'Smokin Joe' Frazier vs. Dave 'Ziggy' Zyglewicz

[yancey]

It was indeed a monumental struggle.

[Rover]

Only recognized by the states of;

Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine and Massachusetts.

'Ziggy' was 'Even Money' in Watervliet, New York. They knew something.

[yancey]

Only recognized by the states of;

Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine and Massachusetts.

'Ziggy' was 'Even Money' in Watervliet, New York. They knew something.

Was it not recognized also in New York?

Hope Zyglewicz is still around and doing okay these days.

[yancey]

Agree, Ziggy did not run.

I recall watching a film of the fight and the way the local announcer pronounced Frazier.

He pronounced it "Fraze...zee...er." It didn't sound quite right.

[Rover]

Agree, Ziggy did not run.

I recall watching a film of the fight and the way the local announcer pronounced Frazier.

He pronounced it "Fraze...zee...er." It didn't sound quite right.

[Rover]

Mr. Yancey,

I believe 'Smokin Joe' was recognized as the NYSAC Heavyweight Champion, but Edward Dooley NYSAC (Commisioner)
did not sanction this bout as a 'legitimate' Heavyweight Championship bout.

'Smokin Joe' took the bout to stay busy, and pick up some spending money.........

Give 'Ziggy' his due, he came to fight and gave it his all. The guy didn't run.

'FRAZIER PUTS ZYGLEWICZ TO SLEEP IN FIRST ROUND'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... Rl3CeCC20g

Gone are the days where commissions sanction bouts as for the world title. I think the last one was Benitez/Guerrero at MSG.

[Dart340]

I thought Zyglewicz was a bit of a mystery. He ran a pretty good string of wins in Texas and looked like a solid and strong fringe contender, though undersized and not polished, and then had a really strange fight out in L.A against a guy (Sam Wyatt?) with a tomato can record. Ziggy lost a decision and evidently looked so bad that the California commission wanted to pull Zyglewicz's license because he was incapable of defending himself and looked so incompetent. After that fight, somehow he got the title fight against Frazier. Strange happenings. Maybe Il Duce can research this one for us.

[Rover]

Mr. Dart 340,

By the way, I owned '7' 340 Mopars in my day, a 69' 440 Cuda, a 69' GTX Hemi Super/Stock, several 273 Commando's,
383 Road Runner, (2) 440 GTX's, 67' Hemi Charger, 63' Belvedere 383, 62' Dodge 383/343 Dual-Quad, 65' Valiant Station Wagon 'Gasser' and a 65' Coronet 426 'Street Wedge.


'Smokin Joe' had already made plans to fight Jerry Quarry by the time he signed to fight Dave' Ziggy' Zyglewicz in
Houston, Texas.

The 'skinny' was that Dave Zyglewicz had a 'similar' style to Jerry Quarry, and this would be a good work-out
session a a pre-Jerry Quarry fight warm-up. An easy oay-day for 'Smokin Joe' who had been out of the ring
for 5-Months, which was a little too long for Yank Durham's liking.

[Rover]

'Smkoin Joe' vs. Dave 'Ziggy' Zyglewicz

* Promoter - Earl Gilliam (Texas Boxing Enterprises)
* Signed Contracts {March 11, 1969}
* Orignal Scheduled Date {April 5, 1969}
* Bout Date {April 22, 1969}

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... pRpDElp89w

[MEISINGER]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

[Rover]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

Can you repeat any of the stories here?

[MEISINGER]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

Can you repeat any of the stories here?

most are a lil' too off color for on here but rover i can send you a pm
of a couple of funny stories.
a bunch of these stories involve questionable moral and legal dilemas

[yancey]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

Can you repeat any of the stories here?

most are a lil' too off color for on here but rover i can send you a pm
of a couple of funny stories.
a bunch of these stories involve questionable moral and legal dilemas

Meisinger, would you know how Ziggy is doing nowadays?

Didn't he get hurt in an industrial accident somewhere along the line?

[Rover]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

Can you repeat any of the stories here?

most are a lil' too off color for on here but rover i can send you a pm
of a couple of funny stories.
a bunch of these stories involve questionable moral and legal dilemas

Completely understand about stories that aren't fit for here--and no need to tell anything you were told in confidence even in a PM.

[MEISINGER]

ziggy was a member of the hells angels mc
his wife fran who passed away a couple of years ago was a close
friend of mine and though her and ziggy had been seperated for years.
had never divorced.they remained great friends till the end.
fran was the original biker chick one of the coolest people i ever knew.

the stories she told of her and ziggies escapades could fill several books.

she gave me an autographed poster of the frazier-ziggy fight
which to this day is one of my most cherished pieces

Can you repeat any of the stories here?

most are a lil' too off color for on here but rover i can send you a pm
of a couple of funny stories.
a bunch of these stories involve questionable moral and legal dilemas

Meisinger, would you know how Ziggy is doing nowadays?

