The following video on Benny Leonard was sent to me a while back by my friend and contributor, Brian, via you tube.com, and I finally got around to posting it. I also posted a video on Roberto Duran for comparison’s sake. These two great fighters are generally regarded as the best Lightweights in boxing history. Aside from being Lightweight Champions half a century apart, they were both trained by the legendary Ray Arcel, the trainer’s trainer. With so much shared history between them, and with two contrasting styles and personalities, it begs the question: who would win? Roberto Duran or Benny Leonard?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Luis Magana, Former Olympic Auditorium Publicist passes Away at 97
All photos and information courtesy of Frank Baltazar Sr.
Luis Magana, Enrique Bolanos and Hap Navarro, matchmaker at the Hollywood Legion, circa 1953
Former longtime Olympic Auditorium publicist Luis Magana died Sunday March, 23, at 97 years of age. A Mass for Magana, also a television commentator on local wrestling broadcasts, will be conducted at noon Friday at Resurrection Church, 3324 Opal St., in East Los Angeles. Luis was the publicist of the Olympic Auditorium for over fifty years, working closely with the late promoter Aileen Easton. and is a past inductee of the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
Luis Magana, Enrique Bolanos and Hap Navarro, matchmaker at the Hollywood Legion, circa 1953Former longtime Olympic Auditorium publicist Luis Magana died Sunday March, 23, at 97 years of age. A Mass for Magana, also a television commentator on local wrestling broadcasts, will be conducted at noon Friday at Resurrection Church, 3324 Opal St., in East Los Angeles. Luis was the publicist of the Olympic Auditorium for over fifty years, working closely with the late promoter Aileen Easton. and is a past inductee of the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More Photos of the Late Art Aragon
Art Aragon and Joey Olmos...12-14-2007
Art Aragon with Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Rooney and Dale Robertson
Art Aragon, Marilyn Monroe and Mickey Rooney
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Art "Golden Boy" Aragon and Frank Baltazar Sr.
A recent photo (January 2007)of Frank Baltazar Sr. (L) and Art "Golden Boy" Aragon.
Ted “Mustang” Garcia passed away at the age of 90 on On March 11.
The following is courtesy of New Mexico Boxing
Garcia was Rocky Mountain champ: Ted “Mustang” Garcia, who fought from 1937 to
1948, was a half-Spanish, half-Blackfoot Native American, who racked up an estimated record of 80-15 headlining shows from Colorado to New Mexico to Galveston, Texas. Garcia was New Mexico and Rocky Mountain lightweight champion, and fought everyone from champion Lew Jenkins (three times) to contender Larry Cisneros and Midget Mexico. Garcia once fought four times in seven days, winning all four, three by KO.
Ted "Mustang" Garcia's Boxing Record
Garcia was Rocky Mountain champ: Ted “Mustang” Garcia, who fought from 1937 to
1948, was a half-Spanish, half-Blackfoot Native American, who racked up an estimated record of 80-15 headlining shows from Colorado to New Mexico to Galveston, Texas. Garcia was New Mexico and Rocky Mountain lightweight champion, and fought everyone from champion Lew Jenkins (three times) to contender Larry Cisneros and Midget Mexico. Garcia once fought four times in seven days, winning all four, three by KO.Ted "Mustang" Garcia's Boxing Record
Art Aragon, Colorful L.A. Boxer, Dies at 80
This article written by Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times was sent us to by Frank Baltazar Sr. Our condolences to the Aragon family. He is remembered as a great warrior and as one of Los Angeles' best and certainly one of the most popular.
In the '40s and '50s, Aragon was known as the 'Golden Boy.' He entered the ring wearing gold robes and trunks, flattened opponents with his sharp left hook -- and then dated starlets.
In the '40s and '50s, Aragon was known as the 'Golden Boy.' He entered the ring wearing gold robes and trunks, flattened opponents with his sharp left hook -- and then dated starlets.By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 26, 2008
Art Aragon, the charismatic "Golden Boy" boxer who steadily drew standing-room-only crowds at Los Angeles and Hollywood venues in the 1940s and '50s, died today at Northridge Hospital Medical Center after his family removed him from life support apparatus. He was 80.
He had suffered a stroke on March 15, his son Brad said.
Aragon never won a world title, but he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 with a 90-20-6 record that included several major bouts at the Olympic Auditorium, the old Wrigley Field and Hollywood's Legion Stadium.
Longtime boxing publicist Bill Caplan said Aragon, who memorably made a habit entered the ring wearing a gold robe and gold trunks, will be remembered as "the top drawing card in L.A. boxing history.
