Thoughts on Boxing, Boxers and Fights

The De-evolution of Boxing.....

2012-01-30T16:45:00.000-08:00

"Recently Mighty Mo on the right was training at Wild Card boxing gym in Los Angeles when he had to make room for Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan." - Rudy Orozco

By Randy De La O

Bums have become noted journeymen, mediocre has become good, good has become great, the so-so have become legends, the unworthy have become multimillionaires, and fans have become deaf, dumb and blind.Still, I remain optimistic. I've said it before and i'll say it again, somewhere, hopefully here in the U.S., there is a young man in his late teens perhaps, or maybe younger. hitting the heavy bag his father has hanging in the garage. Learning to jab, hook and cross. He 's dreaming big right now, or maybe he hasn't dared to dream big just yet but the day is coming.Maybe he is already an amateur learning his craft, doing his roadwork. Somewhere there is an up and coming fighter just waiting for his crack at greatness! Maybe he'll be a heavyweight and restore the luster to American boxing, or he might be a lightweight, quick, fast and bold, either way, He's out there somewhere. Maybe there are a few of them, maybe more. In my dream of the future, these fighters won't be afraid to face each other.

Regarding boxing; I remain loyal, hopeful and optimistic. It is still the greatest of sports!

Touching Gloves with…Dave ‘Boy’ Green

2012-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

By Dan Hanley

Over the years, having devoured in text anything and everything fistic in nature, I have become quite cynical with the ease a scribe can dole out such descriptive terms such as his “lethal left hook” or his “air-tight defense”. However, back in the day, there was a kid taking English shores by storm and the Brit press introduced this then-teenage Yank to the unique phrase, “teak tough” when describing this fiery, young pug. If there was ever an understated term, this was it.

DH: Dave, I always recall seeing in Ring Magazine’s ratings, your home base as Chatteris. Is that where you’re originally from?

DG: Born, raised and I’m still here. Chatteris is in Cambridgeshire in the south east of England. It would be considered…East Anglia.

DH: What steered you towards boxing?

DG: Well, I wanted to be a footballer when I was a kid, but one day I went with a mate of mine to a boxing gym and I just loooooved it! The one on one competition had me hooked.

DH: How did you fare as an amateur?

DG: I fought amateur from the age of 13 until the age of 21. I had 105 amateur fights and won 82. Now, I must mention that after 91 fights Andy Smith began training me. Andy tweaked my style a bit and I’ll tell you, whatever he did, something clicked because I only lost 1 of my last 14 fights.

DH: Describe how Britain’s annual ABA tournament unfolds and how you progressed.

DG: There’s about eight different areas throughout England, Scotland and Wales that will compete and eventually eliminate one another throughout the tournament with the finals to be held in Wembley Stadium. In 1974 under Andy Smith I made it to the Semi-Finals in Manchester losing to eventual winner Terry Waller, who was a 5 time ABA champion.

DH: The Commonwealth Games were held in ‘74. Did you have a shot at England’s squad?

DG: Y’know, it’s my one regret, that I never boxed for England internationally. If I stayed on for another year it probably would have happened, but I wanted to go pro. In September of ‘74 I signed a pro contract, in October I got married and in December had me first pro fight.

DH: Who did you turn pro with?

DG: Oh, I stayed on with Andy Smith. He managed and trained me my whole career.

DH: He had quite a stable. Did you ever feel overlooked?

DG: Oh, no! Although Andy was also managing Joe Bugner, Des Morrison, Jimmy Harrington, Bjorn Rudi and others, he looked after each of us so well.

DH: Where did the ‘Boy’ nickname come from?

DG: (laughing) That was Andy. There was a great fighter from Chatteris named Eric ‘Boy’ Boon. Well, Andy said there must be hundreds of Dave Greens fighting throughout England, so to set me apart he started the Dave ‘Boy’ Green thing.

DH: In your 12th pro fight you fought veteran Billy Waith in a final eliminator for the British 140 lb. title. Tell me about the fight.

DG: Billy was a tough little fighter, but all he did for 5 or 6 rounds was cover up. I only had 11 pro fights and he was obviously waiting for me to get winded and be done. But I kept going and stopped him in 11.

DH: You fought three times over the next several weeks before receiving your title shot at Joey Singleton’s British title. Wouldn’t a loss have scuttled your title fight?

DG: I…don’t know. The question never came up. (laughing) Andy must’ve had great faith in me.

DH: What did it feel like in the Royal Albert Hall that night being crowned British champ?

DG: Oh, fantastic. Joey Singleton was a lovely fighter but he was no puncher and I was able to walk right through him. A tremendous atmosphere in the Hall that night.

DH: With Andy Smith as your manager, what role was Mickey Duff playing in your career?

DG: Mickey Duff was the Matchmaker. Mickey was the best Matchmaker this country has seen. He was a great man and boxing was his love. He always made great matches for the punters.

DH: I see he was bringing in some very diverse talent for you such as Ramiro Bolanos and Jimmy Heair. But tell me, was there bad blood between you and Heair?

DG: No, but he was doing things to rattle me such as sticking out his tongue and following me back to me corner and saying, “Is that all ya got?” Just trying to get in me head.

DH: At the end of ‘76 you received a shot at the European light welterweight title. Tell me about the fight with Jean Baptiste Piedvache?

DG: Piedvache’s record was like 40-1 going into that fight. It was a very tough fight but I stopped him in nine rounds. But that was it for me at 140. I couldn’t make the weight anymore. Two days after a fight I was weighing 11 stone. To tell you how easy I’d put on the weight, around this time we went on Holiday to Spain and I came back weighing 175 lbs.

DH: I believe it was around the time of the Bolanos fight that I began hearing tales of ‘Boy’ Green’s ‘Muckspreader’. You have got to elaborate on this for me. DG: Well (laughing), I’m from an agricultural area in the south east and Andy Smith noticed the way I would throw an overhand right. It was sort of over and down. Like the way a farmer would sling a shovel. So Andy started calling it my ‘Muckspreader’ and the name stuck.

Green (right) blocks a left hook from Stracey.

DH: In March of ‘77 was the fight that stopped traffic over in England. Tell me about your fight with former welterweight champion John Stracey.

DG: This was a cracking fight with the winner to get a shot at the world title. I was up by about 2 or 3 rounds and it was stopped in the 10th round with John’s eye closed and taking punishment.

DH: Did I hear he’s doing after-dinner singing now?

DG: Yeah, and he’s not bad. But (laughing), it’s a good thing he did a bit of boxing first. Don’t think he would have made much money singing back then.

DH: January 14, 1977 at the Empire Pool in Wembley. Your shot at the world welterweight title against Carlos Palomino. You were doing so well, appeared to be ahead and had really stung him in the 10th round. What happened?

DG: It was actually in the 10th round that he caught me and closed me left eye. In the 11th I was turning in order to see and he caught me with a left hook and that was it. It also marked the last time my wife would ever watch me fight.

DH: Three months later you were back against top contender Andy ‘The Hawk’ Price at the National Sporting Club. Tell me about the fight.

DG: Andy ‘The Hawk’ was an excellent fighter and like you said, a top contender. Andy Smith said we have to keep fighting this type of fighter in order to stay in the top ten. It was a very close fight, which I believe I only won by one point on referee Sid Nathan’s card.

DH: In March of ‘78 and then rescheduled for May you were to fight Canada’s Clyde Gray for his British Commonwealth welterweight title. Why did this fight not take place?

DG: Just prior to that I had beaten Roy Johnson of Bermuda and damaged me right hand in the process. We thought we were right before the rescheduled fight but a week before the fight the hand went again while sparring with Des Morrison. Clyde Gray thought I ‘bottled’ it, but I had damaged the metacarpal bone and it had to heal. But I do think it would have been a great fight between myself and Gray.

DH: On October 21st of ‘78 you were scheduled for your awaited rematch with Carlos Palomino in Monte Carlo. Again, why did this fight not take place?

DG: About two weeks before the fight Palomino hurt his back and pulled out. But rather than allow him to reschedule, the WBC ordered him to sign for the #1 contender, which was Wilfredo Benitez. Benitez, after beating Palomino then promised me the shot but Sugar Ray Leonard’s people offered him $1,000,000 to defend against Leonard. Bob Arum then promised me the shot at the winner, which eventually did happen.

DH: Your fight with Henry Rhiney for the European welterweight title was televised over here. I think Rhiney was a very under-rated fighter. Tell me about this fight.

DG: Well, you’re right. Henry Rhiney was a very good fighter and it was a great fight, which I won on a 5th round knockout. However, what bothered me about this fight was the fact that Henry held both British and European titles, but at this time the European Boxing Union shortened their title fights to 12 rounds, whereas the British title fights retained the 15 round distance. Therefore, Henry’s British title was not at stake. And do you know who he eventually lost his British title to? Kirkland Laing. I beat Kirk three times as an amateur, but never got me chance at him or the British title at welterweight.

DH: In June of ‘79 you lost your Euro title to Jorgen Hansen in Denmark. Now, I gotta ask you. You took everything Jean Baptiste Piedvache, John Stracey and Carlos Palomino - for 10 rounds - threw at you without flinching. Suddenly, an aging fighter, whom you had on the canvas earlier in the round, takes you out in 3. Do you think you lost a step after the Palomino KO?

DG: No! This was my fault. As a matter of fact, I believe he went down earlier in the round strictly for effect. Andy Smith kept telling me to be careful, that he was a big puncher. And he was, plus he was a cagey old boy at that. I got reckless after scoring the knockdown and walked into one. It’s funny talking about this because I was recently contacted to participate in an interview over in Denmark for a documentary on Hansen.

DH: In March of ‘80 you received your second shot at the world title. What was it like in Landover, Maryland being involved in a Sugar Ray Leonard event?

DG: To be honest, I could have fought Sugar Ray Leonard 25 times and wouldn’t have beaten him once. He was so good. I don’t recall the Sugar Ray Robinsons, but for my money Leonard is the best that I’ve seen. But I did make me career high purse for that fight.

DH: What kind of money were you seeing through your career?

DG: Well, early in me career Andy wouldn’t take any of his share of the purse. But eventually I began making some decent money. I made £25,000 for the Price fight, £35,000 apiece for the Stracey and Palomino fights and my career high of £125,000 for the Leonard fight. And remember this was in Pounds, which was roughly at a 2 to 1 ratio with the Dollar at that time. In total I made about £450,000 while boxing.

DH: After the Leonard fight you ran off a string of wins before inexplicably being stopped by unknown Reggie Ford. When I saw that result I recall ranting, “There is no way ‘Boy’ Green lost to Reggie Ford!” And you never fought again. What did you lose?

DG: I had said to Andy once that when he thinks I’m finished that I’d follow his decision. During that fight I had nothing to offer. I was down around the 3rd round and at the end of the 4th Andy said that he would give me one more round to turn it around. And when I came back to me corner at the end of the round he retired me on me stool and the career with it. But it was the correct decision and that’s why I’m able to talk to you today.

DH: You retired at 28. On your heels was the emergence of Kirkland Laing, Colin Jones and Lloyd Honeyghan. Did you ever feel the desire for a comeback?

DG: No, I had an opportunity at a job in business and I took it. Although Andy did take me aside and say, “Listen, Dave, if anything goes wrong, come and see me again. I’ll get you the right fights.” He was so pleased that I made it in business and did not have to return. I cannot say enough good things about Andy Smith. He was the best manager this country has seen. He was more than a manager. Joe Bugner wouldn’t listen, but those of us who did were looked after.

DH: What business did you get into after boxing?

DG: I got into sales for a firm supplying Cash & Carry’s with inventory. I must’ve had a knack because my boss was complaining that I was making more than he was. Eventually I began running me own company. It’s called Renoke Marketing Logistics, Ltd. We buy and sell to Co-ops, Cash & Carry’s and retailers.

Green, at right, seen landing a right on the chin of Palomino.

DH: Any regrets?

DG: None. Boxing was great to me. I’ll tell you a funny story of the notoriety it’s given me. A number of years back I was in King’s Lynn in Norfolk for a New Year’s Eve party. I was going out of the hotel for a breath of air and who do I run into but Princess Diana. I just sort of awkwardly introduced myself by saying, “Hey, Princess Di! Dave ‘Boy’ Green.” She was such a lovely person and the funny thing was, she knew who I was. Boxing has given me lifelong friendships as well. It’s one of the few sports where you can beat on one another and then lock arms afterwards. I’ve had a great time with Carlos Palomino while on holiday in California and Sugar Ray Leonard’s been to me home. I’m here today living fairly comfortably. My wife Kay and I have been married 37 years and we have twin daughters and a son who are all doing well. So, I couldn’t ask for much more.

—

A few years back I was fortunate to make fast-friends with a pair of die-hard boxing fans in Colin and Carolyn Chilver of the Middlesbrough area of England. Two people that have traveled the globe pursuing their passion with the sport of boxing. When they told me of an awards dinner they were attending in Hammersmith, I could only think to ask, “Do you think ‘Boy’ Green will be there?” Thus, my hashfest with Dave ‘Boy’ Green. And, to be audacious enough to abuse the metaphor, this teak-tough fighter’s Muckspreader has served him well in life.

See ya next round,

Dan Hanley
pugnut23@yahoo.com

FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE BERTO TO HOST OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT

2012-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

**MEDIA ALERT**

FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE BERTO TO HOST

OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT IN ADVANCE OF HIS

FEBRUARY 11 REMATCH AGAINST “VICIOUS” VICTOR ORTIZ

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 at 2:00 P.M. PT

WHO: ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time World Champion

TONY MORGAN, Berto’s Trainer

KEVIN ROONEY JR., Director of Public Relations of DiBella Entertainment

WHAT: Former Two-time World Champion ANDRE BERTO will open his training camp in Van Nuys , Calif. as he prepares for his rematch against former World Champion “VICIOUS” VICTOR ORTIZ on Saturday, Feb. 11 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas , Nev. which will be televised live on SHOWTIME.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 24

1:30 p.m. - Media Arrival

Approx. 2:00 p.m. - Berto Media Workout Begins

WHERE: Ten Goose Boxing Gym

14420 Friar St.

Van Nuys, CA 91401

FACTS: “Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas , Nev. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. It will air live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

CONTACTS: Ramiro Gonzalez/Monica Sears, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Bill Caplan, Golden Boy Promotions: (818) 831-0046 (o)/(818) 515-1616 (c)

Kevin Rooney/Meredith Greenberg, DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577

Chris DeBlasio, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-1633

Annie Van Tornhout, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-1663

Chris Legentil, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-7319

Scott Ghertner, MGM Resorts International: (702) 891-1838

Media Credentials: www.magnamedia.com

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Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves

2011-11-15T17:00:00.001-08:00

A Couple of Thoughts on Marquez and Pacquiao

2011-11-13T16:10:00.001-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Whatever I might think about who won the fight last and the decision, both fighters have conducted themselves like professionals throughout their careers. Both are good guys in a tarnished sport. Enjoy them for whatever time they have left. Their type of fighter is a dying breed.

Last night's decision was no fault of Manny Pacquiao. He did what he was supposed to do, they both did. If we can look past all the rest we can recognize that we saw a great fight last night. With all that goes on outside the ring, what happens inside of the ring is still what makes it the greatest sport in the world, however tarnished it may be. (That was sort of a contradictory statement but so what)

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao: Marquez Robbed!

2011-11-13T10:32:00.001-08:00

Juan Manuel Marquez en route to a royal screwing

By Randy De La O

Last night's majority decision,favoring Manny Pacquiao, was an injustice to Juan Manuel Marquez, aswell as to boxing fans. The fight itself was close, but there was aclear winner in this fight and it was Marquez. Thirty-six of thebest rounds of boxing in three fights, between two great fighters, that should go down with the best trilogies in boxing, forever marredby – take your pick – incompetent or criminal judging.

More than anything, a man has beendenied his rightful place in boxing history. As time goes on andmemories fade, he will just become someone who lost three fights toManny Pacquiao. His children will know, and so will hisgrandchildren, and so will the true fans of boxing but that will fadewith time. By next year the rest of the sports world will have movedon as they prepare for Pacquiao vs Floyd Mmayweather Jr.

I believe that just about everyone onthe planet, except for Juan Manuel Marquez and his camp, thought hewas over the hill, ripe for the taking. I believe Pacquiao did toMarquez, what almost everyone, believes Mayweather is doing toPacquiao, and that is he waited til he thought “it was safe to goback into the water”. Marquez at any age, but even at 38, hasalways been more than enough for Pacquiao, maybe just a little toomuch.

Marquez has proven himself to be afighter for the ages, as much or maybe more so than Pacquiao orMayweather. Never the recipient of a close fight, never given thebenefit of the doubt and always in the shadow of other, more wellknown, but not necessarily better fighters.

Well liked but never truly taken in byhis countrymen in the same way his contemporaries; Marco AntonioBarrera and Erik Morales have been, or more recently, the way Saul“Canelo” Alvarez has been, unproven though he is.

He had only his belief, that he wasamong the very best of his era. Since 1993 he has plied his trade,like a craftsman, learning through trial and error, until he hasmastered the art of boxing and counter punching like few others. Hisprogress can be measured in small increments, in small nuances.

The talk before going into last night'sfight with Manny Pacquiao was the degree to which Pacquiao hadimproved, both physically and technically since their first twomeetings. Unseen and unnoticed were the improvements made by Marquez.The changes were more subtle and learned mostly through losses andtough fights with young, prime fighters. The changes that took placewere inside of an already courageous fighter. He was ready for thisfight with Manny Pacquiao.

I'm not going to go over every singleround, you saw the fight just as I did. Overall it was Marquez whoseemed to control the pace, making Manny work harder or spend energyjust by virtue of his own slower paced counter punching style.Pacquiao's own face told the story throughout the fight; frustrated,worried, befuddled and bewildered at times. He was given at times towild lunges, throwing himself off balance unable to back down adetermined foe in Marquez, who stood his ground, as he always had,against anything and everything Pacquiao has in his arsenal. He gotthe best of the exchanges and it was almost always Pacquiao whopulled away from those exchanges. Marquez was the more accurate andsharper puncher.

The HBO announcers as always, seem tofavor the house fighter (Pacquiao). As soon as each round ended, andespecially those rounds that favored Marquez, Jim Lampley as quick ashe could, made sure we knew what the compubox stats were, and thatthey favored Pacquiao. Somebody needs to tell these guys, fights arenot won by compubox stats. Fights are won, with skill, technique,heart and so many other things that will never register in compubox.

Both Max Kellerman and Jim Lampley gaveit their best shot in trying to convince us that Marquez lost becausetrainer Nacho Beristain told him he was winning. That's a stretch.You could just as easily look to the corner of Pacquiao as trainerFreddie Roach, continually told Pacquiao to get in there and “knockhim out, get him out of there”. He knew.

There is no doubt in my mind that JuanManuel Marquez won the third fight. There is no doubt in my mind thatManny Pacquiao waited for the right time to fight Marquez, beforeattempting to prove he was the better man. There is no doubt in mymind who the better fighter is. However razor thin that differencemay be, that man is Juan Manuel Marquez.

Make no mistake about it, like it ornot, Floyd Mayweather Jr is the best "pound for pound" fighter in theworld today. Juan Manuel Marquez, even if I'm the only guy on the planetthat recognizes it, fills the number two slot.

More Thoughts on Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez III

2011-11-12T14:28:00.001-08:00

By Randy De La O

Jeri and I were at the hospital earliervisiting our granddaughter Maddie (she was doing good), we walkedover to the cafeteria for some coffee. While we were sitting downtalking she asked me, “So who do you think is going to win thefight tonight?” Referring to the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight tonight.She already knows, so it was really just a rhetorical question.Still, I wanted to answer it honestly. “Well, you really have to gowith Pacquiao, he's been a great fighter”. “They fought before,right?” she asked. “Yes, and they were very close.” “WasMarquez robbed? She asked me. “No, there was no robbery, some justfeel that the decision could have just as easily gone to Marquez butthere was no robbery.”

That's pretty much how I honestly feel.There was no robbery involved, no one stole the victory from Marquez.Both fights were very close. They were close enough and excitingenough to warrant a third fight. But at 38, Marquez chances are muchslimmer now than, say, three years ago. Still, Marquez has alwaysbeen the type of fighter that I admire; a tremendous heart, greatboxing and counter punching ability, a willingness to mix it up, anda refusal to quit.

