Classic American West Coast Boxing

[pbchron]

Last time I saw Mose Allison he was white but you probably knew that. He and all the blues and jazz acts i ever saw never "sold out" to their audiences whether it was predominately black patrons, or a largely white audience. That is how real professionals perform their craft.

[dagosd2000]

Last time I saw Mose Allison he was white but you probably knew that. He and all the blues and jazz acts i ever saw never "sold out" to their audiences whether it was predominately black patrons, or a largely white audience. That is how real professionals perform their craft.

Yeah,I know Mose Allison is white. No,I've seen black musicians and white ones too rip audiences off. Stanley Turrentine came to town once at Humphries in Shelter Island.He showed up over an hour late,played a set for 30 minutes of pure bulls--t and left. Elvis Presley once was so f---ed up at a concert that he was spread out on his back on the stage singing holding the mike .He later remarked that he couldn't believe that the crowd loved it.The great Charlie Parker would often not show up for gigs and then when he made it often he was so doped up he couldn't play a note.Don't give me this crap about "real professionals".You probably believe that fighters never "threw" fights either.

[pbchron]

Stanley Turrentine surely wasn't being "professional" when you saw him that night. Elvis was a pathetic creature his last few years with no regard for his audience, hardly a "real pro." Charley Parker when he failed to show-up totally loses any professionalism. People like Earl Hooker, Lafayette Leake, Pinetop Perkins (well into his nineties),etc. took the stage and played their hearts out, sometimes in half empty clubs, sometimes a little out of it but loved to play for the people (white, black, hispanic, asian).... I have been involved in boxing for almost 60 years so I know what I believe.. I knew that you were aware that Mose Allison was white.

[dagosd2000]

Stanley Turrentine surely wasn't being "professional" when you saw him that night. Elvis was a pathetic creature his last few years with no regard for his audience, hardly a "real pro." Charley Parker when he failed to show-up totally loses any professionalism. People like Earl Hooker, Lafayette Leake, Pinetop Perkins (well into his nineties),etc. took the stage and played their hearts out, sometimes in half empty clubs, sometimes a little out of it but loved to play for the people (white, black, hispanic, asian).... I have been involved in boxing for almost 60 years so I know what I believe.. I knew that you were aware that Mose Allison was white.

Look man,I wrote a story about what I experienced when I saw Jimmy Smith in concert 50 years ago. Leave it at that. I didn't make any generalizations about black musicians or white musicians being one way or another. Jimmy Smith was notorious for being a horses ass when he worked a venue. About 20 years ago he played at UCSD in LaJolla in front of mostly a non black student crowd. There were some Asian kids sitting up front. Between numbers Smith took liberties with them teasing them with racial slurs. It was most uncomfortable.

I'm glad you've been involved with boxing over 60 years.T he way things look today I'm keeping my fingers crossed that boxing can last another 60 years.Take care.

[Chuck1052]

During the past week or two in the Los Angeles Times, there have been a number of articles about farmworkers striking for better pay and working conditions at a time when crops are due to be harvested. I hope that the strike is successful.

- Chuck Johnston

[dagosd2000]

Phantom Punch

Boxing movies,whether they are acclaimed or simply panned,are never weighted much about the authenticity of the fight scenes.Raging Bull,Fat City,and Requiem for A Heavyweight are three examples of movies with the backdrop of the ring that won awards for screen play, acting portrayals,direction,music scores,etc.The "Rocky"movies are probably the most popular in the culture,but to examine the credibility of the fight scenes is something that would waste a lot of time trying to break down. For the boxing fan those images are unbelievable at most. For the "Rocky Balboa" cult,perhaps, those visions are on a plane with the battle of Thermopylae.

I relish the substance of a film like Raging Bull,a film that ranks in the echelons of artistry,but it's not because of DeNiro's acting inside the boxing ring.Paul Newman's portrayal of Rocky Graziano had to be altered when it came time to film the fight scenes against Tony Zale.You see the director wanted the real Zale to portray himself in the movie,but Tony didn't follow the script and would cuff Newman around a little too roughly. Time to put in his stand in.

But with all that said,I can't leave my computer without without mentioning my nominee for the worst boxing movie of all time,Kid Galahad, starring the greatest teen idol of the 20th century,Elvis Presley. I know if you're a die hard Elvis fan it didn't matter if Elvis was cast in those string of B movies as a race car driver,a cowboy, or a prize fighter. As long as Elvis was on screen,it sated the fans' appetites.But man that movie stunk! I saw it again for the second time the other day and decided to throw my sleeping pills away -just turn on my DVD player and watch that movie if I wanted to be induced into a coma.

