ALEXIS ARGUELLO;" Talk Softly But Carry
A Big Stick " By
Jim Amato
Note; I wrote this article several years ago. Alexis
was one of my all time favorites. I'm shocked and deeply sad
at the news of his passing. He was a true gentleman
and a credit to the sport. May he rest in peace. ARGUELLO
;
One of the best pure punchers of my generation
was Alexis Arguello. He was aptly nicknamed " The Explosive
Thin Man ". He was tall and rail thin but his punch could
stop an opponent dead in his tracks.
It's hard to believe that Alexis was stopped
in the very first round of his pro debut in his native Managua,
Nicaragua. He would rally to win three straight then lose
again. Hardly the makings of a legend.
Alexis would reel off twenty straight wins
before his next loss. Then came thirteen more victories including
knockouts over Octavio Gomez and Jose Legra. This led to a
shot at the WBA featherweight title in 1974. The champion
was the talented Ernesto Marcel of Panama. Alexis lost a fifteen
round decision.
Alexis would rebound to win four in a row
including a stoppage win over rugged Art Hafey of Canada.
He again challenged for the WBA featherweight title in 1974.
His opponent this time would be legendary Ruben Olivares.
In a see saw battle Alexis took Ruben out in round thirteen
and also took his title.
In 1978 Alexis moved up to 130 pounds to take
on WBC junior lightweight champion Alfredo Escalera. In a
great, great fight Alexis finally halted Escalera in the thirteenth
round to annex that title. Alexis may go down as the best
130 champion in history. He would beat Escalera in a classic
rematch. He would then go on to beat Bobby Chacon, Rolando
Navarette, Bazooka Limon and Boza Edwards. All would win a
piece of the junior lightweight title after Alexis left the
division.
Alexis would move up again and defeat Jim
Watt to win the WBC lightweight title in 1981. He would defend
that title four times. Among those defenses was his victory
over future champion Ray " Boom Boom " Mancini. He also nearly
decapitated the future trainer of Mike Tyson, Kevin Rooney
in a non title fight.
Alexis seemed unbeatable and decided to move
up in weight again to challenge WBA junior welterweight champion
Aaron Pryor. Their November 12, 1982 bout in Miami was one
of the most action packed bouts of all time. The fiery Pryor
absorbed the bombs of Arguello and finally overwhelmed Alexis
to score a brutal knockout in the fourteenth round. What a
fight it was ! They would meet again and this time Pryor took
Alexis out in ten.
It seemed like the end for Arguello but he
fought on. Over a year later he would cold cock former champion
Billy Costello in the fourth round. Alexis would not fight
again for eight years. He would win one and then lose one.
Realizing it was no longer there, he retired for good. He
ended his 90 bout career with an 82-8 record.
Alexis was a class act. He did not verbally
assault his opponents. He was a true gentleman. He did what
he had to do to win and he did it well. Very well...
In the words of former President Teddy Roosevelt
he " Talked softly but carried a big stick " . I think the
stick was called his right hand.
DAVID HAYE SHOULD "EARN" HIS DAY!
By
Jim Amato
I was glad to hear Wladimir Klitschko say after
his impressive but boring win over Ruslan Chagaev, "David
Haye, get in line". AMEN...WHAT has David done to earn a shot
at the heavyweight title other then run his mouth ? He was
the undisputed cruiserweight champion...So what? Why hasn't
O'Neil Bell got a shot at the title? Wamba is still waiting.
Get my drift? I like Monte Barrett, he was a good heavyweight
but on the downside of his career when Haye stopped him. Let
Haye put some more notches on his gun. Fight and beat a Holyfield
or John Ruiz. I'd even be happy to see him fight David Tua
or Oliver McCall. Too bad that the heavyweight division is
so BORING that this fight is in demand. If Haye gets the title
shot he will be just benifitting from the dearth of talent
in our time. I hope what ever Klitschko brother knocks him
out, they drape that David Haye T-shirt over his inert head.
What a fitting end that would be!
JIMMY ELLIS By
Jim Amato
Author's note; Upon hearing of Jimmy's next
great battle against Pugilistic Dementia, I would like to
re-release this article about him.
It's too bad that the cruiserweight division
was not around in the 60's and 70's. Many fine boxers scaled
under 190 pounds and gave creditable performances against
bigger men. Doug Jones is an example as he came close to upsetting
Cassius Clay in 1963. Doug had lost in 1962 to Harold Johnson
for the light heavyweight title. In 1965, he lost to Ernie
Terrell for WBA Heavyweight crown. Back then there was no
middle ground. If you weighed over 175 pounds, you fought
heavyweights, period.
Bob Foster, who was one of the greatest light
heavyweights of all time, had trouble moving up to heavyweight.
Jones, Terrell, and Zora Foley soundly beat him in heavyweight
bouts. After winning the light heavyweight crown in 1968,
he failed in attempts to beat Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
How would he have fared at 190 pounds?
I'm sure if you took all the top boxers who
weighed between 175 pounds and 190 pounds since 1960; most
experts would rate Holyfield number one. How would a 190-pound
Holyfield have coped with Floyd Patterson's hand speed? How
about Bob Foster's reach and devastating punch? Could he have
beaten Jimmy Elllis? Before you laugh, take a look at Jimmy's
record. He started as a middleweight in 1961 and through 1964
he lost five bouts to Holly Mims, Henry Hank, Rubin Carter,
Don Fuller and George Benton. All top middleweight contenders.
By the time he blasted out Johnny Persol in one round in 1967,
he had grown into a heavyweight. He swept the WBA elimination
tournament by beating Leotis Martin, Oscar Bonevena and Jerry
Quarry. Jimmy twice had the iron jawed Bonevena on the canvas,
something Joe Frazier could not do in 25 rounds of fighting.
Against Frazier, Ellis weighed in over 200 pounds. He looked
flabby and after a few rounds became sluggish. The following
year Jimmy met his long time friend Muhammad Ali. Jimmy was
in great shape at 189 pounds. His muscles were tight and he
looked fit. Unfortunately, Ali was too big. He wore Jimmy
down and stopped him in round twelve. I believe the Jimmy
Ellis of the Ali fight could have given any 190 pounder since
1960 a run for their money, including Evander Holyfield. Ellis
was a slick boxer with sharp reflexes. He had a good left
hand and a sneaky right. He also had loads of courage. How
many fighters could have gotten to their feet before the count
of ten after catching Joe Frazier's full swing left hook flush
on the jaw? Jimmy is one of the most overlooked heavyweight
champions of the last four decades. This may be due in part
because he boxed in the Ali-Frazier era. I've often wondered
what the outcome may have been had Bob Foster challenged Ellis
for the WBA title. Now that might be a dream match to run
through a computer
MARVIS FRAZIER ; THE LOST SON... By
Jim Amato
“Flesh of my flesh. Blood of my blood.”
The camera rolls and the highlight clip begins. It shows a
young, undefeated but green Marvis Frazier dancing while taunting
heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. In the blink of an eye
Holmes unloads a right hand sucker shot that sends Marvis
backward and into a sprawled position on the canvas. Marvis
showing he is a true Frazier gamely arises. Quickly Holmes
pins him in a corner and pummels him unmercifully till the
ref intervenes. The look on Frazier’s face isn’t so much a
look of pain. It is a bewildered, shellshocked look like Ken
Norton had after Gerry Cooney had worked him over in a corner.
A look that said “What the hell hit me ?” Now fast forward
to another highlight clip. A not quite ready for prime time
Mike Tyson is waiting in his corner to do battle with Marvis
Frazier. This is considered a good test for Tyson at this
stage of his budding career. The bell sounds and within seconds
Tyson is on top of Marvis forcing him into a corner. Then
Mike connects with one of the most vicious uppercuts of all
time. The punch appears to nearly lift Frazier’s head clear
off his shoulders. The follow up is needless, Marvis is done.
Today when the name Marvis Frazier is mentioned
those two film clips come to mind. Holmes and Tyson both destroyed
him. Marvis was just the over hyped son of ” Smokin’ Joe “.
How wrong this is. Truth be told, Marvis Frazier was a very
capable fighter. Marvis boxed not slugged his way to over
50 amateur wins. He was considered the best U.S amateur heavyweight
until suffering a shocking one punch, one round kayo loss
to James Broad. The kayo punch pinched a nerve in his neck
and shelved his career. Corrective surgery started Marvis
on the road to his professional career. Many blame father
Joe for changing Marvis from a boxer to a puncher. To try
and mold Marvis into his unique slugging style. A style he
was not really suited for. They said Marvis was too small
to slug with the big brutes of the division. There may be
some truth to this. Still Marvis enjoyed some success against
much bigger and competent foes. He would meet Broad in a rematch
at the professional level. This was not the fat, sloppy looking
Broad most of us remember. This was a big but trim and in
shape James Broad. It went ten rounds and Marvis using speed,
great defense and accurate punching beat him fair and square.
Marvis would also outspeed and out hustle
a bigger and talented Joe Bugner. Joe was no slouch. He had
traveled 27 rounds in two fights with Muhammad Ali. Bugner
had also gone twelve rugged rounds with Papa Joe. After the
Holmes debacle Marvis won a tough decision over Bonecrusher
Smith. In a gutsy performance Marvis got off the canvas to
win a close verdict.
Mike Tyson put the exclamation point on the
career of Marvis. The son of Joe never really got his just
due. How would he have done if he boxed as a cruiserweight
? How would he have fared against the likes of Holyfield,
Qawi or DeLeon in this bastard division ? It is a shame that
we will never know.
Please remember Marvis as more then a whipping
boy for Holmes and Tyson. Remember him for more then just
being Joe Frazier’s boy. Instead remember Marvis for his talent
and his courage. Remember him as a fighter.
June 27 get ready.... By
Theresa Addison
...for the first Annual All-Female Amateur card billed as
"Battle of the Babes" sanctioned by USA Boxing. We are currently
looking for interested women to participate. This is a charity
event to benefit LetThemBox.org and A-FightingChance.org.
It is to be held on June 27 at A-1 Boxing in Aurora and will
feature Junior, Senior, and Master Division Boxers.
An award will be given to the Best Boxer;
a custom-made boxing robe donated by BoxxerWorld.com
and Laura Saperstein, 7-0 pro boxer out of the UK. This is
a pre-matched event and boxers need to commit to their matches.
We hope to make the final matches by the end of April.
All boxers, coaches, or gyms may contact Theresa
Addison at theresa.addison@gmail.com
to be added to the database. Thank you for supporting
women's boxing in Colorado.
Click here
for the flyer with more information
"IRISH" FRANKIE CRAWFORD By
Jim Amato
He was a world class featherweight in the late
1960's and early 70's. He twice fought for a piece of the
world title. He was from my hometown of Cleveland. His name
was Frankie Crawford. Frankie grew up in the East 65th, St.Clair
area of Cleveland. Tough area then. Tough area now. Crawford
grew up learning to defend himself. He learned well. He won
the 1965 Cleveland Golden Gloves. He was told for a small
boxer to make money, he needed to go to California. Frankie
heeded that advice. He turned pro in LA in 1965. He became
an immediate crowd pleaser and draw for West Coast promoters.
On October 5, 1967 Frankie met the once beaten
"Golden Boy", the teenage whiz kid Mando Ramos. Mando walked
out with his second career loss. Four months later the prodigy
Ramos avenged the decision. Nevertheless Crawford had earned
a ton of respect. Frankie's career took a major hit in 1968
when he was stopped in eight by the talented Dwight Hawkins.
Frankie would bounce back. On July 5th 1970 Frankie would
get a shot at the WBA Featherweight title against Shozo Saijo
in Japan. Crawford lost a close majority decision. He would
meet Saijo again eight months later but this time Saijo won
a conclusive decision. Later that year Crawford lost decisions
to former world champ Vincente Saldivar and top lightweight
contender Ruben Navarro. Frankie had now entered the downside
if his fine career.
He would be taken out in one round by the
hard punching Ben Villaflor. He dropped a decision to Hugo
Barraza and then was halted in two by Ray Lunny III. The slide
contiued in to 1973 as Frankie dropped verdicts to Bobby Chacon
and Eder Jofre. It all ended in 1976 when Crawford lost in
seven rounds to Jose Luis Ramirez. In all "Irish" Frankie
Crawford had 61 pro fights. His record was 38-18-5. It is
a very decieving record based on the quality of his opposition.
Crawford was a true and deserving contender. His record speaks
for itself
WHY ISN'T LUPE PINTOR IN THE INTERNATIONAL
BOXING HALL OF FAME? By
Jim Amato
This is a story that you may say is regrettable.
You may say it is sad or that it is a simple oversight. Or
you may call it what it is, a travesty ! If you look at the
credentials of Lupe Pintor it is plain to see that they far
exceed those of some that are enshrined in the I.B.H.O.F.
This is a proud warrior who should have been inducted years
ago but sadly he sits on the outside looking in. Pintor was
born in Mexico in 1955 and he turned professional in 1974.
He first gained attention in 1975 when he upset previously
unbeaten Willie "Birdlegs" Jensen via a seventh round knockout.
In 1976 he would drop a decision to highly regarded Alberto
Davila. Pintor continued to rack up victories stopping Tony
Rocha, Baby Kid Chocolate and Davey Vasquez. He also outpointed
Gerald Hayes. In 1978 he dropped verdicts to future super
bantamweight champion Leo Cruz and Jose Luis Soto. A fourth
round stoppage of Richard Rozelle put Lupe back in the title
picture. On June 3, 1979 Pintor met the great Carlos Zarate
for the WBC bantamweight title. The once beaten Zarate boxed
well early on and even had Lupe down in the fourth round.
As the fight progressed Pintor began to come on. Still at
the end of fifteen rounds the decision was in doubt. One judge
had Zarate in front by an outrageous score of 145-133. The
other two judges shocked the crowd voting for the new champion
Lupe Pintor by the score of 143-142. It was a highly controversial
verdict. A disgusted Zarate would stay away from boxing for
nearly seven years.
Pintor proved to be a busy and worthy champion.
In 1980 he turned back the challenge of the talented Alberto
"Superfly" Sandoval. In his next defense he drew with tough
Eijro Murata. Then came a tragic defense against the gritty
Welshman Johnny Owen. Pintor kayoed Owen in round twelve.
The brave Owen would die from injuries in this bout two months
later. Somehow Pintor put the tragedy behind him and continued
to defend his title. He would defeat Alberto Davila in a rematch.
In 1981 he outscored Joe Felix Uziga and Jovito Rengifo. He
then stopped Hurricane Teru in the final round. In 1982 he
took out Seung Hoon Lee in the eleventh round. It was Lupe's
eighth successful title defense. He would then relinquish
the crown to go after Wilfredo Gomez at 122 pounds. Pintor
won a ten rounder over former WBA bantamweight king Jorge
Lujan and then challenged Gomez. The fight took place on December
3, 1982. It was quite a memorable affair. When I think of
great fights I have seen, Foreman - Lyle, Pryor - Arguello
I, Duran - Barkley and Gomez - Pintor quickly come to mind.
This was an action packed encounter with several shifts in
momentum. It was a true classic that ended in round fourteen
with Gomez retaining his WBC super bantamweight title. Pintor
would lay off for over a year. Upon returning he won three
straight but was then upset by Adriano Arreola. In 1985 Pintor
was matched with Juan "Kid" Meza who now held the WBC 122
pound crown. Meza had won the title in impressive fashion
by clocking undefeated Jaime Garza in one round. Pintor surprised
the experts by flooring the game Meza three times on his way
to a decision victory. Pintor was again a champion. This title
reign didn't last long though. In 1986 he came in over the
weight limit in a title defense and forfeited his crown. He
was then halted by his opponent Samart Payakaroon.
Lupe did not box again for eight years. He
returned in 1994 as a lightweight. Pintor won only two of
seven bouts and he would retire for good in 1995. In 72 bouts
Pintor posted a 56-14-2 record. He won 42 inside the distance.
He held the bantamweight title for three years taking on all
comers. The only worthy opponent he missed was his WBA counterpart
Jeff Chandler. The unification bout just never materialized.
Chandler, a great fighter in his own right was inducted way
back in 2000. Where is the justice here ? It is time for Lupe
Pintor to get the recognition he deserves.
MANCINI VS ARROYO By
Jim Amato
Author's Note; Since this article was first
published in th June 1997 issue of BOXING WORLD magazine,
Harry and Ray have put any animosity behind them. "Why We
Missed The Battle Of Youngstown"
Let us make believe that it is 1984 again
and the management of Ray Mancini decided NOT to defend his
W.B.A. lightweight title against Livingstone Bramble. Instead
they opt to unify at least part of the championship against
cross town rival Harry Arroyo, the I.B.F. title holder. The
bout would be held in their home town of Youngstown, Ohio
and be televised live nationally. The whole city of Youngstown
and its surrounding areas are buzzing with excitement and
anticipation. The TV executives predict a bonanza rating since
both boxers are proven crowd pleasers. In the days preceding
the FIGHT, there is electricity in the air. The city is divided
in its loyalty. Mancini seems to be the fan's favorite, but
Arroyo has a faithful contingent too. The fight has been a
sell out for weeks and the local betting has been heavy. This
is a bookmaker's dream and Mancini's going off as an 8 to
5 favorite with decent action on the Arroyo short end. Mancini,
short, muscular and aggressive with his bread and butter left
hook -VS- Arroyo, tall and lean with a stiff jab and a stiffer
right cross. What a match up! Alas this possible scenario
never took place. Why? Who is at fault, if anyone? Did one
boxer avoid the other as has been hinted ? Did Ray or his
management plan on a payday against Arroyo after a victory
over Bramble or is it possible Harry was never in their plans
?
To understand this further, let's explore
the career of each boxer. Even as an amateur Ray caught on
like wildfire. In his hometown and being the son of a former
contender, Mancini's story line is very attractive and after
turning pro the media blitz was on. Handsome and personable,
Mancini had it all. In the ring he was an action fighter.
There was never a dull moment when Ray was on the tube. His
manager, Dave Wolf, moved him wisely and cautiously. In Ray's
only real test preceding a title shot he won a convincing
decision over future champion Jose Luis Ramirez. His title
fight with Alexis Arguello may have been his finest moment
even in a losing effort. Arguello is an all time great and
Mancini gave him one of his toughest fights before fading
in the fourteenth round. Ray's title winning performance against
mediocre Art Frias and defenses against over matched Duk Koo
Kim, Orlando Romero and Bobby Chacon did little to enhance
his fistic reputation. The loss to Bramble was a real surprise.
Had they underestimated Bramble's ability? The fact remains
that Mancini never won another professional fight.
Arroyo on the other hand also came up through
the amateur ranks well decorated but with much less fanfare
than Ray. As a professional, Harry worked his way up the ladder
earning a rating with a victory over tough Robin Blake. He
secured on I.B.F. title bout with Charlie "Choo Choo" Brown
and won the crown in a true action fight.Harry's come from
behind defenses against "White Lightning" Brown and Terrance
Alli made Arroyo a TV fan favorite. Unable to entice Ray into
the ring with him, Harry fought and lost his crown to Kronkster
Jimmy Paul. As in the case of Mancini, Arroyo's career declined
rapidly after his title loss. A shocking KO defeat to Sammy
Fuentes and a one sided decision loss to then up coming Vinny
Pazienza took Harry out of the title picture. A one round
loss to future junior welter weight champion Loreto Garza
relegated Arroyo to rank of an also ran. So by fate the paths
of Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and Harry Arroyo never crossed
in a professional prize ring.
Arroyo still lives and works in the Youngstown
area while Ray now resides on the West coast. Mancini is still
idolized in his hometown and this may have caused some bitterness
for Harry. Ray's claim of not wanting to box Harry because
of their "friendship" may bear some looking into. According
to sources close to Arroyo, the two never even had a cup of
coffee together. So much for a friendship that deprived Youngstown
of a true super bout. The courage of both men goes unchallenged.
The feeling here is that the Bramble loss completely disrupted
any of Mancini's future plans. He wanted Bramble again, got
him and almost beat him in their rematch. Arroyo won the I.B.F.
crown only two months before Ray's first loss to Bramble.
Who knows if the Mancini camp planned to meet with Harry if
Ray would have gotten by Bramble. Mancini remained inactive
for several years after he lost his title. By the time Ray
was ready to box again Harry's star had dimmed considerably
and Mancini secured lucrative bouts with Hector Camacho and
later Greg Haugen before retiring.
Ray Mancini and Harry Arroyo, both men, champions
and winners. The only loser in this story was the hard luck
city of Youngstown, Ohio.
THE COURAGE OF SCOTT LEDOUX
By
Jim Amato
Scott LeDoux was a heavyweight contender in
the 1970's and 80's. Today is battling his toughest opponent
ever, ALS or better known as Lou Gerhig's Disease. There is
no cure or treatment. This once robust fighter has already
been weakened enough to need a walker to get around.
In his fifty bout career Scott met eight heavyweight
champions. EIGHT ! George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton,
Mike Weaver, Gerrie Coetzee, Frank Bruno and the recently
deceased Greg Page. On July 7,1980 Scott met Larry Holmes
for the WBC title. He was stopped in seven rounds. In addition
to meeting eight champs, he also fought three men who challenged
for crown. They were Ron Lyle, Terry Daniels and Ron Stander.
He also met other worthy contenders like Duane and Rodney
Bobick, Marty Monroe, Dino Dennis, Larry Middleton and Johnny
Boudreaux. Scott's bout with Boudreaux stands out. It was
part of the US Boxing Tourney. LeDoux lost a very debatable
decision. A little scuffle ensued and somewhere in melee Howard
Cosell's toupee was dislodged. Fond memories...
