By Randy De La O
This past weekend, at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California, some of the best boxers of the past were honored and recognized by the California Boxing Hall of Fame, and the boxing community came out to celebrate with them. The mood was festive as the boxers, their families and friends, as well as the fans, were on hand to witness their favorite fighter being immortalized in California’s Hall of Fame.
Some like Rick Farris and Tony Cerda Jr., were born and bred here in the Golden State, while others like Art Hafey came here from far away lands to stake their claim in California’s long and rich boxing history. They trained in places like the Main Street Gym or the Teamsters Gym and they fought in legendary venues such as, the Olympic Auditorium, the Hollywood Legion Stadium, the Forum, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Wrigley’s Field, the great casinos of Las Vegas and in Madison Square Garden in New York. Others, like Oklahoma’s Sean O’Grady fought here briefly but made their mark by showing great courage in their ring battles, as was the case for seventeen year old O’Grady who came to Los Angeles in 1976 to face Danny “:Little Red” Lopez at the Forum. He lost that battle when the fight was stopped after the fourth round but showed the stuff fighters are made of by taking the fight to Lopez. He proved he had the right stuff when in 1981 he wrested the WBA Lightweight title from Hilmer Kenty. Sean’s award was accepted by his friend and attorney Tom Ray. Tom Ray was also O’Grady’s cornerman.
California’s own Golden Age was represented by Enrique Bolanos, who’s boxing record reads like a veritable who’s who of one of booing’s greatest era, fighting the likes of Manuel Ortiz, Ike Williams, Art Aragon, Joey Barnum, Maxie Docusen, Jimmy Carter, Chico Vejar and so many more. His induction award was graciously accepted by his wife Ruby.
Legendary trainer Johnny Forbes, who passed way in 1971, received his honor posthumously. Forbes had a great stable of fighters that included Carlos and Al Chavez, Gil Cadilli, Keeny Teran, Cali Martinez and Vince Delgado, to name a few.
Rick Farris received his 2010 induction as a fighter but he may someday receive another award for his dedication to preserving and writing about local boxing history. Rick was a fighter’s fighter and he still continues to fight, only now he’s fighting to ensure that boxers of the past are not forgotten. He fights for their legacy.
Canadian Art Hafey, who knows a thing or two about being forgotten, has had a great year, starting with Dan Hanley’s “The Featherweight Wars ”, last years premier of the ”Toy Tiger” and culminating with his induction into the Hall of Fame. It’s a well deserved honor.
Lupe Aquino, the epitome of a humble man sated simply “I’m a man of few words” gave his thanks and left the podium. John Beyrooty ,on the other hand left no stoned unturned in accepting his honors and may very well be back in the near future to accept a newly created award for the longest and most drawn acceptance speech in any award, boxing or otherwise. Referee Pat Russell, a class act, accepted his award with his usual aplomb and was enjoying himself and interacting with fans. Russell, who’s name is synonymous with integrity is a referee’s referee.
The families of Junior Robles, Paul Palomino (Brother of Carlos Palomino) and Bryon Lindsay were there to accept the posthumous awards. All three were tragically killed on March 14, 1980, when, as part of a team that was headed to Warsaw, Poland, their plane crashed near the airport killing all 77 aboard the plane. It was a somber and touching moment as they recalled their loved ones.
There are so many personal stories for each and every fighter. There can be no greater honor than being inducted into the Hall of Fame for doing something that you loved. Especially a sport that can demand so much from an athlete. Boxing is a sport like no other and in my eyes boxer’s stand the tallest, at any weight.
Along with the honorees that were on hand to receive their induction were local boxing legends; Mando Muniz, Carlos Palomino, Bobby Chacon, Danny Lopez, Frankie Baltazar Jr., Ruben Castillo, Vince Delgado, Rodolfo “El Gato” Gonzales, Gwen Adair, Tony Cerda Sr. and Frank Baltazar Sr. and so many more.
A special thanks to Don Fraser and Frank Baltazar Sr. for a job well done. The 2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame was a success.
The Class of 2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees
Bazooka Limon
Art Hafey
Bob Arum
Sean O'Grady
Enrique Bolanos
Rick Farris
Brad Pye Jr.
Larry Montalvo
John Beyrooty
Pat Russell
Ray De La Fuentes
Victor Valenzuela
Jerry Cheatham
Joey Barnum
Tony Cerda Jr
Joe Barriellli
Bill Caplan
Lupe Aquino
Posthumous Category
Jr. Robles
Paul Palomino
Bryon Lindsey
Young Corbett III
Joey Medill
Bobby Pacho
Joe Robledo
Johnny Forbes
Congratulations to all the 2010 Inductees. Your legacy is preserved
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
San Diego Boxing Examiner
James Wyatt
As in past years the intent of Saturday’s California Boxing Hall of Fame luncheon at the Sportmen’s Lodge in Studio City was to honor the boxing community’s top contributors and like the celebrated stars of Motion Pictures who get their star emblazoned on the nearby Hollywood walk of fame, the 2010 Hall of Fame inductees now have their deeds preserved in boxing lore. It is now part of the history of the great sport and they and their families can take pride in their accomplishment.
The Boxing legends who were honored:
Art Hafey (#1 featherweight contender 1975). Hafey (53-8-4) will forever be remembered as one of the greatest boxers who never got a title shot. His most memorable bouts were against Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares and Danny “Little Red” Lopez.
