BoxRec

Randy- Your last few posts about Joe Frazier were terrific.

The first bout between Frazier and Muhammad Ali was the most important one in my lifetime by a large margin. If that bout was staged today, the number of PPV buys would have been massive.

Among hardcore boxing fans at the time, Frazier was very popular. But it was a different story among the casual fans.

I myself was an Ali fan when he was active, but I started to favor the aggressive fighters later on.

- Chuck Johnston

Yes, can you imagine what the PPV take would have been for the promoters? W O W.

I remember they each got $2.5 million as their gross purse, and we all thought that was astronomical. (And in those days, it was!) But can you imagine the purses a fight like that might generate today?

Tom- While doing boxing research, it dawned on me that relatively few noted heavyweight boxers fathered and raised children before Jess Willard came onto the scene. Notable exceptions include the original George Godfrey, Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Jeannette and Joe McAuliffe of San Francisco.

- Chuck Johnston

Chuck1052 wrote:Tom- While doing boxing research, it dawned on me that relatively few noted heavyweight boxers fathered and raised children before Jess Willard came onto the scene. Notable exceptions include the original George Godfrey, Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Jeannette and Joe McAuliffe of San Francisco.

- Chuck Johnston

Yeah, now that you mention it. Jeffries had a foster daughter, and Sullivan had a nephew I think who lived with him later in life.

The second George Godfrey had a son who had a brief, but undefeated, boxing career. He turned to pro wrestling had quite a following: George Godfrey Jr.

Fitz's son, Young Bob Fitzsimmons, had a noteworthy career as a second tier light heavyweight/heavyweight in the 1920s and 30s. He fought several big names and, although he lost, was never stopped.

A few years ago, a female boxer burst upon the scene claiming to be the great-granddaughter of James J. Jeffries - but Jeffries had no children. Rumor was that Jeff was sterile due to syphilis. When I was researching my Jeffries biography, I e-mailed her manager seeking proof of her claim (maybe I missed something or the rumor of his sterility wasn't true), and I got no reply.

Tom- Not too long ago, I took a closer look at Young Bob Fitzsimmons' boxing record and was surprised to find that he was never stopped in recorded bouts. Looking on Ancestry.com, I found one Robert Fitzsimmons, a boxer who was married and had a number of children. It appears that Fitzsimmons later moved to Florida, where he was a realtor, and then to Santa Barbara, CA, which apparently where he lived when he passed away during the 1970s.

Chuck1052 wrote:Tom- Not too long ago, I took a closer look at Young Bob Fitzsimmons' boxing record and was surprised to find that he was never stopped in recorded bouts. Looking on Ancestry.com, I found one Robert Fitzsimmons, a boxer who was married and had a number of children. It appears that Fitzsimmons later moved to Florida, where he was a realtor, and then to Santa Barbara, CA, which apparently where he lived when he passed away during the 1970s.

Apparently he inherited his old man's toughness but was lacking in some of the other ingredients.

As I write this- Austen Trout fighting on Sho-time. Time to go watch GO AUSTEN !!!

Thanks for the support guys.


Photo Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

Austin Trout thoroughly and completely dominated the fight last night against Frank La Porto, at the Cohen Stadium in El Paso, Texas. The fight ended as Trout had hoped but the fight went differently than expected. La Porto was a tough nut to crack, especially when, after being dropped in the first round, he seemed to be in survival mode. He did however, show a lot of heart and courage but he was outclassed by a superior fighter in Trout.

My one fear, after watching Alfredo Angulo punch himself out last week, after almost knocking out James Kirkland, was that Trout would do the same thing. I needn't have worried, Trout was in excellent shape. He looked like he could have gone 15 rounds last night.

Trout's corner, led by Louie Burke, was calm between the rounds as they kept their fighter focused on the job at hand. Trout, who lives in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, had the home court advantage last night. The pro-Trout crowd was on it's feet the entire fight. The knockout never came but by the 6th round, La Porto, a thoroughly beaten fighter, his will and heart gone, was saved by merciful referee, Rafael Ramos. I don't believe La Porto would have lasted another round. After the fight, La Porto's face looked brutally beaten but it was expression that said it all.

More than anything else, I was impressed by Austin after the fight, during the post fight interview. When asked to rate his performance and his future, Trout's reply was, “I felt like I did my thing. If anybody feels like I don’t deserve this belt, please come and take it.”

Mostly though, I was impressed by the way Trout conducted himself; confident and sure of himself but without the usual braggadocio and trash talking so common in young fighters and other athletes. Trainer Louie Burke and company have done an outstanding job. Congratulations Champ!

Guys, keep my granddaughter Maddie in your prayers tonight. She was taken to the Presbyterian Hospital here in Whittier. She has Peritonsillar abscess. We thought, maybe it was just a bad sore throat but it's something much worse. Here is a link if you're curious. We know she'll be okay but prayers are always welcomed. Thanks.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001981/

More thoughts on Pacquiao vs Marquez III

Jeri and I were at the hospital earlier visiting our granddaughter Maddie (she was doing good), we walked over to the cafeteria for some coffee. While we were sitting down talking she asked me, “So who do you think is going to win the fight tonight?” Referring to the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight tonight. She already knows, so it was really just a rhetorical question. Still, I wanted to answer it honestly. “Well, you really have to go with Pacquiao, he's been a great fighter”. “They fought before, right?” she asked. “Yes, and they were very close.” “Was Marquez robbed? She asked me. “No, there was no robbery, some just feel that the decision could have just as easily gone to Marquez but there was no robbery.”

That's pretty much how I honestly feel. There was no robbery involved, no one stole the victory from Marquez. Both fights were very close. They were close enough and exciting enough to warrant a third fight. But at 38, Marquez chances are much slimmer now than, say, three years ago. Still, Marquez has always been the type of fighter that I admire; a tremendous heart, great boxing and counter punching ability, a willingness to mix it up, and a refusal to quit.

