Panama Al Brown vs. Vidal Gregorio - Revision history

Rowdytimothy at 14:28, 15 March 2009

2009-03-15T14:28:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 15 March 2009
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	This bout was often incorrectly recorded as being for the undisputed, unified World Bantamweight Title. Some sources, including the 1980 [[Ring Record Book]], even assert that this fight was the culmination of an official bantamweight elimination tournament, when there is no mention in the contemporary papers to support that claim either.		This bout was often incorrectly recorded as being for the undisputed, unified World Bantamweight Title. Some sources, including the 1980 [[Ring Record Book]], even assert that this fight was the culmination of an official bantamweight elimination tournament, when there is no mention in the contemporary papers to support that claim either.

	Not since 23-year-old [[Charley (Phil) Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.		Not since 23-year-old [[Charley Phil Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.

	The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 in damages for each fan, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.) (One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)		The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 in damages for each fan, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.) (One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)

Rowdytimothy: delete category

2008-03-01T01:18:48Z

delete category

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 1 March 2008
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	<fight>23058</fight>		<fight>23058</fight>
	'''Vacant NYSAC World Bantamweight Title'''		'''Vacant NYSAC World Bantamweight Title'''

	*Referee: [[Lou Magnolia]]
	*Judges: [[Harold Barnes]] & [[George Patrick]]
	*Brown becomes Latin America's first Boxing World Champion		*Brown becomes Latin America's first Boxing World Champion

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	See also, [[The Golden Bantams]]		See also, [[The Golden Bantams]]


	~~[[Category:1929 Bouts\|Brown, Panama Al]]~~

Rowdytimothy: fix internal link

2007-10-18T23:13:28Z

fix internal link

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 18 October 2007
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	"A battle which is expected to have its sequel in the production of a world's bantamweight champion... is... scheduled for tonight. It is this contest which is expected to end with an acceptable claimant of the vacated bantamweight title established. Brown has earned recognition by the National Boxing Association and through ring conquests here and in Europe has mowed down all opposition.		"A battle which is expected to have its sequel in the production of a world's bantamweight champion... is... scheduled for tonight. It is this contest which is expected to end with an acceptable claimant of the vacated bantamweight title established. Brown has earned recognition by the National Boxing Association and through ring conquests here and in Europe has mowed down all opposition.

	The Brown-Gregorio bout lacks the Boxing Board's official backing as a title match, but it is indicated that the winner may be looked upon with favor. Kid Chocolate is to engage [[~~Boxer:Terry_Roth:010438\|~~Terry Roth]], and still another ten is to be between [[Peter Meyers]] and [[Tony Vaccarelli]]."		The Brown-Gregorio bout lacks the Boxing Board's official backing as a title match, but it is indicated that the winner may be looked upon with favor. Kid Chocolate is to engage [[Terry Roth]], and still another ten is to be between [[Peter Meyers]] and [[Tony Vaccarelli]]."

	After Brown had defeated Gregorio, the ''World'' reported June 19 that the NYSAC was hesitant to declare him the "bantamweight world champion," but instead gave him "the novel title of 'defending champion.'" In his June 21 column entitled "Pardon My Glove," Ned Brown quoted one Mike Karem as saying, "It was not for the world's title."		After Brown had defeated Gregorio, the ''World'' reported June 19 that the NYSAC was hesitant to declare him the "bantamweight world champion," but instead gave him "the novel title of 'defending champion.'" In his June 21 column entitled "Pardon My Glove," Ned Brown quoted one Mike Karem as saying, "It was not for the world's title."
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	Brown "holds no title as far as the National Boxing Association is concerned. [[Paul Prehn]], president of the N.B.A., last night said the organization recognizes no one as champion of the 118-pound division, but plans an elimination contest to select a titleholder."		Brown "holds no title as far as the National Boxing Association is concerned. [[Paul Prehn]], president of the N.B.A., last night said the organization recognizes no one as champion of the 118-pound division, but plans an elimination contest to select a titleholder."

