BoxRec - User contributions [en]

Tom Molloy

2008-10-19T04:52:28Z

Legwarmers1980: New page: ==Trivia== *In 2008 he was the chairman of the ''Florida State Boxing Commission''. *His boxing career is best remembered as being a knockout victim of actor Tony Danza.

==Trivia==

*In 2008 he was the chairman of the ''Florida State Boxing Commission''.

*His boxing career is best remembered as being a knockout victim of actor [[Tony Danza]].

Raul Hernandez

2008-10-18T04:20:17Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

<boxer>2413</boxer>

[[file:Raul Hernandez-Cuban Fury.jpg|thumb|left|Raul Hernandez]]

==Career Review==

'''Raul Hernandez''', from Matanzas, Cuba, arrived in the United States on the 1980 Mariel Boatlift. He was trained for most of his career by [[Caron Gonzalez]] and most of his fights were on [[Tuto Zabala]] promotions.

Hernandez is a fixture on South Beach and is still popular with many of his old fans. In good health, Hernandez remains friends with former [[Muhammad Ali]] sparring partner, [[Gene Wells]].

As of October 15, 2008, Hernandez still lived in Miami Beach, Florida, and is a fixture in the South Beach area.

Bobby Marie

2008-10-18T04:17:39Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Biography */

==Biography==

''Bobby Marie'' was a professional boxer who fought out of South Florida in the 1950s and 1960s.

Marie was a long time resident of Hollywood, Florida, and according to an article published in the ''Miami Herald'', Marie posted a 33-16-5 log.

He fought in the now defunct, ''Pan American Club'', and the ''Little River Auditorium'', fighting for promotors [[Dick Lee]] and [[Chris Dundee]].

Marie died on October 1, 1978 in Hollywood, Florida, he was 71 years old.

==Reference==

*''The Miami Herald'', Monday, October 13, 2008, page 7D, Spotlight on Sports: ''MIAMI FIGHTER DIES'', by Santos A. Perez

Bobby Marie

2008-10-18T04:16:59Z

Legwarmers1980: New page: ==Biography== ''Bobby Marie'' was a professional boxer who fought out of South Florida in the 1950s and 1960s. Marie was a long time resident of Hollywood, Florida, and according to an...

==Biography==

''Bobby Marie'' was a professional boxer who fought out of South Florida in the 1950s and 1960s.

Marie was a long time resident of Hollywood, Florida, and according to an article published in the ''Miami Herald'', Marie posted a 33-16-5 log.

He fought in the now defunct, ''Pan American Club'', and the ''Little River Auditorium'', fighting for promotors [[Dick Lee]] and [[Chris Dundee]].

Marie died on October 1, 1978 in Hollywood, Florida.

==Reference==

*''The Miami Herald'', Monday, October 13, 2008, page 7D, Spotlight on Sports: ''MIAMI FIGHTER DIES'', by Santos A. Perez

Al Migliorato

2008-10-11T18:45:59Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Sources */

[[file:almigliorato.jpg|left|250px|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!"

Migliorato had an extensive amateur career which led to a 4-round exhibition with [[Muhammad Ali]] on February 18, 1972 in Pittsburgh. 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 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]], 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.

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!

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

Mike Maret

2008-10-11T18:26:36Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:mikemaret.jpg|left|220px|mikemaret]]'''Nickname:''' Wolfman

<boxer>36647</boxer>

 

==Biography==

'''Micheal James Maret''' was born on December 29, 1943. He decided on a professional boxing career in the early 1970s. Maret began training at the famed [[5th Street Gym]] in Miami Beach, Florida under the watchful eyes of [[Chris Dundee]] and [[Angelo Dundee]].

Maret, was nicknamed "Wolfman", and has a tattoo of a wolf on his left arm. He reportedly sparred with the likes of world boxing champions [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Jimmy Ellis]],and [[Luis Manuel Rodriguez]] at the [[5th Street Gym]].

Maret who also went by the aliases: [[Michael Maret]], [[Michael J. Maret]], [[Michael Mareto]], [[James Michael Markowski]], and [[Richard Trotter]], scored an impressive first round knockout over prospect [[Eddie Brady]] aka [[Kip Braden]] in his first year as a professional.

The 6 feet, 160 pound Maret was noted for his aggressive fighting style and his brawls with [[Tommy Torino]], [[Marcel Clay]], and [[Angel Estevez]] were fan favorites.

Maret's full-time profession was that of a taxi driver. According to reports in the Miami Herald, Maret was a driver with Central Cab. It was while working as a cabbie that he became involved in a fight with University of Miami student Christoph Collier over cab fare. The two men came to blows, and the 23 year old Collier ended up dead; beaten to death. Police found Collier on the corner of Alton Road and Dade Boulevard on South Beach.

On March 11, 1990, Mike Maret was charged with 1st Degree Murder/Premediated or Attempted, and Robbery No Gun/Deadly Weapon. The case made the local ''Miami Herald'' newspaper, and television and radio news shows. Media reports stated that Maret was 10-10-1 as a professional. During his trial his mouth was ordered duck-taped by the judge because of a wild outburst. Prior to his murder charges, Maret had been arrested a dozen times since 1971 on charges including sexual battery, robbery, extortion, and battery of a police officer. A controversy broke out when it was learned, that despite his criminal past, Maret had renewed his taxi chauffeur's license only the month before.

Miami Beach City Mayor Alex Daoud said in the local papers and on television, that a week prior to Maret's arrest, that he and Maret had had a fistfight.

Mike Maret was found guilty on Friday, July 27, 1991, of first-degree murder. The jury needed less than three hours to decide the verdict. Miami Judge Jonathan Colby sentenced Maret to life in prison, after the victim's mother made a tearful plea to spare her son's murderer from the electric chair. Maret told the judge, "I want you to give me the death penalty." Maret however was sentenced to life, and must serve 25-years before he has a chance at parole. Maret entered Florida State Prison on August 5, 1991, and as of present day is still incarcerated.

As of October 5, 2008, Maret was being held at ''Union Correctional Institue'' in Florida. His DC number is 384397. He is currently in his 17th year of a life-stence.

=Sources=

*''Miami Herald'', July 31, 1991, Local Section, page 1B: MOM PLEADS WITH JUDGE TO LET SON'S KILLER LIVE, by Arnold Markowitz.
*''Miami Herald'', July 27, 1991, Local Section, page 2B: JURY CONVICTS TAXI DRIVER OF MURDER, by Arnold Markowitz.
*''Miami Herald'', March 25, 1990, Section A, page 9: BEACH SEEKS CONTROL OF TAXIS, by Aaron S. rubin.
*''Miami Herald'', March 13, 1990, Local Section, page 2B: CABBIE HELD IN SLAYING HAD RECORD, by Dan Holly.
*''Miami Herald'', March 12, 1990, Local, page 3B: CAB DRIVER CHARGED IN UM STUDENT MURDER ON BEACH, by Dan Holly.
*''Miami Herald'', July 26, 1991, Local, page 1B: CAB DRIVER ON TRAIL FOR MURDER.
*''Florida State Prison'' webpage

Benjamin (Evil Eye) Finkle

2008-10-11T18:14:40Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Evil-Eye_Finkle.jpg|left|150px|Benjamin"Evil Eye"Finkle]]

*'''Name:''' Benjamin Finkle
*'''Alias:''' Evil-Eye Finkle
*'''Birthdate:''' ?/?/1898
*'''Birthplace:''' Brooklyn, New York
*'''Hometown:''' Miami Beach, Florida
*'''Height:''' 5 feet 11inches ?
*'''Weight:''' 135lbs.
*'''Manager:''' [[Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan]]
*'''Boxing Record:''' 5-1-2
 
==Career Review==

'''Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle''' is a legendary figure in the sport of boxing, known for his "Evil-Eye" Hex during the ''Golden Age of Boxing'' the 1930s and '40s.

Finkle was born into a poor family. He had little formal education, and made money selling newspapers on the local street corner. It was there he learned to fight; punching out street toughs and young thugs, bent on stealing his earnings. After one such street brawl, Finkle was discovered and trained by [[Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan]]. Sullivan turned Finkle pro at the ripe old age of 14. In his second match, Finkle boxed a draw with a local fighter billed as No First Name Boozerman. Finkle's style was a turn-off to the fans. He mauled, clutched, and pushed his opponents. In his 8th professional fight, Finkle lost by a foul to [[Jack Rainy]], when Referee [[Harry Sharpe]]grew tired of Finkle's hitting and holding. After compiling a modest record of 5-1-2, Finkle retired as a fighter.

However, Benjamin Finkle's career in boxing had really just begun. Finkle went into managing. His first and it turned out, only fighter, was an obscure club-fighter named [[Patsy Flanagan]]. Flanagan's career never took off, but Finkle's did. He started giving Flanagan's opponents the "Evil Eye." Many fighters became "bothered" by this "hex," and the legend of Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle was born. In 1926, Finkle told local sports writers that his right eye, which was somewhat bloodshot, had "evil" powers. The gimmick caught on, and soon Evil Eye's services were being called upon by such legendary trainers and managers as [[Doc Hearns]], [[Angelo Dundee]], [[Swifty Morgan]], [[Lew Diamond]], [[Joe Gould]], and [[Dumb Dan Morgan]].

Finkle went on to work with such hall-of-fame boxing champions as [[Jack Dempsey]], [[Bob Foster]], [[Willie Pastrano]], [[Sugar Ray Robinson]], [[Billy Conn]], [[Freddie Steele]], and [[Floyd Patterson]]. "Evil Eye" charged between 50 and 300 dollars to use his "Evil-Eye Hex" while working the corner of a fighter.

Cartoonist [[Al Capp]] made Finkle famous when he immortalized him as "Evil-Eye Fleegle" in his ''Lil Abner'' comic strip. New York Sports columnist [[Dan Parker]] called Finkle, " The Number 1 hex-man in the world."

In 1938, Finkle moved to Miami Beach, Florida where the boxing scene was taking off. Finkle would end up living there for over 50 years.

World War II breifly halted his career, Finkle served in the U.S. Army, serving in England and Scotland.

On June 1, 1948, Finkle renewed his career when he appeared on the CBS show ''We The People'' with [[Fred Allen]]. Finkle gave the "Evil-Eye" to the camera.

His major vice, besides a good cigar, was shoes. In his hey-day, he reportedly owned 59 pairs of shoes.

By the mid 1950s, with the local fight clubs dying off, and television becoming the center of attention, "Evil Eye'' Finkle's services were no longer needed. He still managed to work a few corners, but for the most part became a fixture at ringside at [[Chris Dundee]]'s weekly Tuesday night fight cards at the Miami Beach Auditorium. The lanky Finkle would always be seen eating a deli-sandwich, drinking coffee, and smoking a cigar.

New Jersey promoter [[Willie Gilzenberg]] while vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida in 1969 contacted Finkle about using his " Triple Whammy" at one of his promotions, but nothing came of it.

In the 1970s, Finkle became a regular at the [[Dade Athletic Club Lounge]], where he told stories of boxing's glory days. He was always seen in his black-suit, with an open collar white shirt. At about 5 feet 11 inches, he tipped the teams at around 135lbs.

In 1973, The "Evil Eye" was brought out of retirement, when Finkle worked the corner of non-script Miami heavyweight [[Ron Casey (Florida)]]. Casey who had never won a fight, hoped that Finkle's "Evil Eye" would help him in his match with undefeated [[Al Migliorato]]. The "Eye" must have lost some of its steam, because Casey went on to be knocked cold, yet again. Finkle had better luck when he briefly cornered promising heavyweight prospect, [[John L. Johnson]]. In August, 1973, Finkle worked Johnson's corner for his fight with the Carlos Dunston. " He told me to go out and get him, " said Johnson. " But, I already had. I knocked him out in the third round. I believed in Finkle's powers. "

Finkle's last two appearances in the squared circle were working the corner of Sherman "Big Train" Bergman, a colorful, hard-punching, amateur welterweight from Miami Beach. "Evil Eye" Finkle managed to find his powers once again, as Bergman went on to score first round knockouts over Fred Roundtree and Larry Youngblood. Both Roundtree and Youngblood were overheard saying in the dressing room following their defeats, "Wasn't the punches of Bergman that did me in, but that "Evil Eye" of that Benjamin Finkle. Don't mess with that cat."