"He was so colorful, and his fights were so exciting. He was a kill-or-be-killed kind of guy."
His life outside the ring was also unforgettable.
A native of Belen, N.M., who grew up in East Los Angeles, Aragon was married four times and engaged for a fifth wedding. He was also romantically linked to actress Mamie Van Doren, and had friendships with starlets Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Sophia Loren and the ex-wife of Dean Martin, Betty Martin, among several others, friends and associates said.
Van Doren, reached at her Newport Beach home, said she first met Aragon when she was 18 and held the title of Miss Palm Springs. She'd watch him fight from ringside, have dinner with him afterward, and said she quickly fell in love.
"The 'Golden Boy' was a perfect title for him," Van Doren said. "His smile turned everyone on. His skin was golden. His floppy hair bounced so perfectly. He was just so sexy."
Aragon's outstanding left hook made him a top-ranked lightweight. He started boxing in 1944 and his popularity skyrocketed in 1950 after he twice scored technical knockout victories over Angeleno favorite Enrique Bolanos of Mexico at the Olympic.
"The crowd loved Bolanos and booed Artie when it was over, but he thumbed his nose at them," Caplan said. "It then became a tradition to boo Aragon."
Reflecting on his career years ago in The Times, Aragon said he craved the treatment.
"Walking into the ring at the Olympic, 10,000 people there, wearing that gold robe, hearing all those boos, yeah I miss that," he told writer Earl Gustkey. "You ever get booed by 10,000 people? It's exciting. I liked it even better when I beat . . . some guy the crowd loved and then I'd look out at 'em, give 'em a big smile, and the boos would be even louder. I loved that."
His problems making the lightweight limit of 135 pounds became legendary, too, as he once cracked he was the only fighter that had to be carried into the ring.
In 1951, after he defeated Jimmy Carter in a non-title meeting earlier in the year, then-lightweight champion Carter knocked Aragon down in the sixth and 15th rounds to win a unanimous decision in a bout television broadcasters boasted as the first fight televised live from coast to coast.
Aragon's career was also boosted by controversy. Tommy Campbell testified he "threw" a 1950 knockout loss to Aragon. Boxing officials claimed Carter sandbagged his first fight against Aragon on a Mafia figure's orders, and the California Athletic Commission investigated judges who awarded Aragon a disputed decision over Chuck Davey in 1954.
Aragon was later convicted of offering opponent Dick Goldstein $500 to fix a 1956 fight, but the verdict was overturned on appeal. Aragon was coy to friends and family about what really happened, his son said.
In fact, when his appeal attorney sent him a telegram telling him, "Justice was served," Aragon answered, "Appeal again," said former Times sportswriter John Hall.
From September 1954 to September 1958, Aragon was 21-1 with two victories over eventual world welterweight champion Don Jordan and a second triumph over Carter. He then fought former middleweight and welterweight champ Carmen Basilio at Wrigley Field, and suffered a punishing eighth-round TKO loss.
During the fight, referee Tommy Hart reportedly warned Aragon he was close to stopping the bout, to which Aragon responded, "What are you waiting for?" He also kidded that he should've sold advertising on the soles of his shoes.
Aragon's popularity gained him a role in the Audie Murphy film, "To Hell and Back," he counted Bob Hope as a golfing partner, and other friends included singer Sammy Davis Jr. and actors Robert Mitchum and William Holden.
Aragon announced his retirement from the ring after a 1960 TKO loss at the Olympic, and became a successful bail bondsman, with an office near the jail in downtown Los Angeles and, later, one in Van Nuys.
He remained a continual life of the party, once driving Times sports columnist Jim Murray to a strip club for lunch in 1963. Murray complained about the quality of the chicken he was eating, then described the reaction in the newspaper:
" 'Strippers cost three grand a week and you want squab under glass, too?' Aragon screamed. He had me there."
Aragon celebrated his 80th birthday at a Hollywood restaurant in November, entertaining friends and family (including three ex-wives) despite an ongoing struggle with pugilistic dementia, his son said.
"Dad was fulfilled," Brad Aragon said. "He was married four times, had six kids, traveled the world, riding camels around the Egyptian pyramids. . . . I'm sitting here looking at 15 scrapbooks filled with memories."
In addition to Brad, he is survived by four other children: Georgian, Audie, Mindy and Nancy; and four grandchildren. Another son, Art Jr., was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Services are pending.
