Page 822 of 1796
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 16:03
by kikibalt
Tragedy in the Omar Chavez!
July 22, 2009 by Edgar Gonzalez

(L) Omar chavez and Marco Nazareth
Family and friends have gathered at the hospital as the welterweight Marco Antonio Nazareth passed away this morning in Puerto Vallarta due to injuries sustained in a brave braw with Omar Chavez on Saturday night in Jalisco, Mexico. Nazareth underwent emergency brain surgery after being knocked out in a hotly contested battle with Omar Chavez, but doctors were unable to save his life. Nazareth dies of brain hemorrhage.
The undefeated Chavez is the son of former champion Julio Cesar Chavez.
The 23-year-old Marco Nazareth only had 8 professional fights. Is no doubt boxing is a brutal sport and we never wish death upon anyone R.I.P Nazareth.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 16:28
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Rick, In April of 1977, , Frankie, Johnnie Flores and I were in Miami Beach for Frankie's fight with Francisco Villegas, Don King put us up at the Fontainebleau Hotel, thats where Beau Jack had his shoeshine stand, met him and he shine Johnnie's, Frankie's and my shoes.
Thats the time we had Joe Louis as our driver.
Rick Farris wrote:kikibalt wrote:BEAU JACK; A TRUE ALL TIME GREAT
By Jim Amato
The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940’s and early 50’s.
Sidney Walker was born on April 1, 1921 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his professional career in 1939 fighting out of South Carolina. Later Beau Jack boxed often out of the New England area. By the time he invaded New York in 1941 he sported a 27-4-2 record. He scored a knockout win in a fight at Ebbets Field and his next bout was at Madison Square Garden. It would be the first of twenty-seven appearances Beau Jack would make at that famous venue a testimony to his popularity over the years.
Late in 1941 Beau lost two fights to tough Freddie Archer. He would bounce back to win twelve straight including victories over Terry Young and Allie Stolz. This set the stage for a 1942 match between Jack and Tippy Larkin for the vacant New York State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Beau took out Larkin in three rounds to win the title. Beau would then defeat Fritzie Zivic twice and Henry Armstrong in over weight matches.
In 1943 Beau lost his NYSAC title to the talented Bob Montgomery. Three fights later Bobby Ruffin upset him. In his next fight Beau would regain his title by beating Montgomery. In 1944 Beau beat Lulu Costantino, drew with Sammy Angott and beat Maxie Berger at The Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. He would again lose to Montgomery and his title was gone.
Jack came right back with wins over Al ” Bummy ” Davis, Juan Zurita and Montgomery with no title at stake. He then beat Willie Joyce, drew with rugged Johnny Greco and stopped Angott. In 1946 Buster Tyler upset him. In 1947 Youngstown great Tony Janiro stopped him for the first time in his career. Beau suffered a knee injury in the fight.
Back on the comeback trail Beau put together five wins but then lost to Terry Young. He then defeated Johnny Greco and Janiro in rematches. In 1948 the sensational Ike Williams halted him. Beau came right back to stop England’s highly touted Eric Boon. In eight fights after beating Boon he only lost to Greco. This led to a bout with the legendary Kid Gavilan. The ” Keed ” dominated Beau and won a lopsided decision. Jack then lost to Tuzo Portuguez and another Youngstown battler Joey Carkido.
He did stop Lew Jenkins but in his last twelve fights he went 4-7-1. He lost to Fritzie Pruden, Del Flanagan and Ike Williams. Gil Turner stopped him inside the distance and in his last bout Ike Williams kayoed him. In his remarkable career Beau Jack had 117 fights. His final ledger was 88-24-5. He scored 43 KO’s and was stopped only four times in his storied career. He was a thrilling, action fighter who met the best of his time. He truly was an all time great.
One of my favorite fights from the past is Beau Jack's last bout with Ike Willimas. It was a brutal fight and Beau Jack knocked one of Williams' teeth out during an exchange. Williams said he had a perfect set of teeth prior to that, and was in pain after losing the tooth.
Williams stepped things up and moved Beau Jack into a corner, landing blow after blow. Only the ring ropes was holding Beau Jack up when Williams turned to the ref and asks . . . "What do you want me to do, kill the man?
The referee finaly stopped the fight. Decades later, HBO would replay the stoppage of that bout and interview the two boxers.
I have to say it was one of the greatest interview I've ever seen between two great fighters, recounting their fights with each other.
The respect of these two great fighters for each other is equalled only by the courage they exhibited in the ring.
I was in Miami back in the 80's on a film. I had hoped to break away from the company and visit Beau Jack's shoe shine stand, but never had the opportunity.
-Rick Farris
I
Beau Jack shing your shoes and Joe Louis driving you around. As Don King would say . . . Only in America!
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 16:57
by kikibalt
Rick Farris wrote:Rick, In April of 1977, , Frankie, Johnnie Flores and I were in Miami Beach for Frankie's fight with Francisco Villegas, Don King put us up at the Fontainebleau Hotel, thats where Beau Jack had his shoeshine stand, met him and he shine Johnnie's, Frankie's and my shoes.
Thats the time we had Joe Louis as our driver.
Rick Farris wrote:BEAU JACK; A TRUE ALL TIME GREAT
By Jim Amato
The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940’s and early 50’s.
Sidney Walker was born on April 1, 1921 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his professional career in 1939 fighting out of South Carolina. Later Beau Jack boxed often out of the New England area. By the time he invaded New York in 1941 he sported a 27-4-2 record. He scored a knockout win in a fight at Ebbets Field and his next bout was at Madison Square Garden. It would be the first of twenty-seven appearances Beau Jack would make at that famous venue a testimony to his popularity over the years.
