Classic American West Coast Boxing

[coach greg v]

Rick , thats the moron that challenged Mario Lopez to fight Mario got like what? 30-40 lbs on him aswell as being a pretty decent fighter, who im sure could have won quite a few amateur fights

Lopez would annihilate him, no question about it.

Steve Harpst of the WBHOF introduced me to Mario Lopez at his Burbank Boxing Club gym, where Lopez worked out with a few of Steve's amateurs. I will tell you that Lopez is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and he really can box. I'm not saying what he'd do in the ring, but what I saw in the gym was a cool, pro style with slick moves. You can tell he disciplined himself to be good, and sometimes the "actor" tag inspires a guy to be even better. He reminds me of a fighter in the gym, like the guys I saw thruout my career. He would have fit in to the L.A. boxing scene I remember. That's the highest compliment I could pay a guy. I think he is just about as good as the guys they match Canelo Alvarez with these days.

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

[kikibalt]

Lopez would annihilate him, no question about it.

Steve Harpst of the WBHOF introduced me to Mario Lopez at his Burbank Boxing Club gym, where Lopez worked out with a few of Steve's amateurs. I will tell you that Lopez is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and he really can box. I'm not saying what he'd do in the ring, but what I saw in the gym was a cool, pro style with slick moves. You can tell he disciplined himself to be good, and sometimes the "actor" tag inspires a guy to be even better. He reminds me of a fighter in the gym, like the guys I saw thruout my career. He would have fit in to the L.A. boxing scene I remember. That's the highest compliment I could pay a guy. I think he is just about as good as the guys they match Canelo Alvarez with these days.

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

"Dancing With The Stars", Mario Lopez for Chula Vista, Ca.

[Rick Farris]

Lopez would annihilate him, no question about it.

Steve Harpst of the WBHOF introduced me to Mario Lopez at his Burbank Boxing Club gym, where Lopez worked out with a few of Steve's amateurs. I will tell you that Lopez is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and he really can box. I'm not saying what he'd do in the ring, but what I saw in the gym was a cool, pro style with slick moves. You can tell he disciplined himself to be good, and sometimes the "actor" tag inspires a guy to be even better. He reminds me of a fighter in the gym, like the guys I saw thruout my career. He would have fit in to the L.A. boxing scene I remember. That's the highest compliment I could pay a guy. I think he is just about as good as the guys they match Canelo Alvarez with these days.

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

Yeah, same guy. He has a style kinda like Carlos Palomino, hooks good to the body, good jab, moves his head, good defense. Of course, I was not watching him with good fighters. In this case he was actually the vet. I'm not claiming he would be a great fighter, but he impressed me more than many I've seen in recent years. A respectful kinda guy, like most good fighters are. He's gym wise, you don't see that as much any more. I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Freddie to work with him in the past.

[coach greg v]

Steve Harpst of the WBHOF introduced me to Mario Lopez at his Burbank Boxing Club gym, where Lopez worked out with a few of Steve's amateurs. I will tell you that Lopez is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and he really can box. I'm not saying what he'd do in the ring, but what I saw in the gym was a cool, pro style with slick moves. You can tell he disciplined himself to be good, and sometimes the "actor" tag inspires a guy to be even better. He reminds me of a fighter in the gym, like the guys I saw thruout my career. He would have fit in to the L.A. boxing scene I remember. That's the highest compliment I could pay a guy. I think he is just about as good as the guys they match Canelo Alvarez with these days.

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

Yeah, same guy. He has a style kinda like Carlos Palomino, hooks good to the body, good jab, moves his head, good defense. Of course, I was not watching him with good fighters. In this case he was actually the vet. I'm not claiming he would be a great fighter, but he impressed me more than many I've seen in recent years. A respectful kinda guy, like most good fighters are. He's gym wise, you don't see that as much any more. I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Freddie to work with him in the past.

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

[kikibalt]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

"BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005" Frankie, Tony and I are on page 139, not that I'm try to toot our own horn...

[coach greg v]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

"BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005" Frankie, Tony and I are on page 139, not that I'm try to toot our own horn...

> you look the same there you do today frank. I have to laugh i put a new member post up awhile back. somebody asked me is it possible for a fighter to ever forget a opponents name. LIke at 60 I am supposed to remember every kids name i fought in the 50s please.....

[kikibalt]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

"BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005" Frankie, Tony and I are on page 139, not that I'm try to toot our own horn...

