As Johnny Flores would say of those like Ortiz ...Rick Farris wrote:As the late featherweight contender, "Irish" Frankie Crawford, would say of guys like Victor Ortiz . .kikibalt wrote:I'll watch it because the Ortiz/Berto fight will also be shown, hoping to see Berto send Ortiz into retirement...Rick Farris wrote:
Ditto!
"He has a heart the size of a pea."
I'll be watching.
Not that good . .Chuck1052 wrote:In regards to Victor Ortiz, you should read some of the puffery about him in the Ventura County Star and the Ventura County Reporter (a freebie publication) about him. It appears that the writers make excuses for his actions in his bout with Marcos Maidana.
Come to think of it, Chris Jay, the writer of the article in the Reporter, also puffs up Ray "Windmill" White, a clubfighter or journeyman who was ranked in the light-heavyweight world ratings briefly. Heck! White was far from being the best light-heavyweight in California during the 1970s despite being the California light-heavyweight champion for a time. I would rate 1970s California light-heavyweights such as Alvaro Lopez, Mike Quarry, Jesse Burnett (despite his mediocre win-loss record) and Lonnie Bennett as being better than White.
Yet the article said that White was a contender with some wins over some fighters who were rated in the top-ten rankings, but was unable to get a shot at the title. Could you imagine what would have happened if White fought Bob Foster, the hard-hitting world light-heavyweight champion during the early 1970s? Under the circumstances, it was a blessing in disguise that White didn't get the title.
In fairness to Chris Jay, it should be said that he is more in his element when covering the music scene in Ventura County. Moreover, he is a singer in a Ventura County band called "The Army of Freshmen."
- Chuck Johnston
). The owner didnt part with it though.
Thanks Charlie. I went to see the Aragon/Basilio fight at the last minute, a friend came over to my house and yelled at me, "get off your ass, let go to the fight, its only 5 bucks", I turned to my wife "Baby, I need 5 bucks, she gave me twenty, twenty bucks was lots of money in '58....CNorkusJr wrote:Frank Thanks for posting these great photos of Basilio vs Aragon. I would have loved to been there. Outside battles are one of the best settings for fights. Thanks.
Rick, Did they get their man yesterday. Sgt Joe Friday (working out of homicide,day shift) would have had him.
"Just the facts,ma'am"
Guys, everything you say on Windmill is on the money. I too wouldn't have wanted to see him in the ring with a monster like Foster. Ray was a fringe contender who brought entertainment to the table rather than any aspirations of ring greatness. But that was what it was all about. When a fringe contender can get everyone yakking on the street back then, then he did his job well. You realize he'd probably be drooled over by HBO today. Anyways, for a guy who was 70% entertainment and 30% fighter, he could at least give some world class opponents a run for their money. Here's a few results from his "peak" from '71-'72.Rick Farris wrote:Not that good . .Chuck1052 wrote:In regards to Victor Ortiz, you should read some of the puffery about him in the Ventura County Star and the Ventura County Reporter (a freebie publication) about him. It appears that the writers make excuses for his actions in his bout with Marcos Maidana.
Come to think of it, Chris Jay, the writer of the article in the Reporter, also puffs up Ray "Windmill" White, a clubfighter or journeyman who was ranked in the light-heavyweight world ratings briefly. Heck! White was far from being the best light-heavyweight in California during the 1970s despite being the California light-heavyweight champion for a time. I would rate 1970s California light-heavyweights such as Alvaro Lopez, Mike Quarry, Jesse Burnett (despite his mediocre win-loss record) and Lonnie Bennett as being better than White.
Yet the article said that White was a contender with some wins over some fighters who were rated in the top-ten rankings, but was unable to get a shot at the title. Could you imagine what would have happened if White fought Bob Foster, the hard-hitting world light-heavyweight champion during the early 1970s? Under the circumstances, it was a blessing in disguise that White didn't get the title.
In fairness to Chris Jay, it should be said that he is more in his element when covering the music scene in Ventura County. Moreover, he is a singer in a Ventura County band called "The Army of Freshmen."
