FREE BOXING BOOK........

[vatech1983]

Boxing’s Palookas, Tomato

Cans and Opponents. An Inside look.





By Pat Dwyer
















Introduction.



Certain professional boxers are commonly referred to as

palookas, tomato cans and opponents. They are the

boxers who appear as “no names” on the records of quality

fighters. Their careers, which can stretch for years seem to

be an endless array of knockout and decision losses. Why

do these fighters even box? Do they ever have winning

streaks that allow them to advance career wise? Who are

they and what is they’re true status and defined roles in

professional boxing.

As athletes these professional fighters area unique

commodity to the sporting world. They also are an integral

part of professional boxing and always have been. They

offer fight fans bouts to see and potential prospects an

avenue to build their records with the hope of advancing

into bigger money bouts. These palookas, tomato cans or

opponents are often fighters whose career went south due

to a lack of proper training, management, size or skill and

they decided to continue boxing where there is market for

fighters lose. It is a means for employment. The money

they make is marginal, most only make $200 to $400 a

bout. A paycheck higher than $1,000 is rare. Often these

fighters fight on short notice and have to travel to towns or

cities and square off against a local prospect. They do not

have their own corner men and they usually are fighting in

someone else’s backyard so they have the crowd against

them. Not easy handicaps to overcome which is why most

lose a majority of their bouts, some actually lose all.

Unfortunately with boxing being the school of hard knocks

these boxers can suffer from the physical effects of the

sport including long term brain damage. Oddly enough

considering all the hardships they endure they seldom

receive any type of recognition by boxing fans and media.

A facet of professional boxing that needs to be re-

evaluated. After all they are indeed pro fighters and a part

of the boxing community.

Some of the fighters who boxed from the 1970’s era to

the present and fit into this category are Frankie Hines,

Bruce Strauss, Jesse Clark, Bruce Johnson, Ted Greer,

Nathaniel Fitch, Jordan Keepers as well as many others. A

closer review of some of their careers from beginning to

end offers some insight as to what they consist of.





Chapter 1. Frankie Hines

Chapter 2. Bruce Strauss

Chapter 3. Jesse Clark

Chapter 4. Ted Greer

Chapter 5. Jordan Keepers

Chapter 6. Bruce Johnson

Chapter 7. Nathaniel Fitch

Extras. Tribute to Davey Moore.





Frankie Hines
Shelby, North Carolina
17 wins, (11ko’s) 120 losses, 5 draws

When it comes to boxing in the professional ranks,

Frankie Hines, from the small town of Shelby, North

Carolina, has done it all. His career began in a most non-

descript fashion. He made his pro debut on June 9th,

1980, in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He fought as

middleweight and lost a six round decision to Maurice

Moore. His career continued and after five pro bouts, he

had a record of 3 wins, 1 loss with 1 draw. He

eventually moved up to the light -heavyweight,

cruiserweight and then finally the heavyweight division

where there is more money for fighters. Some of the

fighters he had early career bouts against were Ricky

Spears, Fred Gore, Ricky Sheppard and Robert

Obey. After twenty bouts he had a record of 12 wins, with

8 losses and 1 draw. His boxing journey in the

professional ranks, which continued for quite awhile had

just entered the first stage.