His quiet demeanor has sometimes workedagainst him. In some ways he reminds me of the great Alexis Arguello, not so much that both were great counter punchers, but in the waythat both approached their sport. Arguello was, and Marquez is, thetype of fighter that comes to work, clocks in, does his job to theutmost of his ability, then clocks out and goes home. No bull shitabout either fighter. Perhaps too, like Arguello, Marquez will neverbeat his greatest rival but it won't be because he didn't try.

There is a type of fighter that reallygets to me. The late Joe Frazier, of course, was the epitome of thattype. I'm talking beyond style. I've mentioned before that heart isthe quality that I admire more than any other in a fighter. Sometimesit will take a fighter to hell and back, sometimes to victory andsometimes to defeat. So what it comes down to, to me, is not alwaysso much how a fighter wins but also in the way he loses. Even indefeat some men are magnificent.

I was trying to explain to Jeri too, onwhat makes a champion. There have been so many great champions overthe years (not so much lately) but what sometimes defines a greatchamp is not so much that he was better than everyone but that whenfacing a bigger, stronger, better fighter, he still finds a way toowin. That's what true champions do.

So, that's Juan Manuel Marquez' tasktonight. To find some kind of way to beat a younger, faster, betterfighter, with an equally big heart and with a mission that will rivalhis own, These are the fights that become legend.

Austin Trout Stops Frank La Porto

2011-11-12T08:58:00.001-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

By Randy De La O

Austin Trout thoroughly and completelydominated the fight last night against Frank La Porto, at the CohenStadium in El Paso, Texas. The fight ended as Trout had hoped but thefight went differently than expected. La Porto was a tough nut tocrack, especially when, after being dropped in the first round, heseemed to be in survival mode. He did however, show a lot of heartand courage but he was outclassed by a superior fighter in Trout.

My one fear, after watching AlfredoAngulo punch himself out last week, after almost knocking out JamesKirkland, was that Trout would do the same thing. I needn't haveworried, Trout was in excellent shape. He looked like he could havegone 15 rounds last night.

Trout's corner, led by Louie Burke, wascalm between the rounds as they kept their fighter focused on the jobat hand. Trout, who lives in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, had thehome court advantage last night. The pro-Trout crowd was on it's feetthe entire fight. The knockout never came but by the 6th round, LaPorto, a thoroughly beaten fighter, his will and heart gone, wassaved by merciful referee, Rafael Ramos. I don't believe La Portowould have lasted another round. After the fight, La Porto's facelooked brutally beaten but it was expression that said it all.

More than anything else, I wasimpressed by Austin after the fight, during the post fight interview.When asked to rate his performance and his future, Trout's reply was,“I felt like I did my thing. If anybody feels like I don’tdeserve this belt, please come and take it.”

Mostly though, I was impressed by theway Trout conducted himself; confident and sure of himself butwithout the usual braggadocio and trash talking so common in youngfighters and other athletes. Trainer Louie Burke and company havedone an outstanding job. Congratulations Champ!

Pacquiao vs Marquez III

2011-11-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez III: Third Time's the Charm for Marquez?

2011-11-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

By Randy De La O

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquezwill go at it again tomorrow night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,Nevada. They will be fighting for Pacquiao's WBO Welterweight title.I can't find too many people to agree with me but I think thatMarquez has a chance to win. Regardless, I'm throwing my supportbehind him. Marquez, arguably, the best counterpuncher fightingtoday, has always had the right style to go up against Pacquiao. Hehas always found a way to upset Pacquiao's rhythm. I'm hoping he cando it again. Still, this is a fight that should have been made a fewyears ago but it is what it is.

Pacquiao and Marquez have fought twicebefore; a draw in 2004 and a split decision in 2008. The fights, therivalry and the results have been discussed ad nauseum andthere's no point in going over every detail again except to say thatthe difference between the two has always been razor thin. Given thecloseness of both fights I don't understand Pacquiao's irritation atMarquez for believing that he won the fight, especially since a largepart of the boxing world feels the same way.

Pacquiao seems to be concerned aboutthe fight too. By his own admission, he is training harder for thisfight than for any other. So he at least is giving Marquez some duerespect. There is also a rematch clause that was added.......just incase. On the other hand, he seems to be looking past Marquez and to afight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. sometime next year.

Pacquiao has momentum on his side, andhe is a good fighter, no doubt (I'm still not sold on his greatness)and of course the odds and circumstances favor him, including theweight. If he has taken Marquez for granted, if he makes a mistake,if he has done one thing wrong during training, Marquez is the manthat will make him pay.

I know that a fight between Pacquiaoand Mayweather is good for boxing. But the way see it, if Pacquiaocan't get past Marquez, than who cares about it? Not me. I believethat if this fight meets any and all expectations, regardless of whowins, it's a big shot in the arm for boxing. The future will take care ofitself.

Throughout most of his career, Marquezhas fought in the shadow of his countrymen, Erik Morales and MarcoAntonio Barrera. Now, he has out lasted both of them and hasestablished his own legacy. Because of his draw and split decisionloss (Both controversial), he has also fought in the shadow of MannyPacquiao. I'm hoping that tomorrow night he steps out of the shadow.

I honestly don't know who will wintomorrow but I do know that Marquez will give every ounce of himselfin this fight, they both will. I also know that Manny Pacquiao hasnever convincingly beaten Marquez. They both have something to proveto each other, and to themselves. Both are confident. No matter howyou look at it, both men have been remarkable.

That loud shouting you hear coming fromWhittier will be me screaming for Marquez to win, any kind of way.

As always, let the best man win, buthere's hoping, that for Marquez, the “third time's the charm”.

The fight will be shown on HBO PPV.

Joe Frazier’s Funeral

2011-11-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Monday November 14, 2011
9-11am Calling – Closed Casket
11am – Service Starts

Calling and Service will be held at
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
2800 West Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Get Directions

In Lieu of Flowers, the Frazier family asks you to send donations to
The American Cancer Society. Make checks payable to ACS, Inc.
8400 Silver Crossing, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
Please include in your memo: In Memory of Joe Frazier.

Please leave a comment on JoeFraziersCorner.com if you’d like to pay your respects.

Fight Night Champion - Still Standing: Joe Frazier

2011-11-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of EASPORTS on Youtube.com

The Fight

2011-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

By Randy De La O

I'm trying to find some kind of way todescribe to a younger generation just how big the first fight betweenJoe Frazier and Muhammad Ali was. If ever there was a fight thatcould accurately be deemed “The Fight of the Century” this wasthe one. It is often, just simply called “The Fight”. Noexplanation is needed.

Oh, there were other so called“Fights of the Century” but in terms of historic epic heavyweightfights, only Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling II, and perhaps Jack Johnsonvs James J. Jeffries come close. But this fight had something that noother heavyweight fight before it had; two undefeated heavyweights,each with a legitimate claim to the heavyweight title, the biggestprize in all of sports, perhaps the biggest prize anywhere. Add tothat all the media attention that was not available to those otherfights. The timing was right.

So big was the fight across the worldthat countries shut down and a war was put on hold – Joe Frazierand Muhammad Ali were going to fight. Celebrities, politicians,anyone and everyone wanted to be part of the act. Frank Sinatrahimself was to cover the fight as the photographer for Life magazine(I have that issue).

I was a junior in high school when thisfight took place. When I think, talk or write about this fight, oreither fighter, it is always through the eyes of a 16 year old boy, Ican't help it. As I write this my eyes are welling up with tears as Iremember. Both of these guys were my boxing heroes. It was hard forme to think of them fighting each other.

If you have read anything I havewritten before you know that my heart sometimes-No, make thatalways-overrides my head. I wear my heart on my sleeves. There is nohiding who I like and who I dislike. So when it was announced thatFrazier and Ali were going to fight, I was besides myself, trying todecide where to place my loyalty. Ultimately, I put my $5.00 weeklylunch money on Smokin' Joe (I didn't tell my parents).

My father, a fighter in the army, wasan old school fight fan and came from a time when fighters fought,not talked, and so he was not a fan of Ali. His guys were; Joe Louis,Rocky Marciano, Jerry Quarry and of course, Joe Frazier. Many fromthat generation could never quite warm up to Ali's bombastic style ofboasting. Me? I ate it up. I knew it was all an act. Still, JoeFrazier; stoic, fierce and with a determined scowl, pacing back andforth like a wild cat, anticipating his prey, really grabbed me.

Ali had a way of getting inside afighter's head. He would find out what another fighter's button wasand than push it, and no one could push it like Ali. Frazier hadbuilt a wall around himself and Ali was never able to penetrate it. What we know now, that we didn't know then, or at least I didn't, wasthat Ali's words did hurt Joe. The “Uncle Tom” and “Gorilla”tags hurt Joe to the core of his being and he carried that resentmentand anger throughout his life.

Somehow, Joe was able to channel thatanger inside the ring. Relentless, forward moving and constantlythrowing punches, but always in control.

Ali, as almost everyone already knows,was coming back from a three year exile. His last fight before he wasstripped of the heavyweight title was a 15 round title defenseagainst Zora Folley, stopping Folley in the 7^th round anddefending his WBA title.

It would be three years before Aliwould fight again. In his comeback Ali had taken on a new persona. Hewas now a genuine folk hero. He had taken a stance against the U.S.Government and the Viet Nam War and he won. As much as he was hated,or disliked before the exile, the political and social change thathad swept the country made him bigger than ever. Not to say thatthere were no longer any Ali haters, but they were no longer themajority.

Ali fought again on October, 1970 whena fight was finally secured in Atlanta, Georgia against popular andever tough West Coast favorite, “Irish” Jerry Quarry. Ali would stop Quarry in the 3^rd round. Officially the fight was aTKO due to cuts.

His next bout was with Argentina'sOscar Bonavena in December of 1970, at Madison Square Garden, NewYork. Ali stopped Bonavena in the 15^th round afterknocking the Argentinian down three times in the final round. Ali haddominated the fight. Next up: Joe Frazier.

In June of 1969, Frazier defeated JerryQuarry – in Ring Magazine's fight of the year- to win the New Yorkversion of the heavyweight title by stopping Quarry in the 7^thround of their scheduled 15 round fight.

Next on Frazier's hit list was JimmyEllis, for the vacant WBC title, as well as the WBA heavyweighttitle, also at stake was Joe's NYSAC heavyweight title. Ellis had wonhis version of the heavyweight championship by defeating Jerry Quarrya year earlier to win the heavyweight tournament. Ellis would beTKO'ed in 5 rounds. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds. JoeFrazier was now the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Joe made quickwork of his next opponent, light heavy king, Bob Foster, as Fosterattempted to take the crown from Frazier. Foster was knocked out inthe 2^nd round. Next up: Muhammad Ali.

Back at school, as the fight wasapproaching, those that followed boxing, and even those that didn'ttypically follow the sport, were broken into two camps: Frazier orAli. It wasn't just school though, it was like that everywhere. Istayed out of any arguments. Despite the fact that I had pickedFrazier to win, I was still a fan of Ali. I picked Frazier because,at that time and from what I had seen. I thought him invincible. Asfar as my heart was concerned, I was loyal to both. I would saynothing bad about Ali. Both were the heavyweight champions.

This was all taking place before cableand PPV television. So we had to depend on the news from the radioand of course, from the paper the next day. The fight took place atMadison Square Garden, in New York. The Garden and New York werestill the epicenter of boxing in those days. The referee was ArthurMercante. Joe Frazier beat Ali by unanimous decision and was now theabsolute undisputed heavyweight champion of the word. Ali was downin the 15^th round as a result of a Frazier left hook. Istill have the newspaper from that day, forty plus years later. It'swrinkled, fragile and yellow now. It's in a box somewhere. The fightwas front page news all across the globe.

I had bragging rights at school, butreally as happy as I was that Frazier had won the fight I was equallyunhappy that Ali had lost. I was going to feel that way regardless ofwho won and lost. It's the price you pay for loving your fighters.

Over the years I have seen the fight onrebroadcasts and later on Youtube (a boxing fans best friend). Aliseemed in control in the early rounds but Joe was smoking and he justwas not going to lose. I never tire of watching it.

They fought three times in total. Theirlast fight , in 1975, was “The Thrilla in Manilla” which mighthave even surpassed the first fight. That fight ended in the 14^thround when trainer and cornerman, the late and great Eddie Futchrefused to let Joe come out for the final round. It's said that bothmen were near death that day. Whether that's true or not, I couldn'tsay. What I do know is that both men damaged each other. They foughteach other with every fiber of their beings. They took each other toa place that most of us will never see or imagine. Neither of themwere never again the same. Their fights with each other were of epic,almost mythical proportion. They were giants.

Their rivalry and trilogy was one forthe ages. Their feud transcended the ring. In the last couple ofyears, they finally made peace with each other. Joe forgave Ali forthe words, and belittlement. God Bless him for that.

I was lucky to be a fight fan whengiants still fought in the ring. Smokin' Joe Frazier, a fighter'sfighter and a man's man. Goodbye Joe, I'll miss you!

A Tribute to Smokin' Joe Frazier

2011-11-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Smokin' Joe Frazier Has Died

2011-11-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

Smokin' Joe Frazier 1944 - 2011

R.I.P. Champ

By Randy De La O

Joe Frazier has died. A little piece of my past has gone with him. He was one of my boyhood idols. Hard to believe. To have been a young fan of boxing during one of the greatest era of heavyweight boxing is something I will never forget. That was at a time when the heavyweight title was the biggest prize in all of sports, maybe bigger than just about anything. On March 8, 1971 Joe Frazier beat my other boyhood idol, Muhammad Ali in their epic 15 round championship fight. On that night Joe Frazier was king of the world.

My condolences to the Frazier family. Go with God Joe!

Austin Trout Promo

2011-11-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

James Kirkland Stops Alfredo Angulo

2011-11-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of HO Boxing

By Randy De La O

As anticipated, Saturday night's fight on HBO between Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and James Kirkland, in Cancun, Mexico, was a real barn burner. Kirkland immediately took the fight to Angulo and thirty seconds into the round he was dropped and hurt by a right hand. Angulo looking to finish Kirkland never stopped punching. He should have, or at least stepped back a bit and been a little more selective with his punches.

So sure was Angulo of a first round KO victory that he punched himself out. You could almost see it coming. Many of the shots missed their mark. Near the end of the round Angulo was knocked down, almost as much from exhaustion as from Kirkland's punches.

In the second round Angulo's legs were unsteady and his punching lacked any real zip. It was the beginning of the end for Angulo as Kirkland, 100% back in the fight, dominated the rest of the fight. Angulo was taking a beating. You got the sense that both fighters were willing to die in the ring. When the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round, it was unchallenged. It was a great, hard fought victory for Jame Kirkland. He attributed his win to his hard training and preparation. It gives credence to the old boxing adage, "Fights are won and lost in the gym". Regardless of the outcome both men proved their mettle Saturday.

Smokin' Joe Frazier has Cancer

2011-11-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

“Life doesn't run away from nobody. Life runs at people.”

-Joe Frazier

Legendary heavyweight and all around good guy, Smokin' Joe Frazier has Liver Cancer. Joe has always been a bigger than life man and champion to his countless and loyal fans, and that includes my entire family.

Joe is in God's hands now, and is in the fight of his life, we will continue to pray for his recovery. Joe as well as his family are in our prayers. God Bless you Smokin' Joe Frazier.

Past articles on this site on Joe Frazier.

A Fighter and a Friend . . .

2011-11-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

By Rick Farris

I was twelve when my family moved back to Burbank in 1964.This is where I would begin junior high school. I came from Orange County, where I grew up having more than my share of school yard fights. I expected being the new kid in class, somebody was going to try me, and I was ready, but it never happened. The kids in Burbank were a lot more mellow than I was used to, so I rarely had a fight.

I was one of the smaller guys in my class, but I was pretty much an athlete, and I'd meet another kid who was the same. He was my size and a great athlete, good runner. His name was Frankie Santillan, and he and I kind of hit it off.

At the time, I was totally into boxing. I dreamed of being a boxer and was looking for a place to make my dream come true. I would find out that Frankie also liked boxing, and that his dad Max was also a boxing guy. After school, I'd bring my boxing gloves over the Frankie's house and we'd box in the backyard. Frank's younger brother Maxie would referee. Afterwards Frankie would grab a couple of his dad's boxing magazines and we'd talk about some of the fighters of the era. I remember us discussing Joey Giambra one day. About twenty-five years later I'd meet Giambra, and as we discussed his career, I thought about the day Frankie mentioned it to me. We also talked about Davey Moore, the featherweight champ who had died in the ring a couple years earlier, in the only boxing event to ever be held at Dodger Stadium.

A couple years later, my parents bought a home on the other side of town and we moved. After that I didn't see Frankie, we would attend different high schools. Shortly after moving I began my boxing career, training under Johnny Flores who managed heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry. I fought in the Junior Golden Gloves for nearly three years before I would see my old pal Frankie Santillan again.As we began the 1968 Jr. Golden Gloves tournament, I was fighting in the 96-105 pound weight class, in the Open division. As I looked over a program for the upcoming round of eliminations, I see a name that caught me totally by surprise, Frankie Santillan. Frank was fighting out of Canto Robledo's "Crown City Boxing Club" in Pasadena. He was fighting in my same weight class, but in the Novice division. Like me, Frankie Santillan was on a path that would one day lead both of us to make our professional boxing debuts while still attending high school.

I won the Open division championship that year. And Frankie Santillan won in the Novice division. Frankie was flashy, fast, a solid puncher that liked to box but was more than willing to stand and punch. Although we were a bit different in style, we shared the same spirit, and we were both used to winning.

I remember that my dad and Frankie's father became friends as they sat together watching us fight. And they sat together, Frankie's family and mine, when the two of us finally fought. We would fight four times, and I truly believed that every fight was very close. I would lose two of those fights. We were friends outside the ring, but in the ring we were all business. We took nothing personal, but in the ring we were out to KO one another. But that never happened, we both stayed on our feet, and we both went toe-to-toe.

We both traveled to Las Vegas for the1970 Golden Gloves Nationals. Frankie's dad snapped a photo of the two of us in the dressing room prior to our fighting opponents from the Nevada team. I fought somebody from Arizona, and I forget who Frankie whipped that night. About two months later, we'd both turn pro a few weeks before graduating from high school.

We'd both fight at the Olympic Auditorium, and make our pro debuts on TV facing the same opponent, Antonio Villanueva, just a couple weeks apart.

After a few years, Frankie left boxing suddenly. I never saw him again. He and I had both worked as a sparring partner for the great bantamweight champ, Ruben Olivares. And we'd both boxed with world champs Bobby Chacon, Danny Lopez and others. I fought a bit longer before quitting for good when I was 24. I often wondered about Frankie Santillan. We shared a unique history, we walked the same path, and we both came out about the same career wise.

One day I get a Facebook friend request - from Frank Santillan!

In the late 90's, I began writing about boxing and I became involved with a few veteran boxer organizations and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. During the past dozen years I was able to reconnect with many of the great boxers I knew way back when. Frank told me he just walked away from boxing, but now he is back. In a few weeks, Frank Santillan, a good fighter and a good friend will return to a place where his star shined for awhile. And best of all, he'll be with all of us who knew him well, long time friends. We are no longer teenage prizefighters, we are a couple of old men. But on December 10th, we'll join some other old men we once knew and we are going to take a nice little step back in time.

Frankie and I never won a professional championship, but I can honestly say that we have traded punches with some of the greatest boxers of all-time. And it all started in a back yard in Burbank.

-Rick Farris

Public Media Workout for World Champ, Austin "No Doubt" Trout!!!!

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Saturday, November 22nd at 12:00 pm noon, World Champion, Austin “No Doubt” Trout will have an open public and media sparring session and workout at Pound 4 Pound Gym at 10931 Pelicano, west of Lomaland in El Paso. This is in preparation for his up-coming title defense against Frank LoPorto, from Australia on 11/11/11!

The Bout will be held at Cohen Stadium and is a Zeferino Entertainment promotion.

Abie Han, who is getting ready for his Oct. 29th fight, will start off the session, passing the duties to try and knock off “No Doubts” head to Josh Enriquez and then leaving the clean-up to Hector “The Hurricane” Munoz.

All public and media are welcome: Austin will be fielding questions and signing autographs shortly after his workout.

