Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Another good middleweight from the 1950's that just passed away

8-31-08]

Rocky Castellani

Birth Name Attilio Castellani
Country USA
Global Id 10912
Birthplace Luzerne, PA
Division Middleweight
Born 1927-05-28
Died 2008-08-31
Stance Orthodox
Height 178cm


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1957-10-18 Rory Calhoun New York City, USA L UD 10
1957-06-26 Bobby Boyd Chicago, USA L SD 10
1957-06-06 Lester Felton Youngstown, USA W KO 3
1957-04-30 Felix Benson Wilkes-Barre, USA W UD 10
1956-12-10 Joey Giambra San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1956-11-19 Al Andrews Providence, USA W UD 10
1956-08-03 Joey Giambra New York City, USA L UD 10
1956-02-24 Johnny Sullivan New York City, USA W UD 10
1956-01-04 Gene Fullmer Cleveland, USA L SD 10
1955-10-28 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W TKO 10
1955-07-22 Sugar Ray Robinson San Francisco, USA L SD 10
1955-04-25 Chico Varona New York City, USA W UD 10
1955-01-12 Holley Mims Cleveland, USA W UD 12
1954-12-01 Moses Ward Cleveland, USA W TKO 8
1954-08-20 Bobo Olson San Francisco, USA L UD 15
1954-04-15 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1954-03-17 Phil Rizzo Akron, USA W TKO 6
1954-02-19 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1953-12-09 Gil Turner Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-28 Mickey Laurent Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-08 Ted Olla Milwaukee, USA W UD 10
1953-09-12 Johnny Lombardo Chicago, USA W UD 10
1953-08-22 Jackie Keough Toledo, USA W TKO 9
1953-06-17 Pierre Langlois Cleveland, USA W SD 10
1953-05-07 Johnny Mack Cleveland, USA W KO 1
1953-02-06 Pierre Langlois New York City, USA L SD 12
1953-01-09 Ralph Jones New York City, USA W SD 10
1952-12-10 Jimmy Flood Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1952-11-17 Vic Cardell Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-09-22 Jimmy Herring Brooklyn, USA W TKO 8
1952-09-01 Johnny Lombardo Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-06-18 Johnny Bratton Chicago, USA W SD 10
1952-05-16 Billy Graham New York City, USA D PTS 10
1952-03-28 Johnny Bratton New York City, USA W UD 10
1952-03-17 Ralph Zannelli Providence, USA W PTS 10
1952-03-08 Ralph Jones Brooklyn, USA W PTS 8
1952-01-11 Ernie Durando New York City, USA L TKO 7
1951-11-26 Terry Moore Scranton, USA W UD 10
1951-11-13 Joey Giardello Scranton, USA W MD 10
1951-07-09 Gene Hairston Scranton, USA W SD 10
1951-05-17 Joe DiMartino Brooklyn, USA W TKO 6
1951-03-05 Tommy Varsos Wilkes-Barre, USA W TKO 7
1951-02-05 Bobby Lloyd Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-05 Phil Burton Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-01-27 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-12-16 Harold Green Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1949-10-24 Tony Riccio Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-09-09 Kid Gavilan New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-08-01 Tony Riccio Newark, USA D PTS 10
1949-07-13 Tony Janiro Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-05-06 Tony DeMicco New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-02-18 Charley Fusari New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-01-13 Al Priest Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1948-11-18 Sonny Horne Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-10-08 Walter Cartier New York City, USA W TKO 7
1948-08-02 Herbie Kronowitz Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-07-15 Mickey Zangara Brooklyn, USA W PTS 10
1948-05-28 Harold Green New York City, USA W SD 10
1948-05-13 Leo Sawicki Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1948-01-15 Jimmy King Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1947-12-19 Lenny Mancini Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1947-11-10 Tony Riccio New York City, USA W UD 10
1947-10-14 Vic Costa Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1947-09-19 Lenny Mancini New York City, USA W PTS 8
1947-08-07 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-07-02 Ernie Butler Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-06-10 Gene Boland Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-05-12 Jiggs Donohue Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-27 Patsy Gall Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-06 Chubby Wright Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1947-02-13 Joey Fredda Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1946-12-18 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA L KO 4
1946-11-30 Stan Perrock Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1946-10-26 Stanley Miller Scranton, USA W KO 6
1946-09-26 Billy Brown Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1946-09-03 Billy Brown Scranton, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-30 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA W PTS 4
1946-08-15 John Stoffy Scranton, USA W KO 4
1944-04-17 George Henry Allentown, USA D PTS 4
1944-04-10 Billy Hayes Scranton, USA W PTS 4
1944-03-22 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA L TKO 0
1944-03-06 Chuck Kinney Binghamton, USA L KO 1
1944-02-14 Paulie Wilson Scranton, USA D PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 65 (KOs 16) Lost 14 Drawn 4 Total 83

Geez Frank,I didn't know that. Lot of dagos up there.

It looks like its the year of the dagos....

