Hvywt Charley Norkus photos.. Friends and Foes

[CNorkusJr]

Charley: What did your Dad say about his fight against Willie Pastrano? Did he ever get to know Willie personally?

Bob Give me a day or two and I'll answer your question.

[CNorkusJr]

Back in 1972 in Bayonne New Jersey Italian-American Assn held Exhibition bouts under the lights. Here is part of the program. Each page shown shows the two boxers who faced each other in Ring. No serious punching of course, just a bunch of laughs and a good workout by some NJ legends. Sold Out crowd. My father faced Chuck Wepner that night. They been great friends since Chuck was a amateur. Chuck Wepner presented my father's New Jersey Boxing HOF Posthumous plaque to me in 1996 after delivering a very meaningful tribute to my dad laced with some very funny anecdotes.

[CNorkusJr]

[CNorkusJr]

[CNorkusJr]

Some of the writers details are a tad askew. My father's last Main Event Bout in Mad. Sq Garden was vs. Ezzard Charles- not Tommy Jackson.

one funny moment that occurred that evening was when my father entered the ring with Chuck Wepner.Both got resounding applause from the metro area crowd when introduced.
Both fighters were both skilled in the finer points of fighting in their careers, thumbs in eyes,head butts and such. One such move that Chuck Wepner is most noted for is stepping on ones foot at the same timing of delivering a right cross,causing his opponent to be off balance and fall.

While both were awaiting in their respective corners to the opening bell to sound, Chuck yelled over to my father jokingly " Watch out for my right jabs,Charlie".
My father,without missing a beat yelled back "Hell with your right jab, I'm looking out for your right foot" which got a huge laugh by all in hearshot.

[CNorkusJr]

Charley: What did your Dad say about his fight against Willie Pastrano? Did he ever get to know Willie personally?

My father knew Willie Pastrano. I dont know if they were close enough to be called "friends" as Willie fought out of Miami. Certainly for their fight, they met for the usual publicity stuff,and that Angelo Dundee was at his helm-got to talk to him a bit more than the usual opponents would. Angelo Dundee,as well as Chris Dundee were long long time friends with my father since the two Dundees' New York days years before.
It was one of the reasons why my father fought in Miami a few times. Chris was involved with the IBC and Madison Sq Garden Productions out of New York and hosted many of the big fights there. Angelo was in my father's corner during the televised 2nd fight with Nardico as my dad's cutman. You can see him on the video.

My father never told me if he got any info on Pastrano from angelo,seriously doubtful,as you can tell by the beating he got there. But my father again went the distance with a top man.
What my father did tell me was that, Willie Pastrano was one of just a handful of fighters who moved up in weight and achieved big success with it. Nardico couldnt handle LtHeavy up to Heavy. Even Moore stressed at Heavy-better off at Lt Heavy.
Pastrano handled it because he naturally grew into heavy by size. He didnt have to push the envelope to fight at heavy-but had more success at Lt Heavy where he was quicker and more energetic. Pastrano training skills (or lack thereof) probably forced him to fight at Lt Heavy rather than make a run for the heavy title.( My father didnt mention why-but Patterson (another close friend to my dad here in NY) didnt want no part of Pastrano.When he fought any noteworthy heavies like Roy Harris or Brian London they gave him trouble, he was better off at the mid 170's. range.Its probably a few reasons why Willie went on to the Lt Heavy title instead.My guess was that Patterson was looking a more money with other opponents-or maybe what the IBC offices wanted instead ????

Angelo Dundee would be the person to answer that.

[CNorkusJr]

Here are some Norkus-Pastrano fight articles from their 1956 fight in Miami-nationally televised.

[CNorkusJr]

[CNorkusJr]

Because of your recent posts, I was looking at your dad's record again in boxrec, and I noticed that he had his last fight at Camp Lejeune. That had to be an honor for a Marine like your dad. Do you know how that happened to come about?

My father had huge support from the US Marines,US NAVY as well as other branches of the service during his career.Being a US Marine-All Navy Heavy Champion brought that success with him. My father often made appearances at various VFW or American Legion Halls throughout his career and around the different cities he fought in.

His magr-Marty Sampson suggested he do something about that. After a string of defeats by McMurtry,Powell and Moore- his mgr said we must start anew if you want to get a piece of Patterson. (Patterson was a very good friend of my dads at this time and the two talked about giving my father a shot as he earned it for being "a good ole' boy" through the years. Patterson didnt need any tuneup fights though so it never happened. Also at this time-my father was sparmate for Jose Torres in Stillman's Gym.

