1979 Sport Illustrated
Some Cauliflower Alley Clubmen Might Be
Down, But They’re Not Out
Al Stump
Near Hollywood's central business district lie the remains of an old boxing and wrestling arena, the 7,000-seat Legion Stadium. In 1959, to make way for new land use, concrete slabs were laid over the stadium, burying what had been one of the West's busiest fight clubs during the 1920s, '30s and '40s. But the place still draws fans. On a recent afternoon some 80 members of the Cauliflower Alley Club, an organization of old-time ring stars (average age 67), met above the spot where many of them once threw punches or wrestled. "Maybe they buried the joint," said 71-year-old Jimmy McLarnin, the world welterweight champion in 1933, "but they haven't got us yet."
That defiant spirit marks the CAC, the country's largest fraternity of ex-fighters and wrestlers. The club was formed 11 years ago to salute yesterday's heroes of the ring, to help them escape the loneliness of retirement and hear some cheers again—if only from their peers. "Having a club to come to fills empty days for the boys," says Marshall Wright, one of the CAC's founders. "Many of them live on small savings and pensions, although we have a few millionaires. They may need a cane or wheelchair to reach the sessions, but they keep coming. Mickey Cohen, for instance, collapsed at the door and we had to carry him in. He died not long after." ( Cohen, Los Angeles' most notorious gangster in post-World War II days, qualified for the club because he was a popular Cleveland lightweight years earlier.)
Weekly meetings, which are usually held in the Golden State Hotel in Burbank, are called to order by striking the bell used at the Dempsey-Tunney "long-count" fight of 1927. The death of an Alley Clubber is observed by striking the same bell 10 times. Last words are often spoken by Kid Chissell, 69, once the U.S. Navy's top-ranked welterweight. Not long ago, during a eulogy for a departed comrade. Chissell declared. "Friend Ed isn't dead, he's sleeping." From a side table came the reply, "I'll lay 8 to 5 against that."
Some club members are so old they can recall Lillie Langtry sitting at ringside before World War I. Eighty-six-year-old Phil Bloom, a noted lightweight in his day, knew John L. Sullivan. Fidel La Barba, 74, held the world flyweight crown during the Coolidge Administration. Young Abe Attell, a wispy 84-year-old who had 300-odd bouts beginning in 1910, says, "Cuts didn't stop you in those days—they used a solution so damned powerful it blinded some guys for good when it got into their eyes."
One of the few honorary members of the Cauliflower AC is Mae West, 86, a lifetime boxing fan. One day, arriving at a club meeting in a cloud of chiffon, Miss West glanced over the elderly crowd and asked, "Where am I, boys—in a wax museum?"
Many famous names of the past attend the club's gatherings, among them Willie (Gorilla) Jones, 73, a former middleweight champion who toured New York with a pet lion on a leash; Jackie Fields, 72, once welterweight champ; Henry Armstrong, 67, unique holder of three world titles simultaneously; Lou Nova, 64-year-old inventor of the "Cosmic Punch," who twice KO'd Max Baer; Jimmy Dime, 82, who, when hit with a full uppercut some 60 years ago, performed a backward somersault, landed on both feet and went on to win the fight.
But not all club members are noted for their deeds in the ring. Dr. Brad Levin, for instance, a spry 84-year-old from Los Angeles, was a fighter's dentist for half a century. Levin probably replaced more teeth than anyone in his field and perfected the protective mouthpiece back in the days of Jack Johnson. And some members still hold jobs. Among them is Harvey Parry, who, though over 70, is the active dean of Hollywood stuntmen. "At 80 I plan to quit stunting," says Parry, a feared body puncher in his youth. Parry taught Jimmy Cagney to fight for the movies, cauliflowering one of Cagney's ears in the process. Cagney, by the way, is an honorary CAC member.
At a typical gathering CAC members might watch boxing movies, form committees to visit ailing and bedridden ex-fighters or hand out awards. In a recent poll the 420 cardholders chose those club members they felt most qualified for various honors. Among the winners: "Worst hands," Jimmy McLarnin, whose knuckles are shoved halfway to his wrists; "Worst nose," Mushy Callahan, 74, junior welterweight champ in 1926-30, with a nose so pancaked it's hardly a hose at all; "Worst ears," Mike Mazurki, 6'6" club president, a one-time professional wrestler and a current movie tough guy, whose ears fold down from the top, then flatten into doglegs; "Prettiest," the one and only Sugar Ray Robinson, still handsome at 58; "Ugliest." Count Billy Varga, ex-heavyweight wrestler, who's also the biggest noisemaker, agitator and program pest during the luncheon meetings.
Many of the former boxers and wrestlers miss the excitement of the past, a yearning expressed in the club anthem which they sing at the end of every CAC meeting:
Bless us all,
Bless us all,
The heavy, the light and the small,
Bless our flat noses and cauliflowered ears,
For we are the ones whom
They stood up and cheered.
Classic American West Coast Boxing
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
They sure don't make them like that anymore can you see todays so called stars meeting up in their old age without there being a cheque involvedkikibalt wrote:1979 Sport Illustrated
Some Cauliflower Alley Clubmen Might Be
Down, But They’re Not Out
Al Stump
Near Hollywood's central business district lie the remains of an old boxing and wrestling arena, the 7,000-seat Legion Stadium. In 1959, to make way for new land use, concrete slabs were laid over the stadium, burying what had been one of the West's busiest fight clubs during the 1920s, '30s and '40s. But the place still draws fans. On a recent afternoon some 80 members of the Cauliflower Alley Club, an organization of old-time ring stars (average age 67), met above the spot where many of them once threw punches or wrestled. "Maybe they buried the joint," said 71-year-old Jimmy McLarnin, the world welterweight champion in 1933, "but they haven't got us yet."
That defiant spirit marks the CAC, the country's largest fraternity of ex-fighters and wrestlers. The club was formed 11 years ago to salute yesterday's heroes of the ring, to help them escape the loneliness of retirement and hear some cheers again—if only from their peers. "Having a club to come to fills empty days for the boys," says Marshall Wright, one of the CAC's founders. "Many of them live on small savings and pensions, although we have a few millionaires. They may need a cane or wheelchair to reach the sessions, but they keep coming. Mickey Cohen, for instance, collapsed at the door and we had to carry him in. He died not long after." ( Cohen, Los Angeles' most notorious gangster in post-World War II days, qualified for the club because he was a popular Cleveland lightweight years earlier.)
Weekly meetings, which are usually held in the Golden State Hotel in Burbank, are called to order by striking the bell used at the Dempsey-Tunney "long-count" fight of 1927. The death of an Alley Clubber is observed by striking the same bell 10 times. Last words are often spoken by Kid Chissell, 69, once the U.S. Navy's top-ranked welterweight. Not long ago, during a eulogy for a departed comrade. Chissell declared. "Friend Ed isn't dead, he's sleeping." From a side table came the reply, "I'll lay 8 to 5 against that."
Some club members are so old they can recall Lillie Langtry sitting at ringside before World War I. Eighty-six-year-old Phil Bloom, a noted lightweight in his day, knew John L. Sullivan. Fidel La Barba, 74, held the world flyweight crown during the Coolidge Administration. Young Abe Attell, a wispy 84-year-old who had 300-odd bouts beginning in 1910, says, "Cuts didn't stop you in those days—they used a solution so damned powerful it blinded some guys for good when it got into their eyes."
One of the few honorary members of the Cauliflower AC is Mae West, 86, a lifetime boxing fan. One day, arriving at a club meeting in a cloud of chiffon, Miss West glanced over the elderly crowd and asked, "Where am I, boys—in a wax museum?"
Many famous names of the past attend the club's gatherings, among them Willie (Gorilla) Jones, 73, a former middleweight champion who toured New York with a pet lion on a leash; Jackie Fields, 72, once welterweight champ; Henry Armstrong, 67, unique holder of three world titles simultaneously; Lou Nova, 64-year-old inventor of the "Cosmic Punch," who twice KO'd Max Baer; Jimmy Dime, 82, who, when hit with a full uppercut some 60 years ago, performed a backward somersault, landed on both feet and went on to win the fight.
But not all club members are noted for their deeds in the ring. Dr. Brad Levin, for instance, a spry 84-year-old from Los Angeles, was a fighter's dentist for half a century. Levin probably replaced more teeth than anyone in his field and perfected the protective mouthpiece back in the days of Jack Johnson. And some members still hold jobs. Among them is Harvey Parry, who, though over 70, is the active dean of Hollywood stuntmen. "At 80 I plan to quit stunting," says Parry, a feared body puncher in his youth. Parry taught Jimmy Cagney to fight for the movies, cauliflowering one of Cagney's ears in the process. Cagney, by the way, is an honorary CAC member.
At a typical gathering CAC members might watch boxing movies, form committees to visit ailing and bedridden ex-fighters or hand out awards. In a recent poll the 420 cardholders chose those club members they felt most qualified for various honors. Among the winners: "Worst hands," Jimmy McLarnin, whose knuckles are shoved halfway to his wrists; "Worst nose," Mushy Callahan, 74, junior welterweight champ in 1926-30, with a nose so pancaked it's hardly a hose at all; "Worst ears," Mike Mazurki, 6'6" club president, a one-time professional wrestler and a current movie tough guy, whose ears fold down from the top, then flatten into doglegs; "Prettiest," the one and only Sugar Ray Robinson, still handsome at 58; "Ugliest." Count Billy Varga, ex-heavyweight wrestler, who's also the biggest noisemaker, agitator and program pest during the luncheon meetings.
Many of the former boxers and wrestlers miss the excitement of the past, a yearning expressed in the club anthem which they sing at the end of every CAC meeting:
Bless us all, Bless us all, The heavy, the light and the small, Bless our flat noses and cauliflowered ears, For we are the ones whom They stood up and cheered.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Briggs Stadium was also the site of Joe Louis' 1939 title defense against Bob Pastor, and Jake LaMotta's 1949 win against Marcel Cerdan to take the middleweight crown.Rick Farris wrote:Detroit . . .
After a near 90 hour work week, it was great to sleep in today.
About two blocks from the Motor City Hotel & Casino, where our film crew is being lodged, is an old vacant lot, over grown in weeds, surrounded by a chain link fence.
Wandering closer to the fence, I notice in the center is a baseball diamond, pitcher's mound, home plate and base lines that are somewhat maintained.
I discover that the vacant lot was once Briggs Field, which decades ago was home to the Detroit Tigers.
In this stadium Ty Cobb stole bases, and Babe Ruth, playing for the visiting N.Y. Yankees hit home runs.
