Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 00:52
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday
BoxRec
Classic American West Coast Boxing
Page 519 of 1796
Billie Holiday
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 02:11
Rick,Rick Farris wrote:Babe Griffin . . .
Hap, in 1975 I fought in Northern California. The bout was on a card promoted by Babe Griffin at the Circle Star Theatre in Redwood City. My manager at the time, Mel Epstein, knew Griffin very well. Do you have any memories of Babe?
-Rick Farris
Babe Griffin promoted nearly all of Ray Lunny IIIs fights including 14 in the Circle Star Theater. I have a few articles from Nor Cal newspapers about Babe who also owned a bar in San Jose, I'll find a good one and post it while were waiting for Hap to give us the inside skinny.
The Circle Star was a nice little venue that seated around 1800 or so for a fight, it was torn down a few years back and replaced by a real nice office building...NOT!
By the way Lunny fought at the Circle Star four times in 1975 did you fight on one of those cards?
Bruce
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 04:20
A fairly meaningless fact, I know, but his brother Joe came over and went 10 rounds with John Conteh in the 1970s.kikibalt wrote:CURTIS COKES
By Jim Amato
He may have been one of the best pound for pound boxers of the 1960’s but he was over shadowed by the antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith. Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes gain some long over due recognition.
Curtis who never had an amateur fight began his professional career in Midland, Texas on March 24, 1958 outscoring Manuel Gonzalez over six rounds. Curtis and Manuel would get to know each other a lot better in years to come. Curtis was born on June 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He would go on to win his next ten fights including an eight rounder over Gonzalez. Finally in April of 1959, one year after turning pro Curtis suffered his first career loss to none other then Manuel Gonzalez. A no contest in a match with the talented Rip Randall set up a rematch. Curtis took out Randall in the first round. Later in the year Curtis would drop a six round duke to Frankie Davis.
Cokes won four fights in 1960. In 1961 he moved up the ladder with big wins over Joe Miceli and Charley ” Tombstone ” Smith. Cokes then dropped a decision in Mexico to Hilario Morales. He then fought a draw with the clever Kenny Lane in Dallas. Back in Dallas two months later Curtis scored a huge win with a split decision over the highly respected Luis Rodriguez. Cokes would then meet and again decision Manny Gonzalez but would lose points call to Rodriguez in a return match.
Curtis would bounce back in 1962 with five straight wins including knockouts over Hilario Morales and the rugged Rudolph Bent. Another trip to Mexico cost him another defeat. This times a decision to Manuel Sixto Alvarez. Four more wins led to a 1963 clash at the Sunnyside Garden in New York against contender Jose Stable. Curtis lost a very close
decision. Cokes would then outpoint the very tough Stan Harrington. On May 1, 1964 Curtis travelled to the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to meet the dangerous Stan ” Kitten ” Hayward. He would suffer a major set back as Hayward stopped Cokes in round four.
It was back to the drawing board for Curtis. Two decision wins over Al Andrews got him back on track but he dropped a ten rounder to the slick Eddie Pace. On December 13, 1965 Curtis won the Southern Welterweight title with a twelve round decision over Billy Collins. On July 6, 1966 Cokes stopped Luis Rodriguez one minute in to the fifteenth and final round of an eliminination bout for the welterweight title vacated by Emile Griffith.
Seven weeks after his win over Rodriguez, Cokes met old rival Manuel Gonzalez for the WBA version of the welterweight title. The battle took place in New Orleans. Curtis floored Gonzalez on his way to a lopsided decision and a world’s championship. In November Cokes outclassed Frenchman Jean Josselin to win universal recognition as welterweight champion. Still many felt that Cokes was the champ only because Griffith had vacated the division. Curtis would go on to prove himself a worthy champion.
In early 1967 Curtis would have three non-title affairs. First he drew with Francious Pavilla. He knocked out Ted Whitfield but then the wily Gypsy Joe Harris outpointed Curtis. Finally Cokes defended his title halting Pavilla in a return bout. Next came a very impressive stoppage of sharp contender Charlie Shipes. Two non-title wins in early 1968 over Josselin and Jimmy Lester led to a defense in Dallas against South African contender Willie Ludick. An inspired Cokes flattened Ludick in the fifth round. Three non-title knockouts in South Africa followed including a repeat performance over Ludick. Then came a one-sided title-retaining verdict over Ramon La Cruz.
Jose Napoles, a Cuban who had migrated to Mexico years before had long been considered one of the best fighters in the business. Still he had never received a shot at a world title. Curtis Cokes was a proud man and a proud champion. He felt he was the best welterweight in the world. He also knew that Napoles was a very worthy contender and that he deserved a shot at the title. They met at the Forum in Inglewood, California on April 18, 1969. On that day Napoles proved to the world that he was a special fighter. Jose out fought and battered the game Cokes throughout using a remarkable jab and bone jarring combinations. Hopelessly behind on points Curtis did not answer the bell for round fourteen and his belt was awarded to Napoles.
Maybe it was just a bad night but Curtis had to know so he went down to Mexico two months later to attempt to reclaim his championship. Again Napoles proved to be too much for the game Cokes and the bout was ended after ten rounds. Curtis would return seven months later as a full-fledged middleweight. Cokes had hoped that old rival Luis Rodriguez would defeat middleweight king Nino Benvenuti when they met on November 22, 1969. Curtis was confident that Rodriguez would give him a crack at the middleweight title. After ten rounds Rodriguez had Benvenuti bleeding and bewildered and it looked like Luis was going to take the crown and then just like that, it was over. A crashing left hook put Rodriguez flat on his back for the count as the bleeding Benvenuti retained his crown.
With little hope of a title shot Curtis still campaigned as a middleweight. He won four bouts but then drew with Akron’s Fate Davis, a fighter he defeated seven months earlier. Cokes then lost decisions to Rafael Gutierrez and Carlos Salinas on the West Coast. Then he lost to Elijah Makathini in South Africa. By now it was 1972 and Carlos Monzon was firmly entrenched as middleweight king. There would be little interest in a bout between the great Monzon and the aging Cokes. Curtis returned to South Africa and won decisions over Joseph Hali and Ezra Mzinyane and then retired.
In 80 bouts Curtis put together a fine 62-14-3 record with one no contest. He won thirty fights by knockout. He was stopped only three times. He met the best welterweights of his era other then Emile Griffith.Curtis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003 with the help of mutual friend Steve Canton, I was able to reach Mr. Cokes and have a very nice conversation with him. I contacted him at his gym where he trains boxers. Curtis once trained highly regarded heavyweights Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson. He also guided Quincy Taylor to the middleweight title. He also appeared in the boxing movie classic ” Fat City “.
