Who Lies There? A Compendium of Boxer's Obituaries by Mike DeLisa & Johnny Bos
Over 100 pages of obituaries of boxers, fighters, managers, and promoters. The gamut runs from the most famous to the most obscure. Complete obituaries are reprinted, and serve as an immense guide to furgter research for the boxing fan -- or as a bet-settler for the true stat geek.
Learn of the sad end of Gene Tunney opponent Wolf Larson, who once stole a milk wagon (horse and all) and tried to pawn it for a bottle of hootch. You probably never heard of Jack LaFontise, who dies while attended by his brothers, pro boxers themselves, but you won't forget his story.
Some of the nation's besst sportswriters describe the end of many of our boxing heroes and villains -- Gene Tunney, Sugar Ray Robinson, Kid Chocolate, Jack Johnson, Benny Leonard, Harry Greb, Jem Ward, Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Jennette (Jeanette), Al Palzer, Benny Bass and hundreds of others.
Which boxer died after drinking carbolic acid? Who died while making moonshine whisky when his still exploded? Who drowned? This book answers all of these questions.
Size 8 1/2 x 11 inches, bound.
TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK
Posted by juan @ 04:48 PM EST [Link]
Save Chicago Culture
By Melissa Brown
CHICAGO--The City of Chicago is trying to pass an ordinance that will greatly affect EVERYONE who works in the bar, nightclub and entertainment industry, would put many people completely out of business, and ruin the live music and entertainment scene in Chicago! Unless enough signatures are collected to protest this by this Wednesday, May 14th, (in just two days) it will be passed. This will greatly affect anyone who enjoys livev music and entertainment.
Please take a moment to go to the link that follows and sign the petition. All you have to do is go to the website and post a comment. Every voice counts now. [Read more]
Ring Rhyme & Reason May 2008
By Stephen B. Acunto
Tailor Made
When an individual purchases a tailor made suite it fits to perfection. This could describe the boxing match between Oscar DeLaHoya and Steve Forbes on Saturday, May 2nd. Tailor made was the shorter Steve Forbes; DeLaHoya could not miss him with short jabs and combination punches, winning all twelve rounds in a shut out. Shock absorber Steve Forbes must be credited with assimilating tremendous punishment and not going down. Believe me, Forbes caught as many punches as Jorge Posada catches pitches from the New York Yankees. Fighters like Forbes are more prone to sustain injuries because they have a lot of heart. De La Hoya played out his game plan for the entire distance of the fight. Forbes was a well-paid sparing partner. Possibly, De La Hoya could put the kibosh on Floyd Mayweather and then retire to continue promoting boxing as well as he has been doing.
Fans should study the styles and ring generalship of boxing and not be deluded by misinformation and compulsive diatribe that has been the fight analysis of certain commentators.
[Read more]
Tom Barnes' 'Battle for Pride' in Cicero Photos Now Up!
Press Release
CICERO, Ill.--The below link is to the postings of images captured at the 8 Count Production "Battle for Pride" matches May 9th at Cicero Stadium.
http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp?userid=Cicerostaduim_5_9_2008&secure_account_id=2460&secure_users_id=174741
Please use category tab on the top of banner to choose match you would wish to view or slide show tab to view all.
[Read more]
Book Review--Clay Moyle's 'Sam Langford: Boxing's Greatest Uncrowned Champion'
By Adeyinka Makinde
The name Sam Langford has loomed large in many constructions of boxing history. From the oral discourses of the old timers to the pictorial digests of the glossy coffee table offerings, Langford’s tale is often summarised by his rivalries with contemporary black fighters Joe Jeannette and Sam McVey, his unrequited hopes of attaining the heavyweight championship of the world –a slender chance rendered impossible by the decisions and indiscretions of Jack Johnson- and his later descent into a private hell of blindness and poverty. It is of course true that while historians have consistently alluded to his masterful style and his dexterity of skill, his story nevertheless has tended to be portrayed in short, consumable stanzas –never writ large, and only as a ‘supporting act’ in the often repeated saga of Johnson.
Why this is so is not at all hard to fathom. The writing of history, particularly as it relates to boxing, can often be dictated by the commercial viability of a project. The tried and tested paths of explorations into a select band of personages are comfortable if ultimately stultifying enterprises when over the course of time very little of valuable discovery and enlightened interpretation are the proceeds for the discerning reader. There have been innumerable projects on Jack Johnson and the era of the ‘white hopes’; of Jack Dempsey and the ‘roaring twenties’; of Joe Louis and the breakthrough in American race relations as well as of Muhammad Ali and his career set against an age of tumult. Yet Langford lived during an age as marked and as interesting as any other in regard to boxing and the wider society. His reputation as a puncher was not far off those of both Dempsey and Louis, his technical proficiency as a boxer rivals that of any other in any chosen age of the sport and his personality, while not skirting on the boundaries of outrage that were the hallmarks of Johnson and Ali, was distinctly colourful.