Contacts: Javier Sanchez, 915-329-6857
Guy Taylor, 626-674-2905
Pound 4 Pound, 915-590-2269

Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.diablos.com$10 general admission, $20 box seats, $50 ringside and $500 for a table of 10 people.

AUSTIN TROUT TO DEFEND HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN EL PASO

2011-10-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

From Publicist Javier Sanchez

Junior Middle-Weight-World Champion Austin Trout, From the Cruces, will defend his belt November 11 at El Paso’s Cohen Stadium against Australian challenger Frank LoPorto. The championship fight will be televised on Showtime.

Trout, born in El Paso, is an undefeated champion (23-0, 13 KOs) who will be making the second defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) championship he won from Mexican Rigoberto “El Español” Alvarez last February 2 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. He had his first title defense against Mexican challenger David “Destroyer” Lopez last June in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico.

This title bout was announced by Louie Burke, Austin Trout’s trainer.

Trout, 26, is an outstanding boxer/puncher that readily capitalized on the first opportunity he had to become champion. He went to Guadalajara, the city of boxing Mexican greats Efrén “Alacrán” Torres and Jose Becerra, both former world champs, and took the title away from popular Rigoberto Alvarez, older brother of Mexican boxing sensation Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Also, he returned to boxing-crazy México to defend his title, and he came out ahead against dangerous puncher David “Destroyer” Lopez.Frank LoPorto is a 33-year-old Australian boxer with a 15-4, 7 KOs who’s getting his first crack at a world title. LoPorte has fought his whole career in his native Australia and has won his last two bouts by KO.

Touching gloves with…Sammy Goss

2011-10-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Posted on this site with the expressed courtesy of the author

By Dan Hanley

In the summer of ‘73 during a series of telecasts on ABC from New York’s Felt Forum, I was introduced to the east coast’s version of Mexican featherweight warfare. And I was absolutely smitten with the rampaging style of Sammy Goss as I watched this ’sure thing’ in action on those Saturday afternoons. Catching up with Sammy takes me back to the days of network TV and the efforts displayed which drew rabid crowds into unforgiving arenas of attrition. Good times.

DH: Sammy, you’re originally from Trenton, New Jersey, is that right?

SG: Born and bred and still here to this day.

DH: You’ve got quite the family background in boxing. Tell me about it.

SG: Well, my Dad was Jesse Goss. He was a fighter and eventually a trainer. As a matter of fact he trained Ike Williams back in the day. I started boxing around the age of 6 or 7 and all my brothers boxed. But boxing was not just in the family but also in the entire neighborhood. Everything was about boxing.

DH: How old were you when you formally started?

SG: I was 15. My father brought me down to the Trenton PAL to Percy Richardson for instruction.

DH: You had a remarkable amateur career. What are your stats?

SG: Well, I came along very fast. I was 5 time N.J. Golden Glove champ, 5 time state AAU champ, 1965 National AAU flyweight champ, 1968 National AAU bantamweight champ and 1968 National Golden Glove runnerup, losing in the finals to Earl Large of New Mexico.

DH: Now didn’t the AAU title grant you a berth at the ‘68 Olympic Trials?

SG: Yes it did. And in the finals of the trials I beat Earl Large. However, since I had lost to him recently in the Nationals it was decided we had to have a boxoff. So I beat him again for the bantamweight spot on the 1968 Olympic team.

DH: Tell me about Mexico City 1968
.
SG: I would have had to win 5 fights to medal in the tournament, I received a bye in the 1st round and the second round I was fighting an eastern European. Now remember, Percy Richardson was not in my corner. I got to that point with Percy Richardson, who knew my style. In the Olympics we all had the National Coach, who was Pappy Gault. In the first round of my bout I had my opponent hurt bad but when I got back to my corner Gault jumped all over me. He wanted me to go to the body and nothing but. Well, he’s the coach and I had to do as I was told but I had to try and get under and in there and ate nothing but jabs trying to get in. He just kept popping me as I bore in and I lost the decision. That was all for me and I went pro after that.

DH: Who did you turn pro with?

SG: Well, Percy Richardson of course along with Frank Cariello were my trainers and I was managed by Pinny Schaeffer and Pat Duffy. We were together from beginning to end and we had the best time. (laughing) Those crazy guys could joke, let me tell you.

DH: You were up and down the eastern seaboard after turning pro. Maine, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts. Was it an issue getting fights for you?
SG: Well, I was taking the fights as they were coming to me, but then we hooked up with Promoter Russell Peltz in Philadelphia. And now, although I still lived in Trenton, I would take the train into Philly on weekends for some real serious sparring.

DH: I take it you were introduced to the Philadelphia gym wars?

SG: Oh man, you had to be on your toes. Sparring in Philly, to me, meant working on defense because every sparring partner was looking to beat on me in order to make a reputation for himself.

DH: You were a very busy fighter. In a year and half after turning pro you were 18-1 and went into a fight which smacked of old school rivalry. You and Augie Pantellas had been making a lot of noise out of Philly. In fact, Marty Feldman, Pantellas’ trainer, said that this had been brewing for two years. Tell me about the fight.

SG: Well, you’re right, this really was a rivalry. We packed them into the Philadelphia Spectrum that night, which was one of my best paydays. I don’t recall the figures but I remember I made enough to put a down payment on a house. As for Augie Pantellas, he was a puncher and this was going to be a very tough fight if I fought him the same way. But during training I watched the tape of the Sugar Ray Robinson - Jake LaMotta title fight every single night. I copied the same moves. I boxed, I spun him and countered him and took an easy decision.

DH: Were you aware that Promoter Lou Lucchese offered to bring lightweight champ Ken Buchanan to Philly to fight the winner in a non-title?

SG: I was not. And obviously I never heard anymore about it. See, Lucchese was more Pantellas’ promoter, whereas I was affiliated with Russell Peltz. But Buchanan would have been too big for me anyway. I was comfortable between 126-130.

DH: Your next fight set you back a bit. That was one bad dude you fought in Ricardo Arredondo. Does the fact that he would become world champ less than a year later suggest that you may have been overmatched at this stage of your career?

SG: Yes, he was far more polished than I was.

DH: Were you ‘in’ the fight at all?

SG: No, to tell you the truth, he was picking me off coming in. He had reach on me and could hit. But it was a learning experience.

DH: Several fights later you had a similar result against Jose Luis Lopez, getting stopped in 6. Was it simply a case of having a problem solving the Mexican style?

SG: Yeah, it was the same thing. He was a tall guy and he caught me with an uppercut. But we rematched about a year later and I had it down. I made him chase me, boxed and took the fight easily. See, the first fight I was going after him and walking into the shots.

DH: It does seem like you had it figured out with a two round blowout of Raul Cruz in your next fight. But thinking of some of these Mexican fighters made me wonder why you never relocated to the west coast for more work.

SG: I suppose I should have but Russell Peltz was bringing in the talent for me, so I didn’t have any complaints.

DH: In March of ‘73 you fought for the first and only time in Madison Square Garden. A 12 rounder against Walter Seeley. It was a brilliant win, but whatever happened to Garden matchmaker Teddy Brenner’s promise of an October title fight for the winner at the Garden against featherweight champ Ernesto Marcel?

SG: Don’t know. Nothing ever came of it. Of course, like Lucchese and Pantellas in Philly, the Garden was Seeley’s promoter.

DH: Jose Fernandez of the Dominican Republic was coming off of a tremendous result over in Europe when you beat him at the Felt Forum. Then you rematched on National TV for the newly created American Jr. Lightweight title. Tell me about the fight.

SG: Everything was right that night. He came right at me, I boxed, I punched. I couldn’t miss.

DH: The following month you were back on the air against undefeated Edwin Viruet. But you came in as a late substitute for Chango Carmona. Were you ready for this fight?

SG: I was staying in shape, so yes, I was ready and won a close decision.

DH: There was some controversey over your 8th round knockdown, wasn’t there?

SG: (laughing) Yeah, I caught him good with a leaping left hook, but he couldn’t pull away because I came down on his foot. He was a good fighter but I beat him with body punches.

DH: At this time you were Ring Magazine’s #1 contender for the 130 lb. title. What kind of efforts were there to get you a title shot?

SG: I know Russell Peltz was working on it but the only one we heard from was Ricardo Arredondo offering us a non-title fight. I was the #1 contender, I wasn’t going to go for that.

DH: For the first time in your career you took time off. It was seven months before you fought again and looked very ring rusty against a club fighter. Why the inactivity?

SG: I think it was a combination of me needing a rest and them working on a title fight.

DH: In August of ‘74 you signed to defend your American title in an all-Philly affair with undefeated rival Tyrone Everett. I understand the fight reeked of bad blood. Tell me about it.

SG: Tyrone was saying a lot of nasty things in the press, which really angered me and I was responding to it, which really heated things up. As for the fight, he dropped me around the 3rd round. I then began doing well with body punches but then he began running and boxing on the retreat. Percy was telling me between rounds to chase him and I was saying, “I’ll chase him but I don’t know if I can catch him.” And he won the fight. Afterwards Tyrone shook hands with me and apologized for the things he was saying and that it was just to hype the fight and pump up the gate.

Goss (right) seen here dropping Raul Cruz

.
DH: After that fight you began fighting on the road more. You fought Flipper Uehara over in Japan and held him to a draw. He was one of Japan’s hotshots at the time. How do you perceive the draw?

SG: That was no draw. I gave him one severe body beating. He came up to me after the fight and said, “I never fought anybody that hit to the body like you.”

DH: Something happened around this time that really bummed me out. You started losing to guys you had once dominated such as Jose Fernandez and Augie Pantellas. Were you spent after such a long amateur and pro career?

SG: I really think I was. I was just tired by that point.

DH: While on the road you fought twice in South Africa when apartheid was at its height. How were you treated over there?

SG: Oh, I was treated alright, like one of their own. I had no issues. As for my two fights over there, the first fight was against ‘Happy Boy’ Mgxaji and I thought I beat him. From bell to bell I pounded his body but they gave it to him. My fight with Brian Baronet was also my last. In the 7th round I was hit with a right and something happened to me. I went down and just sat there and let them count me out. Percy asked me afterwards what happened and I told him that my head felt like a bottle of coca-cola after you shook it up. I felt something rushing to the top of my head. It was enough. And I never fought again.

DH: What have you been doing with yourself over the years?

SG: I have been running the Goss & Goss Gym in Trenton along with my brothers Barry and Tommy. We’re giving kids the same chance we had.

DH: Sammy, if there was one fight you wanted that you never got an opportunity at, what would it be?

SG: A third fight with Augie Pantellas.

DH: Whooa! I thought for sure you were going to say a title fight with Ben Villaflor or Kuniaki Shibata.

SG: (laughing) Nope! I felt I beat him again in our rematch. I wanted a third fight with Augie Pantellas to set things straight.

DH: Sammy, last question, while we’ve been talking I’ve been noticing that fighters you beat such as Jose Marin, Jose Fernandez and Edwin Viruet along with fighters you felt you beat such as Flipper Uehara and Happy Boy Mgxaji all received title shots sometime after fighting you. Where was the justice?

SG: Really? All of them? Well, I don’t know how those guys made out in life, but I’m healthy, have all my senses, have my family and my own home from my ring earnings. So…maybe I did OK.

Alas, in the fight game, fate can be a cruel bitch. She provides amateur silverware to adorn the shelves, grants Olympian status to enhance the transition to pro and even bestows the ranking of #1 contender for world laurels. Yet, obstinately withholds the elusive shot at that very same world title. Cruel indeed. However, cruel fate has left no malice in the heart of Sammy Goss as he teaches the very same sport which left him marooned from the brass ring. For that alone I say, way to go champ.

See ya next round

Dan Hanley
pugnut23@yahoo.com

Louie Burke: Able Han Update

2011-10-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Abie Han’s fight with Eloy Suarez, which was canceled last month due to an oversight by the Texas Boxing Commission is now scheduled for October 29 in Thackerville, Oklahoma at the WinStar Casino. Top Rank is the promoter of the event that will be headlining highly rated Vanes Martirosyan, who’s fighting against Richard Guiterrez.

Abie’s opponent Eloy Suarez, is a tough come at you guy, with a solid chin. In Suarez’s last fight he put world rated Brian Vera to the test, pushing him to the final round before getting stopped. Prior to his fight with Suarez, Vera won a decision over former WBC World Champ, Sergio Mora.

Abie’s glad the fight was kept together and knows that Suarez will be a tough opponent that’s coming to spoil his undefeated record and his quest for a championship belt.

Thank you for the support and encouragement!

Floyd Mayweather Wins....Hands Down

2011-09-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz: Character Inside the Ring and a Fight Town's Legacy

2011-09-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

By Randy De La O

There is an age old adage in boxing that goes something like this, "You are never so naked as when you are standing in the ring". It's not the physical nakedness they are referring to, it's the character of a man (or a women) that's exposed. Your courage and heart and sense of fair play, and your ability or inability to handle pressure, or the propensity to cheat when frustrated, or a lack of character when it's time to face your actions when caught. You are never so naked a when you are standing in the ring. Ask Victor Ortiz, he got caught completely naked last night.

125486843 LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 17: Victor Ortiz reaches his head out as Floyd Mayweather Jr. is against the rope in the fourth round during their WBC welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 17, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Referee Joe Cortez called Ortiz for an illegal headbutt. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) 2011 Getty Images

I'm no fan of Floyd Mayweather Jr, never have been and most likely, never will be. What I am is a fan of the sport of boxing. As difficult as that can be at times, especially when someone like Mayweather is involved, I do try my absolute best to put aside my own personal bias and dislikes and focus just on the fighter and the fights. It's not always easy. Saturday night's fight between Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is a good example. Coming into this fight I wanted Ortiz to put the trash talking Mayweather in his place. I wasn't 100% sure he could but I was rooting for him to pull it off. The other reason I was rooting for Ortiz was that I wanted to see the guy redeem himself. I was hoping he would prove once and for all, that his blatant quitting in the Marcos Maidana fight was an anomaly, just something that happened, a one time quirky act. I thought that Ortiz understood what true character was, and that he was going to work like hell to prove himself. Maybe position himself along side some of the great fighters of the past.

Us guys from the West Coast and the L.A. fight scene are a proud bunch. We love our fighters and their exploits passionately. We have as rich a history in the sport as any town in the country, or the world too for that matter. We cherish and defend that history. The fighters that were either born here or came here to live and fight, range from the completely mediocre to the legendary. They trained at the Main Street Gym, the Teamsters Gym, the Hoover Street Gym and Canto Robledo's backyard gym. The names of these fighters stand with the best from anywhere in the world when it comes to courage, heart and fair play and they include fighters such as Manny Ortiz, Gil Cadilli, Kenny Teran, Art Aragon, Enrique Bolanos,Lauro Salas, Denny Moyer, Mando Ramos, Hedgeman Lewis, Randy Shields, Mando Muniz, Bobby Chacon, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Rick Farris, , the Fighting Irish Brothers Jerry and Mike Quarry, Frankie Baltazar, Tony Baltazar, and more recently, Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya. I couldn't begin to list them all.

Guys like Ruben Olivares, Chucho Castillo, Jesus Pimental came north from Mexico to lay it on the line at the Olympic Auditorium and the Forum because they knew L.A. was a fight town like no other and appreciated a fighter worth his salt. Art Hafey headed south from Canada to Southern California, to jump into the midst of what has come to be known as the "West Coast Featherweight Wars". The West Coast has been a hot bed of boxing for decades and L.A. has been the epicenter of it all. We don't care what nationality you are, what color you are or what your religion is. If you can fight and are willing, and can take it as good as you can give, than you are our kind of fighter. it's as simple as that. We'll be with you all the way.

Then along comes Victor Ortiz, wanting to stand tall with all the rest. Quit against Maidana and was given a second chance at a career. Positioned himself with one of the two pound for pound best fighters in the world, and was making a fight of it. Mayweather began picking up some steam and the fighter who has ironically come to be known as "Vicious" began to crumble. Ortiz had Mayweather against the ropes and was actually landing some good shots, when for reasons known only to him, he decided to take the low road with a headbutt so obviously intentionally a blind man would have had no trouble seeing it. Anomaly? No, lack of character, lack of true courage, a complete lack of fair play.

Am I being too harsh here? I don't think so. Given that Ortiz had a shot at redemption and spit in our eyes in the process, I think he's getting off easy. The crowd at the Staples Center, judging by the boos for Mayweather seem to be excusing Ortiz' behavior. Mayweather did what any sane fighter would and should do when facing a man who has already shown himself to be a cheater. I would lay some pretty good money that many of the same people that think Floyd sucker punched Ortiz, were jumping for joy a few years back when, Marco Antonio Barrera, like Mayweather, took matters into his own hands and grabbed Nassem Hamed in a half nelson and rammed him face first into the ring post. I don't recall ever hearing of one fan that thought Barrera was in the wrong. Neither was Floyd Mayweather in the wrong. But for the headbutt there would have been no controversy or knockout, at least not that particular knockout.

To borrow quote from Dorothy and "The Wizard of Oz", "Victor, you're not in Kansas anymore!"

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs Alfonso Gomez

2011-09-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Photos by Gene Blevins/Hoganphotos

By Randy De La O

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will be fighting on the undercard (sort of) tonight. Alvarez vs Gomez will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Their fight is the main event at that sight but on the HBO PPV their fight will be on the undercard, so to speak. I think it will be a good fight.

I happen to like both of these guys, though I do think at this point in his career, regardless of his age, "Canelo" is a bit overrated and over protected, but that's not his fault (yet). He still needs a lot of work, especially on defense but that should come with time.

Gomez is a guy you just can't help but like. I mean, how can you not root for Gomez? Now here is a guy that, more than anyone else, has made the most of his appearance on NBC's boxing reality show, "The Contender", a few years back, and here is a guy that could have griped to Kingdom Come when, after beating Peter Manfredo Jr on the fair and square, he was forced to fight him a second time after another contestant left the show and Manfredo was called back. Manfredo won the second fight. If they ended their fights with one and one, why was Manfredo allowed to fight Sergio Mora for the Contender title? The fair and honest thing to do would have been to make it two out of three. Gomez got screwed. I'm not saying Gomez would have beaten Mora but I do think he's the one that should have been given the chance. I'm digressing, I know, but I had to get that off my chest.

Gomez to be fair, is a limited fighter and most likely would have languished in obscurity if not for the "Contender", but it's his huge heart that has made me and just about everyone else a fan. He's my kind of fighter. He's always plugging away, always trying, always giving a 100%. I'm hoping that somewhere along the line, maybe tonight, he'll have a "Rocky" like moment in his career. He's fought and beat a few good guys, like the late Arturo Gotti, though to be fair to Gotti, he was at the end of a great career. He never fought again. He's stepped into the ring with Miguel Cotto, Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Castillo, like Gotti, was caught at the end of his career. Gomez is a deserving guy.

That's not to say that Canelo isn't a deserving guy. Like Gomez, I think he has his limitations but with the backing this guy has, he might as well have won a gold medal. His career is moving along like a juggernaut against mediocre opponents and he is not quite 100% deserving of his place in the upper echelon of boxing, someday maybe, just not yet. Still, his future looks bright.

Tonight, I'm throwing common sense, logic and conventional wisdom out the window and I'm going with my heart. It seems like the right thing to do! I'll be rooting for Gomez.

Star Power: Mayweather vs Ortiz

2011-09-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz

2011-09-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of HBO Boxing and Will Hart

By Randy De La O

Victor Ortiz. will be defending his WBC Welterweight title this Saturday, September 17, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, against Floyd Mayweather Jr..The fight will be shown on HBO PPV.

I would like to see Ortiz win this one but I'm not entirely sure he can. He looked good against Andre Berto in his last fight, and while Berto is a decent enough fighter and was/is considered one of the up and coming stars of this generation, he is not Floyd Mayweather Jr, not by a long shot. Logic and Common sense says that if he couldn't handle Marcos Maidana he won't be able to handle Mayweather. Still, there has to be a part of Ortiz that has vowed to himself, regardless of circumstances or opponent, that he will never again quit. That's just speculation on my part but it's one that makes sense. Hoever he did it, Ortiz has positioned himself for a fight with one of the two best pound for pound fighters in the world. He has a huge mountain to climb. The time for talk is over.

