Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

I found a few old boxing magazines in a box in my garage. Some of them are pretty good. I also have some old boxing magazines from the 1930's mostly Ring magazines, I just haven't run across that box yet.


Boxing Illustrated and Wrestling News, November 1965


Boxing Illustrated and Wrestling News, February 1959


Ring Magazine, June 1951

[Randyman]

Amir Khan swaggered back into Britain and created a storm of ill-feeling as he dumped conditioner Alex Ariza in a dispute over money and turned away several worthy opponents for his April homecoming at the MEN Arena, also in money disputes, drawing severe criticism from British promoter Barry Hearn.
"Frankly, I don't know who Khan is going to get to fight for the money he was offering..." said Hearn.
Khan, who essentially promotes himself, is hardly winning any new fans for his first appearance here since 2009, which ranks as a PR disaster because the Bolton fighter comes off a magnificent showing against Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas, where he proved that his fighting heart - and his chin - are much better than previously suspected, thanks largely to the conditioning work of Ariza.
Nevertheless, Khan wants it all his own way and settles for 36-year-old Junior Witter on April 16, a man who has not fought in 18 months, lost two of his last three fights and leaves his best fight in the kitchen as he boils down to 10 stone. Witter, presumably, also comes cheap.

Thanks Bennie, for this piece on Amir Khan, I still am not sold on him just yet, he kind of reminds me of Wlad Klitchko not in fighting style but how vulnerable I think his chin is, I think Amir like Wlad can get away with having a weaker chin because his skill is superior to his opponents, but I still have that feeling about his chin.

I understand your feelings Paul, a weak chin is a huge problem, however, a weak chin gets a lot of support from a strong heart.
Khan showed me that heart by standing up to a major league puncher and coming out on top.
Floyd Patterson was plagued by the weak chin curse, but when he went down, he'd get up if he could.
I will ebjoy watching Khan because he'll make it a fight.

Khan showed a big heart against Maidana in his last fight, though he did have a few tough moments. He's been stopped once 25 fights. I'm not so sure one kayo makes for a weak chin. Anybody can be stopped if it connects right on the button. Still the perception is there.

Without looking past the Witter fight, I would like to see Amir Khan vs Tim Bradley. I think it would be a fairly exciting fight. Despite his victory last weekend over Devon Alexander, I thought Bradley looked a little sloppy and vulnerable. A smart boxer might be able to take advantage of it.

[Randyman]

I agree with you Bennie on the Adamek situation. If it goes to the cards, it is hard to believe that Klitschko has a chance. I dont think it going anyway near til the end though. The way Adamek fights,in your face style, he not looking for the decision. He wants it over as early as possible,I feel. I do have a problem with thinking he is going to get by Klitschko.
That long reach of Vlad is going to force Thomasz to come inside on him. Klitschko does well with opponents on the inside. I went to the Ibragmov-Klits fight here in NYC. A lackluster affair with Vlad the winner, but Ibragmov couldnt get inside on him enough to do any damage. Basically,Vlad patted down his shots constantly which took on a more of a look of a "pads workout". It drew great amount of boos from the audience. With the thought that you have to "take the title away from the champ"- Ibragmov didnt come close.
Klitschko reminds me of the NY Jets a little. He plays to whatever level his opponent is. He will step up his game if Adamek gets in on him. I want to think that Adamek as a shot here, but Klitschko is a sly guy who plays the game well when need be.The fight is in Poland though, not Germany . Hmmmmm


Adamek & I this past Nov. at the New Jersey Boxing HOF where Thomasz got Pro fighter of the Year award. A very cordial man who no doubt carries the fans favor. I stand 5'10 now.

Nice photo Charlie

I was at the Adamek v Arreola fight last year. I wasn't too familiar with him at the time and neither was I a fan of Arreola (even less now), I was just hoping to see a good fight. When the fight started the crowd seemed to be mostly Arreola fans, There was a section filled with Poles that were rooting for their man. After starting strong Arreola started to fade and Adamek seemed to get stronger. Adamek remained cool and never lost his composure with Arreola. Halfway through the fight I was hoping to see Arreola get knocked out. He made a fan out of me. Adamek made a lot a fans that night.

