Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Expug]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Great post Bennie.

[dagosd2000]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Thanks, Bennie, for that great write-up.

Frank
Do you have a nice facial shot of Finnegan?. I'd like to paint him. Can't find anything on my search engines. Diego

[Randyman]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Bennie, Well done! you did Finnegan proud! If you have a photo of him, please post it. I took the liberty of posting this obituary on my website. I hope you don't mind.

Randy

[Randyman]

I only caught one fight from last night's fights at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, in Cabazon, California, and it was a fairly good one. Unbeaten welterweight prospect Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (22-0-1, 15 KOs) , of Juanacatlan, Jalisco, Mexico, won a unanimous ten round decision over Larry Mosley (15-3-1, 6 KOs) , of Los Angeles, California, who was fighting for only the second time after a two year layoff. Mosley was stopped in the sixth round in June of this year in his fight against Russell Jordan. The fight was scheduled for eight. Despite being a fairly decent boxer, Mosley was probably a safe bet for Alvarez.

Alvarez, an aggresive fighter, fights with an exuberance, confidence and recklessness that only an undefeated 18 year old can. Forward moving and strong, he showed lots of potential but made a few of mistakes. Mainly, he over reaches when he throws his right hand and is open to a counter uppercut, made all the more dangerous because Alvarez keeps his chin up when he throws his right hand. The right opponent will take advantage of that. Still he's young and there's time to correct this.

Alvarez took the fight to Mosley, who had his moments, but just didn't have the punch to capitalize on Alvarez' lack of a solid defense.

Junior Featherweight Antonio Escalante (18-2, 12 KOs) stopped Mike Oliver (21-2, 7 KOs) in 33 seconds of the third round of a scheduled twelve round fight for the NABO title.

Junior welterweight Hector Sanchez (17-0, 7 KOs) knocked out Albert Rodriguz (8-0-1, 4 KOs) in 1:23 seconds of the second round.

[dagosd2000]

IT'S A START

Won't catch me at a pro football game anymore. There's more hitting in the srtands than out on the field. Baseball. Here ,the crowd is heading for the parking lot in the 7th inning. And Basketball has more hot dogs sitting in the seats than at the refreshment stand.

For me it's the fight crowd. They love their boxing matches. Don't get me wrong. I've been to some cards in Mexico were if the opponents are matched a certain way there can be incoming flying in from the bleachers,but all in all fight fans are a bunch that knows the sport and the atmoshere....well I'll use the old phrase again,electrifying.

Saw a card the other night. Hadn't been to the fights in a while. Couldn't believe it. All the fighters showed. Bobby DiFilippis put on his promotion at the Sheraton . Place was filled. Everyone in the audience got to know each other. It was almost like a brotherhood when it was over.

I hope Bobby D. made some dough. I hope the fighters got their "kick". I'm sure everyone there will be back the next time. I have friends that have never been to the fights wanting to go when the next card is announced.

Hope springs eternal.

[bennie]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Bennie, Well done! you did Finnegan proud! If you have a photo of him, please post it. I took the liberty of posting this obituary on my website. I hope you don't mind.

Randy

Not at all, Randy. Thank you.
Dagos, I've been trying to find a photo of Kevin myself. He and Chris were a couple of striking young fellows who had their fair share of women, if you pardon the expression.

This is Chris.

[dagosd2000]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Bennie, Well done! you did Finnegan proud! If you have a photo of him, please post it. I took the liberty of posting this obituary on my website. I hope you don't mind.

Randy

Nice write up Bennie. You could cover the fight beat here in sunny San Diego,if we only had more bouts. I asked Frank,but do you have a facial shot of Finnegan? Would like to do a portrait. Rog.

[bennie]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Bennie, Well done! you did Finnegan proud! If you have a photo of him, please post it. I took the liberty of posting this obituary on my website. I hope you don't mind.

Randy

Nice write up Bennie. You could cover the fight beat here in sunny San Diego,if we only had more bouts. I asked Frank,but do you have a facial shot of Finnegan? Would like to do a portrait. Rog.

