BoxRec

Randyman wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Frank,

This looks like Art Aragon but I am not sure. Do you know who the guy in the right is? The guy on the right is my father Robert Arango Bolanos


Robert Bolanos Jr

Yes Robert, it is Art Aragon with your dad.

Robert, thanks for sharing all your historical photos with us.

Randy

Robert, I second Randy's words. Thank you for sharing all of these great photos.

-Rick Farris

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Wedding picture of Enrique and Ruby. They were both very good lookin'

"Beautiful couple"

It doesn't get any better then this.

Absolutely Frank. I feel old and wonderfull.

I just feel wonderful!

-Rick

Rick...Has the WBHOF inducted Enrique?

Randyman wrote:

Expug wrote:
Yep, a right of passage for sure.
For me it was Johnny Heard who did the honors.
Seriously though, do you have problems with sinuses draining into your throat while you are sleeping Rick?
Im up two or three times every night coughing up gunk.
Snoaring like crazy too.

Brian, my nose was never broken but I have the same problem at night. A real pain in the ass.

Randy

Speaking of noses: Unlike you guys, I never boxed pro, but I had a few amateur fights and, of course, sparring in the gym. I can count on one hand the times I got a bloody nose. (And given what a lousy fighter I was otherwise, I took some pride in that "accomplishment.")

Since this heart thing, I've been taking Plavix everyday and I've gotten four bloody noses - twice while eating lunch, once in the shower, and once teaching my citizenship class.

I hate getting old.

Thats a drag Tom. I hope you feel better my friend. Maybe Plavix thins the blood a little?

I got home late last night working the Blackhawks game. They beat Vancouver, wrapped up the series and now go to the Conference final.
After the game I hung around at the restaruant/ bar with the coach Joel Quennville and General Manager Dale Tallon. Just hanging out making sure the fans dont get to freaking exubirant in their worship.
It was a big night though and the fans have been great. The kids on the team deserve the success . They have worked hard.
Anyway, got home after 1am hit the rack, and again up two or three times coughing that crap up. I dont feel like having any procedures done. I swore I would never go under general anethesia again.I had surgery on my neck in 95. A fusion done at c5-c6.I have a clamp and four screws in there when the disk was removed because it herniated into the spinal cord.They replaced the disk with a bone from my hip.
The truth is, the "hangover" from the genaral anethesia, was the worst part of the recovery.

Expug wrote:Thats a drag Tom. I hope you feel better my friend. Maybe Plavix thins the blood a little?

I got home late last night working the Blackhawks game. They beat Vancouver, wrapped up the series and now go to the Conference final.
After the game I hung around at the restaruant/ bar with the coach Joel Quennville and General Manager Dale Tallon. Just hanging out making sure the fans dont get to freaking exubirant in their worship.
It was a big night though and the fans have been great. The kids on the team deserve the success . They have worked hard.
Anyway, got home after 1am hit the rack, and again up two or three times coughing that crap up. I dont feel like having any procedures done. I swore I would never go under general anethesia again.I had surgery on my neck in 95. A fusion done at c5-c6.I have a clamp and four screws in there when the disk was removed because it herniated into the spinal cord.They replaced the disk with a bone from my hip.
The truth is, the "hangover" from the genaral anethesia, was the worst part of the recovery.

Plavix is supposed to make it harder for the blood to clot - and if my nose is any indication, it works!!

It's a heck of a note to be having lunch with friends and colleagues when, suddenly, your nose starts bleeding like somebody turned on a faucet. Kind of kills the conversation and everybody's appetite . . .

Having made two trips to the hospital within 30 days, I understand your reluctance to go in again. However, I understand that the procedure Rick described is an outpatient procedure. Maybe its not so bad.

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Dedicated to Roger and Maria Esty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugNQ5uIN09Q
Volver Volver

Vicente Fernandez

Just logged on. Thanks pal. Vicente is my wife's favorite.

CINELANDIA

The movie theater was taken out of the mercado across the street from the Guadalupe Church. Los Piojitos is what they call the mercado.At least that's what my wife had always referred to it. I've never seen a sign anywhere with a name of the mercado. Mexico is a little funny that way. Not a lot of street signs. Spelling the same word differently. Ask somone for an address and he doesn't know. But ask him the name of the place and he'll tell you. But he won't give you an address.
"Go to the parque Morelos and it's in back the big palma next to the taco stand."

Cinelandia was the name of the all night movie theater inside the mercado they call Piojitos.It was in the corner next to the carneceria Jalisco across from the banos where you pay the guy at the door.

When me and the wife would go there,it was in the day when Mexico was still cranking out movies. Vicente Fernandez was beginning to gather a following. His tremendous voice and ranchera style of singing was taking the place of the bygone stars of yesteryear. The Tres Immortales:Pedro Infante,Javier Solis,and Jorge Negrete. Jose Alfredo and Antonio Aguilar could still pack 'em in,but Vicente was in command. He was also becoming a big movie star.

