BoxRec

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

"So now you saw the fight,"I said to my nephew. "Aren't you glad you didn't pay the money?"
Me and my nephew Chelis finished watching the replay of DeLa Hoya's fight with Pac Man. Chelis was a big Oscar fan.
"I didn't think Oscar would not come out for the next round,"said Chelis.
"It was the fastest I saw Oscar move all night when he ran over to congradulate Pacquiao,"I said laughing.

I drove my nephew back to my sister in law's place. On the way I told him of another Champion I saw lose a fight.

Denny Moyer was not the Champion at that time. He was far from it. He was hanging on way too long. Fighting for the money. Holding a job busting tires and fighting and then drinking it away. Sober you could talk to him. When he was drunk,he'd look for an opening. Show weakness in front of him and he'd spot it and then pick on you. He'd call you out at the drop of a hat.

I don't know if it was his last bout. I can't even remember who he was fighting. I could look it up,but it doesn't matter.
"You don't remember a guy named Denny Moyer,but he was a Champ once who finished up fighting in San Diego."
"They had fights here?"asked my nephew.
"At the Coliseum downtown. It's now a furniture warehouse."
"So what happened?"
"Well Denny needed the money. He always needed the money."
"Was he a good fighter?"
"When he was young and stayed in shape he was very good. But wife problems and the the drinking and blowing all his dough. A common scenario with fighters."
"So you're telling me he lost the fight."
"I thought he was going to get killed. His face started to bust up at the end and most of the time he was in there he couldn't see.He'd fight blind."
"He must have been tough."
"So tough that he's crazy now. He's in a home from what they say."
"Did they stop the fight?"
"We were all there. We're screaming for him to stay down. The blood was pouring from both eyes. The towel came flying in. He kicked it out of the ring. Then his corner jumps in. The fuckin' Irishman was fightin' his cornermen."
My nephew didn't say anything for a while.
"Oscar looked like he could go some more,"he said.
"Probably,but he knew he was going to lose."

I stopped in front of Chelis's mother's house.
"Well Chelis,good night,"I said .
"Uncle,do you think Moyer was a better fighter than Oscar?"
"Put it this way amigo,Moyer always gave you your money's worth."

Just got fininished watching Klitschko fight Rahman. i know this guy took the fight on short notice,but these guys that fight Klitschko stay on the end of his jab. Then he throws the right over it and the fight eventually ends with a KO. Heavyweights today are slow and out of shape. Kiltschko isn't the fastest man around. These guys he fights are afraid to try to get inside with him. Shit ,what am I even commenting on this for?

kikibalt wrote:

Randyman wrote:I just finished watching watching Frankie and Miguel Meza. I saw quite a few of Frankie's fights and I probably saw this one way back when. Meza was a tough kid. He fought the main event at the San Diego Coliseum the might I fought Nacho Cota. He fought a 12 round draw with Manuel Lujan.

Frankie has grit. Meza was giving it back to Frankie pretty good. I notice that unless he was trying to find range for a punch, Frankie rarely took a backward step. Frankie was quick to follow the right jab with the left. Young boxers could learn from guys like Frankie. One thing I remember about Frankie and I remember thinking it years ago. He fought at a level beyond his years. It's hard to believe he's only 19 years old in this fight. This was a good win for him.

Listen to Jimmy Lennon brought back some memories of the good old days.

Now I'm going to watch Manuel Ortiz.

Randy

You guy have to watch Frankie's fight vs Chango Cruz, that the one with the story behind it, Frankie, 18 years old, 5 pro fights, fighting his first main, he fought like a fighter with 40-50 fights, you have that fight in the DVDS.

First Manuel Ortiz and Luis Castillo: This fight video may have just ruined me. Why don't they fight like this anymore? I noticed too how Ortiz leaned in a bit with his hands held low but not too low. Part of this seemed to be Ortiz coming down to the smaller Castillo but also to get him to throw something so he could counter. Did anyone notice his feet? Perfect balance and always in position to punch.

I halfway expected James Cagney or John Garfield to come out of the corner. These guys were going at it like two fighters from an old movie. I see now Frank why you hold Ortiz in such high esteem. The really great fighters seem to be able stay right in front of the other guy and keep their cool while the punches are flying. I loved the way he feinted with the right or how he slipped the punches. I'm going to watch it again.

