DREAM FIGHTS...By Jim Amato (7/3/10) 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? Interesting scenarios and I'm sure we all have our opinions. We as fans are entitled to these opinions. My how they differ. We will never know if Sugar Ray Robinson could have beat Sugar Ray Leonard or if Willie Pep could have outslicked Salvador Sanchez but damn it sure is fun to argue about it ! With that said I'd like to venture into who would have won if Alexis Arguello and Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez would have met at 130 or 135 pounds? This would have pitted the dynamite punch of the "Explosive Thin Man" against the granite chin of Chavez. Make no mistake, Julio was one tough hombre. In his prime punches seemed to bounce off him like rubber balls.

The fact is , he never faced a hitter like Arguello at that stage of his career. To many Arguello seemed stiff and wooden. Watch him, I mean really watch his fights. He was a master at positioning himself. He was always able to move himself into a position to counter. He was far from fast and flashy but he was economical in his movements. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to plant his power punches. During his era he ranked right up there with Bob Foster for pound for pound one punch kayo power.

Could the Arguello punch dent the Chavez chin ? A very interesting question. If Julio could absorb the power of Arguello, could Alexis handle the pressure of Chavez ? Julio was not a one punch kayo artist. He was in fact a calculating destroyer. A student of the kill the body, the head will die theory. If you let Julio get into his game he became quite a handful. Future Hall Of Fame inductee Edwin Rosario found out the hard way. So with all things considered, how would this fight have played out ?

Two things I feel have to be mentioned in Arguello's case that could be important in ensuring his victory. One is that he had a devastating jab. Surely not a fast one like Ali or Larry Holmes but it carried some serious sting to it. The other tool that Alexis had the would be to his benefit was a very powerful uppercut on the inside. A punch he used well to thwart the aggressiveness of Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. The jab and the uppercut would be major keys for Alexis in keeping Chavez from being effective inside. At 130 pounds Alexis may have been the best of all time. He won the title from the highly respected Alfredo Escalera and then defended successfully against him. Fight fans still talk about those two memorable wars. Alexis would beat Rafael"Bazooka" Limon, Bobby Chacon, Rolando Navarette and Boza Edwards. All of them would later claim a piece of the title after Alexis moved up to the lightweight division and started his reign of terror there. All things considered I'd have to take Alexis over Chavez on points.

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Boxing Hero with Soft Touch by Christian Giudice (7/1/10)

“The sport brought me beautiful memories. But that’s all. Each and every one of us has to change to be better human beings and to make a life for us." - Alexis Arguello

The night had ended in a violent fashion. A horde of people flooded the ring. The young prospect stood and embraced the champ who had just jolted his head back uncontrollably in the 14th and final round. Amid the chaos, the champ told the beaten fighter, “I love your father. That’s the most beautiful thing you have.”

Read the rest at juicesport.com

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L.A. Boxing of Colorado From L.A. Boxing (6/30/10)
is looking to pre-match boxers for two upcoming Fight Nights: FIGHT NIGHT 8: L.A. Boxing of Westminster DATE: Friday, August 13 TIME: 5:00 pm weigh in's / 7:00 pm Bouts EVENT: USA Boxing sanctioned event. Large tropies for winner and contestant.

PRE-MATCH only. FIGHT NIGHT 9: L.A. Boxing of Littleton DATE: Friday, September 10 TIME: 5:00 pm weigh in's / 7:00 pm Bouts EVENT: USA Boxing sanctioned event. Large tropies for winner and contestant. PRE-MATCH only.

If you have boxers please submit the attached and we will do our best to pre-match them. Complete the attached form and fax to 720-862-2154. Ashley Bullerdick, Event Coordinator L.A. Boxing of Colorado

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In The Ring: Oscar Bonavena By Jim Amato (6/30/10)
Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino Locke too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine fighters? Many would say Luis "Angel" Firpo. I'll go with Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena.

When Oscar started his career in 1964, he met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by verteran contender Zora Folley. Oscar left New York and returned to Argentina. He defeated the vary capable Gregorio Paralta and American import, Billy Daniels. When he returned to New York in 1966, he outpointed equally rugged George Chuvalo.

Oscar was then matched with 1964 Olympic gold Medal winner, Joe Frezier. The fight was classic. Oscar had Joe down twice but Frazier came back to win a close decision. In 1867, Oscar was entered in the eight man tourney to determine the defrocked Muhammad Ali's successor. Oscar traveled to Germany and trounced southpaw Karl Mildenberger. In his next match he was floored twice and soundly beaten by the eventual tourney winner, Jimmy Ellis. Oscar regrouped in 1968 beating Folley in a rematch and also the respected, Leotis Martin. He was matched again with Joe Frazier for the New York version of the crown. Oscar fell behind early but he came back strong only to drop the verdict.

Bonavena would remain a mainstay in the talent rich rankings until the untimely end of his career. Two years after his loss to Frazier, Oscar would face the comebacking Muhammad Ali. It would be one of the most grueling fights of Ali's career. The "Greatest" came out on tap, stopping a dead game but exhausted Oscar in round 15.

In 1971, he won by disqualification over Al "Blue" Lewis. In 1972, he met former champion, Floyd Patterson. Oscar lost a very debatable decision. Two years later he was defeated by Ron Lyle. This loss pretty much pushed Oscar out of the title picture. Bonavena was still a rated fighter when on May 22, 1976, he was shot and killed at a brothel in Las Vegas.

The hard partying "Bad Boy" has finally met his match.

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HOW HIGH SHOULD WE RATE RIDDICK BOWE? By Jim Amato (6/30/10)
Hopefully the one time heavyweight champion of the world Riddick Bowe will never fight again. His post career problems have been well documented.

The question now is, where does Bowe rank among the great heavyweights of all time? How would he have fared against Louis, Marciano, Frazier or even dream fights in his own time against Lewis or Tyson? Here is a boxer who may have never realized his full potential. When he was near it his career declined due to his own self-indulgence.

After Lennox Lewis stopped Riddick in the 1988 Olympics, Bowe was considered a risky project. Rock Newman took the risk of managing Bowe and convinced the skeptical but astute Eddie Futch to undertake the task of molding Riddick. The rest is history. Bowe progressed nicely thru the ranks turning pro in 1989 by halting future contender Lionel Butler in two rounds. In 1990 he stopped faded ex-champion Pinklon Thomas in nine. He also destroyed Bert Cooper in two.

In 1991 he kayoed Tyrell Biggs in eight and outscored ex-champ Tony Tubbs. He later kayoed future titleholder Bruce Seldon in one round. In 1992 he cemented a shot at the title by halting South African Pierre Coetzer in seven rounds.

Finally Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe was in the ring facing heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. The well-schooled and well-conditioned Bowe won a hard fought but convincing decision and the crown. Was this the turning point of his career? Was it the beginning of the end? The night Bowe won the title from Holyfield he could have arguably competed with any heavyweight who ever lived. He was that good.

So where did it all go wrong? Did Riddick believe he was unbeatable? Easy defenses against ex-champ Michael Dokes and shopworn journeyman Jesse Ferguson did little to sharpen his skills. His weight as well as his ego began to swell. By the time he met Holyfield in their rematch he had become a different fighter. So had Evander who had totally dedicated himself in training. Their second bout is mainly remembered for the “Fan Man” incident but in reality it was a highly entertaining fight. Even at the height of his skills against an ill prepared Bowe, Evander had all he could do to win the decision and regain the title. Without the championship, Riddick had become an enigma to himself. Would he rededicate himself or let the talent he had slip through his fists.

Riddick began his march toward reclaiming his crown. He would beat once highly regarded Herbie Hide and knock out overrated Jorge Luis Gonzalez who had beaten Riddick in the amateurs. He would again meet a now ex-champion Holyfield in a rubber match. He would pick himself off the canvas to knock out Evander and it appeared Riddick was still a prime player in the heavyweight sweepstakes. All that came crashing down following two brutal and highly controversial bouts against Andrew Golota.

Golota was a native of Poland. He was big, strong, talented and white. He was dubbed the next “White Hope” and a victory over Bowe would put him back in the thick of the title picture. Bowe was still considered too good for the upstart but things changed abruptly when the fight started. Riddick lost too much weight too fast in training. He was weak and lethargic. Golota outboxed, outslugged and outfought Bowe but he also landed repeated low blows. Finally the foul punches cost Golota the bout as he was disqualified in round seven.

In their rematch Riddick vowed to be in condition. It did not matter, Golota was again the dominant fighter and he was again guilty of repeated low blows that led to his disqualification in round nine. The Riddick Bowe who “won” dubious disqualification victories over Golota was only a shell of the Bowe who had won the crown from Holyfield.

That Bowe may have been able to beat the Liston who destroyed Patterson or the Dempsey that ravaged Luis Firpo. He may have beaten the Louis who crushed Schmeling or the Marciano who rendered Jersey Joe Walcott unconscious. He may have defeated the Joe Frazier who whipped Ali or the Ali who drubbed Foreman or the Foreman who bounced Frazier around like a rubber ball. Maybe he could have even beaten the Clay who humbled Liston.

Could he have defeated his amateur nemesis Lennox Lewis? Could he have handled the pressure of neighborhood rival Mike Tyson? Unfortunately, we’ll never know.