Late in 1941 Beau lost two fights to tough Freddie Archer. He would bounce back to win twelve straight including victories over Terry Young and Allie Stolz. This set the stage for a 1942 match between Jack and Tippy Larkin for the vacant New York State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Beau took out Larkin in three rounds to win the title. Beau would then defeat Fritzie Zivic twice and Henry Armstrong in over weight matches.
In 1943 Beau lost his NYSAC title to the talented Bob Montgomery. Three fights later Bobby Ruffin upset him. In his next fight Beau would regain his title by beating Montgomery. In 1944 Beau beat Lulu Costantino, drew with Sammy Angott and beat Maxie Berger at The Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. He would again lose to Montgomery and his title was gone.
Jack came right back with wins over Al ” Bummy ” Davis, Juan Zurita and Montgomery with no title at stake. He then beat Willie Joyce, drew with rugged Johnny Greco and stopped Angott. In 1946 Buster Tyler upset him. In 1947 Youngstown great Tony Janiro stopped him for the first time in his career. Beau suffered a knee injury in the fight.
Back on the comeback trail Beau put together five wins but then lost to Terry Young. He then defeated Johnny Greco and Janiro in rematches. In 1948 the sensational Ike Williams halted him. Beau came right back to stop England’s highly touted Eric Boon. In eight fights after beating Boon he only lost to Greco. This led to a bout with the legendary Kid Gavilan. The ” Keed ” dominated Beau and won a lopsided decision. Jack then lost to Tuzo Portuguez and another Youngstown battler Joey Carkido.
He did stop Lew Jenkins but in his last twelve fights he went 4-7-1. He lost to Fritzie Pruden, Del Flanagan and Ike Williams. Gil Turner stopped him inside the distance and in his last bout Ike Williams kayoed him. In his remarkable career Beau Jack had 117 fights. His final ledger was 88-24-5. He scored 43 KO’s and was stopped only four times in his storied career. He was a thrilling, action fighter who met the best of his time. He truly was an all time great.
One of my favorite fights from the past is Beau Jack's last bout with Ike Willimas. It was a brutal fight and Beau Jack knocked one of Williams' teeth out during an exchange. Williams said he had a perfect set of teeth prior to that, and was in pain after losing the tooth.
Williams stepped things up and moved Beau Jack into a corner, landing blow after blow. Only the ring ropes was holding Beau Jack up when Williams turned to the ref and asks . . . "What do you want me to do, kill the man?
The referee finaly stopped the fight. Decades later, HBO would replay the stoppage of that bout and interview the two boxers.
I have to say it was one of the greatest interview I've ever seen between two great fighters, recounting their fights with each other.
The respect of these two great fighters for each other is equalled only by the courage they exhibited in the ring.
I was in Miami back in the 80's on a film. I had hoped to break away from the company and visit Beau Jack's shoe shine stand, but never had the opportunity.
-Rick Farris
Beau Jack shing your shoes and Joe Louis driving you around. As Don King would say . . . Only in America!
Yeah! Rick, I though I had died and gone to boxing heaven. I can still see Louis and Johnnie acting like two over grown kids in the back seat of the car....
![[icon_notworthy.gif] :bow:](./images/smilies/icon_notworthy.gif)
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 17:26
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Rick Farris wrote:Rick, In April of 1977, , Frankie, Johnnie Flores and I were in Miami Beach for Frankie's fight with Francisco Villegas, Don King put us up at the Fontainebleau Hotel, thats where Beau Jack had his shoeshine stand, met him and he shine Johnnie's, Frankie's and my shoes.
Thats the time we had Joe Louis as our driver.
Rick Farris wrote:BEAU JACK; A TRUE ALL TIME GREAT
By Jim Amato
The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940’s and early 50’s.
Sidney Walker was born on April 1, 1921 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his professional career in 1939 fighting out of South Carolina. Later Beau Jack boxed often out of the New England area. By the time he invaded New York in 1941 he sported a 27-4-2 record. He scored a knockout win in a fight at Ebbets Field and his next bout was at Madison Square Garden. It would be the first of twenty-seven appearances Beau Jack would make at that famous venue a testimony to his popularity over the years.
Late in 1941 Beau lost two fights to tough Freddie Archer. He would bounce back to win twelve straight including victories over Terry Young and Allie Stolz. This set the stage for a 1942 match between Jack and Tippy Larkin for the vacant New York State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Beau took out Larkin in three rounds to win the title. Beau would then defeat Fritzie Zivic twice and Henry Armstrong in over weight matches.
In 1943 Beau lost his NYSAC title to the talented Bob Montgomery. Three fights later Bobby Ruffin upset him. In his next fight Beau would regain his title by beating Montgomery. In 1944 Beau beat Lulu Costantino, drew with Sammy Angott and beat Maxie Berger at The Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. He would again lose to Montgomery and his title was gone.
Jack came right back with wins over Al ” Bummy ” Davis, Juan Zurita and Montgomery with no title at stake. He then beat Willie Joyce, drew with rugged Johnny Greco and stopped Angott. In 1946 Buster Tyler upset him. In 1947 Youngstown great Tony Janiro stopped him for the first time in his career. Beau suffered a knee injury in the fight.
