BoxRec

kikibalt wrote:Guys, I have some bad news, Art Aragon had a stoke and is on the life support and his family is ready to pull the plug, also Luis Magan from the Olympic passed last week at 95-96 years old.

FOR FRANK

Back in Chicago major league sports was a way of life. There were two pro football teams(Bears and Cardinals) and two pro baseball teams(Cubs and White Sox). Pro basketball was not what it is today. The Celtic dynasty hadn't begun yet. To show you how small pro basketball was ,there were franchises in Rochester and Ft. Wayne. The Lakers were in Minneapolis. The Chicago Blackhawks were big time ice hockey. The Chicago Stadium and Soldiers Field were venues for many of the great fights in boxing history: Dempsey/Tunney,Robinson/LaMotta ,Basilio/Robinson,to name a few.

When my family moved out to the West Coast in 1955,it seemed like we were in a village. San Diego was beautifull. Beaches,warm weather,palm trees,Mexico to the south. Downtown was for sailors . The department stores paled in comparision to Marshall Fields. No train station,stockyards. However the zoo was nice. A pretty place,San Diego,but wasn't big time like Chicago. Even the gangsters out here were lightweights.

My dad was a sports nut and so was I. Major league football and baseball hadn't arrived out here yet. If you liked the horses,there was Del Mar, and Calente in Tijuana. But hell I was a kid. Horse racing didn't interest me.
I liked boxing. You could get it on TV from New York and Chicago,or if there was an important fight from somewhere else they would televise it.

The first big name fighter I remember hearing about in California was Art Aragon. Archie Moore didn't fight in San Diego anymore,so the name that would pop up on the sports reports was Art Aragon. There was minor league baseball(Padres and Hollywood Stars),the Rams were going to jump to the NFL,but the guy who got the attention was someone they called"The Golden Boy". I remember watching Dragnet with Jack Webb and Ben Alexander(Joe Friday and Frank Smith), and in one episode they were anticipating going to the "Aragon fight." The Los Angeles TV stations broadcasted and reported what was happening in Southland sports ,and the talk was often about who Art Aragon was fighting next. No doubt about it,Chicago may have had the Bears,but LA. had their "Golden Boy'and they wouldn't have traded him for all the silk in China.

I remember the talk of Carmen Basilio coming out to California to fight Aragon. This was Art's shot. It was a big fight for Carmen too. He'd just lost the title to Sugar Ray,and now was coming out to the West Coast to get "well" against Aragon. Aragon ,in 51 had beaten Jimmy Carter in a non title in LA.,but lost to Carter in the rematch for the lightweight title in Los Angeles a few months later.

Carmen was too big and strong for Art. After seven rounds it eas over. Basilio went on to fight more title fights against Fullmer,although not winning,and Art Aragon"The Golden Boy" retired within two years. By that time LA. had all the big time pro team sports as the New Yorks and Chicagos.

About 20 years ago I was flipping the dial when I caught a sport's interview show from LA. Tom Harmon,the Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan,was interviewing Art Aragon. Harmon was trying to get across how popular "The Golden Boy"was in the Southland. Art Aragon might have been a lightweight,but he was a giant amongst his fans. Harmon went on to talk about how LA. would follow his career hoping that he would eventully win a title. Of course this didn't happen. Harmon asked "The Golden Boy" what he was doing these days. Art smiled with that fighter's pan. The broken nose,the scar tissue. He still had that full head of black wavy hair,the tanned skin. A great smile.He was still impressive. He was still "The Golden Boy".