My favorite LeDoux fight was his battle with
Ken Norton. Well behind on points the gutsy LeDoux mounted
a rally to close the gap. He had Norton out on his feet at
the final bell. The bout ended in a draw.
Scott showed great courage in his career and
he continues to show that courage as he faces an unconquerable
enemy. Please keep Scott in your thoughts and prayers.
NINO BENVENUTI By
Jim Amato
He was a celebrated Olympic hero and undefeated
as a professional until losing an extremely debatable verdict
in Korea. Nino came to New York and captured the American
fans with his suave, arrogant demeanor. He took two out of
three against the great Emile Griffith and he was the middleweight
champion of the world. There were impressive defenses against
the capable Don Fullmer, brother of Gene who Nino dominated.
There was a questionable diqualification win over Fraser Scott
in a fight that seemed to be going Scott's way.
We saw Nino come from behind to salvage his
title with a stunning one punch knockout over the legendary
Luis Rodriguez. He DREW with rugged Doyle Baird in a non-title
contest at the Akron Rubber Bowl but most people thought he
lost. He was unable to continue in Australia against under
rated Tom "The Bomb" Bethea in another non-title bout. To
Nino's credit he halted Bethea in a title fight rematch. He
also stopped Baird in a non-title return. Nino had some very
ill advised thoughts about moving up to challenge Bob Foster
for the light heavyweight crown. First he had to get by former
titleholder Dick Tiger. The stronger Tiger handled Nino with
ease thus ending Nino's illusion of competing against Foster.
It looked like a safe defense when he agreed to meet ranked
but undistinguished Carlos Monzon of Argentina. The best thing
on the Monzon resume was a draw with rugged American Bennie
Briscoe. This fight marked the beginning of the reign of "King
Carlos". Monzon out toughed and outlasted Benvenuti to win
the middleweight crown via a twelfth round knockout. Nino
would get a chance to regain his former fame but before that
happened he lost a decision to another Argentine warrior,
Jose Chirino. Monnzon-Benvenuti II was a total mismatch. The
bout was stopped in the third round. This was the end of Nino's
career. Looking back I remember the Italian boxing heroes,
Graziano. Marciano, LaMotta, Basilio and DeMarco. Throw in
a clever but tough Giardello and you can get a picture of
what I was looking for. Nino didn't fit the bill. He was not
of the same mold. I've never seen a fighter complain to the
referee like Nino used to. In my eyes he was real whiner.
Hagler and Hopkins would have worn him down and stopped. Hearns
and Leonard would have knocked him out. Toney and McCallum
would have out cuted him. Iran Barkley would have outslugged
him.
EDDIE MACHEN ; He Met The Best
By
Jim Amato
He was one of the best heavyweights of his
era and possibly one of the best heavyweights to have never
claimed the title. He fought the best of the late 1950's and
60's with a high degree of success.
Eddie Machen was born on July 15, 1932 in
Redding, California and he entered the punch for pay ranks
in 1955. Eddie won all eleven of his bouts during his maiden
year including a knockout over highly regarded Howard King.
In 1956 Eddie added eight more victories
and established himself as a force to be reckoned with in
the heavyweight division. He twice defeated Julio Mederos
and also won two bouts against the dangerous Nino Valdes.
Eddie closed 1956 with a points victory over tough Johnny
Summerlin.
Machen opened 1957 with a pair of wins over
the clever former light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim of
Cleveland. He also defeated Bob Baker and closed the year
with a kayo over Tommy " Hurricane " Jackson. Eddie was now
a leading contender for Floyd Patterson's heavyweight title.
It was in 1958 that the fortunes of Eddie
Machen's career began to take a turn. He opened the year by
battling to a draw with the slick Zora Folley. Then came the
bout that shocked the boxing world. Eddie traveled to Sweden
to meet Ingemar Johansson. the fight would last only 2:16
but it would thrust Ingo into a title fight against Patterson
and leave Eddie on a long waiting list. Ingo would upset Floyd
to win the crown and then Patterson would roar back to regain
it. That would set up a rubber match that Floyd would win.
From the time Eddie lost to Ingo and the conclusion of the
Patterson-Johansson trilogy, two and a half years had passed.
After the loss to Ingo, Eddie won seven straight
and then was matched again with Zora Folley. This time Zora
got the verdict. Machen rebounded with three more wins including
Alex Miteff and Alonzo Johnson among his victims.
On September 7, 1960 Eddie stepped into the
ring to face the feared Sonny Liston. To many Liston was the
" Uncrowned Heavyweight Champion " and a bout with Patterson
was being called for by the fans and press alike. Only Eddie
stood in Sonny's way.The bout took place in Seattle and Eddie
gave the brutish Liston all he could handle. In the end Sonny
took a unanimous decision despite losing three points for
low blows. Nevertheless, Eddie's game showing won him the
admiration of boxing fans. Despite the win over the highly
ranked Machen, Sonny would have to wait two more years to
get Patterson into the ring with him.
Eddie would come back to win three in a row
but then he was upset over ten rounds by the cagey Harold
Johnson. Machen would regroup and put together a streak of
ten wins and one draw. The draw was with the murderous punching
Cleveland Williams. Among the boxers Eddie beat during this
streak were Mike DeJohn, Brian London, Doug Jones and Bert
Whitehurst. This finally led Eddie to the ghost that had long
eluded him, Floyd Patterson.
By now it was 1964 and Eddie returned to Sweden,
the place of his disasterous loss to Johansson to face Floyd.
This was one of of Patterson's best career performances as
won a hard fought decision over Machen. Still Eddie had done
well enough to qualify for a title fight.
On March 5, 1965 Eddie met tall, lanky Ernie
Terrell for the " vacant " World Boxing Association title.
Cassius Clay, a.k.a., Muhammad Ali had been stripped of his
title by the WBA. The Terrell-Machen battle was not a good
pairing of styles and after a rather boring fifteen rounds,
Terrell was awarded the championship. Eddie would close 1965
by drawing with Elmer Rush.
Machen would open 1966 with back to back decision
losses to Karl Mildenberger and Manuel Ramos. He would the
outfight the tough Joey Orbillo. Next Eddie would show flashes
of his former greatness and pull off a major upset with a
points win over top prospect Jerry Quarry.
Two fights after the upset of Quarry, Eddie
would meet another streaking prospect, 1964 Olympic champion,
Joe Frazier. This time Lady Luck looked the other way for
Eddie and he was halted by " Smokin' Joe " in the tenth round.
Machen was now relegated to the role of a
trail horse. In 1967 he dropped a decision to up and coming
Henry Clark. In his last professional fight, Eddie was stopped
in three by hard hitting Boone Kirkman.
In all Eddie had 64 pro fights. He won 50
of them. He took out 29 opponents. He fought champions Liston,
Patterson, Johansson, Terrell, Frazier, Maxim and Harold Johnson.He
also did battle with top contenders like Zora Folley, Cleveland
Williams, Alex Mitiff, Mike DeJohn, Willie Besmanoff, Doug
Jones, Tommy Jackson, Nino Valdes, Karl Mildenberger, Jerry
Quarry, Bob Baker, Bert Whitehurst, Howard King, Henry Clark,
Julio Mederos, Joey Orbillo, Brian London, Wayne Bethea and
Boone Kirkman. That is very impressive!
Eddie Machen was only forty years old when
he left this world. It was only five years after his last
fight but he left a legacy that will live forever.
REMEMBERING HENRY HANK By
Jim Amato
Henry Hank of Detroit was born in 1935 and
began his long professional career in 1953. In less then two
years he was fighting the likes of Virgil Akins.
By 1959 Henry was good enough to mix it up
with the best middleweights and light heavyweights in the
world. Fighting men like Holly Mims, George Benton, Jesse
Bowdry, Hank Casey, Randy Sandy and Gene Armstrong. In 1961
Henry beat Joey Giardello. They met again in 1962 with Joey
turning the tables. The rematch was voted the Fight Of The
Year by Ring Magazine for 1962.
Other top names on his record are Chic Calderwood,
Dick Tiger and Mauro Mina. Henry also defeated future heavyweight
titleholder Jimmy Ellis.
On October 23, 1963 Henry met Eddie Cotton
for the Michigan version of the light heavyweight title. Henry
lost in fifteen rounds. Henry would go on to meet Harold Johnson
and Johnny Persol. The great Bob Foster halted Henry in ten
in 1964 and Bob outscored him in a 1965 return match. Henry
would also cross gloves with Roger Rouse and Heschel Jacobs.
Henry became the "Man" for young contenders to fight on their
way up the ladder. Henry tested tough upstarts like Mark Tessman,
Eddie "Bossman" Jones, Hal Carroll and Charlie "Devil" Green.
In one of his last fights Henry went ten rounds
with the then unbeaten mammoth heavyweight heavyweight, Claude
"Humphrey"McBride. Henry's last fight was a decision loss
to highly ranked Andy Kendall.
In all Henry had 97 fights with 62 wins and
31 losses with 4 draws. He scored forty KO victories. An impressive
record considering the quality of opposition he faced in his
outstanding career. He was halted only once and that was by
the fearsome Foster. No shame there!
AARON " SUPERMAN " DAVIS By
Jim Amato
He may be one of the most overlooked champions
of the 1990's. He had style and skill. He won 49 of 55 bouts
and a piece of the welterweight title. He knocked out 31 but
he himself was never stopped. His name was Aaron Davis and
they called him " Superman ".
Davis was born in the Bronx in 1967 and turned
professional in 1986. He reeled off 29 straight victories
to establish himself as a top contender for the welterweight
title. Along the way he beat the likes of Horace Shufford,
Luis Santana, Gene Hatcher and Curtis Summit. Finally on July
8, 1990 he challenged Mark Breland for the WBA welterweight
title. It was a give and take contest but Aaron stood up to
Breland's power. Finally in round nine it was Breland that
crashed to the canvas. It was a brutal knockout and " Superman
" was now a champion.
After two non-title victories, Aaron was challenged
by the talented former junior welterweight titleholder, Meldrick
Taylor. The hand speed of Taylor proved to be too much and
Aaron left the ring an ex-champion. To Aaron's credit he bounced
back with six straight wins that led to a 1993 shot at the
WBA junior middleweight title. In Monte Carlo Davis lost a
hairline majority decision to Julio Cesar Vasquez.
In 1994 Aaron was upset by Tony Marshall.
He rebounded in 1995 stopping Dennis Milton. He then lost
a controversial verdict to rugged Bronco McKart. Aaron closed
the year beating the respected ex-champion Simon Brown. A
1996 loss to Anthony Stephens began Aaron's decline in the
ratings. He did beat Marshall in a 1997 rematch but lost to
rough and tough Jose Luis Lopez.
Over the next five years Davis won his last
six bouts including a 2001 bloodbath against Vinny Pazienza.
Paz was as tough and game as they come. There was no quit
in Vinny. In this battle though Davis was a sharpshooter.
His pinpoint jabs and uppercuts ripped Vinny's face to pieces.
Aaron was well ahead on points when despite the protests of
Pazienza, the ringside doctor and referee Frank Cappucino
halted the contest in round eight. Vinny was ever gracious
in defeat and called Aaron a great fighter.
Aaron would have one more fight in 2002 winning
a close one over Ross Thompson. Aaron Davis was surely among
New York's finest.
The 2009 National Golden Gloves Tournament
from Jeanne
DePriest
was a great success for the Colorado/New Mexico Franchise!
First of all, congratulations the entire team of 11 boxers
who made it to the National Tournament because that is a tremendous
feat in itself. Great job to all of you and thank you for
your continued hard work and training to be the best that
you can be!
We were fortunate to have four Colorado boxers
in the "finals": Louie Byrd (112), John Franklin (119), Robert
Rodriguez (125), and, Jeffrey Spencer (178).
The final results were:
1st Place, Louie Byrd - 112 lb weight class (Louie also won
the 2008 National GG in the 106 lb weight class)
1st Place, Robert Rodriguez - 125 lb weight class
2nd Place, John Franklin - 119 lb weight class
2nd Place, Jeffrey Spencer - 178 lb weight class
Other awards given to the Colorado/New Mexico
Franchise were:
The "Golden Boy" award was presented to Louie Byrd;
The 2nd place Team trophy was presented to Colorado/New Mexico;
The Ring #3 outstanding referee award was presented to Beau
Campbell;
John Ulibarri was inducted into the National Officials Organization
of Golden Gloves of America (NOGGOA) 2009 Hall of Fame.
This was indeed a great year for our boxers
and participants! A BIG thanks to all of the Boxers, Coaches,
Officials, and all of the Family and Friends for their participation
and continued support.
USA Boxing to Host a One Month Out Press
Conference: Julie
Goldsticker
on May 8 at the Daniels Fund Office The Location of the first
Denver Gloves Not Guns Program to be Announced
(COLORADO SPRINGS , COLO. ) – The 2009 USA
Boxing National Championships are quickly approaching with
the tournament opening competition on Monday, June 8 at the
Denver Coliseum. USA Boxing will mark the One Month Out date
with a press conference on Friday, May 8 at the Daniels Fund
offices. Several prominent Denver sports dignitaries will
be on hand at the press conference to celebrate the National
Championship event, which will showcase over 400 of the nation’s
top amateur boxers from across the nation.
USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman will present Daniels
Fund President and CEO Linda Childears with a ceremonial ticket
in honor of their tremendous contribution to both USA Boxing
and the upcoming event. The USA Boxing National Championships
are moving north to Denver for the first time with the assistance
from a Daniels Fund grant.
In addition to the ticket presentation, USA
Boxing will announce the Denver boxing club selected to serve
as the first Gloves Not Guns facility in the Rocky Mountain
region. The Gloves Not Guns program is currently being launched
in boxing gyms across the United States , including Miami
, Washington DC , Connecticut , Illinois and Los Angeles .
The community initiative is targeted at providing young people
with a positive activity to fill their time and receive a
free introduction to boxing. The first Denver-area Gloves
Not Guns clinic will be held in conjunction with the 2009
USA Boxing National Championships.
Two State Junior Olympic champions will be
on hand at the May 8th press conference as they prepare to
compete in their regional tournament for a berth in the national
championships. All of the Colorado State Champions will compete
in the Four Corners Regional Tournament, May 15-16, with the
winners, aged 15 and up advancing on to the USA Boxing National
Championships.
Tickets for the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships
are currently on sale through www.ticketswest.com and King
Soopers locations throughout the state of Colorado . For any
questions or additional information about the May 8 press
conference or the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships,
contact Julie Goldsticker at (719) 866-2304 or jgoldsticker@usaboxing.org
USA Boxing National Championships One Month
Out Event
What: USA Boxing National Championships One Month Out Press
Conference
When: Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
Where: Daniels Fund Office at 101 Monroe Street , Denver ,
CO , 80206
Who: USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman, Daniels Fund President CEO
and President Linda Childears, 2009 Metro Denver Sports Commission
Chairman Steve McConahey, 2009 Colorado State Boxing Champions,
representatives from the Denver area boxing gym selected to
serve as the Gloves Not Guns facility.
USA Boxing, as the national governing body
for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States ’ member organization
of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and
a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It
is responsible for the selection and management of the United
States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight
of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400
individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.
Julie Goldsticker Director of Media and Public
Relations USA Boxing
(719) 866-2304
jgoldsticker@usaboxing.org
Don't miss the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships, June
8-13 at the Denver Coliseum in Denver, Colo.
Go to www.usaboxing.org for
more information or www.ticketswest.com
to buy tickets.
OSCAR " RINGO " BONAVENA By
Franco Floyd Fontanero
Who was the greatest fighter to come out of
Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Monzon
or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino
Locke too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine
fighters? Many would say Luis "Angel" Firpo. I'll go with
Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena.
When Oscar started his career in 1964, he
met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In
his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by
verteran contender Zora Folley. Oscar left New York and returned
to Argentina. He defeated the vary capable Gregorio Paralta
and American import, Billy Daniels. When he returned to New
York in 1966, he outpointed equally rugged George Chuvalo.
Oscar was then matched with 1964 Olympic gold
Medal winner, Joe Frezier. The fight was classic. Oscar had
Joe down twice but Grazier came back to win a close decision.
In 1867, Oscar was entered in the eight man tourney to determine
the defrocked Muhammad Ali's successor. Oscar traveled to
Germany and trounced southpaw Karl Mildenberger. In his next
match he was floored twice and soundly beaten by the eventual
tourney winner, Jimmy Ellis. Oscar regrouped in 1968 beating
Folley in a rematch and also the respected, Leotis Martin.
He was matched again with Joe Frazier for the New York version
of the crown. Oscar fell behind early but he came back strong
only to drop the verdict.
Bonavena would remain a mainstay in the talent
rich rankings 'til the untimely end of his career. Two years
after his loss to Frazier, Oscar would face the comebacking
Muhammad Ali. It would be one of the most grueling fights
of Ali's career. The "Greatest" came out on tap, stopping
a dead game but exhausted Oscar in round 15.
In 1971, he won by disqualification over Al
"Blue" Lewis. In 1972, he met former champion, Floyd Patterson.
Oscar lost a very debatable decision. Two years later he was
defeated by Ron Lyle. This loss pretty much pushed Oscar out
of the title picture. Bonavena was still a rated fighter when
on May 22, 1976, he was shot and killed at a brothel in Las
Vegas.
The hard partying "Bad Boy" has finally met
his match.
May 2, 2009 “I really thought Ricky would
get him” By Franco
Floyd Fontanero
supposedly said trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
“ I don’t want to get into it more than that.” Those are the
words of a losing trainer. Mr. Mayweather couldn’t have been
more wrong.
As I predicted, Pacquiao made Hatton look
second in training and made him look last in the fight. Manny
Pacquiao and Trainer Freddie Roach are today’s #1 pugilist
and #1 trainer in the world. We can not dispute that. Mayweather,
Sr. indeed is a very good teacher, but to be #1, one must
win. Hatton, with Mayweather, couldn’t even cross the second
mark. Going down twice in the very first round , and going
down for good at 2 minutes 59 seconds of the second. It made
for a very short night for Referee Kenny Bayless. Manny Pacquiao
hadn’t even warmed up when Ricky Hatton was already out cold.
For those that said that there was more at stake in this bout
than Pacquiao and Hatton (meaning trainer Freddie Roach and
Floyd Mayweather, Sr.) they need not wonder any longer - as
it was all made so very clear to us all on this night.
Before the fights, I viewed the tapes of both
fighters preparing for this contest I could see that Hatton
would be of no contest to the speedy Pacman, but must admit
that I thought it would at least be more of a contest than
what it was. Hatton just took a plain, old fashioned beating.
Also, as I st ated in my pre-fight article- “What if Floyd
Mayweather, Jr. comes out of retirement and he and trainer
Uncle Roger Mayweather take on Manny Pacquiao and Freddie
Roach?” Didn’t Mayweather, Jr. just announce after 17 months
he would be coming back? Floyd Mayweather, Jr.; at least in
my view, was for so long “pound for pound” the best in the
world. Now that title belongs to Mr. Pacquiao. And, if Mayweather,
Jr. wants to once again claim it for him self, he will have
to take it from Pacquiao. That will certainly not be an easy
task, even for the skillful Mayweather. Many believe Mayweather
will end in defeat should he confront the mighty Pacquiao.
That would be the contest that would bring boxing to the front
page. What about Juan Manuel Marquez ? Will Mayweather get
past him ? Maybe not.
“ I told you so, and now you know!”
See you at the fights! Franco Floyd Fontanero
May 9, 2009 - “La Revolucion” - Colorado’s
Finest Professional Boxing on Display at the National Western
Complex By Raul Utajara

This year’s first installment of the Delgado
Promotions and Coor’s Light Boxing Series comes to the National
Western Complex on Saturday, May 9. A week after local junior
welterweight title contender “Mile High” Mike Alvarado is
featured against Juaquin Gallardo on the undercard of Hatton
- Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Colorado fighters will continue to
show their fertile talent in this great night of boxing.
Featured on the card:
- The always entertaining and Longmont’s own, Victor Villereal
(8-3-2, 5 KOs) will be in action against Denver’s Isaac Atencio
(2-0, 2 KOs). Atencio has a great amateur pedigree having
competed in last year’s National Golden Gloves and beginning
his pro career with two straight victories. This will be an
exciting fight for local fans.
- Lakewood’s Shawn Nichol (3-1, 3 KOs) will look to build
upon his stunning 1st round knockout of of New Mexico’s Raymond
Montez when he takes on the Texan, Adam Ochoa (1-0, 1KO) in
a bantamweight battle.
- Raul “Chino” Carrillo (2-0, 1 KO), the crowd pleasing, determined
fighter out of Longmont, hopes to add to his win at The Mile
High Throwdown III. As those who have seen him fight before
can attest, Carrillo is a tough fighter who leaves it all
inside the ropes.
- Ernie Marquez (8-5-1, 3 KOs) is the only
man to have beaten light flyweight 2004 Olympic Gold Medealist,
Yan Barthelemy. Don’t let Marquez’s record fool you. He is
a punch output machine who has tremendous potential, as evidenced
by his victory over Barthelemy.
- Other local fighters to see action will
be the heavyweight Brothers Montoya out of Colorado Springs,
Terry Buterbaugh out of Longmont Boxing Club, and Ryan Grimaldo.
*** As if this fight card did not offer enough
intrigue, there is talk of local hero “Red Hot” Rob Frankel
possibly fighting on May 9. Frankel is currently in training
under the tutelage of Shann Vilhauer at Delgado’s Boxing &
Martial Arts Gym.***
The doors will open at 5 PM with the first
bout commencing at 7 PM. Don’t miss this great night of Colorado
boxing!