His quiet demeanor has sometimes worked against him. In some ways he reminds me of the great Alexis Arguello, not so much that both were great counter punchers, but in the way that both approached their sport. Arguello was, and Marquez is, the type of fighter that comes to work, clocks in, does his job to the utmost of his ability, then clocks out and goes home. No bull shit about either fighter. Perhaps too, like Arguello, Marquez will never beat his greatest rival but it won't be because he didn't try.

There is a type of fighter that really gets to me. The late Joe Frazier, of course, was the epitome of that type. I'm talking beyond style. I've mentioned before that heart is the quality that I admire more than any other in a fighter. Sometimes it will take a fighter to hell and back, sometimes to victory and sometimes to defeat. So what it comes down to, to me, is not always so much how a fighter wins but also in the way he loses. Even in defeat some men are magnificent.

I was trying to explain to Jeri too, on what makes a champion. There have been so many great champions over the years (not so much lately) but what sometimes defines a great champ is not so much that he was better than everyone but that when facing a bigger, stronger, better fighter, he still finds a way too win. That's what true champions do.

So, that's Juan Manuel Marquez' task tonight. To find some kind of way to beat a younger, faster, better fighter, with an equally big heart and with a mission that will rival his own, These are the fights that become legend.

Good luck to Jeri, Randy.

- Chuck Johnston

Three good fights on HBO last night. I scored the main event 116-112 for Pacman, but many of the rounds were close, and I have no real problem with anyone who argues that Marquez won it.

The most impressive performance was that gutsy comeback by Mike Alvarez! I had him down 83-88 going into the last round. Did you see his mouth after the fight? Man, I'm glad I wasn't his cutman.

For all you fans of old-time boxing, the Wiki page about the IBRO Journal today has been updated to provide links to PDF versions of a sample quarterly Journal and a sample Online Newsletter. You may wish to check out those PDFs, just for fun. They just might convince those of you who are not now currently IBRO members to become one.

Art Aragon, The Colorful, Dynamic, Who Has Helped Pacific Coast Promoters To Survive. He His One Of The Country's Greatest Drawing Attractions..Frank, sixty years ago today Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter World Lightweight Title Fight at the Olympic Auditorium...

My final thought on Pac v Marquez III

I re-watch the fight today and scored it; something I didn't do Saturday night. I sat and watch two rounds at a time with some time in between. I watched it that way so that my eyes wouldn't get tired. After watching all 12 rounds I came up with a score of 115-115, a draw. 5 round apiece with 2 even. It was a very hard fight to score, there were rounds where neither fighter did much of anything, in those rounds I scored them for Pac because he was forcing the fight if nothing else and Marquez was just backing up with not doing much of anything. In all honesty it was a slow-pace and somewhat boring fight.

Cholo wrote:Art Aragon, The Colorful, Dynamic, Who Has Helped Pacific Coast Promoters To Survive. He His One Of The Country's Greatest Drawing Attractions..Frank, sixty years ago today Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter World Lightweight Title Fight at the Olympic Auditorium...

Sixty years ago? Man! where have the years gone?!. I was there that night. A month short of my 15th birthday. Keeny Teran fought Bobby Garza on the undercard. I wrote a short story on that fight. I'll post it here....Thanks Paul for taking me back to November, 1951...

Going To The Fights-1951

By Frank "kiki" Baltazar

Edit by Phil Rice

Eddie Gomez was watching a boxing match on a nineteen inch TV when his dad, Rudy, came in the house and told Eddie.

“Eddie, look what I have here”

“Pops, did you get some tickets for the title fight?”

Eddie had been bugging his pop to take him to see the Art Argon vs Jimmy Carter lightweight title fight at the Olympic Auditorium for some time, his pop thought that Eddie; been twelve years old was too young to go to the fights.

“Yes, Eddie, I bought four tickets, your uncles, Tony and Ray, will be going with us. Now I hope your mom doesn't get mad at me, she too thinks you are too young to go to the fights”.

Eddie's mom, Lupe, was not too crazy to see Eddie going to the fights, but she did agree with Rudy; that their son would be disappointed if he was not allowed to go with his pop and uncles, so she gave her okay for Eddie to go.

Eddie couldn't wait to find his best friend, Cheno Diaz, to tell him the good news. He found Cheno tending his two cows and one goat at a nearby pasture.
“Cheno, my pops is taking me to see the Aragon and Carter title fight”,

"Gee Eddie you are lucky I wish I could go”.

“I'll ask my pop if he can get another ticket for you. Cheno, you think your mom and pops would let you go?”

“I'll ask them” said Cheno.

Eddie asked his pop if he could get a ticket for Cheno.

“Yes, I'm sure I can get one, Eddie, you tell Cheno, that if his mom and pop say it’s okay for him to go; we'll take him with us”.

Next day in school, Eddie told Cheno the good news.

“Cheno, my pops said that he'll get you a ticket if your mom and pop say that it’s okay for you to go”.

“Eddie, mom and pop said I could go as long as your father was going, they trust your father, but not your uncle Ray. They say he is crazy, that he himself will get into a fight at the fights”.

“Yeah, Uncle Ray is a bit wild, especially when he is drinking beer, but pops won't let him drink too much, he'll be okay”.

Two weeks later, they all piled into Rudy's 1946 Dodge and headed west from Simons on Washington Boulevard. Eddie and Cheno were so excited that they couldn't sit still and it was starting to bug Uncle Ray.

“If you kids don't sit still, we are going to stop and drop you off here; and you are going to have to wait for us to pick you up after the fights” said Uncle Ray.

“Leave them alone Ray, they are just excited to be going to the fights, after all, it’s their first time to see boxing live. You remember when you went for the first time and you got all crazy on us? Wanting; to fight everybody there” said Uncle Tony.

“Yeah, but I was drunk; and let me remind you that I was doing okay until that big guy cold-cock me and knocked me on my ass” uncle Ray laughed.