In 1943, the biggest box office attraction to hit Los Angeles boxing was an 18 year-old lightweight by the name of Enrique Bolanos from Durango, Mexico. Over his 10 year career he unsuccessfully challenged Ike Williams three times for the World title, losing by 8th round TKO, a 15 round split decision (with 25,332 in attendance), and a 4th round TKO, respectively. All three bouts were held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in the late forties.
Sean O'Grady had a record of 81-5-0, with 70 KO’s. In addition to being a world champion, he's also a college graduate, boxing analyst, television personality and actor. In 1980, he was given his first shot at a world title and travelled to Scotland to face Jim Watt, only to sustain a cut early in the bout and lose by TKO in round 12. The O'Grady family protested the result, arguing the cut was caused by a head butt, not a punch. Because of the controversy, the WBA, the other boxing body at the time, took O' Grady into consideration and gave him a second try at becoming world champion, this time against Hilmer Kenty. O' Grady again suffered a cut early in the bout, but managed to drop Kenty in round eight to get the win.
After retiring, O’Grady became a color commentator with the USA Tuesday Night Fights program till 1994, then went to Fox Sports and finally ended up on the Toughman TV show on the F/X channel.
Jerry Cheatham went to the Paavo Ketonens Gym at age 14 where he won three Arizona Golden Gloves Titles. After turning pro at age 18, he KO’d Steve Delgado to become the NABF Middleweight Champ in 1978. Achieved status of #1 contender in March 1981. Retired at age 25 with a 41-11-2, 28 KO’s record to pursue a career as a firefighter. He just finished celebrating 25 years with the Phoenix Fire department. Cheatham, whose dad was a former Marine on Camp Pendleton, has been working with Alex Ramos since 2004 as the Arizona representative of the Retired Boxers Foundation.
Larry Montalvo is a Korean War veteran and retired postal worker who has run a boxing program at the Wabash Recreation Center for many years. He has also served as the President of the Golden State Boxer’s Association for over three years.
Ray De La Fuente’s dad got him started in boxing at the age of 10. In his own words, “My father came up to me while I’ll sat on the front porch and simply said, ‘Go with me!’ and I had my first fight. Immediately after that I began training at the Teamsters Gym with my father. I fought at churches, Lincoln Park, and basically anywhere they put boxing matches together. I remember my father arranged a match between myself and Canto Robledo’s son, Bobby Robledo, and we filled up the Pasadena Arena. I also fought Golden Gloves but lost in the finals. Throughout my boxing career my father was a boxing consultant for the movie industry. While a consultant, he got me a role as a prizefighter in a movie called Kid Galahad which starred Elvis Presley.’
Victor Valenzuela started boxing under the tutelage of his dad at the age of nine and had over 80 amateur bouts. While working full time, he soon began to volunteer his services at the Azusa Boxing Club as their boxing coach and remained there from 1977 to 2008. He is currently the boxing coach at the Duarte Boxing Club where he has trained several national amateur champions and many top professional boxers.
Tony Cerda Jr. began his boxing career at the age of eight and from 1968 to 1973 won his division in the Junior Golden Gloves competition. At the first National Junior Olympic in 1972, he won the Gold Medal in the132 pound division. The following year he won the gold medal in the 146 pound division. By 1979 he was competing in the 160 pound division and won that Gold Medal. During the next seven years he fought professionally; his record included 25 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.
Lupe Aquino became a world champion when he won a 12 round decision over Duane Thomas in France. After 13 years as a professional boxer, he finished with a record of 53 wins, 9 defeats, 2 draws with 36 KO’s. During his career he fought the very best: Bernard Hopkins, Verne Phillips, Pipino Cuevas, John David Jackson, Milton McCrory, Donald Curry, and Davey Moore.
Joey Barnum grew up in Culver City, a section known as the Heartland of Screenland. While attending Hamilion High School he was good friends with classmate Margarita Cansino, who became a Hollywood sex symbol, later changing her name to Rita Hayworth. Barnum garnered national attention when in 1945 he upset future welterweight champion Johnny Bratton in Chicago.
By 1948 Barnum had retired and began managing fighters. Then one of his promising boxers made him so angry he got back into the ring. As the story goes, Mario Trigo liked to party more than he liked to train. One night Barnum confronted his fighter in a bar and Trigo took a swing at Barnum. Barnum resigned as his manager and challenged him to a fight in the ring. They fought and Barnum won. The story intrigued Hollywood which later had Rory Calhoun play Barnum in the movie Killer Instinct.
For more than 30 plus years Brad Pye Jr. has been this, that and everything in Los Angeles County. He’s held many government posts, worked in radio, TV, and print, is considered the “Dean of Black Sportscasters” and also served eight years as a member of the California Boxing Commission.
Joe Borrielli, another member of the California Boxing Commission, was inducted. Borrielli held the all important position of inspector for 36 years.
