Classic American West Coast Boxing

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPHUb0v6dkg

Frank dancing with one of the hostesses(Boom Boom Club 1955)
Nice right hand buddy

[Randyman]

Back in the hospital with my heart, guys. I'll know more after tests tomorrow.

Hang tough Tom. You're in our prayers.
Randy

[Randyman]

Thanks guys! It's been great having my son home again. Today is my 55th birthday. My son and I spent the day together, just a couple of guys hanging out. I couldn't have asked for a better present. It was good for my soul. I needed that.

Randy

[Expug]

Happy Birthday Randy!

[Randyman]

Last night we went to Frantone's in Downy. This was Andrew's favorite place to eat when he was growing up. We had a great time. Here's a few photos.

Randy
I'm curious. How long did it take your crew to polish off the food?Rog

Rog, we took our time and devoured everything. They had to roll me out. We had a great time.

Randy

[Randyman]

Happy Birthday Randy!

Thanks Brian. I'm having a great day!!

Randy

[dagosd2000]

Happy Birthday Randy!

I'll second that pal

[Rick Farris]

Thanks guys! It's been great having my son home again. Today is my 55th birthday. My son and I spent the day together, just a couple of guys hanging out. I couldn't have asked for a better present. It was good for my soul. I needed that.

Randy

Memories of Randy, Mel, Firp and Haircuts . . .

Randy . . . Happy 55th! You were 22 when we met that day in '76, with Mel and Karl Nelson. Mel and I were talking on the phone prior to that, and each time he'd talk about his new prospect. He said, "This kid can fight, and he listens, and he's got a fighters's haircut, unlike somebody I know . . ."

It's funny to hear you tell me after all these years that he got on your ass for the same things he did me, and Nixon, and who knows else? I remember Mel was impressed by very few of the day's fighters. He liked Art Hafey, because Hafey had a haircut like someone you'd see on a Boy Scouts poster from the 40's. He also liked Willie Ketchum's fighter, middleweight Renato Garcia. Garcia was a good fighter, and he had his curly locks shorn close.

Mel would press on to make his point, "When Firp went into the ring he looked like a killer, and he was, he never looked like one of dem God Damn Beatles, those degenerate bastads ruined da country. I hope I see that Ed Sullivan one day, I'll punch him right in the nose! And Hubert "Kid" Dennis, he had a fighta's hair cut . . . " And on, and on, and on . . . .

I'm glad your son is home safe. I saw that pic of he and Jeri hugging at the airport, she with tears and I thought to myself, you guys are the epitome of a great family. Randy, I respect you and Jeri for many reasons.

God Bless you mi amigo, and happy birthday.


-Rick Farris

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Back in the hospital with my heart, guys. I'll know more after tests tomorrow.

Hang tough Tom. You're in our prayers.
Randy

Tom,
What are you suffering from, are these doctors able to get you back on board, we need you healthy and happy bringing your knowledge to this thread as always?
Thinking of you and sending out all of the good karma I can.
Bruce

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Happy Birthday Randy!

I'll second that pal

Happy Birthday Randy and what a great birthday to have your family together; can think of nobody who deserves it more. Aside from that I'm glad to see that you're older than me, not much but still older! Keep sluggin!
Bruce

[kikibalt]

Thanks guys! It's been great having my son home again. Today is my 55th birthday. My son and I spent the day together, just a couple of guys hanging out. I couldn't have asked for a better present. It was good for my soul. I needed that.

Randy

A day late and a dollar short but, happy birthday my friend....

[kikibalt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPHUb0v6dkg

Frank dancing with one of the hostesses(Boom Boom Club 1955)
Nice right hand buddy

I could cut a rug, couldn't I?....

[dagosd2000]

Back in the hospital with my heart, guys. I'll know more after tests tomorrow.

Hang tough Tom. You're in our prayers.
Randy

Tom,
What are you suffering from, are these doctors able to get you back on board, we need you healthy and happy bringing your knowledge to this thread as always?
Thinking of you and sending out all of the good karma I can.
Bruce

Bruce
Did you ever make connections with the name of that school I gave you in our area for your trip to build homes in TJ? Rog

[dagosd2000]

A WORD OF APPRECIATION

In the last year if anyone would have told me I'd be on a boxing forum I'd would have taken that with maybe two grains of salt. When I first popped on I was going from topic to topic trying add something. Quickly I found out that fighting with the users was a trait that seemed inherent. Name calling. Questioning a man's sexual preference. Having the last say. All this was driving me away. Once in a while someone would agree with what you had to say,but then battle lines were drawn. Example:Muhammad Ali,Love Him Or Hate Him.

