BoxRec

Before you can go to heaven you
Must be marked Paid Up
by the Bureau of Internal Revenue

--FELIX MENDELSSOHN JR.

WHO'S THE TOUGHEST?

After reading Dan Hernandez's interview with Ken Norton,I wasn't surprised by what Kenny said about who was his toughest opponent. Now if you haven't read the story,you might guess that Norton responded to the question with the likes of George Foreman or Jerry Cooney. Maybe even Ali. Nope. Ken's answer was "Tex" Cobb.

Kenny beat "Tex" Cobb. Beat him by a good margin. Like Kenny said,"I hit him with everything I had." I've often wondered why reporters don't counter with something like,"How about the guy who knocked you out in straight fashion?"

I guess the reporter wanted an honest answer and didn't get one. But I think the scribe guy should at least remark about the losses. The times when the fighter took a pounding. At least ask him if he didn't think when he was seeing stars resting on the canvas that it didn't occur to him that the the man that put him there wasn't a little tough also. Don't let him get off the hook so easy.

I just finished reading Clay Moyle's biography of Sam Langford. (A great read for the boxing fan). Sam was quoted as saying that Jack Johnson was the best fighter he ever fought. Sam admitted he got trimmed pretty good by the "Galvaston Giant" when Sam was starting out and weighed 147 to Jack's 195. Sam marveled at Johnson's abilty to parry punches and made Sam's style of wading in very difficult.

Langford always petitioned for a rematch. Especially a title shot,but Jack wanted no part of fighting a heavier and more experienced Langford. Jack Johnson always alluded that Sam Langford was his toughest opponent. Didn't mention Willard. Maybe in this case he was being honest.

This year's WBHOF Inductees . . .

We all have our favorites, but this is about history, and defining a boxer's stature in the overall scope of that history.

Politics usually play a big part in who is inducted. Today, too often boxing history and true merit are compromised in an effort to push somebody less historically correct in to a Hall of Fame over those more deserving. More often than not, ignorance is the problem.

I have somebody I would love to "push" for induction into the "expanded catagory". Somebody who would surely be inducted, however, out of the respect for this great boxing personality, I will honor his wishes to not be included. The bottom line of Hall of Fame recognition is respect. I can honestly say that there has never been a boxing man that I have known whom I respect more than this man. So, as per his wishes, I put aside my desire to petition his name for induction.

I appreciate the suggestions, recommendations, and history a few of you have provided in helping bring to light qualified candidates for this years WBHOF Induction Banquet. I don't believe that Hall of Fame induction is something that every boxer or champion merits, only the very best. Today championships are passed out like business cards, I'm responsible for making certain the same is not true of Hall of Fame induction.

As you can imagine, people lobby hard for their favorites, and often these favorites fall short of Hall of Fame standards. When somebody suggests that "Terry Norris" should be in the Hall of Fame, my answer is . . . "Maybe one day, but not this year."

You see the WBHOF is a few "greats" short of a full Hall. One of the most blatant examples of a great champion being overlooked is that of George Dixon, the first black boxer to win a world championship. Dixon won the bantam title in 1890, at the age of 20. Two years later he won the featherweight title, held it six years, lost it, and then regained the title for another two years. He was a master boxer who could punch. He is believed to have fought as many as 800 professional bouts, thruout the world. This year, the first black U.S. President in history took office in the White House. Most are under the impression that the first black world champ is Jack Johnson. I think in this age of Obama, it's time boxing bring to light that there was a black world champ before Johnson, and a great one he was.

Since we are all a part of the Boxrec Forum, take a moment and check the record and bio Boxrec provides for George Dixon. It was "our" Tom Ray who brought his name to light, and pointed out to me that Dixon had yet to be inducted by the WBHOF, despite having been inducted by the IBHOF nearly 20 years ago, and by the Ring Magazine HOF Museum more than 50 years ago. This one name is who I will put my strongest push behind. I won't be denied on this one.

I also wish to thank Bennie for his help in pointing out the merits of British candidates.

I will also push to re-name the WBHOF "Posthumous" catagory, to either the "Old Timer's" or "Pioneer" catagory. We know their dead, what difference does that make? Most of the inductees were dead when inducted. If they are from an era long in the past, lets stop relating their name to something used to describe "digging up a grave and exhuming the body". It makes no sense.

As for the living boxers who are eligable, the choices are a bit thin this year, as boxers must be retired five years to qualify for Induction. Next year, Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez will be eligable. Today we will sort out the names who are eligable this year.

