BoxRec

Rick Farris wrote:Posthumous WBHOF Inductees . . .

This year's two Posthumous WBHOF Inductees are forme light-heavyweight contender "Young Firpo" (Guido Bardelli) and former welterweight champ, Luis Rodigue of Cuba. The reason I post this is to let you guys know that Rodriguez has no known family to accept the award on his behalf. We were searching fo a proper recipient for the boxer, and finally came up with somebody whom was not only a stablemate of Luis, but also a close fiend and fellow Cuban World Champ from his era. Sugar Ramos will be on hand to accept Luis Rodiguez WBHOF Induction Bronze. Ramos has already been inducted.

Also on hand for the event will be current welterweight champ Antonio Margarito, as well as Israel Vasquez and Raphael Marquez, who will receive 2008 "Fight of the Year" honors for their second war from earlier this year. I know it isn't the "end of the year" yet, however, the WBHOF considers all bouts held from one banquet to another, so a full year does pass.

-Rick

What an impressive list of guesst Rick. I'm really looking forward to it. Same with Ed Hernandez.

bennie wrote:Baby faced Mexican prospect Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr takes on tough-looking Minnesota veteran Matt Vanda in a quick rematch in Las Vegas on November 1. The 10-round headliner replaces the proposed Antonio Margarito-Joshua Clottey welterweight unification showdown, which was never actually finalised and may take place next year.
Unbeaten Chavez scraped a split decision over Vanda after 10 exciting rounds in Mexico in July. The lean, lanky, 22-year-old son of the boxing legend came forward and winged hard punches in customary Chavez-like fashion, particularly to the body, but also proved slow and easy to hit which made for an eventful evening as Chavez ran out of steam and barely made it through the later rounds. Vanda, from the mid-west of America, notorious for its boxing journeymen, proved a revelation as he soaked up Chavez's early pressure and came back from the middle rounds with educated pressure of his own and so nearly forced a stoppage in the eighth and the 10th with hooks and uppercuts. The 30-year-old, heavily tattooed Vanda was once a bright prospect but was winning and losing in equal measure going into the Chavez 10-rounder on Chavez turf - yet the crowd roundly booed the announcement of their man's victory and threw paper cups into the ring.
Vanda deserves this rematch.

Great prefight comments, Bennie. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm starting to feel chavez Junior has reached a plateau in his career. Maybe he's just fighting to please Julio Sr. Maybe he just wasn't feeling good on the last fight. If I'm not mistaken, and I'm going by memory, he was said to be ill, a cold or the flu. Or maybe Vanda is better than previously believed.

kikibalt wrote:
Caption by Diego

I've just been notified by The Museum Of The Living Artist in Balboa Park,San Diego that my portraits of Joe Louis have been selected to be exhibited at the gallry for the month of September. I want to thank Joe Louis for the inspiration.

They deserve to be showcased! Congrats!

dagosd2000 wrote:FIGHT OR FLIGHT

My son is a nice boy. Quiet and polite. The little kids love him to death. He brings loads of Christmas presents over all the time. His mother worries about him. We don't see him that much. He lives in Hollywood. Partners in a restaurant somewhere near Beverly Hills. I've never been there. Ramon doesn't take after me.

Don't let no one kid you. These crazy stories I post on the thread,well don't think that stuff doesn't get around. It got around to Ramon. He's been distant to me,but I don't blame him. I guess he thinks I've been unfair to his mother. I have,but he knows I love her very much and have given her financial stability and taken her all over. We built the house in Michoacan with my money. He also knows I was with him and his sisters all the time growing up. But our temperments are different and then there's those episodes.

All my children left the house without problems. No feuds. They wanted to be on their own. Probably to get away from me. That's what I wanted for them. To be independent. They never ask for money ,though I take my grand children to Europe and Mexico on my dime.

One Christmas Ramon didn't come down. No phone call. Nothing. We tried calling. No answer. Finally a few months later we heard from him. He came down with a buddy. He told us what happened. Ramon and his buddy were leaving a restaurant and were hijacked by two cholo gang members. At first Ramon thought they just wanted his car,but the cholos said thry were going to take them to East LA. to kill them as part of a gang initiation.

