Mosley vs Mayorga

Below is the fight between Sugar Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga, September 27, 2008 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California in it's entirety.

mosley vs mayorga

VINDICATION OF HAROLD VALAN: By John A. Bardelli

Printed on this Website with the Express Permission of the Author

VINDICATION OF HAROLD VALAN: THE ALLEGED
HISTORICAL MUGGING OF JIMMY ELLIS
BY FLOYD PATTERSON --- IT DIDN'T HAPPEN

By John A. Bardelli

All these years I have labored under the impression that Floyd Patterson worked over Jimmy Ellis something ferociously in September of 1968 ... venue Sweden. Indeed, as recently as 7:00 a.m., this very morning, September 28, 2008, forty years after having watched the live telecast of the Patterson-Ellis fight which I thought then, as I did this morning, that Patterson had won going away ... a decisive victory ... I penned the following words this morning, words based entirely on my recall of having watched that fight and the impression I was left with in watching it during a tumultuous 1968:

Patterson beat a good fighter in Jimmy Ellis ... beat him coming and going. Beat him bad. Ellis hit Patterson with some wicked right hands and Patterson's jaw took all that Ellis had to offer and Patterson gave five times what Ellis delivered. I felt so bad for Patterson after this fight .... it made me sick! This was a low point in boxing history ... a black eye for the sport! * * * Patterson was a real credit to life ... let alone boxing.

Harold Valan was the referee of the contest and he, alone, was to score the fight. It was broadcast by satellite round the world and in the USA the television commentator was Howard Cosell.

I decided to watch the fight again and did so commencing at 4:00 pm on September 28, 2008, as noted some 40 years after having seen it for the first time. In fairness, I have watched it several other times and my impression was always the same .... Patterson won the fight going away. But to my recollection, I had never scored the fight. I had only viewed it and listened to the commentary as the fight unfolded.

I scored the fight both by points on a 10 point must system and on the winner of each round basis as that is how the fight was to be scored in Stockholm by referee Harold Valan. Here's my overall reaction to having seen the fight again:

As noted, Cosell broadcast the video and his observations were entertaining but ... if one looks for accuracy he was terrible. He kept reminding a viewing audience that the fight was being unofficially scored by several boxing writers and those writers had Patterson winning the fight. The longer the fight went, and this fight was one of the last of the 15 round contests, the greater the lead Patterson was compiling. No one questioned why any round was scored as it was --- we were told that Patterson was ahead and that he was building his lead. If one watched but didn't score the fight, Cosell's commentary, alone, would influence an observer's ability to objectively determine who, indeed, was winning the fight and would leave the observer with a foregone conclusion that Patterson was the winner ... no questions asked.

When the audio portion of the fight failed several times late in the fight thereby preventing our hearing Cosell call the fight as he was seeing it, the video portion continued and we were again told by an unknown commentator, apparently from New York, that Patterson was ahead in the fight and winning handily. He would try to describe what was transpiring but for all practical purposes this makeshift covering was inept from the get-go. When Cosell was brought back into the fold, he quipped in with words to the effect --- "I am told the audio portion is bad. No matter, one can plainly see what is happening in this fight and you don't need me to tell you." But in fact, the viewing audience had been told what was happening. We were told that Patterson was about to regain the Heavyweight Championship of the World, and when we could once again hear the refrains of Cosell it was reinforced that Patterson was cleaning house.

It must be noted that Harold Valan has been vilified and suffered harsh criticism from boxing writers and fans for the decision he rendered in the fight. Criticism came from all corners. For example, referee Arthur Mercante penned with his autobiography Inside the Ropes the following observation:

Many years later, while watching the Jimmy Ellis - Floyd Patterson fight via satellite from Stockholm, Sweden, I --- along with thousands of other television viewers --- nearly choked on my beer when referee Harold Valen [sic] awarded the fight to Jimmy Ellis. It was clear to anyone with 20/2000 vision that Floyd Patterson was the clear winner. Even though Floyd had demolished their hero, Ingo, the Swedes had taken Patterson to their hearts and the verdict for Jimmy Ellis (Valen had the sole vote) caused a virtual riot. The hapless Harold Valen [sic] was lucky to get out alive.

One can only ask Mercante, did he score the fight, and how much beer did he in fact drink while watching it if he was, in fact, scoring it? In other words, was his personal insight impaired or was he influenced by Cosell and the pro-Patterson crowd which roared whenever Patterson even started to throw a punch as the rest of the viewing audience.

In the fourteenth round, Patterson connected with a counter right uppercut when Ellis' right hand seemingly went wide of its mark although it is difficult to see whether or not he caught Patterson as well. Regardless, Ellis was dropped at 2:20 into the round onto his butt and left flank. The reverential Patterson, stooped down and leaned over a stricken Ellis and then attempted to assist him to his feet interfering with Valan who should have been counting. As Ellis arose with Patterson's assistance, Ellis whispered something into Patterson's ear. Patterson seemingly nodded in approval to whatever it was that Ellis communicated to him!

Ellis was on the canvas for a count of nine. Certainly, an argument can be advanced that Ellis would have been able to get up before a nine count had Patterson not leaned over him thereby impeding Ellis and his ability to rise. The counter is that Ellis might have gone all the way to his back side had Patterson not intervened and started immediately assisting Ellis to his feet thereby raising the specter that Ellis might not have beat the count. Additionally, it should be pointed out that no ringside timekeeper started slapping the canvas as an aide to Valan so he could pick up the count. And it should be noted that even as Patterson attempted to assist Ellis to arise, Ellis had trouble getting up.

As Ellis did finally arise, he shook his head once while walking toward a corner --- then twice --- in an endeavor to clear the cobwebs and --- Valan didn't pick up on Ellis' appearance, reaction, and see his diminished reflexes. Had he done so, he would have called it a knockdown but by this time, since he failed to start his count, the easy out was to waive off a knockdown to save face. This was clearly a knockdown. Eventually Valan intervened and it appeared as though he wanted to assist Ellis to his feet. Ellis backed into the corner and grabbed the ropes for balance. Valan waved his hands in the air signifying he did not consider Ellis' being deposited onto the canvas as a knockdown. Further, he half heartedly wiped off Ellis' left glove but not his right glove before motioning to the fighters to continue the fight.

Patterson, throughout his entire career, had gone to help fighters whom he had deposited on the canvas even while the fight was still going on, i.e., the referee had not counted ten over a stricken opponent. The classic example of this is when Patterson floored Henry Cooper. Instinctively, he stooped down to assist Cooper who was obviously hurt on the canvas. Patterson's nature was contradictory. At times he was vicious and possessed the snarling tiger of a Dempsey but this law of the jungle requisite nature seemingly always was subdued by the passion of St. Francis which flowed through Patterson's veins. If it is possible, at least in the business of boxing, he was a gentlemen to a fault.

