Young Firpo - Revision history

Jabardelli at 05:53, 18 February 2013

2013-02-18T05:53:20Z

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	''"Joe is just as garrulous as his pals, but in a different way. He astounds interviewers by going into ecstacies over a fighter other than his own. That's strickly against the rules and the boys will probably pick up his Union card when the word gets around.		''"Joe is just as garrulous as his pals, but in a different way. He astounds interviewers by going into ecstacies over a fighter other than his own. That's strickly against the rules and the boys will probably pick up his Union card when the word gets around.

	"Waterman is in town with Fred Lenhart, the husky sheep-herder who fights Bob Godwin Friday at Hollywood. Yet all he talks about is how lucky he was to get Lenhart out of the north before someone forced him to fight a one-man pugilistic pestilence in the person of Young Firpo.		''"Waterman is in town with Fred Lenhart, the husky sheep-herder who fights Bob Godwin Friday at Hollywood. Yet all he talks about is how lucky he was to get Lenhart out of the north before someone forced him to fight a one-man pugilistic pestilence in the person of Young Firpo.

			''"Greatest thing in boxing shoes I ever saw," enthused Waterman. "He'll murder every [light heavyweight] from the champion down!''"

	~~"Greatest thing in boxing shoes I ever saw," enthused Waterman. "He'll murder every [light heavyweight] from the champion down!''"~~
	Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''		Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''
	[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]		[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]

Jabardelli at 05:52, 18 February 2013

2013-02-18T05:52:17Z

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	[[Joe Waterman]] was interviewed in October of 1934 in Los Angeles while managing Fred Lenhart. The Los Angeles Times captured the revealing interview:		[[Joe Waterman]] was interviewed in October of 1934 in Los Angeles while managing Fred Lenhart. The Los Angeles Times captured the revealing interview:

	"Joe is just as garrulous as his pals, but in a different way. He astounds interviewers by going into ecstacies over a fighter other than his own. That's strickly against the rules and the boys will probably pick up his Union card when the word gets around.		''"Joe is just as garrulous as his pals, but in a different way. He astounds interviewers by going into ecstacies over a fighter other than his own. That's strickly against the rules and the boys will probably pick up his Union card when the word gets around.

	"Waterman is in town with Fred Lenhart, the husky sheep-herder who fights Bob Godwin Friday at Hollywood. Yet all he talks about is how lucky he was to get Lenhart out of the north before someone forced him to fight a one-man pugilistic pestilence in the person of Young Firpo.		"Waterman is in town with Fred Lenhart, the husky sheep-herder who fights Bob Godwin Friday at Hollywood. Yet all he talks about is how lucky he was to get Lenhart out of the north before someone forced him to fight a one-man pugilistic pestilence in the person of Young Firpo.

	"Greatest thing in boxing shoes I ever saw," enthused Waterman. "He'll murder every [light heavyweight] from the champion down!"		"Greatest thing in boxing shoes I ever saw," enthused Waterman. "He'll murder every [light heavyweight] from the champion down!''"

	Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''		Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''
	[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]		[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]

Jabardelli: /* Biography */

2013-01-24T19:23:18Z

Biography

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	The Portland, Oregon, boxing establishment was excited in believing, seemingly, that Firpo had lost little of the greatness that he exhibited prior to his being injured in the car accident while traveling to Butte.		The Portland, Oregon, boxing establishment was excited in believing, seemingly, that Firpo had lost little of the greatness that he exhibited prior to his being injured in the car accident while traveling to Butte.

	Another challenger to Firpo's Pacific Coast title emerged out of Phoenix, Arizona by way of San Francisco. This was the sensational teenage conqueror of the then Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, Maxie Rosenbloom, none other than John Henry Lewis. Lewis on his march to the World Light Heavyweight title and ultimate recognition as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, challenged Firpo and the Wild Bull heartily accepted Lewis's challenge for a shot at Firpo's Pacific Coast title.		Another challenger to Firpo's Pacific Coast title emerged out of Phoenix, Arizona by way of San Francisco. This was the sensational teenage conqueror of the then Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, Maxie Rosenbloom, none other than John Henry Lewis. Lewis, on his march to the World Light Heavyweight title and ultimate recognition as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, challenged Firpo and the Wild Bull heartily accepted Lewis's challenge for a shot at Firpo's Pacific Coast title.

