Cornell Nolen (1960s HW)
Posted: 18 Apr 2021, 15:11
George Foreman posted about this HW on Facebook a few days ago, not sure anyone would remember him as he only has 6 fights recorded. Wouter done some digging and the surname is Nolen not Nolan.
https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/15777
“There is this New Heavyweight; Just out of prison in California. “Cornell Nolan”
He is bigger and stronger than “Sonny Liston.”
There were stories that he was kept separated from all the inmates because of his anger; took a half dozen guards to restrain him. Now he out to pursue a Pro-boxing career.
Back in the day there were 2 Boxing gyms in Oakland Cal. Dick Sadler used the Main Street gym with all his stable of fighters; including Charlie Shipes, Sonny Liston and George Foreman.
The reason for my finding Liston in the first place was because of too few big guys to spar with. He needed me and I him. Well, I did not like facing Liston in sparring ( a true bad man ) but comes Spring and Sadler decided I was to turn Pro. Liston was back in Vegas; but I needed work.
So without consulting with me, Sadler asked the camp of this strong man Cornell Nolan, would they like to spar; Cornell had a fight coming up as well. Cornell Nolan was actually bigger than Liston; Sonny Liston would nod his head when you said Hello, Nolan would Give off grunts.
How do you do “Grunnt” I’m thinking one big, bad guy after another coming out of Jail. And this what I have face? I did not like Sadler doing this to me. “Once he loses ( Nolan) his temper 6 men could not control him. But what could I say to Sadler?
The first session started; I was green; work your jab, Sadler kept saying. And did I work it. I threw a right had out of pure nervousness. When I did it knocked Mr. Nolan against the ropes, there some blood. He looked at me and waved Grunt-Grunt, “meaning come on.” Well Sadler said cheerfully “that’s it” we will see you tomorrow.
I remember thinking “yeah right” Charlie Shipes told me He had a friend who’d seen Carnell running the next morning and he kept saying he was going to have to hurt that Kid. ( me )
So I went to Sadler “Hey Dick, look I think I have scratched on my eye; I have a scratch under my eye. I didn’t want the next session with with Cornell Nolan.
I said again can you see it? Sadler looked at me and said “son in this business you’ll end up scratches on your Backside” though he had a more harsh word than Backside.
I did not want this workout today. Well to the Oakland gym we went and waited for hours; then someone from Nolan camp said his car can’t start and he won’t make it to the gym. Seems my jab and right were greater than my fear. And I also learn to always show up; the other guy has his fears as well.
George Foreman
https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/15777
“There is this New Heavyweight; Just out of prison in California. “Cornell Nolan”
He is bigger and stronger than “Sonny Liston.”
There were stories that he was kept separated from all the inmates because of his anger; took a half dozen guards to restrain him. Now he out to pursue a Pro-boxing career.
Back in the day there were 2 Boxing gyms in Oakland Cal. Dick Sadler used the Main Street gym with all his stable of fighters; including Charlie Shipes, Sonny Liston and George Foreman.
The reason for my finding Liston in the first place was because of too few big guys to spar with. He needed me and I him. Well, I did not like facing Liston in sparring ( a true bad man ) but comes Spring and Sadler decided I was to turn Pro. Liston was back in Vegas; but I needed work.
So without consulting with me, Sadler asked the camp of this strong man Cornell Nolan, would they like to spar; Cornell had a fight coming up as well. Cornell Nolan was actually bigger than Liston; Sonny Liston would nod his head when you said Hello, Nolan would Give off grunts.
How do you do “Grunnt” I’m thinking one big, bad guy after another coming out of Jail. And this what I have face? I did not like Sadler doing this to me. “Once he loses ( Nolan) his temper 6 men could not control him. But what could I say to Sadler?
The first session started; I was green; work your jab, Sadler kept saying. And did I work it. I threw a right had out of pure nervousness. When I did it knocked Mr. Nolan against the ropes, there some blood. He looked at me and waved Grunt-Grunt, “meaning come on.” Well Sadler said cheerfully “that’s it” we will see you tomorrow.
I remember thinking “yeah right” Charlie Shipes told me He had a friend who’d seen Carnell running the next morning and he kept saying he was going to have to hurt that Kid. ( me )
So I went to Sadler “Hey Dick, look I think I have scratched on my eye; I have a scratch under my eye. I didn’t want the next session with with Cornell Nolan.
I said again can you see it? Sadler looked at me and said “son in this business you’ll end up scratches on your Backside” though he had a more harsh word than Backside.
I did not want this workout today. Well to the Oakland gym we went and waited for hours; then someone from Nolan camp said his car can’t start and he won’t make it to the gym. Seems my jab and right were greater than my fear. And I also learn to always show up; the other guy has his fears as well.
George Foreman
