Classic American West Coast Boxing

[raylawpc]

Frank, Battling Torres looked like a good little fighter, hard to believe he was only 18. Ortiz was a good champion. Billy Collins the pop of the late Billy Collins Jnr was on the undercard that night, Billy Collins Snr boxed pro from 1958 to 1965.
Frank have you seen Assault In The Ring documentary about the Collins Jnr/Luis Resto fight?.

Paul, Ortiz, imo was a very fighter. Torres was a good fighter who imo was rushed to fast into a fight with Ortiz. I think he needed more seasoning before he fought a guy like Ortiz.

Assault In The Ring? no, I haven't seen it, and I probably won't, I don't think I need to see it.

I saw it. It was actually very well done.

[raylawpc]

Paul, Ortiz, imo was a very fighter. Torres was a good fighter who imo was rushed to fast into a fight with Ortiz. I think he needed more seasoning before he fought a guy like Ortiz.

Assault In The Ring? no, I haven't seen it, and I probably won't, I don't think I need to see it.

Frank, Bad night for boxing Collins/Resto.

It was Butch Lewis who was Resto trainer, right? maybe not!

Panama Lewis, not Butch Lewis. Butch was a promoter. He died recently.

[kikibalt]

Frank, Bad night for boxing Collins/Resto.

It was Butch Lewis who was Resto trainer, right? maybe not!

Panama Lewis, not Butch Lewis. Butch was a promoter. He died recently.

Thanks, Tom. I was sure it was a Lewis, just didn't remember which one it was..

[raylawpc]

It was Butch Lewis who was Resto trainer, right? maybe not!

Panama Lewis, not Butch Lewis. Butch was a promoter. He died recently.

Thanks, Tom. I was sure it was a Lewis, just didn't remember which one it was..

You remember he was the guy who gave Aaron Pryor a drink from "the bottle [he] mixed" during Pryor's first fight with Arguello. Lewis claimed the bottle only contained Perrier and tap water. But in the documentary, Resto revealed that Lewis used to crush asthma pills and mix it into a water bottle, and then give the mix to him in the later rounds. The mixture would give the fighter greater lung capacity. A rather unsavory character, to say the least.

[kikibalt]

Panama Lewis, not Butch Lewis. Butch was a promoter. He died recently.

Thanks, Tom. I was sure it was a Lewis, just didn't remember which one it was..

You remember he was the guy who gave Aaron Pryor a drink from "the bottle [he] mixed" during Pryor's first fight with Arguello. Lewis claimed the bottle only contained Perrier and tap water. But in the documentary, Resto revealed that Lewis used to crush asthma pills and mix it into a water bottle, and then give the mix to him in the later rounds. The mixture would give the fighter greater lung capacity. A rather unsavory character, to say the least.

I remember that well, Tom. And you're righ! "unsavory character" of which we have more then a few in boxing.

[kikibalt]

Luis "El Fero" Rodriquez and Battling Torres

[raylawpc]

Thanks, Tom. I was sure it was a Lewis, just didn't remember which one it was..

You remember he was the guy who gave Aaron Pryor a drink from "the bottle [he] mixed" during Pryor's first fight with Arguello. Lewis claimed the bottle only contained Perrier and tap water. But in the documentary, Resto revealed that Lewis used to crush asthma pills and mix it into a water bottle, and then give the mix to him in the later rounds. The mixture would give the fighter greater lung capacity. A rather unsavory character, to say the least.

I remember that well, Tom. And you're righ! "unsavory character" of which we have more then a few in boxing.

The thing about the documentary was that they didn't turn Lewis' actions into an indictment of the whole sport of boxing. They focused on Resto, Lewis and the Collins family, and the impact it has had on their lives. Collins's dad refused to be interviewed, but his wife and others discussed the impact on Billy's life.

[kikibalt]

You remember he was the guy who gave Aaron Pryor a drink from "the bottle [he] mixed" during Pryor's first fight with Arguello. Lewis claimed the bottle only contained Perrier and tap water. But in the documentary, Resto revealed that Lewis used to crush asthma pills and mix it into a water bottle, and then give the mix to him in the later rounds. The mixture would give the fighter greater lung capacity. A rather unsavory character, to say the least.

