Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Cholo]

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon...
The Golden Boy. A legend with a devastating left hook matched only by his matinee idol looks. a celebrity among celebrities. The most popular fighter in Los Angeles, guaranteed to pack the house. And yet one simultaneously loved and despised by LA's Mexican fight fans. Oscar who' No, we're talking about boxing's original Golden Boy. Art Aragon. Possessor of a gaudy 87-16-6 record, with 60 KOs, Art Aragon was the Golden Boy during the golden age of boxing in Los Angeles. This remarkable lifgtweight and welterweight, enjoyed a career spanning sixteen years, during which time he fought, and defeated, some of the toughest in the game. "I coulda gone further," he reflected "My biggest drawback, looking over my life, I didn't like to train, the most I ever trained in my life was a month, six weeks. I didn't like training. Jim Murray asked me one time 'Art, we know you hate training. What do you hate the most? The boxing, the sparring, the roadwork?' I said 'yes!. His career was interrupted by military service in 1945-46, during which time he had no fights for a twelve month period, and again from late 1946 through early 1948 fighting only once in 1947. "I quit fighting for a while. I was a young kid, and I may have gotten robbed, and I was very disappointed in boxing, and I gave it up." Yet, when asked what got him back into it, he responds, characteristically, "You can't stop being an idiot. Once an idiot, always an idiot!" Aragon returned with a vengeance, fighting thirty five times from 1948 through 1950. The next year, he fought Jimmy Carter twice, decisioning him in 10 and then losing by decision in 15, his only championship shot. Deadpanning Aragon muses, "When I fought him, I was fighting at 142, and it's tough getting down to 135 [It was so hard making weight] I was the only fighter they ever carried into the ring! "Good fighter. I won the first five rounds, and ran out of gas. And he won the last 40 rounds!" Momentarily introspective, Aragon remarks, "I thank god, and I mean this sincerely, anybody that had as many fights as I did can't even talk. I know a good fighter, won't mention his name. Good fighter, great fighter, champion. 'Hi, how are you, good to see you again.' And you know what he said to me? 'Bwoa duow bla.' And I believed him!" ...

[kikibalt]

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon...
The Golden Boy. A legend with a devastating left hook matched only by his matinee idol looks. a celebrity among celebrities. The most popular fighter in Los Angeles, guaranteed to pack the house. And yet one simultaneously loved and despised by LA's Mexican fight fans. Oscar who' No, we're talking about boxing's original Golden Boy. Art Aragon. Possessor of a gaudy 87-16-6 record, with 60 KOs, Art Aragon was the Golden Boy during the golden age of boxing in Los Angeles. This remarkable lifgtweight and welterweight, enjoyed a career spanning sixteen years, during which time he fought, and defeated, some of the toughest in the game. "I coulda gone further," he reflected "My biggest drawback, looking over my life, I didn't like to train, the most I ever trained in my life was a month, six weeks. I didn't like training. Jim Murray asked me one time 'Art, we know you hate training. What do you hate the most? The boxing, the sparring, the roadwork?' I said 'yes!. His career was interrupted by military service in 1945-46, during which time he had no fights for a twelve month period, and again from late 1946 through early 1948 fighting only once in 1947. "I quit fighting for a while. I was a young kid, and I may have gotten robbed, and I was very disappointed in boxing, and I gave it up." Yet, when asked what got him back into it, he responds, characteristically, "You can't stop being an idiot. Once an idiot, always an idiot!" Aragon returned with a vengeance, fighting thirty five times from 1948 through 1950. The next year, he fought Jimmy Carter twice, decisioning him in 10 and then losing by decision in 15, his only championship shot. Deadpanning Aragon muses, "When I fought him, I was fighting at 142, and it's tough getting down to 135 [It was so hard making weight] I was the only fighter they ever carried into the ring! "Good fighter. I won the first five rounds, and ran out of gas. And he won the last 40 rounds!" Momentarily introspective, Aragon remarks, "I thank god, and I mean this sincerely, anybody that had as many fights as I did can't even talk. I know a good fighter, won't mention his name. Good fighter, great fighter, champion. 'Hi, how are you, good to see you again.' And you know what he said to me? 'Bwoa duow bla.' And I believed him!" ...