I remember watching the movie La Ley Del Monte starring Vicente inside Cinelandia one evening with my wife. For a quarter you could sit in a seat with most of the stuffing out of it. Marijuana smoke would drift into your nostrils and the sounds of a cacaphony of different snoring would sound an odd rhythm in that dark little hole.

An old woman at a stand in the front of the ticket booth sold ham sandwiches for 50 cents,bags of potato chips,and assorted fruit in paper cups. Bottles of hot sauce and sliced jalapenos in a dish provided the garnishes. Two jugs one containing lemonade,the other jamaica, were the liquids of choice.

Vicente ,Tony Aguilar,El Santo,(for action and drama),La India Maria,Resortes and Cantinflas (that made all the poor people in that theater laugh) were the staples of entertainment. Throw in Lucha Villa,Silvia Pinal,Andres Garces,Sasha Montenegro...oh how I was fond of those stars. Most of the films were in black and white,but that was apropos for the time and the place.

Cinelandia was where I proposed to Maria. She said "si". We bought a couple of ham sandwiches and some lemonade and watched the movie. A comedy with Tin Tan. Funny man.

After the movie we drove back to Canyon Johnson to our little shack with the one bed,no windows,and the light bulb hanging from the ceiling. We were very happy.

A walk with Roger . . .

Roger . . . I rarely comment on your short stories of Mexico, where you will retire, however, they take me on a nice trip. It's not a vacation, but more like a nice little walk, a diversion. I feel relaxed after my short visit. The air is fresh. In the past, I've lived a tumultious existence. I operate successfully in a world of facade, a world of deception is the film industry. I so appreciate a taste of reality. A place where life is simple, and basic and human.

Thanks for being our guide, and our friend. You teach not only your students, but me as well. Gracias, amigo.


-Rick Farris

kikibalt wrote:Rick...Has the WBHOF inducted Enrique?

Yes, Frank. Enrique Bolanos was inducted into the WBHOF in 1988.


-Rick Farris

kikibalt wrote:Rodolfo Gonzalez vs Chango Carmona

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUaDiVp2U7E

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4CJwWqRZrs

I've seen this fight over a dozen times and it never ceases to amaze me. What a beatdown!

Scartissue

scartissue wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Rodolfo Gonzalez vs Chango Carmona

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUaDiVp2U7E

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4CJwWqRZrs

I've seen this fight over a dozen times and it never ceases to amaze me. What a beatdown!

Scartissue

Very true, Dan. What did Carmona do after this fight?
Not much. He was rendered damaged goods.
In his next bout, I watched him outgunned by so-so Jimmy Heair, on the undercard of the El Gato-Navarro#2 title fight.
In my opinion, Gonzalez tamed him.


-Rick Farris

DUSTY FACES

"Can I help you sir?",asked the blond haired guy behind the counter.
"No,"I said,"I just came in to look at the old fight pictures on the wall."
Jerome's Furniture Warehouse used to be the Coliseum that featured a weekly card of boxing and wrestling matches. During the late 70's when Pay Per View and Cable came into existence,the small rings like the Coliseum dimmed their lights forever. After old man Navarro padlocked the door,he turned the responsibilities over to his son Jerome.

The family was in the furniture business. Jerome converted the old Coliseum into a furniture warehouse.
"Oh go ahead and look at them,"said the blond haired fellow."They've been up there ever since I started working here."

The pictures were hung behind the counter. A dusty film was on the glass frames. Some of the pictures were hanging crookedly.
"You know who those guys are?"asked the counterman.
I recognized all of the fighters.All the photographs were in black and white. There were several photographs of Archie Moore. One of a young Archie having his hand raised by the referee. A towel was draped around his shoulders and beads of perspiration were dripping down 'ol Arch's happy face.There was even one of Archie shaking hands with Doc Kearns. I saw the Hogue brothers squaring off against each other wearing big grins. Kenny Norton was posing his sculptured body with a regal aire. Muhammad Ali wearing a headgear was the first picture in the row.

There were wrestlers too. Blassie,Andre The Giant,and Mr. Moto. The guy behind the counter had addressed a customer who had walked in as I was looking at the old photographs. The customer had a receipt in his hand.

The blond hair guy got on a microphone and called the warehouse to say that the customer had come to pick up his sofa.I walked back towards the counterman.
"Yeah,I recognize them all."
"Who?" he asked squinting his eyes.
"The pictures on the wall."
"Oh yeah,they've been up there ever since I started working here,"he said.

dagosd2000 wrote:DUSTY FACES

"Can I help you sir?",asked the blond haired guy behind the counter.
"No,"I said,"I just came in to look at the old fight pictures on the wall."
Jerome's Furniture Warehouse used to be the Coliseum that featured a weekly card of boxing and wrestling matches. During the late 70's when Pay Per View and Cable came into existence,the small rings like the Coliseum dimmed their lights forever. After old man Navarro padlocked the door,he turned the responsibilities over to his son Jerome.