Did Patterson confuse Harold Valan and lead the referee to think that Ellis had slipped to the canvas as Patterson, himself, had slipped on four separate instances in this same fight? I believe Valan was convinced that Patterson, himself, did not think that Ellis had been knocked down. Valan was a fighter himself before becoming a boxing referee. Intuitively Valan had to be thinking: Why would any fighter knock another fighter to the canvas, especially in a championship contest, and then assist that fighter to his feet? Thereby, no count was initiated by Valan as Patterson's reactions predominantly convinced Valan that Ellis had not been floored by a punch.

As the fight resumed and for the balance of the round, Patterson did not act like he had his opponent on queer street and I do believe that Ellis was hurt bad and ready to go from his reactions while on the canvas, upon arising, and as the fight resumed. Yet, Patterson was unable to land another effective punch for the duration of the round and looked bewildered in his own right as to what the hell had just happened. Amazing round and Patterson just may have brought on his own defeat by the way he handled himself in this round.

When the fight ended, Ellis was cut over his right eye and he suffered a broken nose in the fight which bled as Cosell described at various times during the contest, "from the right nostril" and "now from the left nostril." The viewing audience was also told that the blood on Ellis' white trunks "was all his own" yet, Cosell did tell us during the fight that Patterson was bleeding from his mouth. From an appearance sake, Patterson looked the victor and Ellis the vanquished. But we all know that looks are deceiving in a fight and no fight is every judged on how a fighter looks when the final bell rings.

Contributing to the belief that Floyd Patterson won this fight were the actions and the roaring of Swedes at ringside who loved Floyd Patterson. Every time he threw a punch they roared vociferously even when the vast majority of Patterson's shots were wide of their mark or sailed aimless through the cool Swedish air. When Ellis connected, which was often, there was a deafening silence and literally, one waited to see Patterson drop as we had become so accustomed throughout his distinguished and great career. Listening to the crowd, one came away with a belief that Ellis was ready to go in at least 10 of the 15 rounds.

When Valan's card revealed that Ellis won the fight nine rounds to Ellis and six rounds to Patterson, the pro-Patterson crowd virtually rioted. The coming together of Floyd Patterson's being the sentimental favorite despite being the underdog in the fight, the announcing of Howard Cosell, the chiming in of an unknown New York announcer stressing that Patterson was winning by "a large margin", the repeated references that two ringside boxing writers were scoring the fight for Patterson at ringside, and the appearance of Jimmy Ellis when the fight was over, all contributed to my belief, that Floyd Patterson was the victim of an injustice in Stockholm and Harold Valan was blind if not worse.

On watching the fight on September 28th, I scored the fight as follows [expand the page to maintain continuity: (I was unable to get the scoring to line up correctly but you should be able to figure it out-Randy)

                    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14 15

Ellis            W    W     W      E E W        W   W    E 

Patterso        W     W     W E E      W                 E    W   W

My card has Patterson winning 6 rounds, Ellis winning 6 rounds and three were even. However, note that I gave the 15th round to Patterson because I thought he won over the first two minutes of the round. I was simply guessing and that is inexcusable for an official rendering a decision that impacts the direction the lives taken by fighters. Here, it is less offensive in an analysis sense. I did so because the last minute was not seen as the satellite coverage gave us a blank screen. I have read accounts that state that Ellis came back from that knockdown in the 14th round to win the 15th round. If so, my card then would read Patterson 5, Ellis 7 with three rounds being even. All in all, based on my scoring, Patterson was behind in the fight going into the final round.

So, I convey my apologies to Harold Valan and his family after all these years. From my perspective, Valen most likely was correct and the margin of error in judging any fight has to be factored into the equation. Given the official, especially a referee who is on top of the fighters, seeing for the most part when punches do, in fact, land and when they are missed shots.

The fight was competitive, no doubt, and the fact that the sentimental favorite, Floyd Patterson, put up a good fight does not mitigate against the fact that he simply did not do enough in the fight to prevail despite the punishment he dished out to an obviously respectful Jimmy Ellis. Valan's scoring of the fight most assuredly was not out of line as I thought it was for all these years ... in fact, right up to this very morning.

I am at peace with what I believed had transpired in Sweden despite wanting Floyd Patterson to prevail as did so many others just because he was who he was --- a Saint mixed up in a violent business.

Jimmy Ellis vs Floyd Patterson 9/14/1968

Rick Farris writes: "Patterson-Ellis This fight was televised live in the U.S. and Floyd's decision loss, preventing him from regaing the title an unprecidented third time, remains the worst decision I have ever seen in a heavyweight title fight. For U.S. TV reasons, the bout was held in the dark early morning hours, outdoors while snowing. I still recall both boxers entering the ring wearing ski pants. -Rick

John Bardelli writes: Rick ... Patterson beat a good fighter in Jimmy Ellis ... beat him coming and going. Beat him bad. Ellis hit Patterson with some wicked right hands and Patterson's jaw took all that Ellis had to offer and Patterson gave five times what Ellis delivered. I felt so bad for Patterson after this fight .... it made me sick! This was a low point in boxing history ... a black eye for the sport! Here is the fight in seven parts ... it bears looking at. Patterson was a real credit to life ... let alone boxing.

Sugar Shane Mosley KO's Ricardo Mayorga in the Twelfth Round

Shane Mosley looks down at Ricardo Mayorga of Nicaragua for the first knockdown of the 12th round during their junior middleweight boxing bout in Carson, California September 27, 2008. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

By Randy De La O

On the surface, last night's fight between Sugar Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga was a good fight, albeit not a great one. Mosley fought through his own frustrations and Mayorga's awkward free swinging style to stop Mayorga in the final seconds of the twelfth round. The ending came when Mosley knocked down Mayorga with a several punch combination. Mayorga, on shaky legs, was up before the count ended. Mosley moved in with a short, quick left hook to end the fight. In between there was a lot of frustration by Mosley, as he struggled to find his rhythm, and working past Mayorga's constant complaining. Referee David Mendoza had his work cut out for him.

Underneath the surface of the fight loomed the real problem with Mosley's performance. Mosley struggled much too hard against a fighter who is not in the same class as he is. It was clear to those that have followed Sugar Shane Mosley's career over the years that this was not the Mosley of old. Though still quick, his reactions and reflexes have slowed down considerably. He took more shots throughout the fight than he should have. The downside to Mosley's victory is his now confirmed belief that he is back in top form and ready to fight Antonio Margarito and/or Paul Williams for a title. I can't imagine anyone in his camp truly believes he can win those fights. Another thing to consider is Mosley's drawing power. Even at his peak, and especially after his wins over Oscar De La Hoya, he was never really able to pack them in, surprising considering that he is a charasmatic and popular fighter. The Home depot Center looked about 65% filled last night. What's the point now? My hope is that the powers that be in boxing, the people that care for him, and his family will convince Shane that he should retire. He has had a great career. He deserves to retire with his health. He's too good a man and too great a fighter to become a stepping stone for a younger generaton of fighters.