Another great one, Paul. Thanks, man, for all you do to keep the thread alive.

Getting ready to go fishing with my son James and granddaughter, Sierra. I'll be away from the computer most of the day....Thanks again..

[Cholo]

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon...
The Golden Boy. A legend with a devastating left hook matched only by his matinee idol looks. a celebrity among celebrities. The most popular fighter in Los Angeles, guaranteed to pack the house. And yet one simultaneously loved and despised by LA's Mexican fight fans. Oscar who' No, we're talking about boxing's original Golden Boy. Art Aragon. Possessor of a gaudy 87-16-6 record, with 60 KOs, Art Aragon was the Golden Boy during the golden age of boxing in Los Angeles. This remarkable lifgtweight and welterweight, enjoyed a career spanning sixteen years, during which time he fought, and defeated, some of the toughest in the game. "I coulda gone further," he reflected "My biggest drawback, looking over my life, I didn't like to train, the most I ever trained in my life was a month, six weeks. I didn't like training. Jim Murray asked me one time 'Art, we know you hate training. What do you hate the most? The boxing, the sparring, the roadwork?' I said 'yes!. His career was interrupted by military service in 1945-46, during which time he had no fights for a twelve month period, and again from late 1946 through early 1948 fighting only once in 1947. "I quit fighting for a while. I was a young kid, and I may have gotten robbed, and I was very disappointed in boxing, and I gave it up." Yet, when asked what got him back into it, he responds, characteristically, "You can't stop being an idiot. Once an idiot, always an idiot!" Aragon returned with a vengeance, fighting thirty five times from 1948 through 1950. The next year, he fought Jimmy Carter twice, decisioning him in 10 and then losing by decision in 15, his only championship shot. Deadpanning Aragon muses, "When I fought him, I was fighting at 142, and it's tough getting down to 135 [It was so hard making weight] I was the only fighter they ever carried into the ring! "Good fighter. I won the first five rounds, and ran out of gas. And he won the last 40 rounds!" Momentarily introspective, Aragon remarks, "I thank god, and I mean this sincerely, anybody that had as many fights as I did can't even talk. I know a good fighter, won't mention his name. Good fighter, great fighter, champion. 'Hi, how are you, good to see you again.' And you know what he said to me? 'Bwoa duow bla.' And I believed him!" ...

Another great one, Paul. Thanks, man, for all you do to keep the thread alive.

Getting ready to go fishing with my son James and granddaughter, Sierra. I'll be away from the computer most of the day....Thanks again..

No trouble Frank, have a great day...

[Cholo]

Art Aragon/Reybon Stubbs...December, 3. 1959...
BIG MONEY CAREER OVER
FOR SRUGGLING ARAGON
Even if he refuses to follow the avalanche of advice from his freinds and decides instead to continue fighting, Art Aragon is doomed as a big money gate attraction. Despite his struggling efforts to the contrary, the handwriting has been shouting on the wall ever since Art was pasted by Carmen Basilio before a California record $236,531 crowd in September 1958. But it wasn't until his one-sided loss to Reybon Stubbs that anybody would really believe it. Now, even his dreams of one last big money battle with Battling Torres or Don Jordan have been smashed. The State Athletic Commission might not even sanction matches. Aragon would be in real physical danger. Against Stubbs, Art's reflexes and legs (despite the fact he had trained well and was in good condition) were gone. Not a heavy puncher, Stubbs actually toyed with Aragon as he outboxed him all the way, winning nine of 10 rounds on the cards of nearly every ringside reporter. Nevertheless, Aragon as always, made it exciting. He kept chasing Stubbs trying to get over one big punch. But it was pathetic and futile. Aragon had the desire, but no longer the equipment. His big punch has vanished. Looking back, he's had a fabulous career-15 years, most of it as the No. 1 attraction in Los Angeles. Even near the end here in 1959, he managed to win seven, drop only two. But the magic is gone. Fans realize now more then ever that he can't beat any really good opponents. The Stubbs bout drew well (but not impressive for an Aragon match) as 5500 fans turned up to pay a gross gate of 10,566. It will get worse if he continues.

