Who Lies There? A Compendium of Boxer's Obituaries by Mike DeLisa & Johnny Bos
Over 100 pages of obituaries of boxers, fighters, managers, and promoters. The gamut runs from the most famous to the most obscure. Complete obituaries are reprinted, and serve as an immense guide to furgter research for the boxing fan -- or as a bet-settler for the true stat geek.
Learn of the sad end of Gene Tunney opponent Wolf Larson, who once stole a milk wagon (horse and all) and tried to pawn it for a bottle of hootch. You probably never heard of Jack LaFontise, who dies while attended by his brothers, pro boxers themselves, but you won't forget his story.
Some of the nation's besst sportswriters describe the end of many of our boxing heroes and villains -- Gene Tunney, Sugar Ray Robinson, Kid Chocolate, Jack Johnson, Benny Leonard, Harry Greb, Jem Ward, Bob Fitzsimmons, Joe Jennette (Jeanette), Al Palzer, Benny Bass and hundreds of others.
Which boxer died after drinking carbolic acid? Who died while making moonshine whisky when his still exploded? Who drowned? This book answers all of these questions.
Size 8 1/2 x 11 inches, bound.
TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK
Posted by juan @ 04:48 PM EST [Link]
Weigh-In Results from Evansville, Indiana!
Courtesy of Jake Hall, Indiana Boxing Commission
Posted @ 06:09 PM EST [Link]
Additional Photos and Coverage from Fights in Cicero Now Up!
By Juan C. Ayllon
CICERO, Ill.--The action was furious and the thrills visceral. If you haven't seen them yet, check out the additional photos and report coverage from last Friday's fights in Cicero:
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/news/archives/00004309.htm
Posted @ 05:39 PM EST [Link]
Moreno to be Inducted into Watsonville High Hall of Fame
Press Release
Photos by Daisy Rosas and Rick Noble
WATSONVILLE, Calif., May 15, 2008--WBC "Female Fighter of the Year" and current stawweight champion, Carina "La Reina" Moreno (17-1, 5 KO's) will be the youngest athlete to ever be inducted into the Wastonville High School Hall of Fame. For most athletes, it takes decades to be recognized in this realm. Moreno, a graduate of the class of 2000, did it in 8 years. Carina joins three other athletes who will be inducted, all of whom were students back in the 1960's who did their part as community role models.
The inductees will be honored at two public events on May 16. The Hall of Fame Assembly will be 10:45 a.m. at the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts at Watsonville High School. The Evening for the Black and Gold, featuring a ham buffet dinner, will be at 6 p.m. at the Corralitos Community Center. Tickets are $25. For information, call 728-6390, ext. 224, or 728-6390, ext. 1801.
[Read more]
Boxer climbs back into ring
By Randy Beard
Courtesy of the Evansville Press
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Daniel Maldonado retired from boxing in January, relinquishing his IBA world featherweight title without a fight.
So what's he doing climbing back into the ring on Friday night, taking on a journeyman like Terrance Roy of Memphis in a six-round lightweight bout at The Metro Sports Center?
[Read more]
Cruiserweight sensation 'Awesome' Aaron Williams headlines his first ESPN FNF show May 23
'Ring Warriors' at Twin River Events Center, RI
Press Release
Photo by Juan C. Ayllon
Aaron Williams seen above knocking out Terry Porter in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on April 18, 2007
PROVIDENCE, RI – ESPN Friday Night Fights (ESPN2) returns May 23 to Rhode Island as unbeaten prospect “Awesome” Aaron Williams, the future of the cruiserweight division, headlines his first major show on “Ring Warriors,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), live from Twin River Events Center in Lincoln.