The family was in the furniture business. Jerome converted the old Coliseum into a furniture warehouse.
"Oh go ahead and look at them,"said the blond haired fellow."They've been up there ever since I started working here."

The pictures were hung behind the counter. A dusty film was on the glass frames. Some of the pictures were hanging crookedly.
"You know who those guys are?"asked the counterman.
I recognized all of the fighters.All the photographs were in black and white. There were several photographs of Archie Moore. One of a young Archie having his hand raised by the referee. A towel was draped around his shoulders and beads of perspiration were dripping down 'ol Arch's happy face.There was even one of Archie shaking hands with Doc Kearns. I saw the Hogue brothers squaring off against each other wearing big grins. Kenny Norton was posing his sculptured body with a regal aire. Muhammad Ali wearing a headgear was the first picture in the row.

There were wrestlers too. Blassie,Andre The Giant,and Mr. Moto. The guy behind the counter had addressed a customer who had walked in as I was looking at the old photographs. The customer had a receipt in his hand.

The blond hair guy got on a microphone and called the warehouse to say that the customer had come to pick up his sofa.I walked back towards the counterman.
"Yeah,I recognize them all."
"Who?" he asked squinting his eyes.
"The pictures on the wall."
"Oh yeah,they've been up there ever since I started working here,"he said.

They should stay put until the place is razed. Then they need to hang in an approtiate place, a museum. This is real history.

-Rick

raylawpc wrote:

Randyman wrote:

Expug wrote:
Yep, a right of passage for sure.
For me it was Johnny Heard who did the honors.
Seriously though, do you have problems with sinuses draining into your throat while you are sleeping Rick?
Im up two or three times every night coughing up gunk.
Snoaring like crazy too.

Brian, my nose was never broken but I have the same problem at night. A real pain in the ass.

Randy

Speaking of noses: Unlike you guys, I never boxed pro, but I had a few amateur fights and, of course, sparring in the gym. I can count on one hand the times I got a bloody nose. (And given what a lousy fighter I was otherwise, I took some pride in that "accomplishment.")

Since this heart thing, I've been taking Plavix everyday and I've gotten four bloody noses - twice while eating lunch, once in the shower, and once teaching my citizenship class.

I hate getting old.

We're all falling apart.

bennie wrote:We're all falling apart.

Goes with the territory....

Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager


Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times
Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager.

As one of California's grand old craft breweries, Sierra Nevada has always specialized in ales, but for summer it does make a wonderful lager. Summerfest is a little richer and smoother than your ordinary lager, which they credit to extra-long lagering.

Naturally, it has plenty of piney-citrusy hop notes in the nose and a spreading floral finish -- after all, this is Sierra Nevada, the virtual creator of our present-day hop-head phenomenon. Still, this is nowhere as hoppy as an India pale ale. It's just a lager that's almost too good to drink after mowing the lawn. It would be great with sausages on the grill.

bennie wrote:

scartissue wrote: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.

A fantastic breadown again, Dan. Dartford's Dave Charnley actually beat Joe Brown for the title in London. Referee Tommy Little (the sole arbiter) had the hump with Charnley's manager, Arthur Boggis, and deliberately gave it to Brown. It was simply a bent, bad decision.
Mickey Duff, in his autobiography, describes Charnley as "by some distance the best British fighter since the war not to have won a world title."

Bennie, everytime I look at the world ratings of the time I always seem to zero in on a certain era, and from '60-'65 was one of the strongest eras for lightweights. Just think about some of the guys that were in and out of the top ten in that era. Joe Brown, Duilio Loi, Carlos Ortiz, Alfredo Urbina, Nicolino Loche, Paul Armstead, Dave Charnley, Bunny Grant, Carlos Hernandez, Ismael Laguna, Flash Elorde, Doug Vailant, Paolo Rosi, Kenny Lane and Len Matthews. My God! I'm probably missing someone which is unforgivable, but the noggin isn't thinking straight when I see so much talent on tap. And you know the best thing about this era? They were all fighting each other, multiple times. No one ducking anyone. The fighters of today could take a real lesson from these guys.

Scartissue

kikibalt wrote:Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager


Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times
Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager.

As one of California's grand old craft breweries, Sierra Nevada has always specialized in ales, but for summer it does make a wonderful lager. Summerfest is a little richer and smoother than your ordinary lager, which they credit to extra-long lagering.

Naturally, it has plenty of piney-citrusy hop notes in the nose and a spreading floral finish -- after all, this is Sierra Nevada, the virtual creator of our present-day hop-head phenomenon. Still, this is nowhere as hoppy as an India pale ale. It's just a lager that's almost too good to drink after mowing the lawn. It would be great with sausages on the grill.