How I met Joe Louis

Little story here about how I met the man that I think was the greatest heavyweight of all times, Joe Louis , in 1977, we, my son Frankie Baltazar , the late Johnny Flores, trainer, and myself left L.A to go to Miami Fl., Frankie was going to fight Francisco Villegas on Don King's u.s tournament , Larry Holmes was also going to fight , that was the week end the scandal broke, anyway getting back to Louis it was a sad & happy experience for me , sad because I was seening Louis working for Don King ,he was suppose to be our driver , happy because I met the greatest heavyweight of all time ,he was to drive us where we needed to go , well I was't going to let the great Louis drive the Baltazar's around , him and Johnny were old buddys from back in the WWII days , so I had them sit in the back of the car an I took the wheel an I drove Joe Louis around.

I found Louis to be a man of few words, and he spoke so low that it was hard for me to hear what he was saying when he and Johnny were riding in the back of the car, when we were just hanging out I found him to be a very humble man, but at the same time fun to be around, it was a great experience for me to say the least.

Sugar Shane Mosley vs Ricardo Mayorga

Sugar Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga go head to head tonight at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California,  in what will definitely be a turning point for both fighters, with the winner continuing his quest for bigger and better fights and the loser, more than likely facing retirement. 

This is a fight I fully expect Mosley to win. Mosley, though not at the top of his game anymore should still be more than enough, to beat Mayorga. Both fighters have some wear and tear on them but all things being equal, Mosley is just a better all around fighter. He should be able to capitalize on mayorga's free swinging style.  I like Mosley by a late middle round KO, the 8th or 9th round. I'll be there tonight cheering him on.

Chris Arreola Update by Bill O'Neill

HEAVYWEIGHT CHRIS ARREOLA IN ACTION THURSDAY, SEPT. 25

Chris Arreola of Riverside, the guy I'm touting as the future heavyweight champion of the world, will be in action (assuming the fight isn't canceled) Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Soboba Casino near San Jacinto.  The bout will be televised live on the Versus cable channel at 9 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. California time.  The opponent is a big fellow from New York named Israel "King Kong" Garcia, whose pro record is 19 wins, one loss.

 

Unfortunately, Chris appears to be very much overweight and has NOT been training seriously for this "tune-up" bout--apparently taking it for granted that he will be able to put the guy away early.  (I've no idea what's going on in his head;  he is just a couple of knockout wins away from million-dollar purses, and shouldn't be taking chances against ANYBODY by entering the ring in less than prime condition.)

 

bon

Oscar De La Hoya's cornerman changed again Tuesday, and his third trainer in three fights will be Mexico's Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain.

De La Hoya, preparing for a Dec. 6 showdown with Manny Pacquiao, had to choose between working with an available trainer like Beristain or continue with Floyd Mayweather Sr., who signed to train England's Ricky Hatton for a Nov. 22 bout -- an obvious conflict.

Beristain has prepared world champions Ricardo Lopez, Daniel Zaragoza and Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez in the past, but it's his current standing as trainer of Juan Manuel Marquez that appealed to De La Hoya. Marquez fought Pacquiao to a draw in 2004 and lost a split decision to him earlier this year.

"I already have a plan in mind for beating Pacquiao and I know Oscar will do whatever it takes to carry that plan through on fight night," Beristain said in a prepared statement released by De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets for the 147-pound bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas go on sale this morning at 10 through Ticketmaster outlets.

Art Aragon

Photo courtesy of Hap Navarro


A great photo of The "Golden Boy"

Nino LaRocca vs Felipe Canela

By Randy De La O




By Randy De La O

Seeing these photos of Felipe Canela bring to mind the wisdom of Mel Epstein, and something I learned from him and applied after his death. Mel passed away in 1980. Sometime in 1980 and into 1981 I started training again at the Main Street Gym. It had been a few years for me. Larry Soto was my trainer now. Larry was Felipe's trainer. Felipe had turned pro earlier in the year and had about five or six fights by the time I met him.

Years before Mel would tell me how a fighter would come back to the gym after a long lay off. He would begin the long process of getting back in shape. On the first couple of days of sparring, his timing might be off, might be a little winded, might get hit a little more than usual, maybe a lot more. As the week wore on things might start picking up, the timing starts to come back, the wind is better and the fighter is not getting hit quite as much and his punches are landing with a little more snap, with a little more authority. Then with out realizing it everything starts to fall in place, the movement around the ring, the slipping punches, the timing, the feinting and the punches are now crisp and landing when and where you want them to and you are no longer getting winded. You are back in business.

This is what came to mind the first day Felipe and I sparred. He was pretty rough in the gym, as I would expect him to be. He had no qualms about using me as a punching bag, and he did. But I thought about what Mel had said and kept it at the forefront of my mind. I still remember the turn around. He threw several punches and most of them missed. I was slipping his punches now and countering with my own. I remember landing a several punch combination when he was on the ropes. It felt good. I got his attention and his respect. I was back in business, at least for the time being. Canela by the way was a true gentleman and he had a respectable career.

Young Firpo

Courtesy of Rick Farris

Randy and I both had a connection with Young Firpo's trainer Mel Epstein, as you know. Firp will be inducted into the WBHOF this year, and perhaps this information will introduce the former light heavy contender to the world today.

Dear Rick ...Let me reminisce with you somewhat if you are so inclined and take a look at a fight that occurred 74 years ago this evening.

The fight got started around 10:00 p.m., September 20, 1934 at Multnomah Stadium in Portland, Oregon. A capacity crowd of about 7,000 fans filled the stadium to see if Firpo could withstand the Pacific Coast titular aspirations and assault of challenger John Henry Lewis as Firpo had so withstood the challenge, on August 28, 1934, when he left bits and pieces of Tiger Jack Fox scattered about the same Multnomah Stadium ring.

Prior to fight time, Lewis had declared that he was the rightful claimant to the world light heavyweight championship which had been declared vacant when the National Boxing Association striped Maxie Rosenbloom of the title days earlier. When Rosenbloom was stripped, Lewis was selected as one of seven fighters selected by the NBA to determine Rosenbloom's successor. Firpo's name was not included within those seven selected by the NBA. However, the Portland Boxing Commission, a member of the NBA, balked at casting any vote stating that it wanted to see whether how Lewis performed as a challenger to Young Firpo in his bid to annex Firpo's Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Championship and whether the Portland Commission would cast its vote for Firpo or Lewis.

