BoxRec

bennie wrote:


Britain is all set for a White Christmas. We have sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow, and it is set to stay like this into January.

Beautiful... ..Just like a Post Card.....

Good morning all, have never been a fan of soccer, I guess the reason for that is as a kid growing up in America in the 1970s we seemed to like other games like baseball and football, pretty much soccer to us was in one name Pele, I couldn't name another player other than Pele, who played soccer back in the 1970s, not that I have anything against soccer, its just in America at that time not many of the kids played it.

kikibalt wrote:

bennie wrote:


Britain is all set for a White Christmas. We have sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow, and it is set to stay like this into January.

Beautiful... ..Just like a Post Card.....

Ditto.

Coffee time....

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Coffee time....

Had mine hours ago.....

Bennie, do you ever hear much about Cornelius Boza Edwards, I know he lived here in Vegas for many years, I just haven't heard much about him in the last ten years, he was one of the true gentlemen of boxing, I remember him marrying a Japanese girl here, I think her name was Tomiko.

Expug wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

Expug wrote:Roger Miller "River In The Rain"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nZNwR2maas

Brian . . . Anything related to rain is an L.A. kinda thing lately.
I can't remember it stopping for one minute today.

The Kings were in town tonight Rick. Hawks won it 3-2. Same two big boys fought again also. I just got home.
Sorry about all that rain in L.A. Its cold here. Snow, ice, wind. I could go for some wam weather about now. No warm spots on the calendar for a few weeks though. St Louis comin up in a few days. That aint exactly Bermuda.

I wish I could have seen the game, Brian. I like the Hawks, they are a great team and I wish Randy and I could have caught the second round of that fight. Last time the Hawk walked away clean and the King was a bloody mess. I remember when their first fight happened, Randy and I looked at each other with a smile and jumped to our feet. As for St. Louis, I've been there a couple times. Hope you and the Hawks come home with a win and another Stanley Cup next year!

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:
Brian . . . Anything related to rain is an L.A. kinda thing lately.
I can't remember it stopping for one minute today.

Rick, how bout that early 1970s song ''it never rains in southern California'', I forgot who sings it but it was always on the radio when I was a little kid.

Walking in the rain, Broadway, Downtown LA.

In the late '50's Connie and I used to loved to walk in the rain. We used to go after hours down Broadway in LA to do some window shopping in the rain, we would stop in some greasy spoon joint to eat hamburgers. Last night we were reminiscing about our walks in the rain and we fell in love with the rain again.

That's a great memory, Frank. You and Connie are the best!

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote: Rick, how bout that early 1970s song ''it never rains in southern California'', I forgot who sings it but it was always on the radio when I was a little kid.

Walking in the rain, Broadway, Downtown LA.

In the late '50's Connie and I used to loved to walk in the rain. We used to go after hours down Broadway in LA to do some window shopping in the rain, we would stop in some greasy spoon joint to eat hamburgers. Last night we were reminiscing about our walks in the rain and we fell in love with the rain again.

That's a great memory, Frank. You and Connie are the best!

Ah!, memories!!, something nobody can take away from us.... ...Thanks Rick, you too are the best...

Anybody here ever get confused about names ?, I remember when I was a kid I would hear someone say Wayne Newton and would think John Wayne, or how about razor ruddock and riddick bowe, Bill Cosby and Bing Crosby.

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Anybody here ever get confused about names ?, I remember when I was a kid I would hear someone say Wayne Newton and would think John Wayne, or how about razor ruddock and riddick bowe, Bill Cosby and Bing Crosby.

You're confused Paul....

In many sports, the best at a particular sport are not always the most famous, pool-the most famous Minnesota fats- the best Willie Masconi, soccer-most famous Pele- the best not sure,boxing- most famous Muhammad Ali, the best Sugar Ray Robinson ?.

d

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Anybody here ever get confused about names ?, I remember when I was a kid I would hear someone say Wayne Newton and would think John Wayne, or how about razor ruddock and riddick bowe, Bill Cosby and Bing Crosby.

You're confused Paul....

Yup!

Thinking too much.... ...That's how you get confuse....

Names . . .

I'm usually pretty good with names, however, I have screwed up on a few occasions.
For example, while arguing with one of my wives, I've mistakenly called them by the name of a previous wife.
That's like throwing gasoline on a fire.
It's a natural mistake, those kind of arguments are all pretty much the same, but the names of the players change.

Rick Farris wrote:Names . . .