I'll give this a try. I like their original pale ale, but have been out of the ale mode for a couple of years.
Sierra Nevada has a good product.


-Rick

Dont forget about Pabst Blue Ribbon guys.
They had a little boxing show they sponsored for a few years awhile back.

A little thinner than 135 but the 130 lbers have been around too long to ignore. Anyone think of someone I missed?

Scartissue

JR. LIGHT
Johnny Bizzarro (USA) (1)
Love Allotey (Ghana) (1)
Vicente Derado (Arg) (2)
Kang-Il Suh (SK) (2)
Antonio Amaya (Pan) (3)
Ruben Navarro (USA) (1)
Frankie Crawford (USA) (0)
Sammy Goss (USA) (0)
Hugo Barraza (Col) (0)
Ray Lunny (USA) (1)
Vilomar Fernandez (DR) (0)
Tyrone Everett (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Jeff Fenech (Austr) (2)
Angel Manfredy (USA) (1)


Hmmm...Jr. Lightweights huh? Not as thin as the 154 pounders but not as thick as the 140 division. Some decent leather-slingers here though, so let's give 'em a look see. Johnny Bizzarro, of the Pennsylvania fighting brood, went one better than little brother Lou, who fought Duran for the 135 crown. Johnny was a contender at both weights and fought both Elorde and Ortiz for their respective titles. Love Allotey was a presence in the top ten from '62 until '73. The Ghanaian fought 5 world champs including a foul-filled bout against Elorde for the title which he lost on a DQ. Vicente Derado, a tough little Argentine who fought 8 world champs, beating Nicolino Loche, Carlos Hernandez and Teo Cruz. Lost to Elorde for the title and to Raul Rojas for a generic California version of the crown. Kang-Il Suh, this bad little man from South Korea had the audacity to arrive on these shores and put a close thumping on one of the most scorching hot prospects in Mando Ramos. Also beat Hiroshi Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Numata and lost two squeakers to Flash Elorde. The latter bout for the title. Antonio Amaya, not a big banger this man from Panama, but good enough to beat Sugar Ramos, Frankie Narvaez, Rene Barrientos, Rafiu King and Chucho Alonso. Unfortunately he was unlucky enough to have met Kobayashi and Shibata for the title. Ruben Navarro, his rise to the title was nothing short of meteoric. Lost a highly disputed decision to Barrientos for the vacant WBC title with a record of 13-1-2 behind him, and that included a win over reigning champ Kobayashi and a draw with former champ Numata. He soon defected thereafter to 135. Frankie Crawford, known primarily as a Featherweight, but like most trying to earn a payday, had no reservations of fighting at the higher weight. Fought 6 world champs in his day, including a win over Mando Ramos. Sammy Goss, despite being the top contender at 130 from '72-'73, he could not nail down a shot at the big boy. Beat Edwin Viruet, Raul Cruz, Walter Seeley, Jose Fernandez and Jose Luis Lopez, but faded from the scene after losing his NABF title to Tyrone Everett. Hugo Barraza, a tough as nails Columbian who suffered the same fate as Goss, losing to Everett at the top of his game. However, unlike Goss, he continued making noise in the division for a few more years. Held wins over Crawford, Cruz, Lopez, Rodolfo Lobato and David Sotelo. Ray Lunny, appeared to have the goods when he broke onto the scene, if only he would have held his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of...oh, let's say his chin. Still, he held wins over Crawford, Goss, Jimmy Robertson, Mike Mayon, Raul Montoya and went into the 12th round with Escalera for the title. Vilomar Fernandez, beat reigning Jr. Lightweight champ Alexis Arguello in a non-title tenner, but had since departed the 130 lb. ranks for 135. Besides fighting both Duran and Hilmer Kenty for the Lightweight crown, he beat Lunny, Amaya, Ray Lampkin and Frankie Otero. Tyrone Everett, 'Ty the fly', a southpaw out of Philly, was one of the coolest customers around and the victim of what is generally recognized as one of the worst decisions in boxing’s shadowy history in his sole defeat to Alfredo Escalera. Murdered six months later, a career and life never fulfilled. Ruben Castillo, a force in two divisions. Went into his title bout with Arguello with a record of 48-0 and was battling the thin man neck and neck until two body shots in the 11th took his measure. His subsequent opportunity at 130 against Julio Cesar Chavez came past his prime. Jeff Fenech was already a three division champ when he descended on the 130 lb. class and was ripped royally in his draw with Azumah Nelson. The rematch, however, cannot be dismissed and the Aussie was never again the same fighter. Angel Manfredy, one of the few active fighters on my list, has since departed 130 for the 135 lb. ranks. However, his wins over Arturo Gatti and John Brown were memorable, with only a couple of guys named Pretty Boy and Diego having blocked his path.