The area was so pack that they had to park 3 blocks away. Eddie and Cheno were shadow boxing as they walked up 18th Avenue.

“Hey Eddie, Cheno, you two want to become fighters? Because; if you do, I'll train you guys” said uncle Ray.

“Ray, what the hell do you know about training fighters? Rudy asked Ray.

“Hey, Rudy, I have fighting experience”

“Yes, you do but, its street fighting experience, and I don't think you ever won a fight”

“At least I've never been ko, always finished on my feet” laughed Ray.

As the group approached the front entrance of the Olympic, they started seeing movie and boxing celebrities hanging around the sidewalk of Grand Avenue.

“Cheno! There’s; John Wayne and Pedro Armendariz” said the excitable Eddie

“And over there is Rosemary Cooney and her husband Jose Ferrer” said Uncle Tony

“I see Tommy Campbell, Frankie Muche, Bob Murphy, Enrique Bolanos and Freddie Babe Herman over there talking to two men” said Cheno

“That's Cal Eaton and Babe McCoy they are talking to, they are probably talking about upcoming fights” said Rudy

Before entering the Olympic, they all bought the Knockout program from Speedy Dado. Eddie and Cheno started getting autographs on their programs to show their friends in school the next day.

They found their sits in the second to last roll in the peanut gallery. No sooner had they sat down when rolls of toilet paper started flying around, soon some ladies underwear were flying by. Eddie and Cheno started making paper plane and would fly them down to the ring.

“This is fun, Eddie, thanks for bringing me” said Cheno
“Thank my pop, Cheno, he is the one who bought your ticket”

The fighters for the first fight came in the ring. Rudy, Tony and Ray started betting on the fights, they would bet one dollar on the white or black corner, whatever fighter went to the corner they had, that was their bet.

The first fight was won by Al Galindo over Bobby Brewer, Rudy and Tony won a dollar each, Ray lost a dollar.

Second fight was between Joey Gurrola and Sammy Figueroa.

“Cheno, see that big guy in Figueroa's corner? That's big Jake Horn, he's a great trainer” said Eddie

The fight ended in a draw.

“Guess it didn't help Figueroa having Jake Horn in the corner, did it, Eddie? Cheno said, as he threw a roll of toilet paper.

“He didn't lose did he?” said Eddie

“Well no, he didn't”

After a couple of more fights it was time for the main event, Art Aragon and Jimmy Carter would be coming into the ring soon.

Aragon looking weak is the first to come into the ring.

“Aragon is going to lose” said Eddie

“How do you know? Ask Uncle Ray.

“Look how pale he looks, I read in the Mirror that he was having trouble making '35” said Eddie.

Carter comes into the ring looking great. After both fighters have been gloved in the ring they are introduced by Jimmy Lennon, referee Mushy Callahan calls the fighters to the center of the ring for their instructions.

The fight started fairly even for the first four rounds, from the fifth round on it was all Carter who won an easy 15 round unanimous decision.

Right after the fight ended Uncle Ray wanted to leave: “Okay guys, our guy lost; let’s get out of here”

“No! We have to stay and watch Keeny Teran fight Bobby Garza, they are fighting a six rounder” said Eddie.

“Ray, Keeny is the toast of the town, we have to stay and watch him fight” said Uncle Tony

They stayed and watch Keeny win a unanimous decision.

On the way home Uncle Ray asked Eddie and Cheno if they wanted to fight.
“Guys, if you want to fight, I'll train you, after you train for a couple of months; I'll take you to the downtown CYO where Johnny Flores run the boxing program, I'm sure we can get you some sparring. Johnny is my friend and he'll help us out.

“Ray, you don't even know Johnny Flores” said Rudy

“Well maybe not, but I know where the CYO is at” laughed Uncle Ray

Next day at school Eddie and Cheno were the toast of the school as they were holding court with their friends.

“You should have seen Aragon land that left hook of his” said Cheno as he threw a left hook.

“Too bad he didn't landed it enough” said Eddie

“He was too weak from making weight”

“He was” agree Eddie

“But you should have seen that little Keeny Teran” Eddie and Cheno said in unison.

“Guys, Cheno and I are going to start training next week, my uncle Ray is going to train us” said Eddie.

kikibalt wrote:Going To The Fights-1951

By Frank "kiki" Baltazar

Edit by Phil Rice

Eddie Gomez was watching a boxing match on a nineteen inch TV when his dad, Rudy, came in the house and told Eddie.

“Eddie, look what I have here”

“Pops, did you get some tickets for the title fight?”

Eddie had been bugging his pop to take him to see the Art Argon vs Jimmy Carter lightweight title fight at the Olympic Auditorium for some time, his pop thought that Eddie; been twelve years old was too young to go to the fights.

“Yes, Eddie, I bought four tickets, your uncles, Tony and Ray, will be going with us. Now I hope your mom doesn't get mad at me, she too thinks you are too young to go to the fights”.

Eddie's mom, Lupe, was not too crazy to see Eddie going to the fights, but she did agree with Rudy; that their son would be disappointed if he was not allowed to go with his pop and uncles, so she gave her okay for Eddie to go.

Eddie couldn't wait to find his best friend, Cheno Diaz, to tell him the good news. He found Cheno tending his two cows and one goat at a nearby pasture.
“Cheno, my pops is taking me to see the Aragon and Carter title fight”,

"Gee Eddie you are lucky I wish I could go”.

“I'll ask my pop if he can get another ticket for you. Cheno, you think your mom and pops would let you go?”

“I'll ask them” said Cheno.

Eddie asked his pop if he could get a ticket for Cheno.

“Yes, I'm sure I can get one, Eddie, you tell Cheno, that if his mom and pop say it’s okay for him to go; we'll take him with us”.

Next day in school, Eddie told Cheno the good news.

“Cheno, my pops said that he'll get you a ticket if your mom and pop say that it’s okay for you to go”.

