BoxRec

One of the most-colorful boxers of his era, Art Aragon, was the original "Golden Boy" in the 1940s and '50s because of his flamboyant style in and out of the ring -- including a penchant for Hollywood's hottest women, including Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren and Sophia Loren. But Mexican fans didn't cotton to Aragon, feeling he had forgotten his roots, and booed him regularly -- a tradition that eventually evolved into a sign of affection for the charismatic boxer. In March 2008, when Aragon died at the age of 80, Mexican fans attending his funeral booed him as his casket was lowered into the ground.

This story appeared in today's Maxboxing.com . . .
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http://www.maxboxing.com/news/max-boxin ... f-the-west


California Boxing Hall of Fame Celebrates the Best of the West
By Marty Mulcahey


On Friday, Jason Gonzalez shared his story on the newly established New York Boxing Hall of Fame, so the timing is perfect to give equal time to its West Coast brethren at the California Boxing Hall of Fame. East Coast/West Coast rivalry aside, it is fantastic to see two of the three states with the richest boxing history establish regional organizations, celebrating those who forged that history with blood, sweat, and tears. To commemorate that history, the California Boxing Hall of Fame holds an induction banquet luncheon every year and I contacted CBHOF Vice President Rick Farris for more information on the 10th annual “Banquet of Champions,” as well as other aspects of the California Boxing Hall of Fame.

This year’s banquet will be held October 20 at the Sportsman’s Lodge (a legendary Southern California hotel and event center) in Studio City, with world champions Shane Mosley, Carlos Palomino, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzalez, Albert Davila and Art Frias already confirming their presence. Joining that boxing royalty are former title challengers Armando Muniz, Randy Shields, Frankie Duarte and Olympic gold medalist Paul Gonzalez, with more expected to announce their attendance in the coming weeks. While the festivities are still six months away, the event always sells out and fans are advised to book as early as possible. Price of admission is only $50, which includes a great lunch (tax and tip included) and comfortable table seating. The Sportsman Lodge Hotel offers a discount to guests wishing to stay overnight if they mention the California Boxing Hall of Fame while making reservations. Anyone seeking more information about the festivities can contact the CBHOF via the following information.

Don Fraser
California Boxing Hall of Fame
10516 Addison St.
North Hollywood, CA. 91601
(818) 761-4887

The 2012 list of inductees is a varied group, with current World Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez heading the list, while HBO’s Jim Lampley and women’s world champion Lucia Rijker (featured in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby”) are examples of the Hall’s inclusive philosophy. The fourth 2012 living honoree is former world champion Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, who ruled the junior lightweight division from his Northern California fortress in Sacramento. Posthumous inductees include legends Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Floyd Patterson, Kid Gavilan and Carl “Bobo” Olson. Others boxers selected for honors are Charley Norkus, boxer/trainer Rudy Hernandez, Adrian Arreola, Jesse Burnette, James “The Heat” Kinchen, Norman Parra, Vic “The Kid” Ponce, Jimmy Rosette, Georgie Gonzalez, Randy De La O and Rudy Tellez. Trainers Al Stankie, Burke Emory and Rudy Ayon join their protégés this year at the CBHOF. Gaining entrance without landing a punch are referee Fritz Warner and promoter Bobby DePhilippis.

To gain greater insight on the California Boxing Hall of Fame and its yearly ceremony, we contacted Vice President Rick Farris, who has served as Don Fraser’s right-hand man for years. He previously worked with the World Boxing Hall of Fame as the chairman of the selection committee but now executes duties at the CBHOF in advertising sales, historical research and as part of its selection committee. Farris knows boxing inside and out, a professional boxer form 1970 to 1976 before lowering his standards, switching to the other side of the typewriter as a boxing writer, historian and filmmaker. Farris took time from his busy schedule to answer some of Maxboxing’s questions.

Marty Mulcahey - This event sells out every year so there is an obvious interest. Is there a possibility of the CBHOF holding events for purposes other than a yearly induction ceremony? Such as a monthly get-together in different cities to honor individuals?

Rick Farris - No. We go all out to put on our annual event and make it memorable. However, we are also closely associated with the smaller Golden State Boxer’s Association, which does host weekly Tuesday luncheons in Hollywood for former boxers and boxing personalities, as well as a Christmas party each year. Don Fraser, myself and friends of the CBHOF support the GSBA and vice-versa. We are all friends.

MM - The CBHOF “Banquet of Champions” is a one-day event but since it is so successful, are there plans to expand it to a weekend affair with obligatory golf tourney?