I could never do justice to a man's man like Finnegan, Dagos. He fought hard and lived hard. His drinking exploits, even as a fighter, were legendary, and he gave Hagler such a war, Hagler looked ready to go at one point. No BS. He once won a fight with a horribly broken jaw. This man was brave, talented and brave some more.

Here is a ropey pic of a young Kevin Finnegan:

[kikibalt]

From the LATimes archives


Frankie Baltazar, of La Puente, last fought in April at the Irvine Marriott. He knocked out Mario Solorio in the eighth round to improve to 40-3-1.


The last time Frankie Baltazar of La Puente was at the Irvine Marriott, he was dressed in a suit and tie, watching brother Tony fight in August.

Young even started a minor comeback in the fifth and sixth but never landed enough punches in a row to hurt a more-experienced Baltazar.

After Young was allowed to continue, Baltazar re-launched the assault until 1:48 remained in the ninth, when Young no longer could defend himself, and [Pat Russell] stopped it. Baltazar was ahead on all cards, 79-73, 78-74, 78-74, entering the ninth.

[kikibalt]

Fromr the LATimes archives


Junior welterweight Tony Baltazar of La Puente returns to the ring for the first time in a year when he fights Alberto Castro of San Diego tonight in the monthly boxing program at the Irvine Marriott.



Fighting before a crowd of 872, [Tony Baltazar], a junior-welterweight from La Puente, did plenty of damage to Mexico's Alberto Castro with a powerful left uppercut. But a few of the punches were low, and they clearly hurt-and slowed-Castro.

Baltazar (37-4-1) ended the scheduled 10-round bout with a strong left to Castro's ribs at 2:40 in the fifth round. It was Baltazar's 31st knockout.

Baltazar had knocked Castro (28-11) down earlier in the round. Castro was slow getting up because he thought the blow was low, but referee Lou Moret figured otherwise and started the count.

[kikibalt]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Thanks, Bennie, for that great write-up.

Frank
Do you have a nice facial shot of Finnegan?. I'd like to paint him. Can't find anything on my search engines. Diego

No, I don't.

[scartissue]

[/quote]

I could never do justice to a man's man like Finnegan, Dagos. He fought hard and lived hard. His drinking exploits, even as a fighter, were legendary, and he gave Hagler such a war, Hagler looked ready to go at one point. No BS. He once won a fight with a horribly broken jaw. This man was brave, talented and brave some more.

Here is a ropey pic of a young Kevin Finnegan:
[/quote]

Bennie, I recall that photo. I believe it's cropped because his brother Chris was in the photo and they were both wearing T-shirts that said, "Lavender Hill Mob". What was the connotation about that name besides the movie? I remember when he got the jaw broke against Frank Reiche. I believe he must have had some adverse reaction because he lost his next bout to Tonna, a man I always thought Kevin had the style to beat. He eventually did, but that first bout puzzled me and I put it down to the jaw-breaking in his previous fight. I never saw any of the Minter fights but the general consensus of what I've read always stated he really should have got the decision in their second fight. Your thoughts on their 3 fights?

Scartissue

[kikibalt]

Randall Bailey and the Bombardiers

I know if I hit anyone clean, they’re going out, and I feel as I’ve gotten older and gained more experience, my accuracy has become frightening. --Randall Bailey

By Ted Sares: I love to watch bombers duke; always have and always will--and if they are a bit “chinny,”all the better because the excitement index goes up. Take a guy like Alejandro Berrio whose excitement index (total number of KOs divided by total number of fights) is an astounding 97%. If he doesn’t’; get you, you get him.. Others like Antonio Pitalua, Alexis Arguello, Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Jaime Garza, and Gerald “G-Man” McClellan all had high KO percentages. They had the ability to stop a fight at anytime with one punch and that always means ultra excitement in my book. Sean O'Grady and Andy Ganigan had the knack as well. Heck, Ganigan even knocked out “Bubblegum” in 1981 when O'Grady was decked three times in the second round by the power punching “Hawaiian Punch.”