A few years later, Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle died in Miami Beach, Florida in relative obscurity; thus closing the book on one of boxing's most colorful and controversial characters.

==Sources==

*''The Sweet Science'', June 14, 2005: EVIL-EYE FINKLE: TWO PARTS VOODOO AND ONE PART FRAUD, by Pat Putnam.

*[[Ring Magazine]], November 1969: Page 29, The Chatter Box, by [[John Ort]].

*''We The People'', CBS TV, June 1, 1948.

[[Category: Jewish Boxers|Finkle, Benjamin "Evil Eye"]]
[[Category: World War II Veterans|Finkle, Benjamin "Evil Eye"]]

Benjamin (Evil Eye) Finkle

2008-10-11T18:11:52Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

[[file:Evil-Eye_Finkle.jpg|left|150px|Benjamin"Evil Eye"Finkle]]

*'''Name:''' Benjamin Finkle
*'''Alias:''' Evil-Eye Finkle
*'''Birthdate:''' ?/?/1898
*'''Birthplace:''' Brooklyn, New York
*'''Hometown:''' Miami Beach, Florida
*'''Height:''' 5 feet 11inches ?
*'''Weight:''' 135lbs.
*'''Manager:''' [[Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan]]
*'''Boxing Record:''' 5-1-2
 
==Career Review==

'''Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle''' is a legendary figure in the sport of boxing, known for his "Evil-Eye" Hex during the ''Golden Age of Boxing'' the 1930s and '40s.

Finkle was born into a poor family. He had little formal education, and made money selling newspapers on the local street corner. It was there he learned to fight; punching out street toughs and young thugs, bent on stealing his earnings. After one such street brawl, Finkle was discovered and trained by [[Brooklyn Tommy Sullivan]]. Sullivan turned Finkle pro at the ripe old age of 14. In his second match, Finkle boxed a draw with a local fighter billed as No First Name Boozerman. Finkle's style was a turn-off to the fans. He mauled, clutched, and pushed his opponents. In his 8th professional fight, Finkle lost by a foul to [[Jack Rainy]], when Referee [[Harry Sharpe]]grew tired of Finkle's hitting and holding. After compiling a modest record of 5-1-2, Finkle retired as a fighter.

However, Benjamin Finkle's career in boxing had really just begun. Finkle went into managing. His first and it turned out, only fighter, was an obscure club-fighter named [[Patsy Flanagan]]. Flanagan's career never took off, but Finkle's did. He started giving Flanagan's opponents the "Evil Eye." Many fighters became "bothered" by this "hex," and the legend of Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle was born. In 1926, Finkle told local sports writers that his right eye, which was somewhat bloodshot, had "evil" powers. The gimmick caught on, and soon Evil Eye's services were being called upon by such legendary trainers and managers as [[Doc Hearns]], [[Angelo Dundee]], [[Swifty Morgan]], [[Lew Diamond]], [[Joe Gould]], and [[Dumb Dan Morgan]].

Finkle went on to work with such hall-of-fame boxing champions as [[Jack Dempsey]], [[Bob Foster]], [[Willie Pastrano]], [[Sugar Ray Robinson]], [[Billy Conn]], [[Freddie Steele]], and [[Floyd Patterson]]. "Evil Eye" charged between 50 and 300 dollars to use his "Evil-Eye Hex" while working the corner of a fighter.

Cartoonist [[Al Capp]] made Finkle famous when he immortalized him as "Evil-Eye Fleegle" in his ''Lil Abner'' comic strip. New York Sports columnist [[Dan Parker]] called Finkle, " The Number 1 hex-man in the world."

In 1938, Finkle moved to Miami Beach, Florida where the boxing scene was taking off. Finkle would end up living there for over 50 years.

World War II breifly halted his career, Finkle served in the U.S. Army, serving in England and Scotland.

On June 1, 1948, Finkle renewed his career when he appeared on the CBS show ''We The People'' with [[Fred Allen]]. Finkle gave the "Evil-Eye" to the camera.

His major vice, besides a good cigar, was shoes. In his hey-day, he reportedly owned 59 pairs of shoes.

By the mid 1950s, with the local fight clubs dying off, and television becoming the center of attention, "Evil Eye'' Finkle's services were no longer needed. He still managed to work a few corners, but for the most part became a fixture at ringside at [[Chris Dundee]]'s weekly Tuesday night fight cards at the Miami Beach Auditorium. The lanky Finkle would always be seen eating a deli-sandwich, drinking coffee, and smoking a cigar.

New Jersey promoter [[Willie Gilzenberg]] while vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida in 1969 contacted Finkle about using his " Triple Whammy" at one of his promotions, but nothing came of it.

In the 1970s, Finkle became a regular at the [[Dade Athletic Club Lounge]], where he told stories of boxing's glory days. He was always seen in his black-suit, with an open collar white shirt. At about 5 feet 11 inches, he tipped the teams at around 135lbs.

In 1973, The "Evil Eye" was brought out of retirement, when Finkle worked the corner of non-script Miami heavyweight [[Ron Casey (Florida)]]. Casey who had never won a fight, hoped that Finkle's "Evil Eye" would help him in his match with undefeated [[Al Migliorato]]. The "Eye" must have lost some of its steam, because Casey went on to be knocked cold, yet again. Finkle had better luck when he briefly cornered promising heavyweight prospect, [[John L. Johnson]]. In August, 1973, Finkle worked Johnson's corner for his fight with the Carlos Dunston. " He told me to go out and get him, " said Johnson. " But, I already had. I knocked him out in the third round. I believed in Finkle's powers. "

Finkle's last two appearances in the squared circle were working the corner of Sherman "Big Train" Bergman, a colorful, hard-punching, amateur welterweight from Miami Beach. "Evil Eye" Finkle managed to find his powers once again, as Bergman went on to score first round knockouts over [[Fred Roundtree]] and [[Larry Youngblood]]. Both Roundtree and Youngblood were overheard saying in the dressing room following their defeats, "Wasn't the punches of Bergman that did me in, but that "Evil Eye" of that Benjamin Finkle. Don't mess with that cat."

A few years later, Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle died in Miami Beach, Florida in relative obscurity; thus closing the book on one of boxing's most colorful and controversial characters.

==Sources==

*''The Sweet Science'', June 14, 2005: EVIL-EYE FINKLE: TWO PARTS VOODOO AND ONE PART FRAUD, by Pat Putnam.

*''We The People'', CBS TV, June 1, 1948.

[[Category: Jewish Boxers|Finkle, Benjamin "Evil Eye"]]
[[Category: World War II Veterans|Finkle, Benjamin "Evil Eye"]]

Florentino Fernandez

2008-10-11T18:06:46Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

[[file:Fernandez.Florentino.jpg|left|frame]]
<boxer>010924</boxer>
[[file:FernandezFlorentino.jpg|400px]]
 

==Career Review==

Cuban born '''Florentino "3 Toneles" Fernandez''' was one of the island's biggest punchers and holds the Cuban record for most consecutive knockouts (16 straight). Fernandez was known to he Cuban community as " El Barbaro del Knock Out."

Fernandez was a big left hook artist who racked up a series of impressive victories which led to his title challenge against [[Gene Fullmer]]. The 25 year old Fernandez lost a split decision to Fullmer. Referee [[Ken Shulsen]] scored the fight 145-142 Fullmer, judge [[Del Markham]] favored Fernandez 145-143, and judge [[Norman Jorgensen]] scored it 148-140.

Fernandez insisted on a rematch, but ''Ring Magazine'' writer [[Al Buck]] pointed to Fernandez's two fights with [[Rocky Kalingo]] as a reason why Fullmer would be foolish to fight Fernandez in Communist Cuba; " Fighting Fernandez in Cuba hardly would be an enjoyable experience except for another Cuban, a Russian, or a Red Chinese. A Fernandez-Yankee battle in Havana would be put in a military atmosphere and amid turmoil. It was recalled that one [[Rocky Kalingo]] knocked out Fernandez in one round in Caracas and then let the Cuban have a return fight in Havana. Kalingo knocked Fernandez down in the first and appeared to be headed for another victory. The mob wouldn't have it. Kalingo was threatened to the point at which he was scared into near-paralysis. He was stopped."

Fernandez never received his rematch, but did receive 20 percent of the $100,000.00 gate and $10,000.00 from the paid-t.v. money.

When Cuba outlawed professional boxing, Fernandez lived in exile from the communist government of Cuba, in Miami Beach, Florida, where he became a fan favorite on television, and on the fight cards promoted by [[Chris Dundee]]. In most cases Fernandez either knocked out his opponents, or was in turn KO'd himself.

Fernandez was bombed out in mere seconds by [[Rubin Carter]], but came back a few years later to knockout undefeated, future world light heavyweight champion, [[Jose Torres]].

After a stunning knockout defeat to club-fighter [[Willie Tiger]], Fernandez announced his retirement. He blamed his numerous knockout defeats on personal problems associated with the political situation in his native country of Cuba.

He was working as a dishwasher and busboy when he decided to launch a comeback as a light heavyweight. Fernandez shocked the boxing world by scoring upset knockouts over Florida Middleweight Champion [[Jimmy Williams]] and highly regarded [[Jerry Evans]].

However, just when it seemed that Fernandez was on the verge of a title shot against light heavyweight king [[Bob Foster]], Fernandez was stopped in the 10th round of a toe-to-toe slugfest with upstart [[Vernon McIntosh]].

Fernandez yet again retired. Reports had him working as a dishwater and bus-boy.Some four years later he was a guest on a Spanish radio talk show and announced he was in training for a comeback. Something must have changed his mind, as Florentino Fernandez never fought again.

In the early 1980s, Fernandez briefly coached amateur boxers at the [[Elizabeth Virrick Gym]] in Coconut Grove, Florida.

==Reference==

*Enciclopedia Del Boxeo Cubano by [[Willy Del Pino]] 1988, page 136.

==Source==

* ''Ring Magazine'', October 1961, pages 5-6-7: FULLMER ASKS FOR DOWNES-PENDER WINNER, by [[Al Buck]].

Frankie Otero

2008-10-11T18:01:10Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Biography */

[[file:Frankie Otero.jpg|left|170px|Frankie Otero]]
<boxer>018355</boxer>

== Biography ==
Cuban born Frankie Otero was rated among the top ten Jr. Lightweights in the world from 1970-1973, while a student at ''Miami-Dade Community College''. A clever boxer with a solid punch, Otero was one of [[Chris Dundee]]'s main event fighters from the fabled [[Fifth Street Gym]], a local hero with a gate following.

Otero and his family fled Cuba to escape Fidel Castro's revolution. Frankie, his parents Francisco and Yolanda, and his brother Alejandro moved to Hialeah, Florida. As a youth, Frankie Otero's idol was Cuban boxing star [[Luis Rodriguez]]. At the age of 15, Otero began training under [[Richard Riesgo]] at the famed [[Fifth Street Gym]]. Frankie boxed as an amateur for a year and won the local [[Golden Gloves]] title in the novice division.

After a short amateur career, Otero turned professional at 18 years old. He soon racked up an impressive knockout streak which made him the toast of the Cuban exile community in South Florida.

His best performances were wins over veteran contender [[Love Allotey]], [[Alberto Perez]], [[Kenny Weldon]] and a tough New Orleans fighter named [[Jimmy Trosclair]].

In 1973, Otero took his 42-2-1 record into a scheduled 10 rounder with former World Lightweight Champion [[Ken Buchanan]]. The fight was so hyped on Miami Beach, that matchmaker [[Chris Dundee]] held it at the ''Miami Beach Convention Center. Thousands of fans saw a fast paced and exciting 10 round slugfest. Otero gave a gutsy showing, but was clearly out-boxed by the faster Buchanan.

Otero was knocked out by Buchanan in a rematch and also by [[Alfredo Escalera]].

Otero retired from fighting to work as a real estate appraiser and sales agent, but remained involved in the sport as a matchmaker, having worked in promotions featuring [[Aaron Pryor]], [[Davey Moore (Light Middleweight)|Davey Moore]], [[Roberto Duran]] and [[Thomas Hearns]]. He also managed several boxers, including [[Braulio Santiesteban]] and [[Nestor Pinango]].

