Classic American West Coast Boxing

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[jdbutler16]

COPING

Spud Murphy's Gym was named after the fallen fighter who had his licensed revoked because of a bad brain scan. His father let him workout in the gym still, and after a sparring session,Spud collapsed in the shower and died.

I remember Irish Spud Murphy fighting preliminaries at the Coliseum. From the start you could tell that the kid didn't have it. There was a lot of talk about the father trying to make something out of his son when it would have been best to leave him alone. But Spud kept plugging along although he didn't have anything going for him. He didn't have a punch. He was frail looking. And he cut easy.

It wasn't until much later that I found out about his death. Terry Norris told me about it when I went up to Spud Murphy's gym to watch him train for a fight.

The parents still kept the doors open. I remember that there were always a lot of fighters working out. The gym was upstairs above a pool hall.

The father ,I think, went a little crazy after his son's death. He'd talk about his son like he was still alive. He also went on about how his son was a great fighter. There were newspaper clippings of his son's short boxing career,I remember,pasted on the wall. I also remember the mother. She was an elderly heavy set gal with gray hair. Looked like someone's grandmother. She wore a plain plaid dress. She stayed mostly behind the counter. She sold sodas and candy. I'd see her limp around carrying cases of beer and keepng things straightened out. Towels stacked high. Sweeping the floor. Cleaning the lockers.

While her husband was talking everyone's head off about his son and whatever,I never heard his wife say anything. Maybe that was their ways of dealing with Spud's death. The father trying to keep ahead of the power curve by talking all the time. The mother just trying to keep moving and stay busy.

The Man dagosd refers to in this post and others as Spud Murphy I refer to Spud as Dad. He was my father and I remember the gym a little differently than dagosd. I remember they gym as a place people came and had fun and worked out. I remember folding towels and filling water bottles for the boxers. It was a great place that even if you didn't have the cash to workout my grandparents would still let you box just to keep you off the streets. I remember watching my dad spare and thinking he was great. I remember my dad and my grandpa traveling to compete and seeing the clippings from the paper and wishing I could have been there. My father loved boxing and that's why he did it not to please his dad. He was born with the condition that took his life. When he passed he left 3 daughters and a son, 2 of which never really knew him as they were to young. My Grandfather passed away some time after my dad and my grandmother couldn't keep the gym going by herself so it eventually closed. She still to this day resides in San Diego. 21 years has passed and people still continue to talk about the staple my family left beautiful San Diego. Please keep writing I love reading the way others remember the past. I was 8 when my dad passed away and my last memory of him was my 8th birthday he died a month later. BTW his licenses was not revoked.

[Rick Farris]

Yeah! Rick....

Some people must be blind. He's a bum.
Just because he's a kind young man and drinks fruit juice doesn't mean he's going to win.
Yeah, he beat some fighters, he can hit OK, has that "I'll let you hit me a few times just so I can hit you once" tenacity.

You know, I'd like to see this guy in the ring with Tony Baltazar when Tony had the same amount of fights.
Angulo wouldn't be around long. It's one thing to be willing to take punishment, but Tony's hook would chop off Perro's head.


-Rick Farris

[kikibalt]

Yeah! Rick....

Some people must be blind. He's a bum.
Just because he's a kind young man and drinks fruit juice doesn't mean he's going to win.
Yeah, he beat some fighters, he can hit OK, has that "I'll let you hit me a few times just so I can hit you once" tenacity.

You know, I'd like to see this guy in the ring with Tony Baltazar when Tony had the same amount of fights.
Angulo wouldn't be around long. It's one thing to be willing to take punishment, but Tony's hook would chop off Perro's head.


-Rick Farris

Can't argue with you Rick, Tony sure wouldn't miss him with his hook.....

[Rick Farris]

Yeah! Rick....

Some people must be blind. He's a bum.
Just because he's a kind young man and drinks fruit juice doesn't mean he's going to win.
Yeah, he beat some fighters, he can hit OK, has that "I'll let you hit me a few times just so I can hit you once" tenacity.

You know, I'd like to see this guy in the ring with Tony Baltazar when Tony had the same amount of fights.
Angulo wouldn't be around long. It's one thing to be willing to take punishment, but Tony's hook would chop off Perro's head.


-Rick Farris

Can't argue with you Rick, Tony sure wouldn't miss him with his hook.....