- Chuck Johnston
Chuck, I agree with everything you said above. Ray "Windmill" White was a great attraction because he was funny, and a lot more difficult for an opponent than one might think. He got the best of several good fighters, but I never saw him as a contender for the light-heavy title, especially in the era of a monster like Bob Foster. I fought on several pro cards that featured Windmill, and as I have written here before, I truly like Ray White. I think he is deserving of CBHOF honors, and I look forward to shaking his hand again.
I can understand that a local sports writer will want to publicize local products, but when you suggest that Windmill White was a valid challenger for a world title, no way.
As for Victor Ortiz, in due course his world is going to fall apart, and if Andre Berto is truly worthy of welterweight title consideration, he should have no trouble running over this Oxnard embarassment.
Thinking back on Windmill White, I'll never forget what Mike Quarry told me when I asked him if Ray White had any power in his punches?
Quarry answered, "The only time the SOB hurt me was when he bit my shoulder during a clinch."
Now that's classic Ray "Windmill" White!
5 bucks was alot of money in those days. Basilio is still alive, and though I havent seen him in the downstate NY area in years, he still goes to Canastota every year. I was there only once (not inaugarul weekend), but they sure lionize him there. His former home town. Ed Brophy cant speak enough about him and Billy Backus also.kikibalt wrote:Thanks Charlie. I went to see the Aragon/Basilio fight at the last minute, a friend came over to my house and yelled at me, "get off your ass, let go to the fight, its only 5 bucks", I turned to my wife "Baby, I need 5 bucks, she gave me twenty, twenty bucks was lots of money in '58....CNorkusJr wrote:Frank Thanks for posting these great photos of Basilio vs Aragon. I would have loved to been there. Outside battles are one of the best settings for fights. Thanks.
Rick, Did they get their man yesterday. Sgt Joe Friday (working out of homicide,day shift) would have had him.
"Just the facts,ma'am"
No, I don't Charlie. There has to be a picture or two of that fight somewhere, if there is I'll find it....CNorkusJr wrote:5 bucks was alot of money in those days. Basilio is still alive, and though I havent seen him in the downstate NY area in years, he still goes to Canastota every year. I was there only once (not inaugarul weekend), but they sure lionize him there. His former home town. Ed Brophy cant speak enough about him and Billy Backus also.kikibalt wrote:Thanks Charlie. I went to see the Aragon/Basilio fight at the last minute, a friend came over to my house and yelled at me, "get off your ass, let go to the fight, its only 5 bucks", I turned to my wife "Baby, I need 5 bucks, she gave me twenty, twenty bucks was lots of money in '58....CNorkusJr wrote:Frank Thanks for posting these great photos of Basilio vs Aragon. I would have loved to been there. Outside battles are one of the best settings for fights. Thanks.
Rick, Did they get their man yesterday. Sgt Joe Friday (working out of homicide,day shift) would have had him.
"Just the facts,ma'am"
Last I heard, Carmen was in Rochester NY, and living out the good life. With the fights he had been in (tough battles) - God Bless him.
Frank -by any chance do you have any pictures of the Aragon-Giovanelli fight in the Legion ?
Frank, That weekend we'll be celebrating my mother's 82nd birthday. One of these days I'll make it.kikibalt wrote:Randy, going up to the Eastern Sierras for the trout opener, the last weekend of April, how about it; wanna go???
Look at Basilio's legs. Fighter's legs, sturdy, thick and muscular but not overly so. When it comes to pure toughness and heart Carmen Basilio has to rank high on anyone's list. Great photos Frank.kikibalt wrote:Art Aragon vs Carmen Basilio
bennie wrote:Lonnie Bennett fought Conteh here for the WBC light-heavyweight title. Conteh butted him out of the fight.
Your mother comes first Randy...Randyman wrote:Frank, That weekend we'll be celebrating my mother's 82nd birthday. One of these days I'll make it.kikibalt wrote:Randy, going up to the Eastern Sierras for the trout opener, the last weekend of April, how about it; wanna go???
