Felipe 'The Flash' Torres ~ 'A Good West-Coast Kid'

February 15, 1972

'Rodolfo Gonzalez and Felipe Torres Set To Tangle'

Top California Lightweight - Rodolfo Gonzalez and former California
State Lightweight Champion - Felipe Torres are signed to battle
on Saturday - March 4, 1972 at the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach.

Felipe who goes by 'The Flash' will bring in a record of 33-9-1 {19 KO's},
as per his Manager.

The rugged 22 1/2 year-old - Los Angeles fighter is now ranked as both
the #11 WBA and #11 WBC Lightweight

Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez who is now based out of Long Beach has an impressive
record of 70-6-1 {59 KO's}. The 5' 9" tall - 26 year-old will bring more power into
the Ring than his opponent Felipe Torres, but not more heart or courage.

Gonzalez is ranked as the #11 Junior-Welterweight by Ring Magazine.

February 27, 1972

'Rodolfo Gonzalez Pulls Out Of Television Bout With Felipe Torres'

Rodolfo Gonzalez has pulled out of his scheduled Saturday - March 4th
bout with Felipe Torres.

Rodolfo has signed to fight at the Olympic Auditorium on Thursday - March 16th,
and for {as his Manager claims} a much better fight purse.

Felipe Torres {Interpreter}
"We know that Rodolfo really didn't want to fight Felipe anyway. His Manager
knows that he would lose, so he pulled a fast one and signed to fight at the Olympic
in 17-Days when he had a contract to fight us in 5-Days."

"Felipe has waited for 3-Months to fight Gonzalez. We'll chase him down if we have
to. We're not going to let him get away from us."

March 1, 1972

"Felipe Torres - Cesar Sinda ~ To Tangle In Rematch"

Felipe Torres will tangle with Cesar Sinda, on Saturday - March 4th
at the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach.

This will be a rematch of their exciting fight back on here on November 27th,
when Felipe came from behind to score a KO 10 over the African Congo
fighter. In that bout, Cesar was ahead on all '3' Scorecards entering the 10th
and Final Round.

Cesar is a replacement for Rodolfo Gonzalez, who was scheduled to fight
Felipe here on Saturday.

The Congolese fighter has not fought since that Knockout loss 3 1/2 months
ago. But he has been in Training with Trainer - Johnny Flores for the past
6-Weeks and looks much-improved.

The 22 year-old Congo Lightweight has a record of 14-3-2 {10 KO's}.

Felipe Torres said he is ready for this bout, and expects another good tussle
with Cesar. Felipe, at {Age; 22 years, 8 months} claims a record of
33-9-1 {18 KO's}.

Both fighters have been promised a bout with Rodolfo Gonzalez for next month.

Felipe is listed as a {10-8} Betting Favorite.

Saturday ~ March 4, 1972

"Torres Bows to Sinda"

"Sinda Avenges Defeat By Decisioning Torres"

Cesar Sinda {135 lbs.} piled up the points by using a sharp left-jab and strong
left-hooks to easily outscore Felipe Torres {137 lbs.} over 10 Rounds.

Sinda did have some difficulty getting through Torres tight-defense at times,
but continued to throw rapid-punches.

Cesar Sinda dominated the action, by using quick left-jabs and fast feet, which
kept Felipe Torres off-balance for the entire night.

Scorecards
* Referee - Lee Grossman ..... 6-2 {Cesar Sinda}
* Judge - Larry Rozadilla ....... 7-1 {Cesar Sinda}
* Judge - Bob Rings .............. 6-3 {Cesar Sinda}

Cesar Sinda >

"I have been working with Johnny Flores as my trainer. Our strategy was to
attack Torres with quick lefts, and then back-off. Johnny didn't want me to
stand and trade with Felipe, because he has a good left-hook to the body
and a powerful straight right-hand.

"That was my mistake in our 1st fight. I had the bout won, but then I stood
and traded with him over the last 3-Rounds, and he caught me in the last
Round."

Thursday ~ June 22, 1972

Multnomah Expo Center ~ Portland, Oregon

"Lightning Ray To Take On 'Flash' Torres"

Unbeaten 'Lightning' Ray Lampkin 16-0-1 {6 KO's} will take on Los Angeles
Lightweight Felipe 'The Flash Torres.

Ray is already the #7 WBA Lightweight.

This will be Ray's toughest opponent to date. The 24 year-old Lightweight
is marching up the 'Lightweight Ladder', and claims the fastest hands in
the 135 lb. division.

Felipe Torres, younger at {Age; 23}, but with a tremendous amount of
experience {46-Bouts} claims a record of 35-10-1 {20 KO's}. Felipe has
been in-and-out of the Top 15 for the past 3-Years.

Thursday ~ June 22, 1972

Multnomah Expo Center ~ Portland, Oregon

"Lightning Ray To Take On 'Flash' Torres"

Unbeaten 'Lightning' Ray Lampkin 16-0-1 {6 KO's} will take on Los Angeles
Lightweight Felipe 'The Flash Torres.

The 24 year-old Portland Lightweight is marching up the 'Lightweight Ladder',
and claims to have the 'fastest-hands' in the 135 lb. division.