Firpo had won the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight title in 1933 and successfully defended it against not only Pacific Coast Title aspirants but World title challenger's in the personages of George Manley, Wesley, KO Ketchel, and Tiger Jack Fox --- all who had all gone down to crushing defeats in trying to garner the crown from the head of its proud holder, Young Firpo. A writer stated: "It would be easier for someone to beat the light heavyweight champion of the world and win that title than it would be for any fighter to take the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight crown from the head of Young Firpo. He wears the crown with dignity and pride and it means the world to Firp."

Prior to the Lewis-Firpo encounter, Lewis had fought Rosenbloom three times in non-title affairs and was awarded the decision in two of the fights. In their third encounter, Lewis floored Rosenbloom three times during the fight but avoided a knockout. The Lewis entourage were vocal about defeating "that man Firpo" and wresting Firpo's title as further evidence of Lewis' claim that he was the uncrowned light heavyweight title. Frank Schuler, San Francisco boxing promoter who had an interest in Lewis, declared that Lewis would "knock Firpo out in short order" adding that Firpo "had no chance with John Henry."

Firpo was on edge as fight time drew near. During the eve of the fight, he had been awakened around 11:00 pm on September 19th, and advised that one of his longterm and best friend, Edgar Benson, had been killed in an automobile accident in northern Idaho. Visibly upset and saddened, Firpo had a difficult time getting back to sleep that evening he carried that sadness with him as he passed time awaiting the call to enter the ring. If anything, it provided within his psyche even more resolve to defeat Lewis.

In the dressing room before the fight, as he and Mel Epstein shared the comfort of one another's mere presence, awaiting the call to depart toward the ring, Firpo, as dictated by his temperament, would let no one talk with him or engage in frivolity or humor of any kind or nature, including any so called "last minute instructions" from trainer Mel Epstein. Mel Epstein himself was on edge yet was convinced Firpo would knockout John Henry Lewis because of Firpo's physical conditioning. Furthermore, Mel Epstein knew Firpo's temperament and he understood when Firpo "was ready" as evidenced how edgy and vicious Firpo became as fight time drew near ... an edginess and viciousness precisely displayed when he was about to defend his title on August 28, 1934 in a Multnomah Auditorium battle with Tiger Jack Fox. The somberness within the dressing room on that occasion some twenty days earlier was filled with questioning about how badly Young Firpo had been hurt in a motor vehicle accident in March of 1934 as he embarked for Butte, Montana, to fight Gorilla Jones and what reserve was left in Firpo's system.

An August 1934 match had been made for Young Firpo to fight Maxie Rosenbloom in a non-title affair to take place in Portland. A gate dispute brought an end to a classic confrontation of the consummate boxer with a crushing bounding and weaving slugger. When the Rosenbloom fight fell through, Tiger Jack Fox was offered a shot at the coast title and immediately affixed his signature to a contract to fight Young Firpo. Most Portland writers thought Firpo was taking on more than he bargained for because Fox had been very active in 1934, while Firpo had not fought anyone as a consequence of the motor vehicle accident. Additionally, there were questions raised concerning the injuries sustained by Firpo in the accident were thought to be so serious that Firpo's ring career was over. The Firpo-Fox encounter was more than a test for Young Firpo. Against a slugger and fighter of Fox's resolve, Firpo health and very life was being put on the line.

The injuries sustained in that auto wreck brought about a decline to the greatness of Firpo's fighting capabilities. The very fact that his first two fights after those career changing injuries were against Tiger Jack Fox and John Henry Lewis reveal something about Firp's greatness as a fighter. Indeed, year's later, Mel Epstein would lament in multiple interviews about the life and times of Mel Epstein and Young Firpo that "until that damn car wreck, Firpo was unbeatable, he was practically unbeatable." And, when one examines the fights and comes to the realization that Firpo not only fought Fox and Lewis as handicapped as he was but, in reality, defeated both and had each on the verge of knockouts several times during the fights, one comes away from an interview of Mel Epstein understanding the greatness he had been associated with and the basis for his personal sadness.

It was, indeed, a credit to grit, endurance, physical and mental toughness, that Firpo successfully defended his title against the great Tiger Jack Fox and, in the process, administered Fox a sound trouncing although tested himself during the course of the fight. Make no mistake about, Fox was a great fighter as evidenced by his career knockouts, his one round knockouts and his two wins over Jersey Joe Walcott, one being a knockout victory. In the later thirties, as Fox sought a title fight with Joe Louis Fox stated in an interview: "They say if Joe Louis hits me on the chin he might knock me out. If I hit Louis on the chin I will knock him out."

Mere shop talk? Consider then an interviewed of Jersey Joe Walcott I conducted in 1974. Walcott told me that the greatest fighter he every fought was "a fighter by the name of Tiger Jack Fox. In my opinion, Fox was greater than Louis, Marciano, Charles, Baksi, or Lee Q. Murray. I learned more in my two fights with Fox than I learned in all my other fights together. There wasn't anything he couldn't do in the ring and do it well. Stick and jab, move, dangle his arms and invite you to hit him and he could punch."

Firpo eliminated Fox from consideration as a claimant to Rosenbloom's crown. The fight crowd in Portland was ecstatic that John Henry Lewis was to test the leather encasements of Young Firpo. Bring on your John Henry.

The mood in the dressing room for both the Fox and Lewis encounters was somber and Firpo was very testy if anyone tried to communicate with him including Mel Epstein. He allowed no one in his dressing room aside from Mel Epstein and even then Firpo would not allow Epstein to engage him in insipid conversation or even talk to him about any aspect of the fight --- so focused was Firpo on retaining his crown and staving off the threats of both Tiger Jack and John Henry Lewis.

Let's let Billy Stepp take over from here. Stepp was at ringside --- I wasn't --- and I must defer to Stepp's account of the fight with the exception of certain things that a writer could not know which were imparted to my brother and I by Young Firpo and others many years later in countless discussions regarding the fight. I'll share those insights during another writing. Without further delay, take it away Billy Stepp.

FIRPO STAGES GREAT BATTLE AGAINST LEWIS by Billy Stepp, Sports Editor News-Telegram (Portland, OR) With defeat staring him in the face, Young Firpo, the lion-hearted miner from the sagebrush of Burke, Ida., staged a sensational rally to fight himself to a draw in 10 torrid rounds with John Henry Lewis, the colored boxing master from Phoenix, Ariz., in the headline brawl at the stadium last night before more than 6000 fans who almost went into hysterics as the two light-heavyweights fought round by round. Referee Tom Louttit's decision was met with a terrific roar of music that put the Bronx on the Rand-McNally. Nine out of ten looked upon the Bull as the winner after his zero-hour attack on the colored boy.

