The Last Time I Saw Mike Quarry

 

 Earlier this year I won 2nd place with this short story on a private boxing forum on Facebook.. The rule was it had to be a true boxing related story. Since the forum is private I won't mention the name without their permission. I enjoyed remembering and writing about it.

The Last Time I Saw Mike Quarry 

By Randy De La O

I first saw Mike Quarry in 1967, at the Olympic Auditorium. I was there with my father to see Mando Ramos fight. We sat ringside, a couple of rows back. A family started crowding the row in front of us. They took up several seats in the row. A teenage boy a few years older than me walked up, looked around and we caught eyes for a second. He smiled and sat down. “That's Mike Quarry” my father said.

I was at the Main Street Gym in Los Angeles , in mid 1976. talking with my trainer, Mel Epstein, getting ready to skip rope. I looked up as the doorway to the gym opened. It was Mike Quarry. He was impeccably dressed in a blue three piece suit. He had smile on his face and carried himself with an aura of confidence that told you he was a professional.

“You're sparring with Quarry”, Mel said, “He needs to work with someone smaller and fast. You okay with that?” A short while later I was ready to go. “Don't get nervous just because it's Quarry” and don't slug with him, you're just sparring”. “I'm not nervous Mel.”

There was probably a 25 or 30 pound difference between us. I was a welterweight, Mike a light heavyweight. Still, I did what I could. I was looking for that friendly smile but it wasn't there. It was a hard workout but I just kept moving forward and managed to land a few punches of my own.

Later, with a smile back on his face Mike walked up to me and said “Tomorrow?” “Sure. I'll be here!

The next day was more of the same. This time a friend came to watch. Mike was tough to spar with. I'm not complaining, it's just an observation. He was a professional. His job is to get in the best possible shape. I understood this. Boxing is a tough business. You're either up to the task or your not.

After sparring, Mike was back to his friendly self, smiles and all. They were sincere smiles too. That is a lesson I learned from Mike. Outside the ring; friendly, get along with people but inside the ring, in the gym or in the arena, take care of business.

On the way home that day my friend said to me. “Quarry kicked your ass but you never backed up, I'll give you that!” “Yeah, well......”

I went back for another day of sparring. Mike began to have fun with me – fun for him, not for me – he started throwing some hard shots,and showboating. He dropped his hands and did the Ali shuffle. I'm not going to lie. I was tired of feeling like a punching bag. When his hands dropped to the side and his feet began to shuffle I was a little irritated. When he thrust his chin toward me and chuckled I let go of a right hand. It landed flush. It caught Mike off guard and sent him to the ropes. He came back and jokingly wobbled but I knew, at the very least, I got his attention. It took me three days to land that punch.

Drying off in the locker room Mike said, “Randy, you gave me a harder workout than most of the light heavyweights that I spar with. I mean it, thanks!” Outside the ring it was hard not to like Mike.

Later that year we would meet again. This time at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It was October 30, 1976. Mike was fighting Tom Bethea that night. I was on the undercard .

Mel and I arrived the day before the fight. Mike was a popular fighter but in terms of big money fights and fan base, he was no Muhammad Ali or Roberto Duran but the fight was to be shown live on the Wide World of Sports, so there was a sense of excitement. Mel took me around to meet everyone. That's when I met Joey Giambra, Ken Norton, and Eddie Futch. Giambra was the referee for my fight that night. Norton was the announcer.

We saw Mike at the Blackjack table, and spoke with him a while. He was feeling good. He was his normal self, smiling and friendly.

The next morning we got up and went to the weigh-in. Mike and Tom Bethea were there. This was in the days when the weigh-in was the day of the fight.

I opened the show that night. I was a four round fighter taking on a ten round fighter, Eduardo Barba, in a six round fight. I was a substitute for a fighter who pulled out of the fight. I had two weeks notice. I gave Barba a good fight but lost the decision. Mike won his fight with Tom Bethea via a 10 round unanimous decision. Mike did good that night. Despite the loss I was happy to be a part of that night.

It would be eighteen years, 1993, before I would see Mike again. It was a benefit, in Azusa, California, for a local fighter, Johnny Chavez, from the La Puente area, who lost his eyesight after a fight. I was there with my son Andrew. There were some good fighters there that day, Frankie Baltazar Jr, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Alberto Davila, Ruben Castillo, Ray Mancini and Mike Quarry.