[dagosd2000]

Another good middleweight from the 1950's that just passed away

8-31-08]

Rocky Castellani

Birth Name Attilio Castellani
Country USA
Global Id 10912
Birthplace Luzerne, PA
Division Middleweight
Born 1927-05-28
Died 2008-08-31
Stance Orthodox
Height 178cm


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1957-10-18 Rory Calhoun New York City, USA L UD 10
1957-06-26 Bobby Boyd Chicago, USA L SD 10
1957-06-06 Lester Felton Youngstown, USA W KO 3
1957-04-30 Felix Benson Wilkes-Barre, USA W UD 10
1956-12-10 Joey Giambra San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1956-11-19 Al Andrews Providence, USA W UD 10
1956-08-03 Joey Giambra New York City, USA L UD 10
1956-02-24 Johnny Sullivan New York City, USA W UD 10
1956-01-04 Gene Fullmer Cleveland, USA L SD 10
1955-10-28 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W TKO 10
1955-07-22 Sugar Ray Robinson San Francisco, USA L SD 10
1955-04-25 Chico Varona New York City, USA W UD 10
1955-01-12 Holley Mims Cleveland, USA W UD 12
1954-12-01 Moses Ward Cleveland, USA W TKO 8
1954-08-20 Bobo Olson San Francisco, USA L UD 15
1954-04-15 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1954-03-17 Phil Rizzo Akron, USA W TKO 6
1954-02-19 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1953-12-09 Gil Turner Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-28 Mickey Laurent Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-08 Ted Olla Milwaukee, USA W UD 10
1953-09-12 Johnny Lombardo Chicago, USA W UD 10
1953-08-22 Jackie Keough Toledo, USA W TKO 9
1953-06-17 Pierre Langlois Cleveland, USA W SD 10
1953-05-07 Johnny Mack Cleveland, USA W KO 1
1953-02-06 Pierre Langlois New York City, USA L SD 12
1953-01-09 Ralph Jones New York City, USA W SD 10
1952-12-10 Jimmy Flood Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1952-11-17 Vic Cardell Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-09-22 Jimmy Herring Brooklyn, USA W TKO 8
1952-09-01 Johnny Lombardo Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-06-18 Johnny Bratton Chicago, USA W SD 10
1952-05-16 Billy Graham New York City, USA D PTS 10
1952-03-28 Johnny Bratton New York City, USA W UD 10
1952-03-17 Ralph Zannelli Providence, USA W PTS 10
1952-03-08 Ralph Jones Brooklyn, USA W PTS 8
1952-01-11 Ernie Durando New York City, USA L TKO 7
1951-11-26 Terry Moore Scranton, USA W UD 10
1951-11-13 Joey Giardello Scranton, USA W MD 10
1951-07-09 Gene Hairston Scranton, USA W SD 10
1951-05-17 Joe DiMartino Brooklyn, USA W TKO 6
1951-03-05 Tommy Varsos Wilkes-Barre, USA W TKO 7
1951-02-05 Bobby Lloyd Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-05 Phil Burton Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-01-27 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-12-16 Harold Green Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1949-10-24 Tony Riccio Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-09-09 Kid Gavilan New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-08-01 Tony Riccio Newark, USA D PTS 10
1949-07-13 Tony Janiro Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-05-06 Tony DeMicco New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-02-18 Charley Fusari New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-01-13 Al Priest Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1948-11-18 Sonny Horne Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-10-08 Walter Cartier New York City, USA W TKO 7
1948-08-02 Herbie Kronowitz Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-07-15 Mickey Zangara Brooklyn, USA W PTS 10
1948-05-28 Harold Green New York City, USA W SD 10
1948-05-13 Leo Sawicki Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1948-01-15 Jimmy King Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1947-12-19 Lenny Mancini Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1947-11-10 Tony Riccio New York City, USA W UD 10
1947-10-14 Vic Costa Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1947-09-19 Lenny Mancini New York City, USA W PTS 8
1947-08-07 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-07-02 Ernie Butler Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-06-10 Gene Boland Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-05-12 Jiggs Donohue Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-27 Patsy Gall Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-06 Chubby Wright Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1947-02-13 Joey Fredda Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1946-12-18 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA L KO 4
1946-11-30 Stan Perrock Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1946-10-26 Stanley Miller Scranton, USA W KO 6
1946-09-26 Billy Brown Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1946-09-03 Billy Brown Scranton, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-30 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA W PTS 4
1946-08-15 John Stoffy Scranton, USA W KO 4
1944-04-17 George Henry Allentown, USA D PTS 4
1944-04-10 Billy Hayes Scranton, USA W PTS 4
1944-03-22 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA L TKO 0
1944-03-06 Chuck Kinney Binghamton, USA L KO 1
1944-02-14 Paulie Wilson Scranton, USA D PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 65 (KOs 16) Lost 14 Drawn 4 Total 83

Geez Frank,I didn't know that. Lot of dagos up there.

It looks like its the year of the dagos.... [/quote

Hey,I figure if my number is up ,I'm going to pasta heaven. If I go to the other place,I think I can hang. I've been eating my wife's chiles for over 40 years.

[kikibalt]

Hey,I figure if my number is up ,I'm going to pasta heaven. If I go to the other place,I think I can hang. I've been eating my wife's chiles for over 40 years.

diego,

You're to ornery to go anytime soon......

[Rick Farris]

Rocky Castellani didn't miss anybody, he fought them all, there is lots of big names on his record that I recognize from that great era, 1940's-1950's.