"Pajarito"

Ricardo "Pajarito" Moreno was a classic bomber. This Heavy handed Mexican flyweight was born in the small mining town of Chalchihuites in the state of Zacatecas on February 7, 1937.With no amateur experience; he relied on a two-fisted attack anchored by awesome power in either hand. Moreno was part of the Mexican bantamweight revolution which started in the ‘50s and included names like Jose (Toluco) Lopez, Jose Becerra, Raul (Raton) Macias, German Ohm, and later, Jose Medel. (See Mexico’s Bantamweight Sensations of the Fifties by Dan Cuoco, http://www. cyberboxingzone.com /boxing/ wail900_cuoco.htm).

“Little Bird” finished with an eye-popping slate of 60 (KO 59)-12 (KO 8)-1 and a KO percentage of 80.82 and an excitement index of 91.78%. His only win that wasn't by KO was a disqualification victory. Pajorito was named to the Ring Magazine’s list of 100 greatest Punchers

Randall Bailey

Another bomber now appears to be on the way back. Hard hitting Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey turned pro in 1996 and won the WBO Light Welterweight Title in 1999 with a brutal first round KO in just 41 seconds over Carlos Gonzalez. He was 21-0 (with 13 first round icings) when he lost a razor thin SD to Ener Julio in mid-2000. Each of his prior wins had come by way of convincing stoppage. Some observers had even compared him to Tommy Hearns for the way in which he delivered his straight right hand power.

After the Julio shocker, he won four in a row including a KO win over Demeirio Ceballos for the Vacant WBA Light Welterweight Title, but was soon knocked out in the seventh by tough Cuban Disobeys “The Oriental Kid” Hurtado in his first title defense. Then, after a few more bouts against good opposition,, he was topped by Miguel Angel Cotto in 2004 with the WBO light welterweight title at stake.

Bailey then successfully regrouped 9no easy task for any fighter) and won seven in a row against stiff opposition including first round KOs of Santos Pakau and Juan Polo Perez. In 2006, he beat Shawn Gallegos for the IBA Intercontinental Light Welterweight Title. But on June 6, 2007, he “lost” a SD to Herman Ngoudjo in the Black Panther’s home town of Montreal in a decision that re-energized the term “home cooking.” Undiscouraged, Bailey ran off three more wins, the latest of which was a redemptive one against fading DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, former WBO light welterweight title holder. Corley beat Bailey in a 2003 world title fight in Washington, D.C., but this time the feared power puncher got his revenge with a dominant performance.

Bailey’s knockouts are usually vicious and often come early. He wastes no time in launching an onslaught of heavy and savage artillery. Many who attend his fights are often not even in the comfort of their seats when the end comes. He is able to take out opponents with classic left hooks to the body or with clean straight rights that hit with power of a poleax. If the fight goes past the second stanza, he goes into a stalk mode and more often than not makes the kill.

Randall Bailey and his manager Si Stern seem to have found the right combination. His defense has improved, his ring movement is spry, he has regained his swagger and confidence, and most importantly, his right hand power remains intact. With a record of 38-6 and an impressive KO percentage of 77%, “The Knock-Out King” may well be back into the light welterweight mix.

Sure, it’s been a while since he was a major factor, but the 34 year old Floridian can still rumble, and like other Bombardiers, an icing is always a distinct possibility. Don’t count him out.

[bennie]

I could never do justice to a man's man like Finnegan, Dagos. He fought hard and lived hard. His drinking exploits, even as a fighter, were legendary, and he gave Hagler such a war, Hagler looked ready to go at one point. No BS. He once won a fight with a horribly broken jaw. This man was brave, talented and brave some more.

Here is a ropey pic of a young Kevin Finnegan:
[/quote]

Bennie, I recall that photo. I believe it's cropped because his brother Chris was in the photo and they were both wearing T-shirts that said, "Lavender Hill Mob". What was the connotation about that name besides the movie? I remember when he got the jaw broke against Frank Reiche. I believe he must have had some adverse reaction because he lost his next bout to Tonna, a man I always thought Kevin had the style to beat. He eventually did, but that first bout puzzled me and I put it down to the jaw-breaking in his previous fight. I never saw any of the Minter fights but the general consensus of what I've read always stated he really should have got the decision in their second fight. Your thoughts on their 3 fights?