His opponent, Felipe Torres, is a young 23 year-old Lightweight, but has a
tremendous amount of experience {46-Bouts}. His Manager claims Felipe has
a record of 35-10-1 with {20 KO's}. Felipe has been in-and-out of the Top 10
for the past 3-Years.

Thursday ~ June 22, 1972

Ray Lampkin Looks Like Lightning In Win Over Felipe Torres"

'Lightning' Ray Lampkin improved his unbeaten record to 17-0-1 by winning
a convincing and one-sided 10-Round Decision over tough Los Angeles
Lightweight - Felipe Torres.

Ray {136 lbs.} used a scorching left-hand to build a wide points lead over
Torres {136 1/4 lbs.} who was unable to get untracked.

When Torres did get close, he was met by quick right-hand leads and
lightning-fast '3-Punch' combinations.

Ray won 9-Rounds, and held Torres even in one other.

Scorecards
* Judge - Jim Cassidy ..... 100-91
* Judge - Bob Hyle ......... 100-91
* Judge - Phil Moyer ....... 100-93

Felipe falls to 25-14-1, as per Ring Magazine.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

Retired from the Ring in July 1972, at the ripe old age of {23 years, 1 month}.

Felipe campaigned tor 5-Years {June 1967 thru June 1972}.

During that time, he comprised a record of 25-14-1 {11 KO's}.

His Manger claimed that Felipe had a record of 35-11-1 {20 KO's}, along
with a few other fabricated wins and a few less losses.

During his 5-Year career of '40-Bouts', Felipe was never stopped, and only
visited the canvas 'twice' in his entire career.

Felipe's major highlight was, winning the California State Lightweight Championship
on March 13, 1971 by defeating {W Dec 12} Raul 'Lobito' Montoya.

He successfully defended his Title once, by stopping {KO 6} Lovelle Franklin
on April 17, 1971.

After retiring in July 1972, Felipe spent time helping train other boxers at the
Main Street Gym in Los Angeles, and at the YMCA in Pasadena.

Felipe was a respected boxer, who was always in great physical shape and
came to fight. He was a local hero, who was a fan favorite with his exciting style.

Mainly a swift-boxer in style, Felipe was both elusive and quick, and had lightning fast
hands along with excellent footwork. He could also take a great punch and keep
on coming. To say he was 'durable', would be an understatement.

His best punches were a left-hook to the body, and a quick straight right-hand
to the chin that he called 'El Crujido' {The Crunch}.

Standing only 5' 5 1/2", the stockily-built boxer was rugged, and the Fight Promoters
called him a 'tough little fighter'.

He loved to fight, and was always ready to take a bout on a moments notice.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

"A Good West-Coast Kid"

http://boxrec.com/media/images/thumb...ipe_Torres.jpg

Interview from 1976

> Tell us about your 1st big fight. >

It was back on February 29, 1968. It was at the 'Olympic Auditorium'. I was on the
main undercard against Al 'Scooter' Meza.

I was only a teenager {Age; 18 1/2}, and had a record of 11-1-0 {3 KO's}.

Our bout was broadcast on Television. And it was the 'first' 10-Round bout for the
both of us, so we only fought 2-Minute Rounds.

I was so nervous during introductions, I nearly pissed in my boxing trunks.
My corner told me to be careful, because 'Scooter' had a big right-hand. He was
older than me {Age; 23 1/2} and was 10-1-0 with {7 KO's}. He was a 'true'
Lightweight, and could really whack.

But, once the bout got started, I calmed down and went to work.

In the 2nd-Round we both traded punches, and I nailed him with a straight right-hand
and dropped him. But 'Scooter' was tough, and he got right back up. We both fought
real hard for the full 10-Rounds. Neither one of us took a rest.

It was good fight, and I won a 'razor-thin' 10-Round Split-Decision. The Olympic Auditorium
fans applauded the decision.

I think I received $750 for that bout. It was the most money that I had ever seen in one pile.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

http://boxrec.com/media/images/thumb...ipe_Torres.jpg

Interview From 1976

> Tell us about the time you faced your 'first' World-Ranked fighter.

That was back on March 28, 1968.

I was in the Gym at the time helping Raul Rojas prepare for his World Championship
bout with Enrique Higgins. It was to be for the 'vacant' WBA Featherweight Title.

Originally I was not on the 'fight card', which was to take place at the Olympic Auditorium.

On the 'main undercard' > which was a Television Bout {Channel 5; KTLA}, hot shot
and World-Ranked Featherweight - Bobby Valdez was supposed to fight Len Kesey
in Junior-Lightweight bout.

But, Bobby got hurt in the Gym, and pulled out 3-Days before his bout. They looked
for a 3-Day replacement fighter, and found me.

I was in great shape, so I jumped at the offer.

I was to fight Len 'KO' Kesey. He was a tough 'club-fighter' from Oregon, who was
ranked as the #10 WBA Junior-Lightweight. Len had come down to Los Angeles to
get in a good bout to show off his skills. He was a really tough guy, who had a record
of 19-3-0 {10 KO's}.

He had a lot of experience for a 23 year-old guy, as Len had been in the Ring with
> Mando Ramos, Baby Cassius and Petey Gonzalez.

I was only {Age; 18 1/2}, and I only had fought in 'one' 10-Rounder before this bout,
but my Manager felt that I was ready.

The Olympic Auditorium was buzzing that night, as there was a screaming crowd of
over 10,000 there. The noise sent chills down my spine.