	[[Joe Morris]], manager of British Bantamweight World Champion [[~~Boxer:Teddy_Baldock:009902\|~~Teddy Baldock]], "declared Baldock had just as much right to consider himself bantamweight champion as Brown." ''The World'', June 28, 1929, p. 9.		[[Joe Morris]], manager of British Bantamweight World Champion [[Teddy Baldock]], "declared Baldock had just as much right to consider himself bantamweight champion as Brown." ''The World'', June 28, 1929, p. 9.

	====Conclusion====		====Conclusion====

Rowdytimothy: fix internal link

2007-10-15T00:26:02Z

fix internal link

Ric: category

2006-04-24T16:04:29Z

Ric: linked to "Golden Bantams" article

2005-11-21T02:09:05Z

linked to "Golden Bantams" article

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:09, 21 November 2005
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	====History of the Vacant Bantamweight Title====		====History of the Vacant Bantamweight Title====
	This bout is often incorrectly recorded as being for the undisputed, unified World Bantamweight Title. Some sources, including the 1980 [[Ring Record Book]], even assert that this fight was the culmination of an official bantamweight elimination tournament, when there is no mention in the contemporary papers to support that claim either.		This bout was often incorrectly recorded as being for the undisputed, unified World Bantamweight Title. Some sources, including the 1980 [[Ring Record Book]], even assert that this fight was the culmination of an official bantamweight elimination tournament, when there is no mention in the contemporary papers to support that claim either.

	Not since 23-year-old [[Boxer:Charley_(Phil)_Rosenberg:051283\|Charley (Phil) Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Boxer:Bushy_Graham:010091\|Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.		Not since 23-year-old [[Boxer:Charley_(Phil)_Rosenberg:051283\|Charley (Phil) Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Boxer:Bushy_Graham:010091\|Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.
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	When Brown fought [[Boxer:Battling_Battalino:009879\|Bat Battalino]] July 26, the papers clarified that he was the champion as recognized by the NYSAC only, and apparently nowhere else. "Bat Battalino of Hartford, New England featherweight champion, won a ten-round decision over Al Brown of Panama, recognized in New York State as world's bantamweight champion, at Bulkley Stadium to-night. The bantam title was not at stake." ''The World'', July 27, 1929, p. 9.		When Brown fought [[Boxer:Battling_Battalino:009879\|Bat Battalino]] July 26, the papers clarified that he was the champion as recognized by the NYSAC only, and apparently nowhere else. "Bat Battalino of Hartford, New England featherweight champion, won a ten-round decision over Al Brown of Panama, recognized in New York State as world's bantamweight champion, at Bulkley Stadium to-night. The bantam title was not at stake." ''The World'', July 27, 1929, p. 9.

	On October 7, then-NBA President [[Edward Foster]] announced that, following a telegraphic conference among its members, the National Boxing Association had proclaimed Panama Al Brown its World Bantamweight Champion. (''New York Times'', Oct. 8, p. 24.) This was the first time that Brown was recognized by the NBA--not earlier, as is ~~frequently but~~ erroneously recorded ~~even~~ to this day (2005).		On October 7, then-NBA President [[Edward Foster]] announced that, following a telegraphic conference among its members, the National Boxing Association had proclaimed Panama Al Brown its World Bantamweight Champion. (''New York Times'', Oct. 8, p. 24.) This was the first time that Brown was recognized by the NBA--not earlier, as is sometimes erroneously recorded to this day (2005).

