Boxing Veteran Honored by Family & Friends
A very special celebration was held recently to honor boxing’s Don Fraser, who will turn 85 years young this Saturday, January 28.
Hosted by his daughters, Dianne Fraser Cohn, Lynne Fraser Doolittle and Denise Fraser, the afternoon was filled with great music, great food and great company in a toast to the California Boxing Hall of Fame President who has also worn almost every hat in the sweet science. Fraser was part of the Golden Era of boxing at the Olympic Auditorium, the Fabulous Forum, the Hollywood Legion Stadium and more. “Ali’s Revenge–The Battle of the Broken Jaw” rematch between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton was just one of his promotions.
It would be impossible to list all of his accomplishments in the sport. “Don Fraser IS boxing,” the party guests all told me, quipping, “He’s ‘forgotten’ more about boxing than most people will ever know!”
During the party, the “Don Fraser All-Star Band” played in the background as the attendees enjoyed a poolside buffet. Joined by his trio of blonde daughters, his grandchildren and surrounded by friends, boxing associates, ex-fighters and former coworkers, all gathered around to offer well wishes to “Dandy” Don as the birthday cake was presented.
Check out some EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS from Fraser’s birthday bash including his pretty granddaughter, Hayley, age 15. The teen is a model and singer and entertained the large crowd in attendance with a live performance. As you’ll also see in the pics, former champion Danny “Little Red” Lopez enjoyed the poolside fare, as did ex-prizefighter Rick Farris with Golden State Boxer’s Association’s Bill Dempsey Young, son of famed referee Dick Young.
Everyone cheered for Don, who has a wealth of boxing experience in the fight game.
And since he’s known through the Southland in many boxing circles, there was a double celebration for his big day.
Why celebrate once when you can celebrate twice?
The festivities also continued this past Tuesday afternoon as the Golden State Boxer’s Association feted Fraser with an additional B-day gala with many former champs and contenders in attendance. “Bobby Chacon, Rick Farris, Danny Valdez, Fred Rios, Sylvia Ramos, Elise Syers, Arnie Koslow were some of the guests attending,” Linda Dempsey Young told me. Linda’s husband Bill Dempsey Young is also the Vice President of the organization along with Larry Montalvo as President. Linda was at both fiestas that ushered in Don’s milestone birthday.
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DON FRASER!
Photos by Michele Chong