Mayweather on the other hand, regardless of what you or I might think of him, has yet to be beaten and has yet to show signs of aging. I don't think Ortiz will have anything new to show him. Mayweather has seen it all before. However, he has not been without some close calls. His first win against Jose Luis Castillo was considered somewhat of a robbery but he did removed all doubt in the second fight. He earned a split decision in his 2007 fight against a tired and aging Ocar De La Hoya. During that fight Oscar had some great moments but just could not sustain it. When Oscar used his jab he had his way with Mayweather. That may just be the blueprint for beating him, that and a truckload of intestinal fortitude.

My hope for tomorrow night? That Victor Ortiz reaches deep inside of himself and finds it within himself, win, lose or draw, to produce the fight of his life. I'd like to see the kid redeem himself.

Louie Burke: Abie Han Update

2011-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

After a number of opponents pulled out of fighting Abie Han tonight, Eloy Suarez accepted the challenge, but he was told by the Texas Athletic Commission that his boxing license had expired.

Despite trying to convince the commission that he had a current license he was denied the opportunity. After being told he would not fight, he was not heard of from his trainers again. The commission then found out that he was licensed but had filled out the paper work, using his full legal name, throwing off the system that lists the licensees. But Suarez was gone, no where to be found and the Abie Hans fight was canceled.

Hopefully Top Rank will be able to find another spot for him in the near future.

Louie Burke: Abie Han Update

2011-09-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Opponent after opponent had pulled out of fighting Abie Han for next weeks, Top Rank show on Sept 16th . Rugged Eloy Suarez 11-12-1 is the fighter that finally stepped up to the plate and excepted the bout. This happened after his scheduled San Antonio showdown with Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr. was cancelled.

Abie has been training diligently but was starting to wonder if the fight was going to happen, with so many change of opponents. In preparation for this fight he was able to spar with tough, talented fighters outa the Pound-for-Pound Gym in El Paso, Tx., owned by Louis Aguilar. He also got in rounds with WBA Champ Austin Trout and highly regarded amateur Zach Prieto.

Abie says he’s feeling better than his two previous fights in which he was plagued by nagging injuries to his knuckles, ear drum and elbow. He also knows he’s in a rugged fight with Suarez, whose fight with “Macho” jr. was canceled a couple of weeks ago, freeing him up for this fight with Abie. Abie says “He expects a very physical fight from Suarez, who’s fought a ton of top rated talent. Suarez will be a good yardstick to measure where I’m at career wise. I look forward to fighting Eloy Suarez, so I know where I stand with some of the top guys in the division”.

The fight will be an outdoor event at the QuikTrip Baseball Park in Grand Prairiie, Tx. September 16th.

Abie wants to thank everyone for the support they give him and his family and wishes his sister Jennifer, who'll be fighing the day before, the best of luck!

HBO PPV: Mayweather vs. Ortiz - Fight Preview

2011-09-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Louie Burke: Austin Trout Update

2011-08-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Since defeating Rigoberto Alvarez for the WBA World Light Middleweight Championship Title in February 2011, Austin ‘No Doubt’ Trout has been busy. Austin is busy establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Boxing Ring. He defended his World Championship Title against David the ‘Destroyer’ Lopez on June 2011 in a unanimous decision. Austin 'No Doubt' Trout is also busy living up to the responsibilities that a World Champion has to his community.

In March, shortly after winning the World Championship, Austin Trout shaved his head bald to raise money to KO childhood cancer. This “St. Baldrick’s” fundraiser helps support research for finding cures for childhood cancers. Austin was honored to share the stage with courageous youngsters who were fighting for their lives against cancer.

Shortly after “St. Baldrick’s“, Austin ‘No Doubt’ Trout donned a pair of running shoes, not for roadwork, but to participate in the March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon, raising money for worldwide programs to help prevent birth defects.

A couple of weeks later, he slipped on a pair of shorts, not boxing shorts, but swimming shorts, to be the prize going into a Dunking Booth, for the “One Small Voice” organization, which raises money to educate and find a cure for diseases that cause blindness in children. The Champ got soakin’ wet for a great cause! In August, the Champ’s fancy footwork was tested in a ‘Zumba-thon’ for this great organization.

After that, Mr. ‘No Doubt’ Trout put on the charm to meet and greet all the nice people that came to the “Habitat for Humanity” celebration. Habitat for Humanity is an organization that combats poverty by building eco-friendly homes for low-income families and victims of natural disasters.

Then a couple of weeks later Austin “No Doubt” Trout was the guest at a “Meet and Greet the Champ” at the “Child Crisis Center”, striving for more community awareness of this organization. The “Child Crisis Center” helps prevent issues involving domestic violence, drugs and sexual abuse in children.

Beginning September 2011, Austin Trout is serving on the Board of Directors for the Police Athletic League. This is an organization that is part of Austin’s roots in boxing. It was in the PAL Boxing Gym that Austin developed from a scrawny kid into a World Champion Boxer. His participation on the Board of Directors will ensure that other young kids have the same opportunities that he had.

Then in November, he’ll be working on his fancy footwork, not in the ring, but on the dance floor, in Las Cruces’ version of dancing with the stars, “ Look Who’s Dancing!” mamboing and cha-cha-ing to raise money for New Mexico State University’s dance company.

In December Austin Trout will play Santa Claus, giving brand new bikes away to the kids, whose families cannot afford to buy one. In the last 3 years Austin has participated in the “Jim Franklin Bike Give-Away,” already having given hundreds of bikes to underprivileged youth in the Las Cruces area.

A full plate to say the least! When asked if the charities Austin’s involved in distract him from his grueling training regiment, he simply answers, “God gave me the opportunity to fight for, and win the World Championship! I feel God gave me that opportunity so I can help other people that are less fortunate than me or that might need a shoulder to lean on. I’m just a “Soldier of God”!

Trailer for the Documentary "Box or Die", Directed By: Uri Borreda

2011-08-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Posted here with the expressed permission of Uri Borreda

Short Synopsis:By Uri Borreda

This is the story of a 16 year old boy from Belgium, who was faced with the choice of boxing for survival. The story makes a curious turn at the boxing ring, where he meets Victor "Young" Perez, a Tunisian born Frenchman, and the first ever Jewish World Flyweight Champion, who had become a legend during his time. The story becomes even more amazing when it becomes apparent that the entire story takes place at the Auschwitz Death Camp between the years 1942-1945.The Jewish boy’s name is Noah Klieger, who is today 82 years old; a highly reputable reporter for the Yediot Aharonot daily newspaper; a reporter for the French Sports Magazine, L'EQUIPE; a former editor of the Sports Section of Yediot Aharonot; as well as a former chairman of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team. The story is based on Noah's book “Dozen Rolls for Breakfast ".

Classic Boxing Movie: The Ring (1952)

2011-08-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

You can read the review and synopsis for "The Ring" here.

Joseph Agbecko vs Abner Mares: The Complete Fight

2011-08-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Recap: Agbeko vs Mares - Bantamweight Tournament Final - SHOWTIME Boxing

2011-08-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Showtime Bantamweight Tournament: Joseph Agbecko vs Abner Mares

2011-08-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

Courtesy of Ringtv.com

By Randy De La O

Wow, I hardly know where to begin. Last night's fight, low blow's and questionable referring aside, was actually pretty good. Lot's of action and a good performance by both fighters, though for the most part the fight was dominated by Abner Mares. Joseph Agbecko, for his part, started coming on in the late rounds, though it was, perhaps, a case of too little too late.

Mares, a bold fighter by nature, immediately took the fight to "King Kong" Agbecko, working the body (and more) with left hooks that would take their toll on Agbecko. Mares showed a good set of whiskers in the fight, especially in the fourth when Agbecko landed his best punch, a right hand flush on Mares' kisser, buckling him. His knees buckled but his will stood and Mares never lost a beat. Mares was simply in better form last night.

Still, you can't get away from the low blows by Mares or the lousy referring by Russell Mora, Agbecko is correct when he says he was fighting both Mares and the referee. It eventually became uncomfortable to watch. I like Mares and I think he is a terrific fighter. It pained me to see him win like this. I don't think it was done intentionally and I do think that some of the low blows were caused by Agbecko holding Mares' head down, some of them were borderline, landing just at or below the belt line. Still, there were just too many actual low blows to ignore and Mares should have had a point or two deducted.

The first knockdown by Mares, of Agbecko, was somewhat questionable but both sides could make a case for it's legitimacy but it was not the worst call I've seen. The second knockdown in the 11th round was too obvious to excuse. Not only was a point not deducted from Mares but it was called a knockdown by the usually competent Mora. That Mora allowed the fouls to continue without a point deduction was inexcusable and beyond belief. It was almost surreal.

I don't know how the fight would have turned out if a point had been taken away from Mares. He might have become more aware and kept his punches up or he might not have, maybe Agbecko would have fought differently not having to worry about being hit low but we'll never know because Mora did not do his job.It was a bad night for everyone, though Mora was not without his own culpability, I couldn't help feel for him when he said, almost pleadingly to Jim Gray, "Hey, don't ruin my night for me". It was definitely a bad night for Agbecko who feels, and rightly so, that he unjustly lost his title. It was a bad night for fight fans at the Hard Rock Casino and at home watching the fight. Mora himself seemed almost puzzled by the questions from Jim Gray. Everyone was cheated out of a good and fair outcome. No pun intended but it was a low blow for boxing last night.

Mares said he would give Agbecko a rematch. Let's hope that he's man of his word and that it happens soon. If ever a fighter deserves an immediate rematch, it's Agbecko.

More Photos From the 2011 California Boxing Hall of Fame

2011-07-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

All photos in this set are courtesy of Ed Hernandez Jr.

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011 at the Sportsmens Lodge in Studio City, California, June 25, 2011.

Saul Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez

2011-07-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

Face Off: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz Promo

2011-07-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Louie Burke: Han Update

2011-07-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Abie Han

By Louie Burke

Honing in on July 30’s opponent, Justin Williams, in Denver, Abie Han has looked strong in the gym, sparring with WBA World Champ Austin “ No Doubt” Trout, National Golden Gloves Champ Siju Shabazz and top undefeated prospect, 13-0 Cecil McCalla from Baltimore.

“These guys really push me, motivating me to be on top of my game every time I step in the ring with them,” says Han. “The diversity of styles and high skill level of these guys working with me forces me to adapt as quickly as possible and really think on what’s going to work for me offensively as well as defensively.”

The tough sparring and diligent gym work hopes to pay off against Williams, a spoiler with a height and reach advantage who comes to fight, and stays busy throughout the fight (he’s a “right-handed Paul Williams”). Williams is coming off a spectacular 3rd round ko victory over 10-1 Jovan Munoz, derailing this hot prospect from Tecate, Mexico.

Williams has fought tough opponents with much more experience throughout his short career, hoping that a win over Abie will open eyes, creating better opportunities for him in the future. Abie realizes this, which motivates him to continue his hard work, and not allow Williams to add another top prospect badge to his collection of upsets.

Pawel Wolak vs. Delvin Rodriguez: My Kind of Fight

2011-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

By Ted Sares:

It’s ugly but I can stand it. Let them roll.
Steve Smoger

Just when we have the Rios-Antillon fight help remove the foul memory of Haye-Klitschko, along comes these two warriors to put on what arguably could be a Fight of the Year.

Pavel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19 KO) is an incoming pressure fighter who throws lots of punches and usually wears his opponents down. He was born in Poland but raised in New Jersey.

Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14 KO) is a slashing fighter who uses the sharp uppercut as his main weapon and more often than not cuts up his opponents. Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Connecticut. The thing about D-Rod (as he is called by his fans) is that he is a hard luck kind of guy. His draw and loss to Isaac Hlatshwayo were questionable and so were his losses to Rafal Jackiewicz and Ashley Theophane.

ESPN and the fans anticipated fireworks in this one and the fighters did not disappoint. Wolak kept coming in pressuring Rodriquez throughout the entire fight using body shots to hopefully slow down his opponent, but Delvin snapped off stinging combos and uppercuts that eventually made Pavel’s eye swell around the fourth stanza. From that point to the end, the swelling grew to grotesque Carmen Basilio-like proportions and D-Rod went after it like a Vampire seeking blood.

Both men fought extremely hard, each threw tons of punches, and neither showed any sign of wilting though Delvin came on strong in the last 20 seconds. Both also demonstrated tremendous will as they absorbed and dished out punishment in equal proportions. The stalking Wolak was much busier but Rodriguez threw the sharper and more accurate shots, particularly when he got separation and angles. Meanwhile, referee Steve Smoger did what he does best by letting them fight, but he also had the good sense to let the competent Ring Doctor closely examine Wolak’s eye several times. As the bell sounded ending this closet classic, the crowd at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City was up and roaring its approval. They knew they had witnessed something special.

There was no ebb and flow in this one as nether fighter really controlled the action. Each traded with the other throughout and the rounds were extremely close. Fortunately, judges Steve Weisfeld, Julie Lederman, and Tom Schreck are experienced and highly competent. The scoring went as follows: Julie Lederman 95-95, Steve Weisfeld 95-95, and Tom Schreck 97-93 resulting in a majority draw. Neither fighter found fault with the decision nor did the fans dispute it.

All in all, it was a satisfying end to a great fight in which two men gave 110% to take the next step up in their respective careers.

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE JOE DIMAGGIO: REAL BOXING TRAINERS?

2011-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Article Courtesy of John Bardelli and Rick Farris

By Chuck Marbry

Charlotte, NC- Well, I saw and heard it again this weekend; a fighter comes to his corner after getting his face re-arranged. He has to wait at least eight seconds for the stool to finally get into the ring. His so-called “trainer” doesn’t pull on his foul protector so he can breathe deeply and easier, then allows the fighter to prop his arms on the ropes instead of keeping them down to enhance blood flow and recuperation. The “trainer” wipes his guy’s face with a towel, covers his forehead with about ten pounds of Vaseline, gives his guy some water, pours water on his guy’s head (after putting Vaseline over his eyes), and his advice to his guy after getting pummeled for the previous three minutes? “Just throw punches, you doing good!”

SOME (MOST?) TRAINERS TODAY ARE MERE IMPERSONATORS!

It is amazing to me that in the boxing game at the professional level there are apparently so many “trainers” who neverexperienced the sport at even the most rudimentary levels of competition, yet are allowed to get licensed and work in corners as “experts”and are even at times acknowledged by some guys impersonating themselves as media, when all they are is a somebody with a keyboard and a press credential.

NOT THE KIND OF GIG “YOU LEARN ON THE JOB”

Granted, you do not have to actually stick your hand into the fire to know that it will burn you. However, there is something about having that experience that helps you relay that information to others with a bit more urgency. In the same way, you do not have to have been a fighter to become a good trainer. Angelo Dundeeis an excellent trainer, and if he ever fought, I am not aware of it.

NEED TO BE BAPTIZED & THEN TAUGHT THE GAME

To be a good trainer, you do have to immerse yourself into the sport for years. You have to hang around it, eat, sleep, watch learn, pick up little nuances here and there that will in time make big differences. You have to develop a sharp eye to be able to size up mental and physical qualities, not only of your fighter but of his opponent as well. The fighter that was getting the dickens beat out of him this weekend, whose “trainer” told him “Just throw punches” was getting hit so much because every time he threw a jab, he dropped his right. His opponent picked up on it and started timing his own left hooks and was nailing him! But if the extent of your instruction as a”trainer” is “Just throw punches,” that might work in the amateurs, but your guy is going to get killed in the professional ranks.

JEFF MAYWEATHER’S ONE TRAINER THAT TEACHES DEFENSE FIRST!

As I have said, there are a few good trainers,coaches and teachers of the manly art of self defense around today, precious few. But sadly, there are also too many goof-balls that get a license and call themselves trainers who are nothing of the sort. Just as we lack a depth of truly hungry fighters with that “fire in the gut”, so we also have a lack of and a dilution of the ones who used to “stoke the fire” in the gut!

CAN YOU NAME FIVE “EXCELLENT” TRAINERS TODAY?

Think about it. With a precious few exceptions as far as trainers go, in terms of knowing how to train a fighter. and in terms of general boxing knowledge, is there really anyone out there who is close to comparing to Lou Kemp, Whitey Bimstein, Freddie Brown, Jackie McCoy, Ray Arcel or Charley Goldman?

IF YOUR TRAINER DOESN’T CARE, WILL YOU?

And when you watch almost any heavyweight bout today on any card, almost always one if not both fighters look like a “before” example on a Weight Watchers commercial. The only thing I can figure is that the lax mental attitude of our society today has affected our “trainers” and fighters, as well as fan’s for tolerating an inferior product. I mean, many times the poor physical conditioning is obvious.

TRAINERS NEED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY TOO!

That has to come back on the “trainer” giving in to the whims of the fighter. I know that if I had told my trainer, Lou Kemp, “I don’t think I’m gonna run or spar today,” two things would have happened, in this order; 1) He would have kicked my lazy tail, and 2) He would have canceled the fight. Period. Not out of spite or some power control issue. He cared about his fighters and he cared about me. He knew if I wasn’t right mentally or physically going into a fight, I was going to get hurt. That’s what a trainer does.

GOOD TEACHERS WORK THE BODY & THE MIND

You have to analyze and prepare a fighter physically and mentally to fight. True conditioning requires a fighter to always be busy. There are no secrets to hard work and plenty of it.

FIGHTERS NEED TO ANALYZE A TRAINERS NET VALUE TO HIM

Also, many of today’s fighters are allowed by their “trainers” to fight dumb. They follow their opponents around the ring in a straight line. Trainers don’t know how to teach cutting off the ring. They also fight standing straight up, they don’t know how to use a crouch or to bob and weave. The great lessons of the past are being lost because we don’t have anyone to teach them. The Old School Masters showed us the way. but many think the “New and Improved” is better…”Just throw punches, you doing good.”

Original Article Here.

Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon - Complete Fight (In 2 Parts)

2011-07-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

Videos Courtesy of nahblud on Vimeo.

Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara:The Complete Fight - You Decide

2011-07-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Paul Williams: A Man n Denial

2011-07-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Paul Williams giving it his best shot at convincing us he won that fight on the up and up. A man in denial. The interviewer should be arrested for aiding and abetting.

From Wikipedia:
Denial is a defense mechanism postulated by Sigmund Freud, in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence.

Louie Burke: Update on Abie Han

2011-07-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

During the last 3 weeks, Abie Han has been in preparation for his fight July 30th at Softball Country Arena in Denver, Colorado against 3-3-1 Justin Williams from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Abie who’s been sparring with Austin Trout and Siju Shabazz, isn’t taking Williams lightly. As was Abie’s last opponent, Taronze Washington, Williams record is deceiving mainly, mainly due to him coming off a stunning 3rd round KO win over 10-1 Jovan Munoz. Williams 3 losses are from opponents that have a combined record of 15-1-1, all by decision. Williams wins are over opponents that have a combined record of 18-5-2 and having a draw with a 6-0 Rudolph Gomez Jr. !

Abie is anxious to get back into the Ring, after having a slightly longer time between fights than he’d like due to a cut suffered in his last fight. Abie is wanting to get back on the KO track again on July 30th!

The fight is being promoted by Top Rank Promotions and being televised on FOX Sports Network.

Recap: Brandon Rios vs. Urbano Antillon - SHOWTIME Boxing

2011-07-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Brandon Rios KO's Urbano Antillon, Paul Wlliams Loses to Erislandy Lara but gets the "Win"

2011-07-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Farina/Top Rank

By Randy De La O

Kudos to Showtime. Saturday night's fight at the Home Depot Center between WBA Lightweight Champion Brandon Rios and Challenger Urbano Antillon represented everything that is good about boxing; good matchmaking, a real rivalry, two likable opponents, great action -while it lasted - and a definitive, no-nonsense and indisputable win, a spectacular third round knockout of Antillon by Rios. It just doesn't get any better than this. Both fighters had an old school persona about them. Neither guy is afraid to mix it up, both can punch and both can take it. Last night though, Rios just took it better.

Going into the third round, it was still a close fight and living up to everyone's expectations, until Rios landed a right hand that put Antillon on the canvas. He did it again a little later in the round. Antillon got up and was about to resume fighting, until he started to stagger across the ring, prompting referee David Mendoza to halt the fight at 2:49 of the third round.

It's hard not to like a guy like Rios. He never stops fighting but he does get hit a lot. I hope he tightens up his defense, even a little bit. Guys like Rios never come out of the fight game undamaged over the long haul. I don't really expect Rios to fight any other way. It's not in his nature to fight any other way. Rios is my kind of fighter.

