BoxRec

kikibalt wrote:The Teamsters Gym, Los Angeles, Ca.



This is where my boys started their boxing careers back in '64. I was in the area this morning and I stopped and shot this photo. Memories of past times came flooding to me as I shot the photo, I closed my eyes and I seen 3 year old Tony and 6 old year Frankie shadow boxing in the Teamsters ring.

Didn't you box there too, or was that a different Teamster's Gym?

The boys and I fought there, in different times of course...

kikibalt wrote:The Teamsters Gym, Los Angeles, Ca.



This is where my boys started their boxing careers back in '64. I was in the area this morning and I stopped and shot this photo. Memories of past times came flooding to me as I shot the photo, I closed my eyes and I seen 3 year old Tony and 6 old year Frankie shadow boxing in the Teamsters ring.

Frank, Thanks for the photo, great to see the old place. The Teamsters Gym thats where they shot some of the scenes for the film "The Ring"..

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:The Teamsters Gym, Los Angeles, Ca.



This is where my boys started their boxing careers back in '64. I was in the area this morning and I stopped and shot this photo. Memories of past times came flooding to me as I shot the photo, I closed my eyes and I seen 3 year old Tony and 6 old year Frankie shadow boxing in the Teamsters ring.

Frank, Thanks for the photo, great to see the old place. The Teamsters Gym thats where they shot some of the scenes for the film "The Ring"..

That's right Paul, I had forgotten about that....

Ok where is everybody? Don't you guys know that there are people out here that count on this thread to get through part of the day. Why are we all being so quite about Rick leaving? Can't he just block the member he has an issue with and not cut the whole group out. I have really enjoyed his posting. Thought I would grow old checking in on my cyber friends.

I am learning these sites are closer to real life than one might believe. Friends come and go. Good times bad times. Let's put the gloves on and see if we can't keep this friend on board. Being a jr. Member I don't know if I can help, but let me know if I can. Rick and I have had some kind exchanges, and I have always thought of coming to an award dinner and getting a chance to meet him and the rest of the board.

Peace,

Kevin

Having Doubts about Canelo Alvarez

By Gabreal Gallegos

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The youngest EVER to win the Light Middleweight belt.

It just doesn’t sound right saying that sentence. Let’s be clear about one thing. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a good boxer, however, is he a deserving champion that won the belt by beating the best in his weight division. No.

His promoters will have you believe that while he is a good boxer on the cusp of being a great if not legendary champion, he still needs work…and by work what his promoters are really saying is, he needs more fights under his belt. The statement is not a shock nor is it typically surprising a fighter that is only 21 years old to be still finding his rhythm, power, mental game and many other attributes a professional boxer needs to stay competitive. This is especially true for a young up and coming fighter such as Canelo. However, Alvarez has been a pro since 15 and now he is the WBC Light Middleweight Champion of the world. Therefore, the words such as time, progress, develop should have been established well before Alvarez won a title. This is not the case and now, Alvarez and Goldenboy have to decide how they are going to move forward with his career.

On September 17th Canelo will face reality TV contestant on The Contender season 1 member Alfonso Gomez. Gomez is not a bad choice; it’s a safe choice with a name. Gomez is not a deserving contender for the Light Middleweight belt. So, why is Gomez fighting for a title in less than 3 weeks? It’s because Alvarez is not ready for any of the big names that can not only beat him but could ruin his very promising career. It’s because Alvarez is still a work in progress, he has good power, nice range and a decent chin- but his defense, footwork, speed and power still need some work. Yes, he has some power but not nearly the power he needs to stay competitive at 154lb or 160lb if he ever decides to move up in weight.

