(Winter 2024 Edition)
The Winter holiday season is officially here and, as I respectfully do on a quarterly basis, I want to say thank you to a small group of people that truly help make dmboxing the success that is has been since the first publication on July 15, 2007.
I take great pleasure in acknowledging these people who are: Bob Quackenbush (Proof Reader); Tom Donelson (Member Boxing Writers Association of America); Kathy Kraft (Proof Reader); and Steve Corbo (Boxing Writer).
There were three other people who are no longer with us (R.I.P.) that were so instrumental with their contributing to this website. They are: Rusty Rubin (In Rusty’s Corner / Glove2Glove), Harold Lederman (HBO World Championship Boxing / Hey! Harold podcast videos); and Jim Amato (Senior Boxing Writer / Boxing Historian).
As viewed in this edition, my official website hat is displayed. It is blue in color with embroidered logo on front, and website address on back. It has an adjustable Velcro strap to fit all sizes. Purchasing this attractive product can be done by sending $22.00 to: David Martinez Boxing, 810 Coronel Street, Santa Barbara, California 93109 – AND – the price includes FREE shipping to all USA mailing zones.
As for the many who have texted or contacted me with certain questions and offered their personal opinions, I’m sharing three (3) questions of concern which recently have drawn my attention, with my answers in response.
1 – You have mentioned boxing historian Al Nelson who lived in the Jim Jeffries, Jack Johnson, and Bob Fitzsimmons era. How was it and when was it that you actually met him?
*** ANSWER: It was November 1968. I had just returned from my second tour of duty in Vietnam. My friend, Gary Ballin, invited me to go to Jeffries’ Barn located at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Al Nelson was curator there and a living icon in boxing. He had more knowledge of the fighters of that time than anybody I have ever met. My mind was like a sponge absorbing his expertise, and the education he gave me from his life experiences was incredible. He was a treasure in my life.
2 – How well did you know the late Jim Amato, who wrote many article pieces for your website?
*** ANSWER: I actually never met Jim in person. We connected with each other through social media in early 2008, which lead him to contribute his outstanding article pieces to my website. We always stayed in contact, and his first article was published on April 30, 2008, until his passing in February 2021. His wealth of knowledge in boxing was simply the best, and to keep that alive, his many postings can still be seen on my website by clicking onto his name in the Categories section.
3 – Do you recall your very first live fight card attending at ringside at the historic Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California?
*** ANSWER: Yes. It was on a Thursday night, June 15, 1961. My uncle took me there, prior to my June 25 birthday, as his gift to me; what a treat! The main event was Danny Valdez vs. Tony Herrera in their scheduled 12 round bout for the vacant USA California State Featherweight Championship. Danny won by 8th round knockout, and it was my first time seeing Joey Olmos, who was the referee; ironically, we became good friends later in life.
On another note of interest, I often post my current P4P Rankings. My intent isn’t to change the minds of others, but actually to respect and gladly welcome others’ input and choices. To view my lists, simply go to the Categories section and click onto P4P Rankings – Current.
In the past years for family, friends and other boxing related people, it surely has been a pleasure to provide my annual dmboxing calendar. The joy of giving is truly a top priority and this year was no different as I was happy to accommodate one and all.
A reminder, a boxing website that I fully endorse and invite you to check out is www.myboxingfans.com – as my friend Edgar Gonzalez certainly does a great job showcasing boxing.
In closing, I want to wish everybody a safe and blessed Christmas and an upcoming Happy New Year 2025. It is a delight to serve, and thank you kindly for supporting and making my website just one of your choices in boxing – it’s much appreciated!
