The Free Safety
"Draw me a draft,"I said to Ed the bartender as was wipng the counter off. It was a hazy bright morning and I could see the rays of the sun shing through the front door. Champ's Lounge didn't get much of a workout in the morning,but it was quiet inside and with age that's how I liked my bars.
"Did you watch any of the playoffs?he asked as he drew the beer from the spigot.
"I saw the second game."
Ed put the glass down in front of me.
"The Pats were big favorites at home,"he said.
"It was quite an upset."
"The Ravens started shaky,but they pulled together in the second half."
"I think their coach has a lot to do with motivating that team."
"You're right,"said Ed. "There's no excuses to be made with him."
"I noticed Belichik didn't want to be interviewed after the game."
"I saw that,"said Ed.
After the game in the Pats locker room they sent out one of the players to talk to the television media. It was their safety,Courtney. You could tell he'd been through a tough four quarters.He seemed a bit distant.
"They were better than us today,"he said to the announcer. He was speaking softly and carefully. There was no emotion on his face.
"Do you think that playing each other so many times was to one teams advantage?"asked the announcer.
"No. We knew each other pretty well. We prepared,but they made more big plays and we made more mistakes."
There fell a silence. There didn't seem like there was anything more to ask.
"Well thank you for your time,"said the announcer. "I know it was a tough loss."
"No problem,"said the athlete and he turned to walk back to the locker room."
Ed poured himself a ginger ale.
"Well Roger,I guess Belichick took it pretty hard."
"Not any harder than the rest of his guys."
"Yep,I guess your right."
"I'm sure the commisioner will fine him for not coming out."
Classic American West Coast Boxing
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Last edited by dagosd2000 on 21 Jan 2013, 19:24, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
This is one of my favorite Roger Esty portraits: Eddie Machen!dagosd2000 wrote:
Eddie Machen
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
dagosd2000 wrote:
"Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom
Nice, Rog!Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Another Roger Esty favorite!dagosd2000 wrote:
Pipino Cuevas
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Martin Luther King Jr.
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Rick Farris and Randy De La O
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Pops Hanley and Maria Esty
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Pops Hanley
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Peter Jackson
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
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Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Brenda
Yesterday morning I drove down to Tijuana to get a painting framed. I've been going to the same place ever since I started painting. The senora that owns the shop has her daughter helping her. There's also a couple of workers that do the framing. When it's busy you'll see the mother and daughter framing also. The woman,whose name is Esther,is old and dignified.She always is dressed very nicely. She has lived in Tijuana since the 40's. Her husband died years ago. On the counter there is a photograph of her and her children,grandchildren,and great grandchildren. There is also a much older black and white photograph on the counter with her husband and children. She is holding a baby. Her husband is standing on the side of the picture.
"Hola Rogelio,"she said to me as I entered.
"Hola senora. Como estas?"
"Muy bien y tu?"
"Bien gracias."
The shop was full of paintings on the walls. She very seldom sold a painting. She made her living framing other people's paintings and photographs.
I had painted a portrait of my grand daughter's Flamenco instructor. It was going to be her birthday and I wanted to surprise her with the painting. I need it to be framed.
"What kind of frame you want,?"asked Esther.
"You always know what's the best one,"I answered.
"Ok,"she smiled."you come back in half hour."
I walked up the half block to Revolution Street. I thought I'd look around the curio shops. I thought I might stumble on a picture of the old Jai Alai Palace.I used to go there a lot.I wasn't into betting that much but watching the Basques with their cestas performing acrobatic moves was something that i had never seen before.
Not so long ago when the economy was still holding its own there were more shops open .The quality of the items were better. Stained glass,blown glass,black pottery,turquoise jewelry,paper machet figures, and onyx statues were abundant along Revolution Street. Many of the old landmarks had dissapeared. The Old Heidelburg restaurant that was owned by a German/Mexican family that served German food and had the veranda above the restaurant where we'd drink German beer and listen to the Latin jazz musicians. They had replaced it witha 99 cent store .The Long Bar that spread the width of the entire block and had the mirrors that made you look funny when you walked in was no longer there. It was now a super market. The night clubs were gone. The Jai Alai Palace was now a sports book.
I stood in front of the first store I saw. There weren't many shops left anymore. Store fronts were mostly closed with grafitti writing all over the doors.A man came out of the store when I stopped.
"Mister. You want to buy a Rolex watch?"
"A real Rolex watch,"I said lowering my eyebrows.
"Of course. A real Rolex watch."
"Well I'm a little short on cash."
"We have everything inside that you want,"he said.
"I'm looking for an old picture of the Fronton Palacio. The Jai Alai Palace."
The man looked puzzled. A woman came out from the back.
"Mister I look for you,"she said.
She walked me to a stack of pictures in wooden frames that were on the floor. They were pictures of Tijuana taken back in the 50's. I thought I had gotten lucky,but there was no picture of the Jai Alai Palace.Just then the man came over with a picture.
"Here. I find what you looking for."
It was an old picture of some buldings. At the bottom was written "Edificios Commerciales."
No,"I said looking at the picture. "This is not the Jai Alai Palace."
"But it is . Look you see."
A girl from behind the counter shouted at us,"Arriba!"
Up on the wall hung a picture of the old Fronton Palacio.
"That's what I want,"I said.
"Oh yes ,"said the man,"I told you."
"How much?"
"This is very rare. One of a kind."
The picture was a copy of an old photograph. It was about 8 by 10 inches.
"For you 50 dollars."
"That's too much,"I said.
"This is very rare. See it is in a frame.40 dollars"
I had some Mexican money in my wallet from the last time me and the wife were in Michoacan. I had little use for it in the States.
"I'll pay in Mexican money,"I said.
I pulled out two two hundred peso notes.
"Here,"I said. "This is 40 dollars."
"No. I use the calculator"said the man.
He shook me down for another five dollar bill.
The woman wrapped the picture in newspaer and put it in a black plastic bag.
"Gracias,"she said looking into my eyes.
"I bet that picture was hanging there for the last ten years."
"Oh no,"she said."I change them everyday."
I started to walk back to Esther's frame shop. The painting was ready. She had put it in a gold leaf frame with wire backing. The corners of the frame were wrapped in paper for protection.
"Muy bien. Buen hecho."
"You like ? I think it looks nice."
"It is very nice."
She charged me 15 dollars.
Her daughter smiled and came up to me. She was holding a chihuaha.
The dog had on a little sweater.
"This is 'Chiki',"she said.
"It's a pretty dog."
"Thank you."
The dog jumped down and followed Esther to the back room.
"The dog loves my mother,"The daughter said.
I said good by to everyone.
"Always good to see you,"said Esther as she came back up front with the dog walking by her legs.
"Luego. Gracias",I said and walked to my car in the parking
lot.
As I payed the fellow at the booth I saw an old man standing next to a burro. They were standing in the street. It was one of those striped painted gray and white burros that pull the wagon that the tourists take their pictures on. The paint on the old burro was faded and cracked. The burro's hind leg was crooked and off the ground. It's ribs were showing. I pointed at the animal
"Como se llama?"