			See also, [[The Golden Bantams]]

Ric: deleted unnecessary last sentence in 1st paragraph (I thought I had deleted it earlier)

2005-11-21T01:58:29Z

deleted unnecessary last sentence in 1st paragraph (I thought I had deleted it earlier)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:58, 21 November 2005
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	----		----
	[[file:Brown.PanamaAl.jpg\|right\|frame~~\|200px~~\|<center>Panama Al Brown</center>]]		[[file:Brown.PanamaAl.jpg\|right\|frame\|<center>Panama Al Brown</center>]]

	"In as masterful an exhibition of boxing as he ever furnished, Brown won the decision over Gregorio and established himself beyond peradventure as a man worthy the mantle of champion of his class. Referee Lou Magnolia and Judges Harold Barnes and George Patrick collaborated in the award. The decision was unanimous.... Brown was the master and saw to it that the action was maintained at long range. A tantalizing, snappy left jab accomplished this objective with surprising ease for with his left jabs Brown beat an annoying, discouraging tattoo against the face of Gregorio and with left hooks and right crosses Brown annoyed Vidal no little....		"In as masterful an exhibition of boxing as he ever furnished, Brown won the decision over Gregorio and established himself beyond peradventure as a man worthy the mantle of champion of his class. Referee Lou Magnolia and Judges Harold Barnes and George Patrick collaborated in the award. The decision was unanimous.... Brown was the master and saw to it that the action was maintained at long range. A tantalizing, snappy left jab accomplished this objective with surprising ease for with his left jabs Brown beat an annoying, discouraging tattoo against the face of Gregorio and with left hooks and right crosses Brown annoyed Vidal no little...." ''New York Times''

	~~In the eleventh Brown caught his foe off balance with a push-punch right which upset Gregorio and the crowd booed while Referee Magnolia warned Brown~~."

	~~<small>~~''New York Times''~~</small>~~

	====History of the Vacant Bantamweight Title====		====History of the Vacant Bantamweight Title====

Ric: more clarification

2005-09-13T06:51:33Z

more clarification

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:51, 13 September 2005
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	That same evening, on the same fight card, Archie Bell defeated Boston's [[Boxer:Johnny Vacca:009893\|Johnny Vacca]]. When he returned to New York, Bell deposited $2,500 in forfeit money with the NYSAC, challenging both Taylor and Canzoneri for the title. He then headed off to do battle May 5 with Britain's [[Boxer:Teddy_Baldock:009902\|Teddy Baldock]] in London for the vacant British World Bantamweight Title. Bell's manager suggested a May 13th title shot in Madison Square Garden with Canzoneri, but Tony's manager [[Sam Goldman]] preferred another bout with Bud Taylor. The Commission eventually returned Bell's money because of the lack of a recognized champion.		That same evening, on the same fight card, Archie Bell defeated Boston's [[Boxer:Johnny Vacca:009893\|Johnny Vacca]]. When he returned to New York, Bell deposited $2,500 in forfeit money with the NYSAC, challenging both Taylor and Canzoneri for the title. He then headed off to do battle May 5 with Britain's [[Boxer:Teddy_Baldock:009902\|Teddy Baldock]] in London for the vacant British World Bantamweight Title. Bell's manager suggested a May 13th title shot in Madison Square Garden with Canzoneri, but Tony's manager [[Sam Goldman]] preferred another bout with Bud Taylor. The Commission eventually returned Bell's money because of the lack of a recognized champion.

	Bell lost to Baldock after 15 rounds of hard fighting, but it was described as one of the cleanest and finest contests ever seen at the [[Royal Albert Hall]]. All were impressed with Bell's sportsmanship. Archie Bell would later defeat [[Boxer:Alf Kid Pattenden:050070\|Kid Pattenden]] June 30 in London. (Four years later he would be offered a bantam world title fight in Montreal.) After defeating Bell, Teddy Baldock was the first to be crowned the World Bantamweight Champion since Rosenberg had forfeited the title. He would lose that ~~Title~~ to South Africa's [[Boxer:Willie Smith:041779\|Willie Smith]] five months later.		Bell lost to Baldock after 15 rounds of hard fighting, but it was described as one of the cleanest and finest contests ever seen at the [[Royal Albert Hall]]. All were impressed with Bell's sportsmanship. Archie Bell would later defeat [[Boxer:Alf Kid Pattenden:050070\|Kid Pattenden]] June 30 in London. (Four years later he would be offered a bantam world title fight in Montreal.) After defeating Bell, Teddy Baldock was the first to be crowned the World Bantamweight Champion since Rosenberg had forfeited the title. He would lose that title to South Africa's [[Boxer:Willie Smith:041779\|Willie Smith]] five months later.

