By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting some very interesting and knowledgeable people in boxing since my love and interest in the sport began in 1961.

Al Nelson was one person who I came across, and I am very lucky to have known him.

Nelson was the curator of the Jeffries Barn Museum located at Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California. I was introduced to him though my friend, Gary Ballin, in the late sixties. Nelson was a true living icon and boxing historian from the turn of the 20th Century in the Jim Jeffries, Jack Johnson, and Bob Fitzsimmons era. I would take it upon myself to make many visits to Al just for the opportunity to learn, educating myself about the era of boxing history in which he lived.

I remember a few things from our talks. He stated that Bob Fitzsimmons was the hardest puncher of his time; that Jim Corbett was a complete master in the ring; and although Jeffries was his favorite, Jack Johnson was the best of the heavyweights.

Just before he passed away, Nelson gave me many old photos and booklets, plus a very special gift which is an original cigar box (circa 1900) with the image of undefeated heavyweight champion Jim Jeffries on the cover. I was humbled when he said “David, your enthusiasm is such a delight to me.”

Here’s sharing just a few of those framed photos from Al that now hang in my own boxing collection.

In the short period of time I  knew Al Nelson, I consider his memory truly a gift – one that lives always within me.