Tony didn't miss many with that hook, and when it landed it took immediate control of the fight.
I still remember a few pee-wee's that ended up on the canvas after little Tony connected.
Some of those kids had a lot more skills than Angulo could ever dream of.


-Rick Farris

[dagosd2000]

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

The Madison Time Parts 1 & 2

Ray Bryant

[dagosd2000]

HEY SLIM WHAT'S HAPPENIN' JIM?

That's what the doorman at Ward's Jazzville said to me as I passed by.
"I ain't no Jim,"I said. "I'm an albino."
"All right brother that's it. Go ahead.Yeah. Albino.Yeah ,go ahead brother."
Don't try that Jim Crow stuff on me cause I'm white. I knew what he meant and when I came back with that albino remark he knew I knew.

Ward's Jazzville was a dying breed. The black folks' nightclub in the black folks' neighborhood. No way I wanted to hear Ray Charles play at the University when he'd do a gig at the Jazzville. Black musicians playing for black folks in the neighborhood.Yes sir, you'd get ALL your money's worth. Couldn't fool the neighborhood. They were raised on that stuff. The blues. Jazz. Soul music. It was with them before it was with everbody else.

The cookin' in the kitchen with all the aromas driftin' out through the smoky room full of the hipsters. It was their element. Get up and dance if you feel like it. Who cares if they didn't have the license for that? Feel like dancin',you dance mother f----r.

OK here comes the vice. Man why you here? Stay away. Don't bother us. I know you want to yank the liquor license and put a padlock on the door. And then you can talk about it downtown and have a laugh.

I don't know how many times Ward's Jazzville had to be moved. Closed up. Pay the man. Finally the man had his way. There was no more Ward's Jazzville. They shut down the black folks club for good.

That was a shame. Ray Charles never played better when he was in front of his people.

[dagosd2000]

COPING

Spud Murphy's Gym was named after the fallen fighter who had his licensed revoked because of a bad brain scan. His father let him workout in the gym still, and after a sparring session,Spud collapsed in the shower and died.

I remember Irish Spud Murphy fighting preliminaries at the Coliseum. From the start you could tell that the kid didn't have it. There was a lot of talk about the father trying to make something out of his son when it would have been best to leave him alone. But Spud kept plugging along although he didn't have anything going for him. He didn't have a punch. He was frail looking. And he cut easy.

It wasn't until much later that I found out about his death. Terry Norris told me about it when I went up to Spud Murphy's gym to watch him train for a fight.

The parents still kept the doors open. I remember that there were always a lot of fighters working out. The gym was upstairs above a pool hall.

The father ,I think, went a little crazy after his son's death. He'd talk about his son like he was still alive. He also went on about how his son was a great fighter. There were newspaper clippings of his son's short boxing career,I remember,pasted on the wall. I also remember the mother. She was an elderly heavy set gal with gray hair. Looked like someone's grandmother. She wore a plain plaid dress. She stayed mostly behind the counter. She sold sodas and candy. I'd see her limp around carrying cases of beer and keepng things straightened out. Towels stacked high. Sweeping the floor. Cleaning the lockers.

While her husband was talking everyone's head off about his son and whatever,I never heard his wife say anything. Maybe that was their ways of dealing with Spud's death. The father trying to keep ahead of the power curve by talking all the time. The mother just trying to keep moving and stay busy.

The Man dagosd refers to in this post and others as Spud Murphy I refer to Spud as Dad. He was my father and I remember the gym a little differently than dagosd. I remember they gym as a place people came and had fun and worked out. I remember folding towels and filling water bottles for the boxers. It was a great place that even if you didn't have the cash to workout my grandparents would still let you box just to keep you off the streets. I remember watching my dad spare and thinking he was great. I remember my dad and my grandpa traveling to compete and seeing the clippings from the paper and wishing I could have been there. My father loved boxing and that's why he did it not to please his dad. He was born with the condition that took his life. When he passed he left 3 daughters and a son, 2 of which never really knew him as they were to young. My Grandfather passed away some time after my dad and my grandmother couldn't keep the gym going by herself so it eventually closed. She still to this day resides in San Diego. 21 years has passed and people still continue to talk about the staple my family left beautiful San Diego. Please keep writing I love reading the way others remember the past. I was 8 when my dad passed away and my last memory of him was my 8th birthday he died a month later. BTW his licenses was not revoked.