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
March 26, 2008
Art Aragon, the charismatic "Golden Boy" boxer who steadily drew standing-room-only crowds at Los Angeles and Hollywood venues in the 1940s and '50s, died today at Northridge Hospital Medical Center after his family removed him from life support apparatus. He was 80.
He had suffered a stroke on March 15, his son Brad said.
Aragon never won a world title, but he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 with a 90-20-6 record that included several major bouts at the Olympic Auditorium, the old Wrigley Field and Hollywood's Legion Stadium.
Longtime boxing publicist Bill Caplan said Aragon, who memorably made a habit entered the ring wearing a gold robe and gold trunks, will be remembered as "the top drawing card in L.A. boxing history.
"He was so colorful, and his fights were so exciting. He was a kill-or-be-killed kind of guy."
His life outside the ring was also unforgettable.
A native of Belen, N.M., who grew up in East Los Angeles, Aragon was married four times and engaged for a fifth wedding. He was also romantically linked to actress Mamie Van Doren, and had friendships with starlets Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Sophia Loren and the ex-wife of Dean Martin, Betty Martin, among several others, friends and associates said.
Van Doren, reached at her Newport Beach home, said she first met Aragon when she was 18 and held the title of Miss Palm Springs. She'd watch him fight from ringside, have dinner with him afterward, and said she quickly fell in love.
"The 'Golden Boy' was a perfect title for him," Van Doren said. "His smile turned everyone on. His skin was golden. His floppy hair bounced so perfectly. He was just so sexy."
Aragon's outstanding left hook made him a top-ranked lightweight. He started boxing in 1944 and his popularity skyrocketed in 1950 after he twice scored technical knockout victories over Angeleno favorite Enrique Bolanos of Mexico at the Olympic.
"The crowd loved Bolanos and booed Artie when it was over, but he thumbed his nose at them," Caplan said. "It then became a tradition to boo Aragon."
Reflecting on his career years ago in The Times, Aragon said he craved the treatment.
"Walking into the ring at the Olympic, 10,000 people there, wearing that gold robe, hearing all those boos, yeah I miss that," he told writer Earl Gustkey. "You ever get booed by 10,000 people? It's exciting. I liked it even better when I beat . . . some guy the crowd loved and then I'd look out at 'em, give 'em a big smile, and the boos would be even louder. I loved that."
His problems making the lightweight limit of 135 pounds became legendary, too, as he once cracked he was the only fighter that had to be carried into the ring.
In 1951, after he defeated Jimmy Carter in a non-title meeting earlier in the year, then-lightweight champion Carter knocked Aragon down in the sixth and 15th rounds to win a unanimous decision in a bout television broadcasters boasted as the first fight televised live from coast to coast.
Aragon's career was also boosted by controversy. Tommy Campbell testified he "threw" a 1950 knockout loss to Aragon. Boxing officials claimed Carter sandbagged his first fight against Aragon on a Mafia figure's orders, and the California Athletic Commission investigated judges who awarded Aragon a disputed decision over Chuck Davey in 1954.
Aragon was later convicted of offering opponent Dick Goldstein $500 to fix a 1956 fight, but the verdict was overturned on appeal. Aragon was coy to friends and family about what really happened, his son said.
In fact, when his appeal attorney sent him a telegram telling him, "Justice was served," Aragon answered, "Appeal again," said former Times sportswriter John Hall.
From September 1954 to September 1958, Aragon was 21-1 with two victories over eventual world welterweight champion Don Jordan and a second triumph over Carter. He then fought former middleweight and welterweight champ Carmen Basilio at Wrigley Field, and suffered a punishing eighth-round TKO loss.
During the fight, referee Tommy Hart reportedly warned Aragon he was close to stopping the bout, to which Aragon responded, "What are you waiting for?" He also kidded that he should've sold advertising on the soles of his shoes.
Aragon's popularity gained him a role in the Audie Murphy film, "To Hell and Back," he counted Bob Hope as a golfing partner, and other friends included singer Sammy Davis Jr. and actors Robert Mitchum and William Holden.
Aragon announced his retirement from the ring after a 1960 TKO loss at the Olympic, and became a successful bail bondsman, with an office near the jail in downtown Los Angeles and, later, one in Van Nuys.He remained a continual life of the party, once driving Times sports columnist Jim Murray to a strip club for lunch in 1963. Murray complained about the quality of the chicken he was eating, then described the reaction in the newspaper:
" 'Strippers cost three grand a week and you want squab under glass, too?' Aragon screamed. He had me there."