	On September 20, 1934, a youthful and vibrant John Henry Lewis stepped into the ring to swap leather with the great Italian slugger. The Portland Multonomah Stadium crowd witnessed a sensational fight that saw Lewis monopolize the early rounds only to witness Firpo turn the slugging match completely around with a barrage of sensational slugging which had Lewis virtually out on his feet in both the sixth and seventh rounds. A portion of the sixth round was captured by Billy Stepp who wrote: ''"Firpo's lefts and rights connected. One right almost tore Lewis' head off, and if ever a fighter folded, John Henry did, and like an old-fashioned canvas bag."''		On September 20, 1934, a youthful and vibrant John Henry Lewis stepped into the ring to swap leather with the great Italian slugger. The Portland Multonomah Stadium crowd witnessed a sensational fight that saw Lewis monopolize the early rounds only to witness Firpo turn the slugging match completely around with a barrage of sensational slugging which had Lewis virtually out on his feet in both the sixth and seventh rounds. A portion of the sixth round was captured by Billy Stepp who wrote: ''"Firpo's lefts and rights connected. One right almost tore Lewis' head off, and if ever a fighter folded, John Henry did, and like an old-fashioned canvas bag."''

Jabardelli at 07:42, 13 March 2012

2012-03-13T07:42:17Z

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	Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''		Firpo challenged and sought for years to engage world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom into a title fight but his efforts were in vain. Similarly, after Bob Olin won the championship Firpo challenged Olin to defend his title but this challenge, too, fell on deaf ears. After Olin had taken the title from Rosenbloom, Firpo wired a Spokane promoter: ''"Will fight Fox, Lewis, Rosenbloom or Olin. I fear no man."''
	[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]		[[file:FirpoYng2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|400px]]
	Ironically, after John Henry Lewis defeated Bob Olin in 1935 to take the light heavyweight crown, Firpo challenged Lewis who refused to risk losing his title to Young Firpo, perhaps having in mind their prior encounter when Lewis was given a shot at Firpo's own Pacific Coast light heavyweight title on September 20, 1934. The words written by Billy Steppe, following their Portland slugfest, had become prophetic: ''"Try and get 'em down for a rematch ... yes, just try and get Lewis to go into that ring again. Firpo would but try the other chap."'' Lewis' management wanted no part of risking the title and lucrative paydays in defending it against ~~lesser lights~~. Young Firpo, on the downside of his career at the time, was still recognized as too dangerous to the Lewis entourage.		Ironically, after John Henry Lewis defeated Bob Olin in 1935 to take the light heavyweight crown, Firpo challenged Lewis who refused to risk losing his title to Young Firpo, perhaps having in mind their prior encounter when Lewis was given a shot at Firpo's own Pacific Coast light heavyweight title on September 20, 1934. The words written by Billy Steppe, following their Portland slugfest, had become prophetic: ''"Try and get 'em down for a rematch ... yes, just try and get Lewis to go into that ring again. Firpo would but try the other chap."'' Lewis' management wanted no part of risking the title and lucrative paydays in defending it against Young Firpo. Young Firpo, on the downside of his career at the time, was still recognized as too dangerous to the Lewis entourage.

	Throughout his entire ring career, with the exception of a brief interlude as a teenager while his career was starting and he was in the managerial hands of [[Chuck Snyder]], Young Firpo never had a fight manager. He trusted no one who called himself a manager. Irrespective, Mel Epstein became his trainer for a great many of his fights during the 1930s and it was Epstein who was in the ring with Young Firpo during many stirring epic battles including those he had with Leo Lomski, Tiger Jack Fox, Wesley KO Ketchell, and John Henry Lewis.		Throughout his entire ring career, with the exception of a brief interlude as a teenager while his career was starting and he was in the managerial hands of [[Chuck Snyder]], Young Firpo never had a fight manager. He trusted no one who called himself a manager. Irrespective, Mel Epstein became his trainer for a great many of his fights during the 1930s and it was Epstein who was in the ring with Young Firpo during many stirring epic battles including those he had with Leo Lomski, Tiger Jack Fox, Wesley KO Ketchell, and John Henry Lewis.

