Tony Baltazar

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Guacamole on a molcajete..La Parrilla, East Los Angeles

 

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Oscar De La Hoya (R)...La Parrilla..East Los Angeles

 

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Connie and I..La Parrilla, East Los Angeles.

 

And what man is that??

 

If I ever get over to LA Frank you and Rick will have to take me there to eat!

 

You bet!!

 

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Tony Baltazar vs Buddy McGirt

 

Do you remember the 2nd St gym in Pomona? Do you still have the auto-body shop on First/State St? I haven't been home in years.

 

No on both. I don't think I was ever in that gym, at least that I can remember... the body shop we sold in '87....

 

Mr. B, two questions if you will:

1) Was Tony's hook a purely natural thing? Or was it more taught? And what are the keys to teaching a proper hook in your estimation?

2) Have you ever dined at Don Antonio's Mexican Cafe in L.A.? (Love that place -- only been to that part of California twice, but the second time I drove an hour one-way just for the privilege.)

OK, it was more than two questions, more like two topics. Sue me.

 

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Textbook left hook?

Saint, Tony's left hook was a natural thing. I just taught him to shorten it by sticking his elbow to his ribs and picking the elbow up and out as he threw the hook, turning the hand at the same time..

Never been to Don Antonio's. Where in L.A. is it that??

 

West LA, W Pico Blvd.

I don't know my way around Los Angeles very well, having only been there twice. It was recommended to me by locals.

About half the people eating there on a weeknight last time I went (18 months ago give or take) were Mexican-Americans, which I figure is a good sign. Hardly any of the staff spoke a word of English, another authentico sign.

It's a traditional 1960s or 70s style restaurant. The maitre d was an older fellow in a slightly to-tight old tuxedo, quaint booths, dark atmosphere, fish tank, etc. It's not dirt-cheap, but I'd hardly call it expensive. I think they have a dollar taco night to draw in students for tacos and cervezas.

If you are ever in the neighborhood, I hope you'll try it and give me your thoughts.

On the left hook, in my limited experience of a few years training some amateurs and pros, the ones who throw it well do so naturally. Main thing I'd try to teach those guys was to bring it back high, which the good hookers I ever came across never seemed to want to do -- dragging it back across their body. I do agree with the idea of extending the punch by opening up the angle of the arm to somewhere close to 90 degrees so it can be thrown from the outside without lunging.

Tony's hook was a thing of pure beauty. Naturally, it was the first thing I thought of when I saw a thread about him. What I love about that pic you just posted is how he has the right high and tight -- signs of someone who has been trained well in the fundamentals. The game needs more men like yourself.

 

Thanks for the kind words Saint. Can't remember the last time I was on the West Side. I live about 25 miles east of downtown L.A. Now days I don't have much reasons to get out of the area, but if I find myself on the West Side I will look Don Antonio's up and let you know what I think about it.

I also taught my boys that when throwing a punch with one hand to keep the other one up close to their face. And all always to keep the elbows glue to their ribs.

 

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Tony "The Tiger" Baltazar, Alex Ramos and Bonnie and Danny "Little Red" Lopez

 

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Bobby Chacon, Georgie Latka, Willie Bean, Danny Valdez, Andy "The Hawk" Price and Frankie Baltazar in front.