Curtis was extremely courteous and giving with his time. He said even though he and Manny Gonzalez met in the ring numerous times, they were very good friends. Curtis had a tremendous amount of respect for Luis Rodriguez and despite their battles they always maintained a friendly relationship. I asked him if he regretted never meeting Emile Griffith in the ring. Curtis more or less said that he had no control on Emile’s decision to move up in weight. Did he feel he could have defeated Emile? In his low key, respectful manner Mr.Cokes just stated he felt that he was capable of beating any welterweight in the world during his prime but he had a great respect for Emile’s talent and that they are friends. He said the knockout loss to Stan Hayward in 1964 took him by surprise but he just put it behind him and moved on. He called Napoles a great fighter who he was just unable to overcome. Curtis really felt that if Rodriguez had defeated Benvenuti, they would have met again. This time for the middleweight championship of the world.
I would like to thank Curtis Cokes for taking the time to speak to me one on one. I’d also like to thank promoter, trainer, gym owner and jack-of-all-trades Steve Canton for helping me to contact Curtis.
Curtis said the secret of Napoles' success was his accuracy.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 06:37
Blubbery Los Angeles hope Chris Arreola is being lined up for a shot at Ukrainian giant and IBF & WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in the first half of this year. Arreola, real name Cristobal Arreola, seeks to become the first fighter of Mexican origin to win the 'world' heavyweight title.
His shot comes as a surprise because, while unbeaten Arreola brings strength, toughness, aggression and a solid dig at 26-0 (23), he lacks boxing ability and top-flight experience. Indeed, he is just a baby by heavyweight standards at 27 (complete with baby fat), a work in progress. He has never travelled further than eight rounds. It seems a strange decision to throw him in with "Wlad" at this stage.
Klitschko, 32, brings a daunting physique, a daunting 52-3 (46) record and the daunting mantle of the world's No. 1 heavyweight, a mantle which he shares with his elder brother Vitali, who wears the WBC belt. The Klitschkos hold a virtual monoply on the world heavyweight title scene and have done since Lennox Lewis struggled home against Vitali in June 2003 and never fought again. Arreola hardly looks like their Heir Apparent. Indeed, Klitschko, who has been down a few times, opts for the low-level Californian (probably no better than Belfast thumper Martin Rogan) rather than Britain's muscled and heavy handed David Haye, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight last year with a five-knockdown, five-round mauling of division gatekeeper Monte Barrett in London. Once-beaten Haye takes on the stronger-chinned Vitali, 36-2 (35), instead in London in the summer.
The Klitschkos are horribly robotic but take some beating because they whip themselves into great shape per fight, courtesy of the best trainers. This is their secret. They work hard and long before the fight and hard and long during it, if necessary. Their great fitness, their great natural size and strength, separate them from a humdrum list of also-rans unwilling to match them for sacrifice, although Haye might disprove such a thing.
LA biker Eddie "The Animal" Lopez proved tough and willing in the 1980s as a fringe heavyweight contender, while Mexico's Manuel Ramos actually wobbled Joe Frazier with a right hand in the opening round of their world heavyweight title encounter in Madison Square Garden in 1968, before he was brutally despatched in the second. This is as close as Mexico has got to the world heavyweight title. Believe me, Arreola is not going to change the course of Mexican boxing history.
His shot comes as a surprise because, while unbeaten Arreola brings strength, toughness, aggression and a solid dig at 26-0 (23), he lacks boxing ability and top-flight experience. Indeed, he is just a baby by heavyweight standards at 27 (complete with baby fat), a work in progress. He has never travelled further than eight rounds. It seems a strange decision to throw him in with "Wlad" at this stage.
Klitschko, 32, brings a daunting physique, a daunting 52-3 (46) record and the daunting mantle of the world's No. 1 heavyweight, a mantle which he shares with his elder brother Vitali, who wears the WBC belt. The Klitschkos hold a virtual monoply on the world heavyweight title scene and have done since Lennox Lewis struggled home against Vitali in June 2003 and never fought again. Arreola hardly looks like their Heir Apparent. Indeed, Klitschko, who has been down a few times, opts for the low-level Californian (probably no better than Belfast thumper Martin Rogan) rather than Britain's muscled and heavy handed David Haye, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight last year with a five-knockdown, five-round mauling of division gatekeeper Monte Barrett in London. Once-beaten Haye takes on the stronger-chinned Vitali, 36-2 (35), instead in London in the summer.
The Klitschkos are horribly robotic but take some beating because they whip themselves into great shape per fight, courtesy of the best trainers. This is their secret. They work hard and long before the fight and hard and long during it, if necessary. Their great fitness, their great natural size and strength, separate them from a humdrum list of also-rans unwilling to match them for sacrifice, although Haye might disprove such a thing.
LA biker Eddie "The Animal" Lopez proved tough and willing in the 1980s as a fringe heavyweight contender, while Mexico's Manuel Ramos actually wobbled Joe Frazier with a right hand in the opening round of their world heavyweight title encounter in Madison Square Garden in 1968, before he was brutally despatched in the second. This is as close as Mexico has got to the world heavyweight title. Believe me, Arreola is not going to change the course of Mexican boxing history.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 07:51
Bennie . . . I agree with this writers opinion of Chris Arreola, he will not change the course of Mexican boxing history. With his power, weak opposition and a lot of luck, a guy like this actually has an outside shot of winning a title in in such a weak field of pretenders. He's a tough guy, but he's slow, sloppy and easy to hit. If there ever shall be a "first" Mexican world heavyweight champ, I hope it's not this guy. He's really no better in today's field than Manuel Ramos was in the era of Ali & Frazier. With the exception of Manuel Ramos, most Mexican heavyweights come with a built-in roll of fat cascading over the waist bands of their trucks. When the weight exceeds 160, we know better than to expect anything remeniscent of an Ortiz, Olivares, Saldivar or Sanchez. South of the welter division is a different story.bennie wrote:Blubbery Los Angeles hope Chris Arreola is being lined up for a shot at Ukrainian giant and IBF & WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in the first half of this year. Arreola, real name Cristobal Arreola, seeks to become the first fighter of Mexican origin to win the 'world' heavyweight title.
His shot comes as a surprise because, while unbeaten Arreola brings strength, toughness, aggression and a solid dig at 26-0 (23), he lacks boxing ability and top-flight experience. Indeed, he is just a baby by heavyweight standards at 27 (complete with baby fat), a work in progress. He has never travelled further than eight rounds. It seems a strange decision to throw him in with "Wlad" at this stage.
