Hvywt Charley Norkus photos.. Friends and Foes

[CNorkusJr]

Here is a photo from the Pastrano- Norkus fight in Miami.




Here is a couple of pictures from the Brion-Norkus II fight in Madison Sq Garden

[CNorkusJr]

Just obtained this great shot of Dempsey separating Hurricane Jackson and Charley Norkus before their TV fight from Madison Square Garden. This promo shot appeared in the NY Daily Mirror May 24, 1954 and was taken in Dempsey's Bdway Rest.

Jackson stopped my father on cuts over both eyes in the 5th Rd. It was my fathers only loss in 1954.
My father married my mother 2 weeks after this fight in the Garden. Through the years, my mother told me she takes partial blame in this defeat by having my father miss many training days by keeping him out to help complete wedding arrangements. My father was used to putting in 7 days a week training for a fight-was kept down to only 3- 4 days intermittant.
My father always countered with "Thats hogwash". That Jackson bested him in the fight and he lost on the cuts only. He felt that his training routine was just fine.
(There are a few newspaper cropping marks on the photo)



Fight action Jackson vs Norkus (repeat photo from another page)

[Techno89]

This is a great Thread

[CNorkusJr]

Colorized photo of Charley Norkus about 1950

[CNorkusJr]

Charley entering the ring with trainer Whitey Bimstein in New Orleans
versus former LSU collegiate Champion Crowe Peele, who was undefeated Pro at the time of this match. Norkus defeated highly touted Peele twice in inspired bouts.

New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, N Rampart Street & St Ann St, downtown.
5/28/1957

[beaujack]

Charley entering the ring with trainer Whitey Bimstein in New Orleans
versus former LSU collegiate Champion Crowe Peele, who was undefeated Pro at the time of this match. Norkus defeated highly touted Peele twice in inspired bouts.

Now Orleans Municipal Auditorium, N Rampart Street & St Ann St, downtown.
5/28/1957

Charley your dad was in good hands with trainer Whitey Bimstein. I would always see Bimstein
along with Freddie Brown at Stillmans gym. Bimstein trained Rocky Graziano, Billy Graham, Tony Janiro etc. Happiest days of my life at Stillmans gym.

[CNorkusJr]

Pictures from Ehsan's Training Camp-Summit, New Jersey between 1948-1950

New Jersey Welterweight Johnny "Red" Defazio (who might have been in-training for Del Flanagen), Charley Norkus( training for Curt Kennedy), unknown woman, welterweight Tony Janiro. Janiro might have been in training for Rocky Graziano( Feb or March 1950)



Tony Janiro, unknown, Charley Norkus



Heavy Billy McNabb & Tony Janiro, Bill McNabb was one of my father's sparring partners at the time but photo was from different time of year.

[CNorkusJr]

Referee Charley Norkus breaks apart two fighters (unknown) at New York's Felt Forum or Nassau Coliseum.

[CNorkusJr]

Friends Johnny Saxton and Charley Norkus. Both fighters were on exhibition card that night (not against each other though).

[CNorkusJr]

Charley and Coley Wallace. In 1948, Charley a US Marine, who just won US Marine Heavyweight Championship at the US Navy Olympics in San Diego, CA was immediately assigned to Washington DC Armory. Navy & Marine Boxers who were competing in US Olympic trials were assigned there on paper for their training. Charlie worked his way up through ranks to Qtr-Finals in Boston Garden,Mass. He faced Coley Wallace in Qtr-Finals in packed Boston Gardens. Norkus had Wallace down twice in 2nd Rd,but walked into a straight right by Wallace in 3rd Rd. Wallace KO victory put him in finals vs Norvel Lee.
Norvel Lee defeats Wallace and goes to London to represent US Boxing Team as Heavyweight. Mr Lee lost in his bid for Gold Medal.
For many Years, Charley & Coley met at various functions including numerous Ring 8 meetings here in NYC.
Both were honored together in 1977 with Downtown Athletic Club's "Boxing Greats Award" here in New York City.
Coley -you might remember was known for his Hollywood portayal of Champion Joe Louis in "The Joe Louis Story" biopic.