Born in Burbank, CA, Rick Farris began boxing under the supervision of the legendary trainer, Johnny Flores. His stable mates included Jerry Quarry, Ruben Navarro and Dwight Hawkins. As an amateur boxer he won Jr. Golden Gloves, A.A.U., Golden Gloves, and Diamond Belt Championships. During his six year pro career he was a sparring partner for a dozen world champions and since hanging up the gloves he’s worked in the motion picture industry as a lighting technician. Farris is currently a free lance boxing writer and boxing historian for the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Also recognized in the non-boxer category was Los Angeles Herald-Examiner boxing writer (16 years) and publicist (21 years) John Beyrooty. Beyrooty gave a lengthy account of what it’s like being an on-deadline boxing reporter and how sometimes he had to outfox his competition. After becoming longwinded, some of the dinner guests started to wonder if a long hook might appear from behind the curtain to snag the gabby speaker. A gentleman who returned from the restroom added some levity to the situation when he asked, “Is he still talking?”
They say to list all the names of the people publicist Bill Caplan has worked with over the past forty years would take up far too much time and space. Suffice it to say, he has worked with almost every big name in the sport. If a boxer’s name is on the lips of fight fans, most likely Caplan played a key role in getting it there. Bob Arum agrees: “Caplan is the quintessential PR man for boxing.”
And now for one of the most popular guys in any sport.
Referee / judge Pat Russell’s career spans 30 plus years. In that time we’ve seen him officiating on TV for some of the most important title fights and we’ve also seen him volunteer to officiate at local charity events. Russell has officiated at hundreds of fights throughout the United States and the world. He refereed in all three seasons of The Contender reality boxing series, and played a referee in the movie Ali and on several TV shows. He’s been honored as referee of the year twice, (2008 and 2009). He’s a Vietnam veteran who went Airborne Ranger, a reservist who retired as a Captain, a retired Criminal Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, a past-president of the California Referee’s Association, a current board member of the National City Community Youth Athletic Center, and the list goes on and on.
When Pat Russell is asked about his work as a boxing official, he often says: “I feel so humble just being in the same ring with all these courageous athletes.” The day finally came to acknowledge Pat for his expertise and devotion to the sport.
In the posthumous category: boxers Jr. Robles, Paul Palomino and Bryron Lindsay were honored. In 1980, the three young men were on their way to represent the US in an International Amateur Boxing Competition, when the plane they were on crashed outside Warsaw, Poland. Also honored posthumously: welterweight champ Young Corbett II (122-11-17), welterweight Joey Medill (34-9-4), Bobby Pacho who compiled 80 victories over 21 years, Joe Robleto (27-40-8) who fought for five years and had two shots at the bantamweight crown.
Special Honored Guests included: Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Palomino, "Gato" Gonzalez, Frankie Baltazar, Danny Valdez, Genero Hernandez, Howard Smith, plus the Robles, Palomino and Lindsay families.
San Diego Boxing Examiner
James Wyatt
As in past years the intent of Saturday’s California Boxing Hall of Fame luncheon at the Sportmen’s Lodge in Studio City was to honor the boxing community’s top contributors and like the celebrated stars of Motion Pictures who get their star emblazoned on the nearby Hollywood walk of fame, the 2010 Hall of Fame inductees now have their deeds preserved in boxing lore. It is now part of the history of the great sport and they and their families can take pride in their accomplishment.
The Boxing legends who were honored:
Art Hafey (#1 featherweight contender 1975). Hafey (53-8-4) will forever be remembered as one of the greatest boxers who never got a title shot. His most memorable bouts were against Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares and Danny “Little Red” Lopez.
In 1943, the biggest box office attraction to hit Los Angeles boxing was an 18 year-old lightweight by the name of Enrique Bolanos from Durango, Mexico. Over his 10 year career he unsuccessfully challenged Ike Williams three times for the World title, losing by 8th round TKO, a 15 round split decision (with 25,332 in attendance), and a 4th round TKO, respectively. All three bouts were held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in the late forties.
Sean O'Grady had a record of 81-5-0, with 70 KO’s. In addition to being a world champion, he's also a college graduate, boxing analyst, television personality and actor. In 1980, he was given his first shot at a world title and travelled to Scotland to face Jim Watt, only to sustain a cut early in the bout and lose by TKO in round 12. The O'Grady family protested the result, arguing the cut was caused by a head butt, not a punch. Because of the controversy, the WBA, the other boxing body at the time, took O' Grady into consideration and gave him a second try at becoming world champion, this time against Hilmer Kenty. O' Grady again suffered a cut early in the bout, but managed to drop Kenty in round eight to get the win.
After retiring, O’Grady became a color commentator with the USA Tuesday Night Fights program till 1994, then went to Fox Sports and finally ended up on the Toughman TV show on the F/X channel.
Jerry Cheatham went to the Paavo Ketonens Gym at age 14 where he won three Arizona Golden Gloves Titles. After turning pro at age 18, he KO’d Steve Delgado to become the NABF Middleweight Champ in 1978. Achieved status of #1 contender in March 1981. Retired at age 25 with a 41-11-2, 28 KO’s record to pursue a career as a firefighter. He just finished celebrating 25 years with the Phoenix Fire department. Cheatham, whose dad was a former Marine on Camp Pendleton, has been working with Alex Ramos since 2004 as the Arizona representative of the Retired Boxers Foundation.
Larry Montalvo is a Korean War veteran and retired postal worker who has run a boxing program at the Wabash Recreation Center for many years. He has also served as the President of the Golden State Boxer’s Association for over three years.