Scartissue[/quote]





The early Kevin was a bit before my time (annoyingly enough) but I think Freddie Hill's gym was based on Lavender Hill. Freddie certainly had his hands full training the Finnegans but they all clicked, in a love-hate way, and 'the mob' were a tight, hard-drinking, outgoing bunch, with talent to burn.
Yes, the Reiche fight took something out of Kevin, for a while. I suppose, as with Ali after Norton, Finnegan sat around waiting for the jaw to heal and then took on Tonna in his first fight back, six months later, which was always asking a lot. When Tonna was in the mood, he could beat anyone (and usually destroy them). Losing a 15-round decision to Tonna cost Finnegan a world title shot at Monzon (Tonna got the shot instead). Cuts apart, Kevin was the kind of fearless, hardworking, clever-boxing, iron-jawed fighter who might have given Monzon a real run for his money. I've always believed such a thing, and the Hagler performances only encourage this belief (plus, Chris went 14 rounds with the fierce Bob Foster).
It didn't happen.
Yes, Kevin looked unlucky not to have got the verdict in the second Minter fight, which is the general consenus, as you say. He really hurt Minter in the ninth and 15th rounds and only his lack of a knockout punch cost him. Minter deserved the other two verdicts, although they were all great, great fights, action-packed.

[kikibalt]

San Diego Results
by Felipe Leon

Bobby D. Presents brought back professional boxing to San Diego once again with “Fury in the Ring” on Thursday night. The Pavilion at the Four Points Sheraton north of Downtown San Diego was at almost full capacity to witness five explosive fights featuring the best in local talent.

In the main event Denis Grachev (5-0, 3 KOs) of San Diego by way of Siberia, Russia, took on Thomas Haines 4-6, 2 KOs) of Vallejo, Calif., in a scheduled six-round affair.

In the first, both fighters landed quality punches with the Russian gaining the slight edge with his more concentrated punches to the midsection. At the onset of the second, Grachev landed a straight right which was the first of many in the round. Harris was able to score with short lefts and rights in the inside but the man from behind the Iron Curtain kept with his power punch attack.

Within the first minute of the third, Chagrev landed a stiff right that put Harris on wobbly legs. The Russian continued the attack as Harris tried to circle around the ring but to no avail, as Chagrev continued to land punches at will. Once Chagrev trapped his opponent against the neutral was he able to land the deciding blow which came in shape of a left hook to the jaw that crumpled Harris to a crouching position which prompted referee Jose Cobian to wave off the contest. Official time was :53 of the third around.

Ornelas returns to ring

In the semi-main event, local favorite Israel Ornelas of Chula Vista, made his return to the ring after nearly a two-year hiatus when he faced undefeated Abdon Lozano in a 147-pound six-round bout.

The action began hot and heavy in the first as both fighters came out to the center of the ring to exchange punches as the first bell was still ringing. As Lozano trapped Ornelas against the ropes, the southpaw Ornelas held on to his opponent’s arm and landed a short inside uppercut that dropped Lozano. Lozano beat the count and was game to continue were they left off.

In the second, both fighters landed strong punches with Ornelas landing the first with straight left but as Lozano noticed that his opponent began to look winded, he began to attack the body with hooks from either fist and occasionally landing to the head with straight rights.

The tide turned in the third as Lozano began to push the action, chasing Ornelas around the ring. The crafty Ornelas resorted to holding for most of the round trying to duplicate his punch from the first. Near the end of the round Lozano scored a short right that got Ornelas attention.

The fourth saw a more agile Lozano as he decided to box his opponent but still landing crisp shots as Ornelas came in trying to slow him down against the ropes.

A visibly tired Ornelas did little more than hold through out the fifth as Lozano used his body to lean against his rival and go to the body, chopping down the trunk. Near the end of the round, Lozano decided to go after the head and landed a series of straight punches that seemed to have Ornelas in trouble.

In the sixth Lozano went in for the kill as he began to land straight rights and hooks, but the game Ornelas survived and in the last minute of the round made it a brawl as both fighters began to throw and land bombs all the way to the final bell.

