BoxRec

Chango Carmona

delete

Fight Program (vs Carmona) Sept. 15, 1972

Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

kikibalt wrote:
Chango Carmona

Great shot of this guy Frank. What a crowd pleaser. Saw him in TJ. at the bullring. Swarmed all over Raimundo Dias. KO in 8,I believe. Dias had won the first fight in Juarez. Chango came in with his way of flailing his swings(like a Chango)and didn't give Dias a chance to blow his nose. Talk about perpetual motion. The fans were going crazy that night. I think Mando Ramos might have underestimated Carmona the night Mando lost his title. To look at Carmona,you could easily misjudge him. He wasn't afraid of getting hit. I think some fighters thought they could put him away because he was easy to find. If you weren't in top shape,you knew real fast that Carmona had found you.

Expug wrote:Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

Frank was there in person when Torres won a title at ,I believe Wrigley Field. That was the night Davy Moore died.

dagosd2000 wrote:

Expug wrote:Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

Frank was there in person when Torres won a title at ,I believe Wrigley Field. That was the night Davy Moore died.

Yes I was there, but two thing, one, Torres did not win a title that nite , HE got ko in the first round by Roberto Cruz, two, it was at Dodger Stadium and not at Wrigley Field...1963

Expug wrote:Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

When Torres first came to L.A. he was driving the ladies crazy, he was a very handsome guy, he was called the Mexican Elvis Presley, not for his singing but for his looks.

Yes, he fought some good fighters here in L.A.

Some of the Torres fights I seen.

Vs Bobby Rogers...W ko 5

Vs Paul Armstead...W D 10

Vs Frankie Ryff...w ko 1

Vs Cisco Andrade...L ko 7

Vs Cisco Andrade...L ko 6

Vs Don Jordan...nd 1

Vs Roberto Cruz...L ko 1

Billy Collins...W d 10

Joey Limas...W ko 2

There might be more that I seen, don't know.

kikibalt wrote:

Expug wrote:Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

When Torres first came to L.A. he was driving the ladies crazy, he was a very handsome guy, he was called the Mexican Elvis Presley, not for his singing but for his looks.

Yes, he fought some good fighters here in L.A.

Some of the Torres fights I seen.

Vs Bobby Rogers...W ko 5

Vs Paul Armstead...W D 10

Vs Frankie Ryff...w ko 1

Vs Cisco Andrade...L ko 7

Vs Cisco Andrade...L ko 6

Vs Don Jordan...nd 1

Vs Roberto Cruz...L ko 1

Billy Collins...W d 10

Joey Limas...W ko 2

There might be more that I seen, don't know.

Thanks Frank.
I see he fought Billy Collins.
That must be Billy Collins jrs Dad.
Was he a good fighter?

Frank,
I was looking at your son Frankie's record. I noticed he fought Jose Olivares. It seemed that Olivares was fighting every week at the Coliseum. Olivares was like a stepping stone for upcoming fighters. But then he upset Shig Fukuyama. After that though I see he never won another fight. I remember Olivares taking a lot of punishment. How does your son remember his fight with Olivares?

Frank,
Thought I'd take a peek at Tony's record too. Another opponent Tony fought that remended me of Olivares,Eric Bonilla. Like Olivares,fought a lot down here. Maybe fought too long. Did Tony remember fighting him?

kikibalt wrote:
Joe Miceli, Danny Lopez, Paul Gonzalez, Michael Carbajal, Joey Barnum, Ernie Lopez and Mando Ramos

In 1949, Joey Barnum, third from right, was semi-retired and he was training fighters, one fighter he was training was Mario Trigo, they had some kind of argument in the gym, over what? who knows, but one thing led to another and they agree to fight, they fought at Ocean Park Arean, with the teacher winning by 10 round D.
They fought again 2-3 years later with Trigo winning by 10 round D, the second fight was im Texas.

Barnum was/is some kind of character, he tell everybody that every fight he lost by ko was because he had gone in the tank.

dagosd2000 wrote:Frank,
I was looking at your son Frankie's record. I noticed he fought Jose Olivares. It seemed that Olivares was fighting every week at the Coliseum. Olivares was like a stepping stone for upcoming fighters. But then he upset Shig Fukuyama. After that though I see he never won another fight. I remember Olivares taking a lot of punishment. How does your son remember his fight with Olivares?