I remember that well, Tom. And you're righ! "unsavory character" of which we have more then a few in boxing.

The thing about the documentary was that they didn't turn Lewis' actions into an indictment of the whole sport of boxing. They focused on Resto, Lewis and the Collins family, and the impact it has had on their lives. Collins's dad refused to be interviewed, but his wife and others discussed the impact on Billy's life.

Tom, do you think that fight was the root cause of Billy Jr. demised?

[raylawpc]

I remember that well, Tom. And you're righ! "unsavory character" of which we have more then a few in boxing.

The thing about the documentary was that they didn't turn Lewis' actions into an indictment of the whole sport of boxing. They focused on Resto, Lewis and the Collins family, and the impact it has had on their lives. Collins's dad refused to be interviewed, but his wife and others discussed the impact on Billy's life.

Tom, do you think that fight was the root cause of Billy Jr. demised?

If what the documentary showed was true, yes, I do. Apparently it threw him into a pretty severe depression from which he never recovered. The implication in the documentary was that his death in the car wreck was self-inflicted. It's a very tragic story.

[kikibalt]

I remember that well, Tom. And you're righ! "unsavory character" of which we have more then a few in boxing.

The thing about the documentary was that they didn't turn Lewis' actions into an indictment of the whole sport of boxing. They focused on Resto, Lewis and the Collins family, and the impact it has had on their lives. Collins's dad refused to be interviewed, but his wife and others discussed the impact on Billy's life.

Tom, do you think that fight was the root cause of Billy Jr. demised?

If what the documentary showed was true, yes, I do. Apparently it threw him into a pretty severe depression from which he never recovered. The implication in the documentary was that his death in the car wreck was self-inflicted. It's a very tragic story.[/quote]
Tragic!!

[kikibalt]

[raylawpc]

Navarro had a big mountain to climb that night. Coming in as a substitute and taking on a great fighter like Buchanan at the latter's absolute peak years.

[kikibalt]

Boxing: Dereck Chisora to face BBBC hearing

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sports/box ... -30369957/

[Cholo]

Bolanos/Aragon...Feb, 1950...Fight Feb,14...
Enrique Bolanos will probably enter the Olympic ring Tuesday night a 10-7 favorite over Art (Golden Boy) Aragon...While a sell-out is not anticipated, the bout should gross around $35,000, which would be very good...Both participants are in great shape. Bolanos wound up his drills boxing daily with Joey Barnum, Leo Romero, Gil Cadilla and Houston Brown...Aragon worked with Georgie Fields, Baby Ray Jones and Lauro Salas.

[kikibalt]

Bolanos/Aragon...Feb, 1950...Fight Feb,14...
Enrique Bolanos will probably enter the Olympic ring Tuesday night a 10-7 favorite over Art (Golden Boy) Aragon...While a sell-out is not anticipated, the bout should gross around $35,000, which would be very good...Both participants are in great shape. Bolanos wound up his drills boxing daily with Joey Barnum, Leo Romero, Gil Cadilla and Houston Brown...Aragon worked with Georgie Fields, Baby Ray Jones and Lauro Salas.

[Cholo]

