Category Archives: FLASHBACK

Fight Night 2009 ~ REVISITED

*** FLASHBACK ***

This article originally was first published on www.dmboxing.com April 9, 2009

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

I would like to announce that on (Friday) April 17, 2009 at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Thunderdome, Pi Kappa Alpha will present Fight Night XVIII with doors to open at 5:30pm and the first bout scheduled for 6:30pm.

I was involved in the first inaugural Fight Night back in the mid eighties, which was originally started by Art Carbajal. I am delighted that my involvement this year will be as a corporate sponsor, judge and referee.

I was invited to participate a few months ago by Henry Calles, owner and trainer of Duke’s Boxing Gym. Henry is not only a friend but runs a very organized boxing and fitness gym in the small college community of Isla Vista.

Although Henry is about half my age, I feel like I have known him due to my earlier days working at youth gyms. I had the pleasure of working with his two uncles George and Mino Calderon, who were both outstanding amateur boxers in their day.

In 1983, I refereed an exhibition match between these two brothers, and those in the small crowd that attended that day were certainly treated to three, two-minute rounds of exciting boxing action. Their bout, along with a competitive supporting card, was held at a Santa Barbara, California boxing club called the Casa De La Raza, founded by Art Carbajal. Through the years the club moved to another location and has evolved as the Primo Boxing Club which is run by the expertise of Joe and Jean Pommier.

Calderon brothers / 1983 sparring bout
Mino (red trucks / gold trim) and
George (black trunks / gold trim)

I will go on record to saying “that, to this day, the Calderon sparring bout was the best combined six minutes of amateur boxing I have ever witnessed and had the pleasure of being the referee”.

Continue reading Fight Night 2009 ~ REVISITED

Jerry Quarry – REVISITED

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

FLASHBACK ~ One of my favorite article pieces from Jim Amato that I would like to share is this one regarding Jerry Quarry. In loving memory of our friend, I am reposting this for viewing. Jim Amato was truly respected by many that knew him as simply a top-notch boxing historian and expert overall sports collector, he passed away on February 22, 2022, after a lengthy bout with cancer at the young age of 66 years old. He came on board to dmboxing in 2008 with excellent contributions in boxing … may his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord.

I personally knew Jerry Quarry, and he was always kind towards me. He told me many amazing stories and I saw him fight many times. Here’s sharing two photos from my collection, attending his fight with Scrap Iron Johnson on March 19, 1970 at the Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California.

Pictured: Referee Dick Young / Ring Announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr. / Trainer Johnny Flores

Continue reading Jerry Quarry – REVISITED

Gathering of Angels – REVISITED

“Gathering of Angels”

FLASHBACK — This historic article feature was originally published back on July 23, 2007 … in which it certainly generated many views of interest and now reposting with the addition of two rare photos for viewing on www.dmboxing.com

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

This is a story about Ray Owens, my friend and an amazing man who in 1968 was the founder of GATHERING OF ANGELS. This group is now known as the Golden State Boxers Association, and is the longest running organized boxing club in the United States.

As a member of the Golden State Boxers Association, I met Ray Owens at a meeting several months ago and I was just simply overwhelmed by the man. He is humble, sensible, and so knowledgeable about boxing.

So for those who don’t know, let me present a capsule look at what started thirty almost thirty-nine years ago.

On August 23, 1968, the Don Hotel. 105 E. “I” street, Wilmington, California, was the stage for the first Los Angeles-based gathering of boxers past and present. The intent of this gala event was to just renew old acquaintances, and, for chairman Ray Owens to begin to take the necessary steps for the creation of a pension plan and trust fund for retired boxers.

Some of the boxers that were present were Ace Hudkins, Noble “Kid” Chissell, Ever Hammer, Jimmy McLarwin, Tommy Nelson, Bobo Olson, Mushy Callahan, Tommy Randell, Georgie Levine, Gil Cadilli, Kenny La Salle, Clarence Henry, Goldie Hess, Rudy Garza, Davey Gallardo, Dado Marino, just to name a few.

Other boxing greats such as Max Schemeling, Ralph Dupas, Jack Sharky, Ray Lunny, Fridel La Barba, Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, Archie Moore, Ring Magazine editor Nat Fleischer, and ring announcer Don Dunphy sent letters and telegrams that were read expressing their support.