D,

Frankie never talks about his fights, same with Tony, we talk boxing but never about their career's, don't know why.

Bobby Baltazar (R) vs Anthony Chavez

Ruben Navarro
"The Maravilla Kid"

dagosd2000 wrote:Frank,
Thought I'd take a peek at Tony's record too. Another opponent Tony fought that remended me of Olivares,Eric Bonilla. Like Olivares,fought a lot down here. Maybe fought too long. Did Tony remember fighting him?

Tony Baltazar vs Eric Bonilla

kikibalt wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:Frank,
Thought I'd take a peek at Tony's record too. Another opponent Tony fought that remended me of Olivares,Eric Bonilla. Like Olivares,fought a lot down here. Maybe fought too long. Did Tony remember fighting him?

Tony Baltazar vs Eric Bonilla

Frank,
Thanks for putting that up there of your son and Bomilla. To tell you the truth I never remember seeing Bonilla ever win a fight. This might sound a little soft,but I kind of felt sorry for the guy. He wasn't strong or fast,no defense. Just took a beating all the time. But the fans got off on seeing him get killed every time he got in there. That picture of him down on the canvas. I know why mothers don't like to go and watch their sons fight. At least most of them don't.

Expug wrote:Frank, can you tell us anything about Battling Torres?
I know he fought mostly in Mexico but he also fought some at the Olympic.
He k.od Frankie Ryff there .
I think he also fought Don Jordan and some other real good fighters.
Thanks.

Frankie Ryff & Barney Ross

Here is another great writer, I would like see him write here, he wrote this article on the 2006 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon

By Greg Beyer
From the CBZ

Photos by Frank Baltazar, Sr.

STUDIO CITY, Calif., August 19, 2006 – Songwriter Singer Willie Nelson once said in a song that his heroes have always been cowboys. For me, they have always been fighters.

For me, boxing is the highest form of athletic endeavor. Former professional boxer Frankie Baltazar told me at the California boxing hall of fame luncheon this weekend that, just like me being in little league or any other kid being in soccer, that boxing was just the sport that he took up. He was raised in it and to him it seemed natural. A statement of that kind helps me realize why I have idolized fighters for so many years.

In a baseball game, in football, basketball, sometimes athletes are injured. In boxing it is a guarantee. These fighters that enter a ring to do combat, to put their courage and fighting hearts on display to an arena filled with fans are in essence the most amazing of all athletes. We watch them, we cheer them on while they are still young enough and able enough to compete in this violent sport and then to most of us they disappear. For me, since they were all heroes of mine, I wondered about them after they have left the arena for good. Are they okay? Do they have regrets? Has life awarded them in any way for the fact that they had the guts to put it all on the line for a bit of glory, for meager pay and the endless suffering they endured just to be able to compete in a sport so few would ever consider entering into.

This past Saturday at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California, a selected group of these courageous souls were honored for their achievements in the world of professional boxing in the state of California.

Honorees this year in the boxing category included the following:

Randy Shields

Hedgemon Lewis

Tony Baltazar

Frankie Baltazar Jr.

Carlos Palomino

Gabriel Ruelas

Rafael Ruelas

Jorge Paez

Meeting the Baltazar brothers along with their father, trainer, manager and CBZ stalwart Frank Baltazar, Sr. was a special treat for CBZ editor Stephen (“The, 'Ol Spit Bucket”) Gordon and myself. We flew down from Washington State to finally get a chance to meet and honor the entire Baltazar family on their well-deserved day of glory. I have to say here how impressed I was with the beauty and graciousness of Frankie and Tony as well as their entire family. Seated a few tables away form us, they made a special effort to come over and speak to "The Bucket" and I and we appreciated their courtesy and good-natured conversation immensely.