On Frankie and Chango Cruz: Like I said in the previous post. Frankie seemed like a much older fighter. I can't think of any 18 year old fighter today that can fight like that. The thing about Frankie is that when the going gets tough he didn't look for a comfort zone. He just pressed harder. Frankie took a few good shots from Cruz but he handled himself well.

I had to laugh though. You grabbed the towel and you were going to wipe Frankie but instead you wiped your forehead first. I thought about how you said it was stressful working your sons corner. It had to be. Hard to believe he was only 18.

You had a good man in the corner with Frankie; Johnny Flores. Same with the Meza fight and Jackie McCoy.

Thanks
Randy

Hap
You said you lived in San Diego for a while. Did you have contact with any of the fighters or trainers/managers down here? Did you go to the fights at the Coliseum or take in the bouts in TJ? Rog

dagosd2000 wrote:Just got fininished watching Klitschko fight Rahman. i know this guy took the fight on short notice,but these guys that fight Klitschko stay on the end of his jab. Then he throws the right over it and the fight eventually ends with a KO. Heavyweights today are slow and out of shape. Kiltschko isn't the fastest man around. These guys he fights are afraid to try to get inside with him. Shit ,what am I even commenting on this for?

I don't know why you're commenting on this either Rog, but the "Bang for you buck" story was worth a read. I like the way you can turn a simple conversation into a nice story. Nice writing Rog.

Randy

Randyman wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:Just got fininished watching Klitschko fight Rahman. i know this guy took the fight on short notice,but these guys that fight Klitschko stay on the end of his jab. Then he throws the right over it and the fight eventually ends with a KO. Heavyweights today are slow and out of shape. Kiltschko isn't the fastest man around. These guys he fights are afraid to try to get inside with him. Shit ,what am I even commenting on this for?

I don't know why you're commenting on this either Rog, but the "Bang for you buck" story was worth a read. I like the way you can turn a simple conversation into a nice story. Nice writing Rog.

Randy

Randy
Can you believe there was a Heavyweight Championship fight on TV tonight(should be the showcase sporting event ) ,and no one gave a shit. I remember when Patterson was fighting guys like "Cut and Shoot" Harris and Brian London and there was more interest. BTW,thanks for your thoughts on the Moyer story. Rog

Randyman wrote:Frank and Hap, I might have already asked this question I'm not sure. There was a guy that lived across from my parents house in Pico Rivera, his name was Ortiz, he was much older than my father. Everyone called him Ortiz, I never knew his first name or maybe I just forgot it. He was an exfighter, a middleweight. He claims to have fought Ace Hudkins. I believe he said he lost a decision. I have looked through Hudkins record but there is no Ortiz listed. maybe he fought under another name. At the time, the mid to late 1960's he seemed to be in his 60's but he was in great shape. He hit the speed bag and the heavy bag every day. He passed away years ago. Does any of this sound familiar?

Randy

Randy,
Here's a thought on trying to find out the idenity of your old neighbor, if you remember the address you could visit the county recorder and research that address and find out who was on record for owning that house during that time, it's public record and it might be fun to finally find out who he was.

Bobbin & Weavin

dagosd2000 wrote:Hap
You said you lived in San Diego for a while. Did you have contact with any of the fighters or trainers/managers down here? Did you go to the fights at the Coliseum or take in the bouts in TJ? Rog

Sorry to say I did not attend any of the boxing shows while in San Diego, The game sorta seemed watered down after 1965 although there were some mighty promising fighters during the later years.

hap

dagosd2000 wrote:Hap
You said you lived in San Diego for a while. Did you have contact with any of the fighters or trainers/managers down here? Did you go to the fights at the Coliseum or take in the bouts in TJ? Rog

Sorry to say I did not attend any of the boxing shows while in San Diego, The game sorta seemed watered down after 1965 although there were some mighty promising fighters during the later years.

hap

dagosd2000 wrote:

Randyman wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:Just got fininished watching Klitschko fight Rahman. i know this guy took the fight on short notice,but these guys that fight Klitschko stay on the end of his jab. Then he throws the right over it and the fight eventually ends with a KO. Heavyweights today are slow and out of shape. Kiltschko isn't the fastest man around. These guys he fights are afraid to try to get inside with him. Shit ,what am I even commenting on this for?

I don't know why you're commenting on this either Rog, but the "Bang for you buck" story was worth a read. I like the way you can turn a simple conversation into a nice story. Nice writing Rog.

