BoxRec - User contributions [en]

Herman Weiner

2010-04-14T02:35:50Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Hermanweiner.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Hyman "Herman" Weiner]]

<boxer>13703</boxer>
A number of Weiner's early fights taken from Ibro #5 researched by Laurence Fielding.
===Biography===

===Harford Road===

'''Hyman "Herman" Weiner''' ("The Prince of Carlin's Park," "The Baltimore Banger") was born and raised in the tough Maryland neighborhood of Harford Road.He was one of three children; he had a sister and younger brother. A powerfully built, 6 feet 4 inches., and 190lbs., Weiner decided to seek his fame in the squared circle.

===The professional boxer===

Weiner turned pro on February 16, 1928 in Baltimore, Maryland with a 1st round knockout over [[Charley Boyd]]. On March 11, 1928, again in Baltimore, he KO'd [[Joe Garcia]] in 2 rounds. In his 3rd straight Baltimore appearance, Weiner knocked out [[Jack Pollock]] in 4 rounds. Next, he went on to Hagerstown, Maryland where he stopped [[Cowboy Taylor]] in 4 (on May 14, 1928), and [[Red Taylor]] in 5 rounds on June 19th.

===The toast of the town===

Weiner became the toast of Maryland with a string of knockouts at such hot spots as Carlin's and Oriole Park, the Palace and Gayety Theatres, and the 104th Armory. He became noted for his one punch knockout ability and his less then iron jaw. Almost every one of his fights ended by knockout either way, and fans flocked to see him.

Weiner suffered his first defeat on July 4, 1928 in Hagerstown, being KO'd in 2 rounds by "KO" [[Bill Butler]]. In a rematch, 12 days later in Baltimore, Weiner knocked out Butler in 6 rounds.

Weiner racked up an impressive amount of knockouts, KOing the likes of former world lightheavyweight champions [[Battling Levinsky]] and [[Paul Berlenbach]], both in the first round.

===Lupe Velize and Hell Harbor===
[[file:Hell's_Harbor.jpg|left|270px|thumb|Herman Weiner]]

His rugged-good looks caught the eye of a movie studio agent and Weiner found himself acting in the 1930 movie ''Hell Harbor'' starring Latin bombshell Lupe Velize. However, Weiner missed the ring and left Hollywood to continue his dream of a World Heavyweight Title.

===Dreams die hard===

Dreams die hard, and Weiner's tough fights had taken their toll; by age 26, and after losing consecutive fights to [[Marty Gallagher]], [[Natie Brown]] and [[Donald "Red" Barry]], Weiner announced his retirement.

===The comeback===

In 1934, Weiner launched a comeback. On Feb. 10th he KO'd [[Rex King]] in 2 rounds in Salisbury, Maryland. At the 104th Armory on Feb. 23rd, He scored a 2nd round stoppage over [[Jack Reed]]. In Newark, New Jersey, Weiner bombed out [[Eight Ball Taylor]]. On August 10, 1934, he continued his knockout steak with a 3rd round KO over [[Fred Klick]] also in Newark. Weiner, weighing 192lbs., scored his 5th straight knockout victory with a 2nd round knockout over [[Rex King]], 184lbs. at Carlins Park in Baltimore, Maryland on Oct. 29, 1934.

It seemed that Weiner was finally on his road to his title shot. But things turned for the worse on June 28, 1935 at Oriole Park, in Baltimore, Maryland, when Weiner lost an upset 5th round technical knockout to [[Tom Vetra]]. Fourteen months later, Weiner was destroyed in one round by hard-punching [[George "Dixie" Davis]] on August 31, 1936 in Richmond, Virginia. Herman Weiner would never fight again. His ring record was reported to be: 38-19-1 (31 knockouts).

===The final years===

Weiner became a fixture in his Maryland neighborhood. He was one of the first to wear blue jeans during the day, some 30 years before it became a mainstream fashion statement. He talked little of his ring career. On a rare occasion, he'd work in uncredited roles as a boxer in such movies as [[Body and Soul|''Body and Soul'']] and [[The Harder They Fall|''The Harder They Fall'']]. In 1958, the man who had knocked out world lightheavyweight champions [[Battling Levinsky]] and [[Paul Berlenbach]] in one round, died at age 52.

====Sources====

*http://books.google.com/books?id=T3rJ__lJy8oC&pg=PA47&lpg=PA47&dq=Herman+Weiner%2BHeavyweight&source=bl&ots=oy4Yh8Hmsn&sig=WYqqHJO45Z4UGUj8XMvu-CfQwPw&hl=en&ei=X1jDS7moBoG78gbl5Y3NCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CBsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=Herman%20Weiner%2BHeavyweight&f=false

*http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931863

* ''New York Times'', January 20, 1931, Sport's Section, page 30: WALKER WINS IN FIRST.

* ''New York Times'', Tuesday, June 18, 1929, Sport's Section, page 44: MONTAGNA KNOCKS OUT WEINER IN 2.

* ''New York Times'', Saturday, September 22, 1928, Sport's Section, page 22: LEVINSKY DEFEATS WEINER.

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Weiner, Herman]]

[[Category:Actors|Weiner, Herman]]

File:Hermanweiner.jpg

2010-04-14T02:33:39Z

Acunaboy: Baltimore Heavyweight Hyman (Herman) Weiner

Baltimore Heavyweight Hyman (Herman) Weiner

File:Hweiner.jpg

2010-04-14T02:31:16Z

Acunaboy: uploaded a new version of "File:Hweiner.jpg": Hyman "Herman" Weiner

Hyman "Herman" Weiner, Baltimore, Maryland Heavyweight

File:Hweiner.jpg

2010-04-14T02:24:22Z

Acunaboy: Hyman "Herman" Weiner, Baltimore, Maryland Heavyweight

Hyman "Herman" Weiner, Baltimore, Maryland Heavyweight

John Russell

2010-04-13T18:18:31Z

Acunaboy: /* Mini Biography */

<boxer>21528</boxer>
*Height: 6 feet 8 inches.
*Stance: Southpaw
*Hometown: Miami Beach, Florida
*Trainer: [[Shine Forbes]]
*Manager: Self-Managed

==Mini Biography==

John Russell worked as a dishwasher in Howie's Bar located near the 5th Street Gym on Miami Beach. Russell worked primarily as a sparring partner. He made his pro-debut against undefeated [[Al Migliorato]] who knocked him out in 18 seconds. Russell never fought again.

John Russell

2010-04-13T18:18:14Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>21528</boxer>
*Height: 6 feet 8 inches.
*Stance: Southpaw
*Hometown: Miami Beach, Florida
*Trainer: [[Shine Forbes]]
*Manager: Self-Managed

==Mini Biography==

John Russell worked as a dishwasher in Howie's Bar located near the 5th Street Gym on Miami Beach. Russell worked primarily as a sparring partner. He made his pro-debut against undefeated [[Ali Migliorato]] who knocked him out in 18 seconds. Russell never fought again.

John Russell

2010-04-13T18:14:26Z

Acunaboy: Created page with '<boxer>21528</boxer>'

Herman Weiner

2010-04-12T17:33:41Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Hell's_Harbor.jpg|left|270px|thumb|Herman Weiner]]
<boxer>13703</boxer>
A number of Weiner's early fights taken from Ibro #5 researched by Laurence Fielding.
===Biography===

===Harford Road===

'''Hyman "Herman" Weiner''' ("The Prince of Carlin's Park," "The Baltimore Banger") was born and raised in the tough Maryland neighborhood of Harford Road.He was one of three children; he had a sister and younger brother. A powerfully built, 6 feet 4 inches., and 190lbs., Weiner decided to seek his fame in the squared circle.

===The professional boxer===

Weiner turned pro on February 16, 1928 in Baltimore, Maryland with a 1st round knockout over [[Charley Boyd]]. On March 11, 1928, again in Baltimore, he KO'd [[Joe Garcia]] in 2 rounds. In his 3rd straight Baltimore appearance, Weiner knocked out [[Jack Pollock]] in 4 rounds. Next, he went on to Hagerstown, Maryland where he stopped [[Cowboy Taylor]] in 4 (on May 14, 1928), and [[Red Taylor]] in 5 rounds on June 19th.

===The toast of the town===

Weiner became the toast of Maryland with a string of knockouts at such hot spots as Carlin's and Oriole Park, the Palace and Gayety Theatres, and the 104th Armory. He became noted for his one punch knockout ability and his less then iron jaw. Almost every one of his fights ended by knockout either way, and fans flocked to see him.

Weiner suffered his first defeat on July 4, 1928 in Hagerstown, being KO'd in 2 rounds by "KO" [[Bill Butler]]. In a rematch, 12 days later in Baltimore, Weiner knocked out Butler in 6 rounds.

Weiner racked up an impressive amount of knockouts, KOing the likes of former world lightheavyweight champions [[Battling Levinsky]] and [[Paul Berlenbach]], both in the first round.

===Lupe Velize and Hell Harbor===

His rugged-good looks caught the eye of a movie studio agent and Weiner found himself acting in the 1930 movie ''Hell Harbor'' starring Latin bombshell Lupe Velize. However, Weiner missed the ring and left Hollywood to continue his dream of a World Heavyweight Title.

===Dreams die hard===

Dreams die hard, and Weiner's tough fights had taken their toll; by age 26, and after losing consecutive fights to [[Marty Gallagher]], [[Natie Brown]] and [[Donald "Red" Barry]], Weiner announced his retirement.

===The comeback===

In 1934, Weiner launched a comeback. On Feb. 10th he KO'd [[Rex King]] in 2 rounds in Salisbury, Maryland. At the 104th Armory on Feb. 23rd, He scored a 2nd round stoppage over [[Jack Reed]]. In Newark, New Jersey, Weiner bombed out [[Eight Ball Taylor]]. On August 10, 1934, he continued his knockout steak with a 3rd round KO over [[Fred Klick]] also in Newark. Weiner, weighing 192lbs., scored his 5th straight knockout victory with a 2nd round knockout over [[Rex King]], 184lbs. at Carlins Park in Baltimore, Maryland on Oct. 29, 1934.

It seemed that Weiner was finally on his road to his title shot. But things turned for the worse on June 28, 1935 at Oriole Park, in Baltimore, Maryland, when Weiner lost an upset 5th round technical knockout to [[Tom Vetra]]. Fourteen months later, Weiner was destroyed in one round by hard-punching [[George "Dixie" Davis]] on August 31, 1936 in Richmond, Virginia. Herman Weiner would never fight again. His ring record was reported to be: 38-19-1 (31 knockouts).

===The final years===

Weiner became a fixture in his Maryland neighborhood. He was one of the first to wear blue jeans during the day, some 30 years before it became a mainstream fashion statement. He talked little of his ring career. On a rare occasion, he'd work in uncredited roles as a boxer in such movies as [[Body and Soul|''Body and Soul'']] and [[The Harder They Fall|''The Harder They Fall'']]. In 1958, the man who had knocked out world lightheavyweight champions [[Battling Levinsky]] and [[Paul Berlenbach]] in one round, died at age 52.