Otero also tried to help local South Florida boxers; his friend [[Roberto Ayala]] and [[Elvis Yero]]. However, in both instances, drug abuse destroyed Ayala's and Yero's promising careers.

The last time Frankie Otero stepped into the ring was an exhibition bout with [[Raul Hernandez]] during the early 1980s at the 8th Street Festival in Miami, Florida.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Otero, Frankie}}
[[Category:NABF Super Featherweight Champions]]
[[Category:Promoters]]
[[Category:Trainers]]
[[Category:Managers]]

Billy Fox

2007-11-24T23:11:06Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

[[file:Fox.Billy.Promo.jpg|left|230px|Billy Fox]]
<boxer>011796</boxer>
[[:Image:Fox.Billy.jpg|Photo 2]]
 
==Career Review==

"Blackjack" Billy Fox was credited with scoring 43 consecutive knockouts. However, recent research seems to reflect a different light. Seems more likely that Fox scored 36 straight knockout victories prior to his first title fight with champion [[Gus Lesnevich]].

An article in the "Where are They Now?" series, concerning Billy Fox, appeared inThe Ring, April 1981, pages 66-68. The author was E.J. Gary. In this article, Fox says that he had 36 professional fights before meeting Gus Lesnevich for the light-heavyweight title in Madison Square Garden, February 28, 1947. Billy said "Boxing was my life. I kept track of my fights."

Further, historian [[Herbert Goldman]] has checked the Philadelphia Inquirer, and affirms that on some of the nights when Fox is supposed to have had fights in Philadelphia, there were no boxing programs held in the city. In other cases, he did not box on programs held on nights when he is supposed to have fought.

==New York Times Article==

According to a report in the ''New York Times'' on May 21, 1946, The headline in the Times Sport's Section read: FOX STOPS HARRIS IN !0th; SCORES 39TH STRAIGHT KNOCKOUT. Box rec lists the second Harris match as Fox's 30th straight knockout win.

Herman Weiner

2007-11-24T23:06:16Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Source */

<boxer>13703</boxer>

===Biography===

'''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.

Herman 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 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.

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, 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.

However, in 1934, Weiner launched a comeback. From February 10th to October 29, 1934, Weiner knockedout [[Rex King]] 2rds, [[Jack Reed]] 2rds, [[Eight Ball Taylor]] 3rds, [[Fred Klick]] 3rds, and [[Rex King]] in 2 rounds. It seemed that ''Herman 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: 38-18-1 (31 knockouts).

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.

====Source====

* ''Internet Movie Database'' webpage.

* ''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]]

Tony Esperti

2007-11-24T01:19:55Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Sources */

[[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.

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.

Herman Weiner

2007-11-24T01:17:15Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Source */

<boxer>13703</boxer>

===Biography===

'''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.

Herman 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 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.

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, 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.

However, in 1934, Weiner launched a comeback. From February 10th to October 29, 1934, Weiner knockedout [[Rex King]] 2rds, [[Jack Reed]] 2rds, [[Eight Ball Taylor]] 3rds, [[Fred Klick]] 3rds, and [[Rex King]] in 2 rounds. It seemed that ''Herman 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: 38-18-1 (31 knockouts).

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.

====Source====

* ''Internet Movie Database'' webpage.

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

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

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

Bobby Halpern

2007-11-24T01:13:20Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:bobbyhalpern.jpg|left|300px|bobbyhalpern]]
<boxer>000257</boxer>
'''Manager:''' [[Charley Casserta]] 
'''Trainer:''' [[Charley Casserta]] 
'''Amateur Record:''' 190-10 (140 knockouts)

 

== Biography ==
'''Robert "Bobby" Halphern''' 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. His ethnic and religious mix led to constant school-yard fights.

By the age of 15, Halpern had "graduated" from street fighting to amateur boxing. According to a 1977 ''Sports Illustrated'' article, Halpern "estimated he had close to 200 amateur bouts and had lost about 10."

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, Halpern was arrested for armed robbery and served four years in Elmira prison.

Upon his release in 1958, he went back to the only "honest" work he knew--boxing. He took his 6-0 record against future heavyweight title contender "Irish" [[Tom McNeeley]] on December 19, 1958 in New York, and lost a hard-fought decision in a pier-six brawl. Halpern's life of crime caught up to him in 1959 when he was sentenced to 20 years to life for robbery, kidnapping and grand larceny.

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]]--but amazingly, six days later, he defeated veteran [[Leslie Borden]].

Wins over [[David Conteh]], [[Diego Joe Roberson]], and [[Johnny Blaine ]] (twice) followed. Bobby Halpern was now a house-hold name. His comeback landed him a profile in ''Sports Illustrated''. He appeared in the [[The Ring Magazine]] and on television and radio. His comeback reached its climax on May 15, 1978 in [[Madison Square Garden]] against [[Guy Casale]]. In a brutal brawl, Halpern suffered a stunning one punch knockout loss in three rounds.

A short time later, Halpern was wounded by a shotgun blast in an attempted "hit." 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.

Bobby Halpern's life and career has always been shadowed by mystery. His exact birthdate is unclear. His exact ring record is unclear (it has been listed as 9-4, 12-4, 14-4), and even his death is unclear. A ''New York Press'' story reported that former heavyweight contender [[Chuck Wepner]] believed that Halpern had died years ago. Other sources list Halpern dying in 1999 under "mysterious circumstances". However, 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.

===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.

* ''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 was later "resolved"

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

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

Raul Hernandez

2007-10-14T04:17:35Z

Legwarmers1980:

John L Johnson

2007-10-14T04:11:48Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:johnljohnson.jpg|left|300px|John L. Johnson]]

<boxer>008911</boxer>'''Managers:''' [[Mike Dundee]], [[Chris Dundee]], [[Mike Goodman]], and [[Pat O'Malley]]
*'''Cornerman:''' [[Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle]]
*'''Amateur Record:''' 38-0 (31 knockouts)

 

==Biography==

'''John L. Johnson''' was a promising heavyweight prospect in Florida in the early 1970s.

Johnson was born in Northern Florida in May, 1944 (boxrec lists his birthday as April, 1952)and developed a keen interest in boxing after watching [[Muhammad Ali]] fight on national television.

At the age of 15, and standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, the 165 pound Johnson embarked on an amateur career. Using a style similar to his idol, [[Muhammad Ali]], Johnson ran up a reported 38-0 (31 knockouts)amateur record, winning both the lightheavyweight and heavyweight Florida amateur titles.

Johnson caught the eye of legendary promoter [[Chris Dundee]], and Johnson traveled to Miami Beach, Florida to begin a professional career.

Now standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 218lbs., Johnson came under the guidence
of four different managers in his career: [[Mike Dundee]], [[Chris Dundee]], [[Mike Goodman]], and [[Pat O'Malley]].

Johnson was undefeated in his first nine fights and became a popular fan favorite with exciting wins over veterans [[Leon Shaw]], [[Rene Kinsey]], and [[Virgil Ray McFarland]]. In his rematch with Shaw on Tuesday, June 19,1973, at the [[Miami Beach Auditorium]] in a fightcard promoted by [[Chris Dundee]], Johnson climbed off the canvas twice in the 3rd round, to knockout Shaw in the 4th. When Johnson knocked out [[Carlos Dunston]] in 3 rounds in August 1973, he credited his cornerman, the legendary [[Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle]] with the victory. " I believed in Finkles powers, " Johnson said. Johnson suffered his first defeat, when [[James Scott]] climbed off the canvas in the first round to stop the undefeated Johnson in the bout's final round. Scott would go on to contention in the lightheavyweight division.

Johnson took the defeat in stride, but seemed to have lost that edge which saw him compile his previously undefeated record. Johnson fought 3-fights with hard-punching Miami, Florida knockout artist, [[Orestes "O.T." Davies]]. Johnson won the rubber match by stunning knockout. Outside of the ring, Johnson held down a job as a security guard at an Opa-Locka, Florida apartment complex owned by heavyweight contender [[(Florida) Al Jones]].

World heavyweight champion [[Muhammad Ali]] had seen Johnson in action, and the champ hired John L. to work for him as a sparring partner. Johnson was now working with his boxing idol. Johnson was a sparring partner for former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion [[Muhammad Ali]] for 3 years. He also worked as a sparring partner for former WBA World Heavyweight Champion [[Jimmy Ellis]].

When Ellis fought [[Larry Middleton]] in Landover, Maryland, Johnson fought on the undercard. However, Johnson's biggest moment came when he fought on the undercard of the [[Muhammad Ali]]/[[Ron Lyle]] World Heavyweight Title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 16, 1975.

Johnson's last major victory was a stunning first round knockout victory over [[Richard Majors]]. Two years earlier, Johnson had fought the then undefeated Majors to a draw.

Johnson went on to fight future World Heavyweight Champion [[Tony Tubbs]], and World Cruiserweight Champion [[Robert Daniels]], but was knockedout in both bouts.

In 1983, Johnson decided to retire. He continued to live on Miami Beach, and became a fixture around the South Shore Community Center in the South Beach section of Miami Beach.

The comeback bug bite John L.Johnson in 1987; however it proved unsuccessful. In 1990, he cameback yet again, but after suffering a knockout defeat, he announced his retirement from the ring.

Johnson was an exciting and popular fan favorite on the South Florida boxing scene. He fought eleven undefeated fighters, two world champions, and title contenders [[Scott LeDoux]] and [[Nino Ribalta]]. Johnson claims to have fought 62 professional boxing matches.

Johnson is twice divorced and has two daughters and a son. He is currently living in the North Beach section of Miami Beach, Florida, where he is still popular with his old fight fans.

Johnson has suffered from a number of health problems in the past few years. A heart condition has lead to two operations, and in October, 2007, he was hospitalized at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida with a staff infection on his leg.

John L Johnson

2007-10-14T04:06:19Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:johnljohnson.jpg|left|300px|John L. Johnson]]

<boxer>008911</boxer>'''Managers:''' [[Mike Dundee]], [[Chris Dundee]], [[Mike Goodman]], and [[Pat O'Malley]]
*'''Cornerman:''' [[Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle]]
*'''Amateur Record:''' 38-0 (31 knockouts)

 

==Biography==

'''John L. Johnson''' was a promising heavyweight prospect in Florida in the early 1970s.

Johnson was born in Northern Florida in May, 1944 (boxrec lists his birthday as April, 1952)and developed a keen interest in boxing after watching [[Muhammad Ali]] fight on national television.

At the age of 15, and standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, the 165 pound Johnson embarked on an amateur career. Using a style similar to his idol, [[Muhammad Ali]], Johnson ran up a reported 38-0 (31 knockouts)amateur record, winning both the lightheavyweight and heavyweight Florida amateur titles.

Johnson caught the eye of legendary promoter [[Chris Dundee]], and Johnson traveled to Miami Beach, Florida to begin a professional career.

Now standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 218lbs., Johnson came under the guidence
of four different managers in his career: [[Mike Dundee]], [[Chris Dundee]], [[Mike Goodman]], and [[Pat O'Malley]].

Johnson was undefeated in his first nine fights and became a popular fan favorite with exciting wins over veterans [[Leon Shaw]], [[Rene Kinsey]], and [[Virgil Ray McFarland]]. In his rematch with Shaw on Tuesday, June 19,1973, at the [[Miami Beach Auditorium]] in a fightcard promoted by [[Chris Dundee]], Johnson climbed off the canvas twice in the 3rd round, to knockout Shaw in the 4th. When Johnson knocked out [[Carlos Dunston]] in 3 rounds in August 1973, he credited his cornerman, the legendary [[Benjamin "Evil Eye" Finkle]] with the victory. " I believed in Finkles powers, " Johnson said. Johnson suffered his first defeat, when [[James Scott]] climbed off the canvas in the first round to stop the undefeated Johnson in the bout's final round. Scott would go on to contention in the lightheavyweight division.

Johnson took the defeat in stride, but seemed to have lost that edge which saw him compile his previously undefeated record. Johnson fought 3-fights with hard-punching Miami, Florida knockout artist, [[Orestes "O.T." Davies]]. Johnson won the rubber match by stunning knockout. Outside of the ring, Johnson held down a job as a security guard at an Opa-Locka, Florida apartment complex owned by heavyweight contender [[(Florida) Al Jones]].