 

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CURTIS COKES By Jim Amato (6/25/10)

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.   Curtis who never had an amateur fight began his professional career in Midland, Texas on March 24, 1958 outscoring Manuel Gonzalez over six rounds. Curtis and Manuel would get to know each other a lot better in years to come. Curtis was born on June 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He would go on to win his next ten fights including an eight rounder over Gonzalez. Finally in April of 1959, one year after turning pro Curtis suffered his first career loss to none other then Manuel Gonzalez. A no contest in a match with the talented Rip Randall set up a rematch. Curtis took out Randall in the first round. Later in the year Curtis would drop a six round duke to Frankie Davis.

Cokes won four fights in 1960. In 1961 he moved up the ladder with big wins over Joe Miceli and Charley ” Tombstone ” Smith. Cokes then dropped a decision in Mexico to Hilario Morales. He then fought a draw with the clever Kenny Lane in Dallas. Back in Dallas two months later Curtis scored a huge win with a split decision over the highly respected Luis Rodriguez. Cokes would then meet and again decision Manny Gonzalez but would lose points call to Rodriguez in a return match.

Curtis would bounce back in 1962 with five straight wins including knockouts over Hilario Morales and the rugged Rudolph Bent. Another trip to Mexico cost him another defeat. This times a decision to Manuel Sixto Alvarez. Four more wins led to a 1963 clash at the Sunnyside Garden in New York against contender Jose Stable. Curtis lost a very close decision. Cokes would then outpoint the very tough Stan Harrington. On May 1, 1964 Curtis travelled to the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to meet the dangerous Stan ” Kitten ” Hayward. He would suffer a major set back as Hayward stopped Cokes in round four.

It was back to the drawing board for Curtis. Two decision wins over Al Andrews got him back on track but he dropped a ten rounder to the slick Eddie Pace. On December 13, 1965 Curtis won the Southern Welterweight title with a twelve round decision over Billy Collins. On July 6, 1966 Cokes stopped Luis Rodriguez one minute in to the fifteenth and final round of an eliminination bout for the welterweight title vacated by Emile Griffith.

Seven weeks after his win over Rodriguez, Cokes met old rival Manuel Gonzalez for the WBA version of the welterweight title. The battle took place in New Orleans. Curtis floored Gonzalez on his way to a lopsided decision and a world’s championship. In November Cokes outclassed Frenchman Jean Josselin to win universal recognition as welterweight champion. Still many felt that Cokes was the champ only because Griffith had vacated the division. Curtis would go on to prove himself a worthy champion.

In early 1967 Curtis would have three non-title affairs. First he drew with Francious Pavilla. He knocked out Ted Whitfield but then the wily Gypsy Joe Harris outpointed Curtis. Finally Cokes defended his title halting Pavilla in a return bout. Next came a very impressive stoppage of sharp contender Charlie Shipes. Two non-title wins in early 1968 over Josselin and Jimmy Lester led to a defense in Dallas against South African contender Willie Ludick. An inspired Cokes flattened Ludick in the fifth round. Three non-title knockouts in South Africa followed including a repeat performance over Ludick. Then came a one-sided title-retaining verdict over Ramon La Cruz.

Jose Napoles, a Cuban who had migrated to Mexico years before had long been considered one of the best fighters in the business. Still he had never received a shot at a world title. Curtis Cokes was a proud man and a proud champion. He felt he was the best welterweight in the world. He also knew that Napoles was a very worthy contender and that he deserved a shot at the title. They met at the Forum in Inglewood, California on April 18, 1969. On that day Napoles proved to the world that he was a special fighter. Jose out fought and battered the game Cokes throughout using a remarkable jab and bone jarring combinations. Hopelessly behind on points Curtis did not answer the bell for round fourteen and his belt was awarded to Napoles.

Maybe it was just a bad night but Curtis had to know so he went down to Mexico two months later to attempt to reclaim his championship. Again Napoles proved to be too much for the game Cokes and the bout was ended after ten rounds. Curtis would return seven months later as a full-fledged middleweight. Cokes had hoped that old rival Luis Rodriguez would defeat middleweight king Nino Benvenuti when they met on November 22, 1969. Curtis was confident that Rodriguez would give him a crack at the middleweight title. After ten rounds Rodriguez had Benvenuti bleeding and bewildered and it looked like Luis was going to take the crown and then just like that, it was over. A crashing left hook put Rodriguez flat on his back for the count as the bleeding Benvenuti retained his crown.

With little hope of a title shot Curtis still campaigned as a middleweight. He won four bouts but then drew with Akron’s Fate Davis, a fighter he defeated seven months earlier. Cokes then lost decisions to Rafael Gutierrez and Carlos Salinas on the West Coast. Then he lost to Elijah Makathini in South Africa. By now it was 1972 and Carlos Monzon was firmly entrenched as middleweight king. There would be little interest in a bout between the great Monzon and the aging Cokes. Curtis returned to South Africa and won decisions over Joseph Hali and Ezra Mzinyane and then retired.

In 80 bouts Curtis put together a fine 62-14-3 record with one no contest. He won thirty fights by knockout. He was stopped only three times. He met the best welterweights of his era other then Emile Griffith.Curtis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003 with the help of mutual friend Steve Canton, I was able to reach Mr. Cokes and have a very nice conversation with him. I contacted him at his gym where he trains boxers. Curtis once trained highly regarded heavyweights Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson. He also guided Quincy Taylor to the middleweight title. He also appeared in the boxing movie classic ” Fat City “.

Curtis was extremely courteous and giving with his time. He said even though he and Manny Gonzalez met in the ring numerous times, they were very good friends. Curtis had a tremendous amount of respect for Luis Rodriguez and despite their battles they always maintained a friendly relationship. I asked him if he regretted never meeting Emile Griffith in the ring. Curtis more or less said that he had no control on Emile’s decision to move up in weight. Did he feel he could have defeated Emile? In his low key, respectful manner Mr.Cokes just stated he felt that he was capable of beating any welterweight in the world during his prime but he had a great respect for Emile’s talent and that they are friends. He said the knockout loss to Stan Hayward in 1964 took him by surprise but he just put it behind him and moved on. He called Napoles a great fighter who he was just unable to overcome. Curtis really felt that if Rodriguez had defeated Benvenuti, they would have met again. This time for the middleweight championship of the world. I would like to thank Curtis Cokes for taking the time to speak to me one on one.

I’d also like to thank promoter, trainer, gym owner and jack-of-all-trades Steve Canton for helping me to contact Curtis.

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Archie Moore: The Ageless Warrior By Jim Amato: By Jim Amato (6/19/10)
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.

Born on December 13, 1913, ( or 1916 to Archie) Moore boxed for years without due recognition. He fought all over the country. He even traveled to Australia and Argentina in search of fame and fortune. After six years on the circuit, Archie began to make his move toward the big time. In 1942, he knocked out Shorty Hogue in two rounds. Hogue had decisioned Archie no less than three times earlier in his career. He also beat rugged Jack Chase and drew with Ed Booker. In 1943, he won two out of three against Chase. In 1944, Moore lost by a knockout to Booker and also dropped a decision to the great Charley Burley. 1945 was a good year for Archie as he lost only two of fourteen fights. He beat Clevelander Lloyd Marshall twice. He was stopped by another Clevelander, the outstanding Jimmy Bivins. He lost a decision to Holman Williams but kayoed Holman in a rematch.

By this time Archie was formidable enough to warrant a title shot but it would be seven long years before he was granted one. Along the way, Moore would beat Curtis Sheppard twice and Bert Lytell twice. He would beat Bivins four times in rematches. He would defeat Harold Johnson in three put of four contests. He also scored victories over Ted Lowry, Bob Satterfield, Phil Muscato, Alberto Lovell and Jimmy Slade. The only boxer who could handle Archie was Ezzard Charles. Ezz beat Moore three times. The last time by a spectacular eighth round knockout in Cleveland. Finally on December 17, 1952, presumably just after his 39th birthday, Archie met yet another Cleveland legend, Joey Maxim. With Maxim's world light heavyweight title on the line Archie won a persuading decision to become a champion at last.

As world champion the legacy of Archie Moore would flourish. He defeated Maxim twice in title rematches. He beat heavyweight Nino Valdes twice, Bob Baker and Bert Whitehurst. He would successfully defend his crown with knockouts over Harold Johnson and Bobo Olson. On September 21, 1955, Archie would get his first crack at the heavyweight crown when he met Rocky Marciano. In the second round, Archie sent Marciano to the canvas. Rocky beat the count and lasted out the round. However, slowly the tide turned in Marciano's favor. Rocky proved to be too strong for the gritty Moore who finally succumbed in round nine. He kayoed Yolande Pompey in a title defense and on November 30, 1956, he was matched with Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight championship that Marciano had vacated. Although Archie was given a good chance to win by experts, the youthful Patterson was much too fast and stopped Moore in round five.