Adamek is a legitimately good heavyweight and has a reasonable chance to beat Klitschko. He's patient and not easily intimidated.

[THEHAMMER321]

Hello Randy, how have you been.

[Randyman]

Sports Illustrated, July 2, 1979
Roberto Duran and Carlos Palomino on the cover.

I was always a big fan of Carlos Palomino but Duran was my man. Palomino was great in his own right but Duran was a phenomenon. I think this is a great cover photo.

[Randyman]

Hello Randy, how have you been.

Hi Paul,I'm doing good. My computer has been acting a little crazy but it seems to be holding up today. How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

I just got through chomping down on an Italian sausage sandwich, with provolone and tomato sauce.

[THEHAMMER321]

What's the right thing to do....?

Jeri and I just got back from the market. On the way in to the market there was young girl about my youngest daughter's age. She had a baby in a stroller and a small cardboard sign that read "I just lost my job and I need......" The same sign that is read everywhere across the country. She was looking me in the eye as I walked in. I had sympathy for her. Jeri said it was the same girl that we see at the Post Office. I said "we'll see if she out there when we're going out

We shopped and paid and as we were leaving I walked up to the girl to give her a few bucks. There were two other women there; one woman was also asking for donations, something a little more official and legal looking, the other woman with her was one of the cashiers from the market. As I started to hand the young girl the money, both girls blurted out

"You shouldn't give her money, they're gypsies. They come here all the time and ask for money".

"How do you know she doesn't need the money?" I asked.

"Because she will cuss you out if you don't give her any!" She said.

"Maybe she's desperate"

They went on for a few minutes about the girl and some of the other people that stand outside the market and ask for money. I said "

You may very well be right but the way I look at it If she's conning me for a few bucks, that's between her and God, and even if I'm wrong I'm still doing the right thing".

I gave the girl a few bucks and left. What's a lousy few bucks?

I give a lot of money to people on the street. Does that make me an enabler? I wonder about that sometimes. I know there's a lot of people out there conning people for a few bucks rather than work. The way I look at it is that, what if, someday in the future when I'm not around, one of my kids might be desperate and need some help, I would like to think someone might hand them a few bucks. What if some of these young girls never had a father? It makes you wonder, what's the right thing to do?

Randy I have been wanting to respond to this, I have given money to people on the streets, and I like you have second thoughts, I try to use my judgement like if a person is handicapped or sometimes I have given people food as opposed to money which I feel is better in a lot of cases than giving out money for obvious reasons, but in my opinion you are not doing anything wrong, look at these charities who many times are being embezzled by the person in charge of the money, and when you give to charity people look at you in a better light, but atleast when you give to someone on the streets the '' needy'' is getting it, and no they are not driving Cadilacs, where as the head of these ''charities'' are.

[Randyman]

What's the right thing to do....?

Jeri and I just got back from the market. On the way in to the market there was young girl about my youngest daughter's age. She had a baby in a stroller and a small cardboard sign that read "I just lost my job and I need......" The same sign that is read everywhere across the country. She was looking me in the eye as I walked in. I had sympathy for her. Jeri said it was the same girl that we see at the Post Office. I said "we'll see if she out there when we're going out

We shopped and paid and as we were leaving I walked up to the girl to give her a few bucks. There were two other women there; one woman was also asking for donations, something a little more official and legal looking, the other woman with her was one of the cashiers from the market. As I started to hand the young girl the money, both girls blurted out

"You shouldn't give her money, they're gypsies. They come here all the time and ask for money".

"How do you know she doesn't need the money?" I asked.

"Because she will cuss you out if you don't give her any!" She said.

