Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

Mothers Day

Mothers Day in Mexico is on the 10th of May and regardless of when that day falls on during the week it is celebrated on that date. My wife has been a surrogate mother for numerous people on her side of the family. Nieces and nephews who didn't have parents that stuck around to bring them up. My wife would always give them the attention they yearned for. Today is the 10th and already the flowers and cards are showing up on the dininroom table. The phone has been ringing constantly all day.

My wife has this thing for children and men. Her father was murdered before she was born in Michoacan. He was a paymaster for a mining company. One day when he was riding his horse with the weekily payroll he was robbed and killed by bandits. 4 months later her mother gave birth .

On the ranch were her family lived in the mountains she took care of her younger siblings. Her mother had remarried a man who was a kind fellow,but an alcoholic. My wife cleaned garbanzos for 1.50 a day to help her mother and the young ones. All nine of them. She had an older sister who wanted no part of the effort to establish a family atmosphere. She left for Mexico City shortly after the death of her father. My wife never contacts her. She is the only one in the family my wife doesn't talk too,yet I've never heard my wife say much about her.

My wife especially has a soft spot for little boys. I think she figures that a girl will grow up to be a woman and have the sexual power to entrap a male of the species. That's the way I've figured it. Males can rarely be held responsible for any guilty actions in my wife's eyes. She'll even take the side of her brother in laws against her own sisters.

One Mothers Day a long time ago we visited her sister who had a small ranch on top of a mountain in the state of Jalisco. The only way to get there was to ride a horse or cilmb. Since we couldn't get any horses we climbed. I about died.My mother in law was with us and she scampered up the mountain like a squirrel. It was a Sunday and when we got there a party was in progress. There was a bunch of men with dirty clothes and scruffy beards sitting around drinking tequila. The women were in the kitchen with the children cooking and gossipping. I had to be with the men or I would have been considered a "mandelon",a sissy. I understood that.

These guys were pretty drunk. They'd probably been drinking since the previous day.They all wielded shotguns. These toothless bastrads were smiling at me looking me over like a lamb to be slaughterded. I was dressed in one of these jump suits and had a camera hanging around my neck.
"Hey gringo," one of them slobbered,"you got plenty of money?"
"No I don't",I said trying to find a way to fit in.
"You want to drink tequila?"another of the bandits said.
"Sure,"I said.
"You like tequila? We can get you a soda pop if you want."
I could see this wasn't going to be fun.
"Hey gringo",said one the toothless bastards,"What you think of Mexico? Hodido,huh gringo."
As he said this I could smell the reek of tequila comng from his gut.
"No ,I like Mexico. No es hodido(f----d up)."
"You want to shoot my shotgun?"
That was it. I was getting out of there. If I showed them I was scared they'd shoot me for being a coward and if I stood up to them,they'd shoot me to put my bold white ass in place. I got up and walked to the kitchen.
"I'm going down the mountain ,"I said to my wife.
"Que pasa?"
"These guys won't let me in their club."
"What are you talking about?"
"All I know is that I'm leaving. I'll wait for you in Jiquilpan. I'll take the bus."
"Ok ,"she said."I be home later. One of those men outside married to my sister will give me a ride."
As I walked down the mountain into town I thought about my wife. I wasn't worried about her. I knew whatever guy gave her a ride home he would probably one day would buy her a Mothers Day gift.

[dagosd2000]

My wife Maria sitting next to a future Mothers Day giver. Jiquilpan ,Mexico

[CNorkusJr]

Going to fights here Saturday nite. Main event Vinnie Maddalone NY heavy vs Richard Carmack, undefeated heavy. Maddalone on comeback trail after losing to Tyson Fury. . On undercard, San Diego born Yathomas Riley (now of Florida) undefeated vs Lionel Thompson. Lt Heavies. Riley was National GG champ & one time Olympic hopeful.

Carmack-though undefeated, says he's one of a few fighters still fighting over 300+ pounds. Hopefully Vinnie wont look like a giant cheeseburger to him.
Not bad-$45 " Ring 8 member"- tickets puts you up close.

Have a good time, Charley. Are the fights being held at that new arena in Brooklyn?

