Punch Lines - 12/11/98

by Katherine Dunn

A Belt on the Line

The wise guys say even a political hack and sycophant becomes a better, more serious person after he's appointed to the Supreme Court. A nebbish can be transformed by the awesome gravity of the job. The fight guys have similar old saws about the magical effects of a championship. Being a champ can make you a better fighter, improve your confidence, give you something to be proud of, something to defend with your life. The fans have all seen the opposite happen too, of course. Sometimes the new champ becomes complacent and fat and far too rich to risk getting smacked upside the chops anymore.

So Miguel "The Manilla Mauler" Arrozal (27-9-1, 13 KOs) of Portland is now the World Boxing Board lightweight champ, and he's on the high road. His manager, Mike "Motormouth" Morton says the title has been a psychological booster for Arrozal. "The belt means the world to him," says Morton." He's gotten rid of all his girlfriends and just goes to bed with the belt." More to the point, Arrozal is reportedly working very hard in the gym.

Arrozal's first defense of the title takes place on Friday, December 11, in the same arena where he won it, the snug bingo parlour of the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester, Washington. The challenger is Seattle prospect John-John Palaki (21-1-1, 10 KO's), and the bout will be a re-match of the hotly debated draw fought by the pair in 1997. According to matchmaker Benny Georgino, both sides - Palaki's manager George Chemeres of Seattle, and Arrozal's manager, Morton - have demanded an out-of-state referee for the occasion. They were both miffed at the rulings made by Washington ref Bobby Howard in the original match. Arrozal's camp claims the ref failed to recognize the low blow that dropped Arrozal to one knee in the notorious fourth round. Chemeres didn't like Howard failing to disqualify Arrozal for leaping out of the ring in fury when the ref began to count for a
knockdown. Arrozal returned to the ring quickly and Howard permitted him to continue the fight with no penalty. Chemeres claims he was out of the ring for more than ten seconds and should have lost the bout on the spot. Georgino says he has recommended the name of a neutral ref, but "The Washington State Commission is responsible for appointing whoever they want to officiate, so we'll see."

Mike Morton, rapidly recovering at home following a recent stroke, says, "It's not fair when you're fighting a guy in his back yard and all the officials are from the same place. But," Morton insists, "Miguel is bringing up his own officials, his left hand and his right hand."

Word is that the World Boxing Board, based in Texas, will present Morton with its "Manager of the Year" Award during this event. If Arrozal happens to lose, of course, Morton will be crying too hard to accept his trophy.

As of one week before the scheduled show, matchmaker Benny Georgino says his card will offer seven bouts.

In addition to the ten-round the main event, an eight round jr. welterweight match features Miguel Olivares (6-5-1, 5 KO's) of Reno vs Miguel Ruiz (20-4-1, 6 KO's of Carson City, Nevada. Olivares is the stalwart banger who lasted through ten dangerous rounds against sharpster DeMarcus Corley at the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Oregon, in October.

Five preliminary bouts of four rounds each are scheduled. Seattle heavyweight Mark Green (8-2, 6 KO's) meets Shawn Jewell (6-6-1, 5 KO's) of Bend, Oregon. Portland's Candy Robertson (4-0, 3 KO's) tangles with Sergio Escobar (0-1-0) of Fresno, California, in a jr. middleweight match. Lightweight Mike Lucero (2-2, 1 KO) of West Linn, Oregon, is in a re-match with Jose Hernandez (3-4-2) of Reno. In a matching of lightweights, both
making their pro debuts, Joe DeMarco of Portland meets Jesus Santiago of Seattle. And in a heavyweight debut duel, Jeff Simmons of Portland encounters James Partch of Boring, Oregon.

Wrassling Rascal Update: Billy Jack in Custody, Briefly

As reported in Punch Lines earlier, former World Wrestling Federation star Billy Jack Haynes of Oregon City was under investigation by the St. Helens, Oregon police for theft by deception. Haynes allegedly conned various merchants and citizens of that small town into ponying up cash for a professional wrestling show. Haynes then disappeared with the money. On Tuesday, December 1, Colombia County issued an indictment charging him with
multiple counts of theft. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Detective Terry Moss of the St. Helens police discovered Haynes' whereabouts when he found a photo of him in a Nickel Ads advertisement for the Used Tire King out on 82nd Avenue in Portland. Moss and his colleagues visited the establishment while Haynes was absent. Haynes returned and learned that he had been located. In a phone conversation with Punch Lines, Haynes said he then contacted Bruce Anderson, the executive director of the Oregon State Police Boxing and Wrestling Commission, and asked what he should do. Haynes says he then surrendered to Anderson and was subsequently taken into custody by Clackamas County Sherriffs. On Friday, December 4, Haynes was booked into the Clackamas County Jail in Oregon City, within easy view of the weight gym he once owned when he was a wrestling promoter back in the late 1980's. Due to over-crowding in the jail, Haynes was released on his own recognizance on Saturday, December 5. He returned to the Used Tire King establishment, where this reporter reached him by phone. Haynes says he has a court date at the Colombia County Court House in St. Helens on December 21.