“Eddie, mom and pop said I could go as long as your father was going, they trust your father, but not your uncle Ray. They say he is crazy, that he himself will get into a fight at the fights”.

“Yeah, Uncle Ray is a bit wild, especially when he is drinking beer, but pops won't let him drink too much, he'll be okay”.

Two weeks later, they all piled into Rudy's 1946 Dodge and headed west from Simons on Washington Boulevard. Eddie and Cheno were so excited that they couldn't sit still and it was starting to bug Uncle Ray.

“If you kids don't sit still, we are going to stop and drop you off here; and you are going to have to wait for us to pick you up after the fights” said Uncle Ray.

“Leave them alone Ray, they are just excited to be going to the fights, after all, it’s their first time to see boxing live. You remember when you went for the first time and you got all crazy on us? Wanting; to fight everybody there” said Uncle Tony.

“Yeah, but I was drunk; and let me remind you that I was doing okay until that big guy cold-cock me and knocked me on my ass” uncle Ray laughed.

The area was so pack that they had to park 3 blocks away. Eddie and Cheno were shadow boxing as they walked up 18th Avenue.

“Hey Eddie, Cheno, you two want to become fighters? Because; if you do, I'll train you guys” said uncle Ray.

“Ray, what the hell do you know about training fighters? Rudy asked Ray.

“Hey, Rudy, I have fighting experience”

“Yes, you do but, its street fighting experience, and I don't think you ever won a fight”

“At least I've never been ko, always finished on my feet” laughed Ray.

As the group approached the front entrance of the Olympic, they started seeing movie and boxing celebrities hanging around the sidewalk of Grand Avenue.

“Cheno! There’s; John Wayne and Pedro Armendariz” said the excitable Eddie

“And over there is Rosemary Cooney and her husband Jose Ferrer” said Uncle Tony

“I see Tommy Campbell, Frankie Muche, Bob Murphy, Enrique Bolanos and Freddie Babe Herman over there talking to two men” said Cheno

“That's Cal Eaton and Babe McCoy they are talking to, they are probably talking about upcoming fights” said Rudy

Before entering the Olympic, they all bought the Knockout program from Speedy Dado. Eddie and Cheno started getting autographs on their programs to show their friends in school the next day.

They found their sits in the second to last roll in the peanut gallery. No sooner had they sat down when rolls of toilet paper started flying around, soon some ladies underwear were flying by. Eddie and Cheno started making paper plane and would fly them down to the ring.

“This is fun, Eddie, thanks for bringing me” said Cheno
“Thank my pop, Cheno, he is the one who bought your ticket”

The fighters for the first fight came in the ring. Rudy, Tony and Ray started betting on the fights, they would bet one dollar on the white or black corner, whatever fighter went to the corner they had, that was their bet.

The first fight was won by Al Galindo over Bobby Brewer, Rudy and Tony won a dollar each, Ray lost a dollar.

Second fight was between Joey Gurrola and Sammy Figueroa.

“Cheno, see that big guy in Figueroa's corner? That's big Jake Horn, he's a great trainer” said Eddie

The fight ended in a draw.

“Guess it didn't help Figueroa having Jake Horn in the corner, did it, Eddie? Cheno said, as he threw a roll of toilet paper.

“He didn't lose did he?” said Eddie

“Well no, he didn't”

After a couple of more fights it was time for the main event, Art Aragon and Jimmy Carter would be coming into the ring soon.

Aragon looking weak is the first to come into the ring.

“Aragon is going to lose” said Eddie

“How do you know? Ask Uncle Ray.

“Look how pale he looks, I read in the Mirror that he was having trouble making '35” said Eddie.

Carter comes into the ring looking great. After both fighters have been gloved in the ring they are introduced by Jimmy Lennon, referee Mushy Callahan calls the fighters to the center of the ring for their instructions.

The fight started fairly even for the first four rounds, from the fifth round on it was all Carter who won an easy 15 round unanimous decision.

Right after the fight ended Uncle Ray wanted to leave: “Okay guys, our guy lost; let’s get out of here”

“No! We have to stay and watch Keeny Teran fight Bobby Garza, they are fighting a six rounder” said Eddie.

“Ray, Keeny is the toast of the town, we have to stay and watch him fight” said Uncle Tony

They stayed and watch Keeny win a unanimous decision.

On the way home Uncle Ray asked Eddie and Cheno if they wanted to fight.
“Guys, if you want to fight, I'll train you, after you train for a couple of months; I'll take you to the downtown CYO where Johnny Flores run the boxing program, I'm sure we can get you some sparring. Johnny is my friend and he'll help us out.

“Ray, you don't even know Johnny Flores” said Rudy

“Well maybe not, but I know where the CYO is at” laughed Uncle Ray

Next day at school Eddie and Cheno were the toast of the school as they were holding court with their friends.

“You should have seen Aragon land that left hook of his” said Cheno as he threw a left hook.

“Too bad he didn't landed it enough” said Eddie

“He was too weak from making weight”

“He was” agree Eddie

“But you should have seen that little Keeny Teran” Eddie and Cheno said in unison.

“Guys, Cheno and I are going to start training next week, my uncle Ray is going to train us” said Eddie.

Frank, I've kept this, thanks for sharing wish i'd been there too..

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter, World Lightweight Title Fight Nov,14. 1951..
Golden Boy Speaks.."His left hooks to the body hurt me the worst," "I thought I had him, though, in the second round after that hook to the chin. That was my best punch. But I couldn't follow it up, somehow. I think I was too weak at 134 1/4. Should never have gone under 135, but it just fell off at the end. Not sleeping good didn't help either." Somebody asked Art if he would continue fighting lightweight. "Why not?' 'he snapped, sounding a little more like the usual Aragon. "If I can't beat lightweights how am I going to beat welterweights?" Whom did he want to meet next? "Joe Louis" he almost shouted. Then his voice trailed off. "Not right now, though, nor anybody else. Man, am I sore and pooped!" Art took his battered head in his two hands, closed his good eye and sank back into a forlorn heap. The little group around him began melting away. That's the fight game.