His boxing tool chest needs to get more complete and until he is able to face real competition fans will never know if he has the ability to beat the likes of Cotto, Margarito or Paul Williams. This is the issue with Canelo, he is getting a pass and being allowed to fight the Gomez’s, Matthew Hatton’s and over the hill Baldomir’s in the boxing game today; instead of facing the best fighters the Light Middleweight class has to offer. This is a safe move by Goldenboy as it seems Goldenboy had a bit of a struggle of matching some of their fighters up with tougher competition then they should have been facing early in their career only to see them lose and never quit live up to the potential Goldenboy had hoped. (anyone remember Vicente Escobedo)

In the end Alvarez and Goldenboy have made their plan clear-set Canelo up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr route. Play it safe, but talk Canelo up as if he is one fight away from fighting the toughest guys in his division only keep him away from any potential threat for at least another year or so. It’s not a plan that you can blame a team that is aware their prize fighter is not ready for a real test. Alvarez already has the belt all they have to do now is match make Alvarez with boxers that have a name but not much more. No speed, no power and definitely no one that can be a threat, This will work and I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they attempt to match Bernard Hopkins 20 win record…Only kidding, but..You never know.

And then…

Canelo, is a huge star in the making, he just needs to be matched correctly for a while, but the issue I have with that is he is a champion. Champions fight the best fighters out there…Well at least they used to. Today fighters are all about the business. The promoters make fans think that Clottey, Gomez, and Mosley are the best possible fights that can be made. Roy Jones Jr was the best at making bullshit fights seem relevant and now we will see how Goldenboy and company make out with Canelo’s and his career.

Low blows and cancellations seem to be the theme of August. Let’s hope that September brings what fans have been waiting for. Andre Berto is back in the ring, an exciting fight between Gamboa and DeLeon, Mayweather Ortiz fight, add that with HBO 24/7, College and NFL football season getting under way and the next 3 weeks should be pretty entertaining.

iskigoe wrote:Ok where is everybody? Don't you guys know that there are people out here that count on this thread to get through part of the day. Why are we all being so quite about Rick leaving? Can't he just block the member he has an issue with and not cut the whole group out. I have really enjoyed his posting. Thought I would grow old checking in on my cyber friends.

I am learning these sites are closer to real life than one might believe. Friends come and go. Good times bad times. Let's put the gloves on and see if we can't keep this friend on board. Being a jr. Member I don't know if I can help, but let me know if I can. Rick and I have had some kind exchanges, and I have always thought of coming to an award dinner and getting a chance to meet him and the rest of the board.

Peace,

Kevin

kikibalt wrote:

iskigoe wrote:Ok where is everybody? Don't you guys know that there are people out here that count on this thread to get through part of the day. Why are we all being so quite about Rick leaving? Can't he just block the member he has an issue with and not cut the whole group out. I have really enjoyed his posting. Thought I would grow old checking in on my cyber friends.

I am learning these sites are closer to real life than one might believe. Friends come and go. Good times bad times. Let's put the gloves on and see if we can't keep this friend on board. Being a jr. Member I don't know if I can help, but let me know if I can. Rick and I have had some kind exchanges, and I have always thought of coming to an award dinner and getting a chance to meet him and the rest of the board.

Peace,

Kevin

>I tried. why do you not send him a private message let him know we all miss our rick fix

kikibalt wrote:Having Doubts about Canelo Alvarez

By Gabreal Gallegos

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The youngest EVER to win the Light Middleweight belt.

It just doesn’t sound right saying that sentence. Let’s be clear about one thing. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a good boxer, however, is he a deserving champion that won the belt by beating the best in his weight division. No.

His promoters will have you believe that while he is a good boxer on the cusp of being a great if not legendary champion, he still needs work…and by work what his promoters are really saying is, he needs more fights under his belt. The statement is not a shock nor is it typically surprising a fighter that is only 21 years old to be still finding his rhythm, power, mental game and many other attributes a professional boxer needs to stay competitive. This is especially true for a young up and coming fighter such as Canelo. However, Alvarez has been a pro since 15 and now he is the WBC Light Middleweight Champion of the world. Therefore, the words such as time, progress, develop should have been established well before Alvarez won a title. This is not the case and now, Alvarez and Goldenboy have to decide how they are going to move forward with his career.