As for my bout with Kesey. It was a good fight. I fought well and kept it close up to
the 8th Round. But Len was a stronger than me down the stretch, and he won a
close 10-Round Unanimous Decision.

After Len Kesey beat me, Ring Magazine ranked him as the #10 Junior-Lightweight.
So that must have meant something about me as well.

I really didn't feel all that bad about the loss. It was more of a learning experience.
But I still looked good, and impressed a few of the Los Angeles Boxing Matchmakers.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

http://boxrec.com/media/images/thumb...ipe_Torres.jpg

Interview from 1976

> Tell us about your Boxing contacts >

Well, I first started off at the Olympic Auditorium fighting 4-Round and 6-Round
Preliminary bouts.

The Olympic Auditorium Fight-Promoter was Aileen Eaton, and the Matchmaker
was Mickey Davies.

Mickey really liked me, and he loved my style. So they signed me up, and I fought
there '16-times' from June 1967 thru November 1968.

Many of the bouts were televised on KTLA ~ Channel 5. They called me a crowd
pleasing fan-favorite. I really had a good following of fans.

I had a 'great night' at the Olympic on November 14, 1968.

They brought in this 21 year-old 'bomber-kid' from Sonora, Mexico. His name was
Centavito Antonio Hernandez, and they called him 'The Sonora Slammer'. He had
an impressive record of 23-2-0 {17 KO's}.

He was supposed to be a 'real test' for me, and he was slightly favored {10 to 7}
by the Newspapers to beat me. He came in with about 200 of his relatives.

Well, it was a 'war' for 3-Rounds, but then he just 'gassed-out'. Then, I took
him apart and the Referee stopped it {TKO 5}. I got a big write up in the papers,
and they said I was a 'rising star'.

That made my record 15-3-1 {5 KO's}, and I got ranked as the #3 California
State Super-Featherweight in the 'new' December 1968 ratings.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Who was the 1st World Class Fighter that you faced >

That would be Bobby Valdez. He was ranked as the #5 Featherweight
by Ring Magazine, and {#7 WBA and #7 WBC}. He was also was the
California State Featherweight Champion.

We fought on January 13, 1969.

He was from San Diego, and had been World-Rated for 3-Years. He was
a well-schooled 'ring technician', as he was experienced {Age; 26}, and had
a record of 22-5-4 with {8 KO's}.

He was looking for a good tune-up bout in trying to get another chance at
the Featherweight World Championship.

I went to his hometown {San Diego Coliseum} to fight him. He had a big
following, and they all expected him to easily out-box me.

We agreed on {128 lbs.} as the fight weight, so the State Championship
was not at stake. I was 131 lbs. on Sunday, and had to lose 3 lbs. to
make weight for the Monday Night bout.

Well I stayed 'even' with him thru the 4th Round, as he wasn't doing much
more than flicking out left-jabs. In the 5th Round I stepped in, and caught
him with a big right-hand to the chin and dropped him. He got up, and I
dropped him again with a 'left-right'. He was hurt bad, and barely got up.
He just made it out of the Round.

But I finished him in the 6th Round, as the Referee {Hal Rickards} stopped it.
I was really hurting him.

After the bout, he came up to me and said that he was never hit harder
by anyone. He said that I was a very good fighter, and that I had a chance
to make to the top. He was a 'class guy'.

The 'San Mateo Times' and 'The Fresno Bee' wrote nice articles about me,
mentioning that an 'unknown and unheralded' East Los Angeles fighter
scored a major upset.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, when did you first get ranked in the Top 10 >

Right after I stopped {TKO 6} Bobby Valdez.

In the February 1969 Ratings, Ring Magazine listed me as their #10 Featherweight.
But, I wasn't really a Featherweight, as I couldn't make 126 lbs. anymore.

The WBA listed me as their #10 Featherweight, and the WBC listed me as
the #10 Super-Featherweight.

I was most comfortable at around 132 lbs.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> What was your highest ranking from Ring Magazine >

It was right after I upset {W Majority Decision 10} Petey Gonzalez
at the Valley Music Theatre on March 4, 1969.

Petey 'The Spoiler' was ranked as Ring Magazine's #7 Junior-Lightweight,
and he was really a good fighter. I beat him in a great tussle. The bout was
an 'over-the-weight' Junior-Lightweight fight, and I weighed in at 133 lbs.

But still, Ring Magazine listed me as their #7 Featherweight.

I was only {Age; 19 years, 7 months}, and only had been a professional
for 21-Months {less than 2-Years}.

My record was now 18-3-1 {7 KO's}, and George Parnassus was looking to
promote me in a bout at The Forum in Inglewood.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Who were your Manager/Handlers >

That would be Larry and Memo Soto of the Main Street Gym. They moved me
well, and got me a lot of bouts.

They hooked me up with Mickey Davies who was the Boxing Matchmaker at
the Olympic Auditorium. That is where I had nearly all of my early fights.
By fighting all those bouts at the Olympic Auditorium, I built up a pretty good
following real fast.

