Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Jeri and I had dinner at Jack's Whittier Restaurant on Whittier Bl. It's a throwback restaurant with, with Tuna Melts, Liver and Onions, Fried Chicken and all the old standards that we grew up with. They've made concessions to the changing demographics in the last few years and added a few Mexican items on the menu but I haven't tried any of them yet.

There was another Jacks going west on Whittier bl that was our real favorite. The owner retired and sold the business. He did good business for a few years until he tried to get fancy and high faluting and changed his menu. The building has been empty for eight years.

While at the restaurant I had another Mel Epstein memory. I ordered a glass of buttermilk and that got the memories of Mel rolling. Growing up I hated buttermilk. Couldn't stand it. One day after working out at the Main Street Gym, Mel took me to his apartment for dinner. I say took, because with Mel, there really was no choice, you were going. At his house he served me a glass of buttermilk. The very thought was horrifying and I told him "Mel, no way am I going to drink buttermilk". I guess he saw that as a challenge and bugged me until I finally gave up and took a small drink. Wonders of wonders, I loved it and I've been drinking it ever since. I think of him every single time. I tell my wife every single time too. She says "I know you told me before" and under her breath in barely a whisper I can hear "At least a thousand times". Then she smiles and pretends she's listening to me.

Same thing with Cole Slaw. I hated it. It was one of those things that made me gag. Today it's one of my favorite sides. Same story to Jeri. same reaction. Mel cooked me my first omelet and showed me how to make one. I mastered the art of omelet making when I was a short order cook for JoJo's restaurant. He taught me how to make a Swiss Steak and just so many other things that I had never heard of. More importantly, as difficult as it could eating at a restaurant with the old geezer, he taught me how to order a good meal, and how to not settle for sloppy service.

Mel was a cook in the Merchant Marines. He was as comfortable in the kitchen as he was in the gym and in the ring. Just as he was in all things boxing, he loved to share his knowledge (if you were worthy). He loved to cook for anyone and everyone. I'm sure Rick remembers.

Randy

Funny you post this Randy, my son James took Connie and I out to dinner at Michael J here in La Puente, I had Liver and Onions.....

[Randyman]

Jeri and I had dinner at Jack's Whittier Restaurant on Whittier Bl. It's a throwback restaurant with, with Tuna Melts, Liver and Onions, Fried Chicken and all the old standards that we grew up with. They've made concessions to the changing demographics in the last few years and added a few Mexican items on the menu but I haven't tried any of them yet.

There was another Jacks going west on Whittier bl that was our real favorite. The owner retired and sold the business. He did good business for a few years until he tried to get fancy and high faluting and changed his menu. The building has been empty for eight years.

While at the restaurant I had another Mel Epstein memory. I ordered a glass of buttermilk and that got the memories of Mel rolling. Growing up I hated buttermilk. Couldn't stand it. One day after working out at the Main Street Gym, Mel took me to his apartment for dinner. I say took, because with Mel, there really was no choice, you were going. At his house he served me a glass of buttermilk. The very thought was horrifying and I told him "Mel, no way am I going to drink buttermilk". I guess he saw that as a challenge and bugged me until I finally gave up and took a small drink. Wonders of wonders, I loved it and I've been drinking it ever since. I think of him every single time. I tell my wife every single time too. She says "I know you told me before" and under her breath in barely a whisper I can hear "At least a thousand times". Then she smiles and pretends she's listening to me.

Same thing with Cole Slaw. I hated it. It was one of those things that made me gag. Today it's one of my favorite sides. Same story to Jeri. same reaction. Mel cooked me my first omelet and showed me how to make one. I mastered the art of omelet making when I was a short order cook for JoJo's restaurant. He taught me how to make a Swiss Steak and just so many other things that I had never heard of. More importantly, as difficult as it could eating at a restaurant with the old geezer, he taught me how to order a good meal, and how to not settle for sloppy service.

Mel was a cook in the Merchant Marines. He was as comfortable in the kitchen as he was in the gym and in the ring. Just as he was in all things boxing, he loved to share his knowledge (if you were worthy). He loved to cook for anyone and everyone. I'm sure Rick remembers.

Randy

Funny you post this Randy, my son James took Connie and I out to dinner at Michael J here in La Puente, I had Liver and Onions.....

Frank, liver and onions is one of mine and Jeri's favorite. It has been for years. I don't understand why so many people hate it. Good stuff! Kudos to James for taking his Mom and Dad out to a good dinner.

Randy

[Randyman]

With Frank's last post we just made page 800.

Like the saying goes: "You ain't seen nothing yet!"

Randy

[Randyman]

When's our buddy Rog, coming back?

[Rick Farris]

Jeri and I had dinner at Jack's Whittier Restaurant on Whittier Bl. It's a throwback restaurant with, with Tuna Melts, Liver and Onions, Fried Chicken and all the old standards that we grew up with. They've made concessions to the changing demographics in the last few years and added a few Mexican items on the menu but I haven't tried any of them yet.

There was another Jacks going west on Whittier bl that was our real favorite. The owner retired and sold the business. He did good business for a few years until he tried to get fancy and high faluting and changed his menu. The building has been empty for eight years.

While at the restaurant I had another Mel Epstein memory. I ordered a glass of buttermilk and that got the memories of Mel rolling. Growing up I hated buttermilk. Couldn't stand it. One day after working out at the Main Street Gym, Mel took me to his apartment for dinner. I say took, because with Mel, there really was no choice, you were going. At his house he served me a glass of buttermilk. The very thought was horrifying and I told him "Mel, no way am I going to drink buttermilk". I guess he saw that as a challenge and bugged me until I finally gave up and took a small drink. Wonders of wonders, I loved it and I've been drinking it ever since. I think of him every single time. I tell my wife every single time too. She says "I know you told me before" and under her breath in barely a whisper I can hear "At least a thousand times". Then she smiles and pretends she's listening to me.

Same thing with Cole Slaw. I hated it. It was one of those things that made me gag. Today it's one of my favorite sides. Same story to Jeri. same reaction. Mel cooked me my first omelet and showed me how to make one. I mastered the art of omelet making when I was a short order cook for JoJo's restaurant. He taught me how to make a Swiss Steak and just so many other things that I had never heard of. More importantly, as difficult as it could eating at a restaurant with the old geezer, he taught me how to order a good meal, and how to not settle for sloppy service.

Mel was a cook in the Merchant Marines. He was as comfortable in the kitchen as he was in the gym and in the ring. Just as he was in all things boxing, he loved to share his knowledge (if you were worthy). He loved to cook for anyone and everyone. I'm sure Rick remembers.