Congrats to Carlos Molina on his upset of Kermit Cintron last night. It was his will to win and his big heart that won the fight for him.

Photo: Emily Harney

If the Rios vs Antillon fight showed the best side of boxing, than the Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara fight, at the Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey, showed the worst side. Not so much the fight itself, which, while not spectacular and certainly anti-climatic after watching the Rios vs Antillon fight, was at least a good performance by Lara, who dominated Williams for most of the fight. What was bad, and bad for boxing was the judging. In a fight that was clearly and indisputably won by Lara, the judges awarded the fight to Williams. The judges should be called to the carpet for this fight and than tarred and feathered. Judge Al Bennett had the fight even at 114-114, Judge: Hilton Whitaker III had it115-114 in favor of Williams and Judge: Donald Givens had it116-114 for Williams. .

Williams had absolutely no answer for Lara's left hand. Lara, a southpaw, almost couldn't miss. Kudos to the HBO broadcasting team of Max Kellerman, Bob Papa and Roy Jones Jr. for making it clear that Lara was the real winner of the fight. I don't expect Williams to give Lara a rematch but overall I don't think the "loss" will hurt Lara's career.

Credits:
Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon photo courtesy of ESPN
Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara photo courtesy of Fightnews.com

Weigh-In: Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon

2011-07-08T18:35:00.001-07:00

Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon

2011-07-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

By Randy De La O

To borrow a phrase from Mark Twain - sort of - "Rumors of boxing's death are greatly exaggerated". If you don't believe me, just take a look at the talent laden lightweight division. The current Ring ratings have Juan Manuel Marquez as their champion, and rightly so, following in the number one position is Brandon Rios, who also happens to be the WBA Lightweight Champion, and one of boxing's newest and most exciting young fighter. Number two and three in the rankings Humberto Soto (WBC Champion) and Robert Guerrero, followed by John Murray, Michael Katsidis, Miguel Acosta, Paulus Moses, Urbano Antillon, Miguel Vazquez and Antonio De Marco. If that isn't enough, the next division above are the the Super Lightweights/Junior Welterweights (take your pick) with guys like Timothy Bradley, Marcos Maidana, Amir Khan and Eric Morales ready to face any of the lightweights should they decide to move up.

After Eric Morales' outstanding performance against Marcos Maidana, earning a draw that many felt should have been a win for Morales, a fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Morales suddenly seems like a great match up. Of the great Mexican trio of champions, Marquez, Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, only Marquez and Morales have yet to face each other. Maybe it'll happen yet.

Urbano Antillon

Urbano Antillon will challenge Brandon Rios this Saturday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California for Rios' WBA Lightweight title. Antillon has failed in two attempts at the title, getting stopped in the 9th round by Miguel Acosta in July of 2009 in Mexico, and most recently, in his last fight with Humberto Soto, losing a hard fought unanimous decision. Antillon 28 years old, is from Mexico but now lives Maywood, California. He's won 28 of his 30 fights and is an exciting and forward moving fighter that fights his way inside and knows how to work the body. He's not afraid to mix it up. The two failed attempts for a title will be spurring him on tomorrow night. He'll be motivated.

Brandon Rios

Brandon Rios has become one of my favorite fighters. He's a little cocky, but in a good way, a little bit of a bad boy, but again, in a good way. He has a likable personality. More than anything though, He likes to fight. He's not perfect and sometimes guys that like to fight the way Rios does don't last long. I'm hoping he does. He's good for boxing. Rios is undefeated in 28 bouts, the lone blemish is a draw with Manuel Perez in 2008. Rios stopped Perez in the rematch a year later, in the 7th round of a scheduled 10 round bout.

Saturday's fight has the potential to be a fight of the year, if it lives up to the expectations. These two guys honestly don't like each other. I like both of these guys but my gut says Brandon keeps his title, maybe by knockout. However, as always, may the best man win! The fight will be shown on Showtime. Their weight for Saturday night: Brandon Rios 135 - Urbano Antillon 134.75

Happy Fourth of July - 2011

2011-07-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

God Bless America

An Interview by Mike Duffau...

2011-07-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

My thanks to boxer turned writer Mike Duffau for interviewing me recently. The interview can be found here at Mike on Boxing at BrooWaha.com. I am absolutely honored to be the subject of his interview. Thanks Mike!

Mike on Boxing

Austin Trout cleared by WBA

2011-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Austin Trout (Times file photo)

(Courtesy of Newmexicoboxing.com) WBA Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout has been cleared of an alleged drug test by WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto Mendoza, Jr. After reviewing the medical tests sent in by Trout and his trainer, Louie Burke, Trout (23-0, 13 KOs) was cleared and his belt will remain his.

Billy Costello Has Died

2011-06-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Billy Costello

April 10, 1956 - June 29, 2011

R.I.P. Champ

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011 Videos

2011-06-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Te following videos are of Louie Burke accepting his Induction into California's Boxing Hall of Fame Saturday June 25, 2011, and of me accepting Fritzie Zivic's Posthumous Induction

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011 Photo Slideshow

2011-06-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011

2011-06-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Rocky Burke, Mando Muniz, Louie Burke and Randy De La O

By Randy De La O

The California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet took place this past Saturday at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio city and it was one of the best banquets in recent memory, at least it was for my wife Jeri and I. This year it was much more personal. Our cousin Louie Burke from Las Cruces, New Mexico was being inducted and the Burke clan was in town to support and celebrate with their fighter. Louie's brother former undefeated boxer and currently a top referee from New Mexico, Rocky Burke and his girlfriend Angela, Sister Shelly Burke, along with Louie's two children, daughter Samantha and son Vincente, and Louie's always elegant mother, Elba Burke, occupied the Louie Burke table.

The Burke Family with Mando Muniz

Over at at our table, along with my wife and I, were our children, daughter Meranda, our son Andrew and his girlfriend Laurene Alvarado, our daughter Savannah and her boyfriend Josh Guerrero, my brother Dennis De La O and his wife Teri and daughter Samantha. All of us were there to cheer on Louie. Also sitting withe Burkes were boxing artist Roger and Maria Esty, Ed Hernandez Sr and his sons Ed Jr. and Patrick. Before the ceremonies began Roger Esty presented Louie Burke with a portrait. The portrait was completely unexpected and the entire Burke family was overwhelmed by Roger's generosity. All of us were.

The De La O Family

The other Honorees include; Gene Fullmer, Dwight Hawkins (one of the greatest fighter to never win a title), John Liechty, Ray "Windmill" White, Tony Tubbs, Zack Padilla, Lance Pugmire, John Montes Jr, Herman "Kid" Montes, Ramon Tiscareno, Guillermo "Willie" Silva, Steve Brenner, John Montes Sr, Loreto Garza, Ray Lovato, Wes Wambold, Richard Savala, Rich Marotta. The posthumous inductees were; Willie Pep, Bob Fitzimmons, Robert "Bob" Voigt, Fritzie Zivic, Noe Cruz, Javier "Baby Face" Gutierrez, Jim Moriarty and Bert Colima.

In the case of Fritzie Zivic, his posthumous induction was made very personal to me. I was asked to receive his induction award. I was more than happy to do it, despite being nervous as hell. Turns out Fritzie Zivic and I share the same birth date: May 8th. Zivic was born May 8, 1913 and I was born May 8, 1954.

There were a lot of heartfelt speeches Saturday nigh but especially moving was the tribute to the late Javier "Baby Face" Gutierrez by his daughter Blanca Gutierrez. It was hard not to be moved by her tribute.

Remy Damlien, Rick Farris, Andrew De La O and Roger Esty

Others in attendance were my pals Frank Baltazar Sr and Rick Farris, Frankie Baltazar Jr, Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Carlos Palomino, Mando Muniz, Cali Martinez, Gwen Adair and just far too many to mention here.

Frank Baltazar Sr and Frank Aragon

Still, with all that was going on Saturday, for our family, it was all about Louie Burke. Maybe it was because we had so much of our family there but the event seemed somewhat surreal to us, almost magical.

Rodolfo "El Gato" Gonzalez and Louie Burke

Kudos to Don Fraser and the California Boxing Hall of Fame selection committee for reaching out beyond the California borders and recognizing the best the sport of boxing has to offer. Thanks to Frank Baltazar Sr for his nomination of Louie Burke and to Rick Farris and the California Boxing Hall of Fame for entrusting me with Fritzie Zivic's induction, and last but not certainly not least, congratulations to the California Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2011 Inductees. You earned it.

The Burke table: Maria and Roger Esty, Ed Hernandez Sr, Vincente Burke, Elba Burke and Shelly Burke

Laurene Alvarado (Andrew's girlfriend), Meranda, Andrew and Savannah De La O

Louie Burke, Longtime Las Cruces trainer, boxer earns his way into California Hall of Fame

2011-06-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

(Courtesy of Vanessa Monsisvais / El Paso Times)

By Bill Knight

He was introduced to that sweetest of sciences as a small boy, simply tagging along with dad and big brother....the heavy bag his hobby horse, a pair of gloves his teddy bear.

Life in and around the boxing ring has moments of exhilaration, but it is hardly for the timid, the meek, the weak of heart or spirit. But it is Louie Burke's life.

On Saturday, Burke, now 50, will be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in ceremonies in Los Angeles. The journey has been joyful, but it has been a boxing journey so it has been filled with plenty of hard knocks and even a near-death experience. Still, it is Burke's passion....his life's journey....his life.

"My brother Rocky and I were raised in the gym," said Burke, who is a Las Cruces firefighter and one of the top boxing trainers in the country. "My dad (Sammy) was a boxing coach in Las Cruces. He fought before he went into the service and used to tell stories about hitchhiking to El Paso to box. My brother Rocky and I would tag along to the gym at the local Boys Club. It's just what I can remember since being out of diapers." Burke said he still remembers his first time in the ring.

"We had a little gymnasium in the Boys Club that used to be a church," he said. "I hadn't done any formal training, just hitting the bags. My dad came up and said he had me a fight. I just said, 'well, OK.' I was seven. I did all right and I won. My second fight was when I was in the third grade. They were having a Battle of Champions. Danny 'Little Red' Lopez was coming in and some more fighters. As an added attraction, they were bringing in former world champion Gene Fullmer. As an exhibition, I fought his son. They ruled it a draw.

"This makes next Saturday even more special," Burke added. "Gene Fullmer is being inducted into the California Hall of Fame Saturday, too." Burke had a strong amateur career, but his real skills - strength, stamina, a rock-solid chin and a huge heart - were better suited to the professional ranks.

"I lost in the Western Olympic Trials," he said. "It was 1980 and we boycotted that year anyway. But I waited a few months, started college at New Mexico State. It was right before my 19th birthday and I decided to go ahead and turn pro. I wanted something to help me pay for school. It's funny ... my professional career just kind of took off, way better than my amateur career. My endurance helped me outlast guys, overcome them in the later rounds. My ability to take a punch helped me walk through a lot of guys."

Burke trained under his father and Larry Renio in his early career. At one point, though, dad told son he needed to move on, that he had taught him all he could. Burke worked under Beto Martinez in Tucson and then moved to Los Angeles to train under Jimmy Montoya.

"There were six of us living in a one-bedroom apartment," Burke said with a chuckle. "We slept on the floor, shared towels. It was just a bit of the rough part of boxing that a lot of fighters go through. I'd never been on a bus before in my life and I remember getting lost a couple of times, trying to come home tired and dehydrated and not knowing where I was going."

Burke was going to the top.

He trained under famous trainers like Jesse Reid and legendary trainers like Angelo Dundee. He got to 18-0 before it all went wrong.

He lost a controversial decision to Charlie "White Lightning" Brown. Television commentators Tim Ryan, Gil Clancy and Sugar Ray Leonard all had Burke winning that fight. He got stopped in a mini-war by Hector Camacho, one in which he had Camacho in trouble. And then came the near-death experience.

"It was my fault," Burke said. "Angelo (Dundee) had no idea what I was doing. I was trying to make 130 pounds because they told me I could get a shot at a world championship with Julio Cesar Chavez at 130. I should have been fighting at 140. I would get up early, run six miles, come back and drink a diet drink, something like a Slim-Fast. I would have a Lean Cuisine for lunch. I'd go train - I was training in Miami at that time - and go a hard 20 rounds. Then in the evening I'd run another four miles and just have a Slim-Fast. I dropped from 160 to 130 pounds in one month."

Burke came home to Las Cruces to fight Rosendo Alonso and had nothing, absolutely nothing to take into that ring. He was stopped in the sixth round, rushed to the hospital completely dehydrated. His potassium level was at zero, his kidneys were shutting down and his heartbeat was down to 12 beats a minute. He was given last rites of the Catholic Church.

Burke never fought again, finishing his career at 19-3.

"Sure, I have a few regrets," Burke said with a shrug. "My career was cut too short. I should have gone up in weight. I would have liked to have had a world title shot. But it was pretty good. I lost to Camacho and he was just better than I was ... but he was better than a lot of guys at that time. I lost my last fight and it was my fault."

Burke paused, then said, "But Saturday will be an extremely special time for me. I'm humbled and truly honored by this."

Rocky Burke, Louie's older brother, had an outstanding amateur career of his own, going 63-8 and is now a highly respected referee. Boxing is simply in the Burke blood.

"Louie was always just a tough kid," Rocky said. "He was always just tough. Then he developed his skills. He was quick. He had a lot of knockouts just because he hit guys so many times. In California, he would go into these guys' hometown, no promoter, just facing the undefeated hometown favorite and he would beat them. He had two great fights against Freddie Roach (now a legendary trainer) and Louie won them both by unanimous decision. Louie was world rated and I'm just really proud of him."

Burke is now best-known as a trainer, working with undefeated world champion Austin Trout (23-0) and up-and-coming undefeated Abie Han (13-0). They appreciate his boxing journey perhaps more than anyone else can.

"I can confidently say Louie is one of the best trainers in America," Trout said. "I've had Olympic coaches and Louie is just really good. He's the best at taking a fighter's style and making it better. He was a fighter and he knows fighters. He knows the emotions you go through - grumpy, happy, losing weight, dealing with promoters. All that experience is priceless."

Han said, "I wouldn't be 13-0 without Louie. Every coach knows a jab, a cross, how to slip a punch. But how will you motivate your fighter? Louie has made me a believer. I just feel that as long as I follow his formula, his game plan, I'm going to win. I believe it. A lot of trainers take guys who have already been raised. Louie got Austin and I at zero-zero (records). Austin made it to the top. I might not get there like Austin did, but I know Louie will give me my best chance."

And so the boxing journey of Louie Burke continues - moving from center ring to corner. On Saturday he will join an elite group in the California Boxing Hall of Fame ... just another step in a beautiful journey in that sweetest of sciences.

Courtesy: El Paso Times

The Olympic Today . . . By Rick Farris

2011-06-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

The (former) Olympic Auditorium

By Rick Farris

"Are we close to the Olympic?", Remy asked. "Not far," I answered, "We'll be there in about 15 minutes."
Our friend, Remy Damlien, is in town for this week's CBHOF lunch, and I want to show him around town a bit before he returns home next week.

We started the day at 6:30am, where we met at his hotel which is right next door to the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. While here, Remy has hooked up with a trainer at Wild Card, and joined me for some early morning road work & pad work in the Hollywood Hills.

We had our workout, and then we drove a few blocks to eat breakfast at Art's Deli in Studio City.
I ordered an omlette, while Remy ordered a pastrami sandwich. "We don't get much pastrami in Norway, and the sandwiches only have a few slices of meat. Monica made sure that Remy's sandwich would not leave him hungry, and after we finished, it was off to show him what used to be The Olympic Auditorium.

We drove downtown and pulled into the Olympic's parking lot, and we would both see the Olympic, now as a Korean Church, for the first time. We snapped a few exterior photos and then just let ourselves in the building to walk around. A few walls have been added, and a lot of seats removed, a redesign of the floor area, but it was still the same old gal, just wearing a different wardrobe.

For a moment I saw the building as an old lady, one who was smiling when she saw me enter today, as if to say, "Now don't laugh!" I didn't laugh, and I didn't cry, I was just happy to see her still standing. I felt as if I knew the old broad's secrets. At least a few, anyway.

I tried to take a photo, but the building was pitch black. As our eyes adjusted we could see her, all dressed up for the first time in her life. I tried to show Remy where things were, and we talked about the long gone mural of Dempsey that once decorated the north & east walls.

I pointed out where the dressing rooms were, and the aisle that took us to the ring on Thursdays nights.
I refused to get sentimental, just wanted to say hello. This was the house where Aragon was booed, and where Mando Ramos was cheered.

Remy took in the history, and we left. Maybe one day . . .

-Rick Farris

Canelo Alvarez' Greatest Hits

2011-06-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Canelo Alvarez: Greatest Hits

Classic Photo: Jack Dempsey and Charlie Chaplin

2011-06-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Jack Dempsey and Charlie Chaplin

"The photo was taken at the Charlie Chaplin Studios on La Brea Ave. in Hollywood.
For more than half a century, it has been home to A&M Records.
Dempsey lived in the neighborhood, a few miles away, in the Los Feliz area below Griffith Park." Rick Farris

Catching Up on the Boxing Scene

2011-06-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have hunkered down and written anything lately. It gets like that sometimes. I've been busy and just haven't had the time. There's been a lot going on in boxing too, some good, some not so good and some bad. It's time to catch up.

Genaro Hernandez Passes

First the bad, in this case, the tragiclly bad. As you no doubt already know, Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez passed away earlier this month, on June 7, 2011. I know, I know, it's hard to believe. Hernandez was only 45 years old. Way to young.

Chicanito was a fan favorite due to his courageous style of fighting but it was his willingness to continue fighting after being struck in the throat by Azumah Nelson after the bell sounded to end the 7th round of their 12 round championship fight in 1997, that cemented this fact into the consciousness of fight fans when Hernandez chose to continue fighting, opting instead for a "true victory", rather than a win by disqualification. He would win that fight by a 12 round split decision. It was a gutsy and honorable move on his part.

"Chicanito" began his career with a 4 round decision win over Dino Ramirez on August 27, 1984 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. He would end his career on October 3, 1998, with a loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. losing the fight and the WBC Super featherweight title in the 8th round when he could no longer continue. In between he fought the best in his divisions, including Jorge Paez, Carlos Hernandez and the afore mentioned Azumah Nelson. The only other lost on his record was his 1995 fight with Oscar De La Hoya, when he was unable to continue due to a severely broken nose.

He won his first title, the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Championship, on November 22, 1991 by stopping Daniel Londas in the 9th round of their fight at the Complex Sport le COMEP in France. Hernandez vacated his WBA super Featherweight title not too long after fighting Columbian boxer Jimmy Garcia. Ironically, Garcia died as a result of injuries in his next fight with Gabriel Ruelas in 1995. Hernandez moved up to challenge Oscar De La Hoya for his lightweight title. He won the WBC Super Featherweight with his split decision victory of Azumah Nelson.

On personal note, I would see Chicanito and his brother Rudy, every so often back in 1993 at the Brooklyn Ave Gym in Boyle Heights, where I was taking my son Andrew at the time. He had a great work ethic in the gym. He had an easy going personality and was friendly with all the kids in the gym, including my son. A couple of years later I saw him fight Jorge Paez at the Anaheim Pond in Anaheim. Paez, always a game fighter was never really in the same league as Hernandez. The fight was stopped on cuts in the 8th round with Hernandez getting the win.

Genaro Hernandez was a class act, a champion in and out of the ring. Hernandez, a native of Los Angeles, was born on May 10, 1966 and died on June , 7, 2011. he died from a rare form of cancer, Rhabomyosarcoma, that attacks the muscle fiber connected to the bones. he is survived by his wife Lilliana, his son Steven, daughter Amanda, three brothers and two sisters, as well as his father. our condolences to the Hernandez family.
R.I.P. Champ!