I spoke with Mike for quite a while. I introduced my son Andrew to Mike and they shook hands. You could see Mike was damaged but he was in good spirits. That smile was still there. That made me smile. Mike was there with a friend whose name I can no longer recall. He took a photo of Mike, with my son and I, and mailed it to me some time later. That was the last time I saw Mike Quarry.

 
Mike Quarry  1951 - 2006
R,I,P.

Rocky

Yesterday marked the 39th year since the movie "Rocky" was released. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that. One of the great highlights of my short time in boxing was working as an extra in the movie, meeting Sylvester Stallone, having lunch with Burgess Meredith and working with some great fighters, including Mando Ramos and Monroe Brooks.

When we took a break during the scene at the Main Street Gym, where Rocky and Mickey are arguing, Monroe asked me if I wanted to spar a few rounds. I said "Okay" and I went through six rounds of boxing 101 with Monroe. Sparring with Monroe was literally an educating boxing experience. I never forgot it.

The filming at the gym took three days. I remember it all like it was yesterday.I went to the opening with my wife Jeri, my parents and my brother Dennis. When the movie was over the audience stood, cheered and clapped. We knew then that it was something special. It won the Oscar for best picture for 1976. It remains a great memory for me and it is still my favorite boxing movie.

Rocky and me

My thanks to my friend Rene Ramirez for finding the above photo of a deleted scene from the 1976 movie "Rocky". The scene was filmed at the Main Street Gym in Downtown Los Angeles. I'm on the left in white trunks and wearing hand wraps. The older man in the white shirt is my late manager/trainer Mel Epstein.Just to the front of me is Boxer Monroe Brooks. In the center of the photo is actor Stan Shaw. On the right is Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed.

That's me peeking over Stallone's shoulder.

Above and below, sparring with Monroe Brooks in the movie

Waiting on Greatness.......

By Randy De La O

Somewhere out in the world, maybe in one of our 50 states, there is a young boy with a faraway dream of becoming a great champion. Maybe he is alone in that dream with no one to push him or encourage him but he gets up every day and finds a way to keep his dream alive. Or it may be that he has a father, or a grandfather (or a mother) perhaps, that once fought in the ring and he has taken on their dream.

Somewhere in a small unnoticed boxing gym or a maybe in an old garage, a young boy is learning how to hit the heavy bag. He is being taught his craft by someone who cares. First he will learn his stance and balance. He will stick with it until the awkwardness is gone and his movement becomes natural. He will learn to punch, starting with the jab and again, he will stick with it until he cannot remember what it was like to not jab. One by one he will be taught his punches, the right cross, the uppercuts, the left hook and so on.

He will be taught not only how to throw them with authority but how to avoid the same punches by an opponent. He will be taught all the nuances that make up the world of boxing. Just as importantly, he will learn the importance of roadwork and skipping rope, of getting and staying in shape.

A knowing and caring coach will guide him through his early amateur fights. If the coach has the right stuff he will get him through his first loss without a hitch, reminding him that, after all, even the greatest of men, of fighters, will lose from time to time.

If his coach, or father, is worth his salt, he will understand that there are some things that cannot be taught, only learned. Call it what you will; courage, intestinal fortitude or heart, these are the things that reside inside a man, or a young boy. A good and honest coach knows this but he also knows that he can help his young fighter to find these things within himself, “The stuff inside!”

Maybe the young boy is having his first amateur fight today or maybe he will fight his first professional fight next week. He's out there somewhere, running, sweating punching and taking punches. Maybe he's hurting too but he understands deep down inside, instinctively, that the Mantle of Greatness requires sacrifice. There is a price to pay in being the best.

Maybe he will be a welterweight or maybe he will grow into a heavyweight. Whatever weight he grows into he should know this. “We're waiting for you kid!”

Lucia Rijker

 

 Lucia Rijker, still my pick as the greatest female fighter of all time!

Holly Holm vs Ronda Rousey: On Talks of a Rematch..

.There has been a little talk about a rematch. In my opinion because of the ease in which Holm beat Rousey, unless there is a rematch clause written into the contract, a rematch cannot be justified. Holm will win every time out whether Rousey chooses to grapple or stand and fight.

Getting hit in the face and body is no easy task. This is something all boxers train for every single day of their careers. Perhaps if Rousey had some fights where someone actually punched back she might have developed that mental resistance that is a big part of boxing.