“Ring Warriors” features some of the hottest, most exciting prospects in the world – potential world champions such as Williams, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada and Philadelphia’s exciting super lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy – along with a grudge match and some great young boxers.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
“Affliction Banned” to make MMA history
Fedor returns to ring
July 19 PPV show in Anaheim
Press Release
ANAHEIM, California (May 14, 2008) – Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, will make history presenting its own Mixed-Martial-Arts pay-per-view event in association with M-1 and Roy Englebrecht Events, appropriately named “Affliction Banned,” featuring the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, supported by an All-World caliber undercard, July 19th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Miranda vs. Abraham--'The Battle Continues'
Press Release
HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 14 – It may only be the first full day of summer, but June 21st will also be the hottest night of the year for fight fans as super middleweight bomber Edison "Pantera" Miranda gets his shot at revenge against the first man to beat him, "King" Arthur Abraham, in a highly anticipated war at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
Tickets for this epic clash, priced at $202, $152, $102, and $52 are now on sale and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com.
[Read more]
Emery-Nickel Clash Added to FSN Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period Card
June 12 at Mohegan Sun
Press Release
HENDERSON, Nevada (May 5, 2008) – An compelling match between middleweights Jill Emery and Cristy “Code Red” Nickel has been added to the already exciting and competitive Fox Sports Net’s Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period card, headlined by a pair of International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) world championship bouts, on Thursday, June 12 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Youth on display in Boston for “Diamonds in the Rough”
Press Release
PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island (May 13, 2008) – Youth takes center stage Saturday night (May 17) in “Diamonds in the Rough,” presented by Peter Manfredo, Sr. in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions, at Freeport (I.B.E.W.) Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
“We’re putting on a show with quality entertainment,” Manfredo said. “You’re going to see some young bucks fighting as they gain experience on their way to the next level. It’s not going to be easy for them, though.”
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Watching Boxing Live—There's Nothing Like It!
By Juan C. Ayllon
[Editor's note: Out of curiosity, I ran a search on myself in a new search engine and stumbled upon this article I wrote several years ago. Although dated, I think you'll agree the sentiments still ring true.]
NEW YORK CITY - The first time I saw boxing live and in person was at Madison Square Garden’s Felt Forum on August 9, 1986. That night, before a somewhat cynical New York crowd, a young Pernell Whitaker thoroughly outclassed one Rafael Gandarilla, light heavyweight Chris Reid knocked out perennial contender Marcos Geraldo in four, and future WBA Super Middleweight Champ Chistophe Tiozzo stopped grizzled Wesley Reid in four rounds. In between fights, I chatted with up-and-coming Vinny Pazienza and Michael Olajide, who would later go onto greater acclaim. Watching close up and in person, I had a greater appreciation for the sport than I previously experienced watching TV bouts.
It was an altogether more visceral experience—you could almost feel the punches smacking sweaty flesh just feet away. Blood, sweat, and abrasions, which often escape detection under the harsh television lights, were there to be seen plain as day. And the feel for the volatile crowd, one moment silent, the next erupting in screams and cheers, was inescapable, as was an eminent sense of danger when my buddy harassed “Macho” Hector Camacho—who had to be walking around at a muscular 178 or so—as he approached the ring for nearly getting knocked out by one Edwin Rosario several months ago and escaping with a controversial draw.
[Read more]
'Derrick 'Superman' Findley Defeats 'The Contender's' Miguel Hernandez
Press Release
Photo by Juan C. Ayllon
Referee Pete Podgorski raises Findley's hand (right), while a wiped-down Hernandez looks on as his right hand is gingerly tended to
In the highly anticipated Middleweight match up, cross town rivals Derrick "Superman" Findley (11-2-0, 6 KOs) and "The Contender's" Miguel "Macho" Hernandez (20-8-0, 10 KOs) did battle in an eight round bout this past Friday at the Cicero Stadium in Cicero, IL.
Hernandez, known from his appearance on the third season of the boxing reality show "The Contender," looked to put on a show for his hometown crowd.
[Read more]
Photo of the Day: Findley Celebrates Win with Promoter Octavius James
By Juan C. Ayllon
Gary, Indiana middleweight Derrick Findley (left) celebrates his win over Miguel Hernandez with his promoter, Octavius James, last Friday in Cicero, Illinois.