Back on the comeback trail Beau put together five wins but then lost to Terry Young. He then defeated Johnny Greco and Janiro in rematches. In 1948 the sensational Ike Williams halted him. Beau came right back to stop England’s highly touted Eric Boon. In eight fights after beating Boon he only lost to Greco. This led to a bout with the legendary Kid Gavilan. The ” Keed ” dominated Beau and won a lopsided decision. Jack then lost to Tuzo Portuguez and another Youngstown battler Joey Carkido.
He did stop Lew Jenkins but in his last twelve fights he went 4-7-1. He lost to Fritzie Pruden, Del Flanagan and Ike Williams. Gil Turner stopped him inside the distance and in his last bout Ike Williams kayoed him. In his remarkable career Beau Jack had 117 fights. His final ledger was 88-24-5. He scored 43 KO’s and was stopped only four times in his storied career. He was a thrilling, action fighter who met the best of his time. He truly was an all time great.
One of my favorite fights from the past is Beau Jack's last bout with Ike Willimas. It was a brutal fight and Beau Jack knocked one of Williams' teeth out during an exchange. Williams said he had a perfect set of teeth prior to that, and was in pain after losing the tooth.
Williams stepped things up and moved Beau Jack into a corner, landing blow after blow. Only the ring ropes was holding Beau Jack up when Williams turned to the ref and asks . . . "What do you want me to do, kill the man?
The referee finaly stopped the fight. Decades later, HBO would replay the stoppage of that bout and interview the two boxers.
I have to say it was one of the greatest interview I've ever seen between two great fighters, recounting their fights with each other.
The respect of these two great fighters for each other is equalled only by the courage they exhibited in the ring.
I was in Miami back in the 80's on a film. I had hoped to break away from the company and visit Beau Jack's shoe shine stand, but never had the opportunity.
-Rick Farris
Beau Jack shing your shoes and Joe Louis driving you around. As Don King would say . . . Only in America!
Yeah! Rick, I though I had died and gone to boxing heaven. I can still Louis and Johnnie acting like two over grown kids in the back seat of the car....
![[icon_notworthy.gif] :bow:](./images/smilies/icon_notworthy.gif)
Johnny Flores and The Brown Bomber . . .
Frank, we who trained at Johnny's gym in Pacomia during the 60's heard a lot about Joe Louis.
Johnny and the heavyweight champion of the world had met during WW2, and the following decade worked together.
Joe Louis promoted bouts in Hollywood, at the Moulan Rouge night club, and Flores was his matchmaker.
I remember as a kid, I'd see posters tacked up on the wall of Flores' backyard gym, posters from fights he and Louis had put on.
One story that Flores shared comes to mind.
One evening Johnny walked into the gym carrying an over-sized pair of REYES boxing gloves.
He was showing us a gift that had been presented to him years earlier, while in Mexico with Joe Louis.
Louis and Flores had been guests at the boxing glove manufacturer's factory.
Afterwards, both Louis and Flores were presented a pair of giant gloves.
Johnny told us he found a large plastic bag in which to wrap his gloves for the plane trip home.
When he and Louis left the hotel, he said the former champ had the gloves tied together and slung over his shoulder.
He then carried the gloves on the plane, as well. Needless to say, he got a lot of attention normally, this created more.
Johnny told us, "Joe really liked those gloves, and the attention."
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 17:29
by dagosd2000
Black,White,and Purple
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 17:43
by kikibalt
Rick Farris wrote:kikibalt wrote:Rick, In April of 1977, , Frankie, Johnnie Flores and I were in Miami Beach for Frankie's fight with Francisco Villegas, Don King put us up at the Fontainebleau Hotel, thats where Beau Jack had his shoeshine stand, met him and he shine Johnnie's, Frankie's and my shoes.
Thats the time we had Joe Louis as our driver.
Rick Farris wrote:BEAU JACK; A TRUE ALL TIME GREAT
By Jim Amato
The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940’s and early 50’s.
Sidney Walker was born on April 1, 1921 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his professional career in 1939 fighting out of South Carolina. Later Beau Jack boxed often out of the New England area. By the time he invaded New York in 1941 he sported a 27-4-2 record. He scored a knockout win in a fight at Ebbets Field and his next bout was at Madison Square Garden. It would be the first of twenty-seven appearances Beau Jack would make at that famous venue a testimony to his popularity over the years.
Late in 1941 Beau lost two fights to tough Freddie Archer. He would bounce back to win twelve straight including victories over Terry Young and Allie Stolz. This set the stage for a 1942 match between Jack and Tippy Larkin for the vacant New York State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Beau took out Larkin in three rounds to win the title. Beau would then defeat Fritzie Zivic twice and Henry Armstrong in over weight matches.
In 1943 Beau lost his NYSAC title to the talented Bob Montgomery. Three fights later Bobby Ruffin upset him. In his next fight Beau would regain his title by beating Montgomery. In 1944 Beau beat Lulu Costantino, drew with Sammy Angott and beat Maxie Berger at The Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. He would again lose to Montgomery and his title was gone.
Jack came right back with wins over Al ” Bummy ” Davis, Juan Zurita and Montgomery with no title at stake. He then beat Willie Joyce, drew with rugged Johnny Greco and stopped Angott. In 1946 Buster Tyler upset him. In 1947 Youngstown great Tony Janiro stopped him for the first time in his career. Beau suffered a knee injury in the fight.
