Classic American West Coast Boxing

[CNorkusJr]

It has come to my attention that one of my father's best TV appearances in a film is being shown tonite on TV.
DVR alert ! Tonite (sunday nite- early morning Monday am.) The movie "Mafioso" is being shown on TMC Channel at 2:30 am (New York time)).
Hopefully you guys can record it if you get this in time and is interested.

The 1962 movie B/W is about Sicilian factory worker (actor Alberto Sordi) having to pay back the mob he is indebted to by whacking a family leader here in the US.
The movie is known for its beautiful scenes of Sicily and old New York.
Alberto Sordi was a huge actor in his homeland of Italy. My father said he was the equivilant on our Marlon Brando in fame over there.

My father has a very good part in which Alberto Sordi is shipped to New York in a crate (yes a wooden crate-LOL) and is taken to see the boss in a midtown apt.
It is my father who greets Alberto Sordi at the door for The Don; and plays a projector movie of the man he is to whack.
The version I have is on DVD is subtitled in English. My father said the movie was recorded in English and dubbed into Italian to be shown in Europe. When it released here stateside- it was subtitled in English. Go figure. I'd like to see what is shown tonite.

Here are some pictures from the set of my father with Sordi reading script lines.
My father was two years retired from the ring at time of film shooting.

[CNorkusJr]

Charley,if I ever go back to Brooklyn I'll just drink beer out of the bottle.

Roger, if you come to New York, please call me, I'll join you for that beer and maybe I can show you around boxing-New York places.

[dagosd2000]

Charley,if I ever go back to Brooklyn I'll just drink beer out of the bottle.

Roger, if you come to New York, please call me, I'll join you for that beer and maybe I can show you around boxing-New York places.

[dagosd2000]

Two Bit Dance

"Roll down that window!"I screamed at my wife.
I pulled the car over on the boulevard across the street from the auditorium.
"Ask this SOB where in the hell is Carnitas Uraupan!"
My wife asked the guy,who was working in front of the tire shop, where was Carnitas Uraupan,Tijuanas popular eating spot for carnitas. The guy walked over and looked up.
"No se,"he answered. "Creo que es mas por alla".
"Mas por alla?"I screamed again. "We went up there. It's not there. The a-- h--- works here and doesn't know where it is. I know it's here. It's across the street from the auditorium."
Mary said that she thought she saw a black sign a that read "carnitas." Mary and Paul were out here from New York San Diego to see Paul's brother. I drove the car up ahead a little. There it was Carnitas Uraupan all boarded up. The no lights.
"Another landmark in Tijuana is gone,"I said.
"Don't bother,"said Paul from the back seat.
"Hell,I know another spot. Let's hope it's still there."

I drove back along the boulevard.
"There's the racetrack,"I said. "The old Caliente Race Track burned down in 1970. I was there on the last Sunday. On Monday they torched the place. I think they wanted Alessio out of there."
"How's the new one?" asked Paul.
"It's made out of concrete. The old one was made of wood. It had Italian marble. Fred Harvey did the catering. It was magnificant. You'd see celebrities all the time there."
"It got a lot of action?,"asked Mary.
"Sure did. Had a parley there called the 5-10. Now they only race the dogs."
"What's all the traffic tie up,? asked Paul.
"It must be the soccer game."
"Sure a lot of people."
"Yes. The Tijuana team won the national championship last year. The city is really behind them."
"Many Americans watch?"
"No. Americans aren't into soccer much."


I drove back into town,past the spot where the old bullring was before they demolished it, and stopped on Constitution near 10th Street at a little taco stand named "Tacos Al Gordo".
"We'll eat here,"I said. Believe it or not,they have the best tacos in town.The locals all know."
The place was small with a little counter inside a parking lot. It was lit up with big white light bulbs. The slab of meat for the tacos al pastor was on a spit. A big slice of pineapple was on top of the meat as it cooked on the open flame. We sat on a bench. A man and a
boy were sitting at the end of the bench eating.
"Let Maria order,"I said.
My wife went to the counter. She ordered eight of everything:tacos al pastor,gordas,mulas,and tacos de tripas. Fresh lemonade to go around. She brought over a plate of radishes,onions, limes,carrots in "vinagre",and chiles. No body said a word eating. Only noises of satisfaction. After eating we went back to the car.
"That was absolutely fabulous,"said Mary from the back seat.
"How did you find this place?"asked Paul.
"The locals ,"I said.

