Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Matthew and Ricky Hatton before Alvarez fight

[Chuck1052]

According to an article by Bob Buttitta in the March 3, 2011 edition of the Ventura County Star, ESPN.com says that Brandon Rios broke his right hand during the eighth round in his WBA world lightweight bout with Miguel Acosta. Rios may be out of the ring four-to-five months due to the injury. There is speculation that Rios could defend his new title against Marco Antonio Barrera. It appears that Cameron Dunkin, Rios' agent, was the source for this information.

- Chuck Johnston

[Chuck1052]

In regards to Fritzie Zivic, it should be noted that he had four brothers who were boxers, Eddie, Jack, Pete and Joe. Fritzie, Eddie, Jack and Pete had very interesting professional boxing careers. One could make a case that the Zivics were one of the greatest boxing families.

During the early 1930s, both Fritzie and Eddie Zivic came out to California for some bouts at the same time. In fact, it appears that Eddie did quite well in the state.

- Chuck Johnston

[CNorkusJr]

Twiggy put on a few pounds.

[kikibalt]

Boxing phenom 'Canelo' Alvarez's path to the top appears to be straight and narrow



Rising star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez doesn't appear to be susceptible to the same temptations that Oscar De La Hoya says shaved years from his boxing career, and the former champion-turned-promoter aims to keep it that way.

By Bill Dwyre

March 3, 2011

Mexican boxing phenom Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has six older brothers, none of whom is the real big brother watching over him.

That would be Oscar De La Hoya, his promoter, role model and advisor.

In the current game in boxing — called "Who will be the next Manny Pacquiao?" — Alvarez gets a lot of votes. He is 20, fights at junior middleweight (154 pounds) and has been climbing the ladder to international stardom after winning two Mexican amateur titles, turning pro at age 15 and staying unbeaten through 36 fights.

But there is more than success in the ring. He is a redhead with a disarming smile — the baby and only redhead in his family of seven boys and a girl. He boxes with fire similar to his hair color and has a magnetism that both sells tickets and attracts members of the opposite sex.

That's where Uncle Oscar, 38, says he comes in.

"I saw him fight last July," De La Hoya says. "I loved what I saw. His speed in the ring was unbelievable. I'm glad I never had to fight him."

De La Hoya, who won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 for the United States and dominated pro boxing marquees for more than a decade in middleweight classes, also saw something else he loved — and worried about.

"I went to the weigh-in," De La Hoya says, "and there were thousands of people there. I remember saying to myself, 'Wow, he is the whole package.' There were men everywhere who loved his style and women everywhere who just loved him."

Get the monthly that has L.A. talking. Subscribe to Los Angeles Times Magazine at a special introductory rate.

Up went the red flag. De La Hoya had been there, done that and suffered the consequences.

"Outside of the ring," says the now happily married De La Hoya, "I was a party guy. I loved to go drink it up, have a good time. I'd say the partying took four years off my career."

Knowing the pitfalls — and why to avoid them — coupled with the huge financial stake his Golden Boy Promotions has in Alvarez, De La Hoya has done his best to stay close to his new star.

"He's different, he's serious," De La Hoya says. "But we talk about it a lot."

Alvarez says he doesn't have a girlfriend.

"At his age, I had 10," De La Hoya says.

Alvarez says he doesn't drink alcohol.

"It isn't that I can't," he says through a translator. "It's just that I don't like it."

What does he think of Las Vegas, where he has fought only once to date? It is a city, he knows, where things happened to De La Hoya and stayed there.

"It is a nice place for tourists, and I like the shows," he says. "But when I am there, I am there to work. I don't like to gamble."

That may make Alvarez too good to be true. De La Hoya says he will watch closely to make sure that is not the case. In the process, De La Hoya might very well end up being a guardian angel to someone who could bump his all-time boxing status down a notch by comparison.

"With Oscar and Manny Pacquiao," Alvarez says, "I respect that they are legends in our sport. But I'm in this to surpass them, to be better."