Randy

Randy . . . As you know, Mel was in the Calvary. Remember the story of the stupid horse he rode along the Rio Grande River?
Mel said that the soldiers would often be riding along the river banks and could close their eyes and catch a quick nap.
Everytime Mel would nod off, the stupid horse would wander closer to the edge of the water.
The river undermined it's bank, and when the horse moved to close, they would topple into the river.
He said the horse would deliberatly run under low crossing tree branches, trying to peel him off his saddle.
When Mel was discharged, he said the last thing he did was visit the horse in the barn, and punched him right in the snout.

When I was 19, he'd invite me over to his apartment of the time, a very old classic Hotel Apt. on Wilshire Blvd. "The Bryson".
It was a very cool old building owned by actor Fred MacMurray. He had maid service, he'd flirt with the old broads who'd clean the place.
On a Sunday morning, he invited me over and my girlfriend, Karla, as well. He made us an oyster omlette.
He'd made the omlette from scratch, having nothing else to put mix in but the oysters.

The next day he said he'd never give me oysters again, he said I was over-sexed, or something like that.
He believed the oysters were suspect?
He really was crazy, a great human being, but crazy.

And of course, you remember his pistol(s)?
A few months after I quit boxing, Mel needs the Flores gloves he'd bought me for another boxer.
I was new in the film business and working until 9pm each night.
I told him I'd drop them over after work, I told him "after nine", but he thought I said, "after five".
Of course, we had no cell phones or pagers in those days. When I didn't show up at five, he leaves a message on my answer machine.
He left the message at seven about being responsible, and he whines and moaned, and insulted my charactor.
Of course, I'm working, and when finished zip over the hill to his place on Lafayette Park Place.
The building had a security door in front, but it was left open for some reason, so I walk down the hall and knock on Me;'s door.

All of a sudden the door cracks open and this angry little bald face is peering out from the darkness.
"Well it's about time." he barks, he pulls the door open with one hand, the loaded pistol is in the other.
"I thought you were that crazy bastid next door, I almost shot you, showing up like this, no call.
That's what's wrong with the world . . . . "
Mel had a .380 revolver and a tiny Colt .25 semi-auto(no longer made that small) he called his "Saturday Night Special".

He never would believe that I told him I'd be there after nine. I'd hear about that everytime we'd talk thereafter.


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

With Frank's last post we just made page 800.

Like the saying goes: "You ain't seen nothing yet!"

Randy

And, we are less than twenty posts from our 20,000th post!


-Rick Farris

[bennie]

I thought we only ate liver and onions. Tell you what, the smell sends the dogs crazy.

[kikibalt]

Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez . . .

Just moments after this photo was taken, Hall of Famer Yaqui Lopez was in tears.
It was all Dan Hanley's fault. I hate when he does that.
Dan knows what to say, and how to say it, and his words are often aimed at the heart.
The legends will open their hearts, thus giving our talk much more than mere words.


-Rick Farris

[Expug]

At work, Ive escorted Michael Jordan to a luxury suite on a couple of occasions.
Ive met countless celebs and pro athletes. Its just work.

Meeting Yaqui Lopez at the wbhof was an honor. A true highlight for me.
That guy I have huge respect for. Danny Lopez too.

[bennie]

Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez . . .

Just moments after this photo was taken, Hall of Famer Yaqui Lopez was in tears.
It was all Dan Hanley's fault. I hate when he does that.
Dan knows what to say, and how to say it, and his words are often aimed at the heart.
The legends will open their hearts, thus giving our talk much more than mere words.


-Rick Farris

Just something which occurred to me, what does "Yaqui" mean.

[Randyman]

Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez . . .

Just moments after this photo was taken, Hall of Famer Yaqui Lopez was in tears.
It was all Dan Hanley's fault. I hate when he does that.
Dan knows what to say, and how to say it, and his words are often aimed at the heart.
The legends will open their hearts, thus giving our talk much more than mere words.


-Rick Farris

Just something which occurred to me, what does "Yaqui" mean.

Bennie, Yaqui's are an Native American tribe in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. I recall reading years ago that Lopez showed up for a fight somewhere in central California, on a Indian reservation, he was told that only Indians (Native Americans) were allowed to fight on the card. He told them he was a Yaqui Indian, in order to fight and the name stuck.

I'm oversimplifying it and I my not be 100% correct but that is the gist of it.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez . . .

Just moments after this photo was taken, Hall of Famer Yaqui Lopez was in tears.
It was all Dan Hanley's fault. I hate when he does that.
Dan knows what to say, and how to say it, and his words are often aimed at the heart.
The legends will open their hearts, thus giving our talk much more than mere words.


-Rick Farris

Just something which occurred to me, what does "Yaqui" mean.

Bennie, Yaqui's are an Native American tribe in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. I recall reading years ago that Lopez showed up for a fight somewhere in central California, on a Indian reservation, he was told that only Indians (Native Americans) were allowed to fight on the card. He told them he was a Yaqui Indian, in order to fight and the name stuck.

I'm oversimplifying it and I my not be 100% correct but that is the gist of it.

Randy

Randy . . . The nickname "Yaqui" was discussed in the interview. Your pretty close to correct. I won't elaborate, the interviews will eventually be shown here. I've told this story before, but the previous year, we had Yaqui Lopez and his former foe Matthew Saad Muhammad on camera together. They were discussing their title bouts and got confused. They disagreed over who won a particular bout and we caught the disagreement. Of course, these two are total gentlemen, but Dan & I thought we might have accidentally instigated another world light-heavy title match right before our cameras.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Charley Salas