Aragon celebrated his 80th birthday at a Hollywood restaurant in November, entertaining friends and family (including three ex-wives) despite an ongoing struggle with pugilistic dementia, his son said.
"Dad was fulfilled," Brad Aragon said. "He was married four times, had six kids, traveled the world, riding camels around the Egyptian pyramids. . . . I'm sitting here looking at 15 scrapbooks filled with memories."
In addition to Brad, he is survived by four other children: Georgian, Audie, Mindy and Nancy; and four grandchildren. Another son, Art Jr., was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Services are pending.
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The photo below is from November 15, 1951, taken at the weigh in for his fight with Jimmy Carter.
The Above Photograph only is Courtesy of Dept of Special Collections/UCLA Library, A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library, 405 Hilgard Ave, Box 951575, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575; http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/
Art Aragon Suffers Stroke, Luis Magana Passes Away
The information about Art Aragon's stroke and Luis Magan's passing was given to me by Frank Baltazar Sr. Thanks Frank!
The original "Golden Boy", Art Aragon has suffered a stroke and is on a life support system. He is in critical condition. When I receive more information I will pass it on. Our prayers and thoughts are with Art Aragon and his family.
Art Aragon, was originally from Belen, New Mexico, but he lived in and fought out of Los Angeles, California and was a regular at the Olympic Auditorium. He was one of Los Angeles' most popular fighter during the 1940's and 1950's. His career spanned from 1944 to 1960 ending his career with 116 fights, 61 KO's 20 losses and 6 draws and was stopped 3 times. Along the way, win, lose or draw; he fought the likes of, Lauro Salas, Billy Grahm, Chuck Davey, Don Jordan, Jimmy Carter, Harold Jones, Enrique Bolanos, Carmen Basilio and so many more.
After retiring from boxing he became an actor, playong himself in "The Ring" (1952), and appeared in Audie Murphy's "To Hell and Back" (1955) and the following year he appeared again with Murphy in "World in My Corner", playing a fighter. He also appeared in "Fat City" (1972) with Stacey Keach and Jeff Bridges He had many bit parts in several television shows such as: Dan August, Baretta, Ellery Queen and Barnaby Jones.
Art Aragon's Boxing Record
Art Aragon's Movie and Television Credit's
Luis Magana from the Olympic passed last week at 95-96 years old. I wish I knew more but I don't. Our condolences to his family.
The original "Golden Boy", Art Aragon has suffered a stroke and is on a life support system. He is in critical condition. When I receive more information I will pass it on. Our prayers and thoughts are with Art Aragon and his family.
Art Aragon, was originally from Belen, New Mexico, but he lived in and fought out of Los Angeles, California and was a regular at the Olympic Auditorium. He was one of Los Angeles' most popular fighter during the 1940's and 1950's. His career spanned from 1944 to 1960 ending his career with 116 fights, 61 KO's 20 losses and 6 draws and was stopped 3 times. Along the way, win, lose or draw; he fought the likes of, Lauro Salas, Billy Grahm, Chuck Davey, Don Jordan, Jimmy Carter, Harold Jones, Enrique Bolanos, Carmen Basilio and so many more.
After retiring from boxing he became an actor, playong himself in "The Ring" (1952), and appeared in Audie Murphy's "To Hell and Back" (1955) and the following year he appeared again with Murphy in "World in My Corner", playing a fighter. He also appeared in "Fat City" (1972) with Stacey Keach and Jeff Bridges He had many bit parts in several television shows such as: Dan August, Baretta, Ellery Queen and Barnaby Jones.
Art Aragon's Boxing Record
Art Aragon's Movie and Television Credit's
Luis Magana from the Olympic passed last week at 95-96 years old. I wish I knew more but I don't. Our condolences to his family.
Friday, March 21, 2008
On ESPN Friday Night Fights: Brian Vera Upsets Andy Lee
There was a lot of booing for referee Tony Chiarantano in the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville, Connecticut, when he stopped the fight between Andy Lee, originally from Limerick, Ireland and Brian Vera of Austin, Texas at 2:17 of the seventh round, giving the fight to Vera. The truth is by this point in the fight Lee was a beaten man, and Vera seemed to be warming up. In spite of the left hand thrown by Lee as referee Tony Chiarantano stopped the fight, Lee was clearly done. He did Lee a favor. Lee has been highly touted , especially by Manny Steward and was expected to take this fight fairly easy, judging by everyones surprise.