Aragon/Bolanos...Feb. 14, 1950.
Art Aragon's victory over Enrique Bolanos came as a suprise to most of the boxing fans, but not to those with an inside knowledge of there respective abilities at this time. The real suprise to some of us was that Bolanos could withstand Aragon's terrific punches as long as he did. Aragon too, must have expected to score an early knockout, for, he came rushing out at the opening bell and delivered his hardest blows, but Bolanos did not go down, or appear much hurt by them. The action was fast and rugged in every round, but although it was Bolanos who was receiving most punishment, it was Aragon who was the most fatigued at the halfway point. Although far behind, it appeared that Bolanos might pull the fight out of the fire when he spilled Aragon for a one-count and punched him all over the ring in the tenth. But Aragon came out fresh and full of fight in the 11th and took Bolanos apart. Bolanos was pounded to the floor under a volley of leathel leather. He arose at count of nine, dazed and wobbly, but waded right back into Art and swapped punches untill another series of devastating blows put him back on the floor. The bell saved him from a knockout at the count of eight. Bolanos was in no fit condition to come out for the 12th-but he did. Aragon pummeled his dazed weakened bloody foe, until Enrique not being able to endure the pain any longer-turned away. Referee Frankie Van waved Aragon to his corner, making him a T.K.O. victor. This corner credited Aragon with six of the eleven rounds fought, tabbed Bolanos in three, and called three even. Each weighed 135. A crowd of 9500 paid in $38,005 to witness the bout. In the prelims, all four-rounders: Chucho Jiminez, 134 decisioned Rocky Haro, 131 ave Gallardo, 122 nodded Bobby DiGiovanni, 123 :Fugie Rodriguez, 125, bested Manuel Maldonado, 127:Johnny Novella, 136 shaded Chuck Thompson, 136 :Bobby Garza, 121, outpointed Jimmy Dunn, 125.

[kikibalt]

Aragon/Bolanos...Feb. 14, 1950.
Art Aragon's victory over Enrique Bolanos came as a suprise to most of the boxing fans, but not to those with an inside knowledge of there respective abilities at this time. The real suprise to some of us was that Bolanos could withstand Aragon's terrific punches as long as he did. Aragon too, must have expected to score an early knockout, for, he came rushing out at the opening bell and delivered his hardest blows, but Bolanos did not go down, or appear much hurt by them. The action was fast and rugged in every round, but although it was Bolanos who was receiving most punishment, it was Aragon who was the most fatigued at the halfway point. Although far behind, it appeared that Bolanos might pull the fight out of the fire when he spilled Aragon for a one-count and punched him all over the ring in the tenth. But Aragon came out fresh and full of fight in the 11th and took Bolanos apart. Bolanos was pounded to the floor under a volley of leathel leather. He arose at count of nine, dazed and wobbly, but waded right back into Art and swapped punches untill another series of devastating blows put him back on the floor. The bell saved him from a knockout at the count of eight. Bolanos was in no fit condition to come out for the 12th-but he did. Aragon pummeled his dazed weakened bloody foe, until Enrique not being able to endure the pain any longer-turned away. Referee Frankie Van waved Aragon to his corner, making him a T.K.O. victor. This corner credited Aragon with six of the eleven rounds fought, tabbed Bolanos in three, and called three even. Each weighed 135. A crowd of 9500 paid in $38,005 to witness the bout. In the prelims, all four-rounders: Chucho Jiminez, 134 decisioned Rocky Haro, 131 ave Gallardo, 122 nodded Bobby DiGiovanni, 123 :Fugie Rodriguez, 125, bested Manuel Maldonado, 127:Johnny Novella, 136 shaded Chuck Thompson, 136 :Bobby Garza, 121, outpointed Jimmy Dunn, 125.

Great reporting, Paul, thanks. I seen Bobby Garza who fought on this card fight Keeny Teran on the Art Aragon/Jimmy Carter title fight in '51.

[Cholo]

Aragon/Bolanos...Feb. 14, 1950.
Art Aragon's victory over Enrique Bolanos came as a suprise to most of the boxing fans, but not to those with an inside knowledge of there respective abilities at this time. The real suprise to some of us was that Bolanos could withstand Aragon's terrific punches as long as he did. Aragon too, must have expected to score an early knockout, for, he came rushing out at the opening bell and delivered his hardest blows, but Bolanos did not go down, or appear much hurt by them. The action was fast and rugged in every round, but although it was Bolanos who was receiving most punishment, it was Aragon who was the most fatigued at the halfway point. Although far behind, it appeared that Bolanos might pull the fight out of the fire when he spilled Aragon for a one-count and punched him all over the ring in the tenth. But Aragon came out fresh and full of fight in the 11th and took Bolanos apart. Bolanos was pounded to the floor under a volley of leathel leather. He arose at count of nine, dazed and wobbly, but waded right back into Art and swapped punches untill another series of devastating blows put him back on the floor. The bell saved him from a knockout at the count of eight. Bolanos was in no fit condition to come out for the 12th-but he did. Aragon pummeled his dazed weakened bloody foe, until Enrique not being able to endure the pain any longer-turned away. Referee Frankie Van waved Aragon to his corner, making him a T.K.O. victor. This corner credited Aragon with six of the eleven rounds fought, tabbed Bolanos in three, and called three even. Each weighed 135. A crowd of 9500 paid in $38,005 to witness the bout. In the prelims, all four-rounders: Chucho Jiminez, 134 decisioned Rocky Haro, 131 ave Gallardo, 122 nodded Bobby DiGiovanni, 123 :Fugie Rodriguez, 125, bested Manuel Maldonado, 127:Johnny Novella, 136 shaded Chuck Thompson, 136 :Bobby Garza, 121, outpointed Jimmy Dunn, 125.

