Classic American West Coast Boxing

Randyman
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Randyman »

Image


The Last Milestone.....

Today marks the 31st anniversary of my father's death on May 7, 1981. A lifetime ago, and yet in some ways it is like yesterday for our family. There are events and dates by which we mark time in this world. My father's death is one of those marks. My father was 57 when he died from prostate cancer. I am 57, and as of September of last year I have lived on this Earth longer than my father. My father died the day before my 27th birthday. Tomorrow, I'll be 58, an age my father never reached. I will officially be older than my father. It is a day that I have thought about for so many years. Still trying to wrap my head around that concept.

This photo of my father was taken a couple of years before his death. We were in the backyard of my parents home. I remember that day well. I was no longer boxing but as was my father's way, he continued to instruct my brother and I on the value of the jab and his belief that every other punch worked off the jab. He wasn't wrong.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Randyman »

There were no real surprises during Saturday night's fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Sugar Shane Mosley. Not that I wasn't hoping for Mosley to pull the rabbit out of the hat one more time, as he did in his fight with Antonio Margarito back in 2009. Alvarez, was just too young and too strong. Mosley, ever the warrior had nothing left in the tank but heart and courage and he never stopped trying.

Despite winning the fight hands down over Mosley, Canelo seemed almost passive at times. There were times in the fight where it seemed if he would have opened up with a long sustained barrage of punches he might have dropped or stopped Mosley. Maybe it was just hard to reconcile fighting one of his boyhood idols. Just Speculating on that.

Far be it for me to presume to tell any man when to retire, that's a private decision between him and his family, still as a fan of the sport of boxing and as a long time fan of Mosley, I can't help but hope that he fought his last fight Saturday. At times it was painful to watch, as it always is when a fighter reaches the end.

In his last four fights, Mosley has lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and now Saul Alvarez. He also earned a lackluster draw with Sergio Mora at the staples Center in Los Angeles. There is nowhere else to go and nothing left to prove. Personally, I believe the Mosley of , say, 1999, could have won any of those fights but that Sugar Shane Mosley no longer exists. There is no shame in growing older. It's out of our control. The shame comes later when a fighter cannot or will not come to terms with his age or the loss of his skills and reflexes, and suffers needless damage. Here' hoping that the great and much loved Sugar Shane Mosley, escapes that trap.

Alvarez on the other hand is still an ongoing work in process. Despite his unanimous win over Mosley, Canelo, strong and confident, still needs a lot of work and experience before he faces the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr or Manny Pacquiao.

The fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Miguel Cotto has given me a new found respect for both fighters. We always knew that Cotto was a proven warrior but he gave Mayweather a much better fight than any of us thought he would. Mayweather won that fight, there's no argument there, but Cotto made Floyd work harder than anyone else has to date. Mayweather, bloodied and bruised, was forced to fight, and he did. The fight itself, while exciting, was not so much a great fight as much as a damned good one but it did give us a glimpse into the character of both fighters. I enjoyed the fight.

So did Mayweather change his style for this fight because at 34 he is finally slowing down? Or because, as he says, he wanted to give the fans their money's worth? So did Cotto really up his game for Mayweather? Hard to tell right now.

So we are still left with the question “What about Mayweather vs Pacquiao?” No one has the answer.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by CNorkusJr »

Happy Birthday Randy. I realize that this birthday is somewhat of a personal milestone for you, and I wish it would have been at 80 years of age and not 58.Your dad sounds like he was a fine gentleman.
I too, have the same thoughts over and over, as my father passed at 68 years of age, and I at 55 yrs of age, hope to surpass that number as well, but there a few things that go against that for me nowadays. That 68 will be a milestone for me as well as 58 is for you.
Meeting you in October will be a nice and meaningful thing for me.

Your writing on Cotto-Mayweather I thought was very good intraperspection.
I did watch the fight, and luckily-some good friend of mine gave me the British website link that gets you USA PPV fights for nothing on the computer.
(It does have its moments-like limited HD,intermittant pauses and lose of signal at moments that require re-downloading the site but I did see 99% of the fight and the fight card in its entirety). I dont know if the USA PPV broadcast had the same announcers (one guy was Bontam ?)but I thought the announcing was atrocious and probably described as scandalous as the announcers were heavily biased towards Mayweather. Absolutely the worst announcing I ever seen and heard. It was like Mayweather paid these goofs out of his pocket to report the fight. The chat room located next to the fight picture on the website was beside itself with the announcing tactics. Very bad, and that fact alone will keep me away from purchasing PPV broadcasts if the same guys do the talking feed again.
It made Larry Merchant sound like JJ Leiblings writings.