> you look the same there you do today frank. I have to laugh i put a new member post up awhile back. somebody asked me is it possible for a fighter to ever forget a opponents name. LIke at 60 I am supposed to remember every kids name i fought in the 50s please.....

No, I don't, you're just being kind...

[coach greg v]

"BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005" Frankie, Tony and I are on page 139, not that I'm try to toot our own horn...

> you look the same there you do today frank. I have to laugh i put a new member post up awhile back. somebody asked me is it possible for a fighter to ever forget a opponents name. LIke at 60 I am supposed to remember every kids name i fought in the 50s please.....

No, I don't, you're just being kind...

> ;;-) maybe more venerable.

[Rick Farris]

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

Yeah, same guy. He has a style kinda like Carlos Palomino, hooks good to the body, good jab, moves his head, good defense. Of course, I was not watching him with good fighters. In this case he was actually the vet. I'm not claiming he would be a great fighter, but he impressed me more than many I've seen in recent years. A respectful kinda guy, like most good fighters are. He's gym wise, you don't see that as much any more. I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Freddie to work with him in the past.

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each. Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some built a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.

[coach greg v]

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

Yeah, same guy. He has a style kinda like Carlos Palomino, hooks good to the body, good jab, moves his head, good defense. Of course, I was not watching him with good fighters. In this case he was actually the vet. I'm not claiming he would be a great fighter, but he impressed me more than many I've seen in recent years. A respectful kinda guy, like most good fighters are. He's gym wise, you don't see that as much any more. I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Freddie to work with him in the past.

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each.
Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some belt a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.[/quote]
> I knew I would get the answer from ricky thanks much greg

[Rick Farris]

you mean mario lopez the actor who played in saved by the bell????

Yeah, same guy. He has a style kinda like Carlos Palomino, hooks good to the body, good jab, moves his head, good defense. Of course, I was not watching him with good fighters. In this case he was actually the vet. I'm not claiming he would be a great fighter, but he impressed me more than many I've seen in recent years. A respectful kinda guy, like most good fighters are. He's gym wise, you don't see that as much any more. I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Freddie to work with him in the past.

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each.
Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some belt a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.[/quote]
> I knew I would get the answer from ricky thanks much greg[/quote]


By the way, if you fought on the amateur portion of the card you would be given $5 gas money, plus the winner would get a McLain Lawn trimmer or mower, and the loser a sweater from Richard's Clothes for Men, on Broadway downtown. I never got my edger or lawn mower, although I was 2-1-1 in my appearances. But I had several Alpaca sweaters hanging in the closet.

[kikibalt]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each. Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some built a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.

I took over in the late '70's as amateur matchmaker, and was till the end of the Olympic's run. Frankie and Tony also fought in those Am/pro shows..Tony had his biggest L.A. amateur win, when he ko John Montes Jr. in under 30 seconds of the first round....

[CNorkusJr]

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each. Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some built a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.

[CNorkusJr]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each. Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some built a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.

I took over in the late '70's as amateur matchmaker, and was till the end of the Olympic's run. Frankie and Tony also fought in those Am/pro shows..Tony had his biggest L.A. amateur win, when he ko John Montes Jr. in under 30 seconds of the first round....

Another Great Story

[coach greg v]

> :) Rick I just got a copy of the book BOXING IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA 1880-2005.Did u like that book?Also a friend of mine gave me a vhs of some fights from the olympic. at the end of the pro fights I see some amateur boxing it had to before the shirts law became mandatory. There is hardly anyone at ringside but jimmy lennon does anounce them. Any idea what type of show that was???? Did they have amateur boxing when the pros were done??

How it was . . .

