Charlie, thanks for the great answer. You gave a very unbiased analysis. Coming from the son of Charley Norkus that really means something. From the dvd's that you have sent I've learned quite a bit just by watching him. That's why I posed the question. Plus, I just finished reading the Quarry book and it got me thinking. Lot's of respect for your Pops and Jerry, epitomes of a long gone era of heavyweight boxing. Thanks too for the added tidbit on Marciano. Interesting. What would a real fighter be if not for his belief that he can win against anyone?CNorkusJr wrote:Thanks Randy. Very kind words !
You pose a very good Question and scenario.
I will give you my thoughts on it,but first let me what I think my father would say about that.
For years, I have seen my father be interviewed by dozens of sports mags,newscasters,and newspapers. Many asked my father what he thought would be a result of a Norkus-Marciano match-up, the two non-title fights that was contracted to twice but for reasons never occurred, and a handshake on a possible title shot if he got by Ezzard Charles.
My father and his handlers chased Marciano, like any other Heavy out there. He did not fear Rocky. Both fighters knew each other well outside the ring, but that does not mean that they wouldn't take it to each other once in the ring. My father has always respected those who managed to capture the title belt. He wanted that title. He was a competetor.
When asked DURING his career, he always brought up Rocky's name and title, and tried to involve himself into some way of getting at it. This is reflected in his pre & post fight write ups I have. Even when he lost a fight-he always said that he was worth a shot against the champ at that time.
After his career, he softened a little, knowing that his career and title chase was past his time, he answered heartedly that he thought that Rocky could be beat. He cited that my father had "an equalizer" in his left hooks that floored many, and that Rocky was susceptable to lefts". He'd end the question with, "I do not know if I would have won the fight, but it sure would have been interesting".
Deep down, I think he thought he could have beaten him, which is exactly why my father had the heart to do battles, and I mean BATTLES" in the ring.
My father did not play with the mob and their rules, they used him in other ways, but my father would not go down for nobody.Though my father did not state this to me, its in my subsequent talks with many that this just might be the reason there was no title shot for him. Since Rocky also, feared no man- it makes little sense that Rocky ducked my father because of his strong lefts. Seriously doubtful and I make no insinuation of that.
My father with Jerry Quarry. Both had very strong similarities in both style and approach to their respective opponents. I believe my father would tell you, "Bring him on". No doubt about that. I do not like to compare fighters with two different generations. It is much easier to compare two fighters who are the same weight class from their own eras, but because boxing styles and rules and training techniques have changed alot, it is practically fruitless to compare "Marciano-Tyson" "Dempsey-Holmes" that we see out there.
Quarry and Norkus can be compared somewhat. Both had identical styles and hearts and both were bangers from the get go.Quarry might have more power than my father as I seen his legs do the work in his fights. But I think my father was more saavy in avoiding his punches and would capitialize on Jerrys mistakes on his misses. My father would catch him as he got more wild with his rights. Its what my father put in the bank each fight.
Both had good chins, but if Quarry landed squarely it could be over, same could be said about my father. I dont see it going the distance-a slugfest-somebody going to fall- anybody's call.
My father would have loved this match-up, especially if it was in the 1960's. Those two guys and the way they fought could have been a great series of fights and they both would have been a lot richer $$$$$ for it.
Joe DiMaggio once told my father that "he gave him a thrill watching his fights, and too bad that he missed fighting in the 1960's 70's , as he would easily been a millionaire because of it". My father nodded saying Thanks and laughed with Joe. DiMaggio was a huge boxing fan and attended many New York fights. My father had an open invite to eat at his fathers and brothers Restaurant on the Wharf in San Fran "DiMaggio's".
Thanks
Randy
DD