Lozano (3-0, 1KO) remains undefeated with a unanimous decision with scores of 58-55 twice and 57-56. Ornelas sees his ledger drop to 7-3-1, 4KO

Banks scores first win

Heavyweight Johan Banks (1-1-1) succeeded in earning his first pro win over Andre Carthron (0-1-1) in a four-round bout. Banks, of San Jose, dropped Northridge’s Cathron with an overhand right in the third and cruised along with stiff jabs to keep the charging Carthron at bay. Official scores were 39-36 twice and 38-37.

Tolmajvan wins decision

Armenian southpaw Gabriel Tolmajyan (4-1) completely controlled the action against Tijuana journeyman Arturo Valenzuela (20-13-1, 17 KOs) for four rounds in the super featherweight division.

The southpaw Tolmajyan of Glendale, attacked the body consistently and landed strong right hooks to the head of his opponent to earn the unanimous decision with all three judges seeing it 40-36.

Chatman debuts

With quick feet and even quicker hands local middleweight Chris “Last Chapter” Chatman made his pro debut a good one as he battered Vallejo’s Mike Alexander for four rounds with body and head combinations along a strong defense from the southpaw stance.

Chatman tallies his first win with scores of 40-36 three times while Alexander drops to 1-3-2.

[Randyman]

Jeri and I went out for menudo this morning. A little place on Whittier Blvd called Super Burrito. I had mine con patas. They make excellent menudo there. Jeri loves menudo but won't touch the patas (cows feet). Me? I can't get enough of it. Menudo is a restorative. It really picks me up and energizes me. It's actually thought to have medicinal curative poers. I don't know. I do know that as a cure for hangovers it has never failed me. My father swore by it. Thankfully you don't need a prescription for it.

Randy DD

[kikibalt]

Jeri and I went out for menudo this morning. A little place on Whittier Blvd called Super Burrito. I had mine con patas. They make excellent menudo there. Jeri loves menudo but won't touch the patas (cows feet). Me? I can't get enough of it. Menudo is a restorative. It really picks me up and energizes me. It's actually thought to have medicinal curative poers. I don't know. I do know that as a cure for hangovers it has never failed me. My father swore by it. Thankfully you don't need a prescription for it.

Randy DD

I think I was there some years back, my brother mando took me there, if its the same place.

[Randyman]

Jeri and I went out for menudo this morning. A little place on Whittier Blvd called Super Burrito. I had mine con patas. They make excellent menudo there. Jeri loves menudo but won't touch the patas (cows feet). Me? I can't get enough of it. Menudo is a restorative. It really picks me up and energizes me. It's actually thought to have medicinal curative poers. I don't know. I do know that as a cure for hangovers it has never failed me. My father swore by it. Thankfully you don't need a prescription for it.

Randy DD

I think I was there some years back, my brother mando took me there, if its the same place.

Frank, it's about a 1/2 mile from the 605 Freeway on Whittier Blvd. It's been there about thirty years.

[kikibalt]

Jeri and I went out for menudo this morning. A little place on Whittier Blvd called Super Burrito. I had mine con patas. They make excellent menudo there. Jeri loves menudo but won't touch the patas (cows feet). Me? I can't get enough of it. Menudo is a restorative. It really picks me up and energizes me. It's actually thought to have medicinal curative poers. I don't know. I do know that as a cure for hangovers it has never failed me. My father swore by it. Thankfully you don't need a prescription for it.

Randy DD

I think I was there some years back, my brother mando took me there, if its the same place.

Frank, it's about a 1/2 mile from the 605 Freeway on Whittier Blvd. It's been there about thirty years.

Thats not the same one that Mando and I went too, the one we went is just West of Broadway on Whittier Bl.

[Randyman]

The Raging Bull (1980) or Rocky (1976)?

I don't know about you but I love boxing movies. There have been so many over the years. The Champ (both versions), The Champion, The Set Up, Fat City, Somebody Up There Loves Me and, though not exactly a boxing movie, On The Waterfront, and so many more. On the Waterfront contains one of the greatest scenes, not just in boxing movies but movies in general with the famous "I could'a been a contender" dialog between Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando. There have been more boxing movies made than any other sport.

