Tony GARDNER, the "KO King", biography

[coreygardner]

If anyone else has information on Tony Gardner, please send, newspapers, photos, etc., and let me know if it needs corrections, I know a few of you guys on here knew the "KO King".

Courtesy to Tom Ray, Ring Magazine, and the University of Notre Dame.

It is just a rough draft right now.



TONY GARDNER




Tony Gardner, the “KO King”, the North American Jr. Middleweight Champion, was a top contender for the WBC Light Middleweight Title and the NABF Middleweight Title during his career. He went from being a small town hero to a title challenger. Gardner had a string of knockout victories from 1974 to 1976 that earned him the nickname, the “KO King”.

A proud native of Memphis, Tennessee, standing six feet tall and weighing anywhere from 150 to 165 pounds, Gardner had knocked men out cold with his “hellacious right hand”. Although he did not have the facial features of a fighter and a glass chin, Gardner had one shot knockout power. He was described as cagey with street smarts, hated to train, was fun to party with, and was known as a ladies’ man.

On December 4th, 1969, Tony Gardner made his professional debut at 158 pounds against Lee Yankee Brown, 2 – 7, at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, Florida. After four rounds, Gardner won by split decision. Sadly in his next fight, he was knocked out in the first round in 1970 against Jimmy Jones, 0 – 1 in St. Louis, Missouri.

However, he bounced back with a victory over Bill Spicer in Oklahoma City. Sadly, he was knocked out after 28 seconds into the first round against Adam Moore, 2 -1, in New Orleans, Louisiana. And again he bounced back with a points victory over Toby Harrison the next year in 1971 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gardner matched his record at 3 – 3 after he lost a points decision to Otis Dyer that year at Oklahoma City. His boxing career did not look promising at this point and it looked as if he were going nowhere. However, on October 2nd, 1971, Gardner earned his first knockout victory over Harold Brown, 4 – 8 – 2, after four rounds in Cushing, Texas.

It was from 1971 to 1973 that Gardner had twelve straight victories. On November 11th, 1971, he became the first man to knockout Simmie Black. And in his next fight, he knocked out Charlie Fischer in the second round in West Memphis, Arkansas.

Gardner knocked out Willie Johnson in the first round on February 12th, 1972 in West Memphis, Arkansas, his first opening round knockout victory. Then, he defeated Bobby Bell by KO in the first round in Oklahoma City. On September 5th, 1972, Gardner reversed a points decision against Otis Dyer after four rounds.

His 12 – fight winning streak ended on June 21st, 1972 after he was knocked out in two rounds against the undefeated No. 1 Middleweight contender Tony Licata, 32 – 0 – 3, in Tampa, Florida. Gardner knocked out Harold Brown again in a rematch after three rounds at Mobile, Alabama, and then had two more losses, which included him being stopped in the second round against Canadian Middleweight Champion Dave Downey, 20 – 2 – 2, on September 4th, 1973 in Oklahoma City. It was after this loss, that he decided it was time to retire.

However, an Irish – American promoter named Pat O’ Grady took an interest in the lanky bomber. On March 1st, 1974, Tony Gardner arrived in Oklahoma City and began what he called, “My first true learning experience in boxing.” The Irishman O’ Grady had Gardner sign up with a Texas Corporation called Starmaker, Inc., which hired heavyweight Claude “Humphrey” McBride to train the transplanted Tennessean who was now fighting out of Oklahoma City.

It was during the next three years Gardner would remain undefeated and prove himself as a viable fighter and title contender.

On April 9th, 1974, Tony Gardner began his reign as the “KO King” after knocking out light – heavyweight Cecil Peck at Dallas, Texas. Afterwards, Gardner had 19 straight knockout victories. As an undefeated fighter for three years, Tony Gardner had 25 victories, 22 by way of knockout.

His list of victims included three straight first round KO victories over Adam Moore, Jimmy Jones, and Billy Smith.

On May 9th, 1974, Tony Gardner knocked out Adam Moore, 11 – 6, in the first round at Enid, Oklahoma, avenging his loss. And in his next fight, on May 21st, 1974, Gardner knocked out Jimmy Jones, 2 – 3, in the first round at Oklahoma City, avenging his loss. Gardner had his third straight first – round KO over Billy Smith at Dallas, Texas.

Gardner defeated former Texas Middleweight Champion Dave Burch, 16 – 8 (10 KO’s) by KO in the first round.