Robinson, Gavilan, Fullmer, Mims, Giardello, Giambra, Turner, and on and on . . . and he beat most of them! Robinson barely out scored him.


-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Joey Giambra and Billy Martin

Frank, Giambra was the referee for my fight with Eduardo Barba. One heck of a nice guy.

Yes he is, Randy. I still have his phone number, might give him a call this weekend. Haven't spoken with him since 2003, maybe he's on-line now, if so, wouldn't it be great if he could pop in?

-Rick

[Expug]

The Olympic today...

Ex Pug wrote:

In a perfect world, Gene LeBell buys the place and starts promoting boxing and wrestling following in his mom's footsteps.
One can dream right?
Heck he has to have a strong connection to the place also. He grew up there and won the National Judo Championship there in 1954.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Judo" Gene LeBell at the Olympic . . .

You know Brian, that would be a beautiful thing, however, as you pointed out, it would have to be in that perfect world. That is a valuable piece of real estate, located right across the freeway from the Staples Center. The sad thing today is that boxing has left the big cities and everything seems to take place in Las Vegas or some Indian reservation in the middle of nowhere. Tax incentives provided by the Indian Nations make it far less expensive for boxing promoters. When you take away the small clubs (and the Olympic was not a small club) you forfeit the development of new talent. Blah-Blah-Blah!

Getting back to Gene LeBell, I used to drive myself to all my fights when I fought locally. I didn't care to ride with others, I preferred to use that twenty minute drive to the Olympic as "seperation time", to seperate myself from any thoughts aside from the fight. I'd pull into the Olympic parking lot and park my car, then throw my big black "Puma" gym bag over my shoulder and grab my robe and trunks, which would be on a clothes hanger wrapped in plastic after coming from the dry cleaners. I'd make my way around front to the entrance and pass by the box-office, where more often than not, Gene LeBell would be standing and visiting with people. He had an imposing presence to most, but I always said hello to him, and he'd usually respond, "Good luck tonight, kid". I can visualize exactly how Gene LeBell looked back then, nearly four decades ago, standing in front of the Olympic. He was much shorter than one might expect (of course, height means nothing when you're Gene LeBell)and he usually was wearing a pair of slacks and a leather jacket, his barrel chest and broad shoulders stretching the leather tight to his torso.

As I remember Gene LeBell, he looked every bit "The Toughest Man Alive".


-Rick Farris

Rick, does Gene still come around the sets ?
Does he still do any stunts?
I know he has a ton of credits.
Ive read his book and he really speaks highly of boxing from back in the day.

[Randyman]

Rocky Castellani didn't miss anybody, he fought them all, there is lots of big names on his record that I recognize from that great era, 1940's-1950's.

Robinson, Gavilan, Fullmer, Mims, Giardello, Giambra, Turner, and on and on . . . and he beat most of them! Robinson barely out scored him.


-Rick

I put a video of Robinson vs Castellani on my website http://boxing-ring.blogspot.com.

[Randyman]

Joey Giambra and Billy Martin

Frank, Giambra was the referee for my fight with Eduardo Barba. One heck of a nice guy.

Yes he is, Randy. I still have his phone number, might give him a call this weekend. Haven't spoken with him since 2003, maybe he's on-line now, if so, wouldn't it be great if he could pop in?

-Rick

Yes, that would be extremely great!!

[Randyman]

Geez Frank,I didn't know that. Lot of dagos up there.

[/quote]

It looks like its the year of the dagos....

Hey,I figure if my number is up ,I'm going to pasta heaven. If I go to the other place,I think I can hang. I've been eating my wife's chiles for over 40 years.[/quote]
No matter where I go, I'm taking Mexican food with me!

[kikibalt]

No matter where I go, I'm taking Mexican food with me!

Chile Verde!!!!

[Randyman]

No matter where I go, I'm taking Mexican food with me!

Chile Verde!!!!

That's my specialty.

[Rick Farris]

The Olympic today...

Ex Pug wrote:

In a perfect world, Gene LeBell buys the place and starts promoting boxing and wrestling following in his mom's footsteps.
One can dream right?
Heck he has to have a strong connection to the place also. He grew up there and won the National Judo Championship there in 1954.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Judo" Gene LeBell at the Olympic . . .

You know Brian, that would be a beautiful thing, however, as you pointed out, it would have to be in that perfect world. That is a valuable piece of real estate, located right across the freeway from the Staples Center. The sad thing today is that boxing has left the big cities and everything seems to take place in Las Vegas or some Indian reservation in the middle of nowhere. Tax incentives provided by the Indian Nations make it far less expensive for boxing promoters. When you take away the small clubs (and the Olympic was not a small club) you forfeit the development of new talent. Blah-Blah-Blah!

Getting back to Gene LeBell, I used to drive myself to all my fights when I fought locally. I didn't care to ride with others, I preferred to use that twenty minute drive to the Olympic as "seperation time", to seperate myself from any thoughts aside from the fight. I'd pull into the Olympic parking lot and park my car, then throw my big black "Puma" gym bag over my shoulder and grab my robe and trunks, which would be on a clothes hanger wrapped in plastic after coming from the dry cleaners. I'd make my way around front to the entrance and pass by the box-office, where more often than not, Gene LeBell would be standing and visiting with people. He had an imposing presence to most, but I always said hello to him, and he'd usually respond, "Good luck tonight, kid". I can visualize exactly how Gene LeBell looked back then, nearly four decades ago, standing in front of the Olympic. He was much shorter than one might expect (of course, height means nothing when you're Gene LeBell)and he usually was wearing a pair of slacks and a leather jacket, his barrel chest and broad shoulders stretching the leather tight to his torso.