Then they got me a deal with the Monarch Boxing Club, with Promoter - Pete Kokon
and Matchmaker - Hal Benson. They promoted bouts at the 'new' Valley Music Theatre
in Woodland Hills, California. I fought there '5' times, and they paid me well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Who labeled you 'The Flash' >

It was 'The Van Nuys Valley News'. They said that I was a 'flashy fighter' after I beat
Bobby Valdez in January 1969. After that, 'The Flash' became my nickname.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, what was your biggest pay-day early in your career >

Back on March 17, 1969. It was $2500 to fight at the Forum.

George Parnassus wanted me as a Nite-Cap bout, after the 'Main Event'
between Ruben Olivares vs. Ernie De La Cruz.

They pulled in a Gate of $44,722 and with an attendance of 8495. It was
a good night there.

They brought in this guy {Miguel Herrera} to fight me. He was the Ecuadorian
Featherweight Champion, and he had a record of 41-5-2 with {25 KO's}.
He was a 3-Day replacement fighter who was co-managed by Gil Clancy.

We didn't know that much about him, other than he was 27 years-old, and had
never been knocked-out in '48-Bouts'. We really had no idea how good he was
either. Only that he'd been around for awhile {since 1960}, and was a 9-Year pro.

We fought as Junior-Lightweights. I got off to a real slow start, and the next thing
I know I'm behind by 3-Points. He was a real good in-fighter, and he smothered me
with short-hooks. And, he was real cagey. He knew how to fight inside.

I did my best to rally in the Middle-Rounds, but I got tired near the end. I just came
up a little short, and lost to him by a Split-Decision over 10-Rounds.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

"A Good West-Coast Kid"

Interview from 1976

> Were you ever in line for a Championship Bout >

Yes. Back in April 1969 I was mentioned as a possible opponent
for WBA Featherweight Champion - Shozo Saijo.

Despite me losing to Miguel Herrera {on March 17, 1969}, I was
still ranked in the Top 10 Featherweights by Ring Magazine in April and May.

*** Johnny Famechon
#1 . Shozo Saijo
#2 . Jose Legra
#3 . Dwight Hawkins
#4 . Cruz Marcano
#5 . Fighting Harada
#6 . Jose Jiminez
#7 . Felipe Torres
#8 . Fernando Sotelo
#9 . Jimmy Revie
#10 Miguel Herrera

But, I couldn't get down to Featherweight {126 lbs.} anymore. So my Managers
told the WBA that I would be campaigning as a Junior-Lightweight.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Your first '23-Bouts' were all in California. When was your 1st bout away from California >

Yes, my first '23-Bouts' were all in California. After nearly 2-Years, I hadn't had a single
bout outside of California.

In May 1969 {May 10th}, they brought me down to Mexico City to the Arena Coliseo
to take on Ray Vega. He was a real 'hot-shot' Junior-Lightweight who was a stable-mate
of Sugar Ramos.

It was to be a 'Main Event' that was to be broadcast on Mexican Television.

They were trying to build him up, and they said that if he beat me, he would get
a Junior-Lightweight Title bout against the WBA Champion - Hiroshi Kobayashi.

They thought that I would be a good opponent for him. He had a good looking record
of 31-5-1 with {19 KO's}, and he was ranked as the #2 Mexican Junior-Lightweight.

He was on a great 'streak', where he had won 19-of-20 bouts over 2 1/2 years.
He was supposed to be a real tough-guy to fight. A real hombre' who could punch good.

Well, I got off to a fast start and out-boxed him good over the first 6-Rounds. I then
cruised for a few Rounds while trying to set him up.

In the 10th and Final Round, I poured it on and slammed him all over the Ring.
I dropped him just before the Bell. That was the 'Exclamation Point'.

The Arena Coliseo fans all threw coins in the Ring after I beat him. I must have
picked up another $50 in coins.

Those fans were really appreciative.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> What happened after you defeated Ray Vega in Mexico City on May 10, 1969 >

Well, I had hurt my right-hand in that bout. But, they wanted me back for another
'Main Event' bout right away. But the problem was, that I couldn't throw a right-hand
without any power because of the throbbing-pain.

My Doctor told me that I had to take at least 2-Months off for the cracked-bone to heal.

But on a good note, on July 26, 1969 - the 'new' WBA Ratings came out for Lightweight,
and there I was at #10.

**** Mando Ramos
#1 .. Ismael Laguna
#2 .. Carlos Teo Cruz
#3 .. Carlos Hernandez
#4 .. Eugenio Espinoza
#5 .. Ken Buchanan
#6 .. Pedro Carrasco
#7 .. Arturo Lomelli
#8 .. Frank Narvaez
#9 .. Yoshiaki Numata
#10 . Felipe Torres

Felipe 'The Flash'' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Do you think you would have fared well against Mando Ramos >

In mid-1969 he was the WBA Lightweight Champion, and I was ranked #10.

I sparred with him a few times, and he was really strong. And if you weren't
careful, he could drop you with one of his bombs. He was a big Lightweight at
{5' 9"} with a real long reach, but he was not that fast.

I was just a small Lightweight at {5' 5 /2"}, but I was quick enough to avoid
his big-bombs.

But I think I could have made it a good fight for 10-Rounds. Nobody ever
knocked me out.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> You were on a roll and in good position in mid-1969. Then what happened >

I had gone 7-1-1 with {4 KO's} since August 1968 {1-Year}. I was only a little
over 20 years-old, and was ranked as the #10 WBA Lightweight.

My record looked good too at 19-4-1 {7 KO's}.

