Exclusive: Rare Film Featured at Event
A special film screening was held at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center in Santa Monica as a group of former champs, fighters and those in the boxing community joined the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame (WCBHOF) at this unique event.
The March 25 invite-only affair featured Mando Ramos’ last interview (from 2007 by Rick Farris and Dan Hanley) and also “The Contender,” a riveting documentary about Hedgemon Lewis produced by famed actor and boxing manager Ryan O’Neal and directed by Kevin O’Neal.
WCBHOF Founder/President Rick Farris presented this private movie screening that showcased some never-before-seen moments in boxing history. It was moving and awe inspiring to see history come to life through the big screen as guests listened to Mando Ramos recount the ups and downs during his championship career.
And “The Contender” gave us an up close and behind the scenes look at what it’s really like for a fighter to be so close to victory and worldwide stardom only to have it snatched away by politics, strokes of bad luck and other issues that can occur in a prizefighter’s life. The dressing room scenes (after a loss) are heartbreaking. The training montages and the clips of his family life show what it really takes to be a professional prizefighter.
This weekend gathering unique, classy and intimate.
Joining Farris and former pug and current filmmaker Alan Swyer were veteran fighters, champs, trainers, boxing historians, officials and WCBHOF crew including Paul Banke, Herman Montes, John Montes, Willie Lucero and Ruben Lucero, Oscar Muniz, Gene Aguilera, Steve Harpst, Burney Spencer, Zac Young, Eddie Hernandez, Dave Wilcox, Colleen Kelly (daughter of Tom Kelly) and more.
There were also some very special guests whose family legacy was viewed on the movie screen. Jeff Crawford (son of Frankie Crawford), Mando Ramos Jr. (son of Mando Ramos) and Hedgemon Robertson (Hedgemon Lewis’ cousin) were introduced to the audience.
Those in attendance spoke of what a great day it was with their fellow boxing aficionados.
Rick Farris and Alan Swyer both mentioned how much they enjoyed honoring the sweet science and the rich history it offers. Through the decades, the Southland has had so many pivotal moments in the fight game. But in today’s world of social media, flavor-of-the-month fighters and super quick shots at countless title belts, boxing history can often be ignored.
And that is why people like Rick and Alan are gems in this rocky road of boxing. They respect the fighters of bygone eras, they take time to document and honor past matches, and bring more awareness of the honorable gladiators who never reached super stardom but nonetheless gave their blood, sweat and tears for glory. They tell the story of sluggers that cannot speak anymore.
The West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame bridges the gap between the boxers of the golden eras and the current climate in the sport. Their next event will be the awards show on September 30.
Thanks to Rick Farris for a truly memorable day at the movies!
Photos by Michele Chong