I think just about everyone but Brian Vera underestimated Brian Vera. He showed tremendous heart, coming back from a knockdown in round one, and seemingly behind on the scorecards. It was as if he turned on the switch. At about round four he just had the look of a fighter that was not going to lose. Vera forced his way inside, and despite being a little sloppy and over anxious at times, he was landing the right hand. On the other hand, he took everything Lee had to offer and kept on coming. It was a well deserved victory.
This was an entertaining fight while it was competitive and reminded me of the great ESPN fights of the eighties when guys like Freddie Roach, Tommy Cordova, Charles "White Lightning" Brown, and my own cousin Louie Burke were putting on good competitive fights. This had that eighties feel about it.
It's back to the drawing board for Lee and Steward. Sometimes, a guy with the right attitude can become a better fighter after a loss. It's up to him. Kudos to ESPN for putting on a good show. The same for the fighters.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
John Molina
There’s a local 25 year old lightweight from Covina, California, that is starting to make a small splash in Southern California. His name is John Molina (not to be confused with John-John Molina of Puerto Rico). He is trained by Bert Lira, and he is undefeated in ten fights with eight knockouts. He’s still a little rough around the edges but he has a decent jab and uses it to set up the right hand. He is really showing potential and seems like someone to keep an eye on.
Below are three videos, the first is from a local television news program, the second is from last month’s fight with Baladan Trevizo at the Quiet Cannon, in Montebello, the third is from last years fight with Rudy Paz in Anaheim, California
Below are three videos, the first is from a local television news program, the second is from last month’s fight with Baladan Trevizo at the Quiet Cannon, in Montebello, the third is from last years fight with Rudy Paz in Anaheim, California
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Up Coming Bouts
Sugar Shane Mosley vs Zab Judah, May 31, 2008
Sugar Shane Mosley and Zab Judah will be fighting each other on May31 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Neither man is in his prime but at thirty-six Mosley probably has a little more wear and tear in him, than Judah, who is six years younger at thirty years of age. This is sort of a throwback fight, with no title at stake, just two fighters fighting each other because this is what they do. It has the potential for an exciting fight. Their common opponent is Miguel Angel Cotto, with Judah getting stopped via TKO in the 11th round of their June 9th, 2007 fight. Mosley lost a fairly competitive decision to Cotto on November 10th, 2007.I’ve been a fan of Mosley from his early days. 
He is a class act and great old school fighter and he has fought the best. In a sense he is the anti-Judah whom I consider a thug. This has all the makings of a good guy vs. bad guy, or even better a west coast vs. east coast rivalry. I still believe that Mosley is a force to be reckoned with and I believe that when they fight, he will be too much for Zab Judah. One fighter is good, the other borders on greatness. I’m still waiting for a “Sugar” Shane Mosley vs. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather fight.Miguel Cotto vs Alfonso Gomez, April 12th, 2008
Also upcoming is a fight between Miguel Cotto and Alfonso Gomez on April 12th, 2008 at the Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey. I’m still not sure what to make of this one. I really like Gomez, he is a warrior, and he doesn’t have any quit in him. I just feel that Cotto might be too much for him. It’s a pretty big step up in class, despite his wins over both Ben Tackie and Arturo Gotti. Tackie has had a fairly respectable career but has seen better days and while Gotti’s record is peppered with some of boxing’s best including Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather , and also includes an incredible trilogy with Mickey Ward,
winning two of three, he was a shell of his former self when he fought Gomez last year, getting stopped in the seventh round of a scheduled ten rounder. Gomez will have to count on Cotto taking this fight lightly and making a few slip ups. My heart says Gomez but my brain knows better.Cotto, looking past Gomez, has a fight scheduled for July 19th,with Ricardo Mayorga, one of the few guys I dislike more than Judah. I don’t think anyone but Mayorga expects him to go the distance. Is this an indication that Cotto is taking Gomez lightly? For Gomez' sake, I hope so.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
California Boxing Hall of Fame 2008 Press Release
Click on the image for a larger, more readable view.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Pacquiao Takes the Decision and the Title From Marquez
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the fight last night. I missed a big one too, from all that I have heard and read. I had picked Juan Manuel Marquez to beat Manny Pacquiao by decision. Pacquiao won by split decision. According to all that I read it was closer than the first fight. Like the first fight, the difference, at least to some, was the knockdown in the third round. Until I see a tape or a replay I’ll withhold judgment (obviously).