As his career went forward he began to face

tougher competition and he began to lose regularly. He

became more and more of an opponent. He was usually

brought in to fill in at the last moment to go a few rounds

and then be stopped or lose by decision. Often he did not

arrive in the town or city until the night of the fight and did

not have time to train properly. Such handicaps are

difficult to endure. As a fighter Frankie was strong and

could take a punch quite well. He did not go down to the

canvas with phantom punches. He always came to fight,

often coming of the canvas several times to continue

fighting. Unfortunately the losses continued sometimes in

long streaks that last years. Some of the fighters he lost

to early in his career were Louisville prospect James

Pritchard, Wesley Watson, Bobby Thomas and then

undefeated Terry Dryer. With boxing being such a small

world, Frankie, despite a losing record and being unknown

actually faced many big names in the sport during his

career. He had bouts against Pinkon Thomas and Chris

Byrd, both of which at one time owned Heavyweight

Championships Belts. He also fought against South

Carolina’s Danny Sutton, one time Mike Tyson opponent

Peter McNeeley and future cruiserweight champ Ricky

Parkey. He lost all those bouts. His first big losing streak

began on March 10th, 1990. He lost to Mike Dixon in a

fourth round knockout in Bristol, Tennessee. For the next

three years he lost every bout which included twenty-nine

straight bouts. During this time frame some of the

fighters he lost to where Cecil Coffee, Ric Leinhart,

Lawrence Carter and David Jaco. Frankie was knocked

out twenty- two times during this losing streak. Frankie

finally put the big losing streak behind him with a victory

on November 17th, 1993. He won decisively in a first

round victory over Don Gray in Raleigh, North Carolina.

He then began a second losing streak which stretched

from December 3rd, 1993, and included thirty-six straight

losses. Some of the fighters he lost during that time were

Billy Wright, Mike Tyson look alike Cliff Clouser,

Lynnwood Jones and Vincent Fox. For this losing streak

he was knocked out twenty eight times. In the bout with

Cliff Clouser, Frankie put forth an excellent effort.

Despite repeatedly being knocked down, Frankie refuse to

quit. He only gave when his resources were used up and he

could no longer fight on. Frankie ended the streak in a

bout with James Gerstein in Portsmouth, Virginia, on

August 14th, 1999. That bout was declared a draw after

four rounds. Frankie’s biggest career victories consisted

of two fights. The first was against Jeff Holcomb whom

Frankie won a four round decision against on October 19th,

2002, in Bristol, Tennessee. At that time Holcomb had a

record of 8 wins, with 1 lose and 1 draw. Frankie’s other

big career win was on March 10th, 2001, against Tiwon

Taylor. At that junction Taylor had a record of 22 wins, 6

losses with 1 draw. Frankie won a four round decision

over him. Frankie’s last bout was on November 23rd,

2002. He lost a six round decision to Curtis Taylor in

Danville, Virginia. He retired after that with a career

record of with 17 wins, 120 losses and 5 draws. He was

knocked out seventy seven times.

During his career which lasted an amazing twenty-two

years Frankie fought in ten states and two foreign

countries. He never turned down fights not matter how

formidable the opposition was and always put forth a solid

effort in the ring. A tough and enduring task especially

with the obstacles he faced. Promoters and fans

recognized this which is why Frankie was extremely

active in the ring over a twenty two-year period.

An incredible time frame to be a professional boxer.

During such Fankie may not have had a winning record,

nor his name in the headlines but with his efforts and

dedication to the sport of boxing everyone should

recognize him as winner. Anyone who followed his

career or seen him fight will agree.










Bruce Strauss
Omaha, Nebraska
Wins 77, (55 ko’s) 53 losses, Draws 5


Truth can be stranger than fiction and the professional

boxing career of Bruce nicknamed “ The Mouse” Strauss

adhered to that analogy. His career began on a most

unusual note. A promoter in Oklahoma was desperately

trying to find a replacement fighter to fill in for a fighter

who failed to show up. Bruce who was attending the fight

card as a fan card agreed to fill in at the last moment.

Bruce had never boxed before but he took a quick

physical, put on the gloves and stepped into the ring.

Despite his complete lack of experience he won a four

round decision against Gary Maiza on June 1st, 1976, in

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After his pro debut Bruce

found something he enjoyed and he kept fighting. He

fought regularly. After just eight pro bouts he had a

record of 5 wins with 3 losses. He even had a victory over

Clyde Spencer on November 18th, 1977. At that time

Clyde had a winning record and Bruce was indeed a novice.

Bruce’s progress in the ring continued and so did the bouts.

He slowly learned the craft. To develop his skills he was

carefully matched. Many of his opponents had losing

records or had never fought before. After twenty bouts

Bruce had a record of 16 wins with 4 losses. An excellent

record for a beginner. Bruce usually fought in the 150 to

165 pound range but at times he went as low as lightweight

and at times fought as a heavyweight. His fighting style

was to test the opponent’s chin during the first three

rounds. If the opponent survived and Bruce was

outmatched for the bout, he would slow down and when

his opponent landed cleanly he would go down on a

legitimate punch. Taking dives or just lying down and

collecting his check was not his style. The bouts

continued across the country and some of the fighters he

faced were Dave Grant, Roy Taylor and Nick Miller.