Not this one Rick. These fights are considered local Pro talent and held at a former movie theatre converted for boxing and concerts. Its in a medium size town here on Long Island called Huntington. If the town name sounds familiar-Gerry Cooney came from here while boxing. Gerry probably wont be here tonite as he resides in New Jersey now, but you never know. Lots of former fighters are usually brought in to meet and greet by the promoter. Snipes, Duddy, Antuefermo-sometimes, Barkley and a few locals. It holds I guess about 750 to 1,000 persons. These shows usually sell-out by fight time because Boxing here is still big. The prices are cheaper here $45-$200 ringside-which for average fan is better than the bigger arenas $75 nose bleeds to over $1,000 for Ringside in them. But of course your talking Hopkins, Garcia, etc etc for those.
Vinnie Maddalone is Main Event. A local hero hero who fought Adamek ,Fury etc etc and at 39 yrs old probably coming to the end of the line. He is trying to one last comeback trail and getting support. One of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. Very Thankful for the attention from the fans he gets.
Some of the opponents are coming from mid-west and down south to fill out the card. Basically, an entertaining nice night out for a boxing fan without going to one of the BIG arenas here for the top talent.

Also, here, the New York Golden Gloves ended last month. Now is about the time that one or two of the young participants who are considering going pro usually will be added to the card to start out his pro career. Thats always a good fight to see if he can make the move.

[dagosd2000]

Jesus"Big Poison" Pimentel

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Rancho

Mexican born fighters never lose their roots in the sense that they also lose their culture. They are a microcosm of the Mexican national who lives in the U.S.

Today I go to Tijuana to take our dogs to their vet. My poodles were born in T.J. Before we go to vet we take them to see their mother and father and brothers and sisters. jWhen we arrive at the border they go wild. They know that they're back to someplace familiar.Maybe their noses trigger memories. While my wife and daughter have them at the vets,I'll go downtown to sit in Parque Guerrero and have a cup of coffee. I remember the days when my wife and daughter would go shopping in Centro and I'd be kicking up my heels in some cantina. Boy,I'm glad I don't have the urge to do that any longer. Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe I need one of those testosterone shots.

Sometimes I'd see Bennie the fighter, who was a popular draw in TJ at the park, walking his dog. He used to train some boys at Gimnasio Indio Ortega which was north of the park. I'd sit their with him and talk about the old days.About a year ago I ran into him at the park.Bennie was wearing his tejana. I could see his wide leather belt decorated with a big turquoise stone inlayed between silver. His feet wore botas de piel
trimmed in white He was with his dog,Pancho.Bennie was sitting on a bench eating an ice cream cone.
"Roger. Quieres una nieve?"he asked.
"No thanks pal,but mind if I sit down. My back is killing me."
""Que paso?"
"Too much football. It's caught up with me."
"I know what you mean. Too much boxing. It's caught up with me too,"he said laughing.
I petted Bennie's dog. It was a big mutt that looked like it had some German Shepard in him.
"Roger,you still go to Michoacan?"
"Yes.Me and the esposa. We built a house there."
"I was born in Guadalajara. In the country. My family had a ranchita."
"Do you ever go back?"
"Ever since my mother died I don't go as much."
"We go to my wife's home town every year."
"Ah,"the old battler said scratching his big mutt,"that must be nice. Michoacan is very beautifull. Quiet. Tranquilo."
"They have problems now with the narcos trafficantes."
"That's too bad," he said.
Bennie gave his dog what was left of his ice cream cone.
"We're going in August,"I said."Would you like to go with us?"
"I would like that very much,gracias. But I have to work here.It is difficult for my family in Jalisco. Sometimes I send money."
"Whenever you want, let me know."
"Gracias Roger."
Bennie scratched his dog's head again.
"They still talk about you down there ,"I said. "They remember the fight with Olivares."
"That was a great fight. The people were on their feet."
Bennie got up from the bench.
"Roger. Say hello to Maria. I have to get back to the gym. If I don't see you before you go to Michoacan say hello to all the people.Tell them I miss them very much."
"I sure will amigo."

[El Gallo]

Going to fights here Saturday nite. Main event Vinnie Maddalone NY heavy vs Richard Carmack, undefeated heavy. Maddalone on comeback trail after losing to Tyson Fury. . On undercard, San Diego born Yathomas Riley (now of Florida) undefeated vs Lionel Thompson. Lt Heavies. Riley was National GG champ & one time Olympic hopeful.

Carmack-though undefeated, says he's one of a few fighters still fighting over 300+ pounds. Hopefully Vinnie wont look like a giant cheeseburger to him.
Not bad-$45 " Ring 8 member"- tickets puts you up close.

Have a good time, Charley. Are the fights being held at that new arena in Brooklyn?

