Inoue defeats Nakatani by unanimous decision … Benavidez dominates Ramirez

Recent Fights, Tom Donelson

By Tom Donelson / Member Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA)

This was a tight fight as Inoue barely defeated Juno Nakatani, a battle between the two best 122-pound fighters but Naoya Inoue found a way to win a close bout. Inoue is now 33 and the question is he still at his peak or on the downside of his career. However, in this fight, Inoue found a way to win a competitive tough fight. Momentum shift. at a crucial part when Nakatani suffered a cut from a head butt and Inoue moved forward to win the last two rounds. Inoue noted, “I fought thinking it would be alright to hold back a little and concede some points. Today, my mental stamina was depleted. That’s how tense the 12 rounds were. It was a technical battle of hitting and missing, hitting, and missing. We were both enjoying it. It was an enjoyable fight.”

Inoue reflected on the fight, “I’m not sure about if this fight means history yet, but in the future, we might think this is the day history was made. My boxing career isn’t at the end. We just finished the fight, so I think I’m going to have great history in the future. I hope I can make history more and more.” 

The fight was in front of 55,000 strong crowd in Tokyo Dome and while the opening rounds were two reluctant warriors feeling each other out but in the fourth round, Inoue used his jab more effectively, and he came on strong in the fifth and sixth round. Nakatani started to counter in the seventh round by hitting combinations. Nakatani’s corner advise him to get more aggressive and let his hands go. Nakatani pushed the issue in the ninth as he faced more precise Inoue movement which kept the rounds close.

In the tenth round, Nakatani suffered a cut following a clash of heads and while it didn’t deter his efforts in the tenth round, Inoue did take advantage in the eleventh round as he ramped up the pressure and landed two big uppercuts with both hands as the blood bothered Nakatani from the cut. The judges scored 116-112, 115-113, 116-112 all in favor of the champion. I had it 115-113. 

Inoue landed 140 punches to 120 for Nakatani over the 12 rounds, maybe two more punches per round and the head butt certainly was a factor in the final two rounds. Inoue is the pound for pound now that Terrance Crawford retired.

Continue reading Inoue defeats Nakatani by unanimous decision … Benavidez dominates Ramirez →

***** FLASHBACK ***** Memories of a Special Trio

David Martinez, FLASHBACK

For the fans who are new to dmboxing, who did not view this site in the early years, I would like to take you back in time to 2007, 2008, and 2009 by sharing three short, memorable articles of interest.

These articles regard three people whose friendship is something very special to me. It is truly an honor to know them. They are Hank Kaplan, Joe Valverde, and Baron Ron Herron.    

The “10” Count

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian (December 16, 2007)

After attending a special boxing Christmas party luncheon in Los Angeles this past Friday, which was sponsored by the California Golden State Boxers Association, I was sadden to Receive the news later that night that I received by a close boxing associate, and friend Jim Carlin – that long time boxing historian icon Hank Kaplan passed away.

In my life time I have been blessed to have met, which I consider, the three greatest boxing historians ever; Al Nelson, Nat Fleischer, and Hank Kaplan.

It was in October 1998, when former World Boxing Hall of Fame president Dub Harris introduced me to Hank. We bonded well with our mutual love for boxing, and to my surprise I was able to spend more than enough time in private with Hank – which to this day I consider a treasure in that memorable time to spend with Hank.

Hank gave me a few gifts, which I still have to this day, but it was one single thing he told me that I will simply never forget, and that I have carried with me for so many years.

He told me, with his sincere wisdom, that if I am to be a boxing historian of any respect – to study and know your trade well, and the gifts will come later.

I actually used that (i.e.) same quote to me, in my speech when I was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame this past September 2007.

A man of great respect in the boxing world, has given me a gift, as well as many others that he touched, will be remembered by his peers as one of, if not the greatest boxing historian of this life time – Hank Kaplan.

Hank was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006 – may God bless is soul in heaven.

Continue reading ***** FLASHBACK ***** Memories of a Special Trio →

Richard Liborio “Richie” Guerrero

dmboxing.com, History, Steve Corbo

By Steve Corbo

For those following the fight game today, it is hard to believe Chicago was once one of the world’s top locations for professional boxing. No offense to my Southern California fight fans, but in the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, during boxing’s golden era, it was Chicago and New York City that were at the top of the mountain.

