MightyGloves.com

TAYLOR - LACY BOUT COULD BE OVERSHADOWED TOMORROW.

posted by Kathleen Holland on November 15, 2008

By Jim Amato

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Jose Torres

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

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HEDGEMON LEWIS

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

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REMEMBERING HENRY HANK

posted by Kathleen Holland on November 2, 2008

By Jim Amato

Henry Hank of Detroit was born in 1935 and began his long professional career in 1953. In less then two years he was fighting the likes of Virgil Akins.
By 1959 Henry was good enough to mix it up with the best middleweights and light heavyweights in the world. Fighting men like Holly Mims, George Benton, Jesse Bowdry, Hank Casey, Randy Sandy and Gene Armstrong.

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YOUNGSTOWN PRIDE : TONY JANIRO

posted by Kathleen Holland on October 30, 2008

By Jim Amato

This article was a long time coming. Over the years through my friends in the Youngstown area I have learned a lot about the rich boxing history in that region. I was familiar with Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini but I knew little about his dad Lenny Mancini who passed on the "Boom Boom" moniker to his son. I knew about hard hitting Harry Arroyo and the murderous body punching of Jeff Lampkin. I was even able to witness live the tremendous boxing talent of Greg Richardson.

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Oscar Bonavena

posted by Kathleen Holland on October 27, 2008

By Jim Amato

Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina?Well pound for pound you may say Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a strong case for Nicolino Loche too.

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LAST THOUGHTS ON PAVLIK - HOPKINS

posted by Kathleen Holland on October 17, 2008

By Jim Amato

I believe unlike most Bernard Hopkins fights, this will be an entertaining contest. Why ? Because Kelly Pavlik will make it that way. He is going to make Bernard Hopkins do something he used to be pretty good at...FIGHT !

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MY CONVERSATION WITH KELLY PAVLIK

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

I first met Kelly Pavlik at a banquet outside of Youngstown, Ohio several years ago. At the time I think Kelly had about five or six pro bouts. I knew he had been a good amateur but it wasn't until a few years later that I realized what an accomplished amateur he had been. I had been told by my contacts in Youngstown that this young man was a real blue chip prospect.

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DREAM FIGHT : PIPINO CUEVAS -VS- ARMANDO MUNIZ

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

When I think of some of the best fighters in recent years who never won a title. I can not help but think of Jerry Quarry and Yaqui Lopez. Pierre Fourie and "Bad" Bennie Briscoe also come to mind. Without a doubt another one is Armando Muniz. Born in 1947 Muniz turned professional in 1970 and won his first twelve bouts. In 1971 he drew with rugged Oscar "Shotgun" Albarado. Then came big wins over Gil King and Clyde Gray. Muniz suffered his first loss when he was out boxed by the great Emile Griffith in 1972. There were also losses to Raul Soriano and Jose Martin Flores but he closed the year halting Adolph Pruitt for the NABF welterweight title. In all Armando had eleven fights in 1972 !

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WHY CARLOS IS THE " KING ".

posted by Kathleen Holland on October 16, 2008

By Jim Amato

I cut my teeth on the sport of boxing in the mid-1960's. At that time the sport was just coming out of a somewhat dreary period of champions although talented, lacked charisma.
It was Cassius Clay, later to be Muhammad Ali that energized the sport and opened the door for a group of boxers who into the late 1970's established themselves and that time as a truly " Golden Era " in boxing.

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BREAKING DOWN DAWSON -VS- TARVER: By Jim Amato

posted by mightygloves.com on October 6, 2008

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WHY ISN'T LUPE PINTOR IN THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME ?

posted by mightygloves.com on September 26, 2008

This is a story that you may say is regrettable. You may say it is sad or that it is a simple oversight. Or you may call it what it is, a travesty ! If you look at the credentials of Lupe Pintor it is plain to see that they far exceed those of some that are enshrined in the I.B.H.O.F. This is a proud warrior who should have been inducted years ago but sadly he sits on the outside looking in.

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Tom "The Bomb" Bethea

posted by mightygloves.com on September 24, 2008

Although he won only one more fight then he lost in his career Tom "The Bomb" Bethea was once ranked among the world's leading middleweights and light heavyweights. Bethea turned pro in 1967 and won nine of his first eleven bouts. He then suffered a KO loss to Leon Washington. Tom Bethea was always matched tough throughout his career. He next lost decisions to future middleweight king Carlos Monzon and former welterweight champ Luis Rodriguez.

