Classic American West Coast Boxing

[chrisjs1985]

Roger, you are right about Carlos. Next time you go to Mexico City let me know and he will greet you and take you around. He's very hospitable like that. He still lives in Tepito. When you are here in March for the WCBHOF, make sure you get his contact info. I will be hosting another event at the Art's District like last time with a lot of guests. Among those coming are: Carlos, Jeff Chandler, Danny Lopez, Albert Davila, Yaqui Lopez, Michael Nunn, Henry Tillman, John Scully, Israel Vazquez, Tony Lopez, Frank Duarte, Carlos Palomino, Paul Banke, Herman Montes, Russell Peltz and more.

Olivares is not quite from Tepito. He is from Bondajito which is a little over two miles away. He earned the respect of the people there by beating a number of their fighters and until the last few years would often visit the markets.

[dagosd2000]

Roger, you are right about Carlos. Next time you go to Mexico City let me know and he will greet you and take you around. He's very hospitable like that. He still lives in Tepito. When you are here in March for the WCBHOF, make sure you get his contact info. I will be hosting another event at the Art's District like last time with a lot of guests. Among those coming are: Carlos, Jeff Chandler, Danny Lopez, Albert Davila, Yaqui Lopez, Michael Nunn, Henry Tillman, John Scully, Israel Vazquez, Tony Lopez, Frank Duarte, Carlos Palomino, Paul Banke, Herman Montes, Russell Peltz and more.

Olivares is not quite from Tepito. He is from Bondajito which is a little over two miles away. He earned the respect of the people there by beating a number of their fighters and until the last few years would often visit the markets.

Chris
Fill me in on the date of your next Meet And Greet.As far as a tour of Tepito I'll pass. I don't care much for Mexico City.The altitude and the traffic jams bug me. I know what Tepito looks like anyway.Can't say I'd open up a tour bus business in that neck of the woods even if I locked all the doors and had bulletproof glass for windows.

[dagosd2000]

Wake Up Call

Just responded to my pal Chris' suggestion that when Carlos Zarate blows into LA I should ask him, when I go to Mexico City,that I should look him up and he could take me on a tour of the the barrio where he lives,Tepito. I told Chris I'd pass on that one.Besides ,I've been to Tepito around a dozen times. But it's not so much the fact that I've already seen the place.

OK.Here I go.I think of myself having to wake up in Tepto everyday.I have a daughter that lives in a barrio called Canon Jhonson in Tijuana. The analogy is similar. It does and it doesn't have to do with the people that live in those places.Follow me.I admire the spunk those people have to live there.Maybe "survive" is a better word..They're street smart and don't whine about trivial things that the more affluent gripe about.They have a spirit and way of living that comes across like
,"Hey I know I'm going to die like everybody else,but I'm not going to let the inevitable keep me from enjoying the little I have."
All said with a smile and giving the middle finger.

But now here's the part that gets me.
"Why is this place so f---ed up?"
They might tell a stranger that it's the government's fault.Or the police.The Narcos.Donald Trump. And the stranger might buy that.But in those peoples' quiet moments they know the real reason: The guilty are them. The Mexican people. But this dilemma exists in all of Latin America.

MIx the Indian blood with that of the Iberian peninsula and that's the genetic composition of Latin America.Now Argentina figured if they committed mass genocide on the Indians that would prevent her country of being like her neighbors and more like the colonial example of the United States.The colonists didn't make babies with the squaws like the Conquistadors did when they came ashore.

Argentina has more European blood running through their veins than let's say Brazil.Argentina thinks they're the continental cock of the walk. .But they got cut down to size when during the Falklands War England sailed over 5000 miles and kicked their ass.I don't think any country in Latin America gave a damn.They certainly didn't help Argentina fight off whitey.

So I'll get back to Tepito,Canon Jhonson,and the rest of Latin America.I don't like waking up there in the morning. All those millions of migrants over the years that trek up from down below to come here don't want to wake up anymore from the place where they started.They don't want to think of themselves as being a part of it any longer.


Canon Jhonson,Tijuana

[dagosd2000]

Bull In A China Shop

Jack Dempsey always said Luis Firpo hit him the hardest inside a boxing ring.You don't know who hit Jack the hardest inside all those barroom brawls he was in in what was left of those cowboy towns west of the Mississippi.

Luis Firpo got a late start boxing turning pro when he was 23.A big burly lug blessed with enormous strength,he got the tag,when coming to the States from Argentina,as the Wild Bull Of The Pampas. He never got much formal schooling in the Sweet Science. Tex Rickard,who knew this bull could become a cash cow, hooked him up with Jimmy DeForrest who also trained Jack Dempsey.A little rubbed off but not enough to make him a Benny Leonard.

However, the growing crowds came to see Firpo demolish opponents like it was a strongman performing in a circus act. Rickard,along with another slick whistle in Dempsey's corner, Doc Kearns saw dollar signs if they could match The Mauler with The Bull.Firpo,wanting to be his own boss,signed on the dotted line. The fight was set for the biggest venue in Hew York,The Polo Grounds.