"I'm trying to start a foundation for former fighters,"said Aragon. His speech seemed a little slow.
"People need to understand that a lot of these guys need some help now. After fighting they couldn't do much anymore. The promoters forgot about them."
Harmon was looking at him. Harmon remembered "The Golden Boy". Harmon had gone to his fights many times. The interview went on for about ten minutes.
""Before we say good night,"said Harmon," I want all of you out there ,that don't remember Art"Golden Boy" Aragon, to understand that he was all we had out here."
Aragon wasn't looking at Harmon nor the camera. His head was a little down and to the side.
"You've got to realize,"said "The Golden Boy","that these fighters gave everything they had for their fans. We need to help some of them now."
As the camera faded away ,the studio was quiet. "The Golden Boy" was still staring at nothing as he spoke his last words.

kikibalt wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7rNks9X1e8
Art Aragon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfljBXYF8M

Fat City

Great interview with Art Aragon, Frank.

I remember when he was a bail bondsman, I took a friend, a former amateur heavyweight, who needed a bond to satisfy a bench warrant. When I spoke with Aragon on the phone, I explained the guy I was bringing in had been a boxer.

When we arrived, Art looked the big guy up and down and said to me, "I thought you said this guy was a boxer? He looks more like a cocker spaniel to me . . ."

Classic Art Aragon.


-Rick Farris

Art Aragon

Famous former boxer Art Aragon turns 80

Former boxer Art Aragon at his 80th birthday party.
Provided by: Morris Schulatsky

Contributed by: Morris Schulatsky

Van Nuys resident Art Aragon, who was called the Golden Boy in the boxing world during the 1940s and 50s, turned 80 on Nov. 13 anda knockout birthday bash was held in his honor.

Held at the Dunes Inn in Hollywood, the party guests included Bobby Chacon, former World Boxing Council featherweight and junior lightweight champ; Vince Delgado, former featherweight contender; and Don Fraser, president of the California Hall of Fame Boxing Association.

The partygoers remembered Aragon when he was an outstanding lightweight, ranked fifth in the world. He was later ranked fourth among welterweights.
Sports writers described the young Mexican-American from East L.A. as "an aggressive and fearless fighter."

He was a busy one, too, sometimes fighting twice a month. In his 17-year career, he fought 114 bouts and won 88 - 60 by knockout. In his only world title bout, he lost to James Carter in the lightweight division.

"I had to drop my weight from 142 to 134," he said. "I felt weakened and I lost."
A few years later, he defeated Carter in a nontitle match.

But Aragon still remembers the cheers - and and jeers - from the crowds during his bouts against fighters such as Lauro Salas, Cisco Andrade, Don Jordan and Alfredo Escobar. In 1950, he knocked out the popular Enrique Bolanos and he heard the boos.

"I was unhappy at first," he said. "But audiences love a winner."

In 1958, he had his toughest fight, against Carmen Basilio. He went eight rounds before hitting the canvas in L.A.'s Wrigley Field.

"I gave him everything I had," Aragon said. "But it wasn't enough. He was a bulldog. He hit me with everything."

One sport writer described Aragon's face as "a mess" after the fight. Why did he fight Basilio? "For the money," he said.

For the bout, Aragon was paid $140,000. "Cost me $90,000 to get out of the hospital," he joked.

He retired from boxing in 1960 at age 33 and invested the money he'd made to start a bail-bond business.

"If I ever got arrested, I could bail myself out," Aragon quipped.

His two sons, Brad and Audie, help with the business. He also has a daughter, Georgette, and three grandchildren.

Aragon said he would like to be remembered as a survivor in a brutal business.
"A guy beating on your head for 10 rounds," he said " ... I'm lucky to be alive."

Rick---

Finally, here I am. It took some doing to get activated and logged in, but as I told you today on the phone I would be writing tonight (actually it is morning already).

I am very impressed with this forum and reading the posts about the West Coast boxers of the past. And the pictures are so great. Kikibalt, you are doing a super job with writing and posting so many photos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to include me with all the other great fighters.

Now that I have been able to log in I will be adding a story or two from time to time. I will gladly answer any questions to the writers and boxing fans who would like to know more about my boxing career.

I'm signing off for now. Barbara and I just got in from Las Vegas this afternoon after spending the Easter weekend with my son and two daugters and their families.