On September 17th Canelo will face reality TV contestant on The Contender season 1 member Alfonso Gomez. Gomez is not a bad choice; it’s a safe choice with a name. Gomez is not a deserving contender for the Light Middleweight belt. So, why is Gomez fighting for a title in less than 3 weeks? It’s because Alvarez is not ready for any of the big names that can not only beat him but could ruin his very promising career. It’s because Alvarez is still a work in progress, he has good power, nice range and a decent chin- but his defense, footwork, speed and power still need some work. Yes, he has some power but not nearly the power he needs to stay competitive at 154lb or 160lb if he ever decides to move up in weight.

His boxing tool chest needs to get more complete and until he is able to face real competition fans will never know if he has the ability to beat the likes of Cotto, Margarito or Paul Williams. This is the issue with Canelo, he is getting a pass and being allowed to fight the Gomez’s, Matthew Hatton’s and over the hill Baldomir’s in the boxing game today; instead of facing the best fighters the Light Middleweight class has to offer. This is a safe move by Goldenboy as it seems Goldenboy had a bit of a struggle of matching some of their fighters up with tougher competition then they should have been facing early in their career only to see them lose and never quit live up to the potential Goldenboy had hoped. (anyone remember Vicente Escobedo)

In the end Alvarez and Goldenboy have made their plan clear-set Canelo up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr route. Play it safe, but talk Canelo up as if he is one fight away from fighting the toughest guys in his division only keep him away from any potential threat for at least another year or so. It’s not a plan that you can blame a team that is aware their prize fighter is not ready for a real test. Alvarez already has the belt all they have to do now is match make Alvarez with boxers that have a name but not much more. No speed, no power and definitely no one that can be a threat, This will work and I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they attempt to match Bernard Hopkins 20 win record…Only kidding, but..You never know.

And then…

Canelo, is a huge star in the making, he just needs to be matched correctly for a while, but the issue I have with that is he is a champion. Champions fight the best fighters out there…Well at least they used to. Today fighters are all about the business. The promoters make fans think that Clottey, Gomez, and Mosley are the best possible fights that can be made. Roy Jones Jr was the best at making bullshit fights seem relevant and now we will see how Goldenboy and company make out with Canelo’s and his career.

Low blows and cancellations seem to be the theme of August. Let’s hope that September brings what fans have been waiting for. Andre Berto is back in the ring, an exciting fight between Gamboa and DeLeon, Mayweather Ortiz fight, add that with HBO 24/7, College and NFL football season getting under way and the next 3 weeks should be pretty entertaining.

Alvarez seems like a good kid who takes his profession seriously and seems to carry a lot of pride in himself. Because he has never fought anyone of note, he also makes a lot of silly mistakes. He is easy to hit. The reason? He's never fought any solid, experienced fighters from whom he can learn and grow.

Now he's a "champion;" the time to learn and grow is past. When he fights one of the real contenders of the division - especially somebody with a half-way decent punch - he's gonna get creamed.

raylawpc wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Having Doubts about Canelo Alvarez

By Gabreal Gallegos

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The youngest EVER to win the Light Middleweight belt.

It just doesn’t sound right saying that sentence. Let’s be clear about one thing. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a good boxer, however, is he a deserving champion that won the belt by beating the best in his weight division. No.

His promoters will have you believe that while he is a good boxer on the cusp of being a great if not legendary champion, he still needs work…and by work what his promoters are really saying is, he needs more fights under his belt. The statement is not a shock nor is it typically surprising a fighter that is only 21 years old to be still finding his rhythm, power, mental game and many other attributes a professional boxer needs to stay competitive. This is especially true for a young up and coming fighter such as Canelo. However, Alvarez has been a pro since 15 and now he is the WBC Light Middleweight Champion of the world. Therefore, the words such as time, progress, develop should have been established well before Alvarez won a title. This is not the case and now, Alvarez and Goldenboy have to decide how they are going to move forward with his career.