This was the fight that finally got the bugs crawling to Jack's corner. His war dodging rep and his inactivity was forgotten when Luigi and Jackie put on when of the most exciting fights in boxing history. In the first round Dempsey was knocking Firpo around at will putting him to the mat when he felt.But then The Wild Bull started goring Dempsey with a brutal flurry that landed the champ in the laps of the New York scribes sitting ringside.Of course the writers didn't want sweat all over their copy so they lifted Jack back in the fighter's box.Right then Dempsey should have been DQ'd but it never crossed the ref,Johnny Gallagher's mind. The round finished but in frame two Dempsey dehorned Firpo for good.11 knockdowns in total and they still talk about that one.

After losing to Dempsey, Firpo had a chance to redeem himself against Harry Wills. But in contrast with the Dempsey fight this engagement was a slow walk,Luis losing the decision.Firpo then returned down Argentine way and was forgotten. 12 years later he thought he could still fight and was in the ring with another one of his countrymen,Arturo Godoy. The Wild Bull didn't live up to his nickname.

The Bull decided it was time to raise bulls and cows, and became a successful rancher in the process making a fortune. And that ain't no bull.


The Wild Bull Of The Pampas

[dagosd2000]

A Big Kingfish In A Small Pond

After losing to Gene Tunney for the second time Jack Dempsey,starting in 1930, began fighting a string of exhibition bouts. They lasted essentially through 1932 before Dempsey toned it down to fighting several more of these dog and pony shows in 1940.

Even though Dempsey hadn't been the heavyweight champion since 1926 he was still more popular and a bigger draw than than the fellows afterwards that briefly wore the crown.Tunney,after making Dempsey thinking more about his health than a rubber match,defended his title one more time against Tom Heeney stopping him in 11 rounds. Tunney, though a tremendous fighter only losing one fight and that was to Harry Greb in 76 bouts,wasn't what you'd call a crowd favorite. He always had his nose in a some stuffy book and liked to quote Shakespeare instead of acting like a character out of a Ring Lardner story.To put it mildly he was a snob who married a rich socialite ad liked to go to black tie cocktail parties..The public was more than happy when he hung up his gloves.

The title was then up for grabs. Max Schmeling and Jack Sharkey were picked to decide the winner.In the the 4th round Herr Max claimed Jack hit him below the belt and rolled around the mat like a flopping fish out on the poop deck. Maxie cried that he couldn't go on while his corner carried him back to his corner despite Sharkey calling Max a chicken s--t But maybe Max didn't understand what a chicken s--t was because he spoke kraut and now we had a foreigner as the chump champ.

There was a rematch, and it went the distance. This time Sharkey won but the fight was so boring that half the crowd had to be woken up to find out who was the winner.(Primo Carnera was next and that became another low blow for boxing's top prize)

You'd have to wait until Floyd Patterson to come around to become the big guys' champ before the division would hit such another nadir.

In the meantime Jack Dempsey was barnstorming around the country fighting a hell of a lot more than he ever did when he was champion. He fought out in the boondocks and in big venues. He was knocking guys out(most were bums but there were a few that were better bums) left and right. The thought crossed his mind that he might try a comeback. Hell, Sharkey was the champ and he'd beaten him once though Dempsey did land that left hook on the break.

Well, while Dempsey was musing a return to the big lights he was scheduled to fight an exhibition against a pro by the name of Kingfish Levinsky who was managed by his sister.The fight was in Chicago and this might be one to make Jack plea his case to the commission for a license.

My father was at that fight.I'll let him tell it short and sweet.
"Dempsey's legs were gone.He was shot."
It wasn't like Levinsky was going to send Dempsey through the ropes ala Firpo. Levinsky mostly just danced away and kept out of harm's way and held on when he had to.Dempsey said after it was over that if he couldn't put a hurt on Kingfish Levinsky he might as well fight his sister.

[dagosd2000]

The Kingfish-Hooked,Scaled,And Gutted




In contrast to my previous video,here's Levinsky in 1935 facing off with a young Joe Louis 3 years after goofing around with Jack Dempsey in 1932.Kingfish was the bait.Joe was the shark.They say you could hear Levinsky scream every time Joe landed. I guess the ref was convinced that Levinsky had had enough.


Joe Louis

[dagosd2000]

Nobody Gets A Break

There's one on those 99 cent stores next to Champs and in the parking lot there's a food truck that sells tacos and a variety of Mexican street food.The sign painted on the side of the truck reads,"Genuine Tijuana Street Tacos." I walked by the truck and there was Jeff the bartender at Champs sitting at a fold out table chomping down on a taco.I pulled up a chair and sat next to him.
"Aren't you going to order something to eat?"he asked me as he was swallowing.
"No.I tried a taco the other day.It was all right but nothing to brag about.Besides it was too expensive."
"Going to the 99 cent store?" he next asked.
"No. Everything in there is over 99 cents,"I said.
"I read what you posted the other day about Tepito and the Mexicans.Weren't ypu a little hard on everybody?"Jeff asked finishing off his taco.
"Depends where you're comin' from.I had no regrets."
"You're always going down there.I was wonderin'."
"I like going down there. In fact I can't live without going down there.Besides, I got a Mexican wife and I like it..You know you've been married twice and it didn't work.Maybe you should find a Mexican wife."
"Is that all Mexico's good for?"
"No. And they got better street tacos than the one you just ate."
"But these people in the truck say they live in Tijuana."
"They also know dumb gringos like you wouldn't know the difference."