. There will be other fishing trips, we're planing one for the summer, maybe you can make that one... Cholo wrote:I know Victor Ortiz ain't everybody's favorite, but i think he has the skills and power to beat Berto....
I was there that night. It was a real tragedy. We didn't know we were watching a fighter being killed. Almost everyone in the crowd, by the late middle rounds were yelling for Mitch Halpern to stop the fight, but Garcia, looking ready to go one minute and fighting back the next, was allowed to continue. Garcia's father and brother were working the corner. I don't want to make a rash or harsh judgement but they should have stopped Garcia from coming out a few rounds earlier. The kid took tremendous punishment. No one knew how serious the injuries were, they certainly didn't announce it. I called back home to see if my kids had seen the fight. My daughter Meranda told me that Garcia was taken in a stretcher to an ambulance and then to a hospital, where he died some time later.CNorkusJr wrote:HOT OFF THE PRESS For immediate release
“Business of Pain.”
Book Launch Press Conference to Take Place April 28, at JW Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA, April 13, 2011 – From a journey that spanned three continents, spent compiling the personal stories of fifteen boxing world champions and renowned people in the sport, comes a book that is certain to captivate its readers.
It was more than fifteen years ago when then WBC Super Featherweight champion Gabriel Ruelas defended his title against Colombian Jimmy Garcia in a fight that would ultimately cost Garcia his life. The tragedy of that hot, fateful night in a Las Vegas ring, and its aftermath, has never been told – until now.
Mexican-born Araceli Martínez-Rose’s narrative in her book, “Business of Pain” takes you, in great detail and beautifully told, through the humble beginnings of Ruelas’ career as a young fighter, his rise to the championship of the world, and the devastating effect the Garcia tragedy had not only in his boxing career, but his personal life as well. Renowned Mexican journalist and best-selling Latin author, María Antonieta Collins, and WBC President, Jose Sulaiman Chagnón, have written the prologue.
“Business of Pain,” recently acclaimed in its Spanish version, “El negocio del dolor” when it launched in Guadalajara, Mexico, is expected to be the literary star in the upcoming Feria del Libro LéaLA, April 29 – May 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. The event is expected to attract such renowned literary stars as Isabel Allende, Elena Poniatowska, Francisco Martín Moreno, and Laura Restrepo, among others. There will also be a national book tour, with stops scheduled in the New York City area; Canastota, NY; Las Vegas, NV; and Atlantic City, NJ.
A press conference to announce the launch of “Business of Pain” (the English version) will take place April 28 in Los Angeles, CA.
About the author: Araceli Martínez-Rose is a Mexican journalist who has received multiple awards, including an Emmy Award for her excellence in investigative journalism and reporting in the United States; the highly esteemed Media Alliance Lee Award; as well as multiple national recognitions from the Radio-Television News Directors Association. Over the span of her twenty-year career, Ms. Martínez-Rose has served as news anchor at Univision San Francisco, and guest anchor for Despierta América, Univision’s highest-rated national morning telecast. She was honored as “Businesswoman of the Year” by the National Association of Hispanic Publications and awarded for “Best Coverage in Entertainment.” Her accomplishments and notoriety have made her a very popular figure within the Hispanic audience and, as a result, she became the first woman in Major League history to announce the lineup, when she did it for the San Francisico Giants. She was also selected as presenter of the annual Mariachi Festival in the United States for seven consecutive years. Currently, Ms. Martínez Rose is the head of Araceli Enterprises, Inc. She resides in San Diego, CA, with her husband and two young children.
# # # #
Media Contact:
One More Round – Ricardo Salazar
973-207-5236
[email protected]
Aceves Public Relations
Marylyn Aceves
[email protected]
Ricardo Salazar
One More Round Enterprises, Inc.
4 Washington Street
Harrison, New Jersey 07029
Phone: 973-481-0253
Fax: 973-481-0254
[email protected] !