"Maybe she's desperate"

They went on for a few minutes about the girl and some of the other people that stand outside the market and ask for money. I said "

You may very well be right but the way I look at it If she's conning me for a few bucks, that's between her and God, and even if I'm wrong I'm still doing the right thing".

I gave the girl a few bucks and left. What's a lousy few bucks?

I give a lot of money to people on the street. Does that make me an enabler? I wonder about that sometimes. I know there's a lot of people out there conning people for a few bucks rather than work. The way I look at it is that, what if, someday in the future when I'm not around, one of my kids might be desperate and need some help, I would like to think someone might hand them a few bucks. What if some of these young girls never had a father? It makes you wonder, what's the right thing to do?

Randy I have been wanting to respond to this, I have given money to people on the streets, and I like you have second thoughts, I try to use my judgement like if a person is handicapped or sometimes I have given people food as opposed to money which I feel is better in a lot of cases than giving out money for obvious reasons, but in my opinion you are not doing anything wrong, look at these charities who many times are being embezzled by the person in charge of the money, and when you give to charity people look at you in a better light, but atleast when you give to someone on the streets the '' needy'' is getting it, and no they are not driving Cadilacs, where as the head of these ''charities'' are.

I'm leery when I see the head of a charity organization or a big TV Minister driving around in a Caddie or some other luxury car. Somethings wrong with that picture.

As far as giving money to people on the street, I guess the best that we can do is play it by ear.

[Randyman]

Along with the old boxing magazines I found these two photos from boot camp in 1972. I was 18 years old.


Company 374, Navy Training Center, San Diego, 1972


The guy on the left is Elmer Dunsing. Great guy! He went on to be a heavy equipment operator in the SeaBees after boot camp, I went on to the USS Coral Sea, an aircraft carrier, stationed in Alameda, Ca.

[THEHAMMER321]

Speaking of San Diego, I remember somebody telling me some years ago that Referee Richard Steele, was in the navy in San Diego where he was a pretty good amatuer middleweight, I saw where he had some pro fights, do you know anything about him.

[Randyman]

Speaking of San Diego, I remember somebody telling me some years ago that Referee Richard Steele, was in the navy in San Diego where he was a pretty good amatuer middleweight, I saw where he had some pro fights, do you know anything about him.

No, Paul, I don't know any thing about Steele other than what we all know. If I ever meet up with him I'm going to buy him a beer or what ever he drinks, for Stopping Taylor in his fight with Chavez. (he did the right thing)

In the service the boxing matches are called smokers. While in boot camp I signed up for a match. I was about 155-160 at the time. I also signed up for the rope climbing event. There was no training for the event, no sparring and no coaching either. The night before I was to fight the smokers were called off. I don't remember why. I was disappointed. I won the rope climb for my company.

[raylawpc]

What's the right thing to do....?

Jeri and I just got back from the market. On the way in to the market there was young girl about my youngest daughter's age. She had a baby in a stroller and a small cardboard sign that read "I just lost my job and I need......" The same sign that is read everywhere across the country. She was looking me in the eye as I walked in. I had sympathy for her. Jeri said it was the same girl that we see at the Post Office. I said "we'll see if she out there when we're going out

We shopped and paid and as we were leaving I walked up to the girl to give her a few bucks. There were two other women there; one woman was also asking for donations, something a little more official and legal looking, the other woman with her was one of the cashiers from the market. As I started to hand the young girl the money, both girls blurted out

"You shouldn't give her money, they're gypsies. They come here all the time and ask for money".

"How do you know she doesn't need the money?" I asked.

"Because she will cuss you out if you don't give her any!" She said.

"Maybe she's desperate"

They went on for a few minutes about the girl and some of the other people that stand outside the market and ask for money. I said "

You may very well be right but the way I look at it If she's conning me for a few bucks, that's between her and God, and even if I'm wrong I'm still doing the right thing".

I gave the girl a few bucks and left. What's a lousy few bucks?