World heavyweight champion [[Muhammad Ali]] had seen Johnson in action, and the champ hired John L. to work for him as a sparring partner. Johnson was now working with his boxing idol. Johnson was a sparring partner for former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion [[Muhammad Ali]] for 3 years. He also worked as a sparring partner for former WBA World Heavyweight Champion [[Jimmy Ellis]].

When Ellis fought [[Larry Middleton]] in Landover, Maryland, Johnson fought on the undercard. However, Johnson's biggest moment came when he fought on the undercard of the [[Muhammad Ali]]/[[Ron Lyle]] World Heavyweight Title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 16, 1975.

Johnson's last major victory was a stunning first round knockout victory over [[Richard Majors]]. Two years earlier, Johnson had fought the then undefeated Majors to a draw.

Johnson went on to fight future World Heavyweight Champion [[Tony Tubbs]], and World Cruiserweight Champion [[Robert Daniels]], but was knockedout in both bouts.

In 1983, Johnson decided to retire. He continued to live on Miami Beach, and became a fixture around the South Shore Community Center in the South Beach section of Miami Beach.

The comeback bug bite John L.Johnson in 1987; however it proved unsuccessful. In 1990, he cameback yet again, but after suffering a knockout defeat, he announced his retirement from the ring.

Johnson was an exciting and popular fan favorite on the South Florida boxing scene. He fought eleven undefeated fighters, two world champions, and title contenders [[Scott LeDoux]] and [[Nino Ribalta]]. Johnson claims to have fought 62 professional boxing matches.

Johnson is divorced and has two daughters and a son. He is currently living in the North Beach section of Miami Beach, Florida, where he is still popular with his old fight fans.

Johnson has suffered from a number of health problems in the past few years. A heart condition has lead to two operations, and in October, 2007, he was hospitalized at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida with a staff infection on his leg.

Fosi Schmidt

2007-06-03T22:14:08Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Source */

[[file:ARD101954.jpg|left|Fossie Schmidt]]

<boxer>115144</boxer>'''Birthdate:''' ?/?/1935 
'''Died:''' December 19, 2005 
'''Age:''' 60 
'''Nickname:''' King Pola

 

==Career Review==

'''Fosi Schmidt''' (some sources list Fossi Schmidt) was a colorful, hard-hitting, and mysterious heavyweight prospect during the 1950s.

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, his birth name was Afioga Polataivao, and he was of Samoan ancestry.

Schmidt reportedly developed a keen interest in boxing from watching U.S. army soldiers training in Australia. He decided to become a professional boxer; changing his ring name to Fosi Schmidt.

Schmidt was powerfully built and had knockout power. He turned professional in Samoa, and in less then three years, Schmidt won the Heavyweight Championship of Samoa and reportedly racked up an undefeated record of 50-0 (50 knockouts). Among his ring victims were [[Harold Davis]] and [[Al McCoy]].

On February 10, 1954, in Leififi on the Samoan Islands, Schmidt was sparring with [[Vaipou Ainu'u]], a local police constable, who was also an amateur heavyweight boxer. The two were training in a ring at the local police station when Schmidt knocked Ainu'u down. Ainu'u's head struck the ring floor and efforts to revive him failed. The 35 year old Ainu'u died on the way to the hospital. Schmidt was greatly disturbed by Ainu'u's death, but realized it was a terrible accident, and he continued on with his promising career.

Schmidt became a "Samoan Sensation" and appeared on the cover of [[Australian Ring Digest]] in October 1954. The 1955 [[Ring Record Book]] credited Schmidt with scoring 50 consecutive knockouts, including bombing out the likes of Tauso M'U KO 2 rds, Fetuao KO 1rd, Lini KO 2 rds, Loie KO 3 rds, Viane KO 1 rd, Enesi KO 2 rds, Pili KO 2 rds, Silipa KO 2 rds, Filipo KO 2 rds, Sefo KO 1 rd and KO 2 rds, Iefata KO 4 rds.

However, Schmidt's knockout streak was halted by Fiji heavyweight [[Henry Bray]] by 5th round knockout. On December 8, 1954, Schmidt was knocked out in 3 rounds by [[Ross Jenkins]]. Schmidt continued to fight, but never again showed the promise of his earlier undefeated career.

In the early 1960s, Schmidt opened a number of successful trading stations. He also owned and ran the Apollo 11 nightclub in Saleufi. However, in 1964, Schmidt entered politics and was elected to parliament. He became known to his fellow Samoans as " King Pola ".

Schmidt served in parliament from 1964-1999, but resigned due to bad health. He was the former Minister of Health, the former Minister of Labour, and the former Minister of Lands and Environment. Schmidt was also a founding member of his country's Human Rights Protection Party.

From 1999-2005, Schmidt underwent dialysis treatment in both New Zealand and Australia. He died on December 19, 2005, of heart failure. He was survived by his wife Ipu, and his son La'auli Leuatea.

==Source==

*'''Australian Ring Digest''', October 1954: SAMOAN SENSATION-FOSSIE SCHMIDT.

*'''1955 Ring Record Book'', 1955, page 74: Ring Deaths in 1954.

*''1955 Ring Record Book'', 1955, page 833: Record: FOSSI(BROWNHAWK)SCHMIDT.

*''1955 Ring Record Book'', 1955, page 733: Record: HENRY BRAY.

*'''www.eventpolynesia.com'''

*'''Connecting The Pacific'''

*'''Pacific Magazine''', March 1, 2006: People's Briefs: IN MEMORIAM.

*'''Samoa Newsroom''', April 2-April 8, 2006.

Fosi Schmidt

2007-06-03T22:12:20Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

[[file:ARD101954.jpg|left|Fossie Schmidt]]

<boxer>115144</boxer>'''Birthdate:''' ?/?/1935 
'''Died:''' December 19, 2005 
'''Age:''' 60 
'''Nickname:''' King Pola

 

==Career Review==

'''Fosi Schmidt''' (some sources list Fossi Schmidt) was a colorful, hard-hitting, and mysterious heavyweight prospect during the 1950s.

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, his birth name was Afioga Polataivao, and he was of Samoan ancestry.

Schmidt reportedly developed a keen interest in boxing from watching U.S. army soldiers training in Australia. He decided to become a professional boxer; changing his ring name to Fosi Schmidt.

Schmidt was powerfully built and had knockout power. He turned professional in Samoa, and in less then three years, Schmidt won the Heavyweight Championship of Samoa and reportedly racked up an undefeated record of 50-0 (50 knockouts). Among his ring victims were [[Harold Davis]] and [[Al McCoy]].

On February 10, 1954, in Leififi on the Samoan Islands, Schmidt was sparring with [[Vaipou Ainu'u]], a local police constable, who was also an amateur heavyweight boxer. The two were training in a ring at the local police station when Schmidt knocked Ainu'u down. Ainu'u's head struck the ring floor and efforts to revive him failed. The 35 year old Ainu'u died on the way to the hospital. Schmidt was greatly disturbed by Ainu'u's death, but realized it was a terrible accident, and he continued on with his promising career.

Schmidt became a "Samoan Sensation" and appeared on the cover of [[Australian Ring Digest]] in October 1954. The 1955 [[Ring Record Book]] credited Schmidt with scoring 50 consecutive knockouts, including bombing out the likes of Tauso M'U KO 2 rds, Fetuao KO 1rd, Lini KO 2 rds, Loie KO 3 rds, Viane KO 1 rd, Enesi KO 2 rds, Pili KO 2 rds, Silipa KO 2 rds, Filipo KO 2 rds, Sefo KO 1 rd and KO 2 rds, Iefata KO 4 rds.

However, Schmidt's knockout streak was halted by Fiji heavyweight [[Henry Bray]] by 5th round knockout. On December 8, 1954, Schmidt was knocked out in 3 rounds by [[Ross Jenkins]]. Schmidt continued to fight, but never again showed the promise of his earlier undefeated career.

In the early 1960s, Schmidt opened a number of successful trading stations. He also owned and ran the Apollo 11 nightclub in Saleufi. However, in 1964, Schmidt entered politics and was elected to parliament. He became known to his fellow Samoans as " King Pola ".

Schmidt served in parliament from 1964-1999, but resigned due to bad health. He was the former Minister of Health, the former Minister of Labour, and the former Minister of Lands and Environment. Schmidt was also a founding member of his country's Human Rights Protection Party.

From 1999-2005, Schmidt underwent dialysis treatment in both New Zealand and Australia. He died on December 19, 2005, of heart failure. He was survived by his wife Ipu, and his son La'auli Leuatea.

==Source==

*'''Australian Ring Digest''', October 1954: SAMOAN SENSATION-FOSSIE SCHMIDT.

*''1955 Ring Record Book'', 1955, page 833: Record: FOSSI(BROWNHAWK)SCHMIDT.

*''1955 Ring Record Book'', 1955, page 733: Record: HENRY BRAY.

*'''www.eventpolynesia.com'''

*'''Connecting The Pacific'''

*'''Pacific Magazine''', March 1, 2006: People's Briefs: IN MEMORIAM.

*'''Samoa Newsroom''', April 2-April 8, 2006.

Alejandro Lavorante

2007-04-21T14:10:21Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

[[file:61Nov.jpg|left|Nov 1961 cover]]

<boxer>009376</boxer>
'''Manager''': [[Pinky George]]

 

==Career Review==

*In 1954, Lavorante won the Amateur Argentine Heavyweight Championship.
*Boxed as an amateur for 3 years.
*Defeated [[Alex Miteff]] by forfeit to win the Argentine amateur Heavyweight Title.
*Discovered by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Jack Dempsey]].
*Earned a #4 World Heavyweight Rating in the [[Ring Magazine]] by knocking out top-rated [[Zora Folley]] in a stunning upset.
*In his prime, Lavorante weighed 209lbs.
*Noted for his knockout punch and "Hollywood Good-Looks".
*In 1961, California promoter [[George Parnassus]] offered world heavyweight champion [[Floyd Patterson]] $500,000.00 to fight Lavorante. Patterson wanted 1 million dollars.
*Made the cover of the November 1961 [[Ring Magazine]].
* Lavorante was put in a coma, following a September 21, 1962 knockout loss to [[John Riggins]] in Los Angeles. He would die nineteen months later in April 1964.
* The knockout loss to Riggins was Lavorante's third straight. He had been carried out on a stretcher in a knockout loss to [[Archie Moore]], and was subsequently stopped by Cassius Clay ([[Muhammad Ali]]). Prior to these losses, Lavorante had been ranked as high as #3 in the Heavyweight division, on the strength of his 7th round knockout of [[Zora Folley]].

===Source===
*''Ring Magazine'', November 1961, pages 28-29-54-55: ALEJANDRO LAVORANTE: NEW HEAVYWEIGHT THREAT, by Nat Fleischer.
*''Ring Magazine'', September 1961, page 3: NAT FLEISCHER SAYS, by Nat Fleischer.
[[Category:Ring Fatalities|Lavoratne, Alejandro]]

Ralph Dupas

2007-04-15T04:35:26Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>011386</boxer>
'''Manager''': [[Whitey Esneault]] 
'''Trainers''': [[Angelo Dundee]] and [[Whitey Esneault]]

Fight Record: [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=011386]

==1965 Exhibition==

Dupas, 155lbs. scored a 5th round TKO over [[Grady Naylor]], 155lbs. The main event pitted [[Ray Willmore]] vs. [[Billy DePriest]].The card was fought at the Biloxi Community Center, and promoted by [[Eddie Poe]].

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Denny Moyer]]|
title=[[World Light Middleweight Champion]]|
after=[[Sandro Mazzinghi]]|
years=29 Apr 1963– 7 Sep 1963
}}
{{end box}}
[[Category:World Light Middleweight Champions|Dupas, Ralph]]
[[Category:American World Champions|Dupas, Ralph]]
[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members|Dupas, Ralph]]

Amos Lincoln

2007-04-15T04:30:05Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>011980</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Began his career as Amos "Sugar" Lincoln.
* Was one of three fighting brothers.
* Earned the nickname "Big Train" from [[Sonny Liston]].
* Sparring partner for Heavyweight Champion [[Sonny Liston]], for Liston's match with [[Muhammad Ali]] in Lewiston.
* In the October 1965 ''Ring Magazine'' following his 7th round TKO over [[Robert Davila]], Lincoln's ring record was reported as 59-4-1 by ''Ring'' reporter [[Bill Miller]].
* Sparring partner for Heavyweight Champion [[Ingemar Johansson]].
* Highly rated heavyweight in the mid-1960s.
* Biggest victory was over [[Thad Spencer]].
* Lincoln's promising career ended in dismal failure, and he was knocked out 7 times in his last 9 fights.