	On Saturday, June 25, 1927, Bud Taylor and Tony Canzoneri met on Wrigley Field in Chicago to determine for a second time the better man for the Bantam Title. Apparently Taylor was. He won the verdict after 10 rounds but suffered a split bone over his left optic nerve, requiring surgery in early July. Canzoneri soon found the bantam weight limit too hard to reach so he, too, decided to pursue the vacant featherweight title instead. He would win that title in February 1928. By December 1927 Bud Taylor had also out-grown the bantam weight limit and gave up his claim to the NBA world crown. The field then became wide-open for all contenders.		On Saturday, June 25, 1927, Bud Taylor and Tony Canzoneri met on Wrigley Field in Chicago to determine for a second time the better man for the Bantam Title. Apparently Taylor was. He won the verdict after 10 rounds but suffered a split bone over his left optic nerve, requiring surgery in early July. Canzoneri soon found the bantam weight limit too hard to reach so he, too, decided to pursue the vacant featherweight title instead. He would win that title in February 1928. By December 1927 Bud Taylor had also out-grown the bantam weight limit and gave up his claim to the NBA world crown. The field then became wide-open for all contenders.


	====Chocolate vs. LaBarba====		====Kid Chocolate vs. Fidel LaBarba====
	The Bantamweight World Title was still vacant by the Spring of 1929, when the New York State Athletic Commission decided that the winner of the May 22 [[Boxer:Fidel_LaBarba:012310\|Fidel LaBarba]]-[[Boxer:Kid_Chocolate:009006\|Kid Chocolate]] bout would be the logical successor to the bantam crown. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, the bout was "for what is unofficially considered the world's bantamweight championship. Though the New York boxing commission has not officially designated the bout a title affair, it has 'strongly advised' the pair to weigh in at 118 pounds, the bantam limit." The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, but both fighters entered the ring over 118 pounds. So it was reduced to 10 rounds.		The Bantamweight World Title was still vacant by the Spring of 1929, when the New York State Athletic Commission decided that the winner of the May 22 [[Boxer:Fidel_LaBarba:012310\|Fidel LaBarba]]-[[Boxer:Kid_Chocolate:009006\|Kid Chocolate]] bout would be the logical successor to the bantam crown. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, the bout was "for what is unofficially considered the world's bantamweight championship. Though the New York boxing commission has not officially designated the bout a title affair, it has 'strongly advised' the pair to weigh in at 118 pounds, the bantam limit." The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, but both fighters entered the ring over 118 pounds. So it was reduced to 10 rounds.

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	It will have to be either Gregorio or Sanstol for Brown. Al is definitely off the Havana Kid's list of eligibles." New York ''World'', May 25, 1929, p. 11.		It will have to be either Gregorio or Sanstol for Brown. Al is definitely off the Havana Kid's list of eligibles." New York ''World'', May 25, 1929, p. 11.

			Then both Brown and Gregorio offered to fight for no compensation whatsoever, which "staggered" the NYSAC. "The Boxing Commissioners couldn't believe their ears. When they recovered they announced that the winner would be recognized by them as the 'defending' bantam champion." ''The World'', May 29, p. 13.

			====Panama Al Brown vs. Vidal Gregorio====

			[[file:Gregorio.Vidal.jpg\|left\|frame\|<center>Vidal Gregorio</center>]]

	~~====Brown vs. Gregorio====~~
	Three days before the June 18 Al Brown-Vidal Gregorio fight the ''New York Times'' reported: "At its [New York State Athletic Commission] meeting yesterday... [d]ecision was reserved on the question of designating a main bout Tuesday night at the National Sports Alliance Relief Fund benefit show. Al Brown is to battle Vidal Gregorio virtually for the bantamweight title."		Three days before the June 18 Al Brown-Vidal Gregorio fight the ''New York Times'' reported: "At its [New York State Athletic Commission] meeting yesterday... [d]ecision was reserved on the question of designating a main bout Tuesday night at the National Sports Alliance Relief Fund benefit show. Al Brown is to battle Vidal Gregorio virtually for the bantamweight title."