Ramon and his friend were put in the back seat of his car. The passanger cholo held two guns on my son. The car was about to go on the freeway onto the off ramp.
My son reacted. Ramon grabbed the gun holder and smashed his head against the window. With his other hand he grabbed the driver and smashed his head against the windshield. In the mean time my son was shot 4 times. Twice in the gut. Twice in the legs. He was in intensive care for four days. That's why he didn't come down for Christmas.

Well he showed us the scars. His mother cried. Ramon is fine now even though he's missing part of his insides. I thought to myself. A nice boy. Played football because he knew I wanted him to play. Wrestled and ran track,but a polite,nice boy. He didn't act like a jock.Then when the moment of truth arrived,he came through like a real man. His friend said Ramon saved his life. I wish we would talk more. I think that day will come. I pray it does.

Sounds like quite a guy Rog. I hope things work out the way you want. Makes me realize how much I miss my own son. Just before he got out of the service he called me and said "Dad, I just want you to know, I won't be going back to California, I'm going to stay up here in Seattle". Man, that hit me hard. My son and I are close. But I have to remind myself I raised a man. He wants to make his own way. Still I miss him.

Pug, since you are a martial artist as well as a boxer you might be interested in this. My younger cousin John was taught Brazilian JuJitsu by one of the Gracie's. He is also an instructor and has his own school. He competed in MMA, he fought in the King of the cage as well. Here is a youtube video of a fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISEKcMEiMss here are his webpages http://delao.i2mmarts.com/default.php and http://onthemat.com/school_database.php?schoolid=241 and an interview: http://spam.tv/de_la_o_jiu_jits ... 1_2005.htm I should mention he is also fighting cancer.He doesn't let that stop him.
Randy

Mando Ramos, teaching kids to boxes

Randyman wrote:Pug, since you are a martial artist as well as a boxer you might be interested in this. My younger cousin John was taught Brazilian JuJitsu by one of the Gracie's. He is also an instructor and has his own school. He competed in MMA, he fought in the King of the cage as well. Here is a youtube video of a fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISEKcMEiMss here are his webpages http://delao.i2mmarts.com/default.php and http://onthemat.com/school_database.php?schoolid=241 and an interview: http://eastsideboxing.tv/de_la_o_jiu_ji ... 1_2005.htm I should mention he is also fighting cancer.He doesn't let that stop him.
Randy

Randy, your cousin is tough.
He looks like a real solid grappler also.
Hes got loads of heart too, doing this while battling cancer.
Your son is in the military also?
They grow em tough in the De La O family thats for sure.
People with heart and honor.

bennie wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:FIGHT OR FLIGHT

My son is a nice boy. Quiet and polite. The little kids love him to death. He brings loads of Christmas presents over all the time. His mother worries about him. We don't see him that much. He lives in Hollywood. Partners in a restaurant somewhere near Beverly Hills. I've never been there. Ramon doesn't take after me.

Don't let no one kid you. These crazy stories I post on the thread,well don't think that stuff doesn't get around. It got around to Ramon. He's been distant to me,but I don't blame him. I guess he thinks I've been unfair to his mother. I have,but he knows I love her very much and have given her financial stability and taken her all over. We built the house in Michoacan with my money. He also knows I was with him and his sisters all the time growing up. But our temperments are different and then there's those episodes.

All my children left the house without problems. No feuds. They wanted to be on their own. Probably to get away from me. That's what I wanted for them. To be independent. They never ask for money ,though I take my grand children to Europe and Mexico on my dime.

One Christmas Ramon didn't come down. No phone call. Nothing. We tried calling. No answer. Finally a few months later we heard from him. He came down with a buddy. He told us what happened. Ramon and his buddy were leaving a restaurant and were hijacked by two cholo gang members. At first Ramon thought they just wanted his car,but the cholos said thry were going to take them to East LA. to kill them as part of a gang initiation.

Ramon and his friend were put in the back seat of his car. The passanger cholo held two guns on my son. The car was about to go on the freeway onto the off ramp.
My son reacted. Ramon grabbed the gun holder and smashed his head against the window. With his other hand he grabbed the driver and smashed his head against the windshield. In the mean time my son was shot 4 times. Twice in the gut. Twice in the legs. He was in intensive care for four days. That's why he didn't come down for Christmas.