"Brenda,"smiled the man with the burro."She too old.Can't pull the wagon no more. I wait for the truck. Take her to where they make the soap."
As I pulled out of the lot,I thought about what kind of life that burro had. Then i thought about the painting in the back seat of my car. I'm sure my grand daughter's teacher would be very happy.
Yesterday morning I drove down to Tijuana to get a painting framed. I've been going to the same place ever since I started painting. The senora that owns the shop has her daughter helping her. There's also a couple of workers that do the framing. When it's busy you'll see the mother and daughter framing also. The woman,whose name is Esther,is old and dignified.She always is dressed very nicely. She has lived in Tijuana since the 40's. Her husband died years ago. On the counter there is a photograph of her and her children,grandchildren,and great grandchildren. There is also a much older black and white photograph on the counter with her husband and children. She is holding a baby. Her husband is standing on the side of the picture.
"Hola Rogelio,"she said to me as I entered.
"Hola senora. Como estas?"
"Muy bien y tu?"
"Bien gracias."
The shop was full of paintings on the walls. She very seldom sold a painting. She made her living framing other people's paintings and photographs.
I had painted a portrait of my grand daughter's Flamenco instructor. It was going to be her birthday and I wanted to surprise her with the painting. I need it to be framed.
"What kind of frame you want,?"asked Esther.
"You always know what's the best one,"I answered.
"Ok,"she smiled."you come back in half hour."
I walked up the half block to Revolution Street. I thought I'd look around the curio shops. I thought I might stumble on a picture of the old Jai Alai Palace.I used to go there a lot.I wasn't into betting that much but watching the Basques with their cestas performing acrobatic moves was something that i had never seen before.
Not so long ago when the economy was still holding its own there were more shops open .The quality of the items were better. Stained glass,blown glass,black pottery,turquoise jewelry,paper machet figures, and onyx statues were abundant along Revolution Street. Many of the old landmarks had dissapeared. The Old Heidelburg restaurant that was owned by a German/Mexican family that served German food and had the veranda above the restaurant where we'd drink German beer and listen to the Latin jazz musicians. They had replaced it witha 99 cent store .The Long Bar that spread the width of the entire block and had the mirrors that made you look funny when you walked in was no longer there. It was now a super market. The night clubs were gone. The Jai Alai Palace was now a sports book.
I stood in front of the first store I saw. There weren't many shops left anymore. Store fronts were mostly closed with grafitti writing all over the doors.A man came out of the store when I stopped.
"Mister. You want to buy a Rolex watch?"
"A real Rolex watch,"I said lowering my eyebrows.
"Of course. A real Rolex watch."
"Well I'm a little short on cash."
"We have everything inside that you want,"he said.
"I'm looking for an old picture of the Fronton Palacio. The Jai Alai Palace."
The man looked puzzled. A woman came out from the back.
"Mister I look for you,"she said.
She walked me to a stack of pictures in wooden frames that were on the floor. They were pictures of Tijuana taken back in the 50's. I thought I had gotten lucky,but there was no picture of the Jai Alai Palace.Just then the man came over with a picture.
"Here. I find what you looking for."
It was an old picture of some buldings. At the bottom was written "Edificios Commerciales."
No,"I said looking at the picture. "This is not the Jai Alai Palace."
"But it is . Look you see."
A girl from behind the counter shouted at us,"Arriba!"
Up on the wall hung a picture of the old Fronton Palacio.
"That's what I want,"I said.
"Oh yes ,"said the man,"I told you."
"How much?"
"This is very rare. One of a kind."
The picture was a copy of an old photograph. It was about 8 by 10 inches.
"For you 50 dollars."
"That's too much,"I said.
"This is very rare. See it is in a frame.40 dollars"
I had some Mexican money in my wallet from the last time me and the wife were in Michoacan. I had little use for it in the States.
"I'll pay in Mexican money,"I said.
I pulled out two two hundred peso notes.
"Here,"I said. "This is 40 dollars."
"No. I use the calculator"said the man.
He shook me down for another five dollar bill.
The woman wrapped the picture in newspaer and put it in a black plastic bag.
"Gracias,"she said looking into my eyes.
"I bet that picture was hanging there for the last ten years."
"Oh no,"she said."I change them everyday."
I started to walk back to Esther's frame shop. The painting was ready. She had put it in a gold leaf frame with wire backing. The corners of the frame were wrapped in paper for protection.
"Muy bien. Buen hecho."
"You like ? I think it looks nice."
"It is very nice."
She charged me 15 dollars.
Her daughter smiled and came up to me. She was holding a chihuaha.
The dog had on a little sweater.
"This is 'Chiki',"she said.
"It's a pretty dog."
"Thank you."
The dog jumped down and followed Esther to the back room.
"The dog loves my mother,"The daughter said.
I said good by to everyone.
"Always good to see you,"said Esther as she came back up front with the dog walking by her legs.
"Luego. Gracias",I said and walked to my car in the parking
lot.
As I payed the fellow at the booth I saw an old man standing next to a burro. They were standing in the street. It was one of those striped painted gray and white burros that pull the wagon that the tourists take their pictures on. The paint on the old burro was faded and cracked. The burro's hind leg was crooked and off the ground. It's ribs were showing. I pointed at the animal
"Como se llama?"
"Brenda,"smiled the man with the burro."She too old.Can't pull the wagon no more. I wait for the truck. Take her to where they make the soap."
As I pulled out of the lot,I thought about what kind of life that burro had. Then i thought about the painting in the back seat of my car. I'm sure my grand daughter's teacher would be very happy.
Last edited by dagosd2000 on 24 Jan 2013, 23:52, edited 1 time in total.
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jose potrillo lopez
- Cruiserweight
- Posts: 8
- Joined: 26 Sep 2010, 21:48
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
bennie wrote:Thanks for the breakdown, Rodolfo.El Gato wrote:This post is for all readers---
Back in my era there were many good fighters coming out of Mexico City, some were from Guadalajara and some were from Baja California. I knew quite a few of them, but I lost track of most of them. Maybe some of you readers know who they are and where they are today.
Kid Anahua--- I was his sparring partner when I was 14 years old. He was such a great boxer and I would get so frustrated because I couldn't hit him. He won a decision against Sugar Ramos and that same night I fought the 10 round semi main. I won by KO which was among my first 35 consecutive knockouts.
Mario Diaz---Another excellent boxer. I used to watch him train in Guadalajara but never fought him.
Torito Mota--- He reminded me of Dwight Hawkins. He always kept on coming at his opponent with devastating body punches. He also trained in Guadalajara. I only knew him slightly.
Alfredo "Molote" Cota, Jose "Potrillo" Lopez and Jesus Pimentel were also great fighters but I never fought or sparred with any of them.
Efren "Alacran" Torres, his older brother, Moy Torres and Vicente "El Tortas" Garcia were three more that I knew very well. We all trained together at the same gym in Guadalajara and we helped each other sparring before each fight.
Hector Agundez, Colimote Gutierrez, Surdo Pina, and Raul Soriano were big name fighters, all of them from Baja but I never met any of them in person.