Bernard Hopkins vs Jean Pascal II

A belated congratulations to the "Executioner" Bernard Hopkins on defeating Jean Pascal and winning the WBC, IBO and the Ring Light Heavyweight Championships on May 21 of this year, becoming, at 46, the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a major world title, surpassing former Heavyweight Champ George Foreman, who won the heavyweight title from Michael Moorer way back in November of 1995. Those of us who saw the first fight between Hopkins and Pascal were convinced that Hopkins, regardless of what the judges said, won that fight. Hopkins, notorious for being a great but at times boring fighter has decided to fight with a "take no prisoner:" and plans on ending his career wit a bang. Here's hoping the old man goes out the way he wants to,

Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley

While Hopkins seems to be getting better with age, a few divisions south of the light heavies, Sugar Shane Mosley is struggling in his battle with Father Time. Mosley, for all practical purposes, put absolutely zero effort in his fight against Manny Pacquiao on May 7th. Mosley didn't outright quit but he did quit tying and that amounts to the same thing. I ain't mad at him though, Mosley has been through some tough ring wars and has never given anything less than a 100% of himself in every fight he has been in. His fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. last year was a portent of things to come, so was his fight with Sergio Mora which ended in a draw. In the Mora fight Mosley probably should have got the win but a uninspired and lackluster effort by both men made the outcome a virtual "Who gives a crap?".

I don't think Mosley was conning us when he signed to fight Pacquiao I think time just caught up with him and he was caught off guard. he was sincere in his belief that he had the right stuff to beat him. I was really hoping to see Mosley come away with a victory. At one time maybe but not in 2011. Mosley has been one of my favorite fighters almost since he began his pro career but I can't imagine anyone willing to shell out the bucks for another PPV fight but who knows?

Manny Pacquiao? As far as I'm concerned a victory over an aged Shane Mosley amounts to nothing.

A Goodbye to Shirley O'Neill

Shirley O'Neill, the wife of Bill O'Neill was laid to rest on Thursday June 9th at the Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea, California.. The funeral was a celebration of a life well lived and well loved. Testimonies by friends and family spoke of her generous and giving heart. After the funeral service, family and friends gathered at the Summit House in Fullerton for food, conversation and remembrances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Neill family. R.I.P. Shirley.

Julio Cesar Chavez: "The Lion in Winter" By Rick Farris

2011-06-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

This was my last look at the great Julio Cesar Chavez . . .
Phoenix - July, 2000

"The Lion in Winter"
by Rick Farris

Boxing and controversy were holding hands long before the Marquis of Queensbury laid down the ground rules. Generally, controversy surfaces sometime after the opening bell. However, from the moment it was announced that WBC Jr. Welterweight Champ Kostya Tszyu would defend his title against 38-year-old Julio Cesar Chavez, controversy flourished. Even today, three days after the fight the controversy continues.

The Tszyu-Chavez title fight would be my first live coverage assignment and I had a special interest in it. I had been in the house the night Chavez made his Los Angeles debut at the Olympic Auditorium more than seventeen years ago, and again the following year, when he won his first world title. Now I would be present for what I expected to be the once great champion's final fight.

I had hoped to catch Chavez working out at the Madison Gym in Phoenix where today I train boxers. However, my schedule interfered with the chance of seeing Chavez during the week he conducted his final workouts in Phoenix. I didn't see the former champ until the friday afternoon weigh-in at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Phoenix.

When I arrived at the Hotel I saw a lot of old friends and familiar faces from my era in Los Angeles boxing. Marty Denkin, who was scheduled to judge the bout was sitting in the lobby with another L.A. based official, Chuck Hassett. A group of amateur boxers representing several Phoenix area gyms were standing by hoping to get a glimpse of Chavez when he entered the building. Arizona boxing commissioner John Montano was having a discussion in the corner with one of the promoters and Jimmy Lennon Jr. crossed the room on his way to the restaurant. Kostya Tszyu had quietly slipped into the media room where the weigh-in would be held and quickly checked his weight on the scale. After stepping off the scale he disappeared. About ten minutes later a commotion could be heard coming from the lobby and it marked the entrance of one of the greatest Mexican boxers ever, Julio Cesar Chavez. Chavez was quickly surrounded by the media. Anxious reporters and camera crews positioned themselves close to the former champion and began asking questions. Chavez sat down in the lobby and talked with the media but not with the strength that he once projected.

As I watched Chavez talk to the media I could see that this was not the same man I had watched win the W.B.C. Jr. Lightweight title sixteen years earlier. The Chavez I saw knockout Mario Martinez was 21 years old and had that hungry look in his eyes. The Chavez I saw in the lobby of the Hotel looked uncomfortable, almost irritated. The only confidence projected that afternoon came from a loyal group of young followers that somehow believed that there hero could pull off a miracle. "Vamos Rumbo A La Victoria" were the words emblazoned on the back of their T-Shirts. They had come to win.

Chavez's behavior in the days leading up to the fight indicated to me that he was in trouble. Last week he became upset when learning that Willy Wise, the welterweight who had defeated him last September, would be appearing on the undercard. Chavez demanded that the promoter drop Wise from the card or he would not fight. The request was honored. This is something that Chavez would have never done a few years ago. However, as I said, this was not the same Chavez.

A few minutes later Chavez stood and headed for the media room where the weigh-in was scheduled to take place in less than twenty minutes. Chavez and his handlers headed directly toward the scale to check his weight. Chavez stripped to his briefs and stepped onto the scale. After finding his weight to be exactly 140 lbs. Chavez nodded seriously and slipped into a robe provided by one of his team members. Every move the great Mexican made after entering the room was followed by loud cheering from the spectators. It was obvious they had come to see Chavez.

In a matter of seconds the room was packed wall-to-wall. Former World Champ Danny Romero shook hands and posed for pictures with many of the young fans who had come to watch the festivities. Hector Camacho Jr. smiled and flexed his muscles as photographers snapped pictures. It wasn't long before the official weigh-in would take place and after weighing the other boxers on the card Commissioner John Montano called Chavez to the scale. "Julio Cesar Chavez . . .140 pounds", Montano announced. The spectators cheered. A minute later Montano called for the champion to be weighed. "Kostya Tszyu, 139 1/2 pounds". The crowd booed but Tszyu just smiled and confidently flexed his muscles for the media before stepping down. The champion was about as popular with the predominantly Mexican crowd as Lee Harvey Oswald was with the American public on November 22, 1963.

Chavez never smiled, aside from a weak effort after his weight was announced. He was obviously upset over the events leading up to the fight. In addition to the Wise incident, Chavez was angry that Senator John McCain had attempted to stop the fight from taking place. Fearing that Chavez could be seriously hurt by Tszyu, McCain had petitioned Arizona Governor Jane Hull to step in. However, the fight would go on and Chavez considered the Senator's efforts an insult. Adding to the insult was the fact that Las Vegas was refusing to take action on the bout, citing that Chavez was anywhere from a 40 to 100-to-1 underdog. Chavez trained hard and vowed to prove them wrong. After the weigh-in, Tszyu told the press he would stop Chavez in two rounds while Chavez said he would knockout Tszyu within eight. I looked closely into the dark gamecock eyes of Chavez as he made the prediction and nothing gave me the impression that he believed what he was saying.

Early the next evening I arrived at Phoenix's Veteran's Memorial Coliseum a couple of hours before the title fight was to start. It had been 112 degrees
that day and those who had bought tickets parked their cars and hurried across the parking lot to escape the heat. "Thank God for air conditioning" was all I could think about upon entering the cool Coliseum. I had arrived about halfway thru a prelim featuring former World Champ Robert Garcia. As Garcia pounded his opponent I wanted to get with the boxing people. Thanks to my press credentials and familiar face among the boxing crowd I was able to go just about anywhere I wanted.

After locating my seat I went directly to the dressing room area located behind giant curtains shielding that part of the arena from the crowd. I passed by the Showtime crew who were running a sound check on Bobby Czyz as he and Steve Albert prepared themselves for their ringside commentator roles later on. As I passed by the security reps guarding the dressing room area, I saw my friend Richard Rodriguez, owner of the Madison Gym where Chavez had finished his training for this fight. I asked Rodriguez how Chavez had looked in the gym during the previous week and he answered, "He looked good. He's in good shape". That's all Rodriguez could offer. I then spot America Presents promoter Dan Goossen who was standing in the back outside the dressing room area with Jimmy Lennon Jr. I knew that Goossen would be too busy to talk about the fight so I just said hello and asked him if his brother Joe was around. "Joe couldn't make it", Dan said, "He usually does all the work but I guess it will be just me tonight" he said smiling. Goossen had good reason to be happy, the event was a near sellout.

As I made my way toward the dressing rooms I saw Sugar Ray Leonard enter surrounded by several security guards who would usher him to his ringside seat. A few minutes later Johnny Tapia walked in holding hands with his wife. Tapia had a mischievous smile on his face and clowned with a few friends he'd met. I have to give Johnny credit, he sure knows how to work a crowd. Throughout the evening I saw Tapia shaking hands and posing for pictures with fans. I doubt he ever sat down. And as usual there were many other boxing celebs on hand such as Fernando Vargas, Danny Romero and Zab Judah, who had come to check out Kostya Tszyu, a man whom he will face in the ring one day. When Don King emerged from the dressing room area with four giant body guards the crowd greeted him with boos.

After Garcia had won a ten round decision, Vassily Jirov the IBF Cruiserweight Champ took on a cagey Phoenix veteran named Earl Butler. Butler was not expected to last long but it was Jirov who was lucky to finish the first round on his feet. About halfway thru the opening round Butler discovered that Jirov could be hit with right cross and caught the champ flush on the chin with one. Jirov staggered and struggled to remain on his feet. Before the round ended he'd caught several more and wobbled to his corner after the bell. However, in the second round Jirov went to work and and knocked out Butler.

After the Jirov fight I wondered back to the dressing room area where Hector Camacho Jr. was being boosted up onto a large wooden horse on wheels. Camacho had intended to make his ring entrance riding a real horse down the aisle but the Phoenix Fire Dept. said "No way". Instead, Camacho would make his entrance on the back of the wooden horse pulled down the aisle by anassistant. As Camacho awaited the cue for his entrance, he sat patiently on the wooden horse with his pretty young wife standing just below him carrying their baby in her arms. I spoke briefly with Ted Morton, Camacho's American representative whom I had met several years back. Needless to say, Morton was very excited about his unbeaten young fighter. After watching Camacho stop Phillip Holiday in a less than exciting bout I returned to the dressing area where I was able to casually slip inside the dressing room of Chavez. I just acted like I belonged there and quietly stood to the side watching the Mexican legend as he warmed up shadow boxing. He broke a sweat but didn't appear ready to me for action to me. An official prompted Team Chavez that it was about time for the once brilliant champion to head down to the ring. A second tied Chavez robe while another rubbed his shoulders. About this time a group of about a dozen young members of Team Chavez along with his handlers surrounded Julio and began to chant a pre-fight cheer, something to raise the fighters spirit before the match. When they finished, Cristobal Rosas, the great Mexican trainer who had once worked with the late Salvador Sanchez, gave Chavez a hug and kissed him on the forehead. Rosas had once trained Chavez and was Julio's special guest for the fight. They exchanged a few words in Spanish and then Julio headed out. Before reaching the curtain leading to the arena Chavez, surrounded by the most loyal entourage I have ever seen, stood waiting for the final cue to walk down the aisle. Gathered before Chavez was a large Mariachi band that would play as he entered the ring. A moment later Don King and his escorts appeared and King hugged Chavez. King, never one to miss an opportunity to be seen, stood behind Chavez with his hands on the former champion's shoulders. King would accompany Chavez for his last walk down the aisle. I looked closely into the face of Chavez and didn't see the look of a man who had held world titles for more than twelve years during his brilliant career. I saw a man who knew his great pride was about to suffer.

A Showtime official gave the Chavez delegation the signal, in Spanish, that it was time. "Tiempo" he shouted. Long before Chavez walked thru the curtain and began his walk down the aisle the crowd exploded. "CHAVEZ, CHAVEZ, CHAVEZ!", they chanted. As Chavez slowly made his way to the ring the flashes from cameras created a strobe light effect around the Coliseum and the sound of Mariachi music was drowned out by the thunderous ovation from the audience. I have seen a lot of title fights and dozens of great champions over the years but nothing compared to the excitement that took place when Chavez entered the ring Saturday night. You would think that Chavez was the champion and Tszyu was an unpopular challenger. When Tszyu entered the ring a few minutes later he was greeted with boos.

Chavez did his best but had little to offer. On a couple of occasions he was able to land solid blows but they had no effect on the talented Russian. In the sixth round the great Julio Cesar Chavez hit the canvas for only the second time in his career. He made it to his feet and desperately tried to fight back but within seconds referee Bobby Ferrara had no choice but to stop the fight.

Too many years have separated Chavez from the skills that made him great, however, the legend will never die. When the disappointment of Chavez's fans turned to anger, the beer started to fly. Growing up in Los Angeles I know how Mexican fans react when their favorite loses. Long before Jimmy Lennon announced the winner of the fight I was safely tucked away in the press room waiting for the post fight press conference.

Chavez announced his retirement after the fight and I hope he was serious. Even so, the controversy continued when he refused to take the drug test following the fight. Many would assume that this suggests Chavez had taken an illegal substance prior to the match. However, nothing I saw in the eyes or behavior of the great Chavez indicated he had. I think one of the greatest Mexican boxers in history had been insulted enough and just wanted to get out of the place. Chavez has earned his place in boxing history, what could a bit more controversy hurt.

Roberto Duran Turns 60 Today

2011-06-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my all time favorite fighter; Roberto Duran. Hard to believe he turned 60 today. Duran, at his peak was one of the most intimidating fighters to step into the ring. He had a Hall of Fame career and would have been right at home in any of boxing's great decades. There will never be another like him, as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for the memories Roberto! All the best to you.

Photo by Chris Cozzone- Courtesy of Fightnews.com

2011 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees

2011-06-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Julio Cesar Chavez, Mike Tyson, Kostya Tszyu, Joe Cortez, Nacho Beristain and Sylvester Stallone on their inductions to the International Boxing Hall of Fame -Class of 2011- in Canastota, New York, this past weekend.

The posthumous inductees are: Bantamweight Memphis Pal Moore, light heavyweight champion Jack Root, and middleweight Dave Shade in the old-timer category; British heavyweight John Gully in the pioneer category; promoter A.F. Bettinson; and former BBC broadcaster Harry Carpenter.

Louie Burke on the Austin Trout vs David Lopez fight

2011-06-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Photo by Gabriel F. Cordero at ringside

By Louie Burke

The Battle started well before the first bell of the bout when the ring only measured 16 ½ ft inside the ropes, contrary the WBA regulation 18 ft minimum. After threatening the promoter to walk out he, ordered some quick adjustments, still falling short by a foot, loosening the ropes to make it 17 ft inside the ropes.
By this time, I’d had enough with the shenanigans that had plagued this card from the beginning, starting with change of locations and tricking us into thinking that the fight was going to be at a location with lower elevation than Las Cruces, and at the last minute changing the venue to a 6,000 plus altitude venue in San Luis Potosi.

With the TV lights and no air conditioning in the building, the heat inside the ring was ridiculously hot and stifling, the hottest I‘ve ever felt! The promoter, who labeled Austin-Lopez’s fight a USA vs. Mexico battle, worked up an already hostile bunch that were chanting Mexico, Mexico, causing a deafening echo throughout the venue, working the crowed up to a frenzy that I thought would erupt into a piñata party, us being the piñata’s.

Lopez was as tough as we thought he’d be, walking Austin down through out the fight and looking for the big left hand he’s so good at sneaking in. The fight started with Austin out boxing Lopez and turning him in circles and working off a snappy jab. With Austin connecting with some beautiful straight and overhand lefts, momentarily stiffening Lopez. Austin got away from the game plan after round two, because he felt he hurt Lopez and wanted to go home early.

Even though Lopez might have been stunned early, he seemed to get stronger as the fight progressed and after four rounds, with Austin loading up at times, the elevation and horrendous heat, he started slowing down, letting Lopez back into the fight, by connecting some straight lefts. In the corner, I could see that the heat and Altitude was taking it’s toll. We did what we could to cool him down and freshen him up and make it clear that he was losing control of the fight. Around the 7th round he got his second win and got back on the game plan of out boxing and turning Lopez and staying away from his wicked left hand. Even though Austin couldn’t avoid every punch thrown, he did avoid a ton of them, but gong into the 10th he’d gotten hit more times total than every other fight he’s had combined.

11th round on showed just how much heart Austin has, he and Lopez landed some bombs, but Austin stuck with the plan of boxing and when he didn’t Lopez would connect, forcing Austin to come back firing punches, to maintain control of the round. The 11th round was a heart stopper, with Austin getting his feet caught up on the ropes and going down. The referee, called it a slip, but easily could have ruled it in the other direction. Seconds after the referee wiped off Austin’s gloves, Austin floors Lopez! Austin went in for the kill but couldn’t make any headway and got back to the lateral movement and working off the jab.

12th round, Austin was told to box, we felt we had the fight in the bag and didn’t want to take any chances. That order was executed for about 2 minutes of the round, when Austin wanted to put an exclamation mark on the finality of the fight. He obliged Lopez by engaging in a round closing slugfest, both fighters landing blows in a last second flurry. In the exchange Lopez landing a monster left, to conclude the exchange and the fight!

There was no doubt that Austin had won a hard fought decision against, in my opinion, Mexico’s best middle/light-middleweight. But, boxing has it’s surprises and being in Mexico, you can’t celebrate too early.

As hoped for and expected Austin won a hard fought unanimous decision. The crap pulled by the promoter to gain an advantage did not taint Lopez’s performance. He fought with a Mexican heart, and showed his 52 fight experience, when he was able to capitalize on Austin’s occasional breakdown in a usually flawless defense. He proved strong and durable as expected. We were glad that we prepared for such a warrior and knew he was there to take that precious hardware “the WBA belt” away.
Austin and myself would like to thank all the support that came from both sides of the border, and let everyone know that this victory was dedicated to YOU!

Mel Epstein, a great mind of "Old School"

2011-06-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Mel Epstein & Systolic breathing . . . By Rick Farris

Like the "old school trainer" fraternity in which he was vested member, Mel Epstein, knew the tricks of the boxing trade. How to get an edge.
Having an edge can make a big difference, and Mel was concerned about my deep breathing, my oxygen consumption during a bout.

Mel was not a "certified" anything, like the so-called educated gurus who charge champs six figures today.
Actual experience was Mel's guide, advice from the likes of Dempsey's trainer, Teddy Hayes, and Ray Arcel back in the Benny Leonard days.
He also got some advice from another valued source, his mother.

"Mrs. Epstein, of the Boston Epsteins," Mel would kid, was an opera singer when Mel was a young lad.
She learned to breathe as a singer breathes, pulling oxygen deep into the body, beneath the lungs into the upper stomach.
"It's called systolic breathing, and that is what I'm going to teach you," Mel promised.
He continued, "My mother taught me, and I saw Dempsey practicing it but they didn't call it systolic breathing. That was my mother's term, and my mother was educated, you know, she came from a good family."
Mel was right, I began to breathe different and it also aided my runs with Bob Seagren.

Mel did some boxing, and has the nose to prove he was probably best suited in management, training and promotion - and he did it all!
Today a college degree and good line of bullshit will land documented smoke blower a spot on some champ's ship of fools. A "Physical trainer."
Mel is rolling in his grave, and he's laughing.

Just last week I saw a "physical advisor" on TV who is going to mentor a world champ on the "bodies rhythm".
He will try to show the athlete how to take deep breath, using a computor screen, high tech graffics and statistics.
The physical advisor will need the finest in high tech equipment attempting to demostrate his theory.
All Mel needed was a good story about his mother and a quick demonstration. Everyday he'd remind me as I walked along side him.
We'd be walking down Wilshire Blvd., near Vermont, Mel would bark . . . "Breathe deep, into your stomach. Systolic breathing."
I'd begin to breath to his staisfaction and then he would bark, "Toes in! Walk with your toes pointed inward, punchers are pigeon-toed!"

That's what he'd tell me as we walked . . . "Breathe, toes in!"
Mel Epstein, he was really something. Bless his soul.

-Rick Farris

Trout Outboxes Lopez in Sweltering Heat

2011-06-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

From the Boxing Tribune (Courtesy of Rick Farris)

Austin Trout (23-0, 13 KOs) made the first defense of his WBA junior middleweight title in the sweltering heat of San Luis Potosi by outworking and outboxing Mexico’s David Lopez (40-13, 23 KOs) and taking the wide unanimous decision.