Randy

Randy
Can you believe there was a Heavyweight Championship fight on TV tonight(should be the showcase sporting event ) ,and no one gave a shit. I remember when Patterson was fighting guys like "Cut and Shoot" Harris and Brian London and there was more interest. BTW,thanks for your thoughts on the Moyer story. Rog

David Haye will sort 'em all out soon. He was in Germany last night, dishing out the verbals at ringside. Haye really 'wants' it, which already separates him from the vast majority of today's heavyweights.

Randyman wrote:I had to laugh though. You grabbed the towel and you were going to wipe Frankie but instead you wiped your forehead first. I thought about how you said it was stressful working your sons corner. It had to be. Hard to believe he was only 18.

Thanks
Randy

You can say I was lookin' out for #1.....

Randyman wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Randyman wrote:I just finished watching watching Frankie and Miguel Meza. I saw quite a few of Frankie's fights and I probably saw this one way back when. Meza was a tough kid. He fought the main event at the San Diego Coliseum the might I fought Nacho Cota. He fought a 12 round draw with Manuel Lujan.

Frankie has grit. Meza was giving it back to Frankie pretty good. I notice that unless he was trying to find range for a punch, Frankie rarely took a backward step. Frankie was quick to follow the right jab with the left. Young boxers could learn from guys like Frankie. One thing I remember about Frankie and I remember thinking it years ago. He fought at a level beyond his years. It's hard to believe he's only 19 years old in this fight. This was a good win for him.

Listen to Jimmy Lennon brought back some memories of the good old days.

Now I'm going to watch Manuel Ortiz.

Randy

You guy have to watch Frankie's fight vs Chango Cruz, that the one with the story behind it, Frankie, 18 years old, 5 pro fights, fighting his first main, he fought like a fighter with 40-50 fights, you have that fight in the DVDS.

First Manuel Ortiz and Luis Castillo: This fight video may have just ruined me. Why don't they fight like this anymore? I noticed too how Ortiz leaned in a bit with his hands held low but not too low. Part of this seemed to be Ortiz coming down to the smaller Castillo but also to get him to throw something so he could counter. Did anyone notice his feet? Perfect balance and always in position to punch.

I halfway expected James Cagney or John Garfield to come out of the corner. These guys were going at it like two fighters from an old movie. I see now Frank why you hold Ortiz in such high esteem. The really great fighters seem to be able stay right in front of the other guy and keep their cool while the punches are flying. I loved the way he feinted with the right or how he slipped the punches. I'm going to watch it again.

On Frankie and Chango Cruz: Like I said in the previous post. Frankie seemed like a much older fighter. I can't think of any 18 year old fighter today that can fight like that. The thing about Frankie is that when the going gets tough he didn't look for a comfort zone. He just pressed harder. Frankie took a few good shots from Cruz but he handled himself well.

I had to laugh though. You grabbed the towel and you were going to wipe Frankie but instead you wiped your forehead first. I thought about how you said it was stressful working your sons corner. It had to be. Hard to believe he was only 18.

You had a good man in the corner with Frankie; Johnny Flores. Same with the Meza fight and Jackie McCoy.

Thanks
Randy

Randy,

Frankie fought like a real pro that night, I was really proud of him, you know, winning that fight to us was like winning a title, after the fight I was on a adrenalin high, after I drove Connie, kids and Frankie home I went to our local watering hole "Hanks" and met with John Martinez to relax over a drink or two, John is the other gent working Frankie's corner with Johnnie Flores and I, the place was pack with people that had gone to see Frankie fight, the way they treated me you would have thought I had done the fighting, everybody wanting to buy me a drink, after some drinks I went home, went to bed, but I don't think I slept a wink that night.
The day after the fight Don Chargin called me and he tells me "Frank, Frankie looked like Willie Pep last night, come to my office when you have a chance, we have to talk"

dagosd2000 wrote:Just got fininished watching Klitschko fight Rahman. i know this guy took the fight on short notice,but these guys that fight Klitschko stay on the end of his jab. Then he throws the right over it and the fight eventually ends with a KO. Heavyweights today are slow and out of shape. Kiltschko isn't the fastest man around. These guys he fights are afraid to try to get inside with him. Shit ,what am I even commenting on this for?