Ray De La Fuente’s dad got him started in boxing at the age of 10. In his own words, “My father came up to me while I’ll sat on the front porch and simply said, ‘Go with me!’ and I had my first fight. Immediately after that I began training at the Teamsters Gym with my father. I fought at churches, Lincoln Park, and basically anywhere they put boxing matches together. I remember my father arranged a match between myself and Canto Robledo’s son, Bobby Robledo, and we filled up the Pasadena Arena. I also fought Golden Gloves but lost in the finals. Throughout my boxing career my father was a boxing consultant for the movie industry. While a consultant, he got me a role as a prizefighter in a movie called Kid Galahad which starred Elvis Presley.’
Victor Valenzuela started boxing under the tutelage of his dad at the age of nine and had over 80 amateur bouts. While working full time, he soon began to volunteer his services at the Azusa Boxing Club as their boxing coach and remained there from 1977 to 2008. He is currently the boxing coach at the Duarte Boxing Club where he has trained several national amateur champions and many top professional boxers.
Tony Cerda Jr. began his boxing career at the age of eight and from 1968 to 1973 won his division in the Junior Golden Gloves competition. At the first National Junior Olympic in 1972, he won the Gold Medal in the132 pound division. The following year he won the gold medal in the 146 pound division. By 1979 he was competing in the 160 pound division and won that Gold Medal. During the next seven years he fought professionally; his record included 25 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.
Lupe Aquino became a world champion when he won a 12 round decision over Duane Thomas in France. After 13 years as a professional boxer, he finished with a record of 53 wins, 9 defeats, 2 draws with 36 KO’s. During his career he fought the very best: Bernard Hopkins, Verne Phillips, Pipino Cuevas, John David Jackson, Milton McCrory, Donald Curry, and Davey Moore.
Joey Barnum grew up in Culver City, a section known as the Heartland of Screenland. While attending Hamilion High School he was good friends with classmate Margarita Cansino, who became a Hollywood sex symbol, later changing her name to Rita Hayworth. Barnum garnered national attention when in 1945 he upset future welterweight champion Johnny Bratton in Chicago.
By 1948 Barnum had retired and began managing fighters. Then one of his promising boxers made him so angry he got back into the ring. As the story goes, Mario Trigo liked to party more than he liked to train. One night Barnum confronted his fighter in a bar and Trigo took a swing at Barnum. Barnum resigned as his manager and challenged him to a fight in the ring. They fought and Barnum won. The story intrigued Hollywood which later had Rory Calhoun play Barnum in the movie Killer Instinct.
For more than 30 plus years Brad Pye Jr. has been this, that and everything in Los Angeles County. He’s held many government posts, worked in radio, TV, and print, is considered the “Dean of Black Sportscasters” and also served eight years as a member of the California Boxing Commission.
Joe Borrielli, another member of the California Boxing Commission, was inducted. Borrielli held the all important position of inspector for 36 years.
Born in Burbank, CA, Rick Farris began boxing under the supervision of the legendary trainer, Johnny Flores. His stable mates included Jerry Quarry, Ruben Navarro and Dwight Hawkins. As an amateur boxer he won Jr. Golden Gloves, A.A.U., Golden Gloves, and Diamond Belt Championships. During his six year pro career he was a sparring partner for a dozen world champions and since hanging up the gloves he’s worked in the motion picture industry as a lighting technician. Farris is currently a free lance boxing writer and boxing historian for the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Also recognized in the non-boxer category was Los Angeles Herald-Examiner boxing writer (16 years) and publicist (21 years) John Beyrooty. Beyrooty gave a lengthy account of what it’s like being an on-deadline boxing reporter and how sometimes he had to outfox his competition. After becoming longwinded, some of the dinner guests started to wonder if a long hook might appear from behind the curtain to snag the gabby speaker. A gentleman who returned from the restroom added some levity to the situation when he asked, “Is he still talking?”
They say to list all the names of the people publicist Bill Caplan has worked with over the past forty years would take up far too much time and space. Suffice it to say, he has worked with almost every big name in the sport. If a boxer’s name is on the lips of fight fans, most likely Caplan played a key role in getting it there. Bob Arum agrees: “Caplan is the quintessential PR man for boxing.”
And now for one of the most popular guys in any sport.
Referee / judge Pat Russell’s career spans 30 plus years. In that time we’ve seen him officiating on TV for some of the most important title fights and we’ve also seen him volunteer to officiate at local charity events. Russell has officiated at hundreds of fights throughout the United States and the world. He refereed in all three seasons of The Contender reality boxing series, and played a referee in the movie Ali and on several TV shows. He’s been honored as referee of the year twice, (2008 and 2009). He’s a Vietnam veteran who went Airborne Ranger, a reservist who retired as a Captain, a retired Criminal Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, a past-president of the California Referee’s Association, a current board member of the National City Community Youth Athletic Center, and the list goes on and on.
When Pat Russell is asked about his work as a boxing official, he often says: “I feel so humble just being in the same ring with all these courageous athletes.” The day finally came to acknowledge Pat for his expertise and devotion to the sport.
In the posthumous category: boxers Jr. Robles, Paul Palomino and Bryron Lindsay were honored. In 1980, the three young men were on their way to represent the US in an International Amateur Boxing Competition, when the plane they were on crashed outside Warsaw, Poland. Also honored posthumously: welterweight champ Young Corbett II (122-11-17), welterweight Joey Medill (34-9-4), Bobby Pacho who compiled 80 victories over 21 years, Joe Robleto (27-40-8) who fought for five years and had two shots at the bantamweight crown.