In the non-boxer category another CBZ regular being inducted into the hall was none other than the venerable former Hollywood legion stadium matchmaker Gabriel "Hap" Navarro. Pictured in the program was "Hap" in a circa 1950s photo showing a dashing young Hispanic in the mold of a Rudolf Valentino. While this stunning photo lit up that page of the program I suddenly realized it would make it hard for us to search out "Hap" in the crowd before the ceremony began. This dilemma was alleviated when none other than another of my life long idols Rodolfo "el Gato" Gonzalez came up to us and said "Hap wants to meet you guys" and took us to his table where "Hap", eyes tearing up, said how proud he was to finally meet us and how glad he was that we made the trip down. My heart swelled when he asked how long it had been since I had left my hometown of San Pedro, California. How wonderful that he remembered where I was born. What a day!

Former boxing promoter Don Fraser who sponsored this event put on an excellent show, which was evidenced by the huge crowd, filled with many respected and formerly honored boxing greats. Among them was my personal all-time favorite, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, and his lovely wife and life-long friend Bonnie. What a joy it was to be able to tell Danny that I followed his entire career and how glad I was to see that Danny, after all those wars, is still the same fine gentleman that I saw stepping into the ring to face Steve Frajole at the Olympic auditorium in his very first pro fight so many years ago.

What a particular joy it was for "The Bucket" and I to be able to hug and shake hands with our own Rodolfo "el Gato " Gonzalez and his wonderful companion, Barbara. For them to be so glad to meet us was a heart rendering experience I will never forget.

These great fighters and wonderful people I met Saturday. They are well. They survived. What a beautiful day it was to see that so many of my heroes made it through that tough arena and that "The Bucket" and I were there to share this special day with them.

I got back to Washington early Sunday morning with memories confirming what I have always known...my heroes have always been fighters.

"Don't I need to get a license?"
"Naw,we'll get you one later," said Dick. His name was Dick Wood. Gary Young introduced me to him when we were working out at the 32nd Street Naval Station. He was training some Navy boys and saw me spar with Young. Dick had been around.He was always looking. I guess he found me.
"Where is this place where I'm going to fight?"
"The '21 Club' on Broadway in National City",said Dick. He wanted to keep our conversation on the upswing.
"You can beat 80 percent of the amateurs right now. You have nothing to worry about."
"Well I can't beat Gary. He must be part of the other 20 percent."
"Don't worry Rog",said Gary Young. "Me and Dick will be there."
"Isn't the '21 Club' a bar?"
"Yeah,It's a bar",said Gary."They have a boxing ring inside the place."
Dick Young handed me a duffle bag.
"Your stuff is in there. Trunks,mouthgard,cup. You're set to go."
"No robe?"
"We'll get you one later",said Dick.
Gary put his arm around my shoulder.
"This will be great. I'll be on the card too."
I never met a guy more positive than Gary Young. He taught school for emotionally disturbed kids. We'd known each other for a while. We met first at 'Vic's Gym' in Ocean Beach. He was very strong. At one time held the record for the'dead lift'. He'd been married for a year and had a little baby boy. His wife was very pretty and quiet. They lived in a little apartment near the beach.
"Be at the '21 Club' by six" said Gary. "I'll meet you there. I've got to take care of some things at home first."
Dick Young came over with a big towel.
"Use this tonight."
"You sure I don't need a license?"
"Don't worry",said Dick. "One of these days you'll be champ."

I get to the '21' Club and park in the back. I see Dick sitting in his car in the lot and walk over.
"Gary here?"
"I just hung up with him. He'll be a little late. The wife doesn't like to be left alone too long."
I hoped Gary would get there. He would be my confidence builder tonight.
"You know who I'm fighting?"
"A young Navy kid. Don't worry he's an amateur. Only had a couple of fights."

Inside the '21 Club' it's dark and smoky. The place is crowded with mostly sailors and Asian bar girls. It's noisy and everybody you can tell has been in there for a while.
"You're going to have to change in the parking lot",said Dick.
"I wish Gary was here."
"He'll be here. You have nothing to worry about."