On September 17th Canelo will face reality TV contestant on The Contender season 1 member Alfonso Gomez. Gomez is not a bad choice; it’s a safe choice with a name. Gomez is not a deserving contender for the Light Middleweight belt. So, why is Gomez fighting for a title in less than 3 weeks? It’s because Alvarez is not ready for any of the big names that can not only beat him but could ruin his very promising career. It’s because Alvarez is still a work in progress, he has good power, nice range and a decent chin- but his defense, footwork, speed and power still need some work. Yes, he has some power but not nearly the power he needs to stay competitive at 154lb or 160lb if he ever decides to move up in weight.

His boxing tool chest needs to get more complete and until he is able to face real competition fans will never know if he has the ability to beat the likes of Cotto, Margarito or Paul Williams. This is the issue with Canelo, he is getting a pass and being allowed to fight the Gomez’s, Matthew Hatton’s and over the hill Baldomir’s in the boxing game today; instead of facing the best fighters the Light Middleweight class has to offer. This is a safe move by Goldenboy as it seems Goldenboy had a bit of a struggle of matching some of their fighters up with tougher competition then they should have been facing early in their career only to see them lose and never quit live up to the potential Goldenboy had hoped. (anyone remember Vicente Escobedo)

In the end Alvarez and Goldenboy have made their plan clear-set Canelo up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr route. Play it safe, but talk Canelo up as if he is one fight away from fighting the toughest guys in his division only keep him away from any potential threat for at least another year or so. It’s not a plan that you can blame a team that is aware their prize fighter is not ready for a real test. Alvarez already has the belt all they have to do now is match make Alvarez with boxers that have a name but not much more. No speed, no power and definitely no one that can be a threat, This will work and I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they attempt to match Bernard Hopkins 20 win record…Only kidding, but..You never know.

And then…

Canelo, is a huge star in the making, he just needs to be matched correctly for a while, but the issue I have with that is he is a champion. Champions fight the best fighters out there…Well at least they used to. Today fighters are all about the business. The promoters make fans think that Clottey, Gomez, and Mosley are the best possible fights that can be made. Roy Jones Jr was the best at making bullshit fights seem relevant and now we will see how Goldenboy and company make out with Canelo’s and his career.

Low blows and cancellations seem to be the theme of August. Let’s hope that September brings what fans have been waiting for. Andre Berto is back in the ring, an exciting fight between Gamboa and DeLeon, Mayweather Ortiz fight, add that with HBO 24/7, College and NFL football season getting under way and the next 3 weeks should be pretty entertaining.

Alvarez seems like a good kid who takes his profession seriously and seems to carry a lot of pride in himself. Because he has never fought anyone of note, he also makes a lot of silly mistakes. He is easy to hit. The reason? He's never fought any solid, experienced fighters from whom he can learn and grow.

Now he's a "champion;" the time to learn and grow is past. When he fights one of the real contenders of the division - especially somebody with a half-way decent punch - he's gonna get creamed.

I agree with you 100% Tom...

kikibalt wrote:

raylawpc wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Having Doubts about Canelo Alvarez

By Gabreal Gallegos

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The youngest EVER to win the Light Middleweight belt.

It just doesn’t sound right saying that sentence. Let’s be clear about one thing. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a good boxer, however, is he a deserving champion that won the belt by beating the best in his weight division. No.

His promoters will have you believe that while he is a good boxer on the cusp of being a great if not legendary champion, he still needs work…and by work what his promoters are really saying is, he needs more fights under his belt. The statement is not a shock nor is it typically surprising a fighter that is only 21 years old to be still finding his rhythm, power, mental game and many other attributes a professional boxer needs to stay competitive. This is especially true for a young up and coming fighter such as Canelo. However, Alvarez has been a pro since 15 and now he is the WBC Light Middleweight Champion of the world. Therefore, the words such as time, progress, develop should have been established well before Alvarez won a title. This is not the case and now, Alvarez and Goldenboy have to decide how they are going to move forward with his career.