Personally, I thought Mayweather "tried" to take the night off in his boxing prowess. I think he underestimated Cotto's constant attack once Cotto got into a rythym(Rd 3).
I feel Mayweather wanted to walk through Cotto to show the world that no opponent can match him skill wise and can give him a match, so he can continue to tell the world that he is absolute Best. Cotto I felt gave him a great fight, much more than Mayweather had hoped that he wouldnt, so Mayweather had to fight back, or back pedal to stay clear of Cottos punches. The head butt cutting Cotto's eye early, I dont think was intentional, but Mayweather could draw on the frustration tactics if he had wished.
No doubt, like you said, that Mayweather won the fight, but I think he underestimated Cotto, and I think we all agree, hoped Cotto would have landed a more convincing jab or hook to really let Mayweather feel his age. Floyd was in great shape and I still feel a Mayweather- Pacman bout will be a tell all.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by raylawpc »

I hope you have a good birthday tomorrow Randy. Enjoy the day!
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Cholo »

kikibalt wrote:Image

Art Aragon and a former wife re-marry. When asked what was the best thing he'd done during his time in L.A. Art replied "divorce my third wife"

Could this be the one? :lol:
Art, always had an answer, we miss the likes of Art Aragon these days.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Golden State Boxers' Association
Presents the 1st Annual
"Don Fraser"
Lifetime Achievement Award - 2008
*this year's award will be presented
to the father/son combination boxers~

Father/Son Honorees

Frank Sr./Frank Jr./ Tony Baltazar & Bobby Baltazar

Bob/Orlando & Ramon De La Fuente

Eduardo/Robert Garcia

Pat/Chuck/Erik & PJ Goosen

Lenny/Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini

Jack/Sugar Shane Mosley

Ray/Mando Ramos

Sonny/Randy Shields

Charles/Jeremy Williams

**Special Award Howie/Carol Steindler

April 12th - Saturday - Steven's Steakhouse
jimsavala
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by jimsavala »

Here is a pic of my Dad, do any of you old gladiators remember him??

Jimmy Savala
Image
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

jimsavala wrote:Here is a pic of my Dad, do any of you old gladiators remember him??

Jimmy Savala
Image
Jim, I remember your dad well. I seen him fight live once in the early '50's, I believe it was at Hollywood Legion, I don't remember who he fought that nite....I also knew of his career, thought he fought most of his fight in Northern Cal
jimsavala
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by jimsavala »

heard San Francisco and San Jose were his favorites...I was to young (1954) but was told I visited at the gym with him towards the end of his career.
kikibalt
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

jimsavala wrote:heard San Francisco and San Jose were his favorites...I was to young (1954) but was told I visited at the gym with him towards the end of his career.
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_ ... &cat=boxer

Looking at his record I see that he fought the top California fighters of his era
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by bennie »

Randyman wrote:Image


The Last Milestone.....

Today marks the 31st anniversary of my father's death on May 7, 1981. A lifetime ago, and yet in some ways it is like yesterday for our family. There are events and dates by which we mark time in this world. My father's death is one of those marks. My father was 57 when he died from prostate cancer. I am 57, and as of September of last year I have lived on this Earth longer than my father. My father died the day before my 27th birthday. Tomorrow, I'll be 58, an age my father never reached. I will officially be older than my father. It is a day that I have thought about for so many years. Still trying to wrap my head around that concept.

This photo of my father was taken a couple of years before his death. We were in the backyard of my parents home. I remember that day well. I was no longer boxing but as was my father's way, he continued to instruct my brother and I on the value of the jab and his belief that every other punch worked off the jab. He wasn't wrong.
Great post, Randy.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image

Ray Lampkin was born in January 1947

He was 28, when he fought Roberto Duran in March 1975.

Started fighting as an Amateur at Age 8 (1955).

Won '5' Golden Gloves Titles.

At age 21, he won the 1968 British Columbia, Canada 'Golden Boy' Title at 132 lbs. (Lightweight).

Turned Professional on July 28, 1968 (Managed by; Mike Morton and Trained by; Harry Moyer)

Fought for Northwest Boxing Promoter, Sam Singer. (Usually for $300 per bout at the Sports Arena in Portland)

Was undefeated in his first 20-bouts 19-0-1 (6 KO's).