Honorable mention: Teruo Kosaka, Frankie Otero, Chucho Alonso, Lionel Hernandez, Frankie Baltazar, John Brown.

scartissue wrote:

bennie wrote:

scartissue wrote: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.

A fantastic breadown again, Dan. Dartford's Dave Charnley actually beat Joe Brown for the title in London. Referee Tommy Little (the sole arbiter) had the hump with Charnley's manager, Arthur Boggis, and deliberately gave it to Brown. It was simply a bent, bad decision.
Mickey Duff, in his autobiography, describes Charnley as "by some distance the best British fighter since the war not to have won a world title."

Bennie, everytime I look at the world ratings of the time I always seem to zero in on a certain era, and from '60-'65 was one of the strongest eras for lightweights. Just think about some of the guys that were in and out of the top ten in that era. Joe Brown, Duilio Loi, Carlos Ortiz, Alfredo Urbina, Nicolino Loche, Paul Armstead, Dave Charnley, Bunny Grant, Carlos Hernandez, Ismael Laguna, Flash Elorde, Doug Vailant, Paolo Rosi, Kenny Lane and Len Matthews. My God! I'm probably missing someone which is unforgivable, but the noggin isn't thinking straight when I see so much talent on tap. And you know the best thing about this era? They were all fighting each other, multiple times. No one ducking anyone. The fighters of today could take a real lesson from these guys.

Scartissue

Dan . . . You make a great point. The lightweight division was as thick as ever '60-'65. The guys that got the least attention world wide are some of the best to ever fight. Alfredo Urbina was a monster below the border, and Tony Perez was another. Both whipped Naploes after Mantequilla had relocated to Mexico.

You also mention Dulio Loi. Theres a guy who only lost three times in over a hundred fights, Carlos Hernandez could knock over a house with his power, Loche a legend, Flash Elorde faced greater talent than Manny Pac has ever stepped into the ring with (no cut on the Barrera's or Marquez's, but these guys would have been average in the 60's), Paulie Armstead's boxing skills would school any 135 pounder fighting today, same with "Old Bones" Joe Brown, and Carlos Ortiz? Personally, I really appreciate Carlos Ortiz today, and enjoy watching the man I consider Puerto Rico's best boxer ever, a guy who came along about fifty years too soon for his pocket book's good.

No use my telling what everybody here already knows. Once again, great list, Dan.


-Rick Farris

scartissue wrote:A little thinner than 135 but the 130 lbers have been around too long to ignore. Anyone think of someone I missed?

Scartissue

JR. LIGHT
Johnny Bizzarro (USA) (1)
Love Allotey (Ghana) (1)
Vicente Derado (Arg) (2)
Kang-Il Suh (SK) (2)
Antonio Amaya (Pan) (3)
Ruben Navarro (USA) (1)
Frankie Crawford (USA) (0)
Sammy Goss (USA) (0)
Hugo Barraza (Col) (0)
Ray Lunny (USA) (1)
Vilomar Fernandez (DR) (0)
Tyrone Everett (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Jeff Fenech (Austr) (2)
Angel Manfredy (USA) (1)


