Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Rodolfo Gonzalez, Alonso Vega and Kid Azteca

We all know who Gonzalez and Azteca are, Vega was a 4-6 round fighter
in the late 1950's, who fought under the name of Jorge Vasquez, Vasquez/Vega
fought most of his fights at the Hollywood Legion

Vasquez/Vega is a long time member of the Golden State Boxers' Association

Frank, thanks for the fill in on Alonso Vega. I have to plead ignorant on him. BTW, I hope El Gato sees this and chimes in, he once told me that he only wished he could throw a left hook to the liver as good as Kid Azteca. High praise indeed coming from someone who attributed 47 of his 71 KOs to a left hook to the liver.

Scartissue

Scar . . .You're right about a guy like "El Gato" praising another "gancho to the liver" guy. However, Rodolfo also told me the same thing about Kid Azteca. Rodolfo had no trouble acknowledging Azteca as the "premier" Mexican body puncher. A shot to the liver is one a fighter never forgets. It paralyzes a man, no punch in boxing is more painful or debilitating.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

'Fantasy Island' actor Ricardo Montalban dies at 88


Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times
Montalban suffered from a painful spinal condition in his old age, but remained active in trying to raise the profile of Latinos in Hollywood.

He was often cast -- and stereotyped -- as a Latin lover and later was best known as Mr. Roarke of 'Fantasy Island.' He was respected for his work to improve the roles and image of other Latino actors.

By Lorenza Muñoz
January 14, 2009

Ricardo Montalban, the suave leading man who was one of the first Mexican-born actors to make it big in Hollywood and who was best known for his role as Mr. Roarke on ABC's "Fantasy Island," has died. He was 88.

Montalban died Wednesday morning at his Los Angeles home of complications related to old age, said his son-in-law, Gilbert Smith.

Beginning in the 1940s, Montalban starred in dozens of films with some of the greatest names in movies, including Clark Gable and Lana Turner. When major film roles dried up for him in the 1970s, he turned to stage and eventually TV, where he became familiar to millions as the mysterious host whose signature line, "Welcome to Fantasy Island," opened the hit show that ran from 1978 to 1984.

Within the entertainment industry, Montalban was widely respected for his efforts to create opportunities for Latinos, although he and others believed that his activism hurt his career. In 1970, he founded the nonprofit Nosotros Foundation to improve the image and increase employment of Latinos in Hollywood.

"He paved the way for being outspoken about the images and roles that Latinos were playing in movies," said Luis Reyes, author of "Hispanics in Hollywood" (2000).

On Wednesday, actor Edward James Olmos called Montalban "one of the true giants of arts and culture."

"He was a stellar artist and a consummate person and performer with a tremendous understanding of culture . . . and the ability to express it in his work," Olmos told The Times.

After MGM dropped Montalban's contract in 1953, he initially turned to the stage in a touring production of George Bernard Shaw's "Don Juan in Hell," playing the title character and co-starring with Agnes Moorehead. He continued to appear in films and, in the 1970s and '80s, became a commercial spokesman for Chrysler. He was particularly known -- and later widely spoofed -- for his silky allusion to the "soft Corinthian leather" of the Chrysler Cordoba, although no such leather actually existed.

Also in the late 1970s, he won an Emmy for his performance as Chief Satangkai in the television miniseries "How the West Was Won."

The Chrysler ads, along with his role in "Don Juan in Hell," led to producer Aaron Spelling offering Montalban "Fantasy Island," which renewed his career and gave him financial stability.

While making "Fantasy Island," Montalban also gave one of his best movie performances -- as Khan Noonian Singh in the " Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982), a follow-up to a beloved 1967 "Star Trek" television episode, "Space Seed," that also featured Montalban.

As Khan, Montalban was deliciously over the top, vowing to wreak revenge on Star Trek Admiral James T. Kirk: "I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nivea, and 'round the Antares maelstrom, and 'round perdition's flames before I give him up."

New York Times movie critic Janet Maslin wrote that Montalban, "with his fierce profile, long white hair, manful decolletage and space-age jewelry looks like either the world's oldest rock star or its hippest Indian chief." And New Yorker magazine critic Pauline Kael said Montalban's performance as Khan "was the only validation he has ever had of his power to command the big screen."

Born Nov. 25, 1920, Montalban was the youngest of four children of Castilian Spaniards who had immigrated in 1906 to Mexico City, where Montalban's father owned a dry goods store. When he was 5, the family moved to the arid northern city of Torreon. After graduating from high school, Montalban was taken to Los Angeles by his oldest brother, Carlos, who had lived here and had gotten work in the Hollywood studios.

"I felt as if I knew California already, because of the movies," Montalban said in "Reflections: A Life in Two Worlds," the 1980 autobiography he wrote with Bob Thomas.

Montalban studied English at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, where an MGM talent scout noticed him in a student play. He was offered a screen test, but his brother advised him against taking it and took him on a business trip to New York City.

By that time, however, the acting bug had hit and soon the handsome Montalban found himself the star of a short film that was made to play on a screen atop a jukebox. That three-minute movie, whichdebuted at the Hurricane Bar in midtown Manhattan, led to small roles in various plays.

When his mother's illness took him back to Mexico, Montalban searched for acting jobs there and got a one-line role in a parody of "The Three Musketeers," starring Cantinflas. Around that time, he also met Georgiana Belzer, a model and Loretta Young's sister, whom he married in 1944. He intended to stay in Mexico, where his film career was starting to take off.

But MGM came calling again and wanted him to play a bullfighter in the Esther Williams' film "Fiesta," much of which was shot in Mexico. He is remembered best in that 1947 film for a dance scene with the young Cyd Charisse.

"Fiesta" led to a contract at MGM, where he remained for eight years and had a friendly rivalry with Fernando Lamas -- later Williams' real-life husband -- as the resident "Latin lovers" for the studio. Indeed, Billy Crystal immortalized this duel between the two men with his classic "Saturday Night Live" skit, "Quien es mas macho, Fernando Lamas or Ricardo Montalban?"

Besides "Fiesta," Montalban appeared as the Latin lover with Williams in two other late-1940s films, "On an Island With You" and "Neptune's Daughter." So blatant was the typecasting that he appeared in a 1953 film with Turner titled "Latin Lovers."

"He was incredibly handsome, he gave a style and dignity to all of his roles -- no matter what role he played," said author Reyes.

In 1949, he played a Mexican federal agent in Anthony Mann's "Border Incident," which also starred a future California senator, George Murphy, and he appeared with Murphy and Van Johnson in William A. Wellman's "Battleground," a film about the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Director John Sturges gave him the leading role of Lt. Peter Morales in "Mystery Street" in 1950 and, that same year, a starring role with June Allyson and Dick Powell in "Right Cross." Also in 1950, Montalban was Jane Powell's Cuban love interest in "Two Weeks With Love." The following year, Montalban co-starred with Gable in Wellman's "Across the Wide Missouri."

But, as he wrote in his autobiography, he never was cast in the dramatic role at MGM that would have made him a major movie star.

"He appeared to have everything else -- a marvelous camera face, the physique of a trained dancer, talent, a fine voice (he could even sing), warmth and great charm," Kael wrote. "Maybe the charm was a drawback -- it may have made him seem too likable "

After MGM dropped him in 1953, Montalban went on the road with Moorehead and others in "Don Juan in Hell," which was later revived on Broadway with him in the lead. In 1955, he appeared on Broadway in the short-lived "Seventh Heaven" and in the late 1950s starred with Lena Horne in "Jamaica," which ran for 555 performances and earned him a Tony nomination for best actor in a musical.

He played a Kabuki theater actor in "Sayonara" (1957) and co-starred with Debbie Reynolds in the 1966 film "The Singing Nun." Decades later, he appeared as the evil tycoon in the 1988 box-office comedy smash "Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" and had a prominent role as the grandfather in "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over" (2003). He had also appeared in "Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams" (2002).

Beginning in the mid-1950s, he made the first of many TV appearances. In addition to his role as Chief Satangkai in the 1978 ABC miniseries "How the West Was Won," he appeared in the "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys" in the late 1980s. More recently, he voiced Señor Señor Sr. on the Disney Channel's animated series "Kim Possible."

But it was "Fantasy Island" that created his lasting image in front of the Hollywood cameras.

Elegantly attired in a white suit and black tie, Montalban created such an iconic -- albeit somewhat kitschy -- figure that he often reprised the character insubsequent films and television shows.

The show's executive producer, Aaron Spelling, told TV Guide in 1980 that Montalban gave Mr. Roarke the "other-worldly quality we needed." Many credited the repartee between Mr. Roarke and the character of Tattoo, played by the 3-foot-10-inch Herve Villechaize, for keeping viewers tuning in.

Montalban told TV Guide that his character "manipulates everything and everyone. In the eye of the fantasizer, Roarke has the power of life and death."

Although Montalban expressed appreciation for his success, he complained continually throughout his career that Hollywood lacked respect for Mexican American actors. He said that while under contract at MGM, he portrayed Cubans, Brazilians and Argentines, but almost never Mexicans.

"Mexican is not a nice-sounding word and Hollywood is at fault for this because we have been portrayed in this ungodly manner," he said. He challenged Hollywood to stop stereotyping Latin actors by casting them only as prostitutes, maids, gang-bangers and bandidos.

By establishing the Nosotros Foundation, Montalban attempted to highlight and recognize Latino participation in the arts and entertainment. In 1970, the foundation created the Golden Eagle Awards, an annual awards show that recognizes Latino stars, shows and movies. Among those who received awards in 2004 was Hector Elizondo, who was given the Ricardo Montalban Life Achievement Award.