It was decided that Waban Thomas would be his foe at Camp Lejeune. A fight on the comeback trail and in front of service men for saying thanks. 10,000+ turned out.
Unbeknownst by my father at this time-this would be his last career fight.

He would later become chief sparmate for Johannsen when he came to town in Grossingers,only to be fired for laying him out in media day one day. (article for this on one of the previous pages-with true explaination), and later on after that-a career ending assault that almost took his life. Shot by a con during bartending duties in Manhattan-that story and picture on previous page also.

Here is Waban Thomas vs Norkus Article:

[CNorkusJr]

My father's last pro fight. Feb 4,1959. vs. Waban Thomas
Camp LeJuene, N. Carolina

As a former proud marine, Charley Norkus decides to fight his last bout in front of Marines at Camp LeJuene. Norkus by pts 10 rds.

Heres a picture.

[CNorkusJr]

Charley and Coley Wallace receive "Boxing Greats" award at NY City's Downtown Athletic Club. Nov. 1977
The fighters put on an exhibition fight then receive their awards in the ring.
(L-R) Bobby Hammond (not Mike) from NY Jets football team,Coley,Lew Eskine (former reporter/writer Ring Magazine), Charley, Joe Pignatano (former Brooklyn Dodger & NY Mets).
Jersey Joe Walcott received the "Rocky Marciano Award" that same night.

The paintings they receive are done by the same artist who paints the Heisman Trophy Winner paintings.

Added 10/22/2011 Article on this event: Note: Coley Wallace and my father(as US Marine) fought in the 1948 US Olympic team trials in Boston Garden,Mass.
Qtrfinals-My father had Coley down twice in 2nd Rd.-but 3rd Rd Coley KO'd my father to move on. Wallace vs Norvell Lee in Finals, Lee Advances as US Olympic Team Heavy rep. losing in Medal Rd in London.

[raylawpc]

Because of your recent posts, I was looking at your dad's record again in boxrec, and I noticed that he had his last fight at Camp Lejeune. That had to be an honor for a Marine like your dad. Do you know how that happened to come about?

My father had huge support from the US Marines,US NAVY as well as other branches of the service during his career.Being a US Marine-All Navy Heavy Champion brought that success with him. My father often made appearances at various VFW or American Legion Halls throughout his career and around the different cities he fought in.

His magr-Marty Sampson suggested he do something about that. After a string of defeats by McMurtry,Powell and Moore- his mgr said we must start anew if you want to get a piece of Patterson. (Patterson was a very good friend of my dads at this time and the two talked about giving my father a shot as he earned it for being "a good ole' boy" through the years. Patterson didnt need any tuneup fights though so it never happened. Also at this time-my father was sparmate for Jose Torres in Stillman's Gym.

It was decided that Waban Thomas would be his foe at Camp Lejeune. A fight on the comeback trail and in front of service men for saying thanks. 10,000+ turned out.
Unbeknownst by my father at this time-this would be his last career fight.

He would later become chief sparmate for Johannsen when he came to town in Grossingers,only to be fired for laying him out in media day one day. (article for this on one of the previous pages-with true explaination), and later on after that-a career ending assault that almost took his life. Shot by a con during bartending duties in Manhattan-that story and picture on previous page also.

Here is Waban Thomas vs Norkus Article:

Thanks Charlie! Having known many Marines, I know that, in retrospect, that had to be a great way for your Dad to end his career.

[CNorkusJr]

Your Welcome Tom,
"Once a Marine,always a Marine"

My father,till his dying day and then some was always proud of his US Marine background.
In the 1960's he become Commandant of Marine Corps League-Greater NY Post #1.

Later on, he was a regular attending member of the US Marine Corps League- Sunrise Detachment post- Massapequa,NY.

Member Wantagh and Seaford NY American Legion Posts and marched with either one in local parades on the Holidays.

They provided Honor Guard Services during his wake with Tributes and a 21 gun salute at his burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park.(Note: Pinelawn National Cemetary(10 mins away) is filled but unto Medal of Honor winners, or if you want to be cremated and put in new Memorial wall being built- Veterans on Long Island are now getting interred at Calverton National Cemetary-about a 2 hour trip from me)) When I informed them that a 21 gun salute is not allowed at this private cemetary. The Commander of the Post stated " Lets see them try to stop the US Marines from doing this". Mgmnt didnt. Enough said.