I understand what you mean, Rog. Rahman is over-used goods that was once lucky enough to catch Lennox Lewis on a bad night. Shows how weak the heavyweights are today when a guy like that, older than dirt, gets a title shot. You're also right on these guys staying at the end of that very easy to avoid jab. You have to take your shots at a guy like Klitschko and not show him any respect, his power is not explosive like a Tyson, just a lot of weight behind a pushing jab. This big oaf can't take it in that huge target of a torso he so genserously exposes to his blind opposition. And that chin? China glass. And Klitschko's heart? What heart? The great thing about a Klitschko fight is not knowing which bum is going to plant a Suzie-Q on his big face and put him to sleep. It's not about good boxing, just the very possible chance that he gets axed by a bum. After all, it won't be the first time.

-Rick

bennie wrote: Randy
Can you believe there was a Heavyweight Championship fight on TV tonight(should be the showcase sporting event ) ,and no one gave a shit. I remember when Patterson was fighting guys like "Cut and Shoot" Harris and Brian London and there was more interest. BTW,thanks for your thoughts on the Moyer story. Rog

David Haye will sort 'em all out soon. He was in Germany last night, dishing out the verbals at ringside. Haye really 'wants' it, which already separates him from the vast majority of today's heavyweights.[/quote]

Bennie, I hope you're right. I'm pulling for David Haye. You wanna know why? Because he's under 30 and under 220. Show me any other of those fat arses out there that can say that? I still believe the creation of the cruiserweights is what caused the emergence of the fat arse heavyweight. Prior to that the heavies never really went beyond the 225 barrier. Ron Lyle was known as the Denver giant and he was only 220. How times have changed. Come on David!!!

Scartissue

He's English too, Dan, as opposed to big Lennox, who failed the 'Englishness' test disastrously against Bruno.
Even Frank Maloney was rooting for Frank that night.

scartissue wrote:

bennie wrote: Randy
Can you believe there was a Heavyweight Championship fight on TV tonight(should be the showcase sporting event ) ,and no one gave a shit. I remember when Patterson was fighting guys like "Cut and Shoot" Harris and Brian London and there was more interest. BTW,thanks for your thoughts on the Moyer story. Rog

David Haye will sort 'em all out soon. He was in Germany last night, dishing out the verbals at ringside. Haye really 'wants' it, which already separates him from the vast majority of today's heavyweights.

Bennie, I hope you're right. I'm pulling for David Haye. You wanna know why? Because he's under 30 and under 220. Show me any other of those fat arses out there that can say that? I still believe the creation of the cruiserweights is what caused the emergence of the fat arse heavyweight. Prior to that the heavies never really went beyond the 225 barrier. Ron Lyle was known as the Denver giant and he was only 220. How times have changed. Come on David!!!

Scartissue[/quote]
________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I'll jump on the David Haye wagon, myself. The world is desperate for real fighter to hold the crown. I have no expectations today, Tyson was the last real fighter to hold the crown, but forget about that. I'd be happy to see a guy who has mastered the basics, has a real fighters heart and likes to fight. That's a tall order in this world and, most important, who is going to teach him? The great trainers are all dead. I'd have no problem with the Brit bringing the world title back where it came from.

The Eastern Bloc giants are nothing but big bodies waiting to fall. Valuev? I wish the late Jerry Quarry were 23 again. At 6'-2oolbs. Jerry would spot Nicolai more than a foot in height and about 125 pounds. Just one of Jerry's left hooks to the liver and the Oaf would deflate as Jerry knocked him senseless.

-Rick Farris

Kind of a rough day today guys, with my father's birthday coming up this Tuesday on the 16th and with Christmas right around the corner, I just get flooded with memories. My father would have been 85 this year. He passed away on May7, 1981 the day before my 27th birthday.

I was listening to "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, this morning. It gets to me every time. That and "I'll be home for Christmas". My girls, knowing me as they do, came and just hugged me as I was listening.

You'd think that after all these years I would be used to it, and for most of the year I am, but there are moments. They say you never stop being a parent no matter how old your kids are. I think, In some way, deeper down, hidden away, we never stop being our parents kids. We remember them from young eyes and hearts, regardless of our age.

I don't mind telling this to you guys. I feel a bond with you. We've talked about our fathers before. I know that you guys are men and understand.