Ticket Prices: Ringside - $50, Reserved - $35, General Admission
- $20
Tickets can be obtained several ways:
- At all King Soopers
-Online: www.ticketswest.com
- Phone: 1-866-464-2626 or by calling Delgado’s Gym at 303-916-6022
For more information or to see about getting
a local fighter on an upcoming Delgado Promotions Coors Light
card, please visit: http://www.delgadopromotions.com
or http://www.ghosttowngladiatorsboxing.com.
Be sure to continue checking Pugilism & The Pen for the latest
in Rocky Mountain fight news as well as national boxing coverage
featuring in-depth interviews and information out of the Top
Rank stable.
ENGLAND' S RUGGED JIMMY BATTEN By
Jim Amato
As rough and tumble Ricky Hatton of England
gets set to enter into the ring with Manny Pacquiao this weekend.
I am reminded of another tough battler from across the pond.
He may not have reached the heights of Hatton but he was good
enough to hold the British light middleweight title for a
couple of years in the late 1970's. He also traveled ten rounds
with the great Roberto Duran. His name was Jimmy Batten.
Batten was born in 1955 and turned professional
in 1974. He worked his way up the British rankings and in
1977 after Maurice "Mo" Hope vacated the British light middleweight
title, Batten was matched with Albert Hillman. Batten stopped
Hillman in round seven to win the vacant title. He would defend
that title twice with kayo victories over Larry Paul and Tony
Poole. In 1978 he would be matched with France's Gilbert Cohen
for the vacant European light middleweight crown. This time
Batten would fall short as Cohen stopped him in the third
round. Finally in 1979 Batten lost his British title to Pat
Thomas. Nevertheless he remained active and competitive. In
1982 he came to Atlantic City and was surprisingly stopped
by hard hitting but erratic Mario Maldonado in the first round.
Later in 1982 Batten was matched with the
legendary Roberto Duran. At this point though the legend of
the great Duran had been tarnished. He was only a few years
removed from the "No Mas" loss to Sugar Ray Leonard. He attempted
redemption against Wilfred Benitez but "Wilfred The Wizard"
outboxed him. Then to add insult to injury, Roberto was outscored
by an unheralded Brit by the name of Kirkland Laing. The loss
to Laing was claimed the 1982 Upset Of The Year by Ring Magazine.
The Duran - Batten bout took place in Miami Beach as the "walk
out" bout after the first Aaron Pryor - Alexis Arguello classic.
If Roberto was expecting an easy night, he was wrong. Although
Duran won a decision by a comfortable margin, Batten showed
pluck as he fought him tooth and nail. If anyone thought that
Batten had gone ten rounds with a "washed up" Duran, they
were wrong. In his next fight Duran would halt Pipino Cuevas.
Then he would savage and upset Davey Moore to become a champion
again. Roberto followed that by giving Marvelous Marvin Hagler
fifteen rounds of hell.
Batten remained as one of England's best 154
pounders. In 1983 he was matched with Prince Rodney for his
old British light middleweight crown that had been vacated
by the classy and talented Herol Graham. Batten failed to
regain his title as Rodney stopped him in the sixth round.
That was Jimmy Batten's last bout. He left the ring with a
more then respectable 40-9 record.
 |
Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez
Plans to Stay Very Busy… By
Jim Amato
The Brick City Bullet, moments before
winning the belt in Puerto RicoAlex “The Brick City
Bullet” Perez, 10-0, 6 KO’s captured the WBC’s CABOFE
(Caribbean Boxing Federation) Welterweight title on
March 14th In Puerto Rico. He came off of a 15 month
layoff before that fight, not by any fault of his own,
but because every time he was scheduled to fight there
were problems with opponents falling out and promoters
not making sure there was an opponent for him ready
to go come fight night. Perez was in the gym training
for fights that weren’t to be the entire 15 months,
and the time has made him more and more eager to fight
as often as possible.
He will be returning to the ring on
May 9th in Atlantic City, on the undercard of Hector
"Macho" Camacho vs. Luis Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas, just
two months after picking up the WBC’s Carribean belt.
Manager, Jose Rosario and his team plan to keep him
busy the rest of the way in 09, because Perez is a hungry
fighter. Alex has been at it 100% for a long time. He
was 53-3 as an amateur where he was a 3-time Golden
Gloves Champion and a 3-time Diamond Gloves Champ. He
also captured the State Championship once before turning
pro in late 2004. Perez was born and raised in The Brick
City, Newark New Jersey where he has lived his whole
life in the Baxter Terrace projects. He is active in
the community, always making himself available to lend
a helping hand to kids who need a positive role model,
guidance and good advice. Boxing has saved Perez and
he makes sure he is always there for the kids and his
friends in need in the gym. Keep an eye on the Brick
City Bullet now, because he is a shooting star who is
on the verge of big things in the near future!
|
Women’s 2009 National Golden
Gloves Championship Tournament
July 8 to July 11, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This Tournament
is open to all USA Boxing Members
To all Colorado LBCs - Please
keep E. Paul Kelly, Jr. and his Family in your prayers. Paul's
Daughter-In-Law passed away yesterday. His Son, Paul, was
a previous amateur boxer in our LBC in years past and he has
two small children to raise. Let's give the Family our support
by keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this sad
time
And to John Ulibarri, our thoughts are with
you to get well soon!
AMOS " BIG TRAIN " LINCOLN By
Jim Amato
He was born in 1936 and he embarked on a professional
boxing career in 1954. He won twenty five of his first twenty
nine fights on his way to establishing himself as a top prospect
by 1962. The imposing 6' 2" Amos Lincoln was nicknamed " Big
Train " and he looked like he was going to become a force
to be reckoned with for some time.
Fighting out of Portland, Oregon early in
his career Amos also campaigned throughout the northwest in
cities like Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Boise and even Vancouver,
Canada. In 1957 he made one of his few ventures outside the
Northwest as he traveled to Chicago and defeated Marty Marshall.
In June of 1962 Amos made his New York debut as he met future
champion Ernie Terrell at Madison Square Garden. The lanky,
long armed Terrell would box his way to a six round decision.
It would be two years before Amos fought again. Appearing
in Las Vegas, Lincoln was halted in the second round by Jimmy
" King " Fletcher. Amos would bounce back with a decision
over clever Chuck Leslie and a ninth round stoppage over highly
regarded Thad Spencer.
In 1965 Amos avenged his loss to Fletcher
with a four round knockout. Lincoln then went over to Italy
and was outscored by Santo Amonti. Then Amos put together
a nice streak beating Roberto Davila twice, Scrap Iron Johnson
and Spencer again. There was an eight round no contest with
the classy Henry Clark and a decision over Billy Daniels.
Then there were two wins over Elmer Rush. Amos was now considered
one of the best heavyweights in the world.
The fortunes of Amos Lincoln would begin to
change on October 21, 1966 at New York's famous Garden when
he dropped a ten round duke to Johnny Persol. Amos came back
with two quick wins but then he was again taken out again
by Jimmy Fletcher. Amos was then brought over to Germany where
he was stopped by Karl Mildenberger. Lincoln had now fallen
dramatically in the ratings. He continued to tumble as Thad
Spencer was finally able to beat Amos. " Big Train " finally
got back in the win column with a points call over rugged
Joey Orbillo in Los Angeles. Amos returned to Los Angeles
to meet Buster Mathis who was on the comeback trail after
a loss to " Smokin " Joe Frazier. In a bout the featured some
odd scorecards, Mathis was awarded a split decision. One judge
had it 11-0 for Buster. Another had it 9-1 for Mathis. The
third judge had it 5-4 for Amos. Go figure...
The feared former heavyweight champion Sonny
Liston was also forging a comeback and Amos met him in Baltimore
where Sonny stopped him in two. Amos was then halted by tall
Tony Doyle in six. In 1970 power punching prospect Boone Kirkman
got Lincoln out of there in two rounds when they fought in
Seattle. Finally Amos reached the end of the line when he
lost in five rounds to Terry Daniels.
Amos Lincoln finished his career with 56 fights
and a fine 39-13-3 record with one no contest. He scored 22
knockouts. Please remember Lincoln's record was 3-9 over his
last twelve fights. In his prime he was a fine heavyweight.
WHY DURAN WOULD HAVE DEFEATED PACMAN By
Jim Amato
With all due credit, Manny Pacquiao is on top of today's boxing
world. He is the "Man". His destruction of Oscar De La Hoya
drove the "Golden Boy" into retirement and put him as the
#1 fighter pound for pound in the world today. I have no dispute
with this but Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton might.
Manny and Hatton will settle their issue this coming May 2nd.
Floyd may be in Pacquiao's future. We'll see.
What if there was a fighter named Roberto
Duran roaming the boxing landscape today ? I'm talking about
a lean, fit and motivated Duran. The Duran who defeated the
talented Esteban DeJesus in their rubber match at 135 pounds.
The Duran that practically shut out the gritty Carlos Palomino
and handed the gifted Sugar Ray Leonard his first loss at
147 pounds. How would Manny match up with THAT Duran ? As
good as Manny is and by God he is good, a top shelf Duran
would have defeated him. Why ? Because Roberto would have
a trump card for everything Pacquiao would try to do. Manny
has fast hands but Leonard's hands were faster. Manny is strong
but Palomino and Leonard were stronger. Pacquiao has power
but not the firepower that Leonard brought to the table. Manny
is durable but no way he matches Palomino's whiskers. Manny
can be slick but he comes up short next to Leonard and DeJesus
in that catagory. Even the fact that Manny is a southpaw would
have no bearing on this match up. In Duran's first bout with
Hector Camacho he did exactly what you should do against a
southpaw. Duran beat Camacho all night long with right leads
and counter rights over the jab. He would employ the same
tactics against Pacquiao.
As much as I like and respect Manny Pacquiao,
there is no way I can convince myself that on his best day
he could have defeated a prime Roberto "El Cholo" Duran.
Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Pacquiao
By Franco
Floyd Fontanero
May 2, 2009. in Las Vegas, NevadaApril 20,
2009Wow! goes the crowd as they watch in awe, as the speedy
Pacquiao deftly works the speed bag. On the heavy bag he looks
just as awesome; making Ricky Hatton look second.
Some have wrote that there is more at stake
in this fight than Pacquiao and Hatton; meaning trainers Floyd
Mayweather, Sr. and Freddie Roach. The question is, “Who is
the better trainer?” Who has the better record ?. Floyd Mayweather,
Sr., says Freddie Roach goes around stating that “he” is the
best trainer of this day; but he is the only one saying it.
And, for Mayweather to be changing Ricky’s style this late
in his career will prove to be a big mistake come fight night.
As I watched videos of both men working out
in preparation for this up and coming contest, I will have
to give the edge to Manny Pacquiao and Freddy Roach. If Mayweather,
Sr. is trying to prepare Hatton to be the likes of Floyd Mayweather,
Jr., in my opinion, is not going to work. There is only one
as skillful as Floyd Mayweather, Jr. There is and can be,
no other. Of course we know that anything can happen in a
fight, and for Hatton to defeat Pacquiao, that anything in
my view, will have to happen . Pacquiao took the shine right
off the Golden Boy and in the 8th rd. Oscar De la Hoya retired
on his stool .20Floyd Mayweather, Jr., not in such a great
fashion as Pacquiao, also defeated De la Hoya. So, if this
contest goes as I predict, and Mr. Pacquiao defeats Hatton,
we then will have to give the titles to Manny Pacquiao and
Freddie Roach. Then, the greatest battle may just happen!
What if out of retirement comes Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and
his trainer former two time World Champion Roger “The Black
Mamba” Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao and trainer Mr. Freddie
Roach! This will be a contest that boxing fans will surely
not want to miss! This will be a must-see contest! Could we
see a TKO or maybe even a Kayo?
I say Manny Pacquiao will out-punch and out-maneuver
Ricky Hatton to victory on May the 2nd in the Boxing Capital
of the World. With respect to both fighters and trainers .
“See you
at the fights!”
Being a writer and photographer....
By Franco Floyd
Fontanero
...in professional boxing in Las Vegas, Nevada,
since 1997; I, on one of my visits to the Tri City area some
years ago, went searching for a boxing gym. I wanted to see
what I could find to write about the sport of boxing in the
area, and what I found at the time was one poorly equipped
and nearly empty gym. There were only two very young kids
as participants. I said at the time that the Tri Cities couldn’t
possibly produce one good pugilist. Now I have come upon the
Contender Boxing Club and a different trainer from the one
I met those years back. His name is Tony Valdez . I told Mr.
Valdez of my finding some years back and of what I had at
the time said.
“Well,” says Valdez, as he proudly points
out some of his trophy winners on photos on a wall, “that
could have been true at that gym and at that time, but this
is here and this is now.”
I find Mr. Valdez to be dedicated, as well
as a knowledgeable individual of the sport. Mr. Valdez, being
an ex-Marine and with a few bouts to his credit, is now passing
on his knowledge to amateur pugilists that come from as far
as Moses Lake, Wa. ( Some 60 miles away). They have come to
join the club, a club that sits on the Kennewick Parkade.
I, at one time, was lead photographer for the IBA World Title
and their boxing gym. Theirs was truly a state of the art
boxing gym, with no thing less than the very best equipment
money could buy. That of course was not what I found at the
Contender Boxing Club. But what I did find was 10 young amateur
pugilists and a coach named Tony Valdez, and one other coach,
giving nothing but their best.
“A lot of the boxing equipment you see here,”
said Valdez, “we have made or put together our selves.”
That seems to me to be the kind of thing that
someone does when young kids are of importance, wouldn’t you
agree? After what I observed today, I may just have to recant
what I said back then, when I said that the Tri Cities couldn’t
produce one good pugilist. Today I saw one young man with
good quickness of the hands, and two others who showed power.
There were others who looked very focused in their participation.
The one thing that stood out, was that it was one happy bunch
; a bunch of youngsters serious about their training. And,
also having a good time in their quest in becoming not only
a good fighter, but also showing what boxing is all about,
“Respect.”
In the upcoming days, a contest will be held
in Yakima, Washington, and if at all possible I plan to attend.
After which, I will inform you if I was correct or incorrect
in stating “The Tri Cities can not produce one good pugilist.”
With respect,Franco Floyd Fontanero “See you
at the fights!”
www.seeyouatthefights.com
BRITAIN'S "GOLDEN BOY" ; BILLY WALKER
By
Jim Amato
Over the years the British Empire has tried
to produce a legitimate heavyweight champion. During the 1960's
and 70's several candidates appeared to give the Brits hope.
Henry Cooper and Brian London quickly come to mind. Later
on there was Joe Bugner and Richard Dunn.Of course Frank Bruno
and Lennox Lewis would eventually come along to clain titles.
During the 1960's the fans were quite stirred by the prospects
of a young heavyweight named Billy Walker. He was dubbed the
"Blond Bomber" but later because of drawing power he was called
the "Golden Boy". After winning the British amateur title
at the age of 22, Walker was enticed to turn pro by a $25,000
signing bonus. He headlined in his first professional fight
which took place on March 27,1962. Walker received $9,000
for the contest he won by KO. That was serious money at that
time. Walker drew so many fans and because of this he never
fought a preliminary fight.
In his first dozen bouts Billy went 10-1-1.
In his twelfth bout he stopped another heavyweight prospect
named Johnny Prescott. In a rematch Walker was on the losing
end of a decision. In 1964 Walker won by disqualification
against the seasoned Joe Bygraves. Walker was then surprisingly
halted by American Bill Nielsen. Walker turned the tables
in a return match taking Nielsen out in two rounds. Billy
finished 1964 with a points verdict over rugged Joe Erskine.
Walker was inching his way up the British
ratings. In 1965 he stopped American Charley Powell in two.
Then came a ten round decision loss to the gritty Brian London.
Next Billy drew with Argentina's Eduardo Corletti. In a return
go Corletti stopped Walker in the eighth round. This was a
major setback for Walker but he came back to win six straight.
The win streak earned Walker a 1967 shot at Germany's Karl
Mildenberger and the European heavyweight title. The southpaw
Mildenberger proved to be too much for Walker as he retained
his crown via an eighth round stoppage. In his next battle
Billy drew the ever popular Henry Cooper. This would be for
Cooper's British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. Cooper
held on to his belts halting Walker in six.
In 1968 Walker rekindled the hopes of his
fans as he clubbed his way to a TKO victory over the once
highly regarded American Thad Spencer. In 1967 as part of
the elimination tourney set up by the WBA to replace Muhammad
Ali as champion, Spencer upset former WBA titlist Ernie Terrell.
In Spencer's next fight he was eliminated by Jerry Quarry.
Then Spencer engaged in a war with the crafty Leotis Martin.
Thad lost in the ninth round. Still the win over Spencer looked
good on Walker's record. It would be Billy's last victory.
In March of 1969 Walker suffered a TKO loss to Jack Bodell.
That would be Walker's final fight.
In all Walker engaged in 31 bouts. His record
was a respectable 21-8-2. He recorded 16 stoppage victories.
He was stopped on five occasions. He enjoyed tremendous popularity
during his tenure as a boxer. He was the "Golden Boy". Jim
Amato
Almost A Champion; JORGE AHUMADA.
By
Jim Amato
In the early 1970's he was the hottest light
heavyweight in the world. He would eventually garner three
shots at recognition as champion. All three would travel the
true champiomship distance of fifteen rounds. In all three
Jorge would come up short.
Jorge turned pro in 1968 in his native Argentina.
In his home country he would meet future champion Victor Galindez
four times. Jorge would win one by decision. On three occasions
he was stopped by the great Galindez. They would meet again.
He split a pair of fights with the highly
respected Avenamer Peralta. He also drew with the highly regarded
Raul Loyola. When he decided to invade the US in the summer
of 1973 he sported a 31-5-1 record. Little did he know the
impact he would make when he hit New York City.
He made his his N.Y.C. debut in July when
he halted the rugged Hal "TNT" Carroll in eight rounds. He
followed that by stopping Ohio's smooth boxing Ray Anderson
in eight. In September he outscored the always game and clever
Jose Gonzalez. He ended 1973 by battering another tough Ohio
battler, Billy "Kelly" Wagner in seven.
Jorge opened 1974 with an impressive stoppage
of the highly regarded Bobby Cassidy. In the next three months
Jorge defeated Vern McIntosh, Terry Lee and Angel Oquendo.
In June in Alberquerque, New Mexico Ahumada
received his first crack at the crown facing the feared champion
Bob Foster. It turned out to be a sloppy fight marred by low
blows. The great Foster aged this night and many felt Jorge
outhussled Foster. The bout was called a draw and Foster retained
his crown.
Foster decided to retire and in of October
of 1974 Ahumada was matched with John Conteh for the vacant
W.B.C. version of the title.
John Conteh could have been an all time great.
He was an outstanding boxer and a sharp hitter. He was also
game to the core. His drawbacks, he was injury prone and he
was no LaMotta in the whisker department. Against Ahumada
he was at the top of his game and won the title with a well
deserved decision.
In the hot summer of 1975 in N.Y.C. Jorge
would get one more chance as he faced his nemisis Victor Galindez
who had captured the W.B.A. version of the title.
Jorge hung tough but again Victor was the
master and Galindez would retain his crown.
That was Jorge's swan song. In November he
would travel to Hamburg, Germany and lose to a fighter he
had once defeated, Ray Anderson. That was it.
Jorge retired with a 42-8-2 ledger. He scored
22 KO's. He received a lot of ink in the early 70's but came
up a bit short. He truly falls into the catagory of "Almost
A Champion" !
CURTIS COKES By
Jim Amato
He may have been one of the best pound for
pound boxers of the 1960's but he was over shadowed by the
antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been
the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade
but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith.
Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating
all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and
allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes
gain some long over due recognition.
Curtis who never had an amateur fight began
his professional career in Midland, Texas on March 24, 1958
outscoring Manuel Gonzalez over six rounds. Curtis and Manuel
would get to know each other a lot better in years to come.Curtis
was born on June 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He would go on
to win his next ten fights including an eight rounder over
Gonzalez. Finally in April of 1959, one year after turning
pro Curtis suffered his first career loss to none other then
Manuel Gonzalez. A no contest in a match with the talented
Rip Randall set up a rematch. Curtis took out Randall in the
first round. Later in the year Curtis would drop a six round
duke to Frankie Davis.
Cokes won four fights in 1960. In 1961 he
moved up the ladder with big wins over Joe Miceli and Charley
" Tombstone " Smith. Cokes then dropped a decision in Mexico
to Hilario Morales.He then fought a draw with the clever Kenny
Lane in Dallas. Back in Dallas two months later Curtis scored
a huge win with a split decision over the highly respected
Luis Rodriguez. Cokes would then meet and again decision Manny
Gonzalez but would lose a points call to Rodriguez in a return
match.
Curtis would bounce back in 1962 with five
straight wins including knockouts over Hilario Morales and
the rugged Rudolph Bent. Another trip to Mexico cost him another
defeat. This time a decision to Manuel Sixto Alvarez. Four
more wins led to a 1963 clash at the Sunnyside Garden in New
York against contender Jose Stable. Curtis lost a very close
decision. Cokes would then outpoint the very tough Stan Harrington.
On May 1, 1964 Curtis travelled to the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia
to meet the dangerous Stan " Kitten " Hayward. He would suffer
a major set back as Hayward stopped Cokes in round four.
It was back to the drawing board for Curtis.
Two decision wins over Al Andrews got him back on track but
he dropped a ten rounder to the slick Eddie Pace. On December
13, 1965 Curtis won the Southern Welterweight title with a
twelve round decision over Billy Collins. On July 6, 1966
Cokes stopped Luis Rodriguez one minute in to the fifteenth
and final round of an eliminination bout for the welterweight
title vacated by Emile Griffith.