I'm usually pretty good with names, however, I have screwed up on a few occasions.
For example, while arguing with one of my wives, I've mistakenly called them by the name of a previous wife.
That's like throwing gasoline on a fire.
It's a natural mistake, those kind of arguments are all pretty much the same, but the names of the players change.

Talking about ex girlfriends or wives, I always notice girls love to bring up there ex lovers, that would make my blood boil, you can talk about anything but that, I think they do that to test you.

Danny "Little Red" Lopez's 2010 IBHOF Induction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHlSgd5s ... re=related

It was great to see receive this much deserved honor.

Rick Farris wrote:Danny "Little Red" Lopez's 2010 IBHOF Induction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHlSgd5s ... re=related

It was great to see receive this much deserved honor.

THEHAMMER321 wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:Names . . .

I'm usually pretty good with names, however, I have screwed up on a few occasions.
For example, while arguing with one of my wives, I've mistakenly called them by the name of a previous wife.
That's like throwing gasoline on a fire.
It's a natural mistake, those kind of arguments are all pretty much the same, but the names of the players change.

Talking about ex girlfriends or wives, I always notice girls love to bring up there ex lovers, that would make my blood boil, you can talk about anything but that, I think they do that to test you.

And God gave them a voice . . .

A name from the past isn't an issue, unless it's meant in a way that I consider innappropriate.
Trying to jab me is a big mistake. My response: Smile - "That's nice, honey, gotta use the rest room, be right back."
And on to the next one.
Let me say this, and I'm not trying to be funny or cool . . . Women are like buses, there is always another one right around the corner.
Some women should have their tongues cut out.

Sorry Guys, Just got back on the computer after a most wonderful weekend.

Saturday night, my wife and in-laws (all kids in tow) went in to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree set up behind 30 Rock. , Manhattan.
I must tell you the tree is a true East Coast Holiday Tradition with thousands passing by daily. When I worked in my firehouse just a few short blocks West of the site, I was used to passing the tree and its loveliness as the firetruck screamed by on its way to a midtown fire or emergency. On the way back to the firehouse we gave "Thanks" to the Good Lord if no one was injured or killed that day. Its always tough to lose a life of someone year round, but it seemed tougher at this time of year.
It was the first time my nephews and niece saw it and I'll post a picture later this week.

Sunday was exceptional. It was Ring 8's Annual Holiday luncheon.
750 in attendance in a beautiful Italian Catering Hall "Russo's on the Bay" in Howard Beach.Queens.
Among the Honorees was Trainer Tommy Gallagher, NABF Pres Joe Dwyer, Boxing Prospect of year Gabe Bracero, Some staff of Ring 8, "Uncrowned Home Champs" Sonny Lou Volpe & Lenny Mangiapane from 50's & 60's.
Did I mention "Father & Son Award" -Boxers Heavywt champ Joe Frazier and his son Marvis Frazier.
Ring 8 was kind enough to place me and my guests at a up front table by the Dais. Sitting on dais was Emile Griffith, Leon Spinks, Marvis Frazier, Joe Frazier, Vito Antuefermo, Iran Barkley, Vinny Maddalone & Juan LaPorte.
Spread out amongst the tables were HBO's Harold Letterman, daughter and Judge Julie Letterman,Steve Farhood, Burt Young, Maurice Harris, Davey and Johnny Sears. Many from Tommy Gallagher's stable of fighters past and present on hand.
At my table was Tracey Harris Patterson and 50's fighter and family friend Danny Giovanelli. Wife of Joe Miceli was nearby and we talked at length.
A host of other local fighters were on hand also. Sending regrets was Angelo Dundee in Florida who recently broke his hip. I wanted to meet Angelo and talk over old times.
As you can imagine as the event was going on, Press photographers were snapping away and a film crew was on hand. All boxers signed autographs and were very nice about pictures til the throng got to large, or when the food was served. You had your usual 3 or 4 guys who had 6 or 7 items they brought to get signed but the security people said no way as did the boxers themselves. One or two autographs each was plenty and all were gracious. (Emile Griffith who is well but forgetful now) tires easily and needs 2 minutes to sign his name, kept his signature to but a few, but was gracious to have his picture taken with everyone who wanted one.
Joe Frazier is in good shape.Diabetes is causing him to slow down. He walks with use of cane and moves slowly.
I managed to meet with him and my guests in a side room after the event, with his son Marvis. The Fraziers two bodyguards tried to shoo me away until Joe heard what my name was and called me over. We talked briefly about my dad and his memory was finding it tough to recall items not long ago but remembered him as a tough "White Heavyweight". The few in the room all laughed. He did recall the night at the Downtown Athletic Club when he received the Rocky Marciano Award and he did remember a surprise visit to my firehouse in 2002 to lend his support and Good Graces after 9/11. He did not know I worked in that firehouse and it was a joy to see him then.
Marvis is as big a person as he always was and fit. It looks like he could go 12 rounds today if he was in the ring. A great sense of humor and was full of conversation about being the Champs' son. He is in constant company of his father for his dad's needs. Pictures I took and a video of about 3 minutes in length will be posted here when I get them back Tues. I hope I can download the brief video taken.
Leon Spinks who I met last year, is a real entertainer. There was a table of uniformed US Airborne Marine Capts. and US Army "Big Red One" members -all active and on leave presently sitting next to our table.
Leon, who if I'm not mistaken is a former US Marine, was mugging it up with them all, most of the night. Leon who knows his toothy smile (All teeth in place now) is well known would take all his pictures with his famed smile up & front.
Leon and Iran Barkley are real cutups when you talk to them one on one.