Then I had '4' incredibly tough bouts in a row.

* September 13, 1969 ...... Ricardo Arredondo
* November 4, 1969 ......... Shozo Saijo
* February 4, 1970 ........... Kuniaki Shibata
* March 28, 1970 ............. Roberto Duran

That was '4' hard bouts in just 5 1/2 months.

I lost a close 10-Round Decision to Ricardo Arredondo in Mexico City. He went
on to win the WBC Super-Featherweight Championship in October 1971.

I lost a 10-Round Majority Decision to Shozo Saijo in Hawaii. He was the WBA
Featherweight Champion, and it was non-title bout.

He was the '1st' guy to ever knock me down {2nd-Round}. But I got up, and gave
him a good battle right until the end.

Then I fought Kuniaki Shibata in Tokyo. He was very strong. He went on to win
the WBC Featherweight Championship in December 1970, and also went on to
win the WBA Super-Featherweight Championship in March 1973, and the WBC
Super-Featherweight Championship in February 1974.

Then for the 'topper', I fought Roberto Duran in Mexico City. Of course, he went
on to win the WBA Lightweight Championship in June 1972.

After those '4-Bouts' {all 10-Round Decision losses} I dropped to 19-8-1 and
out of the World Ratings.

That's '4' World Champions in just 175-Days.

I was burnt out after that. I needed some time off, and I moved to Mexicali and
rested for 5-Months.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Of those '4' World Champions, who was the best at the time >

Well, Ricardo Arredondo was the same age as me {Age; 20} at the time.
We were both young and evenly matched. He was a good puncher, and
stayed busy the entire 10-Rounds. He really surprised me on how good
he was. I just underestimated him that day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shozo Saijo was an accurate and pin-point puncher. He wasn't a big-puncher,
but he floored me in the 2nd Round. He jumped in and caught me with a
beautiful 'left-right' to the chin. He was the only to floor me up to that point.
He was only {Age; 22} and was a Champion already. He was a true World-Class
boxer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kuniaki Shibata was really strong. He was powerfully built, and could punch
real hard. He was also {Age; 22}, and was a World-Class fighter as well. He
was good, real good. He beat me up pretty good that Night, and won just
about every Round.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Roberto Duran. Well, he was only {Age; 18 1/2}. He was raw, only had a
record of 15-0-0 {13 KO's}. I was his 'first' real test. We fought in Mexico City
at the Arena Coliseo.

He got off to a quick start, and won the first 2-Rounds. But I started to nail
him coming in during the 3rd-Round. He bounced back and threw everything he
had at me. Rights, lefts and combinations. But he couldn't hurt me at all.

Then I came on in Round 6, and I stunned him with a 'left-right'. Then I
smashed him good with a right-hand and he wobbled backwards. I had him
in big trouble, but he snuck away.

In Round 7, I caught him again. And he 'staggered' sideways and into the Ropes.
I tee'd off on him, but he took everything that I threw. I almost had him out.

But Roberto was tough, and had a lot of heart. He came roaring back during
the 8th and 9th Rounds, and took the play away from me.

The last Round, he played it smart, and boxed cautiously. He ended up winning
a close 10-Round Decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall, I would have to say that Kuniaki Shibata was the best fighter of those
'4' at the time.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> After you took some time off {5 Months} did you come back stronger >

Well, I got a new Handler. He got me a good bout in September 1970, but
it was against Enrique Jana.

He was ranked as the #6 Light-Welterweight, and he was an experienced guy
who really knew how to fight, especially on the inside.

Enrique was too strong for me, and wiped the floor with me. He won an easy 10-Round
Decision. That was my 5th-Straight loss.

9-months later, Enrique was fighting for the WBC Light-Welterweight Championship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then in late-October, I got another bout. It was against Al Robinson in Oakland.
He was a 'rising star', as he was the 1968 Olympic Silver Medalist in the Featherweight
Division.

He was a tall and lanky guy. Well, he out-boxed me pretty good over the first 6-Rounds,
and won every Round. But he started to fade, and I rallied strongly over the last 4-Rounds.
I hit him with some solid head punches, and nearly knocked him out in Round 10. He just
barely made it.

He won the Decision, but he was in bad shape at the end of the bout.

He suffered from a bad headache after the bout, and he couldn't fight for 6-Months
after that.

He started training for a comeback in April 1971, and he suffered an injury in the Gym
on April 30th and fell into a coma.

He was in a coma for 2 1/2 years, and died on January 24, 1974.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, that's a lot of losses you had in a row >

Yes, I lost 6-bouts in a row, and 7 of 8 by the end of 1970. My
last win was 21-Months earlier back in March of 1969.

At the end of 1970, my record was 19-10-1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Did you get discouraged about continuing >

No, not really. In every bout that I lost, I was right there and was
competitive.

The Boxing Matchmakers still knew I was a good fighter, and nobody
gave up on me, despite losing all those bouts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> How was the fight purse situation for you >

Well, it dropped off a little. I couldn't demand the {$2000 plus} Fight Purses
that I got earlier. I had to take what was offered.

But, I still had a good job at the Los Angeles Pants Factory, and I was
always available as a sparring-partner for the top Featherweights and
Lightweights in Los Angles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> So you were no longer considered a future Title Challenger >

Correct.