====Sources====

*http://books.google.com/books?id=T3rJ__lJy8oC&pg=PA47&lpg=PA47&dq=Herman+Weiner%2BHeavyweight&source=bl&ots=oy4Yh8Hmsn&sig=WYqqHJO45Z4UGUj8XMvu-CfQwPw&hl=en&ei=X1jDS7moBoG78gbl5Y3NCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CBsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=Herman%20Weiner%2BHeavyweight&f=false

*http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931863

* ''New York Times'', January 20, 1931, Sport's Section, page 30: WALKER WINS IN FIRST.

* ''New York Times'', Tuesday, June 18, 1929, Sport's Section, page 44: MONTAGNA KNOCKS OUT WEINER IN 2.

* ''New York Times'', Saturday, September 22, 1928, Sport's Section, page 22: LEVINSKY DEFEATS WEINER.

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Weiner, Herman]]

[[Category:Actors|Weiner, Herman]]

Al Migliorato

2010-04-12T17:19:24Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Migliorato.jpg|left|300px|AlMigliorato]]
<boxer>21514</boxer>

 

===Biography===

Heavyweight prospect '''Al Migliorato''' was born and raised in Wampum, PA. In 1960, he won an award for the best stamp and baseball card collection, his first taste of fame. In 1964, he represented Wampum Playground in the annual Checker Tournament.

As a youngster he dreamed of following in the footsteps of [[Rocky Marciano]]. However, his ring idol was [[Muhammad Ali]]. Migliorato copied Ali's style of dancing around the ring, shuffling his feet, jabbing, and striking his opponents with lightning-fast combinations. He also used Ali's antics of yelling and screaming, " I'm the Greatest!"

[[file:almigliorato.jpg|left|thumb|Al Migliorato]]

According to an article on May 9, 1973 in the ''Miami News'', Migliorato was an undefeated amateur boxer with a record of 28-0 (28 knockouts)when he faced [[Muhammad Ali]] in a 4-round exhibition on February 18, 1972 in Pittsburgh. Migliorato said that fans called him "The White Ali", and that the local commission told him that he had to turn pro after the Ali exhibition. Migliorato also claimed that Ali's trainer, [[Angelo Dundee]] was so impressed by his performance, that he signed to manage and train him. In an article in ''The Evening Independent'' on May 14, 1982, Migliorato claimed to have beaten [[Duane Bobick]] as an amateur.

He turned professional on August 10, 1972 with a 2nd round knockout over [[Willie Buck]]. (Other reports have him turing pro in 1971. One article had him scheduled to turn pro on April 5, 1972 in Canton Ohio. Research is ongoing.)

Migliorato posted a record of 4-0-1 (another report has him at 3-0-1), before signing with Angelo Dundee(Migliorato claimed in a 1973 ''Miami News'' story that Dundee signed him after the Ali exhibition.) and moving to Florida where he fought on several of Chris Dundee's Tuesday night boxing shows in the old Miami Beach Auditorium.

In 1973, Migliorato fought 22 times, winning 21, 20 by knockout, and fighting a draw with [[Holly Williams]] on March 13, 1973 in Miami Beach.

Migliorato quickly earned the reputation as a "Giant Killer", defeating 6 foot 8 inch., 265 pound, [[James Clatman]], 6 feet 7 inch. [[John Russell]](by knockout in 18 seconds), and 6 feet 8 inch. [[James Youngblood]].

Migliorato's only difficult fight was with [[John Connors]]. Connors stunned Migliorato with a left hook which sent him to the canvas for a nine count in the opening seconds of their fight. Just when it seemed that an upset was in the making, Migliorato caught Connors with a lightning fast combination; sending him crashing to the canvas, out cold.

In 1974, Migliorato achieved national attention and was featured in the ''The Ring'' magazine as an upcoming prospect, following an upset 3rd round knockout over the highly regarded [[Dave Matthews]] on January 22, 1974 in Hollywood, Florida. Migliorato stretched his knockout streak to 20 straight with a one-round knockout over [[Jim Owens]] on December 12, 1974 in Louisville.

However, Migliorato's undefeated record came to a stunning halt when he was bombed out in two rounds by club-fighter [[Lou Rogan]] on January 21, 1975. Migliorato claimed that he defeated Rogan in a rematch, but as of yet, this fight has not been confirmed. Regardless, following this defeat, Migliorato's career took a nose dive and he suffered knockout losses at the hands of [[Eugene Idolette]] in one round and [[Clyde Fussell]] in four. He retired in 1980 following a decision win over [[Charlie "Emperor" Harris]]. His career record was 37-4-2 with 33 knockouts.

In "The Evening Independent" article of May 14, 1982, Migliorato was credited with a 52-3 boxing record, and was reported to be the "Southern Lightheavyweight Champion". Migliorato also claimed in the article to have beaten former heavyweight contender [[Ron Stander]] and number 1 cruiserweight contender [[Randy Stevens]]. He also claimed he was currently 17-0 (16 knockouts) as a lightheavyweight. He told reporter Tim McDonald that if World 175-pound champion [[Dwight Braxton]] wouldn't fight him that he would retire and focus on his career as a baseball umpire.

With his fistic career over, Migliorato became a minor league baseball umpire with the Florida State League. On June 27, 1983, Migliorato was umpiring a charity softball game between the Miami Dolphins Football Team and the Florida Highway Patrol, when he got into an on-field argument with Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe. Migliorato sued Duhe for $500,000.00, claiming he was pushed, spat upon, and humiliated. On June 7, 1984, a jury deliberated for over 2 hours, and concluded that Migliorato was not entitled to any damages.

On Friday, November 3, 1989 in Zephyrhills, Florida, Al Migliorato died in a freak evening skydiving accident. He jumped out of a plane before his son's high school football game at Lake Mary High School Stadium. Migliorato was carrying the game ball and planned to land on the football field to deliver it to the team. For some unknown reason, Migliorato failed to pull his rip-cord and landed in the street outside of the playing field. Migliorato died shortly after 7 p.m. when he fell 3,500 feet into a neighborhood four blocks from the stadium. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died. Police said Migliorato died of injuries from the impact. The unused emergency chute, packed by a licensed rigger at Skydive DeLand Inc., opened properly when later tested on the ground by police. Police said Migliorato had never jumped at night before, a skill requiring a special license.Some time before his fatal jump, Migliorato asked Skydive DeLand instructor Bob Hallett to teach him to jump at night, but Hallett refused, saying Migliorato did not have enough experience. Hallett declined to comment to the press following Migliorato's death.

Lake Mary High School Principal Don Reynolds and the school's assistant principals had approved the jump in a staff meeting because ''we agreed it would be nice,'' said assistant principal Bill Moore.''He (Migliorato) said he was experienced and had done numerous night jumps,'' Moore said. ''He was a very respected parent and we didn't have any reason to question him.''

Services were held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Goldenrod.

====Sources====

*''Minor League Basball.com'', August 6, 2008: FSL Ump got blitzed by All-Pro linebacker: Migliorato sued Dolphins Star followed heated exchange at home plate, by Kevin T. Czcrwinski.
*''Miami Herald'', November 6, 1989, page 4B, Front: 2 MEN FALL TO THEIR DEATHS IN SEPERATE SKYDIVING ACCIDENTS.
*''Miami Herald'', June 8, 1984, 2C Local.
*''Miami Herald'', June 28, 1983, 1C Sports: MARLINS PRE-GAME SHOW IRKS DUHE.
*''Glove'' (Boxing Newspaper),Publisher [[J.Lawrence Bradley]], Editor [[Mark W. Moore]],
February 1975, page 7: MAMA MIA! MIGLIORATO!
*''The Evening Independent'', May 14, 1982: THIS UMP IS GIVING BOXING THE COUNT by Tim McDonald.
*''Miami News'', May 9, 1973: Migliorato Makes Charley Clark is 12th KO victim by Jonathan Rand.

[[category: Italian American Boxers|Migliorato, Al]]

Billy Kilgore

2010-02-19T20:03:13Z

Acunaboy: /* Biography */

[[file:billykilgore.jpg|left|Billy Kilgore]]
<boxer>11809</boxer>
 

== Biography ==

'''Billy Kilgore''' was Miami Beach, Florida's most-popular fighter during the late 1950s. He was known as "Miami's Personality Kid." Kilgore was considered the top drawing fighter in Miami Beach in 1956 by promotor [[Chris Dundee]].

Billy Kilgore's fights were so popular that singer [[Frank Sinatra]] and fellow Rat Packers [[Dean Martin]], [[Peter Lawford]], and [[Joey Bishop]] were fans of his.

Kilgore helped defray the medical instrument expenses of former University of Miami collegiate boxing champion [[Mickey Demos]], and would be a partner when Demos went into private practice. Kilgore also invested in an exterminating company.

Kilgore became the last man to defeat former world middleweight champion [[Jake LaMotta]]. He also scored victories over contenders [[Lee Sala]], [[Steve Belloise]], and [[Ernie Durango]]. In 1956, Kilgore defeated 7-5 favorite [[Billy McNeece]] at 1:16 of the 5th round in Miami Beach before a crowd of 1,657 fans. Belloise, LaMotta, and McNeece all retired following their defeats to Kilgore.

Kilgore won the Florida Middleweight Boxing Title, and retired with the title.

For a number of years Kilgore ran an exterminator business in South Florida. However, as years went by, he was slowly forgotten by his fans. He lived out the last few years of his life in the Hebrew Home for the Aged on South Beach. Later he suffered a stroke which affected his memory. Billy Kilgore, who had rubbed elbows with the elite of the entertainment world, met local mayors and politicians, and was friends with the upper crust of the Miami Beach social scene, died broke and forgotten in that South Beach old-age home.

== Sources ==

* ''Miami News'', May 3, 1956: NINO:GET A WIN OR GET A JOB.

* ''Miami News'', May 29, 1956, Page 16: THE SPORTSCENE-NOTES UPON A TUESDAY.

* ''Miami News'', Tuesday, May 29, 1956: MCNEECE RISKS VIDEO SHOT; FACES KILGORE.

* ''Miami News'', Wednesday, May 30, 1956: KILGORE MAY BOX TROY, BILLY MCNEECE TO QUIT, by Art Grace (''Miami News'' Staff Writer).

* ''Sun News'', Wednesday, May 30, 1956: UNLESS TV BECKONS, THIS KILGORE'S AN EXTERMINATOR, by Mert Wetstein (''Sun'' Sports Editor).

Vicente Rondon

2010-02-19T20:01:47Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Overview */

[[file:VicenteRondon1973.jpg|left|thumb|Vicente Rondon]]
<boxer>016248</boxer>
'''Manager:''' [[Felix Zabala Sr.]] 
 
== Career Overview ==
Amateur Record: 34-0 (31 KO)

Vicente Paul Rondon's nickname was "El Muchachote de Barlovento". At almost 6 feet 3 inches and 160 pounds, Rondon was one of the strongest amateur boxers in South America. He compiled an outstanding record of 34-0 with 31 knockouts.

Rondon began fighting as a middleweight and made a name for himself with victories over former world welterweight champion [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] and middleweight contender [[Bennie Briscoe]].

However, Rondon was growing and quickly established himself as a top rated light heavyweight with impressive wins over [[Roger Rouse]], [[Eddie Talhami]], and [[Allen Thomas]].

