MightyGloves.com

Reprinted by permission of BOXING WORLD MAGAZINE. Editor Tom Huff.

Photo Courtesy/Tomasz Szmuc

Images by Chris McGee

Click Image To Launch Gallery

Images by Chris McGee

Click Image To Launch Gallery

By Ted Luzzi

This one almost happened right after Ray Robinson won the middleweight title. Egos got in the way as Archie Moore would not take an even split as he was the champ and wanted the champions cut of the purse. The two argued and Robinson claimed he was the draw so should get more money and they never came to terms, but what if they had?

Images by Chris McGee

Click Image To Launch Gallery

Images by Chris McGee

Click Image To Launch Gallery

Lamar Sherrod
The Community Organization Making Boxing Alternatives Today for Tomorrow, Inc. (C.O.M.B.A.T.T.) mission is to provide an environment for at risk youth that promotes positive, healthy physical fitness development, educational and recreational activities, and social and behavioral skills to equip participants with the tools necessary to build solid careers, improved decision-making and critical thinking. www.combatt.net

By Lamar Sherrod
Photo by Chris McGee
With the IBF/WBO light heavyweight title fight set to take stage in Las Vegas on October 11th, Bad Chad Dawson takes on vocal Antonio Magic Man Tarver, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Chad about the upcoming bout:

By Ted Luzzi

He is short for his division. Only five feet ten inches! He is semi-balding and a two fisted slugger with a exciting style. He has a name that is hard to pronounce, nevertheless, he is an undefeated champion! It sounds like Rocky Marciano does it not? No, its not Marciano, but the WBC Light Heavyweight champion Adrian Diaconu!

By Ted Luzzi

In a year of big fights Joel Casamayor vs Juan Marquez doest seem like PPV material to me. However, Mexican fans seem to pay out to see one of their own in major competition even if he as a dull as Juan Marquez .

By Ted Luzzi

His irresistible assault on every foe, the terrible plane crash that took his life, his humble charm to all he came in contact with,

Italian fans going wild,over their champ his dedication in training and his famed suzie-Q right hand that landed with such impact. It was triumph and tragedy for one of the best and most intresting of all heavyweight champions.

By Mike Dunn

Hard to believe it’s been more than 50 years since the Rock and the Cobra took center stage and kept boxing fans and sports fan in general gripped with the gritty drama of two classic battles for the heavyweight championship. Hard to believe also that Rocky Marciano would have turned 85 this week if he was still with us. No doubt he would have been pleased to recall the notable ring wars he had with the man known as the Cincinnati Cobra and all the publicity those fights generated.

By Lamar Sherrod

Friday night, at The Orleans, World Championship Boxing presented by Crown Boxing Promotions I had a chance to talk with Yoel Judah, trainer and father of former world welterweight champion Zab Judah.

LS: So Yoel, what has the Judah camp been up too.
YJ :Well we been getting ready for some new shows for Zab, we want a rematch with Clottey in December

By Ted Luzzi

Joe Louis once wrote an article on how he would have fought Muhammad Ali. Boxing fans, I thought, would enjoy knowing the famed Brown Bomber’s views and plan of attack. Louis said that "with room to move Clay’s a champion real dangerous. But he doesn’t know a thing about fighting on the ropes, which is where he would be if he were in there with me." Louis said "Clay drops his left hand when he should be protecting that pretty face he is always talking about. Doing a fool thing like that in a championship fight, he could wind up looking like a meat wagon ,or riding in one."

By Ted Luzzi

He is 36 years old and been kicking around boxing for along time but never quite made it bigtime despite his talent. Then on short notice he takes on the guy considered the best prospect in his division and beats him. Then he takes on the guy considered the champion in his division and beats him too! Now he is champion at age 36 and he considers it his rightful place.

By Lamar Sherrod

This is a new section of Mightygloves.com we like to call fans perspective, where we interview fans during a bout or after and get their insight of what's going on. We caught up with some fans at the Crown Boxing show featuring GBU Lightweight Champion, Layla McCarter. Here is what some fans had to say.

Nate Gould (L) LaMar Sherrod (R)
Photo by Chris McGee
Courtesy of LaMar Sherrod
Today at Top rank Boxing gym, I had a chance to sit and talk with Mr. Nate Gould, advisor and friend of Welterweight contender, Steve Forbes. Nates hails out of Illinois.

By Ted Luzzi

Boxing is very hard. You pull on the gloves and go at it with some other guy who wants it as much as you do. If a fighter has a rough time with an opponent he almost always has a rough time with him again if they are rematched. This is particularly true of heavyweights.

By Jim Amato

To me Jean Claude Bouttier was one of the best fighters of a great era who never won a world title. He joins Pierre Fourrie, Yaqui Lopez, Bennie Briscoe, Hedgemon Lewis, Ernie " Red " Lopez and Ray Lampkin who were boxers fighting in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even some boxers who held a fragment of a title never got the recognition they deserved because of other dominant champions. Men like Rodrigo Valdez, Esteban DeJesus and Howard Winstone.

By Jim Amato

He was the " Clown Prince ". He was a fighter who boxed out of Mansfield, Ohio. In a career that spanned from 1954 to 1971, Art " Curley " Miller engaged in 65 professional fights meeting the likes of Earnie Shavers and Ron Lyle. Miller took on anyone who would face him.

By Jim Amato

Well Antonio Margarito is on top of the boxing world. He has earned it. Let him take a little time off to savor the flavor. Eventually though he is going to climb through those ropes again. Who should his opponent be ? Who should Margarito go after and who should he avoid ?

By Jim Amato

WHAT A FIGHT ! Miguel Cotto outboxed a plodding Antonio Margarito early but Margarito got stronger as the fight wore on and finally battered Cotto into submission at 2:05 of round eleven. This was a classic that lived up to and even surpassed expectations.

By Jim Amato

NOTE : With Vitali Klitschko on his way out of retirement to fight Sam Peter, below is what I felt about Vitali's career.

JA

He had walked away from the most prestigious prize in all of sports. I
was shocked but Vitali Klitschko is his own man and for whatever reasons he
had, the decision was made.

By Jim Amato

What if...Two of the greatest bantamweights from Mexico would have clashed in their prime ? Let's start with Olivares fresh off his second victory over the ever rugged Chu Chu Castillo. That avenged his only career defeat up to that time in his illustrious career. He also reclaimed the bantamweight title that he had originally won by stopping the game and talented Australian Lionel Rose. Now let's take the unbeaten Carlos Zarate who had just stopped the previously undefeated Alfonso Zamora in four breathtaking rounds. Although this was an over the weight match, Zarate, the WBC champion and Zamora, the WBA titleholder were for all intents and purposes meeting for bantamweight supremecy.Olivares-Zarate...Who would have won ?

By Jim Amato

I enjoy watching all different types of fighters. I appreciate the art and finesse of a clever boxer like Willie Pep. I enjoy the rock-em- sock-em style of a Joe Frazier. There were men with great jabs like Larry Holmes and Ali. I was dazzled by the hand speed of Sugar Ray Leonard and more recently by Joe Calzaghe. I was in awe of the power of an Earnie Shavers or Julian Jackson. I was in even more awe of men with the granite jaws who could absorb the power shots like George Chuvalo and Tex Cobb did .

by Jim Amato

For me the year 1972 marked some very important milestones. Especially the magic month of June.In the first three weeks of that month I became a candidate for the draft by turning eighteen. I graduated from High School and on the 17th I took on my first bride. I enjoyed that afternoon watching Carlos Monzon defend his title against the worthy challenge of Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier. To be honest with you the most exciting day of the month was the 26th. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Roberto Duran captured the lightweight championship of the world by stopping the vastly talented Ken Buchanan. At that moment a star was born.
Later in the year on October 18th my first son was born. A month later Duran suffered the first loss of his career dropping a decision to the great but widely overlooked Esteban DeJesus. Roberto would not lose another fight until the night he supposedly said " No Mas " in 1980. That included two subsequent knockout victories over DeJesus. To me Duran was without a doubt the greatest boxer of the 70's.

By Jim Amato

I have considerable mixed emotions about this fight. First off I feel that from a Team Pavlik stand point, it is a good move. If the aging lion with marquee value wants another fight, why not cash in ? If they don't someone else will. A win over Hopkins, especially a KO will really sweeten the pot for a Calzaghe showdown later on. BUT ... I also consider this a dangerous fight for Kelly. Yes I know Bernard looked terrible against Calzaghe but Joe's style was all wrong for Bernard. Remember it wasn't all that long ago that Hopkins looked pretty good beating Tarver and Winky Wright. Is Hopkins old and shot ? We'll find out October 18th. What if he isn't ? Kelly has never fought anyone like Bernard. He'll be shown things in that ring he's never seen before. Give Hopkins this, he knows every trick in the book. If B'Hop is on his game this could be a very difficult fight for Kelly. Bernard has a great chin and he surely knows what to do when he is hurt. I see him setting a lot of traps for Kelly. He'll try to let Pavlik's aggressive style work against him. I look for Bernard to try and use his jab to break up Pavlik's rhythm. I also see Hopkins trying to counter Pavlik's big right with left hooks to the head and body. To me the biggest question is...How long will Hopkins be able to go at a fast pace before he starts wearing down ? Kelly will be putting on constant pressure. If Hopkins can't hurt Kelly and slow him down, the late rounds may betray him.

By Jim Amato

After looking at the career and record of Terry Mims, I can't help but wonder how he would have fared if he would just had stayed in the cruiserweight division. Mims who is from Cleveland had 29 fights in a career that spanned from 1977 to 1989. He ended up with a losing record but sometimes records are deceiving.

By Jim Amato

Tough 1960's and 70's heavyweight Jerry Quarry has been almost immortalized these days. He was the heavyweight who came along at the wrong time. The Ali - Frazier era. Joe and Ali each beat Jerry twice, but Jerry had his share of big wins over top contenders. Floyd Patterson, Thad Spencer, Buster Mathis Sr., Mac Foster, Ron Lyle and Earnie Shavers all suffered defeat at the hands of Jerry. You could argue strongly that Quarry was among the four best heavyweights of his day. If four titles were available back then one may safely assume Jerry would have at least won a piece of one of them.

By Jim Amato

We have all heard of Ali, Frazier and Foreman. Of Tyson and Holyfield. The lighter weight classes have produced the likes of Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard. Who will ever forget Duran, Pryor and Arguello?

By Jim Amato

Although he ended his career losing almost as many bouts as he won. At one time in the mid-60's heavyweight James J. Woody was considered a fine prospect.

By Jim Amato

Ike " The President " Ibeabuchi scored his twentieth and last victory on March 20, 1999. It was an impressive knockout stoppage of unbeaten, future WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd. Twenty one months earlier he had handed David Tua his first defeat. Ike was a serious heavyweight contender but then he took a detour to prison.