The march toward that continues Saturday night at Honda Center in Anaheim, where Alvarez stakes his 35-0-1 record against Matthew Hatton of England, Ricky Hatton's brother. Hatton has a name, a 41-4-2 record and the perception of being somebody who could mess up Alvarez's flight to stardom.

Not if De La Hoya and Golden Boy have their way.

"There is a marketing and promotional machine out there for him, set to go," he says.

In the meanwhile, Alvarez, who says his top priority outside the ring is to become more proficient in English — "I understand it, but I'm not comfortable speaking it yet" — is certainly communicating well somehow. At an autograph-signing session for him in Anaheim a few days ago, they had to haul him away to a workout with about a quarter of the crowd of nearly 1,000 still waiting.

Alvarez is asked if De La Hoya should be termed his role model.

"Sí," he says.

The role model smiles, accepts that with pride and vows again to make sure the example Alvarez follows will be the one De La Hoya set.

Inside the ring.

[email protected]

[Rick Farris]

In regards to Fritzie Zivic, it should be noted that he had four brothers who were boxers, Eddie, Jack, Pete and Joe. Fritzie, Eddie, Jack and Pete had very interesting professional boxing careers. One could make a case that the Zivics were one of the greatest boxing families.

During the early 1930s, both Fritzie and Eddie Zivic came out to California for some bouts at the same time. In fact, it appears that Eddie did quite well in the state.

- Chuck Johnston

Zivic will be inducted into the CBHOF on June 25th.

[kikibalt]

FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD-ACE HUDKINS....BOXER, STUNTMAN, BATMAN & TRIGGER

http://movieland.wordpress.com/2007/09/ ... n-trigger/

[CNorkusJr]

FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD-ACE HUDKINS....BOXER, STUNTMAN, BATMAN & TRIGGER

http://movieland.wordpress.com/2007/09/ ... n-trigger/

This guys story is something. Sounds like he had about 7 lbs of lead inside him.

[Chuck1052]

While looking for Ace Hudkins in U.S. Census records on Ancestry.com, I found that it is likely that Ace's first name was originally "Asa." In the British Isles today, there are a fair number of males whose first name is Asa.

- Chuck Johnston

[bennie]

Twiggy put on a few pounds.

Terry Downes and his Mrs.

[Rick Farris]

FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD-ACE HUDKINS....BOXER, STUNTMAN, BATMAN & TRIGGER

http://movieland.wordpress.com/2007/09/ ... n-trigger/

Ace Hudkins . . .

Toluca Lake, where Hudson lived until his death is actually a nice part of Burbank, located a few blocks from Warner Bros. Studios.
The Hudson Ranch (now Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills) is where many film industry people are buried, including most of my family.
My grandfather knew Ace Hudkins pretty well, and I have written before in this thread that as a little boy I met Hudkins at a local super market when I was with my grandfather. It was on the Hudkins ranch, where my grandfather taught my mother to drive sometime around the end of WW2.
What I recall most about Hudkins was how half of his face was blue, I imagine caused by some sort of blood disorder. He was a scary looking guy who picked me up from where I stood beside my grandfather. I vagely remember the moment, but my grandfather used to tell ow Hudkins was amazed that I just stared him in the eyes when he picked me up. The ex-fighter laughed, telling my grandfather that most kids were afraid of him. When Ace died in the 70's, I paid my respects by visiting the Burbank mortuary where his body was prepared for buriel. I grew up listening to Ace Hudkins stories, what he did in the ring and around the studios. As a kid, long before I ever stepped into a ring myself, I wished that I could fight like Ace Hudkins. He is a legend around the studios and Burbank.

[Rick Farris]

It's 4am. Frank where are you? I won't ask about Paul. The life of a "Kept Man" seems to be a good fit for our Las Vegas buddy.
Have a good day!

[kikibalt]

It's 4am. Frank where are you? I won't ask about Paul. The life of a "Kept Man" seems to be a good fit for our Las Vegas buddy.
Have a good day!