Didn't he get hurt in an industrial accident somewhere along the line?[/quote]







ziggy got lung poisoning working industrial jobs.
last i heard from him was several years ago probably 5 or better years ago.
he was on oxygen 24/7.
still a character and very friendly.he said a prayer with me as our last
phone conversation.

though him and fran had a wild biker life they both became christians and had very close walks with god.

2 great people.i hope one day some one turns there life into a movie.
i promise you there is not one of you that would not laugh and cry
listening to their lives travels.

[Rover]

'JOE FRAZIER GETS FAVORED ROLED IN TITLE BOUT'

In what has been called nothing more than a warm-up bout, the Champion -Joe Frazier will be
facing an unknown but undaunted Texan named Dave Zyglewicz. Originally from Watervliet,
New York, and a former All-Navy Atlantic Fleet Champion, 'Ziggy' has won all but 'one' of his
'29' Heavyweight bouts.

The fighters will receive portions of the 'live-gate' (Frazier = 40%) and (Zyglewicz = 20%) as
well as the same portion for the ancillary rights.

Zyglewicz a 'brick-layer' by trade said he wasn't worried about the Champion's powerful left hook,
as he had been hit with everything from 'tire-irons' to 'baseball bats', and never tasted the canvas.
The 25 year-old 190 lb. Texan is not rated by the WBC or NYSAC, and they will not recognize Dave Zyglewicz
if he somehow scores a 'major upset'. There is no 'rematch clause' in the fight contracts.

Dave Zyglewicz, 'I'm here to fight. I expect the Champion to take me lightly, and all I need is
one opening.'

A crowd of 11,000 is expected to attend the Heavyweight Championship Bout at the Sam Houston Coliseum.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... BZXrh0SvYA

[Rover]

Sunday - April 20, 1969

'DAVE ZYGLEWICZ GETS BIG CHANCE IN RING'

Dave Zyglewicz will get his chance on Tuesday Night, when he squares off against the
heavily-favored World Heavyweight Champion - Joe Frazier.

Dave Zyglewicz. 'This bout won't go 10-Rounds, and I will put Joe Frazier on the canvas.'

Joe Frazier. 'I get paid the same whether it goes 1-Round or 15-Rounds. But I predict it
will end early, with me winning.'

When Dave Zyglewicz was asked if he had any friendly advice for the Champion. The
popular Texas Heavyweight replied, 'Tell Joe Frazier to wear street clothes when he gets
into the ring Tuesday Night. This way he won't have to waste any time getting dressed
to go back to Philadelphia after I knock him'.....

Mexico and Argentina have added the 'sanctioning' to recognize the winner of Tuesday
Night's bout.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... ZAdg2EQAwQ

Joe's prediction was correct.

[Rover]

Monday April 21, 1969

'I WANT TROUBLE', SAYS DAVE ZYGLEWICZ'
I want the lavish lifestyle. I want the title more than Joe Frazier. I'm looking for trouble.'

Joe Frazier, 'He's probably in the best shape of any fighter that I have met in the ring.'


'FRAZIER RISKS 22-0 UNBEATEN RECORD'
The Champion risks his title againsts a former sailor from Watervliet, New York.

Joe Frazier, 'It is more than physical condition, you have to be mentally prepared. I'm not sure Dave understands that.'

Dave wanted trouble...Dave found it.

[Rover]

More from the Newspapers,,,,,,,,

''HOSTILE YOUNG FIGHTER MAKES FRAZIER TARGET"

Dave Zyglewicz was very upset at yesterday's press interview when he
was told that he had 'zero' chance of winning by the Champion's Camp.
And that he was nothing more than a warm-up for Jerry Quarry.

Dave Zyglewicz, 'Now I'm getting a little hot !! - All this talk about that I'm just
a warm-up for Jerry Quarry. Now I'm more determined than ever to punish
the Champion. I'm making Joe Frazier's chin my target now.'

Crazy Ziggy.....

Truth hurts, eh, Dave?

[Rover]

More Newspapers,

'EARLY FINISH TO TITLE BOUT EXPECTED'

Dave Zyglewicz, a brick-layer and butcher by trade, hopes to 'upset' the apple
cart and earn a fractional share of the World Heavyweight Title. Even if he wins,
the one-time All-Navy Champion will only be recognized in '5-States', Mexico
and Argentina.

Manager Perry Payne, 'Even a portion of the Heavyweight Championship is worth
something. I already have an offer from Argentina, for a fight in July. We are already
making plans for a World Tour. On Tuesday Night, everybody will know the name
of Dave Zyglewicz. I'm getting sick and tired of everyone saying that my guy is
a nobody, that can't fight.'