Alias Dynamite
Country USA
Global Id 13887
Division Welterweight
Born 1928-06-23

Date Opponent Location Result
1957-08-15 Mel Barker Dallas, USA L PTS 10
1957-05-01 Mel Barker Albuquerque, USA W SD 10
1957-04-25 Jesse Robles Nogales, USA L PTS 10
1957-03-25 Tony Russo Tucson, USA W UD 10
1957-03-12 Mel Barker Phoenix, USA W SD 10
1957-02-18 Mel Barker Austin, USA L PTS 10
1957-02-12 Bobby Wright Phoenix, USA W KO 3
1956-02-28 Dick Goldstein Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1955-12-01 Rory Calhoun Los Angeles, USA L TKO 9
1955-04-11 Eusebio Hernandez El Paso, USA L UD 10
1955-02-17 Jimmy Martinez Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1955-01-13 Bobby Jones San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1954-12-28 Georgie Johnson Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-11-20 Chico Varona Havana, Cuba L PTS 10
1954-11-11 Neal Rivers Phoenix, USA L UD 10
1954-10-05 Chico Varona Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-09-07 Billy Lauderdale Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-08-10 Luther Rawlings Miami Beach, USA D PTS 10
1954-08-07 Kid Charolito Spirituano Havana, Cuba W PTS 10
1954-06-08 Jimmy Martinez Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1954-05-26 Neal Rivers Las Vegas, USA L UD 10
1954-05-11 Chester Mieszala Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1954-05-03 Tommy Wilson Tucson, USA W RTD 5
1954-04-13 Cliff Barnett Phoenix, USA W RTD 7
1953-08-15 Manuel Baptista Dallas, USA L PTS 12
1953-01-26 George Holmes Tucson, USA W UD 10
1953-01-16 Eusebio Hernandez El Paso, USA W KO 7
1952-12-17 Livio Minelli Saint Louis, USA W PTS 10
1952-11-19 Jesse Turner Saint Louis, USA W TKO 6
1952-10-27 Nick Moran El Paso, USA W UD 10
1952-10-22 Jesse Turner Saint Louis, USA D PTS 10
1952-10-11 Bobby Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1952-09-25 Nick Moran El Paso, USA W MD 10
1952-08-14 Jesse Turner Albuquerque, USA W UD 10
1952-08-02 Oscar Reyes Hollywood, USA W TKO 5
1952-07-08 Annunzio Ferraro Tucson, USA W TKO 7
1952-06-18 Willie Vaughn Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1952-06-04 Ray Perez El Paso, USA W TKO 4
1952-05-23 Charlie Sawyer Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1952-04-08 Eusebio Hernandez Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W PTS 10
1952-03-31 Pierre Langlois Montreal, Canada L MD 10
1952-03-13 Bobby Jones San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1952-02-29 Ramon Fuentes Tucson, USA L UD 10
1952-02-08 Maurice Harper Phoenix, USA L UD 10
1952-01-25 Shamus McCray Tucson, USA W UD 10
1952-01-04 Freddie Herman Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-12-19 Memo Garmendia Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-11-19 Johnny Saxton Philadelphia, USA L UD 10
1951-11-02 Freddie Dawson Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-10-24 Glen Hendershot Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W TKO 7
1951-10-07 Nick Moran Mexico City, Mexico W PTS 10
1951-09-26 Charley Cato Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W KO 9
1951-09-07 Bobby Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-08-21 Kid Azteca Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W TKO 7
1951-08-06 Charley Cato Tucson, USA W TKO 5
1951-07-25 Woody Harper Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1951-07-09 Eddie Williams Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-06-18 Charley Cato Tucson, USA W RTD 9
1951-06-15 Rafael Gutierrez Phoenix, USA W TKO 9
1951-06-05 Nick Moran Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1951-05-25 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-05-14 Benny Walker Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-05-04 Nando Soso Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1951-04-20 Lou Joseph Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1951-04-13 Tommy Campbell Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-04-06 Clifton Lester Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-03-23 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA D PTS 10
1951-03-09 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-02-26 Eddie Williams Tucson, USA W MD 10
1951-02-01 Joey Barnum Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-01-24 Maurice Harper Oakland, USA L UD 10
1951-01-16 Elmer Beltz Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1950-12-26 Terry Gibson Phoenix, USA W KO 5
1950-12-15 John L Davis Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1950-12-05 Bobby Foster Phoenix, USA W TKO 3
1950-11-28 Glen Hendershot Phoenix, USA W TKO 3
1950-10-24 Charley Cotton Toledo, USA L UD 10
1950-10-09 Sonny Boy West Baltimore, USA L PTS 10
1950-09-26 Ike Williams Washington, USA L SD 10
1950-09-05 Houston Brown Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-08-07 Ike Williams Washington, USA W UD 10
1950-07-19 Billy Zaduk Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-07-09 George Silvas Superior, USA W KO 4
1950-07-07 Jimmy Campbell Globe, USA W KO 2
1950-07-04 Pantera Negra Superior, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-23 Harvey Davis Globe, USA W KO 2
1950-06-21 Hugh Sublett Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-05 Willie Jenkins Tucson, USA W UD 10
1950-05-31 Hugh Sublett Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1950-05-17 Ray Brown Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1950-05-03 Leon Daughtry Washington, USA W PTS 10
1950-04-24 Charley Williams Newark, USA W PTS 10
1950-04-06 Roy Carter Sunnyside, Queens, USA W KO 1
1950-03-30 Gene Hairston Brooklyn, USA L UD 8
1950-03-22 Freddie Dawson Chicago, USA L UD 10
1950-02-25 Joe Miceli Brooklyn, USA D PTS 10
1950-02-16 Honeychile Johnson Philadelphia, USA L PTS 8
1950-02-10 Johnny Saxton New York, USA L UD 8
1950-02-02 Pat Byers Philadelphia, USA W TKO 6
1950-01-26 Bucky Slocum Philadelphia, USA W PTS 6
1950-01-13 Chico Pacheco Palm Beach, USA W PTS 10
1950-01-06 Jimmy Hatcher Palm Beach, USA W KO 2
1949-12-21 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-11-30 Bobby Lakin Phoenix, USA W KO 8
1949-11-15 Lino Armenteros Hartford, USA W PTS 10
1949-10-26 Ross Virgo Miami, USA L PTS 10
1949-10-19 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA D PTS 10
1949-09-07 California Jackie Wilson Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-08-29 Bobby Yaeger Tucson, USA W PTS 10
1949-08-15 Eusebio Hernandez Phoenix, USA W TKO 8
1949-07-29 Harold Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1949-07-11 Howell Steen Tucson, USA W TKO 5
1949-07-01 Shamus McCray Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-06-08 Tommy Jones Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1949-06-03 Shamus McCray Hollywood, USA W UD 12
1949-05-06 Lawrence Brown Hollywood, USA W TKO 7
1949-04-14 George Fields Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1949-04-01 George Fields Hollywood, USA D PTS 6
1949-03-16 Bobby Dykes San Antonio, USA L SD 10
1949-02-25 Lawrence Brown Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1949-02-11 Willie Jenkins Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1949-01-14 Frankie Vigeant Hollywood, USA W TKO 8
1949-01-05 Mario Cabrera Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-12-08 Frankie Saucedo Phoenix, USA W TKO 6
1948-12-03 Jose Rocha Hollywood, USA W TKO 5
1948-10-30 Richard Jones Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1948-09-24 Irvin Steen Hollywood, USA L PTS 10
1948-09-14 Bert Linam San Antonio, USA W UD 10
1948-08-31 Frankie Fernandez Honolulu, USA L PTS 10
1948-08-06 Bobby Yaeger Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1948-07-09 Harold Jones Hollywood, USA L SD 10
1948-06-07 Chuck Cureton Ocean Park, USA W TKO 10
1948-05-27 Johnny Dabbs Denver, USA W PTS 10
1948-05-18 Bobby Maloney Los Angeles, USA W TKO 5
1948-05-12 Irvin Steen Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1948-04-28 Memo Llanes Fresno, USA W PTS 10
1948-04-12 Clyde Coyhis Ocean Park, USA L PTS 10
1948-04-07 Buster Smith Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1948-03-23 Bernard Docusen Los Angeles, USA L UD 10
1948-02-27 Bobby Yaeger Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1948-02-18 Jesse Flores Fresno, USA L PTS 10
1948-02-11 Ray Louis Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-01-28 Jolly McElroy Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-01-07 Tony Chavez Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1947-11-19 Rube Tiger Hodges Phoenix, USA W TKO 10
1947-11-12 Jimmy Shans Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1947-10-29 Billy Shelton Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1947-10-15 Dynamite (Jesse) Jackson Phoenix, USA W TKO 4
1947-10-08 Bob Yorigun Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1947-10-01 Dynamite (Jesse) Jackson Phoenix, USA W TKO 4
1947-09-23 Sal Perea Fresno, USA D PTS 10
1947-09-12 Morris Corona Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1947-08-08 Rudy Davila Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1947-08-01 Leroy Willis San Francisco, USA W PTS 6
1947-07-11 Charley Daniels San Diego, USA L PTS 10
1947-07-07 Ray Louis Ocean Park, USA L PTS 4
1947-06-29 Ray Louis Phoenix, USA W PTS 0
1947-05-27 Billy Shelton Phoenix, USA L PTS 8
1947-05-02 Milo Leyvas Tucson, USA NC NC 3
1947-04-24 Jose Zapata Tucson, USA W PTS 6
1947-04-22 El Tigre I Phoenix, USA W PTS 0
1947-04-20 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1947-03-30 Ad Alonzo Phoenix, USA D PTS 6
1947-03-23 Rudy Davila Phoenix, USA L PTS 8
1947-03-02 Torpedo Reed Phoenix, USA W PTS 8
1947-02-26 Gabe Peralta Phoenix, USA W PTS 8
1947-01-30 Billy Hale Phoenix, USA W KO 3
1947-01-15 Jack Evans Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-12-09 Billy Mitchell Ocean Park, USA W KO 1
1946-12-06 Bobby Taylor Hollywood, USA L PTS 4
1946-11-29 Johnny Anders Hollywood, USA W KO 2
1946-11-25 Ray Louis Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-11-19 Clyde Coyhis Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1946-11-04 Billy Mitchell Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-09-26 Julius Menendez San Jose, USA L PTS 10
1946-09-24 Ray Thomas Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1946-08-26 Wallace Bates Ocean Park, USA W KO 4
1946-08-22 Sal Perea San Francisco, USA D PTS 10
1946-08-16 Flash Gordon Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-09 Jose Silva San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-05 Ray Louis Pico, USA W KO 3
1946-08-02 Chick Musgrove San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-07-05 Fali Villages Phoenix, USA L PTS 6
1946-07-01 Chief Crazy Horse Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1946-06-01 Ray Bonzara Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1946-05-30 Ray Contraras Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1946-05-27 Horseshoe Moreno Phoenix, USA W KO 1
1946-05-25 Chief Crazy Horse Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1946-05-11 George Silvas Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-04-15 Fali Villages Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1946-04-12 Flash Gordon San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-04-05 Jesse James Jackson San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1946-02-20 Billy Mitchell Long Beach, USA W PTS 4
1946-02-13 Lito Perez Long Beach, USA L PTS 4
1946-02-04 Ray Williams Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-01-30 Tim Clark Long Beach, USA W TKO 3
1946-01-25 Bill Minor San Diego, USA W KO 2
1946-01-18 Lucio Beltran San Diego, USA W KO 2
1946-01-16 Charley Mitchell Long Beach, USA W PTS 4
1945-06-15 Baby Face Mathis San Diego, USA D PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 134 (KOs 51) Lost 52 Drawn 13 Total 200