But again with that said,I don't think "Kid Galahad" would be a focal point when discussing the legend of the King of Rock N' Roll.The" flick" stands as it is,a pale imitation of what boxing is all about. I bet ya' Tony Zale would have loved to bring Elvis Presley down to earth. I'm saying with a couple of good body shots.

[dagosd2000]

Liver Worst

One sign that boxers are not getting the proper tutelage is the lack of body punchers I see in the ring today. Growing up on Southland boxing during the 60's and 70's it was uncommon to see quality fighters who did not go downstairs. One of the raps against Mexican fighters,especially,was that was just about all their arsenal consisted of,the left hook to the liver. Bangers like Ruben Olivares and all his opponents who had his number(Rafael Herrera and Chucho Castillo) to name two, relied on that "gancho".There were others too. Rodolfo Gonzalez prided himself with the left hook. Most of his string of KO's were dispatched with punches below the border.There were lesser Mexican combatants( and I only phrase it that way because they never captured a title) like Joe Medel,Julio Guererro,Raul Cruz,and Rodolfo Lobato who also were all the time dangerous in there because that was the "Mexican Way" to fight,wade in, take three to land one.That "one" was usually that liver shot.

But it wasn't only the Mexican boys who were schooled on delivering the left hook downstairs. A Canadian product based in San Diego,Art Hafey, relied on that weapon to earn his rank as a contender.Mike McCallum was another guy who knew how to attack an opponent's midsection. Though he never fought in California,he was a threat evertime he laced them up.No one.And I mean NO ONE likes to get hit down there.

So why isn't body punching being taught to the prospect?The lack of experienced trainers are responsible for fighters not having that weapon. It filters down. A lack of good trainers results in a shortage of the complete fighter.

I was talking to Tiger Small,who's working with his son, Prince, in the fine art. Tiger said that he wanted to show his son how to go downstairs.Like Sam Langford said,"Attack the body and the head will fall."I believe the reason Mayweather is undefeated is that he's never been in there with an experienced body puncher. A guy who go upstairs and downstairs. When I watched the Canelo fight I saw a big strong kid with terrible footwork going after Mayweather's head.He played right into Mayweather's hands. I think Manny will be the guy who will deliver the pressure.The whirlwind Henry Armstrong approach. That's why I think Floyd ducked him for so long.He didn't want to handle that heat.But maybe Floyd thinks he's got him now.Manny has taken a lot of shots. Maybe the reflexes aren't what they used to be.

But I'm pulling for Manny. I hope he can put on enough heat on Floyd to knock that 25,000 dollar mouthpiece down his throat.



The Body Snatcher

[Chuck1052]

It seems to me that referees are issuing warnings or deducting points for punches anywhere close to the beltline far too often and the judges aren't giving fighters enough credit for body punches during bouts at the present time.

- Chuck Johnston

[dagosd2000]

Come On In,The Water's Fine.

It was a time when there was in gym in every neighborhood. Not the franchise places like you see today.The gyms back then catered to the strong and dedicated, They were makeshift projects crammed with canvas mats,ringposts with the paint chipping off,old Olympic bars with large plates and heavy dumbbells with big grips.Vic's OB(Ocean beach)Gym was where I did my sweating. The clientele was a crossection of bodybuilders,sailors,cops,powerlifters,and fighters. The only women who wanted to share the premises usually shared their beds with us after the workout was over and engaged in more intimate exercises.

One night Gary Young,the amateur heavyweight I used to spar with at the 32nd Street Naval Base,brought another fighter with him to workout.It was OK with us. Fighters were tough and we were tough guys.The fighter's name was Dave Dabney,another amateur heavyweight. A big sandy haired kid with an"Aw shucks maam'" grin. He combed his hair like Elvis equipped with the sideburns. Right away we fit that moniker on him,"Elvis."He took to it right away. I guess he felt he belonged after that.

Well we hit it hard that night. We wrote down all our "lifts" in our notebooks. Name of exercise,poundage,number of sets ,and repetitions.We encouraged each other to "make' each lift and pump out another rep.After around three hours we gathered our gear.
"Dave,we have a thing around here that after working out,we go down to the beach,run,and then thrash into the ocean,"said Vic."We call ourselves The Centaurs."
"Isn't the water cold?"asked Dave losing his "Opieness."
"That's why we run first,"I said."The running gets our body heat up so when we go into the water we don't feel it."
""But it's dark outside,"Dave went on.
"Look."said Vic."If you are a pussy,you can stay behind."
"Naw,"said Dave."I'm in."