A special thank you to my friends here in the "Classic American West Coast Boxing" Forum.

I'll keep you guys posted. I'm Chairman of the Commitee, which carries a lot of weight, but I am just one of six. So it's not just "my" choice.


-Rick Farris

This morning I seen a car chase worthy of PPV, any of you guys seen it?

kikibalt wrote:This morning I seen a car chase worthy of PPV, any of you guys seen it?

Didn't see it ,but I heard on the news there were two car chases in LA.One where a woman was offed by the cops and her 18th month old baby was in the back seat.

Driving is safer in TJ.

Randall "Tex" Cobb

Rick Farris wrote:This year's WBHOF Inductees . . .

We all have our favorites, but this is about history, and defining a boxer's stature in the overall scope of that history.

Politics usually play a big part in who is inducted. Today, too often boxing history and true merit are compromised in an effort to push somebody less historically correct in to a Hall of Fame over those more deserving. More often than not, ignorance is the problem.

I have somebody I would love to "push" for induction into the "expanded catagory". Somebody who would surely be inducted, however, out of the respect for this great boxing personality, I will honor his wishes to not be included. The bottom line of Hall of Fame recognition is respect. I can honestly say that there has never been a boxing man that I have known whom I respect more than this man. So, as per his wishes, I put aside my desire to petition his name for induction.

I appreciate the suggestions, recommendations, and history a few of you have provided in helping bring to light qualified candidates for this years WBHOF Induction Banquet. I don't believe that Hall of Fame induction is something that every boxer or champion merits, only the very best. Today championships are passed out like business cards, I'm responsible for making certain the same is not true of Hall of Fame induction.

As you can imagine, people lobby hard for their favorites, and often these favorites fall short of Hall of Fame standards. When somebody suggests that "Terry Norris" should be in the Hall of Fame, my answer is . . . "Maybe one day, but not this year."

You see the WBHOF is a few "greats" short of a full Hall. One of the most blatant examples of a great champion being overlooked is that of George Dixon, the first black boxer to win a world championship. Dixon won the bantam title in 1890, at the age of 20. Two years later he won the featherweight title, held it six years, lost it, and then regained the title for another two years. He was a master boxer who could punch. He is believed to have fought as many as 800 professional bouts, thruout the world. This year, the first black U.S. President in history took office in the White House. Most are under the impression that the first black world champ is Jack Johnson. I think in this age of Obama, it's time boxing bring to light that there was a black world champ before Johnson, and a great one he was.

Since we are all a part of the Boxrec Forum, take a moment and check the record and bio Boxrec provides for George Dixon. It was "our" Tom Ray who brought his name to light, and pointed out to me that Dixon had yet to be inducted by the WBHOF, despite having been inducted by the IBHOF nearly 20 years ago, and by the Ring Magazine HOF Museum more than 50 years ago. This one name is who I will put my strongest push behind. I won't be denied on this one.

I also wish to thank Bennie for his help in pointing out the merits of British candidates.

I will also push to re-name the WBHOF "Posthumous" catagory, to either the "Old Timer's" or "Pioneer" catagory. We know their dead, what difference does that make? Most of the inductees were dead when inducted. If they are from an era long in the past, lets stop relating their name to something used to describe "digging up a grave and exhuming the body". It makes no sense.

As for the living boxers who are eligable, the choices are a bit thin this year, as boxers must be retired five years to qualify for Induction. Next year, Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez will be eligable. Today we will sort out the names who are eligable this year.

A special thank you to my friends here in the "Classic American West Coast Boxing" Forum.

I'll keep you guys posted. I'm Chairman of the Commitee, which carries a lot of weight, but I am just one of six. So it's not just "my" choice.


-Rick Farris

Thanks Rick. I hope you are successful on behalf of George Dixon. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you accomplish this important task.

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:This morning I seen a car chase worthy of PPV, any of you guys seen it?

Didn't see it ,but I heard on the news there were two car chases in LA.One where a woman was offed by the cops and her 18th month old baby was in the back seat.

Driving is safer in TJ.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2 ... chase.html

Driver arrested in Rancho Santa Margarita after high-speed chase
April 10, 2009


A woman who led authorities on a high-speed chase across several freeways early this morning has been taken into custody, according to law enforcement personnel.

The chase started shortly after 6 a.m. today in the Long Beach area after police responded to a domestic dispute and the driver “used a vehicle to assault police officers,” said Officer Gabe Montoya, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP took over the pursuit, which covered about 40 miles, traversing Highway 22 east and continuing to the 55 and 241 freeways in Orange County, authorities said. The chased ended in the Rancho Santa Margarita area, just before 7 a.m. Montoya said.