We I continued driving down Constitution Street.
I pointed to a vacant lot.
"That's where the Tijuana jail was. They tore it down.That place had some history."
"Are there any interesting shops open?"asked Mary.
"No. All the good shops went out of business.You can get better prices on the other side. What's left...well they close early now. Not enough business. And besides if they stay open late like they used to they'll get robbed."


I drove onto Revolution Street by the Jai Alai Palace.
"I remenber when Jai Alai was a big attraction down here. Not many venues in the world had Jai Alai. To be player you have to be from the Basque region in Spain. Couldn't find the game in California.Now it's a sport book."
"Many people come across to gamble?"asked Paul.
"Just the gambling degenerates."

I drove the car inside the Soriana parking lot between 2nd and 3rd on Revolution Boulevard.
"See that big store,"I said. "There used to be a bar there that took up the whole block. It was called The Long Bar. It's gone now."
"Why are we stopping here?"asked my wife.
"We'll take a walk."

I walked them down to 1st Street. I could hear the Mariachis playing on the street. Across the street the music blasted out of the bars. Girls wearing "mini maldas" against the walls were standing along the block near the walls. Mary grabbed Paul's hand. Maria was beside them. I walked ahead.
"Let's duck into here,"I said.
I opened the curtain at the entrance of a bar called "El Fracaso" .You could see all the dancing going on. Men slinging around women on a crowded dance floor. The music was loud and there was nowhere to sit. The place smelled of beer. The ceiling was low. A strobe light around above the dance floor sparkled .
"The men come in here to dance with the women. That's how these women make their money. Then afterwards maybe they go somewhere."
I could see Paul's and Mary's eyes were wide open.
"Come,let's walk down here."
We walked another block and turned down Constituion Street.
"Well"I said ,"let's take a strool down the infamous Coaulia Street."
The street opened up to a burst of neon lights. Music was pounding out of every joint. The street was lined with girls and hustlers standing outside each cantina shouting at people to come in. The girls were in sequined mini skirts with just about everythng showing . Their eye makeup was thick and dark. I poked my head inside the "Monaco Bar."
"Look in here."
Paul and Mary were wrapped arms around each other.
The club was swirling with lights and people dancing. A band played loud "Nortena" music. They were out of tune.

We walked to the end of the block passing the all night barber shop. There were taco stands all over. People sitting at counters eating menudo. A cop was talking to a girl. They were laughing.Kids were running around. You could see the big downtown church up the street.
"See over there," I said.
There were two big dark figures in dresses standing on the corner.
"Those two are women."

As we walked back up I stopped in front of a small corridor .
"See the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe?"
There at the end of the corridor was a painting of the Virgin with candles lit under it.
"That's where they go to the room ." I said to Paul and Mary.
Mary face was flushed.
"Do they pay for the room too?,"she asked
"Of course,"I said.

I suggested we go to the all night bakery around the corner. We went inside and you could see the big brick ovens. The racks were filled with "pan dulces." Bright colored cookies and rolls. Some were filled with apple and lemon and custard.There were also hot fresh "bolillos".The aroma was sweet and rich. A sonora wearing an apron was behind the counter taking our pastries off the aluminum tray and wrapping them . Before we got to the parking lot we had each eaten something from our bags.
"This is the most delicious cookie I've ever eaten,"said Mary.
"That's because it's made with lard. 'Manteca'",I said.

We got in the car and then proceeded to cross the border. the line was long as usual. Paul and Mary settled into the back seat. The beggars , vendors selling bags of hot "churros" ,jugglers and musicians walked by.
"Too bad all the landmarks are gone,"said Mary.
"I know. I miss them."
"What would attract a tourist down here now?" she asked.
"I really don't know "I said.

[dagosd2000]

Tacos Al Gordo

[dagosd2000]

Charley Goldman

[El Gallo]

Good stories, Rog. And I love the art!

[El Gallo]

My condolences go out to the Baltazar family on the loss of their granddaughter.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

I just read Rick's post.Frank,Connie...Maria and I have our deepest sympathies for you and the Baltazar family. Rog

[LoVeMyFaThEr]

[dagosd2000]