By Jim Amato

This native of the Philippines did a lot of his fighting in Hawaii where he was a popular draw. He began his professional career in 1971 and won his first eight contests. Then in 1972 he was matched with former world's featherweight champion Kuniaki Shibata. This is the same Shibata who had dethroned the great Vincente Saldivar a few years earlier. Shibata then lost the title to the hard hitting Clemente Sanchez. This was Shibata's first fight since losing the title. It was a tall order for the novice Nabalatan and even though he lost, he took the former titleholder ten rounds.

By Jim Amato

Everyone is wondering who will be Kelly Pavlik's opponent this coming September. Rumor has it that newly crowned super welterweight champ Sergio Mora has the inside track. Mora first has to figure out how to get around his rematch clause with Vernon Forrest, the man he upset to win the title. Mexico's hard punching Antonio Rubio is being considered. I've even heard welterweight champion Paul Williams is in the mix. More on that possible match later. Who ever meets Kelly, it will be all roads lead to an early 2009 match with Arthur Abraham. Pavlik-Abraham is one of the hottest tickets in town.

By Jim Amato
Photos by Chris McGee
Although it is not etched in stone, it is beginning to look like the proposed Joe Calzaghe - Roy Jones Jr. bout will be made. The projected date is in November. The ramifications of this fight could have an immense impact on the current state of the sport. Will Roy win and reclaim his mantle of greatness ? Will a Calzalghe win seal a much desired match between Joe and Kelly Pavlik in 2009 ? Will Calzaghe, upon a win over Jones retire as he has hinted ?

By Jim Amato

He came from a fighting family and by the time his boxing career ended in 1971 he was the most beloved British boxer of all time. Only once did he challenge for the World's title but he dominated the British heavyweight scene for over fifteen years. His popularity soared even more after retirement and eventually the Queen of England knighted him. Sir Henry Cooper was more than just a British fighter. He was a fine example of what British boxing is all about.

By Jim Amato

The city of Chicago has produced its share of outstanding professional fighters. One of them was a tough as nails lightweight who campaigned in the late 1970's and early 1980's. His name was Johnny Lira and he fought his way into the top echelon of the lightweight rankings.

By Jim Amato

There are certain boxers from my past that in retrospect would be champions today. One such boxer was tough enough to be nicknamed " Bad ". He was Bennie Briscoe from Philadelphia and brother you better bet he was just that, " Bad ". He was probably the most feared middleweight of his era and it was a tough time just be a middleweight in Philly. If you were bad there, you were bad everywhere.

By Jim Amato

Back in the early and mid 1970's, northeast Ohio had three world class light heavyweight contenders campaigning for a world title shot. Ray Anderson of Akron would be the one who was fortunate enough to receive a shot at the brass ring. The other two, John Griffin and Billy Wagner of Cleveland fell short of their title fight dreams but they did wage two memorable wars against each other.

By Ted Luzzi

Years ago back in the early seventies I use to drive three or four times a year from Los Angeles to Marin County ( just across the bridge from San Francisco). I grew up in Marin and my parents lived there. (still do!) Back in those days of cheap gas I would take a bunch of buddies, who like me, were going to college in L.A., and drop them off at their destinations on the way as I roared through central California in my new Dodge Charger. The Charger was my gift to myself for having finished two years of military service and having finished my time in the Vietnam war zone with not even a scratch.

IBF, IBO, and WBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko having his hands wrapped by co-trainer James Ali Bashir at their training camp in Austria in preparation for his upcoming fight against #1 Contender Tony Williams of Washington, DC. The fight will take place on July 12 at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

By Jim Amato

He was born Richard Ihetu in his native Nigeria in 1929. He died forty
two years later in Nigeria. In between he established himself as one of
the best pound for pound fighters of the 1960's. He was known to the boxing
world as Dick Tiger. It was a very fitting moniker for the man who crowned
world champion on three occasions.

By Jim Amato

The eyes of the boxing world will be focused on Manny Pacquiao next Saturday in his quest to win the lightweight title. To some, Manny winning this fight and a piece of the lightweight crown is a forgone conclusion. Many feel that Manny is the best boxer pound for pound active today. A win Saturday could open the door for mega fights between Manny and Ricky Hatton and maybe even a Pacquiao - De La Hoya confrontation. It seems to me that many boxing scribes and fans are putting the cart way before the horse. Manny's opponent, David Diaz of Chicago has only lost one of 36 pro fights. By the way he is also the WBC lightweight titleholder. In a nutshell, this young man can fight !

By Jim Amato

When you're a professional heavyweight and you win forty of forty eight fights, chances are you could fight a little. Oregon's Terry Hinke could fight. Although he would never reach the heavyweight " A " list, he was good enough to do well against some fairly good competition.

By Jim Amato

The British produced some quality heavyweights during the 1950's and 60's. Of course " Ol' " Enry ' Cooper comes to mind. There was rugged Joe Erskine and Wales gave us Dick Richardson. Later Billy " The Golden Boy " Walker would emerge. One of the best was Brian London who would twice fight for world title honors.

By Jim Amato

Pernell Whitaker is inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame. This is an honor he richly deserves. His storied amateur career along with his " Who's Who " list of boxers he met in the professional ranks surely entitles him to this honor. What a career he had !

By Jim Amato

As Muhammad Ali ruled the heavyweight division in the mid 60's, white hope contenders came and went. Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo and Karl Mildenberger all were vanquishedby the "Greatest". When Ali was forced to relinquish his crown in 1967, the best of the white contenders was probably Jerry Quarry. By 1969 a huge brute of a man named Jack O'Halloran had compiled an impressive 16-1-1 record. Standing at around 6' 6" and weighing in the vicinity of 240lbs., Jack struck fear into opponents by his mere bulk. In 1969 he upgraded his opposition with mixed results. He dropped decisions to Joe "King" Roman, Joe Bugner and Tony Doyle. On August 19th he was halted by rugged "Florida" Al Jones. In turn he outscored Carl Gizzi and stopped Mexican contender Manuel Ramos in seven rounds.

By Jim Amato

The Philippines have been getting a lot of boxing press lately through the success of favorite son Manny Pacquiao and deservedly so. The Philippines have produced many great fighters like Flash Elorde and Ceferino Garcia. One such fine fighter and former two time world champion from the Philippines has been largely forgotten through the passages of time. His name was Erbito Salavarria.

By Ted Luzzi

Here in the San Francisco bay area the glory days of boxing in our city seem behind us. Nearby Las Vegas is supreme. However some still gather around and talk boxing and great fighters and fights. Recently it was about the greatest of Italian fighters and when he came to town.

By Jim Amato

Two of the strongest middleweights to ever lace up the gloves square off for a battle of the ages. Carlos Monzon of Argentina. Tall, lean but deceptively strong with a thudding left jab and a thumping right cross. Gene Fullmer of Utah. Barrel chested and bull strong. Awkwardly aggressive but effective, especially on the inside. This should be a real crowd pleasing affair.

By Jim Amato

He was to be the heir apparent to the retired Muhammad Ali. He was a big strong heavyweight who could box. Yes Larry Holmes was the holder of the World Boxing Council's version of the heavyweight title. Larry had been embarrassed though in the amateurs by Duane Bobick. Yes as a pro he was undefeated. He beat an aging , slow and ponderous Earnie Shavers to qualify for a shot at the WBC title. Larry then defeated Ken Norton to win the vacant WBC championship. Still many thought of Larry as nothing more the Ali's sparring partner who was in the right place at the right time.

By Jim Amato

This 2008 boxing movie is what I call a " sleeper ". The cast is headed by veteran actor Danny Glover who plays George Carvery. George is a former trainer whose son is beaten up outside the ring and left permanently disabled. The young man accused of this crime is Donnie Rose ( played by Rossif Sutherland ). Rose served nine years in prison for the crime but upon being released he is challenged to a boxing match by prospect Ossie Paris ( played by Flex Alexander ) , a friend of the Carvery family. This is the perfect revenge setting George and his distraught wife but the plot takes some interesting twists and turns.

By Jim Amato

I recently caught a clip of cruiserweight champion David Haye calling out heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko at a shopping mall. Wladimir looked to be rather amused by Haye's bold challenge. He had a " you've got to be kidding me ' look on his face. Wlad said something to the effect that David needed to put on some weight. He also told Haye to " get in line " for a title shot.

By Ted Luzzi

Paul "the Punisher" Williams will get his chance to redeem his reputation and win back his part of the welterweight title on June 7.

By Jim Amato

Long before Mark McGwire was launching tape measure home runs in Oakland and acquiring the nickname "Big Mac", West Coast sports fans used to cheer the feats of another "Big Mac". MacArthur Foster a heavyweight boxer from Fresno, California won his first 24 professional bouts all by knockout. Six came in the first round, four in the second round and seven in the third round. By the spring of 1970 he was the number one rated contender for Joe Frazier’s crown.

by Ted Luzzi

The two greatest boxing sports heroes of the golden 1920’s were Jack Dempsey and Benny Leonard. The magnificent Benny Leonard was perhaps the greatest lightweight fighter ever.

By Jim Amato

One of the better middleweights of the 1970's died recently. Tony Licata was a victim of a heart attack at the age of 56. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights. ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby " Top Cat " Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina's Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch. On June 30, 1975 Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York's Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon's only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten.

By Jim Amato

He began his career in 1964 but it was not until 1973 that he crashed into the heavyweight ratings. In between were periods of inactivity and a multitude of meaningless bouts. He was a murderous, punching prospect that no worthy opponent wanted to chance his career against. By the time he got his “shot” at the big time, he was 21-1 with 16 kayos. He scored seven 1st round kayos and eight 2nd round stoppages. Yet up to this point his claim to fame was being a Muhammad Ali sparring partner. It is a shame that today very few remember Jeff "Candy Slim” Merritt. True, his tenure as a main stream contender was less than a year but oh what a reputation he had. Many at that time considered him the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division, bar none.

By Jim Amato

Every now and then a fight is made and you get an electric feeling of anticipation. You can envision the fight taking on so many different scenarios that you have trouble projecting a winner. There is almost one certainty. This fight should keep you glued to the edge of your seat. No Calzaghe - Hopkins let down here. These are two warriors staking claim, bragging rights if you will to being the best fighter today in the historic welterweight division. The winner of this fight will be mentioned in the same breath as the past greats who graced the division and rightfully so.

By Jim Amato

Who was the second best heavyweight around during the first title reign of Muhammad Ali ? A strong argument could be made for Chicago's Ernie Terrell. Why ? Because he earned it. He was even good enough to hold the WBA version of the heavyweight title but everyone knew who the " real " champ was.

By Ted Luzzi
Photo by Chris McGee
Wait long enough and persist against all odds and your dreams will be fufilled. Sure .
Ask Jerry Quarry about why he never won the heavyweight title, or the great Charley Burley why he never even got a title shot!