El Gato
My father is Potrillo Lopez he lives in San Ysido. Also owns some property in Otay Tijuana and downtown Tijuana. He is near his 80s but physically stme has stod still for him.
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Mistaken Identity
"Just a soda water"I asked the barteder. He must have been a new guy. He was young. Sandy hair and a thin red mustache. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
"Are you new?" I asked him.
"Oh yes,"he said with a smile. "Today is my first day. I'm a friend of Burke's grandson."
The place had just opened up. The haze from the sun was warming up the inside.
"You from San Diego?"
"I grew up here. Known Burke since I was a little kid."
"Ever tended bar before?"
"I was a waiter in one of the big hotels in Maui the past five years."
"Why'd you come back."
"Too many big hotels and not enough tourists"he said.
"By the way. My name is Roger."
I extended my hand.
The kid shook it kind of fast.
"Oh. My name is Terry. Glad to meet you. Burke is giving me a couple of mornings until I get my feet on the ground again."
"I thought I might run into Burke,"I said. "I was back in Colorado at an art show and saw Gene Fullmer."
"Isn't she the famous movie actress ?"
"No. Gene Fullmer is a man. He was the middle weight champ once. Burke and him sparred together back in New York."
"Ever watch UFC? There's a championship match on Pay Per View this Saturday."
"Sometimes. But I don't pay to watch sports on television."
The kid stood there with his hands in his pockets.
"You mentioned an art show"he said. "Are you a painter?"
"I don't make my living by it."
"I'm really into Picasso,"said the kid. "He could really paint awesome landscapes."
I finished my club soda.
"Well I've get to get a run on.Nice meeting you Terry. Best of luck. I want to get to Balboa Park before all the traffic starts to back up. Jimmy Carter is going to be there later in the day."
"Isn't he the country western singer?"
I put down a dollar on the counter.
"Well it was nice meeting you Terry. Tell Burke I was in and say Gene Fullmer says hello. I'll explain later."
"I sure will,"said the kid. "By the way it was nice talking to you Robert."
"Just a soda water"I asked the barteder. He must have been a new guy. He was young. Sandy hair and a thin red mustache. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
"Are you new?" I asked him.
"Oh yes,"he said with a smile. "Today is my first day. I'm a friend of Burke's grandson."
The place had just opened up. The haze from the sun was warming up the inside.
"You from San Diego?"
"I grew up here. Known Burke since I was a little kid."
"Ever tended bar before?"
"I was a waiter in one of the big hotels in Maui the past five years."
"Why'd you come back."
"Too many big hotels and not enough tourists"he said.
"By the way. My name is Roger."
I extended my hand.
The kid shook it kind of fast.
"Oh. My name is Terry. Glad to meet you. Burke is giving me a couple of mornings until I get my feet on the ground again."
"I thought I might run into Burke,"I said. "I was back in Colorado at an art show and saw Gene Fullmer."
"Isn't she the famous movie actress ?"
"No. Gene Fullmer is a man. He was the middle weight champ once. Burke and him sparred together back in New York."
"Ever watch UFC? There's a championship match on Pay Per View this Saturday."
"Sometimes. But I don't pay to watch sports on television."
The kid stood there with his hands in his pockets.
"You mentioned an art show"he said. "Are you a painter?"
"I don't make my living by it."
"I'm really into Picasso,"said the kid. "He could really paint awesome landscapes."
I finished my club soda.
"Well I've get to get a run on.Nice meeting you Terry. Best of luck. I want to get to Balboa Park before all the traffic starts to back up. Jimmy Carter is going to be there later in the day."
"Isn't he the country western singer?"
I put down a dollar on the counter.
"Well it was nice meeting you Terry. Tell Burke I was in and say Gene Fullmer says hello. I'll explain later."
"I sure will,"said the kid. "By the way it was nice talking to you Robert."
Last edited by dagosd2000 on 23 Jan 2013, 14:38, edited 1 time in total.
-
dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Johnny Dundee
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Jose "Portillo" Lopez . . .jose potrillo lopez wrote:bennie wrote:Thanks for the breakdown, Rodolfo.El Gato wrote:This post is for all readers---
Back in my era there were many good fighters coming out of Mexico City, some were from Guadalajara and some were from Baja California. I knew quite a few of them, but I lost track of most of them. Maybe some of you readers know who they are and where they are today.
Kid Anahua--- I was his sparring partner when I was 14 years old. He was such a great boxer and I would get so frustrated because I couldn't hit him. He won a decision against Sugar Ramos and that same night I fought the 10 round semi main. I won by KO which was among my first 35 consecutive knockouts.
Mario Diaz---Another excellent boxer. I used to watch him train in Guadalajara but never fought him.
Torito Mota--- He reminded me of Dwight Hawkins. He always kept on coming at his opponent with devastating body punches. He also trained in Guadalajara. I only knew him slightly.
Alfredo "Molote" Cota, Jose "Potrillo" Lopez and Jesus Pimentel were also great fighters but I never fought or sparred with any of them.
Efren "Alacran" Torres, his older brother, Moy Torres and Vicente "El Tortas" Garcia were three more that I knew very well. We all trained together at the same gym in Guadalajara and we helped each other sparring before each fight.
Hector Agundez, Colimote Gutierrez, Surdo Pina, and Raul Soriano were big name fighters, all of them from Baja but I never met any of them in person.
El Gato
My father is Potrillo Lopez he lives in San Ysido. Also owns some property in Otay Tijuana and downtown Tijuana. He is near his 80s but physically stme has stod still for him.
Aracelo, it's been great communicating with you recently on the California State Boxng Hall of Fame Facebook Page.
As I mentioned to you, I saw your dad fight live at the Olympic.
In 1965, I was 13 years old and at the Olympic Auditorium with my grandfather & dad, when your dad fought Norman Parra for the California Bantamweight Championship.
It was on the undercard of the Hurricane Carter-Luis Rodriguez match.
The fight was a televised 12-round State title bout, and your dad lost a close decision.
Ironically, I just put Norman Parra up for induction into the California Boxing Hall of Fame this past October.
I was Vice President of the CBHOF last year and I brought his fight with your father to the attention of the organization.
Your father has fought so many great champions and contenders, his match with Jesus Pimentel comes to mind, and so many others.
Without question your father should be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame! His record is proof.
I am no longer involved with the CBHOF, but believe you should put his name up for induction.
Don Fraser is the President and founder of the CBHOF. His phone number is 818/761-4887.
Call Don, tell him you believe your dad is qualified and make sure he has a copy of your dad's record.
Don is not on-line and does not have access to the more accurate Boxrec records. He uses an inaccurate Ring Record Book.
So you should print out your dad's record for Don to review, and mail it to him. I can provide you with the CBHOF mailing address.
If you stay on him, your dad will be inducted. Baltazar? He is not really involved, occasionally he types for Don.
I don't expect the organization to be around much longer but they have scheduled an event for October.
You should contact Don and nominate your father. You might remind him your dad fought Parra for the State title, and Pimentel.
Perhaps Mr. Fraser will put him in? Also Frank Baltazar is Fraser's Internet secretary, you should see if he will submit your dad's name?