Not this one Rick. These fights are considered local Pro talent and held at a former movie theatre converted for boxing and concerts. Its in a medium size town here on Long Island called Huntington. If the town name sounds familiar-Gerry Cooney came from here while boxing. Gerry probably wont be here tonite as he resides in New Jersey now, but you never know. Lots of former fighters are usually brought in to meet and greet by the promoter. Snipes, Duddy, Antuefermo-sometimes, Barkley and a few locals. It holds I guess about 750 to 1,000 persons. These shows usually sell-out by fight time because Boxing here is still big. The prices are cheaper here $45-$200 ringside-which for average fan is better than the bigger arenas $75 nose bleeds to over $1,000 for Ringside in them. But of course your talking Hopkins, Garcia, etc etc for those.
Vinnie Maddalone is Main Event. A local hero hero who fought Adamek ,Fury etc etc and at 39 yrs old probably coming to the end of the line. He is trying to one last comeback trail and getting support. One of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. Very Thankful for the attention from the fans he gets.
Some of the opponents are coming from mid-west and down south to fill out the card. Basically, an entertaining nice night out for a boxing fan without going to one of the BIG arenas here for the top talent.

Also, here, the New York Golden Gloves ended last month. Now is about the time that one or two of the young participants who are considering going pro usually will be added to the card to start out his pro career. Thats always a good fight to see if he can make the move.

I like the smaller clubs, brings back that feeling from days gone by and gives the young fighters a place to get work. Sounds like a good card!

[El Gallo]

Jesus"Big Poison" Pimentel

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Rancho

Mexican born fighters never lose their roots in the sense that they also lose their culture. They are a microcosm of the Mexican national who lives in the U.S.

Today I go to Tijuana to take our dogs to their vet. My poodles were born in T.J. Before we go to vet we take them to see their mother and father and brothers and sisters. jWhen we arrive at the border they go wild. They know that they're back to someplace familiar.Maybe their noses trigger memories. While my wife and daughter have them at the vets,I'll go downtown to sit in Parque Guerrero and have a cup of coffee. I remember the days when my wife and daughter would go shopping in Centro and I'd be kicking up my heels in some cantina. Boy,I'm glad I don't have the urge to do that any longer. Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe I need one of those testosterone shots.

Sometimes I'd see Bennie the fighter, who was a popular draw in TJ at the park, walking his dog. He used to train some boys at Gimnasio Indio Ortega which was north of the park. I'd sit their with him and talk about the old days.About a year ago I ran into him at the park.Bennie was wearing his tejana. I could see his wide leather belt decorated with a big turquoise stone. His feet wore botas de piel
trimmed in white He was with his dog,Pancho.Bennie was sitting on a bench eating an ice cream cone.
"Roger. Quieres una nieve?"he asked.
"No thanks pal,but mind if I sit down. My back is killing me."
""Que paso?"
"Too much football. It's caught up with me."
"I know what you mean. Too much boxing. It's caught up with me too,"he said laughing.
I petted Bennie's dog. It was a big mutt that looked like it had some German Shepard in him.
"Roger,you still go to Michoacan?"
"Yes.Me and the esposa. We built a house there."
"I was born in Guadalajara. In the country. My family had a ranchita."
"Do you ever go back?"
"Ever since my mother died I don't go as much."
"We go to my wife's home town every year."
"Ah,"the old battler said scratching his big mutt,"that must be nice. Michoacan is very beautifull. Quiet. Tranquilo."
"They have problems now with the narcos trafficantes."
"That's too bad," he said.
Bennie gave his dog what was left of his ice cream cone.
"We're going in August,"I said."Would you like to go with us?"
"I would like that very much,gracias. But I have to work here.It is difficult for my family in Jalisco. Sometimes I send money."
"Whenever you want, let me know."
"Gracias Roger."
Bennie scratched his dog's head again.
"They still talk about you down there ,"I said. "They remember the fight with Olivares."
"That was a great fight. The people were on their feet."
Bennie got up from the bench.
"Roger. Say hello to Maria. I have to get back to the gym. If I don't see you before you go to Michoacan say hello to all the people.Tell them I miss them very much."
"I sure will amigo."

Nice read!

[dagosd2000]

More To Lose

"It's not so bad on the street really.It's not what people think it is,"said Marty.
I was coming out of the liquor store and I saw him standing around the side of the building.He had let his beard grow. His face had that reddish sunburned look that a lot of homeless people have.He was still tall,but had lost a lot of weight.
"I see you walking around the neighborhood all the time,I said to him.
"Being homeless is not something you see in a movie. It's what you make of it. This is real out here."
"When I had you on the football team,I thought you would go a long way."
"I had scholarships for football and baseball."
"Don't you wish you had all that back?"
"Maybe. But when my father and mother died one after another,I let it all slip away."
"Marty,can I buy you something?"
"I could go for one of those deli sandwiches,"he said.
"I'll go back inside and get one for myself too."
I came back outside with two roast beef sandwiches and a couple of cokes.
"Usually any money I can get my hands on wouldn't go for food.There's plenty of food in the trash around here. You can't believe what the stores throw away."he laughed.
"Ever try going straight?"
"A few times. I thought that's what you're supposed to do when you wind up on the street."
"I see a lot of homeless downtown,"I said.
"Most of them are there. They're not locals like me.Besides the missions are downtown. I prefer the old neighborhood."
"You see many of the old gang?"
"Sure. They buy me something to eat. I'm harmless. I'm not robbing no one."
"Are you happy then?"
"As happy as anyone."
Marty chomped down hard on the roast beef sandwich.
"You see coach,"he said still chewing,"I don't have any reponsibilities.No family to provide for. No bills. No rent to pay.People don't expect nothing from me.I don't worry about things like that."
"I still tell people you were the best quarterback in the county that year."
"Maybe so."
Marty finished the sandwich and took a long drink from his coke.
"You know something coach?"
"What?"
"Well I've got this philosophy.The more you invest in life, the more you have to lose."