[Rick Farris]

Charley Salas

Alias Dynamite
Country USA
Global Id 13887
Division Welterweight
Born 1928-06-23

Date Opponent Location Result
1957-08-15 Mel Barker Dallas, USA L PTS 10
1957-05-01 Mel Barker Albuquerque, USA W SD 10
1957-04-25 Jesse Robles Nogales, USA L PTS 10
1957-03-25 Tony Russo Tucson, USA W UD 10
1957-03-12 Mel Barker Phoenix, USA W SD 10
1957-02-18 Mel Barker Austin, USA L PTS 10
1957-02-12 Bobby Wright Phoenix, USA W KO 3
1956-02-28 Dick Goldstein Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1955-12-01 Rory Calhoun Los Angeles, USA L TKO 9
1955-04-11 Eusebio Hernandez El Paso, USA L UD 10
1955-02-17 Jimmy Martinez Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1955-01-13 Bobby Jones San Francisco, USA L PTS 10
1954-12-28 Georgie Johnson Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-11-20 Chico Varona Havana, Cuba L PTS 10
1954-11-11 Neal Rivers Phoenix, USA L UD 10
1954-10-05 Chico Varona Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-09-07 Billy Lauderdale Miami Beach, USA W PTS 10
1954-08-10 Luther Rawlings Miami Beach, USA D PTS 10
1954-08-07 Kid Charolito Spirituano Havana, Cuba W PTS 10
1954-06-08 Jimmy Martinez Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1954-05-26 Neal Rivers Las Vegas, USA L UD 10
1954-05-11 Chester Mieszala Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1954-05-03 Tommy Wilson Tucson, USA W RTD 5
1954-04-13 Cliff Barnett Phoenix, USA W RTD 7
1953-08-15 Manuel Baptista Dallas, USA L PTS 12
1953-01-26 George Holmes Tucson, USA W UD 10
1953-01-16 Eusebio Hernandez El Paso, USA W KO 7
1952-12-17 Livio Minelli Saint Louis, USA W PTS 10
1952-11-19 Jesse Turner Saint Louis, USA W TKO 6
1952-10-27 Nick Moran El Paso, USA W UD 10
1952-10-22 Jesse Turner Saint Louis, USA D PTS 10
1952-10-11 Bobby Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1952-09-25 Nick Moran El Paso, USA W MD 10
1952-08-14 Jesse Turner Albuquerque, USA W UD 10
1952-08-02 Oscar Reyes Hollywood, USA W TKO 5
1952-07-08 Annunzio Ferraro Tucson, USA W TKO 7
1952-06-18 Willie Vaughn Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1952-06-04 Ray Perez El Paso, USA W TKO 4
1952-05-23 Charlie Sawyer Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1952-04-08 Eusebio Hernandez Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W PTS 10
1952-03-31 Pierre Langlois Montreal, Canada L MD 10
1952-03-13 Bobby Jones San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1952-02-29 Ramon Fuentes Tucson, USA L UD 10
1952-02-08 Maurice Harper Phoenix, USA L UD 10
1952-01-25 Shamus McCray Tucson, USA W UD 10
1952-01-04 Freddie Herman Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-12-19 Memo Garmendia Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-11-19 Johnny Saxton Philadelphia, USA L UD 10
1951-11-02 Freddie Dawson Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-10-24 Glen Hendershot Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W TKO 7
1951-10-07 Nick Moran Mexico City, Mexico W PTS 10
1951-09-26 Charley Cato Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W KO 9
1951-09-07 Bobby Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-08-21 Kid Azteca Ciudad Juarez, Mexico W TKO 7
1951-08-06 Charley Cato Tucson, USA W TKO 5
1951-07-25 Woody Harper Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1951-07-09 Eddie Williams Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-06-18 Charley Cato Tucson, USA W RTD 9
1951-06-15 Rafael Gutierrez Phoenix, USA W TKO 9
1951-06-05 Nick Moran Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1951-05-25 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-05-14 Benny Walker Tucson, USA W UD 10
1951-05-04 Nando Soso Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1951-04-20 Lou Joseph Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1951-04-13 Tommy Campbell Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1951-04-06 Clifton Lester Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-03-23 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA D PTS 10
1951-03-09 Bobby Jones Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-02-26 Eddie Williams Tucson, USA W MD 10
1951-02-01 Joey Barnum Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1951-01-24 Maurice Harper Oakland, USA L UD 10
1951-01-16 Elmer Beltz Los Angeles, USA W UD 10
1950-12-26 Terry Gibson Phoenix, USA W KO 5
1950-12-15 John L Davis Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1950-12-05 Bobby Foster Phoenix, USA W TKO 3
1950-11-28 Glen Hendershot Phoenix, USA W TKO 3
1950-10-24 Charley Cotton Toledo, USA L UD 10
1950-10-09 Sonny Boy West Baltimore, USA L PTS 10
1950-09-26 Ike Williams Washington, USA L SD 10
1950-09-05 Houston Brown Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-08-07 Ike Williams Washington, USA W UD 10
1950-07-19 Billy Zaduk Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-07-09 George Silvas Superior, USA W KO 4
1950-07-07 Jimmy Campbell Globe, USA W KO 2
1950-07-04 Pantera Negra Superior, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-23 Harvey Davis Globe, USA W KO 2
1950-06-21 Hugh Sublett Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-05 Willie Jenkins Tucson, USA W UD 10
1950-05-31 Hugh Sublett Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1950-05-17 Ray Brown Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1950-05-03 Leon Daughtry Washington, USA W PTS 10
1950-04-24 Charley Williams Newark, USA W PTS 10
1950-04-06 Roy Carter Sunnyside, Queens, USA W KO 1
1950-03-30 Gene Hairston Brooklyn, USA L UD 8
1950-03-22 Freddie Dawson Chicago, USA L UD 10
1950-02-25 Joe Miceli Brooklyn, USA D PTS 10