Archie went back to defending his light heavyweight crown stopping the highly regarded Tony Anthony in seven rounds. Moore continued to meet heavyweights in hope of securing one more shot at that title. Archie defeated Howard King twice, Roger Rischer, Willi Besmanoff and Charley Norkus before putting his title on the line. Moore's 1958 bout with Canada'sYvon Durelle secured Archie's place in fistic history. Repeatedly knocked down in the early rounds and then down again in the fifth, Moore refused to surrender. By the middle rounds Durelle began to tire. Archie came on to stop Durelle in the eleventh round to retain his title in a classic thriller. In their 1959 rematch Yvon was a lot less troublesome as he exited in round three. Moore did not defend his title at all in 1960 much to the dismay of the National Boxing Association who withdrew recognition of Archie as a champion on October 25th. Old foe Harold Johnson beat Jesse Bowdry to claim the vacant NBA title. Still recognized be New York State and the European Boxing Union Archie decisioned Giulio Rinaldi in his final title defense. On February 10, 1692, New York and the EBU stripped Archie of his crown. A feat no mere mortal could accomplish in the ring. Finally the ageless wonder began to slow down. Archie still had enough left in 1962 to draw the future protege Cassius Clay. Clay had won the light heavyweight Gold Medal at the 1960 Olympics and had trained briefly under Archie early in his pro career. The brash upstart overwhelmed the aging warrior as he had predicted in round four. Archie had no more illusions of becoming heavyweight champion.

Upon his retirement, Archie did some acting and he also became very involved in helping the youth of America. He started a program called "Any Boy Can" and used this as a vehicle to reach young people in a positive manner. Archie's book which is aptly titled "Any Boy Can" explains Archie's views on helping youth as well as Archie covering his life and boxing career.

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2010 National Junior Olympic Championships Finals

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On Sunday, June 13, 2010, from Jeanne DePriest (6/21/1)
there was a National Officials Task Force Meeting via conference call while I was at the National JO Tournament in Camp Lejeune, NC. We were informed on the call that a number of our National Officials were elevated to the AIBA Level. I am pleased to announce that Colorado has two National Officials that have been elevated to the AIBA level and they are: Ric Ericson Margarito Berzoza Please join me in congratulating these two Colorado officials on their elevation. Great job!
Thank you,
Jeanne jhd4boxing@msn.com
970-978-5188
970-978-5188
(cell) 970-663-1315 (home & fax)

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Closet Classic: Bob Foster vs Andy Kendall By Jim Amato (6/19/10)
Not too long ago one of my favorite writers, Ted Sares asked me if I could come up with some bouts as he described them as “closet classics”. I came up with a few for Ted. Here recently I was making a tape for a friend. One of the bouts was the 1969 light heavyweight title fight between Bob Foster and Andy Kendall. I have a mint copy of this fight and what a war it was while it lasted. This was Foster at the peak of his great career. What a fighter he was. Most people remember his devastating power but what they tend to forget is that Bob had a terrific jab. He jabbed on even terms with Muhammad Ali when they met. He even cut the “Greatest”.

Andy Kendall was no slouch. He was a rough and rugged customer who met Don Fullmer, Bobo Olson, Eddie Cotton, Roger Rouse and Eddie “Bossman” Jones on his way to this title shot. The ABC broadcast had Howard Cosell and the late Willie Pep at ringside calling the action.

It was a war from the opening bell. The shorter Kendall tried to be aggressive and on working his way in he butted Bob on a few occasions. In the ring Foster had little sense of humor and he hit Andy on the break drawing a warning from the referee. Bob had a ten inch reach advantage and he wasted little time establishing his fine jab. Bob also launched several punishing rights to Kendall’s head. Andy was game to the core as he absorbed the punishment and kept moving forward.

Although Andy lost the first two rounds, he made a statement in round three. His aggression was beginning to pay off and he finally got to Bob in round three. He rocked Foster on a couple of occasions and the fans loved it. Now it was a fight!

Bob must have sensed this as round four began as he came out and took charge. There was a brutal exchange but Andy got the worst of it and staggered into the ropes. Foster was right on him pouring in punch after punch. The courageous Kendall tried to fight back but Foster was a great finisher. Finally Kendall sank to the canvas. His inner toughness forced him to rise before the ten count but the referee had seen enough and waved the fight over. Foster had retained his title but he knew he had been in a fight. You could see it in his eyes that he admired the stubborn courage of Andy Kendall.

Foster would fight on and forge his legend. Kendall would fight on too. He would meet men like Dick Tiger, Larry Buck, Mike Quarry, Pat O’Conner, Jorge Ahumada and Yaqui Lopez and will always be considered one of the best light heavyweight contenders of the Bob Foster era.

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What Should Have Been But Never Was : Cuevas -vs- Palomino. By Jim Amato (6/15/10)
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 ! He did not just win fights. He broke bones. He was a devastating puncher with a wrecking ball left hook. He left a trail of fractured jaws, etc... In a word, he was awesome ! Then Tommy Hearns exposed his chin and Roberto Duran followed suit. Herman Montes ended the legend but give Pipino his due. During his prime he was feared ! He crushed legit opposition like Harold Weston Jr., Clyde Gray, Angel Espada and Pete Ranzany. He came to fight and he had the classic kill or be killed mentality.

While Pipino was recognized as the W.B.A. titleholder, another popular West Coast boxer emerged to win the W.B.C. version. He was Carlos Palomino and he won the crown with a spectacular KO of John H. Stracey. He defended the crown with pride turning back the challenges of rugged Armando Muniz and the highly touted Dave "Boy" Green.

Why did these two never meet ? This could have been a West Coast bonanza ! Who would have won if they decided to trade hooks ? As mentioned, Pipino lost his crown to Hearns. Palomino was outfoxed by a wizard named Wilfred Benitez and reliquished his title claim. Carlos was then outspeeded by a highly motivated Roberto Duran. Carlos retired but returned. The saga ended years later in an ill fated comeback that accomplished little. Carlos Palomino has been inducted to the I.B.H.O.F . Did he deserve to get in ? YES !!! He was a class act who was good for the sport. So was Cuevas. It's to bad that they ushered in the Golden Era of the 147 lb. division. They had to make way for the Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Benitez era. What a shame. Two world class champions who may only serve as footnotes.

Only time and history will tell us how Pipino and Carlos will be remembered. Being enshrined in the I.B.H.O.F. is a wonderful start. If there were no Sugar, Tommy, Roberto and Wilfred. Carlos and Pipino would have faced off. Who would have won this "should have taken place" Super Bout ? Give me two guys with heart, punch and talent and I say the "chin" will win. My choice is Carlos. It's all about the beard!

c

Mens Regional tournament Results in New Mexico From Jeff Byrd (6/14/10)
Our regional Team is:
108 Louie Byrd Colorado
114 Emmanuel Montano New mexico
123 Ricky Rodriguez Colorado
132 Joel Gonzales New Mexico
141 Abel Ramos Arizona
152 Luis Olivares Arizona
165 Quentin McCoy Colorado
178 Adan Gentzler Colorado 201 Siju Shabazz

New Mexico Females
106 Natalie Martinez New Mexico
112 Nicole Pasilles Colorado
119 Erica Rosenberg Colorado
132 Rita Martinez New Mexico
141 Christie Baca New Mexico

The team point winner was Colorado and second going to Arizona

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Youngstown great Lenny "Boom Boom" Mancini... By Jim Amato (6/14/10)
Although he will be best remembered as the father of Ray Mancini, Lenny was a pretty darn good fighter in his own right.

Lenny was born in Youngstown, Ohio on July 12, 1919. The city of Youngstown and the surrounding areas produced such outstanding fistic talent in the 1940's with the likes of Tony Janiro, Tommy Bell and Sonny Horne. Lenny was among the talented Y'town exports.

Standing at 5' 2", Lennny who turned pro in the late 30's slugged his way to a world ranking during the glorious 40's.He was an extremely popular attraction in New York as he climbed the ratings ladder. In December of 1939 he lost an eight rounder to tough Johnny Rinaldi.

Lenny bounced back in 1940 fighting a six round draw with future welterweight king Marty Servo.He kayoed Frankie Terranova and outscored Joey Fontana. He then drew with Jimmy Vaughn and again outpointed Fontana. Lenny then took a tough decision over Carl "Red" Guggino and closed out the year splitting a pair of eight round verdicts with Irving Eldridge.

In 1941 he lost on points to the highly respected Leo Rodak. He came back to defeat Billy Marquart over ten in New York and then again in a Cleveland rematch.

On May 19,1941 Lenny met National Boxing Association lightweight champion Sammy Angott in a non-title fight at Cleveland's Public Hall. After ten grueling rounds Angott was awarded an unpopular split decision. Lenny would never receive a shot at the crown. In his next fight he drew with Terry Young. In August he lost on points to Pete Lello.Still Lenny and Canadian Dave Castilloux were considered the top two lightweight contenders.On November 11 Lenny went to Montreal and won a convincing decision over Castilloux.

Lenny served his country during the war and when he got out he was close to being a heavyweight ! He still had the burning desire to be a champion so he returned to training and came back as a welterweight. He continued to be a good drawing card in New York but his career never really got back on track. In 1946 he lost to Phil Palmer and later to Harry Hurst on two occasions. He dropped another to Johnny Williams.

In 1947 Lenny gave it one last try at middleweight losing to the gifted Rocky Castellani at Madison Square Garden and then in a rematch in Scranton.

Lenny had around 70 professional fights among fast company and was NEVER knocked out ! One can only wonder if he had not been called off to war, would he have won the crown ? How proud he must have been when his son Ray captured the W.B.A. version of the title in May of 1982.

The career of Ray Mancini has been extensively covered in the past. No sense in re-hashing it here. All that can be said is that he did his father proud, inside and outside of the ring.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lenny Mancini at a fight show in Youngstown back in 1994. He was very easy to approach and was nice enough to sign a photo I had of him in his fighting stance. I only wish now I would have had more time to have talked to him.