From the very beginning, Trout moved effectively and showed himself to be too talented and athletic for the straight-ahead Lopez, who came forward the entire night, but wasn’t able to generate any sustained offensive attack.
Trout, well ahead and landing at a high rate, gave a solid effort for the full 12 rounds and even managed to drop the tough veteran in the 11th round.
The judges’ scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the bout, scoring the fight: 119-109, 117-110 and 118-109. The Boxing Tribune scored the bout 119-108, also in favor of Trout.

http://theboxingtribune.com

Update on Austin Trout

2011-06-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

Weights/photo by Gabriel Cordero/Fightnews

From the Auditorio Miguel Barragan, San Luis Potosi, Mexico:

Austin Trout 153.78 vs. David Lopez 153

(WBA super welterweight world title )

By Louie Burke

The Weigh-ins went off without a hitch, Austin made weight easily, just maintaining what he already accomplished the night before by making 154 lbs. David "The Destroyer" Lopez, surprisingly came in at 153 lbs. Weigh-ins, medicals and paper work were done within an hour, a quick and painless procedure, most American commissions could learn from.

Lopez is a tough, rangy boxer/puncher that has a wealth of experience, not only the number of fights he’s had ( 62), but also the quality. A win over Lopez is going to be a huge step in gaining the legitimacy towards a super title bout or a unification bout against better known names in the division.

Austin feels great and wants his supporters to know, that this fight is for YOU!!!!
Thank you for your support!

The Passing of Shirley O'Neill

2011-06-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Our sincere condolences to our friend Bill O'Neill and his family on the passing of his wife Shirley O'Neill. Shirley passed away on Thursday June 2, after suffering a devastating stroke the previous day.

Bill O'Neill is a contributer to this site, a retired Southern California sports/boxing writer, former amateur boxer and good friend to boxing. We mourn his loss.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. next Thursday, July 9, at Memory Garden Memorial Park, 455 West Central Ave., Brea, CA.

R.I.P. Shirley

Froch vs. Johnson + FIGHT CAMP 360° Pacquiao Mosley - Saturday June 4th SHOWTIME Boxing

2011-06-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Louie Burke: Update on Austin Trout

2011-06-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Camp “No Doubt”
Austin’s first defense is definitely a genuine concern. The Bible of Boxing, Ring Magazine has Austin’s opponent David “The Destroyer” Lopez listed at number 8 in the world and the most avoided Middleweight in boxing! At 6’2” and southpaw, it’s easy to understand why Lopez has been avoided. Having been avoided himself, Austin knows what it’s like waiting for the dream opportunity of fighting for the world championship and now that he has it he doesn’t plan on letting it go.

Austin’s had a solid camp with sparring being imported from Baltimore, MD in the likes of undefeated Cecil McCalla and 16-3-1 Maxell Taylor, who’s coming off a spectacular TKO win two weeks ago. Also jumping in for a piece of Austin has been, Lubbock’s Edward Hernandez and Las Crucen, Siju Shabazz. Austin’s has had some tough sparing with McCalla, Taylor, and Hernandez hammering out an intense 12 rounds on Saturday and Tuesday! Camp is still in it’s peak stages, but will start tapering off at the end of the week.

"The Destroyer" isn’t going to be a walk in the park. He hasn’t lost a fight in 6 years and has beaten the likes of Jerson Rivello, Lonnie Bradley, Danny Lopez, Saul Roman and Quirino Garcia! Winning the IBA Middleweight championship along the way. Lopez is a good boxer/puncher and has shattered many a dream, dismantling opponents in a methodical manner. Austin knows this and is well prepared and ready to show the world he deserves being champion.

The date and location has been finalized ( we think) on June 11^th in San Luis Potosi, Mex. It will be Televised on Telavisa and a week later on Fox Sports Network.
Thanks for the support fight fans!

Recap: Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham

2011-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Andre Ward Defeats Arthur Abraham

2011-05-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Photos Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

By Randy De La O

Andre Ward is starting to grow on me. I haven't exactly been a real big fan of the Super Six Super Middleweight Tournament but Ward has been catching my interest. His wins over Alan Greene and Sakio Bika last year, and then this past weekend's big win against Arthur Abraham has him breaking away from the pack. He will be facing the winner of Carl Froch vs Glen Johnson, who will be fighting June 4, 2011. The fight took place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, just minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. The fight was shown on Showtime Boxing.

Abraham came out aggressively, with a "Peek-A-Boo" style defense and seemed to be getting off to a good start. Ward seemed unable to penetrate Abraham's tight defense, still he kept pumping the jab, while trying to figure out a way in. In the fourth round Ward found his range and with the uppercut and body shots started to get inside Abraham's defense. Once he was in, Ward took control of the fight and gave what has to be the best performance of his career, alternately slugging and boxing, and fighting southpaw at times, and doing all of it welll. It was a championship perrformance by Ward, who seems to be improving and gaining confidence with every fight. Abraham for his part, never stopped trying. He just could not keep up with Ward. By the middle rounds Abraham was tired and frustrated and it showed. Ward won by 12 round decision.

Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears

2011-05-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

"He got as much out of himself as there was to give, and maybe more, and you can't ask any more of any man, including yourself" - Larry Merchant

By Randy De La O

I was privileged, recently, to view a video of the new documentary "Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears". Joe Frazier's story has been told time and time again. The story is familiar to us by now. Yet director Mike Todd still managed to give us a fresh perspective on Frazier's life and career. Narrated by Joe's eldest son, Marvis Frazier, along with testimonials from family, friends and boxing personalities, including George Foreman, Bernard Hopkins and Larry Merchant, who share some candid memories. However, this is much more than a "This is Your Life" documentary. It is more like a well crafted, tightly woven tapestry that comes together to form a beautifully clear picture of it's subject, in this case "Smokin' Joe" Frazier, former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

The film begins with Frazier singing a reworked song made famous by Frank Sinatra, "My Way" and he was indeed doing it his way, as only "Smokin' Joe" can, a little slow perhaps and a little off key but with a passion and heart that has defined Joe Frazier to his legion of fans and admirers. The common belief is that Joe Frazier has been left bitter on the issue of Muhammad Ali, maybe at one time, but this peek into his current life says otherwise. If anything Frazier seems content with his place in boxing history, he is content with what he knows. So is his family. Joe Frazier is truly loved by his family, friends and fans and the film seems to answer that question "is it better to be popular or well liked?" As this film shows, being well liked, or loved, in this case, travels a lot deeper than popularity. I believe this is where Frazier draws his contentment and satisfaction. Frazier seems to relish the attention and enjoys talking about the 1971 "Fight of the Century", a fight he won by unanimous decision.

Marvis Frazier, who wears his love for his famous father on his sleeves, has become, in a sense, the defender and protector of his father's legacy. The bond between father and son is at the core of the film. A brief look back at Marvis Frazier's fight with Larry Holmes was somewhat emotional and we see Joe's pain, immediately after the fight. Both Frazier's have continually given back to the community both in the rural south where Joe was born and in Philadelphia where he lives today. In the south he is remembered as a local boy made good who has never forgotten where he came from and in Philadelphia, a town known for the ferocious gym wars and tough fighters, where he is heralded as the epitome of a "Philly Fighter". There are a couple of other clips, including Ali vs Frazier I and Frazier vs Foreman I, but the film focuses more on the Joe Frazier of today. This is the story that is being told

Growing up in the South, and later Philadelphia, Frazier experienced the full gamut of the black experience in America, contrary to the way he was portrayed by Muhammad Ali during their well covered rivalry. Joe, a proud man and more importantly, a proud black man has stayed close to his roots; family, friends and community. He has done so as the owner and operator of the Joe Frazier Gym, along with his son Marvis. Much of this documentary was filmed in the gym. Sadly, the gym was closed earlier this year for financial reasons. Still, that doesn't take away from what Frazier has accomplished over the years, nor can we ever count the number of young men that have been helped along the way, whether they became fighters or just good citizens.

There are some scenes in the film where an elderly Frazier is seen working the bag and shadowboxing in the ring. If you look closely, into his eyes, you can still see the fire burning inside. That wry smile and knowing look gives the impression that Muhammad Ali is still on the receiving end of his punches, thus the look of satisfaction on his face. I cannot say with 100% certainty, that Joe Frazier has exorcised the bitter memories of his rivalry with Ali, nor can I say that he has truly forgiven him for the cruel words that cut Joe deeply. All I can say for sure is, that Joe Frazier has learned to deal with it, and is living life "His Way" and on his terms.

If you are a fight fan, especially if you are a life long fan of Smokin' Joe Frazier, as I am, than you will be moved by this film, and in the long run, isn't that what art is all about?

Written and Directed by: Mike Todd
Produced by: Geseth Garcia, Mike Todd & Louise Rosen
Director of Photography: Quenell Jones
Narrated by: Marvis Frazier

Joe Frazier Film on Facebook

Sir Henry Cooper: May 3, 1934-May 1, 2011

2011-05-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sir Henry Cooper, the most beloved of all British fighters and certainly the epitome of a stout hearted Brit. My condolences to the family and to his many fans across the globe. About the Muhammad Ali fight and the glove incident. Sir 'Enry had a legitimate complaint. Rest In peace.

Classic Photo: Rick Farris vs Jose Mendoza

2011-04-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Jose Mendoza (left) vs. Rick Farris

The Forum - 1972

"Mel Epstein & Johnny Villaflor were in my corner. I was 20. Referee was Dick Young. The fight was televised in L.A. on KTLA Ch-5. We had a war. I got the decision. Two nights earlier, my pal actor Reb Brown, carried me out of a bar (I was too young to drink but they served me anyway) and tossed me into the back of his van.
In those days Reb Brown was known as Bob Brown, a former USC running back and amateur boxer with the Johnny Flores stable.

The next day I was a no-show at the Main Street Gym for a warm-up/loosen up session the day before the fight. I was paralyzed with the worst hangover I would ever experience. I would hear the phone ring and know it was either Mel Epstein or my girlfriend calling, no way was I going to answer. The next night I paid the price. What should have been an easy win, was a tough fight."

- Rick Farris

Pacquiao vs Mosley: Tale of the Tape

2011-04-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Click on the photo for a larger view

Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley

2011-04-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Photos Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

By Randy De La O

Years ago, when my father, the late great Andrew De La O was still alive, he would almost always answer the obvious questions with "It's possible but not probable". I have no doubt that would be his answer to "Hey Dad, do you think Mosley can beat Pacquiao?" It would be petty hard to argue with that. A decade ago I would probably say Mosley, without a doubt but it's not 2001, it's 2011 and Mosley is nearing 40 years of age. The odds favor Manny Pacquiao, big time..

That being said, if there is any fighter alive, in or around that weight class, that can find the possibility of beating Pacquiao, it's Sugar Shane Mosley. Manny is great, no doubt. I'm not convinced he can walk on water but he can fight, I''ll give him that. What makes it even microscopically possible is Manny's style and Mosley's quickness. Mosley is a pure fighter and is at his absolute best when the man in front of him chooses to fight. Mosley is still (possibly) quick enough to make that work for him.

I've been accused more than once of thinking with my heart when it comes to the fighters that I like. It's true, I'm not denying it but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm wrong. In this case my head knows better but my heart will still be pulling for Mosley. He's the underdog here and I love an underdog. Plus, Mosley is an L.A. area fighter, a hometown guy and he has a huge heart, maybe the biggest in the game today. I'm hoping to see Mosley win this one. He's what my old trainer Mel Epstein would call " a deserving guy".

When the fight was first announced I was dead set against it, It just seemed too much to ask of Mosley. The fight game can be cruel, crueler than most sports. The reward for a great career is to grow old and be pitted against a younger, stronger fighter than yourself. It's just the way of the sport. Think Muhammad Ali vs Larry Holmes in 1980, Sugar Ray Leonard's 1991 fight with Terry Norris or more recently Oscar De La Hoya's beat down by Manny Pacquiao in 2008 or any number of fights over the years. Very few escape it. Mosley is well aware of the risks. The decision was his to make.

Still, my hope, and it's a slim one, is that Mosley wins big and retires. I know, I know, I'm thinking with my heart again. I can't help it. But hey, anythings possible, right?

Sugar Shane Mosley will be challenging Manny Pacquiao for Pacquiao's WBO Weltereight title, May 7, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be shown on Showtime PPV. As always, may the best man win.

Heavyweight Travis Kauffman

2011-04-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to meet promising young heavyweight Travis Kauffman. Kauffman, from Reading, Pennsylvania, is in town to spar and train with local heavyweight Chris Arreola. Kauffman is 25 yeas old, with a record of 21-1. His next fight is scheduled for May 21 at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania against a yet to be named opponent. You can read his story Here. The photo and video were taken at Indian Willie's Gym in Riverside, California.

A Visit With Bill O'Neill

2011-04-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Bill and I in his backyard

This past Saturday Jeri and I drove to Riverside and spent the day with Bill O'Neill and his wife Shirley. They have a beautiful home sitting on an acre filled with every type of citrus fruit you can imagine, tons of fruit. We picked enough to fill box. Bill and his wife were gracious hosts and the salt of the earth. Old school good people, the kind of people that are getting harder to find as times goes on. Bill is recovering from a hip replacement surgery, plus he took a bad fall and suffered a concussion and hurt back. Still, he gave us a tour of the property.

On the patio

Bill O'Neill has a room next to his garage that doubles as his own personal boxing museum, filled with photos, memorabilia and fight tapes. The man has a true passion for boxing. Bill is former fighter himself, fighting as a amateur boxer in his younger days. he was also a sportswriter back in the day writing a boxing column for the Daily News, as well as other newspapers and boxing magazines, over the years. Bill has tons of memories and stories, there has to be a few books in him just waiting to come out.

The Jerry Quarry Wall

Giving me the tour

We drove down to Indian Willie's gym, which is a few miles from his home. Chris Arreola was supposed to be there to spar. He didn't show up. I did have a chance to meet a young heavyweight from Reading, Pennsylvania, Travis Kauffman. Seems like a good kid, 25 years old, 21-1. also had a chance to see Jose (Josesito) Lopez and Johnathan Arrellano. Had a chance to speak a bit with Henry Ramirez. It was good being around a bunch of young boxers. All and all, it was a nice day plus the weather was good. Our thanks to the O'Neill for their gracious hospitality.

Johnathan Arrellano and Bill O'Neill at Indian Willie's Gym

Johnathan Arrellano

Jose "Josesito" Lopez

Heavyweight Travis Kauffman

For a look at all the photos from Saturday go Here

Recap: Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Orlando Salido - SHOWTIME Boxing

2011-04-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

I missed last nights fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Orlando Salido. Looks like I missed a good one. Big, big upset!

Amir Khan Wins Technical Decision Over Paul McCloskey

2011-04-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

2011-04-16

By Randy De La O

As expected Amir Khan of Bolton, Lancashire, defeated Paul McCloskey of Northern Ireland in a fairly one sided fight last night. Though he dominated the fight, with speed and hard punches, many of his punches were missing the mark. There is not much to say about this fight. Winning a fight you are supposed to win is a good thing I suppose but again it makes it hard to know where he stands in the overall picture of the 140 lb division, despite the fact that he is the WBA Junior welterweight champion.

The fight was stopped in the 6th round after an accidental clash of heads that caused a cut over the left eye of McCloskey. Maybe it's not for me to say but the cut had just happened and McCloskey should have been allowed to continue the fight. McCloskey, for his part was cool under pressure and fought gamely despite losing every round. Still, whether the fight was stopped or allowed to go on, it would not have made any difference, McCloskey was in over his head in this one.The fight went to the scorecards with all the judges awarding Khan a 60-54 decision victory.

Up next for Khan will be WBC and WBO Champion, American Tim Bradley, this coming July. Khan will have his hands full with Bradley. This is a fight to look forward to.

Victor Ortiz Defeats Andre Berto

2011-04-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

2011-04-16

By Randy De La O

Victor Ortiz was on a mission Saturday night. It showed when he stepped into the ring. It was evident when he and Andre Berto met for their instructions by referee Mike Ortega. Ortiz had a look of complete confidence about him. He seemed sure of himself. Little did we know.

Victor Ortiz was challenging undefeated champion Andre Berto for Berto's WBC Welterweight title. The fight was held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. There were questions about both fighters going into the fight but the prevailing notion was that Berto would be too much for Ortiz, who was moving up in weight, fighting as a welterweight for the first time. His critics, and I was one of them, underestimated him. There were reasons of course, mainly the Marcos Maidana fight, where he failed the test of "Intestinal Fortitude". Sometimes though, in the midst of a bitter defeat, in the ring or outside of it, there are lessons to be learned. Ortiz was given a second chance last night against a good strong champion, though relatively unproven, at his physical peak. Ortiz stepped into the ring with redemption on his mind, prepared to finally exorcise the memory of his past defeat. In the face of adversity, he answered every question mark thrown at him by Andre Berto.

When the first round began Ortiz was unaware that he would be fighting two opponents but as the fight progressed it became evident. The first knockdown of Berto was incorrectly ruled a slip by Ortega. Later in the round Ortiz would again drop Berto, there was no doubt about it this time. Berto would never quite recover but he was still dangerous and he proved it in the very next round when he knocked down an off balanced Ortiz, who recovered quickly. With every exchange, and the fight was filled with them, Ortiz came back stronger and more determined. Ortiz emerged as a fighter willing to take risks and that is what made the difference for him. Ortiz took everything that Berto threw and always answered back with his own punches, only more so,

In round six Berto fighting now in the middle of the ring and trying hard to gain command of the fight, knocked down Ortiz with a stiff, strong right hand. Ortiz was hurt this time and I have no doubt that everyone held their breath waiting to see what Ortiz' reaction would be. He answered the question by knocking down Berto and staying in control of the fight.

Throughout the fight Berto was complaining about being hit in the back of the head. Referee Ortega reprimanded Ortiz a few times. What he should have done was remind Berto that when you turn your back or head on an opponent you get what you deserve. Ortega continued to make a pest of himself all through the fight, especially when Ortiz had Berto against the ropes, grabbing Ortiz by the arm and continually yelling at him to get back. Berto sensing an opportunity began to whine to the referee about every punch thrown anywhere near the side of the head. In the tenth round, while in the middle of an exchange, Berto lowered his head and was caught near the side, it was out of Ortega's view but Berto put on such a display, he simply took his word for it and deducted a point from Ortiz. Throughout the fight Ortiz was hit behind the head and Betro was continually holding. To Ortiz' credit he never voiced a complaint, choosing instead to win the fight the old fashioned way, by kicking his opponent's ass. There was no quit in Victor Ortiz last night, not one iota. He fought a great fight. It was an old school win and I liked it.

When the fight was over, don't ask me why, I had that sinking, sickening feeling that we were going to witness a robbery. Was the point deduction going to make the difference? Did Berto's whining influence the judges? You just never know what the judges are thinking, which way they will go. I needn't have worried. Judge Julie Lederman had it 114-111, judge Glenn Feldman scored it 114-112, and judge Clark Sammartino had it115-110, all in favor of Victor Ortiz. A well deserved and hard fought victory. In the post fight interview Ortiz was humble and courteous and while Berto tried his hardest to convince us that it was not him in the ring last night, those of us that saw the fight know better.

Ortiz showed that even in the face of adversity, he has what it takes to reach down deep and find a way to win. It was a lesson that was learned the hard way. His reputation and his character took a beating but he proved he could learn and come back. He was mindful of his legacy and his place in boxing. He changed the way we will remember him. he finally lived up to his nick name "Viscious" and he at last, came through for those that believed in him. To the "Victor" belongs the spoils (pun intended). One thing though Victor, lose the sombrero!

HBO Boxing: A Look Ahead

2011-04-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

"Inside the Forum": Alfonso Zamora

2011-04-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Click on the photo for a larger view

I found this gem at the Long Beach Coin, Stamps and Collectible Expo earlier this year. The title is "Inside the Forum", dated February 1975. It speaks briefly about Mexico's Alfonso Zamora's upcoming bout with WBA bantamweight champ Soo-Hwan Hong of Korea, at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

Zamora would win the fight and the title with a fourth round knockout of Soo-Hwan Hong. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds. The referee for the fight was George Latka. Zamora would run up a streak of eight wins, all by KO, including a win over future WBA featherweight Champ, Panamanian Eusebio Pedroza, stopping him in 2 rounds, and knocking out Soo-Hwan Hong in their rematch in October of 1976.

In April of 1977, 34 years ago this month, Zamora would meet fellow Mexican knockout sensation, WBC Champion, Carlos Zarate, in what would be labeled, the "Battle of the Z Boys". It would be a 10 round non-title fight. the fight would take place at the Forum. The referee was Richard Steele. Both fighters were extremely popular and had their own following.Zamora would end up being stopped by Zarate when his father threw the towel in the ring, thereby ending the fight.