However, more importantly, this is the place where Baseball legend Lou Gehrig, would bench himself. Gehrig had started in more than 2100 consecutive baseball games during his 14 seasons with the Yanks, a record that still stands. However, on this day in 1939, Gehrig was too sick to play, and he would never play again. Two years later he would die of what today is known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease", neuromuscular disease.
I walked around to what was the front of the old stadium. Nothing remains but the modestly maintained diamond, a stretch of the original front gate, and the area where once stood the grandstands that were taken down decades ago. Now all that remains where the fans watched baseball games is soil overgrown with weeds.
I walked out onto the field and stood at home plate, and then out to the mound. Looking out toward center field one monument to the past still remains, the center field flag pole.
Standing next to home plate, a shiver ran down my spine, knowing that during the early part of the last century Ty Cobb had crossed that plate, and likely had slid into it with his spikes in the air, ready to cut into the catcher attempting to tag him out. A freeway now runs along the edge of what was once the left-center field fence. I imagined one of Ruth's homers smashing into a car passing by on the freeway just beyond the fence.
Of course, the men I am referring to were not Detroit Tigers, but N.Y. Yankees who were playing against the Tigers. I took a few snap shots using my cell phone, and I will return next sunday with a better camera to take better pictures.
Our friend John Bardelli (age 13) once attended a game at Briggs Field, back in the 1956, the same year Mickey Mantle won the triple crown. John was in Michigan that year to play in the Babe Ruth League World Series, representing Wallace, Idaho. I forwarded the photos to John, and in return I received a lot of baseball history. John was a helluva ball player, and today a baseball historian. More than boxing history runs thru the blood of Mr. Bardelli.
Next week, we will re-shoot several scenes for the series pilot for "Detroit 187", and we will do so in the same neighborhood (using the same house) that was used recently in the Clint Eastwood feature "Grand Torino". The neighborhood is located in nearby Highland Park. Despite the long work week, I'm enjoying Detroit, and the people of this sadly dacaying town. Next Saturday night, we will be attending a Detroit Tigers game courtesy of the film company.
Last night we went to Hockey Town, a local sports bar, however, with no major event in town, it was closed. As we approached the club, I couldn't help but think of our buddy Brian (ExPug) hoisting up the Stanley Cup on the ice after his Black Hawks defeated Detroit's Red Wings recently. Although I'm not a Chicago guy, I thought it would be fun to show off that picture, but it probably wouldn't win me many friends here in the Motor City. We ended up in Greek Town, had dinner and then it was back to the Hotel where I fell asleep.
My original plan was to be here for six months, for the first 12 episodes, but I will be returning to L.A. on the 28th, to light another TV production during August, and then begin pre-production on Spider Man-4, which will keep me busy thru next May. I don't mind the heat and humidity of Detroit, but I was not looking forward to the cold winters and filming outside. On that note it will be a pleasure to return to L.A..
As for boxing, there is a card scheduled for this coming friday in nearby Royal Oak, and if by chance we are not filming that evening, the company will see a few of us have good seats for that fight card. However, I have a feeling we'll be filming that night? At this stage, the shooting schedule is being revamped, so who knows?
I send my best to all of my CAWCB amigos!
-Rick Farris
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
My wife calls me a "Big Ape" from time to time. Maybe you got a spot on your lighting staff for me.Rick Farris wrote:Expug wrote:.
I love L.A. but I don't like a lot of the phony bastids that hang on the fringe of the film industry. As I told Dan a few nights ago, I have a couple of Chicago guys on my crew, and they are great guys. California still has the best film technicians, however, I believe you could teach a monkey to do many of the jobs we do, so the Golden State had best get it's act together or kiss the movie industry good bye.
Spiderman, Transformers, Ironman movies on the agenda- my nephews will be celebrating that news for the next 2-3 years.
Sad note Top 1940-1960 contender Johnny Colan passed away peacefully Friday night, just a few hours after burying his wife. He was in his 80's.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
The following notification was sent out by Henry Hascup- Pres. NJ Boxing HOF:
We received this last night from the family of Johnny Colan
John passed peacefully last night on the day of jo's burial. The wake will be held at Gleasons funeral home 149-20 Northern Blvd Flushing N.Y. [718-359-6300] on tues [7-9] and weds [2-5,7-9] and funeral mass at St. Kevin's church 149st and 45th ave ,Flushing, on thursday [718-357-8888] time to be arranged. Please pass the word on to the members.-Cheri herrmann and Laura colan
Johnny was rated in the top 10 in the World by Ring Magazine in both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions from September 1941 to March of 1947. Johnny knocked out the likes of Steve Mamakos, Ernie Vigh, Jimmy Webb and decisioned Buddy Knox .. . Also battled Jake LaMotta, Anton Christoforidis, Tommy Yarosz and Nate Bolden . . . Later became the New York State Athletic Commission Referee . . .A longtime member of Ring 8. Served on the board of Directors and was the Vice President for years. He was rated as high as #4 in the World.
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_ ... &cat=boxer
http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:11799
Henry
We received this last night from the family of Johnny Colan
John passed peacefully last night on the day of jo's burial. The wake will be held at Gleasons funeral home 149-20 Northern Blvd Flushing N.Y. [718-359-6300] on tues [7-9] and weds [2-5,7-9] and funeral mass at St. Kevin's church 149st and 45th ave ,Flushing, on thursday [718-357-8888] time to be arranged. Please pass the word on to the members.-Cheri herrmann and Laura colan
Johnny was rated in the top 10 in the World by Ring Magazine in both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions from September 1941 to March of 1947. Johnny knocked out the likes of Steve Mamakos, Ernie Vigh, Jimmy Webb and decisioned Buddy Knox .. . Also battled Jake LaMotta, Anton Christoforidis, Tommy Yarosz and Nate Bolden . . . Later became the New York State Athletic Commission Referee . . .A longtime member of Ring 8. Served on the board of Directors and was the Vice President for years. He was rated as high as #4 in the World.
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_ ... &cat=boxer
http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:11799
Henry
-
Panzerfaust
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 560
- Joined: 18 Dec 2009, 17:13
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Anyone familliar with the Hollywood Heights hotel? is it any good?
Cheers PF
Cheers PF
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Here is a link to a review of the hotel.Panzerfaust wrote:Anyone familliar with the Hollywood Heights hotel? is it any good?
Cheers PF
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... ornia.html
If you are looking for someplace historic, you might try the Roosevelt Hotel. I understand its been refurbished and is quite nice now:
http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/la ... -roosevelt
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
R.I.P. Mac Foster
Former pro boxer from Fresno dies
Jul. 19, 2010
The Fresno Bee
Mac Foster, a former heavyweight boxer from Fresno who fought Muhammad Ali in 1972, died this morning at age 68.
Mr. Foster fought from 1966 to 1976 and was 30-6 as a professional, with all of his victories by knockout.
He lost to Ali in a 15-round decision on April 1, 1972, in Tokyo.
Read more: http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/07/19/...#ixzz0uALB7jha
Mac Foster
Alias MacArthur
Country USA
Global Id 9388
Hometown Fresno, California, USA
Birthplace Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Division Heavyweight
Born 1942-06-27
Died 2010-07-19
Stance Orthodox
Height 188cm
Career Record ©www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1966-11-28 Jimmy Gilmore Las Vegas, US W KO 3
1967-01-05 Leroy Birmingham Los Angeles, US W KO 1
1967-02-06 Sam Wyatt Fresno, US W KO 1
1967-03-14 L J Wheeler Fresno, US W TKO 6
1967-05-09 Lou Phillips Fresno, US W KO 3
1967-06-13 Lino Armenteros Fresno, US W KO 3
1967-08-29 Floyd Joyner Fresno, US W TKO 7
1967-10-11 Ray Junior Ellis Fresno, US W KO 2
1967-11-28 Roy Wallace Fresno, US W KO 7
1968-01-23 Hubert Hilton Fresno, US W TKO 5
1968-02-27 Steve Grant Fresno, US W TKO 2
1968-04-02 Sonny Moore Fresno, US W KO 2
1968-07-09 Curtis Bruce Fresno, US W TKO 3
1968-08-08 Tommy Burns Seattle, US W KO 1
1968-08-16 Tommy Fields Reno, US W TKO 5
1968-11-27 Joe Hemphill Las Vegas, US W TKO 3
1969-01-21 Roger Rischer Fresno, US W KO 4
1969-05-20 Thad Spencer Fresno, US W KO 1
1969-08-19 Roger Russell Fresno, US W TKO 3
1969-09-13 Cleveland Williams Fresno, US W TKO 5
1969-11-18 Cleveland Williams Houston, US W KO 3
1969-12-16 Bob Felstein Fresno, US W KO 2
1970-03-24 Jimmy Rossette Fresno, US W KO 4
1970-04-09 Jack O'Halloran Los Angeles, US W KO 1
1970-06-17 Jerry Quarry New York, US L KO 6
1970-09-29 Zora Folley Fresno, US W KO 1
1971-03-25 Mike Boswell Los Angeles, US W TKO 4
1971-07-29 Billy Joiner Los Angeles, US W KO 5
1971-12-26 Giuseppe Ros Zurich, CH W KO 8
1972-04-01 Muhammad Ali JP L UD 15
1973-04-11 Sam McGill Chicago, US W TKO 9
1973-05-03 Charles Williams Chicago, US W KO 10
1973-06-30 Bob Stallings Chicago, US L SD 10
1973-11-13 Joe Bugner Wembley, UK L PTS 10
1974-05-30 Henry Clark Oakland, US L UD 10
1976-02-26 Stan Ward San Jose, US L UD 10
Record to Date
Won 30 (KOs 30)
Lost 6
Drawn 0
Total 36
Former pro boxer from Fresno dies
Jul. 19, 2010
The Fresno Bee
Mac Foster, a former heavyweight boxer from Fresno who fought Muhammad Ali in 1972, died this morning at age 68.
Mr. Foster fought from 1966 to 1976 and was 30-6 as a professional, with all of his victories by knockout.
He lost to Ali in a 15-round decision on April 1, 1972, in Tokyo.
