Austin Trout vs Miguel Cotto

Austin Trout (Defending his WBA Super welterweight Title) vs Miguel Cotto

12 Rounds, December 1, 2012

Madison Square Garden, New York

By Randy De La O

There is no denying that Miguel Cotto  of Puerto Rico, will be the biggest test in New Mexico's Austin Trout's professional career. For the better part of the last decade, Cotto has been at the forefront of the elite fighters, losing only to Antonio Margarito, Manny Paquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. In both the Margarito and Pacquiao fights, he was severely beaten, however he did avenge his loss to Margarito in a rematch last December when the fight was stopped due to swelling and damage to Margarito's eyes. During the course of his career Cotto has faced and fought the best, including  Zab Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Ricardo Mayorga, Joshua Clottey, Alfonso Gomez and many others

Austin Trout, fighting as a professional since 2005 is one boxing's newest and freshest face. Trained by  New Mexico native and former boxer Louie Burke his entire amateur and professional career, he is well prepared for whatever awaits him this Saturday night in his fight with Miguel Cotto. Much has been written since the fight was signed about Madison Square Garden and New York  in general, being Cotto's home turf, but Trout has been there before, winning the title in Guadalajara, Mexico with a hard fought 12 round unanimous decision against tough Mexican Rigoberto Alvarez (older brother of Saul Alvarez), and then held his first title defense in San Luis Potosi, Mexico against native Mexican David Lopez. Trout has entered the lion's den before. The concept is nothing new to him.

Still, Trout will need all his focus and confidence to beat Cotto. No easy task but definitely doable. Trout has never lost a fight. He holds the title. He has the height and hand speed advantage and he has youth on his side. He is a good defensive fighter. If it becomes a battle of attrition I have to believe that the man who has been beaten thrice will have a harder time digging deep.

All that of course means absolutely nothing. Each man will fight for his own destiny and future. Nothing that you or I believe will change anything. It's up to them. Me? I'm going with Austin Trout. I think that Miguel Cotto will bring out the very best in Austin Trout. Look for a good hard fought 12 rounds.

Austin Trout, Miguel Cotto Make Weight

Photo Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

Courtesy of Fightnews .com

Showtime Boxing : Cotto vs. Trout: News Update

Hector Camacho Sr. 1962-2012

Hector Camacho Sr. & Jr.

By Randy De La O

It's official, Hector Macho Camacho, who had never been knocked out in a fight has finally taken the ten count. God Bless this great warrior and again, my condolences to the Camacho family. R.I.P. Macho Man!!

I first saw Hector Camacho back in 1992 when he fought Louie Loy. It was a televised fight. I don't remember what channel. Loy was a good fighter, Camacho was fast, unbelievably fast. He beat Loy and he did it with panache. Back then the standard for speed was Sugar Ray Leonard. Camacho was faster than Leonard.

During his career Camacho fought the best of his era, including, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Greg Haugen, Vinnie Pazienza, Tony Baltazar , Louie Burke and so many more. His own record reads like a Hall of Fame roster. Sometimes he bit off more than he could chew. Camacho enjoyed playing the bad guy. He enjoyed pissing off fight fans but if you were paying attention, you knew he was doing it with a wink. He didn't seem to take it all to serious. He was having fun. Sometimes his pride caused him to say things he shouldn't before a fight. Sometimes he paid the price for it. Sometimes he took a licking. On those times he never made excuses and he always took his licking like a man.

His personal life was his own business. I only know what I read. Seems like he was always searching for something. Sometimes he put himself on the wrong side of the law. Still, with that wry smile, he seemed to take it all in stride. He was after all Hector Camacho.

Speaking of the smile, Hector Camacho's Smile had to be one of the most genuine smiles in boxing. Despite his image as one of boxing's bad boys, he always managed to keep a smile of his face. I never saw him sneer at someone, he just smiled. He had the mischievous smile of a young boy that was caught with his hands in the cookie jar. The smile told you that "Yeah, you caught me but I'm still gonna eat the cookie" and he did. Camacho was not just a boxer, he was an entertainer. 

He will be missed. R.I.P. Hector Camacho.