World Light heavyweight Champion [[Bob Foster]] didn't seem eager to fight the #2 ranked Rondon or the #1 rated [[Jimmy Dupree]]. The [[WBA]] stripped Foster of his title and matched Rondon and Dupree.

In an exciting slugfest, Rondon climbed off the canvas in the second round to stop the favored Dupree at 2:58 of the 6th round. At the time of the stopage, referee [[Zack Clayton]] had the fight scored even at 47-47. Judge [[Dimas Hernandez]] also scored the bout 47-47, and judge [[Gustavo Vargas]] favored Rondon, 48-47. Following the fight, a controversy broke out with Dupree claiming he was drugged. The ''United Press International'' published a story of the claim. In the UPI article, Charliese Smith, a registered nurse and friend of Dupree said, " I believe Jimmy was drugged. I saw Jimmy after the fight and he was very very weak. His vision was blurry and he couldn't even see the other side of the room." She went on to say, " I know of muscle relaxants that can be administered in food and I'm convinced that Jimmy was given something."

Regardless of the charges, the ''World Boxing Association recognized Rondon as world champion, while the ''Ring Magazine'' viewed [[Bob Foster]] as the legit Lightheavyweight king.

1971 was an outstanding year for Rondon with a number of title defenses. He became the first and only fighter to stop [[Gomeo Brennan]]. Many experts felt that Rondon could and would defeat [[Bob Foster]].

In 1972, however, Rondon lost to Foster in 2 rounds. Later, at heavyweight, he was beaten by [[Earnie Shavers]], [[Ron Lyle]] and [[Jose Manuel Urtain]].

Rondon did better in 1973 as he started to trim down in weight. He looked highly skilled and impressive by scoring a 10 round decision over undefeated prospect [[Oliver Wright]] on Miami Beach. Shortly after he stopped heavyweight [[Mike Boswell|Mike "Jim" Boswell]] in 4 rounds.

An attempt to regain the light heavyweight title, saw him drop a decision to number 1 rated [[Len Hutchins]], and then suffer a 9th round technical knockout to [[John Conteh]].

In 1974, Rondon weighing 188 pounds went back to the heavyweight division, where he would be largely unsuccesful. He was unable to get off the stool for round three in his fight with [[Rodney Bobick]] at Miami Beach, Florida. In his next fight he was knocked out in 2 rounds by former world heavyweight title contender [[Jose Roman|Joe "King" Roman]].

Rondon suffered severe depression, leading to his being confined to a Venezuelan mental hospital.

Further depressed over the death of his mother, Vicente Paul Rondon, died forgotten and broke in poverty in Santa Ana de Carapita, a slum of Caracas. He was 54.

== Sources ==

*'''Ring Boxing Record Book''' 1975.
*'''Miami Herald''', February 20, 1974, Sports.
*'''Fight Program: JOE KING ROMAN VS LEVI FORTE''', March 17, 1977, War Memorial Auditorium, Tastee Concerts Sports(James P. Keough, promotor, Rocky Golio, matchmaker, John Ferero, coordinator)-Promotion, Robert L. Agree and VFW Post No. 1966, page 3: Joe King Roman Bio: "Fought LHVY Champion Vincente Rondon(1975), won by knockout in 10 rounds.
*'''Ring Magazine''', June 1971, pages 30,59: RONDON STOPS DUPREE BUT THE RING STILL BACKS FOSTER, by [[Randy Gallagher]].

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Bob Foster]] Stripped|
title=[[WBA Light Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Bob Foster]]|
years=1971 Feb 27 – 1972 Apr 7
}}
{{end box}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rondon, Vicente}}
[[Category:World Light Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Venezuelan World Champions]]

Vicente Rondon

2010-02-19T20:01:25Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Overview */

[[file:VicenteRondon1973.jpg|left|thumb|Vicente Rondon]]
<boxer>016248</boxer>
'''Manager:''' [[Felix Zabala Sr.]] 
 
== Career Overview ==
Amateur Record: 34-0 (31 KO)

Vicente Paul Rondon's nickname was "El Muchachote de Barlovento". At almost 6 feet 3 inches and 160 pounds, Rondon was one of the strongest amateur boxers in South America. He compiled an outstanding record of 34-0 with 31 knockouts.

Rondon began fighting as a middleweight and made a name for himself with victories over former world welterweight champion [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] and middleweight contender [[Bennie Briscoe]].

However, Rondon was growing and quickly established himself as a top rated light heavyweight with impressive wins over [[Roger Rouse]], [[Eddie Talhami]], and [[Allen Thomas]].

World Light heavyweight Champion [[Bob Foster]] didn't seem eager to fight the #2 ranked Rondon or the #1 rated [[Jimmy Dupree]]. The [[WBA]] stripped Foster of his title and matched Rondon and Dupree.

In an exciting slugfest, Rondon climbed off the canvas in the second round to stop the favored Dupree at 2:58 of the 6th round. At the time of the stopage, referee [[Zack Clayton]] had the fight scored even at 47-47. Judge [[Dimas Hernandez]] also scored the bout 47-47, and judge [[Gustavo Vargas]] favored Rondon, 48-47. Following the fight, a controversy broke out with Dupree claiming he was drugged. The ''United Press International'' published a story of the claim. In the UPI article, Charliese Smith, a registered nurse and friend of Dupree said, " I believe Jimmy was drugged. I saw Jimmy after the fight and he was very very weak. His vision was blurry and he couldn't even see the other side of the room." She went on to say, " I know of muscle relaxants that can be administered in food and I'm convinced that Jimmy was given something."

Regardless of the charges, the ''World Boxing Association recognized Rondon as world champion, while the ''Ring Magazine'' viewed [[Bob Foster]] as the legit Lightheavyweight king.

1971 was an outstanding year for Rondon with a number of title defenses. He became the first and only fighter to stop [[Gomeo Brennan]]. Many experts felt that Rondon could and would defeat [[Bob Foster]].

In 1972, however, Rondon lost to Foster in 2 rounds. Later, at heavyweight, he was beaten by [[Earnie Shavers]], [[Ron Lyle]] and [[Jose Manuel Urtain]].

Rondon did better in 1973 as he started to trim down in weight. He looked highly skilled and impressive by scoring a 10 round decision over undefeated prospect [[Oliver Wright]] on Miami Beach. Shortly after he stopped heavyweight [[Mike Boswell|Mike "Jim" Boswell]] in 4 rounds.

An attempt to regain the light heavyweight title, saw him drop a decision to number 1 rated [[Len Hutchins]], and then suffer a 9th round technical knockout to [[John Conteh]].

In 1974, Rondon weighing 188 pounds went back to the heavyweight division, where he would be largely unsuccesful. He was unable to get off the stool for round three in his fight with [[Rodney Bobick]] at Miami Beach, Florida. In his next fight he was knocked out in 2 rounds by former world heavyweight title contender [[Jose Roman|Joe "King" Roman]].

Rondon suffered severe depression, leading to his being confined to a Venezuelan mental hospital.

Further depressed over the death of is mother, Vicente Paul Rondon, died forgotten and broke in poverty in Santa Ana de Carapita, a slum of Caracas. He was 54.

== Sources ==

*'''Ring Boxing Record Book''' 1975.
*'''Miami Herald''', February 20, 1974, Sports.
*'''Fight Program: JOE KING ROMAN VS LEVI FORTE''', March 17, 1977, War Memorial Auditorium, Tastee Concerts Sports(James P. Keough, promotor, Rocky Golio, matchmaker, John Ferero, coordinator)-Promotion, Robert L. Agree and VFW Post No. 1966, page 3: Joe King Roman Bio: "Fought LHVY Champion Vincente Rondon(1975), won by knockout in 10 rounds.
*'''Ring Magazine''', June 1971, pages 30,59: RONDON STOPS DUPREE BUT THE RING STILL BACKS FOSTER, by [[Randy Gallagher]].

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Bob Foster]] Stripped|
title=[[WBA Light Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Bob Foster]]|
years=1971 Feb 27 – 1972 Apr 7
}}
{{end box}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rondon, Vicente}}
[[Category:World Light Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Venezuelan World Champions]]

Al Migliorato

2010-02-19T19:39:51Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Migliorato.jpg|left|300px|AlMigliorato]]
<boxer>21514</boxer>

 

===Biography===

Heavyweight prospect '''Al Migliorato''' was born and raised in Wampum, PA. In 1960, he won an award for the best stamp and baseball card collection, his first taste of fame. In 1964, he represented Wampum Playground in the annual Checker Tournament.

As a youngster he dreamed of following in the footsteps of [[Rocky Marciano]]. However, his ring idol was [[Muhammad Ali]]. Migliorato copied Ali's style of dancing around the ring, shuffling his feet, jabbing, and striking his opponents with lightning-fast combinations. He also used Ali's antics of yelling and screaming, " I'm the Greatest!"

[[file:almigliorato.jpg|left|thumb|Al Migliorato]]

According to an article on May 9, 1973 in the ''Miami News'', Migliorato was an undefeated amateur boxer with a record of 28-0 (28 knockouts)when he faced [[Muhammad Ali]] in a 4-round exhibition on February 18, 1972 in Pittsburgh. Migliorato said that fans called him "The White Ali", and that the local commission told him that he had to turn pro after the Ali exhibition. Migliorato also claimed that Ali's trainer, [[Angelo Dundee]] was so impressed by his performance, that he signed to manage and train him. In an article in ''The Evening Independent'' on May 14, 1982, Migliorato claimed to have beaten [[Duane Bobick]] as an amateur.

He turned professional on August 10, 1972 with a 2nd round knockout over [[Willie Buck]]. (Other reports have him turing pro in 1971. One article had him scheduled to turn pro on April 5, 1972 in Canton Ohio. Research is ongoing.)

Migliorato posted a record of 4-0-1 (another report has him at 3-0-1), before signing with Angelo Dundee(Migliorato claimed in a 1973 ''Miami News'' story that Dundee signed him after the Ali exhibition.) and moving to Florida where he fought on several of Chris Dundee's Tuesday night boxing shows in the old Miami Beach Auditorium.

In 1973, Migliorato fought 22 times, winning 21, 20 by knockout, and fighting a draw with [[Holly Williams]] on March 13, 1973 in Miami Beach.

Migliorato quickly earned the reputation as a "Giant Killer", defeating 6 foot 8 inch., 265 pound, [[James Clatman]], 6 feet 7 inch. [[John Russell]](by knockout in 18 seconds), and 6 feet 8 inch. [[James Youngblood]].

Migliorato's only difficult fight was with [[John Connors]]. Connors stunned Migliorato with a left hook which sent him to the canvas for a nine count in the opening seconds of their fight. Just when it seemed that an upset was in the making, Migliorato caught Connors with a lightning fast combination; sending him crashing to the canvas, out cold.

In 1974, Migliorato achieved national attention and was featured in the ''The Ring'' magazine as an upcoming prospect, following an upset 3rd round knockout over the highly regarded [[Dave Matthews]] on January 22, 1974 in Hollywood, Florida. Migliorato stretched his knockout streak to 20 straight with a one-round knockout over [[Jim Owens]] on December 12, 1974 in Louisville.