In 1999, the Ricardo Montalban Foundation was formed. It purchased the former Doolittle Theatre near Hollywood and Vine to stage Latino productions and named the theater after Montalban. But as was reported by The Times in 2005, the theater was mired in financial problems and no plays had yet been staged.

"It just takes time," Montalban told The Times' Agustin Gurza in August 2005. "This is all new for us."

He had been confined to a wheelchair in recent years, in nearly constant pain from a congenital condition that affected his spine. But he was philosophical about his suffering.

"My acting ability, what I have achieved in my life, I think has grown because of the physical pain," he said.

A deeply spiritual man, Montalban once said that the guiding force in his life was his Catholic faith. In 1998, Pope John Paul II made him a Knight Commander of St. Gregory, the highest honor bestowed upon non-clergy in the Roman Catholic Church.

Also in 1988, then-Mexican President Miguel de la Madrid gave Montalban the Recognition of Merit award, the highest honor bestowed on Mexican civilians, for his work helping to raise more than $10 million after the Mexico City earthquake.

From 1965 to 1970, Montalban was vice president of the Screen Actors Guild, which gave him a life achievementaward in 1993.

He is survived by two daughters, Laura Montalban and Anita Smith; two sons, Mark Montalban and Victor Montalban; and six grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Muñoz is a former Times staff writer.

[email protected]

Ricardo Montalban and and former fighter Johnny Indrisano during the filming of "Right Cross"


R.I.P. Ricardo Montalban

As a young actor, Michael Landon played a boxer in a TV production, long before his 14 seasons on "Bonanza". Landon told me that the technical advisor on the film, the guy who'd teach him to move like a boxer, was Johnny Indrasano. Johnny ref'd a lot of big fights in California and was well tied into the film industry.

-Rick Farris

[bennie]

I see Patrick McGoohan also died yesterday. The big Irishman was offered the part of James Bond before Sean Connery but was not interested.

[kikibalt]

I see Patrick McGoohan also died yesterday. The big Irishman was offered the part of James Bond before Sean Connery but was not interested.

Patrick McGoohan dies at 80; TV's 'Secret Agent' and 'Prisoner'
CBS


Patrick McGoohan in "Danger Man" on CBS in 1961.
The actor often played villains on TV and in movies. But he gained his greatest fame as the TV spy John Drake. He also won two Emmys for 'Columbo.'

By Dennis McLellan
January 15, 2009

Patrick McGoohan, a two-time Emmy Award-winning actor who starred as a British spy in the 1960s TV series "Secret Agent" and gained cult status later in the decade as the star of the enigmatic series "The Prisoner," has died. He was 80.

McGoohan, whose career involved stage, screen and TV, died Tuesday at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica after a short illness, said Cleve Landsberg, McGoohan's son-in-law. The family did not provide further details.

It was the height of James Bond mania in 1965 when McGoohan showed up on American TV screens in "Secret Agent," a British-produced series in which he played John Drake, a special security agent working as a spy for the British government.

The hourlong series, which ran on CBS until 1966, was an expanded version of “Danger Man,” a short-lived, half-hour series on CBS in 1961 in which McGoohan played the same character.

But it was McGoohan's next British-produced series, “The Prisoner,” on CBS in 1968 and 1969, that became a cult classic that spawned fan clubs, conventions and college study.

Once described in The Times as an "espionage tale as crafted by Kafka," "The Prisoner" starred McGoohan as a presumed British agent who, after resigning his top-security job, is abducted in London and taken to a mysterious prison resort called the Village.

Known only as No. 6, he is interrogated by a succession of officials who are known as No. 2. But he refuses all methods of breaking him down to reveal his past or why he resigned, and he repeatedly makes failed attempts to escape.

The seemingly idyllic village contains "seeing eyes" that monitor activities and signs such as "A Still Tongue Makes a Peaceful Life."

McGoohan co-created and executive-produced the series, which ran for only 17 episodes, as well as wrote and directed several episodes.

In a 1967 interview with The Times, he described the series as "Brave New World" stuff.

"Nobody has a name, everyone wears a number," he said. "It's a reflection of the pressure on all of us today to be numbered, to give up our individualism. This is a contemporary subject, not science fiction. I hope these things will be recognized by the audience. It's not meant to be subtle. It's meant to say: This little village is our world."

Of the enduring cult status of the series, McGoohan once said: "Mel [Gibson] will always be Mad Max, and me, I will always be a number."

McGoohan, who reportedly turned down an offer to be the big screen's original James Bond, appeared in films such as "The Three Lives of Thomasina," "Mary, Queen of Scots," "Silver Streak," "Escape From Alcatraz," "Scanners," "Ice Station Zebra" and Gibson's "Braveheart," in which he played England's sadistic King Edward I.

In his review of "Braveheart" in The Times, critic Peter Rainer wrote: "Patrick McGoohan is in possession of perhaps the most villainous enunciation in the history of acting."

As a guest star on Peter Falk's TV detective series "Columbo," McGoohan won Emmys in 1975 and 1990.

Falk once described McGoohan, who also occasionally worked as a director and writer on the "Columbo" mysteries, as being "mesmerizing" as an actor.

"There are many very, very talented people in this business, but there are only a handful of genuinely original people," Falk told the Hollywood Reporter in 2004. "I think Patrick McGoohan belongs in that small select group of truly original people."

He was born to Irish parents in the Astoria section of Queens, N.Y., on March 19, 1928. Some months later, his family returned to Ireland, where he grew up on a farm before moving to Sheffield, England, when he was 7.

In the late '40s, after working a number of jobs, he became a stage manager at Sheffield Repertory Theatre, where he soon launched his acting career.

In 1951, he married actress Joan Drummond, with whom he had three daughters, Catherine, Anne and Frances.

In 1959, he received a London Drama Critics Award for his performance in a London stage production of Ibsen's "Brand."

On television, McGoohan also starred in the short-lived 1977 medical drama "Rafferty."

Sharif Ali, McGoohan's agent, said McGoohan had been writing and had two acting offers on the table before he died.

"He really didn't talk much about his illness," said Ali. "We were too busy talking about his future; he was excited to get back to work. He had so much more to give."

In addition to his wife and daughters, McGoohan is survived by five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

[email protected]

[kikibalt]

Battling the Toughest Opponent of his Life: Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez Plans to Defeat Cancer
Interview by Dan Hernandez-January 15, 2009


“Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar (De La Hoya) does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff.”-- Genaro Hernandez

He has a record of 38-2-1, 17 KO’s, with both defeats administered by future Hall of Fame boxers, Floyd Mayweather, JR., and Oscar De La Hoya. Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez is a legendary fighter, former 2-Time Super Featherweight Titleholder and considered internationally for being one of the most genuine and loving personalities in the sport is now reaching out for your prayers and support.

Genaro has been diagnosed with the big C: Cancer. While curable, he has been stressed financially and continues to face a huge financial crisis. His insurance carrier is coming up quite short in the funds for the required therapy and having to meet these obligations certainly is not aiding Chicanito’s recovery. The WBC Cares and the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum are requesting your participation in a Fund Raiser to help this stricken battler overcome his toughest opponent.

A dinner with entertainment, along with a silent auction will take place on January 17, 2009, at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum on the campus of American Sports University, 399 N. “D” Street, San Bernardino, California, 92401. All donations are tax deductible: Tax ID.#262665978. The cost will be a minimum donation of $400.00 for a table of eight. Individual tickets are available for a minimum donation of $50.00 per person. If you want to participate, but are unable to attend, please send a donation of any amount comfortable, 100% of all money goes to the Hernandez family. The address to send your donation is as follows: “Genaro Hernandez,” WBC CARES, 36 W. 22nd Street, NY, NY, 10010. Or you may E-mail either Rudy Tellez at [email protected], or Jaime Ochoa at [email protected].

Having so many exciting and courageous fights to his credit prompted me to pursue a conversation with this outstanding champion to get his views on his condition, how he’s fighting the fight, and a champion’s view of his career.

DH: What is foremost on your mind right now?

Primarily, trying to beat this illness that I have, obviously this is something that I never expected. On October 5, they concluded that I had cancer, which is a rare form of aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. This disease is rarely found in adults. It is normally found in children and can lead to the loss of my right eye.

DH: Is it curable?

It is curable, and by the looks of the radiation and chemotherapy that I have been going through, it has been beneficial. Some of the lumps that I have had have kind of declined; they are smaller so I’d say the treatments are working pretty good so far.

DH: How do you feel?

I feel a little weak, only because I’m unable to really eat food. The therapy that’s been given to me is pretty strong and it’s taken away most of my taste buds. Anything and everything that I eat, I mean, I don’t know if anyone has ever chewed on rubber or paper, but that’s what it tastes like.

DH: How long has it been like that?

It’s been like that for two or three weeks and I’ve lost like 18 pounds already.

DH: You’ve lost 18 pounds in the last two or three weeks?

Yes. It’s not a good sign, it makes it difficult, anything that I put in my mouth, I chew a bit, and it gives me the feeling of nausea.

DH: I’m so sorry to hear that. Therefore, that’s basically the treatment that’s causing that, is that correct.

Yes, I think what’s causing it is the chemotherapy, not the radiation. The radiation reduces the swelling on the tumors and kills the white and red cells, so that’s taken a lot out of me.

DH: Do you have family?

Yes, I’m married now for the last 17 years, I have a daughter that’s 17 and a 9-year-old boy.

DH: Are they all helpful to you?

My wife is very helpful, my daughter and son are just getting on with their lives. My daughter is very strong-willed and doesn’t show emotion, but I know inside of her she feels it. They are aware that I can’t eat fried food because I get nauseated and I must inject myself in the stomach daily with medicines to keep my white blood cells up. It is a family thing.