Bruce even fought many big names in the sport. For those

bouts Bruce was more of an opponent. Some of the more

famous fighters he had bouts against were Bobby Cyzz,

Marlon Starling, Davey Hilton and Harry Arroyo.

All those fighters captured titles in various weight

divisions. Bruce lost to all those fighters via knockout.

As a boxing personality Bruce was well liked and color-

full. Promoters and fans liked him and admired his courage

in the ring. Bruce once even appeared on the David

Lettermen show. Bruce also really was a pioneer in the art

of being an opponent in boxing. With a need for such

fighters Bruce fit the role very well. Other fighters

followed in his footsteps in being an opponent and on

occasion Bruce even advised some of them about the finer

points.

Bruce did have some solid victories to his credit. On

May 24th, 1982 he knocked out Billy Turner in Fargo,

North Dakota. At the time Billy had a record of 9 wins

with 4 losses. Bruce also knocked out Mike Pollitt on

December 8th, 1982, in Omaha, Nebraska. Mike Pollitt

also had a winning record of 8 wins, 3 losses with 1 draw at

the time. Both victories were a step above the usual

competition he had beaten in the past. Bruce also was the

first fighter to beat Jimmy Baker, against whom he won a

six round decision over on March 28th, 1981, in Chicago,

Illinois. Bruce had his final bout on October 24th, 1989,

against Terry Jesmer in Bismark, North Dakota. Bruce won

a six round decision. After that bout Bruce called it quits

after thirteen years in the sport. During that time he

fought in twenty-one states and eight foreign countries.

His career is always brought up in boxing discussions and

will be for years to come. The true number of bouts Bruce

is known to have had as well as the number of times he was

stopped in the ring is disputed. Some believe he had up to

two hundred and fifty bouts and was stopped around sixty

times. Unfortunately he fought in an era where records

were not well kept so exact numbers are hard to come by.

Bruce is not even sure of those statistics. Either way

anyone who knows Bruce knows he is an excellent person,

always fun to be around and he helped make boxing

popular. He currently trains fighters.


























Jesse Clark
Columbus, Ohio
0 wins, 30 losses, 0 draws

Jesse Clark nicknamed “Johnny “ was from Columbus,

Ohio. He stood round six- foot-four and fought in the

heavyweight ranks weighing around 210 pounds. He

possessed a good punch, was well built but lacked a solid

chin. He is rumoured to have won his first three bouts in

the State of Ohio, all by impressive knockouts, although

such could not be verified through boxing records. His

first bout which could be verified took place in

Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 24th, 1973, against Danny

Lahiff. Jesse was knocked out in the first round.

Throughout his career he fought mostly in his home

state of Ohio, but he also had bouts in Michigan, Virginia,

Illinois, and even had one fight in Bermuda. To escape

the watchful eyes of state commissions he occasionally

fought under different names such as, John Clark and John

McCoy. Certain fights of his are known to have taken

place but the exact dates and locations are unknown.

Some of his early opponents that he lost to were David

Cook, Art Miller, Al Monday and Charlie Johnson.

Through the years Jesse Clark continually lost bouts almost

always by knockout. He had the reputation amongst

boxing insiders as an alleged dive artist. A fighter who

would go one or two rounds and then hit the canvas. He

helped other fighters garner wins and build their records.

Some of the more prominent names in the boxing

community he had bouts against were James “Buster”

Douglass and Tony “TNT” Tucker. The first bout

against Douglas took place on October 23rd, 1981, in

Toledo, Ohio, at the sports arena. Douglass was then a

rising star and he stopped Clark via knockout in two

rounds. Clark had two more bouts against Douglass, one

more in Ohio and one in Michigan. He lost by knockout in

both those bouts also. Douglass later went to win the

Heavyweight Championship of the world. Clark’s bout

against Tony Tucker was on December 2nd, 1980, in

Toledo, Ohio. Clark lost via knockout in one round.

