On This Day: Eddie Wimler: The Fair Haven Terror Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Eddie ’The Fair Haven Terror’ Wimler was a rough and tough featherweight fighter, who stood just 4’ feet 11” and a half inches, but was a little powerhouse of a fighter.  Born on January 15, 1892, in Sachsen, Germany, (Saxony) but moved with his parents as a child to America, where they settled in Fair Haven, Pennsylvania.

After working for some time in the mines as a youngster, like his father had, Eddie Wimler became a professional fighter in 1910, and showed that it was a profession for which he was well suited.  Over the next 14 years he fought a busy campaign, against bantamweights and featherweights. Wimler was always a journeyman rather than a genuine challenger for the world title, but he was always a tough proposition for any of his opponents, and a very popular crowd-pleaser with the fans.  Some of the fighters whom he fought, included, Patsy Brannigan, Babe Picato, Johnny Ray, Eddie Carver, Jack ’Kid’ Wolfe, Johnny Fundy, Joe Lynch, Memphis Pal Moore, Joe Burman, Ko Circus, Danny Kramer, Al Corbett, and Johnny Fundy. 

Wimler was the older brother of Chalky Wimler, who also had a successful boxing career, and for much of his boxing career his older brother Billy Wimler managed him.

Eddie Wimler’s final fight was a 6 rounds point’s defeat to Johnny Fundy on April 14, 1924.  The toughness of ‘The Fair Haven Terror’ can be measured by the fact that in well over 170 recorded bouts during his career, Wimler was never stopped or knocked out.  Wimler’s final verified record, including news paper decisions, 74(13koes)-66-44.

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

The Boxing Glove Big Fight Round Up: Joshua Knockouts Breazeale

By Peter Silkov

Last night saw some entertaining boxing action, including two, true blue, slam bang, fight of the year candidates. 

Anthony Joshua knocks out Dominic Breazeale

In London, at the O2 Arena, IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (17, 17koes) made the first defence of his title, with a one-sided 7th round knockout of a gutsy, but totally out-classed, Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15koes). 

Despite arriving with an unbeaten record, few gave Breazeale as having much of a chance to derail the Joshua express train, and that’s really how the fight turned out, despite going past the halfway distance.  Breazeale spent most of his time on the defensive throughout the contest, and what punches he did throw in retaliation were slow, and seeming devoid of any significant power.  Breazeale was hurt badly in the 2nd, but managed to last the round, and from then on it looked as if Joshua could end the fight whenever he wanted. 

Joshua kept the pressure on, through rounds 3 to 6, landing some heavy shots on his American challenger, but seemed content to wear down his opponent, rather than go all out for the finish.  Finally in the 7th round Joshua seemed to have finally had enough of what at times resembled a sparring session.  Breazeale was dropped twice by heavy two-handed attacks from Joshua, and ended the fight with right eye, which was almost closed.  Once more it was an impressive display of punching power from Joshua, but despite Breazeale’s bravery, he had failed to provide any significant test for Joshua, and was, quite frankly, exposed as little more than a raw novice.  As someone who is being billed as a ’world champion’ Joshua needs to be matched with genuine world class challengers, but unfortunately many of his fans seem satisfied to see win his fights with explosive knockouts, no matter what the limitations of his opponents.

George Groves beat Martin Murray By Unanimous Decision

 

Other fights on the O2 bill included the match up between George Groves (24-3, 18koes) and Martin Murray (33-3-1, 16koes) in a WBA world super-middleweight title eliminator fight.  This was the fight of the night as the two men took part in some savage exchanges.   It was Groves who forced the pace through most of the fight as Murray tended to fight mostly in spurts.  When Murray did let his punches go he seemed to be the stronger fighter physically, but every time he seemed to get the upper hand in the action, Groves would up his own work-rate and score telling punches of his own.  After Groves had out-boxed Murray from most of the first half of the match, the next 6 rounds became a much more physical fight, featuring some exciting toe to toe exchanges.  Yet Groves belied his reputation in some quarters as lacking durability and stamina, by outlasting Murray in the final rounds.  The fight ended with both men understandably exhausted, but with Groves in control, and scoring some heavy shots.

Groves won a unanimous points decision, by three scores of 118-110, which failed to show how hard fought and competitive the fight had been for much of the time.

George Groves will now most likely go on to fight Fedor Chudinov for the vacant WBA world super-middleweight title, after champion Felix Sturm looks likely to be stripped of his title after allegedly failing a drugs test.

Chris Eubank Jr. defeats Tom Doran

 

Chris Eubank Jr (23-1, 18koes) defended his British Middleweight title against Tom Doran (17-0, 7koes) and handed out a frightening beating on the game Doran.  Eubank Jr. floored Doran once in round 3 and 4 times in round 4, before the match was belatedly stopped in the 4th round.  This was a fight that fully exposed the gulf between British and World class, and there is little doubt that Eubank Jr. is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world now at 160 pounds.  There is talk that Eubank Jr. may be next for Middleweight kingpin Gennady Golovkin, and while he would go in against the G man a clear underdog, he may well have the speed and offense, and the mental attitude, to pull off a huge upset. 