Clay Moyle’s ‘Sam Langford: Boxing’s Greatest Uncrowned Champion’ is the first large scale attempt on the life and career of the man famously, or infamously, nicknamed the ‘Boston Tar Baby.’ The moniker itself is as revealing as it is not. ‘Tar Baby’ alludes to the obsessive zeal with which fighters were dispensed with sub-titles for names and in particular how the sportswriters of the day emphasised what they perceived to be his typical African features and the link that supposedly had to his physical prowess and the ‘primitiveness’ of his being. The reference to Boston is indicative only of where the first rumblings of his talent was put on display and is not reflective of the peripatetic drift of a career that took him across many cities in North America, Mexico, England, France and Australia.
[Read more]
Giving Dee His Due
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Dee “Denorvell” Collier fought out of California during the 80’s and finished with a modest record of 12 (KO 8) - 9 (KO 1). He had a great chin and excellent power. His problem seemed to be that the level of his opposition might have been too good too quickly. Fighting guys like Buster Douglas, Monte Masters, Alex Garcia, Mark Wills and Eric Curry was not exactly tantamount to cherry picking. His one KO loss was to Nigerian bomber Bash Ali who won 30 of his last 31 bouts (all but one by way of stoppage), but who had a knack for losing when he stepped up.
Dee’s last career fight was a UD loss to Orlin Norris for the NABF heavyweight title on August 1, 1989. He went into that fight having iced Monte Masters, Bobby Crabtree and Garcia (his first loss) over a 6-month period. He also held two prior wins over Mark Wills who himself had stopped Greg Page twice. Clearly, Collier, who once had been the California State Heavyweight Champion, was not one to be taken lightly.
[Read more]
Findley Imposes Self on ‘Macho Time’ and Hernandez with Bloody Unanimous Decision Win!
Photos and report by Juan C. Ayllon
News Editor and Staff Writer
Trapping Hernandez on the ropes, Findley (right) whips a hard right into Hernandez's side
CICERO, Ill., May 9, 2008—There was a buzz in the air. Boxing announcer Thomas Treiber said, “We’ve got a good night of boxing ahead for you!” to the packed crowd at Cicero Stadium. He wasn’t kidding.
In the evening’s main event, Chicago’s “Macho” Miguel Hernandez (167.5 lbs., 20-7, 10 KO’s) and Gary, Indiana’s “Superman” Derrick Findley (162 lbs., 10-2, 7 KO’s) had the crowd yelling as they engaged in a pitched and bloody slugging match. Going into their bout, Hernandez had said, “This one’s for me.” He was going to have fun slugging with a slugger. After all, if it’s “Macho Time,” you’ve got to be macho, right?
[Read more]
Ex-boxer killed while working on Triborough Bridge
BY LAURA ALBANESE
Courtesy of Newsday.com
May 8, 2008
When Gino Gelormino made his foray into boxing, excited enthusiasts likened him to a young Willie Pep - one of greatest boxers of the 20th century.
The Levittown native, who died in a construction accident Tuesday, was blindingly quick and elusive in the ring, said Showtime boxing analyst Steve Farhood. And Gelormino, who won the Golden Gloves and later was one of the top 10 junior lightweight boxers in the world, knew how to defend.
[Read more]
Judah Injured, Bout With Mosley Off
Press Release
LOS ANGELES, CA – The scheduled May 31 fight between "Sugar" Shane Mosley and Zab "Supah" Judah has been canceled due to an arm injury suffered by Judah during his Las Vegas training camp it was announced by Golden Boy Promotions today. The HBO Pay-Per-View event was scheduled to take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Judah suffered multiple severe lacerations on his right forearm and received 50 stitches to close the wounds suffered in an accidental fall. As a result, Judah will be unable to train for four weeks and was forced to withdraw from the bout.
"It is very unfortunate that Zab suffered this injury and that this great event had to be canceled," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "We are already in discussions with all parties involved to attempt to reschedule the fight for the near future."
Tickets purchased for this event may be refunded at the original point of purchase.