John: Undo revision 362737 by Jabardelli (Talk)

2011-06-13T12:12:10Z

Undo revision 362737 by Jabardelli (Talk)

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	[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]		[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]
	<boxer>009419</boxer>		<boxer>009419</boxer>
	'''Managers:''' [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career), [[Mel Epstein ~~- Trainer~~]] (~~1929~~-37)<br>		'''Managers:''' [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career), [[Bobby Evans]] (1930), [[Joe Waterman]] (1934-35), [[Mel Epstein]] (1935-37)<br>
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Jabardelli at 07:08, 13 June 2011

2011-06-13T07:08:52Z

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	[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]		[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]
	<boxer>009419</boxer>		<boxer>009419</boxer>
	'''Managers:''' [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career~~), [[Bobby Evans]] (1930), [[Joe Waterman]] (1934-35~~), [[Mel Epstein]] (~~1935~~-37)<br>		'''Managers:''' [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career), [[Mel Epstein - Trainer]] (1929-37)<br>
	<br clear=all>		<br clear=all>

Emaster: fixed DEFAULTSORT

2011-02-18T12:15:42Z

fixed DEFAULTSORT

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	[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]		[[File:WBHF Logo.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|World Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee]]
	<boxer>009419</boxer>		<boxer>009419</boxer>
	'''Managers''': [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career), [[Bobby Evans]] (1930), [[Joe Waterman]] (1934-35), [[Mel Epstein]] (1935-37)<br>		'''Managers:''' [[Chuck Snyder]] (early career), [[Bobby Evans]] (1930), [[Joe Waterman]] (1934-35), [[Mel Epstein]] (1935-37)<br>
	<~~BR CLEAR~~=~~ALL~~>		<br clear=all>

	== Biography ==		==Biography==
	'''Guido Bardelli''' was born in Barre, Vermont in 1907. When his father died in Vermont, his mother moved the Bardelli family to northern Idaho, ultimately settling in the mountainous mining town of Burke.		'''Guido Bardelli''' was born in Barre, Vermont in 1907. When his father died in Vermont, his mother moved the Bardelli family to northern Idaho, ultimately settling in the mountainous mining town of Burke.

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	Although Young Firpo never won the light heavyweight championship of the world, perhaps Billy Stepp summed up his fight career in a single sentence. Stepp wrote near the sunset of Firpo's career: ''"A world's champion was Young Firpo if ever there was one."'' But then, again, as his family and friends so well know, there was much more to Young Firpo than the world of boxing and any championship.		Although Young Firpo never won the light heavyweight championship of the world, perhaps Billy Stepp summed up his fight career in a single sentence. Stepp wrote near the sunset of Firpo's career: ''"A world's champion was Young Firpo if ever there was one."'' But then, again, as his family and friends so well know, there was much more to Young Firpo than the world of boxing and any championship.

	== Post Boxing Career Activities ==		==Post Boxing Career Activities==
	*Firpo was briefly a referee for the Portland (OR) Boxing Commission in 1945: [http://www.boxrec.com/official_search.php?official_id=6748]		*Firpo was briefly a referee for the Portland (OR) Boxing Commission in 1945: [http://www.boxrec.com/official_search.php?official_id=6748]
	*In the spring of 1950, it was reported in the ''Spokesman-Review'' that Firpo had begun promoting boxing shows in Wallace, Idaho. Firpo had headlined in the Northern Idaho mining town many times during his boxing career.		*In the spring of 1950, it was reported in the ''Spokesman-Review'' that Firpo had begun promoting boxing shows in Wallace, Idaho. Firpo had headlined in the Northern Idaho mining town many times during his boxing career.

	== Credit ==		==Credit==
	The above was written by John A. Bardelli.		The above was written by John A. Bardelli.