Special Honored Guests included: Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Palomino, "Gato" Gonzalez, Frankie Baltazar, Danny Valdez, Genero Hernandez, Howard Smith, plus the Robles, Palomino and Lindsay families.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Back in 1965 . . .
By Rick Farris
Thursday was fight night at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium back in the mid-60's.
In early 1965, KTLA Ch-5 began to televise weekly boxing from the 18th & Grand arena.
Almost immediatly, "Boxing from the Olympic", became the highest rated sports broadcast in Southern Cal.
My first visit to the Olympic had taken place the previous year, when flyweight champ, Hiroyuki Ebihara defended his title against Mexico's "Alacran" Torres. That one ended in a riot, and it was nearly a year before my dad would take me back to see a fight live. When he did, I would see the Olympic on a thursday night for the first time. This time, two TV cameras were perched on a platform hanging right below the balcony. Above the cameras on the edge of the balcony, were ten 2,000 watt spotlights, providing front fill light for the cameras. The ring was bathed in a blanket of white light beaming down from a cluster incandescent light fixtures directly above the ring.
The aura of the Olympic ring came to life when accented by the TV lights. The powder blue canvas would glow in the light, something very surreal. I was hooked the moment I stepped into the Olympic that night. At ringside, calling the action for the TV audience were matchmaker Mickey Davies and a young sportscaster named Dick Enberg. I felt at home there, I felt I belonged, I felt the presence of the spirits of greatness that had once boxed and wrestled there. I wanted to spend a lot of time there, and I would, as both a fan and a fighter.
My dad took a buddy and I to the fights that night. We had tickets about a dozen rows back from the ring, good seats, great view.
The main event that night was a barn burner. State featherweight champ, Danny Valdez, fought a ten round war with Pete Gonzalez of Portland. Valdez had beaten Gonzalez in a twelve round state title defense the previous year. This time he would lose a ten rounder in a very close fight.
After the fights, my dad took us across the street to what was then a drive-in restaurant, "The Olympic Cafe".
We were seated at a booth, waiting to order when we see the two main event fighters enter the restaurant together. They walk over to the counter and sit down together. I could see that Valdez cheek was swollen, and was holding one of the Reyes boxing gloves he'd worn that night. I watched the waitress take the boxer's orders, and then saw her smile as the fighter's joked with her. When she walked away, the smiles left their faces, you could see they were tired, and rightfully so. As Gonzalez spoke to Valdez, the state champ pressed his soggy boxing glove up to his swollen face, as if it were an ice bag.
I remember I was surprised that the boxers were friendly, I learned that boxers don't need to hate one another in order to take care of business in the ring. They were professionals. Less than an hour earlier, they were trading knockout blows, now they were good buddies talking over hamburgers.
I never forgot what I saw that night, both in the ring and at the restaurant. I learned something.
Last year, Frank Baltazar introduced me to Danny Valdez. I told him what I remembered about that night.
Danny smiled, and we had a nice conversation. He had challeneged Davey Moore for the featherweight title.
After boxing, he worked for our local ABC network as a lighting tech.
Ironically, I followed my boxing days by working as a lighting tech.
This coming saturday I'll have a chance to see Danny Valdez again. Danny is an East L.A. guy, from Maravilla.
He had a great career in the ring, and a great one with ABC. A true Classic American West Coast boxer.
Thursday was fight night at L.A.'s Olympic Auditorium back in the mid-60's.
In early 1965, KTLA Ch-5 began to televise weekly boxing from the 18th & Grand arena.
Almost immediatly, "Boxing from the Olympic", became the highest rated sports broadcast in Southern Cal.
My first visit to the Olympic had taken place the previous year, when flyweight champ, Hiroyuki Ebihara defended his title against Mexico's "Alacran" Torres. That one ended in a riot, and it was nearly a year before my dad would take me back to see a fight live. When he did, I would see the Olympic on a thursday night for the first time. This time, two TV cameras were perched on a platform hanging right below the balcony. Above the cameras on the edge of the balcony, were ten 2,000 watt spotlights, providing front fill light for the cameras. The ring was bathed in a blanket of white light beaming down from a cluster incandescent light fixtures directly above the ring.
The aura of the Olympic ring came to life when accented by the TV lights. The powder blue canvas would glow in the light, something very surreal. I was hooked the moment I stepped into the Olympic that night. At ringside, calling the action for the TV audience were matchmaker Mickey Davies and a young sportscaster named Dick Enberg. I felt at home there, I felt I belonged, I felt the presence of the spirits of greatness that had once boxed and wrestled there. I wanted to spend a lot of time there, and I would, as both a fan and a fighter.
My dad took a buddy and I to the fights that night. We had tickets about a dozen rows back from the ring, good seats, great view.
The main event that night was a barn burner. State featherweight champ, Danny Valdez, fought a ten round war with Pete Gonzalez of Portland. Valdez had beaten Gonzalez in a twelve round state title defense the previous year. This time he would lose a ten rounder in a very close fight.
After the fights, my dad took us across the street to what was then a drive-in restaurant, "The Olympic Cafe".