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Going To The Fights-1951

By Frank "kiki" Baltazar

Edit by Phil Rice

Eddie Gomez was watching a boxing match on a nineteen inch TV when his dad, Rudy, came in the house and told Eddie.

“Eddie, look what I have here”

“Pops, did you get some tickets for the title fight?”

Eddie had been bugging his pop to take him to see the Art Argon vs Jimmy Carter lightweight title fight at the Olympic Auditorium for some time, his pop thought that Eddie; been twelve years old was too young to go to the fights.

“Yes, Eddie, I bought four tickets, your uncles, Tony and Ray, will be going with us. Now I hope your mom doesn't get mad at me, she too thinks you are too young to go to the fights”.

Eddie's mom, Lupe, was not too crazy to see Eddie going to the fights, but she did agree with Rudy; that their son would be disappointed if he was not allowed to go with his pop and uncles, so she gave her okay for Eddie to go.

Eddie couldn't wait to find his best friend, Cheno Diaz, to tell him the good news. He found Cheno tending his two cows and one goat at a nearby pasture.
“Cheno, my pops is taking me to see the Aragon and Carter title fight”,

"Gee Eddie you are lucky I wish I could go”.

“I'll ask my pop if he can get another ticket for you. Cheno, you think your mom and pops would let you go?”

“I'll ask them” said Cheno.

Eddie asked his pop if he could get a ticket for Cheno.

“Yes, I'm sure I can get one, Eddie, you tell Cheno, that if his mom and pop say it’s okay for him to go; we'll take him with us”.

Next day in school, Eddie told Cheno the good news.

“Cheno, my pops said that he'll get you a ticket if your mom and pop say that it’s okay for you to go”.

“Eddie, mom and pop said I could go as long as your father was going, they trust your father, but not your uncle Ray. They say he is crazy, that he himself will get into a fight at the fights”.

“Yeah, Uncle Ray is a bit wild, especially when he is drinking beer, but pops won't let him drink too much, he'll be okay”.

Two weeks later, they all piled into Rudy's 1946 Dodge and headed west from Simons on Washington Boulevard. Eddie and Cheno were so excited that they couldn't sit still and it was starting to bug Uncle Ray.

“If you kids don't sit still, we are going to stop and drop you off here; and you are going to have to wait for us to pick you up after the fights” said Uncle Ray.

“Leave them alone Ray, they are just excited to be going to the fights, after all, it’s their first time to see boxing live. You remember when you went for the first time and you got all crazy on us? Wanting; to fight everybody there” said Uncle Tony.

“Yeah, but I was drunk; and let me remind you that I was doing okay until that big guy cold-cock me and knocked me on my ass” uncle Ray laughed.

The area was so pack that they had to park 3 blocks away. Eddie and Cheno were shadow boxing as they walked up 18th Avenue.

“Hey Eddie, Cheno, you two want to become fighters? Because; if you do, I'll train you guys” said uncle Ray.

“Ray, what the hell do you know about training fighters? Rudy asked Ray.

“Hey, Rudy, I have fighting experience”

“Yes, you do but, its street fighting experience, and I don't think you ever won a fight”

“At least I've never been ko, always finished on my feet” laughed Ray.

As the group approached the front entrance of the Olympic, they started seeing movie and boxing celebrities hanging around the sidewalk of Grand Avenue.

“Cheno! There’s; John Wayne and Pedro Armendariz” said the excitable Eddie

“And over there is Rosemary Cooney and her husband Jose Ferrer” said Uncle Tony

“I see Tommy Campbell, Frankie Muche, Bob Murphy, Enrique Bolanos and Freddie Babe Herman over there talking to two men” said Cheno

“That's Cal Eaton and Babe McCoy they are talking to, they are probably talking about upcoming fights” said Rudy

Before entering the Olympic, they all bought the Knockout program from Speedy Dado. Eddie and Cheno started getting autographs on their programs to show their friends in school the next day.

They found their sits in the second to last roll in the peanut gallery. No sooner had they sat down when rolls of toilet paper started flying around, soon some ladies underwear were flying by. Eddie and Cheno started making paper plane and would fly them down to the ring.

“This is fun, Eddie, thanks for bringing me” said Cheno
“Thank my pop, Cheno, he is the one who bought your ticket”

The fighters for the first fight came in the ring. Rudy, Tony and Ray started betting on the fights, they would bet one dollar on the white or black corner, whatever fighter went to the corner they had, that was their bet.

The first fight was won by Al Galindo over Bobby Brewer, Rudy and Tony won a dollar each, Ray lost a dollar.

Second fight was between Joey Gurrola and Sammy Figueroa.

“Cheno, see that big guy in Figueroa's corner? That's big Jake Horn, he's a great trainer” said Eddie

The fight ended in a draw.

“Guess it didn't help Figueroa having Jake Horn in the corner, did it, Eddie? Cheno said, as he threw a roll of toilet paper.

“He didn't lose did he?” said Eddie

“Well no, he didn't”

After a couple of more fights it was time for the main event, Art Aragon and Jimmy Carter would be coming into the ring soon.

Aragon looking weak is the first to come into the ring.

“Aragon is going to lose” said Eddie

“How do you know? Ask Uncle Ray.

“Look how pale he looks, I read in the Mirror that he was having trouble making '35” said Eddie.

Carter comes into the ring looking great. After both fighters have been gloved in the ring they are introduced by Jimmy Lennon, referee Mushy Callahan calls the fighters to the center of the ring for their instructions.

The fight started fairly even for the first four rounds, from the fifth round on it was all Carter who won an easy 15 round unanimous decision.

Right after the fight ended Uncle Ray wanted to leave: “Okay guys, our guy lost; let’s get out of here”

“No! We have to stay and watch Keeny Teran fight Bobby Garza, they are fighting a six rounder” said Eddie.