Klitschko, 32, brings a daunting physique, a daunting 52-3 (46) record and the daunting mantle of the world's No. 1 heavyweight, a mantle which he shares with his elder brother Vitali, who wears the WBC belt. The Klitschkos hold a virtual monoply on the world heavyweight title scene and have done since Lennox Lewis struggled home against Vitali in June 2003 and never fought again. Arreola hardly looks like their Heir Apparent. Indeed, Klitschko, who has been down a few times, opts for the low-level Californian (probably no better than Belfast thumper Martin Rogan) rather than Britain's muscled and heavy handed David Haye, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight last year with a five-knockdown, five-round mauling of division gatekeeper Monte Barrett in London. Once-beaten Haye takes on the stronger-chinned Vitali, 36-2 (35), instead in London in the summer.
The Klitschkos are horribly robotic but take some beating because they whip themselves into great shape per fight, courtesy of the best trainers. This is their secret. They work hard and long before the fight and hard and long during it, if necessary. Their great fitness, their great natural size and strength, separate them from a humdrum list of also-rans unwilling to match them for sacrifice, although Haye might disprove such a thing.
LA biker Eddie "The Animal" Lopez proved tough and willing in the 1980s as a fringe heavyweight contender, while Mexico's Manuel Ramos actually wobbled Joe Frazier with a right hand in the opening round of their world heavyweight title encounter in Madison Square Garden in 1968, before he was brutally despatched in the second. This is as close as Mexico has got to the world heavyweight title. Believe me, Arreola is not going to change the course of Mexican boxing history.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 08:15
New Interview with Genaro Hernandez
By Michele Chong
A “Chicanito” update as WBC event nears
Genaro Hernandez will be the guest of honor at a January 17th benefit dinner at the new World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino, California. ”Chicanito” will reconnect with old friends, meet new acquaintances, and enjoy live entertainment with special celebrity guests. It will be a wonderful evening but also a bittersweet one for Genaro, who has been stricken with an aggressive and rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.
The boxing community has been staggered by the news of the champ being ill. Now they have the chance to attend this fundraising event and show their support. Fans can attend the upcoming dinner as well, with all ticket proceeds going to Genaro and his family to help subsidize medical treatments he is currently undergoing. It is under these sad circumstances that his friends, fellow fighters and boxing associates will all gather in support of the popular California boxer at this special gala to honor the good-natured champ who is known for his kindness, generosity and beaming smile.
My first interview with “Chicanito” took place in early November, just as the news broke about the former WBC Champion being diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer. With utmost respect, I contacted Genaro and he spoke to me during this extremely difficult time for one reason: to help others and create an awareness about early detection for any possible signs of cancer. In his typical unselfish manner, the former two-time Junior Lightweight World Champion was still only thinking of others. He was beyond gracious in giving me a very personal, in-depth interview while he was probably in shock and going through so much at the time. But he wanted the opportunity to talk in an attempt to reach out and help others who may also be facing cancer, to warn others to get checked at the first sign of anything that’s “not quite right.”
Three months after receiving the devastating news, the champ is continuing to fight the good fight with all his might. Due to the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Genaro has dropped a lot of weight from his already-slight build. But “Chicanito” (38-2-1, 17 KOs) is bravely facing the hardest battle of his life with strength, dignity, courage and grace of a true champion.
In this follow-up interview, he tells me about going back to work through the chemo, how he feels about all of the support he’s receiving, and how the medical treatments have affected him.
Question: Hi Genaro. How are you? We didn’t get to see you but I heard you were in Vegas for the De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight.
Answer: Yes, I was there working for HBO. I had committed myself before I was sick. I didn’t want to disappoint them and tell them at the last minute that I couldn’t do it so I went.
Q: You are definitely committed, considering you had just started your medical treatments right around this time.
A: I was feeling sick that day but I flew out and went ahead with the commitment. I was supposed to come out on Friday but I arrived on Saturday for the fight.
Q: How did the weekend go for you?
A: I love being around the people so it took my mind off from being sick! It was a distraction from feeling sick.
Q: Some friends who saw you at there said you looked good…
A: (He chuckles) Well, I don’t know what they’d say now. I’ve lost a lot of weight.
Q: You began your medical treatments last month?
A: I started radiation and chemo on December 1st. It’s been since October 5th that I found out about the cancer.
Q: Everybody is always asking about you. They want to know how you’re doing now?
A: Well, in three weeks, I’ve lost 20 pounds already. It’s hard to consume food; I gotta pick at it like a little bird. I wouldn’t put this on my worst enemy. Other than that, the radiation and chemotherapy are doing a pretty good job! (He laughs a bit).
Q: Your January 17th dinner is coming up soon and everyone’s looking forward to your event!
A: Yes, a lot of people are coming out for this. One of the top promoters in Japan is even coming out. It’s special for me and for everyone, for me and my family.
Q: You and your family have received a lot of support from the boxing world. What’s is your reaction to this massive outpouring of support?
A: To me it’s heartbreaking to know that people want to help out. It touches me.
Q: What else can people do to help?
A: I just couldn’t do it…to ask anyone for help. I never thought I’d be in this position, so I really don’t know. I never thought I’d have to ask for anything before!
Q: Please know that we are all pulling for you–you’ve got the support of many.
A: It really means a lot to me to know that people care and are keeping me and my family in their prayers. Please let everyone know that I will defeat this cancer with their support.
Q: Thank you, Genaro, for always taking time to talk. I know your situation will help and inspire others.
A: Thank you for all that you and your website are doing not only for me, but for the people themselves who are actually reading your article. I only say this because it may help people understand not to leave any thing rare appearing on their bodies go without being checked out by a doctor.
Q: We look forward to seeing you on January 17th–I know it will be a great evening.
A: Thank You!
Genaro, 42, was not living “la vida loca” yet was stricken with this rare form of cancer. No one ever says life is fair. If this can happen to “Chicanito,” a tough world-class athlete who led a clean and healthy life, then it can happen to any one of us.
I’ll take the risk in sounding a bit sappy and naive, but I want to hold on to the belief that kindness is contagious, that a positive attitude can do wonders, and support (both spiritually and financially) can help create miracles. Nobody deserves to go through what Genaro is going through; we can all try and help in any way we can. I know that the champ, his wife and their two children will appreciate any and all efforts made.
I encourage you to join us at the benefit dinner that will feature a live band, a DJ, an Improv comedian Richard Villa, a live auction with Pedro Fernandez and many other special guests, including WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán and Mauricio Sulaimán, fighters Israel Vazquez, Chris Arreola, and Alex Ramos.
Hosting the fundraiser are Jill Diamond and Rudy Tellez, the loyal leaders of ”Team Hernandez,” and both have been tirelessly working together for the sole purpose to help ”Chicanito,” one of the “good guys” in boxing. Along with Diamond and Tellez, Jaime Ochoa, Vinnie Johnson, Eric Casillas, Angel Ochoa and many others have all been dedicating their time and services to ensure a successful gathering on January 17th.