The original Tacos El Gordo on Constitution Street in Tijuana.Just one of many places to get the best tacos in the world.

[dagosd2000]

Tijuana Tacos

[dagosd2000]

Left Hooks And Lard

So coming up through the ranks as a Mexican fighter it used to be if you didn't possess that big left hook to the liver you were committing sacrilege.The bantamweights ,especially, were loaded with left hookers. What they called a "gancho." Joe Medel,Ruben Olivares,Ricardo Moreno,Chucho Castillo,Rodolfo Gonzalez,Rodolfo Martinez;later guys like Julio Cesar Chavez,Carlos Zarate,Fernando Marquez. They all had that trademark left hook.and it was always aimed at the belt where the stomach and liver were situated. But why necessarily there?

Well, I got to talking about all those street tacos, and I don't know of any Mexican vegetarians.Mexican fighters aren't into specialized menus and they don't keep a dietician around in training camp.All that street food,the carnitas,chorizo,and all the other organs from the pig and the cow are fried using ample amounts of lard.They call it manteca. it's the manteca that gives the meat the added flavor. Not to cook with it is also committing another sin.

Well, you don' have to be a doctor at The Mayo Clinic to know that all that fat,salt, and grease don't do your stomach and liver any good, not to mention it's a prelude to heart attacks and strokes.But in the end something is ganna' kill you anyway. So who wants to go through life without eating a big fat beef burrito with the manteca seeping through the flour tortilla? And of course you have to wash it down with a cold Modelo.

Of course Mexicans stay clear of the local organic health food stores when they they have the urge to eat what's traditional and customary. Mexican fighters know what each other has been gobbling up after a hard day of training, and it ain't bean sprouts and yogurt.They also are aware that a Mexican fighter's stomach is a bit more sensitive than a pug of a different ilk.That brings in the left hook to the liver.

Now, no fighter likes to get hit downstairs.But in today's boxing realm you don't see many fighters that you would call body punchers.They're mostly headhunters. That's a tipoff that the trainers are wanting in the sweet science.

But I remember that if a Mexican fighter only had that big left hook in his arsenal,and is opponent could offset it,then he had little else to draw on.I saw a Mexican bantamweight Julio Guerrero fight the very good Thai, Venice Borkhorsor, in the Tijuana bullring. Bork was a lefty and Julio was a left hook artist. The matchup was against him. All he threw were left hooks to Bork's side, but the Thai held his right arm and glove against his rib cage,Julio's left hooks were bouncing off Bork's elbow like a rubber ball.He tried nothing else because he didn't have anything else in his repertory.

Marco Antonio Barrera was another example.After Junior Jones moved to his left taking away the steam from Marco's left, and winning twice, Barrera had to go to school and add more to his attack.Marco soon became a pretty good boxer who could adapt because he had developed more skills than before.

Rafael Herrera proved to be a nemesis for Ruben Olivares because when Ruben got set to throw his left hook Rafael shot the right hand inside of it beating him to the draw.

Well, I'm tired of writing about left hooks.My wife has got some homemade tamales on the stove. I'll be a good boy and wash it down with a glass of milk.


Tamales and churros,and don't forget the manteca.Jiquilpan ,Michoacan

[dagosd2000]

A Lack Of Strength

When Hedgemon Lewis was beginning to make a name for himself inside Southland arenas people were saying that he reminded them of Sugar Ray Robinson. Adding to that compliment was the fact that Lewis was a Detroiter like Ray. Aileen Eaton,who ran the Olympic Auditorium, would show just enough of what Lewis could accomplish against game but outmatched opposition on her weekly TV boxing shows.Yeah,Lewis looked familiar to Sugar Ray.

Like Robinson, in the beginning Lewis was a welterweight,a natural one,and would fight in that division throughout his career.He stood in the ring like Robby:the classic upright stance,the svelte frame.His skills were a copy:work the straight jab,cross with the right when the opportunity offered.His feet were correct putting him at proper reach levels to get the most on his punches.He didn't waste movement.He slipped blows just enough with the best of them.And he was FAST.Can't be called another Sugar Ray Robinson if you can't fit in that adjective.But there was one attribute that Hedgemon Lewis didn't share with Ray Robinson-durability.

At the start of Lewis' career it wasn't apparent. But when it came to the point where the fans wanted to see the two best local welterweights settle things it had to be a match with Lewis and the local tough,Ernie Lopez. (Jose Napoles would come along and put both of them in their places but as yet the time wasn't right)

I drove up to the Olympic to watch the fight.For a fight with two non Mexicans the fans were indulged.The arena was sold out. Lewis didn't show a loss on his record.He hadn't fought any world beaters but I thought his skills would befuddle "Indian Red."Lopez had seen better than Lewis with Raul Soriano and Adolph Pruitt but had come up short.Ernie was a bull in a China shop,crude and raw but always moving forward.i thought Lopez was made to order.