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Henry Cooper: What British Boxing is all About By Jim Amato (6/13/10)
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 more than fifteen years. His popularity soared even more after retirement and 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. Henry's professional career started in September of 1954 and he won his first nine fights, including an eight round points win over Joe Bygraves. In Henry's tenth bout, against Uber Bacilleri, he lost the first of many bouts due to an eye cut. He would later avenge that loss.

The roller coaster career of Henry Cooper had now begun. He would drop a ten-rounder to Joe Erskine and stop Brian London in one round, only to lose in five to Peter Bates. 1955 was a rough year for Henry as Bygraves kayoed him for the British Empire title. Future world champion Ingemar Johansson then bombed him out. Joe Erskine then outscored him for the British title. Henry began to turn things around late in 1958 with a stoppage over Dick Richardson and points win over respected American Zora Folley. He finally won the British and Empire titles by decision over Brian London in 1959. He halted Gawie de Klerk in an Empire defense and defended both titles by a fifth round stoppage of Joe Erskine. In 1960 Henry scored important decision victories of Roy Harris and Alex Mitiff. He again defended his titles by a fifth round stoppage of Erskine in March of 1961.

On December 5, 1961, Henry suffered a major setback when Folley kayoed him in the second round of their rematch. He came back to again stop Erskine in 1962 and Dick Richardson in 1963, setting the stage for a match with the undefeated Olympian Cassius Clay. The facts of Cooper's first bout with Clay have been well-documented. His left hook knocked Clay down at the end of round four. A torn glove gave Clay time to recover. Cassius then came back to cut and stop Henry in round five.

Cooper beat Brian London again, winning the vacant European title in the process. Six months later he was stripped of that title due to an injury. Henry would win five of his next seven bouts, setting up a title shot and rematch against Clay (Muhammad Ali).

The rematch was anti-climatic. Henry tried hard but Ali's punches again ripped the tender skin above Cooper's eye forcing a stoppage. Four months later, ex title holder Floyd Patterson felled Henry. It was again time to rebuild. Henry went back to retaining his British and Empire titles by defeating Jack Bodell and Billy Walker. He then regained the European title winning on a disqualification from Karl Mildenberger.

In 1969 Henry was to be matched with World Boxing Association champion Jimmy Ellis. The fight fell through because the British Boxing Board refused to recognize it as a world title fight. In a huff, Henry gave up the British and Empire titles. Later Henry relinquished the European crown due to an injury.

Again in 1970 the Amazing E'nry came back to regain the British and Empire titles from Jack Bodell. Later he regained the European crown by stopping Jose Urtain.

On March 16, 1971, Henry met upcoming Joe Bugner with all three titles at stake. After fifteen well-contested rounds, Bugner was awarded a very close and controversial decision much to the dismay of Henry. Cooper never boxed again.

I hope that Sir Henry is slated to be a guest at the Boxing Hall of Fame this year. His popularity has crossed the Atlantic. A tribute to this fine fighter and even finer gentleman.

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2010 State Junior Golden Gloves Tournament (6-13-10)

The location is Clear Creek High School in Evergreen, CO. There will also be "show bouts" on both Friday and Saturday, so please bring ALL of your boxers to make this show the best ever!

Attached is the following information for you:
Tournament Entry Form
Tournament Information Sheet
Tournament Flyer

If you have any questions on the attached, please contact either Beau Campbell, 303-263-9024 - 303-263-9024
OR
Jeanne DePriest, 970-978-5188 - 970-978-5188

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Frazier - Quarry I: 41 Years Since This Heavyweight Classic By Jim Amato (6/8/10)
June 23, 1969 at New York's Madison Square Garden, Joe Frazier met the popular Irish fighter, Jerry Quarry, for the New York State recognized heavyweight title. Back in the day, the New York State Boxing Commission wielded quite a bit of power. Commissioner Edwin Dooley wasted little time stripping Muhammad Ali of his heavyweight title when Ali refused induction into the Armed Forces. The World Boxing Association did the same and they set up a tournament to determine a new champion. Eight top contenders were selected, with unbeaten Joe Frazier being one of them. Frazier's management declined the invitation, however. The eventual winner of the tourney was Jimmy Ellis, who defeated Jerry Quarry in the finals.

The N.Y.S.A.C. offered Frazier a chance to fight Buster Mathis, who like Frazier, was undefeated. Mathis had defeated Frazier twice in the amateur ranks. The winner would be the champion in New York and a few other states. Well, Frazier met Big Buster and took him out in the eleventh to gain revenge and also win a piece of the heavyweight title.

Although the talented Jimmy Ellis held the more recognized WBA tilte, Frazier was considered by most as the best active heavyweight. They would eventually meet to settle their differences.

The bout with Quarry would be considered as a measuring stick between Frazier and Ellis. Frazier had labored through two decision wins over rugged Oscar Bonavena. In their first ten rounder, Bonavena had Frazier down twice but Frazier rallied to get the verdict. Their second bout saw Frazier and Bonavena slug it out for fifteen tough rounds, with Frazier again getting the decision. In between the two Frazier-Bonavena battles, Bonavena met Jimmy Ellis. In one of Ellis' best career performances, he floored the granite jawed Bonavena twice to win a convincing decision. Based on those bouts, Ellis seemed to have an edge on Frazier. In the Quarry bout, Frazier needed to make a statement.

Jerry Quarry was no pushover, however. He was ranked as one of the five best heavyweights in the world. He did a number on Mathis just three months before meeting Frazier winning a lopsided twelve rounder. Not surprizingly, there were a lot of people who thought Quarry had a real chance of winning.

The bout itself was non stop action, a real heavyweight slugfest. To his credit, Quarry always came to fight and you never had to look for Joe Frazier. Early in the first round, it was toe to toe action. Knowing that both boxers could bang, the fans were really enjoying this. Each fighter was rocked a bit but were still standing at the end of a terrific round.

The next two rounds were more of the same, as they slugged it out on the inside. By round four, it was becoming apparent the Quarry was fighting Frazier's fight. Frazier began breaking down Quarry who gamely fought back. As the bout wore on, Quarry was cut and he was getting staggered by Frazier's famous left hook.

It ended in seven. Quarry had a severe cut and at this point Frazier had taken command. It was a gruelling fight, though, and even in losing, Quarry won a ton of respect from this courageous performance.

Jerry Quarry is no longer with us and he was recently joined by his brother Mike Quarry, who was a fine boxer in his own right. This was one of my favorite heavyweight battles. It is hard for me to believe it took place forty one years ago.

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We conducted our State Senior Tournament one week ago on May 28-30, 2010. THANK YOU to all of the 36 boxers who participated and supported our State Tournament. We are proud of ALL of you! CONGRATULATIONS to our 12 Champions! They are:

CONGRATULATIONS to our 7 Novice Champions!
They are: Male (Novice) Champions
132 lbs - James Irman - 20th Street (Unopposed Champion)
141 lbs - Christopher Gooding - Unattached (Unopposed Champion)
165 lbs - Juan Medina - Unattached (Champion)
201 lbs - Aaron Silverthorn - Impact - (Unopposed Champion)
201+lbs - Shawn Cooper - 20th Street (Unopposed Champion)

Female (Novice) Champions
141 lbs - Luvisa Metali - Red Shield (Unopposed Champion)
165 lbs - Anna Castano - A1 Boxing (Unopposed Champion)

Also, the OUTSTANDING BOXER TROPHY was awarded to Ricky Rodriguez, Rodarte and the TEAM TROPHY was awarded to WCAP. Thank you again to ALL those who participated in this Tournament!

Male Champions:
108 lbs - Louie Byrd - Golden Gloves Backyard Brawlers (Unopposed Champion)
114 lbs - Timothy Ibarra - Unatttached (Unopposed Champion)
123 lbs - Ricky Rodriguez - Rodarte (Champion)
132 lbs - Ronnie Reams - Rough House (Champion)
141 lbs - Rudy Sierra - Unattached (Champion)
152 lbs - Reyes Marquez - WCAP (Champion)
165 lbs - Quentin McCoy - WCAP (Champion)
178 lbs - Adam Gentzler - Impact (Champion
) 201 lbs - Juan Ramos - Unattached (Unopposed Champion)
201+ lbs - Andrew Shepherd - Unattached (Unopposed Champion)

Female Champions:
112 lbs - Nicole Pasillas - D-Town (Unopposed Champion)
119 lbs - Erica Rosenberg - Cobra's (Unopposed Champion)

All but one of the above Athletes will be representing Colorado at the Regional Senior Tournament in Isleta, NM on June 11-12, 2010. Andrew Shepherd will not be able to compete in the Regional Tournament due to being deployed very shortly thereafter. We wish Andrew God speed and to return to us safe and unharmed. Good Luck to ALL of our Champions and may Colorado bring home the Four Corners, Region 9, Team trophy!!!!

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May 7, 2010:
108 lbs - Louie Byrd (CO) wins the final bout over Santos Vasquez (NV) in the 2010 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
This is Louie's 3rd National Golden Gloves Tournament victory in a row............2008 = 106 lbs.; 2009 = 112 lbs; 2010 = 108 lbs.
We are very proud of ALL our boxers that participated in this National Tournament! They represented us well.