I give a lot of money to people on the street. Does that make me an enabler? I wonder about that sometimes. I know there's a lot of people out there conning people for a few bucks rather than work. The way I look at it is that, what if, someday in the future when I'm not around, one of my kids might be desperate and need some help, I would like to think someone might hand them a few bucks. What if some of these young girls never had a father? It makes you wonder, what's the right thing to do?

Randy I have been wanting to respond to this, I have given money to people on the streets, and I like you have second thoughts, I try to use my judgement like if a person is handicapped or sometimes I have given people food as opposed to money which I feel is better in a lot of cases than giving out money for obvious reasons, but in my opinion you are not doing anything wrong, look at these charities who many times are being embezzled by the person in charge of the money, and when you give to charity people look at you in a better light, but atleast when you give to someone on the streets the '' needy'' is getting it, and no they are not driving Cadilacs, where as the head of these ''charities'' are.

Paul, in my experience, most charities are run legally, ethically and prudently. Their CEOs make much less, comparatively speaking, than their counterparts in the for-profit sector. It is too bad that a few badly run charities and unethical CEOs have tainted the reputation of hundreds of charities and CEOs that work hard to benefit society.

[Rick Farris]

Sports Illustrated, July 2, 1979
Roberto Duran and Carlos Palomino on the cover.

I was always a big fan of Carlos Palomino but Duran was my man. Palomino was great in his own right but Duran was a phenomenon. I think this is a great cover photo.

Randy, Duran is my favorite too. In our era, I cannot think of another boxer who comes close.
I consider Roberto Duran one of the ten best ever, and would never try to rate any of those ten in any order.
With all respect to Muhammad Ali, who had great charactor, he would not rate among my top fifty (in boxing ability).
Sugar Ray Leonard would not be among my top hundred in any catagory.
As for Carlos Palomino, he is a great guy personally, and I appreciated his analogy of the boxers he fought that was posted here recently.

[CNorkusJr]

Hey, Charlie N., my son James and his girlfriend, Ronny will be in N.Y.C. at the end of the month....

message acknowledged-sending PM

[Rick Farris]

Speaking of San Diego, I remember somebody telling me some years ago that Referee Richard Steele, was in the navy in San Diego where he was a pretty good amatuer middleweight, I saw where he had some pro fights, do you know anything about him.

No, Paul, I don't know any thing about Steele other than what we all know. If I ever meet up with him I'm going to buy him a beer or what ever he drinks, for Stopping Taylor in his fight with Chavez. (he did the right thing)

In the service the boxing matches are called smokers. While in boot camp I signed up for a match. I was about 155-160 at the time. I also signed up for the rope climbing event. There was no training for the event, no sparring and no coaching either. The night before I was to fight the smokers were called off. I don't remember why. I was disappointed. I won the rope climb for my company.

Dick Steele, Chavez & Taylor . . .

I remember Dick Steele (his fighting name) very well. He fought in L.A. at the Olympic for Jackie McCoy.
He was a fairly good light-heavy until he faced a guy named Chuck Hamilton who broke his ribs (in an Olympic main event) and then he retired.
Shortly afterwards he was a referee.

And I'm with Randy, I'll also buy him a beer for stopping the Chavez-Taylor fight.
I can't believe all the criticism he received for a great call, mostly from those who never stepped inot a ring.
Taylor may have been ahead on points, but he was a beaten mess that showed no desire to continue when Steele called the fight.
Taylor scored points, but Chavez did all the damage.
Steele is a ref, not a timekeeper, and I believed he acted in the best interest of the boxer when he stopped the fight, seconds left or not.
What happened to Taylor following that loss? He was broken and finished.

[CNorkusJr]

Along with the old boxing magazines I found these two photos from boot camp in 1972. I was 18 years old.


Company 374, Navy Training Center, San Diego, 1972


The guy on the left is Elmer Dunsing. Great guy! He went on to be a heavy equipment operator in the SeaBees after boot camp, I went on to the USS Coral Sea, an aircraft carrier, stationed in Alameda, Ca.