The writer's scorebook showed the first, third, fourth and fifth in favor of Lewis who autographed the miner with everything in his category of pet socks, but none made the wild man quit walking in. The sixth, seventh, eight and ninth were given Firpo, while the second and tenth were even-steven. John Henry started off to make it a one-side affair by plastering Firpo with straight lefts and rights in the first round, while Firp didn't land a punch. Firp landed his first punch of the fight in the second heat, a wild right crashed against Lewis' jaw, and he staggered back, but quickly fought off the Bull's attack.

In the third Lewis again opened up with his long left that blew Firpo's schnoz a burning red and the claret dripped. Firpo let one fly from nowhere in the fourth and John's nose got in the way and the red ink dripped. Lewis quickly punched Firpo around the ring with both hands.

In the fifth, Lewis' long range guns kept booming on Firpo's face and a right dropped into the bread basket to say, Morning, Samuel, while Firpo went around aimlessly trying to connect on the huge brown-skinned battler.

The sixth Firpo clipped over a few teasers but Lewis held his ground and evened the round.

Firpo bounced up and down, and a wild swing found a resting spot on Lewis' jaw, and his knees buckled. That was like a streak from a blue sky to Firp and he opened with a savage attack of haymakers that bewildered the Arizona boy. It was the miner's big inning.

And again in the seventh Firp kept his relentless wild-swinging barrage that had Lewis looking for shelter. The boy whom the N.B.A. picked as a probable world's light-heavyweight successor to Rosenbloom was losing his early lead.

Firpo kept swinging like a bar room door on a busy day. His left and rights missed and some connected. One right almost tore Lewis' head off, and if ever a fighter folded, John Henry did, and like an old-fashioned canvas bag.

Firpo, with victory looming on his face after four rounds of terrific battling, was weak and in fact so was Lewis. The two tore into the final three minutes with nothing barred. John H. dropped three far below the belt, while Firpo almost untied Lewis' shoes with an uppercut. It looked for a second that the miner was going to blow the duke as he hung on, but with 10 seconds left on the ticker came Firp and he almost tore Lewis' dome off with two haymakers that were thrown from the 50 yard line.

The bell ended the 30 minute party and, of course, Referee Louttit's decision caused a near riot. It was O.K., but if a winner was to be picked yours truly would have to give the silverware to the Bull of Burke, who certainly turned what looked like a defeat into a moral victory.

Two other writers wrote:

The large crowd of 7,000 booed Referee Tom Louttit's decision for five minutes after arms of both gladiators were raised. Although officially declared a draw, every sports writer and the majority of the spectators thought Firpo the winner. The once wild-swinging unorthodox Firpo, nee Guido Bardelli, is now a shifting, sharpshooting demon who had the Negro on the verge of a K.O. several times in the bout.

OSCAR DIAZ:THE COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

Oscar Diaz,who was in a coma after collapsing in his corner after the eleventh round of a welterweight fight with Delvin Rodriquez in San Antonio,opened his eyes and is on the road to recovery.This has been the best boxing result in some time.

Joe Louis vs Billy Conn I

Just to follow up a bit on the previous photo of Joe Louis and Billy Conn II, the following videos are of their first fight from June 18, 1941 at the Polo Grounds in New York.

Conn, the consummate boxer was outboxing the harder hitting Louis and was winning the fight. It seemed a foregone conclusion until.... As my father stated so simply "Conn got a little too cute and Louis knocked him out". Louis was a finisher, one of the best. He proved it that night. Louis knocked out Conn in the thirteenth round.

The bottom video shows highlights of the fight up to the eleventh round and show Conn at his best. The top video shows the knockout and has commentary by Bert Sugar. Both are worth a look.

Joe Louis vs Billy Conn II

Joe Louis v. Billy Conn II 18 June 1946 Yankee Stadium The Bronx, New York Ring Announcer Harry Blough raies Joe Louis' hand in victory as Referee Eddie Joseph stands beside Louis on the viewer's right. Billy Conn stands with his back to Joseph.

Frankie Sequeira and Johnny Gonsalves

Gonsalves (R) and Sequeira appeared on the same fight card at the Oakland Auditorium on 31 August 1949. Frankie Sequeira won a six round decision over Dave Reynosa in the opening bout and Johnny Gonsalves won a ten round decision over Beau Jack in the main event.

In 1951 I seen Johnny Gonsalves fight Art Aragon live at the Olympic

Oscar De La Hoya On Fighting Manny Pacquiao

An Open Letter to Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao

Dear Oscar and Manny,

I know you guys think that boxing fans want to see the two of you guys fight. I’m sure that your advisors have convinced you that this will be the biggest money maker of all time. Maybe they’re right, I don't know. I’m no expert on money making. I’ll tell you what I do know about. I know a little about boxing. I know that the real fans, the fans that have made both of you rich beyond your wildest dreams are owed a little something. I’m not talking about a fight like the Steve Forbes fight that was shown on “free” HBO Boxing. Trust me, it wasn’t free.

No, guys, what I’m talking about is giving the fans, the ones that made you rich, the best possible fight they can ask for. A fight they deserve. That would be you Oscar fighting Antonio Margarito and you Manny doing the right thing by fighting Juan Manuel Marquez. Manny, a lot of fans think Marquez beat you in both fights, that you were lucky to get a draw and a split decision as you did. Maybe in your heart you really don’t believe you can beat Marquez. Not being a mind reader I couldn’t say. But it can’t be because you don’t think he deserves it, because if Marquez doesn’t deserve a rematch, then no one in boxing history ever deserved one.

Oscar, believe me when I say I have been one of your biggest supporters. Even when the press and fans started to write or say some unflattering things about you, I was there, showing them why you were still the best man out there. I converted and reconverted a lot of boxing fans into Oscar De La Hoya fans. I didn’t charge you for it either because I believed in what I was saying. Lately though, it’s been difficult to defend your actions. C’mon Oscar, forget about Pacquiao. It’s not that I don’t think you can beat Manny. That's just it!  I know you can but it almost seems unfair. No Oscar, the fight for you is Antonio Margarito. Oscar, very few people believe me when I say you can beat Margarito. Maybe you don’t believe it, but you can. It's possible. He is not a machine. 

For once Oscar, forget about what Mexican fight fans think about you. You have been fighting profesionally since 1992. It doesn't matter to them who you fight. They are not, in 2008, going to think more, or less of you than they already do. That's a done deal. For once Oscar, think about your Mexican American fans that have supported you. Consider us. Consider the American fans! Mexican fans pay to see you lose Oscar, the rest of us pay to see you win. 

