GOLDEN BOY MEETS GUDER

This fight never happened

Art Aragon is not exactly the world's most charming personality. Most of the time he's happy to admit it. He works hard to irritate. It's part of his bread and butter. Long ago he discovered that villains make better copy, have flashier cars and are longer remembered. But the Golden Boy has decided to make an exception to his rule and momentarily play it straight.

At the risk of being stamped a sentimentalist and a nice guy, Arthur has become the central figure in a charity fight April 25 at Hollywood Legion Stadium. Largely through Art's effort, the match will produce funds for former boxer Julian Velasquez, a local featherweight prospect who suffered serious brain injury last year in a bout against Eddie Gasporra at Hollywood. Surgery saved Julian's life, but he's still unable to work, and the little money he earned from boxing has long been gone.

Although Art's opponent in the bout-Karl Guder-is not quite what you would call a fierce foe, the program rates support from evey ring fan. Art himself will turn over part of his purse as will Aragon's manager, Paul Caruso. There will also be a couple of small raffles and donations can be sent to "The Julian Velasquez Fund" in care of Hollywood Stadium.

Altogether they hope to raise at least $2000 for Velasquez, enough to to put down on a small home for him and his family (wife and one child) and start him learning a trade he can handle. From the begining of Julian's troubles, Aragon has kept in close touch. It wasn't known to the public, but Harry Kabakoff, former manager of the stricken fighter, says Aragon has repeatedly sent money to help the fighter with food and clothing for the past year. Art was actually the first to suggest the charity bout. So this one time the Golden Boy deserves a cheer. As for the fight itself, it will mark Aragon's first start since his controversial 4th round "no decision" kayo over Charlie Sawyer in the same ring. Aragon hopes it will lead to a clash here later this year with Don Jordan for the welterweight championship-depending, of course on how Jordan comes out in his title rematch with Virgil Akins April 24 in St. Louis.

Both Aragon and Guder knocked out Ramon Tiscareno, were held to draws by Frankie Belma, and beaten by Joe Miceli in fights against common opponents. However Guder doesn't have the power to play with Art on one of his better nights. I think Aragon will win in a breeze. But the big winner will be Velasquez in this one. And also the fans who take part..