“Ray, Keeny is the toast of the town, we have to stay and watch him fight” said Uncle Tony

They stayed and watch Keeny win a unanimous decision.

On the way home Uncle Ray asked Eddie and Cheno if they wanted to fight.
“Guys, if you want to fight, I'll train you, after you train for a couple of months; I'll take you to the downtown CYO where Johnny Flores run the boxing program, I'm sure we can get you some sparring. Johnny is my friend and he'll help us out.

“Ray, you don't even know Johnny Flores” said Rudy

“Well maybe not, but I know where the CYO is at” laughed Uncle Ray

Next day at school Eddie and Cheno were the toast of the school as they were holding court with their friends.

“You should have seen Aragon land that left hook of his” said Cheno as he threw a left hook.

“Too bad he didn't landed it enough” said Eddie

“He was too weak from making weight”

“He was” agree Eddie

“But you should have seen that little Keeny Teran” Eddie and Cheno said in unison.

“Guys, Cheno and I are going to start training next week, my uncle Ray is going to train us” said Eddie.

Frank, I've kept this, thanks for sharing wish i'd been there too..

Thanks...

Cholo wrote:Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter, World Lightweight Title Fight Nov,14. 1951..
Golden Boy Speaks.."His left hooks to the body hurt me the worst," "I thought I had him, though, in the second round after that hook to the chin. That was my best punch. But I couldn't follow it up, somehow. I think I was too weak at 134 1/4. Should never have gone under 135, but it just fell off at the end. Not sleeping good didn't help either." Somebody asked Art if he would continue fighting lightweight. "Why not?' 'he snapped, sounding a little more like the usual Aragon. "If I can't beat lightweights how am I going to beat welterweights?" Whom did he want to meet next? "Joe Louis" he almost shouted. Then his voice trailed off. "Not right now, though, nor anybody else. Man, am I sore and pooped!" Art took his battered head in his two hands, closed his good eye and sank back into a forlorn heap. The little group around him began melting away. That's the fight game.

kikibalt wrote:

Cholo wrote:Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter, World Lightweight Title Fight Nov,14. 1951..
Golden Boy Speaks.."His left hooks to the body hurt me the worst," "I thought I had him, though, in the second round after that hook to the chin. That was my best punch. But I couldn't follow it up, somehow. I think I was too weak at 134 1/4. Should never have gone under 135, but it just fell off at the end. Not sleeping good didn't help either." Somebody asked Art if he would continue fighting lightweight. "Why not?' 'he snapped, sounding a little more like the usual Aragon. "If I can't beat lightweights how am I going to beat welterweights?" Whom did he want to meet next? "Joe Louis" he almost shouted. Then his voice trailed off. "Not right now, though, nor anybody else. Man, am I sore and pooped!" Art took his battered head in his two hands, closed his good eye and sank back into a forlorn heap. The little group around him began melting away. That's the fight game.

Frank, That photo says it all, great shot..

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Cholo wrote:Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Jimmy Carter, World Lightweight Title Fight Nov,14. 1951..
Golden Boy Speaks.."His left hooks to the body hurt me the worst," "I thought I had him, though, in the second round after that hook to the chin. That was my best punch. But I couldn't follow it up, somehow. I think I was too weak at 134 1/4. Should never have gone under 135, but it just fell off at the end. Not sleeping good didn't help either." Somebody asked Art if he would continue fighting lightweight. "Why not?' 'he snapped, sounding a little more like the usual Aragon. "If I can't beat lightweights how am I going to beat welterweights?" Whom did he want to meet next? "Joe Louis" he almost shouted. Then his voice trailed off. "Not right now, though, nor anybody else. Man, am I sore and pooped!" Art took his battered head in his two hands, closed his good eye and sank back into a forlorn heap. The little group around him began melting away. That's the fight game.

Frank, That photo says it all, great shot..

It sure does, Paul, it sure does!

kikibalt wrote:Going To The Fights-1951

By Frank "kiki" Baltazar

Edit by Phil Rice

Eddie Gomez was watching a boxing match on a nineteen inch TV when his dad, Rudy, came in the house and told Eddie.

“Eddie, look what I have here”

“Pops, did you get some tickets for the title fight?”

Eddie had been bugging his pop to take him to see the Art Argon vs Jimmy Carter lightweight title fight at the Olympic Auditorium for some time, his pop thought that Eddie; been twelve years old was too young to go to the fights.

“Yes, Eddie, I bought four tickets, your uncles, Tony and Ray, will be going with us. Now I hope your mom doesn't get mad at me, she too thinks you are too young to go to the fights”.

Eddie's mom, Lupe, was not too crazy to see Eddie going to the fights, but she did agree with Rudy; that their son would be disappointed if he was not allowed to go with his pop and uncles, so she gave her okay for Eddie to go.

Eddie couldn't wait to find his best friend, Cheno Diaz, to tell him the good news. He found Cheno tending his two cows and one goat at a nearby pasture.
“Cheno, my pops is taking me to see the Aragon and Carter title fight”,

"Gee Eddie you are lucky I wish I could go”.

“I'll ask my pop if he can get another ticket for you. Cheno, you think your mom and pops would let you go?”

“I'll ask them” said Cheno.

Eddie asked his pop if he could get a ticket for Cheno.

“Yes, I'm sure I can get one, Eddie, you tell Cheno, that if his mom and pop say it’s okay for him to go; we'll take him with us”.

Next day in school, Eddie told Cheno the good news.

“Cheno, my pops said that he'll get you a ticket if your mom and pop say that it’s okay for you to go”.

“Eddie, mom and pop said I could go as long as your father was going, they trust your father, but not your uncle Ray. They say he is crazy, that he himself will get into a fight at the fights”.

“Yeah, Uncle Ray is a bit wild, especially when he is drinking beer, but pops won't let him drink too much, he'll be okay”.