In 1965, Aileen Eaton would open her Olympic shows at 8pm. with a four rounder, then a six-round semi-main, an intermission and then the TV main event, which would start shortly after 9pm. A major attraction might be held after the TV broadcast ended at 10pm. There were pro stand-by bouts, to cover an early TV KO. By the end of the first year of TV, Mrs. Eaton eliminated the opening 4-rounder, and instead would hold 2 amateur bouts. Three 2-min. rounds each. Instant stars were born, guys like Mando Muniz, Jimmy Robertson, etc. in the earliest days. I fought on three such cards at the Olympic in 1969, one in 1970. I remember Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon also appearing amateur portion of the Olympics pro cards, but they eventually stopped the broadcasts of the amateur fights, with Channel 13 and Jim Healy opening at 8:30pm. Speaking for myself at least, the boxers loved it. If they were featured opening a major pro card, or even a minor card that was televised, they would get huge exposure, and some built a solid fan base before ever fighting for money.
I was happy when Johnny Flores phoned me one thursday afternoon about 4pm. I was loading my gym bag and about to Johnny's gym. Johnny told me to stay put, that my stablemate (who was scheduled to open the show) was going to pick me up to face a 23-year-old named Julio Valdez in the other amateur fight. I grabbed my robe, trunks, my competition boxing shoes, cup and mouthpiece. Dumped everything else out of the giant bag, and loaded it with what I needed. My grandmother threw some ground beef on the stove and made me a salad. I ate a little, but I couldn't wait for my buddy to arrive. I was going to fight on my first pro card ever at the Olympic. I was 17! Major personal goal accomplished just by being there! But I was there to win, and I not only won but scored my first one punch, 10 and out KO. I still have the LA Times news clip. Juan Collado-Shinichi Kadota were in the pro main that night. I got a 2nd round KO. I didn't bang like Tony Baltazar, so when I saw the guys eyes roll up in his head and fall to the floor, well it was like icing on the cake. Mickey Cohan was ringside that night, and B-movie star Edie Williams, and most important- my dad! I called him at his office as I left for the Olympic. He said he'd meet there, he'd bring a couple of his friends from the bank where he worked downtown.
The memory was a such a great one, I can't discuss those great amateur days with out this one coming to mind. And by the way, Frank Baltazar served the Olympic's amateur program as a matchmaker in the 70's.

I took over in the late '70's as amateur matchmaker, and was till the end of the Olympic's run. Frankie and Tony also fought in those Am/pro shows..Tony had his biggest L.A. amateur win, when he ko John Montes Jr. in under 30 seconds of the first round....

>Man I hit the mother lode of so cal boxing here. I have learned more in these few days about boxing down there than in any book I could buy. You guys should of wrote that book. I remember seeing at the olympic lots stars like that actor from the main event. My buddy russ meyer was there with his girls. from beyond the valley of the dolls. One interesting time.....

[Rick Farris]

Man I hit the mother lode of so cal boxing here.
------------------------------------

Yeah, you landed in the belly of the beast!

[coach greg v]

Man I hit the mother lode of so cal boxing here.
------------------------------------

Yeah, you landed in the belly of the beast!

>hope to meet u guys someday buy you a beer or A BIG MANNY.

[Rick Farris]

Man I hit the mother lode of so cal boxing here.
------------------------------------

Yeah, you landed in the belly of the beast!

>hope to meet u guys someday buy you a beer or A BIG MANNY.

We'll make that happen one day.

[coach greg v]

Man I hit the mother lode of so cal boxing here.
------------------------------------

Yeah, you landed in the belly of the beast!

>hope to meet u guys someday buy you a beer or A BIG MANNY.

We'll make that happen one day.

> the picture of the boxer who tried the big manny. i think he deserves another shot at the title lol

[kikibalt]

A cross town rivalry between Tony and John Montes had been building up in the late '70's. Both had being getting some good amateur wins, so it was just a matter of time that they fought. On our part we were ready to fight Montes at anytime. John Montes came into the Jr program scene in the early '70's, where as Tony started in '64 and by the late '70's (1976) had already won the National Jr Olympic title, we felt that Tony was too experience for John at that point. At the time they fought Felix Villareal was the amateur matchmaker, Felix called me on a Monday and said that the Montes's wanted to fight Tony on Thursday night, I said okay, Felix then tells me that it has to be at '32, again I said okay, Tony can make '32 if that what they want I told Felix. Thursday morning we get to the weight-ins, Frankie is fighting the main against Shig Fukuyama, both Frankie and Tony made weight easy. That night before the fights started I run into my uncle Florentino, my dad's brother at the Olympic, he was with a group of Montes fans, he tells me that Tony better win as he was betting every one of his friends that was backing Montes. Tony ended the fight with a beautiful left hook in under 30 seconds of the first round. Frankie stopped Fukuyama I believe in the fourth round...

[Rick Farris]

>hope to meet u guys someday buy you a beer or A BIG MANNY.

We'll make that happen one day.