I change outside and put the towel around me. Dick walks outside. He's smoking a cigarette.
"You're up first in 15 minutes."
"I need to warm up. I wish Gary was here."
"The other guy ain't warm either. Don't worry."
The ring at the '21 Club' is one of those flat rings you see in the gym. Tables are all around it with sailors and B girls smoking and drinking. The place is noisy as hell. I get into the ring and go to my corner. I want to see the guy I'm going to fight. He's a blond kid with a light complexion. I must of had 40 pounds on him. The Philippino announcer introduces us. This blond haired kid must have been stationed at 32nd Street because everybody is cheering for him when they call out his name. Well you think they announced that Hitler was fighting when they said my name. That and being bigger and having hair on my back and chest,I looked like I was about to fight my son. I return to the corner and Dick puts the mouthgard in.
"Don't worry about a thing",he says. Just then the owner of the place pulls him away. I'm there by myself when the bell rings.

Since I'm bigger than this kid,I decide to come out fast and rush him. The kid snaps a left in my face and tries to tie me up. I'm crowding him into the ropes. When we stop,I start punching with both hands uppercutting to his body. Everybody is yelling at me because I look like some big bully. The kid finally grabs me and the ref seperates us. I'm crouching and coming forward again. The kid is pumping lefts at my face and throws a right hand. I'm inside again and have him against the ropes. I'm hiitting him in the stomach again and I can hear him groan everytime I sink my gloves into him. He begins to slump down and now I'm hitting him on the arms and shoulders. He's got welts all over his shoulders and back,but I don't want to let up because I wouldn't know what to do if I had to box him. The bell rings.

I go back to my corner and Dick is not there. I'm wondering what's going on looking out at the crowd trying to find Dick or Gary. Sailors are cussing me out . I wish I could find those guys. I needed some support. The bell rings and I turn to go,but I notice the kid is still sitting on his stool. He doesn't come out for the round. Now everyone is really yelling at me and calling me horrible names. Even the bar girls are swearing at me. A drink comes flying into the ring and I'm standing there by myself. I can't even find the towel. I see the owner of the place running fast towards me. He throws me the towel. He doesn't look good. I'm thinking he must have bet on the kid.
"Here",he says. "I'll get the gloves off."
He's looking down. He acts like he wants to get away from me.
"Where'd everyone go?"
"Gary's wife killed herself.Dick's headed over there now."
I suddenly stepped through the ropes. My foot got hung on the bottom strand. I forgot to say something to the kid and his corner guys.
"What happened?" I felt dizzy. I wanted to get outside.
"No one knows nothing."
I put on my shirt and pants and got in my car. I took the back streets to go home.

I wanted to go to the funeral,but I found out it was only for family.Shortly after, I tried going over to Gary's place to say something,but the house was vacant. I gave up all thoughts of becoming a fighter.

About ten years later I'm down at the beach checking out the surf. I see this big guy on a bicycle. It's Gary.
"Hey Roger",he shouts out.
"Gary,how the hell have you been?' I almost fell over.
"I'm retired from teaching. I take my son wind surfing with me."
I'm looking up and down at him.
"Surf looks good and the water is getting warmer",he says. Gary is smiling at me. "Life doesn't get any better than this."

kikibalt wrote:Here is another great writer, I would like see him write here, he wrote this article on the 2006 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon

By Greg Beyer
From the CBZ

Photos by Frank Baltazar, Sr.

STUDIO CITY, Calif., August 19, 2006 – Songwriter Singer Willie Nelson once said in a song that his heroes have always been cowboys. For me, they have always been fighters.

For me, boxing is the highest form of athletic endeavor. Former professional boxer Frankie Baltazar told me at the California boxing hall of fame luncheon this weekend that, just like me being in little league or any other kid being in soccer, that boxing was just the sport that he took up. He was raised in it and to him it seemed natural. A statement of that kind helps me realize why I have idolized fighters for so many years.

In a baseball game, in football, basketball, sometimes athletes are injured. In boxing it is a guarantee. These fighters that enter a ring to do combat, to put their courage and fighting hearts on display to an arena filled with fans are in essence the most amazing of all athletes. We watch them, we cheer them on while they are still young enough and able enough to compete in this violent sport and then to most of us they disappear. For me, since they were all heroes of mine, I wondered about them after they have left the arena for good. Are they okay? Do they have regrets? Has life awarded them in any way for the fact that they had the guts to put it all on the line for a bit of glory, for meager pay and the endless suffering they endured just to be able to compete in a sport so few would ever consider entering into.