However, Migliorato's undefeated record came to a stunning halt when he was bombed out in two rounds by club-fighter [[Lou Rogan]] on January 21, 1975. Migliorato claimed that he defeated Rogan in a rematch, but as of yet, this fight has not been confirmed. Regardless, following this defeat, Migliorato's career took a nose dive and he suffered knockout losses at the hands of [[Eugene Idolette]] in one round and [[Clyde Fussell]] in four. He retired in 1980 following a decision win over [[Charlie "Emperor" Harris]]. His career record was 37-4-2 with 33 knockouts.

In "The Evening Independent" article of May 14, 1982, Migliorato was credited with a 52-3 boxing record, and was reported to be the "Southern Lightheavyweight Champion". Migliorato also claimed in the article to have beaten former heavyweight contender [[Ron Stander]] and number 1 cruiserweight contender [[Randy Stevens]]. He also claimed he was currently 17-0 (16 knockouts) as a lightheavyweight. He told reporter Tim McDonald that if World 175-pound champion [[Dwight Braxton]] wouldn't fight him that he would retire and focus on his career as a baseball umpire.

With his fistic career over, Migliorato became a minor league baseball umpire with the Florida State League. On June 27, 1983, Migliorato was umpiring a charity softball game between the Miami Dolphins Football Team and the Florida Highway Patrol, when he got into an on-field argument with Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe. Migliorato sued Duhe for $500,000.00, claiming he was pushed, spat upon, and humiliated. On June 7, 1984, a jury deliberated for over 2 hours, and concluded that Migliorato was not entitled to any damages.

On Friday, November 3, 1989 in Zephyrhills, Florida, Al Migliorato died in a freak evening skydiving accident. He jumped out of a plane before his son's high school football game at Lake Mary High School Stadium. Migliorato was carrying the game ball and planned to land on the football field to deliver it to the team. For some unknown reason, Migliorato failed to pull his rip-cord and landed in the street outside of the playing field. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

====Sources====

*''Minor League Basball.com'', August 6, 2008: FSL Ump got blitzed by All-Pro linebacker: Migliorato sued Dolphins Star followed heated exchange at home plate, by Kevin T. Czcrwinski.
*''Miami Herald'', November 6, 1989, page 4B, Front: 2 MEN FALL TO THEIR DEATHS IN SEPERATE SKYDIVING ACCIDENTS.
*''Miami Herald'', June 8, 1984, 2C Local.
*''Miami Herald'', June 28, 1983, 1C Sports: MARLINS PRE-GAME SHOW IRKS DUHE.
*''Glove'' (Boxing Newspaper),Publisher [[J.Lawrence Bradley]], Editor [[Mark W. Moore]],
February 1975, page 7: MAMA MIA! MIGLIORATO!
*''The Evening Independent'', May 14, 1982: THIS UMP IS GIVING BOXING THE COUNT by Tim McDonald.
*''Miami News'', May 9, 1973: Migliorato Makes Charley Clark is 12th KO victim by Jonathan Rand.

[[category: Italian American Boxers|Migliorato, Al]]

Tony Esperti

2010-01-15T19:38:46Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Review */

[[file: TonyEsperti1961.jpg|left|185px|TonyEsperti]]
<boxer>009364</boxer>
'''Height:''' 6'3 
'''Weight:''' 195 lbs 
'''Birth Name:''' Anthony Esperti 
'''Alias:''' "Big Tony" Esperti
 
== Career Review ==

'''Antony (Tony) Esperti''' is best remembered as one of [[Muhammad Ali]]'s early opponents. However, Esperti was an infamous character on Miami Beach during the late 1950s and 1960s.

Esperti was known around Miami Beach, Florida as Anthony "Big Tony" Esperti. His profession may have been , "Heavyweight Boxer", but around town, he was known to be associated with some "interesting" people.

Esperti trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]]. He reportedly worked as a sparring partner for [[Sonny Liston]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].

Tony turned pro in New York State, but launched a comeback in his new hometown of Miami Beach, Florida. Esperti was known as a flashy dresser and was seen around the hot-spots of South Florida's club scene.

Once his boxing career ended in the early 1960s, Esperti became a fixture in local newspapers with arrests for assault and battery.

According to an article in the ''Miami Herald'' newspaper in 1967, Esperti was arrested eleven times. However, in all 11 cases, the victims refused to press charges against him.

In 1967, Big Tony was the apparent target of a bomb that missed it's mark at Happy's Stork lounge on the 79th street causeway, in North Bay Village, Florida.

On October 31, 1967 at the Place for Steak restaurant in North Bay Village, Florida, Esperti was arrested for gunning down Thomas "The Enforcer" Altamura, a reputed mobster. According to newspaper reports, Altamura was waiting to be seated at the restaurant, when Esperti reportedly approached and shot him to death.

Police arrested the 245 pound,Big Tony Esperti for the killing.Upon advice of his lawyer, Esperti refused the police department's request to let them swab his hands for gunpowder. The police decided to use whatever force was necessary. Esperti resisted. He threw three police officers around like rag dolls. Finally, officers grabbed his arms and took him to the floor. In a moment when the other detectives were on the floor grappling with his arms, one officer kicked Esperti in the testicles; Esperti's hand yielded a flake of fresh gunpowder.

Esperti was sentenced to prison for the Altamura prison.

== Sources ==

*''http://www.ccfj.net/condothug.html''
*''The New York Times'', November 30, 1952, Sport's Section, page 54: ESPERTI OUTPOINTS O'CONNOR.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 1967.
*''Miami Herald'', August 12, 1982, Neighbors MB, Page 10: NEIGHBORS.
*''Miami Herald'', December 15, 1988, Neighbors, Page 14: MOBSTERS AND MOLLS ONCE FLOCKED TO VILLIAGE EATERIES.
*''Miami Herald'', September 14, 1993, Neighbors, Page 1: 79TH STREET CAUSEWAY EATERIES NEVER GET STALE.
*''Miami Herald'', August 4, 1996, Tropic, Page 10: TROPIC.
*''Miami New Times'', December 2, 2000: NORTH BAY CONFIDENTIAL, by Gaspar Gonzalez.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 2002: Front Section, Page 4A: TODAY IN HERALD HISTORY.
*''Miami Herald'', February 12, 2006: Neighbors MB, Page 4: SALON HAS DEEP ROOTS.

Tony Esperti

2010-01-15T19:37:27Z

Acunaboy:

[[file: TonyEsperti1961.jpg|left|185px|TonyEsperti]]
<boxer>009364</boxer>
'''Height:''' 6'3 
'''Weight:''' 195 lbs 
'''Birth Name:''' Anthony Esperti 
'''Alias:''' "Big Tony" Esperti
 
== Career Review ==

'''Antony (Tony) Esperti''' is best remembered as one of [[Muhammad Ali]]'s early opponents. However, Esperti was an infamous character on Miami Beach during the late 1950s and 1960s.

Esperti was known around Miami Beach, Florida as Anthony "Big Tony" Esperti. His profession may have been , "Heavyweight Boxer", but around town, he was known to be associated with some "interesting" people.

Esperti trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]]. He reportedly worked as a sparring partner for [[Sonny Liston]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].

Tony turned pro in New York State, but launched a comeback in his new hometown of Miami Beach, Florida. Esperti was known as a flashy dresser and was seen around the hot-spots of South Florida's club scene.

Once his boxing career ended in the early 1960s, Esperti became a fixture in local newspapers with arrests for assault and battery.

According to an article in the ''Miami Herald'' newspaper in 1967, Esperti was arrested eleven times. However, in all 11 cases, the victims refused to press charges against him.

In 1967, Big Tony was the apparent target of a bomb that missed it's mark at Happy's Stork lounge on the 79th street causeway, in North Bay Village, Florida.

On October 31, 1967 at the Place for Steak restaurant in North Bay Village, Florida, Esperti was arrested for gunning down Thomas "The Enforcer" Altamura, a reputed mobster. According to newspaper reports, Altamura was waiting to be seated at the restaurant, when Esperti reportedly approached and shot him to death.

Police arrested the 245 pound,Big Tony Esperti for the Mafia killing.Upon advice of his mob lawyer, Esperti refused the police department's request to let them swab his hands for gunpowder. The police decided to use whatever force was necessary. Esperti resisted. He threw three police officers around like rag dolls. Finally, officers grabbed his arms and took him to the floor. In a moment when the other detectives were on the floor grappling with his arms, one officer kicked Esperti in the testicles; Esperti's hand yielded a flake of fresh gunpowder.

Esperti was sentenced to prison for the Altamura prison.

== Sources ==

*''http://www.ccfj.net/condothug.html''
*''The New York Times'', November 30, 1952, Sport's Section, page 54: ESPERTI OUTPOINTS O'CONNOR.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 1967.
*''Miami Herald'', August 12, 1982, Neighbors MB, Page 10: NEIGHBORS.
*''Miami Herald'', December 15, 1988, Neighbors, Page 14: MOBSTERS AND MOLLS ONCE FLOCKED TO VILLIAGE EATERIES.
*''Miami Herald'', September 14, 1993, Neighbors, Page 1: 79TH STREET CAUSEWAY EATERIES NEVER GET STALE.
*''Miami Herald'', August 4, 1996, Tropic, Page 10: TROPIC.
*''Miami New Times'', December 2, 2000: NORTH BAY CONFIDENTIAL, by Gaspar Gonzalez.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 2002: Front Section, Page 4A: TODAY IN HERALD HISTORY.
*''Miami Herald'', February 12, 2006: Neighbors MB, Page 4: SALON HAS DEEP ROOTS.

Talk:Jimmy Robinson

2010-01-15T19:26:37Z

Acunaboy: Created page with 'There is a missing fight here. "Slim" Jimmy Robinson knocked out Ron "110th Street Black" Casey in 2 rounds in Lemon City, Florida in 1961.'

There is a missing fight here. "Slim" Jimmy Robinson knocked out Ron "110th Street Black" Casey in 2 rounds in Lemon City, Florida in 1961.

Jimmy Robinson

2010-01-09T03:12:45Z

Acunaboy: /* Mini-Biography */

[[file:Jimrobinson.jpg|left|300px|"Sweet"Jimmy Robinson1979]]

<boxer>118939</boxer>
*'''Nickname: "Sweet"
*'''Manager: Clyde Killens'''

==Mini-Biography==

'''Sweet Jimmy Robinson's''' claim to fame was his 96 second loss to future 3-Time World Heavyweight Champion [[Muhammad Ali]].

A middleweight who fought up to heavyweight, Robinson was nothing more then a local club-fighter who was used as a stepping-stone for upcoming South Florida prospects.

Robinson was managed by pool-hall owner, Clyde Killens. He generally filled in as a last minute sub on [[Chris Dundee]] promotions in Miami-Dade County. "Sweet Jimmy" trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]], but lived in the Overtown section of Miami known as Liberty City.

According to newspaper reports, Robinson was born in Kansas City, but relocated to Miami. In a 1979 interview, Robinson said he was born in 1925, making him 36 years old when he fought Ali, then known as [[Cassius Clay]]. Robinson always carried his ring gear in an old U.S. Army bag, and he claimed to be veteran.