Back in November 1968 they called me a rising star, after I stopped {TKO 5}
Centavito Hernandez.

Then in January 1969, I was called the 'flashy junior lightweight', and a
future Title challenger after I stopped {TKO 6} Bobby Valdez.

Then in March 1969, I was East Los Angeles 'newest hero' after I upset
Petey Gonzalez

And then by the end of 1969, I was the 'tough and rugged little fighter'
from East Los Angeles.

And by the end of 1970, I was only {21 1/2 years old}, but I was now labeled a
tough-nosed trial-horse for other Lightweights.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, you were able to turn your career around in 1971 >

Yes. My Manger got a call from Fight Promoter - Don Fraser, and he wanted to
put me on a Fight Card at the Valley Music Theatre for January 23, 1971.

They wanted to bring me in, to be a 'test' for Angel Mayoral. He was a 'hot shot'
21 year-old southpaw Lightweight from San Diego. He had a nice record of
17-3-0 with {10 KO's}, and was lightning fast.

His Manager {Sid Flaherty} felt that I would be a 'good name' to be on his
fighter's record.

Lucky for me, our bout was broadcast on KTLA-TV {Channel 5}, so everybody
in Southern California got to see this fight.

Well, he was fast for sure. He boxed my ears off for the first 3-Rounds. But then
I started to get to him, and I cut him badly over his right-eye. Then I hurt him
bad in the 5th Round with a big right-hook, and battered him all around the Ring.

They ended up stopping it before the 6th Round, and I was awarded a TKO.

I got a lot of attention after that win, and I was back in demand.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Tell us about your biggest win >

That would be for the California State Lightweight Championship.

On March 13, 1971 ~ I fought Raul 'Lobito' Montoya for the State Championship
at the Valley Music Theatre.

I had fought Raul to a 10-Round Draw back in August 1968 at the Arena in
San Bernadino when we were both coming up.

But now, Raul was World-Ranked as the #8 Lightweight. He had an impressive
record of 56-7-2 with {32 KO's}. He could really punch hard.

It was a 'sell-out' with a crowd of 3000, and the Gate was nearly $14,000. The
place was wild that night.

We gave the fans their money's worth.

Raul came out fast, and he rocked me in the 1st Round. Then in Round 2 he
'dropped' me with a hard right-cross to the jaw. It was only the '2nd-time' in my
career that I had been floored.

In Rounds 3, 4 and 5 - he kept coming. But then he started to slow down, and
I started to work his body with left-hooks. In Rounds 6 thru 9 - I wore him
down and took the steam out of him.

I swept the last 3-Rounds big, and won a Unanimous 12-Round Decision.

I was finally the California State Lightweight Champion.

Felipe 'The Flash Torre

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, you really had a Roller-Coaster Ride career >

Yes, I had some ups and I had some downs. After I beat Raul 'Lobito' Montoya,
I defended my California State Title right away.

I was right back at the Valley Music Theatre 5-weeks later {April 17, 1971} and
against Oakland's - Lovelle Franklin.

He supposed to take my head off, and was talking trash to the Press. He was a
real big-hitter who was making a comeback after a 2-Year lay-off.

But I walked right through him, and buried my fists into his body. I put him down
in the 5th Round, and down-and-out in Round 6. I dropped him in his own Corner,
and in front of all his fans that he brought down with him to the Valley Music Theatre.

Then I was supposed to fight Angel Mayoral in a rematch. But we couldn't get the
money that we wanted, to go down to his hometown in San Diego.

I had won '3' in a row, and was back up to the #18 World-Ranked Lightweight in the
May 1971 ratings.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, tell us about the big fight with JimmY Robertson at the Olympic Auditorium >

It was a really big build up for our fight. Don Chargin did a great job of promoting
the bout for May 20, 1971.

Jimmy was ranked as the #4 WBA Lightweight, and was also the NABF Champion.
And he was the 'house fighter' at the Olympic Auditorium, so he had a big support
base there. Jimmy had a record of 22-2-0 {12 KO's}, and was a very good boxer
with a great left-hand.

If he beat me, he was supposed to get a fight with WBA Lightweight Champion -
Ken Buchanan.

I trained for 4-Weeks, and was planning on going after his body. I looked good in
the Gym and was all pumped up for the bout. My record at 22-10-1 {9 KO's} didn't
look as good as Jimmy's, but everybody knew that I was tough and had the best
body-attack of any Lightweight in Los Angeles.

They pulled in a crowd of 9000, and the Gate was around $40,000. The place was buzzing.

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> What happened in the bout with Jimmy. It was supposed to be an even match-up >

Well, I hung with him for the first 2-Rounds. I was able to get in close, and worked
his body.

But then he changed up, and boxed from the outside. He kept doubling-up with his
left-hand, and he boxed my ears off. He had me groggy in the 9th and 10th Rounds.
It was the '1st-time' that anybody ever had me in trouble.

Overall, I took a one-sided latethering. He won 9 of the 10 Rounds, and gave me an
old-fashioned ass-kicking.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Did the loss to Jimmy Robertson set you back >

I guess it did. But I got a good fight purse {$5500} for the bout. That
was my largest pay-day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Where did you go from there >

My Managers {Larry and Memo Soto} hooked me up with Fight Manager -
Harry Kabakoff. He got me into sparring with Jesus Pimental.