On the way home I listened to the Jets win one over the Steelers. As great as that story is, it didnt have the same impact as what the previous 6 hours had brought me. I will post pictures soon as I get them.

CNorkusJr wrote:Sorry Guys, Just got back on the computer after a most wonderful weekend.

Saturday night, my wife and in-laws (all kids in tow) went in to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree set up behind 30 Rock. , Manhattan.
I must tell you the tree is a true East Coast Holiday Tradition with thousands passing by daily. When I worked in my firehouse just a few short blocks West of the site, I was used to passing the tree and its loveliness as the firetruck screamed by on its way to a midtown fire or emergency. On the way back to the firehouse we gave "Thanks" to the Good Lord if no one was injured or killed that day. Its always tough to lose a life of someone year round, but it seemed tougher at this time of year.
It was the first time my nephews and niece saw it and I'll post a picture later this week.

Sunday was exceptional. It was Ring 8's Annual Holiday luncheon.
750 in attendance in a beautiful Italian Catering Hall "Russo's on the Bay" in Howard Beach.Queens.
Among the Honorees was Trainer Tommy Gallagher, NABF Pres Joe Dwyer, Boxing Prospect of year Gabe Bracero, Some staff of Ring 8, "Uncrowned Home Champs" Sonny Lou Volpe & Lenny Mangiapane from 50's & 60's.
Did I mention "Father & Son Award" -Boxers Heavywt champ Joe Frazier and his son Marvis Frazier.
Ring 8 was kind enough to place me and my guests at a up front table by the Dais. Sitting on dais was Emile Griffith, Leon Spinks, Marvis Frazier, Joe Frazier, Vito Antuefermo, Iran Barkley, Vinny Maddalone & Juan LaPorte.
Spread out amongst the tables were HBO's Harold Letterman, daughter and Judge Julie Letterman,Steve Farhood, Burt Young, Maurice Harris, Davey and Johnny Sears. Many from Tommy Gallagher's stable of fighters past and present on hand.
At my table was Tracey Harris Patterson and 50's fighter and family friend Danny Giovanelli. Wife of Joe Miceli was nearby and we talked at length.
A host of other local fighters were on hand also. Sending regrets was Angelo Dundee in Florida who recently broke his hip. I wanted to meet Angelo and talk over old times.
As you can imagine as the event was going on, Press photographers were snapping away and a film crew was on hand. All boxers signed autographs and were very nice about pictures til the throng got to large, or when the food was served. You had your usual 3 or 4 guys who had 6 or 7 items they brought to get signed but the security people said no way as did the boxers themselves. One or two autographs each was plenty and all were gracious. (Emile Griffith who is well but forgetful now) tires easily and needs 2 minutes to sign his name, kept his signature to but a few, but was gracious to have his picture taken with everyone who wanted one.
Joe Frazier is in good shape.Diabetes is causing him to slow down. He walks with use of cane and moves slowly.
I managed to meet with him and my guests in a side room after the event, with his son Marvis. The Fraziers two bodyguards tried to shoo me away until Joe heard what my name was and called me over. We talked briefly about my dad and his memory was finding it tough to recall items not long ago but remembered him as a tough "White Heavyweight". The few in the room all laughed. He did recall the night at the Downtown Athletic Club when he received the Rocky Marciano Award and he did remember a surprise visit to my firehouse in 2002 to lend his support and Good Graces after 9/11. He did not know I worked in that firehouse and it was a joy to see him then.
Marvis is as big a person as he always was and fit. It looks like he could go 12 rounds today if he was in the ring. A great sense of humor and was full of conversation about being the Champs' son. He is in constant company of his father for his dad's needs. Pictures I took and a video of about 3 minutes in length will be posted here when I get them back Tues. I hope I can download the brief video taken.
Leon Spinks who I met last year, is a real entertainer. There was a table of uniformed US Airborne Marine Capts. and US Army "Big Red One" members -all active and on leave presently sitting next to our table.
Leon, who if I'm not mistaken is a former US Marine, was mugging it up with them all, most of the night. Leon who knows his toothy smile (All teeth in place now) is well known would take all his pictures with his famed smile up & front.
Leon and Iran Barkley are real cutups when you talk to them one on one.