By Jim Amato

For most of the 1960’s and part of the early 1970’s Canadian George Chuvalo was a mainstay in the talent rich heavyweight ratings. RING Magazine founder Nat Fleischer called George one of the most durable fighters he had ever seen. In his long distinguished career the rock jawed Chuvalo was NEVER off his feet. Amazing seeing the competition he faced. For the sake of space let’s start looking at George’s career from 1965 on.

Image by Chris McGee
By Jim Amato

I started following boxing with the emergence of Cassius Clay in the early 1960's. Whether you liked Clay or not he must be given credit for revamping the business of boxing. He was to boxing what the Beatles were to music. Clay who would later become Muhammad Ali changed the face of the sport.

By Jim Amato

I learn more about the history of boxing in the great city of Cleveland everyday. Talking to knowledgeable people in the area like Jerry Fitch, Gene Glen, Tom Huff, Jim Borgen and Sal Marino, well...I just learn something new all the time.

By Jim Amato

DREAM FIGHTS...You hear and read about them all the time. How would Ali have done against Dempsey, Louis or Marciano ? How would Roy Jones Jr. have fared against Bobby Foster ? Could Bernard Hopkins hold his own with Marvelous Marv ?

By Jim Amato

When you think of Mexican fighters it is usually a tough little hombre like a Ruben Olivares, Vincente Saldivar or Julio Cesar Chavez. More often then not the better battles from Mexico scaled under 160lbs. In an exception to the rule during the mid 60’s to the early 70’s this country produced a pretty fair heavyweight. He fought two world champions and nine others that vied for the heavyweight crown. His name was Manuel Ramos. Although he lost almost as many as he won, the names on his resume are quite impressive.

By Ted Luzzi

Strategy, conditioning and a refocus on his career will be needed. He has the right team. I once interviewed his trainer George Peterson and found him to be a serious minded ex-cop full of pride and confidence in Williams. A man with both feet on the ground and unlikely to not realize William’s whole future in boxing is on the line here. Let’s assume Williams is highly conditioned and focused. How will he turn it all around against the new champion Quintana who out-boxed him so totally last time?

Photos by Chris McGee
Story by Billie Walker

It will soon be one year since the untimely death of one of boxing’s greatest ever. Diego “Chico” Corrales.

As May 7 approaches, one could only wish that that day in 2007 had never happened. It has left a gaping hole in so many hearts and a huge void in the boxing ring.

By Jim Amato

He was one of the best heavyweights of his era and possibly one of the best heavyweights to have never claimed the title. He fought the best of the late 1950's and 60's with a high degree of success.

Eddie Machen was born on July 15, 1932 in Redding, California and he entered the punch for pay ranks in 1955. Eddie won all eleven of his bouts during his maiden year including a knockout over highly regarded Howard King.

By Jim Amato

At one time Buster Mathis Sr. of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the best amateur heavyweight in the world. This was in 1964 after he had twice defeated another promising amateur named Joe Frazier. He was on his way to the 1964 Olympics Games in Tokyo but an injury sidelined him. Frazier took his place as an alternate. Joe won the Gold Medal and the rest is history.

By Jim Amato

Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams was one of three gifted heavyweights from the 50's and 60's. Williams, Eddie Machen and Zora Folley were a trio of hard luck boxers who met tragic deaths after a career of frustration. Machen who lost a decision to Ernie Terrell in a 1965 W.B.A. title bout may or may not have committed suicide. Folley who was stopped in seven by Muhammad Ali in 1967 died of injuries suffered in a poolside accident.

By Jim Amato

He came within an eyelash of upsetting the great Larry Holmes and winning the heavyweight championship of the world. For the better part of the 1980's he was ranked in the top ten. By the time his career ended he had crossed gloves with no less then eight men who at one time held the moniker, world champion.

By Jim Amato

Today with so many governing bodies and organizations around it has become very hard to take someones claim of " world champion " seriously. I mean there is the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBA and God knows how many more will pop up in the future. Split titles are not anything new to boxing but in days gone by it was a lot less complicated. As much as I hated it when either the WBA or the WBC " stripped " a champion of his crown for some bogus reason and then " made " their own champion. At least it kept the rift between just two claimants. In some cases there were much needed unification fights like Bob Foster and Vincente Rondon or Carlos Monzon against Rodrigo Valdez. There were also cases where a unification bout would have generated a lot of fan interest and cleared up the situation but they never came off. Some bouts that come to mind are Salvador Sanchez vs Eusebio Pedroza, John Conteh vs Victor Galindez and Carlos Palomino vs Pipino Cuevas. There is one bout that could have taken place in 1971 pitting two champions from Japan who each claimed a portion of the featherweight title. They were WBC title holder Kuniaki Shibata and his WBA rival, Shozo Saijo. Alas the fight never materialized. It seems that today Shibata is still remembered as the man who made great Vincente Saldivar surrender. What about poor Shozo Saijo ? He has been long forgotten outside of Japan and somehow that just does not seem quite fair.

By Jim Amato

I like Ray Mancini who was recently inducted in to the World Boxing Hall Of Fame. It's always nice to see an Ohio kid make good so I'm happy for his induction. As you can see on that note I may be a little bias. Ray was good copy while he was boxing. He was exciting and he had charisma. Does he belong in the Hall ? Well... If he was not from Ohio, I would say no.

By Jim Amato

Stan " Kitten " Hayward was just one of the many tough welterweights and middleweights that came out of Philadelphia in the 1960's and 70's. He battled the best his hometown had to offer and several other world contenders too.

By Jim Amato

Pipino Cuevas has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame. I struggled with this for a while. Did he really deserve to get in ? There are so many deserving former boxers that you can make a strong case for.

After wrestling with the matter of Pipino's induction I was able to come to terms with it. Why ? Because during his tenure as champion he was a Holy Terror !!! That is why !

By Ted Luzzi

There is nothing else in all sport that even come close to the drama of a big fight in which the winner and outcome are very much in doubt. For weeks opinions rage from all sides as to the winner and why. Egos and tempers rise from the fans as their favorite is either mocked or cannonized before the fight.

Photos by Chris McGee
By Brett Mauren

In his third fight in as many years, Oscar De la Hoya again finds himself in the eye of the storm that boxing knows as the Mayweather family. The next chapter to the never ending story pits De La Hoya and longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. attempting to set the stage for a Fall rematch against pound for pound kingpin Floyd “Money” Mayweather. No stranger to the Mayweather family, Steve Forbes will serve as Oscar’s opponent on May 3, and though the world may see it as a tune up, both fighters can attest that may be a dangerous word.

Story by Ted Luzzi
Photos by Chris McGee

Joe Calzaghe won the worlds lightheavy title from Bernard Hopkins tonight at the Thomas and Mack center in Las Vegas! It was a historic event with Calzaghe becoming the first Brit to win that title in many years. Freddie Mills claimed the title back in the forties and John Conte claimed half the title in the eighties but Calzaghe has a stronger claim than either and is now consitered the champion by the vast majority.

Story by Jim Amato
Photos by Chris McGee

Joe Calzaghe is still undefeated ( 45-0 ) and now has Ring Magazine's endorsement of being the " best " light heavyweight in the world after slapping an aged Bernard Hopkins enough to win a split twelve round decision. Disappointed ? I know I was. What was projected to be a candidate for " Fight of the year " turned out to be the farce of the year. Other then Bernard catching Joe coming with a nice right hand and dropping him in the first round, there was little excitement to me. Calzaghe did what I thought he would do. He just plain out hustled Hopkins. Bernard can no longer fight at that kind of pace. Calzaghe out landed Hopkins almost 2 to 1 but not once did he even phase Hopkins other then a few low blows. There was a lot of wrestling and clinching and referee Joe Cortez earned his pay that night.

By Jim Amato

Who was the best Italian born and raised heavyweight of my time ( 1965 to present ) ? Was it Lorenzo Zanon who gave Jerry Quarry and Ken Norton trouble before being stopped ? Zanon also unsuccessfully challenged Larry Holmes for the title.

Story by Jim Amato

The big fight between Bernard Hopkins and undefeated Joe Calzaghe is coming up in April. I can't wait for this one. As dominant as Hopkins was at middleweight I've either under rated him or I just did not appriciate him. I stiil don't rate him among the twenty best middleweights of all time. He's pretty darn close though. I feel he may have moved to light heavyweight a couple of years too late. He struggled against Jermain Taylor twice in his last two middleweight contests.

Story by Jim Amato

Well this weekend is a fight fan's dream with four major fights taking place Saturday on two networks. Showtime will feature four of the best light heavyweights in the world pairing off in what hopes to be the prelude to a unification fight later this year. Clinton Woods will take on Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson will be severely tested by the " Road Warrior ", Glencoffe Johnson

Story by Jim Amato

I was in a bad mood today...Why am I mad ? Well I had a lousy day at work. I have a strained relationship with my girlfriend. I'm moving from my house to a one bedroom apartment that nobody will ever compare to a room at the Ritz. I have money going out about twice as fast as it's coming in. BUT...What really pisses me off is the state of the heavyweight division today. In a word it Sucks.

Story by Jim Amato

Kuniaki Shibata was one of Japan's most under rated fighters of all time. He was crowned three times as a world champion in two different weight divisions. This was in the 1970's when boxers had to go the "real" championship distance of fifteen rounds.There were only two governing bodies back then, the WBA and the WBC.

Story by Jim Amato

The proud city of Cleveland has produced their share of notable boxers. All time greats like Johnny Kilbane, Jimmy Bivins, Joey Maxim, etc...helped to put Cleveland on the fistic map. One fine fighter from Cleveland's gloried past has kind of slipped through the cracks of deserved recognition. He was a rough and tumble lightweight who campaigned in the 1950's. Although he was not blessed with great power, he was able to win twenty of his twenty eight fights.

By Mike Dunn

It shouldn't have ended the way it did. Not at that juncture of their careers.

In July of 1927, aspiring heavyweight contender Jack Sharkey should have had his way with former champ Jack Dempsey. He should have either knocked out the aging former champ or at least beat him by decision. He didn't do either. And because of Sharkey's failure, the rematch between Dempsey and Gene Tunney took place that September at Chicago's expansive Solder Field. The bout between Dempsey and Tunney produced what was to be for many, many years the greatest live gate ever to witness a boxing match, and produced one of the sport's signature moments, the famed Long Count.

Story by Jim Amato

When I attended my first meeting of the Ohio State Former Boxers And Associates organization in the early 1990's I was first greeted by a neatly dressed gray haired man. He was not a big man but he had a rugged look to him. He was very friendly though. We shook hands and told me his name was Jackie. I never saw Jackie again but I later found out he was Jackie Keough a tough mddleweight fringe contender in the early 1950's.