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	*Inducted into the Idaho Sports Hall of Fame, March 15, 1974		*Inducted into the Idaho Sports Hall of Fame, March 15, 1974
	*Inducted into the Inland Empire Sports Hall of Fame: 1974		*Inducted into the Inland Empire Sports Hall of Fame: 1974
	* Inducted into the [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]]: Class of 2008.		*Inducted into the [[World Boxing Hall of Fame]]: Class of 2008.
	* October 2008 on-line [http://www.411mania.com/sports/boxing/88620/Young-Firpo,-the-Best-Light-Heavywieght-to-Never-Win-a-Title.htm Article]		*October 2008 on-line [http://www.411mania.com/sports/boxing/88620/Young-Firpo,-the-Best-Light-Heavywieght-to-Never-Win-a-Title.htm Article]

	{{DEFAULTSORT:~~Bardelli~~, ~~Guido~~}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Firpo, Young}}
	[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members]]		[[Category:World Boxing Hall of Fame Members]]

Jabardelli at 16:04, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T16:04:05Z

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	A dozen or so fights and he had the Coeur d'Alene Mining District and the Pacific Northwest in his grasp for the combination of his physique, quicksilver feet, hand speed and dynamite punching power, captured the imagination of fight fans who realized that within their midst was the makings of a world champion.		A dozen or so fights and he had the Coeur d'Alene Mining District and the Pacific Northwest in his grasp for the combination of his physique, quicksilver feet, hand speed and dynamite punching power, captured the imagination of fight fans who realized that within their midst was the makings of a world champion.

	He was called "Young Firpo" by the media and "Guido" or "Firp" by those closest to him. The media also tagged him with the sobriquet of "the Wild Bull of Burke."		He was called "Young Firpo" by the media and "Guido" or "Firp" by those closest to him. The media also tagged him with the sobriquet of "the Wild Bull of Burke."
	[[file:Firpo.Young.Bardelli.jpg\|frame\|<center>Young Firpo</center>]]		[[file:Firpo.Young.Bardelli.jpg\|frame\|<center>Young Firpo</center>]]
	Young Firpo's fighting style and vicious punching was described by sport's writers of the time, including the likes of L.H. Gregory, Don McCloud, Dan Walton, [[Billy Stepp]], and Reddy Gallagher, in terms that dramatically recognized that Young Firpo was unique in the annals of boxing history. For example, in a 1937 Portland Oregonian editorial, Gregory wrote ''"There's only one Young Firpo on earth. No other battler, anywhere, fights as he does. His is one of those peculiar styles a man has to be born with."''		Young Firpo's fighting style and vicious punching was described by sport's writers of the time, including the likes of L.H. Gregory, Don McCloud, Dan Walton, [[Billy Stepp]], and Reddy Gallagher, in terms that dramatically recognized that Young Firpo was unique in the annals of boxing history. For example, in a 1937 Portland Oregonian editorial, Gregory wrote ''"There's only one Young Firpo on earth. No other battler, anywhere, fights as he does. His is one of those peculiar styles a man has to be born with."''

Jabardelli at 05:01, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T05:01:06Z

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	Throughout his entire ring career, with the exception of a brief interlude as a teenager while his career was starting and he was in the managerial hands of [[Chuck Snyder]], Young Firpo never had a fight manager. He trusted no one who called himself a manager. Irrespective, Mel Epstein became his trainer for a great many of his fights during the 1930s and it was Epstein who was in the ring with Young Firpo during many stirring epic battles including those he had with Leo Lomski, Tiger Jack Fox, Wesley KO Ketchell, and John Henry Lewis.		Throughout his entire ring career, with the exception of a brief interlude as a teenager while his career was starting and he was in the managerial hands of [[Chuck Snyder]], Young Firpo never had a fight manager. He trusted no one who called himself a manager. Irrespective, Mel Epstein became his trainer for a great many of his fights during the 1930s and it was Epstein who was in the ring with Young Firpo during many stirring epic battles including those he had with Leo Lomski, Tiger Jack Fox, Wesley KO Ketchell, and John Henry Lewis.

	In a late November, 1971, gathering of boxing notables in Los Angeles, a Mel Epstein trained and managed fighter, Rick Farris, was invited by Suey Welch to attend a luncheon where approximately 18 boxing notables had gathered. Welch knew that Farris had a natural affinity for the history of boxing.		In a late November, 1971, gathering of boxing notables in Los Angeles, a Mel Epstein trained and managed fighter, Rick Farris, was invited by Suey Welch to attend a luncheon where approximately 18 boxing notables had gathered. Welch knew that Farris had a natural affinity for the history of boxing.