Then on Febuary 14th 2008 a Valentine arrived. Brian posted an article about Indian Red Lopez. You guys reading this know the rest is history.
I've seen maybe a few of you guys a couple of times. Some I'm still looking forward to get acquainted face to face.

You go through life growing up with boyhood friends and you stay that way. Keeping in contact. Staying close. Well it's been a little over a year and the Classic West Coast Boxing thread seems like something that I've known since childhood.

They say a man needs a place to get away from the wife and kids for a while. An escape. Well this isn't an escape from Alcatraz. Our families probably provide us with the harmony and well being that's interacted between us.(Maybe we've given them some headaches,but that's their story to tell some day. NOT) Let's face it,we could be doing things a lot worse that would get us into hot water.I'm sure when our wives see us on the computer they breathe a sigh of relief.

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPHUb0v6dkg

Frank dancing with one of the hostesses(Boom Boom Club 1955)
Nice right hand buddy

I could cut a rug, couldn't I?....

Frank
Did you ever notice how many Mexican movies and soap operas take place in nightclubs and cantinas? None of the men are with their wives. They're either alone or with the fellas'.

I remember when I first immigrated my wife to San Diego. I took her to the local beer joint for a drink. Right away she's upset. I asked her what was the problem.
"Those women at the bar."
"So? They're there every day."
Now she's really pissed.

Then it hit me. Unescorted women in a bar have to be prostitutes. At least back then, in my wife's perception and in Mexican culture,that was the view of some gal sitting at the bar alone.

Of course things today have changed. It's not uncommun to see Mexican girls unescorted in clubs in TJ. They're not prostitutes,but like I said more and more girls are frequenting these clubs. On Sundays they allow girls 14 and 15 years of age into them. It's called tardeadas.

But down in Jiquilpan? No way a women goes into a cantina by herself unless she's got a health card and license from the police department. I guess it takes the guess work out of it.

[kikibalt]

Boxer’s brother vows to keep fighting
Younger Flores says sibling's death won't deter him

By DAVID BARRON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
May 8, 2009,


Michael Campbell For the Chronicle
Benjamin Flores, left, defeated Wayne Fletcher by sic-round decision in this Oct. 28, 2005 bout in Houston. Flores, 25, died Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas of injuries sustained in a bout five days earlier.

Family members of Benjamin Flores, the Houston boxer who died Tuesday after collapsing in the ring following a May 1 fight in Dallas, will receive visitors from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Funeraria Del Angel Funeral Home, 5100 North Fwy.

Mass will be celebrated at noon Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 501 Tidwell Rd.

Flores, 25, will be buried in Michoacan, Mexico.

The younger brother of Houston boxer Benjamin Flores said Wednesday he will continue in the sport and hopes to win a world title in honor of his brother, who died five days after collapsing in the ring after a fight in Dallas.

Miguel Flores, who will turn 17 in July, said he and his family are coping as well as could be expected in the wake of Benjamin Flores’ death early Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

Benjamin “El Michoacano” Flores had been hospitalized since Thursday night after collapsing in the ring at the conclusion of a fight against Al Seeger, 29, of Savannah, Ga., at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight at 2:10 of the eighth round. Flores and Seeger were fighting for the North American Boxing Federation’s super bantamweight title as part of a charity benefit fight night at the hotel.

Miguel Flores, a junior at Sam Houston High School who, like his brother, fights at 120 pounds, said he has fought about 100 amateur bouts and plans to continue in the sport despite his brother’s death.

“I will win the world title for my brother,” he said. “Any sport has risks, you know. It’s part of life. Everywhere you go, you take a risk.”

Prior to Benjamin’s death, Miguel Flores said he was considering plans to turn pro when he turns 17 in two months and had hoped that he and his brother could fight on the same card.

Flores also was mourned by 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez, who said the boxer’s death drives home the inherent dangers of the sport.

“He was a nice, humble man who was raised right and had a good family and a lot of support,” Juarez said. “We know the possible consequences when we step into the ring, but you never think this could happen to you or your friends.”

Services are pending for Benjamin Flores, whose death will be investigated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which sanctions combative sports in the state.

A memorial fund has been established by the Real Estate Council of Dallas; contributions can be sent to Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund. ATTN: Sabrina Jaramillo, Guaranty Bank, 2nd Floor – TMSS, 8333 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX 75225.

[email protected]

[dagosd2000]

Boxer’s brother vows to keep fighting
Younger Flores says sibling's death won't deter him

By DAVID BARRON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
May 8, 2009,


Michael Campbell For the Chronicle
Benjamin Flores, left, defeated Wayne Fletcher by sic-round decision in this Oct. 28, 2005 bout in Houston. Flores, 25, died Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas of injuries sustained in a bout five days earlier.