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

El Gato wrote:Rick---

Finally, here I am. It took some doing to get activated and logged in, but as I told you today on the phone I would be writing tonight (actually it is morning already).

I am very impressed with this forum and reading the posts about the West Coast boxers of the past. And the pictures are so great. Kikibalt, you are doing a super job with writing and posting so many photos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to include me with all the other great fighters.

Now that I have been able to log in I will be adding a story or two from time to time. I will gladly answer any questions to the writers and boxing fans who would like to know more about my boxing career.

I'm signing off for now. Barbara and I just got in from Las Vegas this afternoon after spending the Easter weekend with my son and two daugters and their families.

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

Rodolfo,

Welcome to this great thread, as you can see we have a great team here.
Bennie, diego dude, Rick, pug, Dan, and Tom, just to name a few, sorry for those I miss, all have lots of boxing knowledge, especially on West Coast boxing.

Frank

Welcome to the forum, Rodolfo, and thanks for posting. You were champion around the time Ken Buchanan was champion. What did you think of Buchanan?

El Gato wrote:Rick---

Finally, here I am. It took some doing to get activated and logged in, but as I told you today on the phone I would be writing tonight (actually it is morning already).

I am very impressed with this forum and reading the posts about the West Coast boxers of the past. And the pictures are so great. Kikibalt, you are doing a super job with writing and posting so many photos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to include me with all the other great fighters.

Now that I have been able to log in I will be adding a story or two from time to time. I will gladly answer any questions to the writers and boxing fans who would like to know more about my boxing career.

I'm signing off for now. Barbara and I just got in from Las Vegas this afternoon after spending the Easter weekend with my son and two daugters and their families.

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

Thanks for jumping in here sir.
Its an honor to have you here.

Dommy Ursua...1956

Art Aragon

Art Aragon, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Rooney
at Hollywood Entertainers Baseball Game, c. 1952.

Art Aragon vs Vince Martinez
Before 17,158 fans at Gilmore Field, July 1, 1954.
Fight realized a gross of $130,262.

God love us Mexicans!

White Wedding vs. Mexican Wedding

WHITES: Send out invitations.
MEXICANS: Send out maps.

WHITES: Receive their invitations 3 months in advance.
MEXICANS: Find out about the wedding 1 week before.

WHITES: Have seven BridesMaids.
MEXICANS: Have seven Padrinos.

WHITES: RSVP their invitation.
MEXICANS: Show up with three car loads.

WHITES: Go to the wedding AND the reception.
MEXICANS: Just go to the reception.

WHITES: Show up with a Gift
MEXICANS: Forgot the gift, but tey'll send it latter.

WHITES: Have elegant food.
MEXICANS: Have arroz, frijoles and birria.

WHITES: Order the cake from a bakery.
MEXICANS: Have their cake done by la senora down the street.

WHITES: Eat the food and cake.
MEXICANS: Eat the food and cake....... AND take some home para manana

WHITES: At the reception, they drink wine
MEXICANS: At the reception, they drink Coors, Budweiser. Bud Light Bud Ice, Corona , Tecate, Pacifico, Casadores, Patron, Presidente, Jose Cuervo Gusano's, Reposado, …

WHITES: Relatives get drunk and pass out.
MEXICANS: Get drunk, shed a few tears and start singing to Vicente Fernandez songs, fight … then pass out.

WHITES: Dance at the party … YEAH RIGHT!!!
MEXICANS: Dance at the party to Nortenas, Rancheras, Reggaeton,Rap,Old school, Oldies, House …

WHITES: Party ends at midnight.
MEXICANS: Party ends when the COPS show up.

WHITES: Wake up the next morning NOT WANTING another beer.
MEXICANS: Wake up the next morning DRINKING another beer.

Now, you know you were laughing - cuz you've done at least 6 of
these. I sure have!!!