The WBC’s Diamond knows the efforts are more than worthwhile, “I am looking forward most to the feeling you get when a community comes together unselfishly to help one of their own. I’m also really looking forward to the smile on Genaro’s face when he realizes how many people remember and care!”
Coast-to-coast events are being held during back-to-back weekends in honor of “Chicanito.” On January 10th, the WBCares Chairman Diamond will also be hosting a Fight Night at Gleason’s in Brooklyn, New York and the following weekend she will be in Los Angeles for Genaro’s Saturday night dinner.
More events are planned through the year, in honor of Genaro, as others plan to assist the champ in any way they can. Thompson Boxing Promotions’ matchmaker and general manager Alex Camponovo says they are dedicating their annual “Night of Champions” boxing show on March 14 to ”Chicanito.” The fight event will be at the Doubletree Hotel in the City of Orange, California and he explains, “We want to give him a helping hand at this dinner show and hopefully it will resolve a few of his financial problems. It’s a shame that a world-class athlete and a world-class person has to go through a lack of help. We hope for the best for him. And anything we can do to help this local guy–a great champion, a great ambassador to boxing–we will.”
“Chicanito” has a long list of friends he’s made through the years who have been rocked with the news of his illness and are now doing everything they can to help. WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Chairman Tellez, who has known Genaro for over 20 years, says, “It really, really hurt me the day I found out he has cancer. We’re like family. Genaro is one of the best. He’s a great boxer, a great family man, a great friend. This guy has always been humble, a giver with a smile on his face.”
“The Mouthpiece Doctor” Tellez is doing all he can to make Genaro’s event shine, “We’ve got some good news: Dr. Joe Noriega is donating money for the dinner, Jimmy’s Restaurant is donating appetizers, and Ken Thompson, the WBC Youth and NABF are sponsoring tables. But we still need more donations!”
As the support for “Chicanito” continues to build, look forward to a memorable evening on January 17th–we are all in your corner, Champ!
GENARO HERNANDEZ BENEFIT DINNER
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009
Time: 5:00 Social Hour
6:00 PM Dinner and Entertainment
Address:
WBC Legends of Boxing Museum/ American Sports University
399 North “D” Street San Bernardino, CA 92401
Tickets: 50.00 Donation
Sponsors, donations and auction items for the event are also welcome at this time. If you’d like more information regarding the benefit, please e-mail Rudy Tellez at: [email protected] or call (323) 299-1694 for ticket reservations. If you cannot attend the dinner but would still like to help, you can send donations to Genaro.
To Send in Monetary Donations:
Please mark them “Genaro” and make payable to World Boxing Cares
All money is tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Genaro Hernandez family.
Mail to:
World Boxing Cares
36 West 22nd Street
New York, New York 10010
Tax ID number: 262-665-978
(A beautfiul WBC Lifetime Certificate will be sent to you to acknowledge your donation)
By Michele Chong
A “Chicanito” update as WBC event nears
Genaro Hernandez will be the guest of honor at a January 17th benefit dinner at the new World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing Museum in San Bernardino, California. ”Chicanito” will reconnect with old friends, meet new acquaintances, and enjoy live entertainment with special celebrity guests. It will be a wonderful evening but also a bittersweet one for Genaro, who has been stricken with an aggressive and rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma.
The boxing community has been staggered by the news of the champ being ill. Now they have the chance to attend this fundraising event and show their support. Fans can attend the upcoming dinner as well, with all ticket proceeds going to Genaro and his family to help subsidize medical treatments he is currently undergoing. It is under these sad circumstances that his friends, fellow fighters and boxing associates will all gather in support of the popular California boxer at this special gala to honor the good-natured champ who is known for his kindness, generosity and beaming smile.
My first interview with “Chicanito” took place in early November, just as the news broke about the former WBC Champion being diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer. With utmost respect, I contacted Genaro and he spoke to me during this extremely difficult time for one reason: to help others and create an awareness about early detection for any possible signs of cancer. In his typical unselfish manner, the former two-time Junior Lightweight World Champion was still only thinking of others. He was beyond gracious in giving me a very personal, in-depth interview while he was probably in shock and going through so much at the time. But he wanted the opportunity to talk in an attempt to reach out and help others who may also be facing cancer, to warn others to get checked at the first sign of anything that’s “not quite right.”
Three months after receiving the devastating news, the champ is continuing to fight the good fight with all his might. Due to the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Genaro has dropped a lot of weight from his already-slight build. But “Chicanito” (38-2-1, 17 KOs) is bravely facing the hardest battle of his life with strength, dignity, courage and grace of a true champion.
In this follow-up interview, he tells me about going back to work through the chemo, how he feels about all of the support he’s receiving, and how the medical treatments have affected him.
Question: Hi Genaro. How are you? We didn’t get to see you but I heard you were in Vegas for the De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight.
Answer: Yes, I was there working for HBO. I had committed myself before I was sick. I didn’t want to disappoint them and tell them at the last minute that I couldn’t do it so I went.
Q: You are definitely committed, considering you had just started your medical treatments right around this time.
A: I was feeling sick that day but I flew out and went ahead with the commitment. I was supposed to come out on Friday but I arrived on Saturday for the fight.
Q: How did the weekend go for you?
A: I love being around the people so it took my mind off from being sick! It was a distraction from feeling sick.
Q: Some friends who saw you at there said you looked good…
A: (He chuckles) Well, I don’t know what they’d say now. I’ve lost a lot of weight.
Q: You began your medical treatments last month?
A: I started radiation and chemo on December 1st. It’s been since October 5th that I found out about the cancer.
Q: Everybody is always asking about you. They want to know how you’re doing now?
A: Well, in three weeks, I’ve lost 20 pounds already. It’s hard to consume food; I gotta pick at it like a little bird. I wouldn’t put this on my worst enemy. Other than that, the radiation and chemotherapy are doing a pretty good job! (He laughs a bit).
Q: Your January 17th dinner is coming up soon and everyone’s looking forward to your event!
A: Yes, a lot of people are coming out for this. One of the top promoters in Japan is even coming out. It’s special for me and for everyone, for me and my family.
Q: You and your family have received a lot of support from the boxing world. What’s is your reaction to this massive outpouring of support?
A: To me it’s heartbreaking to know that people want to help out. It touches me.
Q: What else can people do to help?
A: I just couldn’t do it…to ask anyone for help. I never thought I’d be in this position, so I really don’t know. I never thought I’d have to ask for anything before!
Q: Please know that we are all pulling for you–you’ve got the support of many.