Keith Thurman Defeats Shawn Porter

 

At the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, Keith Thurman (27, 22koes) and Shawn Porter (26-2-1, 16koes) engaged in what is a sure candidate as ‘fight of the year for 2016’ as they clashed for Thurman’s WBA world welterweight championship.  Both fighters are known to be good friends outside the ring, but neither allowed this to affect the fight as their clash developed into a to and fro slam bang showdown, with almost every round featuring some violent exchanges.  This became a fight of two styles, with Thurman trying to box and fight at a distance, and scoring with some eye catching counters, while Porter constantly barreled forwards, throwing bunches of punches at the head and body, and constantly trying to drive Thurman onto the ropes. 

While the cleaner shots seemed to be landed overall by Thurman, Porter seemed to be landing considerably more punches overall.  The question is, how many of those punches were really scoring shots, and how many were blocked by the defending champion.  Certainly when Porter bulled Thurman on the ropes and unleashed his two- fisted body attacks, he seemed to be getting the better of things.  Thurman though, often replied to these bombardments with some precise punches of his own which while not matching the sheer volume of punches delivered by Porter, were eye catching to the judges. 

At the end of 12 grueling rounds, Thurman retained his WBA world welterweight title with three scores of 115-113 from the three judges.  The Boxing Glove scored the fight 115-113 for Porter.  Unfortunately for Porter, his rawness seems to make boxing judges overlook much of his scoring punches.  While this was a close fight, and certainly not a robbery of the type that Porter suffered against Kell Brook, when he lost his world title to Brook, he still seemed to have done enough last night to remove the WBA crown from Thurman's head, due to his aggression, better work rate.  One thing which people wont be arguing about following this fight, is the need for a rematch.  This is the type of fight boxing has needed this year, and a revisit before the end of the year would be most welcome. 


Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

TBG Book Review: Mickey Walker: The Toy Bulldog and His Times

The Boxing Glove Sunday Night Book Review

By Peter Silkov

"Mickey Walker: The Toy Bulldog and His Times"

By Mickey Walker with Joe Reichler

Mickey Walker was one of boxing’s most dynamic and colourful champions, at a time when the sport was at its most vibrant, and overflowing with talented, charismatic characters.

In his autobiography, “Mickey Walker: The Toy Bull Dog And His Times,” Walker recalls his amazing ring career, which saw him win world titles at welterweight and middleweight, come close to winning the light-heavyweight title, and even become a contender for the World heavyweight title.  Standing 5’ feet 7” inches tall, Walker was short and muscular, and lived large both inside, and outside of the ring.  As a fighter he was no ring scientist, more a human dynamo of relentless aggression, and strength. 

Throughout his career Walker would fight anyone, regardless of size, and he often fought men much heavier than himself.  This part of his career would culminate in his time as an unlikely heavyweight contender, when he routinely gave away 20 to 50 pounds to top-rated, world class heavyweights.  Walker remains the only World welterweight champion to have secured a top ten ranking in the heavyweight division.  A feat that is very unlikely to ever be equaled.

In many ways, he was a smaller version of World heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, it is perhaps not surprising that he ended up being taken under the wing of Dempsey’s notorious manager, Jack Kearns.  Together Walker and Kearns would form a legendary partnership.

Born on July 13, 1901, Walker turned professional in 1919, at the age of 18 years old, despite the objections of his father, who did not want his son to be a prizefighter.  By the time Walker was 21, he had won the World welterweight championship, and was fast becoming one of boxing’s hottest properties.  One of the most amazing things about Mickey Walker’s boxing career is that he enjoyed much of his greatest success in the ring, while living the wildest of lifestyles outside of it.  Although he was self- managed early on in his fighting life, after he won the World welterweight crown he attracted the attention of Jack Dempsey’s manager, Jack Kearns, and the two soon formed a colourful, and often controversial partnership.  Although Kearns’s astute handling took Walker’s public profile to a higher level, and helped Mickey become one of the sports biggest stars, he also led Walker into a lifestyle of party’s, bars and brothels and the tales of Walker and Kearns’s excesses became legendary.

Married 6 times, to 4 different women, Walker fully enjoyed the roaring 1920s, and talks us through his colourful and dramatic life, both in and out of the ring.  There are many entertaining anecdotes about his fights and the circumstances surrounding them, and Walker always seems to be surrounded by a myriad of characters who are as colourful as him.  As well as the assorted fighters, managers and promoters of the boxing world, Mickey also came into contact with many of the gangsters of that time, most notably, Al Capone, who was to become a very good friend.

The 1920’s were a time when the America felt it could do no wrong, and everyone with money, partied round the clock on champagne, and boxing was at its most popular, enjoying a golden era the like of which the sport would not see again, until the 1970s.

Eventually the fun times grew darker for everyone, even the happy-go-lucky Mickey Walker.  His playboy lifestyle inevitably took a toll on his relationships, and he began to collect divorces like he had world titles.  By the 1930s, with Walker having moved from welterweight, to middleweight, light-heavyweight, and then finally stepping up to heavyweight, what money he hadn’t lost in the 1929 crash, he saw go in divorces and his frenetic lifestyle.  Even before his retirement in the mid-30s, Walker was almost completely broke, and nursing an ever-growing thirst for alcohol.