January 11, 1973 - lost his first bout (12-Round Decision) to Esteban DeJesus 34-1-0, in Puerto Rico for the vacant NABF Lightweight Title

Rebounded with '2' quick wins, including an impressive {KO 8} over #9 Light-Welterweight 'Chu Chu' Malave 19-3-2

July 14, 1973 - lost another hard-fought 12-Round Decision to Esteban DeJesus for the NABF Lightweight Title in New York City

Stance; Orthodox
Style; Pure-Stylist Boxer
Best Punch; Left-jab
Noted For; Lightning-fast combinations ('Lightning Ray') and quick footwork
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image
Chuck1052
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Chuck1052 »

I remember when Roberto Duran defending his world lightweight title in a great bout with Ray Lampkin in Duran's home country, Panama. Lampklin boxed beautifully and built up an early lead before being knocked out and sustaining critical injuries in a late round, resulting in being hospitalized. Afterwards, it appeared that Lampkin showed some ill effects in a later bout, which was duly reported and resulted in a scheduled California bout with Vilomar Fernandez being cancelled. As I recall, Lampkin retired after he was stopped in an early round by Randy Shields in a bout staged in Lampkin's hometown of Portland.

- Chuck Johnston
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Chuck1052 wrote:I remember when Roberto Duran defending his world lightweight title in a great bout with Ray Lampkin in Duran's home country, Panama. Lampklin boxed beautifully and built up an early lead before being knocked out and sustaining critical injuries in a late round, resulting in being hospitalized. Afterwards, it appeared that Lampkin showed some ill effects in a later bout, which was duly reported and resulted in a scheduled California bout with Vilomar Fernandez being cancelled. As I recall, Lampkin retired after he was stopped in an early round by Randy Shields in a bout staged in Lampkin's hometown of Portland.

- Chuck Johnston
Thanks Chuck for that bit of info... :TU:
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image

A very young Roberto Duran... :box:
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Cholo »

kikibalt wrote:Image

A very young Roberto Duran... :box:
Frank, :TU:
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Paul.. :TU: :TU:
Randyman
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by Randyman »

Chuck1052 wrote:I remember when Roberto Duran defending his world lightweight title in a great bout with Ray Lampkin in Duran's home country, Panama. Lampklin boxed beautifully and built up an early lead before being knocked out and sustaining critical injuries in a late round, resulting in being hospitalized. Afterwards, it appeared that Lampkin showed some ill effects in a later bout, which was duly reported and resulted in a scheduled California bout with Vilomar Fernandez being cancelled. As I recall, Lampkin retired after he was stopped in an early round by Randy Shields in a bout staged in Lampkin's hometown of Portland.

- Chuck Johnston
In the post fight interview, I don't recall who the interviewer was, Duran's reply to a question was "Next time I keel him"! I believe he was serious.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Randyman wrote:
Chuck1052 wrote:I remember when Roberto Duran defending his world lightweight title in a great bout with Ray Lampkin in Duran's home country, Panama. Lampklin boxed beautifully and built up an early lead before being knocked out and sustaining critical injuries in a late round, resulting in being hospitalized. Afterwards, it appeared that Lampkin showed some ill effects in a later bout, which was duly reported and resulted in a scheduled California bout with Vilomar Fernandez being cancelled. As I recall, Lampkin retired after he was stopped in an early round by Randy Shields in a bout staged in Lampkin's hometown of Portland.

- Chuck Johnston
In the post fight interview, I don't recall who the interviewer was, Duran's reply to a question was "Next time I keel him"! I believe he was serious.
:lol: :lol:
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image
Duran/Palomino June,22.1979 Madison Sq. Garden.

Roberto moved up to Welterweight and outclassed Palomino, won every round.
What a complete fighter "El Cholo" was, photo signed by Carlos.-Paul
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image
kikibalt
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_ ... &cat=boxer

Don Fraser just called me to let me know that former featherweight champion, Raul Rojas passed away this morning
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by bennie »

That's sad news about Rojas.
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing

Post by kikibalt »

Image

Frank,

The great Enrique Bolanos on the cover of the Knockout.
I got myself a copy of the Bolanos/Williams fight, the one on youtube.
Enrique boxed great and should have gotten the decision.

Paul
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