Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Gary Carr and the great Henry Armstrong . . .

In late 1966, I was 14, and training one afternoon mid-week at the Main Street Gym. My grandfather pointed at a young lightweight who was sparring with my stablemate, Ruben Navarro. The lightweight was Gary Carr, and he was preparing for his first pro bout. Carr and Ruben had a good workout and the following year would meet in a six rounder, which Navarro would win.

As I watched the two fighters climb out of the ring, my grandfather points to Carr's trainer. The guy appeared to be in his 50's, and he had on an old blue sweater with holes in the elbows. As the boxer pounded the heavy bag, the trainer would watch from the side, a towel slung over his shoulder. My grandfather asked me, "don't you know who that is?"

I didn't recognize him, I was paying attention to the boxer, not the old trainer in the ratty sweater. "Who is he?" I asked. My grandfather informed me that the old trainer was the great Henry Armstrong. Suddenly, nobody else existed in the gym as far as I was concerned. I certainly knew who Armstrong was, and now I couldn't take my eyes off of him. My dad stopped by the gym, a moment later, on his way home from work. After Henry Armstrong had finished working with his boxer, my grandfather took a Polaroid pic of Armstrong with my dad and I. I still have the photo, and will try to post it here.

You never knew who you might meet at the Main Street Gym on any given day.


-Rick Farris

[bennie]

To ponder Geoffrey's question on Victor Abraham, I've looked at Victor's record a few times in the past and always felt he was one of those 'unlucky' fighters who lost at vital times in his career when a win might just have secured him a shot. I think he would have made an excellent non-title opponent for Duran in 1979.

[bennie]

Scrap Iron and that Joe dude.

Andy Smith is between them. Smith, a canny Scot, steered Bugner to several giant paydays and Dave "Boy" Green to a few as well.
Andy is no longer with us but his son Robert is one of the leading lights in our Board of Control.

[bennie]

Gary Carr and the great Henry Armstrong . . .

In late 1966, I was 14, and training one afternoon mid-week at the Main Street Gym. My grandfather pointed at a young lightweight who was sparring with my stablemate, Ruben Navarro. The lightweight was Gary Carr, and he was preparing for his first pro bout. Carr and Ruben had a good workout and the following year would meet in a six rounder, which Navarro would win.

As I watched the two fighters climb out of the ring, my grandfather points to Carr's trainer. The guy appeared to be in his 50's, and he had on an old blue sweater with holes in the elbows. As the boxer pounded the heavy bag, the trainer would watch from the side, a towel slung over his shoulder. My grandfather asked me, "don't you know who that is?"

I didn't recognize him, I was paying attention to the boxer, not the old trainer in the ratty sweater. "Who is he?" I asked. My grandfather informed me that the old trainer was the great Henry Armstrong. Suddenly, nobody else existed in the gym as far as I was concerned. I certainly knew who Armstrong was, and now I couldn't take my eyes off of him. My dad stopped by the gym, a moment later, on his way home from work. After Henry Armstrong had finished working with his boxer, my grandfather took a Polaroid pic of Armstrong with my dad and I. I still have the photo, and will try to post it here.

You never knew who you might meet at the Main Street Gym on any given day.


-Rick Farris

A great story, Rick.

[Rick Farris]

To ponder Geoffrey's question on Victor Abraham, I've looked at Victor's record a few times in the past and always felt he was one of those 'unlucky' fighters who lost at vital times in his career when a win might just have secured him a shot. I think he would have made an excellent non-title opponent for Duran in 1979.

Bennie, interesting you mention Victor Abraham in 1979. Early that year, I was working on a TV movie at Universal titled "The Contender". It was a boxing pic starring an actor named Marc Singer. The production hired Art Aragon as the technical advisor and Art brought in Victor Abraham and his son, Art Aragon Jr. to do background boxing in the ring of an old brick arena in San Bernardino. Art Jr. wasn't a boxer, in fact, he was a studio grip along with his brother Audie. However, Art Jr. did an OK job with Abraham working real easy with him. I think Abraham was a pretty good boxer, but I only saw him fight a couple times.

