Classic L.A. Brother Acts (1960's-70's). . .

Courtesy of Author Rick Farris

Everybody knows about Frankie Jr. & Tony Baltazar, but aside from an amateur career, few know about Bobby because he cut his unbeaten pro boxing career short. After amassing an impressive KO record, Bobby chose a career beyond the ropes.

Same is true with the Lopez brothers. We all know about Ernie & Danny, but what about their older brother, Leonard? Leonard campaigned around L.A. in the mid 60's, and I used to see him in the gym daily. He came up in the same group as Ruben Navarro, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Mando Ramos, etc. However, unlike his two younger brothers, Lenny had a pretty average career. In his last bout, broadcast on TV from the Olympic, Leonard Lopez suffered a freak injury. He reeled back after a combination, lost his footing and as he tried to get his balance, slipped to the floor, breaking his ankle.

That was the end of his career. He retired and would occasionally work for one of his old gym buddies, lightweight Billy Coleman (who fought Mando Ramos and Navarro, himself). I used to live in Monterey Park, directly across the street from Billy Coleman, who had become an building contractor and had a successful business. Billy would put both Leonard and Ernie to work as laborers after they retired from boxing. 

The Quarry Brothers . . . Oldest Brother Jimmy didn't have the talent, and neither did the youngest, Bobby. Jerry & Mike would get all the glory. Jimmy died not too long ago, and Bobby today suffers from the same condition that cost his older brothers their lives.

The Sandovals . . . Youngest brother Richie was the only Sandoval to win a world title, but middle bro Albert "Super Fly" would come close, gaining top ten bantamweight ranking during an exciting career. However, oldest brother Joey (whom I beat by decsion in my last amateur bout) would go unheard of. If he ever turned pro, I don't know.


-Rick Farris