Like so many other great fighters, Walker experienced some very dark days when he left the ring.  Lost without his boxing career, broke, and seemingly devoid of prospects, Walker became a full time ‘sot’ spending his days going from bar to bar, and seemingly drinking himself to an early grave. But, unlike so many others, Walker managed to pull back from the abyss, and kick the habit, after an argument with a fellow skid row drinker, shook him to his senses.

Free from alcohol, Walker rediscovered an artistic streak, which he had shown in his youth, and started a new career as a painter, something that he would become as dedicated and passionate about as he was once for fighting, drinking, and womanizing.  (Ironically the paintbrush would lead to yet another failed marriage for Mickey.)

Mickey Walker’s life is one of dramatic ups and downs, he is certainly one of those men for whom it can be said ‘he lived a large life.' “The Toy Bulldog and His Times” gives a great insight into the life of a fighter whose accomplishments are too often overlooked today when the great fighters of the past are discussed.  He certainly belongs in the top 10 of the all-time greats at welterweight and middleweight.  How many men of that size have been able to mix it successfully with such bigger men, with the success that Walker enjoyed.

This autobiography is also an entertaining look at the times, in which Walker lived, and shows the switch from the carefree 1920s, to the dark and depressed 1930s.

There are also a very generous amount of photographs in this book’s pages, portraying Walker both in and out of the ring.

The Toy Bulldog and His Times is recommended reading for anyone who is interested in the great fighters of boxing’s golden age.  This is the story of a fighter, the type of which will never be seen again.  Mickey Walker shows throughout these pages that as well as being a great fighter, he is a great storyteller as well. 

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

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On This Day: Mexican Joe Rivers: World Lightweight Contender

By Peter Silkov

‘Mexican’ Joe Rivers was one of  boxing’s first Mexican-American stars, and one of the forerunners for the many great Mexican, and Mexican-American fighters who would find fame and glory in the ring after him.  Rivers was born Jose Ybarra, on March 19, 1892, with Castillian and Native American Indian ancestry in Los Angeles, California.  Beginning his professional boxing career in 1908 and starting out as a featherweight, Rivers proved to be a fast and strong, with an abundance of heart, and quickly rose up the rankings. 

On July 4, 1912, at just 20 years of age, Rivers took part in the most famous and infamous fight of his career, when he moved up to the lightweight division, and challenged ‘The Michigan Wild Cat’ Ad Wolgast for Wolgast’s World lightweight championship. It proved to be one of the most savage and vicious title fights ever seen in modern times, with Rivers taking an early lead in the action, before a battered Wolgast started to turn things around in the later rounds.  The match came to a abrupt and controversial conclusion in the 13th round, with the fight evenly poised, as both men fought toe-to-toe, swapping punch-for-punch, when suddenly, each man landed simultaneous blows, which sent both tumbling down onto the canvas, in a heap. 

Faced with both fighters laid out upon the canvas, the referee, Jack Welsh, who had handled a number of Wolgast’s fights previously, reached down and picked up the dazed Wolgast, who had fallen on top of Rivers, before proceeding to count out Rivers, as he lay prone on the canvas.  Welsh then declared Wolgast the winner and still champion, before fleeing the ring as the crowd threatened to riot after what they had seen.  Welsh was later to say that he had helped Wolgast up, as he was the last to hit the canvas.  In the aftermath of the controversial fight, both fighters would claim that they had been fouled.  The controversy surrounding the Wolgast vs. Rivers title fight continues to this day. 

Rivers would have one more shot at the world title on July 4th, 1913, when he challenged Willie Richie for the World lightweight championship. Again Rivers made a bright start, but after the tough and clever Richie had figured out his style, he turned the fight around, and knocked Rivers out in the 11th round.

‘Mexican Joe’ would continue to fight at the top level until 1924.  During his career, Rivers met the best featherweights and lightweights of his time, fighters such as Johnny Kilbane, Frankie Conley, Ad Wolgast, Joe Mandot, Leech Cross, Knockout Brown, Willie Richie, Freddie Welsh, Johnny Dundee, and Richie Mitchell.

Out of the ring, Rivers was a bright and colourful character, who spent the money he earned, as quickly as he threw his punches in the ring.  Rivers wore expensive rings, the best clothes, and drove one of the earliest cars.

Rivers’ final fight was a 4 rounds point's defeat to Young McGovern on July 30, 1924. He retired with a final record of 38(20koes)-24-13. Although, he is likely to have had many other fights that haven’t been recorded.

Despite earning around £250,000 during his career, the money soon ran out for Rivers in retirement, and in his later years, he was reduced to living in a windowless hotel room, with his only possession being a 200 year old violin, that had belonged to his Father.

Fate was not kind to Ad Wolgast either, who had been confined to a sanitarium, after losing his mind due to the blows that his head had taken during his great, but savage fighting career. One of the few people to visit Wolgast regularly, was his once bitter opponent, Mexican Joe Rivers. 