[beaujack]

Pictures from Ehsan's Training Camp-Summit, New Jersey between 1948-1950

New Jersey Welterweight Johnny "Red" Defazio (who might have been in-training for Del Flanagen), Charley Norkus( training for Curt Kennedy), unknown woman, welterweight Tony Janiro. Janiro might have been in training for Rocky Graziano( Feb or March 1950)



Tony Janiro, unknown, Charley Norkus



Heavy Billy McNabb & Tony Janiro, Bill McNabb was one of my father's sparring partners at the time but photo was from different time of year.

Charley, great photo of your dad [looks like Bill O'Reilly Fox News] and Tony Janiro, who was the best young lightweight prospect I ever saw...He was so good a prospect that after he kod Monty Pignatore
in a prelim at MSG, Vice President Harry Truman in attendance shook Janiro's hand for the camera
at MSG. I was there with my dad that night. But alas the handsome curley haired Janiro liked the ladies too much, and they liked him even more. He got heavier and became later on a MW. Cheers C

[CNorkusJr]

http://www.maxboxing.com/news/max-boxin ... f-the-west

It is with great honor that I tell you that my father, Charley Norkus, will be Inducted into The California Boxing Hall Of Fame for 2012.
I received a letter from the President of the CA Boxing HOF Don Fraser last week announcing his induction to be held in Los Angeles on Oct 20th,2012.
If you been following my dads past career on this thread, you would be well aware of his participation in some of California's exciting Boxing history.
Above is a wonderful article written and posted on MaxBoxing. It is a interview with the Vice Pres. Rick Farris, a very good friend and former tough fighter from the LA area.

My father's California Boxing Past, briefly;

My father was born in 1928 in Bellrose, Queens, New York.
Entered the Marine Corps in 1946 after establishing himself well as a Heavyweight Amateur in the New York area.
Racking up various amateur titles as a US Marine on the US Navy Boxing Squad, he was sent to San Diego,CA to compete in the US Navy Olympics.
In early 1948, he came away with from San Diego undefeated and holding the US Navy Olympic Heavyweight Champion, US Marine Heavyweight Champion of 1948 and All-Service Champion. Later on that year my father was reassigned to Washington DC armory post as he trained for the US Olympic Team to be held in London England that year. He went to the Finals trial up in Boston Garden, Mass where he was defeated by Coley Wallace in the Qtr finals that weekend. His only Amateur loss that year.

Turning pro out of New Jersey later that year 1948,after serving in the Marines his 2 year stint- He forged his way into the Heavy ranks and by 1953, was known as a knockout artist and Ring Spoiler to many contenders. Marrying in 1954 and returning to New York to live, Charley trained in Stillman's gym and started appearing on National TV fights. After defeating Danny Nardico in stunning brawls in Fla. Charley was 10th ranked Heavywt in the sport. He faced a upcoming undefeated (11-0, 9 KOs)
the big West Coaster Charlie Powell on National TV. In an exciting brawl again, my father KO'd Powell that lifted him up to 7th ranked. That fight was in San Francisco,and is remembered very well on the East Coast and West Coast as a legendary fight.

In 1958, my father returned to California, in his next to last year in boxing, and fought Charlie Powell again. Powell beat my father handedly in the rematch in San Diego.
My father then returned again later that year and fought the great Archie Moore in San Francisco. Archie held the Lt Heavy title at that time but because the fight was out of the wt class, it was a non-title fight. My father went the distance with Moore as he has done with Powell earlier in the year, but lost to the great Champion on UD.

It is certainly a Great Honor for The Norkus Family to see my father recognized for his efforts in California. A true crowd pleaser. The list of fighters to be inducted into the CA Boxing Hall of Fame is truely a remarkable one, and we are thrilled to be included in with my dads friends from the past.