Seven weeks after his win over Rodriguez,
Cokes met old rival Manuel Gonzalez for the WBA version of
the welterweight title. The battle took place in New Orleans.
Curtis floored Gonzalez on his way to a lopsided decision
and a world's championship. In November Cokes outclassed Frenchman
Jean Josselin to win universal recognition as welterweight
champion. Still many felt that Cokes was the champ only because
Griffith had vacated the division. Curtis would go on to prove
himself a worthy champion.
In early 1967 Curtis would have three non
title affairs. First he drew with Francious Pavilla. He knocked
out Ted Whitfield but then Curtis was outpointed by the wily
Gypsy Joe Harris. Finally Cokes defended his title halting
Pavilla in a return bout. Next came a very impressive stoppage
of sharp contender Charlie Shipes. Two non title wins in early
1968 over Josselin and Jimmy Lester led to a defense in Dallas
against South African contender Willie Ludick. An inspired
Cokes flattened Ludick in the fifth round. Three non title
knockouts in South Africa followed including a repeat performance
over Ludick. Then came a one sided title retaining verdict
over Ramon La Cruz.
Jose Napoles, a Cuban who had migrated to
Mexico years before had long been considered one of the best
fighters in the business. Still he had never received a shot
at a world title. Curtis Cokes was a proud man and a proud
champion. He felt he was the best welterweight in the world.
He also knew that Napoles was a very worthy contender and
that he deserved a shot at the title. They met at the Forum
in Inglewood, California on April 18, 1969. On that day Napoles
proved to the world that he was a special fighter. Jose out
fought and battered the game Cokes throughout using a remarkable
jab and bone jarring combinations. Hopelessly behind on points
Curtis did not answer the bell for round fourteen and his
belt was awarded to Napoles.
Maybe it was just a bad night but Curtis
had to know so he went down to Mexico two months later to
attempt to reclaim his championship. Again Napoles proved
to be too much for the game Cokes and the bout was ended after
ten rounds. Curtis would return seven months later as a full
fledged middleweight. Cokes had hoped that old rival Luis
Rodriguez would defeat middleweight king Nino Benvenuti when
they met on November 22, 1969. Curtis was confident that Rodriguez
would give him a crack at the middleweight title. After ten
rounds Rodriguez had Benvenuti bleeding and bewildered and
it looked like Luis was going to take the crown and then just
like that, it was over. A crashing left hook put Rodriguez
flat on his back for the count as the bleeding Benvenuti retained
his crown.
With little hope of a title shot Curtis still
campaigned as a middleweight. He won four bouts but then drew
with Akron's Fate Davis, a fighter he he defeated seven months
earlier. Cokes then lost decisions to Rafael Gutierrez and
Carlos Salinas on the West Coast. Then he lost to Elijah Makathini
in South Africa. By now it was 1972 and Carlos Monzon was
firmly entrenched as middleweight king. There would be little
interest in a bout between the great Monzon and the aging
Cokes. Curtis returned to South Africa and won decisions over
Joseph Hali and Ezra Mzinyane and then retired.
In 80 bouts Curtis put together a fine 62-14-3
record with one no contest. He won thirty fights by knockout.
He was stopped only three times. He met the best welterweights
of his era other then Emile Griffith.Curtis was inducted into
the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003 With the help
of mutual friend Steve Canton, I was able to reach Mr. Cokes
and have a very nice conversation with him. I contacted him
at his gym where he trains boxers. Curtis once trained highly
regarded heavyweights Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson. He also
guided Quincy Taylor to the middleweight title. He also appeared
in the boxing movie classic " Fat City ".
Curtis was extremely courteous and giving
with his time. He said even though he and Manny Gonzalez met
in the ring numerous times, they were very good friends. Curtis
had a tremendous amount of respect for Luis Rodriguez and
despite their battles they always maintained a friendly relationship.
I asked him if he regretted never meeting Emile Griffith in
the ring. Curtis more or less said that he had no control
on Emile's decision to move up in weight. Did he feel he could
have defeated Emile ? In his low key, respectful manner Mr.Cokes
just stated he felt that he was capable of beating any welterweight
in the world during his prime but he had a great respect for
Emile's talent and that they are friends. He said the knockout
loss to Stan Hayward in 1964 took him by surprise but he just
put it behind him and moved on. He called Napoles a great
fighter who he was just unable to overcome. Curtis really
felt that if Rodriguez would have defeated Benvenuti, they
would have met again. This time for the middleweight championship
of the world.
I would like to thank Curtis Cokes for taking
the time to speak to me one on one. I'd also like to thank
promoter, trainer, gym owner and jack of all trades Steve
Canton for helping me to contact Curtis.
MARVIN JOHNSON ; ASK NO QUARTER,
GIVE NO QUARTER By
Jim Amato
One of the most exciting fighters of the 1970's
and 80's was three time light heavyweight king Marvin Johnson.
If ever a fighter lived by the sword and died by the sword,
it was Marvin. He was a rangy southpaw who was constantly
shuffling toward his opponent. His give and take pressure
style created several memorable contests.
Born April 12,1954 in Indianapolis,
Indiana, Marvin would become an accomplished amateur boxer.
He was a three time National Golden Gloves champion. He also
represented the United States in the 1972 Olympics winning
a bronze medal.
Johnson turned professional in
1973 and won his first fifteen bouts. Twelve wins by knockouts.
Among his victims were capable fighers like Gary Summerhays,
Eddie Owens, Ray Anderson and Tom Bethea. On July 26, 1977
Marvin went to Philadelphia to meet hometown hero Matt Franklin
(later to be known as Matthew Saad Muhammad). This was for
the North American Boxing Federation light heavyweight title.
In an absolute war, Johnson suffered his first defeat as he
was halted in the last round. Johnson rebounded by winning
five in a row scoring victories against Billy "Dynamite" Douglas
and Eddie Davis. Johnson then traveled to Serbia where he
lost an eight rounder to Lottie Mwale. Marvin returned stateside
and outscored highly regarded Jerry Celestine.
On December 2, 1978 Marvin traveled
to Europe and upset Mate Parlov by a tenth round stoppage
to win the WBC light heavyweight crown. It was now time for
a rematch with Matthew Saad Muhammad. This time though it
would be on Johnson's home turf in Indianapolis. They clashed
in April of 1979 and it was again a war ! Muhammad took everything
that Johnson had to offer. He then put on a rally and stripped
Marvin of his crown in the eighth round.
Johnson was not an ex-champion
but not for very long. In November of 1979 he met long time
WBA light heavyweight king Victor Galindez. Marvin punished
the game Galindez until the fight was stopped in round eleven.
Now Johnson had the WBA belt but just for a short time. In
March of 1980 Marvin took a beating from an in shape and motivated
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Johnson lost his title in the eleventh.
A year later it looked like Johnson was out of the title picture
for good after losing to upstart Michael Spinks. Michael had
won a Gold Medal in the 1976 Olympics and was streaking toward
a world title. Johnson was to be his first stern test. Spinks
knocked Marvin out cold with a devastating left hook in round
four.
Johnson still believed he could
become champion again. From 1982 to 1985 Marvin won fourteen
straight. This included a win over Jerome Clouden in a "Closet
Classic". Johnson also defeated Johnny Davis, future champion
"Prince" Charles Williams and Eddie Davis for the United States
Boxing Association light heavyweight championship. Finally
on February 9, 1986 Johnson met the talented Leslie Stewart
for the vacant WBA title. Marvin realized his dream of being
crowned the champion again in round seven as a badly cut Stewart
could not continue. In his first defense Johnson outlasted
rugged Jean Marie Emebe to win in the thirteenth round. Next
came a 1987 rematch with Stewart. This time Lady Luck was
in the Stewart corner. Marvin gave up his crown in the eighth
round. It was Johnson's last fight.
Marvin Johnson had nothing left
to prove. He was the first to win the 175 pound title three
times. He retired with a 43 - 6 ledger. He won 35 fights by
KO. He lost five by the knockout route. Three men he fought,
Matthew Saad Muhammad, Victor Galindez and Michael Spinks
are inducted in International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Yes Marvin
Johnson was a thrilling fighter and a worthy champion.
RAFAEL HERRERA; A Fine Champion
By
Jim Amato
He was born to humble beginnings on January
7, 1945 in Jalisco, Mexico. He would become a professional
boxer at the age of eighteen. For years he fought fellow novices,
losing some but winning more. He was making a name for himself
though. In 1966 he climbed up the ladder with a win over rugged
Memin Vega. Two fights later he drew with Geraldo Luna.
From the Luna bout Rafael's career
took off. He reeled off sixteen straight wins. Herrera was
then matched with future world champion Jesus " Chucho " Castillo.
Herrera was overwhelmed by Castillo and lost in round three.
Rafael was no quitter He drew
with Canada's Billy McGrandle.but two fights later he lost
to the highly regarded Raul Cruz. As 1970 rolled around Herrera
was considered a top notch boxer but not championship material.
That all changed when he decided that he was good enough to
make it to the top. This time Herrera won a decision over
Octavio Gomez. This led to a shot against undefeated Rodolfo
Martinez for NABF bantamweight title. In a very close and
exciting fight , Herrera got the verdict and the title.
That was the spring board for
Rafael's career. Next he would halt the highly regarded Cesar
Deciga. Two fights later he avenged an earlier loss by outscoring
the talented Chucho Castillo. In March of 1972 Rafael challenged
the legendary Ruben Olivares for the world's championship.
The proud champion fought his heart out but Herrera was not
to be denied and he won in round eight winning the WBA + WBC
titles.
Four months later Herrera traveled
to Panama to take on smooth boxing native Enrique Pinder who
out slicks Rafael to take the title. The WBC then strips Pinder
of the title for refusing to defend against Rodolfo Martinez.
In the meantime Herrera and Olivares hook up in a rematch
with Rafael winning a majority ten round decision.
In January of 1973 Pinder was
halted by hard punching Romeo Anaya to lose the WBA title.
In April of 1973 Herrera and Martinez met for the vacant WBC
title. In a wild affair Herrera stopped Martinez in round
twelve to annex the crown. In August Anaya would again KO
Pinder to retain the WBA title.
Herrera would finish 1973 with
a close decision win over Thailand's Venice Borkhorsor. The
Thai southpaw had once held the flyweight title. He gave Rafael
fits early on as Herrera suffered cuts and swelling around
the eyes. Herrera gamely battled his way back and after fifteen
brutal rounds Rafael was awarded a controversial decision.
In November of 1973 South African Arnold Taylor came from
behind to bomb out Anaya to capture the WBA 's recognition.
In May of 1974 Herrera defended
against ex-champ Anaya and stopped him in round six. Next
up was a third fight with Rodolfo Martinez. This time Martinez
turned the tables halting Herrera in the fourth round. Now
title less Rafael dropped verdicts to Octavio Gomez and Jose
Luis Soto. He then drew with Jose Cervantes and then he retired.
He came back ten years later to win a four rounder against
Alfredo Meneses then he retired for good. In 61 fights he
posted a record of 49-9-3. He scored 19 knockouts and was
stopped on two occasions. He was a solid champion who bridged
the reigns of Ruben Olivares and Carlos Zarate.
Welcome to the Angelo Dundee Birthday Bash
and Roast!!
God Bless All. RETIRED BOXERS FOUNDATION California
Boxing Hall of Fame 09
Jacquie Richardson Induction and Alex Ramos California Boxing
Hall Of Fame September 26, 2009
www.retiredboxers.org
www.SuperFighter.tv
www.HombreTV.com
http://www.angelobdroast.com

THRILLA IN MANILA CHRONICLES
THE GREATEST RIVALRY IN BOXING HISTORY - BETWEEN MUHAMMAD
ALI AND JOE FRAZIER - WHEN THE HBO DOCUMENTARY DEBUTS APRIL
11
Courtest of Tony
Walker
Special Is Part Of A Night Of Boxing On HBO,
Also Featuring The Debut Of "Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7" And The
"World Championship Boxing" Bout Featuring Winky Wright And
Paul Williams
In the world of pro sports, classic rivalries
are woven into the fabric of the game. In basketball, there's
the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers; in baseball, the
New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox; in football, the Washington
Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. In boxing, there's Joe Frazier
and Muhammad Ali, whose epic three-bout series from 1971 to
1975 transcended the sport. THRILLA IN MANILA tells the previously
unknown story of their final fight in the searing heat of
the Philippines through the eyes of the "other man" in the
ring - Frazier - when it debuts SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (8:00-9:30
p.m. ET/10:00-11:30 pm PT), exclusively on HBO.
Other HBO playdates: April 11 (1:00 a.m.
ET/1:55 a.m. PT), 14 (9:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m.), 17 (2:00 p.m.,
12:45 a.m.), 19 (9:00 a.m.), 22 (6:00 p.m.), 25 (11:00 a.m.)
and 28 (9:30 p.m., 5:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: April 12 (3:00 p.m.), 15 (2:00
p.m., 3:05 a.m.), 18 (4:20 a.m.), 21 (9:30 a.m., midnight),
24 (7:00 p.m.) and 30 (4:00 p.m., 11:15 p.m.)
An Official Selection at the 2009 Sundance
Film Festival, THRILLA IN MANILA chronicles one of the bitterest
sports face-offs ever, recounting a tale of personal betrayal
that was stoked by the racial politics of 1970s America. Featuring
archival footage and exclusive interviews with boxing insiders,
including Ferdie Pacheco, Butch Lewis and Dave Wolf, as well
as Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines, the
documentary tells the story of two great fighters forever
linked by three epic bouts, and looks at their final fight,
considered the most brutal, from Frazier's perspective for
the first time.
Directed by John Dower ("Once in a Lifetime:
The Extraordinary Story of The New York Cosmos"), THRILLA
IN MANILA deftly tracks an extraordinary personal battle between
two friends, and captures the poignant moment in the socio-cultural
history of the country when they became American sports icons
and legends. While Ali was a symbol of the civil rights struggle
and anti-Vietnam War movement, Frazier was cast as the symbol
of the pro-war, conservative segment of American society,
some would say unfairly.
In 1967, Ali was stripped of his heavyweight
crown after refusing induction into the armed forces. The
film reveals how Frazier subsequently befriended Ali and supported
the renewal of his boxing license and status, showing the
intense feelings of betrayal he felt after Ali returned to
the ring in 1970 and subjected him to race-baiting attacks.
THRILLA IN MANILA is part of a compelling
night of boxing programming that also includes the return
of the Emmy®-winning HBO Sports reality franchise "24/7" and
an intriguing battle between two of the sport's most formidable
competitors. Debuting at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT), "Pacquiao/Hatton
24/7" sets the stage for the May 2 pay-per-view junior welterweight
showdown between reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao
of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton, his engaging British
opponent. The 12-round "World Championship Boxing" middleweight
bout between Winky Wright and Paul Williams will be seen live
from Las Vegas at 10:00 p.m. (ET)/7:00 p.m. (PT).
HBO Documentary Films and HBO Sports Present
A Darlow Smithson Production; narrated by Liev Schreiber;
produced and directed by John Dower; executive producers,
John Smithson and Elinor Day; executive producer for British
Channel 4, Andrew Mackenzie; director of photography, Stephen
Standen; editors, Nicholas Packer and Kate Spankie.
HBO SPORTS PRESENTS A CLASH
OF BOXING GENERATIONS WHEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®: WINKY
WRIGHT VS. PAUL WILLIAMS AND CRISTOBAL ARREOLA VS. JAMEEL
McCLINE IS SEEN LIVE SATURDAY, APRIL 11 ON HBO
HBO Sports presents a compelling mix of rising
stars and proven veterans when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING:
WINKY WRIGHT VS. PAUL WILLIAMS AND CRISTOBAL ARREOLA VS. JAMEEL
McCLINE is presented live SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00
p.m. PT) from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas,
exclusively on HBO. The WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING team will
be ringside for the event, which will be presented in HDTV
and in Spanish on HBO Latino.
Other HBO playdates: April 12 (8:00 a.m.)
and 13 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: April 12 (4:30 p.m.) and 14
(midnight)
Battle-tested veteran Ronald "Winky" Wright
(51-4-1, 25 KOs), the most-avoided fighter of the last decade,
is a former junior middleweight champion who has scored back-to-back
wins against Shane Mosley, as well as defeating Felix Trinidad.
A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., he is one of boxing's elite
defensive specialists, with a precise jab that picks apart
opponents. Although he suffered a decision loss to future
Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins in 2007, the 37-year-old Wright
will make younger fighters earn their spot among boxing's
best.
Two time welterweight champ Paul Williams
(36-1, 27 KOs) of Augusta, Ga. is one of the most-feared fighters
in boxing. Now on the cusp of stardom, the 27-year-old's height,
agility and raw power have made foes think twice about even
entering the ring with him. Williams has defeated Antonio
Margarito, among others, and now looks to raise his profile
in this 12-round contest.
The opening bout features ambitious, hard-charging
young Cristobal Arreola (26-0, 23 KOs) and dangerous vet Jameel
McCline (39-9-3, 23 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight clash.
Arreola, of Riverside, Cal., can deliver thunderous blows
and is riding a string of 13 consecutive fights in which he
has sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Next, he looks
to prove himself the most serious threat to titleholders in
the division.
Jameel McCline, from West Palm Beach, Fla.,
has fought the best the division has to offer, amassing 51
professional bouts against the likes of Wladimir Klitschko,
Chris Byrd and Samuel Peter. An imposing 6'5" and 270 pounds,
McCline's experience, ring generalship and hard hitting should
provide a formidable challenge for Arreola.
This WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presentation
is part of a compelling night of boxing programming that also
includes the debut of the documentary "Thrilla in Manila"
and the return of the Emmy®-winning HBO Sports reality franchise
"24/7." Debuting at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/10:00 p.m. (PT), "Thrilla
in Manila" tells the story of the final fight between Joe
Frazier and Muhammad Ali, whose epic three-bout series from
1971 to 1975 transcended the sport. Debuting at 9:30 p.m.
(ET/PT), "Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7" sets the stage for the May
2 pay-per-view junior welterweight showdown between reigning
pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and
Ricky Hatton, his engaging British opponent.
All WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING events are broadcast
in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel
to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director,
Marc Payton.
® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of
Home Box Office, Inc.
HBO SPORTS' PACQUIAO/HATTON
24/7, A FOUR-EPISODE ALL-ACCESS SERIES LEADING UP TO THE PAY-PER-VIEW
SHOWDOWN BETWEEN TWO BOXING SUPERSTARS, DEBUTS APRIL 11, EXCLUSIVELY
ON HBO
Series Kicks Off As Part Of A Night Of Boxing
On HBO, Also Featuring The Debut Of The Documentary "Thrilla
In Manila" And The "World Championship Boxing" Bout Featuring
Winky Wright And Paul Williams
NEW YORK, March 9, 2009 - HBO Sports' groundbreaking
reality franchise "24/7," which captured three Sports Emmy®
Awards for its first season and produced two acclaimed editions
in year two, will return with PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7, an all-new
four-episode, all-access series, it was announced today by
Ross Greenburg, president, HBO Sports. Debuting SATURDAY,
APRIL 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), the series spotlights two
of boxing's most intriguing superstars - Manny Pacquiao, the
sport's reigning pound-for-pound king, and Ricky Hatton, his
fiery opponent from across the pond - as they prepare for
their May 2 junior welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las
Vegas.
Noted Greenburg, "This latest edition of '24/7'
features two of the most talented and personable fighters
in boxing today, and we look forward to bringing their compelling
storylines and personalities to our subscribers in what promises
to be engaging television. The trainers Floyd Sr. and Freddie
Roach will likely add fireworks to the series. This fight
is sure to generate a lot of excitement and energy worldwide,
and we hope to capture those dramatic moments."
Episodes two and three of PACQUIAO/HATTON
24/7 debut on subsequent Saturdays - APRIL 18 (10:00-10:30
p.m.) and 25 (9:35-10:00 p.m.) - while the finale debuts FRIDAY,
MAY 1 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), the night before the fight. All four
episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series
will also be available on HBO On Demand.
PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 will provide exclusive
behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews,
as these determined warriors, both making their second "24/7"
appearance, prepare for the first mega-fight of 2009. A hero
in his native Philippines, the 30-year-old Pacquiao (48-3-2,
36 KOs) is regarded by most boxing observers as the sport's
unofficial pound-for-pound king. Demonstrating knockout power
in five weight classes, his recent victory over his boxing
idol, ring legend Oscar de la Hoya, was cause for national
celebration in his homeland. Amid growing worldwide celebrity,
he returns to the 140-pound division to take on the hard-hitting
Hatton.
Hailing from the streets of Manchester, England,
Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has a tenacious fighting style
and a devout following. The 30-year-old suffered his only
professional loss in December 2007 when he battled future
Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a welterweight. Now
back in the junior welterweight ranks, he wants to prove himself
the most formidable fighter in the division.
Storylines for this fast-paced series will
include the interaction between Pacquiao and his trusted trainer
and friend Freddie Roach, as well as the fascinating alliance
of Hatton and outspoken trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.
PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 is the latest installment
of the widely acclaimed "24/7" franchise that began on HBO
in 2007 with "De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7" and "Mayweather/Hatton
24/7." The series returned in 2008 with "Calzaghe/Jones 24/7"
and "De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7."
Newsweek described the first installment of
"24/7" as "an engrossing look at both a boxing match and a
personal circus, and fans of human drama will want to have
a ringside seat." ESPN The Magazine proclaimed the series
"a masterfully entertaining reality show," while the New York
Daily News called it "compelling television."
On Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00
p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents "Pacquiao vs. Hatton,"
live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The launch of PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 is part
of a compelling night of boxing programming that also includes
the debut of the documentary "Thrilla in Manila" and an intriguing
battle between two of the sport's most formidable competitors.
Debuting at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/10:00 p.m. (PT), "Thrilla in Manila"
tells the story of the final fight between Joe Frazier and
Muhammad Ali, whose epic three-bout series from 1971 to 1975
transcended the sport. The 12-round "World Championship Boxing"
middleweight bout between Winky Wright and Paul Williams will
be seen live from Las Vegas at 10:00 p.m. (ET)/7:00 p.m. (PT).
At the 2008 Sports Emmy® Awards, "De La Hoya/Mayweather
24/7" was honored in the category of Outstanding Edited Sports
Special, while "Mayweather/Hatton 24/7" was honored in the
categories of Outstanding Camera Work and Outstanding Writing.
The executive producers of PACQUIAO/HATTON
24/7 are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer,
Dave Harmon; producers, Scott Boggins and Bentley Weiner.
Liev Schreiber narrates. Aaron Cohen is the writer.
Boxing: Almost Champions By
Jim Amato
The 1970's spawned such great and dominant
champions such as Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Bobby Foster, Monzon,
Napoles, Cervantes, Duran, Olivares, Arguello and Zarate.
In review of their fine accomplishments and the feats of some
other fine champions of that era, several very capable boxers
fell short of their dreams of becomining a champion. Let's
take a look at some of these proud warriors. The "Almost Champions."
The first who comes to mind is Jerry Quarry.
He was as tough as they come and talented too. He received
his first title shot in 1968 when he made it to the finals
of the WBA elimination tournament. He lost to Jimmy Ellis.
In 1969, he met Joe Frazier for the NYSAC version of the title
and was halted in seven. In 1970 he was stopped on cuts by
Muhammad Ali. If he would have won that fight it would have
paved the way for a rematch with Frazier. In 1974 he got that
return engagement with Frazier who was now an ex champion.
Jerry was stopped in five. If he would have won he would have
been in a position to meet the winner of Foreman-Ali.
South African Pierre Fourie had four shots
at the light heavyweight title. Too bad for Pierre he met
two of the best light heavyweights of that era, Bob Foster
and Victor Galindez. Bob and Victor each took a pair of fifteen
round verdicts from the clever Pierre.
Alvaro "Yaqui" Lopez was another tough cookie
who failed in four attempts to win the light heavyweight title.
He lost twice to Galindez, once to classy John Conteh and
another to Saad Muhammad. Lopez even got a crack at the cruiserweight
title losing to Carlos DeLeon.
Bennie Briscoe may have been the "Baddest"
middleweight to never win the title. He finally received a
long overdue shot at "King" Carlos Monzon and almost pulled
the upset when he hurt Monzon in the ninth round. Carlos rallied
to win the decision. In a battle for the WBC version of the
title Bennie was stopped by the vastly under rated Rodrigo
Valdez. After Monzon twice edged Valdez and retired, Bennie
met Valdez again for the vacant title and lost a decision.
Another worthwhile 160 pound contender during the Monzon era
was Jean Claude Bouttier. Carlos beat the Frenchman twice
but regarded Bouttier highly.
Armando Muniz was as tough as nails. He was
a leading welterweight contender for years. Four times Mando
would challenge for the coveted crown and four times he would
come up short. He twice met the great Jose Napoles. "Mantaquilla"
won the first one in a very controversial match. Jose left
no doubt in winning a decision in a rematch. Muniz would also
lose twice to the formidible Carlos Palomino in title attempts.
Clyde Gray was one of the finest boxers to
come out of Canada in the 70's. He gave the great Napoles
one of his hardest fights but lost a decision in his first
title challenge. Later he would meet Angel Espada for the
WBA version of the title and again lost a decision. In his
third and final attempt, Clyde was kayoed by power punching
Pipino Cuevas. Two other fine welterweights challenged Napoles
on two different occasions but could not overcome this outstanding
champion. They were Hedgemon Lewis and Ernie "Red" Lopez.
Edwin Viruet gave Roberto Duran absolute
fits in their two fights, one of which was for Duran's lightweight
title. Philadelphia's slick Tyrone Everett came within an
eyelash of winning the WBC junior lightweight title from the
colorful Alfredo Escalera. This was one of the most debated
verdicts of the decade.
All these fine fighters would have surely
won a "title" under today's rules, regulations and politics.
They were top class fighters and should be remembered as such.
June 27 get ready.... By
Theresa Addison
...for the first Annual All-Female Amateur card billed as
"Battle of the Babes" sanctioned by USA Boxing. We are currently
looking for interested women to participate. This is a charity
event to benefit LetThemBox.org and A-FightingChance.org.
It is to be held on June 27 at A-1 Boxing in Aurora and will
feature Junior, Senior, and Master Division Boxers.
An award will be given to the Best Boxer;
a custom-made boxing robe donated by BoxxerWorld.com
and Laura Saperstein, 7-0 pro boxer out of the UK. This is
a pre-matched event and boxers need to commit to their matches.
We hope to make the final matches by the end of April.
All boxers, coaches, or gyms may contact Theresa
Addison at theresa.addison@gmail.com
to be added to the database. Thank you for supporting
women's boxing in Colorado.
Click here
for the flyer with more information
THE EIGHT MAN ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT By
Jim Amato
April 27th will mark the 41st anniversary of
one of the World Boxing Association's crowning achievements.
The grand finale of their eight man elimination tournament
to find a successor for the deposed Muhammad Ali.
Acting with the swiftness matched only by
Mr. Dooley of the New York State Athletic Commission, the
W.B.A. immediately stripped Ali of his crown when he refused
induction into the Armed Forces. Eight ranking contenders
were chosen to box off for the ultimate prize, the heavyweight
championship of the world. The fortunate eight were: former
champion Floyd Patterson, Ex W.B.A. titleholder Ernie Terrell,
the Argentine strongman Oscar Bonevena, the fast rising Californian
Thad Spencer, Angelo Dundee's hopeful Jimmy Ellis, the "White
Hope" sensation Jerry Quarry, 1964 Gold Medalist Joe Frazier,
and Europe's entry Karl Mildenberger of Germany. Frazier,
the #1 contender by virtue of his fine record since turning
pro declined the W.B.A.'s invitation. The W.B.A. then inserted
Leotis Martin to take his place.
The elimination tourney was scoffed at then
and even today it is still scrutinized. What if the Vietnam
War would not have wanted or needed Ali? What if Ali who had
already "cleaned up" the division had remained active? Remember
Ali defeated Paterson, Terrell and Mildenberger before he
was forced to abdicate. He then won two out of three against
Frazier and two over Quarry. He beat Patterson again and also
whipped Bonevena and Ellis after a three year hiatus. Let's
say Ali remained active through 1970. He might have met Frazier
as early as 1969. Joe would have been facing a lean, active
and sharp Ali not the slow and rusty version he met in their
1971 epic. Also remember Joe would have had two years less
experience then what he carried in 1971 . In 1969, Frazier
was not yet the polished fighting machine he was to become.
In my opinion the Frazier of March 8, 1971, would have given
any heavyweight in history a life and death struggle including
a prime Ali.
Muhammad would not have too much trouble beating
the rest of the contenders. From 1964 to 1967, Ali made seven
successful defenses. If he stayed on that pace from 1967 to
1970 he would accumulate seven more. So Ali successfully defends
against Quarry and Bonevena maybe Spencer too. Now there is
an interesting parallel as Sonny Liston has reemerged as a
contender with a victory over Henry Clark. While planning
for a possible Ali-Liston III, Muhammad eliminates Frazier
and then defeats the light heavyweight king Bob Foster. Meanwhile
Leotis Martin upsets Liston and Ali has to fight the other
boxer to knock out Sonny. Ali then beats unbeaten, bit over
rated Mac Foster to rack up his fourteenth defense. Outside
of a possible jaunt to England to take on a young Joe Bugner
or set up Ali-Henry Cooper III, there's not many new worlds
for Ali to conquer. Maybe an easy payday in Spain against
Jose Urtain. Bored, Ali eventually retires without ever a
reason to come back since he whipped everybody. We the fans
would never get to see "The Fight" of 1971 or his 1973 "Jaw
Breaker" loss to Kenny Norton. We would miss the "Rumble In
The Jungle" of 1974 and the "Thrilla In Manilla" of 1975.
Ali-Wepner would have never happened, so Sly Stallone would
have never been inspired to write "Rocky."
As unfair as it was to Ali to have three and
a half years stolen from his career, it might have saved the
heavyweight division. The elimination tournament, although
not always exciting was at least competitive and complete
with a few surprises. With Thad Spencer upsetting Ernie Terrell
to start things off no one could clearly project a tourney
winner. The absence of Frazier saw to that. Meanwhile Frazier
was living himself up for a nice payday because no matter
who the W.B.A.called champion, they would not be accepted
until they beat Frazier and Ali if he returned.
Jimmy Ellis and Leotis Martin the two underdogs
of the tourney met with Ellis winning in nine rounds. Quarry
scored a mild upset in shading ex-champion Patterson and Bonevena
was too powerful as he overwhelmed a game Mildenberber. Coming
off his impressive showing against Terrell, Spencer was favored
to beat the erratic Quarry. Bonevena was thought to be too
strong for Ellis who began his career as middleweight. Well
Quarry battered Spencer stopping him in the twelfth round.
Then Ellis in one of his career best performances dropped
the usually durable Bonevena twice en route to a convincing
points win. The championship match between Quarry and Ellis
turned out to be the dullest bout of the tourney. After fifteen
slow paced rounds Ellis was declared champion.
One month before Ellis defeated Quarry, Joe
Frazier kayoed his amateur nemesis Buster Mathis in eleven
rounds. The victory gained Frazier recognition as champion
in New York State and in a few other states. Now the ballyhoo
began. Who was the real champ Ellis or Frazier? Would Ali
be allowed to box again? Frazier solidified his claim as Ali's
successor with victories over Manuel Ramos(Ko-2), Bonevena(W-15),
Dave Zyglewcz(Ko-1) and Quarry(KO-7). Ellis was virtually
inactive, though not totally his fault. Proposed matches with
Henry Cooper and Greg Peralta fell through for various reasons.
When Ellis finally did defend his crown he was awarded a very
controversial decision over Floyd Patterson. By the time Frazier
and Ellis met in February of 1970, Joe was an overwhelming
favorite. Few experts picked Ellis even though Angelo Dundee
claimed Frazier was made for Ellis. It seemed like Dundee
was a prophet during the first two rounds as Ellis outboxed
Frazier. All was well until midway through the third round.
That is when Joe landed his vaunted left hook that sent Ellis
staggering half way across the ring and into the ropes. Ellis
lasted the round but he never recovered. Late in the fourth
round Frazier pinned Ellis in a corner and after a flurry
of hooks Ellis fell flat on his face. He made it up in time
and tried to keep Joe off him until the bell. Frazier would
not be denied and just before the bell, he connected with
a full swing left hook flush on the jaw. Ellis fell flat on
his back. How he heat the count is a mystery. Somehow through
the game, Ellis struggled to his corner as the bell had already
ended the round. Dundee had seen enough and showed compassion
by not allowing Jimmy out for round five.
Before the Frazier-Ellis bout, Ali had announced
his retirement and had stated that he would give his belt
to the winner. Eight months later with his boxing license
reinstated Ali met Jerry Quarry in Atlanta winning in three
rounds. Meanwhile Frazier had broken his ankle and did not
return to action till late 1970 with a crushing knockout of
Bob Foster. In December, Ali stopped Bonevena and finally
Joe and Ali signed to fight on March 8, 1971, for then, the
unheard sum of five million dollars to be split evenly. The
rest as they say is history.
Frazier - Quarry I Nearly Forty Years Since
This Heavyweight Classic : By
Jim Amato
On June 23, 1969 at New York's Madison Square
Garden, Joe Frazier met the popular Irish fighter, Jerry Quarry,
for the New York State recognized heavyweight title. Back
in the day, the New York State Boxing Commission wielded quite
a bit of power. Commissioner Edwin Dooley wasted little time
stripping Muhammad Ali of his heavyweight title when Ali refused
induction into the Armed Forces. The World Boxing Association
did the same and they set up a tournament to determine a new
champion. Eight top contenders were selected, with unbeaten
Joe Frazier being one of them. Frazier's management declined
the invitation, however. The eventual winner of the tourney
was Jimmy Ellis, who defeated Jerry Quarry in the finals.
The N.Y.S.A.C. offered Frazier a chance to
fight Buster Mathis, who like Frazier, was undefeated. Mathis
had defeated Frazier twice in the amateur ranks. The winner
would be the champion in New York and a few other states.
Well, Frazier met Big Buster and took him out in the eleventh
to gain revenge and also win a piece of the heavyweight title.
Although the talented Jimmy Ellis held the
more recognized WBA tilte, Frazier was considered by most
as the best active heavyweight. They would eventually meet
to settle their differences.
The bout with Quarry would be considered as
a measuring stick between Frazier and Ellis. Frazier had labored
through two decision wins over rugged Oscar Bonavena. In their
first ten rounder, Bonavena had Frazier down twice but Frazier
rallied to get the verdict. Their second bout saw Frazier
and Bonavena slug it out for fifteen tough rounds, with Frazier
again getting the decision. In between the two Frazier-Bonavena
battles, Bonavena met Jimmy Ellis. In one of Ellis' best career
performances, he floored the granite jawed Bonavena twice
to win a convincing decision. Based on those bouts, Ellis
seemed to have an edge on Frazier. In the Quarry bout, Frazier
needed to make a statement.
Jerry Quarry was no pushover, however. He
was ranked as one of the five best heavyweights in the world.
He did a number on Mathis just three months before meeting
Frazier winning a lopsided twelve rounder. Not surprizingly,
there were a lot of people who thought Quarry had a real chance
of winning.
The bout itself was non stop action, a real
heavyweight slugfest. To his credit, Quarry always came to
fight and you never had to look for Joe Frazier. Early in
the first round, it was toe to toe action. Knowing that both
boxers could bang, the fans were really enjoying this. Each
fighter was rocked a bit but were still standing at the end
of a terrific round.
The next two rounds were more of the same,
as they slugged it out on the inside. By round four, it was
becoming apparent the Quarry was fighting Frazier's fight.
Frazier began breaking down Quarry who gamely fought back.
As the bout wore on, Quarry was cut and he was getting staggered
by Frazier's famous left hook.
It ended in seven. Quarry had a severe cut
and at this point Frazier had taken command. It was a gruelling
fight, though, and even in losing, Quarry won a ton of respect
from this courageous performance.
Jerry Quarry is no longer with us and he was
recently joined by his brother Mike Quarry, who was a fine
boxer in his own right. This was one of my favorite heavyweight
battles. It is hard for me to believe it took place almost
forty years ago!
BIG EARNIE ; THAT MAN COULD SWING!
By
Jim Amato
Possibly the best heavyweight to ever come
out of the state of Ohio was Earnie "The Acorn" Shavers. Born
on August 31, 1945 in Alabama, his real name is Earnie Dee
Shaver. He attended school in Warren, Ohio and made a name
for himself as a football player. Earnie was just a great
all around athlete and when the boxing bug bit him, he took
to it like a duck to water.
What Earnie accomplished in boxing is phenomenal
but the world championship eluded him. Nevertheless in both
of his failed attempts at the crown, he left an indelible
mark in the memory of those who witnessed the bouts. Earnie
became a professional boxer in 1969. He won his first two
fights by KO and dropped a six rounder to Stan Johnson. Two
fights later he stopped J.D.McCauley, the uncle of future
champion James "Buster" Douglas. In 1970 Shavers suffered
his second loss. He was halted by future title challenger
Ron Stander. Earnie would then run off a 32 fight win streak
in which he kayoed 31 opponents. Only former WBA light heavyweight
titleholder Vincente Rondon went the ten round route with
him.
The streak led Earnie to his first shot at
the big time. In June of 1973 Shavers met former WBA heavyweight
champion Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden. Jimmy was still
a serious contender and he was hoping a win over the red hot
Shavers would put him back into the title picture. The fight
started at a fast pace and Jimmy appeared to have stunned
Shavers. Ellis went after Earnie. Then out of nowhere Shavers
unleashed an uppercut with KO written all over it. Down went
Ellis in a semi-conscious condition. He was counted out. It
was over and Earnie was an instant contender. Jimmy's astute
manager Angelo Dundee said his guy got caught by a sucker
punch. Whatever it was, Shavers was in the Top Ten.
In December Shavers returned to Garden to
face the highly ranked and enormously popular "Irish" Jerry
Quarry. The winner could be in line to fight heavyweight champion
George Foreman. This time the tables were turned on Earnie.
Quarry hurt him early and did not let him off the hook. Finally
the referee intervened to save Shavers. In less then two rounds
Earnie's career had peaked and then collapsed. A 1974 loss
to solid journeyman Bob Stallings made it appear that Shavers
was just a flash in the pan. Later in 1974 Shavers drew with
clever Jimmy Young. A fighter he had stopped in 1972. Little
did we know at that time how good Jimmy Young would become.
In 1975 Shavers met the dangerous Ron Lyle.
This was one of the best heavyweight fights I've ever seen.
Earnie had Lyle down early in the fight. Lyle arose right
before the bell. He then proceeded to out punch Earnie in
a classic slug fest. Finally Lyle pounded Shavers to the canvas
like a man hammering a nail into a floor. It was over in round
six. Surely Shavers was through...BUT...Earnie embarked on
a comeback that brought him back to the forefront of the heavyweight
division. He beat the respected Henry Clark twice. The second
time by a convincing KO. He came from behind to halt the feared
Roy "Tiger" Williams. He then halted Howard "Kayo" Smith in
two. This led Earnie to a title shot against "The Greatest",
Muhammad Ali. It was 1977 at the Garden and by God, Ali and
Shavers put on a show. Several times during the bout Earnie's
bombs rocked Ali to his very foundation. Still Ali was still
Ali and sucked it up to out score Shavers. In defeat though,
Earnie gained a legion of loyal fans.
In 1978 Shavers met upstart Larry Holmes.
In this bout Holmes served notice that he was a future star.
He out boxed and shut out Shavers over ten rounds. Later Holmes
would win the WBC version of the heavyweight title in an action
packed fifteen rounder against Ken Norton. In 1979 Earnie
met Norton in a title eliminator. Shavers eliminated Ken in
one round. Holmes - Shavers II took place later in 1979. The
blueprint was the same as Larry out slicked Earnie. In round
seven though, lightening struck. Shavers hit Holmes with a
punch that dropped him like he had been shot. I'll never know
how Larry got up after being hit like that. He did though
and ended up stopping a tired and bleeding Shavers in the
eleventh.
From this point on Earnie's career began to
decline. He lost to Bernardo Mercado and Tex Cobb in 1980
but both felt the effects of Earnie's thunderous blows. In
1981 Shavers rebounded with a KO win over Jeff Sims. In 1982
Shavers took out the normally durable Joe Bugner in two rounds.
That was Earnie's swan song. He would drop verdicts to James
"Quick" Tillis and Walter Santemore. To the credit of Tillis,
he gamely arose to fight on after Earnie nearly decapitated
him. A 1983 DQ loss to the under rated George Chaplin sent
Earnie into retirement.
Shavers returned four years later and then
again retired. Eight years later he made and ill fated comeback.
After being stopped in two rounds by Brian Yates, Earnie hung
them up for good. In 89 bouts Shavers posted a sterling 74-14-1
record against the great heavyweights of the 1970's and 80's.
He scored 68 KO's. He had a 76.4% KO percentage. His credentials
earned him the distinction as the "puncher of the century"
! Warranted ? Ask Ali, Norton, Holmes, etc...When he caught
an opponent clean they did the shimmy and shake. Watch his
bouts with Norton, Howard Smith and the Henry Clark rematch.
Oh the man could swing !
UNBEATEN JOHN DUDDY TO FACE BILLY LYELL
ON APRIL 24th. By
Jim Amato
"Irish" John Duddy will put his undefeated
record on the line April 24th in Newark, New Jersey. Duddy
(26-0) with 17 KO's will face rugged Billy Lyell. Although
Lyell (18-7) is billed out of Youngstown he is from Niles,
Ohio. The home of the late former middleweight contender of
years gone by, Sonny Horne. Lyell is no pushover. He has met
the likes of James Kirkland and Yuri Boy Campas. In September
of 2006 Duddy out scored Campas over twelve rounds. In June
of 2007 Lyell lost a ten rounder to Campas.
Duddy hopes that a win over Lyell will keep
him in the hunt for a title bout with Kelly Pavlik. The original
plan was for Pavlik to face Sergio Mora this summer. Then
this autumn take on Duddy. Things have changed though because
it looks like Pavlik-Mora is still on for June. Now there
is serious talk of Pavlik fighting Arthur Abraham this fall
to unite the WBC, WBO and IBF middleweight titles. Even if
Duddy beats Lyell there is a good chance of him being the
odd man out for a fall title fight.
Boxing’s "Big Mac" By
Jim Amato
Long before Mark McGwire was launching tape
measure home runs in Oakland and acquiring the nickname "Big
Mac", West Coast sports fans used to cheer the feats of another
"Big Mac". MacArthur Foster a heavyweight boxer from Fresno,
California won his first 24 professional bouts all by knockout.
Six came in the first round, four in the second round and
seven in the third round. By the spring of 1970 he was the
number one rated contender for Joe Frazier’s crown.
