Celebration for boxing veteran

There may have been a heavy rainstorm last Sunday in L.A. but there was nothing but sunshine at a birthday celebration honoring boxing veteran Don Fraser. In fact, there could have been a blizzard that day and even that wouldn’t have kept the guests at bay as they came from all regions to wish “Dandy Don” a very happy B-day.

The former promoter, matchmaker, publicist, writer, editor, public relations director, Executive Officer of the California Athletic Commission and so much more was actually born on January 28. But an early fiesta was in order to accommodate all the out of town guests and family members visiting Los Angeles.

“One daughter lives in Singapore so we’re having this party early while she’s still in town,” Fraser told me. Then he added with a smile, “So we’re celebrating today–and then there may be another party later in the month too!”

Hosted by his three daughters, Dianne Fraser Cohn, Lynne Fraser Doolittle and Denise Fraser, attendees enjoyed an Italian feast, live music and plenty of boxing chatter.

After all, Fraser was instrumental in the sport during the “Golden Era” of boxing in L.A. at famed venues like the Olympic Auditorium, the Hollywood Legion Stadium and the Fabulous Forum.

Many of the revelers knew Fraser from decades past. And they came from near and far to pay tribute to this icon in pugilism. As I visited with Don in the sprawling home of his daughter Dianne, I asked the octogenarian, “What is the secret to your longevity?”

“Don’t think in the past,” he advised. “Try and think in the future–and try to have a good time!”

While guests mingling were obviously having a good time, the promoter, who’s in the history books as the promoter of “Ali’s Revenge–The Battle of the Broken Jaw” between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton, said he was very happy to see friends from his boxing days and beyond.

“We have John Wolf from Arizona, who I knew from the Forum days; historian David Martinez who came out from Santa Barbara,” Fraser noted, as we looked around the room filled with boxing aficionados, family and friends. “There’s Allen Syers from Mission Viejo, Rick Resnick, Trudie Latka, Carol Steindler, attorney Ken Green, and Marv Enquist from law enforcement.”

Besides the aforementioned guests, also at the gathering were former fighter Allen Syers, ex-boxer and Classic American West Coast Boxing historian Rick Farris, actor Barber Ali, Norma Silvani (cutman Al Silvani’s wife) Golden State Boxer’s Association President Larry Montalvo and Vice President Bill Dempsey Young, just to name a few.

Fraser is also the President of the California Boxing Hall of Fame and holds a yearly induction ceremony for boxing’s best. He has been a mentor to countless individuals, both in and out of the sweet science. One visiting guest said he owes his successful career at the Forum to Fraser. John Wolf, who was involved in Forum Hockey first met Don decades ago. “I wouldn’t have ended up doing what I was doing if it wasn’t for him,” he said of his mentor and friend.

Most of the crowd knew Don from those glory days of boxing. He showed me a black-and-white photo that Carol Steindler (Howie Steindler’s daughter) had given him from their earlier days in pugilism. Back in the day, Fraser promoted fights involving Sugar Ray Robinson, Alexis Arguello, George Foreman, Salvador Sanchez, Jose Napoles, Carlos Zarate, Ruben Olivares, among thousands of other ring legends.

I also spotted one very cool piece of memorabilia from the fabulous fight nights at the Forum. Trudie Latka was married to George “The Professor” Latka for many years before he passed away in 2007. She was a ringside fixture at many of the greatest fights that took place in the city. To pay tribute to Don, the spirited Trudie was wearing a black and red jacket adorned with “Forum Boxing Ringsiders Club” on the back.

And a real treat for the partygoers was a live concert courtesy of the Denise Fraser Jazz Band. His vivacious daughter told the audience that today, in honor of her Pops, the musicians were calling themselves the “Don Fraser Jazz Band” for this special occasion.

The group of accomplished musicians entertained the guests as singers Kaye Wade and Don’s daughter (and Cabaret songstress) Dianne took to the mike. A fun surprise for Fraser was when his young granddaughter Hayley took the microphone and sang “Hopelessly Devoted.” The cute 14-year-old is one of six grandchildren, including a set of triplets.

After Don thanked everyone for coming out, his trio of girls surrounded their dad for a photo. Then band member and daughter Denise (on drums) took me to meet the other talented artists during a brief break in the action. Louis Van Taylor (sax and clarinet), Nate Light (bass), Jack Coan (cornet, flugelhorn) and Marty Harris (piano) are the esteemed members of the event’s quartet. Beginning with “Moon River,” the band got everyone’s attention with their great renditions of everybody’s favorite classics.

And on that note, just a couple of days into 2011 last Sunday’s soiree was already being called “Party of the Year” by those in attendance.

Surrounded by family and friends, Don Fraser ushered in the New Year along with an early B-day celebration too!

Happy Birthday to Don.

Photos by Michele Chong/ B&W photo courtesy of Don Fraser/Carol Steindler