. The NY Daily News (minus Bill Gallo now) puts in its TV listings "Carl Froch to fight MMA fight Saturday nite" listing. Because I thought he fought Wed nite vs Kessler and lost-he threw his hat into a MMA tourny on Sat nite. I had my doubts but in todays world-who knew ?
Reading todays paper- I saw that Froch fought Glen Johnson (which Johnson's name was omitted from paper Sat. day listing)- and I ,not doing my homework,got suckered in.
I missed the night of action. Thanks for bringing me up to date Randy.
See, you dont have to be old to start losing your mind. From now on I must have Roseann start making inquiries as to what is going on, so this does not happen again !

June 24th is a Big day here. It is Rose's last day at school teaching Autism children with others. Starting June 25th, after a small discussion, she has agreed to march in front
of Woody Johnson's ,NY Jets Pres. office in Florham Park, New Jersey with a protest sign demanding "NFL football to start on time this year".
I will provide her with a small box lunch to replenish her energy for her 6 hr. walk each day.
She does see a value in her efforts for this.

[CNorkusJr]

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

I was a preliminary fighter, who worked out with a lot of great boxers.
I could box pretty good, hit good when I was set, and I took a good shot.
I would never quit, and most of the fights I had were very close, win or lose.
I was extremely blessed to begin my career in the prsence of great boxers in a great era.
I was always a boxing fan, and I found myself living the life. I love boxing and boxers.
In many respects, I have lived out a child's dream, my ultimate fantasy.
I can tell somebody first hand what Roberto Duran's "Hands of Stone" felt like when they landed. They landed on me.
I didn't work hard at a time when I should have worked harder. Had I done so, I might have gone a little farther.
The truth is, I'd have likely gone just far enough to insure myself a damaged life.
Today I can share my passion and experiences, and I can do it with friends who share the same with me.
That's about all I can say about it, without bullshitting.

Well said Rick.
Kudos to you for having the balls to get into a ring to fight to begin with, and then to train against seasoned pros and Champs-my hats off to you.
Only you can tell yourself when it is time to move on, sometimes boxing can hurt you real bad as we all know.Many fighters dont know when to get out and stay away.
Your Blessed in the many successes you have had in your Hollywood career.

[Cholo]

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

I was a preliminary fighter, who worked out with a lot of great boxers.
I could box pretty good, hit good when I was set, and I took a good shot.
I would never quit, and most of the fights I had were very close, win or lose.
I was extremely blessed to begin my career in the prsence of great boxers in a great era.
I was always a boxing fan, and I found myself living the life. I love boxing and boxers.
In many respects, I have lived out a child's dream, my ultimate fantasy.
I can tell somebody first hand what Roberto Duran's "Hands of Stone" felt like when they landed. They landed on me.
I didn't work hard at a time when I should have worked harder. Had I done so, I might have gone a little farther.
The truth is, I'd have likely gone just far enough to insure myself a damaged life.
Today I can share my passion and experiences, and I can do it with friends who share the same with me.
That's about all I can say about it, without bullshitting.

Rick, I bet you wish you were fighting pro today, there's nothing around today that could match the fighters you've worked with, maybe Manny Pac?..

[Cholo]

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? ;;-)

Yep. "Set up" is one way to describe it. I might get banned from the site if I use the other words that come to mind.

However, I applaud the class showed by the German in his comments after losing.

Middleweights you didn't forget . . .

When I started boxing, Joey Giardello was middleweight champ, then Tiger, Griffiith, Benvenuti, Monzon, etc.
There was a solid title, and a solid champ you never forgot. There was a natural progression of talent, an order, corrupt or not.
Dick Tiger? At 5'7" Tiger was a great one during his era. He lost the title to Griffith, moved up to 175lbs. and whipped Jose Torres for the Light heavy title.
However, as much as I loved watching he and Griffith, and his whipping Torres, his devistating KO loss to 6'3" Bob Foster is something I'll never forget.
Foster hit him with a whipping left hook. You could have counted 100 over Dick Tiger.
He retired, and in his 40's died suddenly of a heart attack.

Rick, I remember Foster hitting Mike Quarry with the same left hook..

[kikibalt]

Genaro Hernandez Nears Final Bell ... Losing Fight With Cancer

Genaro Hernandez Nears Final Bell

Story by Michele Chong/SJC Boxingsite

I have some very sad news to report: Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez is heading into his last–and final round–in his courageous battle against the rare form of cancer he has been fighting since October 2008 when the first of his malignant tumors were found.

