“Until the Next Round” in L.A. this Sunday!
Johnny Ortiz has worn many hats throughout his long career in boxing: fighter, trainer, manager, bar owner, radio host, actor, author, historian, and of course, a fixture at the legendary Main Street Gym. For over 50 years, he’s seen and done it all. But during the decades, Ortiz, nicknamed “The Flash,” is also proud to be 
called a friend to many in the sport. Now his friends and associates will honor him this SUNDAY at a special tribute celebrating a man who’s dedicated his life to boxing.
The “Ringside with Johnny O” event will be held at Steven’s Steak House in Commerce, Calif. There will be comedy acts, a prize raffle, champion boxers, celebrity guests and a book signing for Johnny’s new title “My Life Among the Icons.” Catching up with Ortiz today, the veteran fight gamer told me “over 200 people have already” RSVP’ed for his weekend tribute. The guest of honor is undoubtedly looking forward to his luncheon, where he will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, but this will also be a extremely bittersweet day for him too.
One of his close friends, another man also known for his passion for pugilism, spearheaded this event for Ortiz months ago. And as the planning progressed and the excitement built, the unthinkable happened: Johnny’s friend died suddenly. “Julian Eget was so great to me; I really miss his friendship,” Ortiz says with the emotion still catching in his voice. “Julian was the kindest and most generous man, just like Ken Thompson is. I’ve never known anyone more generous than them.”
Eget, a former Vice President of the World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF), passed away on March 29. Always a vocal supporter of boxers, Eget often put his money where his mouth was and was known to assist many an ailing boxer time and time again. At his funeral reception last month, it was standing room only with many boxing notables all coming out to pay respect to the fight aficionado. Current WBHF President Mando Muñiz, past WBHF President Adolfo Perez, promoter Jackie Kallen, fighters Paul Banke, Steve Banke, Bobby Chacon, John Montes, David Kilgour, and trainer Jimmy Gambina joined a roomful of family and friends at the Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank. Through the crowd, I noticed one figure who sat forlornly in a booth, looking like he was in shock with tears in his eyes. It was Johnny Ortiz.
For Johnny, he lost a friend and a brother in boxing. He told me back then that he didn’t think his tribute luncheon would happen–now that Julian–a staunch supporter of Ortiz, a benefactor and his enthusiastic marketeer–was gone. You see, Eget wanted to host this tribute to Johnny, who is suffering from several health ailments, including a current bout with liver cancer. The sad irony is that now Ortiz plans to pay tribute to his fallen friend in a touching acknowledgement a
t Sunday’s gala.
The sudden death of Eget stopped the show in its tracks, but as we all know as heartbreaking as it is, life must go on. Therefore, the show must go on. Stepping in to fill the shoes of one man have been three gentlemen who Johnny says saved the day. “Raul Esquivel, Adolfo Perez and Lou Herrera are the ones who are putting this on now,” a grateful Ortiz says. “And as much as we miss Julian, this day will be a happy thing! Some of his family members will be there too; I plan to talk about Julian and thank him for everything he’s done, not just for me but for boxing!”
For Johnny, this tribute will be icing on the cake for someone who has been such a part of the boxing landscape in L.A. He’s seen a lot of people come and go, and has lost many along the way. I mention to him the timing of everything, how ironic it is and he duly responds, “You know the timing of Julian’s death was incredible. But you’re not gonna believe this: Through the years, my mother died on May 22, my brother died on May 23 and one of my sisters also died on May 23!” And now his tribute is on May 23.
Johnny, through all his ups and downs with his own health, tries to remain upbeat even after suffering the recent and tragic loss of his close compadre. “With Julian dying, it was rough,” Johnny admits. “It took the wind out of my sails.”
Continuing to face his own health battles, Ortiz is proving to be one tough warrior. “I feel great; I feel terrific,” the devout Christian tells me. “You know, about three weeks ago I had treatment for the tumors. And the doctors told me they got 100% of the first one! I am blessed–and will continue to fight.”
And he will never forget his good friend, Julian, who many will remember for the countless ways he chose to help others–just like Johnny Ortiz.
The “First Lady of Boxing,” Jackie Kallen put it all in perspective. “You know I adored Julian. To me, he was bigger than life. He was strong, protective and had very definite opinions and positions. You always knew where you stood with Julian. If he liked you–he’d give you the world!”
And just like Johnny does, Kallen still raves about his unlimited generosity. “He was generous to a fault!” the manager and promoter says. “We’d go to lunch and he’d tell me to order anything I wanted. ‘Get TWO entrees,’ he’d say. ‘Whatever you don’t eat, you can take home. And then he’d order two or three desserts so we could take a small taste of each one!”
Why is it that we always wait ’til it’s too late to tell people how much they are appreciated? For Johnny’s dear friend, Julian, the boxing community’s appreciation came through loud and clear as his family heard at his memorial service in April–but sadly, too late for Eget to hear it himself.
While speaking to one of the show runner’s, Raul Esquivel, he said there is a “Ten Count” now planned for Julian. Esquivel says that there will be a steak/chicken lunch–and of course, dessert!
In homage of Eget, I want to remind everyone not to forget to go ahead and taste that dessert!
And this Sunday, Ortiz will be granted the golden opportunity in life to hear, see and feel how much the boxing community appreciates him, something that Eget never really got the chance to really ever hear.
“We also have a lot of boxers who are planning to come out,” Esquivel comments. “including “Chicanito” Hernandez, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Paul Gonzales, Rene Arredondo, and maybe Israel Vazquez, even though he’s fighting Saturday he said he’s going to try and make it. It’s going to be great!”
This special event is open to the public with tickets available at the door, so if you’d like to come meet Johnny “The Flash” Ortiz you have your chance this weekend! Don’t forget to bring your gloves for autographs.
See you at the event!
“Until the Next Round” Tribute Luncheon
THIS Sunday, May 23 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Steven’s Steak House
5332 Steven’s Place
Commerce, Calif.
For tickets: (818) 679-2738
To order Johnny’s book: Click Here
Photos by Michele Chong/ Flier and photo courtesy of Johnny Ortiz