As I remember Gene LeBell, he looked every bit "The Toughest Man Alive".


-Rick Farris

Rick, does Gene still come around the sets ?
Does he still do any stunts?
I know he has a ton of credits.
Ive read his book and he really speaks highly of boxing from back in the day.

Gene has his own school for stunt men, and he may still work occasionally, however, I have'nt seen him on a film set for quite a few years. I recall working on a couple of Clint Eastwood movies, back in the late 70's, one was "Every Which Way But Loose", and Gene played one of the bikers. I'd also run into him on a lot of TV productions, however, it's been awhile.

I used to work for Michael Landon on "Little House on the Praire", and Landon's stunt double, Hal Burton, told me that he and a few of his buddies went to Gene's stunt school to learn some wrestling techniques. Hal said the one thing all the stunt guys wanted to learn was Gene's famous "Sleeper Hold". Gene had no qualms about sharing the hold with his new students, however, if they wanted him to teach them, each would have to agree to allow him to "choke them out". Hal was the first Gene demonstrated the technique on, and within a couple seconds he was out cold on the floor.

BTW Brian, if you should make it to L.A. in the future and wish to meet Gene, he has an open workout every monday night at his Dojo in Hollywood. His top student, Gokor, owns the studio with LeBell. Wrestling, or grappling, Judo, etc. is very important to be skilled in, as you know quite well. You combine that with boxing and I doubt you need much more to be a well rounded fighter. Just my opinion. I've made fighting techniques of all kinds a part of my life. Boxing will always be my first love, but grappling has saved my ass on more than one occasion. When I have time, I continue to do a boxer's workout, and also roll with one of Gokor's students, who is a skilled grappler and Judaka, whom I work with on punching techniques. Someone once asked me, "When was your last fight?", my answer is, "I don't know, I probably haven't had it yet." Just in case, I try to stay fit. I tend to say what I feel about things, and sometimes that leads to conflict.

-Rick

-

[dagosd2000]

EDUARDO

I seen Eduardo last when I used to cover for the early morning science class when the teacher wouldn't come in. At the time I think I was in that class more than she was. She had a hard time waking up or something. Anyway I'd get the call on the P.A to go over and cover her class. There weren't many students for that 7 in the morning gig. But I remember this Eduardo kid. I didn't know his name then,but I've got him in my 2nd period now. I remember when I'd cover for that early morning class. His mother would walk him to the door and make sure he got a seat and everything was OK.She had one of those concerned looks. I can tell his clothes were bought at the Goodwill. No brand name logos. The tennis shoes are the indicator. Eduardo wears K Mart tennies.

You see Eduardo had to be the littlest kid in the school. He couldn't have weighed 50 pounds. On top of that he just arrived from Mexico. Then the "shrink" labeled him Special Ed. I guess he has a learning difficulty. He'd sit by himself and open up his backpack. I could see he'd write real slow. Classified an "English Learner." Like I was tellin' ya',I have him now.

I put the kids in alphabetical order in my seating chart to learn the kids' names. Eduardo wound up in the back. He's so small I can't see him. He doesn't say anything. No one talks to him. I bet his mother still walks him to school. Monday,I'm going to move his seat up near the front.

I'm going to have a good year. Yeah,I think me and Eduardo are gonna' be pals.

[Rick Farris]

Gene LeBell's "Sleeper Hold" . . .

I mentioned Gene LeBell's "Sleeper Hold" in a previous post. If you want to see how he does it, just click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=MLrOeQ2CHgM

Sorry guys, but this link only takes you to youtube. When you get there, type in "Gene LeBell Choke".


-Rick

[Rick Farris]

EDUARDO

I seen Eduardo last when I used to cover for the early morning science class when the teacher wouldn't come in. At the time I think I was in that class more than she was. She had a hard time waking up or something. Anyway I'd get the call on the P.A to go over and cover her class. There weren't many students for that 7 in the morning gig. But I remember this Eduardo kid. I didn't know his name then,but I've got him in my 2nd period now. I remember when I'd cover for that early morning class. His mother would walk him to the door and make sure he got a seat and everything was OK.She had one of those concerned looks. I can tell his clothes were bought at the Goodwill. No brand name logos. The tennis shoes are the indicator. Eduardo wears K Mart tennies.

You see Eduardo had to be the littlest kid in the school. He couldn't have weighed 50 pounds. On top of that he just arrived from Mexico. Then the "shrink" labeled him Special Ed. I guess he has a learning difficulty. He'd sit by himself and open up his backpack. I could see he'd write real slow. Classified an "English Learner." Like I was tellin' ya',I have him now.

I put the kids in alphabetical order in my seating chart to learn the kids' names. Eduardo wound up in the back. He's so small I can't see him. He doesn't say anything. No one talks to him. I bet his mother still walks him to school. Monday,I'm going to move his seat up near the front.