Zamora would fight eight more times, including a KO by Jorge Lujan in his next fight, losing his WBA title, he would stop popular local favorite Alberto "Superfly" Sandoval in 8 rounds. He would have his last fight at the Olympic Auditorium with Rigoberto Estrada, getting stopped in the 3rd round.

Louie Burke: Updates on Abie Han and Austin Trout

2011-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

By Louie Burke

Abie Han is hard at work after suffering a perforated ear drum while sparring last month, which pulled him out of a fight scheduled last month in Tijuana, Mex. But Abie’s been training hard and will be fighting on May 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada against Terronze Washington from Dallas TX. The card, promoted by Top Rank will be held at Mandalay Bay and will be televised on ESPN. Abie’s fight is a 6 round undercard fight, which will hopefully make it on the tube.

Austin Trout is back at full speed and is preparing to defend his title at the end of May. We’ll know more next week. Austin has called out the top names, with no serious responses at this time, so he plans on staying busy till the likes of Canelo Alvarez and/or Miguel Cotto give him a crack at ’em, so stay tuned!!!

Marco Antonio Rubio Stops David Lemieux in Round 7

2011-04-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

This old story sums up the fight.

An old prospector shuffled into town leading an old tired mule.
The old man headed straight for the only saloon to clear his parched throat.

He walked up and tied his old mule to the hitch rail. As he stood there, brushing some of the dust from his face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other.

The young gunslinger looked at the old man and laughed, saying, "Hey old man, have you ever danced?"

The old man looked up at the gunslinger and said, "No, I never did dance.. never really wanted to."

A crowd had gathered as the gunslinger grinned and said, "Well, you old fool, you're gonna dance now," and started shooting at the old man's feet.

The old prospector - not wanting to get a toe blown off - started hopping around like a flea on a hot skillet. Everybody was laughing, fit to be tied.

When his last bullet had been fired, the young gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon.

The old man turned to his pack mule, pulled out a double-barrelled shotgun, and cocked both hammers.

The loud clicks carried clearly through the desert air.

The crowd stopped laughing immediately.

The young gunslinger heard the sounds too, and he turned around very slowly. The silence was almost deafening.

The crowd watched as the young gunman stared at the old timer and the large gaping holes of those twin barrels.

The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the old man's hands, as he quietly said, "Son, have you ever licked a mule's ass?"

The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, "No sir..... but... I've always wanted to."

There are a few lessons for us all here:

Never be arrogant.

Don't waste ammunition.

Whiskey makes you think you're smarter than you are.

Always, always make sure you know who has the power.

Don't mess with old men; they didn't get old by being stupid.

Last night's fight between David Lemieux and Marco Antonio Rubio reminded me of that old story. While Rubio is not quite yet an old man, at 30, he is a seasoned veteran and has been around for a while. He may not be taking the world by storm just yet but he is a man that has clearly learned his craft. He passed a little of that knowledge on to his young and over anxious opponent. The lesson that Lemieux learned last night or at least we hope he learned, is that "patience is a virtue".

Marco Antonio Rubio, of Torreon, Mexico, entered the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada Saturday night, the decided underdog against the hometown hero David Lemieux. Who can blame them? With 25 wins under his belt, all but one ending by knockout in the early rounds, he was percieved as unbeatable by his countrymen. Rubio had plans of his own and it didn't include losing to a 22 year old hot shot, hometown or no hometown.

When the first round started Lemieux was on Rubio like a swarm of bees. The crowd was roaring at every punch he threw. Lemieux is a strong kid and hits hard but he didn't have the slightest concept of pacing himself. Rubio on the other hand proved to be a good defensive fighter, covering up, picking off most of the punches and biding his time. This went on for the first four or five rounds. In the fifth Lemieux slowed the pace a bit. Coming into the sixth round the momentum seemed to be shifting and then somewhere in the middle of the round Rubio took control of the fight. It started with a stiff right hand that shook Lemieux a bit. The crowd was quiet now. The stage was set for the next and final round as Rubio, in complete command of the fight now, had his way with Lemieux, dropping him in the corner. Referee Marlon Wright pulled Rubio away from Lemiex. A few seconds later, as Rubio was on the verge of knocking out Lemieux, Lemieux's cornerman Russ Anber motioned to the ref to stop the fight. It was a smart move on Anber's part.

Rubio is the kind of fighter that is hard not to like, durable, not flashy and with a quiet and unassuming demeanor. He clocks in, does his job, clocks out and goes home. What's not to like?

Lemieux? You gotta like him too. He was beaten, tired and humbled last night but I saw no quit in him. You can't fault a man for losing a fight. He's young and if his next few fights are handled properly he'll be back on track, only a little bit smarter.

Yahoo's Kevin Iole on Morales vs Maidana and Guerrero vs Katsidis

2011-04-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!'s IOLE picks Maidana vs. Morales from Steve Cofield on Vimeo.

HBO: Erik Morales and Marcos Maidana

2011-04-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Erik Morales

Marcos Maidana

Erik Morales vs Marcos Maidana

2011-04-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Fight Preview

Erik Morales vs Marcos Maidana

MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada

Interim WBA Junior Light Welterweight Title

Golden boy Promotions

HBO Boxing

April 9, 2011

By Randy De La O

Erik Morales of Mexico, was one of the most exciting fighters of his era and certainly ranked high on anyone's pound for pound list but it has been a while. Morales is three for three in his comeback that began last year with a win over Jose Alfaro in March of 2010, winning a 12 round unanimous decision. He followed up with two more wins; stopping Willie Limond in September and a unanimous decision win in December over Francisco Lorenzo. Mediocre opponents at best but a good starting point for an aging former champion. Still, it's hard to tell how much Morales has left in the tank.

Morales, one half of one of boxing's greatest trilogy, Marco Antonio Barrera being the other half, was as exciting as it gets. His big heart and reputation for throwing caution to the wind made him a crowd pleaser and a fan favorite. Nearing the end of his career he beat Manny Pacquiao in their first fight but lost the last two, getting stopped in both fights.

Morales fought the best fighters of his era, including; Daniel Zaragoza, Wayne McCullough, Kevin Kelly, Junior Jones, Paulie Ayala, Hector Acero Sanchez, Jesus Chavez and Carlos Hernandez. His last fight before retiring was a losing effort, in 1997, against WBC Lightweight champion David Diaz of Chicago (Diaz would lose the title to Manny Pacquiao the following year). The only fighter missing from his resume is the great Juan Manuel Marquez. I don't know why that fight never happened.

Argentinian boxer Marcos Maidana, at 27 and seven years younger than Morales, appears to be at his peak right now. Maidana is coming off a close and exciting loss to Amir Khan last December. Like Erik Morales, and like every other Argentinian fighter that I have ever seen, there is no shortage of courage and heart in this fighter. He proved that in his fight last year with Victor Ortiz, coming back after being knocked down three times in the fight and getting the worst of it before taking control of the fight and severely testing Ortiz' resolve as a fighter, forcing him to quit in the 6th round. Over all, Maidana has not fought the same quality of fighters that Morales has fought.

Morales will certainly have his hands full this Saturday night when they square off at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the WBA Interim Junior Welterweight Championship. My heart will be pulling for Erik Morales. While I would have rather seen him stay in retirement, he has chosen to fight again and I'm hoping to see him beat the odds. It will be an uphill battle for him.

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011

2011-04-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

California Boxing Hall of Fame Website

Sportsmen's Lodge Website

Classic Photo

2011-03-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Frank Baltazar Sr.

John Liechty and Eddie 'Animal' Lopez Circa..1980
The Olympic Auditorium parking lot.

Fight of the Century: Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier I

2011-03-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

By Randy De La O

The fight was unprecedented. Two undefeated heavyweights, one the current champion, the other a champion stripped of his title and returning after an exile from boxing for refusing his draft induction. Both men had a rightful claim to the title. In the months, weeks and days leading up to the fight, the feud between Muhammad Ali and Smoking Joe Frazier took on an almost mythical and epic proportion. Forty years later, today, time has not lessened either the myth or legend, if anything, it has grown.

On March 8, 1971 the world would literally stop to watch these two men do battle. Not since the days leading up to World War II and the rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling had the world given this much attention to a championship fight. Lines were drawn and sides were chosen. Ali was considered the “People’s Champion” and Frazier had been relegated by Ali as an “Uncle Tom”, though nothing could have been further from the truth.

I was a young teen when the fight took place, a junior in high school. I liked both Ali and Frazier but I honestly felt that “Smoking Joe” would win this fight. Frazier just had a way of plowing through his opponents and he owned what may be the greatest left hook in the business . I bet five bucks on Joe to win.

I will always have a special place in my heart for both Smoking Joe and Ali. We may never again see their like in the ring again doing battle against each other. In my lifetime, Frazier and Ali were the two greatest heavyweights on the planet. There have been no close seconds. This fight will always be the yardstick by which I measure every other heavyweight fight.

Over the years, Muhammad Ali has received the lion’s share of glory. He would also win the two rematches, including their final fight “The Thrilla in Manilla”, also one of boxing’s greatest heavyweight title fight. But on this night, when the world stood by with bated breath, it would be Joe Frazier that would emerge victorious. Forty years later, on this day, the glory belongs to Smoking Joe Frazier . He won the fight.

The fight was a close and exhausting battle for both fighters but it was the knockdown in the final round (the 15th) that clinched it for Joe. Joe’s famous left hook came through when he needed it most. As my father, the late great Andrew De La O liked to put it “Ali won two out of three but Joe got the knockdown”.

Their fights took a toll on both of them. They deserve to rest on their laurels. Where ever they are today I hope they know that boxing fans are eternally grateful for all that they gave whenever they stepped into the ring. Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali were giants!

By the way, the guy never paid the five bucks!

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs Matthew "Magic" Hatton

2011-03-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

By Randy De La O

Saturday’s fight, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Matthew “Magic” Hatton, for the WBC Junior Middleweight title was not a great fight, it was however, a great showcase for Canelo’s talent. Canelo pitched a near perfect shutout over Hatton. I say near perfect because a point was taken away from Canelo in the 7th round for hitting after the break.

It was obvious from the start that Hatton was in over his head. He had neither the fire power nor the skill level to seriously challenge or hurt Alvarez. What he did have was grit and plenty of it. Each round was almost a carbon copy of the one that preceded it, with Canelo having his way, and with Hatton looking like he was ready to cave in and then coming back again and again with punches of his own, absolutely refusing to lay down. Still, the gutsy Brit took a lot of punishment.

Matthew Hatton was looking to step out of the shadows of his older brother, former champ Ricky Hatton, and I think to some degree he succeeded. Hatton’s style can be somewhat ugly, with all the holding, hitting behind the head, hitting after the break and hamming it up on the floor on two occasions. However, he is a survivor and he does possess a fighter‘s heart. Despite what even he must have sensed during the fight he never stopped trying to win. . Can’t fault a man for that type of thinking.

I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade and I do agree with Max Kellerman, Bob Papa and Roy Jones Jr, that Alvarez is something special, but I do disagree that he is the complete package. Someday maybe but just not yet. That’s no knock on Alvarez either, he is after all only 20 years of age. He may one day be an all time great but at this point the kid still has a few things to learn.

In the later rounds, he became frustrated by his inability to put Hatton away and it showed. Another fighter, a better one than Hatton, might have capitalized on it. It’s one thing to take a good punch but it’s another thing altogether to take a punch foolishly. Without any defense Alvarez will never be a “Complete Package”. The history of boxing is replete with fighters with big punches, no defense and short careers. The really great fighters, the ones that hang around a while, regardless of style or punching power know enough to move their head just a little.

Canelo strikes me as a smart kid and I think he’s the type of guy that will learn from his mistakes. There was nothing I saw that couldn’t be tweaked and adjusted. Maybe I’m just nitpicking, I don’t know. Still, I know what I saw. In the post fight interview I thought both men handled themselves with grace and dignity. In Hatton’s case he was an extremely good sport about losing and made no excuses. That’s the way it should be.

Alvarez won the fight via a unanimous decision. All three judges had it 119-108 for Alvarez.

One final note. I thought Lou Moret, normally a fine referee, was asleep at the wheel during the entire fight. He seemed lost and a step or two behind the action and he almost gave the impression of not wanting to get too involved. In the long run it really doesn’t matter because the fight was so one sided. I thought Hatton got away with too much holding and hitting behind the head, and I thought the wrong guy got the point taken away form him in the 7th.

Louie Burke: Updates on Austin Trout and Abie Han

2011-03-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

By Louie Burke

Almost a month after His world title win and a whole lot of local excitement, Austin has been back in training for two weeks, and this last week he’s been in camp with World Middleweight champ, Sergio Martinez, getting him ready for his title defense against Serhiy Dzinzuiruk. While in the Los Angeles area, Austin will be attending the 154 WBC World Title fight between Canelo Alvarez/ Mathew Hatten. If Canelo wins, Austin, will call him out, giving Canelo an opportunity to restore the family honor against Austin who beat his older brother, Rigoberto for the WBA Title. After Austins win over his Rigoberto, Canelo called Austin out. Now, we can see just how serious he was.

In the meantime, Abie Han has been working out religiously, preparing for his March 18th fight in Tijuana, Mexico, promoted by Abie’s promoters, Top Rank. His opponent is TBA within the next couple of days. Instead of fluctuating from 154 to 165, Abie plans on campaigning at the 160 lb weight. He says, “ He just feels stronger at that weight”

Before leaving to California, Austin was giving Abie some work in the gym as is Tim Meek who himself has been preparing for a fight at the Las Cruces PAL on March 12 and for the upcoming New Mexico Golden Gloves and Men’s USA’s.

Again, thanks for all the support you’ve given us!!!!
　

Miguel Acosta vs. Brando Rios - DeMarco vs. Reyes Recap - SHOWTIME Boxing

2011-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Showtime Sports presents a recap of Miguel Acosta vs. Brandon Rios. Relive Bam Bam Rios' knockout punch, plus footage from the Antonio DeMarco and Reyes Sanchez fight.

In This Corner With James Smith: Rios Battles Back and KO's Acosta

2011-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Brandon Rios KO's Miguel Acosta to Take the WBA Lightweight Title

2011-02-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

By Randy De La O

Saturday night, at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Brandon Rios did what challengers are supposed to do, he went out and took the title from the champion, Miguel Acosta. In what turned out to be the toughest fight of his career, Rios hung in there after a rough start, made adjustments, came back and stopped Acosta in the 10th round.

In the first few rounds Rios had trouble with Acosta’s speed and range and was hurt more than once, but with dogged perseverance and determination he continued to stalk Acosta, resolute in his belief that he would find a way. Acosta, just as determined showed why he had not lost since 2003, in his last 19 fights. He was out boxing Rios, keeping him at a distance and at times he was out slugging him. When the middle rounds began Rios tightened up his defense, closed the gap and took the fight inside. It paid off. In the six Rios caught the champion with a left and a right but it was a stiff jab that sent him down.

Up until the first knockdown Acosta was in control of the fight. After the knockdown he seemed desperate and it showed in his face and in the way he was fighting. The tide had turned. Rios punching power was beginning to have an affect.

After the knockdown in the eighth, a left hook that caught Acosta as he was backing out of an exchange, the conclusion seemed inevitable. Acosta, a worthy champion, was hurt and Rios was not letting up. Still, it’s a fight and anything can happen. Acosta, showing a champion’s heart fought back but his punches had lost their snap and he was unable to keep Rios at a distance.

The end came in the 10th round when Acosta was caught by a series of punches and crumbled in the corner causing referee Joe Cortez to stop the fight. Brandon Rios was the new WBA Lightweight Champion.

Rios answered any and all questions that may have been asked of him. He showed a huge heart in Saturday night’s fight. He’s no quitter. Even when things were not going his way he never wavered. In boxing we call that Stick-to-it-ive-ness. Rios showed plenty of that. He beat a real champion in Acosta. After the fight there was no arrogance, justifiable pride, yes but no arrogance. He was just happy to be the new champ.

On the co-main event Tony DeMarco and Reyes Sanchez gave the fans at the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, their monies worth, going the distance in a hard fought battle, with DeMarco getting the win. Sanchez, like Brandon Rios against Acosta, never let up, never stopped trying and he gave DeMarco all he could handle. For most of the fight though, DeMarco remained in control. Things might have been different if Sanchez actually had a punch.

The night belonged to Rios and with this victory, the lightweight division is really heating up. With fellow lightweight champions Juan Manuel Marquez, Humberto Soto and Miguel Vaqzuez all looming as potential opponents, and with guys like John Molina, Robert Guerrero and former champions and legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales in the midst, the future looks bright for Rios and the lightweight division.

Congratulations to Brandon Rios for winning the WBA Lightweight title with an exciting 10th knockout over champion Miguel Acosta and Kudos to Showtime Boxing and Bob Arum for a great fight and great matchmaking.

Thoughts on Boxing, Boxers and Fights

The De-evolution of Boxing.....

Touching Gloves with…Dave ‘Boy’ Green

FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE BERTO TO HOST OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT

Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves

A Couple of Thoughts on Marquez and Pacquiao

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao: Marquez Robbed!

More Thoughts on Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez III

Austin Trout Stops Frank La Porto

Pacquiao vs Marquez III

Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez III: Third Time's the Charm for Marquez?

Joe Frazier’s Funeral

Fight Night Champion - Still Standing: Joe Frazier

The Fight

A Tribute to Smokin' Joe Frazier

Smokin' Joe Frazier Has Died

Austin Trout Promo

James Kirkland Stops Alfredo Angulo

Smokin' Joe Frazier has Cancer

A Fighter and a Friend . . .

Public Media Workout for World Champ, Austin "No Doubt" Trout!!!!

AUSTIN TROUT TO DEFEND HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN EL PASO

Touching gloves with…Sammy Goss

Louie Burke: Able Han Update

Floyd Mayweather Wins....Hands Down

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz: Character Inside the Ring and a Fight Town's Legacy

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs Alfonso Gomez

Star Power: Mayweather vs Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz

Louie Burke: Abie Han Update

Louie Burke: Abie Han Update

HBO PPV: Mayweather vs. Ortiz - Fight Preview

Louie Burke: Austin Trout Update

Trailer for the Documentary "Box or Die", Directed By: Uri Borreda

Classic Boxing Movie: The Ring (1952)

Joseph Agbecko vs Abner Mares: The Complete Fight

Recap: Agbeko vs Mares - Bantamweight Tournament Final - SHOWTIME Boxing

Showtime Bantamweight Tournament: Joseph Agbecko vs Abner Mares

More Photos From the 2011 California Boxing Hall of Fame

Saul Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez

Face Off: Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Victor Ortiz Promo

Louie Burke: Han Update

Pawel Wolak vs. Delvin Rodriguez: My Kind of Fight

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE JOE DIMAGGIO: REAL BOXING TRAINERS?

Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon - Complete Fight (In 2 Parts)

Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara:The Complete Fight - You Decide

Paul Williams: A Man n Denial

Louie Burke: Update on Abie Han

Recap: Brandon Rios vs. Urbano Antillon - SHOWTIME Boxing

Brandon Rios KO's Urbano Antillon, Paul Wlliams Loses to Erislandy Lara but gets the "Win"

Weigh-In: Brandon Rios vs Urbano Antillon

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Happy Fourth of July - 2011

An Interview by Mike Duffau...

Austin Trout cleared by WBA

Billy Costello Has Died

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011 Videos

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011 Photo Slideshow

California Boxing Hall of Fame 2011

Louie Burke, Longtime Las Cruces trainer, boxer earns his way into California Hall of Fame

The Olympic Today . . . By Rick Farris

Canelo Alvarez' Greatest Hits

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Catching Up on the Boxing Scene

Julio Cesar Chavez: "The Lion in Winter" By Rick Farris

Roberto Duran Turns 60 Today

2011 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees

Louie Burke on the Austin Trout vs David Lopez fight

Mel Epstein, a great mind of "Old School"

Trout Outboxes Lopez in Sweltering Heat

Update on Austin Trout

The Passing of Shirley O'Neill

Froch vs. Johnson + FIGHT CAMP 360° Pacquiao Mosley - Saturday June 4th SHOWTIME Boxing

Louie Burke: Update on Austin Trout

Recap: Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham

Andre Ward Defeats Arthur Abraham

Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears

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