Henry Tillman Championship Boxing

I first met Henry Tillman several years ago when he was part of All American HeavyWeights, with the end of that program Henry decided to open his own gym. Walking into his new gym is like walking into 'the past, present and future of boxing', not only are current pro and amateur prospects training here, but there are constant visits from other current and former fighter as well. Just the other day saw light welterweight Pauli Malinaggi and former light welterweight 'Two Gun' Robertson drop by.
The day I stopped by was the first day the gym was ready and also a day of sparring. Not only were the heavyweights Hamm and Martin training for their upcoming fights, but a number of other athletes were there as well. Heavyweight Joe 'The Future' Hanks 21-0, 14KO, is currently training here also, with his coach Jamal Abdullah, in preparation for his upcoming fight in Macau

Henry Sits on the apron of the boxing ring in his new gym in Carson, CA.

Heavyweight Charles Martin warms up,

while heavyweight Jonathan Hamm wraps his hands.

Olympian Michael Hunter shadowboxing in foreground and George Faave in the background.

Referee Ray Chavez dropped in for the action and the practice.

Then its time for the sparring Jon Hamm and George Faave pair up,

while Charles Martin pairs up with Michael Hunter.

 Trainer Nico on the pads with George,

then with his son.

Sparring is over but not the workout, Charles shadowboxes,

 Hamm jumps rope.

Devo, George and Jon all on the heavy bags!

As always, all images are copyright Peter Politanoff / RedStarImage. Images cannot be reproduced without expressed permission. You are more than welcome to link to this site however.

Looking for a Piñata in L.A. ? Try Central and Olympic.

     On the south side of Olympic and west of Central are about 2 blocks worth of party supply stores. Not the usual type that carry ribbons and bows and plastic utensils. Rather these are stores that all specialize in Piñatas and 'Piñata Party' supplies. A colorful array that brightens up a bleak industrial area known as the Produce District. You can buy everything from a tamale cooker, loteria games to dried chilies and Mexican treats. By the way parking is a bargain only $3, where else can you find that in L.A. these days.

You can also find some very colorful brooms, do they make housework less dreary?

Hungry, there is a food truck,

and Taqueria 'La Papa Loca'

As always, all images are copyright Peter Politanoff / RedStarImage. Images cannot be reproduced without expressed permission. You are more than welcome to link to this site however.

Seis de Mayo - the day after Cinco!

     It was pretty much a normal Monday morning on Pier Ave in Hermosa Beach. Banks and stores were opening, food and beer trucks making their deliveries. Most of the the decor and trash from the weekends festivities have already been cleared away. Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo. But what set this Monday apart from the usual was the inordinate number of beach cruisers still chained to the racks.
     Perhaps just as it is not safe to drink and drive, it is also not to safe to over-drink and ride. Perhaps the owners hitched a ride with a friend. Perhaps some took a cab. Some may have even spent a night with a total stranger, waking up wondering how they got were they are. Others may have simply been forgotten ("dang I could have sworn I rode my bike, I don't see it so I guess I'll walk home"). They all gradually disappear from the racks as the hours and days pass. But occasionally there is that one, that sits and sits waiting to be claimed, just rusting away. Looking at these images you wonder, which one might that be.

As always, all images and text are copyright Peter Politanoff, cannot be reproduced without expressed consent. You are certainly welcome to link to this post however.

All images shot with Fuji X-E1 w/ Leica 28mm Elmarit and Leica 90mm Elmarit lenses.

The King Eddy Saloon - Sold!

     At the base of the 120 year old King Edward Hotel stand the last great dive bar of Skid Row. The King Eddy Saloon, 131 E 5th Street LA, has been a local hangout since 1933. Although the sign inside says “Where nobody gives a shit about your name”, the Saloon has served the likes of Bukowski, Fante and Chandler as well as the skid row locals.

     I read some really sad news yesterday, as posted in the LA Times - the King Eddy Saloon has been sold. One of the new owners stated that he “intends to kick the dust off and bring it up to date, so that others can learn about its legacy” - sounds like a tourist attraction in the making.

     The King Eddy (with LA's oldest Liquor License) will remain in its current incarnation through the end of the summer.

     Time will tell!   For those who have been there and for those who won’t be able to see it before the transformation. Here are some shots I took last year.

All images shoot w/ Canon 5D mkII and Zeiss & Canon lenses.

My Charles Bukowski Link

My Skid Row Link

My Musso & Frank Link

As always, all images and text are copyright Peter Politanoff, all international restrictions apply. Cannot be used for commercial purposes without expressed consent.