Read more: http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/07/19/...#ixzz0uALB7jha
Mac Foster
Alias MacArthur
Country USA
Global Id 9388
Hometown Fresno, California, USA
Birthplace Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Division Heavyweight
Born 1942-06-27
Died 2010-07-19
Stance Orthodox
Height 188cm
Career Record ©www.boxrec.com
Date Opponent Location Result
1966-11-28 Jimmy Gilmore Las Vegas, US W KO 3
1967-01-05 Leroy Birmingham Los Angeles, US W KO 1
1967-02-06 Sam Wyatt Fresno, US W KO 1
1967-03-14 L J Wheeler Fresno, US W TKO 6
1967-05-09 Lou Phillips Fresno, US W KO 3
1967-06-13 Lino Armenteros Fresno, US W KO 3
1967-08-29 Floyd Joyner Fresno, US W TKO 7
1967-10-11 Ray Junior Ellis Fresno, US W KO 2
1967-11-28 Roy Wallace Fresno, US W KO 7
1968-01-23 Hubert Hilton Fresno, US W TKO 5
1968-02-27 Steve Grant Fresno, US W TKO 2
1968-04-02 Sonny Moore Fresno, US W KO 2
1968-07-09 Curtis Bruce Fresno, US W TKO 3
1968-08-08 Tommy Burns Seattle, US W KO 1
1968-08-16 Tommy Fields Reno, US W TKO 5
1968-11-27 Joe Hemphill Las Vegas, US W TKO 3
1969-01-21 Roger Rischer Fresno, US W KO 4
1969-05-20 Thad Spencer Fresno, US W KO 1
1969-08-19 Roger Russell Fresno, US W TKO 3
1969-09-13 Cleveland Williams Fresno, US W TKO 5
1969-11-18 Cleveland Williams Houston, US W KO 3
1969-12-16 Bob Felstein Fresno, US W KO 2
1970-03-24 Jimmy Rossette Fresno, US W KO 4
1970-04-09 Jack O'Halloran Los Angeles, US W KO 1
1970-06-17 Jerry Quarry New York, US L KO 6
1970-09-29 Zora Folley Fresno, US W KO 1
1971-03-25 Mike Boswell Los Angeles, US W TKO 4
1971-07-29 Billy Joiner Los Angeles, US W KO 5
1971-12-26 Giuseppe Ros Zurich, CH W KO 8
1972-04-01 Muhammad Ali JP L UD 15
1973-04-11 Sam McGill Chicago, US W TKO 9
1973-05-03 Charles Williams Chicago, US W KO 10
1973-06-30 Bob Stallings Chicago, US L SD 10
1973-11-13 Joe Bugner Wembley, UK L PTS 10
1974-05-30 Henry Clark Oakland, US L UD 10
1976-02-26 Stan Ward San Jose, US L UD 10
Record to Date
Won 30 (KOs 30)
Lost 6
Drawn 0
Total 36
-
Rick Farris
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7200
- Joined: 15 Feb 2008, 16:04
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Mac Foster . . .
I am truly saddened to learn of the death of Mac Foster. Mac was my stablemate briefly in 1971, when he was signed by my manager, Johnny Flores. Johnny assigned former featherweight contender Dwight Hawkins to train both myself and Mac, and I'll never forget what a truly nice man the big heavyweight was.
I was well aware of who Foster was, and the long KO streak he had before suffering his first loss to Johnny's former heavyweight, Jerry Quarry. Quarry had just parted company with Flores and Johnny quickly signed Mac to a contract.
On the night Ruben Navarro challenged Ken Buchanan for the lightweight title, I fought in a six-rounder and Hawkins was in my corner, and Foster was in attendence. After I scored my first pro KO that night, my girlfriend and I sat and watched the title fight with both Hawkins and Foster.
Mac had been in the Marine Corps prior to making his pro debut in the mid-60's, and had pulled two tours in Viet Nam, receiving a Purple Heart for his battle wounds. I had read about his Viet Nam tours in Boxing Illustrated, and one day at the Main Street Gym, I spoke with him about his experience as we changed into our gym gear in Johnny's dressing room.
Foster showed me where he had been shot several times in his legs when caught in an ambush while on patrol. I asked if his wounds still bothered him and he sighed, "Well, there is still some shrapnel in one, and it bothers me at times, however, if it ain't one thing, it would likely be something else. Nobody had it easy over there."
He was humble and kind, and he and the Hawk looked like a strange combination, Mac was 6'3" and Dwight was 5'3".
Mac, may God rest your soul. I'll never forget the brief time in which our paths crossed.
-Rick Farris
I am truly saddened to learn of the death of Mac Foster. Mac was my stablemate briefly in 1971, when he was signed by my manager, Johnny Flores. Johnny assigned former featherweight contender Dwight Hawkins to train both myself and Mac, and I'll never forget what a truly nice man the big heavyweight was.
I was well aware of who Foster was, and the long KO streak he had before suffering his first loss to Johnny's former heavyweight, Jerry Quarry. Quarry had just parted company with Flores and Johnny quickly signed Mac to a contract.
On the night Ruben Navarro challenged Ken Buchanan for the lightweight title, I fought in a six-rounder and Hawkins was in my corner, and Foster was in attendence. After I scored my first pro KO that night, my girlfriend and I sat and watched the title fight with both Hawkins and Foster.
Mac had been in the Marine Corps prior to making his pro debut in the mid-60's, and had pulled two tours in Viet Nam, receiving a Purple Heart for his battle wounds. I had read about his Viet Nam tours in Boxing Illustrated, and one day at the Main Street Gym, I spoke with him about his experience as we changed into our gym gear in Johnny's dressing room.
Foster showed me where he had been shot several times in his legs when caught in an ambush while on patrol. I asked if his wounds still bothered him and he sighed, "Well, there is still some shrapnel in one, and it bothers me at times, however, if it ain't one thing, it would likely be something else. Nobody had it easy over there."
He was humble and kind, and he and the Hawk looked like a strange combination, Mac was 6'3" and Dwight was 5'3".
Mac, may God rest your soul. I'll never forget the brief time in which our paths crossed.
-Rick Farris
-
Rick Farris
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7200
- Joined: 15 Feb 2008, 16:04
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Thanks for this great info Tom!!!!!! I'll tell the guys here.raylawpc wrote:Briggs Stadium was also the site of Joe Louis' 1939 title defense against Bob Pastor, and Jake LaMotta's 1949 win against Marcel Cerdan to take the middleweight crown.Rick Farris wrote:Detroit . . .
After a near 90 hour work week, it was great to sleep in today.
About two blocks from the Motor City Hotel & Casino, where our film crew is being lodged, is an old vacant lot, over grown in weeds, surrounded by a chain link fence.
Wandering closer to the fence, I notice in the center is a baseball diamond, pitcher's mound, home plate and base lines that are somewhat maintained.
I discover that the vacant lot was once Briggs Field, which decades ago was home to the Detroit Tigers.
In this stadium Ty Cobb stole bases, and Babe Ruth, playing for the visiting N.Y. Yankees hit home runs.
However, more importantly, this is the place where Baseball legend Lou Gehrig, would bench himself. Gehrig had started in more than 2100 consecutive baseball games during his 14 seasons with the Yanks, a record that still stands. However, on this day in 1939, Gehrig was too sick to play, and he would never play again. Two years later he would die of what today is known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease", neuromuscular disease.
I walked around to what was the front of the old stadium. Nothing remains but the modestly maintained diamond, a stretch of the original front gate, and the area where once stood the grandstands that were taken down decades ago. Now all that remains where the fans watched baseball games is soil overgrown with weeds.
I walked out onto the field and stood at home plate, and then out to the mound. Looking out toward center field one monument to the past still remains, the center field flag pole.
Standing next to home plate, a shiver ran down my spine, knowing that during the early part of the last century Ty Cobb had crossed that plate, and likely had slid into it with his spikes in the air, ready to cut into the catcher attempting to tag him out. A freeway now runs along the edge of what was once the left-center field fence. I imagined one of Ruth's homers smashing into a car passing by on the freeway just beyond the fence.
Of course, the men I am referring to were not Detroit Tigers, but N.Y. Yankees who were playing against the Tigers. I took a few snap shots using my cell phone, and I will return next sunday with a better camera to take better pictures.
Our friend John Bardelli (age 13) once attended a game at Briggs Field, back in the 1956, the same year Mickey Mantle won the triple crown. John was in Michigan that year to play in the Babe Ruth League World Series, representing Wallace, Idaho. I forwarded the photos to John, and in return I received a lot of baseball history. John was a helluva ball player, and today a baseball historian. More than boxing history runs thru the blood of Mr. Bardelli.
Next week, we will re-shoot several scenes for the series pilot for "Detroit 187", and we will do so in the same neighborhood (using the same house) that was used recently in the Clint Eastwood feature "Grand Torino". The neighborhood is located in nearby Highland Park. Despite the long work week, I'm enjoying Detroit, and the people of this sadly dacaying town. Next Saturday night, we will be attending a Detroit Tigers game courtesy of the film company.
Last night we went to Hockey Town, a local sports bar, however, with no major event in town, it was closed. As we approached the club, I couldn't help but think of our buddy Brian (ExPug) hoisting up the Stanley Cup on the ice after his Black Hawks defeated Detroit's Red Wings recently. Although I'm not a Chicago guy, I thought it would be fun to show off that picture, but it probably wouldn't win me many friends here in the Motor City. We ended up in Greek Town, had dinner and then it was back to the Hotel where I fell asleep.
My original plan was to be here for six months, for the first 12 episodes, but I will be returning to L.A. on the 28th, to light another TV production during August, and then begin pre-production on Spider Man-4, which will keep me busy thru next May. I don't mind the heat and humidity of Detroit, but I was not looking forward to the cold winters and filming outside. On that note it will be a pleasure to return to L.A..
As for boxing, there is a card scheduled for this coming friday in nearby Royal Oak, and if by chance we are not filming that evening, the company will see a few of us have good seats for that fight card. However, I have a feeling we'll be filming that night? At this stage, the shooting schedule is being revamped, so who knows?
I send my best to all of my CAWCB amigos!
-Rick Farris
-
scartissue
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1893
- Joined: 31 Mar 2002, 20:00
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
It was terrific. I'll see if I can fire a pic over to Frankie tomorrow.Expug wrote:Brutal here eh Dan?
Hey, how was fishing with Gapper?
Scartissue
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Bob Arum is doing what he does best, talking . . . but is anyone listening?
Pacquiao to 'move on' as Mayweather camp remains silent
The boxing promoter has been going to great lengths to grease the wheels for a potential Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. mega-fight, even buttering up his sworn enemies in the Mayweather camp. What else can you do but laugh?
By Bill Dwyre
July 19, 2010
One of the funnier moments of the year in sports occurred last week. Presiding was that master of high comedy, Bob Arum.
His day job is that of boxing promoter, but he may be missing his true calling. Jay Leno, beware.
Arum scheduled a conference call for the media at midnight PDT Friday. It was the old news-at-midnight drama.
Get news and stories direct from our Sports desk to your inbox with our daily L.A. Sports Connection newsletter. Sign up »
He said this was the end of a so-called "exclusivity period" in which he had refrained from negotiating with any other fighter on behalf of his client Manny Pacquiao, so that an HBO representative could work with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was given first shot to fight Pacquiao on the date of Nov. 13.