[raylawpc]

Your Welcome Tom,
"Once a Marine,always a Marine"

My father,till his dying day and then some was always proud of his US Marine background.
In the 1960's he become Commandant of Marine Corps League-Greater NY Post #1.

Later on, he was a regular attending member of the US Marine Corps League- Sunrise Detachment post- Massapequa,NY.

Member Wantagh and Seaford NY American Legion Posts and marched with either one in local parades on the Holidays.

They provided Honor Guard Services during his wake with Tributes and a 21 gun salute at his burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park.(Note: Pinelawn National Cemetary(10 mins away) is filled but unto Medal of Honor winners, or if you want to be cremated and put in new Memorial wall being built- Veterans on Long Island are now getting interred at Calverton National Cemetary-about a 2 hour trip from me)) When I informed them that a 21 gun salute is not allowed at this private cemetary. The Commander of the Post stated " Lets see them try to stop the US Marines from doing this". Mgmnt didnt. Enough said.

When I was a young man, I worked for a judge who was a WW II and Korea Marine. One time, I introduced him to somebody as an "ex-Marine." He very quickly educated me that there is no such thing as an "ex-Marine." "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

[CNorkusJr]

Articles and Notes on Norkus-Powell II fight- held in 1958 in San Diego Coliseum.(4 yrs after their first fight in SF)
It is my fathers 51st of 52 career pro fights.

Probably the biggest noteworthy article besides Powell win is, that Powell received no money for this fight. Powell wanted my father so bad-his new mgr Robinson signed away the house to my father.(Article posted here).

[CNorkusJr]

When I was a young man, I worked for a judge who was a WW II and Korea Marine. One time, I introduced him to somebody as an "ex-Marine." He very quickly educated me that there is no such thing as an "ex-Marine." "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

You might have that a tad askew Tom. The correct terms I was to understand is

There is no ex-marines, "there are only former US Marines" and "Once a US Marine,always a US Marine"

[raylawpc]

When I was a young man, I worked for a judge who was a WW II and Korea Marine. One time, I introduced him to somebody as an "ex-Marine." He very quickly educated me that there is no such thing as an "ex-Marine." "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

You might have that a tad askew Tom. The correct terms I was to understand is

There is no ex-marines, "there are only former US Marines" and "Once a US Marine,always a US Marine"

According to the judge, I had it more than just a tad askew . . . as the judge forcefully pointed out. As I recall, the judge's exact comment was "Don't call me an ex-Marine. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine! Once a Marine, always a Marine!"

[CNorkusJr]

An up to date picture of Chuck Wepner and myself, taken at the New Jersey Boxing HOF dinner in Nov. 2011. Chuck and my father were very good friends through the years,though Chuck Wepner started his heavyweight career as my father was retiring from the ring. He awarded my father's induction plaque to me from The NJBHOF in 1996.

Chuck today, very much like my father was after his boxing career, is a leading liquor salesman in New Jersey,as my father was on Long Island, New York, along with former welterweight Billy Graham.

[CNorkusJr]

Thought you might like to see the one and only original Heavyweight Title Belt held by Rocky Marciano while he was champion. It does not sit in any Hall of fame collection, but rather resides in a very well known Rocky Marciano personal collection of close Marciano Family friend and former boxing trainer, Steve Acunto.

Steve is founder and President Emeritus of the AAIB,Inc which he founded along with Rocky Marciano and is slated to go into the New York State Boxing HOF this coming April 2012.

The Plaque atop the Belt case says " THE RING BELT Only Authentic World Championship Belt in Existance and given only to Undefeated Champions"

[beaujack]

Here's a great group shot. I'm guessing about early 1970's.Names on photo.

charley,great photo you post. I was fortunate to see ringside every boxer on that photo .Thanks for posting.

[CNorkusJr]

Here's a great group shot. I'm guessing about early 1970's.Names on photo.

charley,great photo you post. I was fortunate to see ringside every boxer on that photo .Thanks for posting.

My pleasure, I am glad you enjoy this thread.