DH: I understand that the insurance does not cover all your medical needs.

Yeah, it’s not covering everything, as a matter of fact, I just found out this Friday that I have to start paying a deductible as well for the radiation and I go to radiation Monday through Friday. It’s just another bill that’s coming up on me.
DH: How much is that going to be?

I really don’t know. I have no idea right now. I know they are going to implement that on the radiation, but they haven’t told me how much it’s going to be.

DH: It’s taken whatever money you may have saved in a hurry, hasn’t it?

Oh yeah, and not only that, the money that I planned to make for my retirement was pretty much stolen from me from a Sports Medicine doctor that used to work for me. He is the Godparent of my boy, I invested the money with him, and he was supposed to give me a certain amount of money every month and he decided to take it and left.

DH: Do you want to say his name in print?

Oh yeah I can say it, Alex Guerrero, he says he’s a Sports Medicine doctor that works with cancer patients and I don’t know, he did me a tremendous disservice and I believe he’s still doing it to other people. In fact there’s a program on one of the local channels that goes undercover and finds out doctors that claim to have remedies and other things that don’t work and I found out after I left him that Alex was one of them…one of those guys they exposed on TV.

DH: Does he live close by to you?

Now, he supposedly lives in Utah and I heard that he was working with some of the running backs of the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers. I would hope that someone could stop him. I’ve even E-mailed the Miami Dolphins office to let him or her know that this guy was a scam artist but I never get a response. This guy is out there taking advantage if innocent people, and he being part of my family and do something like this and leave me broke is just shameless.

DH: How is this affecting your home and making payments on the house?

Well, back in 2005 my home suffered a landslide and got damaged pretty bad. Right now, I’m living in a house that is really not level, it’s a damaged house, but it is my castle even though it’s damaged. I live in Mission Viejo, California, a nice area but, you know…the troubles I’ve had with the City regarding the landslide and such, it may look pretty from the outside but on the inside, it’s pretty bad.

DH: Does your wife work?


Yes, she works, as a matter of fact, she’s at work right now and it’s something I never wanted my wife to have to do. I wanted that money that I was saving up to prevent her from having to go to work. Life has its ups and downs and we’ve had a lot of downs.

DH: When you mention ups and downs, what are the ups?

My ups were being able to become a 2-Time World Champion, being able to have a good healthy family and having my siblings, my brothers, support me through the good and the bad. I also had a great manager and promoter. My manager was Nori Takatani, he owns a hardware store in Los Angeles, right here in Little Tokyo, and Mr. Honda was my promoter and he helped me and continues to help me right now even though I’m retired. He is a very faithful person, he’s always the person that is real quiet and never wants to get glamour or get his picture in the newspaper. Mr. Honda is the head of Teiken Promotions and he just stays behind the scenes making sure everything is done right.

DH: Tell me a little of your championship years.

When I won the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title back in 1991, it was against Daniel Londas in Paris , France, and I defended it eight times successfully. Then Oscar (De La Hoya) had been talking so much trash and telling people that he was the best 130 pounder, blah, blah, blah, he made a big noise. Then I fought Raul Perez and knocked him out with a liver shot back in ’93 and Bob Arum and Oscar decided that they were not ready for me, so when they thought they were ready in ’95, I had to move up in weight, because he never wanted to fight me at 130. I had to wait 2 years to get him in the ring and when I had my chance, I was working out with Shane Mosley. By the way, I was paying Shane for his sparring sessions to help me out. Well, I suffered a broken nose about a week and one half before the fight with Oscar, I went in fighting with a broken nose, and that’s the reason I lost. It was not because Oscar was the best fighter.

DH: So you never thought that De La Hoya was a great fighter.

No, I never did, I mean, I knew he was pretty quick, but I always knew that a fighter that had upper body movement would nullify his jab and would always give him trouble. I also knew he never liked body shots. I’m not sure if you know this but Julio Cesar Chavez, the senior, dropped Oscar with a body shot at the Azteca Gym and the commission was thinking about fining Chavez for dropping an amateur.

One thing that irritates me about De La Hoya is that he had the nerve to write in his new book that one day we were supposed to spar and I never showed up to the gym and I went to another gym and we ended up at the same gym and he saw me there sparring with someone else. He was trying to say that I was afraid to spar with him. I mean why would I be afraid to spar with De La Hoya, when I sparred with Azumah Nelson when I was 15, I sparred with other champions when I was 16, and I was paying Shane Mosley to spar. Shane was a harder workout than Oscar would ever have been. It doesn’t make sense why he would say that.

DH: Many people were disappointed in the De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, what did you think?

Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff. Your timing is going to be off when you don’t fight and when you don’t train. Your timing and your speed, everything is just going to be off target, and that day if he’s the smart fighter he claims he is, how come he never changed the tactics of the fight?

Do you recall what shot first hurt Oscar in that fight? It was a body shot, a left to the body hurt him and that was it. After that body shot he crumbled like a little doll right there.

DH: That’s what got to him with Bernard Hopkins, wasn’t it?

Yes, and he could have gotten up with Hopkins. I heard from one of his real, real, close people that Oscar had told him that, “I could have gotten up, but I already have 30 million in the bank, so why get up?”

DH: Where is the pride that we used to associate with boxing greats?

When I lost to Oscar, it really depressed me, first of all the WBA said some things to make me accept the fight with him. My brother had told me that the WBA had given me permission to go up in the ring and if I had won the fight, I was going to relinquish the WBO and just stay with the WBA belt. What happened was when I went up to fight Oscar, they took the title away from me, and I never lost my WBA belt. Either way I was beat, I got beat by everybody.

At that time, Oscar was practically being promoted by HBO, Top Rank, and everybody. He never wanted to give me a rematch and I asked him for a rematch at 140 pounds.

DH: How old were you when you retired?

I was 32.

DH: Were you tired, did you feel finished?

No, what happened was when I fought Floyd Mayweather, JR., with all due respect to him, he was very talented and a very good champion, and I can honestly say that I got beat by him. However, I had been fighting at 130 pounds for 14 years and I was having trouble making weight. I was eating once a day for three weeks and when I went to weigh myself, I was still 5 pounds overweight, so I went to the gym, worked out twice and jumped into the steam room to lose the necessary 5 pounds.

DH: So you were pretty beat up before the fight?

I had really beaten myself up. I know that Floyd and Shane are very quick, and with Shane I was doing pretty good in the gym, but when it came down to fighting Floyd, the lack of fluid in the system, hurt me. After the fight, I felt good, I felt disappointed that I had lost to Floyd, and that I had lost a fight period, you know. But two weeks later if you were standing right in front of me I couldn’t see you, my vision went double. My vision went blurry so I figured I was gonna try and eat and take care of myself better.

Still my vision problem did not go away so I took an MRI and it showed a very small blood clot in the brain the doctor advised me that, “normally in these circumstances, we tell people to retire.” I told him there is no reason to tell me to retire because my mind was already set on retiring. So I retired. If you ever played sports, if you hit the ball with your head, you probably had a blood clot.

DH: Did that have anything to do with what you’re going through now?

No, that had nothing to do with my current problems. The doctors don’t even understand why I got this type of cancer, cancer does run in the family, but for a childhood cancer would come out on me at 42 is kind of strange.

DH: Had you kept in decent condition?

Yes as a matter of fact, as 2005 hit I was considering making a comeback because I was going to lose my house and I didn’t want to leave my family homeless, so I was gonna fight to get another house. I was still involved with boxing and I was playing soccer. I was still keeping myself in shape and at the time I was weighing about 150. In my last couple of fights I was walking around at about 140, 142. So I wasn’t really that far away from my fighting weight.

DH: I’m confused, I read that you had a deal as a color commentator for Showtime.

No one ever finalized a deal to work with me as a commentator. The only one that wanted to do something was Top Rank at the beginning of my career, but my manager thought that we were 11-0 and didn’t want to get tied down with any other promotions. I followed his advice and it worked out, however I believe that by not having them in my corner made for me not having a bigger name.

DH: Is there anyone special beside your manager and promoter you’d like to give credit to?

It was always my father and my brother. Without them who knows what type of fighter I would have become, they guided me and taught me everything that I knew. They always encouraged me to do the best that I could.


DH: Do you still have your dad?

Sure he’s about 83 now and lives in Los Angeles, his name is Joe Rudy Hernandez and he still lives in the old neighborhood, he’s not going anywhere. My brother is Rudy Hernandez and he lives in L.A. also. As a matter of fact my brother has three fighters right now, Urbano Antillon is unbeaten with a record of 25 wins and 18 knockouts, and I’ve had the pleasure of working very closely with Urbano in the last 10 fights or so and he’s ranked #1 in the world, I think in the lightweights division. And then he has another fighter that I believe is a super bantamweight, Rocha, who I believe is like 19-1, he’s more of a technical fighter. And Jose Armando Santa Cruz, 25-4, who is a good hard working kid.

DH: It’s good to hear you’re keeping busy and keeping your hopes up. My best to you and your family and I look forward to meeting you at the Fund Raiser.
I sure hope to be there.

(Interviewer’s Note: Anyone that wants to Email Genaro is encouraged to at: [email protected].)