Family members of Benjamin Flores, the Houston boxer who died Tuesday after collapsing in the ring following a May 1 fight in Dallas, will receive visitors from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Funeraria Del Angel Funeral Home, 5100 North Fwy.

Mass will be celebrated at noon Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 501 Tidwell Rd.

Flores, 25, will be buried in Michoacan, Mexico.

The younger brother of Houston boxer Benjamin Flores said Wednesday he will continue in the sport and hopes to win a world title in honor of his brother, who died five days after collapsing in the ring after a fight in Dallas.

Miguel Flores, who will turn 17 in July, said he and his family are coping as well as could be expected in the wake of Benjamin Flores’ death early Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

Benjamin “El Michoacano” Flores had been hospitalized since Thursday night after collapsing in the ring at the conclusion of a fight against Al Seeger, 29, of Savannah, Ga., at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight at 2:10 of the eighth round. Flores and Seeger were fighting for the North American Boxing Federation’s super bantamweight title as part of a charity benefit fight night at the hotel.

Miguel Flores, a junior at Sam Houston High School who, like his brother, fights at 120 pounds, said he has fought about 100 amateur bouts and plans to continue in the sport despite his brother’s death.

“I will win the world title for my brother,” he said. “Any sport has risks, you know. It’s part of life. Everywhere you go, you take a risk.”

Prior to Benjamin’s death, Miguel Flores said he was considering plans to turn pro when he turns 17 in two months and had hoped that he and his brother could fight on the same card.

Flores also was mourned by 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez, who said the boxer’s death drives home the inherent dangers of the sport.

“He was a nice, humble man who was raised right and had a good family and a lot of support,” Juarez said. “We know the possible consequences when we step into the ring, but you never think this could happen to you or your friends.”

Services are pending for Benjamin Flores, whose death will be investigated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which sanctions combative sports in the state.

A memorial fund has been established by the Real Estate Council of Dallas; contributions can be sent to Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund. ATTN: Sabrina Jaramillo, Guaranty Bank, 2nd Floor – TMSS, 8333 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX 75225.

[email protected]

Frank
That story moved me. I've got some kleenex with me now.

So Benjamin Flores is going back to Michoacan? That's good. He'll never have to fight again. He'll be surrounded by people that love him.

Me and the wife have our plots at the cemetary in Jiquilpan. There's like a little family masoleum there. Her mother is there. Her two brothers. The family keeps the place up. Take away the dried up flowers and set out fresh ones. Sweep away the fallen leaves. Me and the wife will be side by side.

There's a saying in Southern Italy,"See Naples And Die."

My blood line is from there. I've visited Naples.The village of Accera where my grandfather was born.

I've seen Jiquilpan too. Many many times. Now that I've seen both,I never want to fight again.

[kikibalt]

Boxer’s brother vows to keep fighting
Younger Flores says sibling's death won't deter him

By DAVID BARRON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
May 8, 2009,


Michael Campbell For the Chronicle
Benjamin Flores, left, defeated Wayne Fletcher by sic-round decision in this Oct. 28, 2005 bout in Houston. Flores, 25, died Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas of injuries sustained in a bout five days earlier.

Family members of Benjamin Flores, the Houston boxer who died Tuesday after collapsing in the ring following a May 1 fight in Dallas, will receive visitors from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Funeraria Del Angel Funeral Home, 5100 North Fwy.

Mass will be celebrated at noon Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 501 Tidwell Rd.

Flores, 25, will be buried in Michoacan, Mexico.

The younger brother of Houston boxer Benjamin Flores said Wednesday he will continue in the sport and hopes to win a world title in honor of his brother, who died five days after collapsing in the ring after a fight in Dallas.

Miguel Flores, who will turn 17 in July, said he and his family are coping as well as could be expected in the wake of Benjamin Flores’ death early Tuesday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

Benjamin “El Michoacano” Flores had been hospitalized since Thursday night after collapsing in the ring at the conclusion of a fight against Al Seeger, 29, of Savannah, Ga., at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Referee Laurence Cole stopped the fight at 2:10 of the eighth round. Flores and Seeger were fighting for the North American Boxing Federation’s super bantamweight title as part of a charity benefit fight night at the hotel.

Miguel Flores, a junior at Sam Houston High School who, like his brother, fights at 120 pounds, said he has fought about 100 amateur bouts and plans to continue in the sport despite his brother’s death.

“I will win the world title for my brother,” he said. “Any sport has risks, you know. It’s part of life. Everywhere you go, you take a risk.”