JD
I remember the gym as a fun place too. I used to work with a fighter when I taught school at Juvenile Hall named Gilbert Baptist. He was in the same stable as Terry Norris. I'd watch them workout together. I didn't know that your dad still had his license. I saw your dad fight several times at the Coliseum. I remember your grandfather and grandmother working the gym. I know the loss of your dad was in their memories because they always talked about him.

I'm glad to hear that your grandmother is doing well. I miss that old gym. I wish there were still gyms like that in San Diego.

[dagosd2000]

BTW. Before Spud Murphy's Gym was opened up ,that was where Ward's Jazzville used to reside. At least one of the times after being closed down in Southeast San Diego.

[Rick Farris]

Hey Roger . . .

Please don't forget your "reflective" Freddie Roach painting on Saturday.
That one hits hard. Really pulls the viewer in. It did me, at least.


-Rick

[dagosd2000]

Hey Roger . . .

Please don't forget your "reflective" Freddie Roach painting on Saturday.
That one hits hard. Really pulls the viewer in. It did me, at least.


-Rick

Will do.

[bennie]

Halls of Fame . . .

It should be about the boxers. History, recognition, honor, rememberence.
An official "Thank You" from the fans, put together by a few "friends."
A time to rekindle a roaring fire, one that touched our spirits, warmed our hearts.

We still wanted to touch Mando Ramos, as he touched us.
Who better to give you the lowdown on Sugar Ray Robinson, than Gene Fullmer?
Shake the hand that broke the jaw of Muhammad Ali. If he's healthy, Ken Norton will be there to offer you that hand.

Ali? Maybe Laila, but Muhammad is a long-shot these days. When "The Greatest" was healthy, he was usually present at the banquet.

Frazier? Smokin' Joe is always willing to show up, but he comes with a price tag of about $10,000 + expenses.
A little steep for a non-profit organization. We offered him a booth to showcase and market his new book, travel & lodging expenses, lots of PR op's. He declined.

Larry Holmes was immediatly inducted into the WBHOF upon becoming eligable in '07.
Next to Joe Louis, Holmes defended the heavyweight title more times than any other champ in history. So he certainly deserves the honor.
Holmes wanted a huge paycheck to attend the event, plus first class travel and lodging for a dozen Easton, Pa. freeloaders.
We said, "No way. You will be inducted, if you want your bronze statue, you must attend the event sometime in the future."
Larry did show up in Canestoga when the IBHOF inducted him the following year.
The fans in Canestoga were put off by the former champ, who demanded $50 for every autograph he signed. He didn't sell one signature.

Then you have a rarity in the world of boxing today, a class act.
He was a three-time heavyweight champ, only lost a couple times and KOed those who beat him in rematches.
He's smart, successful and respecful. His name is Lennox Lewis

Too bad our American heavyweight reps of recent history weren't a product of such class.
The principles of prizefighter class among the Yank big boys was buried along with Dempsey, Louis and the Rock.
A Brit has picked up the slack left by his ignorant Yank comrads.

When we informed Lennox Lewis that he was being inducted into the WBHOF, he was honored.
He was scheduled to work his HBO gig on the date of our banquet, but we worked the date to fit his schedule.
We offered him travel and lodging for two, all expenses. Like everybody else.
Lewis was grateful for the honor and our rescheduling the event. He refused transportation or lodging expenses, just requested four tickets to the banquet.
The former champs entourage included his wife, mother an attorney.

Something tells me Dempsey would have done the same thing?
The Rock? Nah, Marciano was tight as a dead heat. But you can bet he'd have shown up for his induction had he been alive.
Joe Louis? Well, you can pretty much believe that we'd happily pay just about anything to secure the attendence of the "Brown Bomber".
No offense Larry, but you must understand, you were heavyweight champ, but you weren't Joe Louis. Nobody was.

I prefer the old timers, they aren't so complicated.


-Rick Farris

We British are nothing if not polite but Holmes really does have a black cloud hanging over him and Frazier gets bitterer and bitterer. I read the other day that he even sued his own daughter.

[bennie]

Someone's head rolled for this, surely.

[kikibalt]

"The Gil Cadilli Story"

"Fight For Ilfe"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsRxcs9r1GU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7naU84t22o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuP0JLYxJGk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3K9HhaHbfk

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

[kikibalt]

German Ohm
By Dan Cuoco

German Ohm was born of German ancestry on May 28, 1936 in Mexico City, Mexico. He was raised in Ciudad Lerado. Leredo is a little town in La Laguna where there are thousands of fig trees. Ohm spent his early youth as a fig planter.