Hmmm...Jr. Lightweights huh? Not as thin as the 154 pounders but not as thick as the 140 division. Some decent leather-slingers here though, so let's give 'em a look see. Johnny Bizzarro, of the Pennsylvania fighting brood, went one better than little brother Lou, who fought Duran for the 135 crown. Johnny was a contender at both weights and fought both Elorde and Ortiz for their respective titles. Love Allotey was a presence in the top ten from '62 until '73. The Ghanaian fought 5 world champs including a foul-filled bout against Elorde for the title which he lost on a DQ. Vicente Derado, a tough little Argentine who fought 8 world champs, beating Nicolino Loche, Carlos Hernandez and Teo Cruz. Lost to Elorde for the title and to Raul Rojas for a generic California version of the crown. Kang-Il Suh, this bad little man from South Korea had the audacity to arrive on these shores and put a close thumping on one of the most scorching hot prospects in Mando Ramos. Also beat Hiroshi Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Numata and lost two squeakers to Flash Elorde. The latter bout for the title. Antonio Amaya, not a big banger this man from Panama, but good enough to beat Sugar Ramos, Frankie Narvaez, Rene Barrientos, Rafiu King and Chucho Alonso. Unfortunately he was unlucky enough to have met Kobayashi and Shibata for the title. Ruben Navarro, his rise to the title was nothing short of meteoric. Lost a highly disputed decision to Barrientos for the vacant WBC title with a record of 13-1-2 behind him, and that included a win over reigning champ Kobayashi and a draw with former champ Numata. He soon defected thereafter to 135. Frankie Crawford, known primarily as a Featherweight, but like most trying to earn a payday, had no reservations of fighting at the higher weight. Fought 6 world champs in his day, including a win over Mando Ramos. Sammy Goss, despite being the top contender at 130 from '72-'73, he could not nail down a shot at the big boy. Beat Edwin Viruet, Raul Cruz, Walter Seeley, Jose Fernandez and Jose Luis Lopez, but faded from the scene after losing his NABF title to Tyrone Everett. Hugo Barraza, a tough as nails Columbian who suffered the same fate as Goss, losing to Everett at the top of his game. However, unlike Goss, he continued making noise in the division for a few more years. Held wins over Crawford, Cruz, Lopez, Rodolfo Lobato and David Sotelo. Ray Lunny, appeared to have the goods when he broke onto the scene, if only he would have held his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of...oh, let's say his chin. Still, he held wins over Crawford, Goss, Jimmy Robertson, Mike Mayon, Raul Montoya and went into the 12th round with Escalera for the title. Vilomar Fernandez, beat reigning Jr. Lightweight champ Alexis Arguello in a non-title tenner, but had since departed the 130 lb. ranks for 135. Besides fighting both Duran and Hilmer Kenty for the Lightweight crown, he beat Lunny, Amaya, Ray Lampkin and Frankie Otero. Tyrone Everett, 'Ty the fly', a southpaw out of Philly, was one of the coolest customers around and the victim of what is generally recognized as one of the worst decisions in boxing’s shadowy history in his sole defeat to Alfredo Escalera. Murdered six months later, a career and life never fulfilled. Ruben Castillo, a force in two divisions. Went into his title bout with Arguello with a record of 48-0 and was battling the thin man neck and neck until two body shots in the 11th took his measure. His subsequent opportunity at 130 against Julio Cesar Chavez came past his prime. Jeff Fenech was already a three division champ when he descended on the 130 lb. class and was ripped royally in his draw with Azumah Nelson. The rematch, however, cannot be dismissed and the Aussie was never again the same fighter. Angel Manfredy, one of the few active fighters on my list, has since departed 130 for the 135 lb. ranks. However, his wins over Arturo Gatti and John Brown were memorable, with only a couple of guys named Pretty Boy and Diego having blocked his path.

Honorable mention: Teruo Kosaka, Frankie Otero, Chucho Alonso, Lionel Hernandez, Frankie Baltazar, John Brown.

Dan . . . Felipe Torres, a natural 130 pounder comes to mind. He also fought well at 135, but he was a junior lightweight that scored some big wins.

-Rick Farris

We're all falling apart.
____________________________________________________

Not all of us

Article courtesy of Dan Henley

Rick Farris wrote:

scartissue wrote:A little thinner than 135 but the 130 lbers have been around too long to ignore. Anyone think of someone I missed?

Scartissue

JR. LIGHT
Johnny Bizzarro (USA) (1)
Love Allotey (Ghana) (1)
Vicente Derado (Arg) (2)
Kang-Il Suh (SK) (2)
Antonio Amaya (Pan) (3)
Ruben Navarro (USA) (1)
Frankie Crawford (USA) (0)
Sammy Goss (USA) (0)
Hugo Barraza (Col) (0)
Ray Lunny (USA) (1)
Vilomar Fernandez (DR) (0)
Tyrone Everett (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Jeff Fenech (Austr) (2)
Angel Manfredy (USA) (1)