Today I bring the worst news of all: Genaro is now in his South Orange County home with his wife Liliana, and their kids Amanda and Steven as he awaits the final bell. Nothing more can be done; treatment to fight the cancer has ceased–and he is now partially paralyzed from the waist down. Somber news indeed. It looks like this time it will be the ultimate round for the champ, the fatal blow in his brave three-year fight against cancer.
In my exclusive chat with Genaro’s brother Rudy Hernandez, a boxing trainer and renowned cutman, the family was strong and stoic in having to sadly face the inevitable. For the brothers, this is a tragic road they’ve traveled down before; both their mother and father had cancer. Speaking with Rudy this morning, the cornerman and UFC cutman told me that Genaro had been in the hospital on Monday, by Wednesday he was paralyzed in his legs, and is now at home waiting for that very last bell.

“He still has the fighting mentality; he’s still feisty–with that warrior mentality!” his brother tells me with a small chuckle. “But he’s home now, nothing medically can be done anymore. We’re just trying to keep him as comfortable as possible and trying to lift up his spirits in any way we can.” Rudy has been a pillar of strength throughout this heartbreaking ordeal and he said they will all be there for Genaro’s wife and two young children too.

There are 12 rounds in a championship fight and I have watched “Chicanito,” the true warrior he is, bravely fight back against this deadly form of cancer round after round. Throughout this time, I have shared happy news as well in a roller-coaster timeline that only a fighter like Genaro would be able to survive.

After first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (usually found primarily in children) in the fall of 2008, I have shared many updates about Genaro. As a former WBC Super Featherweight Champion, “Chicanito” has been a popular fan favorite in the community and a boxer I’ve had the honor of getting to know through the years.

In January 2009, the World Boxing Council (WBC) hosted a benefit dinner and gala as a tribute to the Southern California fighter. At that time, while he was on stage he was on shaky legs, rocked by the brutal rounds of chemotherapy that affected his voice, appetite, strength and caused him to lose his hair. Behind the scenes, I watched as the proud boxer had to steady himself on the shoulders of others while trying to get to his feet–and stay on his feet. But once the frail ex-champ took the stage with his family, friends and fellow champions, his smile and strength was unmistakable. There’s a reason why the Los Angeles slugger became a champ. When he was knocked down by cancer, he kept getting back up.

Unfortunately, Genaro (38-2-1, 17 KOs) was continuously knocked to the canvas by the devastating punches we never see coming.

I had just called him a couple of weeks ago to wish him a “Happy Birthday” as the champ celebrated his 45th year on May 10. Whenever I would call him for updates, sometimes it was good news, other times the news was bleak. In April 2009 I was thrilled to write about his first remission. But in January 2010, I was forced to report that the aggressive cancer had returned. In June 2010 there was another brief remission for “Chicanito.” Then in January of this year, things took a turn for the worse. With his white blood cell count low, the chemo and radiation continued but by then the cancer had spread throughout his body with new spots of the vicious disease appearing in brand new places.

Through these ups and downs, he would always remain optimistic while I would marvel at how he never complained. He was also adamant about raising awareness in preventing cancer–and early detection of the deadly disease. And he would always say, “I will NOT give up!” And he never did.
As he would tell me about his endless trips to M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, Genaro would also always tell me of the many “angels” who have helped him along the way like Bob Arum, Top Rank, the Japanese promoter Teiken, the WBC, Thompson Boxing Promotions, his brother Rudy, friends, family and fans, among the countless individuals and organizations who have all supported him in every round of his battle.

Fans loved the tough Mexican warrior for his clashes against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Azumah Nelson, Jorge Paez, Oscar De La Hoya, Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, and so many others. He also stepped in many times to lend time and support to others; he was the first to give back to those in desperate need. I know he visited Childrens Hospital Los Angeles many times. I know he would buy Christmas gifts for children suffering from cancer. And I know he was always at the annual WBCares events to help kids. He did not do any of this for a publicity stunt or any hidden agenda. That I know. I was there on several occasions and observed Genaro giving back to others, even while he was in pain battling his own losing diagnosis. And in March of this year, he came out to attend the WBC Japan Relief event in L.A. In a weakened state, he was still fighting his grim fate.
While undergoing treatment, he still trained boxers and also did ringside commentary for Top Rank. I saw him in action last December at the Honda Center for the Urbano Antillon-Humberto Soto fight. While he had to be in some discomfort then, he never showed it. Always professional, always prepared, we were all accustomed to seeing Genaro by the boxing ring, right where he belonged.
And he has fought till the very end. Still swingin’ till that end comes.