German launched his pro career at age 18 in Gomez Palacio, Mexico on November 11, 1954 losing a four round decision to Chato Campos. Undaunted, German knocked out Jesus Alvarado in Lerdo, Mexico six days later and returned to Gomez Palacio December 9th to knockout Vicente Ramirez in the third round.

Ohm started his 1955 campaign on a sour note by fighting Chino Flores to a four round draw and losing a six round decision to Pinky Ruiz. Even though he hadn’t won either fight he was feeling more comfortable in the ring and won his next five fights, four by kayo, including a six round knockout over Pinky Ruiz in a rematch. Two of his kayos took place in Mexico City where he thrilled hard core fight fans with his exciting style. They saw in German the ingredients that make a fighter sensational - a knockout punch in either hand. It was evident even then that German possessed a devastating left hook and a bone crushing right hand.

German suffered a setback when Luis Gutierrez stopped him in the fourth round of his third fight in Mexico City. Again undaunted, German returned to the ring wars 13 days later and closed out the year with seven consecutive wins, five by knockout. Among his victims were two of Mexico’s toughest second tier bantams Americo Rivera and Angel Iglesias.

Mexico City veteran Mike Cruz was German’s first big test in 1956. He had been in with some of Mexico’s best bantams and had only been stopped twice. And the two fighters to stop him were two of the hottest prospects in Mexico at the time - Ricardo (Pajarito) Moreno and Carlos Cardoso. Although he was stopped by both, Moreno (round 6) and Cardoso (round 5), he extended both of them before succumbing to their numbing power. German wanted to show that he too belonged with the elite and made a good case for himself by knocking out Cruz in the third round. Two more victories followed and on March 22, 1956 German was paired with another fast rising youngster named Jose Becerra. The 19 year-old Becerra had turned professional a year before German and entered the ring with a record of 30-2-1, with 17 kayos. The 19 year-old German was a month younger with a record of 17-3-1, with 13 kayos. Ohm was well ahead on points when the fight was stopped due to severe cuts. Even though he lost, German came out of the fight more determined then ever. He knew he was beating one of Mexico’s best bantams and that the only reason he lost was because of cuts. He now knew he belonged.

A month after the Becerra fight, Ohm was back in the ring and won going away against the veteran Tibico Torres. He followed that victory with three consecutive knockouts over Martin Vasquez, Joe Chamacho and Jorge Gabino.

German was now ready to step up in competition again and on June 30th he won a lopsided decision over crafty veteran Jorge Herrera. His next fight was against another Mexican bantam prospect 18-year old Raul Leanos. Raul had turned pro at age 16 and possessed a record of 20-2-1, with 6 knockouts. His only two losses were by close decision. German journeyed to Leanos’ hometown and destroyed him in two rounds. On July 28th he returned to Mexico City and knocked out tough veteran Babe Rivera in the second round. In and around the La Laguna, Mexico provinces he was now being called the Mexican Teuton. Ohm returned to Mexico City on August 18th to face Arturo (Baby) Ruiz. Ruiz was coming off impressive victories over Jose Luis Mora and Chucho Tello. He proved to be no competition for German and was kayoed in the first round.

German’s winning streak caught the eyes of the editors of “The Ring.” He entered the ratings at number ten on September 21, 1956. The only bantams in Mexico ahead of him now were number one ranked Raul Macias, number four ranked Jose (Toluco) Lopez and number seven ranked Ricardo Moreno.

In September of 1956 German fought twice, outpointing Kildo Martinez in ten and knocking out Avelino Felix in seven. Felix had just come off of a victory over Luis Gutierrez who had stopped German in his eleventh professional fight. Both victories led to his elevation to the ninth spot in the October “Ring” ratings.

The German Ohm - Jose Becerra rematch took place on October 18, 1956 before a packed arena. Ohm was at his best and gave Becerra a boxing lesson enroute to a unanimous decision. The victory was sweetened when Ohm again was elevated in the “Ring” ratings to number eight. Now the only Mexican bantams rated higher than he were number one Macias, and number six Lopez.

Not one to sit on his laurels, Ohm took out Chango Ceballos in nine rounds and then headed into the biggest fight of his career against unbeaten sensation Carlos Cardoso. Cardoso entered the December 8, 1956 Mexico City showdown unbeaten in 26 fights, with 12 kayos. The 20-year old Ohm ended the 21-year old Cardoso’s streak with a unanimous ten round decision. On January 12, 1957 he met Baby Ruiz in a rematch and repeated his earlier victory by blasting Ruiz out again in one round.