I will comment on one thing, Pacquiao’s immediate response when asked if there would be a rematch with Marquez, he replied “I don’t think so, this business is over”. There is an moral obligation (or should be) to give the man that you won the title from a rematch, especially a fight, reputedly so close you couldn’t fit a hair between them. We know now that the first fight was no fluke on Marquez’ part, and it is reasonable to assume that Pacquiao has indeed met his match, which may account for his unwillingness to meet Marquez for a rubber match. I hope that after he has had a couple of weeks to think about it, he’ll reconsider.
Judge Jerry Roth had it 115-112 for Marquez. Duane Ford had it 115-112 for Pacquiao, while Tom Miller had it 114-113 for Pacquiao.
Yahoo! Sports has it 115-112 for Juan Manuel Marquez.
Michael David Smith of AOL Sports had Marquez winning 114-113.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez II: Unfinished Business
Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao will meet for the second time tonight in a fight aptly titled “Unfinished Business” for Marquez' WBC Super Featherweight title. It has been almost four years since their first fight at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 8, 2004, a fight that ended in a controversial draw. Marquez has to be thinking, but for that first round, he would have won that fight. That is going to be the key to Marquez winning this fight tonight. Don’t get caught early and box. He has already proven he can do it.
Pacquiao has been on a roll no doubt, but Marquez has been on somewhat of a roll himself. Since his fight with Pacquiao , Marquez has fought seven times, losing one decision to Chris Johns, and beating both Rocky Juarez and Marco Antonio Barrera. He is a skilled boxer that has shown a willingness to mix it up. I think he is going to take that momentum into the fight tonight and win decision over Pacquiao.
On the other hand, I have nothing but respect for Pacquiao. He has shown a Duran like (when Duran was Duran) intensity in all of his fights and has had an incredible career, but he is not unbeatable, Erik Morales showed that in their first fight of their trilogy. Pacquiao beat Marco Antonio Barrera in his last fight but was not as impressive as he was in their first fight. Still it is hard to bet against him, and not just because of the great fights, but because he has shown fight fans an incredible heart both in and out of the ring and has proven to be a likable, decent human being, but nothing last forever, especially a fighter’s run at the top. It didn’t last for Julio Cesar Chavez, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray (both of them) or anyone else for that matter (Well okay, Rocky Marciano). Sooner or later they run into their conquerer. It is inevitable.
My pick has more to do with timing that anything else. I happen to think that Pacquiao is ripe for the picking right now. Both Freddie Roach and Bob Arum have mentioned his lack of focus. They brought him back to California to keep him focused, but I don’t know, you can’t force someone to focus. I’ll stand with my pick but whenever two decent men step into the ring then the decent thing to say is “May the best man win”.
They meet tonight at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The fight will be shown on HBO. Follow this link to see a video of their first fight.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Photos: Larry Soto, Johnny Flores and a Young Rick Farris
The bottom photo is of Rick Farris and Johnny Flores at Flores' Gym...1965. The two upper photos are with Referee Rudy Jordan, Julio Flores, Johnny Flores and Larry Soto. All of them were part of the Los Angeles Boxing scene for years. All the photos are courtesy of Frank Baltazar Sr.
Rick Farris' professional career record can be found here at Boxrec.com
Rick Farris' professional career record can be found here at Boxrec.com
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Golden State Boxers' Association 1st Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards
Courtesy of Frank Baltazar Sr. and the Golden State Boxers' Association.
Click on the flier for a larger view.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Felipe Torres
Last Sunday, March 2nd, 2008, the following letter was posted on our message board on the Main Street Gym entry. It is from the brother of Felipe Torres, Epifanio Z. Torres. You may or may not remember but I wrote briefly about my experience sparring with him during the 1970's. They didn't make them any tougher than Felipe. Mr. Torres informs me that his brother Felipe passed away in 1993 under difficult circumstances. Our condolences to the entire Torres family.
My time with Felipe was brief, a couple of years at best. I never forgot him. How do you forget a man that taught you some of life's hardest lessons. He forced me to learn to stand my ground, taught me how to endure pain, forced me to learn how to slip a punch, and out of desperation taught me how to use the jab to keep an opponent off of me. More than anything he taught me humility, and to never judge a man by his appearance. I never made that mistake again and I have carried his memory and that lesson around with me my entire life. I have passed that lesson to my children.