[raylawpc]

Thought you might like to see the one and only original Heavyweight Title Belt held by Rocky Marciano while he was champion. It does not sit in any Hall of fame collection, but rather resides in a very well known Rocky Marciano personal collection of close Marciano Family friend and former boxing trainer, Steve Acunto.

Steve is founder and President Emeritus of the AAIB,Inc which he founded along with Rocky Marciano and is slated to go into the New York State Boxing HOF this coming April 2012.

The Plaque atop the Belt case says " THE RING BELT Only Authentic World Championship Belt in Existance and given only to Undefeated Champions"

Very cool!!

[CNorkusJr]

Sad news reported by Henry Hascup, Pres. New Jersey Boxing HOF:

Another sad note, Artie Levine passed away on January 13, 2012.

Levine, who was Jewish and from Brooklyn, was a legitimate contender who flattened 36 opponents with a devastating left hook.

Levine, who stood at 5' 8", was a right handed slugger, with an orthodox fighting style. His left hook made him a fighter who no one looked forward to facing in the ring. He was trained by Charley Goldman, the famed trainer of boxing legend Rocky Marciano.

Levine fought professionally for eight years (1941–49) before retiring at the age of 24.

On November 6, 1946, Levine challenged Sugar Ray Robinson. Robinson claimed Levine hit him with the hardest punch of his career when he knocked Sugar Ray down and out for a 21-second long count.

Instead of directing Levine back to his corner, the referee walked him to his corner then returned about 10 seconds later to begin the count on Robinson. Robinson came back and KO'd Levine in the tenth round.

Of the fight, The Ring Magazine wrote:

Sugar ... was almost kayoed in the fourth round. A left hook, followed by a right cross, both to the chin, put (him) down and almost out... Sugar rose unsteadily and called upon all his ring skill and stamina to last out the round...Sugar had several other close calls during the course of the evening. Artie's left hooks and resounding right crosses occasionally found their marks and with telling effect. Robinson's class and body punching were taking their toll from the heavier Levine as the bout progressed. Sugar started the tenth with knockout intent. With the round about two minutes gone, Sugar paralyzed Artie with a right to the solar plexus. Then Sugar became a 'killer,' throwing punches with reckless abandon to both head and body with the result that Artie was beaten to the floor.

(The Ring, January 1947, page 34)

It is unknown what effect this victory could have had upon both the careers of Levine or Robinson. It is possible to speculate that since Levine had actually knocked Sugar Ray out in this fight that he may have done it again in a rematch, altering the history of boxings greatest pound for pound fighter.

In March 1947, Levine faced Herbie Kronowitz of Brooklyn in the main event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The crowd of 12,000 was said to have been enthralled during the entire 10-round battle between the two fighters. Kronowitz always claimed that he really defeated Levine in the confrontation.


Artie and Charley 1980


Artie w/ refs Joe Cortez,Charley Norkus,Billy Graham, dep commissioner (unknown)

[beaujack]

Carlos Ortiz,Terry Young,Hy Levine,Charley Norkus, Lulu Constantino

The reach of my fathers right arm was about 102". LOL

Charley,the picture above brought nostalgic tears to my eyes. Because as a youngster my dad took me to my first pro card at St. Nicholas Arena to see the new sensational lightweight Beau Jack against
Tough Terry Young, Rocky Graziano's friend from the East Side of NY. It was a sensational fight and Beau Jack eeked out a close decision. Terry Young ,after he retired was shot to death in the lower East Side.
Also on your photo is Lulu Constantino,who was a young sensational featherweight friend of Terry Young who won 56 fights in a row. I saw him a few times, and he was called an upcoming FW champion, but alas a fellow by the name of Willie Pep came out if Conn. and beat Lulu...
Thanks for those great photos...Brings back lots of memory's to me...

[CNorkusJr]

I mentioned a few posts back that Ernie Durando, Jersey Joe Walcott and Tami Mauriello stopped in for dinner. Here is a photo from that encounter. After dinner, my father,the ever proud former US Marine, took all of us to The local Marine Corps League meeting that night. (It was not planned that way-but no one objected).Needless the say, the evening was well appreciated by many. About 1975 ? Here is a picture from that locale. I'm in middle, between Walcott & Durando. Tami was off somewhere teaching retired Marines how to throw left hooks or visa-versa..

(Excuse my uncombed long hair-it was my teenage 70's after all,another item I wish I had back-LOL)