My fathers first fight with undefeated Charlie Powell, 1954
http://sosoboxing.com/boxing-video-watc ... -powell-i/

[beaujack]

http://www.maxboxing.com/news/max-boxin ... f-the-west

It is with great honor that I tell you that my father, Charley Norkus, will be Inducted into The California Boxing Hall Of Fame for 2012.
I received a letter from the President of the CA Boxing HOF Don Fraser last week announcing his induction to be held in Los Angeles on Oct 20th,2012.
If you been following my dads past career on this thread, you would be well aware of his participation in some of California's exciting Boxing history.
Above is a wonderful article written and posted on MaxBoxing. It is a interview with the Vice Pres. Rick Farris, a very good friend and former tough fighter from the LA area.

My father's California Boxing Past, briefly;

My father was born in 1928 in Bellrose, Queens, New York.
Entered the Marine Corps in 1946 after establishing himself well as a Heavyweight Amateur in the New York area.
Racking up various amateur titles as a US Marine on the US Navy Boxing Squad, he was sent to San Diego,CA to compete in the US Navy Olympics.
In early 1948, he came away with from San Diego undefeated and holding the US Navy Olympic Heavyweight Champion, US Marine Heavyweight Champion of 1948 and All-Service Champion. Later on that year my father was reassigned to Washington DC armory post as he trained for the US Olympic Team to be held in London England that year. He went to the Finals trial up in Boston Garden, Mass where he was defeated by Coley Wallace in the Qtr finals that weekend. His only Amateur loss that year.

Turning pro out of New Jersey later that year 1948,after serving in the Marines his 2 year stint- He forged his way into the Heavy ranks and by 1953, was known as a knockout artist and Ring Spoiler to many contenders. Marrying in 1954 and returning to New York to live, Charley trained in Stillman's gym and started appearing on National TV fights. After defeating Danny Nardico in stunning brawls in Fla. Charley was 10th ranked Heavywt in the sport. He faced a upcoming undefeated (11-0, 9 KOs)
the big West Coaster Charlie Powell on National TV. In an exciting brawl again, my father KO'd Powell that lifted him up to 7th ranked. That fight was in San Francisco,and is remembered very well on the East Coast and West Coast as a legendary fight.

In 1958, my father returned to California, in his next to last year in boxing, and fought Chalie Powell again. Powell beat my father handedly in the rematch in San Diego.
My father then returned again later that year and fought the great Archie Moore in San Francisco. Archie held the Lt Heavy title at that time but because the fight was out of the wt class, it was a non-title fight. My father went the distance with Moore as he has done with Powell earlier in the year, but lost to the great Champion on UD.

It is certainly a Great Honor for The Norkus Family to see my father recognized for his efforts in California. A true crowd pleaser. The list of fighters to be inducted into the CA Boxing Hall of Fame is truely a remarkable one, and we are thrilled to be included in with my dads friends from the past.

My fathers first fight with undefeated Charlie Powell, 1954
http://sosoboxing.com/boxing-video-watc ... -powell-i/

Congratulations Charley on your dad's nomination to the California Boxing Hall of Fame...You must be proud...

[CNorkusJr]

[CNorkusJr]

August 10, 1949 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

My father's 11th pro bout had him fighting on undercard of Ezzard Charles-Gus Lesnevich NBA title bout.
My father KO'd Tommy DiGiorgio in 4th and final Rd.
(It should be noted that the proper name is DiGeorgio,not Georgio as printed in Program)
Though my father started his Pro boxing career with (two) 2 dec. loses in 1948, in 1949, he turned it all around and went into this fight with a 8-3, 5 Ko's record.
Before the year was out, my father would add another 7 wins, 5 by KO (incl. the DiGiorgio KO) to his career.
The Newark Star-Ledger paper article labeled him "The Bayonne Bomber" after that, a knick-name that stuck for the rest of his career, including the time he ended up fighting out of Port washington, NY after 1953.