[Cholo]

GOLDEN BOY MEETS
GUDER APRIL 25...
Art Aragon is not exactly the world's most charming personality. Most of the time he's happy to admit it. He works hard to irritate. It's part of his bread and butter. Long ago he discovered that villains make better copy, have flashier cars and are longer remembered. But the Golden Boy has decided to make an exception to his rule and momentarily play it straight. At the risk of being stamped a sentimentalist and a nice guy, Arthur has become the central figure in a charity fight April 25 at Hollywood Legion Stadium. Largely through Art's effort, the match will produce funds for former boxer Julian Velasquez, a local featherweight prospect who suffered serious brain injury last year in a bout against Eddie Gasporra at Hollywood. Surgery saved Julian's life, but he's still unable to work, and the little money he earned from boxing has long been gone. Although Art's opponent in the bout-Karl Guder-is not quite what you would call a fierce foe, the program rates support from evey ring fan. Art himself will turn over part of his purse as will Aragon's manager, Paul Caruso. There will also be a couple of small raffles and donations can be sent to "The Julian Velasquez Fund" in care of Hollywood Stadium. Altogether they hope to raise at least $2000 for Velasquez, enough to to put down on a small home for him and his family (wife and one child) and start him learning a trade he can handle. From the begining of Julian's troubles, Aragon has kept in close touch. It wasn't known to the public, but Harry Kabakoff, former manager of the stricken fighter, says Aragon has repeatedly sent money to help the fighter with food and clothing for the past year. Art was actually the first to suggest the charity bout. So this one time the Golden Boy deserves a cheer. As for the fight itself, it will mark Aragon's first start since his controversial 4th round "no decision" kayo over Charlie Sawyer in the same ring. Aragon hopes it will lead to a clash here later this year with Don Jordan for the welterweight championship-depending, of course on how Jordan comes out in his title rematch with Virgil Akins April 24 in St. Louis. Both Aragon and Guder knocked out Ramon Tiscareno, were held to draws by Frankie Belma, and beaten by Joe Miceli in fights against common opponents. However Guder doesn't have the power to play with Art on one of his better nights. I think Aragon will win in a breeze. But the big winner will be Velasquez in this one. And also the fans who take part...

[kikibalt]

GOLDEN BOY MEETS
GUDER APRIL 25...
Art Aragon is not exactly the world's most charming personality. Most of the time he's happy to admit it. He works hard to irritate. It's part of his bread and butter. Long ago he discovered that villains make better copy, have flashier cars and are longer remembered. But the Golden Boy has decided to make an exception to his rule and momentarily play it straight. At the risk of being stamped a sentimentalist and a nice guy, Arthur has become the central figure in a charity fight April 25 at Hollywood Legion Stadium. Largely through Art's effort, the match will produce funds for former boxer Julian Velasquez, a local featherweight prospect who suffered serious brain injury last year in a bout against Eddie Gasporra at Hollywood. Surgery saved Julian's life, but he's still unable to work, and the little money he earned from boxing has long been gone. Although Art's opponent in the bout-Karl Guder-is not quite what you would call a fierce foe, the program rates support from evey ring fan. Art himself will turn over part of his purse as will Aragon's manager, Paul Caruso. There will also be a couple of small raffles and donations can be sent to "The Julian Velasquez Fund" in care of Hollywood Stadium. Altogether they hope to raise at least $2000 for Velasquez, enough to to put down on a small home for him and his family (wife and one child) and start him learning a trade he can handle. From the begining of Julian's troubles, Aragon has kept in close touch. It wasn't known to the public, but Harry Kabakoff, former manager of the stricken fighter, says Aragon has repeatedly sent money to help the fighter with food and clothing for the past year. Art was actually the first to suggest the charity bout. So this one time the Golden Boy deserves a cheer. As for the fight itself, it will mark Aragon's first start since his controversial 4th round "no decision" kayo over Charlie Sawyer in the same ring. Aragon hopes it will lead to a clash here later this year with Don Jordan for the welterweight championship-depending, of course on how Jordan comes out in his title rematch with Virgil Akins April 24 in St. Louis. Both Aragon and Guder knocked out Ramon Tiscareno, were held to draws by Frankie Belma, and beaten by Joe Miceli in fights against common opponents. However Guder doesn't have the power to play with Art on one of his better nights. I think Aragon will win in a breeze. But the big winner will be Velasquez in this one. And also the fans who take part...