The photo below is of my father at work. he was an upholsterer. He wasn't just any upholsterer either. In the days before pneumatic tools came along everything was done with tacs. In his industry he was famous as the fastest, and because of the quality of his work. He was proud of that. After his death, whenever some older man found out my last name was "De La O", the first thing they would ask me was "any relation to Andy, Gilbert or Jimmy, the upholsterers?" When I said yes, Andy was my father they would begin to tell me stories about my father, work stories and otherwise. Sadly, that generation is thinning out and I rarely get that question anymore.

My son Andrew asked me once when he was a kid why I named him after his grandfather and not me. I said "Son, my father, your grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew". He never asked again.

Rick Farris wrote:

scartissue wrote:

bennie wrote: Randy
Can you believe there was a Heavyweight Championship fight on TV tonight(should be the showcase sporting event ) ,and no one gave a shit. I remember when Patterson was fighting guys like "Cut and Shoot" Harris and Brian London and there was more interest. BTW,thanks for your thoughts on the Moyer story. Rog

David Haye will sort 'em all out soon. He was in Germany last night, dishing out the verbals at ringside. Haye really 'wants' it, which already separates him from the vast majority of today's heavyweights.

Bennie, I hope you're right. I'm pulling for David Haye. You wanna know why? Because he's under 30 and under 220. Show me any other of those fat arses out there that can say that? I still believe the creation of the cruiserweights is what caused the emergence of the fat arse heavyweight. Prior to that the heavies never really went beyond the 225 barrier. Ron Lyle was known as the Denver giant and he was only 220. How times have changed. Come on David!!!

Scartissue

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I'll jump on the David Haye wagon, myself. The world is desperate for real fighter to hold the crown. I have no expectations today, Tyson was the last real fighter to hold the crown, but forget about that. I'd be happy to see a guy who has mastered the basics, has a real fighters heart and likes to fight. That's a tall order in this world and, most important, who is going to teach him? The great trainers are all dead. I'd have no problem with the Brit bringing the world title back where it came from.

The Eastern Bloc giants are nothing but big bodies waiting to fall. Valuev? I wish the late Jerry Quarry were 23 again. At 6'-2oolbs. Jerry would spot Nicolai more than a foot in height and about 125 pounds. Just one of Jerry's left hooks to the liver and the Oaf would deflate as Jerry knocked him senseless.

-Rick Farris[/quote]

Is there room on the wagon for me? I haven't seen too much of Haye but what I have seen I like. He seems to be the real thing but time will tell. Go here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5VQtI6mjlU to see Haye challenge Klitschko as he makes excuses why he won't fight Haye. Go here to see some highlights of Haye http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS1TO8nEaB8. The highlights, unless I'm mistaken are all at cruiserweight but it does giveyou some indication of why Klitschko is hesitant.

Randy

Bobbin & Weavin wrote:

Randyman wrote:Frank and Hap, I might have already asked this question I'm not sure. There was a guy that lived across from my parents house in Pico Rivera, his name was Ortiz, he was much older than my father. Everyone called him Ortiz, I never knew his first name or maybe I just forgot it. He was an exfighter, a middleweight. He claims to have fought Ace Hudkins. I believe he said he lost a decision. I have looked through Hudkins record but there is no Ortiz listed. maybe he fought under another name. At the time, the mid to late 1960's he seemed to be in his 60's but he was in great shape. He hit the speed bag and the heavy bag every day. He passed away years ago. Does any of this sound familiar?

Randy

Randy,
Here's a thought on trying to find out the idenity of your old neighbor, if you remember the address you could visit the county recorder and research that address and find out who was on record for owning that house during that time, it's public record and it might be fun to finally find out who he was.

Bobbin & Weavin

That's something that never would have occurred to me. Thanks. I have been curious about this for years.

Randy

Randyman wrote:Kind of a rough day today guys, with my father's birthday coming up this Tuesday on the 16th and with Christmas right around the corner, I just get flooded with memories. My father would have been 85 this year. He passed away on May7, 1981 the day before my 27th birthday.

I was listening to "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, this morning. It gets to me every time. That and "I'll be home for Christmas". My girls, knowing me as they do, came and just hugged me as I was listening.

You'd think that after all these years I would be used to it, and for most of the year I am, but there are moments. They say you never stop being a parent no matter how old your kids are. I think, In some way, deeper down, hidden away, we never stop being our parents kids. We remember them from young eyes and hearts, regardless of our age.

I don't mind telling this to you guys. I feel a bond with you. We've talked about our fathers before. I know that you guys are men and understand.