[yancey]

Congratulations on your Dad's entrance into the California Boxing HOF.

This sure is a great thread with wonderful photos.

[CNorkusJr]

Congratulations on your Dad's entrance into the California Boxing HOF.

This sure is a great thread with wonderful photos.

Thank You I am glad you enjoy them, as much as I do posting them.
I enjoy your posts Yancey, I can tell you are a knowledgible boxing fan from years past.

[CNorkusJr]

Coming up in 2 weeks !

Cover of souvenir journal

[keithmoonhangover]

I love this thread. Thanks CNorkusJr.

Did your dad meat Warren Beatty again after the film?

[CNorkusJr]

I love this thread. Thanks CNorkusJr.

Did your dad meat Warren Beatty again after the film?

Sorry to say, I do not think so. Splendor in The Grass was Beatty's first film and it was filmed primarily in New York, but his Hollywood star was already rising and he went west. One person my father did see after making movies together was friend Jackie Gleason. Jackie loved New York though alot of his variety show was now in Miami. My father would run into him at Toots Shors and PJ Clarke's from time to time.

As you know, actors and actresses always show for the fights, and my father always found an opportunity to say hello to many. Here is a shot of Wilhelm DaFoe
who actually came to the fights in the Felt Forum, NYC to pick up tips on boxing as he was about to play a part that had boxing scenes in it. He actually asked my father to give him pointers on stance and such when my father wasnt reffing in the ring that night. I do not know the name of the production Mr DaFoe was in.

[keithmoonhangover]

I love this thread. Thanks CNorkusJr.

Did your dad meat Warren Beatty again after the film?

Sorry to say, I do not think so. Splendor in The Grass was Beatty's first film and it was filmed primarily in New York, but his Hollywood star was already rising and he went west. One person my father did see after making movies together was friend Jackie Gleason. Jackie loved New York though alot of his variety show was now in Miami. My father would run into him at Toots Shors and PJ Clarke's from time to time.

As you know, actors and actresses always show for the fights, and my father always found an opportunity to say hello to many. Here is a shot of Wilhelm DaFoe
who actually came to the fights in the Felt Forum, NYC to pick up tips on boxing as he was about to play a part that had boxing scenes in it. He actually asked my father to give him pointers on stance and such when my father wasnt reffing in the ring that night. I do not know the name of the production Mr DaFoe was in.

Willem Dafoe is a superb actor. Any more pics/stories of your dad and actors/directors?

[Sven Tingstrom]

I love this thread. Thanks CNorkusJr.

Did your dad meat Warren Beatty again after the film?

Sorry to say, I do not think so. Splendor in The Grass was Beatty's first film and it was filmed primarily in New York, but his Hollywood star was already rising and he went west. One person my father did see after making movies together was friend Jackie Gleason. Jackie loved New York though alot of his variety show was now in Miami. My father would run into him at Toots Shors and PJ Clarke's from time to time.

As you know, actors and actresses always show for the fights, and my father always found an opportunity to say hello to many. Here is a shot of Wilhelm DaFoe
who actually came to the fights in the Felt Forum, NYC to pick up tips on boxing as he was about to play a part that had boxing scenes in it. He actually asked my father to give him pointers on stance and such when my father wasnt reffing in the ring that night. I do not know the name of the production Mr DaFoe was in.

The film was Triumph of the Spirit.

[CNorkusJr]

Thank You Sven. I am going to try to find a copy of it and check it out. I too am a DeFoe fan. Hopefully he does the film justice in his boxing portrayal- LOL.

[kikibalt]

http://www.boxing.com/the_closet_classic.html

[Sven Tingstrom]

I am not a fan of DeFoe, who portrayed my Lord and Savior in that debased and horrible film. I just remember the name of the other film because it was a boxing film.