My regards to you Randy for serving in the US Navy. I remember the USS Coral Sea was a very famous aircraft carrier in US history.
Did you go over to South East Asia after boot,Randy ?
I graduated HS in 1975. My friends and I got draft cards in 1975,but at that time it was the end to forward recruitment,and the beginning of the ending of the "Conflict" (they called it.).
It also explains how you ended up working for a defense contractor all these years.

[Rick Farris]

What's the right thing to do....?

Jeri and I just got back from the market. On the way in to the market there was young girl about my youngest daughter's age. She had a baby in a stroller and a small cardboard sign that read "I just lost my job and I need......" The same sign that is read everywhere across the country. She was looking me in the eye as I walked in. I had sympathy for her. Jeri said it was the same girl that we see at the Post Office. I said "we'll see if she out there when we're going out

We shopped and paid and as we were leaving I walked up to the girl to give her a few bucks. There were two other women there; one woman was also asking for donations, something a little more official and legal looking, the other woman with her was one of the cashiers from the market. As I started to hand the young girl the money, both girls blurted out

"You shouldn't give her money, they're gypsies. They come here all the time and ask for money".

"How do you know she doesn't need the money?" I asked.

"Because she will cuss you out if you don't give her any!" She said.

"Maybe she's desperate"

They went on for a few minutes about the girl and some of the other people that stand outside the market and ask for money. I said "

You may very well be right but the way I look at it If she's conning me for a few bucks, that's between her and God, and even if I'm wrong I'm still doing the right thing".

I gave the girl a few bucks and left. What's a lousy few bucks?

I give a lot of money to people on the street. Does that make me an enabler? I wonder about that sometimes. I know there's a lot of people out there conning people for a few bucks rather than work. The way I look at it is that, what if, someday in the future when I'm not around, one of my kids might be desperate and need some help, I would like to think someone might hand them a few bucks. What if some of these young girls never had a father? It makes you wonder, what's the right thing to do?

Randy I have been wanting to respond to this, I have given money to people on the streets, and I like you have second thoughts, I try to use my judgement like if a person is handicapped or sometimes I have given people food as opposed to money which I feel is better in a lot of cases than giving out money for obvious reasons, but in my opinion you are not doing anything wrong, look at these charities who many times are being embezzled by the person in charge of the money, and when you give to charity people look at you in a better light, but atleast when you give to someone on the streets the '' needy'' is getting it, and no they are not driving Cadilacs, where as the head of these ''charities'' are.

I'm leery when I see the head of a charity organization or a big TV Minister driving around in a Caddie or some other luxury car. Somethings wrong with that picture.

As far as giving money to people on the street, I guess the best that we can do is play it by ear.

I know many street beggers are drug addicts & hustlers, but sometimes I'll see something that touches my heart and I'll help. I prefer to buy food when it's possible, sometimes I'll give a few bucks. But I can usually spot a hustler, and I'll just ignore them. As for organized charities, I know a major one that does a lot of good, and it's board of directors have also skimmed off the top. One involves a major entertainer who passed away nearly twenty years ago. His organization has done some wonderful things and for that I credit him. But not all goes to the cause. I know this for a fact. I do not contribute to organized charites, regardless of their legitimacy, however my wife does.

[CNorkusJr]

