*** FLASHBACK*** This article piece originally appeared on dmboxing.com on February 4, 2013
By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
A dear friend to the boxing community recently passed away last month (January 2013) Arnie Koslow at the age of 88. Arnie was loved by all that knew him and was an honored member of the Golden State Boxer’s Association and was on hand for almost every luncheon that are held by the organization on a weekly basis.
Continue reading Arnie Koslow / R.I.P.
By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
The boxing world was saddened to learn long time boxing icon Don Fraser passed away on October 31, 2019. He was 92 years old.
Don was a special man, and truly a giving human being to all who knew him.
I first met Don thirty years ago at the old Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood, California, when he hosted weekly boxing luncheons at that historic location.
I was so honored to be his close friend. Through the years we conversed frequently by phone, and he would often send me boxing trivia questions for my website.
Don was a great mentor to many and I consider him to be the “Mr. Boxing” of his era. His accomplishments in the world of boxing included promoter, matchmaker, publicist, writer, corner man, Executive Officer for the California Athletic Commission, President Golden State Boxer’s Association, and more recently, he was President and Founder of the California Boxing Hall of Fame. A position from which he retired in December 2018.
Continue reading Don Fraser – R.I.P.A dear friend to the boxing community recently passed away last month, Arnie Koslow at the age of 88. Arnie was loved by all that knew him and was an honored member of the Golden State Boxer’s Association and was on hand for almost every luncheon that are held by the organization on a weekly basis.
He was an outstanding time keeper for over 1500 boxing matches in the Los Angeles area in his career. He would always tell members his favorite fighter was Joe Louis and as GSBA president (pictured) Bill Dempsey Young stated “Arnie will truly be missed by all” is certainly an understatement, as we all knew Arnie as truly a wonderful human being.
There will be a celebration of Arnie’s life this Sunday, February 10th at the Stevens Steak House, 5332 Stevens Place, Commerce, CA 90040, at 1pm.
May Arnie’s soul rest in peace in heaven with the Lord.
A great event is on tap for Saturday, March 16, 2013 as the Golden State Boxer’s Association will present their annual awards luncheon. For complete information and tickets please contact Linda Dempsey Young – as seen on flyer. Come support this wonderful event and I am looking forward to seeing you there!
2011 Inductees Honored at Holiday GalaBy Michele Chong – GUEST POST – for dmboxing.com
Several boxing champs, contenders and members of the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA) were honored at this year’s awards ceremony and holiday banquet taking place at the Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce.
This boxing group is built through a network of past and current fighters, trainers cornermen, judges, referees and others working in the fight game. Meeting every Tuesday in Hollywood, the GSBA provides a “one-stop shop” for boxing aficionados to get together in sharing their love of the sport. President Larry Montalvo and Vice President Bill Dempsey Young and their dedicated wives have bridged the gap in bringing everyone together through their love of boxing. And each person in the hall has a strong tie to the sweet science. Dining on steak, shrimp and chicken, those in the sold-out crowd listened to heartfelt tributes to this year’s honorees. One of the most touching moments was when I watched British lightweight Allen Syers’ family accept a posthumous award. Elise Syers, wife of Allen, his son Philip and their family accepted the “Don Fraser Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award” bestowed upon Allen, who passed away on December 5. Syers was a longtime member of the group and his passing leaves a void.
Boxing builds unbreakable bonds and many in the room reconnected after first meeting decades ago. Burbank’s Rick Farris and Frankie Santillan share a history of boxing in their youth, turning pro at the same time–and even forging a friendship after fighting each other. Friendships like these, in and out of the ring, are what makes this organization special. Everyone is treated with respect, no matter how many victories or defeats are logged on their ledgers. Continue reading Golden State Boxers’ Association Awards Banquet
A great event is on tap for Saturday, December 10, 2010 as the Golden State Boxer’s Association will have their annual holiday “awards” luncheon. For complete information regarding this event, please contact GSBA President Larry Montalvo (323) 268-6830 or by email address: larryboxer37@sbcglobal.net
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian
Photos by George Garcia
Tom Peters, David Martinez and Jack Mosley, photo by George Garcia
The Stevens Steak House Restaurant in Los Angeles (Commerce), California, was the scene on Saturday, April 12, 2008 for a wonderful day of boxing as the Golden State Boxers Association presented a Father’s and Son’s award celebration.
I have a very important and exciting event to tell you about!
Continue reading Golden State Boxers Association – Next Event!
(click on title above to see entire link and all photos)
“GATHERING OF ANGELS”
39th Celebration Event
By David Martinez
Photos by George Garcia
On August 12, 2007, in Downey, California was the day for a very special event, the 39th anniversary celebration of the Golden State Boxers Association “GATHERING OF ANGELS” luncheon banquet.
The event was hosted by yours truly, David Martinez, in conjunction with event coordinator Josie-Arrey Mejia.
The name “GATHERING OF ANGELS” was the original name of the organization that was founded in 1968 by Ray Owens, and two years later in 1970, was changed to it’s current title: The Golden State Boxers Association.
Continue reading David Reviews The "Gathering Of Angels"
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian
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.