A Remembrance

By Randy De La O

From the first (and best) Rocky 1976. Almost fifty years ago. If my memory serves me right, the filming took place in January of 1976.

In the ring on the right side of the photo; that's Monroe Brooks in red trunks landing a stiff jab in my face. This was during the filming. We took several takes but this is the one they went with. All the gym scenes were filmed at the Main Street Gym in Downtown Los Angeles. That's actor Stan Shaw looking down at Rocky and Micky.

Monroe Brooks, was the California State Champion at the time. He was a terrific fighter in his own right.

A few months after the filming of Rocky, I had a fight scheduled at the Forum on the undercard of the Danny "Little Red" Lopez vs Art Hafey fight. 

I was getting ready (in the Lakers dressing room) when in walks Monroe Brooks. "I heard you were fighting today. I just want to wish you good luck!" I thanked him and we spoke for a few minutes before he left to watch the fights.

No sooner does he walk out then an official comes in to tell me the fight was called off. The opponent was a no show. I can't complain though, we were given good seats to the fight. Danny stopped Art in the 7th round of a 12 round'er. The referee was Dick Young.

A couple of years later Monroe fought Roberto Duran in a 10 round non-title bout. He was a game fighter, for sure and showed tremendous heart but a left hook to the liver put an end to the fight. This was when Duran was Duran. The referee for this fight was Arthur Mercante.

Old school fight fans will remember Monroe Brooks,originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, he was a true gentleman and a class act. It was and will always be my absolute honor to share the gym ring and the scene fom the movie with him. Monroe passed away in 2018. R.I.P. Monroe Brooks. 

Anyway, this is what came to mind when I saw this photo.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

Not so much of a concise prediction but rather a reasonable assumption.  I'm picking Canelo Alvarez over Terence Crawford, any kinda way.

He is the naturally bigger man. He has taken punches from bigger and harder hitting fighters. He has a better resume than Crawford.

Crawford has never - in my opinion - faced anyone of Alvarez's caliber especially with regard to Canelo's punching power.

Both men have something to prove. Alvarez is fighting for Mexico as well as his own legacy. I believe he is nearing the end of his great career. He wants to go out on his own terms. 

Crawford on the other hand is still in the process of building his legacy. He is confident and well prepared fighter. He will leave no stone unturned in his quest for greatness.

Alvarez vs Crawford is a worthy fight and a throwback to an earlier era. The best fighting the best. 

The first half of the fight will, more than likely, favor Crawford but the wear and tear will begin to show in the later rounds, a la Julio Cesar Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor. If it becomes a battle of attrition Alvarez takes it.

As always, may the best man win!

Memorial Day 2024

To those that gave the ultimate sacrifice defending American ideals and freedom, and to the families that endured the loss, we give you our everlasting thanks.  God Bless you and God Bless America!

Carl Weathers 1948 2024

Very sad news. Carl Weathers has passed away. I do not yet know the circumstances. 

He was, literally,  the other half of Rocky and Rocky II. I met him briefly in 1976. He was friendly and approachable and spoke casually with all the boxers during the filming of Rocky. 

He embodied the role of Apollo Creed and that is how I will remember him. Many other roles for sure but he was Apollo Creed. 

Our condolences to his family, friends and many fans. He was 76. R.I.P. Champ!

Ryan Garcia and Defeat

 "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't!" - Jack Dempsey, Heavyweight Champion 1919-1926

A good trainer can teach a young fighter to jab, hook, slip a punch and counter punch, along with all the intricacies that go along with training; skipping rope, running, a proper diet, etc, etc, etc.

However, there are some things that cannot be taught. In boxing, we call it the intangibles,  intestinal fortitude, heart. That comes from inside a man (or woman). Some things can only be learned.

Last night, at some point in his fight with Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia realized he bit off more than he can chew. He was in over his head. He had no answers.

Losses are a part of boxing, for most a loss is inevitable.  You can lose a decision or be knocked out and still be, internally undefeated.

That's not the case with Garcia. Davis took his will. Garcia's eyes said it all, he was defeated. Did he quit? Maybe, but only he knows the truth.That said, I am not going to kick a man when he's down. I'm pretty sure he is kicking himself harder than any of us could.Boxing is a tough business. It takes a lot to step into the ring, more than you could possibly imagine.

Whether or not, Garcia can get past this loss or not is entirely up to him. He failed his first "Baptism of Fire" but facing the aftermath of the loss will provide him with another.  First he needs a rest and thinking time but the first order of business should be about the loyalty of his handlers. It is time to make the leap from boyhood to manhood. Clean your own house.

The relationship between a trainer and a fighter has always been similar to a father and son, in my case, more like grandfather and grandson. In some ways, not all mind you, a good trainer will know you better than your wife knows you.

"How you feeling today kid?"

"You seem a little pale today, you sleeping okay?""

"I need you to take a couple of days off. Relax and get back to the gym on Monday.

A good trainer cares and notices every detail of your life. Most importantly,  he knows when you're ready to move up, regardless of how confident a fighter is. That's his job.

Other times, the relationship between a fighter and trainer, or a fighter and promoter can be more akin to a bickering couple on the verge of divorce. You need to pay attention to the signs.

Get back on the horse Ryan Garcia. Learn to reach deep. Find your heart and face your adversity. I'll be rooting for you on your comeback and for Pete's sake, shorten up the hook - it'll help you on the inside - keep your chin down and stop swinging so wide

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A Day to Remember: Face to Face with Roberto Duran

The greatest living fighter today. The greatest lightweight of all time. One of the pound for pound greatest fighter to grace the boxing ring and one of the Four Kings. Also a gentleman's Iand a nice guy. An absolute honor to meet him and shake his hand.

It was good to see my friend former boxer Burney Spencer, also great to meet Anthony Huizar, Ray Mercer and Alfonso Zamora.

A monumental day in the life of Randy De La O!

A huge thanks to Gene Aguilera and Chris Smith for putting this event together.

Staring down a Legend

Sharing a laugh

Duran

Shaking hands with greatness

With Burney Spencer

With Anthony Huizar

With Ray Mercer

With Alfonso Zamora

At El Pollo Fino Mexican Restaurant, Anaheim, California 92805

The Fighting Life: Dennis Rappaport, "My philosophy of managing brought ...

An outstanding interview and narrative by Dennis Rappaport on his career and boxing experience. A time capsule of boxing when it was still the premiere sport in the country, if not the world. Give it a watch.

Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns: A Moment in Time

Marvin Hagler (Champion) vs Tommy Hearns (Challenger)

Referee: Richard Steele

April 15, 1985

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

At Stake: The Undisputed Middleweight Championship of the World

Marvin Hagler KO 3RD round Tommy Hearns

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat in all it's Glory. It takes two to tango and both men gave their all to give us a once in a lifetime fight.