RF - No. Such activities are better to suited to the large Hall of Fames, such as the International Boxing Hall of Fame, as they have a larger budget. We don’t involve ourselves with fund raisers, etc. We choose to keep our event affordable to the boxing community while still putting on a quality luncheon in a venue equal to that of the larger organizations. The price of our event is $50 and has remained the same since our inception 10 years ago. The World Boxing Hall of Fame event, for example, ranged in price from $100-200 per person for the event alone and more if you chose to attend their memorabilia and autograph event the day of their banquet. What we choose is an atmosphere where the guests can mingle freely among the boxers, who will sign autographs and pose for photos at no cost. It’s really the best deal of any HOF event in the country. We do it for the fans, not for a profit. We always sell out and pay the bills with consideration to our guests. Our main interest is in honoring the boxers, not scheduling activities.

MM - Are there any memorabilia vendors at the event like the International Boxing Hall of Fame or is it a cordial atmosphere where boxers and fans mingle freely after dinner or at breakfast the next day?

RF - No. People arrive around 11a.m., starting with a social hour, then lunch, then the awards ceremony, which lasts until the mid-afternoon. Afterwards, many will meet and visit within the grounds of the hotel, where many inductees and guests stay while visiting. The Sportsman’s Lodge offers a room discount for anybody associated with the CBHOF during the week of the event.

MM - Given the proximity to Hollywood and the variety of motion picture and recording personalities living there, do any Hollywood types frequent the events in support of the CBHF?

RF – Needless to say, we get a lot of celebrities to our event. A regular is actor Ryan O’Neal, Sylvester Stallone when he is in town, Joe Mantegna [of CBS’ “Criminal Minds”] and Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr., to name a few.

MM - Some of the boxers inducted this year like Sergio Martinez and Rocky Marciano only fought in California once. What is the rational for their induction or is it just a matter of making fans aware of the greats who visited once or twice?

RF - The only requirement is that the boxer has to have fought in California at least once. We do not insist the boxer be retired for five years as most organizations. In fact, we will induct a boxer like Sergio Martinez, who is still active, as we did Manny Pacquiao in 2009, Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley for example.

MM - What are the criteria that must be met for CBHOF induction?

RF - As mentioned above, the only requirement is that the boxer must have fought at least once in the state of California. This allows us to put more high profile boxers in front of our guests, boxers whom they really would like to meet.

MM - The history of boxing in California is immense. Is there a member panel that researches, elects and selects the inductees?

RF - CBHOF President Don Fraser not only knows the history of boxing; he is a part of it. Don has been inducted into every major boxing Hall of Fame in existence, including the IBHOF and WBHOF. He has promoted many major bouts during the past six decades including [Muhammad] Ali-[Ken]Norton II and has promoted or publicized world champions and contenders such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Art Aragon, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry, Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares, Jose Napoles, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Bobby Chacon and Carlos Zarate, to name a few. I served as the boxing historian for the World Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as chairman of the WBHOF selection committee and am also a boxing writer. As a professional boxer between 1970 and 1976, I served as a sparring partner for more than a dozen world champions including Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares, Danny Lopez and Bobby Chacon, to name a few. Like Mr. Fraser, I not only know boxing history but have lived it. We also have a support group of historians and boxing personalities who contribute. It’s a group effort.

MM - How difficult is it tracking down boxers to inform them of the honor, given some fighters were active over 30 or 40 years ago?

RF - Difficult! Both Don Fraser and I have a vast network of contacts so we are able to locate just about anybody we choose to induct; however, it can be challenging.

MM - If someone reading this article wants to nominate a boxer, get in touch or offer their help to the CBHOF, how can they contact you?

RF - The best way to nominate a boxer or get in touch with the CBHOF is to contact me by email at [email protected].

MM - With Golden Boy Promotions located in California and other promoters operating the fertile area, has the CBHOF considered working in conjunction with them? Perhaps acting as an intermediary to have CBHOF inductees honored with ring walks, a tradition that seems to be vanishing?

RF - We have had great support from Golden Boy Promotions, both Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer. We also receive support from Bob Arum and Top Rank, Don King Promotions, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, Gary Shaw Promotions and Ken Thompson Promotions. All support us with advertising in our Collector’s Souvenir Journal and most attend the event or send representation.

MM - Has the California boxing community of promoters, sanctioning bodies, boxing athletic apparel manufacturers or The Ring magazine- which recently moved its offices to California- been supportive or involved in the banquets?

RF - In addition to support from the promoters listed above and various Veteran Boxers Associations, both local and out of state, we are supported by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Association (WBA), the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO). We are also supported by Reyes boxing gloves and equipment. We have yet to establish a relationship with The Ring Magazine, as their presence in California is quite recent. However, we expect to do so in the future. Ironically, Don Fraser was The Ring magazine’s California correspondent for decades. His monthly column, In Sunny California, provided news and results from the Golden State.

MM - Are there plans for a physical museum for people to visit?

RF - A museum is a future goal of the California Boxing Hall of Fame but at the moment, we are strictly an annual event.

MM - California boxing draws many boxers from Mexico and of Hispanic heritage, as well as African Americans, of course. However, there is little Asian presence such as great Filipinos fighters like Ceferino Garcia, Little Dado, Small Montana and Pancho Villa, who had important fights in California. Is that a concern? [Writer’s Note: listing Ceferino Garcia was an oversight on my part, since Garcia is a CBHOF inductee and it was kind of Farris to not take offense]

RF - We are well aware of the great Pinoy boxing history here in California. Our first Filipino inductee was Ceferino Garcia and in 2009, we inducted Manny Pacquiao. In due course, we will induct others posthumously; however, we give first consideration to those who are still alive to experience the honor with their families and friends.

MM - Beyond yearly induction ceremonies, what does the future hold and where do you see the CBHOF in the next couple of years?

RF - We plan to grow! We are currently forming relationships with other organizations across the country, such as the new New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, the Ring 8 Veteran Boxing Association of New York and the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. We are offering support to these organizations and they are doing the same for us. It’s a win-win situation all the way around. Today, the CBHOF is the only boxing Hall of Fame event in the Western United States.
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Maxboxing thanks Mr. Farris for taking the time to answer our questions and wishing him and the California Boxing Hall of Fame the best for their 10th Annual Banquet and induction ceremonies, October 20th, at The Sportsman’s Lodge’s “Empire Room” in Studio City.

You can contact Marty at [email protected], visit him at http://www.facebook.com/fivedogs or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MartinMulcahey.

kikibalt wrote:One of the most-colorful boxers of his era, Art Aragon, was the original "Golden Boy" in the 1940s and '50s because of his flamboyant style in and out of the ring -- including a penchant for Hollywood's hottest women, including Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren and Sophia Loren. But Mexican fans didn't cotton to Aragon, feeling he had forgotten his roots, and booed him regularly -- a tradition that eventually evolved into a sign of affection for the charismatic boxer. In March 2008, when Aragon died at the age of 80, Mexican fans attending his funeral booed him as his casket was lowered into the ground.

Frank, the original "Golden Boy" Art Aragon, what a colorful life.

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:One of the most-colorful boxers of his era, Art Aragon, was the original "Golden Boy" in the 1940s and '50s because of his flamboyant style in and out of the ring -- including a penchant for Hollywood's hottest women, including Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren and Sophia Loren. But Mexican fans didn't cotton to Aragon, feeling he had forgotten his roots, and booed him regularly -- a tradition that eventually evolved into a sign of affection for the charismatic boxer. In March 2008, when Aragon died at the age of 80, Mexican fans attending his funeral booed him as his casket was lowered into the ground.

Frank, the original "Golden Boy" Art Aragon, what a colorful life.

Paul

The Golden Boy

kikibalt wrote:

The Golden Boy

Great shot of the Golden Boy...

That's a great shot of the Golden Boy. Thanks for sending it, Paul

kikibalt wrote:

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:One of the most-colorful boxers of his era, Art Aragon, was the original "Golden Boy" in the 1940s and '50s because of his flamboyant style in and out of the ring -- including a penchant for Hollywood's hottest women, including Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren and Sophia Loren. But Mexican fans didn't cotton to Aragon, feeling he had forgotten his roots, and booed him regularly -- a tradition that eventually evolved into a sign of affection for the charismatic boxer. In March 2008, when Aragon died at the age of 80, Mexican fans attending his funeral booed him as his casket was lowered into the ground.

Frank, the original "Golden Boy" Art Aragon, what a colorful life.

Paul

That is truely a sad sorry to hear about a man being buried and booing his funeral. Art Aragon, no doubt lived a storied life-bad and good-but he certainly did not deserve that. I know that the Mexican fans feel truely heartfelt about their native sons and boxing prowess (as well described in this thread by Frank)- but maybe they should also understand that the boxing sport is a form of entertainment. And one thing that Art Aragon did throughout his life, and especially his ring performances was just that-entertain, win or lose. There is a difference in a boxer who gets in the Ring and runs around,throws little punches and evades action and a Champion who takes the opponent on and gives the fans a fight and monies worth. As one ages his skills erode,but his heart is still in it, Art Aragon did just that-he entertained the boxing masses and did his roots proud. He also, in his personal life-which reads openly like a book, maybe too openly, gave the public papparazzi and the Hollywood fans enough stories in his personal escapades too. Either way-he was a great boxer,a showman, and on that recognition alone should be respected by his Mexican compadres. Maybe I'm missing something here-I dont see booing as a sign of affection or respect.Maybe I had to be there to understand its meaning. I sure if you ask his son,Art Jr, if that was the right thing to do-he would have other thoughts.

CNorkusJr wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Cholo wrote: Frank, the original "Golden Boy" Art Aragon, what a colorful life.

Paul

That is truely a sad sorry to hear about a man being buried and booing his funeral. Art Aragon, no doubt lived a storied life-bad and good-but he certainly did not deserve that. I know that the Mexican fans feel truely heartfelt about their native sons and boxing prowess (as well described in this thread by Frank)- but maybe they should also understand that the boxing sport is a form of entertainment. And one thing that Art Aragon did throughout his life, and especially his ring performances was just that-entertain, win or lose. There is a difference in a boxer who gets in the Ring and runs around,throws little punches and evades action and a Champion who takes the opponent on and gives the fans a fight and monies worth. As one ages his skills erode,but his heart is still in it, Art Aragon did just that-he entertained the boxing masses and did his roots proud. He also, in his personal life-which reads openly like a book, maybe too openly, gave the public papparazzi and the Hollywood fans enough stories in his personal escapades too. Either way-he was a great boxer,a showman, and on that recognition alone should be respected by his Mexican compadres. Maybe I'm missing something here-I dont see booing as a sign of affection or respect.Maybe I had to be there to understand its meaning. I sure if you ask his son,Art Jr, if that was the right thing to do-he would have other thoughts.

Art said when asked about what he missed the most after retiring from the ring, "the booing, you ever been booed at by 10,000 people, it's exciting."

Paul: Aragon/Basilio, this is the only colored picture I've seen of this fight.

Cholo wrote:

CNorkusJr wrote:

kikibalt wrote: Paul

That is truely a sad sorry to hear about a man being buried and booing his funeral. Art Aragon, no doubt lived a storied life-bad and good-but he certainly did not deserve that. I know that the Mexican fans feel truely heartfelt about their native sons and boxing prowess (as well described in this thread by Frank)- but maybe they should also understand that the boxing sport is a form of entertainment. And one thing that Art Aragon did throughout his life, and especially his ring performances was just that-entertain, win or lose. There is a difference in a boxer who gets in the Ring and runs around,throws little punches and evades action and a Champion who takes the opponent on and gives the fans a fight and monies worth. As one ages his skills erode,but his heart is still in it, Art Aragon did just that-he entertained the boxing masses and did his roots proud. He also, in his personal life-which reads openly like a book, maybe too openly, gave the public papparazzi and the Hollywood fans enough stories in his personal escapades too. Either way-he was a great boxer,a showman, and on that recognition alone should be respected by his Mexican compadres. Maybe I'm missing something here-I dont see booing as a sign of affection or respect.Maybe I had to be there to understand its meaning. I sure if you ask his son,Art Jr, if that was the right thing to do-he would have other thoughts.

Art said when asked about what he missed the most after retiring from the ring, "the booing, you ever been booed at by 10,000 people, it's exciting."

thanks lol

Paul, Art Aragon v Jimmy Carter II lightweight title fight... 1951. I was 14 going on 15 years. I was there at the Olympic for the fight.

http://youtu.be/lxDsX76C28g

kikibalt wrote:Paul, Art Aragon v Jimmy Carter II lightweight title fight... 1951. I was 14 going on 15 years. I was there at the Olympic for the fight.

http://youtu.be/lxDsX76C28g

Frank, I wish they had film of the first Aragon/Carter fight, you were at that one? Art had trouble making weight for the title fight, how he stayed 15 rounds, Golden Boy had a massive heart as big as the Olympic Auditorium, don't see fighter's like him anymore...