Story by Jim Amato

I've been away for a while so this is the first I've heard of this. I heard mention of a possible Kelly Pavlik-Felix Trinidad match later this year. My sources in the Youngstown area have told me it's Gary Lockett this summer then probably Arthur Abraham in the Fall for Kelly. A Pavlik-Trinidad match would sell well in New York and I do believe there would be a respectable pay-per-view audience to line the promoter's pockets as well as the fighters.

Story by Jim Amato

In the time that I have followed boxing there are many matches that could have happened and should have happened. Some like Archie Moore-Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta-Rocky Graziano were before my era. They might have been thrilling matches but for one reason or another they just never came off. One from " my era ", the early 1970's was Ken Buchanan against Mando Ramos. Mr. Ramos was one of my early favorites. He was just a few years older then me when he won the lightweight title in his second try versus the talented Carlos Teo Cruz.

By Mike Dunn

British boxing legend Henry Cooper is still remembered for it. Nearly 45 years after the fact, Cooper remains a beloved figure in his native England and when fans reminisce about old ’Enery, they talk about the potent left hook he landed to the jaw of 21-year-old Cassius Clay. And they talk about what might have been ...

By Matt Yanofsky


I had the opportunity to sit down with junior welterweight prospect and crowd pleaser Nick Casal 16-2 (12 KO’s). Casal hopes to get back in the win column this Saturday on the Israel Vazquez Rafael Marquez undercard. Casal, who fell after short in two of his last three fights, will be taking on James Wayka.

By Mike Dunn

It was December of 1927. Tommy Loughran had just laid claim to the undisputed light-heavyweight championship with a fast 15-round decision over slick Jimmy Slattery, the National Boxing Association champion. The fight had taken place at Madison Square Garden.

By David Selwyn

D.S.: No sex before a boxing match was a custom for many years with most fighters. Did you have sex while training for a fight?

I.B.: There is a myth to the sex thing. If you do have sex weeks or months before a fight it’s no good to have it. You know what I’m saying. All that does is take more out of you when you get into a tough fight. You don’t think about the fight, you think about the sex that you had and it drains you more. My advice is not to have sex if you are serious about boxing.

By David Selwyn

Iran “The Blade” Barkley is a five-time world champion who made his name with a third round knockout win over Thomas Hearns in Las Vegas in 1988. Before he fought Hearns, the champion’s trainer Emanuel Steward knew Barkley had the attitude to be dangerous. “He’s not that skillful, but he just don’t give a damn”. Sure enough, battered and on the brink of defeat, Barkley found the right hand to drop Hearns on his back.

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

Jonathan and I have been discussing the sweet science on and off for a few years now. I first contacted him in regard to what elements go into the making of a good trainer for my boxing novel. Jonathan was a good source of data since he has successfully coached his 3 sons in the sport.

Story by Brett Mauren

2007 saw the emergence of several stars in the squared circle; Kelly Pavlik, Michael Katsidis, and Chad Dawson are just a few in the newly formulating constellation of boxing, but one of the brightest of those stars was born this summer at the Home Depot Center, A 6’1 welterweight by the name of Paul Williams.

By Robert Argent

Joe Calzaghe of New Bridge wales is a fighter I believe should now be honoured as the best pound for pound fighter in the world today.

Not only has he cleaned up almost the entire Super Middleweight division winning the ring magazine and the WBC,IBF,WBA, and WBO world titles, he has also remained undefeated in the professional ranks with an incredible record of 44 wins, 32 of which are Kos or stoppages.

By Brett Mauren

In the Minnesota tundra there are very few things that could be considered hot, but as it has across the world in the last 12 months, boxing has ignited in Minnesota. With a collection of exciting prospects sparking that fire, a name that has caught the attention of many Minnesota boxing fans is light heavyweight Phil Williams.

By Jim Amato

The late 1960's and early 1970's produced some of the finest, most
dominant champions ever. While Ali, Frazier and Foreman were taking turns
ruling the heavyweights, other divisions found themselves under the supreme
rule of a certain superior boxer.

By Jim Amato

I just had the absolute pleasure of viewing "Ring Of Fire"; A documentary on the great career of former world champion Emile Griffith. The main focus was the effect the death of opponent Benny "Kid" Paret in the final chapter of their exciting trilogy had on Emile. In reality it was more then that. It showed what a great fighter and even greater man Emile Griffith was and is. I think that it has been forgotten what a superb boxer Emile Griffith was. He was one of the best welterweights and middleweights of all time. His record is a "Who's Who" of boxing. What a roster of top shelf competition he met.

Greg Beacham/Associated Press
GILROY, Calif. -- Robert Guerrero's world is calm during his dawn training runs in the Diablo Range's rambling foothills.

By Jim Amato

Despite his recent loss to Jermain Taylor the respect for Bernard Hopkins
and his addition to the legacy of great Philly fighters has not waned. The
great city of Philadelphia has produced an array of world-class
middleweights over the years. Hopkins has brought great pride to the long
line of Philly middleweights who came before him: Tough guys like Stanley
"Kitten" Hayward, Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, Bobby "Boogaloo" Watts, Willie "The
Worm" Monroe and possibly the toughest of them all, "Bad" Bennie Briscoe.

By Jim Amato

Poor Floyd Patterson. Everyone loves him but not everyone respects him as a fighter or champion. You rarely here his name tossed about when the topic of all time great heavyweights is brought up. What a shame !
Who is to blame for the heartbreaking oversight ? People tend to forget that Patterson thrashed Archie Moore much more impressively then Marciano did the night he became the youngest man ever to win the heavyweight crown . Still when a " Dream Match " between Marciano and Patterson is talked about, Floyd is quickly dismissed... Simply put, Rocky had the PUNCH and Floyd did not have the whiskers.

By Jim Amato

A major player in the heavyweight title picture in the early 1970's. The native of Spain turned pro in 1968. He was the rage in Europe winning his first 30 fights by knockout including a win over Peter Weiland to capture the European heavyweight title. Finally rugged German Jurgen Blin took Urtain the fifteen round route but lost the verdict. Urtain's first loss was by a low blow disqualification to Alfredo Vogrig.

By Jim Amato

Although he was born in Dry Branch, Georgia it was from Cleveland, Ohio that Jimmy Bivins made history. He was a major player in putting Cleveland on the boxing map during the 1940's and 50's. He may well have been the best heavyweight and light heavyweight to ever come out of this great boxing town.

By Jim Amato

George Plimpton was one of my favorite authors. He was a pioneer in modern sports writing. He put the "hands" on hands on. He went out and did what so many of us wish we could have done...he jumped in with both feet. He pitched to Willie Mays. He sparred with Archie Moore. He took snaps in a game with NFL players.

By Jim Amato

One of the best pure punchers of my generation was Alexis Arguello. He was aptly nicknamed " The Explosive Thin Man ". He was tall and rail thin but his punch could stop an opponent dead in his tracks.

By Jim Amato

Since this is the holiday season you may have some time off of work to relax and watch a few movies. There are several classic boxing movies that are available at your local video store to fill a void left by a lack of live boxing action.

By Jim Amato

If you like boxing...If you love boxing...Then you will love this book. Ted " The Bull " Sares has a way of taking the sport of boxing to it's inner core. Stripped down, mano y mano. Ask no quarter, give no quarter.

By Jim Amato

Bob Foster has to be considered one of the most explosive hitters of all time. To me that is a very rational statement. If you lived in the Bob Foster era you knew the aura that he brought into the ring with him. If they feared him they might have a chance of surviving. If you were dumb enough to be brave you usually walked out of the ring with your head in yor hands.

By Jim Amato

In April of 1967, Jimmy Ellis pounded out a fifteen round decision over Jerry Quarry to win the vacant W.B.A. heavyweight championship. In March of 1968, Joe Frazier halted Buster Mathis to win heavyweight title recognition in New York State. Two months later Bob Foster knocked out the great Dick Tiger to capture the light heavyweight crown. Foster felt the big money was in the heavyweight division and he began to challenge the champions. Frazier actively defended his title turning back Manuel Ramos, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena, and Dave Zyglewicz. Ellis on the other hand made only one defense, a disputed verdict over ex-champion Floyd Patterson. Proposed matches for Jimmy against Henry Cooper and Gregorio Peralta never materialized. By the time Ellis met Frazier in February of 1970 to unify the crown, the ring rust had settled in. After Frazier destroyed Ellis he would go on to meet Foster later on that year with disastrous results for Bob.

Image by David Selwyn

By Matt Yanofsky

I had the opportunity to catch up with an interesting boxing figure by the name of Mitchell Rose. Rose, a former Golden Gloves champion became the buzz of boxing following his shocking stoppage win over boxing cult phenomenon Butterbean. Rose is currently selling his book titled The Man That Beat Butterbean Now Has To Beat These City Streets.

By Jim Amato

It's too bad that the cruiserweight division was not around in the 60's and 70's. Many fine boxers scaled under 190 pounds and gave creditable performances against bigger men. Doug Jones is an example as he came close to upsetting Cassius Clay in 1963. Doug had lost in 1962 to Harold Johnson for the light heavyweight title. In 1965, he lost to Ernie Terrell for WBA Heavyweight crown. Back then there was no middle ground. If you weighed over 175 pounds, you fought heavyweights, period.

By Jim Amato

Hank Kaplan is a wonderful man. I had the great pleasure of meeting Hank at the IBHOF in June of 1998. Since that time we have stayed in periodic contact. I was introduced to Hank through a mutual friend, Jim Borgen of Warren, Ohio. Through Jim I learned just how much Hank Kaplan has done for the sport of boxing.

By Jim Amato

Who was the best white heavyweight of the 80’s? Gerry Cooney? Maybe, but doubtful. Gerry had the big punch but his chin was suspect. Also Cooney never benefited by being tested on his way up. He may well have been the best packaged and most protected heavyweight title challenger in boxing history. No, for my money Randy “Tex” Cobb was the king of the white heavies in the 80’s. In all Tex met five world champions and several to contenders.

By Jim Amato
Bob Foster won the light heavyweight championship of the world on May 24th, 1968. He would dominate the division until 1974. Only once during that time did Bob lose possession of his title. Well in reality it was taken from him. The World Boxing Association in their divine wisdom stripped Bob of his title recognition. In their eyes the winner of a bout between long time contender Jimmy Dupree and Venezuela's Vincente Rondon would be declared the new WBA champion. Needless to say Mr. Foster was not happy about this situation and it was not wise to make Bob angry.

By Jim Amato

The name Sidney Walker would not be very familiar to most fight fans. Mention the name Beau Jack and you would get a much different reaction. They are one and the same. Beau Jack was one of the most exciting fighters of the 1940's and early 50's.

