Brick City Boxing

VALLEY GLEN—Monarch athletics is mourning the passing of alumnus Jimmy Buffo, who passed away Monday morning at his North Hollywood home. Buffo, 46, played middle linebacker for the Monarchs in 1982-83, where he received numerous accolades including Valley College Defensive MVP, unanimous selection to the All-Western State First Team, and selection to the California College All-State team. Nicknamed “The Stump” because of his height (5’5”), Buffo went on to play for California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks before returning to Valley College in 1987 as a coach.

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At age 34, Buffo, a member of the original Ten Goose Boxing family of the San Fernando Valley (his mother was Ellorie Goossen) turned to the boxing ring, making his professional debut under the guidance of uncles Dan, Joe, Greg and Pat Goossen at the Country Club in Reseda. In December of 1996, he followed through on his promise and, in front of a sellout house, knocked out Lyle Barron late in the second round of the fight. Buffo would go on to compile a 3-0 career record, all by knockout.

Reflecting on his nephew’s memory, Dan Goossen said, “My sister and her husband, Denny, lost a great son way too soon. For my brothers and myself, he was a great friend and a major part of our family and business. We will miss him greatly, but his ability to put smiles on our faces will live on forever.”

Last June, Buffo returned to Valley College where he was honored as an inductee into the school’s inaugural Hall of Fame.