This past Saturday at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California, a selected group of these courageous souls were honored for their achievements in the world of professional boxing in the state of California.

Honorees this year in the boxing category included the following:

Randy Shields

Hedgemon Lewis

Tony Baltazar

Frankie Baltazar Jr.

Carlos Palomino

Gabriel Ruelas

Rafael Ruelas

Jorge Paez

Meeting the Baltazar brothers along with their father, trainer, manager and CBZ stalwart Frank Baltazar, Sr. was a special treat for CBZ editor Stephen (“The, 'Ol Spit Bucket”) Gordon and myself. We flew down from Washington State to finally get a chance to meet and honor the entire Baltazar family on their well-deserved day of glory. I have to say here how impressed I was with the beauty and graciousness of Frankie and Tony as well as their entire family. Seated a few tables away form us, they made a special effort to come over and speak to "The Bucket" and I and we appreciated their courtesy and good-natured conversation immensely.

In the non-boxer category another CBZ regular being inducted into the hall was none other than the venerable former Hollywood legion stadium matchmaker Gabriel "Hap" Navarro. Pictured in the program was "Hap" in a circa 1950s photo showing a dashing young Hispanic in the mold of a Rudolf Valentino. While this stunning photo lit up that page of the program I suddenly realized it would make it hard for us to search out "Hap" in the crowd before the ceremony began. This dilemma was alleviated when none other than another of my life long idols Rodolfo "el Gato" Gonzalez came up to us and said "Hap wants to meet you guys" and took us to his table where "Hap", eyes tearing up, said how proud he was to finally meet us and how glad he was that we made the trip down. My heart swelled when he asked how long it had been since I had left my hometown of San Pedro, California. How wonderful that he remembered where I was born. What a day!

Former boxing promoter Don Fraser who sponsored this event put on an excellent show, which was evidenced by the huge crowd, filled with many respected and formerly honored boxing greats. Among them was my personal all-time favorite, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, and his lovely wife and life-long friend Bonnie. What a joy it was to be able to tell Danny that I followed his entire career and how glad I was to see that Danny, after all those wars, is still the same fine gentleman that I saw stepping into the ring to face Steve Frajole at the Olympic auditorium in his very first pro fight so many years ago.

What a particular joy it was for "The Bucket" and I to be able to hug and shake hands with our own Rodolfo "el Gato " Gonzalez and his wonderful companion, Barbara. For them to be so glad to meet us was a heart rendering experience I will never forget.

These great fighters and wonderful people I met Saturday. They are well. They survived. What a beautiful day it was to see that so many of my heroes made it through that tough arena and that "The Bucket" and I were there to share this special day with them.

I got back to Washington early Sunday morning with memories confirming what I have always known...my heroes have always been fighters.

Hey Pal,
A little while back you posted a thing about a father and son banquet April 12. That's me and my wife's anniversary. But she'll be down in Michoacan looking after the house. I usually don't plan things to far in advance,but I would like to go to that and meet you and your family and all the my other heroes I watched fight through the years. I promise I won't make no waves. I just want to sit to the side and take everything in. Be sure to show that announcement again. Dagos.

Here it is, would love to see & meet you and anybody else from this thread.

dagosd2000 wrote:"Don't I need to get a license?"
"Naw,we'll get you one later," said Dick. His name was Dick Wood. Gary Young introduced me to him when we were working out at the 32nd Street Naval Station. He was training some Navy boys and saw me spar with Young. Dick had been around.He was always looking. I guess he found me.
"Where is this place where I'm going to fight?"
"The '21 Club' on Broadway in National City",said Dick. He wanted to keep our conversation on the upswing.
"You can beat 80 percent of the amateurs right now. You have nothing to worry about."
"Well I can't beat Gary. He must be part of the other 20 percent."
"Don't worry Rog",said Gary Young. "Me and Dick will be there."
"Isn't the '21 Club' a bar?"
"Yeah,It's a bar",said Gary."They have a boxing ring inside the place."
Dick Young handed me a duffle bag.
"Your stuff is in there. Trunks,mouthgard,cup. You're set to go."
"No robe?"
"We'll get you one later",said Dick.
Gary put his arm around my shoulder.
"This will be great. I'll be on the card too."
I never met a guy more positive than Gary Young. He taught school for emotionally disturbed kids. We'd known each other for a while. We met first at 'Vic's Gym' in Ocean Beach. He was very strong. At one time held the record for the'dead lift'. He'd been married for a year and had a little baby boy. His wife was very pretty and quiet. They lived in a little apartment near the beach.
"Be at the '21 Club' by six" said Gary. "I'll meet you there. I've got to take care of some things at home first."
Dick Young came over with a big towel.
"Use this tonight."
"You sure I don't need a license?"
"Don't worry",said Dick. "One of these days you'll be champ."

