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.