By Jim Amato

He was born to humble beginnings on January 7, 1945 in Jalisco, Mexico. He would become a professional boxer at the age of eighteen. For years he fought fellow novices, losing some but winning more. He was making a name for himself though. In 1966 he climbed up the ladder with a win over rugged Memin Vega. Two fights later he drew with Geraldo Luna.

By Jim Amato

In a career that spanned from 1956 to 1975, Eddie Perkins engaged in 99 professional fights. He won seventy five of those contests. He met opponents in over twenty different countries. He truly was a " world " champion.

Ediie lost three of his first five bouts but rallied to win seven straight. In 1958 he lost to Cleveland, Ohio's Cecil Shorts. He stopped Shorts in a rematch and then he outscored rugged Franke Ryff. In 1959 Eddie won a decision over Paul Armstead but lost to Carl Hubbard and was then halted by Al Urbina. It would be the only stoppage loss of Eddie's career.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2007) – This Saturday’s fight between EliteXC and ICON Sport middleweight champion Robbie Lawler and Kala Kolohe Hose was officially cancelled Monday. The announcement was made during a late afternoon press conference in Honolulu.

By Jim Amato

The heavyweight division of the late 60's and early 70's was one of the most talent laden and competetive of all time. It gave us Ali and Frazier. Foreman, Norton, Shavers, Quarry, Lyle and Ellis. The list is almost endless. Bonavena, Middleton, "Blue" Lewis, Mac Foster, Buster Mathis, Chuvalo, Thad Spencer, Leotis Martin...

In the late 70's former Olympian Duane Bobick emerged as a legitimate contender.Although kayoed by Teo Stevenson in the Olympics, Duane was guided through the pro ranks by "Smokin' Joe Frazier himself.

The New "Tecate Girls" from the Univision series, "Republica Deportiva", Elizabeth Lopez, Cori Schumacher and Elizabeth Arias

Story by Kathleen Holland
Photos by Chris McGee

2007 has been a very good year for boxing. Fans around the world saw a new era develop right before their eyes. A great deal of credit goes to Oscar De La Hoya’s “Golden Boy Promotions” and their new partner for 2007, “Tecate” Brand Cerveza.

By Matt Yanofsky


Boxing has its fair share of undefeated fighters most however have not been tested. Even with the southern circuit helping build up records of plenty young fighters {see JD Chapman, and David Rodriguez} there are some world class fighters who have yet to taste defeat. Here are the 15 best fighters in the world pound for pound with out a loss along with 10 more who are worth an honorable mention.

Courtesy of Jim Amato

By- Jim Amato

What do you say about a fighter who was good enough to challenge for world title recognition in two different weight classes? What do you say about a fighter who holds knockout victories over former world champion and Hall Of Famers Carl "Bobo" Olsen and Bob Foster?

By Jim Amato

When most people think of great middleweights from Ohio during the 70's they usually focus on one time title challenger and 1968 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Ronnie Harris. As good as Ronnie was he failed miserably in his only title shot against mediocre champion Hugo Corro. At least he received a shot at the coveted crown.

By Jim amato

He was born Eligio Sardinias Montalbo on January 6, 1910 in Cerro, Havana, Cuba. He launched his professional boxing career in 1927 and would participate in over 150 bouts in a career that ended in 1938

He was nicknamed the " Cuban Bon Bon " and during the 1930's he was one of the best drawing cards in New York. His flashy personality and even flashier style in the ring made him a real crowd pleaser.

Story by Jim Amato

The camera rolls and the highlight clip begins. It shows a young, undefeated but green Marvis Frazier dancing while taunting heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. In the blink of an eye Holmes unloads a right hand sucker shot that sends Marvis backward and into a sprawled position on the canvas. Marvis showing he is a true Frazier gamely arises. Quickly Holmes pins him in a corner and pummels him unmercifully till the ref intervenes. The look on Frazier's face isn't so much a look of pain. It is a bewildered, shellshocked look like Ken Norton had after Gerry Cooney had worked him over in a corner. A look that said "What the hell hit me ?"

By Jim Amato

What would have happened if two of the best Italian born middleweight
champions would have squared of against each other ?

Nino Benvenuti, 5"11" from Trieste against Vito Antuofermo, 5' 71/2"
from Bari. The slick boxing Nino and the rugged, brawling Vito. The perfect
boxer -vs- slugger match up.

By Jim Amato

There was a time in the mid 60's that revolved around who would be Muhammad Ali's next opponent. The former Cassius Clay was chewing up and spitting out challengers with alarming ease. His hold on the heavyweight title was reaching the point of fan boredom. Few could see any serious contenders on the horizon.

Then a tremendous boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican heritage exploded on to the scene. He was really a blown up middleweight with an extensive and successful amateur background, but boy could he fight !

By: Brett Mauren
Photo by Chris McGee

There was a time when the term heavyweight champion of the world bared an entitlement to bragging rights as the baddest man on earth. Very few champions embodied that role better than the likes of Evander Holyfield.

By Ted Luzzi

Back in the sixties there was a popular song that had the lyrics "you’re a split personality, and in reality, both of them are you". That song could have been written about Sonny Liston.

One writer wrote of Liston. "He has a fierce scowl; he also has a great smile." Liston's image of the stone faced ring killer and sullen silent guy outside of it is belied by the facts. Part of it was that Sonny Liston was a tough guy who, as he put it, "I aint much of a talking man” but he also had a long and happy marriage and enduring friendships with both black and white friends.

By Jim Amato

Poor Floyd Patterson. Everyone loved him but not everyone respected him as a fighter or champion. You rarely hear his name tossed about when the topic of all time great heavyweights is brought up. What a shame !

Who is to blame for the heartbreaking oversight ? People tend to forget that Patterson thrashed Archie Moore much more impressively then Marciano did the night he became the youngest man ever to win the heavyweight crown . Still when a " Dream Match " between Marciano and Patterson is talked about, Floyd is quickly dismissed... Simply put, Rocky had the PUNCH and Floyd did not have the whiskers.

By Jim Amato

Gerry Cooney and Chuck Wepner...What an interesting match up that may have been. Gerry could whack but Chuck could sure take it. Size wise they match up fairly well. Gerry had the better skills but if Chuck got inside he knew how to rough house. Unless Gerry could take Chuck out early or at least get his respect, it might have been a long night for Gerry. The longer the fight went the better I like Chuck's chances.

The 1960's spawned many great fighters. Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, Emile Griffith, Luis Rodriguiz and Carlos Ortiz just to name a few. One of the best of this era was a 5' 3" southpaw from Mexico City named Vincente Saldivar. He ruled the featherweight division for three years and then retired. He decided to come back and two and a half years after he gave up his crown, he re-claimed it.

This boxing legend was born on March 5, 1943. He started his professional career in 1961 and quickly showed that he was a budding star. Saldivar won his first sixteen fights and scored thirteen knockouts. He suffered his first loss in December of 1962 when he was disqualified in a bout against Baby Luis.

By Jim Amato

This is one of the best books I've read this year. Charley Burley was a
special fighter in a time when there was a vast surplus of good boxers. The
author Harry Otty takes you on a journey that covers much more then the life
of Charley Burley. It captures the historical existence of this whole era
and the great men who did battle inside the ring. As in the case of
professional baseball, it is a shame that so many great players spent their
careers in the Negro Leagues and never received their just due. In boxing
there are several cases where competent fighters were denied title shots due
to their color of their skin.

It was not that long ago that a young Ohio boxer was making a name for
himself in the welterweight division. His name was Ken Sigurani and he
hailed from hard core boxing mecca of Youngstown, Ohio. The area that has produced the likes of Sonny Horne, Tommy Bell, Tony Janiro, Lenny and Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo, Greg Richardson, Jeff Lampkin and now the new middleweight champion of the world, Kelly Pavlik. Sigurani was nicknamed "The
Cobra," and he was a slick boxer who knew his way around a boxing ring.

By Jim Amato

Author's note;

This article was first published after Roy's wins over Del Valle and Virgil Hill.
This is what I thought about Roy then and my opinion has not changed.

Roy Jones Jr., by far the class of the 175 pound weight division at this time. His decisive knockout of Virgil Hill and his lopsided decision victory over Lou Del Valle solidified that distinction. How would Jones have fared in an era where there was some real competiton? Where would he have fit in during the talent rich 70's and early 80's? I have picked who, in my opinion, were the ten best light heavyweights of that time period. Eight were champions and two were long time contenders. I then matched each against Roy in scheduled fifteen round bouts as they were back then. Based on my recollections of these boxers talents, I have formed the following scenarios.

By Jim Amato

During the 60's and the early 1970's the state of California produced several world class heavyweights. Talented and capable boxers like Eddie Machen, Jerry Quarry, Henry Clark, Thad Spencer, Bill McMurray, Mac Foster and Kenny Norton.
The city of Wilmington was represented by a rough and tough custumer by the name of Joey Orbillo. Joey did not have a lot of fights in a career that lasted less then a decade. He did have a lot of memorable wars. He was a game and brawling crowd pleaser. If it was blood and guts you wanted, Joey gave it to you.
He began his career in the mid-1960's and was soon swapping leather with the likes of Henry Clark, Johnny Featherman and future world title challenger Manuel Ramos. Joey scored a big victory in March of 1966 outscoring the highly regarded Tony Doyle.

By Jim Amato
Photo by Chris McGee

I'm REALLY on fence on picking a winner. Of course I want Kelly who is from Ohio to win but Taylor is by far the best guy he's ever met. Pavlik though is one of the most dedicated fighters I've seen in years.

By Jim Amato

NOTE : With Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik set to challenge middleweight king Jermain Taylor, I thought it would be fitting to feature another fine middleweight from the area. In his day Sonny Horne was a worthy contender.

The small town of Niles, Ohio situated near Youngstown takes great pride in the fistic accomplishments of their own George “Sonny” Horne. Sonny was born January 3, 1924. He began his amateur career in 1938 under the guidance of the highly respected Matt McGowan, also of Niles. Sonny amassed over 70 simon-pure encounters. By 1941, he had captured several Golden Glove titles and was considered one of the top 147-pound amateurs in the country. After failing to win the 1941 Nationals, Sonny decided to turn pro.

By Ted Luzzi
Photo by Chris McGee

Boxing fans remember him best as a dazzling figure standing in his corner of the ring before the fight, one arm straight out pointing a finger at his foe and yelling "its hawk time!”

Aaron Pryor’s face would be a mask of hostility. Antagonism seeming to ooze from every pore of his body. He was a fighter,and one that hungered for recognition and appreciation like few before him. Once the bell rang, tricky steps and fancy maneuvers bewildered foes and left them open to his savage, quick as a minute punches.

By Ted Luzzi

Since 1929 two foreign born fighters were not permitted to box each other in England. That all changed in 1968 and this is the story of the first historic battle between two American fighters in England.

What a battle it was! The greatest heavyweight action fight of all time, in England, between Leoits Martin and Thad Spencer.