Taking a beating like she did, in what I see as her first real fight, may very well make her gun shy. Maybe I'm wrong but that's my guess.

I don't think she will be able to fight any natural puncher again without second guessing herself. To grapple, she needs to get up close and if she gets up close she's going to get hit. The slightest hesitation will change everything.

My advice to Rousey or any other MMA fighter, is if you want to box then become a boxer. It's the only way to develop that mental resistance to getting hit. A few sessions just will not cut it. Boxing, as Rousey found out last night, might look easy from the outside but it's more than just learning how to throw a punch correctly. It's about developing what we like to refer to as "the intangibles", or "the stuff" inside. It can be learned and developed but it cannot be taught. There is only one way.

This is why so many people in the boxing world were upset when Rousey recently made the cover of the Ring Magazine without ever stepping into the ring and facing a real fighter. Now you understand.
All is not lost Ronda. get some real fights under your belt and then give it another shot. It's up to you!

Former Boxer Holly Holm Knocks Out Ronda Rousey in the 2nd Round!

Congratulations to Holly Holm on her sensational KO of Ronda Rousey and congratulations to the great state of New Mexico on their new champion.

You know boxing is my sport and I don't usually comment on UFC/MMA fights (or is MMA/UFC?) but I'm making an exception on this fight and the reason should be obvious.

Before I say anything else I do want to give Ronda Rousey credit for her part in last night's fight between her and Holly Holm. She was outclassed and outfought the entire fight but to her credit she showed a big heart. She never stopped looking for an answer to Holly's fighting style. There just weren't any answers to be found.

From this moment on, this is where Ronda Rousey will finally meet her real self. How she handles the loss, and it was a big one, will determine if she can regain her former position as the top women's fighter of the world. This is where she really finds out what she is made of. I wish her luck.

From the get go Rousey had no clue on how to fight a southpaw. Holly figured that out immediately and landed the left hand whenever she chose and she did it without much resistance. Her corner had no clue either.

Rousey was facing a former undefeated boxing champion and a great one at that. Holm trained every day not only to dish it out but to take it as well. There is a big difference in learning "Striking Techniques" and being a true honest to goodness boxer. The difference in the boxing ability between the two was apparent from the start of the fight.

Holly also dispelled the notion that once a boxer is on the ground the fight is all but over. A fighter is a fighter and will try to find way to win in any situation. Rousey had Holm in her grip at least twice during the fight and on the floor once and could not keep her there. She did not lose because she chose to stand and face Holm. She did not lose because she lacked a real game plan. She lost because in Holly Holm she was facing a more determined, better skilled fighter. That is the long and short of it.

Somewhere in the first round you could see in Rousey's expression that she knew the gig was up. She looked demoralized but to her credit, she showed the heart of a fighter and gave it her best shot. What more can we ask of any fighter, regardless of their discipline?

To be fair, this fight should not be construed as a litmus test, as proof that a boxer will win every time out against a mixed martial arts fighter. The next fight between any boxer and MMA fighter could turn out differently. It will depend on the fighters themselves.But I will say this, the notion that MMA wins every time out has turned out to be just another myth. Plus they need better "Striking Technique".

To fight like a girl has a whole new meaning!

Congratulations to the 2015 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee!

Click image for a larger view

Congratulations to all the 2015 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees. It is an honor you will never forget. Enjoy your day, you earned it! I won't be there tomorrow but the De La O family wishes you all the best!

Ruben Olivares
Eder Jofre
Mike Anchondo
Greg Haugen
Pat Goosen
Alex Garcia
Max DeLuca
Ray Corona
Thell Torrance
Armando Cotero
Jose Becerra
Hedgemon Robertson
Henry Tillman
Jeff Bumpus
Phil Garcia
Hector Lizarraga
Ernie Chavez
Richard Steele

Posthumous:
George Parnassus
Jimmy Bivens
Lou Nova
Dr. Al Stolper
Babe McCoy
Alphonse Halimi

"Reflections of a Legend" Julio Cesar Chavez

"Reflections of a Legend" Julio Cesar Chavez by Adam Molinar 

By Randy De La O

A moving memory and tribute to one of the all time great fighters, not just a great Mexican fighter, but an all time great period.

I remember those days when Chavez was young and in his prime. My house was always full, the food was plenty and the beer was flowing on a Julio Cesar Chavez fight night. If you are a boxing fan, and Mexican American or Mexican, Chavez gave you a reason to stand a little taller. This man carried our pride on his shoulders.