Prior to Benjamin’s death, Miguel Flores said he was considering plans to turn pro when he turns 17 in two months and had hoped that he and his brother could fight on the same card.

Flores also was mourned by 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez, who said the boxer’s death drives home the inherent dangers of the sport.

“He was a nice, humble man who was raised right and had a good family and a lot of support,” Juarez said. “We know the possible consequences when we step into the ring, but you never think this could happen to you or your friends.”

Services are pending for Benjamin Flores, whose death will be investigated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which sanctions combative sports in the state.

A memorial fund has been established by the Real Estate Council of Dallas; contributions can be sent to Benjamin Flores Memorial Fund. ATTN: Sabrina Jaramillo, Guaranty Bank, 2nd Floor – TMSS, 8333 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX 75225.

[email protected]

Frank
That story moved me. I've got some kleenex with me now.

So Benjamin Flores is going back to Michoacan? That's good. He'll never have to fight again. He'll be surrounded by people that love him.

Me and the wife have our plots at the cemetary in Jiquilpan. There's like a little family masoleum there. Her mother is there. Her two brothers. The family keeps the place up. Take away the dried up flowers and set out fresh ones. Sweep away the fallen leaves. Me and the wife will be side by side.

There's a saying in Southern Italy,"See Naples And Die."

My blood line is from there. I've visited Naples.The village of Accera where my grandfather was born.

I've seen Jiquilpan too. Many many times. Now that I've seen both,I never want to fight again.

Can I have a kleenex?....

[kikibalt]

Today is my granddaughter, Keana, birthday (12) and we're havin' a BBQ for her here at our place feel free to come...


Keana Baltazar

[dagosd2000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl5erTyl7mo

Just Friends

Charlie Parker

[dagosd2000]

Today is my granddaughter, Keana, birthday (12) and we're havin' a BBQ for her here at our place feel free to come...


Keana Baltazar

WOW

[Bobbin & Weavin]

Bruce
Did you ever make connections with the name of that school I gave you in our area for your trip to build homes in TJ? Rog[/quote]

Rog,
Shortly after you and I spoke our trip took a complete twist, because of the current "TJ fears" the archdiocese will not allow us to venture across the boarder So we redirected our focus to San Diego and sent out pleas for community service work through other catholic organizations and beleive it or not drew goose eggs! So up until about a two weeks ago we thought this years trip was just not going to happen, but becasue of the kids we kept digging. Long story short one of our volunteers who is recently out of work had the time to sit on the phone for three days, he called every organization catholic or not in San Diego and we think we have finally tracked down enough work to make the trip happen. Me and two other guys are coming down next Saturday and visit each of the sites, take pictures and notes so we can formulate a plan. We have booked camp sites at one of the KOAs. So we're back in business, we have 30 teens and 12 adults who will spend a week of their time painting, doing repairs and yard work mostly for seniors living on fix or no income. One of the key projects we will look at is a wheelchair ramp for a man who is house bound after recently being confined to a wheelchair. Wish us luck, we will hit the ground running, pick up a rental car and zip around San Diego trying to get a look at as many of the project as possible before flying home in the evening.
Thanks for asking Rog.
Bruce

[scartissue]

It pained me not to rank Enrique Bolanos or Art Aragon, but this was such a thick division. Still, if anyone else threw them in I would have no problem.

Scartissue

LIGHTWEIGHT
Jack Blackburn (USA) (0)
Jimmy McLarnin (Ire) (1)
Billy Petrolle (USA) (1)
Jack (Kid) Berg (Eng) (1)
Kid Chocolate (Cuba) (1)
Pedro Montanez (PR) (1)
Davey Day (USA) (1)
Freddie Dawson (USA) (1)
Orlando Zulueta (Cuba) (1)
Duilio Loi (Italy) (0)
Dave Charnley (Eng) (2)
Alfredo Urbina (Mex) (0)
Flash Elorde (Phil) (2)
Carlos Hernandez (Ven) (0)
Nicolino Loche (Arg) (0)