> the picture of the boxer who tried the big manny. i think he deserves another shot at the title lol

Manny is one of those guys you either beat, or you don't.
Remy didn't, and I don't think a rematch is a consideration. Nothing like a good body shot to take a man's heart.
I doubt Ingo Johannson, even when he weighed 300 pounds, could down a Manny Special.

[Rick Farris]

A cross town rivalry between Tony and John Montes had been building up in the late '70's. Both had being getting some good amateur wins, so it was just a matter of time that they fought. On our part we were ready to fight Montes at anytime. John Montes came into the Jr program scene in the early '70's, where as Tony started in '64 and by the late '70's (1976) had already won the National Jr Olympic title, we felt that Tony was too experience for John at that point. At the time they fought Felix Villareal was the amateur matchmaker, Felix called me on a Monday and said that the Montes's wanted to fight Tony on Thursday night, I said okay, Felix then tells me that it has to be at '32, again I said okay, Tony can make '32 if that what they want I told Felix. Thursday morning we get to the weight-ins, Frankie is fighting the main against Shig Fukuyama, both Frankie and Tony made weight easy. That night before the fights started I run into my uncle Florentino, my dad's brother at the Olympic, he was with a group of Montes fans, he tells me that Tony better win as he was betting every one of his friends that was backing Montes. Tony ended the fight with a beautiful left hook in under 30 seconds of the first round. Frankie stopped Fukuyama I believe in the fourth round...

That was a big win for Frankie. Shig Fugiyama was a helluva fighter, almost a world champ.
Of course, that was a sweet one for Tony.

[coach greg v]

A cross town rivalry between Tony and John Montes had been building up in the late '70's. Both had being getting some good amateur wins, so it was just a matter of time that they fought. On our part we were ready to fight Montes at anytime. John Montes came into the Jr program scene in the early '70's, where as Tony started in '64 and by the late '70's (1976) had already won the National Jr Olympic title, we felt that Tony was too experience for John at that point. At the time they fought Felix Villareal was the amateur matchmaker, Felix called me on a Monday and said that the Montes's wanted to fight Tony on Thursday night, I said okay, Felix then tells me that it has to be at '32, again I said okay, Tony can make '32 if that what they want I told Felix. Thursday morning we get to the weight-ins, Frankie is fighting the main against Shig Fukuyama, both Frankie and Tony made weight easy. That night before the fights started I run into my uncle Florentino, my dad's brother at the Olympic, he was with a group of Montes fans, he tells me that Tony better win as he was betting every one of his friends that was backing Montes. Tony ended the fight with a beautiful left hook in under 30 seconds of the first round. Frankie stopped Fukuyama I believe in the fourth round...

>Love it when they tell you what weight it has to be and your guy bombs him anyway. I am getting alot of ur kids fights on vhs they are some bad dudes...

[Randyman]

A cross town rivalry between Tony and John Montes had been building up in the late '70's. Both had being getting some good amateur wins, so it was just a matter of time that they fought. On our part we were ready to fight Montes at anytime. John Montes came into the Jr program scene in the early '70's, where as Tony started in '64 and by the late '70's (1976) had already won the National Jr Olympic title, we felt that Tony was too experience for John at that point. At the time they fought Felix Villareal was the amateur matchmaker, Felix called me on a Monday and said that the Montes's wanted to fight Tony on Thursday night, I said okay, Felix then tells me that it has to be at '32, again I said okay, Tony can make '32 if that what they want I told Felix. Thursday morning we get to the weight-ins, Frankie is fighting the main against Shig Fukuyama, both Frankie and Tony made weight easy. That night before the fights started I run into my uncle Florentino, my dad's brother at the Olympic, he was with a group of Montes fans, he tells me that Tony better win as he was betting every one of his friends that was backing Montes. Tony ended the fight with a beautiful left hook in under 30 seconds of the first round. Frankie stopped Fukuyama I believe in the fourth round...

Great story Frank, it pays to stay in shape, the hallmark of a good fighter.

[Randyman]

We'll make that happen one day.

> the picture of the boxer who tried the big manny. i think he deserves another shot at the title lol

Manny is one of those guys you either beat, or you don't.
Remy didn't, and I don't think a rematch is a consideration. Nothing like a good body shot to take a man's heart.
I doubt Ingo Johannson, even when he weighed 300 pounds, could down a Manny Special.

I KO'ed Manny once but I had youth on my side. Don't wanna rematch! I'll work the corner of anyone that want's to try.