A: It really means a lot to me to know that people care and are keeping me and my family in their prayers. Please let everyone know that I will defeat this cancer with their support.
Q: Thank you, Genaro, for always taking time to talk. I know your situation will help and inspire others.
A: Thank you for all that you and your website are doing not only for me, but for the people themselves who are actually reading your article. I only say this because it may help people understand not to leave any thing rare appearing on their bodies go without being checked out by a doctor.
Q: We look forward to seeing you on January 17th–I know it will be a great evening.
A: Thank You!
Genaro, 42, was not living “la vida loca” yet was stricken with this rare form of cancer. No one ever says life is fair. If this can happen to “Chicanito,” a tough world-class athlete who led a clean and healthy life, then it can happen to any one of us.
I’ll take the risk in sounding a bit sappy and naive, but I want to hold on to the belief that kindness is contagious, that a positive attitude can do wonders, and support (both spiritually and financially) can help create miracles. Nobody deserves to go through what Genaro is going through; we can all try and help in any way we can. I know that the champ, his wife and their two children will appreciate any and all efforts made.
I encourage you to join us at the benefit dinner that will feature a live band, a DJ, an Improv comedian Richard Villa, a live auction with Pedro Fernandez and many other special guests, including WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán and Mauricio Sulaimán, fighters Israel Vazquez, Chris Arreola, and Alex Ramos.
Hosting the fundraiser are Jill Diamond and Rudy Tellez, the loyal leaders of ”Team Hernandez,” and both have been tirelessly working together for the sole purpose to help ”Chicanito,” one of the “good guys” in boxing. Along with Diamond and Tellez, Jaime Ochoa, Vinnie Johnson, Eric Casillas, Angel Ochoa and many others have all been dedicating their time and services to ensure a successful gathering on January 17th.
The WBC’s Diamond knows the efforts are more than worthwhile, “I am looking forward most to the feeling you get when a community comes together unselfishly to help one of their own. I’m also really looking forward to the smile on Genaro’s face when he realizes how many people remember and care!”
Coast-to-coast events are being held during back-to-back weekends in honor of “Chicanito.” On January 10th, the WBCares Chairman Diamond will also be hosting a Fight Night at Gleason’s in Brooklyn, New York and the following weekend she will be in Los Angeles for Genaro’s Saturday night dinner.
More events are planned through the year, in honor of Genaro, as others plan to assist the champ in any way they can. Thompson Boxing Promotions’ matchmaker and general manager Alex Camponovo says they are dedicating their annual “Night of Champions” boxing show on March 14 to ”Chicanito.” The fight event will be at the Doubletree Hotel in the City of Orange, California and he explains, “We want to give him a helping hand at this dinner show and hopefully it will resolve a few of his financial problems. It’s a shame that a world-class athlete and a world-class person has to go through a lack of help. We hope for the best for him. And anything we can do to help this local guy–a great champion, a great ambassador to boxing–we will.”
“Chicanito” has a long list of friends he’s made through the years who have been rocked with the news of his illness and are now doing everything they can to help. WBC Legends of Boxing Museum Chairman Tellez, who has known Genaro for over 20 years, says, “It really, really hurt me the day I found out he has cancer. We’re like family. Genaro is one of the best. He’s a great boxer, a great family man, a great friend. This guy has always been humble, a giver with a smile on his face.”
“The Mouthpiece Doctor” Tellez is doing all he can to make Genaro’s event shine, “We’ve got some good news: Dr. Joe Noriega is donating money for the dinner, Jimmy’s Restaurant is donating appetizers, and Ken Thompson, the WBC Youth and NABF are sponsoring tables. But we still need more donations!”
As the support for “Chicanito” continues to build, look forward to a memorable evening on January 17th–we are all in your corner, Champ!
GENARO HERNANDEZ BENEFIT DINNER
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009
Time: 5:00 Social Hour
6:00 PM Dinner and Entertainment
Address:
WBC Legends of Boxing Museum/ American Sports University
399 North “D” Street San Bernardino, CA 92401
Tickets: 50.00 Donation
Sponsors, donations and auction items for the event are also welcome at this time. If you’d like more information regarding the benefit, please e-mail Rudy Tellez at: [email protected] or call (323) 299-1694 for ticket reservations. If you cannot attend the dinner but would still like to help, you can send donations to Genaro.
To Send in Monetary Donations:
Please mark them “Genaro” and make payable to World Boxing Cares
All money is tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Genaro Hernandez family.
Mail to:
World Boxing Cares
36 West 22nd Street
New York, New York 10010
Tax ID number: 262-665-978
(A beautfiul WBC Lifetime Certificate will be sent to you to acknowledge your donation)
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 08:19
Bruce . . . Ray Lunney III wasn't on the card when I fought at the Circle Star Theatre at the end of July, 1975. I took the fight on one day's notice and won a close six-round decision over a pretty tough Indian Kid named David Kibbey Jr. who had beaten me in the 1970 Nat'l Golden Gloves tournament in Las Vegas, more than five years previous. The bout isn't listed on either mine or Kibbey's record in Boxrec. Maurice Watkins was in the main event and there must be a news clip from a Northern Cal paper that will validate my bout with Kibbey? If so, I'd appreciate the win be recognized by Boxrec. along with a few others abscent from my Boxrec. record. By the way, thanks for adding my win over Wolverine Campos in 1971.Bobbin & Weavin wrote:Rick,Rick Farris wrote:Babe Griffin . . .
Hap, in 1975 I fought in Northern California. The bout was on a card promoted by Babe Griffin at the Circle Star Theatre in Redwood City. My manager at the time, Mel Epstein, knew Griffin very well. Do you have any memories of Babe?
-Rick Farris
Babe Griffin promoted nearly all of Ray Lunny IIIs fights including 14 in the Circle Star Theater. I have a few articles from Nor Cal newspapers about Babe who also owned a bar in San Jose, I'll find a good one and post it while were waiting for Hap to give us the inside skinny.
The Circle Star was a nice little venue that seated around 1800 or so for a fight, it was torn down a few years back and replaced by a real nice office building...NOT!
By the way Lunny fought at the Circle Star four times in 1975 did you fight on one of those cards?
Bruce
By the way, this year I will invite Ray Lunney III and his wife to join us at the WBHOF banquet so perhaps you two can remenisce about the Circle Star Theatre and northern Cal boxing in the day. Ray is a true treasure trove of boxing history. As you know, his dad Ray Jr. was inducted into the WBHOF a few years back.
-Rick Farris
-Rick
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 08:31
Ray Lunny
Birth Name Raymond Edward Lunny, Jr.