Mac turned pro in November of 1966 and by
the end of 1967 he had racked up nine kayos. Among his victims
were veterans Floyd Joyner and Roy "Cookie" Wallace. He piled
up seven more kayos in 1968 and in 1969 he made some serious
noise in the heavyweight ratings. With Muhammad Ali banned
from boxing, Joe Frazier and Jimmy Ellis shared the heavyweight
crown. The division needed some new blood and much felt Foster
was the answer. Mac added six more knockouts in 1969 stopping
Roger Rischer, Thad Spencer, Roger Russell, Cleveland Williams
(twice) and Bob Felstein. Although Williams was well past
his prime he could still punch and Mac took all he had to
offer and come back to win both times.
After stopping Jack O’Halloran in one round
on April 9th, 1970 for his 24th straight kayo victory, Mac
decided to come east to New York. In his Madison Square Garden
debut was to take on veteran contender Jerry Quarry. A victory
over Quarry would no doubt ensure a big money fight with Frazier.
On June 17th as Jerry Quarry was to do several times during
his exciting career, he upset the odds stopping a tentative
Foster in six rounds. Quarry outboxed his less experienced
foe until lowering the boom in the sixth. Mac showed none
of his storied power. Quarry used the Foster victory as a
springboard to match with the comeback Muhammad Ali. Three
months later Mac returned to stop shopworn ex-contender Zora
Folley in one round. Mac rolled off three more victories and
then signed to meet Muhammad Ali. Ali had lost to Joe Frazier
in the March 8, 1971 "Battle of the Century". Now Ali was
taking on all new comers proclaiming himself to be the "People’s
Champion". Mac met Ali on April 1st, 1972 in Tokyo, Japan.
Although Mac went the fifteen round distance, Ali won by a
very comfortable margin. Mac looked slow and ponderous and
did not the power of a fighter with a record of 28-1, all
28 wins by knockout coming into this contest.
The loss to Ali was probably the highlight
of Mac’s career. He would score knockouts over journeymen
Sam McGill and Charley Williams. Then he was out-hustled over
ten rounds by Bob Stallings. Mac closed out 1973 dropping
a ten round duke in England to Joe Bugner. Foster had one
fight in 1974 being outscored by slick Henry Clark. Mac took
1975 off and had his last bout in 1976 losing a ten rounder
to Stan Ward. Although overrated at the beginning of his career
Mac proved to be a competent fighter. He finished with a 30-6
record, all wins coming by knockout and he was only stopped
once, Mac’s biggest claim to fame may have been in a late
1960’s sparring session when he reportedly flattened Charles
"Sonny" Liston!
1972...It Was Quite A Year!
By
Jim Amato
For me the year 1972 marked some very important
milestones. Especially the magic month of June.In the first
three weeks of that month I became a candidate for the draft
by turning eighteen. I graduated from High School and on the
17th I took on my first bride. I enjoyed that afternoon watching
Carlos Monzon defend his title against the worthy challenge
of Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier. To be honest with you the
most exciting day of the month was the 26th. On that date
in Madison Square Garden, Roberto Duran captured the lightweight
championship of the world by stopping the vastly talented
Ken Buchanan. At that moment a star was born.
Later in the year on October 18th my first
son was born. A month later Duran suffered the first loss
of his career dropping a decision to the great but widely
overlooked Esteban DeJesus. Roberto would not lose another
fight until the night he supposedly said " No Mas " in 1980.
That included two subsequent knockout victories over DeJesus.
To me Duran was without a doubt the greatest boxer of the
70's. In retrospect 1972 stands out in regards to boxing for
a variety of reasons. The quietest division was the heavyweights.
There was a let down after the frenzy created from the March
8, 1971 classic between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in which
Joe emerged victorious. That was a gruelling affair and Frazier
and his manager Yank Durham decided to take it easy and not
just jump right back into the ring with Ali. Joe took on a
couple of lower ranked white contenders. First he blasted
out the totally over matched Terry Daniels. Then he cut up
and halted the dead game Ron Stander. Joe would lose his title
in early 1973 courtesy of the thumping fists of George Foreman.
Two months later Ali would suffer a fractured jaw in losing
an upset decision to Ken Norton. The stage was now set for
" The Rumble In The Jungle " and the " Thrilla In Manila "
that would later entertain us in the mid 70's.
The light heavyweights were ruled by one
of the greatest of all time, Bob Foster. Bob probably hit
his peak in 72. First he unified the title with a two round
massacre of W.B.A.pretender Vincente Rondon. Then he landed
one of the most brutal punches in boxing history when he nearly
decapitated Mike Quarry. Next he wore down and halted the
very brave Chris Finnegan. Bobby ended 1972 with an ill advised
foray back into the heavyweight division and was halted by
the now former champion, Muhammad Ali.
Carlos Monzon was the " King " of the middleweight
division. 1972 was the year that proved his greatness. Carlos
opened by halting veteran contender Denny Moyer. Next he turned
back the challenge of the very formidable Jean Claude Bouttier.
Then he pummeled Denmark's Tom Bogs. Carlos closed the year
outscoring the feared " Bad " Bennie Briscoe.
He was one of the greatest welterweights
of all time. Jose Napoles was coming of a very big year in
1971 when he regained the title from Billy Backus. He also
turned back the challenge of top contender Hedgemon Lewis.
He took it a little easy in 1972 fighting off the challenges
of Ralph Charles and Adolph Pruitt. He closed the year with
a non-title KO of Edmundo Leite.
It was in 1972 that the great Antonio Cervantes
won the junior welterweight title. He had failed to dethrone
the slick Nicolino Locce in 1971. Locche then lost his title
to Alfonso Frazier and Cervantes got a second shot and defeated
Frazier. Antonio would go on to have a legendary career.
The featherweight division was in a transition
period. The great little southpaw Vincente Saldivar had retired
champion in 1967. He returned in 1969 and reclaimed his crown
in 1970 by beating Johnny Famechon. He would lose the title
in his next fight to Kuniaki Shibata. In 1972 Clemente Sanchez
blasted the crown from Shibata's head. Soon after Sanchez
would lose his title to the scales. Jose Legra also halted
him and no one was quite sure who the champ was as the year
ended.
The bantamweight division was also in a state
of transition. As 1972 was ushered in, the power punching
Ruben Olivares was holding the crown. Rafael Herrera came
along to upset him. Then Rafael was upset by smooth boxing
Enrique Pinder of Panama. The new champion would outscore
former titleholder Chucho Castillo in a non-title bout to
close out the year.
The flyweight class was in a state of chaos
in 1972. Erbito Saalvarria was the rightful claimant based
on his 1970 KO of the outstanding Chartchai Chionoi. In 1971
he would struggle but still remain champion. In five 1971
encounters he went 3-1-1. He lost a non-title go on points
to Halimi Gutierrez. He also drew with Betulio Gonzalez thus
keeping his crown. In 1972 the W.B.C. withdrew its recognition
of Salavarria as champion and matched Gonzalez with Socrates
Batoto for the vacant crown. Betulio took out Socrates in
four. Venice Borkhorsor then met Gonzalez for the title. Borkhorsor
would win by a tenth round stoppage. Borkhorsor and Salavarria
would meet in 1973 to srttle any dispute on who the real champion
was. The title stayed with Borkhorsor who won a decision.
It was a simple time then. There were a lot
less weight divisions and fewer split titles. It was a time
when in most cases the champions ruled their respective divisions
with an iron fist. Some of the most feared and respected boxers
of all time reigned supreme. Foster, Monzon, Napoles, Cervantes,
Olivares and Duran. The class of 1972. What a wonderful year
!
OSCAR " SHOTGUN " ALBARADO By
Jim Amato
He was a hard banger and a crowd pleaser who
battled some of the best welterweights of his era. Eventually
he would move up to 154 pounds and win a world title in that
division. He thrilled crowds in his home state of Texas and
would also become a popular draw on the West Coast. His name
was Oscar Albarado and they called him " Shotgun ".
Born in 1948, Oscar turned professional in
1966 and reeled off 25 straight victories. He suffered his
first loss via a decision to the highly touted Hedgemon Lewis
in 1969. He came back in 1970 with two wins over Youngstown,
Ohio veteran L.C.Morgan. Oscar would then drop verdicts to
rated contenders Adolph Pruitt and " Have Mercy Mr. Percy
" Pugh.
Albarado bounced back with five straight wins
including a decision over rugged Raul Soriano. He was then
upset over ten rounds by Manuel Fierro. In May of 1971 Oscar
met then undefeated Armando Muniz and the two battled to a
draw in an action packed bout. Oscar would then lose a decision
to top contender Ernie " Red " Lopez. Albarado would win seven
in a row but in 1973 he was surprised in one round by Dino
Del Cid. Oscar came right back to stop Del Cid in the second
round of a rematch.
In June of 1974 Oscar traveled to Tokyo,
Japan take on world junior middleweight king Koichi Wajima.
In a tough battle Albarado rallied to halt Wajima at 1:57
of the fifteenth round to capture the crown. Oscar would return
to Japan to defend against Wajima's countryman Ryu Sorimachi.
Albarado retained his title with a seventh round stoppage.
It was back to Tokyo again to face Wajima in a rematch. This
time Wajima paced himself and fought a smart fight in regaining
his title by decision. There would be no rubber match.
It would be over five years before Oscar boxed
again and it was obvious he was no longer the same fighter.
He did find himself matched with some pretty good fighters
though. In 1981 he was kayoed by Bobby Czyz and Bernard "
Superbad " Mays. In 1982 he was taken out by Louis Arcaries
and John Collins. Finally he was stopped in two rounds by
Ayub Kalule in his last fight.
Albarado ended his 72 fight career with a
record of 58-13-1. He scored 43 knockouts. He was stopped
seven times but six of those stoppages came after his five
year layoff. In his prime he was a game and durable fighter
with a lethal punch.
MARTY MONROE : A FORGOTTEN CONTENDER
By
Jim Amato
Back in the late 1970's and early 80's there
was a pretty good heavyweight out on the West Coast. His name
was Marty Monroe.
Marty was from Los Angeles and he turned pro
in 1974. In 1976 he beat another up and coming heavyweight
named Randy Mack. In 1977 he defeated tough Joe Gholston.
In 1978 he defeated Leroy Boone.
In 1980 Marty would lose a decision to the
rough and rugged Scott Ledoux. Marty bounced right back with
impressive stoppage victories over Lynn Ball and Eddie " The
Animal " Lopez. Marty was now a force to be reckoned with.
In 1981 Monroe would meet the streaking Greg
Page. At this time Page was considered one of the best heavyweight
prospects in the game. Greg proved to be too much for Monroe
halting a game Marty in the sixth round. That might have been
the best performance in the career of Greg Page.
Marty would layoff for two years and then
return to win two fights. He ended his career in 1983 with
a very respectable 25-2-1 record. He scored sixteen knockouts
and was stopped only once.
Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough
By Franco
Floyd Fontanero
There’s “no quit” in 38 year old former WBC
Bantamweight Champion ( 27-7, 18 kayos ) Wayne McCullough.
And as always, it’s pedal to the medal “Pocket Rocket”! On
March 16th, 2009 he is scheduled for yet another fight at
MSG in New York, as he takes on Alex “El Diablo” Becerra (
19-7, 9 kayos) of Mexico. Unknown to me is Mr. “El Diablo”
of Mexico, but the name itself “The Devil”, sounds just a
bit scary, which gives me a bit of a sweaty forehead and some
shaking of the knees. But not so McCullough, he declares he
is ready to go. McCullough for some time has let it be known
that his goal is to strap on yet one more Championship belt,
before he even thinks of stepping out of the square ring for
good. Some years back I wrote an article about McCullough
where I stated that he was like the Energizer Bunny, he keeps
going and going, and I guess I couldn’t have been more correct.
McCullough, through out his career has been nothing less then
a very exciting fighter. One has been able to sit assured
that if McCullough is fighting, you are about to view an exciting
bout. “Pocket Rocket” is an individual who has always believed
in being in tiptop shape and trains religiously so. With that
being said, we more than likely will once again see punches
in bunches from McCullough. Should McCullough be defeated,
will he then give up his quest for one more championship belt?
Some have wondered how the nick name “Pocket Rocket” came
to be. Wayne explained it all to me. “Back in 1988 when I
was a member of the Irish Olympic team, one of my teammates,
Kieran Joyce, said I was small enough to fit in his pocket
and that I threw punches like a rocket. So that’s how the
“Pocket Rocket” was born!”, joked McCullough. And as the late,
great Paul Harvey would say, “And now you know the rest of
the story.”
Editor Rose Fontanero See you at the fights!!! www.seeyouatthefights.com
HOWARD "KAYO" SMITH By
Jim Amato
When a fighter earns the nickname "Kayo", it's
safe to assume he's a pretty dangerous guy. Howard Smith met
and defeated some top tier heavyweights in the 1970's. Yes
he could bang with the best of them.
Howard turned professional in 1971 and suffered
a defeat in his fourth pro fight. He bounced right back in
1972 halting future world champion Mike Weaver in three rounds.
Next he outscored Weaver in a return match. In 1973 Howard
pounded out a decision over Jack "The Giant" O'Halloran. Smith
was moving up in the heavyweight rankings in 1974 with KO
wins over Tony Doyle and O'Halloran in a rematch. Howard leaped
over another hurdle in 1975 with a fifth round stoppage of
the respected Larry Middleton. In 1976 Smith won a split decision
over the smooth boxing Johnny Boudreaux.
1977 proved to be pivotal year for Howard.
He solified his Top Ten ranking by outscoring the clever Henry
Clark. Then in April at the Alladin in Las Vegas, Howard met
the hard belting Earnie Shavers. This was a much anticipated
match between two of divisions premier punchers. Who would
get in the first big shot ? Well on this night it was the
feared Shavers who dropped Howard three times in the first
round. The bout was halted in the second round. It was a disappointing
loss but Smith returned to action four months later knocking
out Charlie James in the tenth round. That would Howard's
last fight.
Smith only had twenty pro fights, (17-2-0
with 1 no contest. He won ten via the KO route. In his brief
career he made his mark in the talent rich heavyweight division
of the 70's.
LIGHTWEIGHT DREAM FIGHT: Alexis Arguello-vs-Ismael
Laguna By
Jim Amato
The “Explosive Thin Man” Arguello, a champion
in three weight classes versus the highly underrated “other”
lightweight champion from Panama, Ismael Laguna. For all intents
and purposes Alexis was at his best boxing at 130 pounds.
When he was champion of that division he defeated Bobby Chacon,
Boza Edwards, Rolando Navarette, and Bazooka Limon. All of
who won the title AFTER Alexis moved to 135 pounds. Arguello
won the lightweight title from Jim Watt. His highest profile
defense at this weight was his highly competitive knockout
of future champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. Alexis never lost
any of his titles in the ring.
Ismael Laguna was one of the best pure boxers
the lightweight division has seen in the last forty years.
Only Pernell Whitaker, Howard Davis, and Hall of Famer Ken
Buchanan can compare. To win his first title Ismael out boxed
another Hall of Famer, Carlos Ortiz. Ortiz would then outmuscle
Laguna in winning two subsequent rematches. Five years later
Ismael would regain the title by beating the talented Mando
Ramos. He would then lose twice to Buchanan ending his long
career. In 75 bouts against many of the worlds best including
Vincente Saldivar and Guts Suzuki, Ismael was never stopped.
His final record was 65-9-1 with 37 knockouts.
It is no secret the Alexis always had trouble
with mobile boxers. Clever but light hitting Vilomar Fernandez
gave him fits. Laguna would give Alexis a lot of angles. Arguello
was usually a slow starter and Ismael was a very good counter
puncher. Laguna was not a hard hitter but he was a sharp and
accurate puncher. It is highly conceivable that Laguna would
jump out to an early lead. Laguna’s jab would get in more
often but Arguello’s would carry much more sting. Whenever
possible Alexis would try to work the body. This would probably
be the key for an Arguello victory. As the bout progressed
Arguello’s body attack would slow Laguna down. Remember this
would be a fifteen round fight. By the later rounds Alexis
would begin to land some telling head shots. Laguna would
be hurt but he would smartly evade Arguello’s attempts to
finish him. Occasionally Ismael would score with light but
flashy combinations but mostly he would be forced to box defensively.
The decision would be close but Arguello’s power and his late
surge would carry him to a unanimous decision. Now I wonder
how Alexis would have done against the “other” champ from
Panama, Roberto Duran.
JOE BUGNER AUTHOR'S NOTE : This article
was written long before the invasion of the Eastern European
heavyweights. The Klitschko brothers, etc... By
Jim Amato
Well, let's get this over with once and for
all. Who was the best white heavyweight since Ingo, or since
1960? Many names come to mind but few have reached the pinnacle
of world champion status. You could make a case for South
African Gerrie Coetzee who briefly held the W. B. A. crown.
He was a game fighter and a hard puncher but his chin was
not always reliable and his boxing skills were limited. No,
for my money the best Caucasian boxer over the last 40+ years
was none other than Joe Bugner.
Before you laugh look at the facts. Joe was
born in 1950 and turned pro in 1967. He was still fighting
well into the 90's. His record is a Who's who of the heavyweights
of that era. He went the distance with Muhammad Ali twice.
His second encounter was in a losing effort for the championship.
In all he traveled 27 rounds with the Greatest. He also went
12 rugged rounds with Joe Frazier losing a close verdict.
Bugner did win decision victories over title claimants Jimmy
Ellis and Greg Page. Past his prime, he was halted by future
titleholder Frank Bruno.
During his prime he defeated the best that
England and the rest of Europe could offer. He met world title
challengers like Henry Cooper, Brian London, Manuel Ramos,
Ron Lyle, Earnie Shavers, Chuck Wepner, Marvis Frazier, Steffen
Tangstad, James Tillis, David Bey and Richard Dunn. He also
met several other respectable big men such as Mac Foster,
Jose Luis Garcia, Larry Middleton, Eduardo Corletti, Jurgen
Blin, Jack Bodell and Jack O'Halloran.
Jerry Quarry was a terrific fighter but Bugner
fared much better against Ali and Frazier than Jerry did.
George Chuvalo also went 27 rounds with Ali. He also went
the full route with Ellis, Floyd Paterson and Ernie Terrell.
Still he was butchered by Frazier and George Foreman.
Forget Cooney, he could punch but he never
did learn how to fight. Morrison had a good punch and decent
skills but no chin. Duane Bobick was a solid puncher but slow
and not very durable. Wepner was awkward and as game as they
come but he could be easily outboxed. Henry Cooper had a great
left hook but he cut easy and his chin was shaky. Boone Kirkman
could punch but he had no defense. Randy Neuman was a good
boxer with no punch. Karl Mildenberger was troublesome from
his southpaw stance but little else. Ron Stander like Wepner
was game to core. If courage alone won titles they both would
have been champs.
THE FEARLESS HARRY GREB ; Biography Of
A Tragic Hero Of Boxing Author: Bill Paxton By
Jim Amato
Oh my this book really sealed the deal. It
was the best boxing book I have read in over two decades.
Believe me I've read some outstanding books during that time.
This one takes the cake. Why ? Well for a variety of reasons.
First off Harry Greb is considered by many experts as one
of the three best middleweights who ever lived. Up to now
Harry Greb was somewhat of a mystery man. There are no known
films of his classic fistic battles. This is very hard to
believe since there are many films of his contemporaries.
Also little was known of his personal and family life.
The author of this book, Bill Paxton must
have spent countless hours in researching this book. Although
no films of Greb's famous battles with Gene Tunney and his
bout Mickey Walker, Paxton gives detailed accounts of these
contests and others. There is more though, much more. Paxton
takes you on a journey through Greb's life. The ups, the downs,
the triumph and the tragedy. Once I picked this book up, I
didn't want to put it down. I wanted to know more about this
sometimes complicated yet at times a simple man. Greb was
a boxing hero in the Golden Era of the sport. This book has
over 100 photos that help tell the story. I urge you to treat
yourself to a rich slice of boxing history.
Bill Paxton's web site ; www.harrygreb.com
Publisher website ; www.mcfarlandpub.com
Order phone number ; 1-800-253-2187
260 pages.
Price -$39.95 (7x10)
Softcover ISBN 978-0-7864-4016-0 2009

BOOK REVIEW ; "THE LION AND THE EAGLE"
By
Jim Amato
Author: Iain Manson The history of boxing.
I love it. From the bare knuckle days to the present. It is
all inner twined. The past, the now and the future. In my
opinion to understand today, it's good to know about yesterday.
How did we get here ?
If you want to go back to the beginnings a
great book to read is Iain Manson's "The Lion And The Eagle".
It is about the first "Super Bowl" of boxing. It pitted the
best of America, John C.Heenan against the pride of England
Tom Sayers. It caused an international stir in an era where
pugilism was looked down upon. Yet even the British "fancy"
showed tremendous interest in this contest. All the hoopla
that led to this affair is just mind boggling. This all took
place long before radio and TV yet it was still well publicized
enough to have even the "common" people talking about it.
It literally opened the door that years later led to the emergence
was John L. Sullivan and big time boxing. It led to today...
The author did an amazing job in researching
this outstanding book. It takes the reader back to a different
time in both England and America. Just a very well presented
piece of fistic history. I recommend this book to all boxing
buffs. It was a pleasure to read.
A CLASSY ROARING 20's CHAMP ; BUSHY GRAHAM BY
Phillip B.Geraci: By
Jim Amato
Picture for a moment the conditions of this exciting era,
a time that was characterized by innovation in manufacturing,
home essentials, automobiles, air travel and entertainment.
In the midst of the growth, hustle and bustle of cities and
towns, there was an influx of immigrants to the United States.