Two weeks later, they all piled into Rudy's 1946 Dodge and headed west from Simons on Washington Boulevard. Eddie and Cheno were so excited that they couldn't sit still and it was starting to bug Uncle Ray.

“If you kids don't sit still, we are going to stop and drop you off here; and you are going to have to wait for us to pick you up after the fights” said Uncle Ray.

“Leave them alone Ray, they are just excited to be going to the fights, after all, it’s their first time to see boxing live. You remember when you went for the first time and you got all crazy on us? Wanting; to fight everybody there” said Uncle Tony.

“Yeah, but I was drunk; and let me remind you that I was doing okay until that big guy cold-cock me and knocked me on my ass” uncle Ray laughed.

The area was so pack that they had to park 3 blocks away. Eddie and Cheno were shadow boxing as they walked up 18th Avenue.

“Hey Eddie, Cheno, you two want to become fighters? Because; if you do, I'll train you guys” said uncle Ray.

“Ray, what the hell do you know about training fighters? Rudy asked Ray.

“Hey, Rudy, I have fighting experience”

“Yes, you do but, its street fighting experience, and I don't think you ever won a fight”

“At least I've never been ko, always finished on my feet” laughed Ray.

As the group approached the front entrance of the Olympic, they started seeing movie and boxing celebrities hanging around the sidewalk of Grand Avenue.

“Cheno! There’s; John Wayne and Pedro Armendariz” said the excitable Eddie

“And over there is Rosemary Cooney and her husband Jose Ferrer” said Uncle Tony

“I see Tommy Campbell, Frankie Muche, Bob Murphy, Enrique Bolanos and Freddie Babe Herman over there talking to two men” said Cheno

“That's Cal Eaton and Babe McCoy they are talking to, they are probably talking about upcoming fights” said Rudy

Before entering the Olympic, they all bought the Knockout program from Speedy Dado. Eddie and Cheno started getting autographs on their programs to show their friends in school the next day.

They found their sits in the second to last roll in the peanut gallery. No sooner had they sat down when rolls of toilet paper started flying around, soon some ladies underwear were flying by. Eddie and Cheno started making paper plane and would fly them down to the ring.

“This is fun, Eddie, thanks for bringing me” said Cheno
“Thank my pop, Cheno, he is the one who bought your ticket”

The fighters for the first fight came in the ring. Rudy, Tony and Ray started betting on the fights, they would bet one dollar on the white or black corner, whatever fighter went to the corner they had, that was their bet.

The first fight was won by Al Galindo over Bobby Brewer, Rudy and Tony won a dollar each, Ray lost a dollar.

Second fight was between Joey Gurrola and Sammy Figueroa.

“Cheno, see that big guy in Figueroa's corner? That's big Jake Horn, he's a great trainer” said Eddie

The fight ended in a draw.

“Guess it didn't help Figueroa having Jake Horn in the corner, did it, Eddie? Cheno said, as he threw a roll of toilet paper.

“He didn't lose did he?” said Eddie

“Well no, he didn't”

After a couple of more fights it was time for the main event, Art Aragon and Jimmy Carter would be coming into the ring soon.

Aragon looking weak is the first to come into the ring.

“Aragon is going to lose” said Eddie

“How do you know? Ask Uncle Ray.

“Look how pale he looks, I read in the Mirror that he was having trouble making '35” said Eddie.

Carter comes into the ring looking great. After both fighters have been gloved in the ring they are introduced by Jimmy Lennon, referee Mushy Callahan calls the fighters to the center of the ring for their instructions.

The fight started fairly even for the first four rounds, from the fifth round on it was all Carter who won an easy 15 round unanimous decision.

Right after the fight ended Uncle Ray wanted to leave: “Okay guys, our guy lost; let’s get out of here”

“No! We have to stay and watch Keeny Teran fight Bobby Garza, they are fighting a six rounder” said Eddie.

“Ray, Keeny is the toast of the town, we have to stay and watch him fight” said Uncle Tony

They stayed and watch Keeny win a unanimous decision.

On the way home Uncle Ray asked Eddie and Cheno if they wanted to fight.
“Guys, if you want to fight, I'll train you, after you train for a couple of months; I'll take you to the downtown CYO where Johnny Flores run the boxing program, I'm sure we can get you some sparring. Johnny is my friend and he'll help us out.

“Ray, you don't even know Johnny Flores” said Rudy

“Well maybe not, but I know where the CYO is at” laughed Uncle Ray

Next day at school Eddie and Cheno were the toast of the school as they were holding court with their friends.

“You should have seen Aragon land that left hook of his” said Cheno as he threw a left hook.

“Too bad he didn't landed it enough” said Eddie

“He was too weak from making weight”

“He was” agree Eddie

“But you should have seen that little Keeny Teran” Eddie and Cheno said in unison.

“Guys, Cheno and I are going to start training next week, my uncle Ray is going to train us” said Eddie.

That wasn't just a little bit autobiographical, was it Frank? Good story!

raylawpc wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Going To The Fights-1951

By Frank "kiki" Baltazar

Edit by Phil Rice

Eddie Gomez was watching a boxing match on a nineteen inch TV when his dad, Rudy, came in the house and told Eddie.

“Eddie, look what I have here”

“Pops, did you get some tickets for the title fight?”

Eddie had been bugging his pop to take him to see the Art Argon vs Jimmy Carter lightweight title fight at the Olympic Auditorium for some time, his pop thought that Eddie; been twelve years old was too young to go to the fights.

“Yes, Eddie, I bought four tickets, your uncles, Tony and Ray, will be going with us. Now I hope your mom doesn't get mad at me, she too thinks you are too young to go to the fights”.

Eddie's mom, Lupe, was not too crazy to see Eddie going to the fights, but she did agree with Rudy; that their son would be disappointed if he was not allowed to go with his pop and uncles, so she gave her okay for Eddie to go.