The two, at least in the last thirty years, that have often gone head to head with boxing and movie critics and fans are The Raging Bull and Rocky. The Raging Bull is adapted from the autobiography Raging Bull: My Story. It is an account of Jake LaMotta's life inside and outside of boxing. It stars Robert DeNiro as Jake LaMotta. The film won two Oscars, including Best Actor dor DeNiro. It's a great film.

Rocky, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone is a fictional account of a struggling heavyweight boxer, who gets a once in a lifetime shot at the heavyweight title and makes the most of it. The movie also centers on the relationship between Rocky and his manager/trainer played by the great Burgess Meredith. Tarnished, at least by some critics by the string of sequels that followed, Rocky, judged on it's own merit is also a great movie. The film won three Oscars, including best Picture.

Both are great but which one is better? Both have great fight scenes. My opinion: Head to head, I like Rocky better. The Raging Bull though undeniably great and superbly acted by Deniro as LaMotta, did not seem to have the redeeming qualities that Rocky had. That might seem unfair considering that one is fictional and the other a true life gritty autobiography. Still the story of an ultimate underdog that reaches for the proverbial brass ring is hard to beat and that's what does it for me. What do you think?

[Randyman]

Thats not the same one that Mando and I went too, the one we went is just West of Broadway on Whittier Bl.

That's the one Frank. It might be little more than a 1/2 mile but that's the one. I'm a lousy judge of distance.

[Rick Farris]

Former British and European middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan has been found dead in his flat in West London at the relatively young age of 60.
In the context of today's boxing scene, with 'world' titles seemingly given away, it is incredible to think this man never got a sniff at a world title shot. The younger brother of the better-known Chris licked the likes of Bunny Sterling, Tony Sibson, Gratien Tonna, Jean Claude Bouttier, Frankie Lucas, gave "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler a real war in the first of two fantastic efforts in the States in 1978 (both stopped on cuts, just two months apart) and looked desperately unlucky in the second of three 15-round classics with Alan Minter, who staggered home to a debatable decision in 1976.
Quite simply, Kevin Finnegan was gifted.
After his five wars with Minter and Hagler, both of whom went on to win the undisputed world middleweight title, Finnegan enjoyed a glorious, totally unexpected twilight to his career. In 1979 he outboxed Sibson over 15 rounds for the British title - just after "Sibbo" had destroyed "The Animal" Lucas - and then avenged a defeat to the ferocious Gratien Tonna with another magnificent boxing display in 1980 in France to lift the European title (his points loss to Tonna in the mid-1970s possibly cost him a shot at Carlos Monzon) and picked up a couple of nice paydays abroad in defence of the European belt. Finnegan fought well in his very last fight with Matteo Salvemini in Italy in September 1980, flooring the local man with a beautiful counter right, but Salvemeni proved a bit too energetic and took the points.
Sadly, Kevin, from Iver in Buckinghamshire, struggled in vain to find any meaning to his life once his career ended as he wandered around aimlessly, getting drunk and sleeping rough in a park in Uxbridge, although he clearly owned a property, where he was found by police.
Marvin Hagler always said Finnegan gave him his hardest fight. What a boxer, what a character, what an epitah.

Bennie, Well done! you did Finnegan proud! If you have a photo of him, please post it. I took the liberty of posting this obituary on my website. I hope you don't mind.

Randy

I agree, Randy. Bennie is a great writer. Thanks Bennie, and thanks for all your postings on the U.K. The photos and stories you posted on Amir Khan's recent loss were printed out and shared with a few people I work with who are followers of Khan. I also need a little help from you, regarding potential Hall of Famers from Great Britain. You know them up close and personal and, if they are HOF worthy, we want them on the ballot. We want to keep it the WORLD Boxing HOF, and seek worthy International Inductees. Any ideas?

-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Thats not the same one that Mando and I went too, the one we went is just West of Broadway on Whittier Bl.

That's the one Frank. It might be little more than a 1/2 mile but that's the one. I'm a lousy judge of distance.

Its about a mile, maybe mile and 1/2. btw, it was about 10-12 years ago that we were there.

[kikibalt]

Wasn't Burgess Meredith great in the 1939 movie "Of Mice and Men"?

[kikibalt]

Kevin Finnegan


"Kevin"

By Diego