We were seated at a booth, waiting to order when we see the two main event fighters enter the restaurant together. They walk over to the counter and sit down together. I could see that Valdez cheek was swollen, and was holding one of the Reyes boxing gloves he'd worn that night. I watched the waitress take the boxer's orders, and then saw her smile as the fighter's joked with her. When she walked away, the smiles left their faces, you could see they were tired, and rightfully so. As Gonzalez spoke to Valdez, the state champ pressed his soggy boxing glove up to his swollen face, as if it were an ice bag.
I remember I was surprised that the boxers were friendly, I learned that boxers don't need to hate one another in order to take care of business in the ring. They were professionals. Less than an hour earlier, they were trading knockout blows, now they were good buddies talking over hamburgers.
I never forgot what I saw that night, both in the ring and at the restaurant. I learned something.
Last year, Frank Baltazar introduced me to Danny Valdez. I told him what I remembered about that night.
Danny smiled, and we had a nice conversation. He had challeneged Davey Moore for the featherweight title.
After boxing, he worked for our local ABC network as a lighting tech.
Ironically, I followed my boxing days by working as a lighting tech.
This coming saturday I'll have a chance to see Danny Valdez again. Danny is an East L.A. guy, from Maravilla.
He had a great career in the ring, and a great one with ABC. A true Classic American West Coast boxer.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Willie And Joe
By Frank Baltazar
In the summer of 1973, we took a trip to Phoenix, Arizona to take some kids to box, on the trip was John Martinez and Gary Orchard, both were boxing trainers and friends of mine, also going for the ride was my brother in law Willie and my wife’s brother in law Joe, plus about six kids that were going to box. When I invited Willie he said he would go, but with one condition, that I had to promise to take a picture of him with a big Indian woman, I promise to do so, not knowing how I was going to accomplish that, Joe said that he would go just to get out of town.
Willie and Joe, who did not really knew each other, said that they would ride in the camper with the kids, riding in the cab was John and Gary with me driving. It was late afternoon when we left La Puente heading east on I-10, as we reach the Palm Springs area we made a pit stop at a rest area, as soon as I stopped, Joe jumped from the camper yelling.
“I am not riding with that SOB any more!” pointing at Willie.
“What’s wrong Joe?” I asked
“That SOB is crazy!’ said Joe.
“Okay Joe, you ride in the cab with John and I, Gary will you ride in the camper please?” I said
“No problem Frank” said Gary.
We get back on I-10 and travel eighty miles or so before we made another pit stop in the middle of nowhere. Joe had calm down and said he would ride in the camper with Willie again.
“Are you sure Joe?”.
“Ya, it’ll be alright”.
Another eighty miles or so we made another pit stop, this time its Willie who jumped out yelling.
“I not riding with that SOB!” pointing at Joe.
“Damn!, you guys are worse then some married couples I know!,” I told them.
I was beginning to feel like Dear Abby.
“Willie, you ride in the cab with us!, John, Please ride in the camper” I said
“No problem” said John.
We get back on I-10, after traveling some miles we made another pit stop, now Willie said he would ride in the camper with Joe.
“Okay Willie, but if you guys keep on fighting I’m going to leave both of you here in the middle of nowhere” I said
“Gary, Will you drive, please?”
“Sure Frank”
Its about 2:00 AM when we get into Phoenix and we’re hungry, as we are looking for a place that was open at that hour we spotted a Jack-In-The-Box that was open, Gary drives through the drive thru and in doing so hits and knocks Jack of the pole that he was on, after going through all that we still parked in their parking area, I went inside and what do I see?, two Indian women that had to be size 5 by 5, okay maybe not 5 feet wide, but you know what I mean, I seen them and I did a u-turn and ran to the camper.
“Willie!, Willie!, come with me and bring the camera!”
I shot some pictures with Willie and the two Indian women, Willie had a big smile on his face as he stood between both of them.
“Thanks brother in law for taking those pictures” said Willie
“I said I would, didn’t I ?”
“Ya! you did”
“Hey Willie, are you going to show them to Annie”
“Don’t know”.
I don’t know if he ever showed them to Annie.
After eating we drove to the motel where some rooms were waiting for us.
That night the kids fought, as tired as they were from the long trip, they all still won their fights.
After the fights we adults went to a country club and listen to some shit-kicking music.
Next morning we started our drive back home, we left Phoenix and stopped in Buckeye, a small town a few miles west of Phoenix for breakfast, we found a restaurant that had a table big enough for all of us, we all ordered, and when the waitress took Willie’s order she had to sit down as she couldn’t believe what he had just ordered, he ordered half a dozen pan cakes with an egg in between each pan cake, that’s six pan cakes and six eggs!, what made the waitress sit down was this, he also ordered a "side order" of bacon and eggs, hash browns and toast, he ate the whole thing!, after eating he drank a beer and slept most of the way home. At least that way Willie and Joe didn’t fight…..
In the summer of 1973, we took a trip to Phoenix, Arizona to take some kids to box, on the trip was John Martinez and Gary Orchard, both were boxing trainers and friends of mine, also going for the ride was my brother in law Willie and my wife’s brother in law Joe, plus about six kids that were going to box. When I invited Willie he said he would go, but with one condition, that I had to promise to take a picture of him with a big Indian woman, I promise to do so, not knowing how I was going to accomplish that, Joe said that he would go just to get out of town.
Willie and Joe, who did not really knew each other, said that they would ride in the camper with the kids, riding in the cab was John and Gary with me driving. It was late afternoon when we left La Puente heading east on I-10, as we reach the Palm Springs area we made a pit stop at a rest area, as soon as I stopped, Joe jumped from the camper yelling.