Eddie couldn't wait to find his best friend, Cheno Diaz, to tell him the good news. He found Cheno tending his two cows and one goat at a nearby pasture.
“Cheno, my pops is taking me to see the Aragon and Carter title fight”,

"Gee Eddie you are lucky I wish I could go”.

“I'll ask my pop if he can get another ticket for you. Cheno, you think your mom and pops would let you go?”

“I'll ask them” said Cheno.

Eddie asked his pop if he could get a ticket for Cheno.

“Yes, I'm sure I can get one, Eddie, you tell Cheno, that if his mom and pop say it’s okay for him to go; we'll take him with us”.

Next day in school, Eddie told Cheno the good news.

“Cheno, my pops said that he'll get you a ticket if your mom and pop say that it’s okay for you to go”.

“Eddie, mom and pop said I could go as long as your father was going, they trust your father, but not your uncle Ray. They say he is crazy, that he himself will get into a fight at the fights”.

“Yeah, Uncle Ray is a bit wild, especially when he is drinking beer, but pops won't let him drink too much, he'll be okay”.

Two weeks later, they all piled into Rudy's 1946 Dodge and headed west from Simons on Washington Boulevard. Eddie and Cheno were so excited that they couldn't sit still and it was starting to bug Uncle Ray.

“If you kids don't sit still, we are going to stop and drop you off here; and you are going to have to wait for us to pick you up after the fights” said Uncle Ray.

“Leave them alone Ray, they are just excited to be going to the fights, after all, it’s their first time to see boxing live. You remember when you went for the first time and you got all crazy on us? Wanting; to fight everybody there” said Uncle Tony.

“Yeah, but I was drunk; and let me remind you that I was doing okay until that big guy cold-cock me and knocked me on my ass” uncle Ray laughed.

The area was so pack that they had to park 3 blocks away. Eddie and Cheno were shadow boxing as they walked up 18th Avenue.

“Hey Eddie, Cheno, you two want to become fighters? Because; if you do, I'll train you guys” said uncle Ray.

“Ray, what the hell do you know about training fighters? Rudy asked Ray.

“Hey, Rudy, I have fighting experience”

“Yes, you do but, its street fighting experience, and I don't think you ever won a fight”

“At least I've never been ko, always finished on my feet” laughed Ray.

As the group approached the front entrance of the Olympic, they started seeing movie and boxing celebrities hanging around the sidewalk of Grand Avenue.

“Cheno! There’s; John Wayne and Pedro Armendariz” said the excitable Eddie

“And over there is Rosemary Cooney and her husband Jose Ferrer” said Uncle Tony

“I see Tommy Campbell, Frankie Muche, Bob Murphy, Enrique Bolanos and Freddie Babe Herman over there talking to two men” said Cheno

“That's Cal Eaton and Babe McCoy they are talking to, they are probably talking about upcoming fights” said Rudy

Before entering the Olympic, they all bought the Knockout program from Speedy Dado. Eddie and Cheno started getting autographs on their programs to show their friends in school the next day.

They found their sits in the second to last roll in the peanut gallery. No sooner had they sat down when rolls of toilet paper started flying around, soon some ladies underwear were flying by. Eddie and Cheno started making paper plane and would fly them down to the ring.

“This is fun, Eddie, thanks for bringing me” said Cheno
“Thank my pop, Cheno, he is the one who bought your ticket”

The fighters for the first fight came in the ring. Rudy, Tony and Ray started betting on the fights, they would bet one dollar on the white or black corner, whatever fighter went to the corner they had, that was their bet.

The first fight was won by Al Galindo over Bobby Brewer, Rudy and Tony won a dollar each, Ray lost a dollar.

Second fight was between Joey Gurrola and Sammy Figueroa.

“Cheno, see that big guy in Figueroa's corner? That's big Jake Horn, he's a great trainer” said Eddie

The fight ended in a draw.

“Guess it didn't help Figueroa having Jake Horn in the corner, did it, Eddie? Cheno said, as he threw a roll of toilet paper.

“He didn't lose did he?” said Eddie

“Well no, he didn't”

After a couple of more fights it was time for the main event, Art Aragon and Jimmy Carter would be coming into the ring soon.

Aragon looking weak is the first to come into the ring.

“Aragon is going to lose” said Eddie

“How do you know? Ask Uncle Ray.

“Look how pale he looks, I read in the Mirror that he was having trouble making '35” said Eddie.

Carter comes into the ring looking great. After both fighters have been gloved in the ring they are introduced by Jimmy Lennon, referee Mushy Callahan calls the fighters to the center of the ring for their instructions.

The fight started fairly even for the first four rounds, from the fifth round on it was all Carter who won an easy 15 round unanimous decision.

Right after the fight ended Uncle Ray wanted to leave: “Okay guys, our guy lost; let’s get out of here”

“No! We have to stay and watch Keeny Teran fight Bobby Garza, they are fighting a six rounder” said Eddie.

“Ray, Keeny is the toast of the town, we have to stay and watch him fight” said Uncle Tony

They stayed and watch Keeny win a unanimous decision.

On the way home Uncle Ray asked Eddie and Cheno if they wanted to fight.
“Guys, if you want to fight, I'll train you, after you train for a couple of months; I'll take you to the downtown CYO where Johnny Flores run the boxing program, I'm sure we can get you some sparring. Johnny is my friend and he'll help us out.

“Ray, you don't even know Johnny Flores” said Rudy

“Well maybe not, but I know where the CYO is at” laughed Uncle Ray

Next day at school Eddie and Cheno were the toast of the school as they were holding court with their friends.

“You should have seen Aragon land that left hook of his” said Cheno as he threw a left hook.

“Too bad he didn't landed it enough” said Eddie

“He was too weak from making weight”

“He was” agree Eddie

“But you should have seen that little Keeny Teran” Eddie and Cheno said in unison.

“Guys, Cheno and I are going to start training next week, my uncle Ray is going to train us” said Eddie.

That wasn't just a little bit autobiographical, was it Frank? Good story!

It was, didn't think anybody would had notice it though...