Then Arum went on to sound like a diplomat at a United Nations committee meeting, dealing delicately with complicated issues and choosing words carefully to make sure nobody's feelings got hurt. Henry Kissinger would be proud.
The thing is, there are no complicated issues and this is boxing, where hurting the other side's feelings is standard procedure. But instead of calling the other guys lowlifes and creeps — the usual way to incite a similar response and justify high ticket prices — Arum became Mother Teresa.
Keep in mind that Arum is fond of Mayweather's business manager, Al Haymon — not to mention Mayweather himself — like a cobra is fond of a mongoose. Also keep in mind the old story about Arum, who, when challenged by a reporter over an inconsistency in information, said, "Yesterday, I was lying. Today, I'm telling the truth."
Arum's leverage for making Mayweather hurry up and agree to a fight is that, if he doesn't, Arum will have Pacquiao fight either Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto.
How silly.
Pacquiao destroyed Cotto once and there is little public push for Pacquiao-Cotto II. And Margarito doesn't even have a license to fight in the United States. He was suspended after that night at Staples Center a year and a half ago, when they peeled off his gloves before he fought Shane Mosley and found residue of plaster of Paris. Plus, Margarito's fight in Mexico in May was spectacularly unimpressive.
Maybe they could do a doubleheader, six rounds each: Manny Fights the Retreads.
You can just imagine Mayweather's camp, sitting around in full sweat, knowing of the availability of Cotto and Margarito. Remember, Arum promotes both fighters, so either deal would take minutes. Would Cotto or Margarito even twitch before accepting a chance to fight Pacquiao, whose stature brings with it another chance for whatever opponent to bank a few million more?
Of course not.
Yet Arum played this as if he were George Mitchell in the Middle East. Words were chosen carefully. Praise and understanding for the other side, and its dilemma, were forthcoming. It was masterfully done, a true belly laugh.
Some Arum samples:
—"I don't blame Al Haymon. . . . He really tried."
—"I don't think any of you should be too harsh on Floyd."
But intermingled with the warm and fuzzy stuff were the real gems. Arum is paraphrased here:
—The reason we should not be so harsh on Mayweather is that his trainer and uncle, Roger Mayweather, faces an August trial (he is accused of battery and strangulation of a female boxer), and Floyd might not want to fight without his uncle in his corner.
—The reason scheduling is so important is that Arum's fighter, Pacquiao, is an elected congressman in the Philippines, busy performing his civic duties.
The not-so-subtle juxtaposition is inescapable. Arum's fighter is a lawmaker. The other guy's trainer may be a lawbreaker. The good corner and the bad corner for this fight are clearly defined — they were a long time ago — and Arum merely reiterated it for that portion of the public that hadn't been paying attention.
Not clear is whether Arum really wants this fight, or knows there is no chance it will ever happen and has decided to get mileage out of it, anyway. He has, as he is the best at doing, worked himself and his Top Rank Promotions into a win-win situation in the public's eye.
If the Mayweather camp succumbs to this most recent tongue-in-cheek gesture, either out of fury or the inevitability that Pacquiao is its only remaining huge payday, then Arum has his biggest promotion ever. If it doesn't, the public will have heard Arum try his best to be nice to these people who ended up costing boxing its biggest moment because part of their team is accused of felonies.
As a bonus, he gets to string along the public with thoughts of maybe next year, which usually pumps up ticket sales and pay-per-view prospects.
Truly masterful.
[email protected]
Pacquiao to 'move on' as Mayweather camp remains silent
The boxing promoter has been going to great lengths to grease the wheels for a potential Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. mega-fight, even buttering up his sworn enemies in the Mayweather camp. What else can you do but laugh?
By Bill Dwyre
July 19, 2010
One of the funnier moments of the year in sports occurred last week. Presiding was that master of high comedy, Bob Arum.
His day job is that of boxing promoter, but he may be missing his true calling. Jay Leno, beware.
Arum scheduled a conference call for the media at midnight PDT Friday. It was the old news-at-midnight drama.
Get news and stories direct from our Sports desk to your inbox with our daily L.A. Sports Connection newsletter. Sign up »
He said this was the end of a so-called "exclusivity period" in which he had refrained from negotiating with any other fighter on behalf of his client Manny Pacquiao, so that an HBO representative could work with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was given first shot to fight Pacquiao on the date of Nov. 13.
Then Arum went on to sound like a diplomat at a United Nations committee meeting, dealing delicately with complicated issues and choosing words carefully to make sure nobody's feelings got hurt. Henry Kissinger would be proud.
The thing is, there are no complicated issues and this is boxing, where hurting the other side's feelings is standard procedure. But instead of calling the other guys lowlifes and creeps — the usual way to incite a similar response and justify high ticket prices — Arum became Mother Teresa.
Keep in mind that Arum is fond of Mayweather's business manager, Al Haymon — not to mention Mayweather himself — like a cobra is fond of a mongoose. Also keep in mind the old story about Arum, who, when challenged by a reporter over an inconsistency in information, said, "Yesterday, I was lying. Today, I'm telling the truth."
Arum's leverage for making Mayweather hurry up and agree to a fight is that, if he doesn't, Arum will have Pacquiao fight either Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto.
How silly.
Pacquiao destroyed Cotto once and there is little public push for Pacquiao-Cotto II. And Margarito doesn't even have a license to fight in the United States. He was suspended after that night at Staples Center a year and a half ago, when they peeled off his gloves before he fought Shane Mosley and found residue of plaster of Paris. Plus, Margarito's fight in Mexico in May was spectacularly unimpressive.
Maybe they could do a doubleheader, six rounds each: Manny Fights the Retreads.
You can just imagine Mayweather's camp, sitting around in full sweat, knowing of the availability of Cotto and Margarito. Remember, Arum promotes both fighters, so either deal would take minutes. Would Cotto or Margarito even twitch before accepting a chance to fight Pacquiao, whose stature brings with it another chance for whatever opponent to bank a few million more?
Of course not.
Yet Arum played this as if he were George Mitchell in the Middle East. Words were chosen carefully. Praise and understanding for the other side, and its dilemma, were forthcoming. It was masterfully done, a true belly laugh.
Some Arum samples:
—"I don't blame Al Haymon. . . . He really tried."
—"I don't think any of you should be too harsh on Floyd."
But intermingled with the warm and fuzzy stuff were the real gems. Arum is paraphrased here:
—The reason we should not be so harsh on Mayweather is that his trainer and uncle, Roger Mayweather, faces an August trial (he is accused of battery and strangulation of a female boxer), and Floyd might not want to fight without his uncle in his corner.
—The reason scheduling is so important is that Arum's fighter, Pacquiao, is an elected congressman in the Philippines, busy performing his civic duties.
The not-so-subtle juxtaposition is inescapable. Arum's fighter is a lawmaker. The other guy's trainer may be a lawbreaker. The good corner and the bad corner for this fight are clearly defined — they were a long time ago — and Arum merely reiterated it for that portion of the public that hadn't been paying attention.
Not clear is whether Arum really wants this fight, or knows there is no chance it will ever happen and has decided to get mileage out of it, anyway. He has, as he is the best at doing, worked himself and his Top Rank Promotions into a win-win situation in the public's eye.
If the Mayweather camp succumbs to this most recent tongue-in-cheek gesture, either out of fury or the inevitability that Pacquiao is its only remaining huge payday, then Arum has his biggest promotion ever. If it doesn't, the public will have heard Arum try his best to be nice to these people who ended up costing boxing its biggest moment because part of their team is accused of felonies.
As a bonus, he gets to string along the public with thoughts of maybe next year, which usually pumps up ticket sales and pay-per-view prospects.
Truly masterful.
[email protected]
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Mac Foster, lethal-punching heavyweight of the division's golden era, passed away yesterday morning in his hometown of Fresno, California, of heart failure. He was 68.
Foster is one of a small and select number of heavies, Joe Louis, Sonny Liston and Mike Tyson among them, who instilled real fear into his opponents as he racked up knockout after knockout in the late 1960s. It is difficult today to convey just how feared Mac was in those heady days of Ali and Frazier and seemingly a million contenders, but think of Mike Spinks prior to his mauling at the hands of Tyson and you will get the picture.
Foster flattened an ageing Liston in sparring at Dick Sadler's gym in California in 1968 and his paid victims included Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams (twice), Thad Spencer, Zora Folley (floored six times), Jack O'Halloran (of Superman fame), Roger Rischer, Roy "Cookie" Wallace and Hubert Hilton. Foster blazed his way to 24-0 (24) - 17 of those wins inside three rounds - before Jerry Quarry, the Irishman who could beat anyone outside the top three, survived an early pounding and floored and hammered Foster in the sixth round of a big fight at Madison Square Garden in June 1970. The fight should have been stopped sooner but referee Johnny LoBianco, later to mess up in Duran-Buchanan, allowed Foster to take a number of brutal shots too many and gone forever was Mac's aura of invincibility.
Foster came back to secure a date with Ali, rebuilding from the first Frazier fight and remarkably disregarded at home, and was outsmarted over 15 rounds in Tokyo in April 1972, after which he popped up infrequently for the payday and served as George Foreman's sparring partner before retiring in 1976 with a record of 30-6, all his wins by knockout. Only Quarry ever stopped him.
Foster really was born at the wrong time, shipped over to Vietnam for two tours prior to his boxing career and shot in the legs in an ambush. He received a Purple heart and then joined an entire legion of heavyweights, Doug Jones, Ernie Terrell, Eddie Machen, Leotis Martin, Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Bill McMurray (the man who delayed the Ali-Foreman rumble), Jeff Merritt (Don King's first signing) and Amos "Big Train" Lincoln, pursuing the top men. Former bantamweight pro Rick Farris said of the Quarry-Foster hinger, "Jerry was at his best that night. I could always tell in the first moments of a Quarry fight what to expect. Jerry had this loose coolness about him when he was right. It was more than confidence, it was a certainty."
Farris was later also privy to Foster and his modest, unassuming personality. "I'll never forget what a truly nice man the big heavyweight was," said Rick yesterday.
Foster is one of a small and select number of heavies, Joe Louis, Sonny Liston and Mike Tyson among them, who instilled real fear into his opponents as he racked up knockout after knockout in the late 1960s. It is difficult today to convey just how feared Mac was in those heady days of Ali and Frazier and seemingly a million contenders, but think of Mike Spinks prior to his mauling at the hands of Tyson and you will get the picture.