It did not last forever. The first sign that the end was nearing was the draw with Pernell Whitaker. I can say now what I could not say back then. Whitaker should have got the "W". Next a loss to Frankie Randall. Without recounting his entire career Chavez had more victories and more losses ahead of him.

There is no shame in that. This is the way it is with all men. With women it is their beauty that fades. With men it is our strength, our fighting prowess and courage, that we want to last forever. It doesn't. Boxing is a microcosm of life. Nothing lasts forever, not even the greatest of fighters. The end always comes, regardless.

In his prime Julio Cesar Chavez was a man to be reckoned with. He was a champion for the ages. It was enough.

A Deleted Scene From Rocky 1976

Click Photo For a Larger View

My thanks to my friend Rene Ramirez for finding this photo of a deleted scene from the 1976 movie "Rocky". The scene was filmed at the Main Street Gym in Downtown Los Angeles. I just saw this for the first time a few days ago. I'm on the left in white trunks and wearing hand wraps. The older man in the white shirt is my late manager/trainer Mel Epstein.Just to the front of me is Boxer Monroe Brookes. In the center of the photo is actor Stan Shaw. On the right is Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed.

This was almost 40 years ago. Time flies when you're having fun! I have a lot great memories of those days and the filming of Rocky was one of the best! Thank you Rene Ramirez!

There are a few more photos on this website. I'm in a few of them if you look closely. The website explains the scene. http://theeditroomfloor.blogspot.com/…/lost-scenes-of-rocky…

Addendum: I am 99.9 % certain that the big bare chested guy in the back row is heavyweight boxer Bernardo Mercado.

Classic Photo: Ken Norton vs Muhammad Ali

Ken Norton ad Muhammad Ali, I'm not 100% certain but I believe this is from their first fight at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California.

This Ken Norton autographed photo was a Christmas gift back in 2009-2010 (?) by my pal Scott Gombrich, one of the truly great and long lasting friends to come out of my years with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Much appreciated!

Old School Boxing Photograph

I don't think I have ever seen a photo that captures the essence of boxing quite the same way this old photograph does. I don't know who the fighters are or what year this fight took place. I'm guessing sometime in the 1920's or possibly the early 1930's. This looks to be a small club, possibly an athletic club, the type that were popular in the early days of boxing.

You get the feeling that both fighters have been to hell and back in this fight. The fighter on the left waiting with brutal anticipation for his opponent to get up off the ring floor. The fighter on the floor looks like he hasn't quite made up his mind yet. If ever a photograph captured the words "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" this is it. I love this photo.

This photo was given to me by my brother Dennis for Christmas of 2013, along with some heartfelt words. He bought it years ago at an antique store and had it hanging in his home but wanted me to have it. It was truly appreciated.

If anyone recognizes these fighters, let me know!

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao

(Please excuse these late comments of the Maweather vs Pacquiao fight. I have been sick.)

Several years ago, my mother, my wife Jeri and I went to a new BBQ joint in the high desert off the 15 freeway in Hesperia. The owner of the place stopped by our table to talk with us. He was a very nice guy. He proceeded to tell us we were going to his love his BBQ. It was the best in the United States. He went on and on about it. We hung on to his every word. We believed him. How lucky were we to have stopped in here. We were sufficiently excited and could not wait for our order. The prices were a bit high but good BBQ, is worth it. We waited, enjoying our iced tea and lemonade and eventually our order came.

Boy, were we ever gullible. Now, if the man had never said a word, we might have been semi content with what I feel was below standard BBQ, but after being sold a bill of goods (hype) proclaiming it as the best BBQ in the country, it was suddenly inedible. In a nutshell it was lousy. The place was out of business a few months later.

Well, that about sums up the fight. If it had not been billed as the “Fight of the Century” or if the fighters were not paid unprecedented millions, or if we were not asked to pay a higher PPV bill, or wait so long for the fight, we might have been able to see it as a regular good fight but juxtaposed against the mega hype, it was a lousy fight.

As far as I'm concerned the fight went the only way it could. Though I would have liked to seen Floyd Mayweather engage in a war, Manny Pacquiao never gave him cause to.

There was no high drama, no moment to look back at with excitement. There was nothing in this so called “Fight of the Century” to define the fight game for a new generations of boxing fans.