In the early rounds the fight was pretty even.Lewis was landing but it became apparent as the fight progressed that it wasn't slowing up Lopez. I started to get the sense that Lopez knew sooner or later that he'd catch up with him.it was then that I noticed that Lewis wasn't the durable type. THAT WAS THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM AND RAY ROBINSON.

Robinson was strong for a string bean.Lewis didn't have that chromosome. At the end it was evident that Lewis' tank was on empty. Lopez manhandled him.

A fighter is blessed with strength.Lewis was Christened with speed and reflexes but in the strongman department he didn't get sprinkled with any Holy Water.This flaw caught up with him in his attempts to win a world title.Two chances against Napoles and one against John H. Stracey and he came up dry. I remember when Nopoles had just got worked by Carlos Monzon.He wanted something easier to defend his welterweight title so he took on Lewis to fight him in Mexico City.At that altitude and Lewis' lack of stamina it was a no brainer.

One night I was sitting with a friend at The San Diego Coliseum taking in the matches.Seated in front o us were Ken Norton and Hedgemon Lewis.They were pals and were both trained by Eddie Futch. I guess it was the style then because both guys were wearing shoulder strap purses.My friend thought he'd be cute and blurts out(not knowing who these two were)
"Since when do males wear ladies' purses?"
I started to think on my feet.If they took umbrage to my friend's remark and wanted to do something about it,I'd take on Lewis.He had that stamina problem.


Hedgemon Lewis

[dagosd2000]

More On Hedgemon

Hedgemon Lewis' sisters were at the West Coast Boxing Hall Of Fame ceremony to accept their brother's ward for being inducted.Also, they were given a beautiful portrait of their brother painted by Jun Aquino.When they got up to the podium to make a speech they said they were very proud of their brother..They had just come back from visiting him in their hometown,Detroit. Hedgemon is confined a sanitarium because of his dementia.

Bill Cosby and Ryan O'Neal believed Hedgemon had the makings of a champion, so they invested their time and money in his career. Hedgemon first title shot was against Jose Napoles at The Forum in LA. Napoles buckled his knees in the first round and after that Hedgemon played it cautious. I was there to see that one. Because Hedgemon was reluctant to engage the fight for me was a ,little disappointing going the full 15.Afterward Ryan O'Neal thought Hedgemon got a bum decision, but not many were taking his side.


I saw Hedgemon fight at the Jai Alai palace in Tijuana against the so called Mexican welterweight champion Raul Rodriguez. I saw Ryan O'Neal walk in with some of his Hollywood pals and their girlfriends.They sat up i the bleachers.I think they were trying to hide but they were ID'd right away.I mean they really stood out.You could hear the catcalls and the chifles.

The fight was a mismatch from the start. Hedgemon cut up Rodriguez so bad that they stopped the slaughter in the 2nd round.Then all hell broke loose.I looked up at the bleachers where the Tinsel Towners were at and saw them running for the doors.

Rick Farris always makes sure Ryan O'Neal has a table at his events.Rick tells me that I ought to mention that night at the Jai Alai Palace to O'Neal.I hope someday I will.I think he'd get a kick out of it.


The Lewis sisters accepting the accolades for their brother at the West coast Boxing Hall Of Fame.

[dagosd2000]

Selling Snow To The Eskimos

Aileen Eaton could sell snow to the Eskimos. The reason I say that is because listening to her hype her fights on TV on Thursday nights from the Olympic Auditorium you'd become convinced that she was somehow related to P.T. Barnum.

She only televised the undercards.After the last prelim she'd get on a roll talking about the upcoming main event like it was The Fight Of The Century. But because she knew it was too late for anyone watching to hop in their car and go down to The Olympic to catch it in time she'd begin talking up the next week's feature fight.

She hooked me in once that way when she broadcast the next week's main of Armando Muniz and Thurman Durden. She made it sound like if you didn't see this one you'd be kicking yourself in the ass for the rest of the year. Well, me and a crew of buddies got tickets early and then drove up to South Grand Avenue to the iconic arena..

The place was mobbed.There was the cliched electricity in the air.As a treat there was an exhibition match with Sugar Ray Robinson and Mike Nixon.Robinson hadn't fought pro in ten years and Nixon was making it as a contender. It was set up for two two minute rounds.Well, Robby didn't want anyone to forget what he was like when he was in his prime. For four minutes he danced circles around Nixon who was trying his darndest to corner the old guy. He was always a step behind.Ray in the meantime was smiling and waving to the crowd as he put icing on the cake. That show turned out to be the night's highlight.

The fight(if you technically want to call it that)turned out to be a big dud.Armando was willing but Durden acted like he'd gotten toweled off with face full of ether.He showed nothing.In the 2nd round he went down for good.I don't know if it was from a punch landing or the wind of a blow that had traveled wide. I felt like they should try it again.The crowd shuffled out murmuring like they got shortchanged.

Of course there were no apologies coming from Mrs. Eaton. She went on the air next Thursday night hyping up another main event.This time I'd read about it in the papers.


Aileen Eaton

[dagosd2000]

Another What If...

What if Gene Tunney hadn't have lost to Harry Greb? He would have bean undefeated in roughly 75 fights.He had the best of Greb in all the subsequent bouts except for a draw.Yet no one talks much about Tunney in these mythical top 10's at either light heavyweight or heavyweight.

He boxed circles around Dempsey for 19 out of the 20 rounds they fought. but Jack always gets put ahead of Tunney when the lists are made out for top heavyweights and light heavies. In fact his name never appears unless they reach deep enough into the record books.

I've hung around enough fighters and they never get absorbed in this eternal pissing contest of "Who was the best?" or "Who was the worst?" Yu might hear one say "So and so was the best I ever fought." Or even stretch it saying ,"So and so was the best." But then they let it go.

When Burke Emery was behind the bar at his place,Champs,there was always some half stewed pundit who'd belly up and say to Burke,"So and so was the greatest fighter who ever lived."And Burke would always agree with the guy. The guy could say his grandmother as the greatest fighter who ever lived and Burke would nod his head with a smile.

Everywhere you look there's somebody telling you what's the best and what's the worst and what you should do and not do.Turn on the TV or your computer or the smart phone and you're getting advice from someone who wants to control you and show you he's the burning bush or sell you his product that you can't live without.And if you're in their presence and DON"T AGREE put on your raincoat and get ready for the pissing contest.

Sometimes I get a kick of reading these threads that start out with something like who was better,so and so or what's his name? and twenty pages later the topic has shifted to two guys that weren't in the original question in the first place.,Then you wait for it to degenerate it a personality war that usually questions the opposite's intelligence or masculinity.

No wonder you don't see ex pugs writing on these forums.They may drop in once in a while for look see,but then if they added their two cents they'd have to go out and buy that raincoat. It's ne thing to get punched in the nose and another to get pissed on.


Gene Tunney

[dagosd2000]

Ain't Like It Was In The Movies

You see these gunfighters of American cowboy lore on the television whether it's an old movie or one of those serials they showed regular and you see all these supposed gunslingers wearing their six shooters low on their hips so when they get in these face to face gun duels they can draw their hardware out of their holsters fast enough to put the guy they're facing planted on Boot Hill.Well, pard that ain't the way it was.

Wyatt Earp,Billy The Kid,Wild Bill Hickok,they never packed their irons like them movie stars did.Why you might ask?Because why give a guy an even chance standing face to face in the street when you could bushwhack the varmint when he ain't lookin'.

Hey, this fella' Earp and his pal Bat Masterson;well,they was fight referees also. They come fixed into the ring but they always kept their guns tucked away in the belt buckles.They didn't strap on any fancy holsters. Bat was the third man in a slew of fights back in the day. Hell,he reffed fights with Kid McCoy,Charkey Mitchell,Jack Root,Gus Ruhlin,George Dixon. I bet you fellas' don't recollect those boys.Before your time.

Then there was that fight in Frisco on that barge with Tom Sharkey and Bob Fitzsimmons.Wyatt Earp was asked to do that referreein' .But Fitzsimons people were dead set agin' it.There was a strong feelin' that Wyatt ,who would make the call, had a bet on The Sailor who was the underdog.Before the fight started Wyatt was frisked and sure enough he was packin' iron.They took his gun but that didn't stop him from disqualifyin' Ruby Robert claiming a low blow There was a big bruhaha afterwards but no one could prove nothin'.They fought again but is time Earp was asked to step aside.

Before I let this go, did you know that John Wayne patterned his acting style from Wyatt Earp?Bet you didn't know that. Well, one day Earp dropped in on a cowboy movie they were making that the director John Ford had a hand in .This was back in the 20's.Wayne was just a bit player then.I guess Ford and Earp were pals. Well, John Wayne got to talkin' with the famous lawman and they chewed the fat all day.After it was over The Duke(he wasn't called The Duke back then)said he was never impressed so much by an individual. He said Wyatt Earp was a man's man.He wanted to play his parts in the movies just like Earp came across when they were talkin'.

Well, I got to saddle up and git to ridin'.Now remember what I told ya' about how them gunslingers wore their six shooters.And there wasn't any of those face to face gun duels like ya' see in the movies.Oh,I forgot .There was one-The Gunfight At The OK Corral. Wyatt Earp was in that one and he bagged him both McLaury brothers,Frank and Tom. Wyatt Earp was the real deal and a straight shooter.


Wyatt Earp

Wild Bill Hickok

Billy The Kid

Didn't wear their guns like those actors in the movies

[dagosd2000]

Little Fish

I used to like going to the gym though I didn't have any grand aspirations to become a fighter.I didn't mind sparring sessions because the fighters I sparred with seldom let loose. I liked going to the fights.I liked hanging around fighters.That's all worn off pretty much.

Last night I was watching on ESPN a football documentary called "The Bullies Of Baltimore." It was about that Super Bowl Season of the Baltimore Ravens and they had some of the former players sitting on stage talking about some of the experiences of that year. Most of their stories were funny punctuated with a lot of male testosterone bravado;basically about how they kicked everybody's ass and didn't take no s--t. They had an audience that was at their feet. They were the good ol' boys being boys and being full of themselves.They knew they had their minions wishing they could have been like them,sitting up there boasting sticking out their chests Their club was exclusive and special and they had their minions drooling with every salty anecdote.I turned it off after awhile.Years ago I would have been salivating like rest of the minions but today their stuff sounded kind of dumb.

Going to these boxing conventions are different.There are certainly the minions sitting around the tables:the wannabees,the Walter Mitty's,the guys that want to be one of the guys.But when the fighters get up to get their awards and give their acceptance speeches the rhetoric is different than what you hear coming out of the mouths of those NFL pig skinners.FIghters don't impress anyone with their real life incidents in the ring about how tough they were. They're a more humble ilk.They're grateful if they still have their health. Oh, they're plenty of minions around,and that includes a lot of the writers who sensationalize a sport that's provakative enough without all the adjectives. But that's a common pitfall for scribblers.

But to be honest, boxing today is starting to hear fighters who are making more threats with their mouths than with their gloves. Ali started it.But he you could tell was a lot of tongue in cheek.It's becoming more of a sad trend.

Like I opened up with,I don't get the same battery charge that I used to get when I attend these boxing shows.But maybe I shouldn't.When I see some of these fighters and how they've wound up it kind of sets me aside.I don't want to be one of the guys because I never was one.If you play the sport then you're in the fraternity.If you never played the sport then you're an outsider.Nothing wrong with that unless you behave like a minion.I always thought the word "minion" sounds like the word "minnow."And that's a little fish.


Carmen Basilio.I never heard him tell a story about how tough he was finishing his yarn with a nervous laugh.

[dagosd2000]

His Own Method

I was watching last night that movie "The Prizefighter And The Lady" made in 1934.I'd have to say Max Baer had the leading role playing the part of a street tough turned fighter who sweeps Myrna Loy off her her feet taking her away from a mob boss. Lay was in those "Thin Man" movies with Bill Powell and was a big star anyway.She had all the leading men with her at one time or another.Also in the flick is Walter Huton,John Huston's dad, who won an Academy Award for playing that salty old prospector in "The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre" with Bogey. I guess I got to add that Jack Dempsey and Primo Carnera(who was the champ at the time)were thrown in to add some authenticity. They were never going to give Larry Olivier a run for his money.

Just my two cents but I thought that Maxie was just a good an actor as he was a fighter.Now I know he never won an Oscar for nothin' but he was aiming for that anyhow. In that flick,"The Prizefighter And The Lady " he was the big star in my opinion.. He was a heel in the movie always chasing some dame around behind Myrna Loy's back yet he wasn't a mean spirited sort-just a horny bastard.He played himself in a way.He was a happy go lucky guy,him and his brother Buddy.They wanted to enjoy life as much as possible. That's why Maxie didn't reach the heights of let's say a Joe Louis.He figured if you wanted it more than him in the ring it was OK. That's how Jimmy Braddock scalped him to win the titleJimmy wanted it more that night when he won the title from Maxie.

After his fighting career was over(he couldn't get past Lou Nova)Lou Costello used him a lot ,him and his bro,in those Abbott And Costello comedy movies.He'd play a tough guy but with veneer that was coated with candy.Then later when Abbott and Costello made those comedy shorts in the 50's you often see Maxie playing the same part. -the rough guy but only around the edges.

I always liked Ron Howard.He was Opie Taylor and then was in that nostalgic flick "American Graffiti" that ran into that TV series "Happy Days" and then he branched out directing movies.He wasn't Hitchcock but he was all right.But he blew it big time when he directed "Cinderella Man" ,that flick that was supposed to depict Jimmy Braddock winning the title from Baer in that biggest upset up to that time.He painted Baer a a villain.a sort of monster,who tried to intimidate Braddock with that I'm going to do to you what I did to Frankie Campbell crap. That was as low a blow as i ever saw. Baer never did that.He wasn't at al like he was portrayed in that movie.Maxie lost the title because, like he took life,he goofed off too much.I think Howard wishes he didn't direct that one,or at least do it differently.

You can easily say that Max Baer was not one of those method actors.He was no Marlon Brando.But I don't think Maxie cared about that kind of spiel anyway. He was having too much fun.And besides,Marlon Brando never was the Heavyweight Champion Of The World. Oh,he did win two Oscars,but what would you have rather had on your mantle?The Heavyweight Championship Belt,or a statue of some naked guy ?


Max Baer

[dagosd2000]

Max Baer,a big kid. Once I was with my parents at the Del Mar Hotel outside the racetrack.This was back in 1957.A lot of celebrities would gather there for the racing season. We were all sitting outdoors enjoying the afternoon.I went to the snack bar and ordered a hot dog.I got the dog and turned around to go back where my parents were sitting. As soon as I turned I ran into what I thought was an oak tree.However that tree was a person instead.It was Max Baer.He startled the hell out of me.He let out a big laugh and put his arm around me.
"Watch where your going boy,"he said with a s--t eating grin on his face.
I knew who he was because I followed boxing then and saw him in those Abbott And Costello programs.When I got back to where my parents were they were laughing too.Max Baer made a lot of people laugh.It's a shame what happened to Frankie Campbell. Baer never got over it.And by the way,shame on you Ron Howard.A lot of people who never heard of Max Baer now think he was a creep.

[dagosd2000]

Big Little Brother

Buddy Baer was Max's baby brother but he was bigger in size than Maxie.He stood 6 foot 7 and his fighting weight was in the vicinity of 240 pounds. He began his pro career after Max beat Carnera for the championship and although he had no amateur experience he got off to fast start by winning his first 13 in a row against an array of tomato cans.Like Max, he possessed a wallop and in 57 wins his opponents failed to reach the final round 53 times.

After stopping Nathan Mann and Tony Galento he had enough clout to land a title shot with Joe Louis.The fight was set for Griffith Stadium in Washington.Although the pundits considered him a member of Louis' Bum Of The Month Club, Buddy had enough in him to knock Louis through the ring ropes in the 1st round ala Firpo. it looked like there was a huge upset in the making but Louis shook the cobwebs out and fought back hard. Buddy wasn't shy about trading blows with Joe but it was Louis who got the final one in in the 7th round.There was a rematch that warranted a trip to The Garden but this time it all Louis punching out Buddy's time card in ,less than a round.Buddy called it a career after that loss.

Buddy then hooked up with his older sib and they tip toed through Tinsel Town landing bit parts in movies and later TV.

You never hear much talk about Buddy Baer.His prowess seems to fall into the big lug category.Maxie may have been a clown but he was the champ.Buddy on the other hand was all Emmett Kelly.

It gets me about how these guys on the forum often don't give one of the "smaller" heavyweight champs a chance if they got into the ring with one of the Hulk Hogan types of heavyweights of recent history.How could little guys like Marciano,Charles, or Louis have stood up to the Klitschkos or a Wilder or the Joshua Tree or the Giant Masturbator?Size alone would be their credentials. It's always the argument that those "little" guys would never get inside.They'd run smack dab into the big artillery.I don't buy it.Skill takes precedence and whoever gets o the other guy's chin.

Well, by now you know how I feel about lists and what ifs,but I'll bet you a can of Emmett Kelly's greasepaint that if Buddy Baer was around today he'd be wearing some kind of alphabet title belt.Remember, there were some giant heavies back in the 30's and 40's-Carnera,Nova,Simon,and Buddy Baer.They could never get past that "little" guy Joe Louis.


Joe Louis

[dagosd2000]

Not Of This World

"Is Rodolfo Gonzalez going to be there?"I asked Rick Farris over the phone.
We were discussing the upcoming World Boxing Hall Of fame event.
"I can't get ahold of him. His number is disconnected and Barb is in a home now."
"The last time I talked to her she said she was feeling fine and that she was taking all these vitamins.She also said that Gato couldn't drive the car at night anymore because he falls asleep at the wheel."
"Well, he's always welcome."
"How about Armando Muniz?"
"No.He's got the dementia.He won't be going."
"I see you're going to induct Carlos Zargte."
"They say he's got some rare disease.I don't know if he'll make it."
"How about Ryan O'Neal?"
"He can't come anymore.He's very sick."
"Well,give me your address so I can send you the money for the ticket."
"Does Maria want to go?"
"My wife was nearby in the kitchen cooking something.
"She's right here.I'll ask her."
My wife said that our daughter would be out of town that weekend so there would be no one to watch the dogs.
"Just one ticket this time Rick.We've got no one to watch the dogs."
"I'll tell you what.Send me your address and I'll mail you the ticket and then you can send me a check in the mail."
We exchanged information and were all set.
"The Hall Of Fame is going to be at the Biltmore Hotel this year,"said Rick.
"Yeah.That should be interesting."
"The place has a lot of history.All the presidents have stayed there."
"I'll have a check in the mail today then."
"I'll have the ticket sent to you.'
We hung up.Then I thought about asking my wife if she wanted to change her mind but then there was no one to watch the dogs.


Rick Farris at the podium.West Coast Boxing Hall Of Fame.Dan Hanley in the background.

[goose 5]

Sorry to hear about Mando Muniz-I've spent a few hours talking with him and like him very much.

[dagosd2000]

Sorry to hear about Mando Muniz-I've spent a few hours talking with him and like him very much.

As nice a guy as you'd find.A few years ago at the WCBHF he mentioned at the dais that they had taken his drivers license away. His daughter drove him to the event.He was in very good humor but you could tell his jocularity was slipping into something juvenile. Last year he didn't attend. This year he won't be there either.If there ever was a guy who got screwed out of winning a championship it was him.


Me and Mando.I told him that when I saw Jose Napoles in Ciudad Juarez I asked him about the first fight.Jose said he felt bad about that. Mando seemed touched by that comment.
"He really said that?"
"Yes he did."
"You think he'd say that to me?"
"I'm sure he would,"I told him.
Well, Napoles is gone and I hope that Mando has made his peace with the past.

[goose 5]

It's funny-Clyde Gray is also about the nicest guy you could imagine and they had a terrific fight together.

[dagosd2000]

It's funny-Clyde Gray is also about the nicest guy you could imagine and they had a terrific fight together.

What struck me about that fight was that I think Napoles was starting to take his foot off the gas.He had Grey Down but didn't seem interested in finishing him off.I believe they were showing the scoring round by round on the screen as the fight went along thus both fighters knew where they stood as the fight progressed. Napoles won but he didn't look sharp.HIs next fight was against Monzon and he looked awful.Then he fought Hedgemon Lewis at altitude in Mexico City.Then he fought a cream puff in Haracio Saldano also in Mexico City. The WBA then stripped him of his belt because he wouldn't fight Angel Espada.He thought he would have an easy time with Muniz.Armando tells the story of when he arrived in Acapulco Jose Sulaiman had the nerve to ask him if he thought he could win.Mando handed Napoles his lunch but Sulaiman had his nephew,Carlos berumen, reffing the fight.When it looked like Jose couldn't continue and was intentionally hitting Muniz below the belt,Berumen DQ'd Muniz! That was after he got the signal from his uncle.There was a rematch.It was brutal.Jose won fair and square but it was time to stick a fork in him.John Stracey did that the next time out.


Jose Napoles

[dagosd2000]

The Greatest Nobody Knows

Time is running out for Terence "Bud" Crawford.What's left of the boxing pundits consider him the best P4P pug out there right now.They've been saying that for awhile. He dominates in every fight.He has remarkable skills.He's fluid and relaxed and smart.His defense is coated with Teflon.He can slip a punch by a hair's breadth and then counter with either hand and name the type of punch.39 and 0 is his record with 30 KO's to boot. Problem is if you hung his face in the post office you'd have to read the fine print to know what he is all about. Everybody knows what Lebron looks like. Ditto with Tom Brady.Aaron Judge is a familiar face. But who's this guy Terence Crawford?Oh. He's best fighter out there?Well, fill me in. I never heard of him.

Since 2019 Terence Crawford has fought one time a year. He's so domineering that his battles are more like training exercises. HIs nickname should be "One Sided" instead of "Bud." He got rid of one promoter and now is with Top Rank and he ain't fighting except for his once a year gig. and he's got nothing lined up for the future.

They've been talking about Crawford getting in the ring with another undefeated fella'-Errol Spence. But he's got no more notoriety than good ol' Bud. It ain't like it was with Mayweather and PacMan and when were they going to settle things.The whole world was waiting for that one.

Crawford is 35.Can't say the guy is burnt out.I guess he can keep going fighting once a year a few more times. But let's say he goes out like Mayweather-undefeated.It'll be the biggest travesty ever in the fight game. A champ,undefeated,considered the best pound for pound around in his day; and nobody has ever heard of him.

Maybe he should go out become a rapper or put the moves on Beyonce.I mean the guy needs some publicity.


Terence "Bud" Crawford

[dagosd2000]

The Uncrowned Champion

Every time I think of Armando Muniz I go back to his first fight with Jose Napoles.Jose Napoles was my favorite fighter.I wanted Jose to win.Jose Suiaiman hand picked Muniz because he thought Napoles wouldn't have a problem beating him.Napoles came unto the fight taking Muniz lightly.Muniz climbed through the ropes ready to win a championship.

Muniz pressed Napoles from the start working him over with a strong body attack. Napoles couldn't shake him.As the fight wore on it was evident that Napoles was in big trouble. He didn't have enough left in his tank to finish.If he did he probably would have gotten a gift decision.But Muniz knew that.He wasn't going to cut him any slack.So with everything going awry the referee stopped the fight just when Napoles was about to collapse awarding the fight to him on a foul.

Every time I saw Armando at a boxing ceremony and they asked him to come to the podium and say something he'd be introduced as "The uncrowned champion."He must have heard that a thousand times.I don't know how he felt about it.I'm sure he eventually took it as one of life's low blows.LIfe went on for him.He had a family.He was a school teacher,the school's wrestling coach. and had bail bond business.

I've often seen Napoles' win that night ove Muniz simply listed as a "win by TD 12th round." End of story.Sounds like a positive entry instead of an injustice.

I hate a bad decision even if my favorite fighter benefits.At the time I didn't like Ken Norton when had those fights with Ali. But the last two were similar to the first one and Norton got gypped. More money to be made with Ali winning than Norton.All Ali had to do is last. So he held and stalled and got hit with harder shots yet he benefitted anyway. Ali's second fight with Frazier was the same. He took a beating and got his hand raised.

But the Ali fanatics believed their hero won because he got his hand raised at the end and that's how they recorded it in the record book.His fan club will explain in detail how it happened and that's why he got his hand raised. I wanted Jose Napoles to beat Armando Muniz in Acapulco. But after watching that result I wanted to throw in the towel.Napoles won the rematch. He didn't take Muniz lightly again..Armando admits he lost the rematch fair and square.

I would like to see Armando's answer to the forum question,"Is boxing the most corrupt sport in the world?"He could certainly speak from experience.

Two champions and an uncrowned one