There was a time Oscar, when you used to speak about boxing history, your legacy and how you wanted to leave boxing with class. You used to speak with a certain reverence about your own legacy. You don’t speak that way anymore Oscar. Don’t let your reverence and legacy be about the almighty dollar. Let it be about what you did in the ring, the way you fought, the way you ducked no one, the way you won with grace and more importantly, the way you lost. It says a lot about a fighter, Oscar in the way he loses. You always lost with dignity. If you lost to Margarito in fight where you gave your all, who could fault you? You're thirty five years old. Past your prime years but still one of the best, still formidable.

Manny, in your case it really would be an accurate perception of you ducking your hardest, fiercest rival. You are still at your peak, there is no excuse for you. To be honest, I don’t think you can beat Marquez and my guess is, neither do you. Don’t let your legacy be that you won your best fights against aging Mexican greats that were well past their best days. Do the right thing Manny. Fight Marquez! You will never find a worthier opponent.

Randy De La O

Exclusive Interview With "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler

This interview is from ESPN. Marvin Hagler reflects on his November 10, 1983 title fight with Roberto Duran. Hagler was defending his middleweight title. Roberto Duran was and is my favorite fighter. Hagler is also one of my favorites and this was probably the only time I was looking for Hagler to lose. This was a great technical fight won by Hagler. I also posted a video of the fight in it's entirty. The 1980's was a great era for boxing, especially the middleweights, which, in addition to Hagler and Duran (Duran was actually a lightweight), included Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, former champions Vito Antuofermo and Alan Minter, and to a lesser degree but still hard fighting guys like John "The Beast' Mugabi, Mustafa Hamsho and Juan Roldan. It was a great time to be a boxing fan.

Juan Manuel Marquez stops Joel Casamayor in 11th

Jae C. Hong / AP
Juan Manuel Marquez, left, steps back after knocking down Joel Casamayor in the 11th round of their lightweight boxing match Saturday in Las Vegas. Marquez took charge at that point, finally winning by TKO later in the round.

Joel Casamayor & Juan Manuel Marquez

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 12: Steve DeAngelis of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (C) stands between boxers Joel Casamayor (L) of Cuba and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico during their official weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 12, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fighters will meet in a 12-round fight on September 13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Saturday Night's Fights.

It’s a busy night for boxing tomorrow night,Saturday September 12, 2008, and considering all the talent, it should be a very good night for boxing as well. Showtime Boxing and HBO PPV go head to head tonight. On Showtime Joan Guzman will be taking on Nate Campbell for Campbell’s WBA, IBF and WBO Lightweight Titles at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi. Timothy Bradley and Edner Cherry will be fighting for Bradley’s WBC Junior Welterweight title.

On HBO PPV, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada,  Joel Casamayor will be defending his Ring magazine Lightweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez. In the co-main event Sergio Mora will be defending his WBC junior Middleweight title against the man he took the title from, Vernon Forrest. All the fights are competitive, so the choice is yours. Unfortunately I won’t be around to watch any of the fights. I’ll be at a wedding of a family friend.

Bill O'Neill on Ruben Olivares

Submitted by Bill O'Neill

The greatest fighter I ever saw, during my years of covering boxing for newspapers and magazines?

Without question, it was RUBEN OLIVARES. (Admittedly, I never saw Henry Armstrong or Sugar Ray Robinson, in their respective primes--though I did see them perform, later on, when they were on the downgrade.)

What most people have forgotten (or never knew) about Olivares is that at one point in his career, after he had won the world bantamweight title at AGE 19 by stopping the great Lionel Rose, Ruben was the UNDISPUTED champion at 118 pounds, with 71 wins and no losses, with KNOCKOUT wins over eight of the ten top-ranked contenders in his weight class! 

Never one to allow professional fighting to interfere with his having a good time, Playboy Ruben didn't stay on top as long as he should have. But when he was hot, he was HOT! And he fought on, as a world class featherweight and junior lightweight, ALMOST beating the great Alexis Arguello, long after his best bantamweight days were done.

Ruben had knocked out 70 of his first 72 opponents, with return-bout kayoes over the two guys who had managed to go the distance with him.   His legacy and reputation is somewhat diminished by the fact that like many great champions, he stayed around too long, lost to a few guys who couldn't have carried his jock in his best days, and faded away slowly.

Who can top THAT? Perhaps only Hammerin' Henry Armstrong, who defended the undisputed welterweight title FIVE TIMES in the month of October, 1939, scoring four knockouts, over world-rated contenders. (That, after he had already defended his title six times, earlier in the year!)

Quoting Casey Stengel: "Hey--you could look it up!" Five world title defenses, in ONE MONTH. (And today, boxers who fight more than three or four times a year are said to be "overworked.")

Bill O'Neill
Retired Boxing Writer-Historian
Riverside, CA

September 11, 2001, Lest We Forget........

......In memory of all those that lost their lives.May God Bless America.

HISTORY's 102 Minutes That Changed America- 5 Min Sneak Peek @ Yahoo! Video

Aileen Eaton, Boxing Promoter

Aileen Eaton, internationally-known woman boxing promoter who operated the Olympic Auditorium, one of the most successful clubs in the world, catches up on reading in backyard of home.

Weekend Results

Courtesy of ESPN Photowire

Rocky Juarez celebrates his eleventh round TKO over Jorge Barrios, of Argentina, during a WBO Latino Junior Lightweight title boxing fight on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Houston. Juarez won by TKO in the eleventh round. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Julio Cortez)

Rocky Juarez, right, exchanges blows with Jorge Barrios, of Argentina, in the second round during a WBO Latino Junior Lightweight title boxing fight on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Houston. Juarez won by TKO in the eleventh round. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Julio Cortez)

Juan Diaz shows his championship belt to his fans after he fought Michael Katsidis in the a IBO World Lightweight championship boxing fight on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Houston. Diaz won the fight with a split decision. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Julio Cortez)

Juan Diaz, left, connects with a left cross against Michael Katsidis in the seventh round of the IBO World Lightweight championship boxing fight on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Houston. Diaz won the fight with a split decision. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Julio Cortez)

Breidis Prescott of Columbia celebrates after his first round knockout of England's Amir Khan during their World Boxing Organization Intercontinental Championship lightweight fight at the Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

England's Amir Khan lies on the canvas after his first round knockout by Breidis Prescott, right, of Columbia during their World Boxing Organization Intercontinental Championship lightweight fight at the Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Courtesy of ESPN Boxing

From left, boxers Sergio Mora, Joel Casamayor, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Vernon Forrest pose together after a news conference Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. Casamayor and Marquez will meet in a lightweight bout Saturday in Las Vegas. Mora and Forrest are scheduled to meet in a junior middleweight bout. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Alex Ramos is Out of the Hospital

Courtesy of Frank Baltazar

Thought you would all like to know that Alex Ramos is out of the hospital, and is walking with a cane, although he has a ways to go. He is blown away by all of the email and phone calls and cards. It is hard for me to believe that one week ago this minute, he was coming out of a 48 hour coma!!! He will be getting home health assistance (nursing) and he will also have home physical therapy. He got amazing care at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital and the nurses were sad to see him go. Alex thanks you all for your love, prayers and support, and asks that you continue through his recovery. His feet are still very painful when he walks, but that does not stop him! Alex IS a fighter and we are all grateful for his miraculous recovery. Like I said, he's too mean to die and he is to determined to beat this thing, and I believe he will. As you would expect, he wants to run but he has to walk, first. I would also like to thank you all for the moral support. We could not have gone through this alone. We needed to multiply our own prayers and you were there for us. THANK YOU! If you want to call Alex, feel free to call him on his cell phone at (805) 390-7334.