Back on the comeback trail Beau put together five wins but then lost to Terry Young. He then defeated Johnny Greco and Janiro in rematches. In 1948 the sensational Ike Williams halted him. Beau came right back to stop England’s highly touted Eric Boon. In eight fights after beating Boon he only lost to Greco. This led to a bout with the legendary Kid Gavilan. The ” Keed ” dominated Beau and won a lopsided decision. Jack then lost to Tuzo Portuguez and another Youngstown battler Joey Carkido.
He did stop Lew Jenkins but in his last twelve fights he went 4-7-1. He lost to Fritzie Pruden, Del Flanagan and Ike Williams. Gil Turner stopped him inside the distance and in his last bout Ike Williams kayoed him. In his remarkable career Beau Jack had 117 fights. His final ledger was 88-24-5. He scored 43 KO’s and was stopped only four times in his storied career. He was a thrilling, action fighter who met the best of his time. He truly was an all time great.
One of my favorite fights from the past is Beau Jack's last bout with Ike Willimas. It was a brutal fight and Beau Jack knocked one of Williams' teeth out during an exchange. Williams said he had a perfect set of teeth prior to that, and was in pain after losing the tooth.
Williams stepped things up and moved Beau Jack into a corner, landing blow after blow. Only the ring ropes was holding Beau Jack up when Williams turned to the ref and asks . . . "What do you want me to do, kill the man?
The referee finaly stopped the fight. Decades later, HBO would replay the stoppage of that bout and interview the two boxers.
I have to say it was one of the greatest interview I've ever seen between two great fighters, recounting their fights with each other.
The respect of these two great fighters for each other is equalled only by the courage they exhibited in the ring.
I was in Miami back in the 80's on a film. I had hoped to break away from the company and visit Beau Jack's shoe shine stand, but never had the opportunity.
-Rick Farris
Beau Jack shing your shoes and Joe Louis driving you around. As Don King would say . . . Only in America!
Yeah! Rick, I though I had died and gone to boxing heaven. I can still Louis and Johnnie acting like two over grown kids in the back seat of the car....
Johnny Flores and The Brown Bomber . . .
Frank, we who trained at Johnny's gym in Pacomia during the 60's heard a lot about Joe Louis.
Johnny and the heavyweight champion of the world had met during WW2, and the following decade worked together.
Joe Louis promoted bouts in Hollywood, at the Moulan Rouge night club, and Flores was his matchmaker.
I remember as a kid, I'd see posters tacked up on the wall of Flores' backyard gym, posters from fights he and Louis had put on.
One story that Flores shared comes to mind.
One evening Johnny walked into the gym carrying an over-sized pair of REYES boxing gloves.
He was showing us a gift that had been presented to him years earlier, while in Mexico with Joe Louis.
Louis and Flores had been guests at the boxing glove manufacturer's factory.
Afterwards, both Louis and Flores were presented a pair of giant gloves.
Johnny told us he found a large plastic bag in which to wrap his gloves for the plane trip home.
When he and Louis left the hotel, he said the former champ had the gloves tied together and slung over his shoulder.
He then carried the gloves on the plane, as well. Needless to say, he got a lot of attention normally, this created more.
Johnny told us, "Joe really liked those gloves, and the attention."
-Rick Farris
Rick, I found Joe Louis to be a down to earth person and but shy...
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 18:52
by kikibalt
Message subject: Coy / Florentino Diaz
From: bbix
Sent at: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:55 pm
To: kikibalt
Message
I got bored at work. Thought I'd try and give your friend his face back... might try some more tomorrow.
I received this PM with the photos below of me from this poster (bbix) and I don't know who it is, but who ever it is has the name right on the missing person, Coy/Florentino Diaz whom face is missing on the first photo, the first two photos are the ones he/she send me, the next two are of my friend Coy, one as a teenager and one that I shot last month with his girlfriend Sally, now Coy and Sally's story is one you would never believe.

Me

Me again

Coy about 14 years old

Coy and Sally, 2009
Coy and I are the same age
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 21:14
by kikibalt
Miguel Cotto will continue with Top Rank!
By Edgar Gonzalez
As we all know Miguel Cotto‘s contract with Top Rank is expected to expire by the end of the year. Many people, including myself, expected Cotto to leave Top Rank and with Golden Boy courting him, I had no doubt he was going to explore his options.
It turns out that the Golden Boy didn’t bribe him with a suitcase full of money or not a big enough suitcase because Miguel Cotto has extended his contract with Top Rank as part of the deal to fight the Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“We have a contract extension, which was the arrangement made as part of the negotiations for the Pacquiao fight,” Bob Arum told Primera Hora.
I would have loved to be in the room while Top Rank negotiated the deal. It makes you wonder what Bob Arum offered Miguel Cotto to extend his contract till 2011 and what he offered Manny Pacquiao to fight at 145lbs.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 21:56
by Rick Farris
Nino Benvenuti . . .
This name from the 60's is rarely mentioned today when discussing special fighters from the past. But if you take the time to review his outstanding professional record and accomplishments, and his brilliant amateur career, one must agree that Nino was nothing short of "special", arguably the best to come from Italy.
I will always remember his fights with the great Emile Griffith, whom he twice beat for the middleweight title, and the great Carlos Monzon, who would end his championship reign. Long before taking the middleweight crown from Griffith, he held the world junior middleweight, as well. As an amateur, he won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960, the same year Cassius Clay took gold in the light-heavy division. As an amateur, Benvenuti only lost once in 120 fights.
It's not fair to judge boxers by what they do in life after they have left boxing, but in this case, Benvenuti's success continued. He immediatly hosted his own TV show in Italy and opened a high-end Restaurant in Trieste. He also became involved in local politics. Nino remained close with his middleweight title predecesor Emile Griffith, and his successor, Carlos Monzon.