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	"A battle which is expected to have its sequel in the production of a world's bantamweight champion... is... scheduled for tonight. It is this contest which is expected to end with an acceptable claimant of the vacated bantamweight title established. Brown has earned recognition by the National Boxing Association and through ring conquests here and in Europe has mowed down all opposition.		"A battle which is expected to have its sequel in the production of a world's bantamweight champion... is... scheduled for tonight. It is this contest which is expected to end with an acceptable claimant of the vacated bantamweight title established. Brown has earned recognition by the National Boxing Association and through ring conquests here and in Europe has mowed down all opposition.

	The Brown-Gregorio bout lacks the Boxing Board's official backing as a title match, but it is indicated that the winner may be looked upon with favor. Kid Chocolate is to engage [[Boxer:Terry_Roth:010438\|Terry Roth]], and still another ten is to be between [[Boxer:Pete Meyers:052070\|Peter Meyers]] and [[Boxer:Tony Vaccarelli:025857\|Tony Vaccarelli]]."		The Brown-Gregorio bout lacks the Boxing Board's official backing as a title match, but it is indicated that the winner may be looked upon with favor. Kid Chocolate is to engage [[Boxer:Terry_Roth:010438\|Terry Roth]], and still another ten is to be between [[Boxer:Pete Meyers:052070\|Peter Meyers]] and [[Boxer:Tony Vaccarelli:025857\|Tony Vaccarelli]]."

			After Brown had defeated Gregorio, the ''World'' reported June 19 that the NYSAC was hesitant to declare him the "bantamweight world champion," but instead gave him "the novel title of 'defending champion.'" In his June 21 column entitled "Pardon My Glove," Ned Brown quoted one Mike Karem as saying, "It was not for the world's title."
	~~[[file:Gregorio.Vidal.jpg\|left\|frame\|<center>Vidal Gregorio</center>]]~~

	~~Then both~~ Brown ~~and~~ Gregorio ~~offered to fight for no compensation whatsoever~~, ~~which "staggered" the NYSAC. "The Boxing Commissioners couldn't believe their ears. When they recovered they announced that the winner would be recognized by them as~~ the ~~'defending' bantam champion." ''The World'', May 29, p. 13. (The~~ ''World'' reported June 19 that the NYSAC was hesitant to declare ~~Brown~~ the "bantamweight world champion," but instead gave him "the novel title of 'defending champion.'" In his June 21 column entitled "Pardon My Glove," Ned Brown quoted one Mike Karem as saying, "It was not for the world's title.")


	====National Boxing Association Title====		====National Boxing Association Title====
			There may have been another reason the NYSAC had decided the winner would be the "defending champion." They may have been led to believe that Brown was recognized by the National Boxing Association as its bantam king. When he and Brown arrived back to New York from Europe in mid-May, Brown's manager [[Dave Lumiansky]] informed the press:
	There may have been another reason the NYSAC decided the winner would be the "defending" champion. They may have been led to believe that Brown was recognized by the National Boxing Association as ~~the~~ bantam king. When he and Brown arrived back to New York from Europe in mid-May, Brown's manager [[Dave Lumiansky]] informed the press:

	"Half-baked titles are important in Europe but they mean little or nothing here," said Lumiansky. "Brown strengthened his N.B.A. championship abroad by defeating [[Boxer:Domenico Bernasconi:009892\|Bernasconi]], the [[International Boxing Union]] champion, in Madrid. That victory gave him two legs on the world's title, and a match with the winner of the La Barba-Chocolate fray should result in a generally recognized 118-pound king. The situation appears to be close to a definite settlement for the first time in three years." ''The World'', May 16, p. 13.		"Half-baked titles are important in Europe but they mean little or nothing here," said Lumiansky. "Brown strengthened his N.B.A. championship abroad by defeating [[Boxer:Domenico Bernasconi:009892\|Bernasconi]], the [[International Boxing Union]] champion, in Madrid. That victory gave him two legs on the world's title, and a match with the winner of the La Barba-Chocolate fray should result in a generally recognized 118-pound king. The situation appears to be close to a definite settlement for the first time in three years." ''The World'', May 16, p. 13.