Love and hugs,
Jacquie Richardson
Executive Director
RETIRED BOXERS FOUNDATION

Sugar Ray Robinson vs Rocky Castellani

Sugar Ray Robinson vs Rocky Castellani 

 June 22, 1955 Part I & II

You'll have to deal with the language barrier.

Rocky Castellani Has Died

In what can only be described as a difficult year for boxing, another boxing great has passed away. Rocky, born Attilio N. Castellani died Sunday August 21, 2008. Rest in peace Rocky.

The following is Courtesy of  Wikipedia

CASTELLANI, ATTILIO N., "ROCKY", 81, - of Atlantic City, passed away quietly, Sunday, August 31, 2008.

Born in Luzerne, PA., he later became known as "the pride of the coal regions."

Rocky served in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the battle for Iwo Jima. While overseas fighting in the war, he earned the boxing title "Champion of all China and Guam." After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Rocky embarked on a stupendous career as a professional middleweight prize fighter, being awarded Ring Magazine's honor of "Rookie of the Year." Rocky also earned the right to fight for the Middleweight Championship of the World as the number one middleweight contender in 1954. He fought for the Middleweight Title of the World against Carl "Bobo" Olsen. Rocky lost a highly coned split decision, knocking Olsen down in the 3rd round, gaining the respect of the entire international boxing community. Rocky's career as a professional fighter also included notable battles against Sugar "Ray" Robinson, landing Robinson on the canvas for a controversial 8 count. Many scholars of the sport believed Rocky won by the knockout. This bout, as well as his fight with boxing great Gene Fullmer, are constantly featured on ESPN- Classic Fights of the Century.

Rocky was inducted into both the NJ and PA Boxing Halls of Fame and was most recently inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame. He retired with a record of 65-13-4 with 16 knockouts.

Rocky continued to give back to the AC Community and the boxing world by volunteering his time to the AC & Pleasantville PAL, teaching local youth the basics of his sport, known as the "sweet science" and sponsoring local softball, baseball and basketball teams.

In his retirement, he served as a judge for the NJ Boxing Commission and enjoyed the time he spent with his loving wife and 10 grandchildren. Rocky Castellani was truly a living legend, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who came in contact with him. He will truly be missed!

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rocky's name may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 25 Dolphin Avenue, Building D-ground floor, Northfield, NJ, 08225.

Attilio N. "Rocky" Castellani (born May 26, 1926), is a former American boxer.] He was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to Attilio Castellani (1889-1974) and Concetta Castellani (1901-1985), who later moved to Margate City, formerly South Atlantic City, in Atlantic County in eastern New Jersey.
The highlight of Castellani's career was probably his 1955 bout with Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Robinson. Castellani lost a close split decision and knocked Robinson down in the sixth round. A year earlier, he had lost a fight to Carl "Bobo" Olson. He also lost to Gene Fullmer, Kid Gavilan, and Joey Giambra, but defeated Tony DeMarco, Joey Giardello, Johnny Bratton, and Ralph 'Tiger' Jones
He finished his career with a 65–14–4 record.
Castellani has long operated "Rocky's," a bar in Atlantic City.
A biography of Castellani is entitled Young Rocky: A True Story of Attilio "Rocky" Castellani by Joe Kinney.

How Boxing Helped Shape John McCain

This article was originally printed in Newsweek May 14, 2007 and submitted by Bill O'Neill

Can McCain Box His Way to the Nomination?

Newsweek

May4, 2007 issue -  John McCain was never a pretty boxer. "I whaled away," he recalls. Short and scrawny at 127 pounds, he was underestimated by classmates at the U.S. Naval Academy. But he charged his opponents, throwing punches until someone hit the ground. During his first summer at Annapolis in 1954, that someone wasn't him. McCain and his teammates faced off against other battalions in weekly bouts. The prize was a day off campus, and the deciding match that plebe summer came down to McCain. He won. "I don't think the adverse odds mattered to him," says Otto Helwig, a champion Navy heavyweight who was one of McCain's teammates. "He was not the most skilled, but he was the most feared ... He never gave up."

American politicians are defined by the sports they favor, and the physical pastimes they pursue. Ronald Reagan rode horses, and the cowboy image suited him politically. George W. Bush rides a mountain bike and invites reporters to watch him clear brush on his ranch. He's not a "girlie man," to borrow a term from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who began his career as a body-builder. In 2004, John Kerry's love of windsurfing and kiteboarding reinforced his image as a New Englander out of sync with Middle America. For McCain, the sport of choice—and metaphor—is boxing. Aboard his "Straight Talk Express," the candidate can spend hours talking about the sport, describing his interest as the "ramblings of a failed amateur boxer." "I didn't have a reverse gear," he recalled to NEWSWEEK recently, speaking of his three years as a Navy lightweight. "I was pretty aggressive ... I learned how to take hard blows and to get back up and keep going."

By his own telling, McCain has been a "fanatic" about the sport ever since. He and his wife, Cindy, regularly attend fights in Las Vegas, including this month's bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. McCain says his time as a boxer was one reason he was able to withstand torture during five and a half years as a POW in Vietnam. "It helped that I had suffered physical punishment before," he says. "I knew how to take hard blows."

The boxing metaphor certainly fits the McCain campaign right now. Once the unquestioned front runner for the GOP nomination in 2008, he has faltered in recent months. He raised just $13.7 million in the first quarter—well behind other presidential hopefuls—and was whupped in the media for positive comments about the Iraq War. But McCain likes to think he handles adversity well. "I've never seen anyone have a smooth path to the nomination," he told NEWSWEEK. "The key is to withstand the things that come at you. You've got to be strong enough to take the blows." McCain is trying to regain his dominance. He replaced his top fund-raiser with Mary Kate Johnson, who helped George W. Bush raise more than $100 million for his 2004 campaign. After weeks of national polls showing McCain down by several points against Rudy Giuliani, local polls released last week showed the Arizona senator fighting his way back. He now leads Giuliani and Mitt Romney in three key primary states: Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. "We're regaining traction," McCain said. "I've tried to exercise the mental self-discipline to know that this is something that we've gotta go through." McCain has also tweaked his strategy—in part by distancing himself more forcefully from President Bush. He has criticized the White House for its handling of Katrina and the federal deficit. At last week's first GOP presidential debate, McCain said four times that the war had been "mismanaged" but insisted the conflict was now on the "right track." McCain says he's ready for the fight. Asked if he sees similarities between boxing and politics, McCain laughed. "There are probably more strict rules in boxing than in politics," he said.