	Mel Epstein had touted the seemingly unbelievable exploits and punching power of Young Firpo to an impressionable Rick Farris in striving to point out to Farris what Epstein had seen and been exposed to during his association with Young Firpo in terms of Firpo's strength, punching power, and endurance to the point that Farris began to challenge Epstein's credibility. Undoubtedly, Epstein, as a fight manager, was motivating and Farris was not buying into all of what was being offered to him.		Mel Epstein had touted the seemingly unbelievable exploits and punching power of Young Firpo to an impressionable Rick Farris in striving to point out to Farris what Epstein had seen and been exposed to during his association with Young Firpo in terms of Firpo's strength, punching power, and endurance to the point that Farris began to challenge Epstein's credibility. Undoubtedly, Epstein, as a fight manager, was motivating and Farris was not buying into all of what was being offered to him.

	Included at the Los Angeles luncheon were Jimmy McLarnin, Gorilla Jones, [[George Parnassus]], [[Suey Welch]], [[Mel Epstein]], Henry Armstrong, Ike Williams, Enrique Bolanos, Lou Nova, Mike Mazurki and others. Fighter-historian Rick Farris was absorbed and awe stricken as he listened to boxing story after boxing story emanate from the mouths and hearts of those in whose company he had been invited. Farris' ears were heightened when he heard the name ''"Young Firpo"'' mentioned by George Parnassus in a conversation with McLarnin and others.		Included at the Los Angeles luncheon were Jimmy McLarnin, Gorilla Jones, [[George Parnassus]], [[Suey Welch]], [[Mel Epstein]], Henry Armstrong, Ike Williams, Enrique Bolanos, Lou Nova, Mike Mazurki and others. Fighter-historian Rick Farris was absorbed and awe stricken as he listened to boxing story after boxing story emanate from the mouths and hearts of those in whose company he had been invited. Farris' ears were heightened when he heard the name ''"Young Firpo"'' mentioned by George Parnassus in a conversation with McLarnin, a former all-time great welterweight champion, and others.

	At this point, seeking more than anything a desire to test the credibility of his own fight manager, Mel Epstein, Farris entered into the discussion by asking George Parnassus, ''"How good was this Young Firpo?"'' Before Parnassus could answer the question, Jimmy McLarnin responded to Farris' inquiry by stating,''"Oh, let me just tell you that Young Firpo was the greatest fighter I ever saw!"''		At this point, seeking more than anything a desire to test the credibility of his own fight manager, Mel Epstein, Farris entered into the discussion by asking George Parnassus, ''"How good was this Young Firpo?"'' Before Parnassus could answer the question, Jimmy McLarnin responded to Farris' inquiry by stating,''"Oh, let me just tell you that Young Firpo was the greatest fighter I ever saw!"''
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	Then, without a break in the conversation, both McLarnin and Parnassus offered their opinions that ''"Young Firpo was the hardest hitting light heavyweight I have ever seen." '' To drive the point home further, Parnassus stated to Rick Farris, ''"You think that Bob Foster can hit hard? Young Firpo could hit harder than any of them, including Archie Moore and Bob Foster,"'' a point which was affirmed by Jimmy McLarnin whose career, incidentally, paralleled that of Young Firpo during the 1920s and 1930s. McLarnin, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, had seen Firpo fight on the Pacific Coast many times during Firpo's reign of terror.		Then, without a break in the conversation, both McLarnin and Parnassus offered their opinions that ''"Young Firpo was the hardest hitting light heavyweight I have ever seen." '' To drive the point home further, Parnassus stated to Rick Farris, ''"You think that Bob Foster can hit hard? Young Firpo could hit harder than any of them, including Archie Moore and Bob Foster,"'' a point which was affirmed by Jimmy McLarnin whose career, incidentally, paralleled that of Young Firpo during the 1920s and 1930s. McLarnin, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, had seen Firpo fight on the Pacific Coast many times during Firpo's reign of terror.