I have no idea how much his family knows about his career or if they have an insight into the mind of a fighter, but I can tell them without even speaking to Felipe that he was proud of his days in the ring. Every fighter is. You carry that pride all of your days. It never leaves you, whether you had a couple of fights or a hundred. Whatever work you do after that, you are still a fighter. With that in mind you should know that when Felipe fought Roberto Duran on March 28, 1970 in Mexico City, he did not just fight another fighter, he fought a legend. How many men have passed that can make that statement? Just a handful, trust me. When Duran was young, and knocking out everyone that was put in front of him, Felipe fought him and went the distance. He went the distance with a legend!
I hope that someone who reads this will be able to provide a photo for the family, or perhaps a personal story. I'll be happy to print it. When Mr. Torres and family provide more about details about Felipe, I'll pass them on to you. Below is the letter by Epifanio Z. Torres
Dear Sir,
My name is Epifanio Z. Torres. I live in El Centro, Ca. I am Felipe Torres' brother. My mom is right next to me right now, and I was translating to her the part of the article that you wrote about my brother Felipe. It almost brought tears to my mom and I. You probably don't know, but Felipe died in 1993. As you were saying, he was a tough little fighter, but like many of them, he died in very difficult conditions. I'd really appreciate in other information, pictures articles that you might have about him. My mom is 83 yrs. old and she'd probably love to see some of that stuff you and your readers might have about him. I have found, in some other websites, a partial boxing record of his. From what I remember, he fought with the best featherweights of his time: He fought Roberto Duran in Mexico City: Kuniaki Shibata in Japan (he lost split decision there which is equal to a victory), he also fought with Shozo Saijo in Hawaii and lost split decision; Ricardo Arredondo, was another one of his rivals, and I am not quite sure, but I think he fought a boxer named Cesar Sinda who died after their fight. I believe I saw his name on the WBC classifications as being the #7 featherweight of the world in the 1970's. A cousin of mine sent me this link, which I am planning to bookmark. I hope you, or some of your readers might have some more info. about my brother, or other links related to him.
Thank you,
Epifanio Z. Torres
Below are the links to Felipe Torres Boxing Record and the article where I wrote briefly about Felipe and the Main Street Gym.
My time with Felipe was brief, a couple of years at best. I never forgot him. How do you forget a man that taught you some of life's hardest lessons. He forced me to learn to stand my ground, taught me how to endure pain, forced me to learn how to slip a punch, and out of desperation taught me how to use the jab to keep an opponent off of me. More than anything he taught me humility, and to never judge a man by his appearance. I never made that mistake again and I have carried his memory and that lesson around with me my entire life. I have passed that lesson to my children.
I have no idea how much his family knows about his career or if they have an insight into the mind of a fighter, but I can tell them without even speaking to Felipe that he was proud of his days in the ring. Every fighter is. You carry that pride all of your days. It never leaves you, whether you had a couple of fights or a hundred. Whatever work you do after that, you are still a fighter. With that in mind you should know that when Felipe fought Roberto Duran on March 28, 1970 in Mexico City, he did not just fight another fighter, he fought a legend. How many men have passed that can make that statement? Just a handful, trust me. When Duran was young, and knocking out everyone that was put in front of him, Felipe fought him and went the distance. He went the distance with a legend!
I hope that someone who reads this will be able to provide a photo for the family, or perhaps a personal story. I'll be happy to print it. When Mr. Torres and family provide more about details about Felipe, I'll pass them on to you. Below is the letter by Epifanio Z. Torres
Rest in Peace, Felipe
Dear Sir,
My name is Epifanio Z. Torres. I live in El Centro, Ca. I am Felipe Torres' brother. My mom is right next to me right now, and I was translating to her the part of the article that you wrote about my brother Felipe. It almost brought tears to my mom and I. You probably don't know, but Felipe died in 1993. As you were saying, he was a tough little fighter, but like many of them, he died in very difficult conditions. I'd really appreciate in other information, pictures articles that you might have about him. My mom is 83 yrs. old and she'd probably love to see some of that stuff you and your readers might have about him. I have found, in some other websites, a partial boxing record of his. From what I remember, he fought with the best featherweights of his time: He fought Roberto Duran in Mexico City: Kuniaki Shibata in Japan (he lost split decision there which is equal to a victory), he also fought with Shozo Saijo in Hawaii and lost split decision; Ricardo Arredondo, was another one of his rivals, and I am not quite sure, but I think he fought a boxer named Cesar Sinda who died after their fight. I believe I saw his name on the WBC classifications as being the #7 featherweight of the world in the 1970's. A cousin of mine sent me this link, which I am planning to bookmark. I hope you, or some of your readers might have some more info. about my brother, or other links related to him.