“I am not riding with that SOB any more!” pointing at Willie.
“What’s wrong Joe?” I asked
“That SOB is crazy!’ said Joe.
“Okay Joe, you ride in the cab with John and I, Gary will you ride in the camper please?” I said
“No problem Frank” said Gary.
We get back on I-10 and travel eighty miles or so before we made another pit stop in the middle of nowhere. Joe had calm down and said he would ride in the camper with Willie again.
“Are you sure Joe?”.
“Ya, it’ll be alright”.
Another eighty miles or so we made another pit stop, this time its Willie who jumped out yelling.
“I not riding with that SOB!” pointing at Joe.
“Damn!, you guys are worse then some married couples I know!,” I told them.
I was beginning to feel like Dear Abby.
“Willie, you ride in the cab with us!, John, Please ride in the camper” I said
“No problem” said John.
We get back on I-10, after traveling some miles we made another pit stop, now Willie said he would ride in the camper with Joe.
“Okay Willie, but if you guys keep on fighting I’m going to leave both of you here in the middle of nowhere” I said
“Gary, Will you drive, please?”
“Sure Frank”
Its about 2:00 AM when we get into Phoenix and we’re hungry, as we are looking for a place that was open at that hour we spotted a Jack-In-The-Box that was open, Gary drives through the drive thru and in doing so hits and knocks Jack of the pole that he was on, after going through all that we still parked in their parking area, I went inside and what do I see?, two Indian women that had to be size 5 by 5, okay maybe not 5 feet wide, but you know what I mean, I seen them and I did a u-turn and ran to the camper.
“Willie!, Willie!, come with me and bring the camera!”
I shot some pictures with Willie and the two Indian women, Willie had a big smile on his face as he stood between both of them.
“Thanks brother in law for taking those pictures” said Willie
“I said I would, didn’t I ?”
“Ya! you did”
“Hey Willie, are you going to show them to Annie”
“Don’t know”.
I don’t know if he ever showed them to Annie.
After eating we drove to the motel where some rooms were waiting for us.
That night the kids fought, as tired as they were from the long trip, they all still won their fights.
After the fights we adults went to a country club and listen to some shit-kicking music.
Next morning we started our drive back home, we left Phoenix and stopped in Buckeye, a small town a few miles west of Phoenix for breakfast, we found a restaurant that had a table big enough for all of us, we all ordered, and when the waitress took Willie’s order she had to sit down as she couldn’t believe what he had just ordered, he ordered half a dozen pan cakes with an egg in between each pan cake, that’s six pan cakes and six eggs!, what made the waitress sit down was this, he also ordered a "side order" of bacon and eggs, hash browns and toast, he ate the whole thing!, after eating he drank a beer and slept most of the way home. At least that way Willie and Joe didn’t fight…..
Monday, June 14, 2010
THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM AND OTHER GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN BOXING ARENAS
BY DAN HERNANDEZ
The day started simply, my wife and I were traveling west on the 10 freeway from our home in the San Gabriel Valley, our destination was a visit to the ocean in Santa Monica, California. Both areas are suburbs of Los Angeles County. It was an unusually clear day by Los Angeles standards and each building was defined beautifully in the early morning light. Every nook and cranny of the old buildings gleamed, adding character and flavor to the journey.
I normally travel directly to my intended location; however, such a terrific day motivated me to take a detour through Downtown, Los Angeles. So from the 10 west, we headed north on the 110 Freeway, right through the middle of town. Stopping at a favorite restaurant, The Original Pantry Café, on Ninth and Figueroa, to eat a large farm style breakfast. On completion of our meal, it was still only eight AM and it was easy to negotiate through all the one-way streets now highlighting the area and visit some of the old haunts without feeling rushed.
We had a great time driving and reminiscing. Movie theatres we had attended and buildings we had shopped at, had either changed drastically or were missing altogether. Heading back toward our original destination, we passed by the corner of 18th and Grand, and there in its majestic, dilapidated glory, stood The Olympic Auditorium. I was overcome with memories of many spectacular and always memorable times shared with my father and friends at this location. While the building is still erect, there have been no boxing or wrestling shows since early 2005. We eventually got to the beach, but I was eager to get home and try to recall some of the history experienced at this grand old arena.
On August 5, 1925, the Olympic Auditorium opened. In the days before mini-malls and major freeway systems, this was the hub, the heart of Los Angeles. According to an article in the Times Newspaper, “The Auditorium blazed with glory on its opening night.”… “The light of many electric lights surpassed only by the sparkling jewels that adorned the persons of several of our well-known citizens and citizenesses. Hollywood and the moving picture colony slipped into their tuxedos and formal apparel and blessed the ringside by their presence.”
By the1950‘s, there were fights on Tuesdays at Ocean Park Arena in Santa Monica, The Olympic on Thursdays and Hollywood Legion Stadium on Saturdays. If you were a fight fan, these were the glory years. There was also a 7,000sf arena built in Vernon, California (another L.A. Suburb) whose popularity was usurped just two years after its opening. My Dad said he took me to the Hollywood Legion and El Monte Legion Stadiums, I do not recall being there. I do remember viewing outstanding fights at Wrigley Field, The Sports Arena and even Dodger Stadium, however, the Olympic, was Los Angeles boxing.