Foster flattened an ageing Liston in sparring at Dick Sadler's gym in California in 1968 and his paid victims included Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams (twice), Thad Spencer, Zora Folley (floored six times), Jack O'Halloran (of Superman fame), Roger Rischer, Roy "Cookie" Wallace and Hubert Hilton. Foster blazed his way to 24-0 (24) - 17 of those wins inside three rounds - before Jerry Quarry, the Irishman who could beat anyone outside the top three, survived an early pounding and floored and hammered Foster in the sixth round of a big fight at Madison Square Garden in June 1970. The fight should have been stopped sooner but referee Johnny LoBianco, later to mess up in Duran-Buchanan, allowed Foster to take a number of brutal shots too many and gone forever was Mac's aura of invincibility.
Foster came back to secure a date with Ali, rebuilding from the first Frazier fight and remarkably disregarded at home, and was outsmarted over 15 rounds in Tokyo in April 1972, after which he popped up infrequently for the payday and served as George Foreman's sparring partner before retiring in 1976 with a record of 30-6, all his wins by knockout. Only Quarry ever stopped him.
Foster really was born at the wrong time, shipped over to Vietnam for two tours prior to his boxing career and shot in the legs in an ambush. He received a Purple heart and then joined an entire legion of heavyweights, Doug Jones, Ernie Terrell, Eddie Machen, Leotis Martin, Ken Norton, Ron Lyle, Bill McMurray (the man who delayed the Ali-Foreman rumble), Jeff Merritt (Don King's first signing) and Amos "Big Train" Lincoln, pursuing the top men. Former bantamweight pro Rick Farris said of the Quarry-Foster hinger, "Jerry was at his best that night. I could always tell in the first moments of a Quarry fight what to expect. Jerry had this loose coolness about him when he was right. It was more than confidence, it was a certainty."
Farris was later also privy to Foster and his modest, unassuming personality. "I'll never forget what a truly nice man the big heavyweight was," said Rick yesterday.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Here are a couple of shots of the Jerry Quarry disaster. You get an impression of the sheer size of Foster in them, a big, burly presence to anyone but Quarry. LoBianco is all over the place.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
LoBianco was a crap referee. I remember him making a mess of the Johnny Bumphus - Gene Hatcher fight.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Quarry didn't consider the Foster fight a disaster. The Frazier fights . . . now those were disasters.bennie wrote:Here are a couple of shots of the Jerry Quarry disaster. You get an impression of the sheer size of Foster in them, a big, burly presence to anyone but Quarry. LoBianco is all over the place.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
This article is from 1981 and is a time capsule of boxing in Los Angeles in the early eighties. Many of the fighters mentioned in this article are the fighters we love to write about. It's a bit long but I think you'll enjoy it. Courtesy of Bigtimefighter.com
Randy
It Happened in California
By: Jess Hernandez
Boxing fans are a special kind of breed. They are totally dedicated to the manly art of self defense. The fact is many fans carry their love of the sport too far and extreme. Some fans love to argue who was the greatest fighter of all-time. Some who visit the Main St. Gym in Los Angeles even carry a boxing encyclopedia who backup their knowledge of the sport. The gymnasium is the place where old timer's argue about the fistic merits of yesterday and today's ringmen. "Was Joe Louis the greatest fighter of all-" hollers 75 year old Duke
Holloway. Holloway trained Archie Moore, Harold Dade and Sugar Ray Robinson. "No, Louis wasn't the greatest, Sugar Ray Robinson was the.best of all-time" whispers old timer Rip. Rip is the doorman at the Main St. Gym.
When discussing the greatest Mexican fighter of all time inside the gym a guy needs a security guard for protection. In the back room of the gym guys like Frank Williams and Bob Armstrong reply that Manuel Ortiz was the greatest. "Ortiz could do it all, he could box, punch and had plenty of durability. Hell, he was bantamweight champion for eight years," replied Frank Williams. If Ortiz was the best fighter of Mexican descent then who was the second best? "I would nominate Baby Arizmendi as the second best. He beat Henry Armstrong three times and fought guys like Lou Ambers, Sammy Angott, Mike Belloise. He was N.B.A.
featherweight champ in 1934," said manager Larry Soto. Soto trained Jose Becerra to bantamweight crown and also worked with Battling Torres.
The subject that comes up frequently inside a gymnasium is the subject of good trainers. One of the outstanding trainers in Los Angeles is Al DeNava. "I look for coordination and execution in a fighter. A fighter can punch hard but he needs coordination and execution to put it all together, said DeNava. Like I said, boxing fans are a special kind of breed. They will fight and argue all day about who was the best. But they are also good sports and will shake hands when all the arguments are over! Managing good fighters can sometimes be just a streak of good luck. Like being at the right place at right time. Manager Bennie Georgino seems to have been at the right place when Howie Steindler died in 1976. Georgino inherited featherweight champ Danny Lopez. It wasn't just luck that made Lopez a rich champion. It was the shrewd management of Georgino that
made Lopez a millionaire. Georgino seems to be one of the few pilots who cares what happens to his stable of ringmen when when they retire." I see to it that my fighters save their money don't let them waste it way," commented Bennie. Georgino has paid his dues to boxing. He was a pretty good amateur boxer in the 1930s and sparred with Lou Ambers when Herkimer Buzzsaw defended lightweight crown against Henry Armstrong in 1938. Georgino created some jealously because his fighters like Herman Kid Montes, Jaime Garza, Oscar Muniz, Rodrigo Aguirre, Johnny Montes are progressing. Right now, I would nominate Jaime Garza as the
ringman to inherit the prestige of retired Danny Lopez. Garza has the fire power to defeat any guy who gets in the ring with him. Jaime is the terror of the 126 pound class with 22 KOs in 24 fights. Garza is now after top notchers like Carlos Mendoza and Juan (Kid) Meza. Albert Davila seems to be just about ready to join his stablemate Danny Lopez in the retirement barn.
Hector Cortez the outstanding 130 pounder from Ecuador seems to come up with good fights when needed. He just whipped tough Rolando Navarette in Hawaii in 10 rounds. The victory could get Cortez at featherweight champ Salvador Sanchez who defended his title against Roberto Castanon in Las Vegas. Don Georgino promoted the Sanchez-Castanon for Five-Star Calvacade.
Have you ever noticed how many ex-fighters own cocktail bars? Georgie Levine who fought Pete Ado for welterweight diadem in 1927 has the popular Blackhawk Bar - in Hollywood. Georgie Latka the professor of boxing in the 30s and 40s has a bar in Huntington Beach, Calif. Tony DeMarco runs a bar in Phoenix, Arizona and Eddie Marcus who was a stablemate of Manuel Ortiz manages a cocktail bar in Las Vegas. Poor Bobby Chacon had two opponents pull out on him in fights in one week. That's one reason why so many fighters become discouraged and retire. There is too much inconsistency in getting fights and too many fighters get
injured while training. Frankie Duarte hasn't had a fight in over eight months and the minute he got a fight his opponent was hurt!
Heavyweight champ Larry Holmes maintains that this will be his last year in boxing. If Larry retires will he rate with Joe Louis and Muhammad All as an all-time champ. After all, Holmes appears to be within reach of being undefeated in his career.
Is Bazooka Limon a gentleman? Not if you ask manager Mickey Duff."Limon said he was going to kill my fighter Cornelius Boza Edwards. I was shocked by Limon's statement. But the threat backfired and my fighter won the title from Limon," replied Mickey Duff. Bobby Chacon wanted Limon to whip Edwards but it didn't happen. "I hope Limon wins so I can beat the hell out of him. I just want the chance to punish him. He's a discredit to our sport," said Chacon.
Bobby Chacon will get his long awaited shot at the world super lightweight title but it won't be against Bazooka Limon. The man Chacon will be fighting for the crown is unheralded Cornelius-Boza-Edwards who defeated Limon for the title in 15 exciting rounds in Stockton, Calif "I told Corny at the end, you've got him stay away from him, and he told me, no he was going to punch the hell out of him," said manager Mickey Duff. Bazooka Limon was knocked down in the fifth round by a lethal left hand. It appeared then that Limon would not weather
the storm of lefts and rights. But he got up determined to turn the tide of battle. Limon thought he had won the fight. "I felt that I carried the last three rounds and won the fight," Limon said. "I tried to postpone the fight
because I felt I wasn't ready. I didn't feel I was ready. This was an obligation title defense. I'm usually better prepared," Bazooka exclaimed. 25 year old Conelius Boza Edwards will defend the title against Bobby Chacon later this year." Cornelius is strong and dedicated to boxing. He can willingly win three title and get down to 126 pounds easily. We'll challenge Salvador Sanchez for title," replied Mickey Duff.
What is the price a professional fighter pays for ring inactivity? As lightweight Herman (Kid) Montes who just barely beat workhorse Jimmy Blevins at the Olympic Arena. And Blevins isn't even in the top twenty lightweights. Montes huffed and puffed to a 10 round split decision his first match in nearly 10 months. There is no substitute in boxing for ring activity. We don't know what Montes problem has been in laying off for 10 months but he'll have to remain active to challenge for the lightweight crown. "I was rusty and I got tired," said Montes. Montes has a ring ledger of 35-1-2. "I thought I was in good enough shape but I know I could have been busier in there,' added Herman. Referee Marty Denkin had the winner ahead, 96-95. Judge Jim Jen-Ken had Montes ahead, 95-84 with judge Vince Degado scoring for Montes 96-95. The surprise fighter of the night was Jolting Joe Kowalski the 135 pounder from Glendale. Joe scored a thunderous two round knockout triumph over Izy Amenta to notch his second straight win as a pro. Kowalski is trained by Manny Vasquez and gets better with every bout. He spars frequently with Herman Montes at Main St. Gym and the workouts have payed off for 22 year old Joey.
Rodrigo Aguirre ran his winning - streak to 23 wins in 26 fights with a 10 round win over veteran Roy Hernandez. Aguirre a classy 132 pounder is ready for the likes of Hector Cortez who holds the U.S. super-lightweight title. Felipe Canela, 140, stopped Eric Bonilla in five rounds to argument his ring ledger to
9-0-1. Canela is a corking 140 pounder managed by Larry Soto who developed Jose Becerra to the Bantamweight title and also trained Battling Torres to contending Carlos Ortiz for world jr. welterweight diadem. Two-fisted Felipe has the ring skills to move up the fistic ladder in months to come.