Story by Jim Amato

It is not fun growing old. I am a product of my past. A victim of my era so to speak. I constantly bump heads with the young fans of today. They glorify Hopkins, Tito, De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr. and Mosley. Even from a decade or so before it's all about Holyfield, Whitaker and a guy named Mike Tyson. They are all great fighters in their own right. Then you can go back a little farther. Now we're talking Holmes, Hagler,Leonard, Hearns, Pryor, Michael Spinks and Benitez. How about Julio Cesar Chavez, Edwin Rosario and the great Salvador Sanchez ? Some great names and outstanding fighters.

Click Image To Launch Gallery

Images by Chris McGee

Former Ali sparring partner held WBA heavyweight title from 1968 to 1970

By Mike Dunn

The reign of Jimmy Ellis as World Boxing Association heavyweight champion is a testimony to the wonders of Providence.

The man born 67 years ago in Louisville, Ky., wore the title of WBA heavyweight champion from April of 1968 until February of 1970. He wasn't a champion of dubious distinction by any means, but he had more than his share of good fortune. To his credit, Ellis made the most of the fateful opportunities that came his way.

by Jim Amato

For a boxer who had crossed gloves with the likes of Sam Langford, Joe Gans. Philadelphia, Jack O'Brien, Mysterious Billy Smith, Kid Lavigne, George Gardner, Dixie Kid, Rube Ferns, Tommy West, Dan Creedon, Honey Mellody and Joe Choynski, His was not a fitting end. Joe Walcott was born on March 13, 1873, in Barbados, British West Indies. On December 15, 1901, he stopped Rube Ferns in five rounds to capture the welterweight title. Ninety years later, the man nicknamed the Barbados Demon was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

By Jim Amato

The date is August 1, 1975. At the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two of the top middleweight prospects are meeting in a rematch of a May 19th bout in Binghampton, N.Y. On that occasion Mike Nixon, the brother-in-law of Jerry and Mike Quarry beat Mike Rossman. The loss that night to Nixon was the first of Rossman's budding career. He vowed to avenge that. The return saw nip and tuck action all the way with Rossman boxing well behind an educated left jab but Nixon came on some in the middle rounds. Although Rossman was probably in front, Nixon was closing the gap quickly.

Then in the seventh round, out of nowhere a full swing Rossman right caught Nixon and just like that the show was over. It was to this day one of the most decisive one punch knockouts I have ever seen. I'll always remember Mike Rossman for two things. That memorable KO clout against Nixon and how he upset Victor Galindez in their first encounter to become the W.B.A. Light Heavyweight champion.

By Jim Amato

SPORTS...When I was young you lived it everyday. Baseball in the Spring, football in the fall. Basketball was something that held your brief interest in between.

Then there was boxing. The most electric date I remember in sports is March 8, 1971. "The Fight", Joe Frazier-vs-Muhammad Ali. In my lifetime it was the EVENT ! Oh my, I can remember just waiting to hear the result on the radio.

By Ted Luzzi

Flash Elorde is widely considered one of the greatest fighters ever from the Asian-Pacific area. Every year from 1952 through 1967 he participated in World title, Oriental title or regional title fights against the best fighters in the world. In his long career, he would end up with an incredible 44 fights that were for some type of title.

He held the worlds Jr lightweight title for an amazing seven years! He was always a fighter. Flash was the youngest of fifteen children. At age seven, the then Gabriel Elorde was a resistance fighter against the Japanese.

By Jim Amato

The Rubber City of Akron has probably never produced anything more resilient then a boxer named Doyle Baird. Rugged and balding, he was often compared to Carmen Basilio in looks and his swarming style. After a fine amateur career he turned professional in 1966 under the wing of Don Elbaum. After defeating Ted Wright two years later he had amassed a 23-2 record. On October 14, 1968, Doyle fought middleweight champion Nino Benvenuti in a non-title bout at the Akron Rubber Bowl. There may never have been a more dubious draw decision rendered. By almost all ringsider accounts the champion had been beaten that night by the tenacious Baird. One year later Doyle outpointed Don Fullmer in Cleveland to show he was no fluke. Back in Cleveland three months later he was out boxed by Hall of Famer, Emile Griffith. On September 12, 1970, Doyle again met Benvenuti in a non-title bout at Bari, Italy. Nino stopped Doyle in the tenth round. It would be Nino's last victory. In 1971, Baird engaged in a thrilling three fight series with the tough Mike Pusateri winning two out of three. Moving out of the middleweight division, Doyle received a shot at the W. B. A. Light Heavyweight title. On December 15, 1971, Baird challenged Vicente Rondon who proved to be too strong for Doyle retaining his crown via an eighth round stoppage.

By Ted Luzzi

Before he was champion Joe Louis solid crashing punches knocked out three former undisputed world heavyweight champions. As champion He had 22 KOs in 25 title defenses. He won the Heavyweight title with a savage knockout. Joe Louis may have had the mightiest gloves of all time.

He was said to be years ahead of his time for his incredibly "correct" hitting power. His hands were held in perfect position as he cut down foe after foe with amazing efficiency. It started with likely the best jab in heavyweight history. Lighting fast his left jab was said the land with the impact of most fighters right crosses. Each landed with a thud and aside from scoring and hurting a foe it kept opponents busy with defense while Joe set up his next big punches.

By Jim Amato

What's all the excitement about ? Maybe I'm missing something here. Is the cagey Don King really going to sell this fight to the public and get away with it ? It sure does look like it. Hats off to " The Don ". He's going to pull off another one.

Felix Trinidad is coming back for three reasons. Money for him, money for Don King and the fact that he is envious of the attention countryman Miguel Cotto is getting. Roy Jones Jr. was for what it's worth, the heavyweight champion of the world at one time. Tito's heyday was at 147. Yes he had a couple of nice showings at 160 but then Bernard Hopkins exposed him. Winky Wright boxed his ears off. How can anyone think that this will be a fight that Tito can win ?

By MIKE DUNN

The victory of the “savage” of Senegal, Battling Siki, over beloved Frenchman Georges Carpentier in September of 1922 was bizarre, controversial and significant all at the same time.

It was significant because the woolly-haired, black-skinned Siki earned the light-heavyweight championship of the world with his convincing six-round KO before a packed crowd of 50,000 throaty onlookers at the recently constructed Velodrome Buffalo south of Paris. It was significant because Siki, whose birth name was Baye Phal, became the first native African to claim a boxing crown. And it was significant because it marked a downturn in the ring fortunes of the wildly popular Carpentier.

By Jim Amato

The Trumbull County, Ohio Legends Of Leather Boxing Club will honor Lenny " Boom Boom " Mancini on October 28th. The late Mr.Mancini is the father of the popular Ray " Boom Boom " Mancini. Lenny was quite a fighter himself. Legends Of Leather President and co-founder, Sal Marino expects a good turn out for the banquet.

Youngstown great Lenny "Boom Boom" Mancini...

Although he will be best remembered as the father of Ray Mancini, Lenny was a pretty darn good fighter in his own right.

By Ted Luzzi
Photos by Chris McGee

Miguel Cotto will defend his title November 10 against Sugar Shane Mosley in the famous "Mecca of boxing " Madison Square Garden. Its a fight billed as "Fast and Furious" and its expected that they will punch until the last man is standing in front of a huge sellout house.

Will Miguel Cotto retain his glory and position as one of boxing’s best or will Shane Mosley regain that position? Whatever the result, it’s going to be a truly exciting fight.

By Jim Amato

Although Ray Anderson and Doyle Baird received title shots and Billy Wagner came within on fight of garnering one, the state's best light-heavyweight may have been overlooked. John Griffin of Cleveland who holds a pair of wins over both Anderson and Wagner might have been too good for his own good.

Jermain Taylor defends his middleweight championship on September 29 against Kelly Pavlik. The middleweight clash will be televised on HBO's Championship Boxing and the preview show for the bout airs on September 22 on HBO.

For a special look into the Youngstown, Ohio challenger, Pavlik, BC Radio recruited the services of veteran boxing scribe Jim Amato. Listen to this BC Radio Blast as Amato gives us a special look into Taylor vs. Pavlik.

Click Here To Hear The Show!

Story by Jim Amato

By Jim Amato

He crossed gloves with three world champions and did battle with several top contenders. In the mid and late 70’s he was considered one of the best young heavyweights in the world. Stan Ward would for the better part of five years would be in and out of the heavyweight top ten but never received a title shot. For all of his hulking size, Stan lacked two important assets needed to compete with the top echelon heavyweights. He lacked the big punch and a solid chin.

Brown Bomber, 21, made NY debut vs. hulking former champ at Yankee Stadium on June 25, 1935

By MIKE DUNN

After Jim Braddock demystified the frightening power of Max Baer on June 13, 1935, it drove the heavyweight division into an unexpected state of flux. Braddock’s inspired 15-round decision over Bear lifted the crown and also created a sense of anticipation that hadn’t existed before.

By Jim Amato

Champion Ingemar Johansson vs Sonny Liston was a fight that very well could have happened. After Ingo shocked Floyd Patterson to win the title in 1959, he was the " man ". At this time Sonny was just beginning to establish himself as a heavyweight to be reckoned with. By the time Floyd and Ingo met again in June of 1960, Sonny had defeated Nino Valdez and Cleveland Williams twice. One month after Patterson - Johansson II Sonny stopped the clever Zora Folley. Then two months later he outscored the classy Eddie Machen. There was little doubt that Sonny Liston would have to be dealt with.

By Jim Amato

He may be one of the most overlooked champions of the 1990's. He had style and skill. He won 49 of 55 bouts and a piece of the welterweight title. He knocked out 31 but he himself was never stopped. His name was Aaron Davis and they called him " Superman ".

Davis was born in the Bronx in 1967 and turned professional in 1986. He reeled off 29 straight victories to establish himself as a top contender for the welterweight title. Along the way he beat the likes of Horace Shufford, Luis Santana, Gene Hatcher and Curtis Summit. Finally on July 8, 1990 he challenged Mark Breland for the WBA welterweight title. It was a give and take contest but Aaron stood up to Breland's power. Finally in round nine it was Breland that crashed to the canvas. It was a brutal knockout and " Superman " was now a champion.

(Part 1 of 2)

By MIKE DUNN

There is one thing that everyone would agree upon on the subject of former heavyweight champion Primo Carnera. That is, the powerfully built son of a stonecutter from Sequals, Italy, was not made for the prize ring.

Part 2 of 2

By MIKE DUNN

It is impossible to separate Primo Carnera the boxer from Primo as a pawn for the mob. That makes it difficult to determine just how much Primo accomplished on his own merits in the ring and how much was accomplished through mob enforcement. It also makes it hard to say how far Primo would have gone up the heavyweight ladder without any outside help.