I'm going to have a good year. Yeah,I think me and Eduardo are gonna' be pals.

Roger, I read all of your posts, every word. I don't always comment because most do not need my input. The story, by itself, is usually enough. But when you talk about the kids you come across, whether in class or on a ranch in Mexico, I start to think. Take Javiar, for example. When I read about this kid of twelve who couldn't read, I immediatly thought, "Who better to teach him than Rog?" But to be honest, I have a feeling Javiar will live happily on the rancho whether he learns to read or not. This is a boy in his element.

Eduardo? Now this is a real SPECIAL case! And I doubt anybody less than a man like yourself will make a difference in this young man's life. Please do as I know you will, take him under your wing. You speak his language, you know his culture, and you certainly know about kids, and feelings, and the world, etc. Would you continue to give us any progress reports you may have on him? I for one, would like to know. I truly believe this kid may have been put in your class for a reason, put in your class by a "higher power" than the school district.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

Joey Giambra . . .

I've got some personal stories that Joey Giambra shared with me awhile back that might be of interest here. I will post them this weekend, however, do you know that Joey and Denny Moyer were the first two boxers to determine a champion in the Jr. Middleweight division? The WBA title was at stake in a "new" division when these two boxers were matched. Giambra was far past his prime, not to mention hindered by a back injury suffered in an auto wreck. Moyer won the title by decision in a bout that was refereed by the Heavyweight Champ at the time, Sonny Liston.

Frank, once again, may I impose upon you to post Giambra's record? This guy was a master boxer with a solid punch, something we'll likely never see again.

-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

EDUARDO

I seen Eduardo last when I used to cover for the early morning science class when the teacher wouldn't come in. At the time I think I was in that class more than she was. She had a hard time waking up or something. Anyway I'd get the call on the P.A to go over and cover her class. There weren't many students for that 7 in the morning gig. But I remember this Eduardo kid. I didn't know his name then,but I've got him in my 2nd period now. I remember when I'd cover for that early morning class. His mother would walk him to the door and make sure he got a seat and everything was OK.She had one of those concerned looks. I can tell his clothes were bought at the Goodwill. No brand name logos. The tennis shoes are the indicator. Eduardo wears K Mart tennies.

You see Eduardo had to be the littlest kid in the school. He couldn't have weighed 50 pounds. On top of that he just arrived from Mexico. Then the "shrink" labeled him Special Ed. I guess he has a learning difficulty. He'd sit by himself and open up his backpack. I could see he'd write real slow. Classified an "English Learner." Like I was tellin' ya',I have him now.

I put the kids in alphabetical order in my seating chart to learn the kids' names. Eduardo wound up in the back. He's so small I can't see him. He doesn't say anything. No one talks to him. I bet his mother still walks him to school. Monday,I'm going to move his seat up near the front.

I'm going to have a good year. Yeah,I think me and Eduardo are gonna' be pals.

Roger, I read all of your posts, every word. I don't always comment because most do not need my input. The story, by itself, is usually enough. But when you talk about the kids you come across, whether in class or on a ranch in Mexico, I start to think. Take Javiar, for example. When I read about this kid of twelve who couldn't read, I immediatly thought, "Who better to teach him than Rog?" But to be honest, I have a feeling Javiar will live happily on the rancho whether he learns to read or not. This is a boy in his element.

Eduardo? Now this is a real SPECIAL case! And I doubt anybody less than a man like yourself will make a difference in this young man's life. Please do as I know you will, take him under your wing. You speak his language, you know his culture, and you certainly know about kids, and feelings, and the world, etc. Would you continue to give us any progress reports you may have on him? I for one, would like to know. I truly believe this kid may have been put in your class for a reason, put in your class by a "higher power" than the school district.

-Rick

Thank you Rick.
Javier is a kid I learn from because he's in a hard environment that he loves. Reading and writing he might pick up a little. I probably won't see him much. Living on a small rancho in Mexico sets your priorities straight. Going to school isn't near the top. Javier wouldn't trade his horses for all the computers and video games in the world. If I ever approahed him,I'd ask him to teach ME how to hitch up a saddle.

Eduardo is different. I want him to know that he's my friend. You see Rick the kids admire me because I'm a "friend against outsiders". The Gringo that understands them. But being Italian,I was always like them any how. The Indian blood mellows them,as I'm more explosive. I admire the calmness of most Mexicans. Surprisingly,not many Mexican kids have been further down than Cabo. They know little about their history. I show them what they're missing. Sort of like that book "Rain Of Gold" by Villasenor. But instead of finding a more intellectual side of Mexico,I explain the life on the ranchos and living in the pueblos. That's the real Mexico. For the life of me when Gato said he hadn't been back to that area were he is from for 40 years.it floored me. I know he wants to see it again. But getting back to Eduardo. I know his mother worries about him. If she knows "Big Rog" is Eduardo' buddy,she'll be very happy. The trick in class is to give the kid who's ignored by the others attention. Not a put on,but a sincere relationship. Then when the other kids see this,then they will also be friends with Eduardo.