Tony Tucker later went on to challenge Mike Tyson for the

Heavyweight Championship and at one time was IBF

Champion. Clark also had bouts against Mike

the “Giant” White twice, once in Michigan and once in

Ohio. Clark lost both by knockout however, in their

second meeting Clark lasted four rounds with the 6’10’’

277 pound Mike “ the Giant” White before being knocked

out. He also fought then heavyweight prospect Floyd

Cummings on August 25th, 1980, in Chicago, Illinois. He

lost via knockout in the first round. Some of his other

opponents were Dave Townsend, Sugar bear Tieffet and

Vernon Bridges. Unfortunately Jesse Clark lost every pro

bout of his that could be verified through boxing records

and was knocked out in all but three bouts. The three

fighters he went the distance were Tim Johnson, Al

Monday and Art Miller. Clark’s last bout was on March

3rd, 1984, against Larry Alexander. Clark lost by

knockout in the first round. He then retired with a record of

0 wins, 30 losses with 0 draws. He has since disappeared

from the Ohio boxing scene and his current whereabouts

are unknown.










Ted Greer
Kensington, Pennsylvania
Wins 2, (0 KO’s) 13 losses, 2 draws

Ted Greer was once in the ring with one time

prospect Antonio Reese. He was fighting in the opening

bout which was a non- televised bout on the under-card of

Pernel Whitaker versus Bennie Baez. broadcast nationally

by Tuesday night fights. Greer, who had only won 2 of 12

pro bouts, was facing a talented foe who was had power,

speed and was undefeated in five bouts. Reese, dressed in

color-full boxing trunks, had a chiseled physique, a mean

stare and was a prospect in every sense of the word. Greer

was clearly outmatched by his talented foe. As the bout

began, Reese could land at will and Greer was just

absorbing punch after punch. When Greer returned

punches he lacked the speed to land on his opponent.

Reese continued the barrage and several times Greer was

knocked down, but he did not take the easy way out. Each

time he got up showing some heart and courage. On

occasion, Greer landed one or two punches on his quick

and elusive opponent. After two rounds the referee

stopped the bout when the shots Greer was taking became

excessive. However, Greer did come off the canvass

several times and made every effort to make a fight out of

it. There was no quit in him. He gave the fans their

money’s worth even if it was just for two rounds. The

audience and ringside media appreciated his efforts.

Ted was from Kensington, Pennsylvania. During his

career he fought as a welterweight. He first entered the

pro ranks on February 27th, 1986, in Pickesville,

Maryland. He lost a six round decision to Chuck Storm.

He lost his first five bouts, 3 by decision and 2 by

knockout. Some of his early opponents were, Elwyn

Kemp, Chris Organtini and Vinnie Burgese. Ted, ended

his five bout losing streak with a draw against Tony Rios

on August 8th, 1991, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He

fought Tony Rios three fights later on May 19th, 1992, in

Virginia Beach, Virginia and won his first pro fight with a

eight round decision. After ten fights in the pro ranks Ted

had 1 win, 7 losses and 2 draws. Ted had one more

professional victory against Jeff Graffius on October 24th,

1992, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. For that bout he won

a six round decision. Ted then lost his next five bouts

including losses to Dorin Spivey, Wade Duncan. His last

pro bout was on December 16th, 1993 in Virginia Beach,

Virginia, in which he lost by knockout in two rounds.

Ted retired for good after that with a record of

2 wins, 13 losses with 2 draws.




















Jordan keepers
Milwaukee, Wisoncion
Wins 3 (2ko’s) 52 losses, draws 2


Jordan Keepers had fifty-seven bouts in the professional

ranks. As a fighter he fought anywhere from 164 pounds

to as high as 210 pounds, boxing in the middleweight,

light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight division.

He did not have a big punch or the size of a true

heavyweight but he could jab well, use the ring and box a

few rounds in those four weight divisions at any level of

competition. He really served as a record builder for

many prospects on the rise. Keepers made his pro debut

on November 3rd, 1987, in Lexington, Kentucky. He

lost by knockout in the second round to Shawn Evans.