When Nino's son was growing up, he sent the boy to New York for boxing training under Emile Griffith, who was training boxers at the time. And when Monzon was jailed for murdering his wife, Benvenuti stood by his side and fought to have his friend's case reviewed. He continued to support Monzon during the years he was jailed prior to his death.
In 1995, Benvenuti left the material world and moved to Calcutta, India. In India, Benvenuti volunteered his services to Mother Teresa. A photo taken of Benvenuti in 2004, at the IBHOF event revealed a healthy, well dressed and good looking man that more resembled a successful doctor or businessman, as opposed to a former world boxing champ.
Back in the 60's, I was a fan of Emile Griffith. I would share a dressing room area with the former champ when he came to Los Angeles to fight my friend, Armando Muniz, in early 1972. I fought that night, as well. I never was a fan of Benvenuti because he whipped Griffith, but time has taught me to look beyond my personal "favorites" and appreciate the true talent and skills of boxng's best.
I won't go into the "all-time" thing with regard to the greats of our sport. We all have our favorites. However, I must say that Nino Benvenuti was truly one of boxing's greatest achievers of the 1960's. His achievements cannot be denied.
Nino Benvenuti was inducted into the WBHOF in 1993, along with Bobby Montgomery, Lauro Salas, Sugar Ramos, Tommy Burns, Paul Burlenbach, Fabela Chavez, Wilfredo Benitez, Boza Edwards and Armando Muniz.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 22:34
by Rick Farris
Frank . . .
Remember in the late 60's when a couple boxers from South L.A. worked with kids at the old Wrigley Field.
The old stadium was torn down shortly afterwards, but for awhile had a youth boxing program.
I believe L.C. Morgan and Dwight Hawkins both worked with kids at Wrigley Field and they had some shows there.
I remember L.C.'s kid Kevin was part of that program.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 22:52
by dagosd2000
STAY DOWN
You admire a fighter's guts when he can take it and keep comong back. Showing no quit. Pulling himself up from the canvas. I think it's those moments that stir a boxing fan into a feeling of a spiritual reverence. Time slows down dramatically as the punches ignite a spray of sweat and blood illuminated by the ring lights. It's sports drama on a life and death level. We want to see him get up.We succumb to his courage. How close is he to dying?
At the end of his career Ronnie Wilson was taking a lot of punishment. He wasn't a contender anymore. He had fought too often and too much. His last fight was in San Diego where he started. A fight against Marcos Geraldo who ,like Ronnie,was no stranger to fighting and bleading. Geraldo's face and Ronnie's told of slugging it out in dire situations. Both had had their big opportunities in their careers. Both had come up short. Both had nothing to be ashamed of.
Ronnie's fight with Geraldo was probably a toss up with the bookies. The thing about Ronnie though at that time was his eyes. Eyes that came apart almost at the touch of the gloves.The blood would streak down into his eyes and he couldn't see. Against Marcos Geraldo Ronnie's eyes opened up early. Geraldo could sock and Ronnie was in trouble early. The blood sprayed up in the glare of the ring lights as Geraldo teed off. He could just about telegraph anything he wanted. He knew Ronnie was fighting blind.
Ronnie was going down. Before, his legs would be strong enough to keep him standing,but now he was collapsing. Crumbling and bleeding.Blood soaking into the mat. Eyes closed, Ronnie would pull himself up. You loved him for that.
But loving a fighter knowing that he could be permamently hurt,or even die, makes one gather himself and say,"Enough. Stop it." When Ronnie couldn't see the punches coming in,when we saw that he was hurt but didn't feel the pain,we wanted it to stop. This wasn't the Roman Coliseum. It was the San Diego Coliseum. We were crying for Ronnie. We wanted him to stay down. He didn't. Maybe he couldn't hear us.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 22:56
by kikibalt
Rick Farris wrote:Frank . . .
Remember in the late 60's when a couple boxers from South L.A. worked with kids at the old Wrigley Field.
The old stadium was torn down shortly afterwards, but for awhile had a youth boxing program.
I believe L.C. Morgan and Dwight Hawkins both worked with kids at Wrigley Field and they had some shows there.
I remember L.C.'s kid Kevin was part of that program.
-Rick Farris
Yeah, I remember L.C. having a program some where in So. L.A., just don't remember where, I do remember Kevin Morgan real good, he was at that show in El Monte a few months back, did you see him.?
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 23:04
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Rick Farris wrote:Frank . . .
Remember in the late 60's when a couple boxers from South L.A. worked with kids at the old Wrigley Field.
The old stadium was torn down shortly afterwards, but for awhile had a youth boxing program.
I believe L.C. Morgan and Dwight Hawkins both worked with kids at Wrigley Field and they had some shows there.
I remember L.C.'s kid Kevin was part of that program.
-Rick Farris
Yeah, I remember L.C. having a program some where in So. L.A., just don't remember where, I do remember Kevin Morgan real good, he was at that show in El Monte a few months back, did you see him.?
Yeah, I saw him. Man everybody is a lot older, I remember him from the '68 Jr. Golden Gloves.
In the open class finals, fighting in different weight divisions, Frank Blatazar Jr., Albert Davila, Kevin Morgan and myself were four to win championships.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 23:12
by kikibalt
Rick Farris wrote:kikibalt wrote:Rick Farris wrote:Frank . . .