Posted @ 03:03 AM EST [Link][Add your Comment on this article]
Weights From Chicago
"Macho" Miguel Hernandez (left) and "Superman" Derrick Findley pose at Team Doctors Treatment and Training Center of Champions, where the weigh-ins were hosted
BATTLE FOR PRIDE
CICERO STADIUM
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
TICKETS AND INFO/312-226-5800
DOORS OPEN 7PM, FIRST BELL 8PM
MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, 165 VS. DERRICK FINDLEY, 163, 8 ROUNDS
FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ, 119 VS. ANGEL PRIOLO, 118, 8 ROUNDS,
HENRY COYLE, 155 VS. BEN ARAGON, 155, 8 ROUNDS,
GADIEL ANDALUZ, 131 VS. JOSE MANDUJANO, 131, 4 ROUNDS,
ERIC ESTRADA, 122 VS. TIM CARRIZALES, 124, 4 ROUNDS,
Posted @ 07:43 PM EST [Link]
Dr. Stoxen Hosts Chicago Weigh-Ins and Much More at Team Doctors!
Story and photo by Juan C. Ayllon
Dr. James Stoxen (right) and former Ultimate Fighting Championships Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski
CHICAGO—He’d just hosted the weigh-ins for Friday night’s fights at his sparkling and newly expanded, 4,000 square-foot Team Doctors Treatment and Training Center of Champions. “Macho” Miguel Hernandez and his heavily muscled opponent, “Superman” Derrick Findley, led a lineup of fighters, with boxing commission officers, doctors, the promoter Dominic Pesoli, and other guests paying rapt attention and milling about the new digs. It had been a hit.
Now, half an hour later, Dr. James Stoxen, DC was dropping off Ron, his painter, in an especially dangerous section of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood by 71st and Yates.
“It’s a nasty, nasty place,” said Stoxen. “You know how they’ve got those blue lights and cameras? They’re all over the place here, and there’s cops everywhere! My painter said that someone had shot a woman in the face. I don’t want to be here; I want to get out fast!”
Fielding my call on his cell phone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other, Dr. Stoxen unwittingly shared a microcosm of his world—and perhaps the intrigue he shares with fighters—always moving and setting goals, with a strong affinity for largesse, excellence, danger and excitement.
[Read more]
Oliver-Lopez: Sudden Lightening at the Roxy
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Mike Oliver, 22-0, met Reynaldo Lopez, 28-5-2, at the Roxbury in Boston on April 7, 2008, and was heavily favored to remain undefeated. For all practical purposes, Oliver, out of nearby Hartford, was the home town fighter. Lopez was coming off a one punch blow out loss to Daniel Ponce de Leon and a UD loss to talented Cristian Mijares, Fighting for 15 years, some thought he might be ring worn and made to order for the speedy Oliver.
Though he seemed tight and tense, Oliver won the first two rounds with his superior speed. The third started out slowly with some roughhousing and then the fighters engaged in an exchange in a neutral corner. Oliver missed with his shots and Lopez threw a long left that caught Oliver flush at the 1:22 mark and sent him to the canvas face first. He barely beat the count and when the referee saw that he was helpless, the action was immediately halted.
[Read more]
Inspiration: Diosbelys “The Oriental Kid” Hurtado
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Hurtado is fighting like a jazz musician at a rock concert…
-- HBO color commentator George Foreman
It really can’t be measured but you recognize it when you see it. On any number of occasions, I saw fighters win against great odds seemingly inspired to go beyond their self-imposed limitations--to stretch parameters of possibilities beyond the norm.
Hurtado, known as "The Oriental Kid," began his professional career in 1994, and in 1997 challenged WBC welterweight title holder Pernell Whitaker. He was 20-0 at the time while Pernell was 39-1-1.
[Read more]
Arnaoutis-Tyner, Vargas-Brunelli Final Presser Quotes
Press Release
BRONX, NY - May 06, 2008 Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents an exciting evening of boxing this Friday night from Bally's Atlantic City, as "Mighty Mike" Arnaoutis (18-2-2 9KO) defends his USBA Jr. Welterweight title against undefeated Lanardo Tyner (19-0 11KO) in a 12 round bout.
The semi-final 8 rounder will feature 2004 Olympic Team captain Devin Vargas (15-0 6KO) taking on tough Philadelphian Dave Brunelli (8-3 3KO) in a Heavyweight fight. The bouts will be telecast live on "ESPN's Friday Night Fights" series. Below are quotes from each of the four participants.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Ruiz on call and ready to rock
Press Release
LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2008) – Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Lopez Shocks Oliver in Knockout Upset
By Pavel Yakovlev at ringside
Ringside Photographer - Joe Gallo
BOSTON, MA - In a stunning upset, Colombia's Reynaldo Lopez stopped IBF second ranked super bantamweight Mike Oliver of Hartford last night at 1:22 of round three in a ESPN Wednesday Night main event held at the Roxy in Boston. The end came when Oliver fell face first to the mat after taking a sharp left hook to the head. Although Oliver arose at the count of nine, he was on unsteady legs and referee Dick Flaherty immediately waived the bout off.