The photo below is of my father at work. he was an upholsterer. He wasn't just any upholsterer either. In the days before pneumatic tools came along everything was done with tacs. In his industry he was famous as the fastest, and because of the quality of his work. He was proud of that. After his death, whenever some older man found out my last name was "De La O", the first thing they would ask me was "any relation to Andy, Gilbert or Jimmy, the upholsterers?" When I said yes, Andy was my father they would begin to tell me stories about my father, work stories and otherwise. Sadly, that generation is thinning out and I rarely get that question anymore.

My son Andrew asked me once when he was a kid why I named him after his grandfather and not me. I said "Son, my father, your grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew". He never asked again.

Randy, you're bless, because you have beautiful memories of your father, God bless you....

Festive Luncheon with the Golden State Boxer’s Association

Ho Ho Ho! Hold on to your eyeglasses when former two-time world champion Bobby Chacon comes over to give you a big holiday greeting, as trainer Larry Montalvo quickly learned while hosting the Golden State Boxer’s Association (GSBA) Holiday Party, which took place in Hollywood, California, yesterday afternoon.

This annual luncheon for those involved in the fight game is a fun celebration full of Season’s Greetings–no “Season’s beatings” take place here in this warm and good-natured atmosphere.

It’s a gathering of fighters, trainers, promoters, cornermen, officials and special invited guests. President Montalvo and his wife, Elsa, look forward to this event every year and GSBA’s Vice President Bill Dempsey Young and Advisor Don Fraser (Olympic Auditorium promoter and P.R. director) also join in at the yearly festive party.

V.P. Young (whose father is famed referee Dick “Tiger” Young) and his wife, Linda, are well-liked mainstays at all of the events, and Bill explains, “This is a nice, diverse group with different ages and generations. The boxing community is a loving community, so I’m here with family–not strangers.”

If you are involved in boxing in California, you are welcome to become a member of this organization, which began in the early ’70s, and now meets once a week.

Since everyone loves boxing here, impromptu friendly debates of past and current bouts often break out at their gatherings, which makes it a lively and fun affair for all of the guests.

At yesterday’s luncheon, the buzz was still going strong about Saturday’s Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight. This group was split right down the middle with their opinions in this “Monday morning quarterback” session.

The GSBA has a wide spectrum of members, from young up-and-comers in the boxing biz to revered veterans of the ring, and everybody has an interesting background, as boxing seems to bring out the most unique people.

But the underlying aspect of the GSBA is that everyone is accepted and welcomed here, no matter what their circumstances may be. Some fighters and members have gone through several marriages, but each new wife or girlfriend is always made to feel comfortable, even if someone is on their fourth or fifth wife! Boxers are notorious for earning fortunes, only to lose it all. Many have also battled alcohol and drug abuse demons. Throughout these highs and lows, the GSBA serves as a place you can always go back to, always with an open door policy. And this boxing circle is a close one; when a fighter sadly passes away, support is offered as well.

This is a loyal group of individuals who offers camaraderie through others who understand what it’s like to be involved in boxing, having experienced the ups and downs of the sport, surviving the good times and the bad.

At yesterday’s function, recent widows of champions Mando Ramos and Willie Bean, both were in attendance and a ten count was held in honor of these two fallen warriors. Sylvia Ramos and Lynnette Bean were given hugs by all and through the misty eyes of many at the party, the women were encouraged to laugh and reminisce about their husbands.

Willie Bean was one of the original members of the GSBA and his wife Lynnette said, “It’s almost been a year since Willie’s been gone. It was on December 19th of last year.” In a truly bittersweet moment, the former heavyweight’s wife recently had an expected wave of good fortune and she excitedly told the attendees, “I was on the ‘Price is Right’ and won a F-150 truck, a boat, and a trip to Las Vegas for a week, with a limo!”

For Sylvia Ramos, who lost Mando on July 6 of this year, coming out to join her friends has helped her cope, but she is still understandably adjusting to not having Mando there. And coping with her loss sometimes comes out in the most mundane way–in the tiniest details of daily life.

The ex-fighter was well-known for his joking around and his petite blonde wife of 32 years shares this same sense of humor as her husband, telling me, “I drove out from San Pedro and it took me a lot longer because it was just me in the car…I always had Mando with me, so we’d go in the carpool lane. He would be laughing at me now, saying, ‘See? You needed me!’ Mando would think it was so funny.”