[[file:Jrobinson1979.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Robinson in Miami, FL 1979]]

"Sweet Jimmy's" ring career ended in 1963, and he became a fixture in local pool halls and street corners in Liberty City. In 1968, he was dug out of retirement to fight [[Kent Green]] on Miami Beach. Green was the only fighter at the time to hold a TKO win over [[Muhammad Ali]]. Green stopped Ali as an amateur some ten years earlier. Green landed two punches and Robinson went down and out in under a minute.

Since 1979, the whereabouts of Robinson have been a mystery. Most local Overtown residents recall him as a homeless man who bummed change off of pool-hall customers, and spoke endlessly of his fight with Ali.

==Trivia==

*Record is from the 1965 RING RECORD BOOK, p. 531.

*This boxer should not be confused with Jim Robinson: Philadelphia Light Heavy-Heavyweight, who fought from 1953-1962:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009365
(1960/1963 RING RECORD BOOKS.)

*Robinson trained at the ''5th Street Gym'' on Miami Beach.

File:Jrobinson1979.jpg

2010-01-09T03:09:55Z

Acunaboy: "Sweet" Jimmy Robinson in Miami, FL 1979

"Sweet" Jimmy Robinson in Miami, FL 1979

Jimmy Robinson

2010-01-09T03:07:41Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Jimrobinson.jpg|left|300px|"Sweet"Jimmy Robinson1979]]

<boxer>118939</boxer>
*'''Nickname: "Sweet"
*'''Manager: Clyde Killens'''

==Mini-Biography==

'''Sweet Jimmy Robinson's''' claim to fame was his 96 second loss to future 3-Time World Heavyweight Champion [[Muhammad Ali]].

A middleweight who fought up to heavyweight, Robinson was nothing more then a local club-fighter who was used as a stepping-stone for upcoming South Florida prospects.

Robinson was managed by pool-hall owner, Clyde Killens. He generally filled in as a last minute sub on [[Chris Dundee]] promotions in Miami-Dade County. "Sweet Jimmy" trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]], but lived in the Overtown section of Miami known as Liberty City.

According to newspaper reports, Robinson was born in Kansas City, but relocated to Miami. In a 1979 interview, Robinson said he was born in 1925, making him 36 years old when he fought Ali, then known as [[Cassius Clay]]. Robinson always carried his ring gear in an old U.S. Army bag, and he claimed to be veteran.

"Sweet Jimmy's" ring career ended in 1963, and he became a fixture in local pool halls and street corners in Liberty City. In 1968, he was dug out of retirement to fight [[Kent Green]] on Miami Beach. Green was the only fighter at the time to hold a TKO win over [[Muhammad Ali]]. Green stopped Ali as an amateur some ten years earlier. Green landed two punches and Robinson went down and out in under a minute.

Since 1979, the whereabouts of Robinson have been a mystery. Most local Overtown residents recall him as a homeless man who bummed change off of pool-hall customers, and spoke endlessly of his fight with Ali.

==Trivia==

*Record is from the 1965 RING RECORD BOOK, p. 531.

*This boxer should not be confused with Jim Robinson: Philadelphia Light Heavy-Heavyweight, who fought from 1953-1962:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009365
(1960/1963 RING RECORD BOOKS.)

*Robinson trained at the ''5th Street Gym'' on Miami Beach.

File:Jimrobinson.jpg

2010-01-09T03:04:29Z

Acunaboy: "Sweet Jimmy Robinson" 1979 in Overtown.

"Sweet Jimmy Robinson" 1979 in Overtown.

Jimmy Robinson

2010-01-09T03:01:20Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>118939</boxer>
*'''Manager:Clyde Killens'''

==Mini-Biography==

'''Sweet Jimmy Robinson's''' claim to fame was his 96 second loss to future 3-Time World Heavyweight Champion [[Muhammad Ali]].

A middleweight who fought up to heavyweight, Robinson was nothing more then a local club-fighter who was used as a stepping-stone for upcoming South Florida prospects.

Robinson was managed by pool-hall owner, Clyde Killens. He generally filled in as a last minute sub on [[Chris Dundee]] promotions in Miami-Dade County. "Sweet Jimmy" trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]], but lived in the Overtown section of Miami known as Liberty City.

According to newspaper reports, Robinson was born in Kansas City, but relocated to Miami. In a 1979 interview, Robinson said he was born in 1925, making him 36 years old when he fought Ali, then known as [[Cassius Clay]]. Robinson always carried his ring gear in an old U.S. Army bag, and he claimed to be veteran.

"Sweet Jimmy's" ring career ended in 1963, and he became a fixture in local pool halls and street corners in Liberty City. In 1968, he was dug out of retirement to fight [[Kent Green]] on Miami Beach. Green was the only fighter at the time to hold a TKO win over [[Muhammad Ali]]. Green stopped Ali as an amateur some ten years earlier. Green landed two punches and Robinson went down and out in under a minute.

Since 1979, the whereabouts of Robinson have been a mystery. Most local Overtown residents recall him as a homeless man who bummed change off of pool-hall customers, and spoke endlessly of his fight with Ali.

==Trivia==

*Record is from the 1965 RING RECORD BOOK, p. 531.

*This boxer should not be confused with Jim Robinson: Philadelphia Light Heavy-Heavyweight, who fought from 1953-1962:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009365
(1960/1963 RING RECORD BOOKS.)

*Robinson trained at the ''5th Street Gym'' on Miami Beach.

Jimmy Robinson

2010-01-09T02:49:20Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>118939</boxer>
*'''Manager:Clyde Killens'''

==Trivia==

*Record is from the 1965 RING RECORD BOOK, p. 531.

*This boxer should not be confused with Jim Robinson: Philadelphia Light Heavy-Heavyweight, who fought from 1953-1962:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009365
(1960/1963 RING RECORD BOOKS.)

*Robinson trained at the ''5th Street Gym'' on Miami Beach.

Tony Esperti

2010-01-09T02:26:36Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Review */

[[file: TonyEsperti1961.jpg|left|185px|TonyEsperti]]
<boxer>009364</boxer>
'''Height:''' 6'3 
'''Weight:''' 195 lbs 
'''Birth Name:''' Anthony Esperti 
'''Alias:''' "Big Tony" Esperti
 
== Career Review ==

'''Antony (Tony) Esperti''' is best remembered as one of [[Muhammad Ali]]'s early opponents. However, Esperti was an infamous character on Miami Beach during the late 1950s and 1960s.

Esperti was known around Miami Beach, Florida as Anthony "Big Tony" Esperti. His profession may have been , "Heavyweight Boxer", but around town, he was known to be associated with some "interesting" people.

Esperti trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym]]. He reportedly worked as a sparring partner for [[Sonny Liston]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].

Tony turned pro in New York State, but launched a comeback in his new hometown of Miami Beach, Florida. Esperti was known as a flashy dresser and was seen around the hot-spots of South Florida's club scene.

Once his boxing career ended in the early 1960s, Esperti became a fixture in local newspapers with arrests for assault and battery.

According to an article in the ''Miami Herald'' newspaper in 1967, Esperti was arrested eleven times. However, in all 11 cases, the victims refused to press charges against him.

In 1967, Big Tony was the apparent target of a bomb that missed it's mark at Happy's Stork lounge on the 79th street causeway, in North Bay Village, Florida.

On October 31, 1967 at the Place for Steak restaurant in North Bay Village, Florida, Esperti was arrested for gunning down Thomas "The Enforcer" Altamura, a reputed mobster. According to newspaper reports, Altamura was waiting to be seated at the restaurant, when Esperti reportedly approached and shot him to death.

== Sources ==

*''http://www.ccfj.net/condothug.html''
*''The New York Times'', November 30, 1952, Sport's Section, page 54: ESPERTI OUTPOINTS O'CONNOR.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 1967.
*''Miami Herald'', August 12, 1982, Neighbors MB, Page 10: NEIGHBORS.
*''Miami Herald'', December 15, 1988, Neighbors, Page 14: MOBSTERS AND MOLLS ONCE FLOCKED TO VILLIAGE EATERIES.
*''Miami Herald'', September 14, 1993, Neighbors, Page 1: 79TH STREET CAUSEWAY EATERIES NEVER GET STALE.
*''Miami Herald'', August 4, 1996, Tropic, Page 10: TROPIC.
*''Miami New Times'', December 2, 2000: NORTH BAY CONFIDENTIAL, by Gaspar Gonzalez.
*''Miami Herald'', November 1, 2002: Front Section, Page 4A: TODAY IN HERALD HISTORY.
*''Miami Herald'', February 12, 2006: Neighbors MB, Page 4: SALON HAS DEEP ROOTS.

Dorian Melamed

2010-01-03T00:30:15Z

Acunaboy: /* Biography */

[[file:Melamed_Dorian.jpg|left|290px|Dorian Melamed]]

<boxer>038214</boxer>
*'''Born''': 1966
*'''Height:''' 6 feet 3 inches
*'''Manager/Trainer:''' Isaac Melamed
*'''Nickname:''' Samson
*'''Amateur Record:''' 44-0 (43 knockouts, 32 first round)

== Biography ==

In the 1980s, '''Dorian "Samson" Melamed''' was a highly regarded boxing prospect from South Florida. He lived on Miami Beach, and attended Miami Beach Senior High School.

Melamed was trained by his father Isaac at the [[5th Street Gym]] in South Beach, and the [[Elizabeth Virrick Gym]] in Coconut Grove, Florida.

He began his amateur career as a lightweight and according to a Miami Herald article, was 42-0 (42 knockouts) upon entering the 1980 Sunshine State Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament in Coconut Grove, Florida.

On March 5th, Melamed decisioned Tampa, Florida's Ben Hall in 3 rounds to win the Junior Open Division in the Light-Welterweight category.

A year later, Melamed won the 1981 Jr. Olympic Boxing Championship and decided to turn pro after compiling an amateur record of 44-0 (43 knockouts).

Now 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing over 175 pounds, Melamed racked up a 5-0 (4 knockouts)record, with his most impressive victory over veteran [[John L.Johnson]].

Mysteriously, Melamed stopped boxing. Two years later, he returned to score two quick knockouts. After going 7-0 (6 knockouts), '''Dorian Melamed''' vanished from the boxing scene. According to all sources, he never lost as an amateur or a professional.

In 2010, Dorian Melamed, 44, was reportedly living in Boyton Beach, Florida; long retired from boxing.

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Melamed, Dorian]]

Dorian Melamed

2010-01-02T00:28:52Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Melamed_Dorian.jpg|left|290px|Dorian Melamed]]

<boxer>038214</boxer>
*'''Born''': 1966
*'''Height:''' 6 feet 3 inches
*'''Manager/Trainer:''' Isaac Melamed
*'''Nickname:''' Samson
*'''Amateur Record:''' 44-0 (43 knockouts, 32 first round)

== Biography ==

In the 1980s, '''Dorian "Samson" Melamed''' was a highly regarded boxing prospect from South Florida. He lived on Miami Beach, and attended Miami Beach Senior High School.