[dagosd2000]

Big George Foreman

[El Gallo]

Big George Foreman

[dagosd2000]

Man's Best Friend

"Sol(pronounced soul) is kind of listless,"I said.
"What kind of shot did she get?"asked my son in law.
"Rabia ,"said my wife.
We were all sitting in the patio eating a Mother's Day meal.Saturday I drove my wife down to Tijuana to buy what she needed to prepare Sunday's bar b que. We've been going to the same butcher for 40 years. A family run place in an open mercado across the street from the Guadalupe Church on 2nd Street. We also took our two poodles to their vet to get their booster shots.
"I wish she would eat somrthing,"I said.
"It could also be the heat,"said my grand daughter Amanda.
I held out a piece of carne asada to Sol. She just sniffed at it. I looked at my dog. Sol sat under the table. Estrella,her sister,was jumping on everyone's lap. She was eating anything offered to her. I wanted to change the subject to get my mind off Sol.
"Adam,"I said to my grandson,"is Ed coming over tomorrow for your guitar lesson?"
"Yes,around six," he said.
"I asked Ed if he still accompanies the Sunday class,"said my grand daughter Amanda.
"What'd he say?"I asked.
"He says he still does."
"The next time I see Ed I'm going to ask him what Rocio said about you leaving."
"Go ahead."
I was starting to get mad. One night after Flamenco practice ,Rocio her instructor came around to my car. I was waiting for Amanda.
"Roger,I need to talk to you,"said Rocio with a serious look.
"What's up?"
"Not here. Inside Starbucks."
I followed her inside. I sat down .Rocio leaned against a chair looking down at me.
"What's wrong with Amanda?"she asked abruptly.
I smiled. I had to gather myself.
"I don't know what you mean,"I said.
It's her attitide."
I was still off balanced.
"I think this is in your head. Have you talked to Amanda?"
"No,"she said tight lipped."You were a teacher. You should see this."
"I watch her every night. I"ve never seen a problem. The other girls like her. She's dancing marvelously."
"I'm surprised at you.It's only obvious."
"Has anyone said anything to you?"
She started to walk away.
"Look,I'll ask her. But I don't know where your coming from with this."
Rocio stomped back inside the classroom.When Amanda got in the car,I told her what Rocio said.
"She tries to needle me like she does the other girls. She's mad that it doesn't work,"said Amanda.'The others are afraid of her."
"You're also a threat to her. You've passed her up. She does a slow burn when the other girls compliment your dancing."
"I could see it coming,"said Amanda.
"So what do you want to do?"
"I won't come back. Daddy made a dance floor for me. There are workshops. I'll be going to Spain again."
"They don't play silly games like that in Cadiz."
"Miguel and Esperanza are good enough to feel comfortable with themselves."
"Yes,"I said. "They've taken you in as part of their family."

I stlli tried to hand something to Sol. She just rested on the patio.
"If I find out that Rocio said something to those girls that was a lie,I'll go over there. You know they must have asked where you went."
I was worried about Sol. I was fuming thinking about Rocio. I wanted to go home.

The next morning Sol licked my face while I was lying in bed. She was wagging her tail. I got up and walked to the refigerator. I give her slice of ham. She gobbled it up. I put the leashes on the dogs snd took them downstairs for a walk. Sol was pulling hard on her leash. Later in the day when I thought about Rocio. She made no difference to me.



My poodles ,Estrella and Sol

[dagosd2000]

The Final Round

My nephew Chelis has an auto repair place just outside of my wife's hometown in Jiquilpan.It was doing pretty good once,but then like everwhere else in the world when the economy started to go bad,my nephew's business felt the pinch.

Chelis was always into the palenque,cockfighting. At first it was a hobby ,but when his garage couldn't pay the bills,he focused on making a living with the roosters. Chelis also sells feed ,supplements,and accesories for his new endeavor.He's doing pretty good. Taking in more than he was fixing cars.He also enters these palenque tournaments in the area and is making a name for himself .Between the prize money and the side betting he's rolling in pesos.