No other motorists were injured, although at one stage the driver headed the wrong way on the freeway. The driver likely will be charged in the alleged assault on police and for “reckless evading,” Montoya said.

-- Ann M. Simmons


Photo: The unidentified suspect who led officers in a high-speed chase attempts to speak to the media from the back seat of a CHP car.

Credit: Don Kelsen / Los Angeles

kikibalt wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:This morning I seen a car chase worthy of PPV, any of you guys seen it?

Didn't see it ,but I heard on the news there were two car chases in LA.One where a woman was offed by the cops and her 18th month old baby was in the back seat.

Driving is safer in TJ.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2 ... chase.html

Driver arrested in Rancho Santa Margarita after high-speed chase
April 10, 2009


A woman who led authorities on a high-speed chase across several freeways early this morning has been taken into custody, according to law enforcement personnel.

The chase started shortly after 6 a.m. today in the Long Beach area after police responded to a domestic dispute and the driver “used a vehicle to assault police officers,” said Officer Gabe Montoya, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP took over the pursuit, which covered about 40 miles, traversing Highway 22 east and continuing to the 55 and 241 freeways in Orange County, authorities said. The chased ended in the Rancho Santa Margarita area, just before 7 a.m. Montoya said.

No other motorists were injured, although at one stage the driver headed the wrong way on the freeway. The driver likely will be charged in the alleged assault on police and for “reckless evading,” Montoya said.

-- Ann M. Simmons


Photo: The unidentified suspect who led officers in a high-speed chase attempts to speak to the media from the back seat of a CHP car.

Credit: Don Kelsen / Los Angeles

She looks like she's just seen the ghost of Easter Past.

dagosd2000 wrote:

Randall "Tex" Cobb

Great portrait, Rog. I always liked Cobb. His boxing wisecracks were the stuff of legend.

Sugar Ray Robinson, Diana Sands & Diahann Carroll

bennie wrote:

dagosd2000 wrote:

Randall "Tex" Cobb

Great portrait, Rog. I always liked Cobb. His boxing wisecracks were the stuff of legend.

Thanks Bennie
Another bloke of a similar ilk was Jack O'Halloran. Saw Jack fight in San Diego at the Coliseum. A crowd favorite. Gave kenny Norton a good run for his money coming up a little short after ten frames. Norton knocked Jack down once. I thought he was going to crash through the canvas. Heard later it registered 5 on the Richter Scale.

Rick:

If he isn't already in the WBHF has your group ever considered the possibility of selecting Solly Smith for the honor? I believe he was the first ever world's champion born of Mexican llineage and to top things off, he won the featherweight title from George Dixon. He also had a draw bout with the great puncher Aurelio Herrera. And I think his full name was Solomon Garcia.

Just a thought, of course.

hap navarro

kikibalt wrote:
Sugar Ray Robinson, Diana Sands & Diahann Carroll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy2VD5WlmEU

Randy Turpin and Ray Robinson interview after their 2nd fight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAMb_XMfhkE

Ray Robinson on What's My Line

Tom Sharkey & James J. Jeffries

James J. Jeffries

World Boxing Hall of Fame - 2009 Ballot . . .

Two deceased "boxers" will be inducted.
Their names will be listed in the "BOXER" catagory of the WBHOF "Roll Call". They are:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi

Dixon and Halimi will be automatically inducted, and are not subject to vote.
_____________________________________________________
Four (4) new names have been added to the ballot in the "BOXER" catagory, replacing those inducted in 2008.

Henry Cooper
Orlando Canizalez
Lucia Rijker
Carlos Hernandez

(these are not "Inductees" - just ballot additions)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the "Expanded" Catagories, three (3) new names will be added to the ballot. Still under "Selection Commitee" consideration.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A new award will be added to the WBHOF "Banquet of Champions" in 2009, recognizing those who have contributed to the development of youth thru boxing. People who have created champions both in and outside of the ring.

The first annual "WBHOF Johnnie Flores Youth Development Award" will go to: FRANK BALTAZAR SR.

Congratulations Kiki, and thank you.
The World Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes and appreciates your contributions to boxing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The ballot is nearly complete. The "Expanded" catagory is still under consideration. Everybody that was on the ballot last year, minus those inducted, will be on this year's ballot.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To all the Regular "Classic American West Coast Boxing" posters. You know who you are, we've discussed this in the past, please E-Mail your contact information:

Name
Mailing address
E-Mail address

Frank, Roger, Randy, Brian, Bruce, Bennie, Danny, Tom, Rob . . .