On September 17th Canelo will face reality TV contestant on The Contender season 1 member Alfonso Gomez. Gomez is not a bad choice; it’s a safe choice with a name. Gomez is not a deserving contender for the Light Middleweight belt. So, why is Gomez fighting for a title in less than 3 weeks? It’s because Alvarez is not ready for any of the big names that can not only beat him but could ruin his very promising career. It’s because Alvarez is still a work in progress, he has good power, nice range and a decent chin- but his defense, footwork, speed and power still need some work. Yes, he has some power but not nearly the power he needs to stay competitive at 154lb or 160lb if he ever decides to move up in weight.

His boxing tool chest needs to get more complete and until he is able to face real competition fans will never know if he has the ability to beat the likes of Cotto, Margarito or Paul Williams. This is the issue with Canelo, he is getting a pass and being allowed to fight the Gomez’s, Matthew Hatton’s and over the hill Baldomir’s in the boxing game today; instead of facing the best fighters the Light Middleweight class has to offer. This is a safe move by Goldenboy as it seems Goldenboy had a bit of a struggle of matching some of their fighters up with tougher competition then they should have been facing early in their career only to see them lose and never quit live up to the potential Goldenboy had hoped. (anyone remember Vicente Escobedo)

In the end Alvarez and Goldenboy have made their plan clear-set Canelo up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr route. Play it safe, but talk Canelo up as if he is one fight away from fighting the toughest guys in his division only keep him away from any potential threat for at least another year or so. It’s not a plan that you can blame a team that is aware their prize fighter is not ready for a real test. Alvarez already has the belt all they have to do now is match make Alvarez with boxers that have a name but not much more. No speed, no power and definitely no one that can be a threat, This will work and I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they attempt to match Bernard Hopkins 20 win record…Only kidding, but..You never know.

And then…

Canelo, is a huge star in the making, he just needs to be matched correctly for a while, but the issue I have with that is he is a champion. Champions fight the best fighters out there…Well at least they used to. Today fighters are all about the business. The promoters make fans think that Clottey, Gomez, and Mosley are the best possible fights that can be made. Roy Jones Jr was the best at making bullshit fights seem relevant and now we will see how Goldenboy and company make out with Canelo’s and his career.

Low blows and cancellations seem to be the theme of August. Let’s hope that September brings what fans have been waiting for. Andre Berto is back in the ring, an exciting fight between Gamboa and DeLeon, Mayweather Ortiz fight, add that with HBO 24/7, College and NFL football season getting under way and the next 3 weeks should be pretty entertaining.

Alvarez seems like a good kid who takes his profession seriously and seems to carry a lot of pride in himself. Because he has never fought anyone of note, he also makes a lot of silly mistakes. He is easy to hit. The reason? He's never fought any solid, experienced fighters from whom he can learn and grow.

Now he's a "champion;" the time to learn and grow is past. When he fights one of the real contenders of the division - especially somebody with a half-way decent punch - he's gonna get creamed.

I agree with you 100% Tom...

Great minds think alike!

Charlie, it looks like the New York City area dodged a bullet for the most part. That's great. Hope that you and your family are getting back to having a regular routine.

- Chuck Johnston

Rick, I hope that you change your mind and continue to contribute to this thread. If not, I wish you good luck.

- Chuck Johnston

In regards to Sal Alvarez, it looks like he isn't different from many other current contenders or champions who learn enough boxing skills. When looking at fight films of some old-time fighters who had been around the block a time or two, I find that they had skills that so many of the top current fighters do not have. Of course, such old-time fighters almost always had many more professional fights and faced quite a number of capable fighters, giving them the needed seasoning.

- Chuck Johnston

raylawpc wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

raylawpc wrote: Alvarez seems like a good kid who takes his profession seriously and seems to carry a lot of pride in himself. Because he has never fought anyone of note, he also makes a lot of silly mistakes. He is easy to hit. The reason? He's never fought any solid, experienced fighters from whom he can learn and grow.

Now he's a "champion;" the time to learn and grow is past. When he fights one of the real contenders of the division - especially somebody with a half-way decent punch - he's gonna get creamed.

I agree with you 100% Tom...

Great minds think alike!