Country USA
Global Id 25829
Birthplace San Francisco, CA
Division Featherweight
Born 1919-06-06
Died 2003-05-20
Stance Southpaw
Height 171cm
Career Record © www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1944-05-02 Willie Joyce Los Angeles, USA L KO 8
1943-08-30 Al Citrino San Francisco, USA W KO 7
1943-01-18 Lulu Costantino San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1942-04-27 Richie Lemos San Francisco, USA W SD 10
1942-03-03 Richie Lemos Los Angeles, USA L KO 6
1942-01-23 George Latka Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1941-12-15 George Latka San Francisco, USA D PTS 10
1941-10-31 Chalky Wright San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1941-09-19 Honey Mellody San Francisco, USA W KO 1
1941-08-25 Ritchie Fontaine San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-08-11 Charley Varre San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-06-30 Eddie Marcus San Francisco, USA W KO 3
1941-05-19 Vern Bybee San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-04-25 Toby Vigil Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1941-03-24 Georgie Hansford San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-09-04 Lew Feldman San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-07-29 Claude Varner San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-07-10 Jose Gallardo Oakland, USA W TKO 8
1940-06-24 Rudy Oden San Francisco, USA W KO 6
1940-05-17 Vern Bybee San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-04-01 Jose Gallardo San Francisco, USA W TKO 10
1940-01-19 Guy Serean Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1939-12-22 Dub Bowen Hollywood, USA W KO 2
1939-12-01 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1939-10-27 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA L TKO 2
1939-07-21 Chief Evening Thunder Hollywood, USA W TKO 4
1939-07-07 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-05-26 Elmer Lewis Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-04-25 Roger Whitaker Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1939-04-06 Chief Evening Thunder Hollywood, USA D PTS 4
1939-03-17 Johnny Verdusco Hollywood, USA W TKO 4
1939-03-03 Johnny Verdusco Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-02-24 Joey Wilson Hollywood, USA W RTD 2
1939-01-27 Martin Gomez Hollywood, USA W TKO 2
1938-12-16 Gene Catalina San Francisco, USA W TKO 3
1938-11-25 Al Lopez Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1938-11-22 Manuel Rodriguez Los Angeles, USA W TKO 1
1938-11-18 Louie Reed Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1938-11-04 Johnny Mirabel Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
Record to Date
Won 32 (KOs 13) Lost 5 Drawn 2 Total 39
Birth Name Raymond Edward Lunny, Jr.
Country USA
Global Id 25829
Birthplace San Francisco, CA
Division Featherweight
Born 1919-06-06
Died 2003-05-20
Stance Southpaw
Height 171cm
Career Record © www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1944-05-02 Willie Joyce Los Angeles, USA L KO 8
1943-08-30 Al Citrino San Francisco, USA W KO 7
1943-01-18 Lulu Costantino San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1942-04-27 Richie Lemos San Francisco, USA W SD 10
1942-03-03 Richie Lemos Los Angeles, USA L KO 6
1942-01-23 George Latka Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1941-12-15 George Latka San Francisco, USA D PTS 10
1941-10-31 Chalky Wright San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1941-09-19 Honey Mellody San Francisco, USA W KO 1
1941-08-25 Ritchie Fontaine San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-08-11 Charley Varre San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-06-30 Eddie Marcus San Francisco, USA W KO 3
1941-05-19 Vern Bybee San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1941-04-25 Toby Vigil Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1941-03-24 Georgie Hansford San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-09-04 Lew Feldman San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-07-29 Claude Varner San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-07-10 Jose Gallardo Oakland, USA W TKO 8
1940-06-24 Rudy Oden San Francisco, USA W KO 6
1940-05-17 Vern Bybee San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1940-04-01 Jose Gallardo San Francisco, USA W TKO 10
1940-01-19 Guy Serean Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1939-12-22 Dub Bowen Hollywood, USA W KO 2
1939-12-01 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1939-10-27 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA L TKO 2
1939-07-21 Chief Evening Thunder Hollywood, USA W TKO 4
1939-07-07 Zeke Castro Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-05-26 Elmer Lewis Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-04-25 Roger Whitaker Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1939-04-06 Chief Evening Thunder Hollywood, USA D PTS 4
1939-03-17 Johnny Verdusco Hollywood, USA W TKO 4
1939-03-03 Johnny Verdusco Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1939-02-24 Joey Wilson Hollywood, USA W RTD 2
1939-01-27 Martin Gomez Hollywood, USA W TKO 2
1938-12-16 Gene Catalina San Francisco, USA W TKO 3
1938-11-25 Al Lopez Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1938-11-22 Manuel Rodriguez Los Angeles, USA W TKO 1
1938-11-18 Louie Reed Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
1938-11-04 Johnny Mirabel Hollywood, USA W PTS 4
Record to Date
Won 32 (KOs 13) Lost 5 Drawn 2 Total 39
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 08:33
Ray Lunny III
Birth Name Raymond Edward Lunny, III
Country USA
Global Id 18341
Birthplace Redwood City, CA, USA
Division Super Featherweight
Born 1951-06-29
Stance Orthodox
Career Record © www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1976-09-18 Alfredo Escalera San Juan, Puerto Rico L TKO 13
WBC Super Featherweight Title
1976-06-18 Rogelio Castaneda Redwood City, USA W PTS 10
1976-03-19 Blakeney Kid Matthews Sydney, Australia L PTS 10
1976-02-09 Arturo Leon San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1975-12-17 Tyrone Everett San Francisco, USA L PTS 12
1975-10-22 Eduardo Santiago San Carlos, USA W PTS 12
1975-08-22 Vilomar Fernandez San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1975-07-02 Jose Luis Lopez San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1975-05-21 Armando Mendieta San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1975-03-17 Sammy Goss San Carlos, USA W TKO 8
Vacant NABF Super Featherweight Title
1975-01-29 Jose Fernandez San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1974-11-14 Ben Villaflor San Francisco, USA D TD 6
1974-09-18 Aurelio Muniz San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1974-07-02 Buzzsaw Yamabe San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1974-06-05 Miguel Mayan San Carlos, USA W SD 10
1974-03-20 Miguel Mayan San Jose, USA D PTS 10
1973-12-11 Baby Cassius San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1973-11-07 Alberto Reyes Redwood City, USA W PTS 10
1973-08-01 Jimmy Robertson San Francisco, USA W RTD 7
1973-05-23 Pete Vital San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1973-02-27 Mar Yuzon San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1972-12-12 Frankie Crawford San Francisco, USA W KO 2