Boxing Illustrated and Wrestling News, November 1965

If you notice on the cover of this mag-"Congress Bill on Boxing"
My father told me a story once that he received a phone call from W.Averil Harriman, former Gov. of New York State.and in 1964-65 served under US Sec. of State.
My father had supported him and stumped for him when he ran for Gov in New York and his lost bid to Adlai Stevenson later on for the Dem Nomination to run for Pres.
(My father also has a letter on file here from Adlai Stevenson "Thanking " him for his assistance also in his campaign.) Go figure and I never questioned it.
My father is telling me this story- Harriman tells him over the phone paraphrased " that Congress is looking into Boxing. Mostly looking at ring deaths and injuries incurred by fighters,and possibly org. crime influence on a grand scale.It could lead to a possible US ban on boxing at worst". He went on to say " that they want to use his picture of hitting Charlie Powell as evidence of possible brain injuries and deaths due to the ferociesness of the sport". Also that my father might be called into Congress to ask to volunteer his thoughts on boxing intensity and injuries. They chose this picture because it made the front pages or back pages of newspapers across the country in the days after the fight. There were other boxing photos used also in other fights.
My father told me that he never got a call on it or subpeoned. He never heard anything further except that "Congress came to a dead end and nothing came of it".He told me that he would have said that "Charlie Powell as well as himself and his other opponents got hit hard and no one was ever injured severely enough to warrant long term care or changes in boxing rules.That question would be better suited for answer by Athletic Comm. doctors on staff)". He never had to use that line formally.Here is that photo:


I want to add-Thank You Randy for the magazine pictures you posted above for this.

[raylawpc]

Randy I have been wanting to respond to this, I have given money to people on the streets, and I like you have second thoughts, I try to use my judgement like if a person is handicapped or sometimes I have given people food as opposed to money which I feel is better in a lot of cases than giving out money for obvious reasons, but in my opinion you are not doing anything wrong, look at these charities who many times are being embezzled by the person in charge of the money, and when you give to charity people look at you in a better light, but atleast when you give to someone on the streets the '' needy'' is getting it, and no they are not driving Cadilacs, where as the head of these ''charities'' are.

I'm leery when I see the head of a charity organization or a big TV Minister driving around in a Caddie or some other luxury car. Somethings wrong with that picture.

As far as giving money to people on the street, I guess the best that we can do is play it by ear.

I know many street beggers are drug addicts & hustlers, but sometimes I'll see something that touches my heart and I'll help. I prefer to buy food when it's possible, sometimes I'll give a few bucks. But I can usually spot a hustler, and I'll just ignore them. As for organized charities, I know a major one that does a lot of good, and it's board of directors have also skimmed off the top. One involves a major entertainer who passed away nearly twenty years ago. His organization has done some wonderful things and for that I credit him. But not all goes to the cause. I know this for a fact. I do not contribute to organized charites, regardless of their legitimacy, however my wife does.

Then I guess you wouldn't be interested in a copy of my book . . .

http://www.abanet.org/abastore/index.cf ... id=5430472

[bennie]

Boxing Illustrated and Wrestling News, November 1965

If you notice on the cover of this mag-"Congress Bill on Boxing"
My father told me a story once that he received a phone call from W.Averil Harriman, former Gov. of New York State.and in 1964-65 served under US Sec. of State.
My father had supported him and stumped for him when he ran for Gov in New York and his lost bid to Adlai Stevenson later on for the Dem Nomination to run for Pres.
(My father also has a letter on file here from Adlai Stevenson "Thanking " him for his assistance also in his campaign.) Go figure and I never questioned it.
My father is telling me this story- Harriman tells him over the phone paraphrased " that Congress is looking into Boxing. Mostly looking at ring deaths and injuries incurred by fighters,and possibly org. crime influence on a grand scale.It could lead to a possible US ban on boxing at worst". He went on to say " that they want to use his picture of hitting Charlie Powell as evidence of possible brain injuries and deaths due to the ferociesness of the sport". Also that my father might be called into Congress to ask to volunteer his thoughts on boxing intensity and injuries. They chose this picture because it made the front pages or back pages of newspapers across the country in the days after the fight. There were other boxing photos used also in other fights.
My father told me that he never got a call on it or subpeoned. He never heard anything further except that "Congress came to a dead end and nothing came of it".He told me that he would have said that "Charlie Powell as well as himself and his other opponents got hit hard and no one was ever injured severely enough to warrant long term care or changes in boxing rules.That question would be better suited for answer by Athletic Comm. doctors on staff)". He never had to use that line formally.Here is that photo:


I want to add-Thank You Randy for the magazine pictures you posted above for this.

It's a fantastic photo.