Among the group of Upstate New York new arrivals from Italy
were Felice and Rafaelina Geraci with their son, Angelo. As
time moved on, the Geraci family expanded. Maestro Geraci
was a master shoemaker and eldest son Angelo (nicknamed Bushy
due to his bushy hair) took on greater responsibility as the
older brother customarily did in large families. The jubilant
times were tempered by the simple life of the immigrant family.
As with most families, the meager earnings of fathers, sometimes
buffered by a few nickels and dimes the eldest son could earn,
separated the haves from the have-nots. Since jobs for teens
were few and far between in those days, Bushy and most of
his friends hung around area athletic clubs, sometimes earning
pocket change.
Boxing was a popular sport with many top,
or wanna-be top contenders from his Upstate N Y hometown region.
Teens watched, admired and mimicked the crafty moves and style
of upcoming ringmasters. Bushy, with fast hands, foot speed
and a seemingly natural pugilistic ability, applied for a
boxing license. His birth date was apparently predated by
2 years to 1903 in order to meet the minimum age qualifications.
Thus began the Bushy Graham story. The challenge
of being the eldest of a family of eight siblings in a bilingual
family necessitated an aggressive boxing schedule that would
help support the Geraci family. His commitment to the well-being
of his family was often attested to by his siblings, my grandparents
and his former ringside second, Allie Chancia. When I interviewed
Mr. Chancia, age 101, in February of 2007 in his hospital
bed, he remarked, “Bushy made a lot of money, but he had to
take his suitcase full of cash home to Maestro Felice, his
father.” His boxing prowess instinct was buffered by “family
first!”
Soon moving into the pro ranks in 1922 at
age 17, his career got off to a good start, but included a
setback lesson that lasted nearly a decade. He was knocked
out by former armed forces veteran Spike Sullivan in December.
A few months later, he decisioned Sullivan and did not suffer
another K O for nearly a decade. Graham suffered only 2 stoppages
in a career that spanned nearly 14 years. He trained hard,
developing a unique boxing style with hands down at his sides
and agile footwork, often bounding off the ropes. His brother
Ralph (my Dad), described his speed as being so fast that
his opponent would be looking for him in the ring. This was
confirmed in various other interviews. One quoted a NY sports
reporter who covered a Garden bout, succinctly expressing
Graham’s illusive style: “Last night there was a ghost in
the ring in the name of Bushy Graham.” In his freshman and
second year seasons, he compiled an imposing record, winning
33 of his 37 bouts, with 1 loss and 2 draws. Among his victories,
14 were KO’s or TKO’s. Graham stepped up in class, clashing
with some formidable opponents in the next two years. During
the 1924 and 25 boxing seasons, he tangled with future world
title holders Frankie Genaro and Bud Taylor. His impressive
victory over then recent former bantam king, Abe Goldstein,
with a Bushy Graham Dec-2008 Boxing World & Other Sports 21
record of 90-12-8, must have aroused the attention of boxing
world gurus and fans. He garnered 23 wins 3 losses and 8 KO’s
in this 2-year stretch. This included two Madison Square Garden
victories over Harold Smith and Nat Pincus in 1925. Graham
certainly lived up to the expectations of Tex Rickard, internationally
known promoter, when he listed Bushy in the top 10 of his
Bantamweight Division. The Dallas Morning News (1-12-25) reported
Rickard’s rankings: “For the first time in the history of
boxing in this country an international ranking list of the
‘First Ten’ in each of the nine divisions has been compiled.”
Graham was ranked # 9 and by year’s end he had beaten three
crown contenders ranked above him, Smith, Taylor and Ruby
Goldstein.
Then in February of 1926, Tex Rickard surprises
the boxing world with his ratings of top world boxers. The
then current champ, Charley Phil Rosenberg, was ranked 4th,
with Chic Suggs 1st and Graham #2. With 13 wins, including
3 KO’s that season, Graham battled some of the most notable
members of his class. The Madison Square Garden triumphs of
the bantam phantom (as he was now referred) over California
Joe Lynch, Frankie Genaro and the #1 division contender, Chic
Suggs, among other notables like Eddie O’Dowd and Young Montreal,
advanced his case for the top-class laurels. In the Fall of
’26, an aspiring local sports writer who would eventually
become Bushy’s manager and international promoter, Dewey Fragetta,
wrote, “Fans took a liking to this bantamweight and they have
followed his career as though it was a book. … You can find
no record that shows the constant advancement that Graham’s
record shows.” He added, “I sincerely believe that he will
be crowned the bantamweight champion of the world.” Fragetta
was inducted into the IBHOF while Graham awaits enshrinement!
This prediction of “his deserved chance” came to pass when
he was matched against Champ Rosenberg in February of 1927.
A dream come true resulted in controversy and disaster. Rosenberg
hit the scales 4+ pounds over. They fought anyway and Bushy
lost by decision. The managers and boxers were all suspended
because of an alleged deal. Years later, the local scuttlebutt
from a community elder, claimed that threats were made to
Bushy’s manager and possibly Graham himself by N Y thugs if
they did not comply with their bout terms. In retrospect,
a youth at age 22 from a small town could have well been intimidated,
especially after “seeing his manager leave before the bout!”
Many embellished stories abound about the boxing industry
antics that have raised an abundance of questions with few
certain answers to unsolved mysteries. In a two-page July
1971 Boxing Illustrated story on B G, author Peter Heller
sums up Graham’s career: “[He had] a truly outstanding record,”
noting that “mystery still surrounds that fight and the aftermath.”
A timely applicable quote that might put this
career blip to rest: “There are two sides to every story-
and--then there’s the truth.” Moving on to 1928, Bushy decisioned
Joe Ryder and KO’d Pete Zivic, leading to headlines “Bushy
Graham gets Second Chance at Bantam Title Tonight” and “Bounding
Utican Meets (Corp Izzy) Schwartz (Flyweight Champion) at
Ebbets Field.” There was a bonus. His brother, Frankie Graham,
a rising featherweight mentored by Bushy, was on the undercard.
What a utopian moment for Graham and the Geraci family. Getting
a second chance in such a short time signaled the admiration
and respect he commanded in the boxing community. The hype
and buzz for a trio of title bouts at the new outdoors ring
at Ebbets Field was electrifying. Bushy did not disappoint
writers and fans around the world. The match was broadcast
to “all parts of the US, Canada and leading cities of the
world.” Graham won 11 of 15 rounds, flooring Schwartz in the
14th for a count of 9. A sampling of newspaper headlines across
the country: The Regional: “Bushy Graham Gains World Bantamweight
Title.”: The New York Times: “Graham Defeats Schwartz In 15
Round Bout For World Bantamweight Title”; and The New York
World: “Graham Beats Schwartz to Claim Banty Crown.” Newspaper
and commentary testimonials were commonplace: “[E]xperts who
have witnessed his uncanny weaving style, superb footwork
and crack defense, agree: “He is the equal, if not superior
of any bantamweight today. Bushy Graham, flaring haired phantom
from Utica, [is] today perched on the bantamweight throne.”
His conquest was followed by telegrams from dignitaries--
political and otherwise. Then, hometown regional parades completed
with the champ and the family acknowledged the roars of well-wishers.
This was followed by banquet receptions for their hero. After
winning two bouts in July, Graham debuted in California in
mid August of 28’. His stunning performance, beating Charlie
Pinto and knocking out California Joe Lynch ignited fans and
sportswriters alike. The headline, “BG’s Speed and Class Making
Pronounced Hit with Pacific Coast Fans,” was accompanied by
West Coast Bushy Graham (right) UD15 Corporal Izzy Schwartz,
5/23/1928, Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, NY for the vacant National
Boxing Association World bantamweight title. Bushy Graham
Dec-2008 Boxing World & Other Sports 22
Writers including, Bill Smith one of the West’s
best ring critics, who stated, “B G looks like every boxing
master that has ever come down the pugilistic pike. … The
sensational bantam-phantom of the ring, will-o’-the-wisp …
who set the Olympic fans batty with his speed and cleverness
… has been compared to so many dazzling fighters of the past
that soon he will be wondering whether he is Bushy Graham
or a reincarnation of the warriors of the bygone days.” that
has ever come down the pugilistic pike. … Then, the commissioner,
state senator, writers, dignitaries and fans compared him
to eight greats of the past. They included B G’s idol, Harry
Greb-- Middleweight Champ, described him as a human windmill,
punching from all directions.
At that time, The Ring’s authoritative rankings
authored an August 1928 article entitled “A Corner in the
Fistic Market.” Eddie Borden’s Monthly Boxing ratings included
Bushy Graham as his top pick among bantamweights.
Gene Tunney at Speculator N Y training camp.
Later that week, Graham arranged for the leather from the
5-ounce gloves in his Schwartz title victory to be used to
bind a volume of Shakespeare coveted by Tunney. Printed on
the outside of the volume in gold letters: “To my friend and
master James Joseph Tunney, a scholar and gentleman … sincere
good wishes from Bushy Graham.” Below, the inscription appears,
“This volume of Shakespeare is bound with the leather from
the boxing gloves with which Bushy Graham won the world’s
bantamweight championship, May 1928. The following year 1929,
Jack Dempsey, who replaced the late Tex Rickard ranking boxers,
placed Bushy tied for the #1 spot with tall Panama Al Brown.
Dempsey referee one of Graham’s bouts in Ohio when he TKO’d
Johnny Farr. Dempsey reportedly referred to B G as the greatest
little fighter, pound–for pound, he had seen as documented
in the Utica Public Library archives. Graham, weighed out
of his division by the late summer 1929 after about a dozen
non-title bouts. He beat such talent as Young Montreal, Eddie
O’Dowd and Archie Bell, losing to future champs Fidel La Barba
and Kid Chocolate, being disqualified after reportedly being
ahead in points in the 7th round. A few months later, as a
featherweight, he battled another eventual champ, Freddie
Miller, resulting in a draw. Miller was down 3 times in the
10th, leaving fans and reporters wondering about this hometown
ruling. In 1930 and ‘31, he decisioned such notables as Johnny
Vacca and Battling Battlino. In a rematch, Graham with his
usual hands at sides, chin out-- bobbing and weaving, caught
a surprise punch that ended in a KO. This was to be the 2nd
and last time that he was KO’d in his career. In 1932-35,
he had just eight bouts, losing only one, to slugger Tommy
Paul, allegedly a hometown decision. After nine matches in
1936 and one in ’37, Bushy retired. In this final campaign,
he beat top-ten contenders Pete Nebo, Eddie Zivic and Johnny
Jadick, while holding future featherweight champ, Leo Rodak,
to a draw. Graham ended an illustrious career winning 8 of
his last 10 bouts with 1 loss, 1 draw and 5 KO’s.
Bushy Graham (Angelo Geraci), finished his
career with a truly outstanding record: 138 bouts, 112 wins
(40 kayoes), 17 losses and nine draws. Graham battled with
more than a dozen title holders and top 10 contenders and
appeared a dozen times in the esteemed Madison Square Garden,
so proudly exhibited in the IBHOF at Canastota N Y. He beat
three current hall enshrines: Battlino, Genero and Taylor.
He also had draws with Genero and Freddie Miller, another
inductee to the IBHOF. The criteria for induction includes
caliber of competition. The aforementioned should suffice.
His contribution to the sport was met by sparking interest
due to his flashy style, mentoring and later managing aspiring
boxers and contributing to worthy causes via appearances,
support, and promoting regional athletic clubs. When the Great
Depression ushered in, he was there for extended family and
needy community neighbors making provisions for coal deliveries.
His charitable exhibition bouts often featured smokers with
brother, Frankie Graham.
In summing up this extraordinary career and
pugilistic record, allow me to quote excerpts from two recent
acquaintances met during this Uncle Bushy research project:
1) In a February 2007 interview with ringside second 101-year-old
Allie Chancia: His final answer to a question posed was, “When
he was ready, those two arms came up and— bing, bang—punches
would fly and Bushy Graham LDQ7 Kid Chocolate, 4/12/1929 New
York Coliseum, Bronx, New York Dec-2008 Boxing World & Other
Sports 23 his opponent knew it was about to be over. …
He was one of those guys. (pause) Once in
a lifetime you see this kind of fighter!” 2) In a February
2008 letter from a new acquaintance and now friend, Walter
(Butch) Flansburg, CEO and President of the National Boxing
Association, relating to my plight to get BG into the IBHOF
wrote, “Again, when a boxer reaches the top of the competition—top
meaning the best of all contenders, that is certainly quite
a feat. Obviously, few have achieved what Bushy Graham did
and others like him—Champion of the World!” Subsequent to
his retirement, he owned an automobile business and was a
silent partner in Graham’s Poultry stores. He was honored
on many occasions with the likes of former boxing greats such
as Carmen Basilio and Rocky Marciano at testimonials and fundraisers.
Bushy also managed several area boxers, coaching others in
a sport dear to his heart. He has been presented with mayoral
proclamations and is referred to and written about in books.
In the fall of 2007 his nephew, Phil Geraci, presented a comprehensive
compilation of his fistic feats to the IBHOF for induction
consideration. He will continue this mission and collect data
for “The Case for Bushy Graham.” Philip B. Geraci is the nephew
and author of the above article. He resides close to BG’s
hometown in Marcy, N Y with his wife Joanne. They have four
adult children. Geraci is a former School Administrator with
a Masters Degree from Syracuse University. He also completed
his doctoral coursework at Syracuse, finishing his dissertation
at the University of Beverly Hills where he was awarded a
doctorate degree in Education. Geraci would be interested
in additional testimonials and memorabilia that would advance
the cause for Graham’s induction to the Boxing Halls of Fame.
Reprinted by permission of BOXING WORLD MAGAZINE. Editor Tom
Huff.
Kuniaki Shibata: He Made Salvidar Surrender
By
Jim Amato
Japan has provided boxing with many fine champions and contenders
over the years. Probably the most famous being the wonderful
Fighting Harada. Among those fine fighters representing Japan
one has been grossly overlooked. He won three titles in two
weight divisions. This was back when boxers had only the W.B.A
and W.B.C to contend with. Looking back over his fifty six fight
career, you can see he met some pretty stiff competition. His
name was Kuniaki Shibata.
Shibata
was born at Hitachi, Japan in 1947. He made his professioal
debut in 1965. Kuniaki quickly established himself as a top
prospect by winning his first twenty one bouts. In 1968 it
was veteran contender Dwight Hawkins who ended Shibata's win
streak with a seventh round knockout. In 1969 Shibata lost
a bid to win the OPBF featherweight title as he was halted
by the respected Hubert Kang.
Shibata
went nine fights without a defeat and then his big break came.
In the mid and late 1960's Mexico's Vincente Saldivar ruled
the featherweight division. After winning the championship
in 1964 from the talented Sugar Ramos, Saldivar made seven
successful defenses. Three times he defeated his top contender
the pride of Wales, Howard Winstone. After his his last victory
over the game Welshman, Saldivar decided to retire. There
was a mad scramble to find a successor. The W.B.C. matched
Winstone with the smooth boxing Jose Legra. The W.B.A. matched
Raul Rojas, who had lost to Saldivar against Enrique Higgins.
Legra, a native of Cuba took out Winstone in round five. Rojas
was victorious over Higgins. Legra's win over the popular
Winstone seemed to make him the one regarded as the superior
new champion. In Legra's first defense he was shaded over
fifteen rounds by Australia's Johnny Famechon. Rojas lost
his version of the title to Japan's Shozo Saijo. Shibata went
nine fights without a defeat and then his big break came.
In the mid and late 1960's Mexico's Vincente Saldivar ruled
the featherweight division. After winning the championship
in 1964 from the talented Sugar Ramos, Saldivar made seven
successful defenses. Three times he defeated his top contender
the pride of Wales, Howard Winstone. After his his last victory
over the game Welshman, Saldivar decided to retire. There
was a mad scramble to find a successor. The W.B.C. matched
Winstone with the smooth boxing Jose Legra. The W.B.A. matched
Raul Rojas, who had lost to Saldivar against Enrique Higgins.
Legra, a native of Cuba took out Winstone in round five. Rojas
was victorious over Higgins. Legra's win over the popular
Winstone seemed to make him the one regarded as the superior
new champion. In Legra's first defense he was shaded over
fifteen rounds by Australia's Johnny Famechon. Rojas lost
his version of the title to Japan's Shozo Saijo.
While
all this was going on Vincente Saldivar decided to un-retire.
He promptly outscored Legra for the right to meet Famechon
and reclaim his title. That is exactly what Saldivar did as
he beat Famechon in a tough fight to regain the championship.
At this point it looked like Saldiver could reign as long
as he wanted to. Seven months after defeating Famechon the
champion would meet Kuniakii Shibata. who was brought in from
Japan to face Saldivar in front of his wildly cheering fans.
Although Shibata had a respectable 31-2-2 record it seemed
unlikely for him to dethrone the great Saldivar.
The
year 1970 had produced some great upsets like Carlos Monzon
defeating Nino Benvenuti and Billy Backus slicing up the slick
Jose Napoles. Shibata came right out to show that he came
to win. At times Saldivar looked bewildered as no matter what
he did Shibata just kept coming in. Shibata appeared to be
very strong as he forced Saldivar to give ground. This was
a close fight with many exciting exchanges but as the rounds
went by Saldivar seemed to weaken. The proud champion did
everything he could do to stem the tide but Shibata would
not be denied. As the fight wore on the damage Shibata was
doing showed on Saldivar's face. Kuniaki was really busting
him up.Finally after twelve rounds of a bruising battle, it
was over. Saldivar was a beaten man and he conceded his title.
Shibata
looked like the real thing when he ended the title hopes of
Mexico's Raul Cruz in one round. Next came a hard fought title
retaining draw with Panama's Ernesto Marcel. Finally Shibata's
chin failed him as he was starched in the third round by another
Mexican, Clemente Sanchez. Kuniaki decided to move up to the
130 pound division in 1973 and he challenged hard hitting
Ben Villaflor of the Philippines for the W.B.A. version of
the junior lightweight title. Villaflor was a powerful pucher
but Shibata was a master boxer in this fight . Kuniaki was
awarded a fifteen round decision and the crown. Shibata then
hung on to the title with a draw against Argentina's Victor
Echegaray.Then came the rematch with Villaflor. This time
Villaflor did not give Shibata time to get into his groove
as Villaflor streched him out in the first round.
Shibata
once again return to the forefront as four months after the
Villaflor debacle he met the W.B.C. 130 pound title holder
Ricardo Arrendondo. Shibata pulled of another suprise winning
the crown over fifteen rounds. This time around
Shibata
would make three defenses. He outscored Antonio Amaya, stopped
Ramiro Bolanos and outfought Ould Makloufi. Finally Shibata's
Achilles heal or should I say chin was exposed once again
as Alfredo Escalera flattened Kuniaki in round two. Shibata
would go on to win his last three fights and then called it
quits in 1977. He left the game with a fine record of 47-6-2.
He won twenty five by knockout and he was stopped five times,
all in major contests. Does Shibata have the qualifications
to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame ? Obviously you could
make a strong case for him based on the credentials of some
of the current inductees. I doubt Shibata will ever be enshrined
in Canastota but he should be given his just due. I'll always
remember him as the man that made Saldivar surrender.
Clevelands Pablo Ramos Is Not Forgotten
By
Jim Amato
The
city of Cleveland produced a world class light heavyweight
in the late 1970's and 80's. Pablo "Paul" Ramos was a ranked
contender and met some of the division's best.
Paul
was a celebrated amateur who once defeated future world heavyweight
champion Michael Dokes. Paul turned pro in 1976. In 1977,
competing in his sixth fight he stopped Mayfield Pennington.
Later in the year Pennington would upset the great Emile Griffith.
Also in 1977 Ramos would outscore Jerry "The Bull" Martin.
This was the same Martin who make three game but
unsuccessful attempts to win the world's light heavyweight
title.
In
1978 Paul would beat the rugged Canadian Gary Summerhayes.
In 1979, he would decision Bill "Dynamite" Douglas and in
1980 he would defeat the respected Rudy Robles.
Paul
would lose his last two fights of 1980 to the always tough
Murray Sutherland and by a knockout to dangerous Jerry Celestine.
He would bounce back in 1981 with another victory over Robles
and a disputed draw with Chisanda Mutti. Paul would close
the year by losing a points verdict to the highly rated Eddie
Davis.
Ramos
finished his career on August 7, 1982 losing over ten rounds
to former champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad at the Spectrum
in Philadelphia.
Paul
had a total of 24 professional fights and ended with a fine
record of 19-4-1. Paul scored eight knockouts. He was stopped
only once.
s
Greg Richardson: The Pride Of Youngstown
By
Jim Amato
He was grace and artistry in the ring. He was
one of the best pure boxers of his era. He won one world title
and failed twice to win titles in two other weight classes.
He had class and was a gentleman. He proudly represented the
great fight city of Youngstown, Ohio. His name was Greg Richardson
and they called him "The Flea."
Born in 1958, Greg launched his pro career
in 1982 winning by a first round kayo. In his next bout Greg
was halted in the opening stanza by Harry Lee. Hardly the
start of a legend.
Greg would not suffer another knockout defeat
until 1987 when he challenged Australian superstar Jeff Fenech.
At that point Greg had amassed a 22-2 record with wins over
top notch competition like Baby Kid Chocolate, Diego Rosario,
Harold Petty, Alfonso Lopez, James Manning, Oscar Muniz, Robert
Shannon and Darryl Thigpen. Fenech proved to be too strong
for Greg and he retained his WBC Super Bantamweight title
by a fifth round stoppage.