As for Pacquiao's surprising claim that he thought he won the fight. I'm not going to hate on him. No champion has been more gracious in victory or (in past losses) humble in defeat. He is allowed, or more to the point, deserves, a human moment. It's hard for an aggressive close up fighter to always see accurately what just took place. He isn't the first and he won't be the last to feel this way. It's that same tenacity and pride that takes a man to the pinnacle of his game that makes it hard to accept the losses later in his career, and like it or not, this is later in his career. What I don't accept are the claims of a shoulder injury. This was a “No Excuses” fight.

I cannot imagine any reason for a rematch but keep this in mind, “Screw me once, shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me”. I ordered the fight at the last minute but I will not pay 10 cents to see them fight again.

The real shame in all of this is that 5 years ago this actually might have been one of the great ones. It didn't happen and that as they say, is that.

A Night at the Fights

My wife Jeri and I at the Syubhub Center

Stubhub Center

Carson, California

April 16, 2015

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr vs Andrzej Fonfara

The less said about this fight the better. I mentioned yesterday that Chavez Sr looked preoccupied and sad. Now I know why. His spoiled brat of a son Julio Jr did not train for this fight. I'm not advocating physical punishment but I hope after the fight on the way back to the dressing room Papa Chavez gave Jr. a swift kick in the ass, followed by a good spanking with a thick leather belt.

I don't know what the fight looked like on television but live it was easy to see that this guy, Andrzej Fonfara, came to win. He was unintimidated, confident and he could fight. Chavez was in trouble. Later in the fight when Chavez was mugging and clowning my wife asked me, "Why is he doing that?" Because he's getting tired and buying time".

In Andrzej Fonfara, Julio met someone that refused to lose and he was unable to cope with it. It's tough enough when you are in shape but Chavez looked soft last night. The knockdown in the 9th round took the fight out of Junior, took away his will. He chose to sit on his stool and not come out for the 10th round.

When Junior was knocked down the crowd seemed to desert him and cheered Fonfara. They deserted Chavez. I can't say I blame them.

As soon as the fight was over, it was shades of the Olympic Auditorium as beer cans, cups, food and what ever began flying everywhere I said to my wife "Let's get out of here now". Most of the "normal" people left but I looked back and the beer was getting thick in the air. I felt for those that were sitting in the lower seats. there was no escaping it.

Abie Han vs Fernando Guerrero

I didn't take pen and paper and score the fight round by round. I wanted to just sit and enjoy the fight. It was a good entertaining fight too.Now let me say this first, my wife Jeri and I went there to see Abie Han fight, we like him, so I may be a little biased but I believe I can watch a fight objectively and give a fair opinion.

Han came out and immediately established the distance between him and Guerrero. he controlled the tempo of the fight and was jabbing well and positioning himself for the left hook to the body. Guerrero was quick and moved well and at times was able to get inside and land some shots to Han's body as well. Guerrero was knocked down by a left hook midway through the first round.

Guerrero is a southpaw and that always presents a certain problem but Han was able to land the right hand. He seemed comfortable and unbothered by Guerrero.

My own opinion? I thought Han won rounds 1 through 6. In the sixth round Guerrero seemed to be tiring and was backing up for much of the round with some spurts of quick combinations. In round 7 he seemed to find his wind and than the real battle begin. Rounds 7 through 10 were hard fought and tough to score. Guerrero had several good moments throughout the last few rounds and did land some solid right hooks. Somewhere along this point Han stopped using the jab, or at least not as consistently. The Stubhub Arena at this point was about a quarter filled but the crowd that was there seemed to be behind Han.

When the fight was over and Guerrero won the split decision the crowd really booed the decision. They were angry. Like me they thought Han deserved the win. It was a close fight but Guerrero did come on in the later rounds. I just don't think it was enough. I'm not going to go so far as to say it was a robbery, it was just a close fight and this is how the judges decided. I had to hold my my wife back to keep her from going after the judges. She is now a certified Abie Han fan.

To Abie Han I would say, A loss is yesterday's news. It's over with. Shake it off and move on. No fighter ever became a world champion by dwelling on a loss and the past.

You can find the results from all the fights from Saturday night here.