I get to the '21' Club and park in the back. I see Dick sitting in his car in the lot and walk over.
"Gary here?"
"I just hung up with him. He'll be a little late. The wife doesn't like to be left alone too long."
I hoped Gary would get there. He would be my confidence builder tonight.
"You know who I'm fighting?"
"A young Navy kid. Don't worry he's an amateur. Only had a couple of fights."

Inside the '21 Club' it's dark and smoky. The place is crowded with mostly sailors and Asian bar girls. It's noisy and everybody you can tell has been in there for a while.
"You're going to have to change in the parking lot",said Dick.
"I wish Gary was here."
"He'll be here. You have nothing to worry about."

I change outside and put the towel around me. Dick walks outside. He's smoking a cigarette.
"You're up first in 15 minutes."
"I need to warm up. I wish Gary was here."
"The other guy ain't warm either. Don't worry."
The ring at the '21 Club' is one of those flat rings you see in the gym. Tables are all around it with sailors and B girls smoking and drinking. The place is noisy as hell. I get into the ring and go to my corner. I want to see the guy I'm going to fight. He's a blond kid with a light complexion. I must of had 40 pounds on him. The Philippino announcer introduces us. This blond haired kid must have been stationed at 32nd Street because everybody is cheering for him when they call out his name. Well you think they announced that Hitler was fighting when they said my name. That and being bigger and having hair on my back and chest,I looked like I was about to fight my son. I return to the corner and Dick puts the mouthgard in.
"Don't worry about a thing",he says. Just then the owner of the place pulls him away. I'm there by myself when the bell rings.

Since I'm bigger than this kid,I decide to come out fast and rush him. The kid snaps a left in my face and tries to tie me up. I'm crowding him into the ropes. When we stop,I start punching with both hands uppercutting to his body. Everybody is yelling at me because I look like some big bully. The kid finally grabs me and the ref seperates us. I'm crouching and coming forward again. The kid is pumping lefts at my face and throws a right hand. I'm inside again and have him against the ropes. I'm hiitting him in the stomach again and I can hear him groan everytime I sink my gloves into him. He begins to slump down and now I'm hitting him on the arms and shoulders. He's got welts all over his shoulders and back,but I don't want to let up because I wouldn't know what to do if I had to box him. The bell rings.

I go back to my corner and Dick is not there. I'm wondering what's going on looking out at the crowd trying to find Dick or Gary. Sailors are cussing me out . I wish I could find those guys. I needed some support. The bell rings and I turn to go,but I notice the kid is still sitting on his stool. He doesn't come out for the round. Now everyone is really yelling at me and calling me horrible names. Even the bar girls are swearing at me. A drink comes flying into the ring and I'm standing there by myself. I can't even find the towel. I see the owner of the place running fast towards me. He throws me the towel. He doesn't look good. I'm thinking he must hsve bet on the kid.
"Here",he says. "I'll get the gloves off."
He's looking down. He acts like he wants to get away from me.
"Where'd everyone go?"
"Gary's wife killed herself.Dick's headed over there now."
I suddenly stepped through the ropes. My foot got hung on the bottom strand. I forgot to say something to the kid and his corner guys.
"What happened?" I felt dizzy. I wanted to get outside.
"No one knows nothing."
I put on my shirt and pants and got in my car. I took the back streets to go home.