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2010 State JO Tournament Results Jeanne DePriest - President Colorado LBC Association (4/29/10)
53 boxers entered the Tournament
26 boxers are "Unopposed" Champions
18 boxers (+3 runner-up boxers) are eligible to advance to our Regional Tournament in New Mexico

The following is a list of our 2010 Champions:
Bantam - Age 8 55 lbs -
Brendon Torres - Unattached (Unopposed) 60 lbs -
Raymond Carrasco - North Denver Tigers (Unopposed)
70 lbs - Leroy Baca - Unattached (Unopposed) Bantam -

Age 9-10 55 lbs - Humberto Guerrero - Strictly 60 lbs -
Elmer Monarrez - GG Backyard Brawlers (Unopposed)
65 lbs - Luis Ybarra, Jr. - Ybarra's 70 lbs -
Andres Garcia - North Denver Tigers 138 lbs -
Carlos Perez - Red Shield (Unopposed)

Junior - Age 11-12 60 lbs -
Marcus Rodriguez - GG Backyard Brawlers (Unopposed)
65 lbs - Pedro Diaz - Red Shield 70 lbs -
David Carrasco - North Denver Tigers
75 lbs - Christian Torres - Unattached (Unopposed)
80 lbs - Maurice Rodriguez - GG Backyard Brawlers (Unopposed)
90 lbs - Vanessa Villereal - Longmont (Unopposed-Female)
90 lbs - Federico Jaramillo, Jr. - Denver Police Brotherhood (Unopposed)
95 lbs - Brooke Martinez - Strictly (Unopposed-Female)
101 lbs - Jesse Mendoza III - Rodarte
110 lbs - Jake Baca - Unattached (Unopposed)
114 lbs - Cristian Escobedo - D-Town (Unopposed)

Intermediate - Age 13-14 (eligible to advance to Regional JO's in NM) = 7 75 lbs -
Andrew Strode - Denver Police Brotherhood (Unopposed)
80 lbs - Jacob Perez - GG Backyard Brawlers (Unopposed)
90 lbs - Damien Vasquez - Top Notch
101 lbs - Adan Gonzales - Red Shield
114 lbs - Diego Garcia - Denver Police Brotherhood (Unopposed)
119 lbs - Raymond Martinez - Denver Police Brotherhood (Unopposed)
125 lbs - Jordan Howard - Clear Creek (Unopposed)

Senior - Age 15-16 (eligible to advance to Regional JO's in NM) = 11
90 lbs - Melik Elliston - Red Shield (Unopposed)
101 lbs - Donovan Estrella - Unattached (Unopposed)
106 lbs - Kyla Barraza - Denver Police Brotherhood (Unopposed-Female)
106 lbs - Carlos Carrillo - D-Town
110 lbs - Eduardo Vasquez - Denver Police Brotherhood
119 lbs - Ever Rodriguez - D-Town (Unopposed)
125 lbs - Hilario Ramirez-Medina - La Familia
132 lbs - Jonathan Prado - Longmont (Unopposed)
138 lbs - Adrian Pineda - Longmont (Unopposed)
154 lbs - Diana Torres - Longmont (Unopposed-Female)
165 lbs - Chance Basurto - Rodarte (Unopposed)

After reviewing the brackets, there were three (3) additional "slots" that were available to "runner-up" participants from our State JO Tournament that will also be advancing to the Regional JO's (Grand Total = 21 eligible to advance), they are:
Age 13-14, 85 lbs, Nathaniel Pacheco - GG Backyard Brawlers
Age 13-14, 95 lbs, Marcos Torres - Longmont
Age 15-16, 114 lbs, Rudy Rodriguez - Rodarte Outstanding Awards (to those who boxed in the Tournament):
Age 8 - Bantam - no boxers
Age 9-10 - Bantam - 70 lbs - Andres Garcia - North Denver Tigers
Age 11-12 - Junior - 101 lbs - Jesse Mendoza, III - Rodarte
Age 13-14 - Intermediate - 90 lbs - Damien Vasquez - Top Notch
Age 15-16 - Senior - 125 lbs - Hilario Ramirez-Medina - La Familia Team Trophy Denver Police Brotherhood

THANK YOU to ALL those who participated in our State JO Tournament! We appreciate your supporting your LBC and it's great boxers! Congratulations to all of our Champions and good luck and great skill to those that are advancing to the Regional JO Tournament in Albuquerque, NM on May 21-22, 2010. We know that they will do their very best and represent their LBC with great honor and pride!

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ROY JONES JR. ; WAS HE THE BEST SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT? By Jim Amato (4/1/10)
The " Super Middleweight '" division with a 168 pound weight limit was conceived by the International Boxing Federation in 1984. On March 28th of that year rugged Murray Sutherland pounded out a fifteen round decision over Ernie Singletary in Atlantic City to become the first champion of this bastard weight classification. . The World Boxing Association began to recognize the weight class in 1987. The World Boxing Council followed suit in 1988. Somewhere along the line the lightly regarded World Boxing Organization also gave this division its blessing. In all fairness the creation of the 168 pound class has some merit. The jump from middleweight ( 160 ) to light heavyweight ( 175 ) is a serious challenge. A few have accomplished the feat but other great middleweights like Carlos Monzon and Marvin Hagler avoided the issue.

Little by little the division began to take hold. Currently the top regarded super middleweight is Joe Calzaghe although he now has a serious challenger in Mikkel Kessler. Since 1984 though the division has been graced by some great, great boxers. Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns and James Toney all held the piece of the title at one point or another. Iran Barkley, Nigel Benn and Michael Nunn among others were recognized titleholders.

Who was the best 168 pound boxer since the inception of the weight class in 1984. Many will favor Joe Calzaghe because of his numerous title defenses. It would be hard not to say Leonard or Hearns as their classic battle at 168 lbs. ended in a controversial draw. Really neither boxer spent a lot of time in this weight class to make a major impact. Well for my money I feel the most formidable super middleweight titleholder was Roy Jones Jr. In the two years he held the crown he made six successful defenses, all by knockout.

Roy won the title by defeating unbeaten James Toney. This much anticipated Super Bout took place on November 18, 1994. Toney had won the title in 1993 with an impressive stoppage of Iran Barkley. Entering the Las Vegas ring to face Jones, Toney sported a 44-0-2 record. The fight wasn't even close. Jones scored a flash knockdown over Toney in the third round. Roy then proceeded to walk off with the title by scores of 119-108, 118-109 and 117-111.

In March of 1995 Roy blitzed the capable Antoine Byrd in a single round. Then in June he dominated the popular Vinny Pazienza. The bout was halted in six rounds. Then Roy took out veteran contender Tony Thornton in three rounds. In 1996 Roy belted out the game and hard punching Merqui Sosa in two. Rough and tough Eric Lucas was next and his grit and determination took him into the twelfth and final round when the bout was finally stopped. In 2001 Lucas would win the WBC version of the title. In his sixth and final defense he took out unbeaten Bryant Brannon in the second. One month later Roy would beat Mike McCallum for light heavyweight honors.

Taking the Toney fight and all six of his defenses into account, the combined record of Roy's opposition was an astounding 208-21-7. That should clearly show how dominant Roy was at this weight. Could Roy have beaten Leonard, Hearns or even Calzaghe at this weight ? Good question but it is plain that nobody other then maybe Calzaghe dominated like Roy did at 168 pounds.

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Today's show (Wednesday, March 23, 2010) has been CANCELLED. We will resume with the Tournament on Thursday, March 25, 2010. The bout sheet from Wednesday will take place on Thursday. We will also be adding bouts to the Thursday bout sheet in order to make up for the "snow" day. We will be calling and emailing all clubs and letting them know of the additional boxers that we will be adding to the bout sheet no later than 4:00 pm today. I will also email an "updated" bout sheet at that time. We will resume normal Tournament schedule for the weigh-ins on Thursday. Therfore, weigh-ins will be at 8:00 am - 10:00 am.

If you have any questions, please contact the Golden Gloves. Thank you for your patience during this time and please stay safe.

Jeanne Chief of Officials
Colorado Golden Gloves 970-978-5188 (cell)
970-663-1315 (home & fax)

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Crown Boxing Mr. Frank Luca, Promoter By Franco Floyd Fontanero (3/17/10)
If I were going to put a fight card together and wanted it to be action-packed; giving the paying customer their monies worth, here is what I would do. But first, let me say that as we know, there are many bouts that start out with the makings of a great contest. But, as the rounds go by and fighters begin to tire, they slow down and begin to tie up. Then the contest begins to lose it’s glow. No longer do the fans find it exciting. So, with that being said, I would plan my action-packed fight card by filling it in with maybe six 4round bouts and say maybe a 6round Main Event. This would make it an action filled night of boxing with the fans already planning to return for another night of boxing even before they leave the arena! Also, I wouldn’t let too much time lapse between bouts; making it exciting bout after exciting bout. Great plan, isn’t it? I wish I could take credit for such a great idea, an idea that even some boxing officials I have spoken with find it to be brilliant! But, the mastermind behind this great plan happens to be Mr. Frank Luca, of Crown Boxing!! Were you among the happy crowd at the Orleans Hotel and Casino on March 12?? You really don’t want to miss the next fight card, now do you? Franco Floyd Fontanero "See you at the fights!" www.seeyouatthefights.com

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MARCH 8, 1971...THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH By Jim Amato (3/2/10)
There are certain dates that will stick with you as long as you live. Your birthday, the birthdays of family members, anniversaries, the day that you got your divorce ( s ), etc...Happy and important days that mark milestones in your life. s

One such date I'll always remember is March 8, 1971. The " Battle Of The Century ", it was so aptly named.Two undefeated boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs. Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by Jimmy Ellis. The powerful New York State Athletic Commission would recognize the winner of a match up between unbeaten boxers Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis. A bout in which Joe won. In 1970 Frazier stopped Ellis to claim the vacated title. Later that year Muhammad Ali returned to ring wars and halted highly ranked contenders Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena. The stage was now set. Ali and Frazier would clash for the undisputed title.