Remember in the late 60's when a couple boxers from South L.A. worked with kids at the old Wrigley Field.
The old stadium was torn down shortly afterwards, but for awhile had a youth boxing program.
I believe L.C. Morgan and Dwight Hawkins both worked with kids at Wrigley Field and they had some shows there.
I remember L.C.'s kid Kevin was part of that program.
-Rick Farris
Yeah, I remember L.C. having a program some where in So. L.A., just don't remember where, I do remember Kevin Morgan real good, he was at that show in El Monte a few months back, did you see him.?
Yeah, I saw him. Man everybody is a lot older, I remember him from the '68 Jr. Golden Gloves finals. In the open class in different weight divisions Frank Blatazar Jr., Albert Davila, Kevin Morgan and myself were four to win championships.
-Rick Farris
I remember when all of you guys were young kids 10-12-13 years old and here you are middle age, and me? an old fart....
![[icon_witsend.gif] :witzend:](./images/smilies/icon_witsend.gif)
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 22 Jul 2009, 23:22
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Rick Farris wrote:Rick, In April of 1977, , Frankie, Johnnie Flores and I were in Miami Beach for Frankie's fight with Francisco Villegas, Don King put us up at the Fontainebleau Hotel, thats where Beau Jack had his shoeshine stand, met him and he shine Johnnie's, Frankie's and my shoes.
Thats the time we had Joe Louis as our driver.
Rick Farris wrote:BEAU JACK; A TRUE ALL TIME GREAT
By Jim Amato
The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940’s and early 50’s.
Sidney Walker was born on April 1, 1921 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his professional career in 1939 fighting out of South Carolina. Later Beau Jack boxed often out of the New England area. By the time he invaded New York in 1941 he sported a 27-4-2 record. He scored a knockout win in a fight at Ebbets Field and his next bout was at Madison Square Garden. It would be the first of twenty-seven appearances Beau Jack would make at that famous venue a testimony to his popularity over the years.
Late in 1941 Beau lost two fights to tough Freddie Archer. He would bounce back to win twelve straight including victories over Terry Young and Allie Stolz. This set the stage for a 1942 match between Jack and Tippy Larkin for the vacant New York State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Beau took out Larkin in three rounds to win the title. Beau would then defeat Fritzie Zivic twice and Henry Armstrong in over weight matches.
In 1943 Beau lost his NYSAC title to the talented Bob Montgomery. Three fights later Bobby Ruffin upset him. In his next fight Beau would regain his title by beating Montgomery. In 1944 Beau beat Lulu Costantino, drew with Sammy Angott and beat Maxie Berger at The Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. He would again lose to Montgomery and his title was gone.
Jack came right back with wins over Al ” Bummy ” Davis, Juan Zurita and Montgomery with no title at stake. He then beat Willie Joyce, drew with rugged Johnny Greco and stopped Angott. In 1946 Buster Tyler upset him. In 1947 Youngstown great Tony Janiro stopped him for the first time in his career. Beau suffered a knee injury in the fight.
Back on the comeback trail Beau put together five wins but then lost to Terry Young. He then defeated Johnny Greco and Janiro in rematches. In 1948 the sensational Ike Williams halted him. Beau came right back to stop England’s highly touted Eric Boon. In eight fights after beating Boon he only lost to Greco. This led to a bout with the legendary Kid Gavilan. The ” Keed ” dominated Beau and won a lopsided decision. Jack then lost to Tuzo Portuguez and another Youngstown battler Joey Carkido.
He did stop Lew Jenkins but in his last twelve fights he went 4-7-1. He lost to Fritzie Pruden, Del Flanagan and Ike Williams. Gil Turner stopped him inside the distance and in his last bout Ike Williams kayoed him. In his remarkable career Beau Jack had 117 fights. His final ledger was 88-24-5. He scored 43 KO’s and was stopped only four times in his storied career. He was a thrilling, action fighter who met the best of his time. He truly was an all time great.
One of my favorite fights from the past is Beau Jack's last bout with Ike Willimas. It was a brutal fight and Beau Jack knocked one of Williams' teeth out during an exchange. Williams said he had a perfect set of teeth prior to that, and was in pain after losing the tooth.
Williams stepped things up and moved Beau Jack into a corner, landing blow after blow. Only the ring ropes was holding Beau Jack up when Williams turned to the ref and asks . . . "What do you want me to do, kill the man?
The referee finaly stopped the fight. Decades later, HBO would replay the stoppage of that bout and interview the two boxers.
I have to say it was one of the greatest interview I've ever seen between two great fighters, recounting their fights with each other.
The respect of these two great fighters for each other is equalled only by the courage they exhibited in the ring.
I was in Miami back in the 80's on a film. I had hoped to break away from the company and visit Beau Jack's shoe shine stand, but never had the opportunity.
-Rick Farris
Beau Jack shing your shoes and Joe Louis driving you around. As Don King would say . . . Only in America!
Yeah! Rick, I though I had died and gone to boxing heaven. I can still Louis and Johnnie acting like two over grown kids in the back seat of the car....
![[icon_notworthy.gif] :bow:](./images/smilies/icon_notworthy.gif)
That is a classic story! What you did in putting the great Louis in the back seat with Flores was cool. You drove Louis & Johnny.
I remember a similar story about Cus D'Amato refusing to let Beau Jack shine his shoes, he had the former champ sit while Cus polished his shoes.