Classy Fidel Fraijo, 135, is looking for a return match with Johnny Montes who knocked him out. Fidel claims he wasn't in top condition when he fought Montes who 10-0. Jaime Garza the 122 pound terror is demanding action with veteran ringmen like Jose Cervantes, Carlos Mendoza and J uan (Kid) Meza. Kleber Viteri who had amateur record of 31-4 pulled out of his bout with Ruber (Baby Face) Castillo. Joey Kowalski scored a stunning four round win over Jose Gonzales in his professional debut. Also winning handily in pro debut was Randell Williams a corking light-heavyweight trained by Al DeNava. Ricardo Montalnado is the manager of ex-champion Bazooka Limon. What has happened to Bernardo Mercado? Eddie (Animal) Lopez is weighing around 245
pounds which is too much poundage for him. Frankie Duarte who fought a losing fight in Honolulu, Hawaii, got in trouble with manager Ralph Gambina. What happens to a fighter like Joey Olivo and Albert Davila who both fought in title matches and lost? Do they both have the same determination and desire like before? Davila fought for the bantamweight title three times and may just hang up his gloves. Olivo feels he will get a second shot at crown and win it. However, Joey must maintain a winning attitude and keep busy with winning fights to assure himself of another title match. It could be pretty tough and frustrating for a fighter losing in a championship bout. The majority of fighters seldom get a world title match in their careers.
What has happened to the career of Bruce Curry? Curry was recently kayoed by unknown fighter. Another welterweight on the downgrade is Zeffie Gonzales. Welterweight Pablo Baez is one tough hombre inside the ring. Pablo stopped Jose Palacios in two rounds and now wants Randy Shields.
The most awesome newcomer in fistic ranks is welterweight Rick Holder. Rick has notched two quick knockouts in pro career. Watch out for this kayo artist. Randell Williams the handsome 175 pounder trainer by Al DeNava scored a victory in hit initial pro debut. Six-foot Randell hat a fast-pair of hands, quick moves and a stout heart. Felipe Canela the Colton Comet is the apple of Larry Soto's eye. Felipe is 9-0-1 in his pro career. Estaban Agundez from El Monte, Calif. was 4-0 in the semifinals of Golden Gloves in bantamweight class. Estaban is a
hard puncher who likes to work the body of opponent over. He appears destined for stardom in professional field under trainer Ernie Castenada. Ex boxer Abel Fernandez a good 175 pounder who headlined at Olympic Auditorium back in 1950s is now turning movie work. Remember when Abel was starring in the gangster series Untouchables on TV with Bob Stack? Abel recently appeared in cameo role on Lou Grant show.
Publicist Van Barbieri who was the Olympic Auditorium public relations man for 13-years resigned his job to seek challenges. In a way Barbieri was a casualty in the reorganization policy of the New Olympic Sports Arena. Like promoter Aileen Eaton, Barbieri was forced to release his many duties as public relations man with the L A. press. Van was one of the best liked and most competent publicists in the business. His replacement is Bill Caplan who formerly handled the press relations for Anaheim Convention Center.
Paul (Superfly) Gonzalez is the star to watch in the amateurs. He's got all the fistic tools to make it big in the -pros. Estaban Agundez has a record of 18- wins and three losses in the amateurs. The bantamweight - star from El Monte, Calif. is trained by Ernie Castenada. Also in stable are Jesse Olivares, 4-1, Jose Rodriguez,
14-4 and Juan Rodriguez who is 4-0. Rocky Part 111 will go before the cameras at Main St. Gym with Sly
Stallone-starring. Al DeNava the impeccable trainer has finished a role in remake of fight movie Body And Soul.
Its all in the family in the boxing whirligig. Like father like son goes the boxing tradition. How many father-son boxing combinations can you recall? How about Lenny and Ray (Boom, Booms Mancini. Well the latest son of a famous fighter to launch a fistic career is Robert Folley the son of Zora Folley the heavyweight from Chandler, Arizona. Robert a dandy middleweight is 22 years old, 5-11, 160 pounds and trains at the Main St. Gym. In 62 amateur bouts Robert Folley scored victory after victory with only 4 ring defeats. He is certain to stir up some action among the world's top 160 pounders. Eddie Marcus who was a topnotch fighter and referee . in California. in the 30s and 40s is now the owner of the cocktail bar in Las Vegas. Rick Mills and Roger Braxton did a TV commercial for films at the popular Main St. Gym. Al De Nava the popular trainer of champions is now doing acting work in Hollywood. Al has a neat role in the upcoming remake of boxing film Body And Soul which won plaudits for late John Garfield. Film was shot at Main St. Gym. Sylvester Stallone and Burgess Meridith will do a sequel of the successful blockbusting film "Rocky Part II."
Promoter Tony Trudnich of Las Vegas has had tremendous success at the box office with Jorge Morales alias the "Dynamite Kid." Marshall Wright, founder of the world-reknowned Boxing Hall of Fame is launching amateur boxing at Jeffries Barn in Burbank, Calif. Jeffries Barn was the mecca of amateur boxing in 30s and 40s with Manuel Ortiz, Eddie Marcus, Red Shannon, Joey Barnum, Art Aragon launching careers in Burbank Arena. Former light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim is working in Las Vegas' Tropicana Hotel and former champ Ralph Dupas is now a security guard in Las Vegas.
Fight manager Larry Soto is training jr. lightweight Felipe Canela who will headline for Don Georgino when Don promotes fights at Olympic Sports Center. Soto trained former bantamweight champ Jose Becerra in 1959 when Jose won the world's bantamweight diadem from Alphonse Halimi in Los Angeles. Soto who is the brother of Memo Soto also handled jr. welterweight Battling Torres who fought Carlos Ortiz the ex-lightweight titlist for jr welter title in 1959. Canela a dandy fighter has notched over ten victories and headlined the main go at San
Bernardino Arena last year. He is 10-l in his ring career and only 20 years old Ellis career appears promising under the tutelage of Larry Soto.
Rodriguez (Rod) Aguirre was born in Juarez, Mexico and his ring ledger is 25-2-l. In the amateur the 130 pounder was 21-3 and took a pair of Golden Glove titles. "Rodrigo can beat any 130 pounder in the world when he's in top physical condition, commented manager Ben Georgino.
Julio Floras is training newcomer Sonny Flores, a nifty lightweight who comes from Michigan. Sonnet once defeated Tommy Hearns in the amateurs. 21 year old Flores sparred with terror Jaime Garza at Main St. Gym. Tlie more I see of Johnny Montes Jr. the 19 year old lightweight the better I like him. If Johnny can beat fighters like Fidel Fraijo who had 40 pro fights he definitely is headed for stardom. Johnny is only 19 years old and is
12-0 in his career.
Joe Kowalski, 21, a terrific 135 pounder is managed and trained by veteran Manny Vasquez. Joe is following the footsteps of his dad who was a professional boxer. "My parents told me it was up to me to fight, if that's what I wanted. My girl friend who is a professional dancer is on my side. I think I can amount to something if I dedicated myself to boxing," said Joe. Joe was 3-3 in the amateurs and manager Manny Vasquez is optimistic that the hard socking Kowalski will surface as a good pro.
Oscar Muniz is after a shot at bantamweight crown after his stablemate Albert Davila was repulsed in bid for W.B.C. bantamweight diadem. Oscar could mount the bantam weight throne room if given a chance this year. Red Shannon is training Rudy Hernandez at Olympic Gym in his comeback attempt to regain his ring wizardry and prowess.
Rudy Hernandez the flashy ir welterweight will make his initial start for manager Red Shannon very soon. Rudy once reeled off 23 straight wins before he was upset by Jimmy Heair in a controversial 10 rounder in Los Angeles.
The new Olympic Sports Arena on the famous corner of 18th and Grand in Los Angeles has taken on an entertainment look. According to manager Bill Griffith, the Olympic Arena will not be confined to sports alone. "We expect to showcase the best entertainment in the world. Rock concerts, ice palaces, you name it and we'll feature it," said Bill. The Olympic Auditorium was founded in 1925 when Dick Donald was the promoter. One of the early ring heroes was fabled Bert Colima the "Whittier Flash." Bert was born in Colima, Mexico but moved to
Los Angeles in the late 1920s.
Manager Paddy Millon believes that Wellyn Gilliam a nifty 156 pounder will climb the stairway to fame in boxing.Other ringmen in- the Dillon stable are Jan William, 147, Lessie Powell, 135 and Dahi Williams a terrific 160
pounder.
Randy
It Happened in California
By: Jess Hernandez
Boxing fans are a special kind of breed. They are totally dedicated to the manly art of self defense. The fact is many fans carry their love of the sport too far and extreme. Some fans love to argue who was the greatest fighter of all-time. Some who visit the Main St. Gym in Los Angeles even carry a boxing encyclopedia who backup their knowledge of the sport. The gymnasium is the place where old timer's argue about the fistic merits of yesterday and today's ringmen. "Was Joe Louis the greatest fighter of all-" hollers 75 year old Duke
Holloway. Holloway trained Archie Moore, Harold Dade and Sugar Ray Robinson. "No, Louis wasn't the greatest, Sugar Ray Robinson was the.best of all-time" whispers old timer Rip. Rip is the doorman at the Main St. Gym.
When discussing the greatest Mexican fighter of all time inside the gym a guy needs a security guard for protection. In the back room of the gym guys like Frank Williams and Bob Armstrong reply that Manuel Ortiz was the greatest. "Ortiz could do it all, he could box, punch and had plenty of durability. Hell, he was bantamweight champion for eight years," replied Frank Williams. If Ortiz was the best fighter of Mexican descent then who was the second best? "I would nominate Baby Arizmendi as the second best. He beat Henry Armstrong three times and fought guys like Lou Ambers, Sammy Angott, Mike Belloise. He was N.B.A.
featherweight champ in 1934," said manager Larry Soto. Soto trained Jose Becerra to bantamweight crown and also worked with Battling Torres.
The subject that comes up frequently inside a gymnasium is the subject of good trainers. One of the outstanding trainers in Los Angeles is Al DeNava. "I look for coordination and execution in a fighter. A fighter can punch hard but he needs coordination and execution to put it all together, said DeNava. Like I said, boxing fans are a special kind of breed. They will fight and argue all day about who was the best. But they are also good sports and will shake hands when all the arguments are over! Managing good fighters can sometimes be just a streak of good luck. Like being at the right place at right time. Manager Bennie Georgino seems to have been at the right place when Howie Steindler died in 1976. Georgino inherited featherweight champ Danny Lopez. It wasn't just luck that made Lopez a rich champion. It was the shrewd management of Georgino that
made Lopez a millionaire. Georgino seems to be one of the few pilots who cares what happens to his stable of ringmen when when they retire." I see to it that my fighters save their money don't let them waste it way," commented Bennie. Georgino has paid his dues to boxing. He was a pretty good amateur boxer in the 1930s and sparred with Lou Ambers when Herkimer Buzzsaw defended lightweight crown against Henry Armstrong in 1938. Georgino created some jealously because his fighters like Herman Kid Montes, Jaime Garza, Oscar Muniz, Rodrigo Aguirre, Johnny Montes are progressing. Right now, I would nominate Jaime Garza as the
ringman to inherit the prestige of retired Danny Lopez. Garza has the fire power to defeat any guy who gets in the ring with him. Jaime is the terror of the 126 pound class with 22 KOs in 24 fights. Garza is now after top notchers like Carlos Mendoza and Juan (Kid) Meza. Albert Davila seems to be just about ready to join his stablemate Danny Lopez in the retirement barn.