The first Ali - Frazier bout was the epic that all others are compared to, even today. There is no reason in this article to describe the bout itself. Reams of print have appeared documenting the action that took place in the ring that magical night. What I would like to share is the impact that fight on me and probably millions of others. I have never before or since March 8, 1971 felt the same way about a prize fight. Yes there were a few that stirred my anticipation like Duran-DeJesus II and III, Leonard-Duran I, Leonard-Hearns I, Pryor-Arguello I, Hagler-Hearns and Leonard-Hagler. Still to this day Ali - Frazier I tops them all.

Was Ali - Frazier I the best action fight of all time? I would have to say no but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement, this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer. Each boxer would receive $ 2.5 million for their nights work. That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971.

I have never been so wound up with anticipation for a boxing match in my life. I was a few months shy of my seventeenth birthday and had been a boxing fan from the time I was ten.I had closely followed all the events leading up this day in boxing history.

On fight night I was at a party and we gathered around the radio listening to the round by round summary. We were pretty much split on the outcome of the fight but almost all of us were rooting for " Smokin' Joe ". From the round by round reports we could sense that this was a bout with shifting momentums. The ever proud Ali realized that Joe had come to fight this evening. Maybe Ali took Frazier too lightly. Maybe Muhammad rushed too soon to get back in the ring after his lengthy layoff. Maybe, just maybe the Joe Frazier of March 8, 1971 was one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I've never seen a boxer who laid it all out for one fight like Joe did that night. You've heard it said that a boxer would rather die then be defeated. On this night Joe would have died a hundred deaths before giving in to Ali.

Round after round went by and as we listened to the radio. In the eleventh Frazier rocked Ali and we as a collective group cheered. Even the ones who had bet on Ali to win. As the bout moved into the " championship " rounds, we were all on the edge of our seats. Then it happened. It was announced on the radio the Joe had decked Ali in the fifteenth round. More cheering and now the wait. Finally it was time to render the decision. The winner and still heavyweight champion of the world...Joe Frazier!

Oh what a night. Thirty eight years later I can remember it like it was yesterday. Ali, Frazier, my friends and myself are now entering the twilight of our lives. Still when I think of that night it takes me back to my youth and to the ultimate excitement that probably the greatest single sporting event of all time brought me. Thanks Joe and Muhammad.

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Thoughts On Boxing "IT IS WHAT IT IS"; By Jim Amato (3/2/10)
Thoughts On Boxing... A couple of thoughts ; Although 2010 has gotten off to a slow start things will be heating up as spring approaches. Some predictions... Mayweather by UD over Mosley. As much as I like and respect Shane as a fighter I don't think he'll pull this one out. Like him or not, in my humble opinion Mayweather is still #1 until somebody whips him. It will be a good fight for six or seven rounds and then Floyd pulls away.

Pac TKO over Clottey...When this fight was first made I thought it would be a close contest.I felt Manny would win but it would be tough fight. The more I have thought about it the more I see Manny winning easier the I first anticipated. Don't get me wrong. Clottey is far from a pushover. If fact I feel Clottey will be the strongest boxer Manny has met up to this point. I just believe Manny's speed and punch volume will wear Clottey down and eventually stop him. I'll say around the tenth or eleventh round. THEN the table will be set for the superfight of 2010. Floyd -vs- Manny. Pavlik TKO over Martinez...This is a tough contest for Kelly but in the end the cream will rise to the top. Kelly has been bombarded in the press. This will be his second coming out party. Sergio will give him fits in the early going with his awkward but effective style. I just feel that Kelly's size, strength and power will overwhelm Martinez in the end. Pavlik is a physical marvel. I've seen this kid train. He should have "Rocky Balboa" stamped on his forehead. Old school all the way !

I don't feel Antonio Margarito should be allowed to box. Boxing is dangerous enough. A boxer risks his life every time he steps into the ring. To do what Margarito did was just plain wrong. He might as well have stepped into the ring with a tire iron in one hand and a billyclub in the other. It may seem harsh but he should have thought about the punishment before he did it. Remember an "unloaded" Margarito looked very ordinary against Mosley.

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JIMMY ELLIS A Champion Unsung; By Jim Amato (2/24/10)
Author's note; Upon hearing of Jimmy's next great battle against Pugilistic Dementia, I would like to re-release this article about him.

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. Bob Foster, who was one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, had trouble moving up to heavyweight. Jones, Terrell, and Zora Foley soundly beat him in heavyweight bouts. After winning the light heavyweight crown in 1968, he failed in attempts to beat Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. How would he have fared at 190 pounds?

I'm sure if you took all the top boxers who weighed between 175 pounds and 190 pounds since 1960; most experts would rate Holyfield number one. How would a 190-pound Holyfield have coped with Floyd Patterson's hand speed? How about Bob Foster's reach and devastating punch? Could he have beaten Jimmy Elllis? Before you laugh, take a look at Jimmy's record. He started as a middleweight in 1961 and through 1964 he lost five bouts to Holly Mims, Henry Hank, Rubin Carter, Don Fuller and George Benton. All top middleweight contenders. By the time he blasted out Johnny Persol in one round in 1967, he had grown into a heavyweight. He swept the WBA elimination tournament by beating Leotis Martin, Oscar Bonevena and Jerry Quarry. Jimmy twice had the iron jawed Bonevena on the canvas, something Joe Frazier could not do in 25 rounds of fighting. Against Frazier, Ellis weighed in over 200 pounds. He looked flabby and after a few rounds became sluggish. The following year Jimmy met his long time friend Muhammad Ali. Jimmy was in great shape at 189 pounds. His muscles were tight and he looked fit. Unfortunately, Ali was too big. He wore Jimmy down and stopped him in round twelve. I believe the Jimmy Ellis of the Ali fight could have given any 190 pounder since 1960 a run for their money, including Evander Holyfield. Ellis was a slick boxer with sharp reflexes. He had a good left hand and a sneaky right. He also had loads of courage. How many fighters could have gotten to their feet before the count of ten after catching Joe Frazier's full swing left hook flush on the jaw? Jimmy is one of the most overlooked heavyweight champions of the last four decades. This may be due in part because he boxed in the Ali-Frazier era. I've often wondered what the outcome may have been had Bob Foster challenged Ellis for the WBA title. Now that might be a dream match to run through a computer

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LEOTIS MADE THEM NOTICE By Jim Amato (2/19/10)
It was December of 1969 and Charles "Sonny" Liston, the former world's heavyweight champion was making a serious run toward another title shot. After his two humiliating losses to Clay-Ali, Sonny was considered washed up. When he began his comeback against weak opposition it drew little attention. With Ali forced out of action due to his stand on the Vietnam War, Sonny felt that he could reclaim the title. With Jimmy Ellis holding the W. B. A. title and Joe Frazier being recognized by New York State, Sonny was hoping to position himself for a crack at the crown.

After running off a streak of easy wins, Liston was matched with young and talented Henry Clark. Sonny passed his first major test halting Clark in seven. Now Sonny wanted to meet another lower echelon contender. A victory for Sonny could mean a possible match with Jerry Quarry and then a title shot. Liston chose veteran Leotis Martin of Philadelphia as his next stepping stone. Martin had been in with fighters like Ellis, Thad Spencer and Alvin "Blue" Lewis. He had lost a decision to Henry Clark. Martin seemed to be a "safe" opponent.

The bout started out pretty much as expected with Martin moving away and Liston in slow pursuit. Sonny was controlling the action with his powerful jab but the pace was slow. In the fourth round, Liston finally connected and sent Martin to the canvas. Leotis made it to his feet and survived to the bell. Sonny was hoping to finish Martin in the fifth but it was Leotis who began picking up the pace. Martin was now matching jabs with Sonny and also getting in some solid counter punches. By round seven Sonny was beginning to show obvious fatigue. Martin's jab was finding its mark and Liston began bleeding profusely from the nose. The crowd now sensed the possibility of an upset. Round eight saw a patient Martin landing pinpoint jabs to Liston's damaged nose. Sonny now had the look of a desperate fighter and the suspense was building.

As the boxers came out for round nine it was obvious that Martin was the fresher of the two. The damage to Liston's nose was effecting his breathing. Sonny kept pumping his jab hoping to keep Martin from landing his own jab. The veteran Martin bided his time looking for an opening. Then out of nowhere Martin landed a stunning right cross over Sonny's lazy jab. The punch froze Sonny for a moment and then Martin connected with a devastating left hook. Liston fell face first to the canvas, out cold. It would take several minutes to revive Sonny. A brutal ending for a man who was once the most feared fighter in the world. Leotis Martin's victory shot him to the #1 contender spot in the RING Magazine ratings. Maybe there would be an all Philadelphia shoot out with Frazier or a rematch with Ellis. Sadly it was not meant to be. Leotis suffered a detached retina. Today he could have had surgery and returned to the ring. In 1969 it meant retirement. Liston would fight again stopping Chuck Wepner in a bloodbath. It would be his final ring appearance. He would later be found in his house, dead under very suspicious circumstances.