LAX Crowne Plaza: Weigh-in with Abie Han and Louie Burke

Yesterday Jeri and I drove down to the Stubhub Center (formerly the Home Depot Center) in Carson to pick up our tickets for tonight's fights.between J.C. Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara. It will be nice seeing Chavez Jr. fight but the real reason we're going is to see Abraham "Abie" Han vs Fernando Guerrero. Han is trained by my cousin Louie Burke, so this is family.

After getting the tickets we drove to the LAX Crowne Plaza for the weigh-in and to spend some time with Louie. We had a chance to meet Abie. What a great young man. What my old late trainer, Mel Epstein, would call - a deserving guy!. We'll be rooting for him tonight. He looks to be in great shape, and confident.

We had lunch, took a walk and then we left so they could get back to the business at hand. Best of luck to Abie Han tonight!

Never Stop Trying.......

Whether it is in the boxing ring or in life, the shame is never in losing. Everyone loses at one time or another. It's a part of life. The shame comes from not trying, not giving it your best shot, at whatever it is you do. Don't be afraid to lose and if you do lose, don't whine about it either. Don't make excuses. it's okay to say :"Yeah, I lost but I'll get him next time!" We never forget the ones that never stopped trying, we forget the ones that stop trying. If you have to dig deep, then dig!

Just so you know, about 99.99% of that is directed at me but feel free to take it to heart too. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a pep talk because if we don't who will.

An open Letter to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao

Dear Floyd and Manny

I hope you guys don't mind me addressing the two of you in one letter. I have a personal favor to ask of you, both of you. You see, it's been brought to my attention recently that the generation below me - that would be your generation – has never had a true honest to goodness “Superfight”. I'm not talking about a designated title thought up for promotional purposes. I'm talking about a “Superfight” that is immediately thrust into boxing lexicon and history with the ringing of the final bell. There is a difference.

What I'm asking guys, is that both of you, yes both of you and that means you too Floyd, reach down deep, take risks you've never taken before and give this younger generation the fight that young boxing fans have only read about, give them the fight they have been dreaming about, a fight that they will talk about thirty years from now.

I mean, c'mon, guys, you,  the promoters and everyone involved in this fight will be making an unprecedented amount of money. I can't fathom the amount. None of us can. The way I see it, you kinda owe everyone, yes, you too Manny, but more importantly you owe it to yourself, and you owe it to boxing, because I really believe if you guys don't live up to the hype, your legacies will suffer, big time.

If you don't give this generation the fight of their lives than as far as I'm concerned you will both have forfeited the right to be ranked with the Robinsons, the Louis', the Marcianos, the Alis, the Durans, the Leonards, (both Benny and Ray), the Haglers, the Hearns, the Arguellos, the Chavez' and Pryors and all the other boxing greats that have  graced our sport. Like it or not, this fight is the deal maker or the deal breaker, as far as your reputation and legacy is concerned. Give some serious thought to that.

Also, the boxing world, fans, writers, etc are looking for someone, anyone to put boxing back where it belongs, at the top of the fighting sports and on top of the sports world. I think you guys have it in you to do this but only you can make it happen. I truly believe too, that if the fight is a great one they won't give a rat's ass if you win or lose, they are going to remember the effort. I know what I'm talking about.

What I'm saying guys, is that it's time to put up or shut up, because, well, because frankly we're sick of the rhetoric and the disappointment. On top of that you've kept everyone waiting for years.  Now, I'm going to be honest, I do believe that there is one fighter that will enter the ring that night and give every fiber of his being in this fight. I also believe that there is one fighter that will most likely win, but in a less than satisfactory manner. You'll have to figure out who is who.

It comes down to this, money aside, how do you want to be remembered? The best of your generation, and nothing more, or do you want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the all time great ring immortals. You see, I'm one of those older guys that believe the fighters in my day were better , period! However, nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong. Oh, and I'm not asking for me because I've already seen the best. The choice is yours fellas. You are either the real thing, or you are not.

Good luck to the both of you and may the best man win!

Sincerely
Randy De La O

Hagler vs Hearns: Parting Shots For the Day

The Aftermath of War

Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns: Thirty Years Ago Today

"The War"

Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs Tommy "The Hitman" Hearns 

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

April 15, 1985

By Randy De La O

It is inconceivable to me that it has been thirty years since Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns got it on at the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace. Thirty years is a long time in anybody's book. Seems like yesterday.