Turn Out The Lights

"Morrie what are you doing in here at this time of night?"asked Ed the bartender.
"It's tax season. I worked late tonight. Thought I'd have a nightcap before I went home."
"Well you've got the place to yourself."
"No one in here."
"Been real slow lately."
Champ's used to be a hangout for the older crowd,but a lot of them weren't around any more. The younger ones liked to go to the bars near the beach.
"I thought Judy worked nights?"
"She quit last night. Don't blame her. Couldn't make anything in tips.Burke is trying to get another girl."
"Burke has always treated the help pretty good."
"Yes,but that doesn't bring in the customers.At least not in here."
The 11 o'clock news had just ended on the television. The sound was off.
"Ed ,tell me are there any good American fighters around anymore?"
"A few."
"I remember when Americans had a lock on just about all the divisions."
"That hasn't been the trend lately."
"I guess I'm getting old. It's gotten away from me.
Tell me are there any good white fighters left?"
"They're mostly in Europe."
"Who's the heavyweight champ now?"
"Klitschko."
"Don't know him."
Ed looked at the clock.
"Morrie,I think I'm going to close early."
"Business has been that bad?"
"Tonight we couldn't even pay for the electricity."
"Well good night."
"Yes,"said Ed,"It's time I turned off the lights."

[SenorPipino]

Pipino Cuevas

Another Roger Esty favorite!

Gee. One of my favorites too!
Posted this elsewhere but am curious about the whereabouts of Francisco Flores, a pretty good Los Angeles featherweight from the 1970s. Went to school with him at CSUN. Trained by Johnny Flores and for a while was the California state featherweight champion. Had a hellacious war with Frankie Duarte around 1979 at the Olympic. Lost the fight but it was very close. Trainer Flores always said that Francisco could have been an outstanding world champion but was more interested in school than boxing!

[LoVeMyFaThEr]

Im so glad to finally understand how to post pictures thanks to my friend Datsue. Now I realize that my scanner is not the best. Its most def time to get a new one.

Rick thanks for all your help also.

[LoVeMyFaThEr]

Jose "Potrillo" Lopez


My father and brother 2011

[dagosd2000]

Bat Battalino

[dagosd2000]

Yaqui Lopez

[El Gallo]

Pipino Cuevas

Another Roger Esty favorite!

Gee. One of my favorites too!
Posted this elsewhere but am curious about the whereabouts of Francisco Flores, a pretty good Los Angeles featherweight from the 1970s. Went to school with him at CSUN. Trained by Johnny Flores and for a while was the California state featherweight champion. Had a hellacious war with Frankie Duarte around 1979 at the Olympic. Lost the fight but it was very close. Trainer Flores always said that Francisco could have been an outstanding world champion but was more interested in school than boxing!

Pipino, I fought for Johnny Flores until 1971. It was after I left the Flores stable that Johnny began to handle Frankie Flores. He was a helluva fighter and I know the Johnny had high hopes for him. I have not heard of him in decades and haven't seen him at Veteran Boxer affairs, however, I'll ask around.
-Rick Farris
---------------------------------------

Francisco Flores

featherweight
Mexico
residence San Fernando, California, USA
won 13 (KO 7) + lost 4 (KO 1) + drawn 2 = 19
rounds boxed 120


1979-04-12 Juan Villa 8-6-0
Hyatt House, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA L PTS 10 10
1979-02-22 126 Frankie Duarte 124¾ 32-3-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L SD 12 12
referee: Dick Young 113-119 | judge: Rudy Jordan 114-116 | judge: Al Bernal 117-114
USA California State featherweight title

1978-09-19 Fel Clemente 11-7-1
Stockton, California, USA W PTS 12 12
1978-07-27 126 Peter King 128 12-6-4
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 2
1978-01-26 Manuel Castellanos 8-2-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W PTS 10 10
1977-11-10 Johnny Jensen 15-7-4
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W PTS 10 10
1977-08-18 127½ Eulogio Bojorquez 128 3-1-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 2
1977-06-09 134 Hector Julio Rivera 133
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L KO 2
1977-04-21 Jorge Torres 42-22-3
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 8
1976-10-14 127 Johnny Jensen 127½ 13-5-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA D PTS 7 7
1976-08-19 128½ Alvaro Espinosa 129 0-2-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W PTS 7 7
1976-07-15 Alvaro Espinosa 0-1-1
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 6
1976-06-19 Orlando Arguello 1-0-0
Forum, Inglewood, California, USA W PTS 6 6
1976-05-08 Jorge Torres 42-16-3
Forum, Inglewood, California, USA W PTS 4 4
1976-04-02 Gilberto Ortiz 0-4-1
Shrine Exposition Center, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 5
1976-03-04 Isidro Guzman 1-2-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 5
1976-02-19 127½ Martin Avila 126½ 1-7-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA W KO 1
1976-01-15 128 Johnny Jensen 127 10-3-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA D PTS 6 6
1975-12-11 Santiago Hernandez 4-1-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA L PTS 5 5

[El Gallo]

Jose "Potrillo" Lopez


My father and brother 2011

One of California's best. Future Hall of Famer!

