Classic American West Coast Boxing

[CNorkusJr]

Lots of Beans Huh ?
Dont sleep near any open flames !

Thats a great tour and tour guide you have there, Remy.
A quick ride past OJ's house and I would say you seen it all.

Down & Dirty . . .

OJ's Rockingham house was raised several years go. A new home, nothing like the original occupies the lot today.
As for the Bundy Drive murder scene, the entire face of the original condo was changed, as was the gate entrance, and even the address.
The original address no longer exists. It was a quiet Sunday might on Bundy Drive, eactly severnteen years ago.

The home of Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski was also torn down ages ago.
But Mae West's "Ravenswood" still stands in full glory on Rossmoore, just a couple blocks down the street from the Wild Card Gym.
Chalky Wright was Ms. West's Chauffer, amongst other things.

Thanks for the update. I would imagine the car line of tourists would stretch for miles as part of the "gotta see it" visit.

The original "Amityville Horror" house is just 20 mins from me and every Halloween the local village police has to put a few extra cops on overtime to keep the flow of cars moving on the public road in front of the house. It still stands today as it looked back when the murders happened in it.
The various owners since have all said there is absolutely no hauntings in the beautiful home,all except the first new owner who got rich from its tale of woe.

Amityville is a beach community that is suppose to be depicted in the "Jaws" movie series
named "Amity". Its not an island and bears no resembalance to what the movie portrayed that was filmed in New England. The town of Montauk at the East End of Long Island (about an 75 minute drive from me) would be more appropriate,as it is a fishing village and summer swimming haven. Known for its world record sharks off-shore and Frank Mundus,who now lives in Florida,but for years was the "Shark Hunter" here who Robert Shaw's character Capt. Quintz" portrayed.Very scenic there and worth a visit several times a year there for me.

[Rick Farris]

Willie Meehan . . .

Since learning of Willie Meehan's post boxing career job in the film industry, I've been in contact with my Union local to dig up info on Meehan's possible membership.
At first, I thought we'd found the guy, but not yet.
Two applications for Union membership were for past members named "Meehan", but none fit the profile of the former heavyweight.

I have a "James A. Meehan" who was born in Leadville, Colorado in 1900. He was taken ito our local in 1925 (a year prior to Meehan's ring retirement.)
This man was known to work for MGM, Buster Keaton Studio, Hollywood-United and universal International. His union membership fee was just $7.50 (today initial membership fees exceed $6,000.)

The other was a Charles J. Meehan, taken into the Union in 1933. He worked for MGM. Not the former heavyweight.

I'll keep searching.

[Rick Farris]

Lots of Beans Huh ?
Dont sleep near any open flames !

Thats a great tour and tour guide you have there, Remy.
A quick ride past OJ's house and I would say you seen it all.

Down & Dirty . . .

OJ's Rockingham house was raised several years go. A new home, nothing like the original occupies the lot today.
As for the Bundy Drive murder scene, the entire face of the original condo was changed, as was the gate entrance, and even the address.
The original address no longer exists. It was a quiet Sunday might on Bundy Drive, eactly severnteen years ago.

The home of Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski was also torn down ages ago.
But Mae West's "Ravenswood" still stands in full glory on Rossmoore, just a couple blocks down the street from the Wild Card Gym.
Chalky Wright was Ms. West's Chauffer, amongst other things.

Thanks for the update. I would imagine the car line of tourists would stretch for miles as part of the "gotta see it" visit.

The original "Amityville Horror" house is just 20 mins from me and every Halloween the local village police has to put a few extra cops on overtime to keep the flow of cars moving on the public road in front of the house. It still stands today as it looked back when the murders happened in it.
The various owners since have all said there is absolutely no hauntings in the beautiful home,all except the first new owner who got rich from its tale of woe.

Amityville is a beach community that is suppose to be depicted in the "Jaws" movie series
named "Amity". Its not an island and bears no resembalance to what the movie portrayed that was filmed in New England. The town of Montauk at the East End of Long Island (about an 75 minute drive from me) would be more appropriate,as it is a fishing village and summer swimming haven. Known for its world record sharks off-shore and Frank Mundus,who now lives in Florida,but for years was the "Shark Hunter" here who Robert Shaw's character Capt. Quintz" portrayed.Very scenic there and worth a visit several times a year there for me.

Interesting, Charlie!

[Randyman]

32 minutes later: "I'm done."