I wanted to go to the funeral,but I found out it was only for family.Shortly after, I tried going over to Gary's place to say something,but the house was vacant. I gave up all thoughts of becoming a fighter.

About ten years later I'm down at the beach checking out the surf. I see this big guy on a bicycle. It's Gary.
"Hey Roger",he shouts out.
"Gary,how the hell have you been?' I almost fell over.
"I'm retired from teaching. I take my son wind surfing with me."
I'm looking up and down at him.
"Surf looks good and the water is getting warmer",he says. Gary is smiling at me. "Life doesn't get any better than this."

D,

I want you to know that I'm printing your's, Rick's , pug's and scard's and anybody else's writing's fron this thread and putting the pages on a binder so that years from now when I'm no longer standing up my kids and grandkids can see what dad/grandpa was doing on the computer. and get a sense of boxing history as we seen it.

kikibalt wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:"Don't I need to get a license?"
"Naw,we'll get you one later," said Dick. His name was Dick Wood. Gary Young introduced me to him when we were working out at the 32nd Street Naval Station. He was training some Navy boys and saw me spar with Young. Dick had been around.He was always looking. I guess he found me.
"Where is this place where I'm going to fight?"
"The '21 Club' on Broadway in National City",said Dick. He wanted to keep our conversation on the upswing.
"You can beat 80 percent of the amateurs right now. You have nothing to worry about."
"Well I can't beat Gary. He must be part of the other 20 percent."
"Don't worry Rog",said Gary Young. "Me and Dick will be there."
"Isn't the '21 Club' a bar?"
"Yeah,It's a bar",said Gary."They have a boxing ring inside the place."
Dick Young handed me a duffle bag.
"Your stuff is in there. Trunks,mouthgard,cup. You're set to go."
"No robe?"
"We'll get you one later",said Dick.
Gary put his arm around my shoulder.
"This will be great. I'll be on the card too."
I never met a guy more positive than Gary Young. He taught school for emotionally disturbed kids. We'd known each other for a while. We met first at 'Vic's Gym' in Ocean Beach. He was very strong. At one time held the record for the'dead lift'. He'd been married for a year and had a little baby boy. His wife was very pretty and quiet. They lived in a little apartment near the beach.
"Be at the '21 Club' by six" said Gary. "I'll meet you there. I've got to take care of some things at home first."
Dick Young came over with a big towel.
"Use this tonight."
"You sure I don't need a license?"
"Don't worry",said Dick. "One of these days you'll be champ."

I get to the '21' Club and park in the back. I see Dick sitting in his car in the lot and walk over.
"Gary here?"
"I just hung up with him. He'll be a little late. The wife doesn't like to be left alone too long."
I hoped Gary would get there. He would be my confidence builder tonight.
"You know who I'm fighting?"
"A young Navy kid. Don't worry he's an amateur. Only had a couple of fights."

Inside the '21 Club' it's dark and smoky. The place is crowded with mostly sailors and Asian bar girls. It's noisy and everybody you can tell has been in there for a while.
"You're going to have to change in the parking lot",said Dick.
"I wish Gary was here."
"He'll be here. You have nothing to worry about."

I change outside and put the towel around me. Dick walks outside. He's smoking a cigarette.
"You're up first in 15 minutes."
"I need to warm up. I wish Gary was here."
"The other guy ain't warm either. Don't worry."
The ring at the '21 Club' is one of those flat rings you see in the gym. Tables are all around it with sailors and B girls smoking and drinking. The place is noisy as hell. I get into the ring and go to my corner. I want to see the guy I'm going to fight. He's a blond kid with a light complexion. I must of had 40 pounds on him. The Philippino announcer introduces us. This blond haired kid must have been stationed at 32nd Street because everybody is cheering for him when they call out his name. Well you think they announced that Hitler was fighting when they said my name. That and being bigger and having hair on my back and chest,I looked like I was about to fight my son. I return to the corner and Dick puts the mouthgard in.
"Don't worry about a thing",he says. Just then the owner of the place pulls him away. I'm there by myself when the bell rings.