[dagosd2000]

The Standard Fee

"So when are you going back to work?"I asked Jerry.
"I've got to clear a cardio gram first."
I was having a coffee outside at the corner cafe waiting for my grand daughter's dance class to finish when Jerry arrived with his Irish Setter, Copper.
"When will that be?"I asked.
"When I can come up with 950 dollars."
I first knew Jerry when he was fighting at the Coliseum. Ernie Fuentes had him,but Jerry wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. One of those guys who was losing more than he was winning so he threw in the towel and pursued a career as an ambulance driver. He was in the process studying for a nursing license.
"They won't let me back on the ambulance until I clear the heart test."
About a month ago Jerry had finished running one of those 10 kilometer races in Balboa Park. When he got home he passed out going up his front steps . He hit his head on the concrete and suffered a concussion.
"So nothing is wrong with your head ?"
"No .It checked out,but the company wants me go in for the cardiogram."
"Why?"
"They want to protect themselves. Don't want me passing out when working on someone."
"You think the fighting had something to do with it?"I asked.
"No my head is fine. I think it was dehydration. I had nothing to eat or drink after the race."
"Doesn't your company cover the heart test."
"No. That comes out of my pocket."
"If you're short you can count on me."
"I'm all right Rog."
Jerry and I were petting Copper while talking.
"You know Rog if I wash out on the cardio test I'm through with the ambulance job and it could affect the nursing."
"Why is that test so expensive?"
"The tech has to read it."
Jerry got up to pour Copper some water into his dish.
"You know Rog the company can pick up a drunkin' bum in the street and we bring him in and it don't cost the guy a dime."
"The company must lose a lot of dough that way."
"Are you kiddin? It's a tax write off."
"What do you mean?"
"You see the company has a standard fee for picking up a patient plus so much per mile. If the guy can't pay,the whole tab is written off."
"Sounds like a scam."
"They actually look forward picking up bums."
Jerry shook his head and laughed a little.
"You know Rog I never went out like that in the ring...and I wasn't even hit with a punch."
"Well I got to pick up my grand daughter from her dance lesson. Jerry I hope everything works out OK."
"Me too. I hope the system works on my side on this one."

[dagosd2000]

Raul "Raton" Macias

[dagosd2000]

So Who Do You Want To Win The Super Bowl?

"So who do you want to win the Super Bowl?"asked Ed the bartender as he put the glass of beer in front of me.
"Doesn't matter,"I answered.
"Burke is going to put out a spread for the game Sunday."
"Well I hope he draws a crowd."
The TV was on. It was one of those ESPN channels. A reporter was interviewing the Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. The sound was too low to hear.
"Rog,you want me to turn the sound up?"
"No it's not important."
Ed was looking at the screen.
"That Lewis is sure getting a lot of media hype this week",he said.
"What is he saying?"
"Oh it's all about himself. Obstruction of justice,God,antler horns."
"Antler horns?"
"Yeah. He's been accused of taking antler horn dust. It's like steroids."
I took a drink of beer.
"Did you see the game last week?"asked Ed
"Parts of it. I was in and out."
"Towards the end of the game Lewis started to take off his jersey and pads. Some guy in a suit went up to him. I think it was someone from the commissioner's office. I guess you can't do that on the side line."
"He probably wanted everyone to see his muscles,"I said.
"He's a pretty scary guy,"said Ed.
I drank some more of my beer.
"I think he's angling to get on one of those shows with Howie,Jimmy,and Terry after he retires,"said Ed" You know he'll need the dough. He's got all those kids from different women."
I finished my beer.
"Well I might be in to watch the game,and then I might not,"I said.
"So who do you want to win?"
"Like I said,'it doesn't matter to me.'"

[CNorkusJr]

Great story Roger on a HOT topic. Lots of sports news lately on anything but sports. Lewis doing "antler" drugs. I'd like to see him out run a .32 carbine.
How about New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez.? I was never a Yankee fan, ever, but I do admire the players they had years ago. Ruffing,Steady Eddie Lopat,Ford,Mantle (till I found out he boozed it up before games alot),Munson, etc etc. I would go to Yankee oldtimers games with my father and he filled in the blanks that I didnt know about.
Of course we both felt at home at Shea Stadium as he was a National league fan, and brought me up a Mets fan.