By Jim Amato

Lost in the shuffle among all the heavyweight greats of the 1960’s and 1970’s were names like Alvin “Blue” Lewis, Larry Middleton, Henry Clark and “Florida” Al Jones. Please don’t confuse “Florida” Al with journeyman “Memphis” Al Jones. Those two settled their superiority issue in August of 1967 with “Florida” winning in three rounds.

After losing his pro debut Duke Johnson in June of 1964, “Florida” reeled off 24 straight victories. He beat the “Duke” in a rematch. He also scored two victories over Chip Johnson and two kayos over Levi Forte. He decisioned Jefferson Davis and Bob Stallings and halted Sonny Moore, Archie Ray and stopped James J. Beattie one round.

Images Courtesy Sylvana Ambrosanio

Here are some images of Arthur Abraham, days after his brutal knockout of Khoren Gevor.

(The "Other" Pal)

By Jim Amato

Although Memphis Pal Moore was once a title claimant and the possessor of a fine record, he should not be confused with Pal Moore out of Philadelhia. In fact, the Pal from the City of Brotherly Love may have been the overall better fighter.

Philadelphia Pal Moore was a member of the famous "Fighting Moore Family" which included brothers Willie, Redy, and Frank. He was born Paul Von Franzke October 1891, in Germany. He began his professional career in 1907 in Philadelphia. By 1909 he had invaded New York and began to draw attention. By 1910, he had hit the big time. On February 1st of that year he stopped Henry Miers in Boston prompting ex-heavyweight champion James J. Corbett who was in attendance to heap praise on Pal. On May 25th Pal scored an upset six round newspaper verdict over the heralded Jim Driscoll. In his last five bouts for 1910 he twice met Owen Moran losing a newspaper decision and then holding Moran to a draw. He then lost newspaper verdicts to Abe Attel, Harlem Tommy Murphy, and Tommy Langdon.

Jim Amato is a writer for Boxing World magazine and the Heavyweight Hitters Newsletter.

Jim's story on Jerry Quarry is one of my favorite columns he's written. Coincidentally, it was published just prior to Quarry's death.

Jerry Quarry
By Jim Amato

Mike Tyson was the self proclaimed "Baddest Man On The Planet". Even after his decisive loss to Buster Douglas in 1990 and three year exile to prison many still believed him. His two subsequent losses to Evander Holyfield have now changed all that. It's too bad that Mike didn't box in the talent rich late 60's and early 70's. If Mike would have wanted to meet a real "Tough Guy", he could have looked up Jerry Quarry.

Story by Jim Amato

One of the best potential match ups in the mid 1970's that never took place would have been a light heavyweight unification bout between W.B.A. titleholder Victor Galindez of Argentina versus W.B.C. title claimant John Conteh of England.

Story by Jim Amato

He just may be the most popular Japanese fighter of all time. In a career
that lasted a little over a decade he squeezed in 63 pro contests. He was
the winner of 55 of those. He won world championships in two weight
divisions and he came very close to becoming a three weight class
titleholder. Please remember this was back in the day when there were only
eight weight classes and one champion per division. He is the only man to
beat the legendary Eder Jofre and he turned the trick twice. His name was
Masahiko but in boxing circles his nickname was " Fighting ". That should
tell you something about his aggressive whirlwind style. He was " Fighting "
Harada.

Story By Jim Amato

As I began to follow this great sport, Japan's " Fighting " Harada was already becoming a legend. He had won and then lost the World's Flyweight championship to Pone Kingpetch. He then moved up to bantamweight and dethroned the seemingly unbeatable Eder Jofre to win that title. To prove it was no fluke , he again defeated the great Jofre. Harada was the " King ".

Story by Jim Amato

Fighting Harada is a legend in his native Japan and deservingly so. He beat Pone Kingpetch to win the flyweight title. He lost it back to the talented Kingpetch and then moved up to bantamweight. Not once but twice he outscored Brazil's great Eder Jofre for the title. Those were the only fights Jofre ever lost. The legacy of Harada had been forged.

Category: Books
Genre: Sports
Author: Bill Coleman

Story by Jim Amato

Bill Coleman wanted to be boxer. He wrote about his aspirations while in High School in 1979. He did embark on an amateur career and he won the 1986 South Dakota 132 pound Golden Gloves title. As the saying goes, " Life comes at you fast ". Soon Bill was working his way up the corporate ladder and raising a family. Nevertheless the boxing bug never left Bill.

Story by Jim Amato

In the early 1970's he was the hottest light heavyweight in the world. He would eventually garner three shots at recognition as champion. All three would travel the true champiomship distance of fifteen rounds. In all three Jorge would come up short.

Story by Jim Amato

I like Rocky Juarez but I think Marquez is the better fighter. Never count Rocky out though because of his power. I didn't know that Ouma-Mora was made. Good strong test for Sergio who I have always felt was a bit over rated. Ouma's a former champ and a world class boxer. If Mora can beat him it will silence a lot of his critics. I'm sticking with Ouma. Bojado-Forbes really gets my interest. I always felt Bojado was a can't miss prospect but up to now I was wrong. Forbes is a stern test for him . Bojado is strong and he hits hard but Forbes is about as slick as they come. A real pro. I'm on the fence on this one.

By Jim Amato

Nino Benvenuti may be considered among the best amateur boxers of all time. He had a great professional career too. His first loss was on a highly disputed decision to Ki Soo Kim. He would win two out of three in a legendary middleweight trilogy with the highly respected Emile Griffith. Eventually though his star would diminish.

There was a non title draw in 1968 against Akron, Ohio's rugged Doyle Baird. It was a fight many thought Doyle won. Then came a loss to the terrific Dick Tiger. Then a life and death DQ win over Fraser Scott. Nino was then cut and on the verge of losing before he landed a left hook on slick Luis Rodriguez to retain his title. In Nino's next bout he was halted by Tom " The Bomb " Bethea. Benvenuti had obviously under rated Bethea the first time around as he whipped Tom good in a rematch. Still you could see Nino was not the fighter of days gone by.

By Jim Amato

This is a series on fights where one fighter seemed to " own " the opponent.

What better series to start with then George Foreman and Joe Frazier. If there was ever a better example of styles make fights, I missed it. As great as Joe was and believe me he was great...He could have fought George a hundred times and never beat him. Joe was able to bull and back up the likes of good fighters like Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis Sr., Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis and a great one named Ali but he could not budge Big George. Against Foreman he ran into a brick wall. He could not move George but boy could George move him ! It was simple arithmetic...Power versus power divided by size equals KO to the Big Guy. A case of pure and simple OUCH ! In their dramatic first fight in Kingston, Jamaica in 1973 the astute, revered and sometimes hated Howard Cosell added to boxing lore with his famous " Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier " call on the fight. Truth be told George bounced a game but over matched Frazier around the ring like a rubber ball. It was a shocking sight for those of us growing up at that time.

Story by Jim Amato

He may have been one of the best pound for pound boxers of the 1960's but he was over shadowed by the antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith. Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes gain some long over due recognition.

Story by Jim Amato

The Last Of The Best

Category: Books
Genre: Sports
Author: Jim Murray
I've had the great opportunity to read many books. Most of which were
related to boxing, baseball and football. One of my favorite books is Jimmy
Cannon's "Nobody Asked Me, But...". Although less then half the book is
devoted to my three sports, the 90 or so pages that were are to me,
priceless. I still have the worn paperback edition and it will not leave my
collection until I find a nice hard back copy somewhere. They didn't make
writers like Jimmy Cannon any more, or so I thought.

By Jim Amato

The "Explosive Thin Man" Arguello, a champion in three weight classes
versus the highly underrated "other" lightweight champion from Panama,
Ismael Laguna. For all intents and purposes Alexis was at his best boxing at
130 pounds. When he was champion of that division he defeated Bobby Chacon,
Boza Edwards, Rolando Navarette, and Bazooka Limon. All of who won the title
AFTER Alexis moved to 135 pounds. Arguello won the lightweight title from
Jim Watt. His highest profile defense at this weight was his highly
competitive knockout of future champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. Alexis
never lost any of his titles in the ring.

Story by Jim Amato

He was my first boxing idol in the late 60's. He was only a few years older then me and he was the LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD !!! This wasn't a version of a split title. This was the UNDISPUTED title. In his first title shot as a mere teenager he lost a close decision to Carlos Teo Cruz. The man who had dethroned the great Carlos Ortiz. Mando met Cruz in a return bout and he captured the crown on an eleventh round stoppage. He later lost the title on cuts to Hall Of Famer Ismael Laguna. Mando bounced back beating the likes of Raul Rojas and Sugar Ramos. Mando met Pedro Carrasco for the W.B.C. title and was blatantly disqualified. He then beat Carrasco in a rematch to claim that title. He also defended successfully against Carrasco in their rubber match.
The fast life finally caught up to Ramos and he lost his crown to unheralded Chango Carmona. He was then stopped by Tury "The Fury" Pineda and after a few ill fated comeback attempts, Mando retired.
Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. At 135 lbs. Roberto may have been the best, EVER... Still I would have loved to see Duran in his prime-vs-Ramos in his prime. It would have been a very interesting battle.

Mightygloves.com wishes to express our sincere thanks to Jim Amato for allowing us to publish many of his great stories and for his support of our site.

Jim is a boxing enthusiast, or you might call him a boxing guru. He is involved in several organizations for the betterment of boxing, including the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO), American Association For The Improvement Of Boxing (AAIB).

He has taken his passion for boxing and in May of 2005 started his own boxing site, Amatoboxing.com. The site is excellent and provides an opportunity for anyone who is interested in boxing to enjoy a wealth of information and images. Check out the site at http://amatoboxingsite.multiply.com/ , and then visit his new site, Amato Boxing Greats at http://boxinggreats.multiply.com/ where you will find stories and images from some of the greatest fighters and fights in history. You can contact Jim at jimsboxing@zoominternet.net

By Jim Amato

In December of 1969 Charles “Sonny” Liston the former heavyweight champion of the world was in the midst of a remarkable comeback. Following his disastrous kayo losses to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sonny was written off by the experts. While Ali dominated the heavyweight scene Sonny took some time off. When Sonny did embark on a comeback he went to Europe and reeled off a series of wins against some non-threatening pugilists. He returned to the U.S. with little fanfare and continued his low key comeback with victories over the likes of Roger Rischter, Amos Lincoln, Billy Joiner etc…

While Sonny’s comeback moved at a snail’s pace, the heavyweight picture was changing dramatically. When Ali refused induction into the Armed Forces he was stripped of his title and forced into idleness. It seemed very likely that Ali would never box again. A series of elimination bouts produced two championship claimants, Jimmy Ellis, and Joe Frazier. With Ali out of the way, Sonny felt confident that he could take either Ellis or Frazier. It was now time for Sonny to make his move.