Let's see if they will step up and see a legitimate candidate is inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
If they don't step up, I'll do soemthing at an event (not a HOF) I will hold in 2014.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
In a Hall of Fame that will induct a Rick Farris or Frank Baltazar, I think this guy is more than qualified . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jose Portillo Lopez
bantamweight
alias Portillo
Mexico
residence Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
won 34 (KO 15) + lost 5 (KO 3) + drawn 2 = 41
rounds boxed 306 KO% 36.59
1968-03-31 116 Armando Villa 117 19-8-2
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1966-08-29 118 Manuel Tarazon 119 6-25-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico D PTS 10 10
1966-06-27 118 Evaristo Salinas 117 33-35-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico L TKO 10 10
1965-08-26 118 Norman Parra 118 13-1-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L UD 12 12
vacant USA California State bantamweight title
1965-05-20 119 Daniel Valdez 119 18-13-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W UD 10 10
referee: Joey Olmos 5-3 | judge: John Thomas 5-3 | judge: Tommy Hart 7-3
1965-04-23 117 Jorge Baby Salazar 117½ 40-19-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA D TD 5 12
referee: John Thomas
vacant USA California State bantamweight title
Salazar trailed on points, however he could do no worse than a draw under California rules.
1965-03-26 118 Hector Agundez 119 21-24-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 7 10
time: 1:12
1965-03-05 118 Jose Cejuda 119 13-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 5 10
time: 1:58 | referee: Lee Grossman
Cejuda was knocked down twice in the 4th and twice in the 5th round.
1964-11-07 Manuel Tarazon 6-20-0
Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico W KO 4
1964-06-13 111 Luis Gonzalez 111 12-3-0
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico L KO 5 10
Boxing News June 26, 1964/1965 Ring Record Book.
1964-04-18 116 Evaristo Salinas 119 29-30-1
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1963-08-16 118 Jesus Pimentel 117½ 33-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L TKO 8 10
time: 2:03 | referee: Lee Grossman
Cut eye stoppage
1963-05-27 Ernesto Barrera 21-12-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 10 10
1963-04-05 117 Joe Valdez 118¼ 5-7-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 8 10
time: 1:25
1963-02-21 118 Manuel Tarazon 120 1-5-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 8 10
referee: John Thomas
1963-01-18 117 Stanley Davis 117½ 6-8-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 3 10
time: 1:28
1962-12-28 116½ Apolonio Salinas 116½ 10-0-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 4 10
1962-11-16 Ramiro Yaqui Nides 3-3-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 6
1962-09-09 Nacho Mendoza 4-2-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-08-10 Ray Valdez 2-3-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-07-02 122 Roberto Luna 124 3-2-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-05-28 122 Bombero Mendoza 124 0-1-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-04-19 Hector Agundez 14-15-1
San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosí, Mexico L PTS 10 10
1962-03-09 Bombero Mendoza
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-10-28 121 Changui Guerra 122 1-0-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-07-03 Chatito Ochoa 10-7-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-06-03 117 Abe Villa 118 14-13-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 6 10
1961-04-10 Carlos Olivares 2-5-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-02-19 Cuate Sanchez 1-0-1
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-01-15 125 Cornelio Vega 122 2-2-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 6
1960-11-10 Sergio Rodriguez 1-1-0
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1960-09-02 121 Arturo Vingochea 118 1-1-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1960-06-12 Baby Rios 3-17-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 8 8
1959-09-10 Kid Maneca
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 4 4
1959-07-09 Surdo Montalvo
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-05-14 Jose Higuera
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-04-16 Bernie Montano
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-02-19 Kid Mango
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1959-02-12 Luis Munoz 4-7-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1959-01-22 Adolfo Quezada
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 3
1959-01-15 Jose Chavez
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 4 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jose Portillo Lopez
bantamweight
alias Portillo
Mexico
residence Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
won 34 (KO 15) + lost 5 (KO 3) + drawn 2 = 41
rounds boxed 306 KO% 36.59
1968-03-31 116 Armando Villa 117 19-8-2
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1966-08-29 118 Manuel Tarazon 119 6-25-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico D PTS 10 10
1966-06-27 118 Evaristo Salinas 117 33-35-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico L TKO 10 10
1965-08-26 118 Norman Parra 118 13-1-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L UD 12 12
vacant USA California State bantamweight title
1965-05-20 119 Daniel Valdez 119 18-13-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W UD 10 10
referee: Joey Olmos 5-3 | judge: John Thomas 5-3 | judge: Tommy Hart 7-3
1965-04-23 117 Jorge Baby Salazar 117½ 40-19-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA D TD 5 12
referee: John Thomas
vacant USA California State bantamweight title
Salazar trailed on points, however he could do no worse than a draw under California rules.
1965-03-26 118 Hector Agundez 119 21-24-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 7 10
time: 1:12
1965-03-05 118 Jose Cejuda 119 13-14-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 5 10
time: 1:58 | referee: Lee Grossman
Cejuda was knocked down twice in the 4th and twice in the 5th round.
1964-11-07 Manuel Tarazon 6-20-0
Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico W KO 4
1964-06-13 111 Luis Gonzalez 111 12-3-0
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico L KO 5 10
Boxing News June 26, 1964/1965 Ring Record Book.
1964-04-18 116 Evaristo Salinas 119 29-30-1
Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1963-08-16 118 Jesus Pimentel 117½ 33-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L TKO 8 10
time: 2:03 | referee: Lee Grossman
Cut eye stoppage
1963-05-27 Ernesto Barrera 21-12-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 10 10
1963-04-05 117 Joe Valdez 118¼ 5-7-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 8 10
time: 1:25
1963-02-21 118 Manuel Tarazon 120 1-5-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 8 10
referee: John Thomas
1963-01-18 117 Stanley Davis 117½ 6-8-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 3 10
time: 1:28
1962-12-28 116½ Apolonio Salinas 116½ 10-0-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 4 10
1962-11-16 Ramiro Yaqui Nides 3-3-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 6
1962-09-09 Nacho Mendoza 4-2-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-08-10 Ray Valdez 2-3-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-07-02 122 Roberto Luna 124 3-2-1
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-05-28 122 Bombero Mendoza 124 0-1-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1962-04-19 Hector Agundez 14-15-1
San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosí, Mexico L PTS 10 10
1962-03-09 Bombero Mendoza
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-10-28 121 Changui Guerra 122 1-0-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-07-03 Chatito Ochoa 10-7-0
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-06-03 117 Abe Villa 118 14-13-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 6 10
1961-04-10 Carlos Olivares 2-5-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-02-19 Cuate Sanchez 1-0-1
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1961-01-15 125 Cornelio Vega 122 2-2-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 6
1960-11-10 Sergio Rodriguez 1-1-0
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1960-09-02 121 Arturo Vingochea 118 1-1-0
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 10 10
1960-06-12 Baby Rios 3-17-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 8 8
1959-09-10 Kid Maneca
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 4 4
1959-07-09 Surdo Montalvo
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-05-14 Jose Higuera
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-04-16 Bernie Montano
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 6 6
1959-02-19 Kid Mango
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1959-02-12 Luis Munoz 4-7-2
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 4
1959-01-22 Adolfo Quezada
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W KO 3
1959-01-15 Jose Chavez
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico W PTS 4 4
-
scartissue
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1893
- Joined: 31 Mar 2002, 20:00
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Great to see that smile again. Thanks, Rog.dagosd2000 wrote:
Pops Hanley and Maria Esty
-
dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
They Tore Down The Tijuana Jail
I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I was approaching the corner of 8th and Constitution Street in Tijuana. There was a dirt lot with a chain link fence around it. The jail was gone along with the fire station. Between the bulidings was the boxing gym. That was gone too.