The GSBA hold various events throughout the year and one of the highlights of 2008 was their Father-Son Awards Show this past Spring, which honored father and son combos, including Mando Ramos, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Randy Shields and their dads, Shane and Jack Mosley, the Frank Baltazar family, and the Goossen clan, among others.

Now they are planning their next awards show in early Spring, which is a women’s theme, honoring the ladies behind the men in boxing (or as I like to call the wives–the “unsung heroes”)!

President Montalvo’s wife, Elsa, is always by her husband’s side and she makes sure everyone gets their lunch served, has a full drink in hand, and cheerfully passes out brownies at the day’s luncheon. She and Larry are looking forward to their upcoming event, “This will celebrate the wives of Enrique Bolanos, Frank Baltazar, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Willie Bean, Mando Ramos, George Latka, and Norm Cote, who will be among the 10 or 11 women honored.”

Most of the core group has known each other for over three decades and they happily recount anecdotes of earlier years. This holiday get-together also serves as a mini reunion, with old friends reconnecting, sharing photos of new grandchildren while catching up with each other.

Manager and trainer Stacy White recounted the time he took a boxing giant (at over 7 feet tall) to fight his first bout, “Tom Payne was with the Atlanta Hawks and was a star in Kentucky, but he wanted to try boxing,” laughs White. The tall fighter only fought a few times, but the memories of that time still remain.

Other notables in attendance were legendary L.A. timekeeper Arnie Koslow, who worked more than 1,500 fights in his career, referee and judge Gwen Adair, top contender from the ’60s Danny Valdez, the ever-popular referee Lou Filippo, and of course, the people’s favorite champ Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon.

The former super featherweight champ is always jovial and jolly even when it’s not the month of December, so during this holiday party, he did what he does best: making people chuckle, sharing hugs and kisses (even with the guys, as they tried to fight him off!), taking photos with fans, and signing autographs on vintage magazine covers.

While watching “Santa Claus” Bobby Chacon continue to spread holiday cheer, Montalvo marvels at his friendship with the champion, “I’ve known Bobby since he was 16 years old; I met him through Johnny Flores. And we’ve all remained friends for years and years.”

While an appreciation of the sweet science is the original bond that helps build lifelong friendships, these occasions are an opportunity for the GSBA members to stay in contact, remain close, while celebrating an early holiday together.

For the GSBA President Montalvo, these lasting relationships are one of the things he enjoys most about his organization, “I’m glad to see everyone get together and have such a nice time today. This was great, very well attended.”

And of his longtime pal “Schoolboy” Chacon, donning a glittery Santa cap, and taking part in the holiday party? “He is so happy to be here, to be around everyone.” Montalvo, shaking his head and laughing, “Bobby gave me about 20 kisses today!”

Everyone was catching the holiday spirit at this GSBA luncheon–and I think it’s a good thing there was no mistletoe at this early Christmas party!

Photos by Michele Chong: Bobby Chacon and Larry Montalvo; Timekeeper Arnie Koslow with his GSBA cap; referee Lou Filippo and Don Fraser; With the girls: Joni Fox, Sylvia Ramos, Michele Chong, Gwen Adair and Josie Mejia; Judge Gwen Adair and trainer Stacy White; Bobby Chacon takes one on the chin

I don't have any idea how HBO would accept a badly shopworn Hasim Rahman as an opponent for Wlad at this point in time, which meant that I wasn't surprised see what transpired. During the evening of the same day, I saw an old and overweight James Toney win a split decision over Fres Oquendo in another dreadful heavyweight bout. Yet I have a friend who tells me he likes the heavyweight division more than the lighter counterparts. After all these years, I still don't understand why.

Saw tape of the bout between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya for the first time yesterday. Yes, De La Hoya was a shell of his former self, but Pacquiao's boxing skills seem to be better than ever.

- Chuck Johnston

THE FIRE

"They torched the place."
"I don't believe it."
I heard that Champs Bar had a fire. I saw that the bar was boarded up. Smoke damage was around the perimeter of the door. There was a big sanitainer outside with all the burnt debris piled high inside. A yellow tape cordoned off the front of the bar. The tax guy next door had his door open. He was explaining to me what happened.
"The arson guys were in there. It was set on fire."
The old guy had a cup of coffee infront of him. There was a pack of cigarettes next to the coffee cup.
"They're working on it now,"said the tax man.