[[Category:African American Boxers|Lincoln, Amos]]

George Gaston

2007-04-15T04:18:29Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>26332</boxer>

==Career Review==

* After breaking into the simon-pures in 1962, Gaston won the Seattle Golden Gloves in 1963 and 1964. He owned a 34-4 record in the amateurs.
--[[User:Palais|palais]] 01:47, 24 January 2007 (CST)
* Managed by [[Joe West]] as a professional.
* Stablemate of [[Art Adams]].
* Profiled in an October 1965 ''Ring Magazine'' article.

Human:89524

2007-04-15T04:14:03Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>89524</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Highly touted Seattle, Washington amateur star.
* 1962, 1963, and 1964 Tacoma Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion.
* 1964 Spokane Inland Empire Middleweight Champion.
* Amateur record: 35-3.
* Managed as a pro by [[Joe West]].
* Stablemate of [[George Gaston]].
* Profiled in the October 1965 ''Ring Magazine'' in an article written by [[Ruggles Larson]].

Sonny Liston

2007-04-08T18:40:31Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Liston auto.photo.jpg|250px|left]]
<boxer>009031</boxer>
'''Managers:''' [[Jack Nilon]], [[Joe (Pep) Barone]], [[Eddie Polino]], [[George Katz]], [[Frank Mitchell]],[[Dick Sadler]], and [[Joe Polino]]: Managed Liston for his fights in Sweden. 
'''Trainers''': [[Boxer:Willie Reddish:013601|Willie Reddish]], Dick Sadler and [[Johnny Tocco]] 
'''Cut Men''': [[Joe Polino]] and [[Milt Bailey]]

== Mysteries Surrounding Birth and Death ==

Charles "Sonny" Liston was born May 8, 1932 in rural Arkansas, one of eleven children of his biological mother, Helen Baskin, and purportedly the twenty-fourth of twenty-five children sired by his father, Tobe Liston.

Liston's age became a topic of interest for boxing experts and fans. When Liston died at the age of 38, he left a 25 year old daughter. Some reports had him fighting as a professional in the 1940s. Liston sometimes viewed the controversy of his age with humor, once telling [[Howard Cosell]], that like Jack Benny he was still 29. Other times, Liston would respond in angry, " My mother says I was born in 1932, anyone who says different is calling my mother a liar! Are you calling her a liar?", he'd fire back at a reporter.

When Liston died some of his mysteries seemed to be cleared up. Liston indeed had a 25 year old daughter, but she was his step-daughter. A [[Sailor Liston]] did fight in the 1930s and 40s, only it was Sonny's cousin. However, Liston's exact date of birth will never really been known. An [[HBO]] special on Liston, showed one prison record which listed Liston's birth as 1928. A newspaper report on one of his early arrests leans towards his 1932 birth.

Liston died December 30, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was discovered by his wife over a week later. The police declared it a drug overdose, however, referee [[Davey Pearl]] said he had a phobia of needles, prompting some rumors that he could have been murdered by some of his underworld contacts. However, the offical cause of death was ruled a heart-attack. It seems that Liston's entire life was a myth built up by reporters with vivid imaginations, and friends and family who helped feed the mysteries. His funeral was attended by many of boxing's dignataries, including former heavyweight champion Joe Louis as a pall-bearer.

== Early Life and Amateur Career ==
Liston's childhood was one of poverty, pain, and illiteracy. Brutal and frequent beatings, incurred from his father's hands, led Liston to follow inpursuit of his mother, leaving home for St. Louis at age 13.

In St. Louis, Liston was in frequent trouble with the law. After many minor arrests, Liston was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison. During his stay, his talent was discovered by a Catholic priest. Through the actions of the Priest, Liston was paroled early and began a career in boxing.

In a brief amateur career, spanning less than a year, Liston captured the [[Chicago Golden Gloves]] championship on March 6, 1953, with a victory over [[Boxer:Ed_Sanders:034909|Ed Sanders]], and the Intercity Golden Gloves championship by decision over [[Julius Griffin]]. In the United States National (A.A.U.) Championship, Liston was defeated by [[Jimmy McCarter]] of Chester, Pennsylvania.

==Early Professional Career ==

==Heavyweight Contender ==
While a heavyweight contender, Liston was constantly making headlines for his "bizarre" behavior outside of the ring.

Liston was arrested in St. Louis for "sassing" a police officer. The case was later dismissed. At Philly's ''Fairmount Park'', Liston and a friend were arrested for disorderly conduct and impersonating a police officer. Liston said he was "kidding around." Liston was arrested on June 12, 1961 on the charges, but on July 1, the magistrate dismissed the charges as " an error of judgement."

While riding on the New Jersey turnpike, at 70 miles per hour, Liston was arrested for turning off his headlights.

On a road from New York to Philly, he was cited for pretending his car ran out of gasoline.

==Heavyweight Champion ==
Many of his business affairs were handled by Bob Nilon, Jack Nilon's brother at Inter-Continental Promotions.

== Media ==
*Liston appeared on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show "The Ed Sullivan Show"], performing his jump-roping talent, and made an appearance on ''The Jack Benny Program.''
*Liston also forayed into a career in acting. He appeared in the movies [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066095 Moonfire], [http://www.imdb.com/tittle/tt0063049 Head], and [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059253 Harlow (1965)].
*Also appeared in a television commercial for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braniff_International_Airways Braniff International Airways] with acclaimed new age artist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol Andy Warhol].

==Exhibitions==

* On November 7, 1961, in Chicago, Ill., ''Sonny Liston'' boxed an exhibition with [[Ernie Terrell]].
* On Tuesday, September 10, 1963 at Empire Pool, Wembley, England, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Harry Levene]] promoted the card.
* On Thursday, September 12, 1963, at the Ice-Rink in Paisley, Scotland, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his spaaring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Peter Kane]] promoted the card.
* On September 18, 1963, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' pulled out of a scheduled 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner [[Foneda Cox]] and returned to the United States, ending his European Exhibition Tour.
* On April 2, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska, ''Sonny Liston'' boxed exhibitions with [[Brady Jackson]], [[George Gaston]], and [[Fred Waldron]].
* On September 29, 1969 in New Orleans, LA., former Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner and stablemate [[George Foreman]]. The exhibition was promoted by [[Al Karchar]] and [[Heard Ragas]] and was a benefit for the Hurricane Relief Fund. The main event pitted Liston's stablemate [[Charlie Shipes]] in a losing effort against [[Alvin Phillips]]. The promotion drew 2,242 fans who paid $8,261.00, in which $1,600.00 was donated to the relief fund.
* In 1970 (date unknown), former heavyweight champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed an exhibition with heavyweight " Tugboat" [[Waben Thomas]] in Reno, Nevada.

==Refereeing ==
Like many world champions, Liston also worked as a referee. His appearances included:
* On October 23, 1962, in Houston, Texas, was the referee for the [[Cleveland Williams]] - [[Dave Bailey]] fight.
* On August 8, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, was the referee for the [[Tony Doyle]] - [[Jeff Spencer]] heavyweight fight.

== External Links ==
*Fight Record: [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009031]
*International Boxing Hall of Fame bio: [http://www.ibhof.com/liston.htm]
*Grave Site: [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=632]
*Seconds Out article: [http://www.secondsout.com/legends/legends_31480.asp]
*Cyber Boxing Zone Article: [http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box2-00.htm#liston]
*International Movie Database: [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0514288/]

== Published References ==
#A. S. Young, ''Sonny Liston: The Champ Nobody Wanted'' (1963).
#R. Burnes, "Heavyweight with a Past" ''Saturday Evening Post'', 13 August 1960, pp. 56-58.
#J. Flaherty, "A Right to the Jaw-That's Black Power" ''Esquire'', March 1969, pp. 112-14.
#B. J. Friedman, "Requeim for a Heavy" ''Esquire'', Aug. 1971, ppg. 55-57.
#L. V. Davis, "Sonny Liston"; in ''American National Biography'', pp. 733-34. (1999).

----
Books on Liston: [[Devil and Sonny Liston|''Devil and Sonny Liston'']]

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Floyd Patterson]]|
title=[[World Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Cassius Clay]]|
years=25 Sep 1962–19 Jun 1964
}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:American World Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:African American Boxers|Liston]]
[[Category:IBHOF Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Intercity Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Chicago Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]

Sonny Liston

2007-04-08T18:34:42Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Liston.sonny.jpg|left]]
<boxer>009031</boxer>
'''Managers:''' [[Jack Nilon]], [[Joe (Pep) Barone]], [[Eddie Polino]], [[George Katz]], [[Frank Mitchell]],[[Dick Sadler]], and [[Joe Polino]]: Managed Liston for his fights in Sweden. 
'''Trainers''': [[Boxer:Willie Reddish:013601|Willie Reddish]], Dick Sadler and [[Johnny Tocco]] 
'''Cut Men''': [[Joe Polino]] and [[Milt Bailey]]

== Mysteries Surrounding Birth and Death ==

Charles "Sonny" Liston was born May 8, 1932 in rural Arkansas, one of eleven children of his biological mother, Helen Baskin, and purportedly the twenty-fourth of twenty-five children sired by his father, Tobe Liston.

Liston's age became a topic of interest for boxing experts and fans. When Liston died at the age of 38, he left a 25 year old daughter. Some reports had him fighting as a professional in the 1940s. Liston sometimes viewed the controversy of his age with humor, once telling [[Howard Cosell]], that like Jack Benny he was still 29. Other times, Liston would respond in angry, " My mother says I was born in 1932, anyone who says different is calling my mother a liar! Are you calling her a liar?", he'd fire back at a reporter.

When Liston died some of his mysteries seemed to be cleared up. Liston indeed had a 25 year old daughter, but she was his step-daughter. A [[Sailor Liston]] did fight in the 1930s and 40s, only it was Sonny's cousin. However, Liston's exact date of birth will never really been known. An [[HBO]] special on Liston, showed one prison record which listed Liston's birth as 1928. A newspaper report on one of his early arrests leans towards his 1932 birth.

Liston died December 30, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was discovered by his wife over a week later. The police declared it a drug overdose, however, referee [[Davey Pearl]] said he had a phobia of needles, prompting some rumors that he could have been murdered by some of his underworld contacts. However, the offical cause of death was ruled a heart-attack. It seems that Liston's entire life was a myth built up by reporters with vivid imaginations, and friends and family who helped feed the mysteries. His funeral was attended by many of boxing's dignataries, including former heavyweight champion Joe Louis as a pall-bearer.

== Early Life and Amateur Career ==
Liston's childhood was one of poverty, pain, and illiteracy. Brutal and frequent beatings, incurred from his father's hands, led Liston to follow inpursuit of his mother, leaving home for St. Louis at age 13.

In St. Louis, Liston was in frequent trouble with the law. After many minor arrests, Liston was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison. During his stay, his talent was discovered by a Catholic priest. Through the actions of the Priest, Liston was paroled early and began a career in boxing.

In a brief amateur career, spanning less than a year, Liston captured the [[Chicago Golden Gloves]] championship on March 6, 1953, with a victory over [[Boxer:Ed_Sanders:034909|Ed Sanders]], and the Intercity Golden Gloves championship by decision over [[Julius Griffin]]. In the United States National (A.A.U.) Championship, Liston was defeated by [[Jimmy McCarter]] of Chester, Pennsylvania.

==Early Professional Career ==

==Heavyweight Contender ==
While a heavyweight contender, Liston was constantly making headlines for his "bizarre" behavior outside of the ring.

Liston was arrested in St. Louis for "sassing" a police officer. The case was later dismissed. At Philly's ''Fairmount Park'', Liston and a friend were arrested for disorderly conduct and impersonating a police officer. Liston said he was "kidding around." Liston was arrested on June 12, 1961 on the charges, but on July 1, the magistrate dismissed the charges as " an error of judgement."

While riding on the New Jersey turnpike, at 70 miles per hour, Liston was arrested for turning off his headlights.

On a road from New York to Philly, he was cited for pretending his car ran out of gasoline.