Great reporting, Paul, thanks. I seen Bobby Garza who fought on this card fight Keeny Teran on the Art Aragon/Jimmy Carter title fight in '51.

Thanks Frank... what a great era.

[kikibalt]

Aragon/Bolanos...Feb. 14, 1950.
Art Aragon's victory over Enrique Bolanos came as a suprise to most of the boxing fans, but not to those with an inside knowledge of there respective abilities at this time. The real suprise to some of us was that Bolanos could withstand Aragon's terrific punches as long as he did. Aragon too, must have expected to score an early knockout, for, he came rushing out at the opening bell and delivered his hardest blows, but Bolanos did not go down, or appear much hurt by them. The action was fast and rugged in every round, but although it was Bolanos who was receiving most punishment, it was Aragon who was the most fatigued at the halfway point. Although far behind, it appeared that Bolanos might pull the fight out of the fire when he spilled Aragon for a one-count and punched him all over the ring in the tenth. But Aragon came out fresh and full of fight in the 11th and took Bolanos apart. Bolanos was pounded to the floor under a volley of leathel leather. He arose at count of nine, dazed and wobbly, but waded right back into Art and swapped punches untill another series of devastating blows put him back on the floor. The bell saved him from a knockout at the count of eight. Bolanos was in no fit condition to come out for the 12th-but he did. Aragon pummeled his dazed weakened bloody foe, until Enrique not being able to endure the pain any longer-turned away. Referee Frankie Van waved Aragon to his corner, making him a T.K.O. victor. This corner credited Aragon with six of the eleven rounds fought, tabbed Bolanos in three, and called three even. Each weighed 135. A crowd of 9500 paid in $38,005 to witness the bout. In the prelims, all four-rounders: Chucho Jiminez, 134 decisioned Rocky Haro, 131 ave Gallardo, 122 nodded Bobby DiGiovanni, 123 :Fugie Rodriguez, 125, bested Manuel Maldonado, 127:Johnny Novella, 136 shaded Chuck Thompson, 136 :Bobby Garza, 121, outpointed Jimmy Dunn, 125.

Great reporting, Paul, thanks. I seen Bobby Garza who fought on this card fight Keeny Teran on the Art Aragon/Jimmy Carter title fight in '51.

Thanks Frank... what a great era.

The best

[Cholo]

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon...
Aragon showed his grit in more then 100 battles against stalwart fighters in the boxing crazy area that featured boxing shows almost any day of the week from San Bernardino to Santa Monica. In many of those fights Aragon rarely trained hard after spending many a night carousing and chasing women. During his peak the lightweight slugger fought numerous times to sold out crowds at both the Hollywood Legion Stadium and the Olympic Auditorium. Among those he engaged in the ring were Carlos Chavez, Jimmy Carter, Lauro Salas, Don Jordon. Cisco Andrade, Chuck Davey and Enrique Bolanos. Aragon was the only sports figure who could attract a standing-room-only crowd in the pouring rain, that tells you the kind of attraction he was, Aragon owned the town...

[kikibalt]

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon...