Hmmm...Jr. Lightweights huh? Not as thin as the 154 pounders but not as thick as the 140 division. Some decent leather-slingers here though, so let's give 'em a look see. Johnny Bizzarro, of the Pennsylvania fighting brood, went one better than little brother Lou, who fought Duran for the 135 crown. Johnny was a contender at both weights and fought both Elorde and Ortiz for their respective titles. Love Allotey was a presence in the top ten from '62 until '73. The Ghanaian fought 5 world champs including a foul-filled bout against Elorde for the title which he lost on a DQ. Vicente Derado, a tough little Argentine who fought 8 world champs, beating Nicolino Loche, Carlos Hernandez and Teo Cruz. Lost to Elorde for the title and to Raul Rojas for a generic California version of the crown. Kang-Il Suh, this bad little man from South Korea had the audacity to arrive on these shores and put a close thumping on one of the most scorching hot prospects in Mando Ramos. Also beat Hiroshi Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Numata and lost two squeakers to Flash Elorde. The latter bout for the title. Antonio Amaya, not a big banger this man from Panama, but good enough to beat Sugar Ramos, Frankie Narvaez, Rene Barrientos, Rafiu King and Chucho Alonso. Unfortunately he was unlucky enough to have met Kobayashi and Shibata for the title. Ruben Navarro, his rise to the title was nothing short of meteoric. Lost a highly disputed decision to Barrientos for the vacant WBC title with a record of 13-1-2 behind him, and that included a win over reigning champ Kobayashi and a draw with former champ Numata. He soon defected thereafter to 135. Frankie Crawford, known primarily as a Featherweight, but like most trying to earn a payday, had no reservations of fighting at the higher weight. Fought 6 world champs in his day, including a win over Mando Ramos. Sammy Goss, despite being the top contender at 130 from '72-'73, he could not nail down a shot at the big boy. Beat Edwin Viruet, Raul Cruz, Walter Seeley, Jose Fernandez and Jose Luis Lopez, but faded from the scene after losing his NABF title to Tyrone Everett. Hugo Barraza, a tough as nails Columbian who suffered the same fate as Goss, losing to Everett at the top of his game. However, unlike Goss, he continued making noise in the division for a few more years. Held wins over Crawford, Cruz, Lopez, Rodolfo Lobato and David Sotelo. Ray Lunny, appeared to have the goods when he broke onto the scene, if only he would have held his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of...oh, let's say his chin. Still, he held wins over Crawford, Goss, Jimmy Robertson, Mike Mayon, Raul Montoya and went into the 12th round with Escalera for the title. Vilomar Fernandez, beat reigning Jr. Lightweight champ Alexis Arguello in a non-title tenner, but had since departed the 130 lb. ranks for 135. Besides fighting both Duran and Hilmer Kenty for the Lightweight crown, he beat Lunny, Amaya, Ray Lampkin and Frankie Otero. Tyrone Everett, 'Ty the fly', a southpaw out of Philly, was one of the coolest customers around and the victim of what is generally recognized as one of the worst decisions in boxing’s shadowy history in his sole defeat to Alfredo Escalera. Murdered six months later, a career and life never fulfilled. Ruben Castillo, a force in two divisions. Went into his title bout with Arguello with a record of 48-0 and was battling the thin man neck and neck until two body shots in the 11th took his measure. His subsequent opportunity at 130 against Julio Cesar Chavez came past his prime. Jeff Fenech was already a three division champ when he descended on the 130 lb. class and was ripped royally in his draw with Azumah Nelson. The rematch, however, cannot be dismissed and the Aussie was never again the same fighter. Angel Manfredy, one of the few active fighters on my list, has since departed 130 for the 135 lb. ranks. However, his wins over Arturo Gatti and John Brown were memorable, with only a couple of guys named Pretty Boy and Diego having blocked his path.

Honorable mention: Teruo Kosaka, Frankie Otero, Chucho Alonso, Lionel Hernandez, Frankie Baltazar, John Brown.

Dan . . . Felipe Torres, a natural 130 pounder comes to mind. He also fought well at 135, but he was a junior lightweight that scored some big wins.

-Rick Farris

Rick, outstanding pick. Felipe actually held a world rating at Feather and I always remember him at lightweight, but he was criss-crossing across those divisions and of course he belongs here at 130. I think it was his win over Bobby Valdez that broke him into the ratings and when he beat Pete Gonzalez, Pete held a #7 rating at 130. I'll always remember his KO of Cesar Sinda in their 1st fight. Sinda danced all over Felipe winning the first 9 rounds, then when the bell rang for the 10th, Felipe went body shot crazy and knocked out the body-beautiful Sinda who looked like he was sculpted from stone. In the rematch Sinda stayed the course and won the decision, but Felipe was always a favorite of mine. I was always amazed with his jaw. Man, it was like there was a hinge on it. There was no use hitting him. Good call, dude.

Scartissue

scartissue wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

scartissue wrote:A little thinner than 135 but the 130 lbers have been around too long to ignore. Anyone think of someone I missed?

Scartissue

JR. LIGHT
Johnny Bizzarro (USA) (1)
Love Allotey (Ghana) (1)
Vicente Derado (Arg) (2)
Kang-Il Suh (SK) (2)
Antonio Amaya (Pan) (3)
Ruben Navarro (USA) (1)
Frankie Crawford (USA) (0)
Sammy Goss (USA) (0)
Hugo Barraza (Col) (0)
Ray Lunny (USA) (1)
Vilomar Fernandez (DR) (0)
Tyrone Everett (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Jeff Fenech (Austr) (2)
Angel Manfredy (USA) (1)