Guys, Jeri and I will beheading for New Mexico tomorrow with a stopover at Scottsdale, Arizona and visit with my sister in Phoenix. then onto Las Cruces, NM and a visit with my cousins, Louie and Rocky Burke. Then to Silver City for a visit with my cousin Tony Garcia, who is a locally famous high school football coach. I'll be meeting up with some other family during the trip.

The Hatch Chile Festival will be taking place over the weekend. it's all about the green chile in Hatch. I'll also be checking out the De La O Visitors Center in Dona Ana.

I'll be taking my lap top, so I'll be checking with you guys. I'm looking forward to getting away for a while.

Talk later!

Randyman wrote:Guys, Jeri and I will beheading for New Mexico tomorrow with a stopover at Scottsdale, Arizona and visit with my sister in Phoenix. then onto Las Cruces, NM and a visit with my cousins, Louie and Rocky Burke. Then to Silver City for a visit with my cousin Tony Garcia, who is a locally famous high school football coach. I'll be meeting up with some other family during the trip.

The Hatch Chile Festival will be taking place over the weekend. it's all about the green chile in Hatch. I'll also be checking out the De La O Visitors Center in Dona Ana.

I'll be taking my lap top, so I'll be checking with you guys. I'm looking forward to getting away for a while.

Talk later!

I'll be with relatives for our annual Labor Day reunion . . . but, sadly, no green chili! Have fun, Randy.

BILL DWYRE
Oscar De La Hoya fights this foe one day at a time
After finally coming to terms about his alcoholism, the former boxing world champion and now a promoter checks into a rehab center and tries to beat as formidable an opponent as he faced in the ring.

By Bill Dwyre

August 31, 2011, 5:45 p.m.
Legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya has a message for a sports world that idolized and doted on him.

"Hi. I'm Oscar De La Hoya and I'm an alcoholic."

Oscar De La Hoya tells of drug use, cheating, thinking of suicide Oscar De La Hoya tells of drug use, cheating, thinking of suicide

So, we have tarnish on the Golden Boy. The fighter who carried the sport for nearly a decade, who proved you didn't have to be a heavyweight to appeal to the masses, who generated nearly $700 million in pay-per-view revenue before retiring at 36 in 2009, is telling all.

We never thought he was a choir boy. There have been stories of boozing and womanizing along the way. But he was a boxer. You don't expect St. Peter.

Still, this week's revelation deserves the attention of the sports world because it is a world where the toughest truths are seldom uttered.

The truth, and nothing but the truth, begins its unraveling on the first tee of the Ojai Valley Inn golf course. Pose for a photo, the starter says. OK now, everybody say "whiskey."

De La Hoya says, "Water."

The tone is set. It will be 18 holes and 6,292 yards of introspection. The horrible details, the pain, anger and depth of despair, bring insignificance to the shanks and three-putts.

"I haven't been truly sober since I was 8," De La Hoya says, recalling how he was a waiter at family functions, brought beer to the men and was encouraged to take a sip.

"A sip sounds harmless," he says. "But after about 20, you are drunk.

"I remember the first time, when I passed out. My mother whacked me pretty good, but the men seemed fine with it."

Until he entered the Promises rehab center in Malibu three months ago, De La Hoya had been fighting the influence of alcohol for 30 years. That meant through 10 world titles in six weight divisions, through a 39-6 pro record, even through a transition to corporate executive of the promotion company he founded and for which he is the president. Until three months ago, the man behind the big oak desk in the downtown offices of Golden Boy Promotions was fooling us all and hating himself for it.

"It's a monster so big I cannot describe it," he says.

Then he tries.

"It was bad. I'm surprised it hasn't killed me," he says. "Some people can drink. I can't. In the last few years, it always ended up the same way. I'd black out.

"My best friend, Eric [Gomez, matchmaker and vice president of Golden Boy], would be with me, have a couple of beers and stop. I'd always be the one saying we should have a few more. But if I said I was going to have two, it would always turn out to be 10. Ten wasn't enough. A thousand wasn't enough."