A few years later, I was working with Art Aragon Jr. on a Michael Jackson production, "Moonwalker". One morning Art failed to make it to work at Universal. He hadn't called in, which was unlike Art. The key grip was concerned. A few hours later, the production was informed that Art Aragon Jr. had been killed in a motorcycle accident while riding into work that morning.

-Rick Farris

[bennie]

To ponder Geoffrey's question on Victor Abraham, I've looked at Victor's record a few times in the past and always felt he was one of those 'unlucky' fighters who lost at vital times in his career when a win might just have secured him a shot. I think he would have made an excellent non-title opponent for Duran in 1979.

Bennie, interesting you mention Victor Abraham in 1979. Early that year, I was working on a TV movie at Universal titled "The Contender". It was a boxing pic starring an actor named Marc Singer. The production hired Art Aragon as the technical advisor and Art brought in Victor Abraham and his son, Art Aragon Jr. to do background boxing in the ring of an old brick arena in San Bernardino. Art Jr. wasn't a boxer, in fact, he was a studio grip along with his brother Audie. However, Art Jr. did an OK job with Abraham working real easy with him. I think Abraham was a pretty good boxer, but would have been dog food after a few rounds with Hands of Stone.

A few years later, I was working with Art Aragon Jr. on a Michael Jackson production, "Moonwalker". One morning Art failed to make it to work at Universal. He hadn't called in, which was unlike Art. The key grip was concerned. A few hours later, the production was informed that Art Aragon Jr. had been killed in a motorcycle accident while riding into work that morning.

-Rick Farris

Tragedy is everywhere.

[kikibalt]

Hello everyone---

I received the sad news this morning from Johnny Ortiz that our friend, the Legendary cutman, Chuck Bodak passed away this morning at the age of 92 due to the long term effects of a stroke that he suffered in August of 2007.

I will always treasure the handmade watch he made for me a few years ago. Also I have from him a memorable collage of my boxing career he presented to me in the ring at one of the Ken Thompson boxing shows a number of years ago.
He was a wonderful, giving person.

May he rest in peace.

El Gato

[scartissue]

Hello everyone---

I received the sad news this morning from Johnny Ortiz that our friend, the Legendary cutman, Chuck Bodak passed away this morning at the age of 92 due to the long term effects of a stroke that he suffered in August of 2007.

I will always treasure the handmade watch he made for me a few years ago. Also I have from him a memorable collage of my boxing career he presented to me in the ring at one of the Ken Thompson boxing shows a number of years ago.
He was a wonderful, giving person.

May he rest in peace.

El Gato

Rodolfo, there are few fights during the 90s that Bodak wasn't remembered for being the odd character with the photos stuck to his head. Man, the first time I saw him I thought he was selling space on his head for advertising. He obviously knew his craft because he was sought after. What was your relationship with him? Did he work your corner at any time in your career?

Scartissue

[scartissue]

Pete Vital . . .

During the 60's, Pete was a hot Jr. Glover and amateur in Los Angeles, one of the best amateurs of my era. Vital was a slick moving boxer who hit good and was trained by his dad, Pete Vital Sr. at the Main Street Gym. I know that Pete lives near Frank in the San Gabriel Valley, and used to fight out of Baldwin Park. Pete regularly headlined amateur shows at El Monte Legion and other L.A. amateur venues.

Pete turned pro as a lightweight, and fought for about six years. He did pretty well until 1974, when he was KOed in one round by Ray Lampkin. A few months after the loss to Lampkin, Pete would have one more pro fight, before losing one of his hands in a work related accident. What a tragic end to his career.

Pete still lives in the old neighborhood, and occasionally visits a friend of mine who lives in Rosemead. I hope he is doing well. Frank, have you heard anything of Pete recently?