Aragon showed his grit in more then 100 battles against stalwart fighters in the boxing crazy area that featured boxing shows almost any day of the week from San Bernardino to Santa Monica. In many of those fights Aragon rarely trained hard after spending many a night carousing and chasing women. During his peak the lightweight slugger fought numerous times to sold out crowds at both the Hollywood Legion Stadium and the Olympic Auditorium. Among those he engaged in the ring were Carlos Chavez, Jimmy Carter, Lauro Salas, Don Jordon. Cisco Andrade, Chuck Davey and Enrique Bolanos. Aragon was the only sports figure who could attract a standing-room-only crowd in the pouring rain, that tells you the kind of attraction he was, Aragon owned the town...

He did!

[kikibalt]

[Cholo]

Art Aragon...The Original Golden Boy...
When Aragon fought, he became the surest thing to a guaranteed sell out when he apeared on fight cards from the 1940s to 1960. The lightweight slugger from East Los Angeles packed them in with people looking to see him knock out or get knocked out. Outside the ring he proved just as irresistible to fans and onlookers who saw the prizefighter regularly clown and joke his way in and out of trouble, Hollywood was captivated with the charismatic Aragon. Many recall Aragon's womanizing ways and willingness to accept dares to seduce an unsuspecting female, Aragon would often tell friends, "Do you think I could get that girl?". Many observers said that despite Aragon's penchant for the Hollywood nightlife, once he got in the ring he became a different human being. The closest the Golden Boy came to a world championship came in 1951 when he beat champion Jimmy Carter in a non-title affair at the Olympic. Three months later they fought again, a weight drained Aragon lost over 15 rounds with the lightweight title on the line, being dropped twice along the way. He did get revenge when he met Carter a third time five years later, Aragon battered Carter for 10 rounds in an easy victory, weighing 142, Art always said "At 142 I'd fight Joe Louis".

[kikibalt]

Art Aragon...The Original Golden Boy...
When Aragon fought, he became the surest thing to a guaranteed sell out when he apeared on fight cards from the 1940s to 1960. The lightweight slugger from East Los Angeles packed them in with people looking to see him knock out or get knocked out. Outside the ring he proved just as irresistible to fans and onlookers who saw the prizefighter regularly clown and joke his way in and out of trouble, Hollywood was captivated with the charismatic Aragon. Many recall Aragon's womanizing ways and willingness to accept dares to seduce an unsuspecting female, Aragon would often tell friends, "Do you think I could get that girl?". Many observers said that despite Aragon's penchant for the Hollywood nightlife, once he got in the ring he became a different human being. The closest the Golden Boy came to a world championship came in 1951 when he beat champion Jimmy Carter in a non-title affair at the Olympic. Three months later they fought again, a weight drained Aragon lost over 15 rounds with the lightweight title on the line, being dropped twice along the way. He did get revenge when he met Carter a third time five years later, Aragon battered Carter for 10 rounds in an easy victory, weighing 142, Art always said "At 142 I'd fight Joe Louis".

Another great Golden Boy anecdote ... Thanks Paul..

[Cholo]

Art Aragon...The Original Golden Boy...
When Aragon fought, he became the surest thing to a guaranteed sell out when he apeared on fight cards from the 1940s to 1960. The lightweight slugger from East Los Angeles packed them in with people looking to see him knock out or get knocked out. Outside the ring he proved just as irresistible to fans and onlookers who saw the prizefighter regularly clown and joke his way in and out of trouble, Hollywood was captivated with the charismatic Aragon. Many recall Aragon's womanizing ways and willingness to accept dares to seduce an unsuspecting female, Aragon would often tell friends, "Do you think I could get that girl?". Many observers said that despite Aragon's penchant for the Hollywood nightlife, once he got in the ring he became a different human being. The closest the Golden Boy came to a world championship came in 1951 when he beat champion Jimmy Carter in a non-title affair at the Olympic. Three months later they fought again, a weight drained Aragon lost over 15 rounds with the lightweight title on the line, being dropped twice along the way. He did get revenge when he met Carter a third time five years later, Aragon battered Carter for 10 rounds in an easy victory, weighing 142, Art always said "At 142 I'd fight Joe Louis".

Another great Golden Boy anecdote ... Thanks Paul..

Frank,