Then he got me on a Fight Card in Honolulu, Hawaii - on the undercard bout
of a Main Event featuring Jesus Pimental set for June 22, 1971 at the
International Center Arena.

I got a decent fight purse {$3000}, plus a trip to Hawaii.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> How did the bout in Hawaii go >

I was brought in to 'test' Masataka Takayama. He was another one of those
Japanese Lightweights who was making some noise. He was ranked as the
#12 WBA Lightweight.

He was a 'tough-cookie' with a record of 13-1-1 with {2 KO's}. He was not a
big puncher, but he was tough and very fast.

We went at it 'tooth-and-nail' for 10-Rounds. It was close all the way. I almost
got him in the 10th-Round. But he edged me out and earned the close 10-Round
Decision.

Felipe'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> After you lost those 'two' important bouts in a row, were you written off >

No. I was still the California State Lightweight Champion.

I was supposed to defend my Title against Angel Mayoral at the Devonshire Downs
in Northridge, California. I was giving him the rematch that he wanted. But he got
sick {flu}, and pulled out.

George Parnassus and Don Fraser locked up a deal to promote bouts at the
Devonshire Downs which was a run-down {25 year-old} Horse Racing Track in
Northridge.

They fixed it up, and set up a Boxing Ring with a seating capacity of about 4000.

I was to be on the 'first ever' Fight Card held there, and set for September 11, 1971

The bout was to be telecast on KTLA-TV {Channel 5}.

Once - Angel Mayoral pulled out, they scrambled around and got this scrappy kid
Juan 'Kid' Collado to come in. He was from the Dominican Republic, but had relocated
to Santa Ana, California to get some West-Coast bouts. He was also Managed by -
Angelo Dundee.

He was a pretty good Lightweight with a record of 28-9-2 {10 KO's}, and he had been
in the Ring with a 'Who's Who of Lightweights.

* Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez
* Leo DiFiore
* Ruben Navarro
* Shinichi Kadota
* Jimmy Robertson
* Antonio Gomez

I was favored {10-8}, but we knew that this would be a tough bout.

It was another 'slam-bang' affair. We went after each other right away, and rocked
each other with right-hands at Center-Ring.

The place went wild after each Round, as neither one of us would step back or
give ground, as it was toe-to-toe for most of the 12-Rounds.

In the end, he was a little busier than me, and he got the Unanimous 12-Round
Decision, and took my State Lightweight Title.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, you lost 3-Straight bouts again in 1971. Did you want to continue. >

Well, I didn't want to give up. I was only 22 years, old and my record wasn't
all that bad at > 22-13-1. I knew that I could still give anybody a good fight.

I got an offer to go up to Kennewick, Washington on November 17, 1971 -
and to take on Al 'Scooter' Meza. We had fought once before earlier in our
careers, back in 1968 {3 1/2 years earlier}.

He was the Pacific Northwest Lightweight Champion, and he was out to salvage
his career. He really wanted to get his revenge on me, because I had beaten
him by a 10-Round Split-Decision on National Television at the Olympic Auditorium
on February 29, 1968.

He trained real hard for our rematch, and stated that he was in the best shape
of his life. He was 27 years-old, and had a record of 20-5-0 with {17 KO's}.
And boy, could he punch.

The Fight Promoter {Herman Morantes} listed my record at > 30-9-1 {19 KO's}
to make me look a little better on paper. That was OK with me and my Managers,
Larry and Memo Soto.

They built me up pretty good in the 'Tri-City Herald', and said I was one of the
Premier Lightweights, and was Rated as #11 in the World.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> You had a big win when you Knocked Out - Al 'Scooter' Meza. >

Yes, the Tri-City Herald posted our action, and I had a good write up.

'Scooter' came right at me, and threw bombs. But he came in straight ahead
and wide open.

I timed him coming in during Round 3, and side-stepped his charge and
cold-cocked him by comimg up with a right-hook.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> So Felipe, you were 'hot' again after stopping 'Scooter' Meza >

Yes. It was like I was on a Roller-Coaster ride.

Just 10-Days later {Saturday ~ November 27, 1971} - I was down in Long Beach
at the Municipal Auditorim to fight Cesar Sinda.

My Managers {Larry and Memo Soto} got me a decent fight purse {$2000} to take
on African - Cesar Sinda.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Did the Promoters list you with your 'new-and-improved' record. >

Yes, they had me listed with a record of > 31-9-1 with {17 KO's}.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Who was Cesar Sinda. >

Well, he was a 20 year-old Lightweight from Congo in Africa. And he was managed
by Mexican - Cuco Conde and trained by - Johnny Flores.

He had a record of 14-2-2 {10 KO's}, and was the African Amateur Champion {60 Kg}
back in 1968.

He was also in the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City. He stayed in Mexico City after the
Olympics, and turned professional where he went 6-2-0 {6 KO's}. Then he moved to
Long Beach, California at the end of 1970, and had gone 'unbeaten' at 8-0-2 with
{4 KO's} while campaigning here in the States.

Cesar was powerfully-built, and was an extremely fast-handed fighter who had
excellent footwork. He too, was another really good fighter.

We were supposed to fight for the California State Lightweight Title, but for some
reason I could not make weight and get down to 135 lbs. I ended up coming in
at 137 lbs.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> I saw that bout with Cesar Sinda. You made a tremendous comeback to win. >

Well, Cesar was really fast. He would come in and unload a barrage, and then
slide outside.