Unfortunately being inexperienced and new to the sport

Keepers actually lost his first his first eighteen pro bouts,

eight by knockout. He sometimes fought under the alias

Terry Jackson. Some of his earlier foes were Don Lee,

Billy Englund and Albert Henry. The lengthy losing streak

which had engulfed his entire career finally came to an

end on December 12th, 1990, in Green Bay, Wisconsin,

when Keepers fought Marris Vigil to a draw in four rounds.

Although he did not win the bout it was the first bout he

did not lose. Keepers then lost five straight bouts, then

had a draw with Arnold Sam on November 4th, 1991, in

Bemidji, Minnesota. Despite his best efforts and four

years of boxing professionally Keepers still had not won

a professional bout in twenty five outings. His record

stood at 0 wins, 23 losses with 2 draws. Keepers finally

emerged a winner when he scored an impressive knockout

victory over Arnold Sam on December 16th, 1991, in

Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was his first pro victory in

twenty six bouts and he showed the fans in the audience

that day, he had some skills.

During his lengthy career, which lasted almost

thirteen years, he ducked no one and even fought some of

the bigger names in the sport. He had bouts against Marc

Randazzo, Michael Moorer, Dannel Nicholson and Carlos

De-Leon. He lost to all those fighters, always giving a

good account of himself. In the bout with Marc Randazzo

who is a big puncher, Keepers lasted all six rounds and lost

by decision. For the bout against Moorer which was on

the undercard of a Cruiserweight Title bout, Keepers’s

bout made the airwaves and the bout was televised in

certain areas. Keepers lost by knockout in two rounds but

the bout garnered him some recognition. He went two hard

rounds with Moorer never backing down. Moorer later

became light heavy and heavyweight champion. Later in

his career Keepers fought Harold Reitman and won a four

round decision on March 16th, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois.

For Keepers who lost almost all his bouts, this was the

biggest win of his career. At that time Harold Reitman had

a record of 8 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws. Keepers then

lost sixteen of his next seventeen bouts and then retired

from boxing. Some of the fighters he lost to in the final

phase of his career were Damon Reed, Anthony Willis and

Scott Piner. His final record was 3 wins, 53 losses and 2

draws. During his career he was knocked out twenty eight

times. Despite being an opponent Jordan Keepers fought

every bout with his best efforts and resources.











Bruce Johnson
Cleveland, Ohio
Wins 9 (5ko’s) losses 33, draws 1


Bruce Johnson stood six-foot-four and fought in the

cruiserweight and heavyweight division. Being tall and

lanky he weighed anywhere from 190 pounds to 205 when

he fought. As a fighter he moved well, had a good jab and

always made a consistent effort to be competitive in the

ring. Promoters and managers knew this which is why

Bruce was always considered a reliable opponent.

Bruce first entered the pro ranks on August 27th, 1985,

in Youngston, Ohio. He defeated Cleveland Ingram by

knockout in three rounds. He won his second fight also


and after two bouts was undefeated. A good start. He then

began to fight the likes of James Pritchard, California

based prospect Terry Davis and Art Tucker. These fighters

were talented and Bruce, new to the game began losing

frequently. Being a little smaller than a real heavyweight

he provided a good test for heavyweights on the rise. After

fifteen bouts in the pro ranks Bruce had a record of 5 wins,

9 losses with 1 draw. Some of the other fighters he

defeated were Edwin Cruz, Teddy Doyle, and Rich

Brownrigg. On the under-card of Michael Moorer versus

James Pritchard which was broadcast by USA Tuesday

Night Fights, Bruce fought David Tua’ on a televised bout.