Great story, Paul, but i don't think this fight ever happen. Art fought Joe Miceli after the Sawyer fight, a fight that I seen live. Remember Art been down a time or two....I remember the Velasquez/Gasporra fight well. Paul see if you can find anything on Art's last fight, it was against Alvaro Gutierrez in 1960. My wife and I were ringside for Art's last fight....I remember there being a fundraiser for Velasquez, just don't remember who fought in it.

[Cholo]

GOLDEN BOY MEETS
GUDER APRIL 25...
Art Aragon is not exactly the world's most charming personality. Most of the time he's happy to admit it. He works hard to irritate. It's part of his bread and butter. Long ago he discovered that villains make better copy, have flashier cars and are longer remembered. But the Golden Boy has decided to make an exception to his rule and momentarily play it straight. At the risk of being stamped a sentimentalist and a nice guy, Arthur has become the central figure in a charity fight April 25 at Hollywood Legion Stadium. Largely through Art's effort, the match will produce funds for former boxer Julian Velasquez, a local featherweight prospect who suffered serious brain injury last year in a bout against Eddie Gasporra at Hollywood. Surgery saved Julian's life, but he's still unable to work, and the little money he earned from boxing has long been gone. Although Art's opponent in the bout-Karl Guder-is not quite what you would call a fierce foe, the program rates support from evey ring fan. Art himself will turn over part of his purse as will Aragon's manager, Paul Caruso. There will also be a couple of small raffles and donations can be sent to "The Julian Velasquez Fund" in care of Hollywood Stadium. Altogether they hope to raise at least $2000 for Velasquez, enough to to put down on a small home for him and his family (wife and one child) and start him learning a trade he can handle. From the begining of Julian's troubles, Aragon has kept in close touch. It wasn't known to the public, but Harry Kabakoff, former manager of the stricken fighter, says Aragon has repeatedly sent money to help the fighter with food and clothing for the past year. Art was actually the first to suggest the charity bout. So this one time the Golden Boy deserves a cheer. As for the fight itself, it will mark Aragon's first start since his controversial 4th round "no decision" kayo over Charlie Sawyer in the same ring. Aragon hopes it will lead to a clash here later this year with Don Jordan for the welterweight championship-depending, of course on how Jordan comes out in his title rematch with Virgil Akins April 24 in St. Louis. Both Aragon and Guder knocked out Ramon Tiscareno, were held to draws by Frankie Belma, and beaten by Joe Miceli in fights against common opponents. However Guder doesn't have the power to play with Art on one of his better nights. I think Aragon will win in a breeze. But the big winner will be Velasquez in this one. And also the fans who take part...

Great story, Paul, but i don't think this fight ever happen. Art fought Joe Miceli after the Sawyer fight, a fight that I seen live. Remember Art been down a time or two....I remember the Velasquez/Gasporra fight well. Paul see if you can find anything on Art's last fight, it was against Alvaro Gutierrez in 1960. My wife and I were ringside for Art's last fight....I remember there being a fundraiser for Velasquez, just don't remember who fought in it.