I'll never forget traveling with the 1969 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team to the National GG "Tournament of Champions" in Kansas City. Pete Vital was our lightweight that year, Walter Moore was our heavyweight (who won the nat'l title), Mike Quarry at light-heavy, Rudy Acuna at jr. lightweight, Florentino Ramirez bantam, I was the flyweight rep. Bobby Torrance was our middleweight, and a few more names that escape me at the moment.

Pete's last amateur bout would take place at El Monte Legion Stadium, in the Southern Pacific AAU finals, a bout that he won. Pete chose to pass on traveling with our team to San Diego for the Nationals, instead choosing to turn pro. I know that Frank was in the audience that night, because when the Quarry women started a riot with another family, he jumped up into the safety of the ring where they were taking our team photo. I don't blame him, nobody wanted to tangle with Ma Quarry.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I remember a fight Pete had with Moses Carbin (he used to call himself 'King Cobra'). They fought to a spirited 10 round draw, but that wasn't the half of it. It turned out Pete was rushed to the hospital after the fight. I believe he had a hernia and didn't know about it. The report I read in World Boxing stated, 'it's a wonder he didn't die in the ring'.

Scartissue

[scartissue]

Henry Walker . . .

Another guy who first gained attention fighting on TV as an amateur from the Olympic. Henry was a strong middleweight prospect, who showed promise at the beginning of his career, but after losing to Denny Moyer, his career went down hill. I recall in the mid-70's, Walker had a work related accident and suffered what appeared to be a career ending hand injury. He showed it to me at the gym one day, and indicated he was going to start training boxers. However, a few years later he returned to action and fought thru early 80's. In October, 1970, Walker gave Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier a good fight at the Olympic, losing a ten round decision. I was scheduled to fight that night, but my opponent didn't show up, so I watched the Main event, and Henry Walker gave a good account of himself.

-Rick Farris

I recall Jean Claude-Bouttier showing up on the west coast for a couple of fights amid much fanfare. Perhaps his management wanted to give him more exposure to the American style in his run towards the title. I did not see his west coast bouts but I recall a later telecast of some fight where Jim Healy brought it up. And he stated that, 'we were expecting to see something special with all the press clippings on his arrival but what we saw was an ordinary middleweight'. Did anyone ever see Bouttier fight?

Scartissue

[scartissue]

Speaking about some of the popular clubfighters on the west coast that Rick has been mentioning, does anyone remember a fighter named Flavio Barcena? What I remember about this guy is that there was never a lull in any of his fights. Total action from the time the bell pealed. His style made for a fast career burn-out, and he didn't have the kind of punch that could turn a fight around, but man, the crowd loved his fights.

Scartissue

[kikibalt]

Danny Alameda . . .

A top L.A. amateur in the late 60's, Alameda was trained by Bill Slayton at Main Street Gym.
He had a series of wars with Petey Vital at El Monte Legion.
I know he turned pro, but I lost track of him.

Frank, do you remember Danny Alameda?

-Rick

Rick...I remember Danny real good, Danny was introduce to boxing by a guy whom's name I can't recall right now, anyway this guy, he was his early 60's when I met him, was so full of him-self, he was in tight with the local politicians (E.L.A), had a badge that he was always flashing around, would go on radio and tell the listeners that he trained Frankie and Tony.
Other then that he was a nice guy....

[kikibalt]

Hello everyone---

I received the sad news this morning from Johnny Ortiz that our friend, the Legendary cutman, Chuck Bodak passed away this morning at the age of 92 due to the long term effects of a stroke that he suffered in August of 2007.

I will always treasure the handmade watch he made for me a few years ago. Also I have from him a memorable collage of my boxing career he presented to me in the ring at one of the Ken Thompson boxing shows a number of years ago.
He was a wonderful, giving person.

May he rest in peace.

El Gato

Rodolfo, there are few fights during the 90s that Bodak wasn't remembered for being the odd character with the photos stuck to his head. Man, the first time I saw him I thought he was selling space on his head for advertising. He obviously knew his craft because he was sought after. What was your relationship with him? Did he work your corner at any time in your career?

Scartissue

I first met Chuck in the late 1970's when I was matchmaking the amateurs at the Olympic, he would show up with a bucket and offer to work corners for free, he was a good man...

[kikibalt]

I'll be watching this fight tonight on Showtime at 6 and not at 9, I have the eastern feed

The dislike is real for Vic Darchinyan, Jorge Arce

Bill Dwyre
February 7, 2009

Two boxers who really don't like each other -- as opposed to two who fake it while trying to promote a fight -- make up the main event of a Showtime card tonight at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

They are Vic Darchinyan and Jorge Arce, who will fight for Darchinyan's three titles at the super flyweight designation of 115 pounds.

Darchinyan, from Australia but originally from Armenia, holds the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Assn. and World Boxing Council belts. His record is 31-1-1 with 25 knockouts, and his recent reputation is built on his virtual destruction of then-champion Cristian Mijares of Mexico on Nov. 1 at the Home Depot Center. Before that fight, Mijares had defeated Arce.

Arce (51-4-1, 39 knockouts) has been around long enough to hold several titles. He is among Mexico's most popular boxers, especially since his appearance several years ago on a Mexican reality TV show called "Big Brothers," in which 14 people shared a house, all the time on live TV, until the ranks were thinned as people were voted out. Arce lasted until the final three.

"I may not be the best boxer in Mexico," Arce says, "but I'm the most popular."

Darchinyan claims to have chased Arce "all over the world" to get him to agree to a fight. Arce says he didn't fight Darchinyan because he had "better handlers and promoters who were smarter on my behalf and got me better fights."

That, of course, further fanned the flames for Darchinyan and his promoter, Gary Shaw, and the boxers, during a week of appearances and promotions, have been yapping at each other and about each other like a pair of Chihuahuas.

Darchinyan has a huge left hand that he used to destroy Mijares and says he will use it for the same purpose against Arce.

"I'm going to make him look dumb and stupid," Darchinyan says.

Arce feigns indifference and slight annoyance.

"I will win, for sure," he says. "One hundred percent."

The match will be live on Showtime but delayed until 9 p.m. in the Pacific time zone.

[email protected]

[kikibalt]

Speaking about some of the popular clubfighters on the west coast that Rick has been mentioning, does anyone remember a fighter named Flavio Barcena? What I remember about this guy is that there was never a lull in any of his fights. Total action from the time the bell pealed. His style made for a fast career burn-out, and he didn't have the kind of punch that could turn a fight around, but man, the crowd loved his fights.

Scartissue

Flavio Barcena

Country USA
Global Id 94522
Birthplace Mexico
Division Bantamweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1974-07-09 Eddie Logan Inglewood, USA L PTS 10
1974-04-03 Salvador Aguilar Stockton, USA L PTS 10
1973-12-20 Changa Alvarez Los Angeles, USA W KO 9
1973-10-27 Jose Chango Alvarez Los Angeles, USA W KO 7
1973-09-13 Manuel Leon Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1973-08-02 Yoichiro Hamada Los Angeles, USA W SD 10
1973-07-19 Manuel Leon Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1973-05-05 Yoichiro Hamada Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1973-05-03 Juan Lopez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1973-04-05 Yoichiro Hamada Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1973-02-22 Francisco Rodriguez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1972-12-07 Makoto Abe Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1972-11-09 Chuck Goodrum Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1972-10-26 Manuel Leon Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1972-09-28 Jose Marquecho Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1972-09-21 Tomas Huerta Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1972-09-07 Chuck Goodrum Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 9 (KOs 2) Lost 5 Drawn 3 Total 17

[kikibalt]

Pete Vital . . .

During the 60's, Pete was a hot Jr. Glover and amateur in Los Angeles, one of the best amateurs of my era. Vital was a slick moving boxer who hit good and was trained by his dad, Pete Vital Sr. at the Main Street Gym. I know that Pete lives near Frank in the San Gabriel Valley, and used to fight out of Baldwin Park. Pete regularly headlined amateur shows at El Monte Legion and other L.A. amateur venues.

Pete turned pro as a lightweight, and fought for about six years. He did pretty well until 1974, when he was KOed in one round by Ray Lampkin. A few months after the loss to Lampkin, Pete would have one more pro fight, before losing one of his hands in a work related accident. What a tragic end to his career.

Pete still lives in the old neighborhood, and occasionally visits a friend of mine who lives in Rosemead. I hope he is doing well. Frank, have you heard anything of Pete recently?

I'll never forget traveling with the 1969 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team to the National GG "Tournament of Champions" in Kansas City. Pete Vital was our lightweight that year, Walter Moore was our heavyweight (who won the nat'l title), Mike Quarry at light-heavy, Rudy Acuna at jr. lightweight, Florentino Ramirez bantam, I was the flyweight rep. Bobby Torrance was our middleweight, and a few more names that escape me at the moment.

Pete's last amateur bout would take place at El Monte Legion Stadium, in the Southern Pacific AAU finals, a bout that he won. Pete chose to pass on traveling with our team to San Diego for the Nationals, instead choosing to turn pro. I know that Frank was in the audience that night, because when the Quarry women started a riot with another family, he jumped up into the safety of the ring where they were taking our team photo. I don't blame him, nobody wanted to tangle with Ma Quarry.

-Rick Farris

Pete Vital

Country USA
Global Id 75431
Birthplace Los Angeles, CA, USA
Division Lightweight
Born 1951-05-26


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1975-08-29 Rogelio Castaneda Las Vegas, USA L PTS 6
1974-09-12 Ray Lampkin Los Angeles, USA L KO 1
1974-05-01 Arturo Leon Las Vegas, USA L PTS 10
1973-09-20 Moses Carbin Los Angeles, USA D PTS 10
1973-05-23 Ray Lunny III San Carlos, USA L PTS 10
1973-04-06 Cesar Sinda San Bernardino, USA W PTS 10
1973-03-16 Tony Romero San Bernardino, USA W KO 6
1973-02-08 Rudy Barro Stockton, USA L PTS 10
1972-12-14 Ken Brooks Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1972-12-06 David Herrera San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1972-11-08 Les Baker San Diego, USA L PTS 8
1972-06-26 David Diaz Inglewood, USA L UD 10
1972-04-17 Chi Chi Ontiveros Inglewood, USA W PTS 6
1972-03-18 Gabriel Vega Long Beach, USA W PTS 6
1972-03-04 Danny Castro Long Beach, USA D PTS 6
1971-06-19 Manuel Leal Ventura, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-09 Manuel Leal Ventura, USA W PTS 6
1971-06-03 Manuel Leal Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1971-05-06 Sal Luna Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1971-03-29 Gabriel Vega National City, USA W PTS 8
1971-03-13 Cesar Sinda Woodland Hills, USA D PTS 6
1971-02-27 Myron Robinson Woodland Hills, USA W PTS 6
1969-11-13 Tommy Coulson Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1969-10-23 Maclovio Medina Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1969-10-09 Francisco Valenzuela Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1969-09-18 Sammy Alvarez Los Angeles, USA W PTS 6
1969-08-15 Tommy Coulson San Bernardino, USA W PTS 6
1969-08-07 Arturo Ornelas Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1969-07-29 Jimmy Ligons Woodland Hills, USA W PTS 4
1969-07-01 David Garza Sacramento, USA W PTS 5
1969-06-19 Jerry Williams Los Angeles, USA L PTS 6
1969-05-27 Baby Corona Oakland, USA W KO 2
1969-05-15 Roberto Llamas Los Angeles, USA W PTS 5

Record to Date
Won 20 (KOs 4) Lost 9 Drawn 4 Total 33

[dagosd2000]

Pete Vital . . .

During the 60's, Pete was a hot Jr. Glover and amateur in Los Angeles, one of the best amateurs of my era. Vital was a slick moving boxer who hit good and was trained by his dad, Pete Vital Sr. at the Main Street Gym. I know that Pete lives near Frank in the San Gabriel Valley, and used to fight out of Baldwin Park. Pete regularly headlined amateur shows at El Monte Legion and other L.A. amateur venues.

Pete turned pro as a lightweight, and fought for about six years. He did pretty well until 1974, when he was KOed in one round by Ray Lampkin. A few months after the loss to Lampkin, Pete would have one more pro fight, before losing one of his hands in a work related accident. What a tragic end to his career.

Pete still lives in the old neighborhood, and occasionally visits a friend of mine who lives in Rosemead. I hope he is doing well. Frank, have you heard anything of Pete recently?

I'll never forget traveling with the 1969 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team to the National GG "Tournament of Champions" in Kansas City. Pete Vital was our lightweight that year, Walter Moore was our heavyweight (who won the nat'l title), Mike Quarry at light-heavy, Rudy Acuna at jr. lightweight, Florentino Ramirez bantam, I was the flyweight rep. Bobby Torrance was our middleweight, and a few more names that escape me at the moment.

Pete's last amateur bout would take place at El Monte Legion Stadium, in the Southern Pacific AAU finals, a bout that he won. Pete chose to pass on traveling with our team to San Diego for the Nationals, instead choosing to turn pro. I know that Frank was in the audience that night, because when the Quarry women started a riot with another family, he jumped up into the safety of the ring where they were taking our team photo. I don't blame him, nobody wanted to tangle with Ma Quarry.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I remember a fight Pete had with Moses Carbin (he used to call himself 'King Cobra'). They fought to a spirited 10 round draw, but that wasn't the half of it. It turned out Pete was rushed to the hospital after the fight. I believe he had a hernia and didn't know about it. The report I read in World Boxing stated, 'it's a wonder he didn't die in the ring'.

Scartissue

I remember Petey Vital fighting at the Coliseum. Had short arms and looked a little stocky for a lightweight. Liked to bounce around the ring a lot.

[geoffreysadao]

I remember Erwin Williams losing to Henry Walker in Fall of 1981 at the Oakland Auditorium. Apparently, Williams was in control during the first few rounds, but in the 4th round, Walker feigned being hurt and then knocked out Williams. This was late in Walker's career. After doing this to Williams, Walker said something to the effect of "That's why the call me 'Mr Slick.'" Williams had just beaten Felton Marshall and James Waire. Afterwards, Walker beat Bert Lee by 10 round decision. I know that he gave Robbie Epps his first loss as well.

Henry Walker . . .

Another guy who first gained attention fighting on TV as an amateur from the Olympic. Henry was a strong middleweight prospect, who showed promise at the beginning of his career, but after losing to Denny Moyer, his career went down hill. I recall in the mid-70's, Walker had a work related accident and suffered what appeared to be a career ending hand injury. He showed it to me at the gym one day, and indicated he was going to start training boxers. However, a few years later he returned to action and fought thru early 80's. In October, 1970, Walker gave Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier a good fight at the Olympic, losing a ten round decision. I was scheduled to fight that night, but my opponent didn't show up, so I watched the Main event, and Henry Walker gave a good account of himself.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

Rick and Frank
Posting the records of these club fighters is bringing back memories. I saw Gabriel Vega's name as an opponent of Petey Vital. This brought back to my mind that he was on the card at the 21 Club in Natinal City when I fought that amateur fighter that was in the Navy. I checked Box Rec and they have noted Vega's fight at the 21 Club.

Do you remember him? When Jimmy Heair was on the rise he KO'd Gabriel in one round.

[dagosd2000]

One more guy that jeked my memory. Ruddy Barro. When I think of guys like Beto Maldonado,Polo Corona,and Benito Juarez,it's "Have Gloves Will Travel." To put a story together with one of these guys would be interesting.

[kikibalt]

Rick and Frank
Posting the records of these club fighters is bringing back memories. I saw Gabriel Vega's name as an opponent of Petey Vital. This brought back to my mind that he was on the card at the 21 Club in Natinal City when I fought that amateur fighter that was in the Navy. I checked Box Rec and they have noted Vega's fight at the 21 Club.

Do you remember him? When Jimmy Heair was on the rise he KO'd Gabriel in one round.

Can't say I rmember the guy...

Gabriel Vega

Country USA
Global Id 53962
Hometown National City CA
Division Lightweight


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1972-04-10 Jimmy Heair Inglewood, USA L KO 1
1972-03-18 Pete Vital Long Beach, USA L PTS 6
1972-02-17 Ray Llamas San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1971-11-13 Carlos Barragan Vasquez Northridge, USA L KO 4
1971-08-13 Max Valdez San Diego, USA W PTS 8
1971-07-14 Bobby Guzman San Diego, USA D PTS 6
1971-06-22 Bobby Guzman San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1971-04-26 Max Valdez National City, USA L PTS 6
1971-03-29 Pete Vital National City, USA L PTS 8
1971-02-22 Jose Miranda National City, USA L PTS 8
1971-01-25 Jose Miranda National City, USA L PTS 8

Record to Date
Won 3 (KOs 0) Lost 7 Drawn 1 Total 11

[kikibalt]

Chata's latest photos

[kikibalt]

Chuck Bodak Loses His Final Battle

February 6, 2009 by Michele Chong

Legendary cutman passes away at 92
Our friend cutman Chuck Bodak passed away this morning at age 92 from long-term effects of a stroke he first suffered in August 2007. The feisty Bodak managed to hold off his biggest foe, “Father Time”–time and time again before the final bell rang. Born June 3, 1916 in Gary, Indiana, he was a renowned cutman for more than 60 champions.

Well-known in corners, Bodak had worked with many elite fighters including Muhammad Ali, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield 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 was famous for his unique headbands, his handmade jewelry and for his colorful collages that he liked to give away as gifts.

Chuck’s two loves were the military and boxing. And he spent decades giving tirelessly to the boxing community as a fighter, trainer, cutman, author and even as an unlikely movie star. His generosity was endless to anyone and everyone who met him.

The last year and a half of his life were spent in private care residences in Orange County, California. The Marconi family, close friends of Chuck, is appreciative of everyone who had called, written or visited the popular cornerman throughout his illnesses.

Steve and I bid a final farewell to our friend Chuck Bodak. There is a collage he made that was hanging in his room that I always noticed when we visited him. It said “The Heart and Soul of Boxing” and Chuck had pasted photos of himself at fights and in the ring around this phrase. That certainly says it all–he had a great life, a great career and was the heart and soul of boxing for a lot of people!

Always wearing crosses and deeply religious, Chuck credited “the Big Guy” upstairs for his longevity. Now I know for sure he is up there with “the Big Guy.”

Boxer, trainer, cutman, author and artist can certainly describe Chuck. But for us, and for many fighters, friends, family and fans he was a mentor and hero to all.

A cutman to legends–boxing will never forget him.

Bodak is survived by relatives in his native Indiana including his sister, Mary, nephew, Bob Bodak, and close family friends the Marconis.

Planned memorial services are pending.

[Rick Farris]

One more guy that jeked my memory. Ruddy Barro. When I think of guys like Beto Maldonado,Polo Corona,and Benito Juarez,it's "Have Gloves Will Travel." To put a story together with one of these guys would be interesting.