Oh, man, we are talkin' a packed division here. Let us begin with Jack Blackburn, a turn of the century Lightweight who knocked heads with Sam Langford (3 times, and I'm not kidding), Joe Gans (3 times), Harry Greb and Philadelphia Jack O'Brien. Had his career derailed by a 5 year prison sentence and never regained the fire. Better known as the trainer of Joe Louis. Jimmy McLarnin, turned pro at Flyweight but soon filled out to terrorize the 135 pounders. Lost to Mandell for the title at 22 before moving up to 147. At 135 he beat Mandell (twice), Kid Kaplan, Billy Petrolle, Al Singer and Ruby Goldstein. Billy Petrolle, the 'Fargo Express' was enroute to an unsuccessful go at Canzoneri's crown, but along the way he beat Kid Berg, Canzoneri, McLarnin and Bat Battalino. Jack (Kid) Berg, 192 fights and 21 years later, this Jr. Welter champ, who epitomized speed as his method of attack, beat Canzoneri, Chocolate, Petrolle and Tippy Larkin, but lost some of his glorious reckless abandon after his KO loss to Canzoneri. Kid Chocolate, the 'Cuban Bon Bon', won much acclaim at 126, yet gave Canzoneri a rough go of it in his sole shot at 135. Beat Singer, Lew Feldman and Frankie Wallace at Lightweight. Pedro Montanez, a brilliant fighter at 135 who had no business fighting Armstrong at 147. Gave Ambers a run for his money for the 135 lb. title and beat among others, Ambers, Berg, Freddie Cochrane and Frankie Klick. Davey Day, an often overlooked Lightweight who, again, should not have strayed into 147 territory versus Armstrong. Lost a disputed decision to Sammy 'the Clutch' for the 135 lb. title. Beat Angott, Montanez, Bobby Pacho, Stan Loayza and retired with a 60-8-4 slate. Freddie Dawson, a hard fighter who came along during a hard era in boxing. Fought 5 world champs, with his title fight against Ike Williams sealing a 4 bout series the two waged against one another. Orlando Zulueta, the original 'razor', what with his propensity for slashing an opponents eyes. Beat Jimmy Carter, Don Jordan, Bud Smith and Paddy DeMarco before losing to Joe Brown in the 15th of his only shot at 135. Duilio Loi, this future 140 lb. champ cracked the Lightweight rankings in '54 and remained in the top three until '59 when he moved up in weight without coming within sniffing distance of a title shot. This, despite holding the Euro crown and beating Bud Smith, Zulueta, Glen Flanagan and Ray Famechon. Dave Charnley, British, Commonwealth (or Empire as it was known then) and Euro champ at 135. Lost a couple of heartbreakers to Brown for the world crown. Also beat Brown, Lane, Don Jordan, Len Matthews and Paul Armstead in a ten year career. Alfredo Urbina (see Jr. Welter), was a fixture in the ratings throughout the '60s and, aside from being one of only four men to stop the rock-jawed Angel Garcia, he was the only man to stop Eddie Perkins. Flash Elorde, not only was he a great Jr. Lightweight champ, but was also a damn good Lightweight. Aside from his two valiant challenges to Carlos Ortiz' throne, he was the Oriental 135 lb. champ and duked it out with Ismael Laguna, Frankie Narvaez and Paolo Rosi, all at Lightweight. Carlos Hernandez was a frightening force at Lightweight in the early 60s, and despite settling down at Jr. Welter where he became champ, he beat Brown, Lane, Urbina, Teo Cruz and Bunny Grant at 135. And finally, the untouchable one, Nicolino Loche. Despite Argentine and South American titles to his back, and 10 round draws with reigning 135 lb. champs Laguna and Ortiz in '65 and '66, no one was breaking down Loche's door in offering him a title fight. Therefore, he defected to the 140 lb. class where he made the division his own.

Honorable mention: Joe Rivers, Ruby Goldstein, Lew Tendler, Willie Joyce, George Araujo, Enrique Bolanos, Art Aragon, Paolo Rosi, Len Matthews, Howard Davis, Tyrone Crawley.

More great work Dan!
Im enjoying your rankings in all the divisions.

Heres a couple more great old contenders.

Charley White. Great left hook.A ko artist. Gave Benny Leonard a rough go.
Benny Valger. Ray Arcel spoke in a book about how great this guy was. Never stopped in 191 fights.

Thanks, Brian. I was aware of Charley White and his lethal left hook, but have to plead ignorance on Benny Valger. I looked up his record and it was quite amazing. Like you said, never stopped in 191 fights. Moreover, only stopped 19 fighters himself. The TV boys would have loved him. Like airing a Ralph (Tiger) Jones fight, they would always be assured of the bout going the distance.

Scartissue

[Randyman]

Rick, this comment was left on my blog yesterday.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Filming at the Olympic Auditorium . . .":

I am Johnny Flores' granddaughter and would love to connect with Mr. Farris. Here is my email address- [email protected] I want to collect as many memories as I can for a family project. Thanks! Arron

Randy

[Randyman]

Thanks guys! It's been great having my son home again. Today is my 55th birthday. My son and I spent the day together, just a couple of guys hanging out. I couldn't have asked for a better present. It was good for my soul. I needed that.

Randy

A day late and a dollar short but, happy birthday my friend....

Thanks Frank!

Randy