RADIO SHOW OF THE WEEK.Byline: - Fred Shuster ``RINGSIDE ring·side n. 1. The area or seats immediately outside an arena or ring, as at a prizefight. 2. A place providing a close view of a spectacle. WITH JOHNNY ORTIZ'' What: Boxing expert and historian Ortiz, who has worked as a fighter, trainer, manager and actor, hosts this call-in show for fight fans. Guests have included Milton Berle Milton Berle (July 12, 1908 - March 27, 2002) was an Emmy-winning American comedian who was born Milton Berlinger. As the manic host of NBC's Texaco Star Theater (1948-1955), he was the first major star of television. , Mickey Rooney, Red Buttons Red Buttons (February 5 1919 – July 13 2006) was the stage name of American comedian and actor Aaron Chwatt. He won an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Airman Joe Kelly in Sayonara (1957), a rare dramatic role. and Tony Martin. Where: KSPN-AM (1110). When: 8 p.m. Sundays. Weekly segment: Legends of the past, featuring interviews with the greats. Quote: ``Boxing is a one-on-one sport. There's no team to back you up. You're in there alone. And it goes all the way back to the gladiators gladiators [Lat.,=swordsmen], in ancient Rome, class of professional fighters, who performed for exhibition. Gladiatorial combats usually took place in amphitheaters. They probably were introduced from Etruria and originally were funeral games. at the Colosseum Colosseum or Coliseum (both: kŏləsē`əm), Ital. Colosseo, common name of the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome, near the southeast end of the Forum, between the Palatine and Esquiline hills. . It's a barbaric sport but there's just something about one guy going up against another guy, one man against another. That's the appeal.'' Off the air: A Valley Village resident, Ortiz pens columns for Ring Sports and Uppercut magazines. Last March, he was inducted into the Ring Sports Hall of Fame. He also has a bit part in Michael Mann's ``Ali,'' to be released in December. Background: Ortiz has been on the local airwaves since 1992, including stints at KMPC, KMAX KMAX Kevin Max (musician) , KWNK and the old KRLA. Taking a stand: ``In the old days, the mob controlled a lot of the fighters. Today, it's the promoters who wield a great deal of the power.'' You'll like this if: ... you like Rich Marotta at 10 p.m. Fridays on KXTA-AM (1150). CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Johnny Ortiz: ``Boxing is ... a barbaric sport but there's just something about one guy going up against another guy, one man against another. That's the appeal.'' |
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