Haynes denies any drug addiction but admits to a gambling problem. He said, "I got involved in some collections back in 1995. Unofficial collections. I used my size to intimidate people but I never actually hurt anyone." Haynes implied that this collecting activity led indirectly to his rip off of the town of St. Helens.

"My past came back to haunt me. I had to go out and get some money. It was wrong but I had to do it. I'll take the heat for it. It's my fault. I want to pay back the people that I burned." Focusing on the St. Helens waitress who he talked into borrowing $800 from her landlord to give to Haynes, the 45-year-old ex wrestler said, "Prior to the indictment I had contacted Bruce Anderson and made arrangements to make payments to Theresa. My heart
was in the right place. I was just too late."

The Oregon State Consumer Fraud Division is conducting an independent investigation of Haynes' activities outside of St. Helens.

Allen James: Panting to Promote

The guy in the tux and microphone doing the announcing chores for the state amateur box-off in Portland on Saturday, November 28. was Allen James, the Chairman of the Board of the Greenbriar Corporation, which manufactures train cars among other things. James spends a lot of time and money producing movies nowadays. He has participated in the production of several films including the movie about the murderous mother of the Texas Cheerleader, the recent "Without Evidence," and the upcoming "Morgan's Ferry." James owns the rights to a Jack London boxing story called "The Mexican," which he hopes to translate into a film starring Oscar De la Hoya.

But James is now cultivating a new hobby. The Greenbriar Corporation, according to James, is a financial sponsor of the Oregon Golden Gloves. In addition, James is in the process of applying for professional boxing promoters' licenses in both Oregon and Washington. With Bob Oleson of Beaverton acting as matchmaker, James says he plans to stage a few small club shows working up to a televised event on a larger scale. James says
his interest in boxing goes back to his own amateur boxing days as a welterweight in the 1940's. James was, he tells us, a Northwest Golden Glove champ back in 1947, and then fought for, but lost, the Pacific League Championship in the U.S. Navy. "The guy who beat me thought he'd killed me twice," he jokes.

TV Hot Spots

Saturday, December 12, HBO/BAD A rematch of the incredible August Ivan Robinson vs Arturo Gatti war, in which sharp boxing Robinson squeaked out a split decision over the bloody-minded Gatti. Also, the International Boxing Federation 154 lb championship defense by the imposing 27-year-old champ Yory Boy Campas (72-2, 62 KO's) against golden infant "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas (14-0, 14 Ko's). Not to be missed.

Saturday, December 19, HBO The '96 Olympic wonder child, Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather (18-0, 14 KO's), comes off his recent dismantling of the revered Genaro Hernandez to take on the devilish Angel Manfredy (25-2-1, 19 KO's) in a 130-pound lightning storm. Mayweather is faster. We'll see if the shrewd and skilled Manfredy is smarter. The wise guys pick Mayweather in this one. Also on this card, heavyweight power-houses Hasim Rahman (29-0, 24 K0's) tangles with the bullish New Zealander, David Tua (32-1, 27 KO's). This is an IBF heavyweight elimination match. Also promised on this card, appearances by IBF 112 lb champ Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson, and IBA 108 lb champ "Baby Jake" Matlala.

January 16, Showtime Unless the law intervenes, Mike Tyson vs Francois Botha of South Africa, "The White Buffalo." If Tyson isn't in jail in Indiana, this will be his comeback bout after almost two years of forced lay-off following The Bite. Botha, an embarrassing plodder, is probably the right test for the former Iron Mike at this stage of his tortured game.

January 23, PPV Fifty-year-old George Foreman and 49-year-old Larry Holmes will waltz in Houston and we hope nobody gets hurt. The gracious and articulate Holmes was interviewed by literary maven Terry Gross on the National Public Radio book section called Fresh Air on Sunday, December 6. Holmes has written an autobiography called "Against All Odds" with former New York Times fight scribe Phil Berger. Holmes makes "ain't" sound poetic.

Coming Amateur Events

Saturday, December 12 The Rogue Valley Cougars Boxing Club hosts amateur competition at the Eagle Point High School starting at 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, December 18-19, The Oregon Silver Gloves Tournament matches amateur boxers aged 16 and under for Junior Olympic competition. The host team is the Medford Bulldogs and the site is the Jackson County Expo Pavillion in Central Point. Bouts begin on Friday at 8 p.m. Bouts will be offered on Saturday if the competition requires, starting at 6 p.m.

Saturday, January 30, 1999 The Medford Bulldogs host a show at the Medford Doubletree Inn.