[bennie]

[bAnother good middleweight from the 1950 that just passed away
8-31-08][/b]

Rocky Castellani

Birth Name Attilio Castellani
Country USA
Global Id 10912
Birthplace Luzerne, PA
Division Middleweight
Born 1927-05-28
Died 2008-08-31
Stance Orthodox
Height 178cm


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1957-10-18 Rory Calhoun New York City, USA L UD 10
1957-06-26 Bobby Boyd Chicago, USA L SD 10
1957-06-06 Lester Felton Youngstown, USA W KO 3
1957-04-30 Felix Benson Wilkes-Barre, USA W UD 10
1956-12-10 Joey Giambra San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1956-11-19 Al Andrews Providence, USA W UD 10
1956-08-03 Joey Giambra New York City, USA L UD 10
1956-02-24 Johnny Sullivan New York City, USA W UD 10
1956-01-04 Gene Fullmer Cleveland, USA L SD 10
1955-10-28 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W TKO 10
1955-07-22 Sugar Ray Robinson San Francisco, USA L SD 10
1955-04-25 Chico Varona New York City, USA W UD 10
1955-01-12 Holley Mims Cleveland, USA W UD 12
1954-12-01 Moses Ward Cleveland, USA W TKO 8
1954-08-20 Bobo Olson San Francisco, USA L UD 15
1954-04-15 Pedro Gonzales Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1954-03-17 Phil Rizzo Akron, USA W TKO 6
1954-02-19 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1953-12-09 Gil Turner Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-28 Mickey Laurent Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1953-10-08 Ted Olla Milwaukee, USA W UD 10
1953-09-12 Johnny Lombardo Chicago, USA W UD 10
1953-08-22 Jackie Keough Toledo, USA W TKO 9
1953-06-17 Pierre Langlois Cleveland, USA W SD 10
1953-05-07 Johnny Mack Cleveland, USA W KO 1
1953-02-06 Pierre Langlois New York City, USA L SD 12
1953-01-09 Ralph Jones New York City, USA W SD 10
1952-12-10 Jimmy Flood Cleveland, USA W UD 10
1952-11-17 Vic Cardell Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-09-22 Jimmy Herring Brooklyn, USA W TKO 8
1952-09-01 Johnny Lombardo Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-06-18 Johnny Bratton Chicago, USA W SD 10
1952-05-16 Billy Graham New York City, USA D PTS 10
1952-03-28 Johnny Bratton New York City, USA W UD 10
1952-03-17 Ralph Zannelli Providence, USA W PTS 10
1952-03-08 Ralph Jones Brooklyn, USA W PTS 8
1952-01-11 Ernie Durando New York City, USA L TKO 7
1951-11-26 Terry Moore Scranton, USA W UD 10
1951-11-13 Joey Giardello Scranton, USA W MD 10
1951-07-09 Gene Hairston Scranton, USA W SD 10
1951-05-17 Joe DiMartino Brooklyn, USA W TKO 6
1951-03-05 Tommy Varsos Wilkes-Barre, USA W TKO 7
1951-02-05 Bobby Lloyd Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-06-05 Phil Burton Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1950-01-27 Ernie Durando New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-12-16 Harold Green Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1949-10-24 Tony Riccio Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-09-09 Kid Gavilan New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-08-01 Tony Riccio Newark, USA D PTS 10
1949-07-13 Tony Janiro Scranton, USA W UD 10
1949-05-06 Tony DeMicco New York City, USA W UD 10
1949-02-18 Charley Fusari New York City, USA L UD 10
1949-01-13 Al Priest Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1948-11-18 Sonny Horne Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-10-08 Walter Cartier New York City, USA W TKO 7
1948-08-02 Herbie Kronowitz Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1948-07-15 Mickey Zangara Brooklyn, USA W PTS 10
1948-05-28 Harold Green New York City, USA W SD 10
1948-05-13 Leo Sawicki Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1948-01-15 Jimmy King Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 10
1947-12-19 Lenny Mancini Scranton, USA W PTS 10
1947-11-10 Tony Riccio New York City, USA W UD 10
1947-10-14 Vic Costa Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1947-09-19 Lenny Mancini New York City, USA W PTS 8
1947-08-07 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-07-02 Ernie Butler Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-06-10 Gene Boland Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-05-12 Jiggs Donohue Scranton, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-27 Patsy Gall Wilkes-Barre, USA W PTS 8
1947-03-06 Chubby Wright Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1947-02-13 Joey Fredda Kingston, USA W PTS 8
1946-12-18 Billy Kilroy Scranton, USA L KO 4
1946-11-30 Stan Perrock Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 3
1946-10-26 Stanley Miller Scranton, USA W KO 6
1946-09-26 Billy Brown Wilkes-Barre, USA W KO 4
1946-09-03 Billy Brown Scranton, USA W PTS 6
1946-08-30 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA W PTS 4
1946-08-15 John Stoffy Scranton, USA W KO 4
1944-04-17 George Henry Allentown, USA D PTS 4
1944-04-10 Billy Hayes Scranton, USA W PTS 4
1944-03-22 Joe Kiddish Hazleton, USA L TKO 0
1944-03-06 Chuck Kinney Binghamton, USA L KO 1
1944-02-14 Paulie Wilson Scranton, USA D PTS 6

Record to Date
Won 65 (KOs 16) Lost 14 Drawn 4 Total 83

This is too much, another death? As his record shows, Castellani fought a lot of great fighters, including Joey Giambra a couple of times. Glancing over his log I also noticed that he fought Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini's pop Lenny, early in his career. Another fallen middleweight who fought a virtual "who's who" of true greats in one of the toughest eras ever in boxing. Rest in Peace Rocky.