When the bout began Bruce, outmatched but still game

used his jab and movement to keep Tua’ at bay. Bruce

even landed some jabs as well as punches. The first round

Bruce was competitive. During the second round Tua’

began to close gaps and the power of Tua’ caught up to and

he lost via knockout. However, he did give a good account

of himself in the ring that night. For that bout Bruce stuck

to his trademark, he always used his jab, moved well in

the ring and no matter who he faced, he always gave his

best. Bruce also had bouts against, Lennox lewis, Oliver

McCall and Trevor Berbick. Bruce lost to all those

fighters. All three of which at one time were Heavyweight

Champions. Bruce’s best career performance was when

one time prospect Mitch Green was doing a comeback

after several years as a layoff. He was a former contender

who had a record of 16 wins with 2 losses and a few

victories could put him right back into the heavyweight

picture. As a tune up, he was fighting Bruce Johnson on

February 26th, 1993, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruce, rose to

the occasion, overcame the odds and scored a knockout in

three rounds. The big victory over a former contender gave

Bruce his biggest career win. Bruce also served as an

opponent when former heavyweight contender Ron Lyle

who once fought Muhammad Ali was doing a comeback.

The bout took place in a club in Erlanger, Kentucky, on

April 17th, 1995. Bruce lost by knockout in four rounds.

Some of Bruce’s other opponents were, Melivin Foster,

Tortison May, and Craig Tomilson. Bruce lost to all

those fighters. Some of the other fighters Bruce had

victories late in his career were Joel Himm, Andre

Crowder, and Carlton West. Bruce retired after his final

bout on June 14th, 1992. On that day he lost a four round

decision to Ken Parker. Bruce’s final record was 9 wins,

33 losses with 1 draw. Bruce was known in the boxing

community as a viable opponent. Always ready to

fight and only giving in when he could no longer fight on.

A reputation he carried throughout his career.



















Nathaniel Fitch
Springlake, Norh Carolina
Wins 12 (ko’s 8), losses 19, Draws o


Not all boxers who lose a majority of their bouts start

their careers off like that. Many have solid beginnings and

have potential to go far but are moved too fast and face

formidable competition early on in their careers. This

results in them being outmatched and losing consecutive

bouts. Heavyweight boxer Nathaniel Fitch who was from

the small community of Springlake, North Carolina,

started off likes this. He lost his pro debut to Fred

Whitaker on September 16th, 1988, in Winston Salem,

North Carolina. He then won his next five bouts in the

professional ranks, three by knockout. Some of the

fighters he beat were Lynwood Berry, Fred Adams and

Charlie Harris. As a fighter Fitch was heavily muscled

and weighed between 210 to 215. He had a big punch and

in the ring he was aggressive, always trying to initiate

action. In a major step upward and just his seventh pro

bout he was matched against Heavyweight prospect Terry

Davis who was being managed by Sylvestor Stallone and

Rick Elvis Parker. Davis, a prospect from Vallejo,

California, had had thirty pro bouts and sported a record of

26 wins, with 2 losses and 2 draws. Fitch, an unknown,

was inexperienced and being brought in to lose to Davis

who had hopes of cracking the top ten. However,

professional boxing can be the theater of the unexpected,

especially with two heavyweight fighters both of whom

can punch. This bout took place on November 12th,

1988, in Jacksonville, Florida. The bout was televised

locally offering Fitch some air-time despite his lack of

experience. Most, if not all expected Davis to dispatch the

out matched Fitch early on. Surprise. Fitch, came out-

swinging at the bell and began landing punch after punch

on Davis who was on the ropes. The barrage continued and

Fitch was on the attack. After thirty seconds, Davis, out

on his feet had all he could handle and went straight to the

canvas, face first. He did not beat the count. The entire

bout lasted less than a minute. Knockout victory for

Nathaniel Fitch in one round. The ringside crowd and

home viewing audience could not believe it. It was a

major victory for Fitch who still had only seven pro bouts

under his belt. Fitch continued boxing in the pro ranks

and after the Davis lost his next two fights then won four

in a row. Some of the fighters he beat were Danny

Wofford, Mike Cohen, Rickey Parkey. On January 25th,

1993, Fitch lost a ten round decision to Levi Billups in

Inglewood, California, and began a losing steak that

engulfed fifteen out his next seventeen pro bouts. During

that time he faced many top heavyweights including

South Carolina’s Don Steele, Kirk Johnson, Rich Melito,

Sam Hampton, Bruce Seldon, Lou Savarese, John Ruiz

and Chris Byrd. All talented heavyweights and big names

in the sport. Fitch was game for every bout but he lost to

all those fighters. He did go ten rounds with Lou

Savarese and Kirk Johnson, both times fighting hard. The

two fights he won were against Steve West and Boone

Pultz, both bouts he won by knockout. His final bout was

October 5th, 1997, against Tim Hoffman in Germany.

