Classic West Coast Boxing Photo

This photo is owned by my friend Frank Baltazar Sr. My late trainer Mel Epstein is at the lower far right sitting down holding his hat. My thanks to Frank for sharing this photo.

"Names not in order and some might be misspelled. Can't identify everybody...1970. George Parnassus, Enrique Bolanos, Willie Kechum, Don Fraser, Mickey Davis, Suey Welch, Teddy Bentham, Mel Epstein, Duke Holloway, Allan Malamud, Jack Root, Mushy Callahan, Frankie Van, Tommy Farmer, Pete Rokas, Dutch Myer."   -Frank Baltazar Sr.

Classic Photo: Rick Farris vs Jose Mendoza

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