I asked my grand daughter's husband what happened and he said something about "losing its lease." What ever the reason it was gone. It was a landmark. No one wants to go to jail,but if you spent a night in there you could say it was an experience. The Kingston Trio wrote a song about the Tijuana Jail. The locals referred to it as "Calle Ocho."
A lot of Americans wound up in those cells for a little bit too much carousing on Revolution Street on the weekend. I was in there for a few hours. Pissing on the street.Stumbling out of some bar. Had to go. Thought no one saw me in the parking lot. It was like those cops had radar. Unless you were flush with dough there was no way you could talk the cops out of not putting you in the squad car. But the standard fine I remember was 24 dollars. Your drinking pals would scrape it together and go to the jail to bail you out.
My wife was in there once. Some drunk on a city bus got fresh with her so she tried to scratch his eyes out. They both were arrested. Mexico is a little vague on Bill Of Rights amendments. It the opposite of what we have here in the states. If you're arrested you're guilty. Try to find some way of getting out. But that's another stary and don't want to discuss.
When I used to live in Canon Jhonson in Tijuana just about every grown up male had seen the inside of that place. It was like a right of passage. Nothing to really brag about. It was a "gimme". You went there and then they'd shake down someone to get you out.
Now the jail and the boxing gym and fire station are lost in a dream. Not necessarily a bad dream. Like I said the place was a landmark. They should have done like they did in England. They say The Tower Of London is the number one tourist attraction in the city. If they had done that to the Tijuana Jail...hell,I would have visited it for old times sake.
-
dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Wilfredo Benitez
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
"Judo" Gene . . .
I remember Gene LeBell from the mid-60's. To me, he was the son of Olympic Boxing Club promoter Aileen Eaton.
But to those who knew him up close & personal, Gene LeBell might very well be the toughest man on earth.
I would soon learn that the stocky, thick-necked red head was not only a true Master of Judo, but aso a former world wrestling champ.
While other kids played little league baseball, young Gene LeBell was at the LA Athletic Club Gym, where wrestling legend Ed "Strangler" Lewis was teaching him the finer pointes of grappling. He'd then jump on his bike and peddle his way down a few blocks to the Main Street Gym, where the best of boxing would teach him the art of pugilism. More than once he traded blows with Sugar Ray Robinson. So there isn't much a boxer is going to show LeBell that he hadn't already seen. Before leaving the world of wrestling, LeBell choked out middleweight boxer Milo Calhoun in a "Boxer vs. Wrestler" scenerio.
I remember on thursday nights when I was scheduled to fight at the Olympic, or just attending the thursday night card, I'd see Gene out front, standing by the Box Office. He'd see me carrying my bag and my robe, he'd acknowledge me with a nod, sometimes a couple words. He projected an aura of strength, I could feel that.
Years later I'd work in the film industry and again I'd run into Gene. Gene also had a Stuntman School in Hollywood. Many of the best stuntmen in Hollywood would go to Gene's school just to take in his grappling lessons. Gene has a legendary "Sleeper Hold" that he uses to choke an opponent unconcious. LeBell is more than willing to teach anybody how to apply the hold, providing they are willing to allow him to them out. You go out, and Gene will bring you back with a little routine he practices. I recall seeing a lot of stuntmen with little patches sewn onto their jackets, "I Was Chocked Out By Gene LeBell!" It was almost like a badge of honor.
A few years ago, I met up with Gene again at a World Boxing Hall of Fame event, where a nice photo was taken of us, and we shared a brief conversation. He is still active in Judo, with his #1 student Gokor running a Dojo in Hollywood. Friends involved with Judo tell me that Gokor's team is always one of the best. Without question, Gene LeBell is one of the toughest men I ever met. An MMA practitioner long before the sport existed.
-Rick Farris
I remember Gene LeBell from the mid-60's. To me, he was the son of Olympic Boxing Club promoter Aileen Eaton.
But to those who knew him up close & personal, Gene LeBell might very well be the toughest man on earth.
I would soon learn that the stocky, thick-necked red head was not only a true Master of Judo, but aso a former world wrestling champ.
While other kids played little league baseball, young Gene LeBell was at the LA Athletic Club Gym, where wrestling legend Ed "Strangler" Lewis was teaching him the finer pointes of grappling. He'd then jump on his bike and peddle his way down a few blocks to the Main Street Gym, where the best of boxing would teach him the art of pugilism. More than once he traded blows with Sugar Ray Robinson. So there isn't much a boxer is going to show LeBell that he hadn't already seen. Before leaving the world of wrestling, LeBell choked out middleweight boxer Milo Calhoun in a "Boxer vs. Wrestler" scenerio.
I remember on thursday nights when I was scheduled to fight at the Olympic, or just attending the thursday night card, I'd see Gene out front, standing by the Box Office. He'd see me carrying my bag and my robe, he'd acknowledge me with a nod, sometimes a couple words. He projected an aura of strength, I could feel that.
Years later I'd work in the film industry and again I'd run into Gene. Gene also had a Stuntman School in Hollywood. Many of the best stuntmen in Hollywood would go to Gene's school just to take in his grappling lessons. Gene has a legendary "Sleeper Hold" that he uses to choke an opponent unconcious. LeBell is more than willing to teach anybody how to apply the hold, providing they are willing to allow him to them out. You go out, and Gene will bring you back with a little routine he practices. I recall seeing a lot of stuntmen with little patches sewn onto their jackets, "I Was Chocked Out By Gene LeBell!" It was almost like a badge of honor.
A few years ago, I met up with Gene again at a World Boxing Hall of Fame event, where a nice photo was taken of us, and we shared a brief conversation. He is still active in Judo, with his #1 student Gokor running a Dojo in Hollywood. Friends involved with Judo tell me that Gokor's team is always one of the best. Without question, Gene LeBell is one of the toughest men I ever met. An MMA practitioner long before the sport existed.
-Rick Farris
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
RickEl Gallo wrote:"Judo" Gene . . .
I remember Gene LeBell from the mid-60's. To me, he was the son of Olympic Boxing Club promoter Aileen Eaton.
But to those who knew him up close & personal, Gene LeBell might very well be the toughest man on earth.
I would soon learn that the stocky, thick-necked red head was not only a true Master of Judo, but aso a former world wrestling champ.
While other kids played little league baseball, young Gene LeBell was at the LA Athletic Club Gym, where wrestling legend Ed "Strangler" Lewis was teaching him the finer pointes of grappling. He'd then jump on his bike and peddle his way down a few blocks to the Main Street Gym, where the best of boxing would teach him the art of pugilism. More than once he traded blows with Sugar Ray Robinson. So there isn't much a boxer is going to show LeBell that he hadn't already seen. Before leaving the world of wrestling, LeBell choked out middleweight boxer Milo Calhoun in a "Boxer vs. Wrestler" scenerio.