[bennie]

Lightweight Amir Khan takes a serious gamble when he faces Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in London on March 14.
Young Khan was obliterated two fight ago by Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott in Manchester. The 22-year-old linked up with celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach afterwards in Los Angeles, where he regularly impresses in the gym, and returned to the ring in London in December with a second-round dismissal of outgunned Irish brawler Oisin Fagan to take his record to 19-1 (15). Fagan was down three times.
None of this will impress Barrera, a veteran of 25 world title fights (21 wins) and 71 career outings to date (64 wins). While it is true the 35-year-old Barrera has seen better, more active and slimmer days, he comes off a stoppage win in November in China and had been linked to a world title shot at lightweight king Nate Campbell before this opportunity arose. Only pound-for-pound champ Manny Pacquiao and classy fellow Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez have beaten Barrera in the last nine years (Pacquiao twice). He last fought here in 1999 when he blasted Cheshire's Paul Lloyd in one stunning round at London's Royal Albert Hall. He also dished out a famously one-sided thumping to Sheffield's Naseem Hamed in the States in 2001. Naz was never the same.
It was thought Khan would be brought back slowly after the disastrous 54-second defeat at the hands of Prescott last September but this wholly disproves such a notion. The Bolton man is going for gold again (he won lightweight silver in the 2004 Olympics) in a make-or-break attempt to gatecrash the world lightweight scene and to put the Prescott disaster firmly behind him.

[kikibalt]

Genaro Hernandez
Nickname: Chicanito
Division: Super Featherweight
Professional Record: 38-2-1, 17 KO's

Date Opponent Location Result

1984-09-27 Dino Ramirez Inglewood, USA W PTS 4
1984-11-17 Martin Escobar Los Angeles, USA W UD 4

1985-06-24 Dino Ramirez Irvine, USA W UD 6
1985-10-29 Randy Archuleta Stockton, USA W PTS 6
1985-12-12 Jose Maytorena Bakersfield, USA W KO 1

1986-02-17 Pablo Montano Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1986-02-24 Terry Baldwin Irvine, USA W KO 2
1986-03-31 Larry Villarreal Irvine, USA W PTS 6
1986-04-28 Jorge Valdez Irvine, USA W TKO 3
1986-07-21 Terry Baldwin Irvine, USA W TKO 7
1986-09-12 Lupe Miranda Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1986-12-12 J L Ivey Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1987-08-31 Kenny Wyatt Irvine, USA W UD 10

1988-04-25 Juan Manuel Vega Irvine, USA W TKO 9
1988-07-25 Jose Mosqueda Irvine, USA W UD 10
1988-11-22 Refugio Rojas Inglewood, USA W KO 6

1989-05-15 Ed Pollard Inglewood, USA W UD 10
1989-07-31 Felipe Orozco Inglewood, USA W UD 10

1990-05-10 Leon Collins Japan W KO 3
1990-08-27 Richard Abila Inglewood, USA W KO 3
1990-09-22 Ben Lopez Inglewood, USA W TKO 6
1990-12-06 Rodolfo Gomez Inglewood, USA W KO 5

1991-02-11 Pedro Arroyo Inglewood, USA W DQ 10
1991-11-22 Daniel Londas Epernay, France W TKO 9
Vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title

1992-02-24 Omar Catari Inglewood, USA W UD 12
WBA Super Featherweight Title
1992-07-15 Masuaki Takeda Japan W UD 12
WBA Super Featherweight Title
1992-11-20 Yuji Watanabe Japan W TKO 6
WBA Super Featherweight Title

1993-04-26 Raul Perez Inglewood, USA D TD 1
WBA Super Featherweight Title
1993-06-28 Raul Perez Inglewood, USA W KO 8
WBA Super Featherweight Title
1993-10-11 Harold Warren Inglewood, USA W UD 12
WBA Super Featherweight Title

1994-01-31 Jorge Ramirez Inglewood, USA W TKO 8
WBA Super Featherweight Title
1994-11-12 Jimmy Garcia Mexico City, Mexico W UD 12
WBA Super Featherweight Title

1995-03-31 Jorge Paez Anaheim, USA W TKO 8
1995-09-09 Oscar De La Hoya Las Vegas, USA L RTD 6
WBO Lightweight Title

1996-05-08 Javier Pichardo Indio, USA W TKO 5
1996-09-28 Antonio Hernandez Fort Worth, USA W UD 10

1997-03-22 Azumah Nelson Corpus Christi, USA W SD 12
WBC Super Featherweight Title
1997-06-14 Anatoly Alexandrov San Antonio, USA W SD 12
WBC Super Featherweight Title
1997-11-20 Carlos Hernandez Los Angeles, USA W UD 12
WBC Super Featherweight Title

1998-05-16 Carlos Gerena Indio, USA W UD 12
WBC Super Featherweight Title
1998-10-03 Floyd Mayweather Jr Las Vegas, USA L RTD 8
WBC Super Featherweight Title

[dagosd2000]

Battling the Toughest Opponent of his Life: Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez Plans to Defeat Cancer
Interview by Dan Hernandez-January 15, 2009


“Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar (De La Hoya) does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff.”-- Genaro Hernandez

He has a record of 38-2-1, 17 KO’s, with both defeats administered by future Hall of Fame boxers, Floyd Mayweather, JR., and Oscar De La Hoya. Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez is a legendary fighter, former 2-Time Super Featherweight Titleholder and considered internationally for being one of the most genuine and loving personalities in the sport is now reaching out for your prayers and support.

Genaro has been diagnosed with the big C: Cancer. While curable, he has been stressed financially and continues to face a huge financial crisis. His insurance carrier is coming up quite short in the funds for the required therapy and having to meet these obligations certainly is not aiding Chicanito’s recovery. The WBC Cares and the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum are requesting your participation in a Fund Raiser to help this stricken battler overcome his toughest opponent.

A dinner with entertainment, along with a silent auction will take place on January 17, 2009, at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum on the campus of American Sports University, 399 N. “D” Street, San Bernardino, California, 92401. All donations are tax deductible: Tax ID.#262665978. The cost will be a minimum donation of $400.00 for a table of eight. Individual tickets are available for a minimum donation of $50.00 per person. If you want to participate, but are unable to attend, please send a donation of any amount comfortable, 100% of all money goes to the Hernandez family. The address to send your donation is as follows: “Genaro Hernandez,” WBC CARES, 36 W. 22nd Street, NY, NY, 10010. Or you may E-mail either Rudy Tellez at [email protected], or Jaime Ochoa at [email protected].

Having so many exciting and courageous fights to his credit prompted me to pursue a conversation with this outstanding champion to get his views on his condition, how he’s fighting the fight, and a champion’s view of his career.

DH: What is foremost on your mind right now?

Primarily, trying to beat this illness that I have, obviously this is something that I never expected. On October 5, they concluded that I had cancer, which is a rare form of aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. This disease is rarely found in adults. It is normally found in children and can lead to the loss of my right eye.

DH: Is it curable?

It is curable, and by the looks of the radiation and chemotherapy that I have been going through, it has been beneficial. Some of the lumps that I have had have kind of declined; they are smaller so I’d say the treatments are working pretty good so far.

DH: How do you feel?

I feel a little weak, only because I’m unable to really eat food. The therapy that’s been given to me is pretty strong and it’s taken away most of my taste buds. Anything and everything that I eat, I mean, I don’t know if anyone has ever chewed on rubber or paper, but that’s what it tastes like.

DH: How long has it been like that?

It’s been like that for two or three weeks and I’ve lost like 18 pounds already.

DH: You’ve lost 18 pounds in the last two or three weeks?

Yes. It’s not a good sign, it makes it difficult, anything that I put in my mouth, I chew a bit, and it gives me the feeling of nausea.

DH: I’m so sorry to hear that. Therefore, that’s basically the treatment that’s causing that, is that correct.

Yes, I think what’s causing it is the chemotherapy, not the radiation. The radiation reduces the swelling on the tumors and kills the white and red cells, so that’s taken a lot out of me.

DH: Do you have family?

Yes, I’m married now for the last 17 years, I have a daughter that’s 17 and a 9-year-old boy.

DH: Are they all helpful to you?

My wife is very helpful, my daughter and son are just getting on with their lives. My daughter is very strong-willed and doesn’t show emotion, but I know inside of her she feels it. They are aware that I can’t eat fried food because I get nauseated and I must inject myself in the stomach daily with medicines to keep my white blood cells up. It is a family thing.

DH: I understand that the insurance does not cover all your medical needs.

Yeah, it’s not covering everything, as a matter of fact, I just found out this Friday that I have to start paying a deductible as well for the radiation and I go to radiation Monday through Friday. It’s just another bill that’s coming up on me.
DH: How much is that going to be?

I really don’t know. I have no idea right now. I know they are going to implement that on the radiation, but they haven’t told me how much it’s going to be.

DH: It’s taken whatever money you may have saved in a hurry, hasn’t it?

Oh yeah, and not only that, the money that I planned to make for my retirement was pretty much stolen from me from a Sports Medicine doctor that used to work for me. He is the Godparent of my boy, I invested the money with him, and he was supposed to give me a certain amount of money every month and he decided to take it and left.

DH: Do you want to say his name in print?

Oh yeah I can say it, Alex Guerrero, he says he’s a Sports Medicine doctor that works with cancer patients and I don’t know, he did me a tremendous disservice and I believe he’s still doing it to other people. In fact there’s a program on one of the local channels that goes undercover and finds out doctors that claim to have remedies and other things that don’t work and I found out after I left him that Alex was one of them…one of those guys they exposed on TV.

DH: Does he live close by to you?

Now, he supposedly lives in Utah and I heard that he was working with some of the running backs of the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers. I would hope that someone could stop him. I’ve even E-mailed the Miami Dolphins office to let him or her know that this guy was a scam artist but I never get a response. This guy is out there taking advantage if innocent people, and he being part of my family and do something like this and leave me broke is just shameless.

DH: How is this affecting your home and making payments on the house?