So we all ran down to the beach,cut up to the North Beach Jetty,turned around,and sprinted back to the pier.Then Vic gave the command.
"Centaurs to the water!"
We charged into the surf with our arms flailing shouting like Johnny Rebs.After a few minutes of throwing ourselves against the waves we struggled happily up to the beach.But after taking muster we were one Centaur short.No Dave.We began getting nervous.
"Wasn't he with you?"
"Didn't you see him?"
"You didn't hear him?"

We scattered along the shoreline screaming Dave's name.Then I saw a shadow crawling from the waves and pass out on the sand.I rolled Dave over on his side. He puked saltwater.He began breathing hard and fast.
"I thought I was going to die,"he gasped."I got caught in a rip.I couldn't break the surface."
He puked again.
"Just take it easy,"I said.
We had all gathered over him.After seeing him come around we then walked slowly back to the gym.
"I can't swim,"said Dave sitting on a wood bench. He had a towel draped over his wet head."I gave myself up."
"That must have been terrifying,"said Vic.
"You know,"said Dave calmed down by now,"I started breathing in the water.Instead of gagging,it felt wonderful. I saw the light. It was very peaceful,"he said softly.
"Then what happened?"
"My toe touched the bottom and I struggled to shore.So here I am."
"That's all that matters,"said Gary.

Dave didn't come back to Vic's after that night. He went up to train at Ski Goldstein's in Pacific Beach. I read in the papers that he had a few fights at the Coliseum and lost all of them. Gary told me that Dave quit the sport and had gotten married to some gal he picked up on in one of the watering holes in National City.Shortly after that they had a kid.When Dave shipped out I guess his wife shipped in what was left in port. She was one of those Navy "widows".Well when Dave made port,he caught wind of her carrying on and beat her up. She left him for that and took the baby. The Navy also took action and drummed Dave out of the service.

I had dropped out of the boxing circles for some time.Getting married,raising a family,working my butt off. Not much time to keep up with the sport even thought I still like to workout.One night not too far back I was in Burke Emery's joint,Champs. Burke was behind the bar chatting with a couple of customers.

"Trying to make comeback as a fighter is a real stretch,"said the ex Canadian champ.
"Remember that guy Dave Dabney?"said one of the customers."He thought he could do it."
I rubbernecked to the conversation.
"He went back with Ski to train after a long layoff,"said Burke wiping a glass.
"They said after a workout that he was going down to the beach for a run."
"Found him three days later washed up on the beach,"said Burke.
"He was a bum anyway,"said one of the two drinkers.
"He probably overdid it and got a heart attack,"said Burke.
"Yeah,probably his heart gave out,"said the other guy.
"I'll tell you what,"said Burke."I'll buy the house a round."

[dagosd2000]

The Rapture

[dagosd2000]

Flower Child

Danny Millsap owned a flower shop in downtown San Diego on 5th Street. Danny Millsap was the best softball pitcher I ever saw in my life. Danny Millsap managed and trained fighters.So what seems out of place?A fight trainer.a practically unhittable pitcher,and an ex football player in college.Kind of funny he made most of his dough selling roses. But that was Danny Millsap.

He looked Irish and tough wearing his white t- shirt and khaki pants when he set up in the corner of the ring. He had some of the good local talent. Not any of the big time boys,but fighters who gave the crowd their money's worth. I remember him watering down the likes of Charley "Bad News" Austin and Amado Vasquez. His son was always helping his dad with the work to be done. Oh,those were good times at 'ol Coliseum.I remember the wars Danny's boy,Marcos Geraldo,had with David Love.The Millsap's looked like they wanted to get in there with their Mexican charge and land a few of their own.Then there was the second fight Amado Vasquez had with Mike Quarry in Nat City's ballpark. I thought there might be a prelim between Jerry Quarry and his wife and mother against the Mexican throng and the Millsaps.

Though Danny seemed like he was chiseled out of the Blarney Stone,he stayed away from the Irish penchant of the drink.He said if he was going to make it in this world John Barleycorn would be no friend.

One time I saw him and his softball team take on one of those traveling road teams,not any old bunch of stumblebums,but Eddie Feigner and his Court, a group of nine that was considered cream of the crop. The game was played at Westgate Park in Mission Valley,the home field of the minor league Padres.Well Millsap takes the mound with only four other fielders to back him up.Turns out Danny didn't need anyone behind him. Eddie Fiegner and his entourage did nothing but their whiffing specialty all night long.