Melamed was trained by his father Isaac at the [[5th Street Gym]] in South Beach, and the [[Elizabeth Virrick Gym]] in Coconut Grove, Florida.

He began his amateur career as a lightweight and according to a Miami Herald article, was 42-0 (42 knockouts) upon entering the 1980 Sunshine State Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament in Coconut Grove, Florida.

On March 5th, Melamed decisioned Tampa, Florida's Ben Hall in 3 rounds to win the Junior Open Division in the Light-Welterweight category.

A year later, Melamed won the 1981 Jr. Olympic Boxing Championship and decided to turn pro after compiling an amateur record of 44-0 (43 knockouts).

Now 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing over 175 pounds, Melamed racked up a 5-0 (4 knockouts)record, with his most impressive victory over veteran [[John L.ohnson]].

Mysteriously, Melamed stopped boxing. Two years later, he returned to score two quick knockouts. After going 7-0 (6 knockouts), '''Dorian Melamed''' vanished from the boxing scene. According to all sources, he never lost as an amateur or a professional.

In 2010, Dorian Melamed, 44, was reportedly living in Boyton Beach, Florida; long retired from boxing.

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Melamed, Dorian]]

Dorian Melamed

2010-01-01T03:13:59Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Melamed_Dorian.jpg|left|250px|Dorian Melamed]]

<boxer>038214</boxer>'''Height:''' 6 feet 3 inches
*'''Amateur Record:''' 44-0 (43 knockouts, 32 first round)

== Biography ==

Dorian Melamed was a highly regarded boxing prospect from South Florida in the early 1980s. He lived on Miami Beach, and attended Miami Beach Senior High School.

At 15, he was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 175lbs. Melamed trained at both the [[5th Street Gym]] and the [[Elizabeth Virrick Gym]]. His father was his trainer.

Melamed made for good newspaper copy, and according to an article in the Miami Herald, Melamed had compiled a record of 42-0 with 42 knockouts. However, no one seemed to mention the fact that Melamad a year earlier had decisioned Tampa's [[Ben Hall]] in 3 rounds in the Junior Open Division at Light-Welterweight at the Sunshine State Golden Glove Boxing Tournament on March 5, 1980 in Coconut Grove, Florida.

It was also reported that Melamed was undefeated at 44-0 with 44 knockouts when he decided to retire from amateur boxing and become a professional.

Melamed quickly racked up a series of wins over a host of club-fighters. His best victory was a knockout over used-up prospect [[John L. Johnson]]. And then, suddenly, without any known reason, Dorian Melamed vanished from the boxing scene. He returned a few years later for a brief comeback, and vanished for good.

According to all the known reports, Melamed never lost a fight. As an amateur he was 44-0, and as a professional 7-0.

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Melamed, Dorian]]

File:Melamed Dorian.jpg

2010-01-01T03:12:20Z

Acunaboy: Undefeated Miami Beach, FL Heavyweight Dorian Melamed

Undefeated Miami Beach, FL Heavyweight Dorian Melamed

Human:29257

2009-12-25T16:57:38Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Overview */

<boxer>29257</boxer>

==Career Overview==

[[file:Steele-casey.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Steel is KO'd in 2 by Ron Casey in 1979]]

Tracey "Chubby" Steel was a "big" attraction on promotions by [[Chris Dundee]] in the mid 1970s. Steel was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed between 290-310 pounds.

He first appeared on the undercard of the June 3, 1975 match between world lightweight champ [[Roberto Duran]] and [[Jose Peterson]]. Duran KO'd Peterson in one round of a non-title match, and the 306-pound Steele was stopped in the 2nd by 200-pound James Edwards.

In a rematch, Edwards again stopped Steel. Steel and [[Ron Casey (Florida)]] had a "grudge" match and Steele was KO'd in the 2nd round after having Casey down twice in the first round.

Steel had a few more bouts and then retired.

File:Steele-casey.jpg

2009-12-25T16:55:23Z

Acunaboy: Chubby Steele TKO'd by Ron Casey on Valentine's Day, 1979.

Chubby Steele TKO'd by Ron Casey on Valentine's Day, 1979.

Human:29257

2009-12-25T16:52:17Z

Acunaboy: /* Career Overview */

<boxer>29257</boxer>

==Career Overview==

Tracey "Chubby" Steel was a "big" attraction on promotions by [[Chris Dundee]] in the mid 1970s. Steel was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed between 290-310 pounds.

He first appeared on the undercard of the June 3, 1975 match between world lightweight champ [[Roberto Duran]] and [[Jose Peterson]]. Duran KO'd Peterson in one round of a non-title match, and the 306-pound Steele was stopped in the 2nd by 200-pound James Edwards.

In a rematch, Edwards again stopped Steel. Steel and [[Ron Casey (Florida)]] had a "grudge" match and Steele was KO'd in the 2nd round after having Casey down twice in the first round.

Steel had a few more bouts and then retired.

Human:29257

2009-12-25T16:51:33Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>29257</boxer>

==Career Overview==

Tracey "Chubby" Steel was a "big" attraction on promotions by [[Chris Dundee]] in the mid 1970s. Steel was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed between 290-310 pounds.

He first appeared on the undercard of the June 3, 1975 match between world lightweight champ [[Roberto Duran]] and [[Jose Peterson]]. Duran KO'd Peterson in one round of a non-title match, and the 306-pound Steele was stopped in the 2nd by 200-pound James Edwards.

In a rematch, Edwards again stopped Steel. Steel and [[Ron Casey (Florida) had a "grudge" match and Steele was KO'd in the 2nd round after having Casey down twice in the first round.

Steel had a few more bouts and then retired.

Human:29257

2009-12-25T16:44:36Z

Acunaboy: Created page with '<boxer>29257</boxer>'

Jeff Merritt

2009-12-25T16:38:36Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Jmerritt.jpg|left|250px|jeffmerritt]]
<boxer>021544</boxer>

==Career Review==

*Unconfirmed, but there are reports of Merritt fighting in 1964.
*Merritt was paroled from Missouri State Prison in 1968 after serving 2 years and 5 months of a seven year term for armed robbery.
*In 1970, Merritt was reported as having a 15-1 record with 11 knockouts by ''[[The Ring Magazine|The Ring]]'' Magazine.
*In 1970, Merritt signed with a business syndicate giving them 50% of his earnings. In return, Merritt received a salary of $150 a week, expenses and a car. The syndicate would pay all his training expenses, his manager, and his transportation.
*At the [[5th Street Gym]] during [[Muhammad Ali]]'s exile, Ali and Merritt had a spirited sparring match.
*When Merritt knocked out [[Johnny Hudgins]] on Miami Beach, 2,064 fans saw the fight.
*Merritt developed a large following on Miami Beach, Florida. When he knocked out [[Eddie Vick ]] in 1970, 2,131 fans turned out at the Miami Beach Auditorium.
*2,485 fans turned out for Merritt's knockout over [[Charley Polite]]; extremely large turn-out for 1970.
[[file:Merritt-terrell.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Merritt KO's Terrell in 1]]
*The 1970 syndicate included David Popsfsky, comedian Henry Youngman, Norman King, and William B. Williams.
*Launched a comeback in 1973, KO'ing Ernie Terrell in one round to earn a top-10 ratings.
*CBZ has 6'3" and born 1947, not 1948
*According to Boxing Illustrated, July, 1976, page 30, Merritt had been incarcerated in Missouri for the last year and was planning a comeback. His record was 20-2 according to the article.

===Sources===

*''Ring Magazine'', September 1970, page 29: THE CHATTER BOX, by John Ort.
*''Ring Magazine'', September 1970, page 46: MERRITT WINS TWICE AT MIAMI BEACH, by Hank Kaplan.

File:Merritt-terrell.jpg

2009-12-25T16:35:36Z

Acunaboy: Jeff Merritt KO's Ernie Terrell in one round

Jeff Merritt KO's Ernie Terrell in one round

Terry Krueger

2009-12-25T16:33:17Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:terrykrueger1973.jpg|left|200px|terrykrueger]]
<boxer>016592</boxer>
'''Trainer:''' [[Jimmy Parks]]
 
==Career Review==

'''Terry Krueger''' was a lanky and lean 6-foot 3-inch, 180-pounder who became interested in boxing in his teens. Krueger decided to enter the amateur ranks and by age 17 was a local San Antonio, Texas [[Golden Gloves]] champion.

Discovered by [[Jimmy Parks]], Krueger turned pro while a college freshman. His power was due to his lightning speed, and his usually much heavier opponents were shocked when Krueger sent them crashing to the canvas. He racked up an impressive string of 13 straight knockouts, most in the first round. Krueger earned the nickname "The Pill" because fighting him would be a bitter pill to swallow for his opponents.

Krueger's undefeated run was shockingly halted by Florida club-fighter "Big" [[Henry Hall]]. The 240-pound-plus Hall leveled him in the opening round. Krueger took the loss in stride and demanded a rematch. Over-coming a badly bleeding nose, he came back to blitz Hall in the sixth round. He started to add more knockouts to his record, including a 10-second KO over a 6-foot 7-inch African opponent.

Maybe it was his college workload, but suddenly Terry Krueger's promising career took a sharp downward turn. He suffered a series of knockout losses to journeymen [[S.D. "Sonny" Moore]], [[Clarence Boone]], and [[Mongol Ortiz]].

However, in 1973, Krueger earned a top 15 ranking with a brutal fourth round knockout over the undefeated [[Pedro Lovell]]. [[file:Tkvslovell.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Krueger KO's Lovell]]

Krueger seemed on the verge of a title fight with champion [[George Foreman]]. Yet, as in the past, Krueger fell apart once again. He had his nose broken and was destroyed by Lovell in one round in the rematch.

Terry Krueger continued to fight for almost ten more years, but never again achieved the fame of his earlier days.

==Footnotes==

* The January 1970 ''Ring Magazine'' lists Krueger as 19 years old, making him born in 1950.
* On the undercard of the [[Sonny Liston]]-[[S.D.(Sonny)Moore)]] fight, Krueger KO'd [[Lee Powell]] in 35 seconds.

==Source==

*''Ring Magazine'', Jan.1970, page 54, : LISTON FAT AT 226, BUT MOORE GOES OUT IN THIRD, by [[Harlan Haas]].

File:Tkvslovell.jpg

2009-12-25T16:31:14Z

Acunaboy: Terry Krueger-Pedro Lovell 1st fight

Terry Krueger-Pedro Lovell 1st fight

Bobby Halpern

2009-12-25T00:46:52Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:bobbyhalpern.jpg|left|300px|thumb|bobby halpern]]
<boxer>000257</boxer>
'''Manager:''' [[Charley Casserta]] 
'''Trainer:''' [[Charley Casserta]] 

 

== Biography ==

'''Robert "Bobby" Halpern''' was born in the Little Italy section of the Bronx, New York on April 25, 1933 (some sources list his birthday as May 31, 1931, and March 31, 1933). His father was Jewish and his mother was Irish. By the age of 15, Halpern had "graduated" from street fighting to amateur boxing, reportedly winning the the New Jersey Diamond Gloves in 1948. According to a 1977 ''Sports Illustrated'' article, Halpern "estimated he had close to 200 amateur bouts and had lost about 10."