1950-02-16 Honeychile Johnson Philadelphia, USA L PTS 8
1950-02-10 Johnny Saxton New York, USA L UD 8
1950-02-02 Pat Byers Philadelphia, USA W TKO 6
1950-01-26 Bucky Slocum Philadelphia, USA W PTS 6
1950-01-13 Chico Pacheco Palm Beach, USA W PTS 10
1950-01-06 Jimmy Hatcher Palm Beach, USA W KO 2
1949-12-21 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-11-30 Bobby Lakin Phoenix, USA W KO 8
1949-11-15 Lino Armenteros Hartford, USA W PTS 10
1949-10-26 Ross Virgo Miami, USA L PTS 10
1949-10-19 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA D PTS 10
1949-09-07 California Jackie Wilson Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-08-29 Bobby Yaeger Tucson, USA W PTS 10
1949-08-15 Eusebio Hernandez Phoenix, USA W TKO 8
1949-07-29 Harold Jones Hollywood, USA L UD 10
1949-07-11 Howell Steen Tucson, USA W TKO 5
1949-07-01 Shamus McCray Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1949-06-08 Tommy Jones Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1949-06-03 Shamus McCray Hollywood, USA W UD 12
1949-05-06 Lawrence Brown Hollywood, USA W TKO 7
1949-04-14 George Fields Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1949-04-01 George Fields Hollywood, USA D PTS 6
1949-03-16 Bobby Dykes San Antonio, USA L SD 10
1949-02-25 Lawrence Brown Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1949-02-11 Willie Jenkins Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1949-01-14 Frankie Vigeant Hollywood, USA W TKO 8
1949-01-05 Mario Cabrera Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-12-08 Frankie Saucedo Phoenix, USA W TKO 6
1948-12-03 Jose Rocha Hollywood, USA W TKO 5
1948-10-30 Richard Jones Hollywood, USA W PTS 10
1948-09-24 Irvin Steen Hollywood, USA L PTS 10
1948-09-14 Bert Linam San Antonio, USA W UD 10
1948-08-31 Frankie Fernandez Honolulu, USA L PTS 10
1948-08-06 Bobby Yaeger Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1948-07-09 Harold Jones Hollywood, USA L SD 10
1948-06-07 Chuck Cureton Ocean Park, USA W TKO 10
1948-05-27 Johnny Dabbs Denver, USA W PTS 10
1948-05-18 Bobby Maloney Los Angeles, USA W TKO 5
1948-05-12 Irvin Steen Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1948-04-28 Memo Llanes Fresno, USA W PTS 10
1948-04-12 Clyde Coyhis Ocean Park, USA L PTS 10
1948-04-07 Buster Smith Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1948-03-23 Bernard Docusen Los Angeles, USA L UD 10
1948-02-27 Bobby Yaeger Hollywood, USA W UD 10
1948-02-18 Jesse Flores Fresno, USA L PTS 10
1948-02-11 Ray Louis Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-01-28 Jolly McElroy Phoenix, USA W UD 10
1948-01-07 Tony Chavez Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1947-11-19 Rube Tiger Hodges Phoenix, USA W TKO 10
1947-11-12 Jimmy Shans Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1947-10-29 Billy Shelton Phoenix, USA W PTS 10
1947-10-15 Dynamite (Jesse) Jackson Phoenix, USA W TKO 4
1947-10-08 Bob Yorigun Phoenix, USA W TKO 2
1947-10-01 Dynamite (Jesse) Jackson Phoenix, USA W TKO 4
1947-09-23 Sal Perea Fresno, USA D PTS 10
1947-09-12 Morris Corona Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1947-08-08 Rudy Davila Hollywood, USA W PTS 6
1947-08-01 Leroy Willis San Francisco, USA W PTS 6
1947-07-11 Charley Daniels San Diego, USA L PTS 10
1947-07-07 Ray Louis Ocean Park, USA L PTS 4
1947-06-29 Ray Louis Phoenix, USA W PTS 0
1947-05-27 Billy Shelton Phoenix, USA L PTS 8
1947-05-02 Milo Leyvas Tucson, USA NC NC 3
1947-04-24 Jose Zapata Tucson, USA W PTS 6
1947-04-22 El Tigre I Phoenix, USA W PTS 0
1947-04-20 Freddie Herman Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1947-03-30 Ad Alonzo Phoenix, USA D PTS 6
1947-03-23 Rudy Davila Phoenix, USA L PTS 8
1947-03-02 Torpedo Reed Phoenix, USA W PTS 8
1947-02-26 Gabe Peralta Phoenix, USA W PTS 8
1947-01-30 Billy Hale Phoenix, USA W KO 3
1947-01-15 Jack Evans Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-12-09 Billy Mitchell Ocean Park, USA W KO 1
1946-12-06 Bobby Taylor Hollywood, USA L PTS 4
1946-11-29 Johnny Anders Hollywood, USA W KO 2
1946-11-25 Ray Louis Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-11-19 Clyde Coyhis Los Angeles, USA L PTS 4
1946-11-04 Billy Mitchell Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-09-26 Julius Menendez San Jose, USA L PTS 10
1946-09-24 Ray Thomas Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1946-08-26 Wallace Bates Ocean Park, USA W KO 4
1946-08-22 Sal Perea San Francisco, USA D PTS 10
1946-08-16 Flash Gordon Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-09 Jose Silva San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-05 Ray Louis Pico, USA W KO 3
1946-08-02 Chick Musgrove San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-07-05 Fali Villages Phoenix, USA L PTS 6
1946-07-01 Chief Crazy Horse Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1946-06-01 Ray Bonzara Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1946-05-30 Ray Contraras Phoenix, USA W KO 2
1946-05-27 Horseshoe Moreno Phoenix, USA W KO 1
1946-05-25 Chief Crazy Horse Phoenix, USA L PTS 10
1946-05-11 George Silvas Phoenix, USA W PTS 6
1946-04-15 Fali Villages Phoenix, USA D PTS 8
1946-04-12 Flash Gordon San Diego, USA W PTS 6
1946-04-05 Jesse James Jackson San Diego, USA L PTS 6
1946-02-20 Billy Mitchell Long Beach, USA W PTS 4
1946-02-13 Lito Perez Long Beach, USA L PTS 4
1946-02-04 Ray Williams Ocean Park, USA W PTS 4
1946-01-30 Tim Clark Long Beach, USA W TKO 3
1946-01-25 Bill Minor San Diego, USA W KO 2
1946-01-18 Lucio Beltran San Diego, USA W KO 2
1946-01-16 Charley Mitchell Long Beach, USA W PTS 4
1945-06-15 Baby Face Mathis San Diego, USA D PTS 4