He won the first 4-Rounds easy. Then he cut me 'bad' under my left-eye in
Round 5 with a sharp 'left-right'.

He thought that he was on his way for an easy win, and he got a little too confident.

I started to come on in Rounds 7 and 8, as I worked his body with some of my
left-hooks. He started to slow down.

But, he came back in Round 9, and he boxed me silly. But at the end of the Round,
I sunk a great look-hook into his mid-section, and he nearly caved in.

When he came out for Round 10, he was up by {3, 3, and 4 Points} on the Scorecards.

In Round 10 > He tried to move and circle, but I hunted him down. Then real late, I
caught him with a great left-hook to the ribs, and I came over the top with a big
right-hand to his chin. He went down and out.

There were only 13-Seconds left in the bout. It was an unbelievable comeback to win.

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview for 1976

> Felipe, you got a lot of good press from that win over Cesar Sinda. >

Yes, the 'Independent-Press' in Long Beach gave me a nice write up. That
got me some more attention in the Lightweight rankings.

I was hoping for a big money bout with Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez at the
Olympic Auditorium after that.

There was talk and some preliminary negotiations, but they stalled.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, after you beat Cesar Sinda you back near the Top 10 World Ratings. >

Yes, the WBA and WBC both listed me as their #11 Lightweight in the December 1971
Ratings.

Then I got another good offer for a bout at the Muncipal Auditorium Long Beach.

I signed a contract on Friday ~ December 17, 1971.

It was set for Saturday - January 15, 1972. And it was to broadcast by KTLA-TV
Channel 5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Who was your opponent. >

They had me take on Vil Tumulak, who was the former Philippine Lightweight
Champion.

He was a pretty good fighter, and had a style similar to mine. He was an aggressive
puncher who was tough-nosed.

He was 28 years-old, and had been around for a while {since 1963}. He brought in a
record of 32-7-1 with {16 KO's}. He had just relocated to Long Beach from
Manila, Philippines.

The boxing program listed me with a record of 35-10-3 {18 KO's}.

I was made the Betting-Favorite at {10-7}, but then they changed it to {9-5}.
But I knew that this would be a tough battle.

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Felipe 'The Flash Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview ffrom 1976

> Felipe, I saw that TV bout with Vil Tumulak. It was a wild last 3-Rounds. >

Yea, it was kind of dull and lack-luster for the first 7-Rounds. You see, we both
had the same styles, so we kind of neutralized each other.

But all Hell broke loose in Round 8. And we spent the last 3-Rounds smashing
each other. We both were staggered several times.

I edged Vil by a 10-Round Split-Decision. It was close for sure. It could have
gone either way, and it could have easily been ruled a Draw.

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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, were you hoping for a bout with Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez. >

Yes. He was ranked as the #8 WBC Lightweight. We were supposed to fight
on March 4, 1972 at the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach. It was to be for
the California State Lightweight Championship.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> What happened. >

Well, 5-days before our Saturday Night bout he pulled out. He said it was because
he got 'a better offer' from the Olympic. But I highly doubt that. He just didn't want
to fight me because I was too much of a risk for his #8 WBC ranking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Did the Fight Promters get a replacement opponent that was acceptable for you. >

I was willing to fight the Filipino - Vil Tumulak in a rematch, but he had a bout down
in Mexicali. So he was locked up.

Then they got a hold of the African - Cesar Sinda. He was willing to fight me again,
and on short notice. He had been training with Johnny Flores, so he was in shape and
ready for a rematch.

Cesar hadn't fought since I beat him {KO 10} back in late-November 1971. So he had
not been in the Ring for 3 1/2 months. I figured that he'd be rusty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> Felipe, were you worried about fighting a fast guy like Cesar Sinda again. >

Well, the 1st-time we fought, he set a very fast pace. He didn't know how to
slow down.

He built up a big lead. He had me by 5-Points after the 6th Round. But then he
slowed down, and I was able to work his body. I finally caught him in the 10th,
and put him down and out with only 13-Seconds left.

I figured that he would come out the same way, and that the fight would be a
replay of last time.

It was another bout to be broadcast on KTLA-TV {Channel 5}, and I was the
{10-8} Betting-Favorite.

The 'winner' was promised a bout with Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez, so I wanted
to be impressive on TV.



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Felipe 'The Flash' Torres

'A Good West-Coast Kid'

Interview from 1976

> What happened the rematch with Cesar Sinda. >

Well, Cesar had been training with Johnny Flores. And he had him working
on jumping in with quick-flurries, then moving back outside.

This time, he paced himself much better and didn't stand and trade with me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> What happened in the bout. >

He basically out-sped me, by using fast left-hands and quick footwork. I had a
tight defense, but I couldn't get going offensively.

I just couldn't hit him, as he was too quick and wouldn't trade with me. He
won by scores of {6-2, 7-1 and 6-3}.

This time, he had a lot left in the 'gas-tank' during last 3-Rounds. He fought a
real smart fight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> What was next for you. >

Well, my bout with Rodolfo 'El Gato' Gonzalez was gone. And I dropped to #16
in the Lightweight rankings.

I thought that it was about time for me to get out of fighting in the Ring, and focus
on training other fighters.