1972-10-24 Gil Noriega San Carlos, USA W TKO 8
1972-07-24 Raul Montoya San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-06-05 Manuel Leal San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-04-28 Ray Echevarria San Carlos, USA W UD 10
1972-03-13 Miguel Mayan San Carlos, USA W UD 10
1972-02-11 Sergio Muniz San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1972-01-28 Leo Beccerra San Carlos, USA W KO 3
1971-04-24 Angel Marquez Fort Ord, USA W KO 1
1971-03-23 Chamaco Lopez San Francisco, USA W KO 1
1970-10-16 Vic Jimenez Inglewood, USA D PTS 6
Record to Date
Won 25 (KOs 10) Lost 4 Drawn 3 Total 32
Birth Name Raymond Edward Lunny, III
Country USA
Global Id 18341
Birthplace Redwood City, CA, USA
Division Super Featherweight
Born 1951-06-29
Stance Orthodox
Career Record © www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1976-09-18 Alfredo Escalera San Juan, Puerto Rico L TKO 13
WBC Super Featherweight Title
1976-06-18 Rogelio Castaneda Redwood City, USA W PTS 10
1976-03-19 Blakeney Kid Matthews Sydney, Australia L PTS 10
1976-02-09 Arturo Leon San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1975-12-17 Tyrone Everett San Francisco, USA L PTS 12
1975-10-22 Eduardo Santiago San Carlos, USA W PTS 12
1975-08-22 Vilomar Fernandez San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1975-07-02 Jose Luis Lopez San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1975-05-21 Armando Mendieta San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1975-03-17 Sammy Goss San Carlos, USA W TKO 8
Vacant NABF Super Featherweight Title
1975-01-29 Jose Fernandez San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1974-11-14 Ben Villaflor San Francisco, USA D TD 6
1974-09-18 Aurelio Muniz San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1974-07-02 Buzzsaw Yamabe San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1974-06-05 Miguel Mayan San Carlos, USA W SD 10
1974-03-20 Miguel Mayan San Jose, USA D PTS 10
1973-12-11 Baby Cassius San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1973-11-07 Alberto Reyes Redwood City, USA W PTS 10
1973-08-01 Jimmy Robertson San Francisco, USA W RTD 7
1973-05-23 Pete Vital San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1973-02-27 Mar Yuzon San Francisco, USA W PTS 10
1972-12-12 Frankie Crawford San Francisco, USA W KO 2
1972-10-24 Gil Noriega San Carlos, USA W TKO 8
1972-07-24 Raul Montoya San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-06-05 Manuel Leal San Carlos, USA W PTS 10
1972-04-28 Ray Echevarria San Carlos, USA W UD 10
1972-03-13 Miguel Mayan San Carlos, USA W UD 10
1972-02-11 Sergio Muniz San Carlos, USA W TKO 5
1972-01-28 Leo Beccerra San Carlos, USA W KO 3
1971-04-24 Angel Marquez Fort Ord, USA W KO 1
1971-03-23 Chamaco Lopez San Francisco, USA W KO 1
1970-10-16 Vic Jimenez Inglewood, USA D PTS 6
Record to Date
Won 25 (KOs 10) Lost 4 Drawn 3 Total 32
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 08:37
I wrote it, Rick. Boredom does strange things to a man.Rick Farris wrote:Bennie . . . I agree with this writers opinion of Chris Arreola, he will not change the course of Mexican boxing history. With his power, weak opposition and a lot of luck, a guy like this actually has an outside shot of winning a title in in such a weak field of pretenders. He's a tough guy, but he's slow, sloppy and easy to hit. If there ever shall be a "first" Mexican world heavyweight champ, I hope it's not this guy. He's really no better in today's field than Manuel Ramos was in the era of Ali & Frazier. With the exception of Manuel Ramos, most Mexican heavyweights come with a built-in roll of fat cascading over the waist bands of their trucks. When the weight exceeds 160, we know better than to expect anything remeniscent of an Ortiz, Olivares, Saldivar or Sanchez. South of the welter division is a different story.bennie wrote:Blubbery Los Angeles hope Chris Arreola is being lined up for a shot at Ukrainian giant and IBF & WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in the first half of this year. Arreola, real name Cristobal Arreola, seeks to become the first fighter of Mexican origin to win the 'world' heavyweight title.
His shot comes as a surprise because, while unbeaten Arreola brings strength, toughness, aggression and a solid dig at 26-0 (23), he lacks boxing ability and top-flight experience. Indeed, he is just a baby by heavyweight standards at 27 (complete with baby fat), a work in progress. He has never travelled further than eight rounds. It seems a strange decision to throw him in with "Wlad" at this stage.
Klitschko, 32, brings a daunting physique, a daunting 52-3 (46) record and the daunting mantle of the world's No. 1 heavyweight, a mantle which he shares with his elder brother Vitali, who wears the WBC belt. The Klitschkos hold a virtual monoply on the world heavyweight title scene and have done since Lennox Lewis struggled home against Vitali in June 2003 and never fought again. Arreola hardly looks like their Heir Apparent. Indeed, Klitschko, who has been down a few times, opts for the low-level Californian (probably no better than Belfast thumper Martin Rogan) rather than Britain's muscled and heavy handed David Haye, a former undisputed world cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight last year with a five-knockdown, five-round mauling of division gatekeeper Monte Barrett in London. Once-beaten Haye takes on the stronger-chinned Vitali, 36-2 (35), instead in London in the summer.
The Klitschkos are horribly robotic but take some beating because they whip themselves into great shape per fight, courtesy of the best trainers. This is their secret. They work hard and long before the fight and hard and long during it, if necessary. Their great fitness, their great natural size and strength, separate them from a humdrum list of also-rans unwilling to match them for sacrifice, although Haye might disprove such a thing.
LA biker Eddie "The Animal" Lopez proved tough and willing in the 1980s as a fringe heavyweight contender, while Mexico's Manuel Ramos actually wobbled Joe Frazier with a right hand in the opening round of their world heavyweight title encounter in Madison Square Garden in 1968, before he was brutally despatched in the second. This is as close as Mexico has got to the world heavyweight title. Believe me, Arreola is not going to change the course of Mexican boxing history.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 09:12
I wrote it, Rick. Boredom does strange things to a man.[/quote]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bennie . . . I can relate to that. I've a few weeks off and suddenly don't know what to do with myelf. As for David Haye, I'm hoping he'll pull the plug on at least one of the "Lurch" brothers this year, not to mention the other East European neanderthol, "Olaf the Oaf" Valuev, as well. These guys gotta go!
-Rick
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bennie . . . I can relate to that. I've a few weeks off and suddenly don't know what to do with myelf. As for David Haye, I'm hoping he'll pull the plug on at least one of the "Lurch" brothers this year, not to mention the other East European neanderthol, "Olaf the Oaf" Valuev, as well. These guys gotta go!