Well, back in 2005 my home suffered a landslide and got damaged pretty bad. Right now, I’m living in a house that is really not level, it’s a damaged house, but it is my castle even though it’s damaged. I live in Mission Viejo, California, a nice area but, you know…the troubles I’ve had with the City regarding the landslide and such, it may look pretty from the outside but on the inside, it’s pretty bad.

DH: Does your wife work?


Yes, she works, as a matter of fact, she’s at work right now and it’s something I never wanted my wife to have to do. I wanted that money that I was saving up to prevent her from having to go to work. Life has its ups and downs and we’ve had a lot of downs.

DH: When you mention ups and downs, what are the ups?

My ups were being able to become a 2-Time World Champion, being able to have a good healthy family and having my siblings, my brothers, support me through the good and the bad. I also had a great manager and promoter. My manager was Nori Takatani, he owns a hardware store in Los Angeles, right here in Little Tokyo, and Mr. Honda was my promoter and he helped me and continues to help me right now even though I’m retired. He is a very faithful person, he’s always the person that is real quiet and never wants to get glamour or get his picture in the newspaper. Mr. Honda is the head of Teiken Promotions and he just stays behind the scenes making sure everything is done right.

DH: Tell me a little of your championship years.

When I won the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title back in 1991, it was against Daniel Londas in Paris , France, and I defended it eight times successfully. Then Oscar (De La Hoya) had been talking so much trash and telling people that he was the best 130 pounder, blah, blah, blah, he made a big noise. Then I fought Raul Perez and knocked him out with a liver shot back in ’93 and Bob Arum and Oscar decided that they were not ready for me, so when they thought they were ready in ’95, I had to move up in weight, because he never wanted to fight me at 130. I had to wait 2 years to get him in the ring and when I had my chance, I was working out with Shane Mosley. By the way, I was paying Shane for his sparring sessions to help me out. Well, I suffered a broken nose about a week and one half before the fight with Oscar, I went in fighting with a broken nose, and that’s the reason I lost. It was not because Oscar was the best fighter.

DH: So you never thought that De La Hoya was a great fighter.

No, I never did, I mean, I knew he was pretty quick, but I always knew that a fighter that had upper body movement would nullify his jab and would always give him trouble. I also knew he never liked body shots. I’m not sure if you know this but Julio Cesar Chavez, the senior, dropped Oscar with a body shot at the Azteca Gym and the commission was thinking about fining Chavez for dropping an amateur.

One thing that irritates me about De La Hoya is that he had the nerve to write in his new book that one day we were supposed to spar and I never showed up to the gym and I went to another gym and we ended up at the same gym and he saw me there sparring with someone else. He was trying to say that I was afraid to spar with him. I mean why would I be afraid to spar with De La Hoya, when I sparred with Azumah Nelson when I was 15, I sparred with other champions when I was 16, and I was paying Shane Mosley to spar. Shane was a harder workout than Oscar would ever have been. It doesn’t make sense why he would say that.

DH: Many people were disappointed in the De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, what did you think?

Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff. Your timing is going to be off when you don’t fight and when you don’t train. Your timing and your speed, everything is just going to be off target, and that day if he’s the smart fighter he claims he is, how come he never changed the tactics of the fight?

Do you recall what shot first hurt Oscar in that fight? It was a body shot, a left to the body hurt him and that was it. After that body shot he crumbled like a little doll right there.

DH: That’s what got to him with Bernard Hopkins, wasn’t it?

Yes, and he could have gotten up with Hopkins. I heard from one of his real, real, close people that Oscar had told him that, “I could have gotten up, but I already have 30 million in the bank, so why get up?”

DH: Where is the pride that we used to associate with boxing greats?

When I lost to Oscar, it really depressed me, first of all the WBA said some things to make me accept the fight with him. My brother had told me that the WBA had given me permission to go up in the ring and if I had won the fight, I was going to relinquish the WBO and just stay with the WBA belt. What happened was when I went up to fight Oscar, they took the title away from me, and I never lost my WBA belt. Either way I was beat, I got beat by everybody.

At that time, Oscar was practically being promoted by HBO, Top Rank, and everybody. He never wanted to give me a rematch and I asked him for a rematch at 140 pounds.

DH: How old were you when you retired?

I was 32.

DH: Were you tired, did you feel finished?

No, what happened was when I fought Floyd Mayweather, JR., with all due respect to him, he was very talented and a very good champion, and I can honestly say that I got beat by him. However, I had been fighting at 130 pounds for 14 years and I was having trouble making weight. I was eating once a day for three weeks and when I went to weigh myself, I was still 5 pounds overweight, so I went to the gym, worked out twice and jumped into the steam room to lose the necessary 5 pounds.

DH: So you were pretty beat up before the fight?

I had really beaten myself up. I know that Floyd and Shane are very quick, and with Shane I was doing pretty good in the gym, but when it came down to fighting Floyd, the lack of fluid in the system, hurt me. After the fight, I felt good, I felt disappointed that I had lost to Floyd, and that I had lost a fight period, you know. But two weeks later if you were standing right in front of me I couldn’t see you, my vision went double. My vision went blurry so I figured I was gonna try and eat and take care of myself better.

Still my vision problem did not go away so I took an MRI and it showed a very small blood clot in the brain the doctor advised me that, “normally in these circumstances, we tell people to retire.” I told him there is no reason to tell me to retire because my mind was already set on retiring. So I retired. If you ever played sports, if you hit the ball with your head, you probably had a blood clot.

DH: Did that have anything to do with what you’re going through now?

No, that had nothing to do with my current problems. The doctors don’t even understand why I got this type of cancer, cancer does run in the family, but for a childhood cancer would come out on me at 42 is kind of strange.

DH: Had you kept in decent condition?

Yes as a matter of fact, as 2005 hit I was considering making a comeback because I was going to lose my house and I didn’t want to leave my family homeless, so I was gonna fight to get another house. I was still involved with boxing and I was playing soccer. I was still keeping myself in shape and at the time I was weighing about 150. In my last couple of fights I was walking around at about 140, 142. So I wasn’t really that far away from my fighting weight.

DH: I’m confused, I read that you had a deal as a color commentator for Showtime.

No one ever finalized a deal to work with me as a commentator. The only one that wanted to do something was Top Rank at the beginning of my career, but my manager thought that we were 11-0 and didn’t want to get tied down with any other promotions. I followed his advice and it worked out, however I believe that by not having them in my corner made for me not having a bigger name.

DH: Is there anyone special beside your manager and promoter you’d like to give credit to?

It was always my father and my brother. Without them who knows what type of fighter I would have become, they guided me and taught me everything that I knew. They always encouraged me to do the best that I could.


DH: Do you still have your dad?

Sure he’s about 83 now and lives in Los Angeles, his name is Joe Rudy Hernandez and he still lives in the old neighborhood, he’s not going anywhere. My brother is Rudy Hernandez and he lives in L.A. also. As a matter of fact my brother has three fighters right now, Urbano Antillon is unbeaten with a record of 25 wins and 18 knockouts, and I’ve had the pleasure of working very closely with Urbano in the last 10 fights or so and he’s ranked #1 in the world, I think in the lightweights division. And then he has another fighter that I believe is a super bantamweight, Rocha, who I believe is like 19-1, he’s more of a technical fighter. And Jose Armando Santa Cruz, 25-4, who is a good hard working kid.

DH: It’s good to hear you’re keeping busy and keeping your hopes up. My best to you and your family and I look forward to meeting you at the Fund Raiser.
I sure hope to be there.

(Interviewer’s Note: Anyone that wants to Email Genaro is encouraged to at: [email protected].)

Nice story Dan. Thanks for keeping us up io date. My check will be in the mail.

[dagosd2000]

Battling the Toughest Opponent of his Life: Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez Plans to Defeat Cancer
Interview by Dan Hernandez-January 15, 2009


“Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar (De La Hoya) does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff.”-- Genaro Hernandez

He has a record of 38-2-1, 17 KO’s, with both defeats administered by future Hall of Fame boxers, Floyd Mayweather, JR., and Oscar De La Hoya. Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez is a legendary fighter, former 2-Time Super Featherweight Titleholder and considered internationally for being one of the most genuine and loving personalities in the sport is now reaching out for your prayers and support.

Genaro has been diagnosed with the big C: Cancer. While curable, he has been stressed financially and continues to face a huge financial crisis. His insurance carrier is coming up quite short in the funds for the required therapy and having to meet these obligations certainly is not aiding Chicanito’s recovery. The WBC Cares and the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum are requesting your participation in a Fund Raiser to help this stricken battler overcome his toughest opponent.

A dinner with entertainment, along with a silent auction will take place on January 17, 2009, at the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum on the campus of American Sports University, 399 N. “D” Street, San Bernardino, California, 92401. All donations are tax deductible: Tax ID.#262665978. The cost will be a minimum donation of $400.00 for a table of eight. Individual tickets are available for a minimum donation of $50.00 per person. If you want to participate, but are unable to attend, please send a donation of any amount comfortable, 100% of all money goes to the Hernandez family. The address to send your donation is as follows: “Genaro Hernandez,” WBC CARES, 36 W. 22nd Street, NY, NY, 10010. Or you may E-mail either Rudy Tellez at [email protected], or Jaime Ochoa at [email protected].

Having so many exciting and courageous fights to his credit prompted me to pursue a conversation with this outstanding champion to get his views on his condition, how he’s fighting the fight, and a champion’s view of his career.

DH: What is foremost on your mind right now?

Primarily, trying to beat this illness that I have, obviously this is something that I never expected. On October 5, they concluded that I had cancer, which is a rare form of aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. This disease is rarely found in adults. It is normally found in children and can lead to the loss of my right eye.