The first ever top honor trophy given by the organization was presented to oldest ex-fighter alive – a man who had lived in the nearby San Fernando Valley – former Heavyweight Champion Jess Willard. However, because of his declining health at 88 years of age, Jess was not able to attend. Noble “Kid” Chissell, a dear friend of Willard’s, accepted the trophy, as a standing-room only crowd of over 200 people applauded in his honor.

Continue reading Gathering of Angels – REVISITED

My Boxing Fans

*** FLASHBACK *** This article was originally published for viewing on www.dmboxing.com on February 9, 2014 and October 21, 2016

By David Martinez / dmboxing.com

Edgar

There are many boxing websites on the internet out there and I truly appreciate that my website is one of your choices. My involvement in boxing goes back to 1961 and I consider my wealth of knowledge in the sport that I love to be the greatest gift that I can give my fan base.

I would like to introduce you to another boxing website that I fully support and to acknowledge its founder and publisher Edgar Gonzalez, for the outstanding job that he does. That website is myboxingfans.com

I finally connected with Edgar last month in Orange County, where he resides, for dinner and it was such a nice visit comparing notes on both our fine sites. It’s a fact that boxing has brought us together as friends and with mutual respect for each other.

When you are out there scrolling the many boxing sites, I encourage you to visit Edgar’s website and I know between both of us, your appetite for boxing will be served a full plate!

THE RING – A Boxing Venue, Not To Be Forgotten

FLASHBACK *** This article was originally published January 14, 2020 on www.dmboxing.com

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

Although, I wasn’t even born, nor were my parents, an old boxing venue that has always intrigued me is The Ring at Blackfriars, in London, England.

The building, built in 1783, was formerly a Nonconformist chapel and was octagonal in shape with the intent that no devils could hide in the corners. When it was no longer used as a place of worship, it was taken over by former Commonwealth British Empire lightweight champion Dick Burge and he transformed it into a boxing arena in May 1910. Several shows would take place there on a weekly basis.

Burge passed away a few short years later, on March 15, 1918, after contracting pneumonia at the age of 50. Before his death, he asked his wife Bella to ensure that their venue would be kept intact. She did, and kept the shows coming, which essentially resulted in her becoming the world’s first female boxing promoter.

Bella did an excellent job and was loved by the local community, where the pioneering lady promoter would earn the nickname “Bella of Blackfriars“.

Continue reading THE RING – A Boxing Venue, Not To Be Forgotten

My friend, my best friend, Frankie Rivas / R.I.P.

*** FLASHBACK ***

This article feature was first published on April 17, 2009 – AND – again on April 7, 2015 for viewing on www.dmboxing.com … this is the third viewing of a wonderful friend that is missed by all that knew him. Note our picture here together with Frankie, October 2002 – AND – in the group photo (l to r) Homer Balboa, Frankie, Myself, and Bob Quackenbush, October 2003, both photos attending the World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in Los Angeles, California.

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By David Martinez / dmboxing.com

It’s been six years since my friend, my best friend, Frankie Rivas, passed away.  The date of his passing was April 7, 2009.  I tearfully, but honorably, delivered the eulogy at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Santa Barbara, California, for his funeral service.  Frankie was involved in boxing as an amateur boxer, referee at many local boxing shows, and gave his support to the kids in boxing gyms in our community.  I have known Frankie since my childhood days and he was the truest boxing fan I have ever known.  May his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord … my friend, my best friend, Frankie Rivas.

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Continue reading My friend, my best friend, Frankie Rivas / R.I.P.

Tommy Ryan

*** FLASHBACK ***

This article was originally published on www.dmboxing.com (June 16, 2021) for viewing

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

One of the greatest boxers at the turn of the 20th century was certainly Tommy Ryan. Born on March 31, 1870 in Redwood, New York by the name Joseph Youngs, he later changed his name after running away from home at a young age.

He worked in lumber yard camps, where he learned his boxing skills. On January 1, 1887, at the age of 17, he turned professional and scored knockout wins in seventeen of his first eighteen fights.

