Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

"The Johnnie Flores Gym"


It was a Monday afternoon, the day after I'd talked with Golden Gloves National Champ, Jerry Quarry, over the phone.
I got Quarry's number from the "Information Operator", courtesy of Pacific-Bell. I got Johnnie Flores' number from Jerry.

Now I would see if I could convince Johnnie Flores to let me learn to box in his gym.
Jerry said Flores had some amateurs training there, a few pros, and a several Juniors.

I call Johnnie Flores' house and a young girl answers the phone. It was Johnnie''s youngest daughter, Nancy.
Nancy was a couple years younger than me.
I asked to speak with Johnnie Flores. She told me her father was at the Main Street Gym, and would be home for dinner later.
A little later I call back, a lady answers, it's Johnnie's wife, Rose. "Whose calling? OK, I'll get him, just a moment . . ."

Now I'm starting to get nervous. What if he tells me "there isn't room for me", or that "he doesn't work with kids anymore now that he's got the National Golden Gloves champ ready to turn pro."
I didn't know what to expect, this was all new to me.
As these thoughts are crossing my mind a voice suddenly breaks the silence on the other end of the phone. "Hello."
Johnnie Flores had just answered, and it was now time to speak or forever hold my peace.

"Mr. Flores, I'm Rick Farris and I'm going to be a boxer, and I got your number from Jerry Quarry, and I want you to manage me."
"Is that so, how old are you son?"
"I'm twelve, nearly thirteen."
"Uh huh . . . so you want to be fighter?"
"Yeah, I want to be a Golden Gloves champ like Jerry Quarry, and then a professional boxer."
"Is that so? Well, I have a few kids working out in my gym. When do you want to start?"
"Tomorrow . . . but I have school until 3pm. How late are you open?"
"We are only open in the evening, monday thru friday, 5pm until we are finished, usually 9pm at the latest."

Johnny asked me to meet him after 6pm the next evening.
"Thanks Mr. Flores." I hang up.

I jumped in the air, and I ran into the other room to tell my Grandfather I'd talked with Johnnie Flores, and that he said I could start the next day, tuesday evening. I was elated.
I had just learned a very important life lesson, "What the mind can conceive, and believe, it can achieve."
This fact of life has proven true more than once over the years, but this was the first time, just as I was entering my teens.
Perfect timing.

My grandfather was surprised at what I'd done.
I found Jerry Quarry, contacted him, got a referral, and then the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow of youth.
That was what boxing was to me, something I treasured.
My grandfather kept his word, to take me to a boxing gym, if I could find one. I found the best, the absolute best for me!

"OK, where is this gym. Where must I take you tomorrow?"

It suddenly occured to me that I had forgotten to get the address to the Johnnie Flores Gym.
I was so happy to have Johnnie give me a chance, I forgot to ask where the place was.
A quick return call netted me an address . . . 13717 Jouett Street, Pacoima.
"Take the Golden State Freeway, north, to the 'Terra Bella Street' exit, and then . . . "

My boxing career would begin the next day.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Francisco Flores

Country Mexico
Global Id 95423
Division Featherweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1979-04-12 Juan Villa Lake Tahoe, USA L PTS 10
1979-02-22 Frankie Duarte Los Angeles, USA L SD 12
1978-09-19 Fel Clemente Stockton, USA W PTS 12
1978-07-27 Peter King Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1978-01-26 Manuel Castellanos Los Angeles, USA W PTS 10
1977-11-10 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA W PTS 10
1977-08-18 Eulogio Bojorquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1977-06-09 Hector Julio Rivera Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1977-04-21 Jorge Torres Los Angeles, USA W KO 8
1976-10-14 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA D PTS 7
1976-08-19 Alvaro Espinosa Los Angeles, USA W PTS 7
1976-07-15 Alvaro Espinosa Los Angeles, USA W KO 6
1976-06-19 Orlando Arguello Inglewood, USA W PTS 6
1976-05-08 Jorge Torres Inglewood, USA W PTS 4
1976-04-02 Gilberto Ortiz Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1976-03-04 Isidro Guzman Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1976-02-19 Martin Avila Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1976-01-15 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1975-12-11 Santiago Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5

Record to Date
Won 13 (KOs 7) Lost 4 Drawn 2 Total 19



Rick...Remember Francisco Flores? Johnnie Flores's fighter, Francisco was Frankie's last opponent in the Jr's, that was in the 1973 Jr. Golden Gloves finals at the Olympic. which saw Frankie winning a close decision in a great action fight.