—Holly Bailey

Joey Giardello an original...

By ScottG


I was just reading about Joey Giardello yesterday who's real name was Carmine Orlando Tilelli. I was actually researching about another great fighter Joey Giambra Who beat Giardello and had a record of 65-10 -2 but never got a shot at the middleweight title. But back to Joey Giardello...He was born in Brooklyn but he lived most of his life in Philly He became a professional boxer in 1948 he built up a very good early record but like Giambra but, because of the underworld control of boxing, was denied a shot at the title. Giardello fought in the famous reverse of the reversal fight against Billy Graham The decision first was awarded to Graham, then later reversed to a decision in favor of Giardello, then reversed again, some time later, in favor of Graham. He fought and beat some of the best Boxers of that era he was 5-3-1 against other boxers in the Hall of Fame, including a 2-2 mark against Dick Tiger. He won the title against Tiger and held it for two(2) years even defending against Ruben "Hurricane" Carter. which was later portrayed in the movie "The hurricane." Giardello later sued the makers of the movie for "thoroughly false depiction" of his bout with Rubin Carter in Norman Jewison's 1999 film The Hurricane. "In a key scene, the film shows a punch-drunk, blood-spattered Giardello being clearly beaten by Carter but winning a racially-tinged decision.... [Giardello had] suffered only a small cut over the left eye caused by a butt in the 4th round and won what a majority at ringside thought was a clear decision over a listless Carter...." Giardello settled out-of-court for an undisclosed sum and Jewison's agreement to make a statement on the DVD version of the film that Giardello "no doubt" was a great fighter.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993 and was also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. His career record was 101 wins, 25 losses and 7 draws. They don't make them like that anymore.

Joey Giardello

The painting of Joey Giardello is
courtesy of artist Roger Esty

Carmine Orlando Tilelli AKA Joey Giardello
July 16, 1930-September 4, 2008
Middleweight Champion 1963-1965
Joey Giardello's Boxing Record

Joey Giardello Dead at 78

From Fightnews.com

Joey Giardello passes
Former middleweight champion Joey Giardello passed away today a little after noon at the age of 78 in Cherry Hill, NJ. "He was the greatest middleweight ever to come out of Philly and one of the few white fighters of his era who fought every tough black guy out there," said Hall of Fame Philadelphia promoter J Russell Peltz. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Bennie Georgino at the Olympic...Circa 1978

Gil King and Mando Muniz with Bobby Chacon and Danny Lopez lookin' on

Frankie Baltazar, Bennie Georgino and Tony Baltazar

Albert "Superfly" Sandoval and Alberto Davila

Saludos, KiKi

The photo of Artie and Rooney was taken during the filming of "Off Limits" a movie dealing with boxing and the military (1953).

Art was an extra in the film as was Jackie McCoy and they were both kayoed by Rooney in the script, of course. Stanley Clements was also in the picture and he and Jackie became friends through that association

Jackie introduced me to Clements at the Legion fights one night and we hit it off nicely. According to McCoy Stanley could have taken Rooney easily, but he also had to lose in the movie.

Kiki, that Legion program you posted was the last one that I designed for the club even after I had been named matchmaker. So the programs from 1948 through 1959 were all designed by me and in fact edited by me until Don Fraser came into our staff as a publicity man, in 1953.

One of these days I'll have my Didi scan some stuff for you to enjoy......all California, of course. Okay?

My best to you and yours, Cuate.

Hap Navarro

Frank Baltazar Sr. with Art Aragon, January, 2007.

Mickey Rooney and Art Aragon

THE HISTORY OF L.A. BOXING BY HAP NAVARRO

THE HISTORY OF L.A. BOXING COURTESY OF HAP NAVARRO

Los Angeles one of the world's great boxing cities has probably developed more sensational box-office attractions than any other city. Baby Casanova, Enrique Bolanos, Art Aragon, Raton Macias, Jose Becerra, Ricardo Moreno, Battling Torres, Mando Ramos, Ruben Olivares, Jesus Pimintel, Jose medel, Jose Napoles, Carlos Zarate, Alberto "Super Fly" Sandoval, Lupe Pintor, Ruben Navarro, Alfonso Zamora, Danny Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Pipino Cuevas, etc. literally "EXPLODED" on the L.A. fight scene with "breathtaking" action performances that made them huge drawing cards.

Los Angeles' boxing tradition goes back to the days of Jim Jeffries, Tom McCarey, the famous Los Angeles Athletic Club under the direction of George Blake who developed Fidel LaBarba, Jackie Fields, Joe Salas. The names of the fighters and movers and shakers continued with Jimmy McLarnin, Gig Rooney, George Hansford, Henry Armstrong, Turkey Thompson, John Thomas, Fitzie Fitzpatrick, Chalky Wright, The Olympic Auditorium, Cal Working, Hollywood Legion stadium, Cal and Aileen Eaton, George parnassus, Manuel Ortiz, Babe McCoy, Clarence Henry, Irish Bob Murphy, Wrigley Field, Gilmore Stadium, Jimmy Lennon, Frankie Carbo, Mickey Cohen, Howie Steindler,South Gate Arena, Don Jordon, Ramon Fuentes, the tragic teenage boxing sensation-Keeny Teran, George raft, Lupe Vellez, Main Street Gym, Billy Peacock, Duke Holloway, Canto Robleto, Boots Monroe, Dwight Hawkins, Raul Rojas, Frankie Crawford, etc.

Get the picture? All great tales. I know of no other boxing town with such a colorful or exciting story to be told, and nobody knows it better than Mr. Hap Navarro......,,,,Jackie
McCoy, Norm lockwood, Harry kabakoff, Indian (Ernie) Red Lopez, the Baltazar brothers, Ralph Gambina, Hegeman Lewis, Eddie futch, Tury (The Fury) Pineda, Carlos Palomino, Inglewood Forum, Jerry Buss, Don Chargin, Genero Hernandez, the Ruelas bros., Oscar DeLaHoya, Fernando Vargas, etc. etc.

Vintage Hollywood Legion Fight Program

Gilmore Field Souvenir Fight Program

El Paso Knockout Kids, 1950