Tony Gardner, the USBA Welterweight Champ?

[coreygardner]

I had read somewhere that mentioned an interview with Tony Gardner, the "KO King", on Beale Street, and the article stated that he was the USBA Welterweight Champion.

I know that Gardner fought for the WBC Light Middleweight Title against Obed and lost in 2 rounds by TKO and he fought for the NABF Middleweight Title and lost in 4 rounds by KO, but nothing on his record about any other titles.

Gardner defeated Ray Christian twice by knockout in gruelling 10 round fights which may have been for a title and he defeated Bobby Williams in 12 round fights three times, perhaps for a title.

Any proof of any title victories for him?

[raylawpc]

I had read somewhere that mentioned an interview with Tony Gardner, the "KO King", on Beale Street, and the article stated that he was the USBA Welterweight Champion.

I know that Gardner fought for the WBC Light Middleweight Title against Obed and lost in 2 rounds by TKO and he fought for the NABF Middleweight Title and lost in 4 rounds by KO, but nothing on his record about any other titles.

Gardner defeated Ray Christian twice by knockout in gruelling 10 round fights which may have been for a title and he defeated Bobby Williams in 12 round fights three times, perhaps for a title.

Any proof of any title victories for him?

Tony claimed the North American Jr. Middleweight title by virtue of his second win over Christian - a 15 round KO. I was in his corner that night - actually, I was in his corner for both Christian fights and they were among the best fights I've ever seen in over 40 years watching fights and being involved in boxing. The Williams fights in Memphis may have been for a Tennessee or Mid-South title of some sort. I honestly can't remember; it's been too long ago. The third Williams fight was for Tony's claimed North American Jr. Middleweight title.

[coreygardner]

Ray,

You sure know a lot about Tony and that is a great compliment to him, in all of your 40 years of being involved in boxing, Gardner had the best knockout victory.

What is your email address?

My email is [email protected] and I would love to talk more about Tony Gardner.

He sounds interesting. I will definitely have to add him to my book. Do you have any details of Gardner's fight with Christian?

All the best,
Corey

[raylawpc]

Ray,

You sure know a lot about Tony and that is a great compliment to him, in all of your 40 years of being involved in boxing, Gardner had the best knockout victory.

What is your email address?

My email is [email protected] and I would love to talk more about Tony Gardner.

He sounds interesting. I will definitely have to add him to my book. Do you have any details of Gardner's fight with Christian?

All the best,
Corey

I remember a lot about that fight, and the other one too. They were great fights. I trained with Tony and was his cornerman from 1974-1976.

And I said it was among the best fights I've seen, not THE best. But it was a great fight, that's for sure!

[coreygardner]

I assume that Gardner and Christian fought for 10 and 15 grueling rounds and finally Gardner's hard right hand ended it with a grand finale finish.

If you find out where Tony Gardner is now, let me know.

When did he acquire the nickname, the "KO King"?

[raylawpc]

I assume that Gardner and Christian fought for 10 and 15 grueling rounds and finally Gardner's hard right hand ended it with a grand finale finish.

If you find out where Tony Gardner is now, let me know.

When did he acquire the nickname, the "KO King"?

Yeah, both times as I recall, Tony ended it with a right. Both guys were down in the fights. I may have some clippings of the fights somewhere, and if I can find them, I will post them.

Pat O'Grady gave him the name "KO King" when Tony became Pat's headliner circa 1974/75.

I have no idea where Tony is today, but I would imagine Memphis. That guy loved Memphis - he thought it was the greatest place in the world to live!

[raylawpc]

Corey: I sent you a private message.

[kayla]

So I was googling Tony Gardner to see what would pop up and i was brought to your conversation. Hes my grandfather, and you are right he is living in Memphis still :) Glad to know that people still remember him.

[kayla]

Id love to see those clippings :)

[Dart340]

Kayla, glad you Googled us and came onto this thread. Your grandfather had a fascinating career going from small-town fighter to World Title Challenger to traveling journeyman to trainer/matchmaker. I can tell you that we would love to hear stories about his time in Oklahoma under Pat O'Grady, his title shot against Elisha Obed, fighting a slew of contenders on the road, and then settling down in Orlando as the matchmaker. I doubt there is anyone else that has worn as many hats as him and knows the boxing business inside and out like he would. Does he enjoy talking about his career and would he be interested in being interviewed? Thanks in advance-Mark

[raylawpc]

So I was googling Tony Gardner to see what would pop up and i was brought to your conversation. Hes my grandfather, and you are right he is living in Memphis still :) Glad to know that people still remember him.

Oh my Gosh, Kayla! I am so glad you posted!! I have many wonderful memories of your Grandpa from our days in Oklahoma City. Please tell him I said Hi. Hard to believe a party-animal like Tony back in the day is a Grandpa. LOL (Of course, so am I . . .) I'll never forget your Grandfather.