Now he is approaching that last round–and ultimately the final bell.

In signing off with his brother Rudy, I told him I’d spread the word and send prayers their way–and that maybe the power of prayer can somehow work one last miracle. Rudy Hernandez, a former fighter himself, also knows when you have to throw in the towel. “Michele, without sounding disrespectful…This time not even God can help him,” he said softly, voice caught with emotion. “People say, ‘As the story is written…No one will die before his time.’ And everyone has their time…”

No one has fought more valiantly than Genaro Hernandez.

He is the exact definition of a “FIGHTER”: fight•er, noun /ˈfītər/ A person or animal that fights, esp. as a soldier or a boxer; A person who does not easily admit defeat in spite of difficulties or opposition.

Cancer proved to be his most difficult opposition ever.

NOW DEFEAT IS NEAR.

When he loses this final battle, I will remember him for the courage, heart and pure strength he showed us all.

My friend “Chicanito” is a true fighter. A TRUE CHAMPION.

Please keep the champ and his family in your prayers.

[Rick Farris]

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.

Your absolutely correct Randy. I feel like a fool. I did not follow the middlewt. tournament from the beginning. I am familiar with Carl Froch though. When the TV replayed the the Kessler-Froch fight I taped it on my DVR not knowing it was replay and thought it was live that night. I watched it 4 days ago. The NY Daily News (minus Bill Gallo now) puts in its TV listings "Carl Froch to fight MMA fight Saturday nite" listing. Because I thought he fought Wed nite vs Kessler and lost-he threw his hat into a MMA tourny on Sat nite. I had my doubts but in todays world-who knew ?
Reading todays paper- I saw that Froch fought Glen Johnson (which Johnson's name was omitted from paper Sat. day listing)- and I ,not doing my homework,got suckered in.
I missed the night of action. Thanks for bringing me up to date Randy.
See, you dont have to be old to start losing your mind. From now on I must have Roseann start making inquiries as to what is going on, so this does not happen again !

June 24th is a Big day here. It is Rose's last day at school teaching Autism children with others. Starting June 25th, after a small discussion, she has agreed to march in front
of Woody Johnson's ,NY Jets Pres. office in Florham Park, New Jersey with a protest sign demanding "NFL football to start on time this year".
I will provide her with a small box lunch to replenish her energy for her 6 hr. walk each day.
She does see a value in her efforts for this.

Glen Johnson is an old man, and one that gained my support several years ago by helping expose just how over rated Roy Jones Jr. was.
I missed the fight saturday but glad that Carl Froch got the nod, and will be fighting Andre Ward.
Ward is another unbeaten US pretender, a safety first athlete, a track star's mind in a boxer's body, trying to validate himself as a world champ.
I'm not a big fan of Froch, but I'm no fan of Andre Ward. He is a poster boy of what I consider disgusting about today's American boxers.
With that in mind, good luck to Carl Froch. I hope the Brit comes out on top of this long drawn out and meaningless Showtime tournament.

[Rick Farris]

Yep. "Set up" is one way to describe it. I might get banned from the site if I use the other words that come to mind.

However, I applaud the class showed by the German in his comments after losing.

Middleweights you didn't forget . . .

When I started boxing, Joey Giardello was middleweight champ, then Tiger, Griffiith, Benvenuti, Monzon, etc.
There was a solid title, and a solid champ you never forgot. There was a natural progression of talent, an order, corrupt or not.
Dick Tiger? At 5'7" Tiger was a great one during his era. He lost the title to Griffith, moved up to 175lbs. and whipped Jose Torres for the Light heavy title.
However, as much as I loved watching he and Griffith, and his whipping Torres, his devistating KO loss to 6'3" Bob Foster is something I'll never forget.
Foster hit him with a whipping left hook. You could have counted 100 over Dick Tiger.
He retired, and in his 40's died suddenly of a heart attack.

Rick, I remember Foster hitting Mike Quarry with the same left hook..

Paul, I'll never forget that hook Foster hit Quarry with.
If one punch can change a boxer's life, that one changed Mike's.

[Rick Farris]

Louie Burke . . .

I'm looking forward to meeting Randy's cousin Louie Burke when he is inducted into the CBHOF in a few weeks, not to mention his brother, Rocky.

[Cholo]

Louie Burke . . .