Ohm’s fourteen bout winning streak, including his impressive victories over Baby Ruiz, Jose Becerra and Carlos Cardoso, elevated him to the number four world ranking in the bantamweight division. More importantly, he was now the second ranking bantam in Mexico behind number one ranked Raul Macias. And he was only 20 years old.

Ohm did not fight again until October 26, 1957 and was dropped from “The Ring” ratings for inactivity. The Ring’s La Laguna correspondent Miguel Ramirez Aznar commented that German was in Los Angeles under the wing of Frank Sinatra. Be that as it may, Ohm made his U.S. debut at the Hollywood Legion Stadium against Ross Padilla. Ohm, a 4-1 favorite, suffered a severe gash under his right eye that hampered his performance in the late rounds. Padilla walked off with a controversial majority decision and snapped Ohm’s fourteen fight winning streak.

Two months later, Ohm returned to the Hollywood Legion Stadium to take on Hollywood’s latest bantam sensation 20-year old Horace (Boots) Monroe. Monroe was making his main event debut and entered the ring with a record of 11-1, with 9 kayos. Monroe had no problem with German and knocked him out in the fourth round.

On July 17, 1958 German won a ten round decision over Memo Diez in Matamoros, Mexico in what turned out to be his last professional fight. The 22-year-old German disappeared from boxing with a record of 32-6-1, 22 kayos. But for one 18-month period in time, German Ohm was the toast of the La Laguna Mexican Provinces.

[dagosd2000]

Halls of Fame . . .

It should be about the boxers. History, recognition, honor, rememberence.
An official "Thank You" from the fans, put together by a few "friends."
A time to rekindle a roaring fire, one that touched our spirits, warmed our hearts.

We still wanted to touch Mando Ramos, as he touched us.
Who better to give you the lowdown on Sugar Ray Robinson, than Gene Fullmer?
Shake the hand that broke the jaw of Muhammad Ali. If he's healthy, Ken Norton will be there to offer you that hand.

Ali? Maybe Laila, but Muhammad is a long-shot these days. When "The Greatest" was healthy, he was usually present at the banquet.

Frazier? Smokin' Joe is always willing to show up, but he comes with a price tag of about $10,000 + expenses.
A little steep for a non-profit organization. We offered him a booth to showcase and market his new book, travel & lodging expenses, lots of PR op's. He declined.

Larry Holmes was immediatly inducted into the WBHOF upon becoming eligable in '07.
Next to Joe Louis, Holmes defended the heavyweight title more times than any other champ in history. So he certainly deserves the honor.
Holmes wanted a huge paycheck to attend the event, plus first class travel and lodging for a dozen Easton, Pa. freeloaders.
We said, "No way. You will be inducted, if you want your bronze statue, you must attend the event sometime in the future."
Larry did show up in Canestoga when the IBHOF inducted him the following year.
The fans in Canestoga were put off by the former champ, who demanded $50 for every autograph he signed. He didn't sell one signature.

Then you have a rarity in the world of boxing today, a class act.
He was a three-time heavyweight champ, only lost a couple times and KOed those who beat him in rematches.
He's smart, successful and respecful. His name is Lennox Lewis

Too bad our American heavyweight reps of recent history weren't a product of such class.
The principles of prizefighter class among the Yank big boys was buried along with Dempsey, Louis and the Rock.
A Brit has picked up the slack left by his ignorant Yank comrads.

When we informed Lennox Lewis that he was being inducted into the WBHOF, he was honored.
He was scheduled to work his HBO gig on the date of our banquet, but we worked the date to fit his schedule.
We offered him travel and lodging for two, all expenses. Like everybody else.
Lewis was grateful for the honor and our rescheduling the event. He refused transportation or lodging expenses, just requested four tickets to the banquet.
The former champs entourage included his wife, mother an attorney.

Something tells me Dempsey would have done the same thing?
The Rock? Nah, Marciano was tight as a dead heat. But you can bet he'd have shown up for his induction had he been alive.
Joe Louis? Well, you can pretty much believe that we'd happily pay just about anything to secure the attendence of the "Brown Bomber".
No offense Larry, but you must understand, you were heavyweight champ, but you weren't Joe Louis. Nobody was.

I prefer the old timers, they aren't so complicated.