Until the sudden, unexpected ending, Oliver appeared to be getting the better of the action, even though Lopez was clearly a difficult and cagey opponent.
[Read more][1 Comment made on this article]
Lanardo Tyner: 'This is huge, it's my opportunity!'
Major step up against Arnaoutis headlines ESPN Friday night
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
May 8, 2008
Last year undefeated jr. welterweight prospect Lanardo Tyner made the sacrifice of uprooting his family from their Detroit, Michigan home down to Houston, Texas - with the notion that following his boxing idol, former world champion Frank Tate (a fellow Detroit native), would be a boost to his professional career.
Tate, who earned the International Boxing Federation middleweight championship by picking up the vacant title with a commanding 15 round unanimous decision victory over Michael Olajide in 1987, and was dethroned the following year by Michael Nunn, had left the Motor City after his fighting career ended and was training fighters at Hank's Gym in Houston.
[Read more]
Former World Champion Martin Castillo Retires
Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 7, 2008--Former super flyweight world champion Martin "EL GALLO" Castillo has retired from boxing, it was announced today by his longtime manager Frank Espinoza.
"We've talked numerous times over the last couple of weeks and Martin has concluded that this is the end of the line for him. He didn't feel like himself during the Montiel fight and is happy with what he has accomplished in the sport. As he put it 'I owe everything to boxing and I don't want to fight anymore if I can't go at a world class level.' "
[Read more]
Where Are They Now? Bob Foster Interview
By Shawn M. Murphy
Recently I had the great pleasure to speak to former Light Heavyweight Champion Bob Foster. Without question he was one of the greatest Light Heavyweights of all time, and there are those that say he may in fact be the greatest.
Foster had limited success as a heavyweight, but he owned the light heavyweight division. He beat Dick Tiger in 1968 for the world title. He was stripped by the WBA of his title in 1971, but kept on defending his WBC portion. In 1972 Foster unified the title, beating Vincente Rondon by a second round KO. Throughout his career he would defend his title fourteen times. He would fight twice for the Heavyweight title, losing to Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. Foster retired in 1974, but came back in 1975 and fought seven more times, winning five. He retired for good in 1978 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
[Read more]
The Upset
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Arguably, there is nothing more thrilling than an upset. For some, it means shocking disappointment; for others, it is sudden and pleasant surprise. Kirkland Laing shocked Roberto Duran but himself was later shocked by Buck “Tombstone” Smith. Lloyd Honeyghan did it to Donald Curry. Buster Douglas’s KO of Mike Tyson was perhaps the greatest upset in boxing history. George Foreman‘s KO of Michael Moorer in 1994 was one for the ages, but then Moorer turned the tables on Vassiliy Jirov tens years later. Louis Monaco stopped Kevin McBride in 1997, but McBride himself stopped Mike Tyson eight years later. More recently, Brian Vera pulled one off against a heavily Andy Lee.
Which brings us to the under card of the recent Jesse Feliciano-Andrey Tsurkan bout at the Utopia Paradise Theatre in the Bronx. Home town guy Jon “The Fighting Marine” Schneider, 7-1-1, was scheduled to fight Clarence Moore, 4-3-1. The Marine had shut out Moore in a 4-rounder in 2007 and was heavily favored to do it again. Hell, what was a guy from West Virginia doing in the Bronx in the first place?
[Read more]
Miguel Hernandez on Friday’s Fight with Derrick Findley: I’m Going to Have Fun!
Story and photos by Juan C. Ayllon
News Editor & Staff Writer
Miguel Hernandez (right) and his son, Joshuah, work on the focus mitts at Manor Park
CHICAGO—Popular Windy City middleweight boxer “Macho” Miguel Hernandez faces a stern test this Friday night at Cicero Stadium in Cicero and he’s really looking forward to it.
His opponent is a powerfully-built, hard swinging, and durable opponent who looks every bit his nickname, “Superman.” Make that “Superman” Derrick Findley, an African-American slugger who hails from Gary, Indiana with a record of 10-2 and 6 knockouts. His two losses are against undefeated 2004 Olympian Gold medalist Andre Ward (a loss by unanimous decision in November 2006) and Jorge Gonzalez (a very close majority decision loss in February 2006).