Posted @ 10:57 AM EST [Link]
'Unite the Neighborhood' Boxing Show This Saturday!
By Robert Ramos
CHICAGO--This is a reminder that if it rains, our boxing show, "Unite The Neighborhood", will be held in the Shedd Park gymnasium.
[Read more]
New York's Finest Headline Historic Event
Hard Rock Cafe-New York in Times Square to Host Wed. Night Fights on June 11th!
Press Release
HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 13 – Times Square in New York City. To many, it’s the center of the universe. That may be open to debate, but what isn’t is that on Wednesday, June 11th, Hard Rock Cafe New York in the heart of Times Square will be the center of the boxing universe when Seminole Warriors Boxing and Gotham Boxing present the first boxing show ever in this renowned venue.
Headlining the card, which will be aired live on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT, will be separate bouts featuring two of New York’s hottest products, junior middleweight contender Sechew Powell as he faces Deandre Latimore who is 18-1 (15 KO’s), and rising middleweight star Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin.
[Read more]
Save Chicago Culture and Live Entertainment!
By Melissa Brown
[Editor's note: Now you might ask, what does this have to do with boxing? Well, if you're into watching--or participating in--boxing live in or from the Windy City, it potentially means everything. Please, take a few minutes and fill out the petition.]
THE CITY OF CHICAGO is trying to pass an ordinance that will greatly affect EVERYONE who works in the bar, nightclub and entertainment industry, would put many people completely out of business, and ruin the live music and entertainment scene in Chicago! Unless enough signatures are collected to protest this by this Wednesday, May 14th, (that's tomorrow) it will be passed. This will greatly affect anyone who enjoys livev music and entertainment.
Please take a moment to go to the link that follows and sign the petition. All you have to do is go to the website and post a comment. Every voice counts now. [Read more]
Ring Rhyme & Reason May 2008
By Stephen B. Acunto
Tailor Made
When an individual purchases a tailor made suite it fits to perfection. This could describe the boxing match between Oscar DeLaHoya and Steve Forbes on Saturday, May 2nd. Tailor made was the shorter Steve Forbes; DeLaHoya could not miss him with short jabs and combination punches, winning all twelve rounds in a shut out. Shock absorber Steve Forbes must be credited with assimilating tremendous punishment and not going down. Believe me, Forbes caught as many punches as Jorge Posada catches pitches from the New York Yankees. Fighters like Forbes are more prone to sustain injuries because they have a lot of heart. De La Hoya played out his game plan for the entire distance of the fight. Forbes was a well-paid sparing partner. Possibly, De La Hoya could put the kibosh on Floyd Mayweather and then retire to continue promoting boxing as well as he has been doing.
Fans should study the styles and ring generalship of boxing and not be deluded by misinformation and compulsive diatribe that has been the fight analysis of certain commentators.
[Read more]
Tom Barnes' 'Battle for Pride' in Cicero Photos Now Up!
Press Release
CICERO, Ill.--The below link is to the postings of images captured at the 8 Count Production "Battle for Pride" matches May 9th at Cicero Stadium.
http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp?userid=Cicerostaduim_5_9_2008&secure_account_id=2460&secure_users_id=174741
Please use category tab on the top of banner to choose match you would wish to view or slide show tab to view all.
[Read more]
Book Review--Clay Moyle's 'Sam Langford: Boxing's Greatest Uncrowned Champion'
By Adeyinka Makinde
The name Sam Langford has loomed large in many constructions of boxing history. From the oral discourses of the old timers to the pictorial digests of the glossy coffee table offerings, Langford’s tale is often summarised by his rivalries with contemporary black fighters Joe Jeannette and Sam McVey, his unrequited hopes of attaining the heavyweight championship of the world –a slender chance rendered impossible by the decisions and indiscretions of Jack Johnson- and his later descent into a private hell of blindness and poverty. It is of course true that while historians have consistently alluded to his masterful style and his dexterity of skill, his story nevertheless has tended to be portrayed in short, consumable stanzas –never writ large, and only as a ‘supporting act’ in the often repeated saga of Johnson.