DH: Is it curable?

It is curable, and by the looks of the radiation and chemotherapy that I have been going through, it has been beneficial. Some of the lumps that I have had have kind of declined; they are smaller so I’d say the treatments are working pretty good so far.

DH: How do you feel?

I feel a little weak, only because I’m unable to really eat food. The therapy that’s been given to me is pretty strong and it’s taken away most of my taste buds. Anything and everything that I eat, I mean, I don’t know if anyone has ever chewed on rubber or paper, but that’s what it tastes like.

DH: How long has it been like that?

It’s been like that for two or three weeks and I’ve lost like 18 pounds already.

DH: You’ve lost 18 pounds in the last two or three weeks?

Yes. It’s not a good sign, it makes it difficult, anything that I put in my mouth, I chew a bit, and it gives me the feeling of nausea.

DH: I’m so sorry to hear that. Therefore, that’s basically the treatment that’s causing that, is that correct.

Yes, I think what’s causing it is the chemotherapy, not the radiation. The radiation reduces the swelling on the tumors and kills the white and red cells, so that’s taken a lot out of me.

DH: Do you have family?

Yes, I’m married now for the last 17 years, I have a daughter that’s 17 and a 9-year-old boy.

DH: Are they all helpful to you?

My wife is very helpful, my daughter and son are just getting on with their lives. My daughter is very strong-willed and doesn’t show emotion, but I know inside of her she feels it. They are aware that I can’t eat fried food because I get nauseated and I must inject myself in the stomach daily with medicines to keep my white blood cells up. It is a family thing.

DH: I understand that the insurance does not cover all your medical needs.

Yeah, it’s not covering everything, as a matter of fact, I just found out this Friday that I have to start paying a deductible as well for the radiation and I go to radiation Monday through Friday. It’s just another bill that’s coming up on me.
DH: How much is that going to be?

I really don’t know. I have no idea right now. I know they are going to implement that on the radiation, but they haven’t told me how much it’s going to be.

DH: It’s taken whatever money you may have saved in a hurry, hasn’t it?

Oh yeah, and not only that, the money that I planned to make for my retirement was pretty much stolen from me from a Sports Medicine doctor that used to work for me. He is the Godparent of my boy, I invested the money with him, and he was supposed to give me a certain amount of money every month and he decided to take it and left.

DH: Do you want to say his name in print?

Oh yeah I can say it, Alex Guerrero, he says he’s a Sports Medicine doctor that works with cancer patients and I don’t know, he did me a tremendous disservice and I believe he’s still doing it to other people. In fact there’s a program on one of the local channels that goes undercover and finds out doctors that claim to have remedies and other things that don’t work and I found out after I left him that Alex was one of them…one of those guys they exposed on TV.

DH: Does he live close by to you?

Now, he supposedly lives in Utah and I heard that he was working with some of the running backs of the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers. I would hope that someone could stop him. I’ve even E-mailed the Miami Dolphins office to let him or her know that this guy was a scam artist but I never get a response. This guy is out there taking advantage if innocent people, and he being part of my family and do something like this and leave me broke is just shameless.

DH: How is this affecting your home and making payments on the house?

Well, back in 2005 my home suffered a landslide and got damaged pretty bad. Right now, I’m living in a house that is really not level, it’s a damaged house, but it is my castle even though it’s damaged. I live in Mission Viejo, California, a nice area but, you know…the troubles I’ve had with the City regarding the landslide and such, it may look pretty from the outside but on the inside, it’s pretty bad.

DH: Does your wife work?


Yes, she works, as a matter of fact, she’s at work right now and it’s something I never wanted my wife to have to do. I wanted that money that I was saving up to prevent her from having to go to work. Life has its ups and downs and we’ve had a lot of downs.

DH: When you mention ups and downs, what are the ups?

My ups were being able to become a 2-Time World Champion, being able to have a good healthy family and having my siblings, my brothers, support me through the good and the bad. I also had a great manager and promoter. My manager was Nori Takatani, he owns a hardware store in Los Angeles, right here in Little Tokyo, and Mr. Honda was my promoter and he helped me and continues to help me right now even though I’m retired. He is a very faithful person, he’s always the person that is real quiet and never wants to get glamour or get his picture in the newspaper. Mr. Honda is the head of Teiken Promotions and he just stays behind the scenes making sure everything is done right.

DH: Tell me a little of your championship years.

When I won the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Title back in 1991, it was against Daniel Londas in Paris , France, and I defended it eight times successfully. Then Oscar (De La Hoya) had been talking so much trash and telling people that he was the best 130 pounder, blah, blah, blah, he made a big noise. Then I fought Raul Perez and knocked him out with a liver shot back in ’93 and Bob Arum and Oscar decided that they were not ready for me, so when they thought they were ready in ’95, I had to move up in weight, because he never wanted to fight me at 130. I had to wait 2 years to get him in the ring and when I had my chance, I was working out with Shane Mosley. By the way, I was paying Shane for his sparring sessions to help me out. Well, I suffered a broken nose about a week and one half before the fight with Oscar, I went in fighting with a broken nose, and that’s the reason I lost. It was not because Oscar was the best fighter.

DH: So you never thought that De La Hoya was a great fighter.

No, I never did, I mean, I knew he was pretty quick, but I always knew that a fighter that had upper body movement would nullify his jab and would always give him trouble. I also knew he never liked body shots. I’m not sure if you know this but Julio Cesar Chavez, the senior, dropped Oscar with a body shot at the Azteca Gym and the commission was thinking about fining Chavez for dropping an amateur.

One thing that irritates me about De La Hoya is that he had the nerve to write in his new book that one day we were supposed to spar and I never showed up to the gym and I went to another gym and we ended up at the same gym and he saw me there sparring with someone else. He was trying to say that I was afraid to spar with him. I mean why would I be afraid to spar with De La Hoya, when I sparred with Azumah Nelson when I was 15, I sparred with other champions when I was 16, and I was paying Shane Mosley to spar. Shane was a harder workout than Oscar would ever have been. It doesn’t make sense why he would say that.

DH: Many people were disappointed in the De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, what did you think?

Put it this way, if you’re a fighter, you live in the gym. Oscar does not live in the gym, he lives on the road making his promotions and doing all this other good stuff. Your timing is going to be off when you don’t fight and when you don’t train. Your timing and your speed, everything is just going to be off target, and that day if he’s the smart fighter he claims he is, how come he never changed the tactics of the fight?

Do you recall what shot first hurt Oscar in that fight? It was a body shot, a left to the body hurt him and that was it. After that body shot he crumbled like a little doll right there.

DH: That’s what got to him with Bernard Hopkins, wasn’t it?

Yes, and he could have gotten up with Hopkins. I heard from one of his real, real, close people that Oscar had told him that, “I could have gotten up, but I already have 30 million in the bank, so why get up?”

DH: Where is the pride that we used to associate with boxing greats?

When I lost to Oscar, it really depressed me, first of all the WBA said some things to make me accept the fight with him. My brother had told me that the WBA had given me permission to go up in the ring and if I had won the fight, I was going to relinquish the WBO and just stay with the WBA belt. What happened was when I went up to fight Oscar, they took the title away from me, and I never lost my WBA belt. Either way I was beat, I got beat by everybody.

At that time, Oscar was practically being promoted by HBO, Top Rank, and everybody. He never wanted to give me a rematch and I asked him for a rematch at 140 pounds.

DH: How old were you when you retired?

I was 32.

DH: Were you tired, did you feel finished?

No, what happened was when I fought Floyd Mayweather, JR., with all due respect to him, he was very talented and a very good champion, and I can honestly say that I got beat by him. However, I had been fighting at 130 pounds for 14 years and I was having trouble making weight. I was eating once a day for three weeks and when I went to weigh myself, I was still 5 pounds overweight, so I went to the gym, worked out twice and jumped into the steam room to lose the necessary 5 pounds.

DH: So you were pretty beat up before the fight?

I had really beaten myself up. I know that Floyd and Shane are very quick, and with Shane I was doing pretty good in the gym, but when it came down to fighting Floyd, the lack of fluid in the system, hurt me. After the fight, I felt good, I felt disappointed that I had lost to Floyd, and that I had lost a fight period, you know. But two weeks later if you were standing right in front of me I couldn’t see you, my vision went double. My vision went blurry so I figured I was gonna try and eat and take care of myself better.

Still my vision problem did not go away so I took an MRI and it showed a very small blood clot in the brain the doctor advised me that, “normally in these circumstances, we tell people to retire.” I told him there is no reason to tell me to retire because my mind was already set on retiring. So I retired. If you ever played sports, if you hit the ball with your head, you probably had a blood clot.

DH: Did that have anything to do with what you’re going through now?

No, that had nothing to do with my current problems. The doctors don’t even understand why I got this type of cancer, cancer does run in the family, but for a childhood cancer would come out on me at 42 is kind of strange.

DH: Had you kept in decent condition?

Yes as a matter of fact, as 2005 hit I was considering making a comeback because I was going to lose my house and I didn’t want to leave my family homeless, so I was gonna fight to get another house. I was still involved with boxing and I was playing soccer. I was still keeping myself in shape and at the time I was weighing about 150. In my last couple of fights I was walking around at about 140, 142. So I wasn’t really that far away from my fighting weight.

DH: I’m confused, I read that you had a deal as a color commentator for Showtime.

No one ever finalized a deal to work with me as a commentator. The only one that wanted to do something was Top Rank at the beginning of my career, but my manager thought that we were 11-0 and didn’t want to get tied down with any other promotions. I followed his advice and it worked out, however I believe that by not having them in my corner made for me not having a bigger name.