In a decade that produced so many great fighters and fights, the three round battle between Hagler and Hearns, stands as the defining moment for boxing in the 1980's. In a decade that produced battles between Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns, Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor, Frankie Duarte and Alberto Davila, Julio Cesar Chavez and Edwin Rosario, Mike Tyson vs anybody and so many more, this is the one that tells us more about the decade that was the 1980's than any other fight.
 ,
Yet, this is also representative of what we had to look forward to when we called up family and friends to come on over and watch the fights. We took all this for granted but we enjoyed the hell out of it! Mayweather and Paquiao? Forget about it!! No, really, forget about it! The battle of the Century? Forget about it!

Going into the fight, the measuring stick between the two fighters was Roberto Duran. Duran had fought Hagler to a virtual standstill but lost the decision in a great tactical fight in November of 1983. Seven months later, Hearns would knock out Duran in the second round in devastating fashion. The natural conclusion by many was that Hearns was going to do the same to Hagler. It's been thirty years since the fight so I don't think I'm spoiling it for anyone when I say that Hagler would have none of that! This was not only the defining fight of the 1980's but it was the defining fight of Hagler's career. This fight cemented his legacy with the knockout in the third round of Hearns.

The fight itself was beyond outstanding. Both fighter's laid it all on the line that night in the battle for middleweight supremacy. Both Hagler and Hearns sustained damage that night but there would only be one man standing. Both fighters would have it no other way.

It was an unforgettable night at home. Everyone at the edge of their seats. Knowing, deep down that we were seeing something special. Today, thirty years later, it is still the standard by which I, and many of my generation, continue to judge fights.

Falcon Boxing Gloves (12 oz.)

Any body ever heard of Falcon Boxing Gloves? I bought this pair of 12 oz. gloves for my son Andrew back in 1993 when he was training at the long gone Brooklyn Gym in Boyle Heights. I bought them from some guy that was selling boxing equipment at the gym.

This was one of many pair that I bought for him. I don't remember what I paid for them but they held up well. I've searched the internet but I can't find any info.

Respect.........

By Randy De La O

Let me also say this, regardless of who wins the upcoming fight between Floyd Mayeather and Manny Pacquiao, Both fighter's are deserving of our respect. Paquiao gets the "lion's share" of good will, and deservedly so but Mayweather deserves come credit as well. A lot of good goes unreported or leaked to the sports press very slowly. He's free with his money when it comes to helping those in need. I cannot cite any one act but I have read over the years on some of the good things he has done. My daughter Meranda De La O met him once a few years ago in Las Vegas, and found him to be humble, soft spoken and generous with his time. I'm convinced much of his loud talking is for the most part, an act. 

I am no fan of Mayweather one way or the other and I'm not in the habit of defending him but he is a champion and has remained undefeated for years. No one gave him his title. it was earned and it was defended. We should all be so capable.

Manny Pacquiao!! What a career. If he loses the fight it doesn't matter, or at least it shouldn't. From humble beginnings to world champion in several weight classes to a heroic champion to the people of the Philippines. Along the way he took on all comers and ducked no one. Nothing but respect for this man!

The two have signed and it is said to be a done deal. Let's give respect to both men and let's hope it lives up to a fraction of the hype!

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather

By Randy De La O

I stopped at the market this morning to pick up a few things for breakfast. I also picked up the latest Ring Magazine - with Floyd and Manny on the cover. The cashier lady and the bag girl (is that what they're called?) both started talking about the fight. The bag girl asked me who I thought was going to win. I was surprised at their interest.

In case you've been on vacation on some remote island or living under a rock somewhere, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be settling matters on May 2nd. I remain skeptical -hopeful but skeptical - and will remain so until the bell sounds for the first round.

In answer to the bag girl's question, I said, matter of factly, "Mayweather". She immediately took up the cause for Manny Pacquiao. Again, I was surprised at her interest. On the other hand I was not surprised at her sentiment. it seems the majority of fight fans, much of the boxing world and even bag girls, collectively, want to see Pacquiao give Mayweather a good old fashioned ass whuppin'.

What she said next really surprised me. "Yeah, but isn't Pacquiao a southpaw?" This from the bag girl? Now to be honest with you I did not want to spend the morning discussing boxing with the bag girl. Breakfast was waiting and I was hungry but I answered her anyways. "Doesn't matter. Mayweather has more than enough experience and he has never lost a fight up to this point. Pacquiao has lost (going on memory here) at least four times". "But" I said, "It's a fight, anything can happen!" She thought about it for a second, "True!" I grabbed my groceries and left.