I remember on thursday nights when I was scheduled to fight at the Olympic, or just attending the thursday night card, I'd see Gene out front, standing by the Box Office. He'd see me carrying my bag and my robe, he'd acknowledge me with a nod, sometimes a couple words. He projected an aura of strength, I could feel that.
Years later I'd work in the film industry and again I'd run into Gene. Gene also had a Stuntman School in Hollywood. Many of the best stuntmen in Hollywood would go to Gene's school just to take in his grappling lessons. Gene has a legendary "Sleeper Hold" that he uses to choke an opponent unconcious. LeBell is more than willing to teach anybody how to apply the hold, providing they are willing to allow him to them out. You go out, and Gene will bring you back with a little routine he practices. I recall seeing a lot of stuntmen with little patches sewn onto their jackets, "I Was Chocked Out By Gene LeBell!" It was almost like a badge of honor.
A few years ago, I met up with Gene again at a World Boxing Hall of Fame event, where a nice photo was taken of us, and we shared a brief conversation. He is still active in Judo, with his #1 student Gokor running a Dojo in Hollywood. Friends involved with Judo tell me that Gokor's team is always one of the best. Without question, Gene LeBell is one of the toughest men I ever met. An MMA practitioner long before the sport existed.
-Rick Farris
Didn't Gene train George Reeves for the Superman TV series?
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Dark Sunrise
My wife has some family in New York. New Rochelle to be more precise. Like her family in Chicago they don't circulate much. Visit the brother over there. The daughter down the street. Where they live are full of people and kids . They sit around and talk like they're back in Mexico on the ranch. Most of them still don't speak English. Some are illegal. Their idea of a big night out is going to the mall in Westchester County.
I let them be themselves. They don't miss me and I don't miss them. We get along fine that way. So when they go out to the mall I grab the train to Grand Central. From there I hop on the shuttle to anywhere.
I remember one time I went to Brooklyn and got off at Flatbush Avenue. It was getting late but the time wasn't a factor. I roamed around Fort Greene Park. The neighborhood was rough around the edges. I remember having to go to the bathroom real bad. I ducked into the hospital in the ER. There was a guy on a gurney with a gunshot wound. The place was noisy and crowded. I heard an intern say something like it was "going to be a typical night."
I walked up and down the streets, then something caught my eye. It was a little cafe. The sign on the front read"Jamaica Blues." This is the kind of stuff I like. Little known place hidden away in the Borough. I walked inside. I looked around .There were Bob Marley Posters and red,yellow and green colors all over the place. There was a bin of CDs with artists I never heard of before. Everyone in there looked like they were from Jamaica. I like that. I just wanted be invisible.
I went to the counter. A big black woman wearing all kinds of big jewelry asked me what I wanted.
"What do you recommend?"I asked her.
She smiled. She had the biggest teeth I'd ever seen.
"Where you from?"she said.
"San Diego California."
"Oh."she said smiling,"I know what you want."
She went to a table behind the counter and started to mix together a drink of some sorts.
"You will like this,"she said.
"What is it?"
"Special Jamaican tea. I mix it right just for you."
I went to table with the glass of tea. Jamican music was being pumped through the sound system. I sipped the tea and listened to the music with its slow laborious beats. The woman came over to where I was sitting.
"You like the tea?"
"Yes. it is very refreshing."
"You want more?"
"Yes. That would be nice."
She brought over another glass of tea.
Someone was burning incense. The music seemed to swirl with the smoke. I started feeling warm and relaxed. I wanted to go outside and just walk. Walk all night long.
I paid the woman and walked outside. It was dark now. I was disoriented but I wasn't bothered. I felt impervious to everthing and also immersed in a funny world.Crowds roamed the street but I could hear only muffled sound. I remember walking down a flight of stairs. It must have led to the subway. The next thing I know I was awakened by a sudden stop.I heard doors slide open. I was lying with my face against the seat. Startled I stood up. I was dizzy. My head hurt. I didn't know where I was. I didn't know how long I had been sleeping on the subway.
Then I heard music. The train was still stopped. A rush of passengers got aboard. I could still hear the music.It was Mexican. I got off the train. There was a band of Mariachis dressed in their charro clothes playing "La Madrugada."I had no idea what time it was.
I walked up the ramp. At the open end of the ramp the sun hit me in the eyes.I got to the street. I still didn't know where I was. I hailed a cab.
"Get me to Grand Central,"I said to the driver.
My wife has some family in New York. New Rochelle to be more precise. Like her family in Chicago they don't circulate much. Visit the brother over there. The daughter down the street. Where they live are full of people and kids . They sit around and talk like they're back in Mexico on the ranch. Most of them still don't speak English. Some are illegal. Their idea of a big night out is going to the mall in Westchester County.
I let them be themselves. They don't miss me and I don't miss them. We get along fine that way. So when they go out to the mall I grab the train to Grand Central. From there I hop on the shuttle to anywhere.
I remember one time I went to Brooklyn and got off at Flatbush Avenue. It was getting late but the time wasn't a factor. I roamed around Fort Greene Park. The neighborhood was rough around the edges. I remember having to go to the bathroom real bad. I ducked into the hospital in the ER. There was a guy on a gurney with a gunshot wound. The place was noisy and crowded. I heard an intern say something like it was "going to be a typical night."
I walked up and down the streets, then something caught my eye. It was a little cafe. The sign on the front read"Jamaica Blues." This is the kind of stuff I like. Little known place hidden away in the Borough. I walked inside. I looked around .There were Bob Marley Posters and red,yellow and green colors all over the place. There was a bin of CDs with artists I never heard of before. Everyone in there looked like they were from Jamaica. I like that. I just wanted be invisible.
I went to the counter. A big black woman wearing all kinds of big jewelry asked me what I wanted.
"What do you recommend?"I asked her.
She smiled. She had the biggest teeth I'd ever seen.
"Where you from?"she said.
"San Diego California."
"Oh."she said smiling,"I know what you want."
She went to a table behind the counter and started to mix together a drink of some sorts.
"You will like this,"she said.
"What is it?"
"Special Jamaican tea. I mix it right just for you."
I went to table with the glass of tea. Jamican music was being pumped through the sound system. I sipped the tea and listened to the music with its slow laborious beats. The woman came over to where I was sitting.
"You like the tea?"
"Yes. it is very refreshing."
"You want more?"
"Yes. That would be nice."
She brought over another glass of tea.
Someone was burning incense. The music seemed to swirl with the smoke. I started feeling warm and relaxed. I wanted to go outside and just walk. Walk all night long.
I paid the woman and walked outside. It was dark now. I was disoriented but I wasn't bothered. I felt impervious to everthing and also immersed in a funny world.Crowds roamed the street but I could hear only muffled sound. I remember walking down a flight of stairs. It must have led to the subway. The next thing I know I was awakened by a sudden stop.I heard doors slide open. I was lying with my face against the seat. Startled I stood up. I was dizzy. My head hurt. I didn't know where I was. I didn't know how long I had been sleeping on the subway.