	Up until the date of his death, Mel Epstein lamented to all who would listen, the fact that, in Young Firpo, he had a world's champion in his grasp and, like water slipping through one's fingers, that championship eluded him as it had eluded Young Firpo. Epstein stated in a 1970s interview that ''"Before that damn car wreck, Firpo was unbeatable, he was practically unbeatable!" ''		Up until the date of his death, Mel Epstein lamented to all who would listen, the fact that, in Young Firpo, he had a world's champion in his grasp and, like water slipping through one's fingers, that championship eluded him as it had eluded Young Firpo. Epstein stated in a 1970s interview that ''"Before that damn car wreck, Firpo was unbeatable, he was practically unbeatable!, Whose going to beat him?" ''

	Although Young Firpo never won the light heavyweight championship of the world, perhaps Billy Stepp summed up his fight career in a single sentence. Stepp wrote near the sunset of Firpo's career: ''"A world's champion was Young Firpo if ever there was one."'' But then, again, as his family and friends so well know, there was much more to Young Firpo than the world of boxing and any championship.		Although Young Firpo never won the light heavyweight championship of the world, perhaps Billy Stepp summed up his fight career in a single sentence. Stepp wrote near the sunset of Firpo's career: ''"A world's champion was Young Firpo if ever there was one."'' But then, again, as his family and friends so well know, there was much more to Young Firpo than the world of boxing and any championship.

Jabardelli at 04:47, 17 October 2010

2010-10-17T04:47:45Z

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	On September 20, 1934, a youthful and vibrant John Henry Lewis stepped into the ring to swap leather with the great Italian slugger. The Portland Multonomah Stadium crowd witnessed a sensational fight that saw Lewis monopolize the early rounds only to witness Firpo turn the slugging match completely around with a barrage of sensational slugging which had Lewis virtually out on his feet in both the sixth and seventh rounds. A portion of the sixth round was captured by Billy Stepp who wrote: ''"Firpo's lefts and rights connected. One right almost tore Lewis' head off, and if ever a fighter folded, John Henry did, and like an old-fashioned canvas bag."''		On September 20, 1934, a youthful and vibrant John Henry Lewis stepped into the ring to swap leather with the great Italian slugger. The Portland Multonomah Stadium crowd witnessed a sensational fight that saw Lewis monopolize the early rounds only to witness Firpo turn the slugging match completely around with a barrage of sensational slugging which had Lewis virtually out on his feet in both the sixth and seventh rounds. A portion of the sixth round was captured by Billy Stepp who wrote: ''"Firpo's lefts and rights connected. One right almost tore Lewis' head off, and if ever a fighter folded, John Henry did, and like an old-fashioned canvas bag."''

	The fight was called a draw by referee [[Tom Louttit]]. Steppe wrote: ''"The bell ended the 30-minute party and, of course, Referee Louttit's decision caused a near riot. It was O.K., but if a winner was to be picked yours truly has to give the silverware to the Bull of Burke * * *."'' The fans booed the decision for over 10 minutes. Lewis was fortunate to leave Portland for San Francisco still a viable contender for the world light heavyweight championship rather than having been carted or assisted to his dressing room as so many other of Firpo's opponents had including the likes of Ben Grenich, Mike Brotherton, Buck ~~Ladeaux~~, KO White, Ray Pelky, Wesley Ketchell, George Manley, Leroy Brown, Nash Garrison, and a host of others.		The fight was called a draw by referee [[Tom Louttit]]. Steppe wrote: ''"The bell ended the 30-minute party and, of course, Referee Louttit's decision caused a near riot. It was O.K., but if a winner was to be picked yours truly has to give the silverware to the Bull of Burke * * *."'' The fans booed the decision for over 10 minutes. Lewis was fortunate to leave Portland for San Francisco still a viable contender for the world light heavyweight championship rather than having been carted or assisted to his dressing room as so many other of Firpo's opponents had including the likes of Ben Grenich, Mike Brotherton, Buck LaDeau, KO White, Ray Pelky, Wesley Ketchell, George Manley, Leroy Brown, Nash Garrison, and a host of others.

	[[Joe Waterman]] was interviewed in October of 1934 in Los Angeles while managing Fred Lenhart. The Los Angeles Times captured the revealing interview:		[[Joe Waterman]] was interviewed in October of 1934 in Los Angeles while managing Fred Lenhart. The Los Angeles Times captured the revealing interview: