BoxRec

Happy Birthday to your daughter from the Higgins family in Chi-town Frank.

Expug wrote:Happy Birthday to your daughter from the Higgins family in Chi-town Frank.

Thank you puggys.....

Rick Farris wrote:

Bobbin & Weavin wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

Frank,
Tell your daughter from one 52 year old to another, peace, health & Happy Birthday.

Bobbin & Weavin

I never met Linda, but when I started boxing she would have been eight-years-old. Tony was only three! Damn, I guess the rocking chair is next for me

-Rick

You want to borrow mine Rick?

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

Feliz Cumpleanos. Be sure to sing Mananitas.

Did you sing Mananitas?

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

All the best to your daughter Frank, A belated Happy Birthday to her. I hope you and your family had a great time.

Randy

Hey Rog, I seem to recall you mentioning the San Diego Coliseum a while back. I fought a four rounder there against Nacho Cota on August 13, 1976 (Friday the 13th) it was on the undercard of Manuel Lujan - Miguel Meza fight. I've tried to get info on the Coliseum but I can't seem to find anything. it's like it never existed. Plenty of info on the Sports Arena. I just wanted to visit it next time I'm in San Diego.

Randy

Rog and Pug, I am a big fan of hot dogs, especially Chicago style, with the works, especially that little sport pepper. since both of you guys are from Chicago, and New York seems to be equally as famous for their dogs, how do they stack up against a Chicago dog? Personally, I've eaten at their most famous hot dog joint, Nathan's, and while it wasn't bad, I wasn't impressed. Same question for the Pizzas. Just wondering.

Randy

Randy, I love a Chicago dog.
There are some great places here in Chicago no doubt.
Theres a joint called Byrons thats one of my favorites not too far from Wrigley Field and a place in Skokie called Poochies thats real good.
Demon Dogs is good too its by Depaul .
Another place called wiener Circle is quite popular late at night with the partiers.
The joint is known verbally abusive people behind the counter.
People think thats cute, order a dog, have the help f..k with you.
Me, I dont go there because I know how that situation will turn out.
I'll be riding in the back of a squad car.
The Pizza that Chicago is known for is deep dish.
Unos, Dues, Giordanos, etc etc Id say Chicagos got that market cornered.
New York has great stuff too. Ive only been there once though and the only pizza I had was thin crust.It was in the Bronx .It was real good too.
I was there working out with a Judo club.

Randyman wrote:Hey Rog, I seem to recall you mentioning the San Diego Coliseum a while back. I fought a four rounder there against Nacho Cota on August 13, 1976 (Friday the 13th) it was on the undercard of Manuel Lujan - Miguel Meza fight. I've tried to get info on the Coliseum but I can't seem to find anything. it's like it never existed. Plenty of info on the Sports Arena. I just wanted to visit it next time I'm in San Diego.

Randy

"Make him a land owner!"
-Mel Epstein, 1974.

Geez Randy, Mel took you to fight in that little cock pit also, huh? I hope you did better than I did, actually, you couldn't have done worse. I had one of those fights a guy takes with less than a week of training after two years of inactivity. I fought a bum, but looked like a bigger bum than my opponent. My opponet couldn't hit me, but I can't remember landing on him either, except for a deliberate low blow I tossed in the 5th round of the six rounder, just to slow him down a moment while I caught my breath. Mel could see I was getting winded after the fourth round and instructed me in the corner to "make him a land owner", in other words, "give him a couple of achers" (not acres), if you get my meaning.

I did what Mel instructed, and the ploy worked. I slowed him down alright, but my subtle indiscretion proved not to be so subtle. Instead of giving a little back of the glove "flick" between the legs, I was tired and ended up throwing a wide uppercut up from the floor, landing square on his cajones, raising him to his tip toes before he collapsed to the canvas, clutching his crotch and groaning. The crowd booed and tossed cups of beer into the ring as the ref waved his finger in my face, threatening to disqualify me if I did it again. I shrugged my shoulders, as if sorry, but I was actually happy to get a little breather. After a couple mintutes of rest, my opponent was ready to fight again and I gotta tell you, that was one pissed off Mexican. He was so mad he played right into my game plan, but it was too late to make a difference. I lost a unanimous decision and that would be the last time I fought in San Diego. I'd gotten cut in the fourth round from a head butt, the tiny little shower in the make-shift dressing room flooded into the hallway, and water ran down the aisle of the Coliseum to the ring, like a shallow water fall cascading down the steps. The ringside doc who stitched me up in the dressing room was half blind and told me he'd forgotten his glasses and would try not to poke my eyeball with the needle he was stitching me. Overall it was a bad night, which pretty much is the story I've gotten from other L.A. fighters who had the misfortune of attempting to resurrect boxing careers there.