Rocky carved out an equally dignified career as a top boxing judge. He had some fights, and he saw some fights.

[bennie]

Joey Giambra and Billy Martin

Joey has those Frankie Duarte eyebrows (or Frankie has those Joey Giambra eyebrows, depending on how you look at it).
Two warriors.

[scartissue]

Rocky Castellani didn't miss anybody, he fought them all, there is lots of big names on his record that I recognize from that great era, 1940's-1950's.

Robinson, Gavilan, Fullmer, Mims, Giardello, Giambra, Turner, and on and on . . . and he beat most of them! Robinson barely out scored him.


-Rick

Rick, although he was really a non-puncher, he actually dropped Robinson for a count of '9'. It just goes to show you when the stars are aligned and you catch someone just right...I saw this fight on ESPN classics some time ago and now my curiosity is piqued. I'm going to check out Randy's link on the fight.

Scartissue

[Expug]

Rick, I would really like to some day workout with Gene and Gokors students.
I have alot of respect for what they have going on at Hayastan. They are very solid grapplers and fighters.
I respect Gene and Gokor too.
They have fighting figured out.They are outstanding competitors and teachers.Its not always easy being both in any combat sport.
I fought at the Judo Nationals in Las Vegas in 2003 .Gokor was there with a Judo team from his dojo and I believe they did real well.
Rick, how do you find training with Gokors student?.Probably a great workout and fun also.
I first got into Judo and grappling in the early nineties .I was really intrigued at how easily the experienced judo guys threw me around.I mean I caught my ass.I had to learn however. I was hooked.
No doubt however that even though I hold Dan rank in judo and have competed and taught in that,
Boxing is my first love.Nothing compares to the thrill of it, the history,and the fantastic people .Like the guys on this thread.

[kikibalt]

Photos and caption courtesy of Bruce Smith

Expug Said:

Nate Collins had an interesting career.
He must have been tough as he went out to Philly and stopped an undefeated Cyclone Hart.
Hart could knock a building down with his left hook.
Thanks for the story BW.

Giardello was another guy who I think of when I think of "fighters ,fighters"
Joey sounds like he could start a fight in an empty room.

Nate Collins decks Jimmy Lester

Nate certainly did have an interesting career, if you take a section of his career between Feb. 1966 & Aug. 1972 he goes 24 - 4 with loses to Andy Heilman, Rafeal Gutierrez, George Cooper and Emile Griffith and wins over Lonnie Harris, Jimmy Lester, Andy Heilman, Juarez DeLima, Orlando de la Fuentes and the afore mentioned Eugene Hart.
About Harts left hook; Nate said Hart knocked him down with it & there is no way he's getting up for more of that, but a very cocky Hart used some unpleasant verbiage towards Nate & it snapped him out of it and the rest is history.
How do you explain all of those losses before 1966 & after 1972; he was a waiter, had the big punch & boxed well so he would stick & move & move & stick looking for the right opening, let a lot of guys stay in the fight & win rounds while he waited for his opening. The Griffith fight consisted of Emile darting in & out building up points, winning round after round not taking any chances & when the bell rang at the end of the fight Nate was still looking for the opening & Emile won virtually every round.
By the way Nate is one of the nicest guys around, a real gentleman, very popular at all of the Veteran Boxer events.
Bobbin & Weavin

Nate Collins KOs Lonnie Harris

[kikibalt]

Joey Giambra and Billy Martin

Joey has those Frankie Duarte eyebrows (or Frankie has those Joey Giambra eyebrows, depending on how you look at it).
Two warriors.

Frankie Duarte

[Expug]

Great shots and info about Nate.Thanks.

[kikibalt]

Joey Giambra . . .

I've got some personal stories that Joey Giambra shared with me awhile back that might be of interest here. I will post them this weekend, however, do you know that Joey and Denny Moyer were the first two boxers to determine a champion in the Jr. Middleweight division? The WBA title was at stake in a "new" division when these two boxers were matched. Giambra was far past his prime, not to mention hindered by a back injury suffered in an auto wreck. Moyer won the title by decision in a bout that was refereed by the Heavyweight Champ at the time, Sonny Liston.

Frank, once again, may I impose upon you to post Giambra's record? This guy was a master boxer with a solid punch, something we'll likely never see again.