Randy, you are so right about Gabe Ruelas after the Garcia fight. It ruined him as a boxer.Randyman wrote:I was there that night. It was a real tragedy. We didn't know we were watching a fighter being killed. Almost everyone in the crowd, by the late middle rounds were yelling for Mitch Halpern to stop the fight, but Garcia, looking ready to go one minute and fighting back the next, was allowed to continue. Garcia's father and brother were working the corner. I don't want to make a rash or harsh judgement but they should have stopped Garcia from coming out a few rounds earlier. The kid took tremendous punishment. No one knew how serious the injuries were, they certainly didn't announce it. I called back home to see if my kids had seen the fight. My daughter Meranda told me that Garcia was taken in a stretcher to an ambulance and then to a hospital, where he died some time later.CNorkusJr wrote:HOT OFF THE PRESS For immediate release
“Business of Pain.”
Book Launch Press Conference to Take Place April 28, at JW Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA, April 13, 2011 – From a journey that spanned three continents, spent compiling the personal stories of fifteen boxing world champions and renowned people in the sport, comes a book that is certain to captivate its readers.
It was more than fifteen years ago when then WBC Super Featherweight champion Gabriel Ruelas defended his title against Colombian Jimmy Garcia in a fight that would ultimately cost Garcia his life. The tragedy of that hot, fateful night in a Las Vegas ring, and its aftermath, has never been told – until now.
Mexican-born Araceli Martínez-Rose’s narrative in her book, “Business of Pain” takes you, in great detail and beautifully told, through the humble beginnings of Ruelas’ career as a young fighter, his rise to the championship of the world, and the devastating effect the Garcia tragedy had not only in his boxing career, but his personal life as well. Renowned Mexican journalist and best-selling Latin author, María Antonieta Collins, and WBC President, Jose Sulaiman Chagnón, have written the prologue.
“Business of Pain,” recently acclaimed in its Spanish version, “El negocio del dolor” when it launched in Guadalajara, Mexico, is expected to be the literary star in the upcoming Feria del Libro LéaLA, April 29 – May 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. The event is expected to attract such renowned literary stars as Isabel Allende, Elena Poniatowska, Francisco Martín Moreno, and Laura Restrepo, among others. There will also be a national book tour, with stops scheduled in the New York City area; Canastota, NY; Las Vegas, NV; and Atlantic City, NJ.
A press conference to announce the launch of “Business of Pain” (the English version) will take place April 28 in Los Angeles, CA.
About the author: Araceli Martínez-Rose is a Mexican journalist who has received multiple awards, including an Emmy Award for her excellence in investigative journalism and reporting in the United States; the highly esteemed Media Alliance Lee Award; as well as multiple national recognitions from the Radio-Television News Directors Association. Over the span of her twenty-year career, Ms. Martínez-Rose has served as news anchor at Univision San Francisco, and guest anchor for Despierta América, Univision’s highest-rated national morning telecast. She was honored as “Businesswoman of the Year” by the National Association of Hispanic Publications and awarded for “Best Coverage in Entertainment.” Her accomplishments and notoriety have made her a very popular figure within the Hispanic audience and, as a result, she became the first woman in Major League history to announce the lineup, when she did it for the San Francisico Giants. She was also selected as presenter of the annual Mariachi Festival in the United States for seven consecutive years. Currently, Ms. Martínez Rose is the head of Araceli Enterprises, Inc. She resides in San Diego, CA, with her husband and two young children.
# # # #
Media Contact:
One More Round – Ricardo Salazar
973-207-5236
[email protected]
Aceves Public Relations
Marylyn Aceves
[email protected]
Ricardo Salazar
One More Round Enterprises, Inc.
4 Washington Street
Harrison, New Jersey 07029
Phone: 973-481-0253
Fax: 973-481-0254
[email protected] !
Gabriel Ruelas was never the same fighter after that, not even close. In his next fight, with Azumah Nelson, he never really tried. I never forgot how Joe Goosen ran into the ring after the fight was stopped and shoved Ruelas hard. Throughout that fight I had the impression that Ruelas wanted to be punished. I'm sure of it. For all practical purposes, that was the end of Ruelas. He had a dozen more fights after the Azuma Nelson fight, including a 5th round knockout by Arturo Gotti and a knockout win over Troy Dorsey. The whole affair was tragic.