Both places had multiple venues running regular pro shows, often on a weekly basis. The flagship arenas being The Chicago Stadium and Madison Square Garden. If you were on a card at either, you were in the Big Leagues.

Some of the most important fights in boxing history took place in Chicago.  

In 1927 over 105,000 people packed Soldier Field, current home of the Chicago Bears, to see Dempsey- Tunney II, in what became known as “The Long Count”. With a gate of over $2,800,000 it was the first $2 Million gate, not just in boxing, but for any event! Tunney was the reigning and defending champion and received a record setting payday of $990,000 to put his title on the line against former world champion Dempsey. 

In 1937 Joe Louis beat “The Cinderella Man” Jim Braddock at Chicago’s Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox, to win the Heavyweight Championship of the World. The estimated attendance was 65,000.

In 1947, Rocky Graziano knocked out reigning Middleweight Champ Tony Zale to capture the Middleweight Championship of the World in front of a sellout crowd of 19,000 people at the Chicago Stadium. This was chapter two in their three-fight trilogy. One of the greatest in boxing history.

In 1957, Sugar Ray Roboinson stopped Gene Fullmer in the 5th round to recapture the World Middle Weight Crown at the Chicago Stadium. Before the fight, the sports books had Fullmer as a 3½-1 favorite.

Continue reading Richard Liborio “Richie” Guerrero →

The Olympic Auditorium: A Look Back at a Grand Venue (Part #2 of 2)

Bob Quackenbush, David Martinez, FLASHBACK, History

***** FLASHBACK *****

I am delighted to bring you a feature article that was published on dmboxing.com twice (dates:   August 16, 2012 / November 16, 2014) and is one of my favorites.  It is about a historic venue that I remember growing up as a kid; I attended many boxing and wrestling matches there.  My friend Bob Quackenbush captures it all in his excellent piece.  This is part two, as part one was just posted last week for your viewing.

                          By Bob Quackenbush

www.dmboxing.com

Though boxing was the sport that put the Olympic Auditorium on the map, legions of young fans in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s remember this place as the hallowed ground of Championship Wrestling.  Throughout the 1930’s, matches were held there regularly; but with the growth of television, later wrestlers such as Gorgeous George, Lou Thesz, Count Billy Varga, Freddie Blassie, the Destroyer, Mr. Moto, Mil Mascaras, Bobo Brazil, John “the Golden Greek” Tolos, Harold Sakata (who played the role of Odd Job in the movie “Goldfinger”), and Rocky Johnson (father of Duane “the Rock” Johnson) became household names.  Presided over by an actor-turned newscaster-turned sports announcer, the great Dick “Whoa Nellie” Lane, they were incredible shows in the pre-WWF days.

Around 1960, a fast-and-furious team event set up shop in the Olympic:  Roller Derby.  The L.A. Thunderbirds were the hometown favorites, with Ralphie Valladeras and his wife, Honey Sanchez, leading the way.  The venerable Lane also provided the commentary and conducted interviews for the programs which were aired locally, as were the wrestling matches, on KTLA Channel 5.

The contests at the Olympic came about through the efforts of a special group of people, the promoters.  Over the years, there were many memorable names, some better known than many of the fighters they signed.  In 1942, Cal Eaton held the job.  Working in the business office was a lady by the name of Aileen LeBell.  She and Cal married and later became co-promoters.

When Cal passed away in 1965, Aileen, known as the First Lady of Boxing, continued on as sole promoter for the next fifteen years.  Her sons from her first marriage, Mike and “Judo Gene” LeBell, also promoted various events at the Olympic.  Gene is well known to this day as a national and international judo champion, master of the art of grappling, and stunt man.  California legends George Parnassus, Don Fraser, and Don Chargin were other influential promoters at this boxing and wrestling hotbed, along with matchmakers Babe McCoy and Mickey Davies.  Other fixtures at the arena were Chief Inspector Joey Olmos of the California State Athletic Commission and publicity icon Luis Magana.

In addition to Dick Lane, there were other famous voices and visages who reported on events at the Olympic.  Well known broadcasters for boxing included  Jim Healy, Tom Harmon, and a young Dick Enberg.