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Upcoming fights

posted by mightygloves.com on September 20, 2008

A LOOK AT UPCOMING FIGHTS
There are seven fights that have been scheduled from now to the end of the year that have captured my attention. How will they turn out ?

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HOW DOES HOPKINS RATE ?

posted by mightygloves.com on September 19, 2008

By Jim Amato
Photo by Chris McGee
Bernard Hopkins did not win the night he faced a fresh, legitimate challenger in young but talented Jermain Taylor. Bernard lost two razor close verdicts to Taylor. I give Bernard Hopkins much credit for taking on such a tough challenge in the twilight of his career.

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JIM AMATO'S BLAST FROM THE PAST

posted by Kathleen Holland on September 18, 2008

By Jim Amato

If a fighter had " future champ " stamped on his forehead, Mike Nixon did. He was a smooth boxer with a good punch. He had solid skills and a lot of heart. He was a real crowd pleaser. For all the attributes Mike had he lacked one thing...The ability to take a good punch. He was stopped six times in his thirty seven bout career. In fact he stopped in three rounds by Larry Davis in his pro debut in 1970. Mike was a raw eighteen year old kid at the time and he showed the grit and determination to come back and win thirteen in a row. In 1971 he was halted in nine by George Davis. In 1972 he was kayoed twice by Art Davis. Mike learned to stay away from guys with the last name of Davis.

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BILLY "DYNAMITE" DOUGLAS

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

He will always be remembered as " Buster's Dad" but Billy Douglas was quite a fighter in his own right. Billy was born in 1940 and turned pro in 1967 just three days before his 27th birthday. There was no fanfare for this native of Columbus, Ohio. He started at the bottom and fought his way into the rankings. In 1969 he took out the talented Luis Vinales in one round. He would then be stopped himself by Pedro Miranda.

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RON LYLE

posted by Kathleen Holland on September 17, 2008

By Jim Amato

A few years back Ring Magazine, the “Bible of Boxing” came out with their top fifty heavyweights of the glove era. Ranked 40th on that list was a boxer who fought during the talent rich 70’s. He was a main stream contender for nearly a decade. He fought “The Greatest” for the title and more then held his own until being stopped in round eleven. He had “Big” George Foreman on the canvas twice before succumbing to George’s power in probably the best heavyweight fight in the last thirty years. His all action shoot out with Earnie Shavers would be a strong runner up. His name was Ron Lyle.

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BOOK REVIEW : Prizefighting : An American History by Arne K. Lang.

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Throughout my life I have read several boxing history books. I am always seeking more knowledge of this brutal yet beautiful sport aptly called the"sweet science." The newly released boxing history book "Prizefighting : An American History" is best new book of this genre I have read in years. In fact it is among the best I have ever read.

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Dave " Boy " Green

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

He turned professional in 1974 and in a short time he became a serious contender for the welterweight title. Dave " Boy " Green took England by storm. He won his first 24 fights as he quickly climbed the ladder. In 1976 he halted Billy Waith in an eliminator for the British junior welterweight title. Later in the year he stopped Joey Singleton to win the British title.

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LOOK FOR A WEEKEND OF CLOSE, WELL CONTESTED FIGHTS.

posted by Kathleen Holland on September 13, 2008

By Jim Amato

There's a lot of boxing this weekend and it should be rather entertaining. The four main bouts are, on paper very competitive to say the least. It is very difficult to pick a winner in these match ups but here goes...

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CAMACHO - DURAN I : ROBERTO GOT ROBBED !

posted by Kathleen Holland on September 4, 2008

By Jim Amato

It took place on June 22, 1996 in Atlantic City. It was a bout for the vacant International Boxing Council version of the middleweight title. It was not the title at stake that the fans were interested in. It was the match up. The legendary Roberto Duran was going to take on Hector "Macho" Camacho. In 1994 Duran had met the popular Vinny Pazienza for the IBC's super middleweight title. Roberto floored Vinny in the fifth but Pazienza walked off with a controversial decision win. The two met again in 1995 and this time Vinny won a clear cut verdict over a sluggish Duran. Based on that fight Duran was a decided 4 to 1 underdog to the flashy Camacho. There was no love lost between these two combatants. The bad blood only added to the fan interest. It also fanned the embers still burning deep within the once great Duran.