They earned the respect, that's for certain.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 00:40
by Expug
dagosd2000 wrote:STAY DOWN
You admire a fighter's guts when he can take it and keep comong back. Showing no quit. Pulling himself up from the canvas. I think it's those moments that stir a boxing fan into a feeling of a spiritual reverence. Time slows down dramatically as the punches ignite a spray of sweat and blood illuminated by the ring lights. It's sports drama on a life and death level. We want to see him get up.We succumb to his courage. How close is he to dying?
At the end of his career Ronnie Wilson was taking a lot of punishment. He wasn't a contender anymore. He had fought too often and too much. His last fight was in San Diego where he started. A fight against Marcos Geraldo who ,like Ronnie,was no stranger to fighting and bleading. Geraldo's face and Ronnie's told of slugging it out in dire situations. Both had had their big opportunities in their careers. Both had come up short. Both had nothing to be ashamed of.
Ronnie's fight with Geraldo was probably a toss up with the bookies. The thing about Ronnie though at that time was his eyes. Eyes that came apart almost at the touch of the gloves.The blood would streak down into his eyes and he couldn't see. Against Marcos Geraldo Ronnie's eyes opened up early. Geraldo could sock and Ronnie was in trouble early. The blood sprayed up in the glare of the ring lights as Geraldo teed off. He could just about telegraph anything he wanted. He knew Ronnie was fighting blind.
Ronnie was going down. Before, his legs would be strong enough to keep him standing,but now he was collapsing. Crumbling and bleeding.Blood soaking into the mat. Eyes closed, Ronnie would pull himself up. You loved him for that.
But loving a fighter knowing that he could be permamently hurt,or even die, makes one gather himself and say,"Enough. Stop it." When Ronnie couldn't see the punches coming in,when we saw that he was hurt but didn't feel the pain,we wanted it to stop. This wasn't the Roman Coliseum. It was the San Diego Coliseum. We were crying for Ronnie. We wanted him to stay down. He didn't. Maybe he couldn't hear us.
Rog, a few years after he beat Wilson, I watched Geraldo go through the same thing here in Chicago.
He fought Anthony Willis. Willis was an up and comer and of course they wanted Marcos ' name on his resume as he was a good name who had been around.Willis beat him up and kayoed him in the tenth round. It was at the end of Geraldos career. He might have fought a couple more times, but it was clear he didnt have it anymore.
That same card Pipino Cuevas belted out Louis Mateo with ease.I sparred alot with Mateo and I knew what he could do. He wasnt gonna beat Pipino under any circumstance. Somebody must have thought Cuevas was ripe for the taking.They thought wrong.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 09:11
by kikibalt
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 10:00
by kikibalt
Haye What!
July 22, 2009 by James Allen
Several media outlets are reporting Former undisputed world cruiserweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has pulled out of an announced September 12 showdown with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and signed a contract to meet current WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev on November 7, at a location yet to be decided but understood to take place in Germany.
Huh? All that trash talk about the Klitschkos’ and now walk away from a fight? Haye said, “The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted.”
“Once I have snatched Valuev’s title, I will be happy to battle out heavyweight supremacy with the Klitschkos, but only on equal and fair terms.”
Haye told the British press that K2, Klitschko’s promotional company, had in the contract a clause that would lock Haye up for future fights. Valuev’s camp says that it is not true and at most Haye would be bound for two more fights, either a rematch with Vitali or a fight with Wladamir. Don King is in Valuev’s camp and few believe Valuev’s team would present a contract without future options for Haye so what is the deal?
My guess is Haye believes Valuev is a weaker opponent than either Klitschko, and he is, and Haye wants to make some money before risking a fight with the K. bros. Hard to blame him for that but I lost a lot of respect for him after all the trash talking and histrionics. The severed head stunt was out of line and not funny.
PS, exactly as I write this Manny Ramirez jacks a grand slam off the bench where he was resting a sore hand AND on his bobble head night! Say what you will, he is electric.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 10:55
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Haye What!
July 22, 2009 by James Allen
Several media outlets are reporting Former undisputed world cruiserweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has pulled out of an announced September 12 showdown with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and signed a contract to meet current WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev on November 7, at a location yet to be decided but understood to take place in Germany.
Huh? All that trash talk about the Klitschkos’ and now walk away from a fight? Haye said, “The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted.”
“Once I have snatched Valuev’s title, I will be happy to battle out heavyweight supremacy with the Klitschkos, but only on equal and fair terms.”
Haye told the British press that K2, Klitschko’s promotional company, had in the contract a clause that would lock Haye up for future fights. Valuev’s camp says that it is not true and at most Haye would be bound for two more fights, either a rematch with Vitali or a fight with Wladamir. Don King is in Valuev’s camp and few believe Valuev’s team would present a contract without future options for Haye so what is the deal?
My guess is Haye believes Valuev is a weaker opponent than either Klitschko, and he is, and Haye wants to make some money before risking a fight with the K. bros. Hard to blame him for that but I lost a lot of respect for him after all the trash talking and histrionics. The severed head stunt was out of line and not funny.
PS, exactly as I write this Manny Ramirez jacks a grand slam off the bench where he was resting a sore hand AND on his bobble head night! Say what you will, he is electric.
David Haye . . .
I believe that if any of us who hope to see either of the Lurch brothers lose this year, we best not put our hopes in David Haye.
I have a feeling this one is another example of a guy who can a hit a bit, but has a weak chin and questionable heart.