I remember when the bar was named Kelley's. Burke Emery was a fixture on the stool at the end of the bar. Burke liked to drink. He had a lot of friends in the neighborhood. He used to train and manage fighters when the Coliseum was going strong. Burke had a stable of Canadian fighters. Burke was Canadian. He boxed pro in the 50's. At one time he was the Canadian Light Heavyweight Champ. One day I walked in there and Burke had bought the place. He renamed it Champs. He was a happy fellow.He got his wish.

"Burke got along with everyone,"I said to the tax guy. He reached for the pack of cigarettes.
"Like I said,they're investigating it now."
The old guy lit a smoke.
"Last place I would think something like this would happen."
"Well it happened."
"Burke's gonna' rebuild?"
"Oh yeh. They want to re open in March."
There didn't seem anything else to say. The old man took a long drag on the cigarette. The smoke drifted from his nostrils.
"Well I'll be talking to you later,"I said.
I began to turn to go out the door.
"Listen,"said the old tax accountant."No matter how hard you try to get along with everybody,there's always one son of a bitch that hates your guts for no reason at all."
With that I got in my car and drove home.

THE FIRE

"They torched the place."
"I don't believe it."
I heard that Champs Bar had a fire. I saw that the bar was boarded up. Smoke damage was around the perimeter of the door. There was a big sanitainer outside with all the burnt debris piled high inside. A yellow tape cordoned off the front of the bar. The tax guy next door had his door open. He was explaining to me what happened.
"The arson guys were in there. It was set on fire."
The old guy had a cup of coffee infront of him. There was a pack of cigarettes next to the coffee cup.
"They're working on it now,"said the tax man.


I remember when the bar was named Kelley's. Burke Emery was a fixture on the stool at the end of the bar. Burke liked to drink. He had a lot of friends in the neighborhood. He used to train and manage fighters when the Coliseum was going strong. Burke had a stable of Canadian fighters. Burke was Canadian. He boxed pro in the 50's. At one time he was the Canadian Light Heavyweight Champ. One day I walked in there and Burke had bought the place. He renamed it Champs. He was a happy fellow.He got his wish.

"Burke got along with everyone,"I said to the tax guy. He reached for the pack of cigarettes.
"Like I said,they're investigating it now."
The old guy lit a smoke.
"Last place I would think something like this would happen."
"Well it happened."
"Burke's gonna' rebuild?"
"Oh yeh. They want to re open in March."
There didn't seem anything else to say. The old man took a long drag on the cigarette. The smoke drifted from his nostrils.
"Well I'll be talking to you later,"I said.
I began to turn to go out the door.
"Listen,"said the old tax accountant."No matter how hard you try to get along with everybody,there's always one son of a bitch that hates your guts for no reason at all."
With that I got in my car and drove home.

THE FIRE

"They torched the place."
"I don't believe it."
I heard that Champs Bar had a fire. I saw that the bar was boarded up. Smoke damage was around the perimeter of the door. There was a big sanitainer outside with all the burnt debris piled high inside. A yellow tape cordoned off the front of the bar. The tax guy next door had his door open. He was explaining to me what happened.
"The arson guys were in there. It was set on fire."
The old guy had a cup of coffee infront of him. There was a pack of cigarettes next to the coffee cup.
"They're working on it now,"said the tax man.


I remember when the bar was named Kelley's. Burke Emery was a fixture on the stool at the end of the bar. Burke liked to drink. He had a lot of friends in the neighborhood. He used to train and manage fighters when the Coliseum was going strong. Burke had a stable of Canadian fighters. Burke was Canadian. He boxed pro in the 50's. At one time he was the Canadian Light Heavyweight Champ. One day I walked in there and Burke had bought the place. He renamed it Champs. He was a happy fellow.He got his wish.

"Burke got along with everyone,"I said to the tax guy. He reached for the pack of cigarettes.
"Like I said,they're investigating it now."
The old guy lit a smoke.
"Last place I would think something like this would happen."
"Well it happened."
"Burke's gonna' rebuild?"
"Oh yeh. They want to re open in March."
There didn't seem anything else to say. The old man took a long drag on the cigarette. The smoke drifted from his nostrils.
"Well I'll be talking to you later,"I said.
I began to turn to go out the door.
"Listen,"said the old tax accountant."No matter how hard you try to get along with everybody,there's always one son of a bitch that hates your guts for no reason at all."
With that I got in my car and drove home.