Mexican Joe Rivers died on June 25, 1957, aged 65.


Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

On This Day: "The Little Fish" Benny Bass Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Benny Bass was born Benjamin Baruch J. Bass in Kiev, Ukraine, but immigrated with his parents as a child to America, where they settled in Philadelphia. By the time he was a teenager, Bass had begun boxing and turned professional at age 17, and was soon facing top liners. Bass was a little human dynamo in the ring, despite standing just 5’ 1 ½”; he was heavily muscled, and was known for his iron chin, stamina, and knockout punch.

During his long and busy career, Bass fought the best men at featherweight to lightweight, including fighters, such as Billy Mascott, Chick Suggs, Johnny Farr, Cowboy Eddie Anderson, Lew Mayrs, Dick Finnegan, Joe Glick, Mike Ballerino, Tony Canzoneri, Harry Blitman, Tod Morgan, Sammy Fuller, Eddie Shea, Joey Goodman, Tommy Cello, Mike Dundee, Lew Massey, Bud Taylor, Kid Chocolate, Harry Dublinsky, Joe Ghnouly, Eddie Cool, Johnny Jadick, Petey Sarron, Jimmy Leto, Freddie Cochrane, and Henry Armstrong.

Bass held both the Featherweight and Junior lightweight World titles. He lost his featherweight title to the great Tony Canzoneri after a classic contest. Bass gave Canzoneri one of his toughest fights, despite suffering a broken collarbone early in their bout. After losing the featherweight title, Bass moved up to junior lightweight and won that title from the brilliant boxer Tod Morgan.

Bass lost his Junior lightweight title to the gifted Kid Chocolate, when he was stopped in the 7th round with a severely cut eye.  Bass would fight on for another 10 years, but would never fight for a world title again. Aside from his stoppage defeat to Kid Chocolate, Bass’s only other inside the distance defeat during his career was when he was knocked out in 4 rounds by a young Henry Armstrong in 1937, and it was the only time that Bass was ever counted out in 243 official fights.  He really was a little iron man of the ring.

Bass’s final record was 157(72kos)-28-6 his record in no-decision fights was 34-13-3.

After retirement, Bass would work as a liquor salesman for the traffic court department in Philadelphia, as a clerk. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, and the International Hall of Fame in 2002.

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

On This Day: French Champion Laurent Grimbert Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Laurent Grimbert was a clever and game boxer who boxed at bantamweight and featherweight.  Born on June 26, 1954, in Crepy-en-Valois, Oise, France, Grimbert turned professional in 1976, fighting as a bantamweight. 

On September 30, 1978, in his 24th professional contest, Grimbert won the French Bantamweight title, with a 12-rounds point’s decision over Guy Caudron.  11 months later, Grimbert challenged Juan Francisco Rodriguez for the European Bantamweight title, but was beaten on points, after 12 rounds.

Grimbert moved up to featherweight, and on January 12, 1980, out-pointed Gerard Jacob over 12 rounds, to win the French Featherweight title.  Grimbert made two attempts to win the European Featherweight title, being stopped by Roberto Castanon, in the 6th round, on June 27, 1980, and then on July 22, 1981 Grimbert was stopped in 7 rounds by Salvatore Melluzzo, for the European Featherweight title.

After his defeat by Melluzzo, Grimbert’s form declined and he went 3-15 in his last 18 contests, with his last fight being on March 16, 1984, when Jose Maillot stopped him in 6 rounds.  Grimbert retired with a final record of 27(8koes)-29-4.

Laurent Grimbert died on June 25, 2002, the day before his 48th birthday.

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

On This Day: Remembering Eddie Cotton: The Uncrowned Light Heavyweight Champion of the World

By Peter Silkov

Eddie Cotton was a slick boxer, with great technical ability, who could also punch when he needed, and he was a top contender at 175 pounds from the mid 50’s to the late 60s.  Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on June 15, 1926, Cotton turned professional in 1947, at the age of 21.  During his career, Cotton would fight top names such as Rusty Payne, Henry Hall, Dave Whitlock, Archie Moore, Sonny Ray, Hank Casey, Rory Calhoun, Sixto Rodriguez, Harold Johnson, Von Clay, Mauro Mina, Chic Calderwood, Henry Hank, Johnny Persol, Wayne Thornton, Roger Rouse, Jose Torres, and Bob Foster.

Cotton had to wait until 1961 before he finally received a shot at the World light-heavyweight title, when he challenged Harold Johnson on August 29, 1961, for the NBA version of the World light-heavyweight title.  Cotton lost on a split decision to Johnson after a hard fought contest between two excellent technicians.  After their contest, Johnson, himself recognized as one of the best ring mechanics of that time, said of Cotton, ‘He’s one of the smartest boxers I’ve met.’

On October 29, 1963, Cotton out-pointed Henry Hank over 15 rounds, to win the Michigan version of the World light-heavyweight title, after the state of Michigan went into dispute with the WBA.  Cotton did not gain general recognition as world champion with the Michigan title, and never defended the title.