In his next fight Greg would drop a decision
to the very talented Texan, Jesse Benavides. In 1989 he would
outscore former bantamweight champion Gaby Canizales. In 1990
Greg scored big wins over Ellyas Pical and Edwin Rangel.
On February 25th, 1991 Greg challenged Raul
Perez in Inglewood, California for the WBC bantamweight title.
In an upset Greg won on the cards 115-113 ( twice ) and 116-112,
to capture a unanimous decision and the title.
In his first defense Greg out slicked the
tough Victor Rabanales but in his next defense he was overpowered
by Joichiro Tatsuyoshi in ten thus losing the crown. Greg
came right back in 1992 to challenge Sung Kil Moon for the
WBC Super Flyweight title. Greg lost a majority decision.
In 1993 Greg drew with Miguel Espinoza. In
1994 he pitched a shutout against former title challenger
Armando Castro. In 1995 he beat the always tough Edel Geronimo.
Then he lost a twelve round verdict in Romania to Petrica
Janos Paraschiv. The end came for Greg in 1996 when he was
stopped in six rounds by Juan Carlos Rameriz.
Greg's final record stands at 31-8-1. He
won five by knockout and in turn he failed to go the distance
four times.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Greg fight
live, at ringside on July 22, 1994 in Youngstown against Armando
Castro. An interesting side note to this night is that Greg's
original opponent was to be a young, undefeated Mexican hotshot
named Marcos Antonio Barrera. For whatever reasons Barrera
pulled out and eventually Castro became Greg's foe. Castro
was no slouch, in fact he had twice unsuccessfully challenged
for world titles. He was the last man to fight the great Khaosai
Galaxy.
On this night with the famed Victor Valle
working his corner, Greg completely dominated the befuddled
Castro. This was a boxer in the twilight of his career that
in my opinion won every round. It was a masterpiece. I'll
always wonder how a young Barrera would have fared that night
against Greg? Even more interesting is the fact that in Castro's
next fight he would would challenge Alfred Kotey for the WBO
bantamweight title. Why Castro instead of Richardson? After
losing to Kotey, Castro would be stopped by Naseem Hamed and
Erik Morales.
I have had the great pleasure of meeting
Greg. In our brief conversations I found him to be a humble
and somewhat shy individual. He is very fan friendly, always
willing to sign an autograph. He has made the city of Youngstown
proud.
We have some very sad news to report to
our LBC. Stan Gallup, "aka Mr. Golden Gloves" passed away
Feb. 21st in West Virginia. After his almost 60 years in amateur
boxing and the dedication and commitment he gave to our sport,
Stan truly is a man that will be sorely missed. In the last
month, we have "lost" two great men, William "Sy" Symington
and Stan "Mr. Golden Gloves" Gallup. Let us take a moment
to applaud and recollect the many years and unconditional
love that they gave to the great sport of amateur boxing.
BOOK REVIEW ; ONE RING CIRCUS ; From
Jim Amato
Dispatches From The World Of Boxing Author - Katherine Dunn
This book is a collection of boxing essays and articles that
renown writer Katherine Dunn has had published. This was a
wonderful book written by someone who loves boxing. You could
just feel her passion for the sport jump out at you as you
turned the pages.
There were some great chapters on some of
my favorite fighters and famous fights. Historic battles like
Hagler's bouts with Duran, Hearns and Leonard. There is also
a fine piece on the Holmes - Cooney classic. In other chapters
Katherine highlights some of my favorite fighters. I especially
enjoyed her pieces on Alexis Arguello and Johnny Tapia. The
Tapia article first appeared in Playboy magazine. There was
also a great chapter on Lucia Rijker. One thing is for sure.
Katherine Dunn knows boxing and has an artistic flair of presenting
the sport to her readers.
This book is a must read for any boxing fan.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe you will to. This book
is available through the trade via IPG Distributors. Phone
1-312-337-0747 or go to www.ipgbook.com
The ISBN# is 978-0-09801394-2-6

The format is Trade Paper Original. It will
be available in May of this year. The retail price is $16.95.
It is well worth the cost.
BOOK REVIEW ; THE TERROR OF TERRE HAUTE..By
Jim Amato
.Bud Taylor And The 1920's. AUTHOR ; John D.Wright
THIS was a great book ! When I received it
I had heard of Charles "Bud" Taylor. I knew he was in the
Hall Of Fame but he was a fighter from the past. I really
knew little about him. I know better now thanks to author
John D. Wright. John's labor of love brought to light a career
forgotten. A career that should be remembered. Bud Taylor
was a hell of fighter. He was a hell of a man too and Mr.Wright
covers all the bases.
The names on Bud Taylor's record are impressive
to say the least. Just a sample...How about Memphis Pal Moore,
Pancho Villa, Charley Phil Rosenberg, Carl Tremaine, Bushy
Callahan, Jimmy McLarnin, Tony Canzoneri, Al Singer, Fidel
La Barba and Battling Battalino. Need I say more ? This man
could fight ! After reviewing Bud's record I have no doubt
that Mr. Taylor is where he belongs...In the Hall Of Fame.
In this book though John D.Wright covers
much more then Taylor's ring accomplishments. He told a story
of a man, Bud Taylor.The good, bad and the tragic. This is
an outstanding story and a great read. I highly recommend
this book. One of the best I've read in years.
To order this book go to; www.budboxer.com
The price is $20.00 It is well worth it !
BIG BUSTER MATHIS ; Has History Been Unkind
To Him? By
Jim Amato
At one time Buster Mathis Sr. of Grand Rapids,
Michigan was the best amateur heavyweight in the world. This
was in 1964 after he had twice defeated another promising
amateur named Joe Frazier. He was on his way to the 1964 Olympics
Games in Tokyo but an injury sidelined him. Frazier took his
place as an alternate. Joe won the Gold Medal and the rest
is history.
Where does Buster Mathis stand in the annals
of heavyweight history ? Did he ever get the respect that
he may have deserved ? He was a good enough prospect to have
Cus D'Amato guide his professional career. He was a a very
big man for his era and was surprisingly fast and agile for
a big man.
At the beginning of his pro career the 300
pound Mathis shedded weight and subdued opponents. In his
fourth fight he would outpoint a rugged customer named Bob
Stallings. In his sixth fight he would halt Chuck Wepner.
Buster was built up like most prospects at
that time were. His record is spotted with journeymen like
Charlie Polite, Mike Bruce, Everett Copeland, Sonny Moore...After
23 straight victories he was matched with old foe Joe Frazier
for the New York State recognition of the heavyweight title
that had been taken from Muhammad Ali.
This time Joe would have more rounds to work
over and wear down Big Buster. Finally in the eleventh round
Buster went down and Joe had a piece of the heavyweight pie.
After the loss to Frazier, Mathis put together
a nice five bout win streak. He beat Mel Turnbow, James J.
Beattie, Amos " Big Train " Lincoln, Dick Wipperman and James
J. Woody. That was pretty respectable opposition at that time.
This led to another shot at the big time. A match with the
brawling Canadian contender George Chuvalo.
The bout with Chuvalo would be the highlight
of Buster's fine career. If anyone ever doubts that Buster
was a world class heavyweight, get a hold of the film of this
fight. Mathis was the master of Chuvalo throughout the twelve
round contest.
The win over Chuvalo put Buster right back
in the thick of the heavyweight picture.By this time the once
300 pound Mathis was tipping the scales around 235. Six weeks
after the Chuvalo triumph, Buster would take on the erratic
but always entertaining Jerry Quarry. On the night they fought
Quarry was nothing short of brilliant. It was a boxing clinic
and Buster was soundly defeated. At this point Buster took
some time off after a high profile loss.
It would be well over two years before Buster
would re-enter the ring and his opponent would be none other
then the comebacking Muhammad Ali. Buster had ballooned to
over 250 pounds and although game to the core he was totally
outclassed by Ali and lost a twelve round decision. This would
finish Buster as a serious contender.
Buster would defeat the undefeated Claude
McBride but in his next bout he was savaged by another unbeaten
prospect named Ron Lyle. That would be the end of Buster's
career.
Big Buster only lost four of thirty four
fights. He lost to Frazier, Quarry, Ali and Lyle. Does that
make him all bad ? The Buster Mathis that defeated George
Chuvalo was one of the best heavyweights of the late 1960's.
>
ALI AND THE "ACORN" By
Jim Amato
It was to be the last time the incomparable
Muhammad Ali would ever successfully defend the heavyweight
championship. It would be held in boxing’s most famous arena,
Madison Square Garden. It would also feature Ohio’s most popular
heavyweight of the last quarter century, Earnie Shavers.
The “Acorn” as Ali had dubbed Shavers would
be a prohibitive underdog. He was accorded a puncher’s chance
at best against the aging but still crafty king of the heavyweights.
What transpired the night of September29, 1977 established
Earnie as a legitimate contender and forecast the soon to
be demise of “The Greatest”.
The playful Ali continually mocked Earnie
during the pre-fight introductions by rubbing the top of the
“Acorn’s” head. In this fight the scorecards would be made
public as fight went on. Everyone knew the score as the fight
was progressing. An idea that has gladly never caught on.
The relaxed and confident Ali easily out boxed Earnie in round
one and was doing the same in round two. Then out of nowhere
a crackling Shavers right hand stunned Ali and sent him wobbling
backwards. Hurt and glassy eyed Ali waved Earnie in. Again
Shavers landed with dynamite force staggering Ali. Only Muhammad’s
tremendous heart, chin and cunning enabled him to survive
the round.
Action slowed in the middle rounds as Ali
mugged to the crowd and several times he lay on the ropes
and tried to lure Earnie in. Shavers refused to become a victim
of the “Rope-A-Dope” and the crowd booed wanting more action.
They got it as the bout progressed past the seventh round.
On numerous occasions Earnie rocked the champion back on his
heels with explosive right hand bombs. When Ali kept his distance,
he dominated with sharp jabs and straight rights.
Going into the late rounds Ali had the lead
but in round twelve, thirteen and fourteen Earnie fought probably
the best three rounds of his career. Several times he stunned
a tired but dead game Ali. Many thought Earnie would tire
since he had never fought past ten rounds but it was Ali who
appeared to be wilting.
The fifteenth round saw two desperate warriors
engaging in a thrilling toe-to-toe slugfest. Ali seemed revived
and Earnie was letting it all hang out in a last ditch effort
to win the crown. Earnie edged Ali during the first two minutes
of the round and then he finally tired. Ali came on and hurt
Earnie for the first time in the bout. Showing a remarkable
will to survive Shavers refused to fall although he was beaten
around the ring. At last the final bell sounded saving Earnie
and putting his fate in the scorecards.
The final scoring: 9-6, 9-6 and 9-5-1 for
the winner and still champion, Muhammad Ali. The crowd lustily
booed the verdict. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the
decision, one thing was certainly unanimous among the crowd,
Earnie Shavers had arrived.
Stan " Kitten " Hayward By
Jim Amato
Stan " Kitten " Hayward was just one of the
many tough welterweights and middleweights that came out of
Philadelphia in the 1960's and 70's. He battled the best his
hometown had to offer and several other world contenders too.
Hayward began his pro career in 1959. He
won sixteen of his first eighteen matches. In 1963 he dropped
a ten rounder to welterweight contender Jose Stable.Later
in the year he stopped Percy Manning . In 1964 and 1965 Hayward
made great strides up the ladder. First he halted future welterweight
champion Curtis Cokes in four brutal rounds. In 1965 he beat
Vince Shomo, Tito Marshall and " Bad " Bennie Briscoe.
In 1966 Hayward suffered a setback when he
lost in seven rounds to the talented Gypsy Joe Harris. Stan
came right back in 1967 beating Fate Davis, Pete Toro and
battling to a draw with Jean Josselin. In 1968 he drew with
rugged Joe Shaw and then in October he won possibly the biggest
fight of his career. Stan scored an upset ten round decision
over former world champion Emile Griffith.
The win over Griffith put Hayward in line
for a title shot. On March 17, 1969 he met Freddie Little
for the vacant WBA and WBC versions of the junior middleweight
title. The bout took place in Las Vegas and Little outscored
Stan over fifteen rounds.
The loss to Little started Hayward's career
on a downward spiral. Over his next fourteen fights he would
go 5-8-1. He finished 1969 losing a decision in a rematch
with Griffith. In 1970 He was defeated by Jean Claude Bouttier
and Juan Carlos Duran. In 1971 he dropped a points verdict
to Alvin Phillips. Stan's career really took a nose dive when
he was blitzed in one round by the savage punching Eugene
" Cyclone " Hart.
As his career was winding down, Stan was kayoed
in seven by Willie " The Worm " Monroe in 1974. In 1975 he
lost a rematch to Bennie Briscoe. In his final fight taking
place in 1977, Stan was taken out in four rounds by Larry
Davis.
Hayward amassed 48 fights in his respectable
career. He finished with a 32-12-4 ledger meeting some of
the best boxers of his era between the 147 and 160 pound weight
classes.
CLEVELAND WILLIAMS By
Jim Amato
When Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams passed away
a few years back, it ended the final chapter of a story about
three gifted heavyweights from the 50's and 60's. Williams
joined Eddie Machen and Zora Folley to form a trio of hard
luck boxers who met tragic deaths after a career of frustration.
Machen lost a decision to Ernie Terrell in a 1965 W.B.A. title
bout. Later Eddie suffered some mental problems and eventually
committed suicide. Folley who was stopped in seven by Muhammad
Ali in 1967 died of injuries suffered in a poolside accident.
Machen and Folley passed on several years ago. Williams lived
to be 66 before being struck down by a moving vehicle. All
three would finally receive their title shots long after their
prime. One wonders how they would have made out if they got
their chance five years earlier against Floyd Patterson. To
Floyd's credit he did win a twelve round decision over Machen
in 1964, two years after he lost his crown to Sonny Liston.
Williams began his career in 1951 and won
his first 27 fights, 23 by knockout. In 1954, he suffered
a knockout loss to Bob Satterfield. Cleveland did not box
in 1955 because he was in the Army. When he resumed his career
he ran off 12 straight wins leading him to a match with the
feared Sonny Liston. The two traded bombs until Sonny put
over the sleeper in round two. Eleven months later they met
again in another war with Sonny winning in round three.
In Cleveland's next 22 fights he went 20-1-1
with 13 kayos. He lost a decision to Terrell and he drew with
Machen. He scored victories over Terrell, Wayne Bethea, Alex
Miteff, Billy Daniels, and Tod Herring. This led to a title
bout with Muhammad Ali in November of 1966. In 1965, Williams
was badly injured when he was shot by a patrolman during a
traffic stop argument. The bullet entered his stomach doing
severe damage. That he was even able to fight again, is a
testimony to his will and courage. The Williams that entered
the ring against Ali was just a shell of his former self.
In what many feel was Ali's best career performance, the champion
dominated his aging rival. The bout was mercifully stopped
in the third round. Cleveland would never again be a major
factor in the division. He lost to Bob Cleroux and and Mac
Foster and served as an opponent for upcoming fighters looking
for a name on their record.
I had the opportunity to see Williams box
a decent heavy weight named Ted Gullick at the old Cleveland
Arena. Gullick would meet George Foreman, Earnie Shavers,
and Duane Bobick during his career, but he was no match for
Williams this night. Using a ramrod jab and a solid body attack,
Cleveland out boxed his upstart foe to win a ten rounder.
The consummate professional at work. That is how I'll remember
Cleveland Williams
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Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar De la HoyaDecember
6th. By Franco
Floyd Fontanero
2008 Las Vegas, Nevada7:00 pm, MGM Grand Hotel
and Casino.In boxing we have always said that a pugilist should
first be smart, and brave second. If that assessment is true,
then Manny Pacquiao should defeat Oscar De la Hoya. Whether
true or not, I heard that Pacquiao’s IQ is 119 compared to
De la Hoya’s 115. Now I can’t profess to tell you how much
smarter Pacquiao is than De la Hoya by out doing him by four
points; I can only say he is four points smarter. And so,
we wait and see if smarter in actuality wins a fight. Some
people I have discussed this up and coming contest with seem
to think that Mr. Pacquiao may just be a bit too small, even
though he is a top notch pugilist. Since Floyd Mayweather,
Jr. announced his retirement, Pacquiao is now considered the
best pound for pound fighter in the world. He stands 5’ 6
½” and has a six inch reach disadvantage against the likes
of a 5’ 10 ½ De la Hoya. But did the “Golden Boy” pick on
the wrong smaller man this time? The great Freddie Roach seems
to think so, and has let it be known. Manny is 29 years old
and Oscar is 35; will the 6year difference make a difference
in the outcome of the fight? Oscar has a different trainer
for this upcoming bout, which by the way, is nothing new when
it comes to Oscar. Someone once said that Oscar changed trainers
as often as he changed his socks. Where is Floyd Mayweather,
Sr.? Once upon a time Oscar said Mayweather was by far the
best trainer he ever had. But, we’ve heard that one before.
Of course, now we know he has changed his mind again and believes
that trainer, Mr. Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, will lead him
to victory. Please don’t take my advice on anything, but I
would think that for Manny to have a chance against Oscar,
he would fight and stay in very close. If not, he may just
feel a big left hook. Watch out for the gancho, Mr. Pacquiao!
See you at the fights!
The Nevada Athletic Commission
By Franco
Floyd Fontanero
The Nevada RefereesBoxing in NevadaThe Nevada
Athletic Commission has always been the best Commission in
the world of sports. Former Executive Director, Mr. Marc Ratner,
without question, was as great as can be found. Now, current
Executive Director Mr. Keith Kizer is nothing less than the
best choice to follow in his footsteps. This commission and
its members, Chairman Mr. Bill D. Brady, Raymond “Skip” Avansino,
Jr., John R. Baily, TJ Day, and Pat Lundvall are always on
top of all situations and forever “safety first “ for all
participants . No better Commission is there, this Commission
is second to none.
In Nevada, all referees are professionals.
They are all selected individuals, individuals that have had
to prove they are worthy to the Commission before they were
selected to be the third man in the ring. Boxing Hall of Famer,
Referee Mr. Richard Steele, the great “Lets get in on!” Mr.
Mills Lane, the late Mr. Mitch Halpern, who at the young age
of 33 was already known as one of the very best in the sport.
The late Mr. Toby Gibson, who for 25 years worked boxing matches
worldwide, Mr. Joe Cortez , Mr. Jay Nady, Mr.Robert Byrd…
and what about the excellent referee that came from Arizona
to join the best team in the sport, Mr. Tony Weeks! Last,
but not least, the referee I saw start from the bottom and
go on to be as great of a referee as there is any where in
the planet, that being Mr. Kenny Bayless. Yes, this is a team
that without question is unmatched.
For the reasons above, boxing in the Boxing
Capital of the World ( Las Vegas, Nevada ) is where some of
the greatest bouts have been fought; and where some of the
best pugilists in the sport have fought. Holyfield, Bowe,
Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Oscar De la Hoya, Marco Antonio
Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez , Muhammad Ali, Kenny Norton,
Joe Frazier and the list goes on. To see some of the greatest
in the sport, you have to go to Las Vegas. You won’t find
them anywhere else!
With respect to all officials and pugilists
in the sport.
Franco Floyd Fontanero
December 2, 2008 www.seeyouatthefights.com
"THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH" ; ANDY GANIGAN By
Jim Amato
Although he was one of the most dangerous lightweights
of his era. Andrew Ganigan of Hawaii was not blessed with
the best of chins. His live by the sword, die by the sword
style of fighting made him a crowd pleasing favorite. In most
cases Andy got to his opponent first thus allowing him to
fight to the top of the ratings.
A nineteen year old Ganigan turned professional
in 1972. Through 1977 he won his first 25 fights. He won 23
by KO ! Among his feats were a two round demolition of Tury
"The Fury" Pineda and an eighth round stoppage of Vincente
Mijares Saldivar for the NABF lightweight crown. In 1978 Andy
met Chicago's rough and tough Johnny Lira. The tenacious Lira
outlasted Ganigan to score a stoppage victory. This fight
was for the USBA lightweight title.
In 1979 Andy defeated Mijares Saldivar again
for the NABF title. Then in a major upset, Ganigan was halted
in seven rounds by Roberto Vasquez. In a 1980 rematch Andy
turned the tables stopping Vasquez in seven. In 1981 Ganigan
was outscored by highly regarded Rodolfo "Gato" Gonzalez.
Popular Sean O'Grady had failed in a bloody attempt to win
the WBC lightweight title from Jim Watt. Later Sean challenged
WBA titlist Hilmer Kenty. In a true "closet classic", O'Grady
outscored Kenty to win the title. Due to complicated boxing
politics Sean either gave up or was stripped of recognition
by the WBA. Enter Sean's father Pat O'Grady who formed the
World Athletic Association (WAA). Sean would defend that title
against Ganigan. It was a disaster for O'Grady who was floored
three times by the explosive Ganigan. The fight ended in round
two with Sean shell shocked.
Andy had no use for the WAA title but used
the victory over O'Grady as a springboard to a 1982 fight
with Alexis Arguello. The great Arguello had won the WBC lightweight
title by defeating Watt. Ganigan shocked the crowd and Arguello
by flooring Alexis in the first round. Arguello had power
equal to or better then Ganigan's though. Soon Alexis overpowered
Andy and stopped the game Hawaiian in round five. In 1983
Ganigan would challenge the clever Kronkster Jimmy Paul for
the USBA lightweight crown. Paul would halt Ganigan in round
six and Andy would hang up the gloves.
Andy had lost three of his last four fights
but no one who witnessed it will forget his two round slaughter
of O'Grady. In all Ganigan had 39 fights. His final record
was 34-5 with 30 big knockouts.During his tenure as a contender
he was a force to be reckoned with