Hector Camacho Shot and in Critical Condition

Hector "Macho" Camacho was shot earlier today in Puerto Rico. There are some reports that he has passed away but I can't find any official confirmation. Either way he and his family are in our prayers tonight. Keep fighting Macho!

Louie Burke on Austin Trout, Miguel Cotto and his New Mexico Hall of Fame Induction

Congratulations to my cousin Louie Burke for his Induction into the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame. A well deserves honor!

Here is a link to an article on Louie Burke's induction in SOUTHWESTFIGHTNEWS.

Jeri De La O and Lucia Rijker

The above photo was taken at the 2009 World Boxing Hall of Fame at the LAX Los Angeles Marriott Hotel.  Lucia Rijker was kind enough to sign the program for my wife Jeri and last month at the 2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, she signed this photo for Jeri. Lucia Rijker, the greatest woman fighter of all time and a very gracious lady.

All Access: Cotto vs. Trout - Full Episode 1 - SHOWTIME Boxing

2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet

Me (Randy De La O, Tony "The Tiger" Lopez and Richard "Mr. KO" Savalas at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City

The 2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet

The Sportsmen's Lodge

Studio City, California

October 20, 2012

By Randy De La O

I'm a little late in getting this out and I didn't want to let any more time go by without telling you about the 2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet  at the famed Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, California. It was a record attendance with the best of West Coast Boxing in attending, as well as some guests from the East Coast and more.

Tony “The Tiger” Lopez was on hand to receive his induction and his pal, Richard “Mr. KO” Savalas was on hand to share the moment with him. I had a chance to talk with both of them and it was an honor to spend time with them.

My friend Charley Norkus Jr. and his family came in from Long Island, New York to accept the honors for his late father, Charlie Norkus Sr., an exciting and tough top contender in the 40's and 50's. Rick Farris, Vice president of the California Boxing Hall of Fame brought it to the attention of the crowd that Charlie Jr. was one of the first responders on 9/11 when the Twin Towers were attacked and destroyed by terrorists. Many from his station died as a result of that attack. Charlie is an honest to goodness American hero and he received a well deserved standing ovation.

One of the highlights of the day was watching legendary female fighter, Lucia Rijker,  receive her induction. A great fighter and a great person. She's still slugging away, training women fighters and doing her part to improve women's boxing.

Ed Hernandez Jr, and Lucia Rijker

Current middleweight champ Sergio Martinez was schedule to receive his induction but was unable to attend due to an injury and upcoming knee surgery. I was a little disappointed but that's just the way it goes sometimes!

On hand to show their  support for the California Boxing Hall of Fame were Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Mando Muniz, Carlos Palomino, Lamont Brewster, Rudy Orozco,Jesse Reid Sr and Jesse Reid Jr, Art Frias, referee Pat Russell, Ray Maynez, boxing artist Roger Esty and his wife Maria, boxing writer Dan Hanley Jr., referee Gwen Adair, actors Rance Howard and  Clint Howard and so many more.

The Inductees for the 2012 California Boxing Hall of Fame are as follows:

Sergio Martinez
Jim Lampley,
Tony “The Tiger” Lopez
Rudy Hernandez
Norman “Bumpy” Parra
Adrian Arreola
Fritz Werner
Jesse Burnett
James Kinchen
Al Stankie
Rudy Tellez
Burke Emery
Bobby DePhilippis
Lucia Rijker
Pete Vital
Georgie Garcia
Randy De La O

Posthumous Inductees include:

Rocky Marciano
Joe Frazier
Floyd Patterson
Vic Ponce
Bobo Olson
Charley Norkus
Kid Gavilan
Rudy Ayon.

My wife Jeri and I at the Sportsmen's Lodge

Yes, that;s my name you see at the bottom of the inductees list and no, it's not a mistake, though I wouldn't blame you for thinking it was. In no way, shape or form do I think I belong in the same league as any of these inductees. In fact, I called the CBHOF President Don Fraser when I received the letter of induction  just to make sure. I let him know in no uncertain terms that I just didn't belong with these guys. His response to me was, “Randy, some times the boxing community just wants to recognize one of their own”.  I was overwhelmed by it all. I can accept this as an “A” for effort. I hope you will too.