There were always champions, past champions, and top caliber fighters milling about. Many would be introduced before the main events. These guys were dressed to the hilt, wearing the most fashionable suits and making each occasion special. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, actors such as Ray Danton and Robert Conrad, among others, would frequent the matches and mix in with the rest of us fans. Promoters, George Parnassus, Cal & Aileen Eaton, Don Fraser, Mickey Davies, Rogelio Robles, and Don Chargin were more like friends, walking down the aisles, shaking people’s hands and conversing with everyone. In this venue, all were approachable. We were united in our joy of boxing.
The mood was always electric but there were times we became overzealous.
On April 30, 1964, Japans, Hiroyuki Ebihara, 65-5-1 (33 KO’s) fought Mexico’s, Efren “El Alacran” Torres, 52-9-3 (34 KO’s), in a 12 round elimination bout, both men later held versions of the World Flyweight title. The fight was a war from start to finish. The audience was going crazy and no one could understand how the boxers stood up to such punishment. The fight was almost a blur, the speed and power of each fighter was evident. To this day, I believe Torres won the contest in a very close decision. The judges gave a split decision victory to Ebihara. The crowd disagreed, and then they erupted! First paper cups, then cans, chairs and other items went hurling through the air. Those of us not throwing items were busy ducking and trying to avoid harm. We had a full-scale riot on our hands. My Dad, much tougher, stronger, and streetwise than I, grabbed a fire extinguisher and told me to get underneath as he swung the make shift weapon in the air telling everybody to “Get out of the way!” They did, and we got out.
The arena was closed a bit for major repairs. Once re-opened, we returned. Just like a family squabble, albeit a volatile family, we forgave, forgot, and went back to normal. The good times far outnumbered the bad. Catcalls and boos would suffice a questionable decision and an excellent and safe environment was generally experienced. The “Golden Boys” who united a city, Art Aragon, Jerry Quarry, and Bobby Chacon developed their skills in this environment, as did many a young man looking to improve their lives fortunes. Then a few years ago, we stopped attending the little fights and opted for the extravaganzas at the nicer, newer arenas. The boxing days of The Olympic were numbered and it died an inglorious death
Other locations across the country have suffered the same fate. St. Nicholas Arena in Manhattan, New York. Located on the northeast corner of 66th street and Columbus Avenue was a boxing venue from 1906 until May 28, 1962. Upon its demise, it was reported more than 30 thousand fights had been staged there.
Opened in 1926, Sunnyside Gardens was built as a fancy tennis club by millionaire Jay Goulds. Sunnyside highlighted such activities as; wrestling, karate, arm wrestling, bingo and eventually boxing when it was sold in 1945. Prior to Sunnyside, you would have to go to the Queensboro Arena next to the Queens Plaza station. When this arena was torn down Sunnyside became the main fight club and gathering place. Outstanding bouts were fought and countless stories developed, however, the final show had only 400 patrons. Without notice, Sunnyside finally closed its doors in the mid-1970’s. New York lost a part of history that should have been treasured when a wrecking ball demolished the famous arena in December of 1977. Replaced by a fast-food franchise.
The Olympic was purchased by a Korean-American church Group in 2005, and the Hollywood Legion Stadium was replaced by a bowling alley. In addition, long gone too are most local clubs throughout the nation. These clubs were proving grounds for many future champions and stalwart contenders. They were also a melting pot of people from all lifestyles, nationalities, and social status. Tremendous battles took place inside their battered walls and the memories are endless.
Friday, June 11, 2010
1951 Fight For Life
In 1951 I was a fifteen year old kid going to the Teamsters Gym in downtown L.A. to spar with Keeny Teran as he was getting ready for his fight with Gil Cadilli. Keeny and Gil were two hot prospects at the time, back then prospects didn’t shy away from fighting each other once they reach the six round class.
Fight nite came, June 22, 1951. Keeny and Gil are fighting the six round semi. The main was Enrique Bolanos vs. Eddie Chavez in a twelve rounder. The Teran/Cadilli fight was between two cross-town rivals, a fight that on its own would have sold out the Legion, but being that the Bolanos/Chavez fight was the 1951 “Fight For Life” where some of the gate proceeds go to the City Of Hope Cancer Hospital and that the Fight For Life was a big yearly event it was decided to put the fight in a six rounder. It was a good idea, because as my uncles and I walked into the sold out, smoke filled Hollywood Legion Stadium you could feel the electricity in the air and we knew we were in for a good nite of boxing.
The fight was an exciting fight that ended in a draw, in the main Bolanos won a decision.
Fight nite came, June 22, 1951. Keeny and Gil are fighting the six round semi. The main was Enrique Bolanos vs. Eddie Chavez in a twelve rounder. The Teran/Cadilli fight was between two cross-town rivals, a fight that on its own would have sold out the Legion, but being that the Bolanos/Chavez fight was the 1951 “Fight For Life” where some of the gate proceeds go to the City Of Hope Cancer Hospital and that the Fight For Life was a big yearly event it was decided to put the fight in a six rounder. It was a good idea, because as my uncles and I walked into the sold out, smoke filled Hollywood Legion Stadium you could feel the electricity in the air and we knew we were in for a good nite of boxing.
The fight was an exciting fight that ended in a draw, in the main Bolanos won a decision.
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