Thank you,
Epifanio Z. Torres
Below are the links to Felipe Torres Boxing Record and the article where I wrote briefly about Felipe and the Main Street Gym.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Vasquez vs Marquez III Photos
All photos courtesy of Alex Stapleton and Showtime Networks Inc.
Vasquez consistently landed the counter right hand on Marquez
Marquez knocks down Vasquez in the fourth round
Marquez lands his own right hand on Vasquez
Vasquez clinches the deal with a 12th round knockdown of Marquez
Vasquez celebrates his victory over Marquez at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California' March 1st, 2008
The Aftermath
Vasquez consistently landed the counter right hand on Marquez
Marquez knocks down Vasquez in the fourth round
Marquez lands his own right hand on Vasquez
Vasquez clinches the deal with a 12th round knockdown of Marquez
Vasquez celebrates his victory over Marquez at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California' March 1st, 2008
The AftermathMonday, March 03, 2008
Tony Zale vs Rocky Graziano III 1948
This past Saturday March 1, 2008, we saw the third act of one of boxing's great trilogies with Israel Vazquez winning a hard fought split decision over Rafael Marquez. Their trilogy matches against the best of them.
Sixty years ago Tony Zale viciously and completely dismantled Rocky Graziano to take back the middleweight title Rocky had won from him a year earlier in their second fight. I thought it only fitting to show their fight here in light of last weekend's great fight.
Sixty years ago Tony Zale viciously and completely dismantled Rocky Graziano to take back the middleweight title Rocky had won from him a year earlier in their second fight. I thought it only fitting to show their fight here in light of last weekend's great fight.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Israel Vasquez vs Rafael Marquez III: The Results
It was another good night for boxing tonight at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, as WBC Super bantamweight Champ Israel Vazquez and challenger Rafael Marquez concluded their exciting trilogy with a 12 round split decision in favor of Vazquez. Personally, I thought it should have been a unanimous decision for Vazquez. It was also a star studded night with several celebrities in attendance. Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mario Lopez and many other sports stars were on hand but it was Julio Cesar Chavez (Sr.) that drew the biggest applause from the fans.When the fight started Marquez was chomping at the bit, anxious to get the fight started. During the introductions Vazquez was inexplicably and undeservedly booed by the majority of fans. Once the round started Marquez was working the left hook both to the body and to the head, though Vazquez was landing the right hand on Marquez chin. Marquez appeared to land the harder punches. I thought Marquez won the round but it could have gone either way.
It seemed to go back and forth until the fourth round when Vazquez was dropped by a flurry of punches from the heavier handed Marquez. He tried to remain upright but his legs just wouldn’t hold him up. Vazquez gamely got up, and recaptured the round. It was still anyone’s fight but Vazquez began to take control. Vazquez was outworking Marquez, but Marquez was landing the harder shots. As I saw the fight, Vazquez seemed to win every round from the fifth on up, with Marquez possibly stealing a few with some solid punching at the end of the rounds, which might account for the split decision. There were at least three low blows landed by Marquez that appeared to me to be accidental, still referee Pat Russell was justified in deducting a point from him in round 10. Several times during the fight Marquez buckled Vazquez with the left hook but again, it was almost always at the end of the rounds.
It would have been easy for Vazquez to assume he had the fight wrapped up and coast to a victory in the twelfth round. Instead he chose to put an exclamation point on the fight, and the trilogy, by going for a knockout and dropping Marquez late in the round. It was a great round. By the fights end the crowd that had earlier booed Vazquez was now cheering him on, and booing Marquez for holding. Vazquez won a hard fought split decision. The Scores were 113-112, 114-111 Vazquez, 114-111 Marquez.
With IBF featherweight Champ Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero winning his fight last night in Lemoore, California, by stopping Jason Litzau in the eighth round and Jhonny Gonzalez needing only two rounds to stop Jovanny Urbina last night in Chihuahua, Mexico, there are several potential fights looming on the horizon. The smaller guys don’t always make the big money, but they always earn their money, plus they give the fans their moneys worth.
Floyd Jr. and the WWE
Speaking of Floyd Mayweather Jr., the WWE and credibility, look no further than the following videos to see what I'm talking about. I love the sport of boxing, passionately and consider myself a boxing purist. When I see this type of crap going on it literally breaks my heart. Now I have never been in the position to have to turn down $20,000,000 dollars, (the amount may or may not be true) and I can't honestly say I wouldn't do the same thing, but there is something sacrilegious about the supposed (I say supposed because I disagree) pound for pound champ selling out boxing's credibility and his own legacy for any amount of money.
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