His place outside of town is big.It's isolated from everything else. He's got all those supplies inside and around 100 roosters on the premises. At night he needs someone to watch over things. He's got a couple of pit bulls,but he needs an animal that can talk to take up the slack. That's were old Memo came in.

Memo used to be a fighter in Mexico. At least that's what everybody says. Memo will admit it too,but to hear him talk about it you can't put much together. Between too many beatings and his daily rounds with the bottle,Memo is just about good enough to baby sit Chelis's place during the night.There's nothing much out there except a few coyotes to worry about,but you never know. Someone knows that the place is unguarded and there might be a problem.

The first and last time I saw Memo was about two years ago. He was dirty and looked like he hadn't changed his clothes in months. A scraggly beard and thick dirty fingernails went with his battered looking face.
"What's up with that guy?"I asked my nephew.
"That's Memo. He watches things at night."
Memo was sitting on a log talking to himself.
"He acts loco,"I said.
"Yes,but he's not afraid to stay here at night. I can count on him."
"Does he have a family?"
"Yes,in Morelia. He takes the bus on Sundays to visit them."
"What did he do before?"
"He was a fighter. Very popular,but he started to drink to much. In the end he lost everything. He was just fighting for the money."
A couple of ranchers came in to buy feed. They walked by Memo sitting on the log.
"Memo,"said one of them laughing,"when is your next fight?"
"I'm training for El Puas."
"Where are you going to fight him?"asked the other one.
"Arena Coliseo in Mexico,"the old man snapped back.
"Well we'll see you then."
The two ranchers went inside the store to pay for the grain.
"Memo who were some the fighters you fought?"I asked him.
I thought he might come to his senses a little.
"Jose Luis,Muhammad Ali. I fought them all. I could take it. They knew when they fought Memo I'd be throwing chingasos."

After Chelis finished business with the two ranchers,I rode back to town with him. At the end of the week Chelis was to give me and the wife a ride to the airport in Guadalajara so we could fly back to San Diego. In the car I asked about Memo.
"How's old Memo doing?"
"Didn't you hear?He was hit by a car in Morelia."
"Is he all right?"
"He died. Thay say he laid there for hours before an ambulance came. They didn't realize he was that hurt."
"Why was that?"
"Well they knew he rambled a lot and thought it was just something natural."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Me too.To think he was getting ready to fight Olivares,"my nephew said grinning at me.

[dagosd2000]

Ad Wolgast

[CNorkusJr]

The fights here in New York turned out to be a fun night. Great fights-toe to toe each and the fighters were hungry. One kid -Dave Melito turned pro this night. He started out okay scoring some points, but by the third round ran out out steam and his 3-3 opponent took advantage and got the TKO stoppage.

Main Event- Vinny Maddalone vs Carmack (listed now as Kansas City,Mo) bested his opponent by 4th Rd KO. I think Vinny had his Best days behind him (39 years oild) but hit Carmack hard to stun him in 4th. He followed up with a flurry KOing him but he look weak in the early rounds.

I took a couple of photos-sat in balcony overlooking Ring for $40. Ringside was $200. You be the judge-not a zoom lens.

End of Maddalone and Carmack fight. Carmack facing camera was 325 lbs to Maddalone's 245. Vinny to left of Carmack had microphone and Thanked Carmack for game fight and working with children with disabilities in KC (his day job). Carmack now 12-1.


At a Ring 8 meeting last year me,Teddy Atlas, brother in-law Paul, Vinny Maddalone

[El Gallo]

The fights here in New York turned out to be a fun night. Great fights-toe to toe each and the fighters were hungry. One kid -Dave Melito turned pro this night. He started out okay scoring some points, but by the third round ran out out steam and his 3-3 opponent took advantage and got the TKO stoppage.

Main Event- Vinny Maddalone vs Carmack (listed now as Kansas City,Mo) bested his opponent by 4th Rd KO. I think Vinny had his Best days behind him (39 years oild) but hit Carmack hard to stun him in 4th. He followed up with a flurry KOing him but he look weak in the early rounds.

I took a couple of photos-sat in balcony overlooking Ring for $40. Ringside was $200. You be the judge-not a zoom lens.

End of Maddalone and Carmack fight. Carmack facing camera was 325 lbs to Maddalone's 245. Vinny to left of Carmack had microphone and Thanked Carmack for game fight and working with children with disabilities in KC (his day job). Carmack now 12-1.


At a Ring 8 meeting last year me,Teddy Atlas, brother in-law Paul, Vinny Maddalone

[dagosd2000]

The fights here in New York turned out to be a fun night. Great fights-toe to toe each and the fighters were hungry. One kid -Dave Melito turned pro this night. He started out okay scoring some points, but by the third round ran out out steam and his 3-3 opponent took advantage and got the TKO stoppage.