At least Martin had a brief moment in the sun and he'll always be remembered as the man that bombed out Sonny

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JOSE LUIS GARCIA; He Knocked Out Norton ! By Jim Amato (2/6/10)
There may have never been a more talent rich period in the heavyweight division then from 1968 to 1978. With Muhammad Ali (a.k.a. Cassius Clay) on the sidelines due to his draft case, other big men emerged. They would compete with each other on an almost equal basis for the next decade. Joe Frazier had risen to the top of the heap but the level below him would remain as mainstays in the ratings for years to come. Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena, Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo and Henry Cooper would eventually give way to Ron Lyle, Joe Bugner, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Jimmy Young. All time great champions like George Foreman and Larry Holmes also made their mark and Ali re-emerged to reclaim his throne.

Lost among the giants of that time period was a fine heavyweight from Venezuela named Jose Luis Garcia. Although Jose never challenged for the world championship he did meet three who did. He also met three world champions in a career that never seemed to reach its full potential.

Jose turned pro in his native country in 1968. He would go undefeated in his first nine bouts before losing a decision to future light-heavyweight champion Vincente Rondon. Three fights later Jose was halted by though Allen Thomas in his first U.S. appearance. The lean Garcia was beginning to grow into a full-fledged heavyweight. On July 2, 1970 Garcia scored the biggest victory of his career. In Los Angeles as a heavy underdog, Jose met unbeaten and upcoming future champion Ken Norton. Garcia’s superior hand speed and deceptive power sent Norton crashing in round eight.

The huge upset of Norton landed Garcia smack in the middle of the heavyweight picture. Four months later Garcia halted used up ex-contender Thad Spencer. By now Garcia was going substantial weight. He was, by today’s standards, a cruiserweight when he beat Norton. Now he was ballooning to over 200 plus pounds. In 1971 he moved up in the ratings with wins over veterans Charlie Polite, James J. Woody, John Griffin and Alberto Lovell. Jose opened 1973 with victories over Roby Harris, Florida Al Jones and Johnny Hudgins.

It all came crashing down on October 23rd, 1972 when ex-WBA champion Earnie Terrell came to Caracas. Earnie had been written off after late 60’s losses to Thad Spencer and Manuel Ramos. Against Garcia though he looked the part of a rejuvenated former champ as he pounded Garcia into submission in the sixth round. In Jose’s comeback bout seven months later Joe Alexander destroyed him in one round. Next came a crushing kayo loss to Ron Lyle. Jose put together four wins but then lost a decision to Jimmy Young. In his next bout Joe Bugner stopped him in two. Finally on August 14, 1975, Jose got a rematch with Ken Norton. At this time Norton was the top heavyweight contender. They met in St. Paul; MN and this time Kenny took all Garcia could throw at him and eventually wore Jose down in the fifth round of a tough fight. Even in defeat Garcia proved he was still world class.

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SYLVESTER HALTS LYELL IN TENTH By Jim Amato (1/30/10)
Niles, Ohio's Billy Lyell fought with courage but was unable to take the IBF middleweight title from Sebastian Sylvester. Sylvester started fast and dominated the first two rounds cutting Billy on the bridge of the nose. Cornerman Jack Loew did a fine job controlling the cut.

Lyell came on in round three and held his own in rounds four and five. Sylvester came back in rounds six and seven with stiff jabs and hard body shots. The action slowed in rounds eight and nine and at times Billy was outworking the champ. The trouble was that Billy was unable to hurt his foe. Sylvester opened round ten strongly and eventually caught Lyell with a hard right to the head that staggered him. As Lyell stumbled toward the ropes Jack Loew waved the towel and the referee stepped in. The time was :53.

Although Sylvester fought well I can not see him beating Kelly Pavlik.

On the undercard former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster was halted in the eighth round by undefeated Robert Helenius. Brewster was down in the second and beaten throughout. The match ended at 2:21 0f the eighth

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YOUNGSTOWN'S BILLY LYELL TO RECEIVE TITLE SHOT ON SATURDAY IN GERMANY... By Jim Amato (1/26/10)
Youngstown,Ohio's top 20 ranked middleweight contender Billy Lyell will receive a belated Christmas present this Saturday in Germany. He will meet Sebastian Sylvester for the IBF version of the middleweight title. A HUGE break for Billy who I am confident is up for the task at hand. Lyell has earned this shot by virtue of his upset victory over then #1 contender John Duddy not so long ago. Please do not sell this young man short. He is always in shape and he comes to fight ! Sylvester is no slouch so this should be an entertaining contest. He enters the ring with a 32-3 record and 15 KO's. Billy is 21-7. A closer look at their records though may imply that Lyell has met the better opposition. Just my humble opinion.

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JOEY GIAMBRA; By Jim Amato (1/18/10)
Was He A Champion Without A Title?
For a decade ( 1952-1962 ) Joey Giambra was a mainstay among the middleweight elite. Still he never received a shot at the middleweight title. In fact he received his only title shot at the tail end of his career battling for the newly created junior middleweight division. He was not successful. Nevertheless in his prime he was as good as any middleweight contender in the world.

Joey turned pro in 1949 and went undefeated in his first seventeen fights. His first loss was to tough veteran Johnny Ceserio in 1951. He then reeled off ten straight victories before losing a 1952 decision to the great Joey Giardello. Giambra would come right back to beat Giardello in a rematch.

Giambra then won nine straight before losing to the clever Bobby Dykes. Joey had five more wins before dropping a verdict to Carl " Bobo " Olson. Giambra then went unbeaten in his next ten bouts including two wins over the rugged Rocky Castellani and a victory over Philadelphia's tough Gil Turner. Joey then lost a points call against rough Rory Calhoun.

Giambra would not be denied and he would rally to win seventeen straight including revenge victories over Calhoun and Giardello in their rubber match. Throw in a win over Ralph " Tiger " Jones. In 1961 he was outpointed by Yama Bahama. In 1962 he dropped one to Farid Salim. Joey would bounce back again to score a kayo over the dangerous Florentino Fernandez. That led to a bout with Denny Moyer for the newly introduced junior middleweight division title. The cagey Moyer won the judge's votes and the title.

In 1963 Joey reached the end of the line losing decisions to Luis Rodriguez and Joe DiNucci. In all he had 77 fights and he walked away a winner 65 times. He scored 31 knockouts and remarkably considering the competition he faced, Giambra was never stopped. He was truly an " uncrowned champion ".

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By now, I know all of you are aware of the catastrophic (1/22/10)
7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12. We are proud that one of our own USA Boxing alumni, Andre Berto has chosen to take a very active role in the earthquake relief and recovery. A two-time National PAL Champion and National Golden Gloves champion, Berto is taking his fight outside out of the boxing ring and to his native Haiti.

Berto, the reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion, came up through USA Boxing's system, winning numerous medals from the United States in international competition. He went on to represent Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games, the first-ever boxer to do so in the history of the nation. Berto has once again been called into action following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12. Following several deaths in his family, he has withdrawn from the biggest fight of his career against Shane Mosley, and he is focusing his energy on relief work for the people of Haiti. He is creating the Berto Dynasty Foundation, which is currently being finalized, and is working with a charity currently on the ground in Haiti, the Carma Foundation, which he has worked with since 2008.

He will be traveling to Haiti this weekend in an effort to boost morale and provide his own aide and support to the relief efforts currently taking place. USA Boxing commends Berto for his outstanding philanthropic work and encourages all of USA Boxing's members to donate to the relief efforts. The links are available through his website, www.andreberto.com.

In addition, Everlast Worldwide, which sponsors both USA Boxing and Berto has created a custom Team Berto shirt with all of the proceeds going to Haitian relief. The t-shirt is available for purchase at www.everlast.com.

Since Berto competed in the 2004 Olympic Games, Haiti has fielded teams for several major international events, including the Pan American and Olympic Games. The earthquake has caused devastating results in Haiti with the fatality estimates believed to be as high as 200,000 and with billions in damages.

Anyone who would like to reach out to Berto for additional questions or suggestions on the relief efforts can e-mail savehaiti@andreberto.com

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FORMER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER TONY LICATA By Jim Amato (1/18/10)
One of the better middleweights of the 1970's was New Orleans native Tony Licata. 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.

Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. Tony passed away in 2008 at the age of 56.

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Coach Everette Elliston and his Family have recently lost their home. Their home caught fire and they lost everything they owned. Luckily, their Family was not injured and they have each other. I know that times are tough and there are many of us that have had to face hardships such as job downsizing, illness, and far more.

We are asking that, if at all possible, let us reach out and try and help Everette and his Family obtain a fresh start. If you have extra clothing that you are not needing or a few dollars to donate to their fund, anything would be helpful. I know that anything and everything would be very much appreciated by their Family. Please keep Everette and his Family in your thoughts and prayers, as they put their lives back together.