I'm looking forward to meeting Randy's cousin Louie Burke when he is inducted into the CBHOF in a few weeks, not to mention his brother, Rocky.

Rick, I remember Louie Burke fighting Hector Camacho back in 1985, Camacho was in excellent form, very fast.
If i remember right i think Camacho failed a drugs test after this fight?..

[Rick Farris]

Louie Burke . . .

I'm looking forward to meeting Randy's cousin Louie Burke when he is inducted into the CBHOF in a few weeks, not to mention his brother, Rocky.

Rick, I remember Louie Burke fighting Hector Camacho back in 1985, Camacho was in excellent form, very fast.
If i remember right i think Camacho failed a drugs test after this fight?..

I don't remember the drug test, but I remember the fight. Camacho was at his best but Burke hung in and gave him a good go.
Just watched it again recently on Youtube. Louie Burke has done a great job as a trainer with his first world champ, Austin Trout.
Randy & Frank have something else in common, both have relatives that fought Hector Camacho. Randy's cousin, Frank's son.

[Rick Farris]

More than a dozen examples of L.A. boxing & boxers I grew up with . . .


Teenage Mando Ramos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTw3y2A_CoQ

The best two rounds of Jerry Quarry's career (my opinion). He was 23.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF05JMd9Hfk

And the great Ruben Olivares
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOl5aoDEq6Y

"Little Red" & Bobby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkGWmL0sB0A

And we had a "Windmill".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCHR8nusCQE

And these two guys were just kids when we started.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhHYnW2tVX8

This one time L.A. Jr. Golden Glover whips a Mayweather.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQqejWQcMs8

There was no quit in a Quarry. Too bad for Mike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDQlKkzgkeE

"Homeboys" Carlos Palomino vs. Armando Muniz at the Olympic (Welterweight title).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL3D-78faxE

Speaking of welters, Ernie "Indian Red" Lopez and Hedgeman Lewis fought three times!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqFCUtzP49s

Napoles comes to Los Angeles and takes over the welterweight division world wide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccXjGHUimU

And the great Duran came to town and fought at the Sports Arena a couple times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjDZbHfjFw0

A Valley Boy fights for the welter title. Shields gets shaft in Chi Town.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0x-pzPt ... re=related


We had it going on.

[Cholo]

Rick, They thought Duran was all washed up before the Pipino Cuevas fight , all he needed was to get his ass in shape, get the fire back in his belly, what a fighter. Amazing how he wen't up through the weight divisions, i'll never forget the Barkley fight, Barkley looked like a light-heavyweight, "El Cholo" took him to school. I think Duran ranks in the top five p4p fighters of all time..

[Rick Farris]

Rick, They thought Duran was all washed up before the Pipino Cuevas fight , all he needed was to get his ass in shape, get the fire back in his belly, what a fighter. Amazing how he wen't up through the weight divisions, i'll never forget the Barkley fight, Barkley looked like a light-heavyweight, "El Cholo" took him to school. I think Duran ranks in the top five p4p fighters of all time..

Paul, I agree Duran fits in the top 5 PFP. And I also remember that people believed that Cuevas was going to give him trouble, I didn't think so.
I saw Duran rip a couple sparring partners at the Main Street Gym before this fight and it was one of the most memerable workouts I ever saw.
Duran beat up a welterweight named Kid Dynamite in the gym, then KOed the fighter's father who jumped in the ring afterwards and attacked Duran.
The gym was full of Mexican fighters and fans and Duran insulted the Mexicans. Ironic, that Duran is not 100% Panamanian blood, his father is Mexican-American.
During the fight, Cuevas began to look as if he were being torchered as Duran had his way with him. In the end, when Cuevas went down for the last time, he appeared disappointed that the ref had stopped the bout. But I know he was really thinking, "Thank God, the ref finally saved my ass!"

[Rick Farris]

Forgotten L.A. star and World Champ, Japan's Shozo Saijyo . . .

This guy made a big impression in L.A. after coming here from Japan.
He started out by flattening state featherweight champ, Tony Alvarado.
Was robbed when he fought Jose Pimentel the first time, but ended up stopping Raul Rojas for the WBA featherweight title.
He was fast, hit hard and was exciting.
I used to enjoy watching him at the Main Street Gym. He and Felipe Torres had a few wars at Main Street and later fought after Saijyo became champ.

Remember him?

[Rick Farris]

It's 3am . . .

Can't sleep

[kikibalt]

It's 3am . . .

Can't sleep

Same here....3:38 in the AM