Promoter Earl Gilliam, 'I have 'two' options on Dave if he wins. We will make Houston,
Texas the Heavyweight Capitol of the World if he wins.'

Early finish to title bout expected...early finish received.

[Rover]

Maybe the best Newspaer Article,

'ZIGGY'S FRIENDS WILL BE THERE'

Dave Zyglewicz is unknown in most of the United States, but back home in Watervliet, New York
and down here in Houston, Texas he is quite popular. The amount of friends he has is amazing,
and each one is a character who could easily fill a role in some Hollywood B-Movie.

The names;
Pete from Watervliet
One Ear Ziggy - (Lost His Right Ear-Lobe in a Bar Fight)
John the Baptist
Mogen David Red - (Liquor Salesman)
Irish Johnny
King Kong - (The Bar Bouncer)
Mexican Joe
Harry Right-Way - (Lost his Left Arm)
Looie the Leg - (Has a Wooden Leg)
The Chief
The Painter
Thoy the Philospher
Shoeshine - (You Guessed It)
Big Daddy Bear
Old Pops
Big C-Mac
The Orangeman - (Florida Juice Salesman)
Big Head - (The Money Man)
Mike the Hanger - (A Clothes Salesman)
Lee Legs - (Female version of King Kong)
Skipper - (Bar Owner)
Old Salt - (Old Navy Sailor)
Glenn the Pro - (Golfer)
Machine Gun Red - (Vietnam Machine Gunner)
Lemon Drop Kid

Dave 'Ziggy' must have been a character.

[Dart340]

The only footage we have on Ziggy is the Frazier fight itself. At the least, he was a strong guy who could whack and he certainly wasn't afraid.

Duce, still trying to figure out the story behind the Wyatt fight in L.A. Zyglewicz fights a guy who would be lucky to be called a Tomato Can with a record of something like 6-7-2. Loses the decision. The California Boxing Commission tries to get Zyglewicz barred permanently from boxing because "he is incapable of defending himself" (!!!) which, I assume, was not standard practice for any state commission, nonetheless for undefeated and pushed contenders (!?) and afterwards he gets a shot at the title. And Wyatt never is recorder as ever fighting again.

I think you should apply your considerable investigative/research skills here, my friend...

[Rover]

Mr. Dart 'Mopar' 340

I think I got something,,,,,,,,

Tuesday Night - July 26, 1966

Sam Houston Coliseum (Texas Heavyweight Championship)

Sonny 'South Dallas Policeman' Moore - 19-20-2 (6 KO's)
vs.
Dave 'Ziggy' Zyglewicz - 9-0-0 (5 KO's)

This may have been on one of those Tuesday Night Local TV broadcasts. For the Texas
Heavyweight Championship.

28 year-old - Sonny Moore was advertised as a leading Heavyweight Contender, with
a record of 49-10-2. Somebody must have changed the '1' to a '4' in the win department,
and accidentally fudged the loss numbers.

Dave, only 22 - was a little guy at 186 lbs, to Sonny's 206 lbs.

Result; A controversial and questionable 10-Round Split-Decision win for 'Ziggy'.

Damn, that's quite a record manipulation.

[Rover]

Thursday - April 17, 1969

'ZYGLEWICZ TEETH INTEREST FRAZIER'

Dave Zyglewicz flashed a 'big grin' at Champion Joe Frazier during the preliminary weigh-in on
Wednesday at the Sam Houston Coliseum.

'Ziggy' who weigned in at 190 lbs, said his heart was beating fast, because he can't wait to get into
the ring. 'Ziggy' added, 'I just got a call from my friends fro upstate New York, and they said the whole town
is planning a special day for me. All the stores are putting up signs that say "Ziggy's". If I win, I guess
I will own the whole town.'

Champion - Joe Frazier weighed in at 213 lbs., a bit heavier than expected. He plans to come in much
lighter on Tuesday Night.

After the weigh-in, Ziggy put his Cowboy Boots back on, along with his blue suit. The Champion put on
a tubeless-tire rubber suit.

Ziggy responded, "See, Joe Frazier took me too lightly, and he's not in good shape. He's worried, and
now he's going to start training. Oh boy, I can't wait for Tuesday Night."

Guess he didn't end up owning the town.

[Rover]

July 1, 1967

Eddie Machen who was signed to fight Dave 'Ziggy' Zyglewicz in Houston, Texas on August 1, 1967
informed the 'fight promoters' that he was retiring.

Dave Zyglewicz, 'Nobody wants to fight me, and we're offering a sizeable fight purse too.'

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... eA7CN_fMrA

Joe wanted to fight you, Dave.