Record to Date
Won 134 (KOs 51) Lost 52 Drawn 13 Total 200

Hap & Frank . . .

I know of Charlie Salas but I'm not familiar with him
He fought up and down the coast early on, Ocean Park, Long Beach, San Diego, etc.
Then Phoenix, eventually finding his way back to fight at the Hollywood Legion.

His first fight at Hollywood was in 1946, about the time of Hap's early days at the Legion?
Dates thereafter reflect lots of time in the Hollywood Legion ring during Hap's reign.
Hap, any memories of Charlie Salas?


-Rick Farris

[Dongee]

Charlie Salas was an enigma personified. An incredibly unpredictable warrior who was seldom cut, seldom floored, tough as nails with a granite chin. He was stopped only once in my opinion, towards the end of his long career.
He was my friend from the time we first met in 1948 and at one time he wanted me to manage him, although I think he already had a manager at the time.
I lost track of him for a while only to have him pop up back east in 1950 with a solid win over the lightweight champion Ike Williams, though losing to him in a rematch a few weeks later. He was the consummate "journeyman fighter" fighting anyone, anywhere, tank town or big town,for whatever it paid. Check out his record and try to visualize any of today's headliners fighting 30 or more times a year.
Fellas, there are probably 20 ring greats that will endure in my mind for their singular approach to the fight game......Charlie would be one of them for sure.

Thanks for posting his record, Frankie. He deserves a baby spotlight at least.

hap navarro

[dagosd2000]

When's our buddy Rog, coming back?

13th of July

[Rick Farris]

Charlie Salas was an enigma personified. An incredibly unpredictable warrior who was seldom cut, seldom floored, tough as nails with a granite chin. He was stopped only once in my opinion, towards the end of his long career.
He was my friend from the time we first met in 1948 and at one time he wanted me to manage him, although I think he already had a manager at the time.
I lost track of him for a while only to have him pop up back east in 1950 with a solid win over the lightweight champion Ike Williams, though losing to him in a rematch a few weeks later. He was the consummate "journeyman fighter" fighting anyone, anywhere, tank town or big town,for whatever it paid. Check out his record and try to visualize any of today's headliners fighting 30 or more times a year.
Fellas, there are probably 20 ring greats that will endure in my mind for their singular approach to the fight game......Charlie would be one of them for sure.

Thanks for posting his record, Frankie. He deserves a baby spotlight at least.

hap navarro

Hap . . .

That was a great post on Charlie Salas. In my mind, his win over Ike Williams deserves more than a baby spotlight.
This L.D. would illuminate him in the the light of a Titan.
(a Titan was powerful motion picture Arc light unit, used during the years Salas fought.)


-Rick Farris

[Dongee]

California had a very promising lightweight in John L. Davis, back in my day. He won tghe state lighweight title then took on an beat the state welterweight titleholder, Irvin Steen, who also claimed the middleweieght title. Thus John L. could have ridiculously laid claim to three titles at the same time.

After Charlie Salas beat Williams we brought him back to fight Davis at Hollywood. It turned out to be one of Charlie's finest performances, as he boxed beautifully, then outfought John L. all the way to a decisive victory. He did everything right and by the book, outclassing a really good opponent John L. Davis was headed for national stardom when he suffered a career ending eye injury.
One would hate to bet against a fighter like Salas who was a deceptively clever, standup type, and when the spirit moved him, a willing mixer with speed of hand and foot. Good fighter when he wanted to fight.

hap navarro

[Rick Farris]

California had a very promising lightweight in John L. Davis, back in my day. He won tghe state lighweight title then took on an beat the state welterweight titleholder, Irvin Steen, who also claimed the middleweieght title. Thus John L. could have ridiculously laid claim to three titles at the same time.