Luis Magana, did Spanish p.r. for the Olympic Auditorium.
Died last week.

Art Aragon stands over El Conscripto who has just gone down for one of his five trips to the canvus before being counted out in the third at the Olympic, March 6, 1951

Art Aragon going to court

Boxer Art Aragon, guilty of drunk fighting, sits in court with his attorney Paul Caruso.

Art Aragon vs Tommy Campball

kikibalt wrote:
Art Aragon in court

I guess Arts takin the fifth amendmant huh?

Art Aragon gathers up a handful of logs at Soper's Ranch in Ojai. August 27, 1956.

Who would want to skip bail with Aragon around?

Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno (R) vs Gaetano Annalora...1957

El Gato wrote:Rick---

Finally, here I am. It took some doing to get activated and logged in, but as I told you today on the phone I would be writing tonight (actually it is morning already).

I am very impressed with this forum and reading the posts about the West Coast boxers of the past. And the pictures are so great. Kikibalt, you are doing a super job with writing and posting so many photos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to include me with all the other great fighters.

Now that I have been able to log in I will be adding a story or two from time to time. I will gladly answer any questions to the writers and boxing fans who would like to know more about my boxing career.

I'm signing off for now. Barbara and I just got in from Las Vegas this afternoon after spending the Easter weekend with my son and two daugters and their families.

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez is here....!!!

Hey Gato, how are you doing?

I got so many questions to ask you that I do not know where to start.

First, tell me of your memories when you won the WBC World Lightweight Title from Chango Carmona. How did you felt? What is the feeling of being a world champion?

Second, Do you have that fight on video tape or any of your fights on video for that manner?

Third, Why the fight with you and the great Roberto Duran did not happened? What was the talk behind the scenes of the time? It would have been an explosive match between two great KO artists.

Fourth, what happened to you in the Guts Itshimatsu fight? I think you was the favorite to win. What happened? Did the trip going to hard place to fight like Japan affected you?

Glad to hear from you, champ.

El Gato wrote:Rick---

Finally, here I am. It took some doing to get activated and logged in, but as I told you today on the phone I would be writing tonight (actually it is morning already).

I am very impressed with this forum and reading the posts about the West Coast boxers of the past. And the pictures are so great. Kikibalt, you are doing a super job with writing and posting so many photos.
Thank you so much for taking the time to include me with all the other great fighters.

Now that I have been able to log in I will be adding a story or two from time to time. I will gladly answer any questions to the writers and boxing fans who would like to know more about my boxing career.

I'm signing off for now. Barbara and I just got in from Las Vegas this afternoon after spending the Easter weekend with my son and two daugters and their families.

Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez

El Gato
Welcome to our little world. I posted on here a while back a story about how I discovered that you had some early fights in my wife's hometown,Jiquilpan,Michoacan. I titled the story"El Gato Away From Home". The old timers still remember you there. Me and my wife built a home in Jiquilpan. Well,you know how peacefull those little pueblos are. I saw you beat Chango Carmona to win the title. You're one of my favorites. Que chulada es el maiz prieto! Dagos

kikibalt wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote: Hey, what do I know?, the caption came with the pic. (LATimes) LOL!!

We need to take a trip to TJ. Without the wives.

I would have to ask my wife first. LOL!!

Frank,
Do what I always do, LIE
Examples: Honey,me and Dagos are going to get some tacos in TJ
Honey,me and Dagos are going to go to the dog races.
Honey,me and Dagos are going to get a haircut for a
dollar.
Honey,me and Dagos are going to visit an old sick
compadre.
Capice?

My father once told me if your wife catches you in bed with another woman,you leap out of bed and raise yor voice.
"Honey,I don't know how this woman got in here. She must have climbed through the window and got in bed with me while I was sleeping."
Why tell them the truth? Lie. Never admit to anything. Our wives don't want to hear the truth anyway. If you tell them the truth you have to be nice to them all the time. DAGOS