CNorkusJr wrote:

Cholo wrote:

CNorkusJr wrote: That is truely a sad sorry to hear about a man being buried and booing his funeral. Art Aragon, no doubt lived a storied life-bad and good-but he certainly did not deserve that. I know that the Mexican fans feel truely heartfelt about their native sons and boxing prowess (as well described in this thread by Frank)- but maybe they should also understand that the boxing sport is a form of entertainment. And one thing that Art Aragon did throughout his life, and especially his ring performances was just that-entertain, win or lose. There is a difference in a boxer who gets in the Ring and runs around,throws little punches and evades action and a Champion who takes the opponent on and gives the fans a fight and monies worth. As one ages his skills erode,but his heart is still in it, Art Aragon did just that-he entertained the boxing masses and did his roots proud. He also, in his personal life-which reads openly like a book, maybe too openly, gave the public papparazzi and the Hollywood fans enough stories in his personal escapades too. Either way-he was a great boxer,a showman, and on that recognition alone should be respected by his Mexican compadres. Maybe I'm missing something here-I dont see booing as a sign of affection or respect.Maybe I had to be there to understand its meaning. I sure if you ask his son,Art Jr, if that was the right thing to do-he would have other thoughts.

Art said when asked about what he missed the most after retiring from the ring, "the booing, you ever been booed at by 10,000 people, it's exciting."

thanks lol

Charlie...

Cholo wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Paul, Art Aragon v Jimmy Carter II lightweight title fight... 1951. I was 14 going on 15 years. I was there at the Olympic for the fight.

http://youtu.be/lxDsX76C28g

Frank, I wish they had film of the first Aragon/Carter fight, you were at that one? Art had trouble making weight for the title fight, how he stayed 15 rounds, Golden Boy had a massive heart as big as the Olympic Auditorium, don't see fighter's like him anymore...

Yes, I was at their first fight. I don't think there is any film of that fight. No fighter had a bigger heart than Art...Yes, he had trouble making weight and yet gave Carter all he could handle...

Frank,

Art Aragon joins fellow ring warriors (from left to right) Mike Mazurki, a former pro wrestler, and ex-pugilists Johnny Indrisano and Roland LaStarza on the set of NBC-TV's The Timothy Heist which aired on October 30, 1964.

Paul

kikibalt wrote:

Frank,

Art Aragon joins fellow ring warriors (from left to right) Mike Mazurki, a former pro wrestler, and ex-pugilists Johnny Indrisano and Roland LaStarza on the set of NBC-TV's The Timothy Heist which aired on October 30, 1964.

Paul

Thanks, Frank...

Art Aragon v Chuck Davey

Daniel "POP" Hanley ... Rest in Peace dear friend

Art Aragon v El Conscripto, I think?.

Rick Farris wrote:Daniel "POP" Hanley ... Rest in Peace dear friend

POPS

"Let me help you getting that stuff in Rog,"said Dan Hanley.
We were in the the Marriot parking lot and I wanted to get my paintings inside the lobby for the WBHOF convention. I met Dan in the parking lot and he wanted to lend a hand.
"Thanks Danny. By the way,where's Pops?"
"Oh my dad's in the lobby looking at all the girls."
That was Dan. That was Pops. Always kiddin'. Always jokin'. Having fun was number one with them

We wheeled my paintings of the boxers inside and sure enough sitting by himself was Dan's dad,Pops Hanley.
"Hey young fella I laughed. What the hell is going on?"
"Did you kick my son in the balls for me?
Danny and I about fell on the floor.
"Hey Pops",Dan said ,You're getting to be a real prick."
Ol' Pops still sitting in the chair said,"Wait till I get up I'll take that smile off your face.

Just then walked in Rick Farris Vice President of the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Dan went over to talk with him.
You know Rog,"said Pops,"I have five pensions."
Pops grew up in Chi town like I did,but he was in the North Side where the Irish lived. Me,being a Dago I was from Taylor Street.He grew up tough in a tough town.
"Rog,you know my son has a right hand that hits like the sock of a mule."
"I bet he does Pops,"I said.

Dan broke away from Rick and went to his Dad.
"Hungry Pops?"
"Yes Danny let's find something to eat."
Dan helped his father up and they started to walk to the dining room.
Rick came over.
"Rog,read any good books about boxing?"he asked.
"I always liked Hemingway's 'Fifty Grand."
"Me too",said Rick. "like when he describes Jack Brennan sitting in the locker room with his sweat shirt and old boxing shoes and his rough beard 'looking Irish and tough."
As I watched Dan put his arm around his father walking into the dining room,I said,"Yeah,I know what you mean."