As shown in those two losses, the wide-swinging Findley can be out-boxed. However, Hernandez wants to take him straight-up, toe-to-toe and let the best man win. This spells for fireworks!
[Read more]
Bonus Photo of the Day: Noel Perez, 132 lb. Chicago Golden Gloves Champ
By Juan C. Ayllon
Noel Perez, younger brother of popular professional Chicago welterweight Luciano Perez, shows off his title belt for winning the 132 lb. Chicago Golden Gloves competition in the Open Division at the Chicago Boxing Club.
Commenting on his talent, trainer and co-owner off Chicago Boxing Club Sam Colonna said, "He may be even better than Luciano!"
Posted @ 08:01 AM EST [Link]
Photo of the Day: Robert Jekabson, 201 lbs. Chicago Golden Gloves Champ
By Juan C. Ayllon
Robert Jekabson, the 201 lb. Chicago Golden Gloves Open Division champion, poses with Sam Colonna (left) and Rick Ramos at the Chicago Boxing Club in Chicago, Illinois
Posted @ 07:56 AM EST [Link]
Undefeated James Moore To Open ESPN2 Telecast on Wednesday, June 4!
Press Release
James Moore (left) and Paulie Malignaggi share a laugh at a recent boxing function in New York (Photo: Robert Mladinich)
Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, 15-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will open the telecast of ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights on June 4, 2008.
The show, which is being promoted by Tommy Gallagher, will take place at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15 KOS), of Philadelphia, is expected to headline the card.
[Read more]
Peter Manfredo Dominates in Idaho
By Ricardo Ibarra at ringside
Photos by Nowelle Ibarra
Manfredo (left) pumps the jab in Lopez's face
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island's Peter Manfredo Jr. (30-5 15KOs 169 lbs.) needed just three rounds to assert his dominance and dish out a one-sided thrashing over Othello, Washington’s Luis Lopez (14-13-1 6KOs 168 lbs.) at the Coeur D’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho this past Saturday, May 3rd.
Lopez, who came in to the fight looking fit and in shape, employed a tactical game plan early on in the first round, maintaining his distance and jabbing out of a southpaw stance. Manfredo meanwhile stalked patiently, working behind his jab and stepping in with his straight right. In the final moments of the first round Manfredo landed flush with a thunderous overhand right, sending Lopez crashing to the canvas. Lopez beat the count just in time to make it out of the round, but as he walked back to the corner it was clear he would have to dig down deep if he was to going make it out of this fight on his feet.
[Read more]
Childers Promotions Presents Friday Night Fights at Metro Sports Ctr. May 16th!
Provide knocks and cheers with Billy Reese, in association with Elite Fitness and Crawford Door and Knock, on May 16th
Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--Childers Promotions and Billy Reese presents an evening of eight professional boxing bouts on Friday, May 16th at The Metro Sports Center, 5820 Metro Center Dr. The main event features an 8 round WBF Light Middleweight Title Fight between St. Louis' Brandon Buae (8-2, 8 KO's) and Keon Johnson (6-1, 4 KO's) of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Two Local Favorites make their ring return, including Jimmy Campbell (10-2, 7 KO's). Campbell has thrilled fight fans from the coast to coast with his aggressive style and willingness to take on all challengers. The England native now residing in Evansville made an immediate impact on the boxing world with a relentless forward charge that always makes for entertaining fights. What makes all of his accomplishments in the ring even more impressive is what Campbell has been doing outside of the ring at the same time. He is currently visiting juvenile detention centers mentoring and inspiring youth. He is also a personal fitness and boxing trainer with Elite Fitness helping clients reach their healthy living goals. Campbell will fight Shane Gierke of Columbus, Ohio in a six round bout.
[Read more]
World Champ David Diaz Lands in San Antonio to Meet Fans & Media
Press Release
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, May 5, 2008--World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz arrived in San Antonio, Texas on Monday night in advance of his meeting with the fans and local media on Tuesday at 11:30am at Mi Tierra Café, 218 Produce Row in San Antonio.
Diaz is visiting San Antonio for the first time in fifteen years. “I’m thrilled to be here, the fans were terrific to me when I fought here as amateur in 1993 and I look forward to meeting many of them on Tuesday," says Diaz. "San Antonio has a great history in boxing so this is a perfect place to start our press tour.”
Diaz is training in Chicago in preparation for his June 28th showdown with boxing superstar, THE MEXICUTIONER, Manny Pacquiao.
Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003 including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion. [Read more]