Hmmm...Jr. Lightweights huh? Not as thin as the 154 pounders but not as thick as the 140 division. Some decent leather-slingers here though, so let's give 'em a look see. Johnny Bizzarro, of the Pennsylvania fighting brood, went one better than little brother Lou, who fought Duran for the 135 crown. Johnny was a contender at both weights and fought both Elorde and Ortiz for their respective titles. Love Allotey was a presence in the top ten from '62 until '73. The Ghanaian fought 5 world champs including a foul-filled bout against Elorde for the title which he lost on a DQ. Vicente Derado, a tough little Argentine who fought 8 world champs, beating Nicolino Loche, Carlos Hernandez and Teo Cruz. Lost to Elorde for the title and to Raul Rojas for a generic California version of the crown. Kang-Il Suh, this bad little man from South Korea had the audacity to arrive on these shores and put a close thumping on one of the most scorching hot prospects in Mando Ramos. Also beat Hiroshi Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Numata and lost two squeakers to Flash Elorde. The latter bout for the title. Antonio Amaya, not a big banger this man from Panama, but good enough to beat Sugar Ramos, Frankie Narvaez, Rene Barrientos, Rafiu King and Chucho Alonso. Unfortunately he was unlucky enough to have met Kobayashi and Shibata for the title. Ruben Navarro, his rise to the title was nothing short of meteoric. Lost a highly disputed decision to Barrientos for the vacant WBC title with a record of 13-1-2 behind him, and that included a win over reigning champ Kobayashi and a draw with former champ Numata. He soon defected thereafter to 135. Frankie Crawford, known primarily as a Featherweight, but like most trying to earn a payday, had no reservations of fighting at the higher weight. Fought 6 world champs in his day, including a win over Mando Ramos. Sammy Goss, despite being the top contender at 130 from '72-'73, he could not nail down a shot at the big boy. Beat Edwin Viruet, Raul Cruz, Walter Seeley, Jose Fernandez and Jose Luis Lopez, but faded from the scene after losing his NABF title to Tyrone Everett. Hugo Barraza, a tough as nails Columbian who suffered the same fate as Goss, losing to Everett at the top of his game. However, unlike Goss, he continued making noise in the division for a few more years. Held wins over Crawford, Cruz, Lopez, Rodolfo Lobato and David Sotelo. Ray Lunny, appeared to have the goods when he broke onto the scene, if only he would have held his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of...oh, let's say his chin. Still, he held wins over Crawford, Goss, Jimmy Robertson, Mike Mayon, Raul Montoya and went into the 12th round with Escalera for the title. Vilomar Fernandez, beat reigning Jr. Lightweight champ Alexis Arguello in a non-title tenner, but had since departed the 130 lb. ranks for 135. Besides fighting both Duran and Hilmer Kenty for the Lightweight crown, he beat Lunny, Amaya, Ray Lampkin and Frankie Otero. Tyrone Everett, 'Ty the fly', a southpaw out of Philly, was one of the coolest customers around and the victim of what is generally recognized as one of the worst decisions in boxing’s shadowy history in his sole defeat to Alfredo Escalera. Murdered six months later, a career and life never fulfilled. Ruben Castillo, a force in two divisions. Went into his title bout with Arguello with a record of 48-0 and was battling the thin man neck and neck until two body shots in the 11th took his measure. His subsequent opportunity at 130 against Julio Cesar Chavez came past his prime. Jeff Fenech was already a three division champ when he descended on the 130 lb. class and was ripped royally in his draw with Azumah Nelson. The rematch, however, cannot be dismissed and the Aussie was never again the same fighter. Angel Manfredy, one of the few active fighters on my list, has since departed 130 for the 135 lb. ranks. However, his wins over Arturo Gatti and John Brown were memorable, with only a couple of guys named Pretty Boy and Diego having blocked his path.

Honorable mention: Teruo Kosaka, Frankie Otero, Chucho Alonso, Lionel Hernandez, Frankie Baltazar, John Brown.

Dan . . . Felipe Torres, a natural 130 pounder comes to mind. He also fought well at 135, but he was a junior lightweight that scored some big wins.

-Rick Farris

Rick, outstanding pick. Felipe actually held a world rating at Feather and I always remember him at lightweight, but he was criss-crossing across those divisions and of course he belongs here at 130. I think it was his win over Bobby Valdez that broke him into the ratings and when he beat Pete Gonzalez, Pete held a #7 rating at 130. I'll always remember his KO of Cesar Sinda in their 1st fight. Sinda danced all over Felipe winning the first 9 rounds, then when the bell rang for the 10th, Felipe went body shot crazy and knocked out the body-beautiful Sinda who looked like he was sculpted from stone. In the rematch Sinda stayed the course and won the decision, but Felipe was always a favorite of mine. I was always amazed with his jaw. Man, it was like there was a hinge on it. There was no use hitting him. Good call, dude.

Scartissue

Dan . . . As you know I used to box with Torres in the gym, and he was so active, quick, shifty, busy. He was also not a big single shot banger (although he scored his share of KO's). When I was working with Torres, I always came into a match in shape, eyes sharp, reflexes ready. I also worked with Sinda, and he was a guy who could punch. Just about every African boxer I sparred with, including Ray Adigun, had a big punch from the right side. I rarely hit the canvas at any point in my career, but my ass hit the deck for a flash knockdown in one session with Sinda. It was not a big deal, I jumped up and right back into the action with a clear head and my feet under me. However, for a split second, I did not recall my short journey to the deck until my butt hit canvas. You are right, it was the Bobby Valdez victory that put Torres on the title map. He also gave Duran a good go before being stoped by "Hands of Stone."


-Rick Farris