Rock bottom occurred three months ago, after a party in Los Angeles to celebrate a business arrangement with a Golden Boy sponsor. The sponsor was a brand of tequila.

"I had a driver, thank God," De La Hoya says. "I remember waking up and looking around and I was in the back seat of the car, we were on the street near my downtown office and I had a cocktail glass in my hand. I felt awful, the whole scene was awful. I had been there too many times before. I called my wife, she told me to just come home. I threw the glass out the window and it smashed on the street."

He was sent to the other room to sleep, as usual, and when he awoke, he knew there was no more messing with the monster.

"I'd been to rehabs before," he says, "but this time, I was the one who wanted to go. This time, I was scared."

He had researched Promises and checked himself in the next morning. His program was a one-month commitment. He says 20 patients started and only eight made it to the end.

"I told one of the counselors that I can win this fight," De La Hoya says. "He told me, 'You're not going to win this fight. You are going to survive this fight.' "

When his month was over, De La Hoya asked for three more weeks.

"I was afraid to come out," he says.

He says he never stopped drinking. When he was an amateur, en route to his Olympic gold medal at Barcelona in 1992, he says he was the one talking the others into going out for a few beers. He says the drinking never stopped during his pro career — even during training for a fight — and got worse when he became a business executive and fight promoter.

"I'd go to my room before I had to make an appearance, or a speech," he says, "and I'd have a few drinks, just to loosen up."

He is married to Millie Corretjer, a former star pop singer from Puerto Rico. They have two children, Oscar, 5, and Nina, 3. His says his family is his constant reminder to stop and smell the roses.

"I'm up to five days a week of playing tea time with Nina," he says. "They visited me one day at Promises, and Nina and I sat and watched a snail for about five minutes. That's all. Just a snail."

On the 17th tee, a friendly wager seems in order.

"Loser on this hole buys the ice tea," De La Hoya says.

His brother, Joel, smiles and says, "It used to be 'Loser buys the shots.' "

De La Hoya says golf is one of his therapies, then proves it by shooting 77. He says he is happier than he has been in 30 years. His formula seems perfectly scripted for any addiction.

He is healing, not hiding.

[email protected]

Chuck1052 wrote:Charlie, it looks like the New York City area dodged a bullet for the most part. That's great. Hope that you and your family are getting back to having a regular routine.

- Chuck Johnston

Thanks Chuck, but in reality,things are pretty bad on Long Island around me.
Several trees came down in my area,but my block(on my side of the street) was spared from any hitting the power lines.Across the street from me is still out of power and looking at 3-6 days more till the electric Co. (LIPA) will get around to them.
LIPA said that we got the worst of the storm because of the trees falling.

Several EFO or F1 tornados touched down (not large) on LI causing a twisting effect on the trees. They snapped halfway up as compared to falling over completely(uprooted) which is what a hurricane does. All around me are trees snapped about the 1/2 way point.
I'll see if I can get a picture on here later.

I have two electrical extension cords out to my two of my neighbors. Several other houses are doing the same for their neighbors too. Unbelievable that my side of the street untouched,but for blocks around are still without power. At night with no street lights looks kinda freaky,but you can finally see all the stars in the sky.

NYC is doing fine in recovery. Mass transportation hubs are just about recovered,and Long Island RR has resumed full service just today. Amtrak trains to other cities are experiencing
downed trees across tracks in other parts of states,but said they are clearing them pretty well. Airports are fine,hotels are booked solid from tourists and from those without electric.
I know a few neighbors who went to Atlantic City to use their comps for rooms till they get back online. No reports of robberies here,police are doing a good job so far and its not a trouble area anyway.Neighbors here would shoot you dead first ,then ask you, standing over your body "what do you want ?".
Priorities: Jets fourth and last pre-season home game tonite vs. Eagles.Wife staying home with shotgun,I'll be at game.

raylawpc wrote:

Randyman wrote:Guys, Jeri and I will beheading for New Mexico tomorrow with a stopover at Scottsdale, Arizona and visit with my sister in Phoenix. then onto Las Cruces, NM and a visit with my cousins, Louie and Rocky Burke. Then to Silver City for a visit with my cousin Tony Garcia, who is a locally famous high school football coach. I'll be meeting up with some other family during the trip.