Continue reading The Olympic Auditorium: A Look Back at a Grand Venue (Part #2 of 2) →

The Olympic Auditorium (Part #1 of 2)

Bob Quackenbush, David Martinez, FLASHBACK, History

*** FLASHBACK ***

This two-part article feature was posted twice (dates: August 8, 2012 / November 8, 2014) on dmboxing.com and I am now delighted to republish it a third time. It’s wonderfully written by Bob Quackenbush regarding the historic Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. This is part one, with part two to come next week for viewing.

My Uncle Peter first started taking me at a young age in 1960 to attend wrestling and boxing at this arena, my favorite venue of all time. I saw many of the great wrestlers and boxers there, and continued attending in later years.

In boxing events at the Olympic, here are my top three fights which I viewed viewing live from ringside. I’ve also included one bout that I regret missing, one that is my biggest upset, and another that is my most surprising outcome.

#1) Mando Ramos vs. Sugar Ramos / August 6, 1970 / Mando wins by split decision – 10 rounds

#2) Bruce Curry vs. Monroe Brooks / April 7, 1978 / Bruce wins by TKO – 9th round

#3) Carlos Palomino vs. Armando Muniz / January 21, 1977 / Carlos wins by TKO – 15th round

(Missed) Alfonso Zamora vs. Alberto Sandoval / October 26, 1978 / Alfonso wins by TKO – 8th round

(Upset) Jose Luis Garcia vs. Ken Norton / July 2, 1970 / Jose wins by KO – 8th round

(Surprise) Salvador Sanchez vs. Juan Escobar / April 15, 1978 / Majority Draw – 10 rounds

Respectfully, David Martinez / Boxing Historian

Now, here is Bob’s article to enjoy. For further outstanding pieces and information about Bob, go to the category menu section and click on his name to view.

Continue reading The Olympic Auditorium (Part #1 of 2) →

RING TRIVIA for March 2026 … The Correct ANSWERS

David Martinez, Trivia

I have always been intrigued with boxing trivia. This actually began back when I was a young kid in 1961. I would pick the minds of the older generation and ask questions about their era to educate myself. It’s now my pleasure to bring the boxing trivia format to my website www.dmboxing.com for everyone to enjoy. On a quarterly basis I post five multiple choice questions – in March, June, September, and December – with the correct answers to follow by end of each posting month for your viewing.

David Martinez / Boxing Historian
 

1 — What boxer had the nickname “The Brooklyn Billy Goat”?
            a – Shannon Briggs
            b – Paddy DeMarco — CORRECT ANSWER
            c – Riddick Bowe
            d – Junior Jones
 
2 — In his only professional defeat, who did Tyrone Everett lose to (by
split-decision) in a WBC junior lightweight title bout?
            a – Ben Villaflor
            b – Kuniaki Shibata
            c – Samuel Serrano
            d – Alfredo Escalera — CORRECT ANSWER

Continue reading RING TRIVIA for March 2026 … The Correct ANSWERS →

FROM THE DESK OF: David Martinez

FROM THE DESK OF:

(Spring 2026 Edition)

The Spring season is officially upon us, and as I respectfully do on a quarterly basis, I continue to say thank you to the small team of people who truly help make dmboxing.com the success it has been since its first publication on July 15, 2007.

I would like to acknowledge:

Bob Quackenbush (Proofreader / Photo Editing)

Tom Donelson (Member, Boxing Writers Association of America – BWAA)

Kathy Kraft (Proofreader – Retired)

Steve Corbo (Boxing Writer / Guest Posts)

There are also three individuals who are no longer with us (R.I.P.) who were instrumental in their contributions to the website, and I will never forget them.  

Rusty Rubin (In Rusty’s Corner / Glove2Glove)

Harold Lederman (HBO World Championship Boxing / “Hey Harold!”)

Jim Amato (Senior Boxing Writer / Boxing Historian)

Many people have texted or contacted me with their input, opinions, and thoughtful questions. I respect everyone’s interest and would like to share five that recently came to my attention, along with my response.

1 – Who was the first president you served under upon your membership in the World Boxing Hall of Fame?

ANSWER:

That would be the honorable Dub Harris. Prior to my induction in November 1996, he interviewed me in his Los Angeles (Commerce), California office. I was admittedly a bit nervous but confident. He asked several boxing questions, and after my quick and correct responses, he welcomed me into the organization on the spot. He asked me to begin officially in January 1997 as a Board of Director, and I was later assigned the role of Boxing Historian. I will always be grateful to Mr. Harris for his trust and the opportunity he gave me.

Continue reading FROM THE DESK OF: David Martinez →