Why this is so is not at all hard to fathom. The writing of history, particularly as it relates to boxing, can often be dictated by the commercial viability of a project. The tried and tested paths of explorations into a select band of personages are comfortable if ultimately stultifying enterprises when over the course of time very little of valuable discovery and enlightened interpretation are the proceeds for the discerning reader. There have been innumerable projects on Jack Johnson and the era of the ‘white hopes’; of Jack Dempsey and the ‘roaring twenties’; of Joe Louis and the breakthrough in American race relations as well as of Muhammad Ali and his career set against an age of tumult. Yet Langford lived during an age as marked and as interesting as any other in regard to boxing and the wider society. His reputation as a puncher was not far off those of both Dempsey and Louis, his technical proficiency as a boxer rivals that of any other in any chosen age of the sport and his personality, while not skirting on the boundaries of outrage that were the hallmarks of Johnson and Ali, was distinctly colourful.
Clay Moyle’s ‘Sam Langford: Boxing’s Greatest Uncrowned Champion’ is the first large scale attempt on the life and career of the man famously, or infamously, nicknamed the ‘Boston Tar Baby.’ The moniker itself is as revealing as it is not. ‘Tar Baby’ alludes to the obsessive zeal with which fighters were dispensed with sub-titles for names and in particular how the sportswriters of the day emphasised what they perceived to be his typical African features and the link that supposedly had to his physical prowess and the ‘primitiveness’ of his being. The reference to Boston is indicative only of where the first rumblings of his talent was put on display and is not reflective of the peripatetic drift of a career that took him across many cities in North America, Mexico, England, France and Australia.
[Read more]
Giving Dee His Due
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Dee “Denorvell” Collier fought out of California during the 80’s and finished with a modest record of 12 (KO 8) - 9 (KO 1). He had a great chin and excellent power. His problem seemed to be that the level of his opposition might have been too good too quickly. Fighting guys like Buster Douglas, Monte Masters, Alex Garcia, Mark Wills and Eric Curry was not exactly tantamount to cherry picking. His one KO loss was to Nigerian bomber Bash Ali who won 30 of his last 31 bouts (all but one by way of stoppage), but who had a knack for losing when he stepped up.
Dee’s last career fight was a UD loss to Orlin Norris for the NABF heavyweight title on August 1, 1989. He went into that fight having iced Monte Masters, Bobby Crabtree and Garcia (his first loss) over a 6-month period. He also held two prior wins over Mark Wills who himself had stopped Greg Page twice. Clearly, Collier, who once had been the California State Heavyweight Champion, was not one to be taken lightly.
[Read more]
Findley Imposes Self on ‘Macho Time’ and Hernandez with Bloody Unanimous Decision Win!
Photos and report by Juan C. Ayllon
News Editor and Staff Writer
Trapping Hernandez on the ropes, Findley (right) whips a hard right into Hernandez's side
CICERO, Ill., May 9, 2008—There was a buzz in the air. Boxing announcer Thomas Treiber said, “We’ve got a good night of boxing ahead for you!” to the packed crowd at Cicero Stadium. He wasn’t kidding.
In the evening’s main event, Chicago’s “Macho” Miguel Hernandez (167.5 lbs., 20-7, 10 KO’s) and Gary, Indiana’s “Superman” Derrick Findley (162 lbs., 10-2, 7 KO’s) had the crowd yelling as they engaged in a pitched and bloody slugging match. Going into their bout, Hernandez had said, “This one’s for me.” He was going to have fun slugging with a slugger. After all, if it’s “Macho Time,” you’ve got to be macho, right?