Main Event- Vinny Maddalone vs Carmack (listed now as Kansas City,Mo) bested his opponent by 4th Rd KO. I think Vinny had his Best days behind him (39 years oild) but hit Carmack hard to stun him in 4th. He followed up with a flurry KOing him but he look weak in the early rounds.

I took a couple of photos-sat in balcony overlooking Ring for $40. Ringside was $200. You be the judge-not a zoom lens.

End of Maddalone and Carmack fight. Carmack facing camera was 325 lbs to Maddalone's 245. Vinny to left of Carmack had microphone and Thanked Carmack for game fight and working with children with disabilities in KC (his day job). Carmack now 12-1.


At a Ring 8 meeting last year me,Teddy Atlas, brother in-law Paul, Vinny Maddalone

Charley,great that there's a card still going on in New York. We've got a venue here in San Diego at the 4 Points Sheraton that's in town and not out in the boonies at some Indian reservation. Ringside table seats are 70 bucks. GA is 35,but all seats are good. The fights take place in a conference room at the hotel. The main event is usually a 8 rounder. Tiger Smalls son,Prince, will make his debut there June 21st. More on that later.

[dagosd2000]

When The Legs Start To Go

"Abuelito,I saw the movie with Fred Astaire dancing with Audrey Hepburn."
"Funny Face?"
"Yes that was the name of it."
I had picked up my grand daughter from school and we were going to stop at Starbucks for our daily coffee.
"You know Amanda,it's all in the legs. "
"What do you mean?"
"When a dancer begins to lose his legs it shows in his performance."
"Fred Astaire danced pretty good in that movie."
"Sure. They gave him a choreography he could handle at his age. He was in his 50's by then."
"I liked the movie."
"Oh, it was a good movie,but if you want to see Astaire in his prime you have to go back to his movies of the 30's and 40's."
I pulled into the parking lot of Starbucks. Amanda went inside to get our drinks. A coffee for me ,a latte for Amanda. We sat under a table with an umbrella.
"Amanda,it's the same with athletes. When the legs start to go,it shows."
"Tiger Smalls says his favorite fighters were Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson,"said Amanda.
Tiger had spoken,with his family,to Amanda's psychology class that day.
"There's two examples of what I was talking about, legs."
"Did they're legs start to give out?"
"Yes. Age told their legs that they couldn't execute as they did before."
"Tiger said Sugar Ray was the best pound for pound fighter ever.'
"Won't get many arguments there.Funny, most of the film on Robinson was when he came out of retirement. He didn't have much in his legs anymore,but you could still see flashes of what he must have been like."
"Tiger said Ali was his inspiration."
"There's tons of film on Ali. But when you see Ali on film after his first retirement,he couldn't move like he did before."
"Is Sugar Ray still alive?"
"No, he died broke and suffered from dementia."
"Ali is still alive."
"Yes,but he is very sick."
"That's a shame."
"In sports,if the legs go it's time to retire. However boxing it's different. If the legs go, you may pay a bigger price later on."
"I hope Tiger and his son don't wind up that way."
"No.I don't think so."
"I wouldn't want to see that."
We finished our drinks and walked back to the car.
"Amanda,if you want to see Astaire at his best watch his movies he made with Ginger Rogers."

[dagosd2000]

Muhammad Ali-today

[CNorkusJr]

Roger-I am glad to hear that boxing still has a place in San Diego, and I do watch the fights here on Friday or Saturday that they show from the LA area as well.
Small venue cards exist herebecause there is about 6-10 fighters that still keep plugging along locally here from Long Island. Seasoned, been around awhile, but not going anywhere quick, they provide the locals like me with entertaining action.

The bigger fights that you might see from Barclay Center ,Brooklyn and Madison Sq Garden are getting to be more common. Golden Boy has a big contract for Brooklyn and every now and then a big promoter cpmes in with a card as well. So you can see we get a faitrly good share of fighting in the area. Like everything-all has a certain cost, but like you pointed ut- $35-$50 tickets can be had for a night out. One thing we have here also- is that cards will be attended by former greats and names in boxing who get a big round of applause. Between fights, pictures can be taken or autographs if you like-most seem to obliged well.

There is only a few active gyms on Long Island, and just a few in the NYC area. Certainly not like the 70's or 80's, and not even close to the 50's and 60's where boxing was king next to baseball.But it is still something to hang your hat on. Whats really strong here is amatuer events led of course by the NY Golden Gloves. Still a thriving scene that feeds a handful into the pros each year.