With me on this day were my wife Jeri and our children; daughter Meranda and  our granddaughters Mariah and Maddie, along with their father Robert Guardian, our son Andrew, who flew in from Seattle, Washington to spend the week with us, and our youngest daughter Savannah and her husband Josh Guerrero. My brother Dennis, his wife Teri and their daughter Samantha were also there. I appreciate all who came out to support me, including my cousins David Robles Sr & Jr., David Delgado and my friends Ed Hernandez Sr, & Jr. and all the rest who chose to spend the day with us.

My Family: daughter Meranda, daughter Savannah, Me granddaughter Mariah, Son Andrew, and in front, granddaughter Maddie

I'm not much for speaking in front of a crowd but I did what I had to do. I dedicated the day for my family and I to my late grandson Nathan Joseph Guardian.

The best part of the day was seeing old friends and meeting new ones. You will never convince me that the boxing crowd isn't the best in all of sports!

It was an overwhelming day for me and an honor that I won't forget. My thanks to the California Boxing Hall of Fame, Rick Farris (Who worked his heart out for this one), Frank Baltazar Sr and Don Fraser and the 2012 Selection committee. Thank you for giving my family and I a day to remember!

Congratulations to all the inductees, including CBHOF Presidwnt, who was presented an "Outstanding Lifetime Achievement" award by Gwen Adair and Steve Harpst in the form of a prizefighter statue made by  Steve. It was a well deserved honor.

Lucia Rijker, Don Fraser, Gwen Adair and Steve Harpst

Carlos Palomino, Dan Hanley, Mando Muniz and Rick Farris
at the Sportsmen's Lodge

Showtime Boxing : All Access: Miguel Cotto vs. Austin Trout - Premiere Tease

Sports Illustated With Mike Tyson - January 6, 1986

A young and untainted Mike Tyson. He was still optimistic about his future. The world was his for the taking. You can see the newness of it all in his eyes and in his smile. Once Don King and Robin Givens entered the picture the smile would evolve into a sneer and the eyes began to reveal a simmering hate. This young Mike Tyson was the fighter I enjoyed watching. With Cus D'Amato as his trainer, he remained a disciplined fighter. This Mike Tyson was on the verge of becoming one of the greatest Heavyweight Champions in boxing history. At any point in his career he was as devastating and intimidating as any heavyweight before or since.

I know that Mike Tyson lives with regret. You can hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. He wants to correct things. He's looking for peace. I wish him well!

Veteran's Day 2012

A little perspective.....

 I like to talk and write about boxing, it's something I enjoy. I think it takes quit a special person to step into the ring, or the cage, for that matter, and lay it all on the line. It's not an easy sport but don't think for one minute that I don't know who the real heroes are in this country. It's the men and woman who have served in the armed services, in any branch, be it the Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy or the Coast Guard. To all you great Americans, thanks for your service and enjoy your day!

You probably won't hear this in any of the celebrations and speeches today. and most likely you won't read it in the paper. Maybe it's important, maybe it's not. It's important to me. In every war Mexican Americans have served with distinction, honor and in numbers out of proportion to their population. They remain to this day the single most highly decorated ethnicity in this country's history. Mexican Americans or Chicanos, have served this country with honor! I salute them!!

Abner Mares vs Anselmo Moreno Weigh-In

Abner Mares and Anselmo Moreno

Video streaming by Ustream
Abner Mares vs Anselmo Moreno weigh-in today from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Carmen ''The Upstate Onion Farmer'' Basilio Highlight

Carmen Basilio Has Died

Carmen Basilio-April 2, 1927 – November 7, 2012

By Randy De La O

When we talk about old school fighters that didn't know the meaning of the word quit or fighters that never stopped throwing punches, or didn't understand the concept of ducking an opponent, Carmen Basilio is one of the first faces that pop s into the mind of an old school fight fan like myself.

Carmen Basilio passed away yesterday. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Champ! You will be missed but not forgotten. Carmen Basilio, a fighters fighter!