Frank, Thanks for the Info, I also can't find any record of the Aragon/Guder fight, I'll see what I can find on the Aragon/Gutierrez fight...

[kikibalt]

Paul..

[Cholo]

ART ARAGON TAKES WORST
BEATING OF HIS CAREER...
Los Angeles, Jan. 22-Art Aragon, the "Golden Boy" of California boxing, went out last night like the champion he never became. But, as he was leaving, he hesitated-suggesting perhaps that he might be back. Aragon, a boxer for half his 32 years, said he would quit if he lost this one to Alvaro Gutierrez, a bullish clubfighter from Mexico. He lost. Art was bloody, bushed and beaten when Referee Tommy Hart stopped it in the ninth round. But if his competence was gone, his courage persisted. He was ready to go on when Hart put his arms around him and said: "It's all over Art, It's all over. " (The United Press representative at ringside said Gutierrez handed Aragon his worst beating of his 16-year career). Aragon, talkative and provocative, usually gets a lot of abuse from the fight crowd. This time, many of the 8100 at the Olympic Auditorium gave him a standing ovation, some of them shouting as though carried away by the final act of a tragic opera. Aragon, still fast with the quip though slow of arm, had nothing funny to say in the dressing room. But he didn't say what he was supposed to-that he will retire. "I want to think about it a couple of days," he said. Then the ancient fighter's lament: "I could have won if I'd fought a different fight." A writer at ringside agreed: "He could have won, all right, if the fight had been 10 years ago." Whatever Aragon decides, his manager is through with him as a fighter. Paul Caruso said he would terminate their business relationship if Aragon lost and insisted on fighting again. Aragon presented flashbacks of his former self early in the fight, even though he was knocked down for a three-count in the first round. Art had a good second round and got in some nice shots in the third, although fewer then Gutierrez. Then in the fourth, Aragon scored with a sharp combination and gave the Mexican the wobbles. Art might have been only one punch away from a knockout, but he never landed it. Aragon was obviously weary after the fourth. He accumulated punishment almost constantly from then until Hart stepped between the fighters in the ninth...

[kikibalt]

ART ARAGON TAKES WORST
BEATING OF HIS CAREER...
Los Angeles, Jan. 22-Art Aragon, the "Golden Boy" of California boxing, went out last night like the champion he never became. But, as he was leaving, he hesitated-suggesting perhaps that he might be back. Aragon, a boxer for half his 32 years, said he would quit if he lost this one to Alvaro Gutierrez, a bullish clubfighter from Mexico. He lost. Art was bloody, bushed and beaten when Referee Tommy Hart stopped it in the ninth round. But if his competence was gone, his courage persisted. He was ready to go on when Hart put his arms around him and said: "It's all over Art, It's all over. " (The United Press representative at ringside said Gutierrez handed Aragon his worst beating of his 16-year career). Aragon, talkative and provocative, usually gets a lot of abuse from the fight crowd. This time, many of the 8100 at the Olympic Auditorium gave him a standing ovation, some of them shouting as though carried away by the final act of a tragic opera. Aragon, still fast with the quip though slow of arm, had nothing funny to say in the dressing room. But he didn't say what he was supposed to-that he will retire. "I want to think about it a couple of days," he said. Then the ancient fighter's lament: "I could have won if I'd fought a different fight." A writer at ringside agreed: "He could have won, all right, if the fight had been 10 years ago." Whatever Aragon decides, his manager is through with him as a fighter. Paul Caruso said he would terminate their business relationship if Aragon lost and insisted on fighting again. Aragon presented flashbacks of his former self early in the fight, even though he was knocked down for a three-count in the first round. Art had a good second round and got in some nice shots in the third, although fewer then Gutierrez. Then in the fourth, Aragon scored with a sharp combination and gave the Mexican the wobbles. Art might have been only one punch away from a knockout, but he never landed it. Aragon was obviously weary after the fourth. He accumulated punishment almost constantly from then until Hart stepped between the fighters in the ninth...