-Rick Farris

We British are nothing if not polite but Holmes really does have a black cloud hanging over him and Frazier gets bitterer and bitterer. I read the other day that he even sued his own daughter.

BENNIE THE ASTUTE

This recent documentary over on this side reflecting on the Thrilla' In Manila portrayed Ali as the bad guy . Demeaning Joe Frazier. Calling him a gorilla. We all remember those pre fight episodes. Evidently Ali was in no condition (or perhaps he didn't want to be involved in the documentary)so his presence was not there. However Frazier was involved in the making.

You're right.Frazier's a bitter man. Maybe it's the effects of his fighting,but the man won't let go. I've heard fighters taunt their opponents in worse fashion. Bramble calling Mancini a murderer. Incredible!

I fault HBO resurrecting this 3rd fight.Ali has regretted a lot of things he has said in the past. (Don't we all?). To find errors in judgement in our youth. To open a closet and find a skeleton. Hopefully,we develop into an older human being having acquired wisdom from our mistakes.

Joe Frazier has not reached that point.

[dagosd2000]

Rick

Your post about inductees and their various moods and demands is very interesting. I'm like you,I guess,the old time guys who laced them up certainly didn't behave like jerks. Unless you were setting 'em up for Moyer in a local watering hole.

[bennie]

Halls of Fame . . .

It should be about the boxers. History, recognition, honor, rememberence.
An official "Thank You" from the fans, put together by a few "friends."
A time to rekindle a roaring fire, one that touched our spirits, warmed our hearts.

We still wanted to touch Mando Ramos, as he touched us.
Who better to give you the lowdown on Sugar Ray Robinson, than Gene Fullmer?
Shake the hand that broke the jaw of Muhammad Ali. If he's healthy, Ken Norton will be there to offer you that hand.

Ali? Maybe Laila, but Muhammad is a long-shot these days. When "The Greatest" was healthy, he was usually present at the banquet.

Frazier? Smokin' Joe is always willing to show up, but he comes with a price tag of about $10,000 + expenses.
A little steep for a non-profit organization. We offered him a booth to showcase and market his new book, travel & lodging expenses, lots of PR op's. He declined.

Larry Holmes was immediatly inducted into the WBHOF upon becoming eligable in '07.
Next to Joe Louis, Holmes defended the heavyweight title more times than any other champ in history. So he certainly deserves the honor.
Holmes wanted a huge paycheck to attend the event, plus first class travel and lodging for a dozen Easton, Pa. freeloaders.
We said, "No way. You will be inducted, if you want your bronze statue, you must attend the event sometime in the future."
Larry did show up in Canestoga when the IBHOF inducted him the following year.
The fans in Canestoga were put off by the former champ, who demanded $50 for every autograph he signed. He didn't sell one signature.

Then you have a rarity in the world of boxing today, a class act.
He was a three-time heavyweight champ, only lost a couple times and KOed those who beat him in rematches.
He's smart, successful and respecful. His name is Lennox Lewis

Too bad our American heavyweight reps of recent history weren't a product of such class.
The principles of prizefighter class among the Yank big boys was buried along with Dempsey, Louis and the Rock.
A Brit has picked up the slack left by his ignorant Yank comrads.

When we informed Lennox Lewis that he was being inducted into the WBHOF, he was honored.
He was scheduled to work his HBO gig on the date of our banquet, but we worked the date to fit his schedule.
We offered him travel and lodging for two, all expenses. Like everybody else.
Lewis was grateful for the honor and our rescheduling the event. He refused transportation or lodging expenses, just requested four tickets to the banquet.
The former champs entourage included his wife, mother an attorney.

Something tells me Dempsey would have done the same thing?
The Rock? Nah, Marciano was tight as a dead heat. But you can bet he'd have shown up for his induction had he been alive.
Joe Louis? Well, you can pretty much believe that we'd happily pay just about anything to secure the attendence of the "Brown Bomber".
No offense Larry, but you must understand, you were heavyweight champ, but you weren't Joe Louis. Nobody was.

I prefer the old timers, they aren't so complicated.


-Rick Farris

We British are nothing if not polite but Holmes really does have a black cloud hanging over him and Frazier gets bitterer and bitterer. I read the other day that he even sued his own daughter.