If you have any extra clothing, the children's sizes are:
Blue- 11yrs. (Shoe 5 1/5) (Shirts 12-14) (Pants 12-14)
Bubba 14yrs. ( Shoe 9 1/2) (Shirts Adult LG.) (Pants 30-30)
Melik 15yrs. (Shoe 6) Shirts (12-14) (Pants 12-14)

The name on the bank account is:
US Bank Everette E Elliston & Carmen N Elliston Account # 103679816704

You can also contact him at:
Denver Salvation Army Red Shield
Director of Boxing Coach Everette
720-434-7643 USA
Certified Boxing Coach

Thank you for your kindness and generosity,

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The 2010 Regional Silver Gloves Tournament From Glenn and Jeanne (1/15/10)
was conducted this past weekend in Norwalk, CA on January 8-10, 2010.

Colorado had 38 State Champions eligible to advance to the Regional Tournament of which 35 actually made the trip. A list of these boxers eligible was sent to you in a previous email dated December 10, 2009.

We want to take this opportunity to let all of our boxers know how very proud we were of their conduct and sportsmanship while at the Tournament in California. Colorado boxers showed great class and their attitude was exemplary. Some of the decisions were satisfactory, but, as always, there were those decisions that left us wondering.

We brought home eight Champions of which six are eligible to advance to the National Silver Gloves in Independence, MO on February 3-6, 2010. (Female Boxers are not eligible to advance to the Nationals).

The eight Regional Champions are:
Andres Borrego - SLBC - Age 10-11 - 80 lbs
Damien Vasquez - Top Notch - Age 12-13 - 85 lbs
Soraya Yanez - Ft. Morgan Gladiators - Age 12-13 Female - 132 lbs
Julian DeReyes - Pueblo Stylers - Age 10-11 - 120 lbs (unopposed)
Andrew Strode - Denver Police Brotherhood - Age 12-13 - 65 lbs (unopposed)
Andre Bustamante - Pueblo Stylers - Age 12-13 - 132 lbs (unopposed)
Melik Elliston - Red Shield - Age 14-15 - 80 lbs (unopposed)
Diana Torres - Longmont - Age 14-15 Female - 156 lbs (unopposed)

Colorado boxers did a great job and we are proud of each and everyone of you! The Regional Coordinator told us that Colorado had more boxers than they had seen in years past. We hope to double our numbers next year! We wish our Regional Champions the best of luck in Independence, MO and bring home the Silver!!!!

Thank you one and all for your support
Glenn and Jeanne CO Silver Gloves Coordinators
970-978-5188 (cell-J)
970-978-1900 (cell-G)
970-663-1315 (home & fax)

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Congrats too all the Regional Champions, Best wish to you all that are going to Kansas to Nationals!!! Bring home the SILVER!!!!

JEFF BYRD
720-375-3616 (GG Backyard Brawler Boxing Club)

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Ronnie Harris; Ohio's Near Champion... By Jim Amato (12/21/09)
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.

One of the first important wins in Ronnie's career came in May of 1972 when he outpointed Cleveland's Bobby Haymon. One year later he won another important contest with a decision over highly regarded Roland Pryor. Three months later Ronnie defeated Leon Washington in ten.

The year 1974 saw Ronnie progressing nicely in the ratings. He scored decision wins over Chu Chu Garcia, Frank Davila and in Las Vegas over Peter Cobblah. In 1975 Ronnie must have found a KO punch as he won three of four contests by the knockout route.

Ronnie returned to Las Vegas in 1976 and decisioned Tommy Hanna. He then returned to his hometown of Canton and stopped the clever Marion Conner in the eleventh round. He closed the year in New York with a ten round win over Sandy Torres.

The year 1977 would pave the way to a title shot for Ronnie. He opened the year by defeating James Parks and then on March 2nd he met the celebrated Sugar Ray Seales. This bout clearly defined Harris as a legitimate contender as he outboxed Seales over ten rounds. Next up was future world champion Alan Minter. The London bout saw Ronnie at the peak of his talents as cut Minter to shreds and the bout was halted in round eight. Harris closed he year by returning to Canton and stopping Cliff Willis in ten.

Angel Ortiz was the next to meet defeat at he hands of Harris as 1978 began. Then on February 24th in Las Vegas Ronnie secured title shot by outclassing the rugged and powerful Gratien Tonna over twelve rounds.

On August 5th in Buenos Aires Ronnie would meet the middleweight champion of the world, Hugo Corro. The title had come to Corro after he twice defeated the great but fading Rodrigo Valdes. Hugo had brought the crown back to Argentina after the retirement of Carlos Monzon. In comparison to Monzon who was the powerful and indestructible force, Corro was a smooth and slick boxer. He gave the slower and aging Valdes fits in their battles. There were many boxing people who liked Ronnie's chances in this bout

The fight it self will never rank with Hagler-Hearns or the Zale-Graziano trilogy for excitement. It was a chess match that saw Corro always seeming to stay a step ahead. Harris never really able to get off in this contest and Corro waltzed to a fifteen round title retaining decision.

The loss to Corro was very damaging to the career of Harris. Corro would lose the title to the brawling Vito Antuofermo. Vito in turn would lose the crown to Alan Minter. It is doubtful that Minter wanted another piece of Harris. Ronnie defeated Edgar Wallace and stopped Leo Saenz and was then matched with power punching Sammy NeSmith for the N.A.B.F. middleweight title. In a major upset Ronnie was halted in the twelfth round. Thus any hope for a title shot had been destroyed.

Harris would go on to win a few more fights and then hang them up. He was among the cream of the post Monzon era of the middleweight division. I heard once that managers Dennis Rappaport and Mike Jones, also known as the "gold dust twins" were interested in managing Harris and another fine prospect named Eddie Gregory. They did not want to manage both so they had Ronnie and Eddie box off. Harris came out on top and he went with the "Twins". Gregory later became Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and would win the W.B.A. light heavyweight crown. Interesting story if it is true. Nevertheless Ronnie Harris was a fine fighter in his own right. One has to wonder how Harris would fare with today's multiple titles ? The feeling here is that he would have managed to win a piece of the crown.

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Happy New Year! January 5, 2010 Mayweather vs Pacquiao Megafight By Franco Floyd Fontanero (1/5/10)
If comes to be, this bout will become the richest in the history of the sport, so they say. With that in mind, I would think Manny would be training and concentrating extra hard on kicking butt, instead of wasting precious time putting his John Henry on legal papers to sue Mayweather. By now, some are saying that Manny must be hiding something; or he is just a little afraid of Mayweather and looking for a way out? Some are against Mayweather for asking for a more thorough testing, but wasn’t Shannon Briggs suspended for 90 days by the New York Athletic Commission after testing positive for a banned substance following his victory over Marcus McGee on December 3rd ? Then the bout was declared a no contest.

Well, there you go. Mayweather, I understand, is willing to be tested in the same manner as Manny would. So what’s the big deal? As the great Mr. Mills Lane would say, "Lets get it on!" With due respect to Mr. Pacquiao, I’m but a wimp, one that has to have his blood tested often for medical reasons. So if I can handle it, I’m positive the great Pacman would have no trouble. I myself would never suggest that any fighter is using some kind of an enhancing substance. All I’m asking is what ever happened to " A good big man will always defeat a good little man"? Manny is the only fighter to have won seven different titles in seven different weight divisions... so one should understand the Mayweather concern. "All I want is to be sure we are playing on a level field," said Mayweather, Jr.

I’m sure this ordeal will be resolved and the Megafight will take place. Maybe not on the 13th of March, but it will take place never the less. The fans, be they for Mayweather or Pacquiao, are dying to know who is pound for pound the best in the world. Will the real pound for pound fighter please stand up? As I talk to many about the fight, I find more hoping Manny will defeat Floyd than those wanting to see Floyd defeat Manny. But come fight night there will only be three men in the square ring; Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Manny Pacquiao and the referee. So it doesn’t matter what the fans want the outcome of the contest to be. "May the best man win!" See you at the fights!
Franco Floyd Fontanero
www.seeyouatthefights.com

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May 7, 2010:
108 lbs - Louie Byrd (CO) wins the final bout over Santos Vasquez (NV) in the 2010 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
This is Louie's 3rd National Golden Gloves Tournament victory in a row............2008 = 106 lbs.; 2009 = 112 lbs; 2010 = 108 lbs.
We are very proud of ALL our boxers that participated in this National Tournament! They represented us well.

May 7, 2010:
108 lbs - Louie Byrd (CO) won over Oscar Mojica (TX) on Points in a Semi-Final bout.
Louie will box Santos Vasquez (NV) in a final bout tomorrow evening.
We wish Louie the very best and know that he will represent our Colorado LBC with great skill, pride, and sportsmanship. Bring home the gold, Louie, and good luck!!

May 6, 2010
108 lbs - Louie Byrd (CO) won over Kabir Rodriguez, Florida on Points.
Louie has made it to the Semi-Finals. Let us ALL wish Louie the best of luck!

May 5, 2010:
108 lbs - Louie Byrd (CO) - won over Jesus Aguilera (DC) on Points
114 lbs - Michael Herrera (CO) - lost to Oscar Vasquez (NV) on Points
152 lbs - Izaak Cardona (CO) - lost to Leandre White (DET) on Points
165 lbs - Timothy Meeks (NM) - lost to Antone Pereira (HI) on Points
201 lbs - Juan Ramos (CO) - lost to Richard Odum (IN) on Points