==Heavyweight Champion ==
Many of his business affairs were handled by Bob Nilon, Jack Nilon's brother at Inter-Continental Promotions.

== Media ==
*Liston appeared on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show "The Ed Sullivan Show"], performing his jump-roping talent, and made an appearance on ''The Jack Benny Program.''
*Liston also forayed into a career in acting. He appeared in the movies [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066095 Moonfire], [http://www.imdb.com/tittle/tt0063049 Head], and [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059253 Harlow (1965)].
*Also appeared in a television commercial for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braniff_International_Airways Braniff International Airways] with acclaimed new age artist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol Andy Warhol].

==Exhibitions==
* On November 7, 1961, in Chicago, Ill., ''Sonny Liston'' boxed an exhibition with [[Ernie Terrell]].
* On Tuesday, September 10, 1963 at Empire Pool, Wembley, England, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Harry Levene]] promoted the card.
* On Thursday, September 12, 1963, at the Ice-Rink in Paisley, Scotland, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his spaaring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Peter Kane]] promoted the card.
* On September 18, 1963, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' pulled out of a scheduled 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner [[Foneda Cox]] and returned to the United States, ending his European Exhibition Tour.
* On April 2, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska, ''Sonny Liston'' boxed exhibitions with [[Brady Jackson]], [[George Gaston]], and [[Fred Waldron]].
* On September 29, 1969 in New Orleans, LA., former Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner and stablemate [[George Foreman]]. The exhibition was promoted by [[Al Karchar]] and [[Heard Ragas]] and was a benefit for the Hurricane Relief Fund. The main event pitted Liston's stablemate [[Charlie Shipes]] in a losing effort against [[Alvin Phillips]]. The promotion drew 2,242 fans who paid $8,261.00, in which $1,600.00 was donated to the relief fund.
* In 1970 (date unknown), former heavyweight champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed an exhibition with heavyweight " Tugboat" [[Waben Thomas]] in Reno, Nevada.

==Refereeing ==
Like many world champions, Liston also worked as a referee. His appearances included:
* On October 23, 1962, in Houston, Texas, was the referee for the [[Cleveland Williams]] - [[Dave Bailey]] fight.
* On August 8, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, was the referee for the [[Tony Doyle]] - [[Jeff Spencer]] heavyweight fight.

== External Links ==
*Fight Record: [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009031]
*International Boxing Hall of Fame bio: [http://www.ibhof.com/liston.htm]
*Grave Site: [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=632]
*Seconds Out article: [http://www.secondsout.com/legends/legends_31480.asp]
*Cyber Boxing Zone Article: [http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box2-00.htm#liston]
*International Movie Database: [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0514288/]

== Published References ==
#A. S. Young, ''Sonny Liston: The Champ Nobody Wanted'' (1963).
#R. Burnes, "Heavyweight with a Past" ''Saturday Evening Post'', 13 August 1960, pp. 56-58.
#J. Flaherty, "A Right to the Jaw-That's Black Power" ''Esquire'', March 1969, pp. 112-14.
#B. J. Friedman, "Requeim for a Heavy" ''Esquire'', Aug. 1971, ppg. 55-57.
#L. V. Davis, "Sonny Liston"; in ''American National Biography'', pp. 733-34. (1999).

----
Books on Liston: [[Devil and Sonny Liston|''Devil and Sonny Liston'']]

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Floyd Patterson]]|
title=[[World Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Cassius Clay]]|
years=25 Sep 1962–19 Jun 1964
}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:American World Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:African American Boxers|Liston]]
[[Category:IBHOF Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Intercity Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Chicago Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]

File:Liston auto.photo.jpg

2007-04-08T18:31:09Z

Legwarmers1980: Sonny Liston autographed photo.

Sonny Liston autographed photo.

File:Liston-Exhibition.jpg

2007-04-08T18:29:01Z

Legwarmers1980: Poster: Sonny Liston's European Exhibition Tour

Poster: Sonny Liston's European Exhibition Tour

File:Liston-Waben Thomas Exch..jpg

2007-04-08T18:27:03Z

Legwarmers1980: Sonny Liston-"Tugboat" Waben Thomas Exch., Reno, Nevada 1970.

Sonny Liston-"Tugboat" Waben Thomas Exch., Reno, Nevada 1970.

File:Liston Exh. Poster.jpg

2007-04-08T18:22:47Z

Legwarmers1980: Sonny Liston poster for his European Tour

Sonny Liston poster for his European Tour

File:Liston-Terrell Exch..jpg

2007-04-08T18:20:32Z

Legwarmers1980: Sonny Liston-Ernie Terrell Exhibition

Sonny Liston-Ernie Terrell Exhibition

File:Liston-Golden Gloves1953.jpg

2007-04-08T18:18:24Z

Legwarmers1980: Sonny Liston write-up for the 1953 St. Louis Golden Gloves.

Sonny Liston write-up for the 1953 St. Louis Golden Gloves.

Jackie Turpin Jr.

2007-04-08T18:13:05Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>87496</boxer>

==Career Review==

* His father was pro boxer [[Jackie Turpin]].
* His uncles were former World Middleweight Champion[[ Randy Turpin]], and former British Middleweight Champion [[Dick Turpin]].
* Started as an amateur at age 8.
* Trained as an amateur by his uncle Randolph Turpin.
* In 1971, was voted British Rookie of The Year, after going 12-0 (11 knockouts) for the year.
* Managed by [[George Middleton]], and promoted by [[Jack Solomons]].

Ike Hooks

2007-04-08T18:06:19Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>57282</boxer>

==Career Review==

* 5 feet 9 inches.
* One of three brothers who fought pro.
* Amateur record: 45-5
* 1967 New Jersey Golden Glove Flyweight Champion.
* Turned pro at 18.
* In May 1972 issue of ''Boxing Illustrated'', Ike's record was listed as 15-3.
* Trained by former WBA World Heavyweight Champion [[Jimmy Ellis]].

Randy Clark

2007-04-08T18:00:50Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>77823</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Worked as a plasterer in Miami, Florida.
* Never had an amateur fight.
* Football star at Coral Gables High School in Florida.
* Served 4 years with the U.S. Marine Corps.
* Manager was [[Baron Pete]].

Chuck Olivera

2007-04-08T17:54:54Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>27996</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Born in 1947.
* Managed by [[Al Fenn]] who managed [[Zora Folley]], and [[Tony Doyle]].
* Won the Arizona Heavyweight Title from [[Johnny Featherman]].

Human:77843

2007-04-08T17:50:55Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Career Review */

<boxer>77843</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Hometown was Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
* Was a fisherman by profession.
* Turned pro in 1962. Retired in 1965. Made a comeback in 1969.
* The May 1972 issue of ''Boxing Illustrated'' listed Hatfield's record as 19-8-1 (10 knockouts). He was credited with defeating the likes of [[Paul Kasper]], [[John Hendrickson]], and [[Rocky Thebault]].
* The May 1972 issue of ''Boxing Illustrated'' reported that Hatfield won the Eastern-Canada Lightheavyweight Championship with a 7th round knockout over [[Merv Williams]].

Human:77843

2007-04-08T17:50:26Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>77843</boxer>

==Career Review==

* Hometown was Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
* Was a fisherman by profession.
* Turned pro in 1962. Retired in 1965. Made a comeback in 1969.
* The May 1972 issue of ''Boxing Illustrated'' listed Hatfield's record as 19-81 (10 knockouts). He was credited with defeating the likes of [[Paul Kasper]], [[John Hendrickson]], and [[Rocky Thebault]].
* The May 1972 issue of ''Boxing Illustrated'' reported that Hatfield won the Eastern-Canada Lightheavyweight Championship with a 7th round knockout over [[Merv Williams]].

Bobo Renfrow

2007-04-08T17:44:40Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>35380</boxer>

==Career Review==
* Born June 20, 1949 in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
* Grew up in Washington, D.C. and was a high school football star as a two-way lineman.
* Played 3 years of semi-pro football.
* Tried out with the Washington Redskins.
* Amateur boxing record was 7-0 (7 knockouts)
* A May 1972 article in Boxing Illustrated listed his pro record as 10-2.

Mike Quarry

2007-04-08T17:40:00Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:MikeQ.jpg|thumb|Mike Quarry (left)|left]]
<boxer>010872</boxer>
 

==Amateur Highlights==
*Started his amateur boxing career on his 17th birthday, March 4, 1968, at Victoria Hall in Los Angeles by knocking out [[Tony Tapia]] in 3 rounds.
*In April, 1968, Mike lost in the finals of the Western Regionals of the Olympic Trials.
*February, 1969, Mike won the Southern California A.A.U. and the Los Angeles Golden Glove Titles.
*In 1969, Mike was a runner-up at the National Tournament in Kansas City, losing a split decision to [[Dave Matthews]].
*Ended his amateur boxing career with a 24-2-2 record.

==Career Review==
*Advised by his father, [[Jack Quarry]], managed by his brother [[Jerry Quarry]], and trained by [[Frank Brazell]].
*Brother of fellow boxers [[Boxer:Jerry Quarry:009385|Jerry Quarry]] and [[Boxer:Bobby Quarry:004361|Robert Quarry]]
*Bio and pictures: [http://www.jerryquarry.com/mqwam.htm]
*The Quarry Brothers[http://leopod.tripod.com/id22.html]
*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=quarry&GSfn=michael&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=14603359& Find-A-Grave]

==Source==
*''Boxing Illustrated'', May 1972, pages 12-13-14, JERRY'S KID BROTHER MADE HIS OWN "NAME", by [[Jeff Temkin]]
[[Category:2006 Deaths|Quarry, Mike]]

Sonny Liston

2007-04-03T23:11:02Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Liston.sonny.jpg|left]]
<boxer>009031</boxer>
'''Managers:''' [[Jack Nilon]], [[Joe (Pep) Barone]], [[Eddie Polino]], [[George Katz]], [[Frank Mitchell]],[[Dick Sadler]], and [[Joe Polino]]: Managed Liston for his fights in Sweden. 
'''Trainers''': [[Boxer:Willie Reddish:013601|Willie Reddish]], Dick Sadler and [[Johnny Tocco]] 
'''Cut Men''': [[Joe Polino]] and [[Milt Bailey]]

== Mysteries Surrounding Birth and Death ==

Charles "Sonny" Liston was born May 8, 1932 in rural Arkansas, one of eleven children of his biological mother, Helen Baskin, and purportedly the twenty-fourth of twenty-five children sired by his father, Tobe Liston.

Liston's age became a topic of interest for boxing experts and fans. When Liston died at the age of 38, he left a 25 year old daughter. Some reports had him fighting as a professional in the 1940s. Liston sometimes viewed the controversy of his age with humor, once telling [[Howard Cosell]], that like Jack Benny he was still 29. Other times, Liston would respond in angry, " My mother says I was born in 1932, anyone who says different is calling my mother a liar! Are you calling her a liar?", he'd fire back at a reporter.

When Liston died some of his mysteries seemed to be cleared up. Liston indeed had a 25 year old daughter, but she was his step-daughter. A [[Sailor Liston]] did fight in the 1930s and 40s, only it was Sonny's cousin. However, Liston's exact date of birth will never really been known. An [[HBO]] special on Liston, showed one prison record which listed Liston's birth as 1928. A newspaper report on one of his early arrests leans towards his 1932 birth.

Liston died December 30, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was discovered by his wife over a week later. The police declared it a drug overdose, however, referee [[Davey Pearl]] said he had a phobia of needles, prompting some rumors that he could have been murdered by some of his underworld contacts. However, the offical cause of death was ruled a heart-attack. It seems that Liston's entire life was a myth built up by reporters with vivid imaginations, and friends and family who helped feed the mysteries. His funeral was attended by many of boxing's dignataries, including former heavyweight champion Joe Louis as a pall-bearer.

== Early Life and Amateur Career ==
Liston's childhood was one of poverty, pain, and illiteracy. Brutal and frequent beatings, incurred from his father's hands, led Liston to follow inpursuit of his mother, leaving home for St. Louis at age 13.

In St. Louis, Liston was in frequent trouble with the law. After many minor arrests, Liston was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison. During his stay, his talent was discovered by a Catholic priest. Through the actions of the Priest, Liston was paroled early and began a career in boxing.