I'm here, been up for ½ an hour, working on my second cup of coffee.....

[Rick Farris]

Hope you feel better, Frank.

[kikibalt]

Hope you feel better, Frank.

Not feeling too chippie, Rick, maybe later on in the day I'll feel better, thanks...

[Panzerfaust]

Schools in deprived neighbourhoods adopt boxing program

http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/BN08/detail.asp?id=2277

[Randyman]

FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD-ACE HUDKINS....BOXER, STUNTMAN, BATMAN & TRIGGER

http://movieland.wordpress.com/2007/09/ ... n-trigger/

Ace Hudkins . . .

Toluca Lake, where Hudson lived until his death is actually a nice part of Burbank, located a few blocks from Warner Bros. Studios.
The Hudson Ranch (now Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills) is where many film industry people are buried, including most of my family.
My grandfather knew Ace Hudkins pretty well, and I have written before in this thread that as a little boy I met Hudkins at a local super market when I was with my grandfather. It was on the Hudkins ranch, where my grandfather taught my mother to drive sometime around the end of WW2.
What I recall most about Hudkins was how half of his face was blue, I imagine caused by some sort of blood disorder. He was a scary looking guy who picked me up from where I stood beside my grandfather. I vagely remember the moment, but my grandfather used to tell ow Hudkins was amazed that I just stared him in the eyes when he picked me up. The ex-fighter laughed, telling my grandfather that most kids were afraid of him. When Ace died in the 70's, I paid my respects by visiting the Burbank mortuary where his body was prepared for buriel. I grew up listening to Ace Hudkins stories, what he did in the ring and around the studios. As a kid, long before I ever stepped into a ring myself, I wished that I could fight like Ace Hudkins. He is a legend around the studios and Burbank.

Good story Rick. You have strong connections to both Hollywood and Boxing's past. I always enjoy reading your stories.

I remember Hudkins as being one of the fighters that Mel spoke about whenever he wanted to compare current fighters with the fighters of the past. The Nebraska Wildcat was one of his favorite topics, The Michigan Assassin, Stanley Ketchel was another one. Mel favored the really tough ones.

I mentioned a while back that when I was growing up we lived across the street from a man I knew only as Ortiz. It was his last name but everyone, including my father just called him Ortiz. He was about twenty years older than my father. He was in great shape too. He trained like a fighter almost daily. He hit the speed bag, heavy bag and skipped rope. He claimed to have fought and lost to Ace Hudkins. I've looked at Hudkins record and there is no Ortiz in it. Perhaps he fought under another name. He didn't strike me as someone who would make up something like that. Who knows?

[Randyman]

Hope you feel better, Frank.

Not feeling too chippie, Rick, maybe later on in the day I'll feel better, thanks...

Sorry to hear that Frank. I hope you feel better soon.

[Randyman]

Greg Goossen, RIP.

My condolences to the Goosen family.RIP

[Randyman]

Minter is still cut.

I'm glad to read that Hagler, who was a fine champion, was well recievedl when he returned to the UK. He was treated badly that night but I'm not casting stones. We've done the same here too, maybe worse. Sometimes a fight crowd just gets worked up.

[Randyman]

Boxing night at Wrigley Field (LA), circa 1940.

Frank, these are the type of historical old photos that I really like. Old school west coast boxing.

[Rick Farris]

FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD-ACE HUDKINS....BOXER, STUNTMAN, BATMAN & TRIGGER

http://movieland.wordpress.com/2007/09/ ... n-trigger/

Ace Hudkins . . .