Fitch lost a six round decision. He then retired with a

record of 12 wins, 19 losses with 0 draws. The

highlight of his career was indeed the first round knockout

of Terry Davis.




Fighters that are categorized as palookas, tomato cans

and opponents are real professional boxers despite the

derogatory labeling. They show heart and courage

throughout their careers which can be long, hard and filled

with obstacles. Yet, they receive little in return when it

comes to fan or media recognition. They really should be

commended by all. So the next time you see a fighter step

into the ring who is outclassed, underpaid and facing a

rising star as well as a hostile crowd, how about

recognizing these boxers as professional fighters who

contribute to the sport boxing. Give them some praise, for

a change. They have indeed earned and deserve such.










Tribute to Davey Moore.

Davey Moore (1958-1988) Gone but Not
Forgotten.


Boxing fans from the 1980’s will always remember

the late Davey Moore, a jr. middleweight who had a career

record of 18-5 with 14 ko’s. Davey was born in Bronx,

New York on June 9th, 1959. He was a very talented

fighter with a impressive amateur career. With only seven

pro bouts on his resume he traveled to Japan and won a

World Title, scoring a sixth round TKO over Tadashi,

Mihara, to take the WBA Title on February 2nd, 1982.

With the odds against him he successfully defended the belt

three months later in South Africa against Charlie Weir,

winning by knockout in the sixth round. In a bout in which

he is most widely known for he lost the crown to the

legendary Roberto Duran via an eighth round TKO at

Madison Square Garden on June 16th, 1983. As a fighter

Moore always entered the ring in superb condition and

fought to the best of his abilities. A true puncher he was

indeed a fan favorite. Tragically Davey passed away

in 1988 at age 30. His life and career seemed all too short.

However boxing fans will always remember him for his

efforts and skills. Gone but not forgotten, Davey Moore is

still alive in the hearts and minds of his many fans.

















Publishing and Author Information.



Published by Instantpublisher in Collierville, Tennessee. The author, Pat Dwyer, is a free lance writer. He has also published the book, “Professional Boxing, an Inside Review of Major Bouts,” and “Professional Boxing in the 1980’s, A Look Back.”

[Onamastus]

Okay first question. What qualifies this as "An Inside Look"? These profiles are just write ups of Boxrec records. What were you 'inside', exactly? An asylum with wifi?

[prewarboxing]

The whole thing is completely unreadable. For goodness sake, set it out properly so that it actually looks like a book rather than one of Shakespeare's sonnets.

Miles Templeton.

[vatech1983]

It is readable. Back when it was written wordpad was used, then it went to microsoft word..........so when displayed here, it is not in perfect format but it can be read.

[prewarboxing]

Not easily it can't. If you want people to read your material and critique them then you should properly present it. No-one in their right mind will want to pick their way through hundreds of two line verses. Sorry but I disagree with you. It's like when you pepper every post with unwanted emojis. They are just off-putting. I routinely ignore your posts now which is a shame. I only accessed this one because it referred to a book I might be interested in.

Miles Templeton

[Onamastus]

Pat, can you point to one line or piece of information in your book you didn't take from the records on Boxrec? Is there any original research there?

[gilgamesh]

For the record if you're looking for a good book about Tomato Cans or just kinda average fighters may I recommend

Punch Lines by Phil Berger and Journeyman by Mark Turley

[Woller]

I see nothing new here. Just a Boxrec list of fights and fighters.
I had to give up reading it.

[prewarboxing]

Pat

I live on the planet Earth. Which planet do you live on?

Miles Templeton

[margaret thatcher]

I thought the format wasnt much of a problem, more that it's just a summary of each fighter's boxrec and thus gets boring quick. The best part was the intro because it's not just a boxrec record.