You will all become "Voting Members" of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. If you wish to participate, to have a voice in the future HOF induction of boxing personalities, E-mail me the necessary information, and you will become a permanent voting member of the WBHOF.


Rick Farris
WBHOF Exec. Director/Historian

James J. Jeffries with Farmer Burns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLK4-PDamjE

Carmen Basilio interviewed in Canastoga ,New York. Look up the word "tough" in the dictionary. You'll see a picture of his face.

Dongee wrote:Rick:

If he isn't already in the WBHF has your group ever considered the possibility of selecting Solly Smith for the honor? I believe he was the first ever world's champion born of Mexican llineage and to top things off, he won the featherweight title from George Dixon. He also had a draw bout with the great puncher Aurelio Herrera. And I think his full name was Solomon Garcia.

Just a thought, of course.

hap navarro

Hap . . . I regret that it might be too late to submit Solly Smith for induction this year. Had I been aware a few hours earlier, he would have been included, especially being the first boxer of "Mexican lineage". I'll try to make an addition, however, I must do so with the blessing of the selection commitee, many I'll see tomorrow at a regular Board of Directors meeting. I must site my ignorance of Solly Smith's place in boxing history for his not being included. I will guarantee Solly Smith "automatic" induction next year, just as George Dixon and Alphonse Halimi will be inducted this year. Thank you for the great recommendation.

Hap, one last thing, if you would like to be a voting member of the WBHOF, please E-mail me your mailing address to: [email protected]. I will see you are on the mailing list for a ballot each year.

-Rick Farris

Tom Ray . . .

Well, we did it! George Dixon will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame this year.


-Rick

Rick Farris wrote:World Boxing Hall of Fame - 2009 Ballot . . .

Two deceased "boxers" will be inducted.
Their names will be listed in the "BOXER" catagory of the WBHOF "Roll Call". They are:

George Dixon
Alphonse Halimi

Dixon and Halimi will be automatically inducted, and are not subject to vote.
_____________________________________________________
Four (4) new names have been added to the ballot in the "BOXER" catagory, replacing those inducted in 2008.

Henry Cooper
Orlando Canizalez
Lucia Rijker
Carlos Hernandez

(these are not "Inductees" - just ballot additions)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the "Expanded" Catagories, three (3) new names will be added to the ballot. Still under "Selection Commitee" consideration.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A new award will be added to the WBHOF "Banquet of Champions" in 2009, recognizing those who have contributed to the development of youth thru boxing. People who have created champions both in and outside of the ring.

The first annual "WBHOF Johnnie Flores Youth Development Award" will go to: FRANK BALTAZAR SR.

Congratulations Kiki, and thank you.
The World Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes and appreciates your contributions to boxing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The ballot is nearly complete. The "Expanded" catagory is still under consideration. Everybody that was on the ballot last year, minus those inducted, will be on this year's ballot.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To all the Regular "Classic American West Coast Boxing" posters. You know who you are, we've discussed this in the past, please E-Mail your contact information:

Name
Mailing address
E-Mail address

Frank, Roger, Randy, Brian, Bruce, Bennie, Danny, Tom, Rob . . .

You will all become "Voting Members" of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. If you wish to participate, to have a voice in the future HOF induction of boxing personalities, E-mail me the necessary information, and you will become a permanent voting member of the WBHOF.


Rick Farris
WBHOF Exec. Director/Historian

Thank, Rick,...It will be an honor to accept the "WBHOF Johnnie Flores Youth Development Award"

Thanks for all your hard work.

Solly Smith

Birth Name Solomon Garcia Smith
Country USA
Global Id 10706
Birthplace Los Angeles, CA, USA
Division Featherweight
Born 1871-03-00
Died 1933-08-28
Stance Orthodox
Height 163cm