-Rick Farris

Joey Giambra

Birth Name William Joseph Giambra
Country USA
Global Id 16494
Birthplace Buffalo, NY
Division Middleweight
Born 1931-07-31
Stance Orthodox
Reach 175cm
Height 177cm


Career Record © www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1963-04-06 Joe DeNucci Boston, USA L SD 10
1963-01-18 Luis Manuel Rodriguez Miami Beach, USA L UD 10
1962-10-20 Denny Moyer Portland, USA L UD 15
Vacant WBA Light Middleweight Title
1962-04-28 Florentino Fernandez Miami Beach, USA W TKO 7
1962-04-02 Everardo Armenta Las Vegas, USA W PTS 10
1962-03-10 Farid Salim New York City, USA L UD 10
1961-11-23 Ike White Philadelphia, USA W UD 10
1961-05-06 Yama Bahama New York City, USA L UD 10
1960-12-06 Ralph Jones Buffalo, USA W PTS 10
1960-11-15 Rory Calhoun Buffalo, USA W SD 10
1960-07-12 Bobby Hughes Fort Erie, Canada W KO 2
1960-04-21 Pat Lowry Reno, USA W TKO 2
1960-01-19 Woody Winslow Fresno, USA W UD 10
1959-11-30 Orlando DiPietro Long Beach, USA W UD 10
1959-05-18 Ralph Jones Dallas, USA W UD 10
1959-04-01 Al Andrews Dallas, USA W UD 10
1959-03-19 Andy Anderson Odessa, USA W KO 2
1958-06-30 Joey Giardello San Francisco, USA W SD 10
1958-04-14 Andy Mayfield Oakland, USA W UD 10
1957-08-26 Rory Calhoun San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1957-08-06 Jimmy Welch Reno, USA W KO 6
1957-06-21 Rory Calhoun Syracuse, USA D PTS 10
1957-05-14 Chico Vejar Oakland, USA W TKO 7
1957-03-19 Al Andrews Oakland, USA W TKO 6
1956-12-10 Rocky Castellani San Francisco, USA W UD 10
1956-11-27 Sammy Walker Buffalo, USA W UD 10
1956-10-19 Gil Turner New York City, USA W SD 10
1956-08-03 Rocky Castellani New York City, USA W UD 10
1956-06-13 Johnny Sullivan Syracuse, USA W UD 10
1956-04-06 Johnny Sullivan Syracuse, USA W UD 10
1956-01-25 Al Andrews Norfolk, USA W UD 10
1955-08-26 Bobo Olson San Francisco, USA L UD 10
1955-06-11 Jim Watkins Killeen, USA W KO 2
1955-05-05 Sherman Williams Austin, USA W TKO 6
1955-04-26 Jimmy Welch Houston, USA W UD 10
1955-04-05 Andy Anderson Galveston, USA W TKO 7
1954-02-12 Italo Scortichini New York City, USA W SD 10
1954-01-06 Bobby Dykes Miami Beach, USA L UD 10
1953-12-04 Jimmy Herring New York City, USA W KO 4
1953-10-28 Don Oates Cleveland, USA W TKO 1
1953-09-26 Tuzo Portuguez Buffalo, USA W PTS 10
1953-06-20 Tuzo Portuguez Buffalo, USA W UD 10
1953-04-27 Otis Graham Toronto, Canada W UD 10
1953-04-18 Danny Womber Buffalo, USA W UD 10
1953-03-10 Otis Graham Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1953-02-24 Bernard Docusen Buffalo, USA W TKO 7
1953-01-26 Danny Womber Brooklyn, USA W UD 10
1952-11-11 Joey Giardello Buffalo, USA W UD 10
1952-10-13 Joey Giardello Brooklyn, USA L UD 10
1952-09-15 Billy Whye Syracuse, USA W PTS 6
1952-06-06 Tony Amato New York City, USA W TKO 7
1952-02-22 Sal DiMartino New York City, USA W PTS 8
1952-01-12 Mario Moreno Brooklyn, USA W PTS 8
1951-11-24 Gus Rubicini Brooklyn, USA W UD 8
1951-11-03 Charley Early Brooklyn, USA W TKO 7
1951-10-18 Hurley Sanders Sunnyside, Queens, USA W PTS 8
1951-10-11 Maurice Jenkins Sunnyside, Queens, USA W KO 1
1951-09-05 Herbie Phillips Detroit, USA W KO 3
1951-06-06 Albert Adams Detroit, USA W PTS 6
1951-05-22 Johnny Cesario Buffalo, USA L PTS 8
1951-03-28 Mel Reed Detroit, USA W KO 1
1951-03-07 Kid Bartley Detroit, USA W TKO 3
1951-02-20 Eddie Gambrell Buffalo, USA W KO 1
1950-11-14 Jesse Bradshaw Buffalo, USA W PTS 8
1950-10-30 George Andrews Rochester, USA W KO 1
1950-09-26 George Warren Erie, USA W KO 2
1950-09-25 Pete Pauline Buffalo, USA W KO 1
1950-08-15 Gordon Hunt Buffalo, USA W KO 2
1950-05-16 Rolly Johns Buffalo, USA W PTS 6
1950-05-02 Sammy Daniels Buffalo, USA W KO 3
1950-02-07 Leroy Nolan Buffalo, USA W KO 2
1950-01-10 Johnny Miller Buffalo, USA W KO 1
1949-11-29 Henry Powell Rochester, USA W KO 1
1949-11-15 Danny Junior Buffalo, USA W KO 2
1949-11-07 Manny Gonzalez Buffalo, USA W KO 2
1949-09-27 Jesse Bradshaw Buffalo, USA D PTS 4
1949-06-28 Lee Phillips Fort Erie, Canada W KO 2

Record to Date
Won 65 (KOs 31) Lost 10 Drawn 2 Total 77