[Read more]
Ex-boxer killed while working on Triborough Bridge
BY LAURA ALBANESE
Courtesy of Newsday.com
May 8, 2008
When Gino Gelormino made his foray into boxing, excited enthusiasts likened him to a young Willie Pep - one of greatest boxers of the 20th century.
The Levittown native, who died in a construction accident Tuesday, was blindingly quick and elusive in the ring, said Showtime boxing analyst Steve Farhood. And Gelormino, who won the Golden Gloves and later was one of the top 10 junior lightweight boxers in the world, knew how to defend.
[Read more]
Judah Injured, Bout With Mosley Off
Press Release
LOS ANGELES, CA – The scheduled May 31 fight between "Sugar" Shane Mosley and Zab "Supah" Judah has been canceled due to an arm injury suffered by Judah during his Las Vegas training camp it was announced by Golden Boy Promotions today. The HBO Pay-Per-View event was scheduled to take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Judah suffered multiple severe lacerations on his right forearm and received 50 stitches to close the wounds suffered in an accidental fall. As a result, Judah will be unable to train for four weeks and was forced to withdraw from the bout.
"It is very unfortunate that Zab suffered this injury and that this great event had to be canceled," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "We are already in discussions with all parties involved to attempt to reschedule the fight for the near future."
Tickets purchased for this event may be refunded at the original point of purchase.
Posted @ 03:03 AM EST [Link][Add your Comment on this article]
Weights From Chicago
"Macho" Miguel Hernandez (left) and "Superman" Derrick Findley pose at Team Doctors Treatment and Training Center of Champions, where the weigh-ins were hosted
BATTLE FOR PRIDE
CICERO STADIUM
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
TICKETS AND INFO/312-226-5800
DOORS OPEN 7PM, FIRST BELL 8PM
MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, 165 VS. DERRICK FINDLEY, 163, 8 ROUNDS
FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ, 119 VS. ANGEL PRIOLO, 118, 8 ROUNDS,
HENRY COYLE, 155 VS. BEN ARAGON, 155, 8 ROUNDS,
GADIEL ANDALUZ, 131 VS. JOSE MANDUJANO, 131, 4 ROUNDS,
ERIC ESTRADA, 122 VS. TIM CARRIZALES, 124, 4 ROUNDS,
Posted @ 07:43 PM EST [Link]
Dr. Stoxen Hosts Chicago Weigh-Ins and Much More at Team Doctors!
By Juan C. Ayllon
Dr. Stoxen (left) with Miguel Hernandez at the weigh-in (Tom Barnes photo)
CHICAGO—He’d just hosted the weigh-ins for Friday night’s fights at his sparkling and newly expanded, 4,000 square-foot Team Doctors Treatment and Training Center of Champions. “Macho” Miguel Hernandez and his heavily muscled opponent, “Superman” Derrick Findley, led a lineup of fighters, with boxing commission officers, doctors, the promoter Dominic Pesoli, and other guests paying rapt attention and milling about the new digs. It had been a hit.
Now, half an hour later, Dr. James Stoxen, DC was dropping off Ron, his painter, in an especially dangerous section of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood by 71st and Yates.
“It’s a nasty, nasty place,” said Stoxen. “You know how they’ve got those blue lights and cameras? They’re all over the place here, and there’s cops everywhere! My painter said that someone had shot a woman in the face. I don’t want to be here; I want to get out fast!”
Fielding my call on his cell phone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other, Dr. Stoxen unwittingly shared a microcosm of his world—and perhaps the intrigue he shares with fighters—always moving and setting goals, with a strong affinity for largesse, excellence, danger and excitement.
[Read more]
Oliver-Lopez: Sudden Lightening at the Roxy
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Mike Oliver, 22-0, met Reynaldo Lopez, 28-5-2, at the Roxbury in Boston on April 7, 2008, and was heavily favored to remain undefeated. For all practical purposes, Oliver, out of nearby Hartford, was the home town fighter. Lopez was coming off a one punch blow out loss to Daniel Ponce de Leon and a UD loss to talented Cristian Mijares, Fighting for 15 years, some thought he might be ring worn and made to order for the speedy Oliver.