Danny could have taken his group on tour and easily scratched out a living,but he stayed around town waiting for the opposition to come to him. He probably didn't see much coming in with the fighters he handled.Besides,his flower shop kept him busy. It's funny when any of the guys who rememnber bring up Danny Millsap.They always couch it with a chuckle.
"He had that flower shop downtown."

Good for you Irish. You never took no crap from anyone and you were well liked by all. Got to wrap this up right now. Me and my graddaughter Amanda have tickets to the symphony tonight.I think I'll stop off and get her a nice flower that she can pin on her dress.I wonder if Danny's shop is still on 5th?

[dagosd2000]

My granddaughter and grandson with their Flamenco family in Spain.

[dagosd2000]

Sit And Wait

"So where are you going to watch the fight?",I asked my granddaughter Cruz's husband.
"We're going to a friend's house,"in Colonia Libertad.
"Yeah,I'll watch it in Tijuana too.I won't pay a hundred dollars to watch it up here."
We were sitting around the dinner table.I'd just come back with my wife from Foodland in National City. That's where my wife buys her corn tortillas. It's about a ten mile drive from my place,but she insists on buying the tortillas there.They have a machine that makes the tortillas fresh and hot. My wife won't buy the tortillas that have already been wrapped from the machine. They have to make them fresh and hot in front of her.My wife had cooked a vegetable soup made from scratch with carrots,onions,parsley,potatos,chayote,and chiles.I've never seen my wife buy a can of soup. Everything she makes is from scratch.
"We have cable in TJ,SkyBox,"my granddaughter's husband,Jaime, went on."It's going to be on for free,but with a two round delay. Everyone that comes over will have their phones turned off."
'I'll find some bar on Revolution to go to ",I said."There won't be a cover. I think Margarita's husband told me if a bar in TJ wants to put on the fight,it's around 250 dollars."
"Isn't Ruben going to have it in his bar then?"asked Jaime.
"I guess not.His place is too small. I guess Margarita sings on Sundays to try to bring in more customers,but he won't be having the fight."
"There'll be plenty of places to go in TJ."
"I know the bars up here can't afford to put it on. They want a few grand.It won't be the first time I've crossed the border to watch it on cable. Hell,all the sports book places in Tj will have it on if nothing else,"I said.

I stopped to think of some of the fights I'd seen on cable TV in Tijuana because I didn't want to shell out 40 or 50 bucks on the U.S. side.The bars in the Coahuila used to have all those fights on a big screen. For this Pacquiao/Mayweather fight I'll just find a cozy spot downtown. I'll leave all the calamity of the cantinas in the Zona Norte for the more rambunctious. But I can remember when I could satisfy all my urges spending a night in that sordid little part of the city. It's funny.The girls that worked in the cantinas hated when a fight was shown on TV. They griped that the men wouldn't pay any attention to them while the fight was on. The men didn't want to dance with them,buy them a drink,or take them upstairs. Of course after the fight,the hombres would return to the more carnal pleasures.

I have to admit, watching a good fight doesn't come around that often.I recall standing with all those Mexicans in front of the big screen wrapped up in the pandemonium. As far as getting throwed and blowed,well,the girls knew they'd have to sit around and wait.

[dagosd2000]

Who's the sicko who replaced that picture of my granddaughter with that slut?Don't the editors monitor that kind of thing?

[dagosd2000]

Cleveland Williams

[dagosd2000]

Fish Eye

People ask the question about why someone would take up the sport of boxing.But when this subject is addressed it's usually directed towards men. With someone like Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Oscar De La Hoya it was their fathers who introduced them at a young age to boxing to see if they cut the mustard. Fighting was all they knew and it became a part of their maturation. For someone like Manny Pacquiao or Sugar Ray Robinson boxing was the "poor man's out."The money earned in the ring provided food on the table for their families. Whatever the the reason,though,fighting was no big deal.The pressure of climbing into a ring and fighting another man, half naked, came with the territory. Sure there is a case of the nerves,but I get uneasy driving on LA freeways during rush hour traffic. So I guess for the Walter Mitty's of the world,holding a title belt can be one of those dreams that remain a fantasy because for the more timid, we can always resign our sparring on a boxing forum.

But what makes women want to get in there and beat an opponent's brains out? When Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche were selected to fight for a MMA title unification,I only knew of Carmouche's abilities. Liz was a trainer and did her ring work at the San Diego Combat Academy in the Kearny Mesa section of San Diego. That was also the gym that my grandson Adam was working out in Tiger Smalls beginning boxing class.I'd see Liz train and also instruct her students. I thought whoever this Rousey girl was,she was going to be in trouble. I asked Liz how she felt about fighting Rousey and she commented that she was a "very good fighter."Liz doesn't talk too much at the Combat Academy. She's very nice to everyone,soft spoken,and a terribly hard worker. She was a Marine in Iraq.As quiet as her demeanor is,she was nothing to take lightly on the mat.

