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

[Bill Paxtom]

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.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> 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.