Hector Cortez the outstanding 130 pounder from Ecuador seems to come up with good fights when needed. He just whipped tough Rolando Navarette in Hawaii in 10 rounds. The victory could get Cortez at featherweight champ Salvador Sanchez who defended his title against Roberto Castanon in Las Vegas. Don Georgino promoted the Sanchez-Castanon for Five-Star Calvacade.
Have you ever noticed how many ex-fighters own cocktail bars? Georgie Levine who fought Pete Ado for welterweight diadem in 1927 has the popular Blackhawk Bar - in Hollywood. Georgie Latka the professor of boxing in the 30s and 40s has a bar in Huntington Beach, Calif. Tony DeMarco runs a bar in Phoenix, Arizona and Eddie Marcus who was a stablemate of Manuel Ortiz manages a cocktail bar in Las Vegas. Poor Bobby Chacon had two opponents pull out on him in fights in one week. That's one reason why so many fighters become discouraged and retire. There is too much inconsistency in getting fights and too many fighters get
injured while training. Frankie Duarte hasn't had a fight in over eight months and the minute he got a fight his opponent was hurt!
Heavyweight champ Larry Holmes maintains that this will be his last year in boxing. If Larry retires will he rate with Joe Louis and Muhammad All as an all-time champ. After all, Holmes appears to be within reach of being undefeated in his career.
Is Bazooka Limon a gentleman? Not if you ask manager Mickey Duff."Limon said he was going to kill my fighter Cornelius Boza Edwards. I was shocked by Limon's statement. But the threat backfired and my fighter won the title from Limon," replied Mickey Duff. Bobby Chacon wanted Limon to whip Edwards but it didn't happen. "I hope Limon wins so I can beat the hell out of him. I just want the chance to punish him. He's a discredit to our sport," said Chacon.
Bobby Chacon will get his long awaited shot at the world super lightweight title but it won't be against Bazooka Limon. The man Chacon will be fighting for the crown is unheralded Cornelius-Boza-Edwards who defeated Limon for the title in 15 exciting rounds in Stockton, Calif "I told Corny at the end, you've got him stay away from him, and he told me, no he was going to punch the hell out of him," said manager Mickey Duff. Bazooka Limon was knocked down in the fifth round by a lethal left hand. It appeared then that Limon would not weather
the storm of lefts and rights. But he got up determined to turn the tide of battle. Limon thought he had won the fight. "I felt that I carried the last three rounds and won the fight," Limon said. "I tried to postpone the fight
because I felt I wasn't ready. I didn't feel I was ready. This was an obligation title defense. I'm usually better prepared," Bazooka exclaimed. 25 year old Conelius Boza Edwards will defend the title against Bobby Chacon later this year." Cornelius is strong and dedicated to boxing. He can willingly win three title and get down to 126 pounds easily. We'll challenge Salvador Sanchez for title," replied Mickey Duff.
What is the price a professional fighter pays for ring inactivity? As lightweight Herman (Kid) Montes who just barely beat workhorse Jimmy Blevins at the Olympic Arena. And Blevins isn't even in the top twenty lightweights. Montes huffed and puffed to a 10 round split decision his first match in nearly 10 months. There is no substitute in boxing for ring activity. We don't know what Montes problem has been in laying off for 10 months but he'll have to remain active to challenge for the lightweight crown. "I was rusty and I got tired," said Montes. Montes has a ring ledger of 35-1-2. "I thought I was in good enough shape but I know I could have been busier in there,' added Herman. Referee Marty Denkin had the winner ahead, 96-95. Judge Jim Jen-Ken had Montes ahead, 95-84 with judge Vince Degado scoring for Montes 96-95. The surprise fighter of the night was Jolting Joe Kowalski the 135 pounder from Glendale. Joe scored a thunderous two round knockout triumph over Izy Amenta to notch his second straight win as a pro. Kowalski is trained by Manny Vasquez and gets better with every bout. He spars frequently with Herman Montes at Main St. Gym and the workouts have payed off for 22 year old Joey.
Rodrigo Aguirre ran his winning - streak to 23 wins in 26 fights with a 10 round win over veteran Roy Hernandez. Aguirre a classy 132 pounder is ready for the likes of Hector Cortez who holds the U.S. super-lightweight title. Felipe Canela, 140, stopped Eric Bonilla in five rounds to argument his ring ledger to
9-0-1. Canela is a corking 140 pounder managed by Larry Soto who developed Jose Becerra to the Bantamweight title and also trained Battling Torres to contending Carlos Ortiz for world jr. welterweight diadem. Two-fisted Felipe has the ring skills to move up the fistic ladder in months to come.
Classy Fidel Fraijo, 135, is looking for a return match with Johnny Montes who knocked him out. Fidel claims he wasn't in top condition when he fought Montes who 10-0. Jaime Garza the 122 pound terror is demanding action with veteran ringmen like Jose Cervantes, Carlos Mendoza and J uan (Kid) Meza. Kleber Viteri who had amateur record of 31-4 pulled out of his bout with Ruber (Baby Face) Castillo. Joey Kowalski scored a stunning four round win over Jose Gonzales in his professional debut. Also winning handily in pro debut was Randell Williams a corking light-heavyweight trained by Al DeNava. Ricardo Montalnado is the manager of ex-champion Bazooka Limon. What has happened to Bernardo Mercado? Eddie (Animal) Lopez is weighing around 245
pounds which is too much poundage for him. Frankie Duarte who fought a losing fight in Honolulu, Hawaii, got in trouble with manager Ralph Gambina. What happens to a fighter like Joey Olivo and Albert Davila who both fought in title matches and lost? Do they both have the same determination and desire like before? Davila fought for the bantamweight title three times and may just hang up his gloves. Olivo feels he will get a second shot at crown and win it. However, Joey must maintain a winning attitude and keep busy with winning fights to assure himself of another title match. It could be pretty tough and frustrating for a fighter losing in a championship bout. The majority of fighters seldom get a world title match in their careers.
What has happened to the career of Bruce Curry? Curry was recently kayoed by unknown fighter. Another welterweight on the downgrade is Zeffie Gonzales. Welterweight Pablo Baez is one tough hombre inside the ring. Pablo stopped Jose Palacios in two rounds and now wants Randy Shields.
The most awesome newcomer in fistic ranks is welterweight Rick Holder. Rick has notched two quick knockouts in pro career. Watch out for this kayo artist. Randell Williams the handsome 175 pounder trainer by Al DeNava scored a victory in hit initial pro debut. Six-foot Randell hat a fast-pair of hands, quick moves and a stout heart. Felipe Canela the Colton Comet is the apple of Larry Soto's eye. Felipe is 9-0-1 in his pro career. Estaban Agundez from El Monte, Calif. was 4-0 in the semifinals of Golden Gloves in bantamweight class. Estaban is a
hard puncher who likes to work the body of opponent over. He appears destined for stardom in professional field under trainer Ernie Castenada. Ex boxer Abel Fernandez a good 175 pounder who headlined at Olympic Auditorium back in 1950s is now turning movie work. Remember when Abel was starring in the gangster series Untouchables on TV with Bob Stack? Abel recently appeared in cameo role on Lou Grant show.
Publicist Van Barbieri who was the Olympic Auditorium public relations man for 13-years resigned his job to seek challenges. In a way Barbieri was a casualty in the reorganization policy of the New Olympic Sports Arena. Like promoter Aileen Eaton, Barbieri was forced to release his many duties as public relations man with the L A. press. Van was one of the best liked and most competent publicists in the business. His replacement is Bill Caplan who formerly handled the press relations for Anaheim Convention Center.
Paul (Superfly) Gonzalez is the star to watch in the amateurs. He's got all the fistic tools to make it big in the -pros. Estaban Agundez has a record of 18- wins and three losses in the amateurs. The bantamweight - star from El Monte, Calif. is trained by Ernie Castenada. Also in stable are Jesse Olivares, 4-1, Jose Rodriguez,
14-4 and Juan Rodriguez who is 4-0. Rocky Part 111 will go before the cameras at Main St. Gym with Sly
Stallone-starring. Al DeNava the impeccable trainer has finished a role in remake of fight movie Body And Soul.
Its all in the family in the boxing whirligig. Like father like son goes the boxing tradition. How many father-son boxing combinations can you recall? How about Lenny and Ray (Boom, Booms Mancini. Well the latest son of a famous fighter to launch a fistic career is Robert Folley the son of Zora Folley the heavyweight from Chandler, Arizona. Robert a dandy middleweight is 22 years old, 5-11, 160 pounds and trains at the Main St. Gym. In 62 amateur bouts Robert Folley scored victory after victory with only 4 ring defeats. He is certain to stir up some action among the world's top 160 pounders. Eddie Marcus who was a topnotch fighter and referee . in California. in the 30s and 40s is now the owner of the cocktail bar in Las Vegas. Rick Mills and Roger Braxton did a TV commercial for films at the popular Main St. Gym. Al De Nava the popular trainer of champions is now doing acting work in Hollywood. Al has a neat role in the upcoming remake of boxing film Body And Soul which won plaudits for late John Garfield. Film was shot at Main St. Gym. Sylvester Stallone and Burgess Meridith will do a sequel of the successful blockbusting film "Rocky Part II."
Promoter Tony Trudnich of Las Vegas has had tremendous success at the box office with Jorge Morales alias the "Dynamite Kid." Marshall Wright, founder of the world-reknowned Boxing Hall of Fame is launching amateur boxing at Jeffries Barn in Burbank, Calif. Jeffries Barn was the mecca of amateur boxing in 30s and 40s with Manuel Ortiz, Eddie Marcus, Red Shannon, Joey Barnum, Art Aragon launching careers in Burbank Arena. Former light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim is working in Las Vegas' Tropicana Hotel and former champ Ralph Dupas is now a security guard in Las Vegas.
Fight manager Larry Soto is training jr. lightweight Felipe Canela who will headline for Don Georgino when Don promotes fights at Olympic Sports Center. Soto trained former bantamweight champ Jose Becerra in 1959 when Jose won the world's bantamweight diadem from Alphonse Halimi in Los Angeles. Soto who is the brother of Memo Soto also handled jr. welterweight Battling Torres who fought Carlos Ortiz the ex-lightweight titlist for jr welter title in 1959. Canela a dandy fighter has notched over ten victories and headlined the main go at San
Bernardino Arena last year. He is 10-l in his ring career and only 20 years old Ellis career appears promising under the tutelage of Larry Soto.
