David Martinez Boxing

By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

I just read a book about a man who may be the best boxer to come out of my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. As an accomplished amateur he knocked out future world light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim. As a professional fighter he defeated some of the best heavyweights and light heavyweights of that era. Men like Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Charley Burley, Gus Lesnevich,Maxim, Billy Soose and many others tasted defeat at the hands of Bivins. Jimmy even took on Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott.For his great accomplishments Bivins was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.

The author of this book is fellow Clevelander Jerry Fitch. Jerry is a well respected boxing historian who has developed a long friendship with Jimmy and his family. This connection enabled Jerry to tell the story of Bivins and his roller coaster life and career.Along with the great text Fitch published some vintage photos that are priceless.

I’ll say say this is a “must read” for boxing fans. I feel you will enjoy it as much as I did.

BOOK NAME ~ James Louis Bivins; The man who would be CHAMPION; Author Jerry Fitch

The book is available at www.amazon.com

Barnes and Nobles and various sites in the UK.

It is also available by contacting jerryfitch@aol.com

By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

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.
Read more…

By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

How do they keep turning out such great fighters ? Jose Torres, Wilfredo
Gomez, Wilfred Benitez, Felix Trinidad and now Miguel Cotto. Puerto Rico has
put their stamp on the fistic map!

In the forty five years I’ve followed the great sport of boxing I’ve seen two
lightweights that were not only Puerto Rican standouts but in my opinion
among the greatest lightweights of all time.

I am speaking of former champions Carlos Ortiz and the late Esteban
DeJesus. Who would have won if these two fine fighting machines had met in
their primes ?

Carlos Ortiz dominated the lightweight division in the mid and late 60’s.
He was extremely strong and powerful for his weight. He was also more clever
then ever given credit for. He was a solid puncher with a sturdy chin.
Only the vastly talented Ismael Laguna was able to give Carlos problems
at his peak.

Then you have Esteban DeJesus. If there was ever a fighter who fought at
the wrong time it was Esteban. If only Roberto Duran had not been around…
DeJesus beat Duran in their first bout, a non-title affair. Roberto then
came back to twice halt Esteban in championship encounters. In between all
that Esteban won the W.B.C. version of the title by whipping Guts Suzuki.
This is not a feat that should taken lightly. Suzuki had held his own with
Laguna and Duran. He twice kayoed the respected Rodolfo Gonzalez. He won
against tough Tury ” The Fury ” Pineda and defeated future Hall Of Famer Ken
Buchanan.
Read more…

( Winter 2012 Edition )

On a quarterly basis, I always write to thank and acknowledge the people that make this website the success that it is. My producer is John Boitnott, the main person who is simply my right hand man with his professional expertise regarding this website. Other key people are: Bob Quackenbush (Proof Reader and Photo Editing), Kathy Kraft (Proof Reader), Rusty Rubin (In Rusty’s Corner column), Tom Donelson (Boxing Correspondent Writer), Jim Amato (Senior Boxing Writer), and Ray Luna (Media Photographer). I am so grateful to have these wonderful people that contribute to this website in a positive manner.

My t-shirt, hat, and tank top products are a huge part of this website and the girls that pose wearing these items have all added a personal touch with their beauty and support.

As a boxing historian and avid collector for over fifty years, I strive to bring everyone the best in boxing in a most respectable and professional way. The fan mail that I receive is greatly appreciated and I respect your views and opinions.

One change on this website has been my RING TRIVIA, which had been monthly and is now offered quarterly in March, June, September, and December. I have added more questions (formerly three and now five) with the answers available for viewing sooner in a two-week time frame. I have always been fascinated with boxing trivia, and as a young boy growing up I would pick the minds of my older generation boxing friends to learn for myself the history of boxing that they knew and lived. When this website was born in July 2007, I knew that RING TRIVIA would be a main feature and I intend to keep it so.
Read more…

2011 Inductees Honored at Holiday Gala

By Michele Chong – GUEST POST – for dmboxing.com

Several boxing champs, contenders and members of the Golden State Boxers’ Association (GSBA) were honored at this year’s awards ceremony and holiday banquet taking place at the Steven’s Steakhouse in Commerce.

This boxing group is built through a network of past and current fighters, trainers cornermen, judges, referees and others working in the fight game. Meeting every Tuesday in Hollywood, the GSBA provides a “one-stop shop” for boxing aficionados to get together in sharing their love of the sport. President Larry Montalvo and Vice President Bill Dempsey Young and their dedicated wives have bridged the gap in bringing everyone together through their love of boxing. And each person in the hall has a strong tie to the sweet science. Dining on steak, shrimp and chicken, those in the sold-out crowd listened to heartfelt tributes to this year’s honorees. One of the most touching moments was when I watched British lightweight Allen Syers’ family accept a posthumous award. Elise Syers, wife of Allen, his son Philip and their family accepted the “Don Fraser Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award” bestowed upon Allen, who passed away on December 5. Syers was a longtime member of the group and his passing leaves a void.

Boxing builds unbreakable bonds and many in the room reconnected after first meeting decades ago. Burbank’s Rick Farris and Frankie Santillan share a history of boxing in their youth, turning pro at the same time–and even forging a friendship after fighting each other. Friendships like these, in and out of the ring, are what makes this organization special. Everyone is treated with respect, no matter how many victories or defeats are logged on their ledgers. Read more…