Cotton received a final shot at the World light-heavyweight title on August 15, 1966, when at the age of 40, he challenged the 30 year old champion, Jose Torres, but found himself losing a controversial point’s decision after 15 rounds, with many spectators believing he had done enough to win the title against Torres.  The Ring magazine voted this match the fight of the year for 1966.

Cotton carried on fighting until 1967, but his hopes of another shot at the world title were finally ended on May 8, 1967, when future world champion, Bob Foster, knocked him out in the 3rd round.  After one more fight, on August 2, 1967, after he knocked out Ernie Gipson in the 1st round, Cotton retired with a final record of 56(33koes)-23-2.

After he retired from boxing, Cotton would open a restaurant on East Madison street in Seattle, which was also was named after him. He also worked for Boeing Aircraft Company and was a member of the Washington State Boxing Commission.

Eddie Cotton died on June 24, 1990, aged 64, after succumbing to an infection, following a 2nd liver transplant.  

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

On This Day: Dave Shade Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Dave Shade was a clever and tough fighter, who made up for his lack of punching power with his speed, fitness, and ring craft.  Shade was born Charles Dave Shade on March 1, 1902, in Vallejo, California, and began his boxing career in 1918 at the age of 16 years old. 

During his career, Shade was a busy fighter, taking part in over 200 contests, and fighting from welterweight to middleweight, against some of the best fighters of his time.  The fighters whom Shade met in the ring included, Danny Kramer, Ever Hammer, Jack Britton, Mickey Walker, Pinky Mitchell, Bermondsey Billy Wells, Allentown Joe Gans, Augie Ratner, Pete Latzo, Bert Colima, Jimmy Slattery, Sammy Slaughter, Ben Jelby, Ace Hudkins, Len Harvey, Jack Hook, Roland Todd, Frank Moody, Maxie Rosenbloom, Rene De Vos, Kid Charol, and Fred Henneberry.

Shade fought for the World welterweight title 3 times, coming frustratingly close to victory, twice.  On February 17, 1922, Shade challenged Jack Britton for the title and held Britton to a 15-round draw.  Britton, however, kept the world title.  In his second attempt at winning the world title on July 27, 1923, Shade was out-pointed over 10 rounds by Jimmy Jones for the New York State version of title. 

In his third, and what turned out to be his last shot at the World welterweight title, on September 21, 1925, Shade challenged Mickey Walker, and after a thrilling fight was deemed by most observers to be very unlucky to lose a point's decision, after 15 rounds.

Shade carried on fighting for another 10 years, always against top opposition, and with much success, yet he never gained another shot at a world title.

In his last fight, on December 2, 1935, Shade out-pointed Paulie Sykes over 10 rounds, and retired with a final record of 156(17koes)-29-60.


 

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

Keith Thurman V Shawn Porter: Preview & Prediction

 By Stephen Donatelli for 'The Boxing Glove.'

I've been salivating to see this WBA World Welterweight Championship fight for awhile, now that former Welterweight Kingpin Floyd 'Money' Mayweather Jr. is retired, this fight could possibly put the winner at the very top, right with undefeated 'IBF Welterweight Champion' Kell Brook (36-0, 25 Kos.) Brook already won a pretty close majority decision victory over 'Showtime' Shawn Porter. Since then, Porter regained that necessary confidence by defeating Erick Bone (KO 5) and a surprising dominant victory over the typically cocky Adrien 'The Problem' Broner. On the other hand, in his last two bouts Keith 'One Time' Thurman, a dangerous power puncher, had to go the distance with the crafty, ex-champion, Robert 'The Ghost Guerrero. The exuberant punching-power of 'One Time' led to a unanimous decision in a rather one-sided bout. Then, Thurman had to settle for a 7th round TKO, due to an injury near the eye of sturdy veteran slugger, Luis Collazo, which blocked his vision. Thurman was declared the winner via TKO (69-64, 68-65, and 69-64.)

This fight has so many variables that can play out, but I'm confident that Thurman will be the aggressor because, if he has to fight off his back foot all night, he will tire himself out. 'Showtime' Shawn Porter is a very determined fighter that gets a lot of his immense toughness from his history of being a darn good wrestler and football player. If this fight turns into a phone-booth war, there's hardly any doubt in my mind that, Porter will be able to feint and slip his way past the slight one-inch reach disadvantage.

The bottom line for me is that 'Pressure Burst Pipes.' I like Porter if he sticks to what his Dad Kenny says. I noticed when Keith Thurman fought his best opposition, he wasn't good backing up. I honestly think as long as Porter avoids the big shot from 'One Time', that he wins. It should be a very exciting and fan-friendly fight. Both fighters are come-forward type fighters and they swing for the fences when they throw. I see the fight being very hotly contested throughout and nobody dominating. I can see a knockdown or two, but I really tilt toward a decision. The fight will be even going into the championship rounds, and that's where Porter will take over, if he does not lose his concentration, like his did against Broner in round 12, and got sat on the canvas. Let's get ready, because we've been waiting, just like these two Welterweight Warriors have, and as of right now the 147-pound Throne is open! 

Final Press Conference Before Fight:

*Stephen  Donatelli is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and contributes to www.theboxingglove.com. If you would like to contact him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steved2012?fref=nf

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved.