Then I heard music. The train was still stopped. A rush of passengers got aboard. I could still hear the music.It was Mexican. I got off the train. There was a band of Mariachis dressed in their charro clothes playing "La Madrugada."I had no idea what time it was.
I walked up the ramp. At the open end of the ramp the sun hit me in the eyes.I got to the street. I still didn't know where I was. I hailed a cab.
"Get me to Grand Central,"I said to the driver.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
A top Chinese-American bantamweight from Hawaii who was active during the 1930s and 1940s, David Kui Kong Young, 96, passed away on December 29, 2012. Regarded by many as the greatest Hawaiian boxer ever, Young was a southpaw with a distinctive "Kung Fu" stance. During his prime years, he may have been second-best bantamweight in the world at a time when the great Manuel Ortiz ruled the roost. I hope that Young's family accept my condolences.
Note- Young had quite a few bouts in California. As a result, he would be a worthy candidate for the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Based on his tremendous record, I believe that he was a far better fighter than many boxers who were inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame or the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Chuck Johnston
Note- Young had quite a few bouts in California. As a result, he would be a worthy candidate for the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Based on his tremendous record, I believe that he was a far better fighter than many boxers who were inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame or the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Chuck Johnston
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Roger, nice of you to go to Brooklyn to check it out. Lucky for you , you didn't get "checked out" or had your "life card punched" at that time. Fort Greene is a tough area and it is still made up of a mix bag of African-American blacks and West Indians and some Hispanics just to mix things up on streets at night.dagosd2000 wrote:Dark Sunrise
My wife has some family in New York. New Rochelle to be more precise. Like her family in Chicago they don't circulate much. Visit the brother over there. The daughter down the street. Where they live are full of people and kids . They sit around and talk like they're back in Mexico on the ranch. Most of them still don't speak English. Some are illegal. Their idea of a big night out is going to the mall in Westchester County.
I let them be themselves. They don't miss me and I don't miss them. We get along fine that way. So when they go out to the mall I grab the train to Grand Central. From there I hop on the shuttle to anywhere.
I remember one time I went to Brooklyn and got off at Flatbush Avenue. It was getting late but the time wasn't a factor. I roamed around Fort Greene Park. The neighborhood was rough around the edges. I remember having to go to the bathroom real bad. I ducked into the hospital in the ER. There was a guy on a gurney with a gunshot wound. The place was noisy and crowded. I heard an intern say something like it was "going to be a typical night."
I walked up and down the streets, then something caught my eye. It was a little cafe. The sign on the front read"Jamaica Blues." This is the kind of stuff I like. Little known place hidden away in the Borough. I walked inside. I looked around .There were Bob Marley Posters and red,yellow and green colors all over the place. There was a bin of CDs with artists I never heard of before. Everyone in there looked like they were from Jamaica. I like that. I just wanted be invisible.
I went to the counter. A big black woman wearing all kinds of big jewelry asked me what I wanted.
"What do you recommend?"I asked her.
She smiled. She had the biggest teeth I'd ever seen.
"Where you from?"she said.
"San Diego California."
"Oh."she said smiling,"I know what you want."
She went to a table behind the counter and started to mix together a drink of some sorts.
"You will like this,"she said.
"What is it?"
"Special Jamaican tea. I mix it right just for you."
I went to table with the glass of tea. Jamican music was being pumped through the sound system. I sipped the tea and listened to the music with its slow laborious beats. The woman came over to where I was sitting.
"You like the tea?"
"Yes. it is very refreshing."
"You want more?"
"Yes. That would be nice."
She brought over another glass of tea.
Someone was burning incense. The music seemed to swirl with the smoke. I started feeling warm and relaxed. I wanted to go outside and just walk. Walk all night long.
I paid the woman and walked outside. It was dark now. I was disoriented but I wasn't bothered. I felt impervious to everthing and also immersed in a funny world.Crowds roamed the street but I could hear only muffled sound. I remember walking down a flight of stairs. It must have led to the subway. The next thing I know I was awakened by a sudden stop.I heard doors slide open. I was lying with my face against the seat. Startled I stood up. I was dizzy. My head hurt. I didn't know where I was. I didn't know how long I had been sleeping on the subway.
Then I heard music. The train was still stopped. A rush of passengers got aboard. I could still hear the music.It was Mexican. I got off the train. There was a band of Mariachis dressed in their charro clothes playing "La Madrugada."I had no idea what time it was.
I walked up the ramp. At the open end of the ramp the sun hit me in the eyes.I got to the street. I still didn't know where I was. I hailed a cab.
"Get me to Grand Central,"I said to the driver.
My wife, Roseann came from right down 3rd Ave in Sunset Park, which today features "Pollo Chicken places" and Asian bodegas (delis).
When they talk about New York's melting Pot- you were on the nexus of that term.
But like everything else, New York and especially Brooklyn is in a constant state of flux. 5 years can change an area, and 5 years after that, can change it again to a variety of incoming nationalities. Manhattan-not so much because of the higher cost of living just over the bridges.
I myself venture into Brooklyn at various times. Mostly Fire Dept health checkups at FD Hq's in downtown Brooklyn.
What anyone might find interesting in Brooklyn today, is the famed intersection of Atlantic Ave and Flatbush Ave. (Google map it and see where it is). The hub. The LI Railroad has its famed Brooklyn terminus there for Brooklyn workers or a short subway ride into Wall St.,Manhattan.The area just West of that is Carroll Gardens. Very rich area, lovely pre-war homes and the area holds many actors and actresses today. The area near the arena is going yuppieville, and is bringing in a safer enviornment. This area can be seen in the movie "Moonstruck" starring Cher and Danny Aiello.
But just like Madison Square Garden is now built above Penn Station (LIRR Manhattan Terminus), The new Barclays Center Arena is on the street level of Atlantic & Flatbush.
It should be noted that Oscar De La Hoya "Golden Boy" promotions has signed a long term deal to bring boxing to this new arena. (I believe 10 years). He has now held several shows there and were quite successful. We will see if the crowds hold up. Coming up soon is the Bernard Hopkins fight there next month.
The Nets NBA team is playing there and the former Nassau County NHL Islanders will be there in 2 years as they signed a 30 year deal to move to the new arena.
I myself had not been to this arena, but I will make it a point to go soon. Parking is limited at best and traffic a nightmare I hear. But the arena is built on a huge hub of mass transportation for anyone to go there. No need for cars at all. Also, The Barclay Center has stole away the famed NEW YORK GOLDEN GLOVES Finals from their former long-time home, Madison Sq Garden. Like I said, ever changing scene here.
And Roger, dont drink the tea from any West Indian Rest. or Carribean Rest. No doubt they saw you coming from a mile away. Some people go in looking for that kind of "mood", but one must be aware.
Last thing- Hopkins and De La Hoya are supposedly coming to Ring 8 bash to be held on Feb 10th. Hopkins to get Lifetime Achievment award. I'll let you all know how it goes. The New York State HOF Induction dinner to be held April 28th.(Inductees not announced yet) Anyone interested in coming out- let me know soon. $150 pp, but it is a bargain for what you get for the day.All are welcome to sit at my table. Charlie N Jr.