By Jim Amato

Several years ago the very personable and popular Ken Norton was enshrined in Boxing’s Hall of Fame. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. I met Ken a couple of years back in Canastota. His rapport with the fans and his willingness to mingle and sign autographs endeared him to the crowd. Being an ambassador for boxing is one thing and being a Hall of Fame caliber boxer is another. After watching Jimmy Bivins wait for years to be rightfully inducted it made me wonder what the qualifications really are. Does Ken really deserve to be enshrined? Let’s examine his career.

Story by Jim Amato

The 1970's, the Golden Era of modern heavyweights. The era of Ali and Frazier. Of Foreman, Norton and later Holmes. Of bangers like Ron Lyle, Jerry Quarry and Earnie Shavers. A smooth boxing, counter punching master like Jimmy Young was overshadowed by Ali, Frazier and Foreman. Then later by the Norton and Larry Holmes. He was so close and yet so far. He had two shots at the championship and came out on the short end of two controversial decisions. Then just like that he went from contender to trial horse to also ran.

In his prime as I would like to remember him, Jimmy Young was one heck of a fighter. Jimmy twice outscored the feared Ron Lyle. He was stopped by Earnie Shavers ( no shame there ), but he also drew with Shavers. Everyone knows that his claim to fame was gutting out a painfully terrible seventh round and then coming back to outlast and out punch an exhausted George Foreman in a major upset. Big George would not fight again for ten years !

Story by Jim Amato

It should have happened. It could have happened. Ken Norton and Ron Lyle, two have the best heavyweights of the " Glorious 70's " era could have created quite a stir if they would have met. By 1973 Ron was an upcoming, undefeated prospect while Norton was already a contender due to his win over clever Henry Clark. In February of 1973 Lyle made his Madison Square Garden debut and was taken to school by veteran tough guy Jerry Quarry. One month later Norton shocked the world when he broke Muhammad Ali's jaw and scored a well deserved upset decision.

Story by Jim Amato

There is a line in an old Phil Collins song. It goes ; " Just when I thought I had made it, you walked back into my life. " Shane Mosley is one of my favorite fighters. How could you not like him ? He was a very under rated lightweight champion. Maybe an all time great at 135. He's defeated " Golden Boy " De La Hoya twice and he also has two wins over Fernando Vargas at higher weights. BUT two men seem to have his number. Winky Wright was just too big for Shane. Then there was Vernon " The Vipor " Forrest who defeated Mosley on two occasions. Well guess what Shane...The Vipor's back and he's lookin' good.

Story by Jim Amato

What happens when the unstoppable force meets the unmoveable object ? Let me re-phrase that. What would have happened if Joe Frazier and Ron Lyle would have hooked up in the mid 1970's ?

It is too bad that this fight was never made. It was discussed on occasions but to the best of my knowledge no serious talks ever took place. What a shame. This would have been a thrill a minute battle for the fans. Each boxer had the tools and the style to offset the others skills.

Story by Jim Amato

What Should Have Been But Never Was...

Pipino Cuevas has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame. I struggled with this for a while. Did he really deserve to get in ? There are so many deserving former boxers that you can make a strong case for.

After wrestling with the matter of Pipino's induction I was able to come to terms with it. Why ? Because during his tenure as champion he was a Holy Terror !!! That is why !

Story by Jim Amato

Superfights.. It is a very over used term these days. Some of the PPV "superfights" of today would have been nice Saturday afternoon feature bouts on ABC's Wide World Of Sports in my day.

There were several bouts from the late 1960's to the early 1980's I wish would have been made. These are bouts that actually had been rumored in the making or someone's wishful thinking. If some of these bouts had taken place it could of altered the history of boxing forever.

In January of 1973 big George Foreman disrupted the plans of an Ali-Frazier rematch. George gave Joe as one sided a whipping a you'll ever see. One month later a "washed up" Jerry Quarry derailed the Ron Lyle express to the championship. Then in March Ken Norton broke the hearts of Ali fans while cracking the jaw of the "Greatest".

Story by Jim Amato

The cruiser weight divsion brings up some interesting scenarios. First of all I DETEST all these weight divisions. When I first started following boxing, there were the original eight standard weight divisions. Then eventually, the 140 and 130 pound weight classes were accepted. Now it has become ridiculous !

Story by Jim Amato

Author's Note;
Since this article was first published in 1997, Harry and Ray have put any animosity behind them.

"Why We Missed The Battle Of Youngstown"

Let us make believe that it is 1984 again and the management of Ray Mancini decided NOT to defend his W.B.A. lightweight title against Livingstone Bramble. Instead they opt to unify at least part of the championship against cross town rival Harry Arroyo, the I.B.F. title holder. The bout would be held in their home town of Youngstown, Ohio and be televised live nationally. The whole city of Youngstown and its surrounding areas are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The TV executives predict a bonanza rating since both boxers are proven crowd pleasers. In the days preceding the FIGHT, there is electricity in the air. The city is divided in its loyalty. Mancini seems to be the fans favorite, but Arroyo has a faithful contingent too. The fight has been a sell out for weeks and the local betting has been heavy. This is a bookmaker's dream and Mancini's going off as an 8 to 5 favorite with decent action on the Arroyo short end. Mancini, short, muscular and aggressive with bread and butter left hook -VS- Arroyo, tall and lean with a stiff jab and a stiffer right cross. What a match up! Alas this possible scenario never took place. Why? Who is at fault, if anyone? Did one boxer avoid the other as has been hinted? Did Ray or his management plan on a payday against Arroyo after a victory over Bramble or is it possible Harry was never in their plans?

By Judi Abate

As the fans start to rush through the doors of a local high school to attend an amateur boxing show so much has already been organized, sanctioned, as well as prepared to reach these final moments before "showtime".

The fans as well as the amateur boxers focus on the boxing ring set center stage, the bright lights, the feel of energy swirling around the room and the buzz of the crowd. They come to be entertained, to cheer for their local favorites, to experience the excitement of a live boxing event. They do not seem to concern themselves with the "business" of boxing. But boxing is most definitely a business proposition.

Story by Jim Amato

September 29th, 2007...Will this be the day that puts Youngstown, Ohio back on the fistic map ? Undefeated knockout artist Kelly " The Ghost " Pavlik of Y'town meets world's middleweight champion Jermain Taylor who is also unbeaten. This is the fight at 160 pounds that the fans wanted to see. Kudos to the management of the fighters and the promoters for putting this together. It reminds me of the old days where a true champion meets the real # 1 challenger. The Calzaghe - Kessler bout at 168 pounds serves the same purpose.

Can Kelly take the title from Taylor ? Jermain has been taking it on the chin in the press lately. Admittedly he has not looked good in his recent performances. This has not really been fair to Taylor. The men he has fought, Bernard Hopkins ( twice ), Winky Wright, Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks are awkward, talented guys who are difficult to look good against. They are all champions or former champions, real top shelf opposition. If nothing else I believe they made Taylor a better fighter. When Angelo Dundee had Clay / Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard he matched them with all kinds of different styles so when they entered the ring there was not much that they had not seen. Let's just say Taylor may look boring but he is well schooled.

By Jim Amato

AUTHOR'S NOTE; This article was first published in the Spring of 2003. In light of Bowe's return to ring wars and his sub par showing against Billy Zumbrun, I've released it again. I hope Riddick changes his mind before he gets hurt. If he does not, I wish him the best of luck. He will need it.

2003...

Hopefully the one time heavyweight champion of the world Riddick Bowe will never fight again. His post career problems have been well documented.

Story by Jim Amato

He lost his professional debut in 1962 but he would go on to later win
the bantamweight title and be a major force for several years. Jesus "
Chucho " Castillo rebounded from that initial loss to win fourteen straight.
As he moved up in competition he suffered an occasional loss but he was also
beating some good fighters like Jesus Hernandez and Lenny Brice.

In 1967 Castillo challenged and defeated Jose Medel for the Mexican
title. He then defeated the rugged Bernardo Caraballo. In 1968 he continued
his march to a title shot with wins over Joe Valdez, Jesus Pimentel and a
two round kayo of Evan Armstrong. On December 6th at the Forum in Inglewood,
California Chucho finally got his title shot. He met the slick boxing Lionel
Rose. After fifteen rounds Rose, who was knocked down in the tenth round was
awarded a split decision. The verdict sparked a full scale riot in protest
of Castillo not being proclaimed the new champion.

Story by Jim Amato

What do you say about a fighter who was good enough to challenge for world title recognition in two different weight classes? What do you say about a fighter who holds knockout victories over former world champion and Hall Of Famers Carl "Bobo" Olsen and Bob Foster?

In all he met six world title holders. He also crossed gloves with top contenders like Eddie Machen, Pete Rademacher, Zora Folley, Billy Daniels, George Chuvalo,Thad Spencer and Boone Kirkman.

Story by Jim Amato

He was a celebrated Olympic hero and undefeated as a professional until losing an extremely debatable verdict in Korea. Nino came to New York and captured the American fans with his suave, arrogant demeanor. He took two out of three against the great Emile Griffith and he was the middleweight champion of the world. There were impressive defenses against the capable Don Fullmer, brother of Gene who Nino dominated. There was a questionable diqualification win over Fraser Scott in a fight that seemed to be going Scott's way.

Story by Jim Amato

I was recently entertained by a very good fight between Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams. The tall, quick southpaw Williams dominated the early rounds with his speed and work rate and held off a late charge by a game Margarito to earn the decision.

Story by Jim Amato

At one time he was the most prominent heavyweight in the world beside of the deposed Muhammad Ali and streaking Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Frazier. He was the favorite to win the hastily put togetherWBA elimination tourney that was set up to find a successor to the alleged draft dodger Ali. When he beat ex-WBA champion Ernie Terrell in the opening round of the tournament he seemed like a shoe in to capture the vacant crown. Where did it all go wrong? Why did fate this talented boxer such a cruel blow? If only Thad Spencer knew what the future held for him.

Story by Jim Amato

It is somewhat of a shame when the question comes up , who was the greatest fighter to come out of Mexico ? The answer is usually Julio Cesar Chavez. Some say Salvador Sanchez. Others may say Ruben Olivares. These three are truly legendary fighters. To me one other outstanding boxer from Mexico is Carlos Zarate.

Story by Jim Amato

Arturo Gatti was probably the warrior of this era. Some of his battles,
win or lose are becoming legendary. Rewind now back to early 1970's to the
mid 80's. There was a boxer, a champion who was Gatti before there was a
Gatti. If anyone recalls Bobby " Schoolboy " Chacon they have to remember
his blood and guts wars with Rafael " Bazooka " Limon and Cornelius Boza
Edwards. He was a fine boxer but in many cases his heart over ruled his head
and he decided to slug instead of box. It may have cost Bobby some fights
but the fans sure got their money's worth. The got a lot highlight clip
memories too.