Well he showed us the scars. His mother cried. Ramon is fine now even though he's missing part of his insides. I thought to myself. A nice boy. Played football because he knew I wanted him to play. Wrestled and ran track,but a polite,nice boy. He didn't act like a jock.Then when the moment of truth arrived,he came through like a real man. His friend said Ramon saved his life. I wish we would talk more. I think that day will come. I pray it does.

Unbelievable, Rog. Your son is a man.

Bennie summed him up perfectly. A Man.

Ike Williams

Joe Rivers -AKA- Jose Ybarra

Women's Amateur Lightweight Boxing Champion Billie Bachelis
giving a bag punching demonstration at The May Company in
Los Angeles, Calif., 1931

kikibalt wrote:
Women's Amateur Lightweight Boxing Champion Billie Bachelis
giving a bag punching demonstration at The May Company in
Los Angeles, Calif., 1931

This is my new prospect. She has plenty of ''old school'' qualities and her dentures double as a mouthpiece. She hoped to meet everybody at the WBHOF banquet, but the rest home won't let her out after 6pm. Maybe next year?

Again I want to thank all the guys that complemented my son. I remember when he was about 10. We'd go in the back yard every night and put on the gloves. We'd spar for 12 minutes.We would do this through his high school days. It was good for both of us. My kids are independent. I'm extremely close to my two grand children in San Diego as you know. I have 5 more for a total of 7. My 5th great grandchild is on the way. Family is all that I have. And of course my pals on the Classic West Coast Boxing thread.

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:
Women's Amateur Lightweight Boxing Champion Billie Bachelis
giving a bag punching demonstration at The May Company in
Los Angeles, Calif., 1931

This is my new prospect. She has plenty of ''old school'' qualities and her dentures double as a mouthpiece. She hoped to meet everybody at the WBHOF banquet, but the rest home won't let her out after 6pm. Maybe next year?

Rick,

You can't have her, she sign a 5 year contract with me......

Hey guys . . . Armando Muniz will be joining us in the ''Classic Wesr Coast Boxing'' thread soon.

There used to be a middle weight who boxed in the area named Victor Basilio. I think he was originally from Brawley. When Louie Rodriguez was to fight Rafa Gutierrez here in San Diego,Basilio was on the undercard. Rodriguez was working for a shot at Benvenuti's title. I posted this before about the actual fight which looked a little funny. Louie getting the shit kicked out of him for 5 rounds. Then a big left hook in the 6th puts Rafa to sleep. My father goes up to Angelo and says,"You've got your shot" and they go into thr locker room. So much for that.

Basilio trained with Rodriguez. Louie seemed moody down here. He didn't have any one to work with that would push him. Angelo arrived the final week. I remember Jose Napoles came to camp. The Cubans were very close. They had to fight the Castro stigma along with their opponents.

Victor Basilio got a lot of work with Rodriguez. One day they put on an exhibition in Mexicali. Both camps went there for the day. The way I heard it was Basilo was sparring with Louie. Both boys are "marking" their punches. Finally Basilio is looking at Rodriguez and says to himself that Louie looks small for a middle weight. Kind of frail. They're working in there and Basilio decides to throw a good right hand. Well he catches Louie with it and he staggers back. Now Basilio comes forward.

I heard Basilio tell this back in San Diego. He said he wanted to land some more,but the next thing he saw was the sky! Basilio was flat on his back. He couldn't for the life of him understand what happened. He said Rodriguez is standing over him and told him that the understanding was we were going to "pull" our punches. Then you had to get cute. That's why you were looking up at the clouds. Do that again and you can go home.

enrique wrote:I know Luis Rodriguez' sister here in Miami. I haven't seen her in a couple of years but I can try to locate her if you wish.

Outstanding Enrique,but I have a question for you that I think can answer. Jose Napoles said his idol as a fighter was a Cuban by the name of Ciro Morison. I see that he only fought in Cuba. His record looks impressive. If he caught Mantequilla's eye,he had to be pretty good. Did you see him fight? What was he like as a fighter? As a Person? Thanks Roger

Aileen Eaton, internationally-known woman boxing promoter who operates
Olympic Auditorium, one of the most successful clubs in the world, catches
up on reading in backyard of home.

Hiroyuki Ebihara & Fabian Esquivel

Rafael Marquez IV or Manny Pacquiao: Israel Vazquez Speaks of his Options with RSR
Interview by Dan Hernandez
Ringside Report

“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”--Israel Vazquez

Israel Vazquez Castaneda, the current WBC and Ring Magazine Super Bantamweight Champion of the World was born on Christmas Day 1977. He is a relentless offensive fighter with a spectacular left hook. Israel won his first boxing title in 2003, defeating southpaw, Jose Luis Valbuena and capturing the vacant Junior Featherweight IBF Crown, he then became the RING’s Super Bantamweight World Champion by scoring an exciting third round knockout over Oscar Larios, thus winning two of their three matches. Vazquez defeated the WBO Bantamweight Champion, Jhonny Gonzalez on September 16, 2006, having to overcome two knockdowns before gaining the victory.

This set the stage for the trilogy with Rafael Marquez that ranks high on any list of great matches. Each fight was all consuming and had the fans delirious with excitement. Vazquez lost his title to the number one ranked bantamweight Rafael Marquez on March 3, 2007, when he forfeited the bout due to an injured nose. The rematch on July 7, 2007, ended with Vazquez winning by a sixth round knockout. This fight was named Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year for 2007. On March 1, 2008, Vazquez rose from a fourth round knockdown to gain a very tight split decision in their third fight…another candidate for Fight of the Year.

My photographer for the Vazquez-Marquez fight said at its conclusion, “If they fought every week, I’d stand in line to see it every week!” Discussions are on for a fourth fight between the two; however, the list of challengers for champion Vazquez is filled with worthy, talented, opponents. He also has dreams of moving up in division and winning other titles. His ring record to date is, 47-4, 31 KO’s.

Israel recently added television commentary to his list of accomplishments, acting as part of the commentary team covering the Olympics in China for Telemundo, the huge Spanish language network. He is hoping for a future in that area.

We found Israel on a break from his hectic schedule and thank him and his manager Frank Espinosa for their patience and courtesy for the following interview:

DH: Are you ready to fight again?

I can’t say I am in fighting shape but I have been getting that “urge” to get back in the ring and mix it up. I really want to get back in the ring and fight. I don’t care who it is (laughing) I just miss the ring. Right now, I’m taking the advice of my family and my manager, and resting. I know they are looking out for the best interest of me. Nevertheless, when I do come back, I’m going to come back very strong.

DH: Do you feel as strong as ever?

Yes, I do. I feel I am a lot stronger compared to my younger years.

DH: Are you considering moving up in weight?

Yes, I am. This is something that I have been thinking about sometime. But when the Marquez fight was presented to me, I jumped on it. But moving up is still an option for me. It’s too bad Linares moved up already.

DH: What goals in boxing are you still hoping to accomplish?

Well, moving up in weight is still a professional goal of mine, and I plan on doing it. But ultimately, I want to fight the fights the public would like me too. I want to be remembered as a fighter who took on the best and put on great fights.

DH: Who is your next challenger? What do you know about him?

He’s about 3 foot something and is keeping me on my toes. (Laughing, talking, and gazing upon his son.)

As of right now, I have no opponent. However, there are many options out there for me. We just need to decide on whom. There have been talks about Jorge Arce, Oscar Larios, Juan Manuel Lopez, Marquez, and others.

DH: What would be a dream match-up for you? Other than someone you’ve already fought.

I would have loved to have fought Manny Pacquaio, but with him moving up in weight, it seems that dream is very unlikely.

DH: Any thoughts on retirement?

No, not at the moment. I still have personal goals of mine that I would like to fulfill. I want to continue fighting for at least another two years.

DH: Do you have interests outside of boxing? What are they?

Right now, I have been enjoying my time with my family. Being a boxer can sometimes be unfair to my family, but they have always been extremely supportive. So, the time I have been spending with them has been very rewarding. I have also been staying busy by commentating for Telemundo on the Olympics. That was fun.

DH: What is your favorite city to fight in? And why?

My favorite city to fight in is Los Angeles, and not just because I now consider it my hometown. This is really a great place to fight. The fans are great and are very supportive of boxing; it makes the whole atmosphere fun.

DH: What advice would you give new fighters?

My advice to them will be to continue to work hard and never lose focus on your dream. There will be tough times in your journey but never give up. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. But with hard work, some patience, and having the “hunger” deep inside of you, you can do it.

DH: How important are the people in your corner, cutmen, seconds, etc.?

They are very important to me. They believed in Israel Vasquez when no one else did. Frank Espinoza, Frankie, JR., Miguel Diaz, Joe Chavez, and Rudy Perez. They all played an important part role in my success. That’s what makes us a great team, I really appreciate their support.

DH: How were the Olympics?

The Olympics were a lot of fun; it was a new experience for me. Commentating is something I would like to get myself into once my boxing career is over.

DH: Did you feel being able to go to the Games was a definite perk of being a champion?

Yes, it is. I was fortunate that Telemundo even considered me for that position. It all worked out and it was a lot of fun, I guess being a champion does have its perks (Laughing).

DH: Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

kikibalt wrote:
Hiroyuki Ebihara & Fabian Esquivel

I was 12 when Ebihara came to L.A. to defend his title against Alacran Torres at the Olympic. In a close fight the Japanese boxer was given the nod and all hell broke loose. The Mexican fans tore the Olympic apart in riot that I'll never forget. -Rick

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:
Hiroyuki Ebihara & Fabian Esquivel

I was 12 when Ebihara came to L.A. to defend his title against Alacran Torres at the Olympic. In a close fight the Japanese boxer was given the nod and all hell broke loose. The Mexican fans tore the Olympic apart in riot that I'll never forget. -Rick

I was there Rick, and took a punch in the face, and I wasn't doing anything but trying to stay away from the fighting......

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:
Women's Amateur Lightweight Boxing Champion Billie Bachelis
giving a bag punching demonstration at The May Company in
Los Angeles, Calif., 1931

This is my new prospect. She has plenty of ''old school'' qualities and her dentures double as a mouthpiece. She hoped to meet everybody at the WBHOF banquet, but the rest home won't let her out after 6pm. Maybe next year?

Rick,

You can't have her, she sign a 5 year contract with me......

I know, she was captivated by your Latin charm, typical woman.

-Rick

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:
Hiroyuki Ebihara & Fabian Esquivel

I was 12 when Ebihara came to L.A. to defend his title against Alacran Torres at the Olympic. In a close fight the Japanese boxer was given the nod and all hell broke loose. The Mexican fans tore the Olympic apart in riot that I'll never forget. -Rick

I was there Rick, and took a punch in the face, and I wasn't doing anything but trying to stay away from the fighting......

I wanted to stay and see the trouble, but my dad grabbed me by the arm and pulled me out of my seat, "Let's get outta here!" he said. Glad we were in the back.

-Rick

Randyman wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:Posthumous WBHOF Inductees . . .

This year's two Posthumous WBHOF Inductees are forme light-heavyweight contender "Young Firpo" (Guido Bardelli) and former welterweight champ, Luis Rodigue of Cuba. The reason I post this is to let you guys know that Rodriguez has no known family to accept the award on his behalf. We were searching fo a proper recipient for the boxer, and finally came up with somebody whom was not only a stablemate of Luis, but also a close fiend and fellow Cuban World Champ from his era. Sugar Ramos will be on hand to accept Luis Rodiguez WBHOF Induction Bronze. Ramos has already been inducted.

Also on hand for the event will be current welterweight champ Antonio Margarito, as well as Israel Vasquez and Raphael Marquez, who will receive 2008 "Fight of the Year" honors for their second war from earlier this year. I know it isn't the "end of the year" yet, however, the WBHOF considers all bouts held from one banquet to another, so a full year does pass.

-Rick

What an impressive list of guesst Rick. I'm really looking forward to it. Same with Ed Hernandez.

Looking forward to meeting Ed Hernandez, Randy. I found the post about your cousin's Brazilian JJ very cool. My wife, Monica, is from Brazil but has been here for nearly a dozen years. I was surprised she hadn't heard of the Gracies when I first met her, and shocked she didn't know that Eder Jofre was an all-time great boxing champ. I asked her how she could be a Brazilian and not know who Eder Jofre was? She answered, "Honey, I know who Eder Jofre is. He is the Mayor of Sao Paulo, one of our largest cities." She got me on that one.

-Rick