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ROCKY CASTELLANI PASSES AWAY

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

It is with great sadness to report that former middleweight contender Rocky Castellani passed away August 31st.

Attilio "Rocky" Castellani...Born and was still residing in Luzeme, Pennsylvania. He was one of the best middleweights of the 1940's and 50's. He turned pro in 1944 and engaged in 83 professional contests in a career that lasted until 1957. In his lone title shot he lost a fair and square fifteen round decision to Hall Of Fame inductee Carl "Bobo" Olson in 1954.

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OSCAR " SHOTGUN " ALBARADO

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

He was a hard banger and a crowd pleaser who battled some of the best welterweights of his era. Eventually he would move up to 154 pounds and win a world title in that division. He thrilled crowds in his home state of Texas and would also become a popular draw on the West Coast. His name was Oscar Albarado and they called him " Shotgun ".

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CHRIS JOHN : AN INVISIBLE CHAMPION

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Indonesia's Chris John is an undefeated world champion. He has held that status since 2003. Still he is hardly ever mentioned in boxing columns or wire reports. I've never seen him on anybody's pound for pound rating lists. He has boxed professionally for a decade now but he has become an invisible champion.

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MATTHEW HILTON ; A Career Unfulfilled

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

This was a young man that had world champion written all over him. He had all the potential in the world to have become a boxing superstar. He did achieve the status of world title holder due to the fragmented title system of the day but I thought he would have accomplished so much more. Only Tony Ayala Jr. in that era disappointed me more. What a great fighter Matthew Hilton could have been.

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VALUEV - RUIZ II ; A POTENTIAL EPIC ?

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 27, 2008

By Jim Amato

OK all the hoopla is almost over. On August 30th we will be "treated" to another edition of the WBA heavyweight title. Ho hum...It will be the spectacular rematch between Nicolay Valuev and John Ruiz. Their first fight was a real donnybrook ( yawn ). Years from now boxing fans will see this fight in the record books and believe it had some semblance of importance. It had to because it was a "heavyweight title fight." It is amazing how gullible some boxing fans can be. Who in their right man mind could think one of these two is the best heavyweight in the world ? Who can possibly think that anytime since John Ruiz first gained recognition as a WBA kingpin in 2000 that he was the "real" champion ? It would almost be a sacrilege to believe Ruiz had a prayer of beating Lennox Lewis at any time. It's pretty hard to conceive him ever defeating either Klitschko brother. Ruiz was never matched with any of those three fighters for a variety of reasons. Money, boxing politics and a belief that Ruiz would have little hope of winning.

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SEATTLE MIDDLEWEIGHT FRASER SCOTT

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Fraser Scott was a tough middleweight out of Seattle, Washington. He turned pro in 1968 and in slightly over a years time ran up a record of 17-0-1. His biggest victory was a two round, cut eye stoppage of former junior middleweight champion Denny Moyer. In 1969 Scott was awarded a title shot against middleweight king Nino Benvenuti. Nino was a prohibitive favorite to beat the American upstart. Scott surprised many by giving Benvenuti quite a tussle. The fight ended in round seven when the Italian referee disqualified Scott for butting. It was a highly controversial stoppage and Nino salvaged his title.

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ALVIN "BLUE" LEWIS

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

The late 60’s and early 70’s spawned an array of fistic talent in the heavyweight division. From the great champions Patterson, Liston, Ali, Frazier and Foreman along with Ellis and Terrell to the parade of bonafide contenders. Almost always among the top contenders of the day were the names of Chuvalo, Quarry, Bonevena, Norton, Lyle, Shavers, Bugner, Leotis Martin and Henry Clark. Throw in a Mac Foster, Boone Kirkman and Chuck Wepner and you get an idea of the talented mix. Among the elite during this time was a fine fighter out of Michigan named Al “Blue” Lewis. It is conceivable that if “Blue” would have boxed in a different era, he may have become a champion.

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ALFREDO ESCALERA : HALL OF FAME ?

posted by Kathleen Holland

He turned professional in 1970, fighting in the clubs of New England, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. In his eighth pro contest he was trading shots with a fella named Edwin Viruet. He suffered his first pro defeat that night. No shame in that. Nor would there be any shame in his next setback two fights later to crafty Diego Alcala. He reeled off three wins and then lost again to world rated Miguel Montilla but he was now fighting out of his home base of Puerto Rico. Five weeks later he lost a decision to Gino Febus. Three months after his loss to Febus he halted Montilla in a rematch. Five weeks later he stopped the highly respected Frankie Otero in five rounds.