That about sums up my feelings about the fight. Anything can happen but I'm going with what I do know. I know that Pacquiao has lost before. That might mean absolutely nothing or it may mean everything. Two things can happen when the going gets tough, Pacquiao can dig down deep and refuse to ever lose again or having lost before he may remember, that losing wasn't all that bad after all. It's been proven that Pacquiao can be beaten and by men that were presumably not quite as good as Mayweather.

Mayweather, despite the prevailing notion that he has dodged or evaded good fighters, has fought the best, as has Pacquiao, (they have several common opponents). He has always found a way to win. I don't think at this point he will be able to handle the “shame” of losing to Pacquiao. I think he will do whatever it takes to keep that from happening. Over the long haul of a fight, Mayweather's concern is never the fans. He may win ugly but he will win. Now, you and I know there is no shame in losing a hard fought fight but Mayweather doesn't know this. His ego will push him and It's almost always true that styles make fights. On the surface Mayweather has the correct style to beat Pacquiao; hand speed and accurate and clean crisp counterpunching. It will remain to be seen if he has the will as well. I expect to see Mayweather win a unanimous decision on May 2nd.

Gotta go, breakfast is ready!  As always, may the best man win!

Collectable Boxing Plates

It's funny (not really), how you can go bonkers looking for something, sometimes for years, then you give up and forget about it and move on. Then you go nuts looking for something else and that's when you find the first thing you were looking for.

It's been ten years at least, maybe longer, since I've seen these small plates with; Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali - two more are still unaccounted for. I was going through some boxes in the garage looking for a book when I ran across these. Still two more to find, and the book I was looking for but I'm feeling hopeful now.

You can argue about who the real "Greatest" was but I'm just happy to have these back! 

Always a Boxer......

Even if you were at the very bottom of this great sport, this rings true. Boxing becomes embedded in your very soul. You see the world, people, character, courage and everything that goes along with being human, through eyes that have learned many of life's lessons inside the ring, in both the gym and the arena. It stays with you forever.

A Parting Shot For the Day

The sun is setting on this great era and the days when Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier stood at the top of the sporting world are long gone. Savor the memories because we will not see their like any time soon. 

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 1

Ali vs Frazier I: Forty-Four Years Ago Today.

Forty- four years ago today, March 8, 1971, in the days when giants still walked the Earth,, the world came to a literal standstill, when for the first time in the history of the sport, two 100% authentic undefeated heavyweight champions entered the ring to settle the dispute.

It was called the "Fight of the Century" and it is among a small handful of fights that lived up to the name. There is a fight coming up on May 2nd of this year that is being sold as the Fight of the Century", we will be lucky if it makes fight of the year.

There are very few fighters that can stir my emotions the way these two did, and continue to do. Smokin' Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, God Bless you for the memories!

The Olympic Auditorium

The Olympic Auditorium in Downtown Los Angeles. At it's peak it was the mecca of boxing on the west coast. Fighters and fans alike still mourn for the golden days in Los Angeles. It is still standing and it is still hallowed grounds, though it is now a Korean church. There is always hope.

One of my biggest regrets, at least as far as boxing goes (I have many) is that I never fought there. Twice I was in the dressing rooms, in what is known as the catacombs, and twice the fight was cancelled minutes before I was to fight.

This is a big chunk of boxing history in Los Angeles, California and the west coast.

Abe Han vs Sergio Mora tonight.

The Ring Magazine (March 2015)

By Randy De La O

You know I don't like posting anything negative. I also don't want to one of those guys that rant and rave about how great it was in my day. But when I see the cover of the latest Ring Magazine then I have to throw in the towel. I have to concede to those who have told me so.

Here it is in living color: the future of boxing. This is it? Good fighters all but I don;t see a even hint of greatness in any of them.

When I think of great fighters, I think of Duran, Hagler, Hearns and Leonard, or Arguello, Pryor, Benitez, Sanchez or Gomez. In the Heavyweights. Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Quarry, Holyfield, and Tyson.

Going back even further in any weight: Louis, Robinson, Marciano, Olivares and so many more that it would be hours before I could even finish an unfinished list. I don't even need the full names. The last name is recognizable all by them selves.

This is what I would expect from a Mad magazine parody of the Ring magazine. If this is the future of boxing than boxing is in trouble!