But getting back to A-Rod. If this story is true, than "kick him out of baseball". Scapegoat my ass. Selig is a piece of cowardly s--T. Money ball players.
Get rid of them all I say, bring up the hungry kids in the minors to get their shot at fame. Drug test every month during the season and right before spring training to weed ot the offenders. Too harsh. You bet-its harsh. Game integrity. Comm. "Kennesaw Mountain" Landis had it right with the Black Sox, though some might not have cheated.

Which brings to mind a interesting story you might want to know. During my career as a NYC Firefighter, stationed in midtown Manhattan, we had many top State Dignitaries come through New York. Many took in meetings and nite life in The Apple. Many stayed over in the swankiest Hotels in New York. The Waldorf is where the Pres of The United States usually stays, but some have stayed in others.
The Fire Dept, Police Dept and FBI all were used in protection of the top dignitaries on their stay. The Fire Dept was usually placed on the floor below the various Presidents, Premiers, Chancellors etc etc,were staying overnight; with hoselines stretched out and hooked up in case we need them to get these people out. (There was no water in hose unless we needed it).
The Feds paid the overtime Bill for each firefighter to the city. (By the way, this goes on in every city outside of Washington DC on VIP visits).
The Israelis Prime Minister usually stayed in on of the Leona Helmsley Hotels she owned in New York. And it is there we did the same routine. The Israeli Prime Minister is supposedly the BIGGEST target for terrorist attacks wherever he goes and has super security details around him/her at all times.

One night, assigned to this detail in my uniform (there is usually about 12 FF's on the overnight detail). Another firefighter and I decided to take the elevator to the floor above to see what was going on there. The Prime Minister was not in the building yet as he was still at a function, but due back soon. My brother firefighter and I knew we were not suppose to go up to the Presidential floor unless it was an emergency and even then a certain protocol was in place, but we saw no harm in it.

As we exited the elevator we were met with approx. 12 uzi's machine guns leveled at our face. Holding them were members of Israeli Top Military Forces The Moussad (Spelling ?). We were pinned against a wall and searched with questions of "Who are You" being asked of us by one of their top guys. We were yelling "Fire Dept" answering back. Quickly a FBI laison stepped in and got them to level their guns. Our Uniforms helped. After a severe lashing by the Moussad and FBI agents on hand, we returned back to our stations below. An FBI agent escorted us back, but did not tell our Capt. about the incident.
The FBI agent then told us this. That" we were very lucky that we are alive. The Moussad assumes that the Prime Minister is always under attack when un-planned encounters occur. They are instructed to shoot and kill anyone in sight if anyone shows up unannounced. Even if it means taking out their own people if neccesary.
Their figuring that if everyone is dead in the room, the attack is stopped" He went on to say that we were probably alive because the Prime Minister was still out of the building at the time and the full Red alert was off till he came back. If he was in his room, we would have been shot. We got the message. Next time I volunteered to stand guard over the Prime Minister of Canada. LOL.

The point is- like the Moussad plan- get rid of everybody, and you stop the threat-get rid of the baseball juicers (ban them-not shoot them) and the threat stops.

Did you hear about the Dan Marino's love child ? Dont you love todays sports headlines.
Whatever happened to " Louis KO's Schmeling". ?

[BoxBuzz]

I'm with you Norkus, the people that carry the mikes and cameras these days are just a bunch of foolish idiots and I sincerely mean this. They are not interested in what humans can achieve, they are just want to know whats up everyones asses. Years ago they would have been arrested for being pervs. But apparently all that's interesting anymore is what ever it is that any particular individual does NOT want to talk about. I guess the only way genuine sports activity gets interesting again is if two well conditioned athletes go into the gym for a fight, and tell nobody how it went or what the outcome was.


Then....and maybe only then.....the media will decide everyone HAS to know what happened.


I'm as stumped as anyone as to what the hell went on with that football player who "thought" he had a gf. But that's all the guys and gals (and I feel I have to use those terms loosely when I refer to these "entities" that call themselves the media) holding the mikes and cameras feel is important about football these days.


It's pure insanity...nothing short of it.

[BoxBuzz]

Ok now that my rant is over. I have a hypothetical

1969.

Ramos, Dejesus and Cervantes. Lighweight division

Round Robin this. I'd take Cervantes over both. Other opinions?

I think the year makes this at least interesting speculation.


1969..... It was the year the Blood Sweat and Tears album took Album of the year. I thought it was good work.....but that's just me.

[CNorkusJr]

1969 A good year for the amazing Mets; but DeJesus and Cervantes is a toss up. Pick em'.