The Hatch Chile Festival will be taking place over the weekend. it's all about the green chile in Hatch. I'll also be checking out the De La O Visitors Center in Dona Ana.

I'll be taking my lap top, so I'll be checking with you guys. I'm looking forward to getting away for a while.

Talk later!

I'll be with relatives for our annual Labor Day reunion . . . but, sadly, no green chili! Have fun, Randy.

Connie and I will spent the holiday at home hanging with Chata, Marshmellow and El Jefe...Maybe have a BBQ with them

I did not know Oscar De La Hoya was problem drinker DURING his career. I wonder if he imbibed during training-seems impossible to me. Between the fights probably,but not in training.
He was too good.Some do hide it and function well though.

Though I never had to re-hab for anything, I know its a tough road ahead for the rest of his life. I had two friends who re-habbed and both had gone back. One after 10 years of sobriety.That friend has been in and out of Long Island programs over the years. Though he never hurt anyone with a car,he will never drive again.
The second friend of mine went back after 15 years and just as he was re-habbing again in So. Cal. developed pancreas cancer and died in 2005 at age 47. He is buried near Laguna Niguel,CA.
I would think Oscar (at least in public) is surrounded by people wherever he goes. You would think he would hire a chauffer or bodyguard who has the okay to take away the drink, at the threat of being fired, if he crosses the line. At home is the difficult part.
Hopefully he can survive it like the article states.

Randy, sounds like a very nice family trip for Labor Day. Very scenic for sure.
Enjoy it my friend.

Thanks Charley, and difficulties aside, I'm glad you and your neighbors are doing (relatively) well. hang tough my friend!

Jeri and I arrived in Scottsdale, AZ about an hour ago, we don't like making long drives in one day anymore. It works better for us hen we break it up. The other reason we stopped here is that I want to visit my sister in Phoenix, which is just a few miles away.

I have only seen my only sister a small handful of times in the last 20-25 years. The last time was in 2003. We saw her when she was in the hospital after she suffered a severe stroke. She has been estranged from the family and in a self imposed exile for years. She has lived in a world of bitterness and hate and has never really been able to survive in normal society. It has been a very sad life for her.

About five years ago she had both legs amputated due to severe diabetic complications, and with other factors she cannot live outside of the care facility she currently lives in. This will be the first time I've seen her since then. I have no idea what her reaction will be when she sees me. She might be happy or she might send me away, I don't know.

It has just been an unbelievably unhappy life and I honestly don't know how much longer she will be with us, so I have to make that attempt.

I hope you don't mind me sharing that with you. I will rite this no where else. I communicate with my niece, her daughter, on Facebook. I wouldn't want her to see this. Anyway, that's where my head is right now.

Talk later.

kikibalt wrote:

raylawpc wrote:

Randyman wrote:Guys, Jeri and I will beheading for New Mexico tomorrow with a stopover at Scottsdale, Arizona and visit with my sister in Phoenix. then onto Las Cruces, NM and a visit with my cousins, Louie and Rocky Burke. Then to Silver City for a visit with my cousin Tony Garcia, who is a locally famous high school football coach. I'll be meeting up with some other family during the trip.

The Hatch Chile Festival will be taking place over the weekend. it's all about the green chile in Hatch. I'll also be checking out the De La O Visitors Center in Dona Ana.

I'll be taking my lap top, so I'll be checking with you guys. I'm looking forward to getting away for a while.

Talk later!

I'll be with relatives for our annual Labor Day reunion . . . but, sadly, no green chili! Have fun, Randy.

Connie and I will spent the holiday at home hanging with Chata, Marshmellow and El Jefe...Maybe have a BBQ with them

Enjoy the weekend with the family Frank, including the four legged ones!!