Ric: some clarification done

2005-09-13T06:31:43Z

some clarification done

Ric at 19:21, 5 September 2005

2005-09-05T19:21:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:21, 5 September 2005
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	The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 each, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.)(One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)		The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 each, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.)(One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)

	Yet Rosenberg wasn't too concerned about forfeiting his world title. He had found it too hard to get down to 118 pounds anyway. So he ~~started to pursue~~ the ~~122-pound~~ featherweight ~~title~~ instead.		Yet Rosenberg wasn't too concerned about forfeiting his world title. He had found it too hard to get down to 118 pounds anyway. So he went after the heavier featherweight crown instead.

	Then [[Boxer:Tony_Canzoneri:009003\|Tony Canzoneri]] challenged [[Boxer:Charles_(Bud)_Taylor:010094\|Bud Taylor]] of Terre Haute, Indiana, for the [[National Boxing Association]]'s bantam crown. Brooklyn's [[Boxer:Archie_Bell:010084\|Archie Bell]] wanted in on the action, too. So did Filipino [[Boxer:Frisco Grande:010428\|Frisco Grande]] of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and another Brooklyn lad, [[Boxer:Benny Tell:041076\|Benny Tell]].		Then [[Boxer:Tony_Canzoneri:009003\|Tony Canzoneri]] challenged [[Boxer:Charles_(Bud)_Taylor:010094\|Bud Taylor]] of Terre Haute, Indiana, for the [[National Boxing Association]]'s bantam crown. Brooklyn's [[Boxer:Archie_Bell:010084\|Archie Bell]] wanted in on the action, too. So did Filipino [[Boxer:Frisco Grande:010428\|Frisco Grande]] of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and another Brooklyn lad, [[Boxer:Benny Tell:041076\|Benny Tell]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 24 April 2006
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	See also, [[The Golden Bantams]]		See also, [[The Golden Bantams]]


			[[Category:1929 Bouts\|Brown, Panama Al]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:31, 13 September 2005
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	Not since 23-year-old [[Boxer:Charley_(Phil)_Rosenberg:051283\|Charley (Phil) Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Boxer:Bushy_Graham:010091\|Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.		Not since 23-year-old [[Boxer:Charley_(Phil)_Rosenberg:051283\|Charley (Phil) Rosenberg]] forfeited his Bantamweight World Championship on the scales February 4, 1927, had anyone been acknowledged the true world champion. For days preceding his world title fight at [[Madison Square Garden]] with [[Boxer:Bushy_Graham:010091\|Bushy Graham]] of Utica, Rosenberg and his manager claimed he was within a couple of pounds of the 118 pound bantam weight limit. On the eve of the fight his manager [[Harry (Champ) Segal]] assured the public that Rosenberg weighed only 118¾ pounds, and that he would lose the extra fat in time for the title fight. At the weigh-in, however, it turned out Rosenberg was actually 122 pounds. The fight had to go on, although the bantam world title was no longer in the offering. When the crowd learned they had paid good money for a fight that would not produce a world champion, they booed and jeered when the fighters entered the ring; but they later cheered Rosenberg as he left the ring, after he had decisively clobbered the hapless 117-pound Graham throughout the 15 rounds.