Though he seemed tight and tense, Oliver won the first two rounds with his superior speed. The third started out slowly with some roughhousing and then the fighters engaged in an exchange in a neutral corner. Oliver missed with his shots and Lopez threw a long left that caught Oliver flush at the 1:22 mark and sent him to the canvas face first. He barely beat the count and when the referee saw that he was helpless, the action was immediately halted.
[Read more]
Inspiration: Diosbelys “The Oriental Kid” Hurtado
By Ted Sares
Courtesy of Eastsideboxing.com
Hurtado is fighting like a jazz musician at a rock concert…
-- HBO color commentator George Foreman
It really can’t be measured but you recognize it when you see it. On any number of occasions, I saw fighters win against great odds seemingly inspired to go beyond their self-imposed limitations--to stretch parameters of possibilities beyond the norm.
Hurtado, known as "The Oriental Kid," began his professional career in 1994, and in 1997 challenged WBC welterweight title holder Pernell Whitaker. He was 20-0 at the time while Pernell was 39-1-1.
[Read more]
Arnaoutis-Tyner, Vargas-Brunelli Final Presser Quotes
Press Release
BRONX, NY - May 06, 2008 Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents an exciting evening of boxing this Friday night from Bally's Atlantic City, as "Mighty Mike" Arnaoutis (18-2-2 9KO) defends his USBA Jr. Welterweight title against undefeated Lanardo Tyner (19-0 11KO) in a 12 round bout.
The semi-final 8 rounder will feature 2004 Olympic Team captain Devin Vargas (15-0 6KO) taking on tough Philadelphian Dave Brunelli (8-3 3KO) in a Heavyweight fight. The bouts will be telecast live on "ESPN's Friday Night Fights" series. Below are quotes from each of the four participants.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Ruiz on call and ready to rock
Press Release
LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2008) – Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.
[Read more][Add your Comment on this article]
Lopez Shocks Oliver in Knockout Upset
By Pavel Yakovlev at ringside
Ringside Photographer - Joe Gallo
BOSTON, MA - In a stunning upset, Colombia's Reynaldo Lopez stopped IBF second ranked super bantamweight Mike Oliver of Hartford last night at 1:22 of round three in a ESPN Wednesday Night main event held at the Roxy in Boston. The end came when Oliver fell face first to the mat after taking a sharp left hook to the head. Although Oliver arose at the count of nine, he was on unsteady legs and referee Dick Flaherty immediately waived the bout off.
Until the sudden, unexpected ending, Oliver appeared to be getting the better of the action, even though Lopez was clearly a difficult and cagey opponent.
[Read more][1 Comment made on this article]
Lanardo Tyner: 'This is huge, it's my opportunity!'
Major step up against Arnaoutis headlines ESPN Friday night
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
May 8, 2008
Last year undefeated jr. welterweight prospect Lanardo Tyner made the sacrifice of uprooting his family from their Detroit, Michigan home down to Houston, Texas - with the notion that following his boxing idol, former world champion Frank Tate (a fellow Detroit native), would be a boost to his professional career.
Tate, who earned the International Boxing Federation middleweight championship by picking up the vacant title with a commanding 15 round unanimous decision victory over Michael Olajide in 1987, and was dethroned the following year by Michael Nunn, had left the Motor City after his fighting career ended and was training fighters at Hank's Gym in Houston.
[Read more]
Former World Champion Martin Castillo Retires
Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 7, 2008--Former super flyweight world champion Martin "EL GALLO" Castillo has retired from boxing, it was announced today by his longtime manager Frank Espinoza.
"We've talked numerous times over the last couple of weeks and Martin has concluded that this is the end of the line for him. He didn't feel like himself during the Montiel fight and is happy with what he has accomplished in the sport. As he put it 'I owe everything to boxing and I don't want to fight anymore if I can't go at a world class level.' "
[Read more]