Prior to the fight there was a gathering of MMA fighters at a mega box store across the street from the Combat Academy. Ronda Rousey was there.I walked across the street to take a look. Rousey was certainly all confidence,a lot more animated than Liz Carmouche. There wasn't any mad dogging or bravado between the girls,but something they both had in common made me wonder.I couldn't understand why there were doing this.It wasn't because they were pushed into it.There wasn't an immediate financial need. I know Rousey's mother was a judo champion and Carmouche's dad was a military man.That was probably the connection . But when I tried to focus on the two I couldn't reach any depth to their souls. There was something mysterious about both on them.Nothing wrong or evil,but a a feeling that they were masking something. I felt that when I looked into their eyes.It was mysterious.

But with all that unanswered in my mind,I admire both of them. They're risk takers and at the top of their sport.

By the way, my great granddaughter Cindy is a champion black belt in Tae Kwan Do. She's 15 years old. She very quiet,doesn't say much,but when she gets it on inside the ring,she's a tornado of aggression. It blows my mind.She doesn't talk about her fighting,but I can tell it's her identity.She lives for fighting.

I have to admit that I've never had a handle on the opposite sex. They're a different breed of cat. But I sure can't live without them. At my age I wouldn't want to tangle with Rousey,Carmouche,and even my great granddaughter.



My granddaughter Cindy breaking a board with her foot.



Ronda Rousey

[dagosd2000]

Classic West Coast Boxing.

Most of the time when I'm ready to post something,I'm confident in my abilities. I'm sure everybody will want to read what I've put out there. Funny,after I post something,I don't go back and read it because my post reaction to my posts is always a feeling of disappointment.But today I want to share with you my experience at the West Coast Boxing awards banquet yesterday,Sunday,held at Vittorio's Restaurant in Studio City,California.As I write this I feel I'm walking on eggs. .First of all I want to applaud my friend Rick Farris for putting this event together. The theme was "Legends Of The Olympic Auditorium."Rick puts his heart and soul into what he believes is a righteous tribute to the sport of boxing.Honored yesterday were notables like Jimmy Lennon Jr. and his dad,Art "Golden Boy" Aragon,Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez,Danny "Little Red" Lopez,Carlos Palomino,Ray"Boom Boom" Mancini,and matchmaker at the Olympic,Don Chargin.

Rick's concern is always aimed at the boxing community.He passionately wants to make the Southland area to be remembered as a Mecca for the sport back before cable TV wiped out the local venues in town.Rick will tell you what's on his mind.He's made some enemies,but he would rather keep it that way. He'll make no bones about it,but if he considers you a friend,you're going to be in good company.The other guy who puts on an annual event similar to the one yesterday, punctuates the room with too much sarcasm for my liking. He's in a rush to get the afternoon over with.He thinks too much about the receipts and not enough about the heart and soul of what the men and women who busted their tails inside the ring. But enough of that guy.

Rick walks the room and makes everyone feel at home.He recognizes the famous and more often, the not so.He told me that he'd come down with the flu two weeks prior to yesterday. I know the effort he had put in may have wore him down physically,but didn't quash his dedication and commitment.

But please let me get back to the "walking on eggs " part.Every year when I attend similar events,I'm saddened by the deterioration of many of the fighters. I don't know what to say sometimes to these guys. I feel that I may have contributed in a way.I loved watching them get in there and wage war.I,like so many,vicariously lived through them round after round. To honor them now seems a shallow gesture. They've lost a lot.The dementia takes a toll not only them ,but their families. The wives suffer the most. We still cheer them on. They were our heroes,but now they're damaged. For all that sacrifice and guts it took to get in there,it shouldn't be like that,but that's the way life is.

To remember the "Greatest Pound For Pound" Ray Robinson and now the self proclaimed "Greatest",Muhammad Ali break down is very hard for me to look at.Maybe at the end they were still OK of their careers,but time doesn't wait for the illness. And these two were legends.American icons.World renown.Think of the thousands of others that time has forgotten except for their loved ones.

But I don't want to be a baby.They say that they knew what they were getting into. That's the risk you take. But they didn't figure it would catch up with them. Fighting was how they made a living.No big scores working odd and end jobs.