Anthony Joshua v Dominic Breazeale: Preview & Prediction

By Stephen Donatelli for 'The Boxing Glove.' 

Defending IBF Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua should get past the Dominic Breazeale this Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England.  The undefeated Joshua,  nicknamed 'A.J.' is currently (16-0, 16 KOs) and boasts a lengthy 82-inch reach. In his last bout, 'A.J.' sent Charles Martin to the canvas with a straight right and from there on, it was academic. While the Trash talk has mainly came from the 6' 7” Dominic 'Trouble' Breazeale, but the also very tall 6' 6" Champion, has been doing his best to tune it out.

Breazeale is (17-0, 15 KOs) has a pretty good punch, but his last opponent, Amir Mansour, sent him to the canvas, and almost had Mr. 'Trouble' out of there. I will give credit to Dominic for facing adversity and coming back to win the bout in the 5th round. Most boxing fans look at this as simply a stay-busy fight, and while that does serve purpose as the rest of the Heavyweight Division gets sorted out, Joshua is simply too smart to overlook even Breazeale. Look for this fight to have a fan-friendly feel to it, but when the cream rises come the 3rd or 4rth round the Champion, Anthony Joshua, will remain undefeated and defend his IBF title with pride!

Final press conference before the fight:

*Stephen  Donatelli is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and contributes to www.theboxingglove.com. If you would like to contact him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steved2012?fref=nf

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved.

 

On This Day: Doc Snell the Peshastin Phantom Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Doc Snell (The Peshastin Phantom) was a colourful, big-hitting lightweight, with an exciting, crowd-pleasing style, which made him a big hit with the fans.  From the early 1920s, to the mid 1930s, Snell fought many of the world top fighters, from featherweight to lightweight. 

Born William A. McEachern on July 29, 1903, in Perth, Kansas, Washington, but would eventually relocate to Peshastin, Washington.  Snell was a useful amateur, boxing out of the Battery E of the Tacoma National Guard.   Snell turned professional in 1922.  In the beginning of his professional career he tended to use a boxing style of fighting, based around his useful jab.  However, after having his tonsils and a bone removed from his nose in early 1924, Snell became a far more confident and aggressive fighter, far more prone to slug it out than to try and box.  The change in style made Snell an even bigger attraction to the fans.  Snell was the kind of gutsy all- action fighter, who would win the hearts of spectators, even in his losing efforts.

Barely a year after turning professional, Snell was mixing it with rated fighters.  During his career, he fought top names such as, Billy Petrolle, Eddie Neil, Vic Foley, California Joe Lynch, Tod Morgan, Dynamite Joe Murphy, Mike Dundee, Bud Taylor, Charley Phil Rosenberg,  Jimmy Mclarnin, Leslie ’Wild Cat’ Carter, King Tut, Joe Glick, Spug Myers,  Eddie Mack, Bobby Pacho, and Ah Wing Lee.

Snell’s career was interrupted in early 1929, when he became severely ill with appendicitis, and had an emergency operation on February 2.  Snell needed several months out of the ring to recover after this illness, and although he was to resume his career, and carry on fighting with some success, he was not quite the force he had been before his illness.

In his last fight on July 25, 1933, Snell drew over 6 rounds with Frankie Monroe.  He retired from the ring with a final record of 80(27koes)-35-33.

After he retired from boxing, Snell did a number of varied jobs.  He worked as a promoter, a bouncer at ‘The Blue Moon Tavern’ in the University District of Washington, and then owned his own Tavern for a while, the ’Doc Snell Tavern’ that was located on 7th street in Seattle, Washington, at the Caledonian Hotel.  Snell would later own a chain of Rocket Gas Service Stations, and hit on the idea of buying a Hydroplane, and entering Hydroplane racing, and naming it Miss Rocket, in order to publicize his Gas Stations.  Snell raced Miss Rocket, which was later renamed Coral Reef, when Snell renamed his Gas Stations, from the mid 50s to 1962.

Doc Snell died on June 17, 1987, aged 83, and was buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetary, where former World middleweight champion Al Hostack was also buried, close to University of Washington, Seattle.  

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

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Video: Nick Blackwell Opens Up About His Fight With Chris Eubanks, Jr.

"I wanted him to come see me in hospital, my family didn't"

Nick Blackwell talks to Kugan Cassius about his fight with Chris Eubanks, Jr. and the events before and after the fight. He also clarifies his comments and controversy raised from his interview with Piers Morgan after his recovery.

 Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

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On This Day: Petey Scalzo The Greek With the Golden Gloves

By Peter Silkov

Petey Scalzo, was a skillful and fast boxer, with a good punch, who was born Peter Donato Scalzo in New York, New York, on June 15, 1917.  Petey came from a rough childhood in Hell’s Kitchen and would win the New York Golden Gloves, New York Metropolitan AAU championship, and International Golden Gloves. He turned professional in 1936, at a time when the featherweight division was hot with great talent, at the age of 15 years old.