February 13-14, 1999 Coach Joel Caldera of the the Knott St. Boxing Club in Portland announces that the U.S. Amateur Boxing Regional Championships will take place on these dates at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club, 5250 NE Martin Luther King Blvd, in Portland. Winners who are 16 years and older will qualify for the U.S. Amateur Boxing National Championships in Colorado Springs in March.

Amateur Results

The Oregon State U.S. Amateur Box-Off tournament took place on Saturday, November 28, at the Pay N' Pak Store building in Portland. The Golden Glove Boxing Club hosted the event. Referees were Bill Thornberg and Alex Beshtea. Judges were Mark Sobottke, Trevor Lewis, Diane Faulkner, Joe Bonaventura and John Williams. Harold Pakula is Chief of Officials. The ringside physician was Dr. John Denker.

Results of the eight scheduled bouts were as follows - 100 lbs, 13 years: Jon Leonard of Sweet Home Boxing Club won over Junior Rios of the Rogue Cougars. 119 lbs, Open Seniors championship: Sal Regalado of the Medford Bulldogs won by walkover over Chris Almarez who was scratched from competition by food poisoning. 165 lbs, novice seniors: Adrian Villalobos of the Grand Ave. Boxing Club won over Tass Croy of the Rogue Cougars. 75 lbs, 10 years: Manuel Gonzales of the Rogue Cougars won over Caleb Leonard of Sweet Home. 170 lbs, novice seniors: Marco Ashe of Sweet Home stopped David Brown of the Grand in the second round by retirement. 132 lbs, Open Seniors Championship: Harlan Ramos won over James Ramos of the Grand. 195
lbs, Special Seniors: Jeff Cameron of Golden Gloves Boxing Club won over Bryan Woodward of the Grand. 165 lbs, Open Senior Elimination: Rocky Ayon of the Grand won over Jeff Leonard of Sweet Home. Ayon will compete against Marcus Pernell of Knott Street Boxing Club for the Championship at the December 19 amateur show in Medford.

The following boxers will advance unopposed to the regional championships on February 13 and 14. 106 lbs: Hector Moncado of the Medford Bulldogs. 125 lbs: Lionel Leon of Medford Bulldog. 132 lbs: Luis Pena of the Medford Bulldogs. 156 lbs: Reggie Davis of Knott Street Boxing Club in Portland. 178 lbs: Andre Haynes of Knott St.

The "Double Trouble" Show at the Doubletree Hotel in Medford was arranged in two sessions on Saturday, November 21, by the Medford Bulldogs Boxing Club.

Afternoon session results - 80 lbs, 9 years: Caleb Leonard of Sweet Home won over Brandon Hoodie of Burns. 70 lbs, 9 years: Ronnie Mack of Burns won over Moises Rodriguez of the Bulldogs. 70 lbs, 10-11 years: Matt Gordon of Roseville, California, won over Mitch McDowell of Silver & Gold Boxing in Virginia City, Nevada. 106 lbs, 11-12 years: Nathan Adakai of Silver & Gold won over Ty Stevens of the Sand Dragons Boxing Club in Bay City, Oregon. 130 lbs, 14-15 years: David Shurley of Roseville won over Junior Anteverde of North Valley Boxing in Redding. 140 lbs, Seniors: Troy Harper of North Valley Boxing won over T.J. Stevens of the Sand Dragons. 180 lbs, Seniors: Jeff Leonard of Sweet Home won over Derek Hinkey of Hinkey's McDermott
Boxing Club in McDermott, Nevada.

Evening session results - 80 lbs, 11-12 years: Austin Hernandez of Bulldog stopped Gary Maddox of Silver & Gold in the second round. 75 lbs: Luis Avila of Bulldog won over Pat Weland of Silver & Gold. 201+ lbs, Seniors: Ryan Swindell of Dallas Boxing stopped Mark Baker of Lovelock in the second round. 125 lbs, Seniors: Lionel Leon of the Bulldogs won over Cesar Lopez of Dallas. 106 lbs, Seniors: Kylie O'Dwyer Allen of Bulldogs won over Maria Andrade of Sweet Home. 70 lbs, 9 years: Ben Perez of Bulldogs won over Richie Mayall of Silver & Gold. 125 lbs, 12-13 years: Alex Trujillo of Bulldogs won over Buddy Pfaff of Burns. 180 lbs, Seniors: Roger Espinoza of Alejandre Boxing in Red Bluff, California, won over Abraham Wilson of North Valley. 106 lbs, 13 years: Boone Wyatt of Bulldogs won over Jonathan Leonard of Sweet Home. 119 lbs, Seniors: Jaime Baron of Roseville PAL won over Denise Gillentine of Bulldog. 201 lbs, Seniors: Sam Sleezar of Bulldog won over Greg Kirkpatrick of Roseville. 201+ lbs, 15 years: Mike Wilson of Bulldog won over Tyler Hinkey of McDermott. Outstanding Senior Boxer was Lionel Leon of Bulldog. Outstanding Junior Boxer was Boone Wyatt of Bulldog.

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