In his career he would engage in a five fight series with the tough Mysterious Billy Smith, and after two draws, Ryan would win a 20-round decision in their third fight to capture Smith’s welterweight title on July 26, 1894.

On January 18, 1895, Ryan defeated top contender Jack Dempsey (The Nonpareil) by a third round stoppage to retain his title.

Ryan would fight Smith again in their fourth encounter on May 27, 1895, but the police interfered in the eighteenth round and the result was ruled a draw.

The following year on March 2, 1896, Ryan suffered his first career loss to Kid McCoy by a 15 round stoppage.

Continue reading Tommy Ryan

Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena

*** FLASHBACK *** In loving memory and respect to our friend Jim Amato (R.I.P.) this article piece was originally published on www.dmboxing for viewing on April 19, 2013. In remembrance of Jim, never to be forgotten, all his postings can be located by clicking onto his name in the Categories section. He came on board to dmboxing in 2008 and truly contributed the best of the best in boxing. Jim was truly respected world-wide by many as a boxing historian and sports collector, he passed away in Ashland, Ohio on February 22, 2021, after a bout with cancer at the age of 66. May his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord.

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By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

         Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Carlos Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino Locche too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine fighters? Many would say Luis “Angel” Firpo. I’ll go with Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena.

         When Oscar started his career in 1964, he met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by veteran contender Zora Folley. Oscar left New York and returned to Argentina. He defeated the very capable Gregorio Paralta and American import, Billy Daniels. When he returned to New York in 1966, he outpointed equally rugged George Chuvalo.

         Oscar was then matched with 1964 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Joe Frazier. The fight was classic. Oscar had Joe down twice but Frazier came back to win a close decision. In 1967, Oscar was entered in the eight man tourney to determine the defrocked Muhammad Ali’s successor. Oscar traveled to Germany and trounced southpaw Karl Mildenberger. In his next match he was floored twice and soundly beaten by the eventual tourney winner, Jimmy Ellis. Oscar regrouped in 1968 beating Folley in a rematch and also the respected, Leotis Martin. He was matched again with Joe Frazier for the New York State version of the crown. Oscar fell behind early but he came back strong only to drop the verdict. Bonavena would still remain a viable contender for several more years.

Continue reading Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena

What’s My Line / TV Show … Featuring Sugar Ray Robinson

FLASHBACK !!!

This article feature was originally published on June 21, 2013 for viewing on www.dmboxing.com

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This popular panel game show ran on CBS-TV from 1950 to 1967. This is Sugar Ray Robinson – the show was shot on July 1, 1956 – almost 57 years ago. Sugar Ray is considered the greatest boxer of all time in any weight class by experts in boxing. The phrase “pound for pound” was invented just for him when they compare any boxer of any era. I am sharing a photo that he autographed for me at a local amateur boxing show in my home town of Santa Barbara, California in 1986. This photo was taken in New York on September 23, 1958; he is with Hogan “Kid” Bassey (left) displaying their world championship belts. Click below on link to view: What’s My Line episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAMb_XMfhkE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Johnny Ortiz (R.I.P.)

*** FLASHBACK *** This article originally was published August 10, 2014 (ten years ago) on www.dmboxing.com regarding my very good friend Johnny Ortiz … I miss him, his memory was amazing and with our friendship going beyond boxing in respect with kindness for each other.

Johnny - B

By David Martinez / dmboxing.com

Where do I start to talk and grieve about my friend – my good friend – Johnny Ortiz, who passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

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I met Johnny back in 1997 upon my arrival into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as a Director of the Board. I knew about Johnny prior to that because I would catch him at times when I was in the Los Angeles area and listened to his boxing radio talk show “Ringside with Johnny Ortiz”.

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Upon meeting Johnny, we immediately bonded as loyal friends mainly due to our great love for boxing. I always considered Johnny a mentor and our bond took us to connecting by phone at least twice a week over the years just to check up on each other and say hello.

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Johnny has been featured on my website, we have done radio broadcasts together, taken trips to boxing matches, done things socially, and always sat together while never missing a monthly board meeting with the World Boxing Hall of Fame during our tenures with the organization.

Continue reading Johnny Ortiz (R.I.P.)