DH: Is there anyone special beside your manager and promoter you’d like to give credit to?

It was always my father and my brother. Without them who knows what type of fighter I would have become, they guided me and taught me everything that I knew. They always encouraged me to do the best that I could.


DH: Do you still have your dad?

Sure he’s about 83 now and lives in Los Angeles, his name is Joe Rudy Hernandez and he still lives in the old neighborhood, he’s not going anywhere. My brother is Rudy Hernandez and he lives in L.A. also. As a matter of fact my brother has three fighters right now, Urbano Antillon is unbeaten with a record of 25 wins and 18 knockouts, and I’ve had the pleasure of working very closely with Urbano in the last 10 fights or so and he’s ranked #1 in the world, I think in the lightweights division. And then he has another fighter that I believe is a super bantamweight, Rocha, who I believe is like 19-1, he’s more of a technical fighter. And Jose Armando Santa Cruz, 25-4, who is a good hard working kid.

DH: It’s good to hear you’re keeping busy and keeping your hopes up. My best to you and your family and I look forward to meeting you at the Fund Raiser.
I sure hope to be there.

(Interviewer’s Note: Anyone that wants to Email Genaro is encouraged to at: [email protected].)

Nice story Dan. Thanks for keeping us up io date. My check will be in the mail.

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Sugar Ray Robinson, January 1957
(l.to. r. George Gainsford, Ernie Braca and Harold "Killer" Johnson advisors to Ray Robinson)

Filing a protest with I.B.C. regarding Referee Ruby Goldstein for allowing repeated rabbit punches and holding during Robinson's January 1957 Middleweight Championship fight with Gene Fullmer at Madison Square Garden in which Fullmer was awarded a 15 round decisiion.

"Roscoe Bennett, a sportswriter for the Grand Rapids Press...wrote 'They point to the rabbit punches, the wild flailing to the back of the head and the neck, and the persistent clinching...' Boxing rules decree that only punches to the front and side of the body are legitimate blows. Fullmer landed more punches to Sugar Ray's back than he did to the front and side of the body, two to one'"

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Sugar Ray Robinson vs Joey Maxim

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Lightweight Amir Khan takes a serious gamble when he faces Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in London on March 14.
Young Khan was obliterated two fight ago by Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott in Manchester. The 22-year-old linked up with celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach afterwards in Los Angeles, where he regularly impresses in the gym, and returned to the ring in London in December with a second-round dismissal of outgunned Irish brawler Oisin Fagan to take his record to 19-1 (15). Fagan was down three times.
None of this will impress Barrera, a veteran of 25 world title fights (21 wins) and 71 career outings to date (64 wins). While it is true the 35-year-old Barrera has seen better, more active and slimmer days, he comes off a stoppage win in November in China and had been linked to a world title shot at lightweight king Nate Campbell before this opportunity arose. Only pound-for-pound champ Manny Pacquiao and classy fellow Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez have beaten Barrera in the last nine years (Pacquiao twice). He last fought here in 1999 when he blasted Cheshire's Paul Lloyd in one stunning round at London's Royal Albert Hall. He also dished out a famously one-sided thumping to Sheffield's Naseem Hamed in the States in 2001. Naz was never the same.
It was thought Khan would be brought back slowly after the disastrous 54-second defeat at the hands of Prescott last September but this wholly disproves such a notion. The Bolton man is going for gold again (he won lightweight silver in the 2004 Olympics) in a make-or-break attempt to gatecrash the world lightweight scene and to put the Prescott disaster firmly behind him.

Marco Barrera fighting Jan 31
January 15, 2009 by Edgar Gonzalez

Marco Antonio Barrera made an appearance at the ESPN ZONE in Los Angeles Tuesday to announce his role as a commentator on a weekly boxing program called ESPN Deportes “Golpe A Golpe” which is set to debut Friday, January 23 at 8 p.m. ET.

Marco Barrera (64-6-1, 43KOs) was then taken to the LAX Airport to fly back to Mexico to continue his training for his upcoming fight against Johnny Nolasco (17- 4, 8KOs). The fight will take place in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on January 31, 2009. This will be the second fight for Marco Antonio Barrera with his new promotional company, Don King Promotions.

It’s been almost 17 years since Barrera fought in Mexico. On January 8, 2009 Barrera officially talked about the fight during a press conference held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“I am excited to fight in Mexico, I really don’t know much about Nolasco but we recently received his fight videos,” Barrera stated. “I’m a bit nervous to fight in Mexico, its different fighting in your hometown, people expect a lot more from you, but I am expecting a sell out.”

The Baby Faced Assassin didn’t deny a possible fight against Nate Campbell.

“It’s a possibility that it may happen in May or June, but nothing is official. One thing is for sure I am definitely going to try to win a championship in 4 different weight divisions.”

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Two Woodpeckers..........A Mexican woodpecker and a Canadian woodpecker were in Mexico arguing aboutwhich place had the toughest trees. The Mexican woodpecker claimed Mexico had atree that no woodpecker could peck.The Canadian woodpecker accepted his challenge and promptly pecked a hole inthe tree with no problem. The Mexican woodpecker was amazed.The Canadian woodpecker then challenged the Mexican woodpecker to peck a treein Canada that was absolutely 'impeckable' (a term frequently used bywoodpeckers ). The Mexican woodpecker expressed confidence that he could do itand accepted the challenge.The two flew to Canada where the Mexican woodpecker successfully pecked theso-called 'impeckable' tree almost without breaking a sweat.Both woodpeckers were now terribly confused. How is it that the Canadianwoodpecker was able to peck the Mexican tree, and the Mexican woodpecker wasable to peck the Canadian tree, yet neither was able to peck the tree in theirown country?After much woodpecker pondering, they both came to the same conclusion:Apparently, your pecker gets harder when you're away from home.

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Cutman Chuck Bodak 2009 Update

January 10, 2009 by Michele Chong

Veteran continues to win battle of physical challenges
Chuck Bodak, one of boxing’s premier cutmen, will turn 93 on June 3 of this year. After suffering a stroke in August of 2007, the legendary veteran is now residing in a private care home in Mission Viejo, California. Winning past bouts with both pneumonia and a staph infection, the gritty cornerman continues to fight through his recent health ailments. Chuck’s heart and will is a testament to the fortitude he has–just like the countless world champions he has assisted in corners throughout his career.

Chuck may be in a wheelchair with his speech halted at times, but his spirit is still strong even in his twilight years. There is no quit in this cutman.

After previous stays in Anaheim and Laguna Hills locations, he is now comfortably entering his “12th Round” of life in a sunny and cheerful environment in the south Orange County residence he has called home since August of last year.

Well-known in corners, Chuck has worked with over 60 top fighters including Muhammad Ali, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, EvanderHolyfield and Oscar De La Hoya. He continued to work in the ring, still active in the boxing world right up until the time of his stroke. The cutman is famous for his unique headbands, his salty jokes and for his handmade jewelry, caps and art collages that he gave away as gifts.

He spent decades giving tirelessly to the boxing community as a fighter, trainer, cutman, author and even as an unlikely movie star. His family is appreciative of everyone who has called, written or visited the popular Bodak.

And the fight community has not forgotten him. The hallmark of 2008 was Chuck receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in person at October’s WBC Legends of Boxing Museum ceremony. At this event, Chuck was in fine spirits and had a great day giving an acceptance speech, flipping off the crowd with his famous middle-finger salute, even chatting up a bevy of beauties who were in attendance. Trust me, Chuck’s feisty personality still shines through even at 92 years “young.”

One month later, the World Boxing Hall of Fame bestowed another accolade upon Chuck with a special Recognition Award at their annual Banquet of Champions in November. The organization had already inducted Chuck into the “Expanded Category” of their Hall of Fame a few years ago but wanted to give the cutman this additional honor which was presented by Board of Director Steve Harpst

My boyfriend, Steve (a boxing trainer and sculptor) and I have known Chuck for over a decade. The cutman had twice traveled to Canada with Steve’s Burbank Boxing Club for amateur shows and we have stayed in contact with Chuck as much as possible especially after his stroke.

At the beginning of this year, I called one of the fight game’s best cutmen to wish him a “Happy New Year.” His main caretaker, Henry, said Chuck was doing as well as could be but was not able to come to the phone at that time. Currently, with his speech in decline since the stroke, it is difficult for Chuck to talk at any length. Close family friend Ray Marconi says, “It’s harder for Chuck to converse right now, but everyone is welcome to send Chuck cards.” Friends and fans who would like to say hello to the cutman are encouraged to snail mail a greeting to the address provided at the conclusion of this article.

In paying tribute to one of boxing’s best-known personalities, I’d like to share with you my interview with Chuck (from January 1, 2008) that was originally printed in Ringsports magazine. Now a year later, I would have loved to have done my annual New Year’s Day interview with him. Unfortunately, due to the effects of Chuck’s stroke and other health ailments, it is not possible at this time. But exactly one year ago, the famed cutman was able to chat with me about our favorite sport as you can read below.

-INTERVIEW WITH CHUCK BODAK FROM JANUARY 1, 2008-

On New Year’s Day of 2008, we went to visit one of boxing’s most colorful cutmen, our friend Chuck Bodak. After suffering a stroke in August 2007, Chuck is now in a private care facility in Laguna Hills, California and continues to undergo therapy to regain movement in the partially paralyzed left side of his body. But his speaking skills are fully intact, as I quickly learned.

As we all watched the Rose Bowl game together, Chuck and I had a chance to talk and he reminisced about the things he’s learned over 91 years of life, in and out of the boxing ring. Chuck was rooting for the underdog Illinois team, but as USC scored another easy touchdown, I realized that he believed the underdog could somehow make a comeback. This is an example of Chuck’s philosophy about giving anyone a fighting chance and always believing in the less fortunate underdogs.