One of the toughest opponents who he defeated during his career was hard hitting Mexican knockout artist Sal Martinez 28 – 5 – 1 (26 KO’s), who had a great record compared to the others the “KO King” defeated. On August 20th, 1974 at Oklahoma City, Gardner knocked out Martinez in three rounds. It was Martinez’s last fight.

On September 3rd, 1974, Tony Gardner defeated “Iron man” Ray Christian 27 – 11 – 3 (12 KO’s) by KO after a grueling 10 rounds.

The “KO King” knocked out one Roy Jones in round one at Oklahoma City before heading back to Memphis, Tennessee and knocking out tough light – heavyweight Ronnie Cichon. He then knocked out Jimmy Black and Bobby Brooks while in Oklahoma City. Afterwards, Gardner defeated Louisiana Welterweight Champion Emmett Atlas by KO after 4 rounds at the Red Carpet Inn.

On December 5th, 1974, Tony Gardner, the “KO King”, defeated “Iron Man” Ray Christian by KO in the final 15th round at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the North American Jr. Middleweight Title, a high ranking by the WBC, and he was now rated as No. 2 in the United States by Ring Magazine.

One of his corner men stated that Gardner’s fight with hard hitting Ray Christian was one of the best fights he had ever seen in all of his forty years of being involved in boxing, and the fight was described as “perhaps the best ever seen in Oklahoma.”

Ray Christian stated: “Tony Gardner is one of the hardest punchers I’ve ever faced. He hits harder than Dave Downey or Pat O’ Connors combined.” Even his chief sparring partner, Rudy Jones, stated: “Man, he don’t hit like a middleweight, he thumps you like a heavyweight.” An Oklahoma City sportswriter stated: “Few middleweights or light – heavyweights have the KO power that Gardner carries in his fists.”
The fans called Gardner one of the hardest punchers that they had ever seen.

Gardner had stated: “The fans, writers, and everyone has been real encouraging. Pat O’ Grady is the man who made all of this possible. He believed in me when no one else did.”

The “KO King” began the year 1975 off well after he defeated Joe Adams by KO 42 seconds into the first round at Oklahoma City. The only man who was able to go the distance during Tony Gardner’s reign of terror was Bobby Williams. Gardner defeated Williams twice after 12 – round decisions in 1975 defending his claimed North American Jr. Middleweight Title and in 1976 he defeated Williams on points after 15 rounds at Oklahoma City, again defending his claimed title.

However, in 1976, his last victory was against Wayne Lewis after a 5 – round TKO at Oklahoma City. The fight and the string of knockout victories made him a contender in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His next fight was for the Middleweight Championship of the World.

Tony Gardner, 41 – 6 (33 KO’s) fought for the WBC Light Middleweight Title on February 28th, 1976 against Elisha Obed, 60 – 1 – 2 (43 KO’s) in Nassau, Bahamas. Sadly, he ran out of magic that day and his winning streak ended after being counted out at 2: 55 of the second round. However, he bounced back with two knockout victories in Oklahoma City.

He traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa in June of 1976 in vain, because he lost by KO in the first round against Gert Steyn.

Then in 1977, he had seven straight victories, including a points victory over the tough Larry Brazier. Gardner defeated Alfonso Aguirre with a one – round KO and somehow had himself another title shot. It was on May 25th, 1977 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Tony Gardner, 51 – 11 (39 KO’s) was knocked out at 2: 28 of the fourth round against 6’ 1, 155 – pound “Sugar Ray” Seales, 32 – 4 – 1 (18 KO’s) for the NABF Middleweight Title.

The “KO King” had a string of losses afterwards, becoming a journeyman, and his last fight was a 12 – round split decision loss to Max Hord on July 12th, 1978 in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Tony Gardner was a tall, slim boxer with knockout power. He had 9 first round knockout victories and 6 first round knockout losses; he had a hellacious, hard right hand and a glass chin, or perhaps he lacked boxing refinement. He was a contender, gatekeeper, and journeyman during his boxing career and afterwards was a cut man and promoter.

He was once interviewed on Beale Street and was asked, “Does it hurt to get knocked out?” to which the “KO King” allegedly replied, “Naw, man it don’t hurt. Everything is peaceful. It’s beautiful, man.”

Tony Gardner, the “KO King”, ended his career as a professional fighter with a record of 52 wins, 40 by way of knockout, 23 losses, 17 by way of knockout, a total of 75 fights. A newspaper stated that Tony Gardner’s amateur record was 43 – 4, while his professional record in 1978 at age 31 was 67 – 19 (53 KO’s). His birth year was possibly 1946 and it is likely not all of his fights were recorded.