In 1953, Halpern was arrested for armed robbery and served four years in Elmira prison. Nevertheless, according to an article published in the ''New York Press'' by C.J. Sullivan, Halpern turned professional as a heavyweight in 1954, winning his first three fights. The ''Jewish Sports Review'', in their September/October 2001 issue (Volume 3, Number 1, Issue 25), wrote that Halpern defeated Bronx rival [[Moses Sterling]] twice in 1954. Halpern became known as "The Jewish Heavyweight Champion of New York." The article also credited Halpern with wins over [[Moses Walker]] and [[Chet McCord]]. However, none of these fights have been documented and likely did not occur as Halpern was in jail from 1953 through 1958.

Upon his from prison release in 1958, he turned to professional boxing. He fought future heavyweight title contender "Irish" [[Tom McNeeley]] on December 19, 1958 in New York, and lost a decision. A month later, he was convicted of kidnapping and robbery. The court sentenced him to to a term of 20 years to life.

Over the next 17 years, the 5 feet-10 inch, 180 pound "Hebrew Hammer" served his "time" in Attica, Sing Sing, and Dannemora state prisons. Upon his release in 1976, Halpern decided to lauch a comeback to the ring. On November 10, 1976, after almost 18 years out of the ring, he knocked out [[Terry Lee Kidd]] with one booming left hook in the first round in West Orange, New York. Two weeks later he was stopped in two rounds by future heavyweight king [[Trevor Berbeck]].

Wins over [[David Conteh]], [[Diego Joe Roberson]], and [[Johnny Blaine ]] (twice) followed. His comeback landed him a profile in ''Sports Illustrated''. According to ''Sports Illustrated'' writer, [[Paul Zimmerman]], Halpern knocked out [[Freddy McKay]] at 1:22 of the third round in Westchester County Center, after knocking McKay down three times. Zimmerman also reported that in a rematch with [[Diego Joe Roberson]] on November 9, 1977 in Westchester, Halpern scored a knockout at 1:09 of the 7th round. He appeared in the [[The Ring Magazine]] and on television and radio. But Halpern's street ways continued to haunt him. His girlfiend accused him him of breaking her leg and knocking out 6 teeth. Bobbby was charged, but the case dismissed when she failed to show up in court on May 1. As will be seen, she would seek justice another way.

His comeback reached its climax on May 15, 1978 in [[Madison Square Garden]] against Rocky Marciano look-alike [[Guy Casale]]. Halpern suffered a crushing one punch knockout in three rounds.

Ten days later, Halpern was wounded by a shotgun blast while shopping at a Bronx clothing store. In September it was revealed by police that Halpern's ex-fiancee, Antonia Maria Melendez, had been arrested and charged with hiring two hitmen to murder Halpern.

In 1981, readers of Flash Gordon's newsletter saw Halpern's mug in a series of print advertisements for auto parts; he claimed to be training for a comeback.

On August 15, 1982, according to a ''New York Times'' story, Halpern was arrested on a weapons charges in the Bronx. On June 24, 1983, in another ''Times'' report, he was indicted in Westchester County on a charge of conspiring to murder a man suspected of raping the wife of one of his associates in Pelham Manor.
[[file:BobbyHalpern2003.jpg|right|thumb|BobbyHalpern2003]]

On November 6, 1987, Halpern worked the corner of his longtime friend, middleweight contender [[Doug DeWitt]]. DeWitt won a decision over [[Tony Thorton]] at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

On June 14, 2003, in the Bronx, New York, a smiling and happy Halpern appeared on Arthur Avenue--his childhood hangout--for a Youth Boxing Program, dispelling rumors he had died.

On May 20, 2008, Halpern appeared at a meeting of Ring 8 in New York. Halpern and his former ring foe, Guy Casale talked at great length. The two engaged in what can only be described as a deep and warm acknowledgement of mutual respect. After the meeting, Casale, now a police detective, said, "He(Bobby Halpern) was still in great shape for a guy who was in his 70's. He looked like he could go six rounds."

===Sources===

*''www.Jewsinsports.org''.

*''The End of An Era for New York Boxing'', May 12, 2005, by Mitch Abramson.

*''Spitbucket News'', June 14, 2003: YOUTH BOXING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE BRONX.

*''Jewish Sports Review'', September/October 2001, Volume 3, Number 1, issue 25.

* ''New York Times'', October 21, 1992: BUT THE FIGHTER STILL REMAINS IN BELMONT; AFTER 59 YEARS OF TAKING IT ON THE CHIN, BOBBY HALPERN CAN STILL THROW A PUNCH, by Ivan Fisher.

* ''New York Times'', June 24, 1983:SPORTS PEOPLE; EX-BOXER INDICTED.

* ''New York Times'', August 15, 1982: SPORTS PEOPLE; COMING AND GOINGS.

* ''New York Times'', January 26, 1980, page 24: BOBBY HALPERN ACQUITTED OF ARSON, by Josh Barbanel.

* ''New York Times'', January 17, 1979: HALPERN, THE BOXER, HELD WITH 2 ON CHARGE OF SETTING BRONX FIRE, by Robert McFadden.

* ''New York Times'', May 26, 1978, Sports Section, page B3: HALPERN SHOT A WEEK AFTER HIS BOXING COMEBACK.

* ''New York Times'', May 12, 1978, Sports Section, page A21: HALPERN, FORMER CONVICT, SPARS FOR RIKER INMATES, by Thomas Rogers.

*''Sports Illustrated'', December 5, 1977: MAKING A COMEBACK FROM NOWHERE, by [[Paul Zimmerman]].

* ''The Chronicle Herald'', November 20, 1976, TREVOR BERBICK "OUTCLASSED" BOBBY HALPERN, by Lorna Inness.

* ''The New York Times'', November 18, 1958: FLAMIO OUTPOINTS LYNCH AT ST. NICKS.
----
The CBZ has not confirmed the linked Fight Record. Below is Mike DeLisa's compilation of facts for 1978:

May 1 Halpern's girlfriend fails to show up in court after
accusing him of breaking her leg and knocking out six teeth

May 11 Myles Coker Rikers Island, NY Exh
May 15 Guy "Rock" Casale New York LK 3
May 24 Angel Oquendo Bronx, NY Exh

May 25 Halpern is shot coming out of a Bronx clothing store;
he survives

Jun 14 Dave Ditmar White Plains, NY Sch-x

Sep 20 Halpern's ex-fiancee, Antonia Maria Melendez, arrested
and charged with hiring two hitmen to murder Halpern

Oct Halpern involved in traffic acciddent; threatens driver
with imitation pistol; is later indicted for "menacing"

--- Inspirational Fighter of the Year Award,
''International Boxing Magazine''

1979
Jan 6 Halpern arrested for arson of 12 businesses in the Bronx;
case, but later acquitted.

1981 Halpern appears in series of print advertisements for
auto parts, while training for a comeback

[[Category:Jewish Boxers|Halpern, Bobby]]

Charlie Jordan

2009-12-25T00:29:07Z

Acunaboy:

The 1972 RING RECORD Book (p.627) lists two erroneous Charlie Jordan bouts that never occurred:
*1969: 2/17-Vicente Rondon, Miami Beach......L10
*1969: 3/14-Vicente Rondon, Miami Beach......L10

*Jordan is a police officer with the city of Miami, Florida.

Carl Starling

2009-12-25T00:27:35Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:carlstarling-miami.jpg|left|200px|carlstarling]]
<boxer>92125</boxer>
 

==Biography==
[[file:Starling-Bergman-2004.jpg|right|thumb|CarlStarling-ShermanBergman-2004]]

'''Carl Starling''' was born in Miami, Florida on November 7, 1944. He was raised in the Bahamas, and graduated from Miami Jackson High School in Miami, Florida where he excelled in football.

On a lark, Starling went down to the famed [[5th Street Gym]] in Miami Beach, and with no amateur background, decided to become a professional boxer. Trained by the famed [[Angelo Dundee]] and [[Sol Bunotta]], and managed by [[Blackie Bethel]], the 5' 10", lean and muscular Starling made his professional debut on July 18, 1963, and knocked out [[Jim Rogers]] with one punch in the first round. The blonde-haired Starling, whose straight-ahead style of getting inside and throwing hooks to the body and head, soon developed into a fan favorite, and was a look-alike for film star Guy Madison. He worked as a sparring partner for both [[Jimmy Ellis]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].

According to the 1964 [[Ring Record Book]], from July 1963 to November 1963 Starling won seven straight bouts, four by knockout. Yet, newspaper reports in the Miami area credited Starling with a 13-0 record with 10 knockouts during this same period. By December 1963, [[The Ring Magazine]] writer Tom Ephrem wrote in his column, "Under Southern Skies," "On the good side of the ledger, we have a coming-up middleweight from Miami whose five wins, four by kayoes, is catching on with boxing folks. The fighter is quite a puncher. His name is [[Carl Starling]]. If he continues at this fine pace, other fine prospects like [[Tony Mammarelli]] and [[Joey Cam]] better look to their laurels for what Miami craves best is a sure enough home-town grown product. Starling can be their answer".

His best victory was a knockout over hard-punching [[Ernie Burns]] in three rounds at the Little River Auditorium on an October 3 [[Dick Lee]] promotion.

Starling's promising boxing career was side-tracked when he was drafted by the United States Army. After completing basic training, he went on to earn his jump-wings, and served with the famed 82nd Airborne Division.
[[file:CarlStarling2006.jpg|left|thumb|CarlStarling2006]]
Upon his discharge, Starling, now weighing a muscular 195lbs., tried his hand at semi-pro football. After playing on a few local teams, he decided to launch a comeback in the ring. Starling dropped 30 pounds, and returned to fight Miami club-fighter [[Willie Taylor]] on April 21, 1965. Taylor came on strong in the final rounds to capture an upset decision and snap Starling's unbeaten record. Starling rebounded with victories over [[Herb Whipple]], [[Charley Jordon]] (they also fought to a draw), and [[Leo "Ed" Barnett]] twice. A few months later Starling lost yet another upset decision to [[Linnes Johnson]] in Freeport, British West Indies, on November 12, 1965.

Frustrated by the Johnson loss, Starling left boxing and went on to college. He earned not only a Master's Degree, but also became a certified boat Captain. Careers as a model and boat captain followed. He became one of the few people to survive a bull-shark attack, and years later was featured in a ''Miami Herald'' newspaper article about the recent rash of shark attacks off the Florida coast.

In the early 1970s, Starling, now living in Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas,and working as an English teacher and a track coach for the Bahamas National Track Team, got the comeback bug and decided to return to the ring. In his first comeback fight, Starling was knocked out for the first time in his career by [[Rene Pinder]] in three rounds. His second comeback match saw him knocked out in three rounds by future world light middleweight champion [[Elisha Obed]]. Starling retired following the Obed defeat.