Rodriguez (Rod) Aguirre was born in Juarez, Mexico and his ring ledger is 25-2-l. In the amateur the 130 pounder was 21-3 and took a pair of Golden Glove titles. "Rodrigo can beat any 130 pounder in the world when he's in top physical condition, commented manager Ben Georgino.
Julio Floras is training newcomer Sonny Flores, a nifty lightweight who comes from Michigan. Sonnet once defeated Tommy Hearns in the amateurs. 21 year old Flores sparred with terror Jaime Garza at Main St. Gym. Tlie more I see of Johnny Montes Jr. the 19 year old lightweight the better I like him. If Johnny can beat fighters like Fidel Fraijo who had 40 pro fights he definitely is headed for stardom. Johnny is only 19 years old and is
12-0 in his career.
Joe Kowalski, 21, a terrific 135 pounder is managed and trained by veteran Manny Vasquez. Joe is following the footsteps of his dad who was a professional boxer. "My parents told me it was up to me to fight, if that's what I wanted. My girl friend who is a professional dancer is on my side. I think I can amount to something if I dedicated myself to boxing," said Joe. Joe was 3-3 in the amateurs and manager Manny Vasquez is optimistic that the hard socking Kowalski will surface as a good pro.
Oscar Muniz is after a shot at bantamweight crown after his stablemate Albert Davila was repulsed in bid for W.B.C. bantamweight diadem. Oscar could mount the bantam weight throne room if given a chance this year. Red Shannon is training Rudy Hernandez at Olympic Gym in his comeback attempt to regain his ring wizardry and prowess.
Rudy Hernandez the flashy ir welterweight will make his initial start for manager Red Shannon very soon. Rudy once reeled off 23 straight wins before he was upset by Jimmy Heair in a controversial 10 rounder in Los Angeles.
The new Olympic Sports Arena on the famous corner of 18th and Grand in Los Angeles has taken on an entertainment look. According to manager Bill Griffith, the Olympic Arena will not be confined to sports alone. "We expect to showcase the best entertainment in the world. Rock concerts, ice palaces, you name it and we'll feature it," said Bill. The Olympic Auditorium was founded in 1925 when Dick Donald was the promoter. One of the early ring heroes was fabled Bert Colima the "Whittier Flash." Bert was born in Colima, Mexico but moved to
Los Angeles in the late 1920s.
Manager Paddy Millon believes that Wellyn Gilliam a nifty 156 pounder will climb the stairway to fame in boxing.Other ringmen in- the Dillon stable are Jan William, 147, Lessie Powell, 135 and Dahi Williams a terrific 160
pounder.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Tom, I was referring to Mac when I said disaster.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
I know bennie. I was just joking with you. One man's triumph in boxing is always his opponent's disaster.bennie wrote:Tom, I was referring to Mac when I said disaster.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
A man touring the Wild West asks a native American what his wife’s name is. ‘Five horses’ he replies. ‘What an unusual name’ says the man, ‘what does it mean?’
The native American replies ‘fornicating Nag Nag Nag Nag Nag!
The native American replies ‘fornicating Nag Nag Nag Nag Nag!
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Uncomplicated, unshaven 'home' boys, Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham, are right out of place in the lavish splendour of Monaco where they go head-to-head in a world class super-middleweight 12-rounder on October 2, but frankly my dear, they don't give a damn. This is 'must' win for the two men who lost their last fights in bitterly disappointing fashion, this is Monte Carlo or Bust, this is war.
Big Carl was outfoxed and outpointed by Denmark's Mikkel Kessler in a 12-rounder in Denmark three months ago. It was a fight the Nottingham man gave away because he didn't work hard enough, although Kessler undoubtedly had something to do with that. Whatever, Froch knows he has to get busy against Abraham, a noted strongman who can dish it out but doesn't like it up him. The burly, brooding Armenian was floored and picked off by American slickster Andre Dirrell in the States in March, ultimately thumping Dirrell on the canvas after a slip on one of those ghastly ring logos in the 11th round. Abraham, who was disqualified, claimed that Dirrell faked his distress after the late shot and generally had a good moan about everything, even though he was a mile behind on points at the finish. Froch made it closer in that regard.
Now into their 30s, no longer unbeaten, decidedly grumpy, Froch and Abraham have bounced each other around for turf rights, which is hardly surprising. Froch claimed a handshake deal from Abraham's German promoter for the fight to take place in Nottingham, where decisions like the Kessler one go his way, and even threatened to walk away as Abraham insisted on Germany, where he was once allowed to continue with a broken jaw, the referee and the doctor bending over backwards to get him through the fight. In the end Monaco proved mutually acceptable, mutually neutral. This is the first big fight there since Julio Cesar Chavez outscored Rocky Lockridge over 12 rounds a quarter of a century ago.
Froch, with those long arms of his, is quite capable of jabbing and moving in the manner of Dirrell although one doubts he can do it as convincingly or restrain himself from a tear-up for the entire 12 rounds, particularly with Abraham rumbling forward on straight lines so invitingly. Froch prides himself on his strength, and with good justification. He really bosses his opponents in the later stages of a championship fight, where strength and desire take over. Manny Steward says that the fighter who wants it more stands up from the ninth round, and Abraham has also come good in the later stages of a 12-rounder but largely at his old middleweight, so Froch for me holds a real edge in natural strength.
Nevertheless, Abraham probably hits the harder of the two but that is cancelled out by Froch's iron jaw, which has yet to be found wanting, whereas Abraham went down against Dirrell, of course, albeit for the first time in his career. However, his frustration was much more apparent than Froch's as their last fights turned against them and here is where the cool-headed Froch can find another edge. I can see him banging in the borderline body shots, shoving his man around in the clinches and quickly imposing his will on Abraham, who starts slower and busted up against Dirrell. Abraham will not enjoy the rough treatment, nor falling behind again, and we can expect him to begin showing out to the referee and even resorting to more obvious fouls and losing a point or two. Froch, meanwhile, is not holding so much, mixing it up more with the jab and the big right, hooking away in range, smirking at Abraham's punches. You know, Kessler actually struggled to tag Froch, and Abraham, presumably, will also find himself missing, his increasing desperation now really playing into the hands of Froch, who continues to show the better boxing skills, the greater strength in the exchanges, in the clinches, in the closing rounds.
By the 12th, Froch, obviously well ahead, will probably showboat a little, much to the delight of the high rollers in the audience, disguising the fact that he is playing it safe. The fight is his, the win is his, the smarter man's win.
Big Carl was outfoxed and outpointed by Denmark's Mikkel Kessler in a 12-rounder in Denmark three months ago. It was a fight the Nottingham man gave away because he didn't work hard enough, although Kessler undoubtedly had something to do with that. Whatever, Froch knows he has to get busy against Abraham, a noted strongman who can dish it out but doesn't like it up him. The burly, brooding Armenian was floored and picked off by American slickster Andre Dirrell in the States in March, ultimately thumping Dirrell on the canvas after a slip on one of those ghastly ring logos in the 11th round. Abraham, who was disqualified, claimed that Dirrell faked his distress after the late shot and generally had a good moan about everything, even though he was a mile behind on points at the finish. Froch made it closer in that regard.
Now into their 30s, no longer unbeaten, decidedly grumpy, Froch and Abraham have bounced each other around for turf rights, which is hardly surprising. Froch claimed a handshake deal from Abraham's German promoter for the fight to take place in Nottingham, where decisions like the Kessler one go his way, and even threatened to walk away as Abraham insisted on Germany, where he was once allowed to continue with a broken jaw, the referee and the doctor bending over backwards to get him through the fight. In the end Monaco proved mutually acceptable, mutually neutral. This is the first big fight there since Julio Cesar Chavez outscored Rocky Lockridge over 12 rounds a quarter of a century ago.
Froch, with those long arms of his, is quite capable of jabbing and moving in the manner of Dirrell although one doubts he can do it as convincingly or restrain himself from a tear-up for the entire 12 rounds, particularly with Abraham rumbling forward on straight lines so invitingly. Froch prides himself on his strength, and with good justification. He really bosses his opponents in the later stages of a championship fight, where strength and desire take over. Manny Steward says that the fighter who wants it more stands up from the ninth round, and Abraham has also come good in the later stages of a 12-rounder but largely at his old middleweight, so Froch for me holds a real edge in natural strength.
Nevertheless, Abraham probably hits the harder of the two but that is cancelled out by Froch's iron jaw, which has yet to be found wanting, whereas Abraham went down against Dirrell, of course, albeit for the first time in his career. However, his frustration was much more apparent than Froch's as their last fights turned against them and here is where the cool-headed Froch can find another edge. I can see him banging in the borderline body shots, shoving his man around in the clinches and quickly imposing his will on Abraham, who starts slower and busted up against Dirrell. Abraham will not enjoy the rough treatment, nor falling behind again, and we can expect him to begin showing out to the referee and even resorting to more obvious fouls and losing a point or two. Froch, meanwhile, is not holding so much, mixing it up more with the jab and the big right, hooking away in range, smirking at Abraham's punches. You know, Kessler actually struggled to tag Froch, and Abraham, presumably, will also find himself missing, his increasing desperation now really playing into the hands of Froch, who continues to show the better boxing skills, the greater strength in the exchanges, in the clinches, in the closing rounds.
By the 12th, Froch, obviously well ahead, will probably showboat a little, much to the delight of the high rollers in the audience, disguising the fact that he is playing it safe. The fight is his, the win is his, the smarter man's win.
-
THEHAMMER321
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 945
- Joined: 09 Dec 2009, 05:55
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Good morning all, sad to hear about Mac Foster, Big Mac is one of the examples I use when some non boxing fan tells me ''Jerry Quarry was nothing but a over hyped white heavyweight'', the other two examples are Earnie Shavers and Ron Lyle, Quarry an underdog vs these three, beat all three fairly easy, just couldn't get past Ali and Frazier, no shame in that. 
-
THEHAMMER321
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 945
- Joined: 09 Dec 2009, 05:55
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Hi Frank been missing in action the last 5/6 days, trying to stay out of the heat it's been 110 over here, anybody for a fried egg ala pavement
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Boxing Contracts, etc etc
Tony's contract vs Robin Blake
Frankie's contract vs Pat Duran, on Tony/Blake card
A 1977 letter from my late friend Bill Field
Tony's contract vs Robin Blake
Frankie's contract vs Pat Duran, on Tony/Blake card
A 1977 letter from my late friend Bill Field
Last edited by kikibalt on 21 Jul 2010, 15:51, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Classic American West Coast Boxing
Stay cool Hammer....THEHAMMER321 wrote:Hi Frank been missing in action the last 5/6 days, trying to stay out of the heat it's been 110 over here, anybody for a fried egg ala pavement