Tommy Simpson - Revision history

Ric at 17:24, 24 October 2014

2014-10-24T17:24:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 24 October 2014
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	== Early Career ==		== Early Career ==
	Tommy Simpson was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific when he began his involvement with boxing in 1905 as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended when he crushed his hand in a switch. After that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the 1906 ~~earthquake~~.		'''Tommy Simpson''' was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific when he began his involvement with boxing in 1905 as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended when he crushed his hand in a switch. After that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the [http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/topics/earthquake.html 1906 San Francisco Earthquake].

	== Four-Round Era ==		== Four-Round Era ==

Matt at 18:54, 3 October 2007

2007-10-03T18:54:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 3 October 2007
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	Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually converted to cash by Simpson and other promoters.		Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually converted to cash by Simpson and other promoters.

	Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[~~Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|~~Battling Ortega]], and [[Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.		Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Battling Ortega]], and [[Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.

	By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.		By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.

Matt at 18:54, 3 October 2007

2007-10-03T18:54:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 3 October 2007
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	Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually converted to cash by Simpson and other promoters.		Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually converted to cash by Simpson and other promoters.

	Popular fighters Simpson used included [[~~Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|~~Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[~~Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|~~Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[~~Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|~~Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.		Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.

	By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.		By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.

John: /* Miscellaneous Facts */ fixed links

2007-10-03T16:44:52Z

Miscellaneous Facts: fixed links

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 3 October 2007
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	== Miscellaneous Facts ==		== Miscellaneous Facts ==
	*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.		*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.
	*Welterweight champion [[~~Boxer:Jimmy_McLarnin:009024\|~~Jimmy McLarnin]] was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.		*Welterweight champion [[Jimmy McLarnin]] was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.
	*Also credited with the development of Lightweight champion [[~~Boxer:Willie_Ritchie:011916\|~~Willie Ritchie]] and Heavyweight contender [[~~Boxer:~~Ed_(Gunboat)_Smith~~:011290~~\|Gunboat Smith]]		*Also credited with the development of Lightweight champion [[Willie Ritchie]] and Heavyweight contender [[Ed_(Gunboat)_Smith\|Gunboat Smith]]

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Ric: links, dob/dod

2005-08-10T16:43:23Z

links, dob/dod

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 10 August 2005
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			'''Thomas Jeremiah Simpson''' (Matchmaker, Promoter, Manager)<br>
			'''Born:''' Feb. 11, 1884<br>
			'''Died:''' Feb. 5, 1947

	== Early Career ==		== Early Career ==
	~~Thomas Jeremiah (~~Tommy) Simpson was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific when he began his involvement with boxing in 1905 as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended when he crushed his hand in a switch. After that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the 1906 earthquake.		Tommy Simpson was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific when he began his involvement with boxing in 1905 as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended when he crushed his hand in a switch. After that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the 1906 earthquake.

	== Four-Round Era ==		== Four-Round Era ==
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	Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.		Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.

	By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in ~~19321~~. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.		By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.

	== Later Years ==		== Later Years ==
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	== Miscellaneous Facts ==		== Miscellaneous Facts ==
	*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.		*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.
	*Welterweight champion Jimmy McLarnin was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.		*Welterweight champion [[Boxer:Jimmy_McLarnin:009024\|Jimmy McLarnin]] was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.
	*Also credited with the development of Lightweight champion Willie Ritchie and Heavyweight contender Gunboat Smith		*Also credited with the development of Lightweight champion [[Boxer:Willie_Ritchie:011916\|Willie Ritchie]] and Heavyweight contender [[Boxer:Ed_(Gunboat)_Smith:011290\|Gunboat Smith]]

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Matt at 15:24, 10 August 2005

2005-08-10T15:24:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 10 August 2005
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	[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]		[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]
	[[Category:Matchmakers\|Simpson, Tommy]]		[[Category:Matchmakers\|Simpson, Tommy]]
			[[Category:Managers\|Simpson, Tommy]]

Matt: added Ritchie, Gunboat Smith info

2005-08-10T15:20:58Z

added Ritchie, Gunboat Smith info

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 10 August 2005
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	Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.		Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.

	By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in ~~1931~~. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.		By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 19321. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.

	== Later Years ==		== Later Years ==
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	*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.		*Simpson was described as a short Irish man, who was known to usually have a large cigar in his mouth while ringside.
	*Welterweight champion Jimmy McLarnin was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.		*Welterweight champion Jimmy McLarnin was developed by Simpson as a main event attraction in Oakland.
			*Also credited with the development of Lightweight champion Willie Ritchie and Heavyweight contender Gunboat Smith

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Ric: added full name; punctuation tweaks; links; etc. (he was a manager, too, right?)

2005-08-10T01:00:34Z

added full name; punctuation tweaks; links; etc. (he was a manager, too, right?)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 10 August 2005
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	== Early Career ==		== Early Career ==
	Simpson ~~who~~ was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific ~~at the time,~~ began his involvement with boxing in 1905, as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended, when he crushed his hand in a switch~~, after~~ that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the 1906 earthquake.		Thomas Jeremiah (Tommy) Simpson was working as a railroad switchman for Southern Pacific when he began his involvement with boxing in 1905 as a matchmaker at the [[West Oakland Club]]. Simpson's career as a railroad switchman ended when he crushed his hand in a switch. After that he began working in the liquor business. During this time he continued his work in boxing, and with other associates he helped finance the rebuilding of the West Oakland Club on Eighth and Pine, following the 1906 earthquake.

	== Four-Round Era ==		== Four-Round Era ==
	Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually ~~turned over for~~ cash by Simpson and other promoters.		Simpson would continue promoting boxing after the advent of California's four-round law at the start of 1915. Simpson's shows were technically "amateur" shows, in which the boxers were rewarded medals after their bouts. However, the medals were usually converted to cash by Simpson and other promoters.

	Simpson ~~initially promoted out of the~~ [[~~West~~ Oakland ~~Club~~]], ~~from these early days popular fighters he would use like Oakland Jimmy Duffy,~~ Battling Ortega, and Jimmy Dundee ~~would begin~~ their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success, allowed him to lure big name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters, was a young Jack Dempsey who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville.		Popular fighters Simpson used included [[Boxer:Oakland_Jimmy_Duffy:056827\|Oakland Jimmy Duffy]], [[Boxer:Battling Ortega:028691\|Battling Ortega]], and [[Boxer:Jimmy_Dundee:028585\|Jimmy Dundee]]--at the beginning of their careers. By 1917, Simpson had moved his operations to the [[Emeryville Arena]], just outside of Oakland. Here his growing success allowed him to lure big-name boxers back to the Bay Area. One of these fighters was a young [[Boxer:Jack_Dempsey:009009\|Jack Dempsey]], who fought several times for Simpson at Emeryville, before becoming World Champion.

	By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the ~~four~~-~~round~~ era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was ~~Oakland Jimmy~~ Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided, by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area, ~~many~~ however stayed and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.		By 1918, Simpson had begun working at the [[Oakland Auditorium]], where he would become the most successful promoter in California during the Four-Round era. Simpson's premier draw during this period was Duffy, who would be a headliner in Oakland until his retirement in 1931. Simpson was also aided by a December 1920 incident in San Francisco, which led to San Francisco barring all active professionals in the city. This forced many San Francisco boxers to flee the Bay Area. Many others, however, stayed behind and became regulars on Simpson's cards in Oakland.

	== Later Years ==		== Later Years ==
	In 1924 California voters, legalized 10 round bouts in California~~, and~~ Simpson ~~continued on promoting under~~ the now legalized game. Like many promoters though, ~~Simpson would be taken~~ down by the advent of the Great Depression in 1929, and ~~was~~ forced to quit ~~due to~~ financial trouble.		In 1924 California voters legalized 10 round bouts in California. Simpson promoted the now-legalized game. Like many promoters though, he was driven down by the advent of the Great Depression in 1929 and forced to quit by financial trouble. He resurfaced briefly in 1933, without much success, before retreating to the sidelines again.

	~~Simpson would resurface briefly in 1933, without much success, before he retreated to the sidelines again.~~ In 1938, Simpson returned ~~again~~ to promoting, this time with matchmaker [[Jimmy Murray]], in tow. He struggled until the war economy drove up attendance and the box office around 1941. Until declining health forced him to the sidelines, Simpson would promote in harmony with two other Oakland promoters, [[Frank Tabor]] and [[Ray Carlen]], as well as Murray who also dabbled with promoting on his own, as matchmaker for all three.		In 1938, Simpson returned to promoting, this time with matchmaker [[Jimmy Murray]] in tow. He struggled until the war economy drove up attendance and the box office around 1941. Until declining health forced him back to the sidelines, Simpson would promote in harmony with two other Oakland promoters, [[Frank Tabor]] and [[Ray Carlen]], as well as with Murray--who also dabbled with promoting on his own as the matchmaker for all three.

	Simpson died February 5, 1947 of throat cancer in Oakland~~, he~~ was 63 years old.		Simpson died February 5, 1947 of throat cancer in Oakland. He was 63 years old.

	== Miscellaneous Facts ==		== Miscellaneous Facts ==
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	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
	*February 6, 1947 ''Oakland Tribune'' "Fight Game Mourns Old Time Figure" by Alan Ward		*February 6, 1947 ''Oakland Tribune'' "Fight Game Mourns Old Time Figure" by Alan Ward

	[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]		[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]
			[[Category:Matchmakers\|Simpson, Tommy]]

Matt: major overhaul

2005-07-26T16:21:42Z

major overhaul

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-Simpson is inarguably the greatest fight promoter out of Oakland, CA. Simpson promoted in Oakland from the early days of the four-round era in the mid-teens, on through the 1940s, with some breaks in between.
+== Early Career ==
-The most popular fighter that Simpson promoted was Welterweight Oakland Jimmy Duffy.
+== Four-Round Era ==
 [[Category:Promoters|Simpson, Tommy]]

Matt at 06:08, 9 May 2005

2005-05-09T06:08:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:08, 9 May 2005
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	Simpson is inarguably the greatest fight promoter out of Oakland, CA. Simpson promoted in Oakland from the early days of the four-round era, on through the 1940s, with some breaks in between.		Simpson is inarguably the greatest fight promoter out of Oakland, CA. Simpson promoted in Oakland from the early days of the four-round era in the mid-teens, on through the 1940s, with some breaks in between.

	The most popular fighter that Simpson promoted was ~~local~~ Welterweight Oakland Jimmy Duffy.		The most popular fighter that Simpson promoted was Welterweight Oakland Jimmy Duffy.

	[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]		[[Category:Promoters\|Simpson, Tommy]]