	The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 each, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.)(One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)		The [[New York State Athletic Commission]], however, wasn't as forgiving. It withheld the purse and suspended both fighters, their managers, promoter [[Jess McMahon]] and Madison Square Garden for this fiasco. It also took the unusual step of issuing subpoenas to eight participants to appear at a hearing to answer questions. The boxers and managers would remain suspended until early April after it had been discovered that the two managers had come to a secret agreement well before the fight. Rosenberg was ultimately suspended for over a year; his next fight wasn't until March 1928. By February 10, some disgruntled fans formed an organization they called the "Sport Followers of Fair Play" league and filed law-suits against every one connected with the bout for $3.00 in damages for each fan, claiming the bout was advertised as a bantamweight championship contest when in fact no title was at stake. (The NYSAC, by rule, limited the cost of fight tickets to $7.00, but tickets to championship contests could be sold for $10.00.) (One report says, however, that if Graham had beaten Rosenberg, he could have rightly claimed the bantam crown.)

	Yet Rosenberg wasn't too concerned about forfeiting his world title. He had found it too hard to get down to 118 pounds anyway. So he went after the heavier featherweight crown instead.		Yet Rosenberg wasn't too concerned about forfeiting his world title. He had found it too hard to get down to 118 pounds anyway. So he went after the heavier featherweight crown instead.
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	Taylor and Canzoneri got their chance at the NBA crown on March 27, 1927, in Chicago. Their fight ended in an inconclusive draw, leaving promoter [[Jim Mullen]] holding the $4,000 diamond-studded bantamweight championship belt.		Taylor and Canzoneri got their chance at the NBA crown on March 27, 1927, in Chicago. Their fight ended in an inconclusive draw, leaving promoter [[Jim Mullen]] holding the $4,000 diamond-studded bantamweight championship belt.

	That same evening, on the same fight card, Archie Bell defeated Boston's [[Boxer:Johnny Vacca:009893\|Johnny Vacca]]. When he returned to New York, Bell deposited $2,500 in forfeit money with the NYSAC, challenging both Taylor and Canzoneri for the title. He then headed off to do battle May 5 with Britain's [[Boxer:Teddy_Baldock:009902\|Teddy Baldock]] in London for the vacant British World Bantamweight Title. Bell's manager suggested a May 13th title shot in Madison Square Garden with Canzoneri, but Tony's manager [[Sam Goldman]] preferred a bout with Bud Taylor. The Commission returned Bell's money because of the lack of a recognized champion.		That same evening, on the same fight card, Archie Bell defeated Boston's [[Boxer:Johnny Vacca:009893\|Johnny Vacca]]. When he returned to New York, Bell deposited $2,500 in forfeit money with the NYSAC, challenging both Taylor and Canzoneri for the title. He then headed off to do battle May 5 with Britain's [[Boxer:Teddy_Baldock:009902\|Teddy Baldock]] in London for the vacant British World Bantamweight Title. Bell's manager suggested a May 13th title shot in Madison Square Garden with Canzoneri, but Tony's manager [[Sam Goldman]] preferred another bout with Bud Taylor. The Commission eventually returned Bell's money because of the lack of a recognized champion.

	Bell lost to Baldock after 15 rounds of hard fighting, but it was described as "one of the cleanest and finest" contests ever seen at the [[Royal Albert Hall]]. All were "impressed with Bell's sportsmanship." Archie Bell would later defeat [[Boxer:Alf Kid Pattenden:050070\|Kid Pattenden]] June 30 in London. (Four years later he would be offered a bantam world title fight in Montreal.) After defeating Bell, Teddy Baldock was the first to be crowned the World Bantamweight Champion since Rosenberg had forfeited the title. He would lose that Title to South Africa's [[Boxer:Willie Smith:041779\|Willie Smith]] five months later.		Bell lost to Baldock after 15 rounds of hard fighting, but it was described as one of the cleanest and finest contests ever seen at the [[Royal Albert Hall]]. All were impressed with Bell's sportsmanship. Archie Bell would later defeat [[Boxer:Alf Kid Pattenden:050070\|Kid Pattenden]] June 30 in London. (Four years later he would be offered a bantam world title fight in Montreal.) After defeating Bell, Teddy Baldock was the first to be crowned the World Bantamweight Champion since Rosenberg had forfeited the title. He would lose that Title to South Africa's [[Boxer:Willie Smith:041779\|Willie Smith]] five months later.