Since I'm bigger than this kid,I decide to come out fast and rush him. The kid snaps a left in my face and tries to tie me up. I'm crowding him into the ropes. When we stop,I start punching with both hands uppercutting to his body. Everybody is yelling at me because I look like some big bully. The kid finally grabs me and the ref seperates us. I'm crouching and coming forward again. The kid is pumping lefts at my face and throws a right hand. I'm inside again and have him against the ropes. I'm hiitting him in the stomach again and I can hear him groan everytime I sink my gloves into him. He begins to slump down and now I'm hitting him on the arms and shoulders. He's got welts all over his shoulders and back,but I don't want to let up because I wouldn't know what to do if I had to box him. The bell rings.

I go back to my corner and Dick is not there. I'm wondering what's going on looking out at the crowd trying to find Dick or Gary. Sailors are cussing me out . I wish I could find those guys. I needed some support. The bell rings and I turn to go,but I notice the kid is still sitting on his stool. He doesn't come out for the round. Now everyone is really yelling at me and calling me horrible names. Even the bar girls are swearing at me. A drink comes flying into the ring and I'm standing there by myself. I can't even find the towel. I see the owner of the place running fast towards me. He throws me the towel. He doesn't look good. I'm thinking he must hsve bet on the kid.
"Here",he says. "I'll get the gloves off."
He's looking down. He acts like he wants to get away from me.
"Where'd everyone go?"
"Gary's wife killed herself.Dick's headed over there now."
I suddenly stepped through the ropes. My foot got hung on the bottom strand. I forgot to say something to the kid and his corner guys.
"What happened?" I felt dizzy. I wanted to get outside.
"No one knows nothing."
I put on my shirt and pants and got in my car. I took the back streets to go home.

I wanted to go to the funeral,but I found out it was only for family.Shortly after, I tried going over to Gary's place to say something,but the house was vacant. I gave up all thoughts of becoming a fighter.

About ten years later I'm down at the beach checking out the surf. I see this big guy on a bicycle. It's Gary.
"Hey Roger",he shouts out.
"Gary,how the hell have you been?' I almost fell over.
"I'm retired from teaching. I take my son wind surfing with me."
I'm looking up and down at him.
"Surf looks good and the water is getting warmer",he says. Gary is smiling at me. "Life doesn't get any better than this."

D,

I want you to know that I'm printing your's, Rick's , pug's and scard's and anybody else's writing's fron this thread and putting the pages on a binder so that years from now when I'm no longer standing up my kids and grandkids can see what dad/grandpa was doing on the computer. and get a sense of boxing history as we seen it.

I don't know how the other fellows feel,but I've just been bestowed the ultimate gesture of recognition. Your pal DAGOS

kikibalt wrote:

kikibalt wrote:
Joe Miceli, Danny Lopez, Paul Gonzalez, Michael Carbajal, Joey Barnum, Ernie Lopez and Mando Ramos

In 1949, Joey Barnum, third from right, was semi-retired and he was training fighters, one fighter he was training was Mario Trigo, they had some kind of argument in the gym, over what? who knows, but one thing led to another and they agree to fight, they fought at Ocean Park Arean, with the teacher winning by 10 round D.
They fought again 2-3 years later with Trigo winning by 10 round D, the second fight was im Texas.

Barnum was/is some kind of character, he tell everybody that every fight he lost by ko was because he had gone in the tank.

Joey Barnum is quite a charactor. A few years back, he calls the Calif. Athletic Commission and applies for a "boxing" license. He was in his 70's and, of course, he was denied. Ken Thompson, a boxing promoter and WBHOF official, allowed Barnum to appear on ne of his cards, but not against an oppponent. Joey was introduced in boxing trunks, shoes, robe, gloves, etc. during the intermission prior to the main event, and gave a shadow boxng exhibition. I see Joey around, he believes he can whip today's boxers, and I don't doubt he could if his age was in line with theirs, however, age does take a toll, huh?

I recall Barnum working not only as bail bondsman, like Art Aragon & Bennie Georgino, but also a bounty hunter. When somebody would jump bail on Joey, he would jump on a plane, or whatever, and hunt them down.

As for Mario Trigo, I still recall that there was a big B&W photo of Trigo fighting Art Aragon, that hung in the Main St. Gym, right above the doorway to Howie Steindler's office.