Does San Diego or LA still have military Championships out there, like my father won in 1948 ? I know I read some amateur records of some champion pros who took titles there as late as the 70's or so. But this being 2013, does the area still host that competition ? If so, is it popular (well attended) and still a big thing ?

[CNorkusJr]

At the fights last week, I ran into Ring 10 President Matt Farrago. Ring 10 is just like Ring 8, and runs out of the Bronx,NY. They are having a dinner in Sept featuring a reunion of Livingston Bramble and Ray "Boom Boom "Mancini. He went on to say that this will be the first time the two were in the same room at the same time in 28 years.
(Apparently hard feelings were felt for whatever reasons). Matt called Bramble first asking him to attend the event. He said right away he would. Matt then said he crossed his fingers and said I would like to invite Boom Boom, does that change things ? Bramble said "no- no problem on my end-I'll still be there".

Matt then called Mancini (who Matt said "lives in LA now, doing some film work when he can get it"). Right away Matt said he told Boom Boom that he would like him to fly out, and so does it make a difference if Bramble is there as well.? Mancini said "no problem". Matt reminded him that it will be 28 years since the two met and Boom Boom said sometrhing like "seems like to long a time- I'll be there". So far So good, says Matt.

[dagosd2000]

Roger-I am glad to hear that boxing still has a place in San Diego, and I do watch the fights here on Friday or Saturday that they show from the LA area as well.
Small venue cards exist herebecause there is about 6-10 fighters that still keep plugging along locally here from Long Island. Seasoned, been around awhile, but not going anywhere quick, they provide the locals like me with entertaining action.

The bigger fights that you might see from Barclay Center ,Brooklyn and Madison Sq Garden are getting to be more common. Golden Boy has a big contract for Brooklyn and every now and then a big promoter cpmes in with a card as well. So you can see we get a faitrly good share of fighting in the area. Like everything-all has a certain cost, but like you pointed ut- $35-$50 tickets can be had for a night out. One thing we have here also- is that cards will be attended by former greats and names in boxing who get a big round of applause. Between fights, pictures can be taken or autographs if you like-most seem to obliged well.

There is only a few active gyms on Long Island, and just a few in the NYC area. Certainly not like the 70's or 80's, and not even close to the 50's and 60's where boxing was king next to baseball.But it is still something to hang your hat on. Whats really strong here is amatuer events led of course by the NY Golden Gloves. Still a thriving scene that feeds a handful into the pros each year.

Does San Diego or LA still have military Championships out there, like my father won in 1948 ? I know I read some amateur records of some champion pros who took titles there as late as the 70's or so. But this being 2013, does the area still host that competition ? If so, is it popular (well attended) and still a big thing ?

Charley,I'm not aware of any service competition in San Diego anymore. The old 32nd Street Naval Base gym is now a spa. Check with Rick. Rog

[CNorkusJr]

Roger-I am glad to hear that boxing still has a place in San Diego, and I do watch the fights here on Friday or Saturday that they show from the LA area as well.
Small venue cards exist herebecause there is about 6-10 fighters that still keep plugging along locally here from Long Island. Seasoned, been around awhile, but not going anywhere quick, they provide the locals like me with entertaining action.

The bigger fights that you might see from Barclay Center ,Brooklyn and Madison Sq Garden are getting to be more common. Golden Boy has a big contract for Brooklyn and every now and then a big promoter cpmes in with a card as well. So you can see we get a faitrly good share of fighting in the area. Like everything-all has a certain cost, but like you pointed ut- $35-$50 tickets can be had for a night out. One thing we have here also- is that cards will be attended by former greats and names in boxing who get a big round of applause. Between fights, pictures can be taken or autographs if you like-most seem to obliged well.

There is only a few active gyms on Long Island, and just a few in the NYC area. Certainly not like the 70's or 80's, and not even close to the 50's and 60's where boxing was king next to baseball.But it is still something to hang your hat on. Whats really strong here is amatuer events led of course by the NY Golden Gloves. Still a thriving scene that feeds a handful into the pros each year.

Does San Diego or LA still have military Championships out there, like my father won in 1948 ? I know I read some amateur records of some champion pros who took titles there as late as the 70's or so. But this being 2013, does the area still host that competition ? If so, is it popular (well attended) and still a big thing ?

Charley,I'm not aware of any service competition in San Diego anymore. The old 32nd Street Naval Base gym is now a spa. Check with Rick. Rog

Truly sad to hear. I know the military still have "boxing teams" from the various military Institutions (West Point, VMI, Annapolis, etc etc) and last I heard there are Naval and Army Championships having participants outside of those Officers Schools, why forego San Diego, as it is still a Naval Town.?
Another famed boxing location and event goes on to be part of the ages, I guess. Truly sad. Probably a victim of Defense Budget cuts over the years and the cost to run it and send the participants.