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GEORGE CHAPLIN : A FORGOTTEN CONTENDER

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

He was one of the better heavyweights of the 1980's. He is probably also the most overlooked when remembering that decade. Baltimore's George Chaplin was able to hang with some of the best heavyweights of that era. Chaplin turned professional in 1976 and reeled off seven straight victories. He suffered his first defeat in 1977 dropping a decision to Youngstown's clever Mike Koranicki. In 1978 Chaplin drew with tough Leroy Diggs. George would then go on an eight fight win steak that included a rematch victory over Koranicki and a seventh round stoppage of once highly ranked Duane Bobick.

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Ronnie Harris; Ohio's Near Champion...

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 18, 2008

By Jim Amato

The professional career of Canton, Ohio's Ronnie Harris is often overlooked. A lot was expected of him and to many he failed to deliver. In retrospect Ronnie may be one of the best middleweights the state of Ohio has ever produced.

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MARTY MONROE : A FORGOTTEN CONTENDER

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Back in the late 1970's and early 80's there was a pretty good
heavyweight out on the West Coast. His name was Marty Monroe.

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MANNY WAS IN NEED OF OSCAR'S GREED

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Years ago I worked with an older gentleman who always said, " Don't worry about it. It will all come out in wash " Well after much haggling and reams of print written about a proposed Oscar De La Hoya - Manny Pacquaio fight, it has " all come out in the wash. "

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NEW JERSEY MIDDLEWEIGHT MIKE TINLEY

posted by Kathleen Holland

He was one of the best fighters to come out of New Jersey in the 1980's. He was a viewer favorite during the popularity growth of ESPN boxing. Mike Tinley held his own with some of the best middleweights of the decade. Tinley turned professional in 1981 and quickly established himself as a prospect to watch. Tinley suffered the only stoppage loss of his career in 1982 due to an eye cut against Robert Thomas. Tinley came right back to upset undefeated Mark McPherson. In 1983 Tinley pulled off another upset outscoring talented Robbie Sims. Mike then won the ESPN middleweight title with a twelve round decision over Bruce Johnson. He continued to perform as a crowd pleaser by defending the ESPN crown against the game Teddy Mann. In 1984 Tinley dropped a decision to rugged contender Doug DeWitt.

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KELLY MAY KISS THE CANVAS BUT HE WILL KO HOPKINS

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

Ever since it was announced that Kelly Pavlik was going to meet Bernard Hopkins, I've felt that this would be a tough fight for Kelly. I still do. I've really thought about this fight. I've tried to break it down to its likely conclusion. Here goes...

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ARCHIE MOORE

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 14, 2008

By Jim Amato

He was possibly the greatest light heavyweight of all time, The wily "Old Mongoose" Archie Moore. The man who scored 140 knockouts in a career that spanned from 1936 to 1963 never lost his crown in the ring. Although he unsuccessfully challenged twice for the heavyweight title, he did campaign successfully among the "Big Boys" throughout his tenure as a professional boxer. His record reads lie "Who's Who" of boxing history. In 228 recorded bouts, Archie was only stopped seven times, a testimony to his courage and uncanny defensive ability.

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MORE ON OSCAR AND MANNY

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 10, 2008

By Jim Amato

When I first heard this fight ( De La Hoya - Pacquaio ) might be made, I couldn't believe it. Yes Manny looked great against David Diaz who is a tough guy. With all due respect to David Diaz, I can come up with at least five lightweights right off the top of my head who I think are better then David. Joel Casamayor, Nate Campbell, Julio Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz. So to me, although Manny won a piece of the crown he didn't even beat the best guy in the division. Now he's going to fight a full fledged welterweight and a strong one at that...

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WHAT IF ? HEAVYWEIGHTS ; MICHAEL MOORER -vs- JAMES TONEY.

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 8, 2008

By Jim Amato

This is a fight that would have made sense if it was put together. Each boxer has ties to the state of Michigan. It probably didn't happen because by the time Toney became a heavyweight, Moorer's star had diminished due to his one round kayo loss to David Tua. A loss two years later to Eliseo Castillo pretty much took Moorer out of the elite class. Toney's knockout of Evander Holyfield made him a major player in the division. He still remains so.

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MOSLEY vs MAYORGA ; WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ?