Vasil “Chuck” Bodak was born in Gary, Indiana, and worked there for many years, before moving to Chicago, Illinois, where he was involved with the Golden Gloves. He moved to California in the 1980s to pursue coaching opportunities with the World Fighters Inc. owned by Dick and Ray Marconi.

Chuck is an icon in the boxing world and was easily identified by the photos he stuck on his bald head and his one-of-a-kind glasses that he decorated himself. He has been in the corner with over 60 champions, including Muhammad Ali, Tommy Hearns, Oscar de la Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield and Azumah Nelson.

His room at the new location is large and cheerful. Many boxing mementos, accumulated as a boxer, trainer, and cutman are displayed all over the room. Various framed handmade collages, awards, plaques, greeting cards, and photos of friends and family adorn his walls and shelves. It is obvious that Chuck has touched the lives of many people throughout the years. He has a work table set up with overhead lights, magnifying glasses, and boxes of stones, trinkets, and photos that he uses to decoupage watches, caps, and rings. He likes to give them away as gifts. The recent stroke has not deterred his favorite hobby. He’s enlisted a fellow housemate to cut the photos, as his left hand is still affected by the stroke.

A unique individual, he comes off as a curmudgeonly old-timer with salty one-liners. But underneath this crusty exterior, you know there is a kind soul. Anyone who’s ever had the opportunity to meet Chuck is aware of his generosity. I’ve known him for ten years now and I’ve witnessed him signing autographs for hours and also giving out his prized pieces of handcrafted jewelry. I’ve seen him give a lucky buck to small children he has just met and I’ve also seen him slip money to proud, fallen ex-champs, certainly in need of a helping hand.

His contradictory mix of toughness and kindness is what has made him stand out to anybody who has crossed his path. Perhaps this is because he had a hardscrabble youth and is grateful that he managed to carve out many successful career paths along the way. He is a survivor and arguably has built a lasting legacy in boxing.

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME A CUTMAN?
After my amateur career, rather than turning pro, I decided to go into teaching boxing. I prefer calling myself a boxing teacher, not a “trainer.” You teach boxers, you don’t train them…you train animals! Then I became a self-taught cutman. When you love something, like I love boxing, you enjoy being around it all the time. I loved being a cutman and and teacher and sharing my knowledge and experience with young boxers. I actually liked being a boxing teacher more than I liked being a boxer. I enjoyed being able to help others. I do miss being in the ring. Watching boxing matches on TV is not the same as working with them in the corner and getting to know the fighters while seeing them progress and grow.

WHAT GENERAL TRAINING ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO BOXERS?
Try to run every day or take one day off if you have to. Run five miles or more. Your body will tell you when to quit. For young boxers, my advice is to listen to your teachers and stay in shape!

DESCRIBE YOUR OWN BOXING CAREER.
I was always into sports and even competed in hurdles and pole vault while in high school. My neighborhood was active in all kinds of sports and a buddy of mine, Peter Lello, inspired me to fight. I was a “boxer” style fighter and fought for 13 years. I worked with Mickey Dudak of Gary, Indiana.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FIGHTER OF ALL TIME?
I like Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep, Tommy Hearns. I liked Joe Louis because he wasn’t egotistical. But my favorite fighter? There is only one choice: Muhammad Ali. I worked with Ali in the amateurs, in the Chicago Tribune’s Golden Gloves Tournament. He really is one of the greatest human beings of all time. No one in any sport compares to him. Ali is exceptional. His fight with George Foreman in Africa is one of my favorites. I never doubted that Ali would win.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST CREATE YOUR TRADEMARK COLLAGES?
I’ve been doing this for years. I made one for some kids and I presented it to them. That was the first time I made a collage. I never, ever sell them! I only give them away as gifts.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR LONGEVITY TO?
I have a tough mental aspect and the “big guy upstairs” takes care of me.

Chuck’s longevity is evident as he never officially retired. He went back to his roots, working with young, amateur fighters right up until the time of his stroke.

As the football game ended, with a lopsided score of 49-17 for USC, my visit with Chuck was coming to a close. He had told me over and over during my visit to go pick out a watch that he wanted to decorate for me. Apparently, I didn’t move as fast as he liked, so he finally barked out in a loud, commanding voice (that took me by surprise), to pick out a watch “now”! When Chuck tells you to do something, you do it! I laughed and couldn’t help but see the no-nonsense taskmaster that he must have been decades ago. I looked in several plastic bins holding all of his treasures and I picked out a watch with a photo of Chuck and actor Antonio Banderas on the face of it. Chuck had a role in the 1999 film “Play It To the Bone,” starring the Spanish actor.

Just one more chapter in the long and colorful life of Chuck Bodak.
-Update for JANUARY 2009-

If you’d like to send a card or letter to Chuck:

Vasil “Chuck” Bodak

B & B Country Manor IV

26711 Valpariso

Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Special thanks to the Marconi family.

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Julio Cesar Chavez vs Rodolfo Aguilar

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Julio Cesar Chavez vs Terrance Ali

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MR. TRUESDALE

"He looked like one of those 'artsy' guys. The long hair. Guitar slung over his shoulder. Just recently married,"said the security guard.
"I never knew him. He'd pass by the window when I'd see him go to class,but I never talked to him. I didn't even know his face,"I said.
"News said he pulled his car over to the side of the freeway. Got hit by a truck."

They hired Don Truesdale a few weeks back after the grading period began. I remember the principal annonced him at the faculty meeting. Some clapping. A quick look to see him. He stood up. He was a young looking guy. They said he was in his mid 20's.

He only taught two periods. A temporary. Beginning orchestra was his assignment. A couple of my students had one of his classes. They said there weren't many students in the class.

The news of his death didn't get to the school until the day after. Everyone looked at each other. No one I spoke to knew him, let alone recognized his face. Only his students knew anything about him.

The school had his students talk to a counselor. I heard the girls were pretty shook up. All those days he'd walk by my class outside the window. Thought nothing of it. There'd be a handfull of students carrying violin cases walking behind him.

The principal put out a bulletin later in the day trying to explain what had happened and how. He'd let us know if there would be a service. All pretty sketchy.

Today driving in to work today I heard on the radio that the "man who was killed on the freeway by a truck is now being investigated as a suicide." Some witnesses said that after he pulled the car over,he ran out onto the freeway.

I thought about him all day. Still am. Like I said know one knew him aside from his students. I wonder if they saw anything,or if he told them anything. Often something like that comes out of the blue. No one knows why.

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delete

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Spago is glitzy place. We walk in. The room froze. Everyone gaped. We were with Muhammad Ali!
Ali suffers from Parkinson's. Ali didn't say much. Ali's speech was slurred.
Ali's wife spoke for him. Ali looke down at his plate. Ali ate his food. Ali kept his head down. Over dessert, Ali looked up, Ali stared straight ahead.
Bimbos, sluts, and starlets wiggled by, smiling at him.
Ali face was set, Ali's eyes were glassy, Ali didn't react.
Ali's wife went to the bathroom.
Ali stared at nothing. Ali leaned over to me suddenly, Ali smiled, Ali whispered something, Ali voice was clear.
"Man, they got some fine foxes in here, don't they?" Ali said.

"Hollywood Animal"....Joe Eszterhas

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Coliseum Rome summer 2005

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[Randyman]

Whenever Julio Cesar Chavez was fighting it was always a big deal at our house. At his peak he was heads and shoulders above the rest. The left hook to the body was his bread and butter but he was the total package. It wasn't that he did everything spectacular, he just did it damned good, but putting it all together was the key for Chavez. He wasn't particularly fast but he had quick reflexes. On top of that he had a cast iron chin and an indomitable will. That's what made him great and unbeatable, at least while he was in his prime.

Two of the most satisfying wins (for me) came against Roger Mayweather, the self proclaimed "Mexican Assassin". The first fight, in 1985, ended by a 2nd round knockout of Mayweather, the second fight, four years later in 1989 ended in the 10th round of a 12 round bout.

The fight, at least in my perception that separated him from the rest of the pack was the Edwin Rosario fight. He showed exceptional patience in breaking down Rosario, round by round. He just kept getting stronger. It was a great fight.

I don't think anyone ever looked so regal in victory as Chavez. No loud boasts, graceful words for his opponents, and the manner in which he carried himself. He opened up the 1990's with a come from behind stoppage of Meldrick Taylor. Referee Richard Steele stopped the fight with just 5 seconds left on the clock, after Taylor suffered a knockdown, and in my opinion, a brutal beating by Chavez. Taylor was never the same after this fight and was stopped by Chavez in their second fight in in 1994, in the 8th round of a 12 round fight.

In the 1990's despite that spectacular win against Taylor, and victories against Greg Haugen, Hector Camacho and Terrence Alli, by 1993 Chavez' was beginning to slip. He fought to a controversial draw against Pernell Whitaker and in January of 1994 he lost a split decision to Frankie Randall. They would fight two more times, splitting the wins.

In 1996 Chavez fought a young Oscar De La Hoya. The fight was stopped in the 4th round with De La Hoya getting the win. His last fight was with Grover Wiley on September 17, 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona. Chavez was unable to come out for the fifth round. Chavez fought a total of 115 fights, he won 107 of those fights, 86 by KO, he lost six fights and had 4 draws. Chavez was a remarkable fighter and he had a great career. He remains one of my all time favorites.

Randy

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Rocky Marciano

[Randyman]

Rog, my son took these photos in 2006.

Randy