-Rick
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 09:19
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Rick Farris wrote:I wrote it, Rick. Boredom does strange things to a man.
Bennie . . . I can relate to that. I've a few weeks off and suddenly don't know what to do with myelf. As for David Haye, I'm hoping he'll pull the plug on at least one of the "Lurch" brothers this year, not to mention the other East European neanderthol, "Olaf the Oaf" Valuev, as well. These guys gotta go!
-Rick[/quote]
Haye will sort 'em, Rick. He's Henry Cooper all over again - a viable contender born and bred in London.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 09:43
Ricky Hatton agrees to fight Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas
Ricky Hatton agreed to fight his May 2 junior-welterweight bout against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, the final stumbling block before the fighters sign their contracts, Hatton's promoter said.
Ricky Hatton agreed to fight his May 2 junior-welterweight bout against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, the final stumbling block before the fighters sign their contracts, Hatton's promoter said.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 09:51
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 09:59
Haye will sort 'em, Rick. He's Henry Cooper all over again - a viable contender born and bred in London.[/quote]bennie wrote:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Rick Farris wrote:I wrote it, Rick. Boredom does strange things to a man.
Bennie . . . I can relate to that. I've a few weeks off and suddenly don't know what to do with myelf. As for David Haye, I'm hoping he'll pull the plug on at least one of the "Lurch" brothers this year, not to mention the other East European neanderthol, "Olaf the Oaf" Valuev, as well. These guys gotta go!
-Rick
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bennie . . . I'd love to see a heavyweight throw as picture perfect a hook as what 'Enry laid on the chin of Cassius Clay in '63. The great Ali only hit the deck three times as a pro, and Henry Cooper's left hook was responsible for one those knockdowns, leaving Ali dazed, confused and saved by the bell. Considering the rock hard jaw of Ali, could you imagine if such a hook were planted anywhere in the vicinity of a Klitschko chin? The wind alone from a Henry Cooper left hook would send today's lot to the showers.
-Rick
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 10:01
For my friend Bennie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVCDZaApwV8
"A foggy Day in London Town
Mel Torme
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVCDZaApwV8
"A foggy Day in London Town
Mel Torme
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 10:27
There is no fog here today. It is cold, cold and more cold.kikibalt wrote:For my friend Bennie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVCDZaApwV8
"A foggy Day in London Town
Mel Torme
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 11:01
Old man And The Storm
Herbert Gettridge Sr., 83, sits in the backyard
of his home in the Lower 9th Ward where he
was digging up the top layer of soil that was left
behind from flooding.
Herbert Gettridge Sr., 83, sits in the backyard
of his home in the Lower 9th Ward where he
was digging up the top layer of soil that was left
behind from flooding.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 12:04
Guys check it out. Rounds 11 and 12 of El Gato vs Carmona
Scartissue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4
Scartissue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 12:38
Thanks, Dan.scartissue wrote:Guys check it out. Rounds 11 and 12 of El Gato vs Carmona
Scartissue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 13:11
So, where is Randy?
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 13:46
Can I please get a few names of people who spent most of their Careers in the Olympic Auditorium?
Tony Baltazar
Frankie Baltazar
Mando Ramos
Carlos Palomino
.................
....................
....................
...................
....................
....................
Anybody wanna fill in a few blanks for me? Thanks!
Tony Baltazar
Frankie Baltazar
Mando Ramos
Carlos Palomino
.................
....................
....................
...................
....................
....................
Anybody wanna fill in a few blanks for me? Thanks!
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 14:44
Ron C wrote:Can I please get a few names of people who spent most of their Careers in the Olympic Auditorium?
Tony Baltazar
Frankie Baltazar
Mando Ramos
Carlos Palomino
................. Ernie "Indian Red" Lopez
.................... Raul Rojas
.................... Frankie Crawford
................... Danny "Little Red" Lopez
.................... Andy Heilman
.................... Armando Muniz
Just a half dozen of many. All fought locally & internationally, but had the majority of their home fights at the Olympic. Jerry Quarry was an Olympic headliner right thru his world title fights, etc.
Anybody wanna fill in a few blanks for me? Thanks!
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 15:26
Scar . . . It's easy to see why Rodolfo Gonzalez was tagged "El Gato" early in his career. Gonzalez had patientily, yet forcefully set up Chango Carmona for the kill. By the 11th, Rodolfo was batting Carmona around playfully (like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn) as he increased the pressure, taking total control of his opponent and destiny.scartissue wrote:Guys check it out. Rounds 11 and 12 of El Gato vs Carmona
Scartissue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4
Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is one of the most perfectly balanced boxers I have ever seen. You never saw "El Gato" miss a step. He was always in position to punch and a master of distance. One of the most punishing lightweight champs in history.
I wasn't surprised to discovered that Rodolfo Gonzalez had scored more consecutive knockouts (35) than ANY other world boxing champion in history, anytime, any weight. Rated by "The Ring Magazine" as one of boxing's all-time "100 Greatest Punchers".
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 06 Jan 2009, 16:01
Rick, I'm probably one of the pickiest and dissenting human beings going when it comes to fighters. It's obviously just the way I view my horse-flesh. I'll pick them apart, view the good but keep nagging at the bad (he has to improve this, he has to correct that, etc.). Anyways, when I first acquired this fight I watched it and as usual disected the performance. I found Rodolfo's performance impeccable, but, I said to Pops, who was watching it with me for the 3rd or 4th time, "Dad, do you think he's carrying his hands too low?" And my Pops replied without dwelling on my anal question, "No, where he's carrying them gives him the opportunity to fire tham off perfectly." So, there ya go. Two people watching it from two different eras. I'm sure everyone of us might see something differently in any fight for that matter. But I tell ya, it was one helluva performance, wasn't it? Considering Carmona was viewed as such a monster after the Ramos beating.Rick Farris wrote:Scar . . . It's easy to see why Rodolfo Gonzalez was tagged "El Gato" early in his career. Gonzalez had patientily, yet forcefully set up Chango Carmona for the kill. By the 11th, Rodolfo was batting Carmona around playfully (like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn) as he increased the pressure, taking total control of his opponent and destiny.scartissue wrote:Guys check it out. Rounds 11 and 12 of El Gato vs Carmona
Scartissue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsYcJ2HRq4
Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is one of the most perfectly balanced boxers I have ever seen. You never saw "El Gato" miss a step. He was always in position to punch and a master of distance. One of the most punishing lightweight champs in history.
I wasn't surprised to discovered that Rodolfo Gonzalez had scored more consecutive knockouts (35) than ANY other world boxing champion in history, anytime, any weight. Rated by "The Ring Magazine" as one of boxing's all-time "100 Greatest Punchers".
-Rick Farris
Scartissue