[Rick Farris]

Francisco Flores

Country Mexico
Global Id 95423
Division Featherweight


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1979-04-12 Juan Villa Lake Tahoe, USA L PTS 10
1979-02-22 Frankie Duarte Los Angeles, USA L SD 12
1978-09-19 Fel Clemente Stockton, USA W PTS 12
1978-07-27 Peter King Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1978-01-26 Manuel Castellanos Los Angeles, USA W PTS 10
1977-11-10 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA W PTS 10
1977-08-18 Eulogio Bojorquez Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1977-06-09 Hector Julio Rivera Los Angeles, USA L KO 2
1977-04-21 Jorge Torres Los Angeles, USA W KO 8
1976-10-14 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA D PTS 7
1976-08-19 Alvaro Espinosa Los Angeles, USA W PTS 7
1976-07-15 Alvaro Espinosa Los Angeles, USA W KO 6
1976-06-19 Orlando Arguello Inglewood, USA W PTS 6
1976-05-08 Jorge Torres Inglewood, USA W PTS 4
1976-04-02 Gilberto Ortiz Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1976-03-04 Isidro Guzman Los Angeles, USA W KO 5
1976-02-19 Martin Avila Los Angeles, USA W KO 1
1976-01-15 Johnny Jensen Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1975-12-11 Santiago Hernandez Los Angeles, USA L PTS 5

Record to Date
Won 13 (KOs 7) Lost 4 Drawn 2 Total 19



Rick...Remember Francisco Flores? Johnnie Flores's fighter, Francisco was Frankie's last opponent in the Jr's, that was in the 1973 Jr. Golden Gloves finals at the Olympic. which saw Frankie winning a close decision in a great action fight.

I do remember Franciso. He was a tough kid,
Many thought he was Johnnie's grandson. I'd tell them "no", just has the same last name.
I remember one of the fights he had with "Bird Legs". Remember Johnny Jensen?

-Rick

[raylawpc]

Tom Sharkey & James J. Jeffries

That photo was taken when Jeff and Sharkey were on vaudeville tour in the mid-1920s.

[raylawpc]

James J. Jeffries

I've never seen this photo, but if I had to guess, I'd say it was taken while Jeff was training for Sharkey in New Jersey in Fall 1899.

[raylawpc]

James J. Jeffries with Farmer Burns

Taken when Jeff was training for Jack Johnson in 1910.

[raylawpc]

World Boxing Hall of Fame - 2009 Ballot . . .

Two deceased "boxers" will be inducted.
Their names will be listed in the "BOXER" catagory of the WBHOF "Roll Call". They are:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi

Dixon and Halimi will be automatically inducted, and are not subject to vote.
_____________________________________________________
Four (4) new names have been added to the ballot in the "BOXER" catagory, replacing those inducted in 2008.

Henry Cooper
Orlando Canizalez
Lucia Rijker
Carlos Hernandez

(these are not "Inductees" - just ballot additions)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the "Expanded" Catagories, three (3) new names will be added to the ballot. Still under "Selection Commitee" consideration.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A new award will be added to the WBHOF "Banquet of Champions" in 2009, recognizing those who have contributed to the development of youth thru boxing. People who have created champions both in and outside of the ring.

The first annual "WBHOF Johnnie Flores Youth Development Award" will go to: FRANK BALTAZAR SR.

Congratulations Kiki, and thank you.
The World Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes and appreciates your contributions to boxing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The ballot is nearly complete. The "Expanded" catagory is still under consideration. Everybody that was on the ballot last year, minus those inducted, will be on this year's ballot.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To all the Regular "Classic American West Coast Boxing" posters. You know who you are, we've discussed this in the past, please E-Mail your contact information:

Name
Mailing address
E-Mail address

Frank, Roger, Randy, Brian, Bruce, Bennie, Danny, Tom, Rob . . .

You will all become "Voting Members" of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. If you wish to participate, to have a voice in the future HOF induction of boxing personalities, E-mail me the necessary information, and you will become a permanent voting member of the WBHOF.


Rick Farris
WBHOF Exec. Director/Historian

CONGRATULATIONS FRANK!!!!

[raylawpc]

Tom Ray . . .

Well, we did it! George Dixon will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame this year.


-Rick

I just made the suggestion - you did all the heavy lifting.

Next year, how about that great Japanese battler, Koichi Wajima?

[kikibalt]

World Boxing Hall of Fame - 2009 Ballot . . .