Remy, finishing a Manuel's Special is no easy task, if it was it wouldn't be so special. While it's true that I did, at one time eat 1 and 1/2, I was 17 at the time. I don't think I would do so well in a rematch. I've taken on Manuel's little brother, the Hollenbeck, many time since but I stay away from the Manuel Special. With age comes wisdom. I have a friend that I work with who thinks he can finish a Manuel's Special. When he decides to give it a go, I take photos and post them.

Sorry I couldn't be there for the big match!
Randy

[Randyman]

Can't wait for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to all of you guys meeting my family; kids, brother and cousins. Big day for us! I'm also looking forward to meeting some of you for the first time.

By the way, has anyone heard from Hammer and Bennie? Hammer (Paul) was supposed to be in town for some poker.(Commerce Casino?)

[Randyman]

Frank, are you feeling better? You will be there tomorrow, right?

[Cholo]

Frank, I've been looking through my collection of boxing magazines, there mostly of the 1950s, and i see Enrique Bolanos fighting career was coming to an end by the early 50s. Not to worry, i've purchased some 1940's Ring magazines and when i have them i'll look to see if there's anything on Bolanos, and i'll post them. There used to be a piece called In Sunny California by Harry Winkler which covered the Californian scene. Frank thanks for educating me on these great fighters Enrique Bolanos and Keeny Teran, i knew a little about the Golden Boy, today these great fighters would have been world champions, I've watched Bolanos Ike Williams on youtube several times, what a classy boxer Enrique was. Thanks again Frank, i appreciate it..

Thanks Paul. I remember Harry Winkler's "In Sunny California" real well. After Winkler came Bill Miller and than Don Fraser wrote the California piece for the Ring....I always though that Bolanos was a better fighter than Oscar D. L. H....

Frank, Thanks for the Info, from what i've seen of Bolanos he was a much better fighter then Oscar, Oscar couldn't box and move like the Durango Dropper...

[kikibalt]

Frank, are you feeling better? You will be there tomorrow, right?

Yes Randy, I've been feeling better and I'll be there tomorrow. Our friend Don Fraser has just been diagnosed with some type of cancer, wish him well when you see him tomorrow....

[Rick Farris]

Fritzie Zivic Induction . . .

Randy De La O will accept the honor of California Boxing Hall of Fame induction for former world champ and boxing legend, Fritzie Zivic.

[Rick Farris]

Today's workout . . .

On our way to workout in the Hollywood Hills, above Laurel Canyon, I showed Remy the Sunset Strip.
The Chateau Marmont, where Belushi OD'd, The Whiskey, The Roxy, The Rain Bow, House of Blues, the Viper Room, what was once Gazzari's, where Mickey Cohen's Men's store was located, and then thru Laurel Canyon to the Valley side of the Hollywood Hills. We pass by the old Houdini Estate, homes that were once owned by film industry royalty, that became havens for 60's rock bands, hippies, all the things that Mel Epstein hated with a passion. The Canyon is still an artists community, the crazy parties of days gone by have long cooled. Fatty Arbuckle lived in the Canyon during the 20's, The Mama's & Papas lived in the same house in the 60's.
When we get to the Fryman trail, I have Remy punch his way up the hill. The workout was nowhere near as tough as his match with a "Manuel's Special" the day before.
As walked down the backside of the trail, we drop off onto a side street that takes you back to where we parked.
As we walk down that street we pass a house that was once the house you'd see on the Brady Bunch.
They never filmed at the location, but would cut to an establishing shot of the front of the house before a scene. It was the Brady House.
The new owners tired of tourists snapping pictures of the house, so they gave the front an entire face lift. Changed everything. Face lifts are big in Hollywood, even for buildings.
If your property is famous and getting too much attention, just make it look like something else, leaving no reminders of past glory. Facades are big in Hollywood.

[Randyman]

Fritzie Zivic Induction . . .

Randy De La O will accept the honor of California Boxing Hall of Fame induction for former world champ and boxing legend, Fritzie Zivic.

Rick, I am honored to do so. While looking up some info on Fritzie Zivic I discovered that we share the same birthday, May 8. Zivic was born May 8, 1913 and 41 years later on May 8, 1954, I was born.

[Randyman]

Frank, are you feeling better? You will be there tomorrow, right?

Yes Randy, I've been feeling better and I'll be there tomorrow. Our friend Don Fraser has just been diagnosed with some type of cancer, wish him well when you see him tomorrow....

Glad to hear that you're feeling better and will be there Frank. Sorry to hear about Don.

[Rick Farris]

Fritzie Zivic Induction . . .

Randy De La O will accept the honor of California Boxing Hall of Fame induction for former world champ and boxing legend, Fritzie Zivic.

Rick, I am honored to do so. While looking up some info on Fritzie Zivic I discovered that we share the same birthday, May 8. Zivic was born May 8, 1913 and 41 years later on May 8, 1954, I was born.

It was meant to be. Your family will be a big part of this year's event.

[Rick Farris]

RIP Peter Falk . . .

Starting my career in the film industry at Universal back in the mid-70's meant that I would occasionally work on "Columbo".
Peter Falk was a different breed of actor, interesting method, unique personality. I didn't know him, but I watched him work, and he was one of the best.

[Rick Farris]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

[Rick Farris]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

Smarter and Tougher . . .


The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.

I recall Howie Steindler storming out of his office late on thursday afternoons. Howie was tagged "Assistant Matchmaker" to Don Chargin at the Olympic.
Chargin had no trouble putting together a main event, but the prelims were tougher to keep together.
Four round guys would pull out at the last minute, leaving Chargin with less than the required minimum rounds scheduled on a pro card.

The first and nearest source of boxing flesh was at the Main Street Gym. And that's the first place Don would call.
Howie would scramble a couple fighters, maybe more, and provide the ride to see they got there on time.
In the corners of these last minute subs would be any one of a number of local cornermen for hire, the Soto brothers, Norm Lockwood, Johnny Villaflor, Phil Silvers, etc.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic. They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show.

Four rounds, from first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale).
A five-rounder paid $85, a six $150 and a ten-rounder? $300 & up back when I was boxing.

[raylawpc]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.
I recall Howie Steindler stormingout of his office late on thursday afternoons.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic.
They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show. From first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale)
Today a 4 rounder would pay $400-500. Of course, today that couldn't be possible.
No clubs, no steady weekly boxing shows, no interest, no opposition, no chances or risks, no nothing - nada!

You guys in LA were overpaid. Our prelim guys got $10 per round, i.e. $40 for a four-rounder; $60 for a six-rounder. Main event fighters didn't get more than $1,000, although Carlos Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Ron Lyle et al. probably got more when they came to town. On a good night, I'd earn $20 to $30 for working corners. O'Grady would pay me $5 per press release, and I'd would generally write three to promote a typical show. So, I'd generally total $25 to $50 per show. Not much money, but it sure was FUN!

[Chuck1052]

Rick, Willie Meehan's real name was Eugene Walcott.

- Chuck Johnston

[Rick Farris]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.
I recall Howie Steindler stormingout of his office late on thursday afternoons.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic.
They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show. From first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale)
Today a 4 rounder would pay $400-500. Of course, today that couldn't be possible.
No clubs, no steady weekly boxing shows, no interest, no opposition, no chances or risks, no nothing - nada!

You guys in LA were overpaid. Our prelim guys got $10 per round, i.e. $40 for a four-rounder; $60 for a six-rounder. Main event fighters didn't get more than $1,000, although Carlos Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Ron Lyle et al. probably got more when they came to town. On a good night, I'd earn $20 to $30 for working corners. O'Grady would pay me $5 per press release, and I'd would generally write three to promote a typical show. So, I'd generally total $25 to $50 per show. Not much money, but it sure was FUN!

No offense, but aside from Sean, those Oklahoma guys were pretty much paid what they were worth (i.e. Monty Masters).
Tom, I did edit my post above, adding the California scale for the era.
By the way, I really hope to uncover some evidence of Meehan's employment in the industry, or better yet, some union documentation.
We have only just started. Anything you might run across that relates him to motion picture set lighting would be of assitance. I did note the Boxrec reference.
As for an Oklahoma born fighter that is one of my favorites, George "Scrap Iron" Johnson. If ever a boxer deserved "over-scale" pay, it was Scrap Iron.

[Rick Farris]

Rick, Willie Meehan's real name was Eugene Walcott.

- Chuck Johnston

Thanks, Chuck. I discovered that and wrote it down, but have yet to follow thru with an archive search.
What I did find was interesting. I learned that Buster Keaton once owned a small studio in Hollywood,
Also, the Union rep that endorsed the 1925 membership of one of the Meehan's was the father of one of my early mentors.
I would imagine an accomplished heavyweight contender would want to work in the business under his ring name? It would be an asset.
However, who knows? Eugene Walcott will be explored on Monday. Thanks for the info and I'll welcome anything else you might know or find.

[Rick Farris]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.
I recall Howie Steindler stormingout of his office late on thursday afternoons.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic.
They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show. From first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale)
Today a 4 rounder would pay $400-500. Of course, today that couldn't be possible.
No clubs, no steady weekly boxing shows, no interest, no opposition, no chances or risks, no nothing - nada!

You guys in LA were overpaid. Our prelim guys got $10 per round, i.e. $40 for a four-rounder; $60 for a six-rounder. Main event fighters didn't get more than $1,000, although Carlos Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Ron Lyle et al. probably got more when they came to town. On a good night, I'd earn $20 to $30 for working corners. O'Grady would pay me $5 per press release, and I'd would generally write three to promote a typical show. So, I'd generally total $25 to $50 per show. Not much money, but it sure was FUN!

I bet it was fun. Boxing was more fun back then, and being a part of a promotion of any size was exciting.
Working with Pat O'Grady had to be an unforgettable experience. One of boxing's unforgettable personalities from that era.

[CNorkusJr]

May 8th . . .

May 8th is the date of Randy De La O and Fritzie Zivic's birthdays. Not to mention:

On that date in 1934, Fritzie Zivic fought Lloyd Smith at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium. The bout was declared a draw.
Zivic never lost in California (and he never lost on his birthday )

5/8 was also the date in 1945 when Zivic beat Pat Saia over ten rounds in Galveston, Texas.
The very next night, in San Antonio, Zivic won over Mexican legend Kid Azteca via a 10 round majority decision.

As Mel Epstein pointed out, fighters used to "fight themselves into shape", they stayed busy, and limited their boxing in the gym.
Zivic is a perfect example.

Smarter and Tougher . . .


The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.

I recall Howie Steindler storming out of his office late on thursday afternoons. Howie was tagged "Assistant Matchmaker" to Don Chargin at the Olympic.
Chargin had no trouble putting together a main event, but the prelims were tougher to keep together.
Four round guys would pull out at the last minute, leaving Chargin with less than the required minimum rounds scheduled on a pro card.

The first and nearest source of boxing flesh was at the Main Street Gym. And that's the first place Don would call.
Howie would scramble a couple fighters, maybe more, and provide the ride to see they got there on time.
In the corners of these last minute subs would be any one of a number of local cornermen for hire, the Soto brothers, Norm Lockwood, Johnny Villaflor, Phil Silvers, etc.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic. They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show.

Four rounds, from first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale).
A five-rounder paid $85, a six $150 and a ten-rounder? $300 & up back when I was boxing.

Great Post.

My father told me stories that relate greatly to the one above.My father was considered a "full-timer". meaning that he trained just about year round and pretty much every day.Early on,before he made a name for himself as a pro-he used to work on moving vans (loading & unloading). After about 2 yrs in, he pulled a muscle one day and his mgr said to stop that crap.(it didnt jeopardize any upcoming fights he had).After that, full-time training,and he picked up alot of substitutions bouts at the last minute.NY-NJ area of course had venues coming out of its ears and virtually every nite a card could be found.Stillmans and Gleasons were prime hunting places for match-makers.I dont know the exact scale paid back then but it sounds similar to the California prices.
Many fighters -big names too-held jobs elsewhere. Cesar Brion for instance was a longshoreman on the westside docks. A fireman I worked with early on (he was an oldtimer then)moonlighted and used to be partners with Cesar on the docks back in the day.
An interesting story occured when my father went to sell tixs over there before his fight with Brion. Brion of course had huge support of the dockworkers and my father,to stir the crap,went over there. He got a few Irish takers which caused near riots in the union membership.
My father said that Thank God they split their two fights,though years apart,as both collected good money from the dockworkers during their careers in the ring.

[raylawpc]

The old timers were not only a "harder" group of men, they were smarter.
There were lots of fighters in town, lots of gyms and lots of venues.
Why fight for free in the gym, when you can get paid for it.
I recall Howie Steindler stormingout of his office late on thursday afternoons.
Howie would push thru the doors and shout toward one of the two rings, where a couple of tough, veteran prelim boys had just began to slug it out.
As Howie hurried to the ring, he told the fighter's -"Stop, you can fight a four rounder tonight at the Olympic, get paid to box, you both have a license."
The two boxers would smile and step out of the ring, quickly dress and head for the Olympic.
They will need to weigh-in, see the doctor and then glove up to open the show. From first bell-to-last, exactly 15 minutes = $75 (1970 scale)
Today a 4 rounder would pay $400-500. Of course, today that couldn't be possible.
No clubs, no steady weekly boxing shows, no interest, no opposition, no chances or risks, no nothing - nada!

You guys in LA were overpaid. Our prelim guys got $10 per round, i.e. $40 for a four-rounder; $60 for a six-rounder. Main event fighters didn't get more than $1,000, although Carlos Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Ron Lyle et al. probably got more when they came to town. On a good night, I'd earn $20 to $30 for working corners. O'Grady would pay me $5 per press release, and I'd would generally write three to promote a typical show. So, I'd generally total $25 to $50 per show. Not much money, but it sure was FUN!

No offense, but aside from Sean, those Oklahoma guys were pretty much paid what they were worth (i.e. Monty Masters).
Tom, I did edit my post above, adding the California scale for the era.
By the way, I really hope to uncover some evidence of Meehan's employment in the industry, or better yet, some union documentation.
We have only just started. Anything you might run across that relates him to motion picture set lighting would be of assitance. I did note the Boxrec reference.
As for an Oklahoma born fighter that is one of my favorites, George "Scrap Iron" Johnson. If ever a boxer deserved "over-scale" pay, it was Scrap Iron.

It wasn't a case of paying guys what they were worth, it was a case of what O'Grady would pay them. Anybody who fought a four-rounder in Oklahoma City got $40, and $60 for a six-rounder. (We didn't book 8-rounders in Oklahoma City.) I assume if a guy in Oklahoma came out to LA in those days, they would have received your scale.

The reference I have about Meehan's employment comes from an article in an old Ring magazine from the 1930s or 40s.

[Rick Farris]

You guys in LA were overpaid. Our prelim guys got $10 per round, i.e. $40 for a four-rounder; $60 for a six-rounder. Main event fighters didn't get more than $1,000, although Carlos Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Ron Lyle et al. probably got more when they came to town. On a good night, I'd earn $20 to $30 for working corners. O'Grady would pay me $5 per press release, and I'd would generally write three to promote a typical show. So, I'd generally total $25 to $50 per show. Not much money, but it sure was FUN!

No offense, but aside from Sean, those Oklahoma guys were pretty much paid what they were worth (i.e. Monty Masters).
Tom, I did edit my post above, adding the California scale for the era.
By the way, I really hope to uncover some evidence of Meehan's employment in the industry, or better yet, some union documentation.
We have only just started. Anything you might run across that relates him to motion picture set lighting would be of assitance. I did note the Boxrec reference.
As for an Oklahoma born fighter that is one of my favorites, George "Scrap Iron" Johnson. If ever a boxer deserved "over-scale" pay, it was Scrap Iron.

It wasn't a case of paying guys what they were worth, it was a case of what O'Grady would pay them. Anybody who fought a four-rounder in Oklahoma City got $40, and $60 for a six-rounder. (We didn't book 8-rounders in Oklahoma City.) I assume if a guy in Oklahoma came out to LA in those days, they would have received your scale.

The reference I have about Meehan's employment comes from an article in an old Ring magazine from the 1930s or 40s.

Doesn't matter where a fighter came from, we all got the same if paid commission scale.
California had a very strong Commission in the days I was active.
There was a lot of boxing money in town at the time, big name boxers generating a lot of revenue, weekly cards, etc.
The cost of living here is also a factor in L.A.

As for Willie Meehan, I'll continue to see what can be found thru my union.
If I can validate with documentation he was in our local, and if I can convince Frank & Don to induct him into the CBHOF next year, the union will sponsor two tables in 2012. Guaranteed.
The business agent would hang the CBHOF Plaque in the lobby of the business office, next to a photo of the boxer, and a framed copy of his application for Union membership.
My personal goal is to fill ten tables next year, 100 seats, with people who otherwise would not have attended, and I'm not just blowing smoke. I'm going to do it!

[Rick Farris]

Can't wait for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to all of you guys meeting my family; kids, brother and cousins. Big day for us! I'm also looking forward to meeting some of you for the first time.

By the way, has anyone heard from Hammer and Bennie? Hammer (Paul) was supposed to be in town for some poker.(Commerce Casino?)

If he shows up at the CBHOF event, a seat awaits him at the Fritzie Zivic table, but I haven't heard one way or another?