In a brief amateur career, spanning less than a year, Liston captured the [[Chicago Golden Gloves]] championship on March 6, 1953, with a victory over [[Boxer:Ed_Sanders:034909|Ed Sanders]], and the Intercity Golden Gloves championship by decision over [[Julius Griffin]]. In the United States National (A.A.U.) Championship, Liston was defeated by [[Jimmy McCarter]] of Chester, Pennsylvania.

==Early Professional Career ==

==Heavyweight Contender ==
While a heavyweight contender, Liston was constantly making headlines for his "bizarre" behavior outside of the ring.

Liston was arrested in St. Louis for "sassing" a police officer. The case was later dismissed. At Philly's ''Fairmount Park'', Liston and a friend were arrested for disorderly conduct and impersonating a police officer. Liston said he was "kidding around." Liston was arrested on June 12, 1961 on the charges, but on July 1, the magistrate dismissed the charges as " an error of judgement."

While riding on the New Jersey turnpike, at 70 miles per hour, Liston was arrested for turning off his headlights.

On a road from New York to Philly, he was cited for pretending his car ran out of gasoline.

==Heavyweight Champion ==
Many of his business affairs were handled by Bob Nilon, Jack Nilon's brother at Inter-Continental Promotions.

== Media ==
*Liston appeared on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show "The Ed Sullivan Show"], performing his jump-roping talent, and made an appearance on ''The Jack Benny Program.''
*Liston also forayed into a career in acting. He appeared in the movies [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066095 Moonfire], [http://www.imdb.com/tittle/tt0063049 Head], and [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059253 Harlow (1965)].
*Also appeared in a television commercial for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braniff_International_Airways Braniff International Airways] with acclaimed new age artist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol Andy Warhol].

==Exhibitions==
* On November 7, 1961, in Chicago, Ill., ''Sonny Liston'' boxed an exhibition with [[Ernie Terrell]].
* On Tuesday, September 10, 1963 at Empire Pool, Wembley, England, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Harry Levene]] promoted the card.
* On Thursday, September 12, 1963, at the Ice-Rink in Paisley, Scotland, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his spaaring partner, [[Foneda Cox]]. [[Peter Kane]] promoted the card.
* On September 18, 1963, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' pulled out of a scheduled 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner [[Foneda Cox]] and returned to the United States, ending his European Exhibition Tour.
* On April 2, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska, ''Sonny Liston'' boxed exhibitions with [[Brady Jackson]], [[George Gaston]], and [[Fred Waldron]].
* On September 29, 1969 in New Orleans, LA., former Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner and stablemate [[George Foreman]]. The exhibition was promoted by [[Al Karchar]] and [[Heard Ragas]] and was a benefit for the Hurricane Relief Fund. The main event pitted Liston's stablemate [[Charlie Shipes]] in a losing effort against [[Alvin Phillips]]. The promotion drew 2,242 fans who paid $8,261.00, in which $1,600.00 was donated to the relief fund.

==Refereeing ==
Like many world champions, Liston also worked as a referee. His appearances included:
* On October 23, 1962, in Houston, Texas, was the referee for the [[Cleveland Williams]] - [[Dave Bailey]] fight.
* On August 8, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, was the referee for the [[Tony Doyle]] - [[Jeff Spencer]] heavyweight fight.

== External Links ==
*Fight Record: [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009031]
*International Boxing Hall of Fame bio: [http://www.ibhof.com/liston.htm]
*Grave Site: [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=632]
*Seconds Out article: [http://www.secondsout.com/legends/legends_31480.asp]
*Cyber Boxing Zone Article: [http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box2-00.htm#liston]
*International Movie Database: [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0514288/]

== Published References ==
#A. S. Young, ''Sonny Liston: The Champ Nobody Wanted'' (1963).
#R. Burnes, "Heavyweight with a Past" ''Saturday Evening Post'', 13 August 1960, pp. 56-58.
#J. Flaherty, "A Right to the Jaw-That's Black Power" ''Esquire'', March 1969, pp. 112-14.
#B. J. Friedman, "Requeim for a Heavy" ''Esquire'', Aug. 1971, ppg. 55-57.
#L. V. Davis, "Sonny Liston"; in ''American National Biography'', pp. 733-34. (1999).

----
Books on Liston: [[Devil and Sonny Liston|''Devil and Sonny Liston'']]

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Floyd Patterson]]|
title=[[World Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Cassius Clay]]|
years=25 Sep 1962–19 Jun 1964
}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:American World Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:African American Boxers|Liston]]
[[Category:IBHOF Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Intercity Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Chicago Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]

Arturo Lomeli

2007-04-03T17:47:23Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Lomeli Arturo.jpg|left|photo]]
<boxer>048174</boxer>

==Career Review==
* Managed and trained by [[Elias Leon]].
* Trained at ''Gimnasio Griego'' in Guadalajara, Mexico.
* Amateur record was 26-1; Golden Glove Champion of Jalisco, Mexico.
* His boxing idol was [[Joe Becerra]].
* Lomeli's nickname was ''El Becerro".
* Wife-Alica Rodriguez. Children: Teresa(born 1968), and Lupe (born 1966).

==Source==

* ''Ring Magazine'', November 1969, pages 12-13-48: LOMELI, ITALIAN-MEXICAN LIGHTWEIGHT, TITLE THREAT, by [[Jim Tuck]]

Human:29790

2007-04-03T17:38:29Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Comeback 1969 */

<boxer>029790</boxer>

==Comeback 1969==

*''LaSaga'' was the St.John's, Newfoundland Heavyweight Champion. In 1969 he returned for a 3-fight comeback.

* On June 26, 1969 at Stephenville, LaSaga, billed out of St. George, Canada, and weighing 200lbs. KO'd [[Joe (Brick) Wall]], 220lbs., at 1:02 of the first round. Wall was billed as the Eastern Newfoundland Heavyweight Champion.

* On July 2, 1969 at Port aux Basques, LaSaga, 200lbs., KO'd [[Mike Bruce]], 196lbs., St. John, New Brunswick, at 0:15 of the 2nd round.

* On August 29, 1969, at St. John's, LaSaga, 200lbs., stopped [[Gerry Gorman]] in round 2 of a scheduled 10 rounder.

==Source==

* ''Ring Magazine'', 1969, page 64: LASAGA HAVING HIS OWN WAY IN NEWFOUNDLAND RINGS, by [[Margaret LaSaga]]

Human:29790

2007-04-03T17:37:52Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>029790</boxer>

==Comeback 1969==

*''LaSaga'' was the St.John's, Newfoundland Heavyweight Champion. In 1969 he returned for a 3-fight comeback.

* On June 26, 1969 at Stephenville, LaSaga, billed out of St. George, Canada, and weighing 200lbs. KO'd [[Joe (Brick) Wall, 220lbs., at 1:02 of the first round. Wall was billed as the Eastern Newfoundland Heavyweight Champion.

* On July 2, 1969 at Port aux Basques, LaSaga, 200lbs., KO'd [[Mike Bruce]], 196lbs., St. John, New Brunswick, at 0:15 of the 2nd round.

* On August 29, 1969, at St. John's, LaSaga, 200lbs., stopped [[Gerry Gorman]] in round 2 of a scheduled 10 rounder.

==Source==

* ''Ring Magazine'', 1969, page 64: LASAGA HAVING HIS OWN WAY IN NEWFOUNDLAND RINGS, by [[Margaret LaSaga]]

Daniel Levesque

2007-04-03T17:24:11Z

Legwarmers1980: /* Missing Professional Fight */

<boxer>48687</boxer>

==Missing Professional Fight==

* According to a write-up by [[John Ort]] in the November 1969 ''Ring Magazine'', 12 year old ''Daniel Levesque'' lost his pro debut in 1969. The match was protomed by Daniel's father, Canadian fight promotor [[Regis Levesque]], in Cap del la Madeleine, in Quebec Province. There was no minimun age for pro boxers in Canada in 1969, and no local commission. In a bout consisting of three two-minute rounds, Daniel lost a decision to 12 year old [[Jacques Noel]]. The boys were paid in cash, $25.00 to Noel and $10 to Daniel. Both boys were scheduled for a rematch, but the result(s) of this/these matches are unknown.

==Source==

*''Ring Magazine'', November 1969, page 29: THE CHATTERBOX by [[John Ort]]

Daniel Levesque

2007-04-03T17:23:34Z

Legwarmers1980:

<boxer>48687</boxer>

==Missing Professional Fight==

* According to a write-up by [[John Ort]] in the November 1969 ''Ring Magazine'', 12 year old ''Daniel Levesque'' lost his pro debbut in 1969. The match was protomed by Daniel's father, Canadian fight promotor [[Regis Levesque]], in Cap del la Madeleine, in Quebec Province. There was no minimun age for pro boxers in Canada in 1969, and no local commission. In a bout consisting of three two-minute rounds, Daniel lost a decision to 12 year old [[Jacques Noel]]. The boys were paid in cash, $25.00 to Noel and $10 to Daniel. Both boys were scheduled for a rematch, but the result(s) of this/these matches are unknown.

==Source==

*''Ring Magazine'', November 1969, page 29: THE CHATTERBOX by [[John Ort]]

Sonny Liston

2007-04-03T17:15:06Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Liston.sonny.jpg|left]]
<boxer>009031</boxer>
'''Managers:''' [[Jack Nilon]], [[Joe (Pep) Barone]], [[Eddie Polino]], [[George Katz]], [[Frank Mitchell]],[[Dick Sadler]], and [[Joe Polino]]: Managed Liston for his fights in Sweden. 
'''Trainers''': [[Boxer:Willie Reddish:013601|Willie Reddish]], Dick Sadler and [[Johnny Tocco]] 
'''Cut Men''': [[Joe Polino]] and [[Milt Bailey]]

== Mysteries Surrounding Birth and Death ==

Charles "Sonny" Liston was born May 8, 1932 in rural Arkansas, one of eleven children of his biological mother, Helen Baskin, and purportedly the twenty-fourth of twenty-five children sired by his father, Tobe Liston.

Liston's age became a topic of interest for boxing experts and fans. When Liston died at the age of 38, he left a 25 year old daughter. Some reports had him fighting as a professional in the 1940s. Liston sometimes viewed the controversy of his age with humor, once telling [[Howard Cosell]], that like Jack Benny he was still 29. Other times, Liston would respond in angry, " My mother says I was born in 1932, anyone who says different is calling my mother a liar! Are you calling her a liar?", he'd fire back at a reporter.

When Liston died some of his mysteries seemed to be cleared up. Liston indeed had a 25 year old daughter, but she was his step-daughter. A [[Sailor Liston]] did fight in the 1930s and 40s, only it was Sonny's cousin. However, Liston's exact date of birth will never really been known. An [[HBO]] special on Liston, showed one prison record which listed Liston's birth as 1928. A newspaper report on one of his early arrests leans towards his 1932 birth.

Liston died December 30, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was discovered by his wife over a week later. The police declared it a drug overdose, however, referee [[Davey Pearl]] said he had a phobia of needles, prompting some rumors that he could have been murdered by some of his underworld contacts. However, the offical cause of death was ruled a heart-attack. It seems that Liston's entire life was a myth built up by reporters with vivid imaginations, and friends and family who helped feed the mysteries. His funeral was attended by many of boxing's dignataries, including former heavyweight champion Joe Louis as a pall-bearer.

== Early Life and Amateur Career ==
Liston's childhood was one of poverty, pain, and illiteracy. Brutal and frequent beatings, incurred from his father's hands, led Liston to follow inpursuit of his mother, leaving home for St. Louis at age 13.

In St. Louis, Liston was in frequent trouble with the law. After many minor arrests, Liston was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison. During his stay, his talent was discovered by a Catholic priest. Through the actions of the Priest, Liston was paroled early and began a career in boxing.

In a brief amateur career, spanning less than a year, Liston captured the [[Chicago Golden Gloves]] championship on March 6, 1953, with a victory over [[Boxer:Ed_Sanders:034909|Ed Sanders]], and the Intercity Golden Gloves championship by decision over [[Julius Griffin]]. In the United States National (A.A.U.) Championship, Liston was defeated by [[Jimmy McCarter]] of Chester, Pennsylvania.

==Early Professional Career ==

==Heavyweight Contender ==
While a heavyweight contender, Liston was constantly making headlines for his "bizarre" behavior outside of the ring.