Since his retirement, Starling has lead a colorful life. First, he was a swim-suit model. Next, he won the 1983 Spearfishing Nationals. Also, in 1991,he ran unsuccessfully for city commissioner in Miami-Dade County. Starling continued as a charter boat Captain. His 34-foot crusader sportfisherman-"Prince of Tides"- appeared in the Robert Redford motion picture ''Up Close and Personal'', which was filmed around Miami, Florida. Carl also had a few uncredited bit parts in locally filmed South Florida movies. Starling has worked for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over 19 years, and is currently a classroom school teacher; teaching at the same school with Sherman Bergman (former amateur boxer and noted kickboxer). He's been married three times, and has two sons(Ryan and Drake) and a daughter(Elena), and two step-children. Still fit and trim, Starling wakes up to do 200 sit-ups and push-ups, then runs three miles and bikes eight miles each day.

===Sources===

*''Internet Movie Database''.
*''The Ring Magazine'', December 1963, page 57: UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES, by [[Tom Ephrem]].
*''The Ring Magazine'', October 1965, page 50: BOXING NEWS FROM MIAMI, by [[Hank Kaplan]].
*''Miami Herald'', October 28, 1991, Local, page 2B: POLITICS IS JAWS II FOR MIAMI CANDIDATE.
*''Miami Herald'', April 10, 1992: Sports, page 1D: DIVERS DELIGHT.
*''Miami Herald'', January 12, 1997: Neighbors KE: CONFUSED CLIENTS MISSING THE BOAT CAPTAIN: PRINCE OF TIDES ALIVE, AFLOAT.
*''Miami Herald'', January 12, 1997, Neighbors, page 22: NAME CONFUSION HAS CHARTER CLIENTS MISSING THE BOAT.
*''Miami Herald'', July 27, 1997, Section B, page 1: NIGHT SHIFT ENGLISH.
*''Biscayne Bay Tribune'', June 24-July 23, 2002, page 4: POSITIVE PEOPLE AROUND BISCAYNE BAY, CARL STARLING, by David Pines.
*''Miami Herald'', June 29, 2005: BULL SHARKS EVEN SCARIER THAN JAWS.

Eddie Linder

2009-12-25T00:22:55Z

Acunaboy: /* Biography */

[[file:Linder eddie.jpg|left|200px|Eddie Linder]]
<boxer>030293</boxer>

[[Category:African American Boxers|Linder, Eddie]]

==Biography==

'''"Fast" Eddie Linder''' was a highly touted lightweight prospect in South Florida during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Linder developed his skills during a highly successful amateur career. He was a slick boxer with lightning fast hands and fancy footwork; Linder made his move towards professional boxing.

Linder trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym (Miami)|5th Street Gym]], where he sparred with the likes of welterweight champion of the world, [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]].

Linder ran up an impressive win streak, and the legendary boxing writer [[Hank Kaplan]] dubbed him a promising prospect in his column for the [[Ring Magazine]].

However, a series of upset losses sidetracked his very promising career. However, in 1971, Linder broke into the world lightweight ranking, when he won a upset 10 round decision over two-time world lightweight champion [[Ismael Laguna]]. However, Linder's number 10 world ranking didn't last long, as he lost his next two fights and retired. He started training fighters and [[J.T. Dowe]] was one of his most promising fighters.

Linder attempted a comeback in the mid 1970s, but fought as a light-middleweight, some 20 pounds over his natural fighting weight. After dropping a decision to club-fighter, [[Eddie Davis]], Eddie Linder retired.

He was involved in a brief fist-fight with veteran boxer [[Angel Robinson Garcia]] prior to one of Garcia's matches on Miami Beach. Garcia had defeated [[ J.T. Dowe]], and Linder challenged Garcia to a match. The match with Garcia was never made, and Eddie Linder never fought again.

Eddie Linder

2009-12-25T00:19:32Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Linder eddie.jpg|left|200px|Eddie Linder]]
<boxer>030293</boxer>

[[Category:African American Boxers|Linder, Eddie]]

==Biography==

'''"Fast" Eddie Linder''' was a highly touted lightweight prospect in South Florida during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Linder developed his skills during a highly successful amateur career. He was a slick boxer with lightning fast hands and fancy footwork; Linder made his move towards professional boxing.

Linder trained at the famed [[5th Street Gym (Miami)|5th Street Gym]], where he sparred with the likes of welterweight champion of the world, [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]].

Linder ran up an impressive win streak, and the legendary boxing writer [[Hank Kaplan]] dubbed him a promising prospect in his column for the [[Ring Magazine]].

However, a series of upset losses sidetracked his very promising career. By the early 1970s, Linder was retired. He started training fighters and [[J.T. Dowe]] was one of his most promising fighters.

Linder attempted a comeback in the mid 1970s, but fought as a light-middleweight, some 20 pounds over his natural fighting weight. After dropping a decision to club-fighter, [[Eddie Davis]], Eddie Linder retired.

He was involved in a brief fist-fight with veteran boxer [[Angel Robinson Garcia]] prior to one of Garcia's matches on Miami Beach. Garcia had defeated [[ J.T. Dowe]], and Linder challenged Garcia to a match. The match with Garcia was never made, and Eddie Linder never fought again.

Joaquín Rocha

2009-12-25T00:18:00Z

Acunaboy:

'''Joaquín Rocha''' (born: August 16, 1944 in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico) represented host country Mexico as a heavyweight at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic games, winning a bronze medal. His results were:
*Defeated Adonis Ray aka [[Ray Adonis]] (Ghana) 4-1
*Defeated [[Rudi Lubbers]] (Netherlands) 3-2
*Lost to [[Ionas Chepulis]] (Soviet Union) TKO by 2

[[Category:Olympic Bronze Medalists|Rocha, Joaquin]]
[[Category:Mexican Olympians|Rocha, Joaquin]]
[[Category:1968 Olympians|Rocha, Joaquin]]

Ray Adonis

2009-12-25T00:17:06Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>023949</boxer>

==Career Overview==

*Fighting under his birth name, '''Adonis Ray''', he fought in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
*Lost a decision to Mexico's [[Joaquin Rocha]] in the opening matches of the Heavyweight Division of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. [[George Foreman]] went on to win the title.
* African-born heavyweight based in Europe.
* Best professional victory was a 2nd round knockout over veteran [[Dave Bailey]].

Al Migliorato

2009-12-19T23:00:14Z

Acunaboy:

File:Migliorato.jpg

2009-12-19T22:57:44Z

Acunaboy: Al Migliorato, Heavyweight

Al Migliorato, Heavyweight

Jeff Merritt

2009-12-19T22:55:46Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Jmerritt.jpg|left|250px|jeffmerritt]]
<boxer>021544</boxer>

==Career Review==

*Unconfirmed, but there are reports of Merritt fighting in 1964.
*Merritt was paroled from Missouri State Prison in 1968 after serving 2 years and 5 months of a seven year term for armed robbery.
*In 1970, Merritt was reported as having a 15-1 record with 11 knockouts by ''[[The Ring Magazine|The Ring]]'' Magazine.
*In 1970, Merritt signed with a business syndicate giving them 50% of his earnings. In return, Merritt received a salary of $150 a week, expenses and a car. The syndicate would pay all his training expenses, his manager, and his transportation.
*At the [[5th Street Gym]] during [[Muhammad Ali]]'s exile, Ali and Merritt had a spirited sparring match.
*When Merritt knocked out [[Johnny Hudgins]] on Miami Beach, 2,064 fans saw the fight.
*Merritt developed a large following on Miami Beach, Florida. When he knocked out [[Eddie Vick ]] in 1970, 2,131 fans turned out at the Miami Beach Auditorium.
*2,485 fans turned out for Merritt's knockout over [[Charley Polite]]; extremely large turn-out for 1970.
*The 1970 syndicate included David Popsfsky, comedian Henry Youngman, Norman King, and William B. Williams.
*CBZ has 6'3" and born 1947, not 1948
*According to Boxing Illustrated, July, 1976, page 30, Merritt had been incarcerated in Missouri for the last year and was planning a comeback. His record was 20-2 according to the article.

===Sources===

*''Ring Magazine'', September 1970, page 29: THE CHATTER BOX, by John Ort.
*''Ring Magazine'', September 1970, page 46: MERRITT WINS TWICE AT MIAMI BEACH, by Hank Kaplan.

File:Jmerritt.jpg

2009-12-19T22:53:57Z

Acunaboy: Heavyweight Jeff Merritt

Heavyweight Jeff Merritt

File:Paulseguin.jpg

2009-12-19T22:42:03Z

Acunaboy: Paul Seguin, Hull, Canada Middleweight

Paul Seguin, Hull, Canada Middleweight

Barbara Buttrick

2009-11-28T23:50:19Z

Acunaboy:

[[file:Buttrick.Barbara.jpg|left|Barbara Buttrick]]
<boxer>266349</boxer>

==Mini Bio==

Buttrick started her boxing career in 1948, touring Europe with carnivals as a bantamweight in the boxing booth. She came to the United States in the mid-1950s, joined the carnival circuit, but quit because the American carnivals were rougher than the European ones. She then fought professionally in Canada, Chicago, and southern Florida.

In 1957 she received the first female boxing license in Texas - possibly the first issued in the United States of America.

In the December 1959 issue of [[Ring Magazine]], a photo of Buttrick defeating Gloria Adams in North Miami, Florida was published in "The Month In Action" page.

She reportedly had only one career loss (to [[JoAnn Hagen]]) in 31 pro bouts and "thousands of exhibitions" before retiring. After an absence of 15 years, she briefly returned to the ring in 1977.

==References==
*[[Ring Magazine]], December 1959, page 26:THE MONTH IN ACTION.

Source: ''Boxing Illustrated'', August 1977, p. 32

Mickey Crawford

2009-11-15T23:50:58Z

Acunaboy:

<boxer>23880</boxer>

==Biography==

'''Mickey Crawford''' was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame on
August 26, 2008.

Crawford's fight career only lasted four years, but the slick boxer defeated former World Lightweight Champion [[Wallace "Bud" Smith]].

"He was a good fighter, a dedicated trainer and he was always in shape," said Pete Crawford, Mickey's brother. "He didn't smoke or drink or hang out.

Crawford still lives in his parents East Side Saginaw home where he paints portraits and pictures. According to his brother Peter, Mickey Crawford is a very private person and rarely leaves his house and never grants interviews or talks about his former boxing career.

Mickey was trained by his father Patsy, a former professional father. Later, [[Angelo Dundee]] trained Crawford along with [[Charley Goldman]] in Miami Beach, Florida.

Crawford was a top amateur and in 1953 won state Golden Glove and AAU titles. After graduated from high school, Crawford served in the U.S. Army where he won the 1955 Army Pan-American Title.

Crawford turned pro under the management of Art Greenwald. Crawford racked up an impressive record which included wins over former World Champions [[Paddy DeMarco]] and [[Wallace Smith]] in 1957.

Crawford, who already had discovered his love of painting, signed up with manager Art Greenwald, a former fighter and Saginaw native who owned an art studio in Detroit. Greenwald was a fiery character who was aggressive when it came to finding fights for Crawford.

In 1958, Ring Magazine named Crawford the No. 5 contender in the world. However, a knockout loss to [[Ralph "Tiger" Jones]] and a 1959 decision loss to [[Gomeo Brennan]]ended Crawford's career.

Following the end of his career, Crawford became an artist and painter.