Scalzo rose steadily to title contention, winning 71 of 77 contests, (against 3 defeats and 3 draws) in 4 years and he became known as “The Greek.” On May 15, 1940, Scalzo won the NBA world featherweight title when he stopped Frankie Covelli in the 6th round.  It was a fast rise to the championship. He would go on to defend his title 3 times.

Scalzo lost his NBA world featherweight title in his 3rd defence on July 1, 1941, when he was knocked out in the 5th round by Richie Lemos.  Scalzo continued to fight for another 2 years, but his best days were past as he went 10-9 in his last 19 fights.  In his last contest, on October 25, 1943, and by now fighting as a lightweight, Bob Montgomery stopped Scalzo in the 6th round.  After this fight, Scalzo retired with a final record of 90(48koes)-15-6.

After retirement, Scalzo would go on to referee boxing matches, work for the New York State Athletic Commission, and also work in the entertainment industry.  Peter Scalzo died on June 15, on 1993, aged 75, from Alzheimer’s, after spending years in a Veteran’s Hospital, unaware of his former life or those that were a part of it.

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

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TBG Book Review: Muhammad Ali: 15 Books About the Greatest

The Boxing Glove Sunday Night Book Review

By Peter Silkov

On Friday, June 3rd, the world lost someone very special, Muhammad Ali.  Muhammad Ali has long since gone beyond being merely the greatest boxer of all time.  35 years after he had thrown his final official punch in the ring, he remained as famous as ever and more importantly perhaps, his popularity had, if anything, grown over the years, rather than waned.  As well as leaving a legacy as a boxer, which shines even brighter with the passing of the years, he also left a shining legacy through the years in which he was devoted to various humanitarian projects.  Like his boxing career, Muhammad Ali’s legacy as a self-appointed ambassador for goodwill and reconciliation will continue to grow now even after his death.  He spent the last years of his life making sure that his mission to enact positive change in the world will not end with his death.  Muhammad Ali is a man of many legacies, and while we may now feel bereft at his passing, we can take some comfort what he has left behind.  It is fair to say that few men have left behind so much.  Muhammad Ali’s imprint upon the world has been remarkable.

Usually one of the signs that a man (or woman) has had a large impact on the world is the appearance of books and biographies on their life.  In an era of celebrity and idol worship, there have been hundreds, if not thousands of biographies and autobiographies printed over the recent decades, most of them as complicated and disposable as a Big Mac from your local McDonalds.   There are exceptions to this of course, and one of the most powerful exceptions is the many books, which have been written upon Muhammad Ali.  Boxing itself seems to have a knack for producing biographies and autobiographies of impressive grace, experiences, and achievements.

The boxer is without doubt the most compelling of all sportsmen, and no boxer has been as compelling as Ali, ‘The Greatest.’  No other sportsman has had so many books and articles written about him as Muhammad Ali.  The biographies have been been numerous, and there have also been a number of ghostwritten autobiographies thrown into the mix.  It says something about both Ali the man and Ali the boxer, that despite the proliferation of literature written about him, the vast majority of it is of a high standard.  Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that Ali, despite all his fame and exposure to the world, remained for many an enigma, a fascination for writers of various backgrounds and outlooks.  Ali, the man, even in his sickly old age, always remained somewhat elusive to world.  He would never be just what people wanted or expected him to be, right up until his death. 

Perhaps this aspect of the man is one of the reasons why writers found him to be so fascinating. 

So today as we still come to terms with his physical loss to the world, I have been looking at my various collection of Muhammad Ali books.  There are (unsurprisingly) many, of all different shapes and sizes, and generally focus on  different aspects and times in Muhammad Ali’s life and career.  I thought it would be timely to complete my top 15 list of ‘greatest’ books written about ‘The Greatest.’  It is no mean feat to select a top 15,  and try as I might, I cant really find a ‘bad’ book amongst them.  Each one seems to show a different side and different experience of Ali.  Surely no other man, (certainly no other sportsman) could have so much written about him without his image growing staid and stale.  This is something that never happened to Ali due to the depth and intricacies of his personality.

This is a man who spent his life touching people, both physically and spiritually, and this comes across in many of the books upon him.  Especially the latter ones when the boisterousness of his youth had given way to the humility and maturity of his later years.

Compiling this list has been difficult, but in the end, I have simply decided to go with a list of books about this great man that have had a personal effect upon me, and rank them accordingly.

 The Greatest! Muhammad Ali! My Own Story!

 

Written in 1975, just after ‘The Thriller in Manila’ this is perhaps surprisingl, the only Ali autobiography written in his own words.  It begins with his calamitous defeat at the hands of Ken Norton and then goes through his life from some of his earliest childhood experiences, onto his boxing career right up to the aftermath of his epic 3rd match with Joe Frazier in 1975.  This is a revealing and fast moving book with some fascinating insights into his relationship with Joe Frazier, especially early on when Frazier was the ‘Champ’ and Ali was in exile.  There are also some great insights into Ali’s thoughts before some of his greatest fights.  This was the first book I ever brought on Ali and still my favourite. 