I know the Coliseum holds special memories for many prizefighters, but as far as I'm concerned, if I were to hear it was raised by a bulldozer, I'd smile and think to myself, "It's about time!"

-Rick

Rick, I know what you mean fighting a guy after time away and winding up with a less than desired result.
I fought a guy to a draw here in Chicago at the park west in 89 . (which is a nice venue).
Id been off awhile.I should won easy. Instead it was a war.
The problem for me after that fight was , I knew the promoter was real dissapointed.
He kept telling my trainer"Brian shoulda beat that guy". All the while shaking his head.
Which meant he wasnt intersted in me anymore which meant he was gonna start sending me out of town.I was gonna be the opponnent. Build somebody up.Thats the way the game was played here.

dagosd2000 wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

Feliz Cumpleanos. Be sure to sing Mananitas.

Did you sing Mananitas?

Thanks diego for the Feliz Cumpleanos for my daughter.

No, I didn't sing the Mananitas, hey I only sing when the cops get ahold of me, then I sing like a canary.

Randyman wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

All the best to your daughter Frank, A belated Happy Birthday to her. I hope you and your family had a great time.

Randy

Thanks Randy, we went to Shakey's, but I had to come home as I wasn't feeling good at all.

Rude employees at the Wiener Circle ? I haven't been there since the early 90's, but there was there every week in the 80's. Always had attractive girls working there then. There char broiled dogs are great.

Fat Johnny's on South Western was a legend, but I'm pretty sure he's gone. Portillo's is pretty good for a fastfood chain.

Best Pizza in Chicago ? Right now I'd say it's a toss up between Palermo's (Sicilian style sauce) and Leona's.

Sorry you didnt feel good Frank.
Hey,we used to have Shakeys here in Chicago, but I think they are gone now.
Isnt that the place with the piano that plays on its own?

Seamus wrote:Rude employees at the Wiener Circle ? I haven't been there since the early 90's, but there was there every week in the 80's. Always had attractive girls working there then. There char broiled dogs are great.

Fat Johnny's on South Western was a legend, but I'm pretty sure he's gone. Portillo's is pretty good for a fastfood chain.

Best Pizza in Chicago ? Right now I'd say it's a toss up between Palermo's (Sicilian style sauce) and Leona's.

Yeah, Seamus I just saw something about Weiners Circle on the tube recently.Chicago tonite or one of those local programs.
Its the in thing over in that area to hit Weiners Circle late at night and listen to the help give you a hard time.
They showed them at work.Its true.
These are different times .

Expug wrote:Sorry you didnt feel good Frank.
Hey,we used to have Shakeys here in Chicago, but I think they are gone now.
Isnt that the place with the piano that plays on its own?

There's no piano in this Shakey's.

kikibalt wrote:

Expug wrote:Sorry you didnt feel good Frank.
Hey,we used to have Shakeys here in Chicago, but I think they are gone now.
Isnt that the place with the piano that plays on its own?

There's no piano in this Shakey's.

Maybe I got it confused.
Wouldnt be the first time.

Expug wrote:Randy, I love a Chicago dog.
There are some great places here in Chicago no doubt.
Theres a joint called Byrons thats one of my favorites not too far from Wrigley Field and a place in Skokie called Poochies thats real good.
Demon Dogs is good too its by Depaul .
Another place called wiener Circle is quite popular late at night with the partiers.
The joint is known verbally abusive people behind the counter.
People think thats cute, order a dog, have the help f..k with you.
Me, I dont go there because I know how that situation will turn out.
I'll be riding in the back of a squad car.
The Pizza that Chicago is known for is deep dish.
Unos, Dues, Giordanos, etc etc Id say Chicagos got that market cornered.
New York has great stuff too. Ive only been there once though and the only pizza I had was thin crust.It was in the Bronx .It was real good too.
I was there working out with a Judo club.

One of these days I'm going to make it up to Chicago, specifically for the dogs. There's a place called Mustard's in Long Beach that serves a great hot dog. The whole menu is Chicago. They have an Italian Beef sandwich with a sausage in the middle. Unbelievable. That bright green relish and sport pepper is what gets me.

With pizza I go back and forth between the thin crust and deep dish, depending on my mood I guess. It's all good stuff. But when it comes to hot dogs, Chicago dogs, at least the ones I've had here in California, beat them all.
Good stuff
Randy

Expug wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Expug wrote:Sorry you didnt feel good Frank.
Hey,we used to have Shakeys here in Chicago, but I think they are gone now.
Isnt that the place with the piano that plays on its own?

There's no piano in this Shakey's.

Maybe I got it confused.
Wouldnt be the first time.

No Pug, you got it right, only they haven't had a piano in Shakey's for at least ten years. It was there trademark. I hadn't thought about that for years. You wouldn't be able to hear it over all the video games. Nothing stays the same.

Randy

kikibalt wrote:

Randyman wrote:

kikibalt wrote:Today is my one and only daughter, Linda, birthday and we are having a little party at Shakey's Pizza for her tonight, I'll shoot some pics. and post'em late.

Btw she is 52 today.

All the best to your daughter Frank, A belated Happy Birthday to her. I hope you and your family had a great time.

Randy

Thanks Randy, we went to Shakey's, but I had to come home as I wasn't feeling good at all.

Sorry to hear that Frank. I hope you're feeling better now.

Rick Farris wrote:

Randyman wrote:Hey Rog, I seem to recall you mentioning the San Diego Coliseum a while back. I fought a four rounder there against Nacho Cota on August 13, 1976 (Friday the 13th) it was on the undercard of Manuel Lujan - Miguel Meza fight. I've tried to get info on the Coliseum but I can't seem to find anything. it's like it never existed. Plenty of info on the Sports Arena. I just wanted to visit it next time I'm in San Diego.

Randy

"Make him a land owner!"
-Mel Epstein, 1974.

Geez Randy, Mel took you to fight in that little cock pit also, huh? I hope you did better than I did, actually, you couldn't have done worse. I had one of those fights a guy takes with less than a week of training after two years of inactivity. I fought a bum, but looked like a bigger bum than my opponent. My opponet couldn't hit me, but I can't remember landing on him either, except for a deliberate low blow I tossed in the 5th round of the six rounder, just to slow him down a moment while I caught my breath. Mel could see I was getting winded after the fourth round and instructed me in the corner to "make him a land owner", in other words, "give him a couple of achers" (not acres), if you get my meaning.

I did what Mel instructed, and the ploy worked. I slowed him down alright, but my subtle indiscretion proved not to be so subtle. Instead of giving a little back of the glove "flick" between the legs, I was tired and ended up throwing a wide uppercut up from the floor, landing square on his cajones, raising him to his tip toes before he collapsed to the canvas, clutching his crotch and groaning. The crowd booed and tossed cups of beer into the ring as the ref waved his finger in my face, threatening to disqualify me if I did it again. I shrugged my shoulders, as if sorry, but I was actually happy to get a little breather. After a couple mintutes of rest, my opponent was ready to fight again and I gotta tell you, that was one pissed off Mexican. He was so mad he played right into my game plan, but it was too late to make a difference. I lost a unanimous decision and that would be the last time I fought in San Diego. I'd gotten cut in the fourth round from a head butt, the tiny little shower in the make-shift dressing room flooded into the hallway, and water ran down the aisle of the Coliseum to the ring, like a shallow water fall cascading down the steps. The ringside doc who stitched me up in the dressing room was half blind and told me he'd forgotten his glasses and would try not to poke my eyeball with the needle he was stitching me. Overall it was a bad night, which pretty much is the story I've gotten from other L.A. fighters who had the misfortune of attempting to resurrect boxing careers there.

I know the Coliseum holds special memories for many prizefighters, but as far as I'm concerned, if I were to hear it was raised by a bulldozer, I'd smile and think to myself, "It's about time!"

-Rick

Yeah, Mel took me there too. And you're right, that shower was smaller than a phone booth, no water pressure either. I fought a draw with Ignacio "Nacho" Cota but take my word for it. I beat that guy. Mel was pissed. But hey, that's the way it goes. no complaints. The crowd was on my side that night. I still have that old pair of trunks around somewhere in a box. His blood is still on them. Funny thing is, is that I saw him after the fight as we were leaving. I went up to him to shake his hand and thank him for a good fight. He wouldn't look me in the eye. I always took it to mean he knew damned well he lost that fight. Maybe he just had self esteem problems.

We took the bus there and had supper at the Grant hotel. Is that still there?

I gotta laugh because I know for a fact Mel had no qualms about landing a punch south of the border, or an elbow. Just don't get caught! Did he ever tell you about "Elbows" McFaggin? I never could tell if he was making him up or if he was real. Great story Rick.

Randy

Randyman wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

Randyman wrote:Hey Rog, I seem to recall you mentioning the San Diego Coliseum a while back. I fought a four rounder there against Nacho Cota on August 13, 1976 (Friday the 13th) it was on the undercard of Manuel Lujan - Miguel Meza fight. I've tried to get info on the Coliseum but I can't seem to find anything. it's like it never existed. Plenty of info on the Sports Arena. I just wanted to visit it next time I'm in San Diego.

Randy

"Make him a land owner!"
-Mel Epstein, 1974.

Geez Randy, Mel took you to fight in that little cock pit also, huh? I hope you did better than I did, actually, you couldn't have done worse. I had one of those fights a guy takes with less than a week of training after two years of inactivity. I fought a bum, but looked like a bigger bum than my opponent. My opponet couldn't hit me, but I can't remember landing on him either, except for a deliberate low blow I tossed in the 5th round of the six rounder, just to slow him down a moment while I caught my breath. Mel could see I was getting winded after the fourth round and instructed me in the corner to "make him a land owner", in other words, "give him a couple of achers" (not acres), if you get my meaning.

I did what Mel instructed, and the ploy worked. I slowed him down alright, but my subtle indiscretion proved not to be so subtle. Instead of giving a little back of the glove "flick" between the legs, I was tired and ended up throwing a wide uppercut up from the floor, landing square on his cajones, raising him to his tip toes before he collapsed to the canvas, clutching his crotch and groaning. The crowd booed and tossed cups of beer into the ring as the ref waved his finger in my face, threatening to disqualify me if I did it again. I shrugged my shoulders, as if sorry, but I was actually happy to get a little breather. After a couple mintutes of rest, my opponent was ready to fight again and I gotta tell you, that was one pissed off Mexican. He was so mad he played right into my game plan, but it was too late to make a difference. I lost a unanimous decision and that would be the last time I fought in San Diego. I'd gotten cut in the fourth round from a head butt, the tiny little shower in the make-shift dressing room flooded into the hallway, and water ran down the aisle of the Coliseum to the ring, like a shallow water fall cascading down the steps. The ringside doc who stitched me up in the dressing room was half blind and told me he'd forgotten his glasses and would try not to poke my eyeball with the needle he was stitching me. Overall it was a bad night, which pretty much is the story I've gotten from other L.A. fighters who had the misfortune of attempting to resurrect boxing careers there.

I know the Coliseum holds special memories for many prizefighters, but as far as I'm concerned, if I were to hear it was raised by a bulldozer, I'd smile and think to myself, "It's about time!"

-Rick

Yeah, Mel took me there too. And you're right, that shower was smaller than a phone booth, no water pressure either. I fought a draw with Ignacio "Nacho" Cota but take my word for it. I beat that guy. Mel was pissed. But hey, that's the way it goes. no complaints. The crowd was on my side that night. I still have that old pair of trunks around somewhere in a box. His blood is still on them. Funny thing is, is that I saw him after the fight as we were leaving. I went up to him to shake his hand and thank him for a good fight. He wouldn't look me in the eye. I always took it to mean he knew damned well he lost that fight. Maybe he just had self esteem problems.

We took the bus there and had supper at the Grant hotel. Is that still there?

I gotta laugh because I know for a fact Mel had no qualms about landing a punch south of the border, or an elbow. Just don't get caught! Did he ever tell you about "Elbows" McFaggin? I never could tell if he was making him up or if he was real. Great story Rick.

Randy

Randy . . The U.S. Grant hotel was where Mel and I ate before my match, and, to my regret where Mel had me "rest" for the fight. When I say rest, I don't mean in one of their rooms, I mean in the damn lobby! We were provided plane tickets by Mickey Davies, for Mel and I to fly down there. However, Mel said, "real fighters don't need a damn plane ticket. Firp and I used to drive in a Buick, and Firp was a real fighter, who cut his hair and didn't run around with broads when he was supposed to train, like you do", etc. etc. So Mel refused the ticket, as if Mickey were trying to put something over on him, and we ended up driving for nearly six hours on the day of the fight with one of his old friends, who drove no faster than 50 mph. the whole way. I tried to stretch out in the tiny back seat and sleep, however, when I would finally nod off, some driver would pull up behind his friend, who drove slow in the fast lane, and lay on his horn. I would sit up suddenly, wondering wat the hell was going on. People would be passing us by giving the driver and Mel the finger, and the two old goats would just make faces at them. By the time we reached San Diego, I wanted to kill both of them. I expected we'd get a room where I could relax, but Mel again said that the hotel lobby was the way to go. by the time I stepped into the arena, I hated everything about San Diego. After fighting at the Olympic, andthe FORUM, and in Vegas, etc. here I was in a crap hole with a trainer so blind he could hardly wrap my hands. If Mel ever attempted to wrap your hands, you know what I mean. I was used to Johnny Flores wrapping my hands, and he was as good as there was. Yeah, I remember the U.S. Grant Hotel, and I hope it burned down, as I hope the Coliseum does one day. Sorry Rog, but thanks to Mel Epstein, I love L.A. but I hate San Diego. I wouldn't even drive down there to take my daughters to the zoo when they were little, I told them I'll take you to the crappy L.A. Zoo and also take you to Dineyland & Knotts Berry Farm, anything but San Diego!!!! Look what happened to Ali in San Diego on March 31, 1973. Gets his jaw broken by Norton of all people, a guy whose chin was so weak he was flattened by Jose Luis Garcia, a blown-up light-heavy with congenital syphllis. As I said before, nothing good ever happened to a boxer in San Diego, and I'm sure Archie Moore would have had a better shot at winning a heavyweight title had he lived in L.A. whoa!!!

-Rick Farris

Randyman wrote:

Expug wrote:Randy, I love a Chicago dog.
There are some great places here in Chicago no doubt.
Theres a joint called Byrons thats one of my favorites not too far from Wrigley Field and a place in Skokie called Poochies thats real good.
Demon Dogs is good too its by Depaul .
Another place called wiener Circle is quite popular late at night with the partiers.
The joint is known verbally abusive people behind the counter.
People think thats cute, order a dog, have the help f..k with you.
Me, I dont go there because I know how that situation will turn out.
I'll be riding in the back of a squad car.
The Pizza that Chicago is known for is deep dish.
Unos, Dues, Giordanos, etc etc Id say Chicagos got that market cornered.
New York has great stuff too. Ive only been there once though and the only pizza I had was thin crust.It was in the Bronx .It was real good too.
I was there working out with a Judo club.

One of these days I'm going to make it up to Chicago, specifically for the dogs. There's a place called Mustard's in Long Beach that serves a great hot dog. The whole menu is Chicago. They have an Italian Beef sandwich with a sausage in the middle. Unbelievable. That bright green relish and sport pepper is what gets me.

With pizza I go back and forth between the thin crust and deep dish, depending on my mood I guess. It's all good stuff. But when it comes to hot dogs, Chicago dogs, at least the ones I've had here in California, beat them all.
Good stuff
Randy

Randy, the Italian beef sandwiches are famous here too.
The beef and sausage sandwich is called a combo.
There are some great little stands around town.
That without a doudt is my favorite of the so called fast foods.
I order it with both kinds of peppers hot and sweet.
The way to order it here is to walk up to the counter and say,"gimme a combo with both".
Chicago Style.

Expug wrote:

Randyman wrote:

Expug wrote:Randy, I love a Chicago dog.
There are some great places here in Chicago no doubt.
Theres a joint called Byrons thats one of my favorites not too far from Wrigley Field and a place in Skokie called Poochies thats real good.
Demon Dogs is good too its by Depaul .
Another place called wiener Circle is quite popular late at night with the partiers.
The joint is known verbally abusive people behind the counter.
People think thats cute, order a dog, have the help f..k with you.
Me, I dont go there because I know how that situation will turn out.
I'll be riding in the back of a squad car.
The Pizza that Chicago is known for is deep dish.
Unos, Dues, Giordanos, etc etc Id say Chicagos got that market cornered.
New York has great stuff too. Ive only been there once though and the only pizza I had was thin crust.It was in the Bronx .It was real good too.
I was there working out with a Judo club.

One of these days I'm going to make it up to Chicago, specifically for the dogs. There's a place called Mustard's in Long Beach that serves a great hot dog. The whole menu is Chicago. They have an Italian Beef sandwich with a sausage in the middle. Unbelievable. That bright green relish and sport pepper is what gets me.

With pizza I go back and forth between the thin crust and deep dish, depending on my mood I guess. It's all good stuff. But when it comes to hot dogs, Chicago dogs, at least the ones I've had here in California, beat them all.
Good stuff
Randy

Randy, the Italian beef sandwiches are famous here too.
The beef and sausage sandwich is called a combo.
There are some great little stands around town.
That without a doudt is my favorite of the so called fast foods.
I order it with both kinds of peppers hot and sweet.
The way to order it here is to walk up to the counter and say,"gimme a combo with both".
Chicago Style.

I'm salivating! I almost feel like taking the red eye to Chicago tonight!! I'm gonna dream about a combo tonight.

Randy . . The U.S. Grant hotel was where Mel and I ate before my match, and, to my regret where Mel had me "rest" for the fight. When I say rest, I don't mean in one of their rooms, I mean in the damn lobby! We were provided plane tickets by Mickey Davies, for Mel and I to fly down there. However, Mel said, "real fighters don't need a damn plane ticket. Firp and I used to drive in a Buick, and Firp was a real fighter, who cut his hair and didn't run around with broads when he was supposed to train, like you do", etc. etc. So Mel refused the ticket, as if Mickey were trying to put something over on him, and we ended up driving for nearly six hours on the day of the fight with one of his old friends, who drove no faster than 50 mph. the whole way. I tried to stretch out in the tiny back seat and sleep, however, when I would finally nod off, some driver would pull up behind his friend, who drove slow in the fast lane, and lay on his horn. I would sit up suddenly, wondering wat the hell was going on. People would be passing us by giving the driver and Mel the finger, and the two old goats would just make faces at them. By the time we reached San Diego, I wanted to kill both of them. I expected we'd get a room where I could relax, but Mel again said that the hotel lobby was the way to go. by the time I stepped into the arena, I hated everything about San Diego. After fighting at the Olympic, andthe FORUM, and in Vegas, etc. here I was in a crap hole with a trainer so blind he could hardly wrap my hands. If Mel ever attempted to wrap your hands, you know what I mean. I was used to Johnny Flores wrapping my hands, and he was as good as there was. Yeah, I remember the U.S. Grant Hotel, and I hope it burned down, as I hope the Coliseum does one day. Sorry Rog, but thanks to Mel Epstein, I love L.A. but I hate San Diego. I wouldn't even drive down there to take my daughters to the zoo when they were little, I told them I'll take you to the crappy L.A. Zoo and also take you to Dineyland & Knotts Berry Farm, anything but San Diego!!!! Look what happened to Ali in San Diego on March 31, 1973. Gets his jaw broken by Norton of all people, a guy whose chin was so weak he was flattened by Jose Luis Garcia, a blown-up light-heavy with congenital syphllis. As I said before, nothing good ever happened to a boxer in San Diego, and I'm sure Archie Moore would have had a better shot at winning a heavyweight title had he lived in L.A. whoa!!!

-Rick Farris

Rick, Mel and I took the greyhound bus up and back again, the same night!! Mel never wrapped my hands. He showed me once and from then on I wrapped my own.

I can see Mel with his Jimmy Durante face grinding his (false) teeth with his eyes darting side to side when he was angry. He was a character alright.

Randy