I remember Danny Lopez talking to me about the passing of his big brother.
"He took a lot of shots,"remarked Little Red.
It seemed he resigned himself to that conclusion. Now Danny is battling the demon that shadowed his brother. Again,it's the closet to these fellas' that bear the brunt. The wives and children are very protective. They walk interference.

AS much as I enjoy myself at these fighter recognition events,it always leaves a bitter taste.Rich Moratta,the sports announcer,said that being around fighters is the most humbling experience. He's right. Fighters,if you didn't look at their pans,are not conspicuous sorts.They aren't so full of themselves.They've paid their dues and the majority aren't compensated enough at the end. Maybe it was their faults for bowing away their dough,but most of them didn't make that much to put in the till.

I'm done now.Again, I want to thank Rick for inviting me to the banquet. He was even nice enough to recognize me when he went around the room introducing me to the fans.I hope Rick wants me back. I need to be humbled. Taken down a peg. Being around fighters is good medicine for my inflated ego.And besides, I enjoy the company.


Maria Esty and Jerri De La O talking about everything except boxing


My pal from the Windy City,Dan Hanley.He's done some great interviews with fighters.



Jimmy Lennon JR. going over a scorecard with Randy De La O



Rodolfo Gonzalez and Monica Farris


Danny and Bonnie Lopez


A real class act,Carlos Palomino



The likable,Frankie Duarte


Mr. "Gentle Ben",Mike Weaver


My friend,Rick Farris.President West Coast Boxing Hall Of Fame

[scartissue]

Rog, you really are the 'Fighter's artist'. Not only what you put on canvas but for what you put in text. Always my amigo.

[dagosd2000]

Rog, you really are the 'Fighter's artist'. Not only what you put on canvas but for what you put in text. Always my amigo.

Dan,it was great seeing you again. I want to go to Chicago next year and relive some memories. We can then spend some time together. Rog

[Randyman]

Inaugural West Coast Hall of Fame Banquet and inductions
Vitello's E Spot, Studio City, California
April 26, 2015

By any standard, Sunday night's Inaugural West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame inductions at Vitello's E Spot in Studio City, California, was a resounding success. The theme of the event was “Legends of the Olympic” and many of those that fought at the Olympic Auditorium during it's heyday were on hand. Some were there to receive their induction and others were there to cheer on and support their fellow “West Coast” fighters.

There could not have been a better starting line up for the inaugural Hall of Fame inductions: Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Palomino, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, the original “Golden Boy” the late Art Aragon and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. All but Ray Mancini – who was unable to attend - were a mainstay not only at the famed and legendary Olympic Auditorium.but in fight venues across the Southland. All of them represent what was and is right about the great sport of boxing, not just on the west coast but in boxing as a sport. To say these guys fought their heart's out and gave their all to boxing would be an understatement. All of them thrilled boxing fans during their time in the ring.

All of the inductee's spoke with an unpracticed and sincere humility, that in all of the sporting world, can only be found among those that have punched for a living. Some were emotional, all were appreciative.

Art Aragon's induction award was accepted by his son Audie Aragon. On hand to present the induction award to former featherweight champ Danny Lopez was former Golden Glove boxer and actor Ryan O'Neal. It was a treat for fan's and O'Neal hung around for a short while to pose with fans and sign autographs.

The inclusion of Ray Mancini, makes good on the WCBHOF's promise and desire to reach and recognize deserving fighters across the country and beyond. Mancini was a good first choice. His risk taking style made him popular with west coast fans.

Also inducted were Don “War a Week” Chargin, for his contribution to the sport as a matchmaker and promoter and the late Jimmy Lennon Sr. and Jimmy Lennon Jr., both of whom no introduction is needed and whose duties go far beyond boxing on the west coast but they both belong to us.

Honored with a special award each were Alan Swyer and Gene Aguilera, respectively for “El Boxeo” and Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles. Each and every inductee and honoree is deserving of the praise they received Sunday night. Kudos to announcer/emcee Jim Fitzgerald, who with his “Magnificent” voice did an outstanding job and was a big part of Sunday's success.

The mood was light and the event was a small intimate affair which brought fighters side by side with the fans. A small list in attendance; Herman Montes, Frankie Duarte, Gabe Ruelas, Ricky Funez, Mike Weaver, Burney Spencer, Ray Maynez, Phil Barba, Lance Lopez (son of Ernie “Indian Red” Lopez, both Willie and Ruben Lucero, Frankie Santillan and his brother Maxie, Frank Aragon (who was kind enough to lend a small part of his boxing memorabilia collection for viewing), Blanca Gutierrez, and sculptor Steve Harpst and boxing writer extraordinaire Michelle Chong.