Liston was arrested in St. Louis for "sassing" a police officer. The case was later dismissed. At Philly's ''Fairmount Park'', Liston and a friend were arrested for disorderly conduct and impersonating a police officer. Liston said he was "kidding around." Liston was arrested on June 12, 1961 on the charges, but on July 1, the magistrate dismissed the charges as " an error of judgement."

While riding on the New Jersey turnpike, at 70 miles per hour, Liston was arrested for turning off his headlights.

On a road from New York to Philly, he was cited for pretending his car ran out of gasoline.

==Heavyweight Champion ==
Many of his business affairs were handled by Bob Nilon, Jack Nilon's brother at Inter-Continental Promotions.

== Media ==
*Liston appeared on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ed_Sullivan_Show "The Ed Sullivan Show"], performing his jump-roping talent, and made an appearance on ''The Jack Benny Program.''
*Liston also forayed into a career in acting. He appeared in the movies [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066095 Moonfire], [http://www.imdb.com/tittle/tt0063049 Head], and [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059253 Harlow (1965)].
*Also appeared in a television commercial for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braniff_International_Airways Braniff International Airways] with acclaimed new age artist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol Andy Warhol].

==Exhibitions==
* On September 10, 1963 at Empire Pool, Wembley, England, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner, [[Foneda Cox]].
* On September 12, 1963 in Paisley, England, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his spaaring partner, [[Foneda Cox]].
* On September 18, 1963, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' pulled out of a scheduled 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner [[Foneda Cox]] and returned to the United States, ending his European Exhibition Tour.
* On September 29, 1969 in New Orleans, LA., former Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' boxed a 3 round exhibition with his sparring partner and stablemate [[George Foreman]]. The exhibition was promoted by [[Al Karchar]] and [[Heard Ragas]] and was a benefit for the Hurricane Relief Fund. The main event pitted Liston's stablemate [[Charlie Shipes]] in a losing effort against [[Alvin Phillips]]. The promotion drew 2,242 fans who paid $8,261.00, in which $1,600.00 was donated to the relief fund.

==Liston, The Referee==
* On October 23, 1962, in Houston, Texas, Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' was the referee for the [[Cleveland Williams]] - [[Dave Bailey]] fight.
* On August 8, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, former World Heavyweight Champion ''Sonny Liston'' was the referee for the [[Tony Doyle]] - [[Jeff Spencer]] heavyweight fight.

== External Links ==
*Fight Record: [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=009031]
*International Boxing Hall of Fame bio: [http://www.ibhof.com/liston.htm]
*Grave Site: [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=632]
*Seconds Out article: [http://www.secondsout.com/legends/legends_31480.asp]
*Cyber Boxing Zone Article: [http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box2-00.htm#liston]
*International Movie Database: [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0514288/]

== Published References ==
#A. S. Young, ''Sonny Liston: The Champ Nobody Wanted'' (1963).
#R. Burnes, "Heavyweight with a Past" ''Saturday Evening Post'', 13 August 1960, pp. 56-58.
#J. Flaherty, "A Right to the Jaw-That's Black Power" ''Esquire'', March 1969, pp. 112-14.
#B. J. Friedman, "Requeim for a Heavy" ''Esquire'', Aug. 1971, ppg. 55-57.
#L. V. Davis, "Sonny Liston"; in ''American National Biography'', pp. 733-34. (1999).

----
Books on Liston: [[Devil and Sonny Liston|''Devil and Sonny Liston'']]

{{start box}}
{{Succession box|
before=[[Floyd Patterson]]|
title=[[World Heavyweight Champion]]|
after=[[Cassius Clay]]|
years=25 Sep 1962–19 Jun 1964
}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:American World Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:African American Boxers|Liston]]
[[Category:IBHOF Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Intercity Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]
[[Category:Chicago Golden Gloves Champions|Liston, Sonny]]

Jose Manuel Urtain

2007-03-31T18:14:00Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Urtain1970.jpg|left|150px|Jose Urtain]]
<boxer>016593</boxer>*Manager: [[Renzo Casadei]], *Trainer: [[George Gainford]]
 

==Biography==

Born Jose Manuel Ibar Aspiazu in Arrona, near Cestona, and raised on a farm. He had five brothers and four sisters. His brother Candido moved to South Florida in the United States and became a ''Jai Alai'' star. As a youth he tended sheep and competed in the sport of Rock-Lifting, which was popular in the Spanish region where he lived. Married Cecilia Urbieta in 1962. Urtain had three children: Jose Manuel, born in 1964, Maria Jesus, 1966, and Francisco, born in 1970.

Urtain was a big fan of Hollywood Westerns and Mexican music. From the age of 14 to 25, Urtain was the undefeated Rock-Lifting Champion of Spain. His records were: Lifting a 220 pound rock with one arm, and a 400 pound rock with two arms. Developed a very powerful and muscular build. His sister Antonia was also a rock lifting champion. At age 18, she was able to lift a 220 pound stone seven times.

He never had an amateur fight. Urtain turned pro on July 24, 1968 and knocked out [[Tony Rodri]] in 17 seconds, with one roundhouse left hook. He won his first 30 fights by knockout. Urtain was so popular in Spain that a movie was made about his life entitled, '' Urtain, el rey de la selva...o asi''. Spain's General Franco was his number 1 fan. Urtain was so confident of his punching power that he said, " Let me find the mark and my opponent is done." The government of Spain was reportedly willing to pay [[Joe Frazier]] over a million dollars to defend his title against Urtain in Spain. In Spain he was hailed as the new "El Cid". Thousands attended his fights. Urtain told his nation, " I fight for the Spanish people. "

Urtain made the cover of [[Ring Magazine]], and [[Nat Fleischer]] the editor of [[Ring Magazine]] said, " No man who ever held the world heavyweight title could match Urtain's feats of strength." He defeated European Heavyweight Champions [[Jurgen Blin]], [[Peter Weiland]], [[Jack Bodell]] and [[Richard Dunn]]. Urtain also beat former [[WBA]] World Lightheavyweight Champion [[Vicente Paul Rondon]], and former European Light-heavyweight Champ [[Ivan Preberg]]. Urtain was a two-time European Heavyweight Champion, and won the Heavyweight Championship of Spain by knocking out [[Casimiro Martinez]] in nine rounds in Madrid, Spain, on July 2, 1975.

Urtain lost in an upset to England's [[Henry Cooper]]. Urtain's career started on the downslide after that defeat.

Urtain retired in 1977 following his knockout loss to [[Jean-Pierre Coopman]]. He tried for a comeback in 1986, but the [[Spanish Boxing Federation]] retired him because of his age (43).

On July 21, 1992, Urtain "fell out" of a hotel window and was killed. Some say he committed suicide by jumping out of the 10th floor window, others say it was a tragic accident. His death at 49 brought a tragic ending to the legend of ''Urtain'', the man once dubbed as " Boxing's Superman."

===Career Highlights===

*Won 30 straight fights by knockout.
*''Ring Magazine'' "Fighter of The Month" in July 1970 issue.
*Knocked out [[Tony Rodri]] in 17 seconds.
*Knocked out [[Ireno Werleman]] in 62 seconds at Bilbao, Spain in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans.
*Won the European Heavyweight Title by knocking out [[Peter Weiland]] in front of 13,000 fans in Madrid, Spain, at the Palicio De Los Deportes.
*Knocked down for the first time in his career by [[Jurgin Blin]] in their first fight; Urtain won the 15 round decision.
*In 1971, when [[Muhammad Ali]] was in Spain to fight an exhibition with [[Gregorio Peralta]], Urtain entered the ring and lifted Ali over his head.

====Source====

*''Internet Movie Database''.
*''Ring Magazine'' ,July 1970, pages 6-9, IS URTAIN ANOTHER PAULINO? by [[Dan Daniel]].
*''Ring Magazine'', July 1970, pages 10, 11, 40, EUROPE RATES URTAIN SECOND TO FRAZIER AS GATE ATTRACTION, by [[J.A. Tree]].

[[Category:Suicides|Urtain, Jose]]

Jose Manuel Urtain

2007-03-31T18:12:53Z

Legwarmers1980:

[[file:Urtain1970.jpg|left|150px|Jose Urtain]]
<boxer>016593</boxer>*Manager: [[Renzo Casadei, *Trainer: [[George Gainford]]
 

==Biography==

Born Jose Manuel Ibar Aspiazu in Arrona, near Cestona, and raised on a farm. He had five brothers and four sisters. His brother Candido moved to South Florida in the United States and became a ''Jai Alai'' star. As a youth he tended sheep and competed in the sport of Rock-Lifting, which was popular in the Spanish region where he lived. Married Cecilia Urbieta in 1962. Urtain had three children: Jose Manuel, born in 1964, Maria Jesus, 1966, and Francisco, born in 1970.

Urtain was a big fan of Hollywood Westerns and Mexican music. From the age of 14 to 25, Urtain was the undefeated Rock-Lifting Champion of Spain. His records were: Lifting a 220 pound rock with one arm, and a 400 pound rock with two arms. Developed a very powerful and muscular build. His sister Antonia was also a rock lifting champion. At age 18, she was able to lift a 220 pound stone seven times.

He never had an amateur fight. Urtain turned pro on July 24, 1968 and knocked out [[Tony Rodri]] in 17 seconds, with one roundhouse left hook. He won his first 30 fights by knockout. Urtain was so popular in Spain that a movie was made about his life entitled, '' Urtain, el rey de la selva...o asi''. Spain's General Franco was his number 1 fan. Urtain was so confident of his punching power that he said, " Let me find the mark and my opponent is done." The government of Spain was reportedly willing to pay [[Joe Frazier]] over a million dollars to defend his title against Urtain in Spain. In Spain he was hailed as the new "El Cid". Thousands attended his fights. Urtain told his nation, " I fight for the Spanish people. "

Urtain made the cover of [[Ring Magazine]], and [[Nat Fleischer]] the editor of [[Ring Magazine]] said, " No man who ever held the world heavyweight title could match Urtain's feats of strength." He defeated European Heavyweight Champions [[Jurgen Blin]], [[Peter Weiland]], [[Jack Bodell]] and [[Richard Dunn]]. Urtain also beat former [[WBA]] World Lightheavyweight Champion [[Vicente Paul Rondon]], and former European Light-heavyweight Champ [[Ivan Preberg]]. Urtain was a two-time European Heavyweight Champion, and won the Heavyweight Championship of Spain by knocking out [[Casimiro Martinez]] in nine rounds in Madrid, Spain, on July 2, 1975.

Urtain lost in an upset to England's [[Henry Cooper]]. Urtain's career started on the downslide after that defeat.

Urtain retired in 1977 following his knockout loss to [[Jean-Pierre Coopman]]. He tried for a comeback in 1986, but the [[Spanish Boxing Federation]] retired him because of his age (43).

On July 21, 1992, Urtain "fell out" of a hotel window and was killed. Some say he committed suicide by jumping out of the 10th floor window, others say it was a tragic accident. His death at 49 brought a tragic ending to the legend of ''Urtain'', the man once dubbed as " Boxing's Superman."

===Career Highlights===

*Won 30 straight fights by knockout.
*''Ring Magazine'' "Fighter of The Month" in July 1970 issue.
*Knocked out [[Tony Rodri]] in 17 seconds.
*Knocked out [[Ireno Werleman]] in 62 seconds at Bilbao, Spain in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans.
*Won the European Heavyweight Title by knocking out [[Peter Weiland]] in front of 13,000 fans in Madrid, Spain, at the Palicio De Los Deportes.
*Knocked down for the first time in his career by [[Jurgin Blin]] in their first fight; Urtain won the 15 round decision.
*In 1971, when [[Muhammad Ali]] was in Spain to fight an exhibition with [[Gregorio Peralta]], Urtain entered the ring and lifted Ali over his head.

====Source====

*''Internet Movie Database''.
*''Ring Magazine'' ,July 1970, pages 6-9, IS URTAIN ANOTHER PAULINO? by [[Dan Daniel]].
*''Ring Magazine'', July 1970, pages 10, 11, 40, EUROPE RATES URTAIN SECOND TO FRAZIER AS GATE ATTRACTION, by [[J.A. Tree]].

[[Category:Suicides|Urtain, Jose]]