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

'm having a very difficult time getting all worked up about the upcoming Shane Mosley - Ricardo Mayorga bout. What's all the fuss about ? Does anyone really think that Mayorga is going to step up in this one ? Talk about smoke and mirrors. Mayorga may be one of the most over hyped fighters of the last twenty years. The promoter must love this guy because he keeps popping up. OK he beat a washed up and less then " Ferocious " Fernando Vargas. I just can not see him defeating a top guy like Mosley. To me Shane will one day be in the Hall Of Fame. Hell he won me over when he was a lightweight. He is one of the most under rated lightweights of the last thirty years. I consider Roberto Duran the best lightweight I've ever seen but there are two guys that would have given him a lot of trouble. Pernell Whitaker and Mosley.

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PRINCE CHARLES WILLIAMS

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 7, 2008

By Jim Amato

One of the best boxers to come out of Ohio in the last twenty years is "Prince" Charles Williams of Mansfield, who held the IBF light-heavyweight title from October 29, 1987 to March 20, 1993.

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Cleveland Pride: Joey Maxim

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 6, 2008

By Jim Amato

The proud city of Cleveland takes great pride in remembering their Hall
of Famer and former world light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim. Born
Guiseppe Antonio Bernardinelli on March 22, 1922 in Cleveland.

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VIRGIL HILL FOR THE HALL OF FAME ? NO WAY !

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

I won't vote for Virgil Hill when he finally becomes eligible for induction into the Hall Of Fame .Granted there are lesser boxers inducted but that doesn't make it right. Adding another less then " great " fighter just compounds the problem that has evolved. Over the years the International Boxing Hall Of Fame has become lax in their criteria for induction. I've been casting my vote for the last two years. I would have never voted for Barry McGuigan. To me Pipino Cuevas was border line and he beat Angel Espada, Billy Backus, Clyde Gray, Pete Ranzany and Harold Weston Jr. He didn't just win fights, he destroyed his opponents. He broke bones ! I was more impressed with his career then I've ever been with Hill's and that was before Virgil lost to Maske. Still I would have been hard pressed to vote for Pipino. I'd vote for Danny " Little Red " Lopez in a heartbeat. There are several boxers I would vote for before Hill. Virgil was a good fighter who won titles and had longevity in an era when the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions were weak. I don't believe that Hill would have been able to beat Michael Moorer or Prince Charles Williams when they each held a piece of the title at 175. Could you imagine Virgil mixing with the guys from the late 1970's and 80's ? Fighters like Galindez, Conteh, Saad Muhammad, Marvin Johnson, Yaqui Lopez, Pierre Fourie, Richie Kates... I don't think Virgil would have fared as well in this Golden Era of the light heavyweight division.Good God could you imagine Hill vs Michael Spinks ? Now that could have been downright scary. Virgil would have been wasted by the great Bobby Foster.

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CANADA'S DONATO PADUANO

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 4, 2008

By Jim Amato

In the late 1960's and throughout the 1970's there was a smooth Italian born boxer who fought out of Canada. He was tough and fearless. He had great moves and a fine jab. The only thing he lacked was punching power and that probably kept him from reaching the top of his sport.

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THE TOP TEN DOMINANT RULERS SINCE 1965

posted by Kathleen Holland on July 30, 2008

By Jim Amato

Greatness, like beauty is really in the eye of the beholder. Since 1965 I've followed the careers of so many wonderful fighters. Over the past couple of decades it has become increasingly more difficult to judge a fighters true worth. With so many titles and weight classes involved sometimes we as fans never really know who is the best fighter in their weight division. At times when a fighter does emerge who looks like he is the cream of his division, he promptly moves up a weight class. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a good example. Manny Pacquaio too.

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SOME THOUGHTS ON DE LA HOYA -VS- PACQUAIO

posted by Kathleen Holland

By Jim Amato

I just watched Pacquaio - David Diaz again. Here are some thoughts... Pac looked great. He really busted Diaz up and then put over the finisher in round nine. Now reality...Diaz is as game a fighter as I've ever seen. He was simply over matched. Yes I know David had the title but nobody really thought he was the best lightweight out there. In fact in the old days when there was ONE champion, David may have been rated the # 5 or # 6 contender. So really what Manny did was become a contender to see who the best lightweight in the world is. He has yet to do enough to be considered the # 1 guy at 135 pounds.

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JEAN CLAUDE BOUTTIER ; If It Wasn't For Monzon...

posted by Kathleen Holland

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.

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