Two deceased "boxers" will be inducted.
Their names will be listed in the "BOXER" catagory of the WBHOF "Roll Call". They are:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi

Dixon and Halimi will be automatically inducted, and are not subject to vote.
_____________________________________________________
Four (4) new names have been added to the ballot in the "BOXER" catagory, replacing those inducted in 2008.

Henry Cooper
Orlando Canizalez
Lucia Rijker
Carlos Hernandez

(these are not "Inductees" - just ballot additions)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the "Expanded" Catagories, three (3) new names will be added to the ballot. Still under "Selection Commitee" consideration.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A new award will be added to the WBHOF "Banquet of Champions" in 2009, recognizing those who have contributed to the development of youth thru boxing. People who have created champions both in and outside of the ring.

The first annual "WBHOF Johnnie Flores Youth Development Award" will go to: FRANK BALTAZAR SR.

Congratulations Kiki, and thank you.
The World Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes and appreciates your contributions to boxing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The ballot is nearly complete. The "Expanded" catagory is still under consideration. Everybody that was on the ballot last year, minus those inducted, will be on this year's ballot.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To all the Regular "Classic American West Coast Boxing" posters. You know who you are, we've discussed this in the past, please E-Mail your contact information:

Name
Mailing address
E-Mail address

Frank, Roger, Randy, Brian, Bruce, Bennie, Danny, Tom, Rob . . .

You will all become "Voting Members" of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. If you wish to participate, to have a voice in the future HOF induction of boxing personalities, E-mail me the necessary information, and you will become a permanent voting member of the WBHOF.


Rick Farris
WBHOF Exec. Director/Historian

CONGRATULATIONS FRANK!!!!

Thanks, Tom, Rick made it all possible....

[dagosd2000]

Carmen Basilio

[Rick Farris]

Tom Ray . . .

Well, we did it! George Dixon will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame this year.


-Rick

I just made the suggestion - you did all the heavy lifting.

Next year, how about that great Japanese battler, Koichi Wajima?

Tom . . . Believe it or not, Wajima was on my list, and I had to step back and let the other's put their ideas forward. I must be careful not to be domineering as we are a commitee (and I can be pushy when I believe in something). Next year, we will replace the four who are inducted this year with four others (living). However, the first two candidates for next year are already a lock for the ballot (and certain to be inducted), Mike Tyson and Julio Ceasar Chavez.

I will attempt to submit Wajima and Bennie Briscoe as my choices for the last two slots. Of course, they will be considered against other names submitted by my commitee. Also, Maurice Hope lost out by a thin margin to Henry Cooper. I realize that this thread is not my commitee, however, I wish it was. Next year, in the "posthumous" inductee catagory (and I hate that "posthumous" designation), I will lobby for Ad Wolgast and Solly Smith. The great thing about having a deceased designation is that we need not put the names on the ballot. As you know, many have no clue about what went on in boxing before they were born, this protects the pioneers from being totally forgotten.

By the way, at this moment, I have two names in mind to accept Dixon's plaque. Being that he was the first "black" world champ, I believe it's only appropriate that a black personality accept the award for him, and it will likely be either Mike Tyson (a historian in his own right) or the legendary Motown producer, Berry Gordy. We already have a commitment from Tyson to attend (despite it being six months away) and I will see if Don Fraser will give us hand getting Berry Gordy to attend.

By the way, just for the record, Berry Gordy was a professional boxer out of Detroit. He fought 17 times as a pro and even fought here in L.A. at the Olympic Auditorium. When the Korean War broke out, Gordy was drafted thus ending his boxing career. When he left the Army, he got involved in music and the rest is history.

One last question, what are the chances of you coming west for the banquet this year? I realize that it's not easy for people to step away from their responsibilities in this economy and travel to L.A. but the more from this thread the better, our Frank is going to be honored!

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

SACRED FOR THE POOR

"Mister you American? You have one quarter?"
I pulled a quarter out of my pocket and gave it to the old lady as we waited to cross the intersection.I saw the ash thumb print on her forehead.It started to drizzle as we waited on the corner.
"Thank you,"said the old lady.

When the light changed I crossed straight ahead. The old lady crossed the other way. I watched her cross the street and stand under the eave of a drug store.

I walked down about a half block. I stopped and then walked inside the swinging door.
"Hola amor,"said the big woman. "Como esta tu pata?"
"Mejor. Much better."
The senora walked outside to open the wooden door that led upstairs. There was a hole in the ceiling and the rain drops were falling into a bucket making a plopping sound.

"Amor?,"asked the big woman."You want Luz to come upstairs too?"
"Si. Pregaunta por ella."
The big woman stuck her head out the door and yelled.
"Luz ven arriba."
I could hear footsteps walking up the stairs slowly. A skinny cat like figure walked in. Luz was smiling at me.
"Mijo. Tu pata ? Como esta?"
"Mucho mejor. Gracias."


The time passed and what was done was done. The feeling of relief was welcomed.
"You girls are here tomorrow? Domingo?"
"Oh si amor,"answered the big woman.

I walked down the stairs and out to the street. The rain was coming down harder now. I passed the old lady that was on the corner. She was not standing under the eave of the drug store. The rain drops that fell on her head trickled down making the ash thumb print on her forehead run down her face.

[kikibalt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9FP2B5AkKE
"Stairway To The Stars"

Ella Fitzgerald

[Rick Farris]

The 2009 WBHOF Induction Banquet will be he held Saturday, October 24th.
LAX Marriot Hotel, Los Angeles.

Anybody needing a room, let me know before the event. A special rate is given to WBHOF guests.

Regardless of who ends up being inducted, this will be a special event.
The most important thing for me is to be with my friends from this thread.

I have a lot to do that night, more so this year than last, and Dan Hanley and I will be doing a lot of interviews. Not just "random" on-th-spot stuff, but serious pre-planned questions for some all-time greats in a studio setting. We want to interview some of you, as well.

We are attempting to archive history. It's been a lot of fun for us. We are going to laugh, and make some people cry. Much of the fun is what we capture by chance. I'll never forget Dan accidentally setting up a disagreement between to former opponents, Yaqui Lopez and Mathew Saad Muhammad, regarding the winner of their matches. I won't go into detail, but what went on before our lens was priceless.

We'll also catch some "YouTube moments" on Hi-Def video. Boxrec moments, for sure.
I have some questions for the Baltazar brothers. All three.
Most of the L.A. guys we have access to during the year, but at the banquet we get boxers from around the world.
Some of them may not return the following year.

Frank will be honored. My desire is for Roger's art to be showcased thruout the event. At the memorabelia show, but also in select locations that compliment the event and put it in front of everybody in attendence. At some point, everybody who comes will have been exposed to the art. Regardless of where they go. They may or may not take the time to stop and appreciate it, but they will definitley see it. Most will stop, I believe. Roger's art is compelling.

It's months away, but for me it's happening now because we are putting it together. I'm just sharing some thoughts with my friends here. I feel we are all apart of this, we write about it every single day. Only on this day, we do it face-to-face. The event itself is OK, but it's everything else that makes it special. I like walking around the Marriott and bumping into George Chuvalo in the gift shop, or Emile Griffith in the Sports Bar, or Danny Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Gene Fullmer, Yaqui Lopez, Ernie Terell, etc. all over the place.

These are the greatest guys in the world. And they'll stop and visit with you. People walk away not feeling as if they just talked with a boxing legend, but a new friend. They won't charge you to sign a program, or a glove. They'll pose with you for a picture, they'll answer that one question you always wanted to ask them about a special fight.

Boxing legends are comfortable to be around. The energy is good, it's positive.
I'm in the right place.


-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

Tom Ray . . .

Well, we did it! George Dixon will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame this year.


-Rick

I just made the suggestion - you did all the heavy lifting.

Next year, how about that great Japanese battler, Koichi Wajima?

Tom . . . Believe it or not, Wajima was on my list, and I had to step back and let the other's put their ideas forward. I must be careful not to be domineering as we are a commitee (and I can be pushy when I believe in something). Next year, we will replace the four who are inducted this year with four others (living). However, the first two candidates for next year are already a lock for the ballot (and certain to be inducted), Mike Tyson and Julio Ceasar Chavez.

I will attempt to submit Wajima and Bennie Briscoe as my choices for the last two slots. Of course, they will be considered against other names submitted by my commitee. Also, Maurice Hope lost out by a thin margin to Henry Cooper. I realize that this thread is not my commitee, however, I wish it was. Next year, in the "posthumous" inductee catagory (and I hate that "posthumous" designation), I will lobby for Ad Wolgast and Solly Smith. The great thing about having a deceased designation is that we need not put the names on the ballot. As you know, many have no clue about what went on in boxing before they were born, this protects the pioneers from being totally forgotten.

By the way, at this moment, I have two names in mind to accept Dixon's plaque. Being that he was the first "black" world champ, I believe it's only appropriate that a black personality accept the award for him, and it will likely be either Mike Tyson (a historian in his own right) or the legendary Motown producer, Berry Gordy. We already have a commitment from Tyson to attend (despite it being six months away) and I will see if Don Fraser will give us hand getting Berry Gordy to attend.