BENNIE THE ASTUTE

This recent documentary over on this side reflecting on the Thrilla' In Manila portrayed Ali as the bad guy . Demeaning Joe Frazier. Calling him a gorilla. We all remember those pre fight episodes. Evidently Ali was in no condition (or perhaps he didn't want to be involved in the documentary)so his presence was not there. However Frazier was involved in the making.

You're right.Frazier's a bitter man. Maybe it's the effects of his fighting,but the man won't let go. I've heard fighters taunt their opponents in worse fashion. Bramble calling Mancini a murderer. Incredible!

I fault HBO resurrecting this 3rd fight.Ali has regretted a lot of things he has said in the past. (Don't we all?). To find errors in judgement in our youth. To open a closet and find a skeleton. Hopefully,we develop into an older human being having acquired wisdom from our mistakes.

Joe Frazier has not reached that point.

Joe, like Holmes, charges unashamedly for autographs. He upset a lot of true fans on a trip to England quite recently. Never meet your heroes.

[dagosd2000]

Bennie
The rational I've heard from athletes wanting a fee for their signatures is that "you're going to make a profit and sell it on EBAY." Like I'm going on a round the world cruise with my wife selling Joe Frazier's autograph on the Internet.

[bennie]

Bennie
The rational I've heard from athletes wanting a fee for their signatures is that "you're going to make a profit and sell it on EBAY." Like I'm going on a round the world cruise with my wife selling Joe Frazier's autograph on the Internet.

That's so true, Rog. The true greats should rise above it and sign. They are hurting the more innocent out there.

[raylawpc]

Halls of Fame . . .

It should be about the boxers. History, recognition, honor, rememberence.
An official "Thank You" from the fans, put together by a few "friends."
A time to rekindle a roaring fire, one that touched our spirits, warmed our hearts.

We still wanted to touch Mando Ramos, as he touched us.
Who better to give you the lowdown on Sugar Ray Robinson, than Gene Fullmer?
Shake the hand that broke the jaw of Muhammad Ali. If he's healthy, Ken Norton will be there to offer you that hand.

Ali? Maybe Laila, but Muhammad is a long-shot these days. When "The Greatest" was healthy, he was usually present at the banquet.

Frazier? Smokin' Joe is always willing to show up, but he comes with a price tag of about $10,000 + expenses.
A little steep for a non-profit organization. We offered him a booth to showcase and market his new book, travel & lodging expenses, lots of PR op's. He declined.

Larry Holmes was immediatly inducted into the WBHOF upon becoming eligable in '07.
Next to Joe Louis, Holmes defended the heavyweight title more times than any other champ in history. So he certainly deserves the honor.
Holmes wanted a huge paycheck to attend the event, plus first class travel and lodging for a dozen Easton, Pa. freeloaders.
We said, "No way. You will be inducted, if you want your bronze statue, you must attend the event sometime in the future."
Larry did show up in Canestoga when the IBHOF inducted him the following year.
The fans in Canestoga were put off by the former champ, who demanded $50 for every autograph he signed. He didn't sell one signature.

Then you have a rarity in the world of boxing today, a class act.
He was a three-time heavyweight champ, only lost a couple times and KOed those who beat him in rematches.
He's smart, successful and respecful. His name is Lennox Lewis

Too bad our American heavyweight reps of recent history weren't a product of such class.
The principles of prizefighter class among the Yank big boys was buried along with Dempsey, Louis and the Rock.
A Brit has picked up the slack left by his ignorant Yank comrads.

When we informed Lennox Lewis that he was being inducted into the WBHOF, he was honored.
He was scheduled to work his HBO gig on the date of our banquet, but we worked the date to fit his schedule.
We offered him travel and lodging for two, all expenses. Like everybody else.
Lewis was grateful for the honor and our rescheduling the event. He refused transportation or lodging expenses, just requested four tickets to the banquet.
The former champs entourage included his wife, mother an attorney.

Something tells me Dempsey would have done the same thing?
The Rock? Nah, Marciano was tight as a dead heat. But you can bet he'd have shown up for his induction had he been alive.
Joe Louis? Well, you can pretty much believe that we'd happily pay just about anything to secure the attendence of the "Brown Bomber".
No offense Larry, but you must understand, you were heavyweight champ, but you weren't Joe Louis. Nobody was.

I prefer the old timers, they aren't so complicated.


-Rick Farris

We British are nothing if not polite but Holmes really does have a black cloud hanging over him and Frazier gets bitterer and bitterer. I read the other day that he even sued his own daughter.

In Joe's defense: His daughter was his attorney for a number of years, and had all of his legal files and business records in her possession. Joe believes that he is not getting his legal shares of royalities and other commissions from contracts he signed a number of years ago. He asked his daughter to return his business records and files so that his lawyers could review them, and pursue Joe's claims. His daughter failed to return the files after repeated attempts by Joe and his lawyers to get them, so Joe sued.

Joe is entirely correct in his matter. Every lawyer knows that the file belongs to the client, not the lawyer. As far as I know, there is no "But I can keep my Daddy's stuff" exception to the rule. Joe did what he had to do.

[raylawpc]

Bennie
The rational I've heard from athletes wanting a fee for their signatures is that "you're going to make a profit and sell it on EBAY." Like I'm going on a round the world cruise with my wife selling Joe Frazier's autograph on the Internet.

That's so true, Rog. The true greats should rise above it and sign. They are hurting the more innocent out there.

A number of years ago, I met a flight attendant who used to work the LA to NY run for Delta airlines. He said that his favorite movie celebrity on those flights was Elizabeth Taylor, who would sign anyone's autograph who asked. When somebody would thank her for signing the autograph, she would always reply either, "Its my privilege," or "I'm just honored that you would ask for it."

I think it was Katherine Hepburn who was asked if it bothered her for people to ask for her autograph. She reportedly replied, "It will bother me alot more when they stop asking me for my autograph."

Larry could learn alot from these ladies.

[raylawpc]

Halls of Fame . . .

It should be about the boxers. History, recognition, honor, rememberence.
An official "Thank You" from the fans, put together by a few "friends."
A time to rekindle a roaring fire, one that touched our spirits, warmed our hearts.

We still wanted to touch Mando Ramos, as he touched us.
Who better to give you the lowdown on Sugar Ray Robinson, than Gene Fullmer?
Shake the hand that broke the jaw of Muhammad Ali. If he's healthy, Ken Norton will be there to offer you that hand.

Ali? Maybe Laila, but Muhammad is a long-shot these days. When "The Greatest" was healthy, he was usually present at the banquet.

Frazier? Smokin' Joe is always willing to show up, but he comes with a price tag of about $10,000 + expenses.
A little steep for a non-profit organization. We offered him a booth to showcase and market his new book, travel & lodging expenses, lots of PR op's. He declined.

Larry Holmes was immediatly inducted into the WBHOF upon becoming eligable in '07.
Next to Joe Louis, Holmes defended the heavyweight title more times than any other champ in history. So he certainly deserves the honor.
Holmes wanted a huge paycheck to attend the event, plus first class travel and lodging for a dozen Easton, Pa. freeloaders.
We said, "No way. You will be inducted, if you want your bronze statue, you must attend the event sometime in the future."
Larry did show up in Canestoga when the IBHOF inducted him the following year.
The fans in Canestoga were put off by the former champ, who demanded $50 for every autograph he signed. He didn't sell one signature.

Then you have a rarity in the world of boxing today, a class act.
He was a three-time heavyweight champ, only lost a couple times and KOed those who beat him in rematches.
He's smart, successful and respecful. His name is Lennox Lewis

Too bad our American heavyweight reps of recent history weren't a product of such class.
The principles of prizefighter class among the Yank big boys was buried along with Dempsey, Louis and the Rock.
A Brit has picked up the slack left by his ignorant Yank comrads.

When we informed Lennox Lewis that he was being inducted into the WBHOF, he was honored.
He was scheduled to work his HBO gig on the date of our banquet, but we worked the date to fit his schedule.
We offered him travel and lodging for two, all expenses. Like everybody else.
Lewis was grateful for the honor and our rescheduling the event. He refused transportation or lodging expenses, just requested four tickets to the banquet.
The former champs entourage included his wife, mother an attorney.

Something tells me Dempsey would have done the same thing?
The Rock? Nah, Marciano was tight as a dead heat. But you can bet he'd have shown up for his induction had he been alive.
Joe Louis? Well, you can pretty much believe that we'd happily pay just about anything to secure the attendence of the "Brown Bomber".
No offense Larry, but you must understand, you were heavyweight champ, but you weren't Joe Louis. Nobody was.

I prefer the old timers, they aren't so complicated.


-Rick Farris

I just re-read Rick's posting and noticed that Lennox sought a ticket to his WBHOF induction for his attorney. Lennox Lewis just became my all-time favorite world heavyweight champion. (Sorry Jeff . . .)