I don't blame him for wishing to take on the "No Valuev" first. It seems like the weak hearted former Iron Bloc hero's don't dare stray much beyong the borders of Germany for action. Why should they? They are protected and make pretty good cash over there. Outside of East Europe, the big boys are pretty much a big joke. Sadly the joke is on us, cuz we here in America are at a loss for heavyweight talent, and if Haye is the best we have to offer the world then we best plan on writing off the heavyweight division for a long time, maybe forever.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 11:22
by kikibalt
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 11:51
by Rick Farris
Tony Baltazar vs. Howard Davis . . .
Frank . . . I've got my lap top on the set and have played the first couple links to this great fight.
Tony has some new fans on the "Desperate Housewives" set. No sooner did I start the fight, a couple people looked over my shoulder.
Then a few more, grips, a prop man, Ricardo who plays "Carlos". I pause the action while we set-up a shot.
About fifteen minutes later, Ricardo says as he steps before the camera, "I wanna watch the rest of that fight later . . ." he tells me.
A few of us return to my computor and I see assitant director and the sound crew watching the action. The prop man had hit "play".
The A.D. came over to see Howard Davis, whom he remembered very well. He walked away talking about Tony Baltazar.
"Guys . . . we're about to roll, please turn the sound off if your going to watch during the shot," The A.D. tells us as he quiets the set.
I turn off the sound, and the crowd gathers behind my set chair.
I hit the second link to the fight, and while Ricardo Antonio Chivara's charactor "Carlos" exchanges lines with his on-screen wife, Eva Longoria, "Gaby", about a half dozen of the crew enjoy a great fight.
It's too hectic to watch a fight while working a film set, but in a few hours we'll break for an hour lunch.
Frank, more than a dozen involved with this production have asked to watch the fight from start to finish on our break.
Tell Tony he can still capture a crowd and that Ricardo is his latest fan. He looks great in this fight. I've seen it more than once, and I'll see it again.
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 12:41
by kikibalt
Rick,
I'm glad you and your co-workers on the set are enjoying Tony's fight with Davis, maybe they would like to see his fight with Robin Blake and Frankie's with Chango Cruz, those fight are here already, if need be I can upload'em again. Just a though...
I will tell Tony that he has some new fans...

Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 15:02
by Rick Farris
kikibalt wrote:Rick,
I'm glad you and your co-workers on the set are enjoying Tony's fight with Davis, maybe they would like to see his fight with Robin Blake and Frankie's with Chango Cruz, those fight are here already, if need be I can upload'em again. Just a though...
I will tell Tony that he has some new fans...

Frank . . . That would be great! We break for lunch around 1pm. It would be great to see the Chango Cruz fight again, that way they can see Frankie also.
I have that fight at home on disc, I remember what you told me about how that match came to be. Great story!
Frankie was just a pro six months, five fights under his belt, fills in for a main eventer against a solid vet (Kabakoff's fighter).
Frankie takes him apart, KO-9!
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 15:10
by kikibalt
Rick Farris wrote:kikibalt wrote:Rick,
I'm glad you and your co-workers on the set are enjoying Tony's fight with Davis, maybe they would like to see his fight with Robin Blake and Frankie's with Chango Cruz, those fight are here already, if need be I can upload'em again. Just a though...
I will tell Tony that he has some new fans...

Frank . . . That would be great! We break for lunch around 1pm. It would be great to see the Chango Cruz fight again, that way they can see Frankie also.
I have that fight at home on disc, I remember what you told me about how that match came to be. Great story!
Frankie was just a pro six months, five fights under his belt, fills in for a main eventer against a solid vet (Kabakoff's fighter).
Frankie takes him apart, KO-9!
-Rick Farris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgDI91Q81p0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AyEMRZJgrQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rthf4CDbKEg
Frankie Baltazar vs Jose Chango Cruz
Tony Baltazar vs Robin Blake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLcuE-kQ6Cg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh2z-n4f1g0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hhHjZkndHM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngempDdNDXA
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Posted: 23 Jul 2009, 17:15
by Rick Farris
Is that Manny Pacquiao?
The question came from Felicity Huffman, who plays "Lynette Scavo" on Desperate Housewives.
"Flicka" as she is known to the crew, had just stepped into the air conditioned video tent, located inside the "Scavo House" garage set.
On this hot July afternoon, the garage is like an oven, and the small air conditioning unit cooling the tent is cranking full bore.
The tent is full, about a half-dozen crew members sitting in fold-up directors chairs, and a handful more just standing, staring at the video monitor.
The fight is just about over, the ninth round has just started. The favorite is battered and taking a whipping.
I answer the actress' question, "No that's not Pacquiao, that's Frankie Baltazar Jr. . . ."
She steps closer to the screen, "Oh, he's a southpaw, like Pacquiao."
Suddenly Chango Cruz hits the deck, the actress' eyes grow big, "Oh look, he's down . . ."
A moment later the fight is over, Frankie Jr. runs across the ring and hugs Johnnie Flores and his father.
Before the audience in the air conditioned tent could comment on the fight, a big figure steps inside.
It's Mark Cherry, creator and Executive Producer of Desprate Housewives. He wants to review the shot we did before lunch.
We all stand up, the video-assist tech disconnects my lap top from the monitor, Flicka hugs the heavyset producer and exits with the rest of us.
A camera assistant catches up with me, "That kid was a good fighter, you said he only had five fights?"
I answer, "Yeah, he was just eighteen. Today he's in the California Hall of Fame, so's his brother Tony, and their father."
"Well, tomorrow bring in that other fight you have with Tony, OK?" he asks.
"You got it. Manana!"
-Rick Farris