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Chuck1052 wrote:A top Chinese-American bantamweight from Hawaii who was active during the 1930s and 1940s, David Kui Kong Young, 96, passed away on December 29, 2012. Regarded by many as the greatest Hawaiian boxer ever, Young was a southpaw with a distinctive "Kung Fu" stance. During his prime years, he may have been second-best bantamweight in the world at a time when the great Manuel Ortiz ruled the roost. I hope that Young's family accept my condolences.
Note- Young had quite a few bouts in California. As a result, he would be a worthy candidate for the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Based on his tremendous record, I believe that he was a far better fighter than many boxers who were inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame or the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Chuck Johnston
Chuck,thanks for passing that along. When I look at the fighters of the smaller weight classes of that era I always see his name. 96. How guys like that passed up for enshrinement is sad.
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dagosd2000
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 8638
- Joined: 01 Sep 2007, 03:31
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
CNorkusJr wrote:Roger, nice of you to go to Brooklyn to check it out. Lucky for you , you didn't get "checked out" or had your "life card punched" at that time. Fort Greene is a tough area and it is still made up of a mix bag of African-American blacks and West Indians and some Hispanics just to mix things up on streets at night.dagosd2000 wrote:Dark Sunrise
My wife has some family in New York. New Rochelle to be more precise. Like her family in Chicago they don't circulate much. Visit the brother over there. The daughter down the street. Where they live are full of people and kids . They sit around and talk like they're back in Mexico on the ranch. Most of them still don't speak English. Some are illegal. Their idea of a big night out is going to the mall in Westchester County.
I let them be themselves. They don't miss me and I don't miss them. We get along fine that way. So when they go out to the mall I grab the train to Grand Central. From there I hop on the shuttle to anywhere.
I remember one time I went to Brooklyn and got off at Flatbush Avenue. It was getting late but the time wasn't a factor. I roamed around Fort Greene Park. The neighborhood was rough around the edges. I remember having to go to the bathroom real bad. I ducked into the hospital in the ER. There was a guy on a gurney with a gunshot wound. The place was noisy and crowded. I heard an intern say something like it was "going to be a typical night."
I walked up and down the streets, then something caught my eye. It was a little cafe. The sign on the front read"Jamaica Blues." This is the kind of stuff I like. Little known place hidden away in the Borough. I walked inside. I looked around .There were Bob Marley Posters and red,yellow and green colors all over the place. There was a bin of CDs with artists I never heard of before. Everyone in there looked like they were from Jamaica. I like that. I just wanted be invisible.
I went to the counter. A big black woman wearing all kinds of big jewelry asked me what I wanted.
"What do you recommend?"I asked her.
She smiled. She had the biggest teeth I'd ever seen.
"Where you from?"she said.
"San Diego California."
"Oh."she said smiling,"I know what you want."
She went to a table behind the counter and started to mix together a drink of some sorts.
"You will like this,"she said.
"What is it?"
"Special Jamaican tea. I mix it right just for you."
I went to table with the glass of tea. Jamican music was being pumped through the sound system. I sipped the tea and listened to the music with its slow laborious beats. The woman came over to where I was sitting.
"You like the tea?"
"Yes. it is very refreshing."
"You want more?"
"Yes. That would be nice."
She brought over another glass of tea.
Someone was burning incense. The music seemed to swirl with the smoke. I started feeling warm and relaxed. I wanted to go outside and just walk. Walk all night long.
I paid the woman and walked outside. It was dark now. I was disoriented but I wasn't bothered. I felt impervious to everthing and also immersed in a funny world.Crowds roamed the street but I could hear only muffled sound. I remember walking down a flight of stairs. It must have led to the subway. The next thing I know I was awakened by a sudden stop.I heard doors slide open. I was lying with my face against the seat. Startled I stood up. I was dizzy. My head hurt. I didn't know where I was. I didn't know how long I had been sleeping on the subway.
Then I heard music. The train was still stopped. A rush of passengers got aboard. I could still hear the music.It was Mexican. I got off the train. There was a band of Mariachis dressed in their charro clothes playing "La Madrugada."I had no idea what time it was.
I walked up the ramp. At the open end of the ramp the sun hit me in the eyes.I got to the street. I still didn't know where I was. I hailed a cab.
"Get me to Grand Central,"I said to the driver.
My wife, Roseann came from right down 3rd Ave in Sunset Park, which today features "Pollo Chicken places" and Asian bodegas (delis).
When they talk about New York's melting Pot- you were on the nexus of that term.
But like everything else, New York and especially Brooklyn is in a constant state of flux. 5 years can change an area, and 5 years after that, can change it again to a variety of incoming nationalities. Manhattan-not so much because of the higher cost of living just over the bridges.
I myself venture into Brooklyn at various times. Mostly Fire Dept health checkups at FD Hq's in downtown Brooklyn.
What anyone might find interesting in Brooklyn today, is the famed intersection of Atlantic Ave and Flatbush Ave. (Google map it and see where it is). The hub. The LI Railroad has its famed Brooklyn terminus there for Brooklyn workers or a short subway ride into Wall St.,Manhattan.The area just West of that is Carroll Gardens. Very rich area, lovely pre-war homes and the area holds many actors and actresses today. The area near the arena is going yuppieville, and is bringing in a safer enviornment. This area can be seen in the movie "Moonstruck" starring Cher and Danny Aiello.
But just like Madison Square Garden is now built above Penn Station (LIRR Manhattan Terminus), The new Barclays Center Arena is on the street level of Atlantic & Flatbush.
It should be noted that Oscar De La Hoya "Golden Boy" promotions has signed a long term deal to bring boxing to this new arena. (I believe 10 years). He has now held several shows there and were quite successful. We will see if the crowds hold up. Coming up soon is the Bernard Hopkins fight there next month.
The Nets NBA team is playing there and the former Nassau County NHL Islanders will be there in 2 years as they signed a 30 year deal to move to the new arena.
I myself had not been to this arena, but I will make it a point to go soon. Parking is limited at best and traffic a nightmare I hear. But the arena is built on a huge hub of mass transportation for anyone to go there. No need for cars at all. Also, The Barclay Center has stole away the famed NEW YORK GOLDEN GLOVES Finals from their former long-time home, Madison Sq Garden. Like I said, ever changing scene here.
And Roger, dont drink the tea from any West Indian Rest. or Carribean Rest. No doubt they saw you coming from a mile away. Some people go in looking for that kind of "mood", but one must be aware.
Last thing- Hopkins and De La Hoya are supposedly coming to Ring 8 bash to be held on Feb 10th. Hopkins to get Lifetime Achievment award. I'll let you all know how it goes. The New York State HOF Induction dinner to be held April 28th.(Inductees not announced yet) Anyone interested in coming out- let me know soon. $150 pp, but it is a bargain for what you get for the day.All are welcome to sit at my table. Charlie N Jr.
Charley,if I ever go back to Brooklyn I'll just drink beer out of the bottle.