After Charlie Salas beat Williams we brought him back to fight Davis at Hollywood. It turned out to be one of Charlie's finest performances, as he boxed beautifully, then outfought John L. all the way to a decisive victory. He did everything right and by the book, outclassing a really good opponent John L. Davis was headed for national stardom when he suffered a career ending eye injury.
One would hate to bet against a fighter like Salas who was a deceptively clever, standup type, and when the spirit moved him, a willing mixer with speed of hand and foot. Good fighter when he wanted to fight.

hap navarro

Hap . . .

Reading your post puts something into clear view, how boxing survives better with just a handful of undisputed world champs.
Back in the day, holding a state title, at least here in California, meant something.

During the 1960's, most California State champs were among the top ten contenders listed in The Ring Magazine world ratings.
They fought twelve-round title matches, it was a legit title, but with time it was lost.

As crooked as the fight game could be, there was a system.
The L.A. promoters that I knew and study today, made a science of promoting boxing.
They had great boxing talent, yes, but they also knew how to showcase it properly, competitive bouts, made the crowd happy to have come.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

I remember sneaking into the Olympic in 1950 to see John L. Davis beat Art Aragon.

[kikibalt]

Charley Salas I only seen fight live once, that was against Rory Calhoun, Salas was stopped in that fight in a late round, if memory serve.

[Rick Farris]

I remember sneaking into the Olympic in 1950 to see John L. Davis beat Art Aragon.

Must have been a helluva fighter. I've crossed his name often in recent months.
Frank, you must have been about fourteen when you snuck -in.
I'm impressed, you saw Aragon live for free. And a loss, no less.

If only your eyes were hi-def camera lens.
We'd see what you saw. Hear what you heard.
They can almost do that today.
But they can't take us back to Aragon.
However, you and Hap can, and do.

Gracias!


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Tecate Sports Awards are a Knockout!


July 7, 2009 by Michele Chong

De La Hoya, JCC, Duran among fighters attending show in L.A.

The “Tecate Premios Deportes” (Tecate Sports Awards) had a knockout lineup of legendary champions in the ring. The awards show, which aired Sunday night on the Univision Network, featured several boxing icons who were in attendance at the gala event held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

The sweet science was proudly represented at the star-studded program by the newly-retired Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), former champs Julio Cesar Chavez (107-6-2, 86 KOs), Roberto Duran (103-16, 70 KOs), and current fighters Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) and Victor Ortiz 24-2-1, 19 KOs). This group of boxers and champions brought a lot of firepower to the festivities making their presence known with their megawatt smiles and charismatic personalities. Combining the records of retired boxers Duran, Chavez and De La Hoya, you have an astounding 249 victories and 186 knockouts just between these three men alone!

The second annual “Tecate Premios Deportes” featured 60 athletes nominated in six sports categories of boxing, soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and auto racing. Sports fans were even able to vote for their own favorites with an online voting opportunity in four of the categories: Baseball Player of the Year, Soccer Team of the Year, Athlete of the Year, and Rising Star Award. The remaining awards, Boxer of the Year, Soccer Player of the Year, Auto Racer of the Year, Basketball Player of the Year, Football Player of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award were chosen from a distinguished panel of athletes.

De La Hoya was an executive committee member on this Tecate awards’ panel of current and former professional athletes who selected the nominees. The honorees were chosen by a criteria based in part by their character in overall excellence, cumulative impact on their team, and reputation as a role model for the Hispanic community.

As the boxers arrived one by one, the Tecate Girls greeted them at the Tecate speed bag station that was set up at the festivities. The company is also known for their traveling Tecate mobile boxing ring where they offer fans meet-and-greets with fighters.

While cameras rolled, the boxers took some quick swipes at the speed bag, greeted fans, posed for photos and gave autographs before entering the marble lobby of the elegant Orpheum Theatre.

Upon De La Hoya’s arrival, the “Golden Boy” received a warm welcome from the Orpheum Theatre owner himself, Steve Needleman. Then the former Olympic boxer from East L.A. met another L.A. sports hero from the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol. De La Hoya chatted with the seven-foot tall Spaniard for a few minutes before both athletes met their throngs of fans waiting patiently behind the railings. Gasol, will be heading to Poland in September to play in the EuroBasket tournament. The power forward will be part of the Spanish National Team.

On the red carpet (which was was actually a sporty green carpet), a constant stream of arrivals kept the fans at a frenzied pitch, cheering as their favorite TV and film actors, athletes and singers made their way toward the entrance of the landmark theatre. Since the ’20s, the regal Orpheum Theatre has been the location of hundreds of legendary entertainers of world-wide scope. From Vaudeville performers, to a young Judy Garland, jazz great Duke Ellington, icon Stevie Wonder and recent “American Idol” competitors and more have all performed in the plush theatre setting.

The festive parade of world-famous sports stars, glamorous singers, and sultry actors–all decked out in their finest fashions–provided the onlookers lining the walkway an exciting evening presented by Cerveza Tecate and Univision. A young team of “freestyle” soccer players kept the attendees entertained as they showcased their soccer ball moves outside of the theater.

During the evening, several awardees and presenters added to the lively affair with various boxers and singers including Roberto Duran, Pee Wee, Banda el Limón grabbing the loose soccer balls to show off their own skills. Duran, of Panamanian and Mexican-American descent, always a crowd pleaser took in the applause from admirers.

Lining the entrance outside the theatre, fans anticipated getting a glimpse of their celebrity idols. The squealed when car doors opened to reveal Latin beauties like actress and model Daisy Fuentes, singer Gloria Trevi, soap opera star Adriana Fonseca, Cuban entertainer Odalys García, and singer Vicky Terrazas of Horoscopos de Durango among the many other female presenters and guests donning glamorous satin gowns and sparkling jewelry.

Arriving at the venue, many popular recording acts brought energy and verve to the event, with high-pitched screams greeting the likable Pee Wee (20-year-old kumbia singer), Beto Cuevas (former lead singer of La Ley), tejano crooner Michael Salgado, top-selling group La Arrolladora Banda el Limón de Rene Camacho, and rapper Kilo (”Lean Like a Cholo”).

Pro wrestler Rey Mysterio, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal wrestler Henry Cejudo, retired Super Bowl quarterback Jim Plunkett, legendary World Cup Soccer player Manuel Negrete (who scored on of the most famous goals in history), soccer player Paco Palencia, and race car driver Steven Goldstein (from Bogota, Colombia) delighted the rows of sports fans.

From the world of entertainment, Billboard Latin artists Patrulla 81, well-known TV Host Raúl De Molina and singer Lupillo Rivera (whose uncle was a boxer known as “El Toro Rivera”) received a big reaction from hundreds of onlookers lining the surrounding streets.