[CNorkusJr]

Found this on a quick search:


last paragraph.
http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/post ... s-kick-off

College incorporates all titles, though US Army has its own championships to get to compete in college Champs, as well as Navy teams too.

[dagosd2000]

Roger-I am glad to hear that boxing still has a place in San Diego, and I do watch the fights here on Friday or Saturday that they show from the LA area as well.
Small venue cards exist herebecause there is about 6-10 fighters that still keep plugging along locally here from Long Island. Seasoned, been around awhile, but not going anywhere quick, they provide the locals like me with entertaining action.

The bigger fights that you might see from Barclay Center ,Brooklyn and Madison Sq Garden are getting to be more common. Golden Boy has a big contract for Brooklyn and every now and then a big promoter cpmes in with a card as well. So you can see we get a faitrly good share of fighting in the area. Like everything-all has a certain cost, but like you pointed ut- $35-$50 tickets can be had for a night out. One thing we have here also- is that cards will be attended by former greats and names in boxing who get a big round of applause. Between fights, pictures can be taken or autographs if you like-most seem to obliged well.

There is only a few active gyms on Long Island, and just a few in the NYC area. Certainly not like the 70's or 80's, and not even close to the 50's and 60's where boxing was king next to baseball.But it is still something to hang your hat on. Whats really strong here is amatuer events led of course by the NY Golden Gloves. Still a thriving scene that feeds a handful into the pros each year.

Does San Diego or LA still have military Championships out there, like my father won in 1948 ? I know I read some amateur records of some champion pros who took titles there as late as the 70's or so. But this being 2013, does the area still host that competition ? If so, is it popular (well attended) and still a big thing ?

Charley,I'm not aware of any service competition in San Diego anymore. The old 32nd Street Naval Base gym is now a spa. Check with Rick. Rog

Truly sad to hear. I know the military still have "boxing teams" from the various military Institutions (West Point, VMI, Annapolis, etc etc) and last I heard there are Naval and Army Championships having participants outside of those Officers Schools, why forego San Diego, as it is still a Naval Town.?
Another famed boxing location and event goes on to be part of the ages, I guess. Truly sad. Probably a victim of Defense Budget cuts over the years and the cost to run it and send the participants.

Charley I remember before Nam,the Naval Training Center and the Marine Recruit Depot forged boxing teams. MCRD had one of the most powerfull football teams around. Their basketball teams also were the best in town(we didn't have a pro team yet).The Marines also had a baseball team. Of course boxing was big on those bases. When Nam got going,only the boxing survived. Now that's gone.

You asked if San Diego is still a military town. The Naval Training Center is closed. It was the largest recruit base west of the Mississippi. MCRD and Camp Pendleton are still with us.
It's estimated that more than a third of San Diego's economy is related to the military. The defense budget keeps going up.It's spent on weapons that we don't really need to fight our "supposed" enemies.We have a defense budget over 600 billion a year. The next largest is China's ,around 50 billion.

You think the Pentagon could factor some of that 600 billion into more recreational activities for our servicemen.

[CNorkusJr]

For years San Diego was known as a "Naval Training Base" town. Even today, watching broadcasts of NY Mets games from the San Diego stadium, they show miltary men and women in dress whites attending the games. You said that San Diego generates about 1/3 of its income from the military ,yet the Naval Base is closed ?
Where and what are our servicemen and women doing in San Diego, job wise.? Is it still home to a fleet of ships ? Didn't I read somewhere that the Navy Seals from the Western cities train there too ?

[dagosd2000]

For years San Diego was known as a "Naval Training Base" town. Even today, watching broadcasts of NY Mets games from the San Diego stadium, they show miltary men and women in dress whites attending the games. You said that San Diego generates about 1/3 of its income from the military ,yet the Naval Base is closed ?
Where and what are our servicemen and women doing in San Diego, job wise.? Is it still home to a fleet of ships ? Didn't I read somewhere that the Navy Seals from the Western cities train there too ?

Charley,the recruit center,NTC,is closed.However Miramar Air Station(Top Gun),North Island,32nd Street Base,and NEL(Naval Electronics Lab) are operational. Remember MCRD and Pendleton are alive and well.There is a huge employment of civilians who work at these bases. Depending on how many ships are in port,the civilian workforce outnumbers the military. The Navy Seals are headquartered in Coronado. San Diego is also home port to many of the nuclear carriers and other ships of that type.There sre still a few defense plants left. Throw in what government contracts are going out to places like Qualcom,Cubic,National Steel and Shipbuilding(not to mention the food service businesses),San Diego is still Navy Blue and Maroon and Gold.On Sundays at PetCo Park,the military is recognized at all Padre games.