My wife Jeri and I had prime seating near the stage and were sitting with our friends, southland boxing artist Roger Esty and his wife Maria. It was a good night out with good friends and good food. It was a wonderful evening with lots of great stories by all the inductees. It was an event no one wanted to see end.

It's always hard to talk with everyone, or worse, to talk and leave halfway through a conversation. It was a busy night and so many good friends to talk with. It was good seeing and talking with you all.

My personal thanks to West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame President Rick and Monica Farris for their hard work and for such a great night for boxing, and for including my wife and I at the inductions banquet. It was an event to remember! Thanks also for all their hard work in making this special Hall of Fame induction happen; Vice President Dan Hanley, Directors Blanca Gutierez, Frankie Santillan and John Raspanti. You were all remarkable.

[Randyman]

Vitello's E Spot


West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame Founder and President Rick Farris


Maria & Roger Esty, Dan Hanley, me and Jeri. Over the years all of you have become dear friends! It was good see you all again.

[dagosd2000]

Inaugural West Coast Hall of Fame Banquet and inductions
Vitello's E Spot, Studio City, California
April 26, 2015

By any standard, Sunday night's Inaugural West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame inductions at Vitello's E Spot in Studio City, California, was a resounding success. The theme of the event was “Legends of the Olympic” and many of those that fought at the Olympic Auditorium during it's heyday were on hand. Some were there to receive their induction and others were there to cheer on and support their fellow “West Coast” fighters.

There could not have been a better starting line up for the inaugural Hall of Fame inductions: Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Palomino, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, the original “Golden Boy” the late Art Aragon and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. All but Ray Mancini – who was unable to attend - were a mainstay not only at the famed and legendary Olympic Auditorium.but in fight venues across the Southland. All of them represent what was and is right about the great sport of boxing, not just on the west coast but in boxing as a sport. To say these guys fought their heart's out and gave their all to boxing would be an understatement. All of them thrilled boxing fans during their time in the ring.

All of the inductee's spoke with an unpracticed and sincere humility, that in all of the sporting world, can only be found among those that have punched for a living. Some were emotional, all were appreciative.

Art Aragon's induction award was accepted by his son Audie Aragon. On hand to present the induction award to former featherweight champ Danny Lopez was former Golden Glove boxer and actor Ryan O'Neal. It was a treat for fan's and O'Neal hung around for a short while to pose with fans and sign autographs.

The inclusion of Ray Mancini, makes good on the WCBHOF's promise and desire to reach and recognize deserving fighters across the country and beyond. Mancini was a good first choice. His risk taking style made him popular with west coast fans.

Also inducted were Don “War a Week” Chargin, for his contribution to the sport as a matchmaker and promoter and the late Jimmy Lennon Sr. and Jimmy Lennon Jr., both of whom no introduction is needed and whose duties go far beyond boxing on the west coast but they both belong to us.

Honored with a special award each were Alan Swyer and Gene Aguilera, respectively for “El Boxeo” and Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles. Each and every inductee and honoree is deserving of the praise they received Sunday night. Kudos to announcer/emcee Jim Fitzgerald, who with his “Magnificent” voice did an outstanding job and was a big part of Sunday's success.

The mood was light and the event was a small intimate affair which brought fighters side by side with the fans. A small list in attendance; Herman Montes, Frankie Duarte, Gabe Ruelas, Ricky Funez, Mike Weaver, Burney Spencer, Ray Maynez, Phil Barba, Lance Lopez (son of Ernie “Indian Red” Lopez, both Willie and Ruben Lucero, Frankie Santillan and his brother Maxie, Frank Aragon (who was kind enough to lend a small part of his boxing memorabilia collection for viewing), Blanca Gutierrez, and sculptor Steve Harpst and boxing writer extraordinaire Michelle Chong.

My wife Jeri and I had prime seating near the stage and were sitting with our friends, southland boxing artist Roger Esty and his wife Maria. It was a good night out with good friends and good food. It was a wonderful evening with lots of great stories by all the inductees. It was an event no one wanted to see end.

It's always hard to talk with everyone, or worse, to talk and leave halfway through a conversation. It was a busy night and so many good friends to talk with. It was good seeing and talking with you all.

My personal thanks to West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame President Rick and Monica Farris for their hard work and for such a great night for boxing, and for including my wife and I at the inductions banquet. It was an event to remember! Thanks also for all their hard work in making this special Hall of Fame induction happen; Vice President Dan Hanley, Directors Blanca Gutierez, Frankie Santillan and John Raspanti. You were all remarkable.