Roger . . . Rudy Barro is exacly the guy you described, and one of the toughest to face in the ring. His losing record may not impress a novice fan, but guys who post here can look beyond the W's & L's and understand results don't always tell the full story. Barro was a "career breaker", and he ruined Jimmy Heair, busting up the popular lightweight and destroying his future as a legit contender. Barro busted Jimmy's nose badly, and proved himself the wrong opponent for Heair. After the Barro fight, Jimmy was pretty much a tough opponent, not much more. Another guy who Barro gave trouble was another Jerry Moore fighter, Andy Price. Barro handed Price his first loss and kicked his ass pretty good. Andy would twice avenge the loss, both times by a close decision.

There was no doubt that Rudy Barro was bad luck to the Jerry Moore boxing stable in the 70's.

-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

Pete Vital . . .

During the 60's, Pete was a hot Jr. Glover and amateur in Los Angeles, one of the best amateurs of my era. Vital was a slick moving boxer who hit good and was trained by his dad, Pete Vital Sr. at the Main Street Gym. I know that Pete lives near Frank in the San Gabriel Valley, and used to fight out of Baldwin Park. Pete regularly headlined amateur shows at El Monte Legion and other L.A. amateur venues.

Pete turned pro as a lightweight, and fought for about six years. He did pretty well until 1974, when he was KOed in one round by Ray Lampkin. A few months after the loss to Lampkin, Pete would have one more pro fight, before losing one of his hands in a work related accident. What a tragic end to his career.

Pete still lives in the old neighborhood, and occasionally visits a friend of mine who lives in Rosemead. I hope he is doing well. Frank, have you heard anything of Pete recently?

I'll never forget traveling with the 1969 Los Angeles Golden Gloves team to the National GG "Tournament of Champions" in Kansas City. Pete Vital was our lightweight that year, Walter Moore was our heavyweight (who won the nat'l title), Mike Quarry at light-heavy, Rudy Acuna at jr. lightweight, Florentino Ramirez bantam, I was the flyweight rep. Bobby Torrance was our middleweight, and a few more names that escape me at the moment.

Pete's last amateur bout would take place at El Monte Legion Stadium, in the Southern Pacific AAU finals, a bout that he won. Pete chose to pass on traveling with our team to San Diego for the Nationals, instead choosing to turn pro. I know that Frank was in the audience that night, because when the Quarry women started a riot with another family, he jumped up into the safety of the ring where they were taking our team photo. I don't blame him, nobody wanted to tangle with Ma Quarry.

-Rick Farris

Rick, I remember a fight Pete had with Moses Carbin (he used to call himself 'King Cobra'). They fought to a spirited 10 round draw, but that wasn't the half of it. It turned out Pete was rushed to the hospital after the fight. I believe he had a hernia and didn't know about it. The report I read in World Boxing stated, 'it's a wonder he didn't die in the ring'.

Scartissue

I remember Petey Vital fighting at the Coliseum. Had short arms and looked a little stocky for a lightweight. Liked to bounce around the ring a lot.

Roger . . . Pete had a pretty good reach and I don't recall him being stocky for a lightweight, more the opposite. However, he definitly had a "bounce around the ring" style. Pete liked to use the ring and would often make his opponent move forward, right into his punches. I don't recall ever boxing with Pete in the gym, he was bigger than me. A cameraman I know, was attending film school in Northern Cal in the early 70's, and made a student film documentary about Ray Lunny III. In that film there is good footage of Lunny fighting Pete Vital in Redwood City. I liked Petey alot. I can still picture Vital, Porky Acuna, Tino Ramirez and myself stumbling down a Kansas City street, half drunk, after all of us had been eliminated from the Golden Gloves Nat'ls that year ('69). We were out looking for girls, but all we found was a group of our coaches holed up in their hotel room playing poker. Ernie DeFrance pointed to the bathroom and told us to help ourselves. We peaked inside the john and discovered the bathtub filled with beer on ice and on the sink counter several bottles of booze. The old guys knew that looking for women was a waste of time in a hotel containing several hundred horny young boxers and maybe a half dozen women, most over 70-years-old.

-Rick Farris