At this year’s awards show, the packed auditorium was treated to a night paying tribute to a prestigious group of the finest Hispanic athletes in sports including Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s Jeff Garcia who won “Football Player of the Year” and L.A. Laker Pau Gasol, who was awarded “Basketball Player of the Year.”

The show began with a bang: Sumo wrestlers, festive dancers and live mini concerts. Hosted by “Dancing with the Stars” fave, Cristian De La Fuente, Angélica Vale, and Fernando Fiore, the night boasted non-stop action of live musical entertainment and special appearances by polished veteran performers of stage and screen, as well as some bright, young stars of tomorrow. De La Fuente and Vale kept the audience entertained with their humorous banter between awards.

On stage the first winner of the evening was Juan Manuel Marquez, who was named “Boxer of the Year,” beating out fellow nominees Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Juan Manuel Lopez, Cristobal Arreola, and Victor Ortiz for the award. The lightweight fighter scored twice during the night. He also won the “Athlete of the Year” award, this time besting Carmelo Anthony (basketball), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (soccer), Tony Gonzalez (football), Rafael Nadal (tennis), Guillermo Ochoa (soccer) and Lorena Ochoa (golf) who shared the category. The humble boxer thanked his family and fans for their support and jubilantly exclaimed, “¡Viva la Mexico!”

Look for Mexico City’s Marquez to return to the ring soon; “Dinamita” will be facing Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Boxers Juan Manuel Lopez and Victor Ortiz were up for “Rising Star of the Year,” along with Omar Arellano (soccer), Evan Longoria (baseball), Alexei Ramirez (baseball), and Camilo Villegas (golf). When the winner was announced, twenty-two-year old Ortiz made his way to the stage to accept his award.

Boxing’s Julio Cesar Chavez and baseball’s Luis Tiant were both recipients of 2009 Lifetime Achievement Awards. Tiant, the “Sports Idol” awardee, was unable to attend the ceremony, but to the crowd’s delight Mexican warrior Chavez was there in person to accept his “Sports Legend” honor. When former MTV star Daisy Fuentes introduced the six-time world champion, attendees in the theatre chanted Chavez’ name as he smiled broadly and thanked the fans for supporting his career. The beloved legend’s sons, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Omar Chavez are both currently making a name for themselves in the ring. Chavez Jr. will be fighting July 25 in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

Fan favorite De La Hoya presented a special “Aguila de Oro” Award to “Hands of Stone” Duran who thanked everyone and said he is very happy to accept his “Golden Eagle” trophy.

Rewarded for their dedication, sportsmanship, talent and character in their respective sports, the yearly award show paid tribute to the some of the very best athletes in the world. These heroes of the ring, basketball court, baseball, football and soccer fields, and race track where all happy to share the spotlight during the telecast and earn their place in history.

Congratulations to all of the Tecate Premios Deportes winners–Los Ganadores–you are all winners in any language!

Thank you to Paola and Alejandra–I look forward to your 3rd Annual “Tecate Premios Deportes” Show!

Full List of Winners from the “Tecate Premios Deportes”:

Tecate Athlete of the Year (Tecate Atleta del Ano)

Juan Manuel Marquez, boxing

Boxer of the Year (Boxeador del Ano)

Juan Manuel Marquez

Baseball Player of the Year (Jugador de Beisbol del Ano)

Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Soccer Player of the Year (Jugador de Futbol del Ano)

Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire

American Football Player of the Year (Jugador de Futbol Americano del Ano)

Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Basketball Player of the Year (Jugador de Baloncesto del Ano)

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers

Auto Racer of the Year (Piloto de Automovilismo del Ano)

Helio Castroneves, IndyCar

Rising Star of the Year (La Nueva Promesa del Ano)

Victor Ortiz, boxing

All-Star Soccer Team of the Year (Equipo Estelar de Futbol del Ano)

Goal Keeper (Mejor Portero)

Guillermo Ochoa, Club America

Fullback (Mejor Defensa Lateral)

Amaury Ponce, C.D. Guadalajara

Center Defense (Mejor Defensa Central)

Rafael Marquez, FC Barcelona de Espana

Defensive Midfielder (Mejor Medio Defensivo)

Gerardo Torrado, Cruz Azul

Offensive Midfielder (Mejor Medio Ofensivo)

Andres Guardado, Deportivo La Coruna

First Forward (Delantero 1)

Salvador Cabanas, Club America

Second Forward (Delantero 2)

Hector Mancilla, Deportivo Toluca F.C.

Rookie of the Year (Novato del Ano)

Nestor Calderon, Club Toluca

Best Coach (Mejor Entrenador)

Jose Manuel de la Torre, Deportivo Toluca F.C.

Golden Eagle Award Tribute (Aguila de Oro)

Roberto Duran, boxing

Sports Idol Tribute Award (Idolo del Deporte)

Luis Tiant, baseball

Sports Legend Tribute Award (Leyenda del Deporte)

Julio Cesar Chavez, boxing

Triumphant Spirit Tribute Award (Espiritu Triunfador)

Henry Cejudo

[kikibalt]

I remember sneaking into the Olympic in 1950 to see John L. Davis beat Art Aragon.

Must have been a helluva fighter. I've crossed his name often in recent months.
Frank, you must have been about fourteen when you snuck -in.
I'm impressed, you saw Aragon live for free. And a loss, no less.

If only your eyes were hi-def camera lens.
We'd see what you saw. Hear what you heard.
They can almost do that today.
But they can't take us back to Aragon.
However, you and Hap can, and do.

Gracias!


-Rick Farris

Yeah Rick, I was 14 in 1950, some friends and I would ones in a while sneak into the Olympic, on the 18th St. side of the Olympic are some big service doors that were easy to open from the inside, we would pool our money and buy one ticket, the one going in would then open the doors for the rest of us guys.

[Rick Farris]

I remember sneaking into the Olympic in 1950 to see John L. Davis beat Art Aragon.

Must have been a helluva fighter. I've crossed his name often in recent months.
Frank, you must have been about fourteen when you snuck -in.
I'm impressed, you saw Aragon live for free. And a loss, no less.

If only your eyes were hi-def camera lens.
We'd see what you saw. Hear what you heard.
They can almost do that today.
But they can't take us back to Aragon.
However, you and Hap can, and do.

Gracias!


-Rick Farris

Yeah Rick, I was 14 in 1950, some friends and I would ones in a while sneak into the Olympic, on the 18th St. side of the Olympic are some big serves doors that were easy to open from the inside, we would pool our money and buy one ticket, the one going in would then open the doors for the rest of us guys.

20,000 posts.