Couldn't have been said any better.

[Randyman]

Deleted

[Randyman]

Classic West Coast Boxing.

Most of the time when I'm ready to post something,I'm confident in my abilities. I'm sure everybody will want to read what I've put out there. Funny,after I post something,I don't go back and read it because my post reaction to my posts is always a feeling of disappointment.But today I want to share with you my experience at the West Coast Boxing awards banquet yesterday,Sunday,held at Vittorio's Restaurant in Studio City,California.As I write this I feel I'm walking on eggs. .First of all I want to applaud my friend Rick Farris for putting this event together. The theme was "Legends Of The Olympic Auditorium."Rick puts his heart and soul into what he believes is a righteous tribute to the sport of boxing.Honored yesterday were notables like Jimmy Lennon Jr. and his dad,Art "Golden Boy" Aragon,Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez,Danny "Little Red" Lopez,Carlos Palomino,Ray"Boom Boom" Mancini,and matchmaker at the Olympic,Don Chargin.

Rick's concern is always aimed at the boxing community.He passionately wants to make the Southland area to be remembered as a Mecca for the sport back before cable TV wiped out the local venues in town.Rick will tell you what's on his mind.He's made some enemies,but he would rather keep it that way. He'll make no bones about it,but if he considers you a friend,you're going to be in good company.The other guy who puts on an annual event similar to the one yesterday, punctuates the room with too much sarcasm for my liking. He's in a rush to get the afternoon over with.He thinks too much about the receipts and not enough about the heart and soul of what the men and women who busted their tails inside the ring. But enough of that guy.

Rick walks the room and makes everyone feel at home.He recognizes the famous and more often, the not so.He told me that he'd come down with the flu two weeks prior to yesterday. I know the effort he had put in may have wore him down physically,but didn't quash his dedication and commitment.

But please let me get back to the "walking on eggs " part.Every year when I attend similar events,I'm saddened by the deterioration of many of the fighters. I don't know what to say sometimes to these guys. I feel that I may have contributed in a way.I loved watching them get in there and wage war.I,like so many,vicariously lived through them round after round. To honor them now seems a shallow gesture. They've lost a lot.The dementia takes a toll not only them ,but their families. The wives suffer the most. We still cheer them on. They were our heroes,but now they're damaged. For all that sacrifice and guts it took to get in there,it shouldn't be like that,but that's the way life is.

To remember the "Greatest Pound For Pound" Ray Robinson and now the self proclaimed "Greatest",Muhammad Ali break down is very hard for me to look at.Maybe at the end they were still OK of their careers,but time doesn't wait for the illness. And these two were legends.American icons.World renown.Think of the thousands of others that time has forgotten except for their loved ones.

But I don't want to be a baby.They say that they knew what they were getting into. That's the risk you take. But they didn't figure it would catch up with them. Fighting was how they made a living.No big scores working odd and end jobs.

I remember Danny Lopez talking to me about the passing of his big brother.
"He took a lot of shots,"remarked Little Red.
It seemed he resigned himself to that conclusion. Now Danny is battling the demon that shadowed his brother. Again,it's the closet to these fellas' that bear the brunt. The wives and children are very protective. They walk interference.

AS much as I enjoy myself at these fighter recognition events,it always leaves a bitter taste.Rich Moratta,the sports announcer,said that being around fighters is the most humbling experience. He's right. Fighters,if you didn't look at their pans,are not conspicuous sorts.They aren't so full of themselves.They've paid their dues and the majority aren't compensated enough at the end. Maybe it was their faults for bowing away their dough,but most of them didn't make that much to put in the till.

I'm done now.Again, I want to thank Rick for inviting me to the banquet. He was even nice enough to recognize me when he went around the room introducing me to the fans.I hope Rick wants me back. I need to be humbled. Taken down a peg. Being around fighters is good medicine for my inflated ego.And besides, I enjoy the company.


Maria Esty and Jerri De La O talking about everything except boxing


My pal from the Windy City,Dan Hanley.He's done some great interviews with fighters.



Jimmy Lennon JR. going over a scorecard with Randy De La O



Rodolfo Gonzalez and Monica Farris


Danny and Bonnie Lopez


A real class act,Carlos Palomino



The likable,Frankie Duarte


Mr. "Gentle Ben",Mike Weaver


My friend,Rick Farris.President West Coast Boxing Hall Of Fame

Great piece of writing Rog and always straight from the heart!!

[Chuck1052]

It has been reported that Gene Fullmer has passed away.

- Chuck Johnston