Tony Gardner
Alias: KO King
Height: 6’
Weight: 150 – 165 pounds
Division: Middleweight
Fighting out of: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Record: 52 – 23 (40 KO’s)
Titles:
WBC North American Jr. Middleweight Championship (1974 – 1975)

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

pity post. No one cares Coron.

[coreygardner]

pity post. No one cares Coron.

I know for a fact if you saw me in person, you wouldn't say anything, all you are is a coward sitting behind a computer.
I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you.
My book will make to England in about five years or so. I know for a fact you will read it.

[palooka]

Is Tony Gardner a relation of yours? I'd be proud as well

(Congrats on the line: I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you. you made me chuckle there) :)

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

pity post. No one cares Coron.

I know for a fact if you saw me in person, you wouldn't say anything, all you are is a coward sitting behind a computer.
I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you.
My book will make to England in about five years or so. I know for a fact you will read it.

You are the one offering me the chance of a boxing lesson and I am up for it anytime you are in the vicinity, it is laughable calling me a coward when you are the one who brought it up but are now doing zilch about it.

And I am adding another post to this boring arse thread, have a bit more gratitude you little worm.

[palooka]

It's not like you Carlos

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

It's not like you Carlos

So? This kid's OCD had no place on a boxing forum.

[coreygardner]

Fat Git, you are a 41 year old loser who insults my threads, yet you read them day in, day out.

You are the dumbest person I have ever sadly communicated with, you are a complete moron in every sense of the word.

Why would I come to England?

Get a green card, come to America then comment.

[coreygardner]

Is Tony Gardner a relation of yours? I'd be proud as well

(Congrats on the line: I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you. you made me chuckle there) :)

Is 'Fat Git' your boyfriend? Keep chuckling.


Tony Gardner, don't know honestly if he's related, yes he was a journeyman who had knockout power, I never said he was great, it's just a rough draft biography of a career fighter who had a couple of title shots.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Is Tony Gardner a relation of yours? I'd be proud as well

(Congrats on the line: I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you. you made me chuckle there) :)

Is 'Fat Git' your boyfriend? Keep chuckling.


Tony Gardner, don't know honestly if he's related, yes he was a journeyman who had knockout power, I never said he was great, it's just a rough draft biography of a career fighter who had a couple of title shots.

Palooka was sticking up for you, no gratitude with the kids of today.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Fat Git, you are a 41 year old loser .

Stop right there sonny, if we compared lives, qualifications, experiences and careers - we would find, more than likely, I am well in front. I truly doubt you have done anything worth bragging about. Not that I have in the great scheme of things but when you call someone a 'loser' then it exposes you as a child and a child who has done sweet FA I bet.

[palooka]

Is Tony Gardner a relation of yours? I'd be proud as well

(Congrats on the line: I've knocked two people out, broke a guy's nose, busted a guy's lip, and all of those guys were 100% tougher, smarter, and stronger than you. you made me chuckle there) :)

Is 'Fat Git' your boyfriend? Keep chuckling.


Tony Gardner, don't know honestly if he's related, yes he was a journeyman who had knockout power, I never said he was great, it's just a rough draft biography of a career fighter who had a couple of title shots.

Palooka was sticking up for you, no gratitude with the kids of today.

I thought he was playing cupid, he must have had a crappy day.

[warriorpoet]

Corey,thanks for your post.

[coreygardner]

I apologize "palooka", I just got on the message board quickly and thought you were being sarcastic, it's hard to tell someone's tone through writing.

Sorry for insulting you.

Thank you for siding with me, I'm not used to it.

[palooka]

There's no need to apologise, Corey. I get ripped to pieces regularly on here for saying daft stuff.

You enjoy what you're doing and others find it interesting - some people don't but they don't have to read it.

Keep up the good work and don't take things to heart too much, Fat Git is a very funny poster and has some very good insights. I very much doubt you'll ever meet in real life so there'll be no big fight but I can't see what it is you'd be fighting about.

A good weekend of boxing, hope you like it

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Keep up the good work and don't take things to heart too much, Fat Git is a very funny poster and has some very good insights. I very much doubt you'll ever meet in real life so there'll be no big fight but I can't see what it is you'd be fighting about.

Aw thanks Palooka, thats nice of you, I have me moments.

These kids can't handle a bit of banter, not like the 90's when we were young.

[Shaunabledsoe]

I'm sitting here with tony. We are reliving the glory days. Says hey to all of you of never forgot me and I'm still a ladies man and full of character. Much love to all. Tony G