	On Saturday, June 25, 1927, Bud Taylor and Tony Canzoneri met on Wrigley Field in Chicago to determine for a second time the better man for the Bantam Title. Apparently Taylor was. He won the verdict after 10 rounds but suffered a split bone over his left optic nerve, requiring surgery in early July.		On Saturday, June 25, 1927, Bud Taylor and Tony Canzoneri met on Wrigley Field in Chicago to determine for a second time the better man for the Bantam Title. Apparently Taylor was. He won the verdict after 10 rounds but suffered a split bone over his left optic nerve, requiring surgery in early July. Canzoneri soon found the bantam weight limit too hard to reach so he, too, decided to pursue the vacant featherweight title instead. He would win that title in February 1928. By December 1927 Bud Taylor had also out-grown the bantam weight limit and gave up his claim to the NBA world crown. The field then became wide-open for all contenders.

	Canzoneri soon found the bantam weight limit too hard to reach so he, too, decided to pursue the vacant featherweight title instead. ~~As mentioned earlier, he~~ would win that title in February 1928.

	By December 1927 Bud Taylor had also out-grown the bantam weight limit and gave up his claim to the NBA world crown. The field then became wide-open for all contenders.


	====Chocolate vs. LaBarba====		====Chocolate vs. LaBarba====
	The ~~bantamweight world title~~ was still vacant by the Spring of 1929, when the New York State Athletic Commission decided that the winner of the May 22 [[Boxer:Fidel_LaBarba:012310\|Fidel LaBarba]]-[[Boxer:Kid_Chocolate:009006\|Kid Chocolate]] bout would be the logical successor to the bantam crown. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, the bout was "for what is unofficially considered the world's bantamweight championship. Though the New York boxing commission has not officially designated the bout a title affair, it has 'strongly advised' the pair to weigh in at 118 pounds, the bantam limit." The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, but both fighters entered the ring over 118 pounds. So it was reduced to 10 rounds.		The Bantamweight World Title was still vacant by the Spring of 1929, when the New York State Athletic Commission decided that the winner of the May 22 [[Boxer:Fidel_LaBarba:012310\|Fidel LaBarba]]-[[Boxer:Kid_Chocolate:009006\|Kid Chocolate]] bout would be the logical successor to the bantam crown. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, the bout was "for what is unofficially considered the world's bantamweight championship. Though the New York boxing commission has not officially designated the bout a title affair, it has 'strongly advised' the pair to weigh in at 118 pounds, the bantam limit." The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, but both fighters entered the ring over 118 pounds. So it was reduced to 10 rounds.

	"Fidel LaBarba and Kid Chocolate having failed to heed the suggestion of the Boxing Commission and make the bantamweight limit for their fight in the New York Coliseum last Wednesday night, the Solons [slang for "boxing commissioners"] decided to give ear to the plea of Al Brown that he be given an opportunity to prove he is the best 118-pound fighter here, there and everywhere. Hence they announced they would start the ball a-rolling by matching him with Vidal Gregorio, [[Boxer:Pete_Sanstol:009935\|Pete Sanstol]] or Kid Chocolate, the fight to be held in the Queensboro Stadium on June 11. On that night the Blowdeo will be for the benefit of the National Sports Alliance Relief Fund.		"Fidel LaBarba and Kid Chocolate having failed to heed the suggestion of the Boxing Commission and make the bantamweight limit for their fight in the New York Coliseum last Wednesday night, the Solons [slang for "boxing commissioners"] decided to give ear to the plea of Al Brown that he be given an opportunity to prove he is the best 118-pound fighter here, there and everywhere. Hence they announced they would start the ball a-rolling by matching him with Vidal Gregorio, [[Boxer:Pete_Sanstol:009935\|Pete Sanstol]] or Kid Chocolate, the fight to be held in the Queensboro Stadium on June 11. On that night the Blowdeo will be for the benefit of the National Sports Alliance Relief Fund.