Annual holiday luncheon for boxing group
It was time to share holiday wishes at the Golden State Boxer’s Association’s (GSBA) annual Christmas party held this week at Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce. This boxing organization, based in Southern California, honors the state’s former and current professional fighters, amateur boxers, ring officials, promoters, publicists and others who have dedicated themselves to the sport.
President Larry Montalvo and Vice President Bill Dempsey Young invited special guests to a steak and chicken luncheon while their “better halves” Elsa Montalvo and Linda Young held a prize raffle with boxing gloves, vintage photos, and fight memorabilia for the attendees.
Among those at the gathering were former fighters Ruben Castillo, Bobby Chacon, Danny Valdez, and Allen Syers, promoter Don Fraser, trainer Jack Mosley, the WBC’s Dr. Joe Noriega, Trudie Latka (wife of “The Professor” George Latka) and California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) veteran Joey Olmos.
Joey is also a well-regarded former judge and referee who tells us great stories about Joe Louis. He shows us some treasures of the past, one is a coin with a profile of the heavyweight champ on one side, and the inscription “Good Luck Forever” signed by Joe Louis on the back. As the former Chief Inspector for the State of California greets another partygoer, Frank Baltazar Sr., I ask the two gentlemen how long they’ve known each other. “Fifty years!” Olmos replies instantly. “I licensed his two sons when they were fighting.” Baltazar’s boys, the talented Frankie and Tony, were popular draws in the L.A. area and another son, Bobby, fought in Nevada.
Another proud father in the room was former featherweight Ruben Castillo, who fought four times for the world title. Castillo brought his son, Ruben Jr., to the 
festivities and introduced him to our table. “Little Ru” is 21 and a fighter himself. And since it was “Big Ru’s” birthday this Saturday, it was an early celebration for the slugger. Castillo is one of the most entertaining boxers you’ll ever meet, he really could be a paid comedian with all his wise-cracking. Talk about lightning-fast hands, he’s got lightning-fast lips!
Also representing some championship genes was Sugar Shane Mosley’s parents, Jack and Clemmie. The talk at our table, of course, was of Shane’s upcoming January 30 bout against Andre Berto, surely to be a good brawl. Mama Mosley tells me as a boy, Shane was always active and always energetic. Now at 38, Sugar shows no signs of slowing down now.
As Montalvo and Young took the podium, a toast was made to kick off the holiday season. On a sadder note, a “Ten Count” was given in tribute to ring announcer Danny Valdivia, who passed away last week.
Then Bill and Linda were toasted by the crowd as their 34th Wedding Anniversary was announced. Bill is a fourth generation boxer, whose father Dick “Tiger” Young was a famed referee.
The GSBA hosts various functions throughout the year, with members meeting every Tuesday in Hollywood. In the past, they have held inaugural “Father-Son” awards banquets and a luncheon celebrating the often-forgotten wives of champions (the women behind the boxers!).
Closing out 2009, look for the group to have more events in the new year.
Photos by Michele Chong