Toluca Lake, where Hudson lived until his death is actually a nice part of Burbank, located a few blocks from Warner Bros. Studios.
The Hudson Ranch (now Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills) is where many film industry people are buried, including most of my family.
My grandfather knew Ace Hudkins pretty well, and I have written before in this thread that as a little boy I met Hudkins at a local super market when I was with my grandfather. It was on the Hudkins ranch, where my grandfather taught my mother to drive sometime around the end of WW2.
What I recall most about Hudkins was how half of his face was blue, I imagine caused by some sort of blood disorder. He was a scary looking guy who picked me up from where I stood beside my grandfather. I vagely remember the moment, but my grandfather used to tell ow Hudkins was amazed that I just stared him in the eyes when he picked me up. The ex-fighter laughed, telling my grandfather that most kids were afraid of him. When Ace died in the 70's, I paid my respects by visiting the Burbank mortuary where his body was prepared for buriel. I grew up listening to Ace Hudkins stories, what he did in the ring and around the studios. As a kid, long before I ever stepped into a ring myself, I wished that I could fight like Ace Hudkins. He is a legend around the studios and Burbank.

Good story Rick. You have strong connections to both Hollywood and Boxing's past. I always enjoy reading your stories.

I remember Hudkins as being one of the fighters that Mel spoke about whenever he wanted to compare current fighters with the fighters of the past. The Nebraska Wildcat was one of his favorite topics, The Michigan Assassin, Stanley Ketchel was another one. Mel favored the really tough ones.

I mentioned a while back that when I was growing up we lived across the street from a man I knew only as Ortiz. It was his last name but everyone, including my father just called him Ortiz. He was about twenty years older than my father. He was in great shape too. He trained like a fighter almost daily. He hit the speed bag, heavy bag and skipped rope. He claimed to have fought and lost to Ace Hudkins. I've looked at Hudkins record and there is no Ortiz in it. Perhaps he fought under another name. He didn't strike me as someone who would make up something like that. Who knows?

You fought who? . . .

Yeah Randy, who knows?
We have a guy who was working at Universal Studios as a lighting technician when I first started out.
My uncle was lighting gaffer, and this guy was his assistant. He had a bent up face and claimed to have been a pro fighter.
He also claimed to have fought Art Aragon, and that the boxer on the mural of the Grand Ave. wall of the Olympic Auditorium was him!
I guess the guys he told bought his story, and shared it with me when I started out.
My uncle wasn't a knowledgeable boxing fan, and told me of his assistant's ring exploits.
I met the guy, we talked, and he realized be best not talk boxing with me. I didn't question him, but I knew he was full of sh*t.
I looked up Aragon's record, and his name wasn't present. There was no record of him having ever fought as a pro.
Then one day I was working on Baretta, and Art had a reoccuring role as an ex-fighter who worked a news stand.
I ask Art about the guy, and he never heard of him.
When I heard the story about him being the fighter on the Olympic's mural, I had to tell my uncle that the guy on the mural was DEMPSEY!
Maybe Ortiz was the real deal? It really doesn't matter, they're both long dead.

[Chuck1052]

I remember seeing footage of the world heavyweight bout between Joe Louis and Jack Roper, which was staged at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, on an ESPN2 boxing show. The quality of the footage was tremendous, the best that I have ever seen of Louis in action.

- Chuck Johnston

[Rick Farris]

I remember seeing footage of the world heavyweight bout between Joe Louis and Jack Roper, which was staged at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, on an ESPN2 boxing show. The quality of the footage was tremendous, the best that I have ever seen of Louis in action.

- Chuck Johnston

That's because it was filmed just a few miles from Hollywood, which at the time had the best film making equipment and post production facilities in the world.
My grandfather was at that bout, one of the few he attended prior to my involvment in boxing.
He had worked with Roper in the film industry, and a lot of movie people were in the house that night.
I remember my grandad telling Johnny Flores that when Roper hit the deck, he could see a small cloud of rosin rising from the canvas, backlit by the ring lights.

[Rick Farris]

Good morning, Frank. Hoe you feel better today.
It's 5am, finishing my coffee and off to work.
Spider Man-4 is more than three weeks behind schedule, which means we'll be working six days a week for awhile.
There are a lot of stunts, large sets and special effects stunt rigs. Combine that with a slow director and that equates to a $300 million+ budget.
This week we've put in nearly 90 hours.