By the way, just for the record, Berry Gordy was a professional boxer out of Detroit. He fought 17 times as a pro and even fought here in L.A. at the Olympic Auditorium. When the Korean War broke out, Gordy was drafted thus ending his boxing career. When he left the Army, he got involved in music and the rest is history.

One last question, what are the chances of you coming west for the banquet this year? I realize that it's not easy for people to step away from their responsibilities in this economy and travel to L.A. but the more from this thread the better, our Frank is going to be honored!

-Rick Farris

Thanks Rick. I'd certainly like to attend, but October is a long way off yet, so I can't make any commitments. I'd like to see Frank get his due recognition.

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIHLJbttzGs


Paris Blues

Louie Armstrong,Paul Newman,Sidney Poitier

[Rick Farris]

700 Pages . . .

That's what we will have tomorrow.
And it just gets better!

[Bobbin & Weavin]

700 Pages . . .

That's what we will have tomorrow.
And it just gets better!

Rick, Frank, Roger, Tom, Randy, Hap, Pug and All,
700 pages is a lot of quanity but the quality is so much more, I have read all 700 pages, many several times, I have been rewarded by the knowledge you all have passed on to me. Not just about the sport that I have always loved, but so many different subjects, so many experts and great writers, I treasure evey post and our new friendships. Personally I hope it goes to 7000; I will be here for every one of them.
Thank You all,

Bruce

[dagosd2000]

700 Pages . . .

That's what we will have tomorrow.
And it just gets better!

Rick, Frank, Roger, Tom, Randy, Hap, Pug and All,
700 pages is a lot of quanity but the quality is so much more, I have read all 700 pages, many several times, I have been rewarded by the knowledge you all have passed on to me. Not just about the sport that I have always loved, but so many different subjects, so many experts and great writers, I treasure evey post and our new friendships. Personally I hope it goes to 7000; I will be here for every one of them.
Thank You all,

Bruce

SO WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?

"Roger,what did you do on your week off?",asked my neighbor Joe who was walking his terrier dog. I was going for the morning walk and 9 out of 10 I'd usually see him walking "Teddy" ,his terrier dog.
"Went up to LA. with a friend to the Getty Museum. Other than that I painted and spent time with the family.Since I got the cataract removed,I'm back to reading. I wrote everyday."
Usually no one goes deeper into finding about what I write. The paintings they've seen. Unless they know about the thread,I couldn't guess what they're thinking when I tell them I write everyday.

Writing on the thread is like my painting. I may have a vague idea of what I'm going to come up with,but most of it is spontaneous. It's better for me that way. I look at it like an improvised jazz solo. A one shot burst. Some bursts are louder than others.

"So where are you going for Easter,"I asked Joe.
"Up to my aunt's by Lake Hodges."
"She still has the restaurant there?"
"Sure does."
"Well have a good Easter,"I said.
"You too."

Easter,anyday,everyday.I enjoy doing what I do to pass the time. It's not a compulsion. Call it theraputic if you want. Family,painting,reading and writing. It's a way of life. My way.

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO3nzrA-Ot4

Easter Parade

Bing Crosby

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOwEr4UaqzM

My Old Flame

Charlie Parker

[kikibalt]

To all, Happy Easter!....

[Rick Farris]

To all, Happy Easter!....

Happy Easter guys!

[Rick Farris]

R.I.P. Henry Hank . . .

One of my favorites has just passed away at age 74, Henry Hank.
For some reason, when I think of Detroit boxers, I think of Henry Hank first, before Louis, Robinson or Tommy Herns, etc.

One of my first trainers, Bobby Bell, would talk at great length of Henry Hank.
He spoke of Hanks' incredible strength and cagey tactics.
He was a man I'd hope to meet one day, but never did.

His record reads like a "who's who" of a great era.
Rest in Peace.


-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

R.I.P. Henry Hank . . .

One of my favorites has just passed away at age 74, Henry Hank.
For some reason, when I think of Detroit boxers, I think of Henry Hank first, before Louis, Robinson or Tommy Herns, etc.

One of my first trainers, Bobby Bell, would talk at great length of Henry Hank.
He spoke of Hanks' incredible strength and cagey tactics.
He was a man I'd hope to meet one day, but never did.

His record reads like a "who's who" of a great era.
Rest in Peace.


-Rick Farris

Rick
Henry Hank was a guy who brought it all with him into the ring. I used to like how he'd grunt when throwing his punches.Guys like him were the bread and butter of boxing