Career Record © http://www.boxrec.com

Date Opponent Location Result
1904-08-26 Billy Snailham San Diego, USA L KO 3
1902-11-11 Billy DeCoursey Los Angeles, USA L KO 10
1901-09-05 Dennis Kid McFadden Sacramento, USA L DQ 6
1901-06-18 Joe Bernstein Los Angeles, USA D PTS 20
1901-05-10 Joe Bernstein Los Angeles, USA D PTS 20
1900-06-22 Joe Bernstein New York, USA L DQ 14
1900-05-28 Billy Maynard Brooklyn, USA W KO 10
1900-03-17 Turkey Point Billy Smith Chicago, USA D PTS 6
1900-03-03 Billy Barrett Brooklyn, USA L PTS 20
1900-01-15 Frank Patterson Brooklyn, USA D PTS 25
1899-10-02 Jack McClelland Pittsburgh, USA L DQ 6
1899-08-18 Joe Bernstein Brooklyn, USA L KO 13
1899-07-10 Frank Patterson Brooklyn, USA D PTS 25
1899-05-20 Frank Patterson Brooklyn, USA D PTS 20
1899-02-07 Oscar Gardner New York, USA L TKO 6
1898-10-12 Aurelio Herrera Bakersfield, USA D PTS 10
1898-09-26 Dave Sullivan Brooklyn, USA L TKO 5
1898-08-01 Tommy White Brooklyn, USA D PTS 25
1898-07-07 Billy O'Donnell Buffalo, USA W DQ 7
1898-04-18 Eddie Santry Chicago, USA NC ND 6
1897-10-04 George Dixon San Francisco, USA W PTS 20
1897-08-20 Johnny T Griffin San Francisco, USA W KO 7
1897-05-04 Martin Flaherty Brooklyn, USA W PTS 25
1897-03-13 Oscar Gardner Brooklyn, USA W PTS 20
1897-01-12 Tommy White New York, USA D PTS 25
1896-11-09 Willie Smith Covent Garden, United Kin W TKO 8
1896-06-30 Johnny LaVack Cleveland, USA D PTS 10
1896-06-22 Frank Patterson Brooklyn, USA W PTS 10
1896-06-01 Dolly Adolph Lyons Brooklyn, USA D PTS 10
1896-03-21 Jerry Barnett New York, USA W TKO 5
1896-02-22 Johnny LaVack Boston, USA D PTS 15
1896-01-09 Jimmy Selfridge New York, USA W PTS 4
1895-12-23 Torpedo Billy Murphy New Orleans, USA W TKO 14
1895-05-15 George Siddons New York, USA W PTS 8
1895-04-11 Jack Mullen Albany, USA W PTS 6
1895-03-22 Jerome Quigley Philadelphia, USA NC ND 4
1895-03-16 Billy Professor McCarthy Philadelphia, USA NC ND 4
1895-03-04 Tom Denny Coney Island, USA D PTS 10
1894-11-27 Oscar Gardner Buffalo, USA L DQ 5
1894-10-26 Johnny Van Heest Buffalo, USA D PTS 15
1894-10-02 Frank Erne Buffalo, USA D PTS 10
1894-03-07 Kid Lavigne Saginaw, USA L PTS 8
1894-01-03 Young Griffo Chicago, USA D PTS 6
1893-11-13 Jimmy Murphy Chicago, USA W KO 2
1893-09-25 George Dixon Brooklyn, USA L TKO 7
1893-07-10 Johnny T Griffin Roby, USA W KO 4
1893-04-15 Frankie McHugh Chicago, USA NC ND 6
1893-01-01 Harry Dally NC ND 0
1892-12-29 Johnny Van Heest San Francisco, USA W KO 14
1892-09-29 George Siddons San Francisco, USA D PTS 56
1892-07-08 Dan E Daly San Francisco, USA W KO 3
1892-05-24 Dal Hawkins San Francisco, USA W KO 13
1892-02-25 Tommy Smith Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1891-12-03 Dennis Mahoney Los Angeles, USA W KO 15
1891-11-11 Young Billy Manning Los Angeles, USA W KO 6
1890-09-03 Dave Williams Pasadena, USA D PTS 10
1889-12-05 Young Abbott Los Angeles, USA W PTS 4
1889-12-01 Billy Jones Los Angeles, USA W TKO 13
1889-11-01 Pete Cummings Los Angeles, USA W TKO 1
1889-10-01 Young Billy Moore Los Angeles, USA W TKO 5
1889-09-01 Young Billy Moore Los Angeles, USA W PTS 0
1889-06-01 Jack Golden Los Angeles, USA W KO 2
1888-12-12 Joe Kid Hogan Sacramento, USA NC NC 29
1888-08-01 Joe Soto Los Angeles, USA D PTS 6
1888-07-01 Billy Smith Los Angeles, USA W TKO 7

Record to Date
Won 28 (KOs 18) Lost 12 Drawn 19 Total 65

http://myboxingfans.com/2009/04/from-mandalay-bay/

From Mandalay Bay