 

 

Muhammad Ali by Wilfred Sheed

Also written in 1975, this is a photographic biography of Ali with many stunning photos of Ali (by Neil Leifer.)  Sheed attempts to analyze the man behind the image and controversy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cassius Clay by Jack Olsen 

Published in 1967, this is a very penetrating biography of the young Muhammad Ali, looking at him as a young champion and his religious beliefs, and how they might affect his career.  There are some fascinating insights in this book on Ali’s upbringing and the experiences with racial discrimination that shaped his later beliefs.
 

 

 

 

 

Cassius Clay By Claude Lewis

This book is one of the earliest published on Ali.  Published in 1965, it focuses on Ali straight after he has won the World heavyweight title for the first time from Sonny Liston.  Although this is still very early in his career, it is already apparent how strong an impact that Ali has had already upon the sport.
 

 

 

 

 

Facing Ali By Stephen Brunt

Published in 2002, this book profiles 15 of Ali’s opponents, who faced him at various stages of his career.  Ranging from Tunney Hunsaker, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, Karl Mildenberger, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ernie Shavers, and Larry Holmes.
 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tao of Muhammad Ali by Davis Miller

Published in 1996, Davis Miller gives us one of the most revealing portraits of the older Ali, through his experiences of knowing Ali over a period of 30 years.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sunshine in My Life by Paddy Monaghan

This is Paddy Monaghan’s autobiography, and his account of his long friendship with Muhammad Ali, which started in the late 60s when he started a campaign for Ali after he was banned from boxing due to his refusal to go to Vietnam.  Published in 1993, this offers a very personal portrait of Ali.
 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fight by Norman Mailer

"The Fight" is an extraordinary account of the lead up to Muhammad Ali’s legendary fight with George Foreman in 1974, when he regained the World heavyweight championship, and proved beyond doubt his true greatness.  Norman Mailer offers us one of the most perceptive accounts of the Foreman vs. Ali fight ever written, as he attempts to get past the punches and examine the psychology of both men.
 

 

 

 

 

Shadow Box by George Plimpton

George Plimpton was another writer who was mesmerized by boxing, and especially by Muhammad Ali.  This is an idiosyncratic, sometimes eccentric book, as Plimpton meets various boxers, trainers and promoters, and follows Ali through the years from his fights with Liston in the early 60s to his epic struggles with Frazier and Foreman.

This book was published in 1977.  Plimpton paints a very personal picture of Ali and his entourage, and brings alive the back stage happenings behind ‘The Greatest’s biggest fights
 

 

 

Muhammad Ali: The Glory Years: Felix Dennis and Don Atyeo

In 1975, Felix Dennis and Don Atyeo wrote the excellent “Muhammad Ali, The Holy Warrior.”  In 2002, they followed this up with Muhammad Ali: The Glory Years, a large-scale photographic biography of  ‘The Greatest’ which though it goes through his whole life, its main focus is his glory years of the 60s and 70s.

 

 

 

Soul Of A Butterfly by Muhammad Ali and Hana Yasmeen Ali

"Soul of A Butterfly" is a very touching and spiritual book, which was written by Ali’s daughter, Hana Yasmeen Ali, and consists of the wisdom and beliefs of Ali, and memories of the important experiences of his life.  This is one of Muhammad Ali’s most personal books, that travels into the heart of his spiritual, and religious beliefs.
 

 

 

 

 

The Big Fight by Dave Hannigan

Written in 2002 by Dave Hannigan, “The Big Fight” delves into the background of Ali’s fight with Al ‘Blue’ Lewis, on July 19, 1972, at Croke Park Dublin, Ireland.  This is an offbeat and fast moving book, and it is fascinating to see the details behind the fight, as well as Ali’s interaction with the Irish fans.  There is also a look into Ali’s own Irish roots.
 

 

 

 

 

King Of the World by David Remnick

This is perhaps the best Ali book regarding its focus upon Ali’s first fight with Sonny Liston.  It has a great in-depth portrayal of both men, and Liston emerges as a much more complex person than some would have you believe.  First published in 1998, this is a great book on one of Boxing’s greatest and most controversial fights.
 

 

  

 

 

Muhammad Ali His Life And Times by Thomas Hauser

Published in 1991, Thomas Hauser’s biography of Ali is seen by many as the definitive Muhammad Ali biography.  With exhaustive research, and contributions by many who were with him at the height of his boxing career, this book brought Ali back into public attention, after he had spent much of the 80s in seclusion as he sought to deal with Parkinson’s disease.
 

 

 

 

Sting Like A Bee by Jose Torres

“Sting Like A Bee” is an idiosyncratic look at Muhammad Ali in the run up to his first showdown with ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier.  There are some stories that this book was actually written by Norman Mailer, in exchange for boxing lessons from Torres, who had only recently retired from boxing and turned full time to writing.  Whoever wrote this did a good job in capturing the mystery of Ali, and the diverse often-controversial drama’s of his life.  “Sting Like A Bee”, which was published in 1971, just after Ali vs. Frazier 1, when ’The Greatest’ was returning from his enforced exile, and at a pivotal point of his career.

That’s my top 15 list, there’s others that I had to leave out for now, maybe next time!.  As for these, if you haven’t managed to read any of them yet, my advise is to get reading!

 
 

Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

 

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