[bennie]

Speaking of San Diego, I remember somebody telling me some years ago that Referee Richard Steele, was in the navy in San Diego where he was a pretty good amatuer middleweight, I saw where he had some pro fights, do you know anything about him.

No, Paul, I don't know any thing about Steele other than what we all know. If I ever meet up with him I'm going to buy him a beer or what ever he drinks, for Stopping Taylor in his fight with Chavez. (he did the right thing)

In the service the boxing matches are called smokers. While in boot camp I signed up for a match. I was about 155-160 at the time. I also signed up for the rope climbing event. There was no training for the event, no sparring and no coaching either. The night before I was to fight the smokers were called off. I don't remember why. I was disappointed. I won the rope climb for my company.

Dick Steele, Chavez & Taylor . . .

I remember Dick Steele (his fighting name) very well. He fought in L.A. at the Olympic for Jackie McCoy.
He was a fairly good light-heavy until he faced a guy named Chuck Hamilton who broke his ribs (in an Olympic main event) and then he retired.
Shortly afterwards he was a referee.

And I'm with Randy, I'll also buy him a beer for stopping the Chavez-Taylor fight.
I can't believe all the criticism he received for a great call, mostly from those who never stepped inot a ring.
Taylor may have been ahead on points, but he was a beaten mess that showed no desire to continue when Steele called the fight.
Taylor scored points, but Chavez did all the damage.
Steele is a ref, not a timekeeper, and I believed he acted in the best interest of the boxer when he stopped the fight, seconds left or not.
What happened to Taylor following that loss? He was broken and finished.

All referees are on a hiding to nothing. They do a good job, and no-one says a thing; they make an error, everybody moans. However, all good referees know when to stop a fight, and Steele is a good ref.

[bennie]

I agree with you Bennie on the Adamek situation. If it goes to the cards, it is hard to believe that Klitschko has a chance. I dont think it going anyway near til the end though. The way Adamek fights,in your face style, he not looking for the decision. He wants it over as early as possible,I feel. I do have a problem with thinking he is going to get by Klitschko.
That long reach of Vlad is going to force Thomasz to come inside on him. Klitschko does well with opponents on the inside. I went to the Ibragmov-Klits fight here in NYC. A lackluster affair with Vlad the winner, but Ibragmov couldnt get inside on him enough to do any damage. Basically,Vlad patted down his shots constantly which took on a more of a look of a "pads workout". It drew great amount of boos from the audience. With the thought that you have to "take the title away from the champ"- Ibragmov didnt come close.
Klitschko reminds me of the NY Jets a little. He plays to whatever level his opponent is. He will step up his game if Adamek gets in on him. I want to think that Adamek as a shot here, but Klitschko is a sly guy who plays the game well when need be.The fight is in Poland though, not Germany . Hmmmmm


Adamek & I this past Nov. at the New Jersey Boxing HOF where Thomasz got Pro fighter of the Year award. A very cordial man who no doubt carries the fans favor. I stand 5'10 now.

Great shot, Charley.

[Rick Farris]

Boxing Illustrated and Wrestling News, November 1965

If you notice on the cover of this mag-"Congress Bill on Boxing"
My father told me a story once that he received a phone call from W.Averil Harriman, former Gov. of New York State.and in 1964-65 served under US Sec. of State.
My father had supported him and stumped for him when he ran for Gov in New York and his lost bid to Adlai Stevenson later on for the Dem Nomination to run for Pres.
(My father also has a letter on file here from Adlai Stevenson "Thanking " him for his assistance also in his campaign.) Go figure and I never questioned it.
My father is telling me this story- Harriman tells him over the phone paraphrased " that Congress is looking into Boxing. Mostly looking at ring deaths and injuries incurred by fighters,and possibly org. crime influence on a grand scale.It could lead to a possible US ban on boxing at worst". He went on to say " that they want to use his picture of hitting Charlie Powell as evidence of possible brain injuries and deaths due to the ferociesness of the sport". Also that my father might be called into Congress to ask to volunteer his thoughts on boxing intensity and injuries. They chose this picture because it made the front pages or back pages of newspapers across the country in the days after the fight. There were other boxing photos used also in other fights.
My father told me that he never got a call on it or subpeoned. He never heard anything further except that "Congress came to a dead end and nothing came of it".He told me that he would have said that "Charlie Powell as well as himself and his other opponents got hit hard and no one was ever injured severely enough to warrant long term care or changes in boxing rules.That question would be better suited for answer by Athletic Comm. doctors on staff)". He never had to use that line formally.Here is that photo:


I want to add-Thank You Randy for the magazine pictures you posted above for this.

Charlie . . . That's a great photo, and I love seeing it on the cover of Boxing Illustrated.
I appreciate your sharing the information related to Congress and boxing. When we discuss boxing in the past as we do, it puts me back in time and provides a boxing education that not only contains published facts, but what went on behind the scenes. This is something you can't get from most boxing historians. We need the voices of those who were a part of, or those who were passed on such information in a non biased manner. Thanks again.

[Rick Farris]

I'm leery when I see the head of a charity organization or a big TV Minister driving around in a Caddie or some other luxury car. Somethings wrong with that picture.

As far as giving money to people on the street, I guess the best that we can do is play it by ear.

I know many street beggers are drug addicts & hustlers, but sometimes I'll see something that touches my heart and I'll help. I prefer to buy food when it's possible, sometimes I'll give a few bucks. But I can usually spot a hustler, and I'll just ignore them. As for organized charities, I know a major one that does a lot of good, and it's board of directors have also skimmed off the top. One involves a major entertainer who passed away nearly twenty years ago. His organization has done some wonderful things and for that I credit him. But not all goes to the cause. I know this for a fact. I do not contribute to organized charites, regardless of their legitimacy, however my wife does.

Then I guess you wouldn't be interested in a copy of my book . . .

http://www.abanet.org/abastore/index.cf ... id=5430472

If you wrote it, I believe it. Right now, I'm focused on helping a few who are very close to me, as I have been helped by them when I needed it. If I should return to a point in my life where I can contribute to helping others, I just might check out that book.

[Rick Farris]

No, Paul, I don't know any thing about Steele other than what we all know. If I ever meet up with him I'm going to buy him a beer or what ever he drinks, for Stopping Taylor in his fight with Chavez. (he did the right thing)

In the service the boxing matches are called smokers. While in boot camp I signed up for a match. I was about 155-160 at the time. I also signed up for the rope climbing event. There was no training for the event, no sparring and no coaching either. The night before I was to fight the smokers were called off. I don't remember why. I was disappointed. I won the rope climb for my company.

Dick Steele, Chavez & Taylor . . .

I remember Dick Steele (his fighting name) very well. He fought in L.A. at the Olympic for Jackie McCoy.
He was a fairly good light-heavy until he faced a guy named Chuck Hamilton who broke his ribs (in an Olympic main event) and then he retired.
Shortly afterwards he was a referee.

And I'm with Randy, I'll also buy him a beer for stopping the Chavez-Taylor fight.
I can't believe all the criticism he received for a great call, mostly from those who never stepped inot a ring.
Taylor may have been ahead on points, but he was a beaten mess that showed no desire to continue when Steele called the fight.
Taylor scored points, but Chavez did all the damage.
Steele is a ref, not a timekeeper, and I believed he acted in the best interest of the boxer when he stopped the fight, seconds left or not.
What happened to Taylor following that loss? He was broken and finished.

All referees are on a hiding to nothing. They do a good job, and no-one says a thing; they make an error, everybody moans. However, all good referees know when to stop a fight, and Steele is a good ref.

Sadly for Meldrick Taylor, he never regained his game after the loss. He won a few fights over sub-par competition, and lost to the same. He didn't have a great number of fights, but he kept on way to long and today his health and welfare have been compromised.