On the way home I listened to the Jets win one over the Steelers. As great as that story is, it didnt have the same impact as what the previous 6 hours had brought me. I will post pictures soon as I get them.

Charlie . . . That was a big event. 750 guests. Great story, thanks for sharing it.
I have to say, you can be proud of the Jets. Very redeeming after two tough weeks.

Charlie, I remember David Sears well, I remember Burt Young managing him, hope he is doing well.

A master at age 21, Salvador Sanchez takes the featherweight title from Danny "Little Red" Lopez. What a fight!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cgoU_QA ... re=related

I think its raining.....

Rick-You asked above about Archie Moore & Sonny Liston and what feelings or thoughts -if any- that my father had about them.

First Sonny Liston, only because my father hardly mentioned him in my presence. The only time that I can recall was when we both enjoyed a TV replay of Clay-Liston where the focus was whether Liston took the dive or not.
My father never mentioned meeting Sonny Liston anywhere but he did know that he was backed by some organized connections. My father did tell me that once they got you in their "claws", it was the organizations call on where and when and what happens to you hence forth.
What he meant by that was, back then, early on a fighter comes to a nexxus in his career as it gets bigger and bigger. A fighter establishes himself as a "A" fighter ranking-meaning nationally or worldwide ranking.
It is then, that the mob might or might not move in and asks if you want to play the game. A give and take situation. Especially if you want a shot at a title fight. Sometimes public demand is calling enough, but most of the time
paying off the mob might get you a shot. Sometimes an agreement to a rematch fight is required. such as "We'll let you fight for the title, if you win, you must fight a rematch and give it back up, setting up a third match"
The mob was always about money. Period. Fighters names were negligible
sports athletes who drew in the crowds. My father said that there were many more championship fights that were on the level than were set-ups. Only because the mob was taking a cut from both fighters from the sold out house anyway. No matter who won, the next fight was big, and they take a cut from that too. A boxers popularity with the crowd was a huge factor.
Boxers didn't despise this as they got rich from doing this compared to what-selling cars or insurance ?. Some fighters became TV heroes and went on to make movies and TV shows. Do woman following you around count ? Were they gonna get that from selling shoes.?
Fighters fought 6-12 times a year back then. Main eventers made 12- 20 grand a year minus expenses and cuts to whom ever. Avg. pay in my dads time was $5,000 a year to most men outside of boxing.
My father chose not to play with them, thats why more than likely he never faced a title shot in the ring. But the mob used him. They wanted him to win. The mob set the odds and made him the underdog in just about every fight he fought. Especially on TV. Money was flying on the favorites.Mobs money was on the underdog and the odds.
What did my father do- He cleaned house and the mob cleaned up and payed my dad off by giving him another TV shot with another battler and the process repeats. In kindness, Al Weill pats my dad on the back for the millions, says you will finally face Rocky, but you gotta get by Ezzard.
No punches pulled, my father hung in there hoping to land the big one-but Ezzard was too good to relent. Bottom line-no title shot, but dad came home with $10,000 to 12,000 in his pocket for one night. He had no regrets,he provided a living for his family, and better off-his reputation was intact for not caving to the hooked noses. There are many angles on how they used fighters back then.
Did Liston fall down-maybe. There had to be a payoff somewhere. Was Liston a fall guy for the mob and come away with nothing-thats for him to rest on. Did Clay hit him-my father said yes and it was a good enough shot to take out Liston. On the slow-mo replay, my dad said it was a KO shot on the chin.

Later on I'll talk about Archie and my dad. A great friendship made on respect.