The Golden Boy's Last Hurrah..

[Bobby A.]

I was wondering if any of the West Coast guys here remember when Nigel Benn relocated to LA. in the early 90's ? I believe he spent 3 years there.

[kikibalt]

I was wondering if any of the West Coast guys here remember when Nigel Benn relocated to LA. in the early 90's ? I believe he spent 3 years there.

Not me. that would be about the time I left the game.

[Cholo]

Aragon/Andrade...Aug. 1956.
Art Aragon, still keeping his weight a much publicized secret, moved his training camp entourage to Pop Soper's spot in Ojai today to put on the finiishing touches for his Aug. 29 match with Cisco Andrade. Under a bond to make 144 1/2 pounds, Art refused to get on the scales for the benefit of the press yesterday during drills at the Hollywood Legion Stadium. Golden Boy wouldn't weigh himself until everybody cleared out and door was locked. However, it appears he isn't having too much trouble shaving off his extra poundage, and although he still scales somewhere in the vicinity of 152 his last 10 days at Soper's figures to do the job. Incidentally, another smash crowd of over 2000 fans turned out yesterday for the "Sunday Workouts" at Hollywood.

[kikibalt]

[Randyman]

Guys, my mother suffered a heart attack last night. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks
Randy



My mother with her granddaughters and great granddaughters.

[Chuck1052]

Randy- Good luck to your mother.

- Chuck Johnston

[Randyman]

Randy- Good luck to your mother.

- Chuck Johnston

Thank you Chuck, I appreciate it. She's recovering but there a few other things that are popping up and she is very fragile now. Again, thank you.

[dagosd2000]

Randy- Good luck to your mother.

- Chuck Johnston

Thank you Chuck, I appreciate it. She's recovering but there a few other things that are popping up and she is very fragile now. Again, thank you.

Randy,Just saw the quote. Hope your Mom gets well soon. Rog

[Expug]

Randy, your Moms in my prayers.
I really hope she feels better soon.

[Rick Farris]

Randy, Monica and I are praying for your mom. Good to know she is doing a little better.

[Randyman]

Thanks, all of you! I let her know that you guys were sending a prayer her way. It brought a smile to her face. Got back a little while ago from the hospital. Had a nice visit. She's getting her appetite back.

Thanks
Randy

[Randyman]

Brian, Roger and Rick, seems like old times!! DD

[CNorkusJr]

Hi Randy- Sorry to hear about your mom, Hope she is doing better by now. Always in my Prayers.
Charlie N Jr

[CNorkusJr]

The California Boxing Hall Of Fame ad submitted to The New York State Boxing Hall Of fame for posting in its Journal. The event is April 1st in New York. Thank You Officers and Members of The California Boxing Hall Of fame for your support and our Alliance of Working together for Promoting our Sport and its heroes.
Charlie Norkus jr.

[Rick Farris]

The California Boxing Hall Of Fame ad submitted to The New York State Boxing Hall Of fame for posting in its Journal. The event is April 1st in New York. Thank You Officers and Members of The California Boxing Hall Of fame for your support and our Alliance of Working together for Promoting our Sport and its heroes.
Charlie Norkus jr.

The Past & the Future . . .

Charlie, it will be a great alliance, and a first time ever East Coast-West Coast connection among veteran boxer organizations. Looking to the present and the future success of these organizations. If we don't, who will?
Positive thoughts & energy. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. Looking forward to many trips back East in the near future. And we will welcome you here in October, as your father will be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Charlie Norkus' knockout of Charley Powell in San Francisco was a Hall of Fame performance plus. A few guys here will be there to shake your hand, as well as a few old posters, Roger Esty for one. But for now, my congratulations to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame class of 2012 inductees:

BOXERS: Sugar Ray Robinson, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basileo, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antufermo, Mike McCallum, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri.

NON-BOXERS: Harold Lederman, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Jimmy Cannon, Arthur Mercante, Bill Gallo, Steve Acunto and Jimmy Glenn.