Category Archives: David Martinez

Al Nelson / Boxing Historian

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.”

Continue reading Al Nelson / Boxing Historian

A Night Meeting Sugar Ray Robinson

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

I will always remember October 23, 1986, when I was scheduled to referee and judge several amateur bouts on a huge local boxing show in Santa Barbara, California. The bouts were matched and supervised by Art Carbajal in conjunction with our local boxing club, La Casa De La Raza.

The absolute highlight of the evening was the attendance of Sugar Ray Robinson, rated by 98% of all boxing experts and historians world-wide as the greatest boxer “pound for pound” of all time. I was fortunate to personally meet him, obtain his autograph, shake his hand, and take several photos, which are simply priceless.

In the dressing room area after the bouts, I spent some quiet time with him and his wife, discussing various historic moments in his brilliant career. We addressed the topic of who exactly was Sugar Ray’s toughest opponent, which I said was Jake La Motta. However, I was nicely corrected, as they confirmed it was Fritzie Zivic.  

After that evening we would go on to exchange letters and Christmas cards; this lasted until Millie’s death in November 1995.

Continue reading A Night Meeting Sugar Ray Robinson

RING TRIVIA for March 2025 – ANSWERS

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 (5) 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 – On September 8, 2009, in Las Vegas, Oscar De La Hoya fought a three round exhibition match against NBA star Shaquille O’Neil … prior to the bout what former heavyweight champion worked out in training for O’Neil?

(A) Michael Moorer

(B) Lennox Lewis

(C) Oliver Mc Call *** CORRECT ANSWER ***

(D) Hasim Rahman

2 – In 1924, what former chief sparring partner of Jack Dempsey, went the distance with two great heavyweights, Gene Tunney and Harry Greb, losing to both by decision?

(A) Fred Fulton

(B) Martin Burke *** CORRECT ANSWER ***

(C) Johnny Risko

(D) Tommy Gibbons

Continue reading RING TRIVIA for March 2025 – ANSWERS

FROM THE DESK OF David Martinez

(Spring 2025 Edition)

The Spring season is officially upon us and as I respectfully do on a quarterly basis, I want to say thank you to a small team of people that truly help make dmboxing.com the success that it has been since the first publication on July 15, 2007. I would like to acknowledge these people, who are: Bob Quackenbush (Proof Reader / Photo Editing); Tom Donelson (Member Boxing Writers of America / BWAA); Kathy Kraft / Proof Reader – retired); and Steve Corbo (Boxing Writer / Proof Reader).

There are three other people who are no longer with us (R.I.P.) that were so instrumental in their contributing to this website that I must mention and never to forget them. They are: Rusty Rubin (In Rusty’s Corner / Glove2Glove); Harold Lederman (HBO World Championship Boxing / Hey Harold !); and Jim Amato (Senior Boxing Writer / Boxing Historian).

As seen in this edition, my official website hat is displayed. It is blue in color with embroidered logo on front and website address on back. It has an adjustable Velcro strap to fit all sizes. To purchase this attractive product, kindly send $22.50 to: David Martinez Boxing, 810 Coronel Street, Santa Barbara, California 93109 – AND – the price includes FREE shipping to all USA mailing zones.

Boxing has been a way of life for me, to know it is to live it, since 1961, and it is truly an honor to bring everyone my boxing world with respect and credibility being my intent. I welcome all input and comments and appreciate your support which simply fuels me to be the best that I can be to respectfully serve you.

Be sure to mark your calendar for some fights on the horizon:

*** March 29 – Cancun, Mexico (DAZN) ***

William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer

*** April 12 – Atlantic City (DAZN) ***

Jaron Ennis vs. Eimantas Stanionis

*** April 26 – London (DAZN) ***

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn

*** May 2 – New York (DAZN-PPV) ***

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero

Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez

Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza

*** May 3 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (DAZN-PPV) ***

Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull

*** May 4 – Las Vegas (ESPN) ***

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas

*** May 24 – Glasgow, Scotland (DAZN)***

Josh Taylor vs. Essuman

Continue reading FROM THE DESK OF David Martinez

Lou Filippo – lost – but not forgotten (R.I.P.)

Photo: October 1999 / David Martinez, Bobby Chacon, Lou Filippo

*** FLASHBACK ***

This article was originally published on December 24, 2009 for viewing on www.dmboxing.com

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

On November 2, 2009 the boxing world lost a true icon, Lou Filippo, who passed away peacefully due to a stroke; he was 83 years old. The many who knew Lou will always remember the dedication that he gave to the sport he dearly loved. 

He began his life in boxing as a top amateur boxer in the 1940’s. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and won the South Pacific All-Services 155 pound title in 1944.
 
After being discharged from the Navy, Lou won the U.S. Diamond Belt Lightweight title. He had over 250 amateur bouts before turning pro in 1947, and he compiled a record of 28 wins, 9 losses, and 3 draws. During his professional career he fought former lightweight champions Carlos Ortiz and Lauro Salas. In 1957, he was named “Fighter of the Year” in Los Angeles, California.

He went into officiating in 1973 and was either a referee or judge in 85 world championship bouts, including Sugar Ray Leonard’s controversial split decision win over Marvin Hagler in 1987, a bout where Lou scored Hagler the winner (and my scorecard agreed with Lou’s scoring of that fight).

Photo: October 2004 / Sylvester Stallone and Lou Filippo

Lou appeared in all five Rocky movies as either a referee or announcer, which leads to a story that stands out in my memory of those days with him. At one meeting with Lou, he asked “Hey David, did you get the little referee doll of me yet, the one from the Rocky movie”? I must admit I thought he was joking, but to my surprise, when I visited my local toy store, there was an action figure doll of Lou Filippo!  Today it is truly a collector’s item.

Continue reading Lou Filippo – lost – but not forgotten (R.I.P.)

Fight Night 2009 ~ REVISITED

*** FLASHBACK ***

This article originally was first published on www.dmboxing.com April 9, 2009

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

I would like to announce that on (Friday) April 17, 2009 at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Thunderdome, Pi Kappa Alpha will present Fight Night XVIII with doors to open at 5:30pm and the first bout scheduled for 6:30pm.

I was involved in the first inaugural Fight Night back in the mid eighties, which was originally started by Art Carbajal. I am delighted that my involvement this year will be as a corporate sponsor, judge and referee.

I was invited to participate a few months ago by Henry Calles, owner and trainer of Duke’s Boxing Gym. Henry is not only a friend but runs a very organized boxing and fitness gym in the small college community of Isla Vista.

Although Henry is about half my age, I feel like I have known him due to my earlier days working at youth gyms. I had the pleasure of working with his two uncles George and Mino Calderon, who were both outstanding amateur boxers in their day.

In 1983, I refereed an exhibition match between these two brothers, and those in the small crowd that attended that day were certainly treated to three, two-minute rounds of exciting boxing action. Their bout, along with a competitive supporting card, was held at a Santa Barbara, California boxing club called the Casa De La Raza, founded by Art Carbajal. Through the years the club moved to another location and has evolved as the Primo Boxing Club which is run by the expertise of Joe and Jean Pommier.

Calderon brothers / 1983 sparring bout
Mino (red trucks / gold trim) and
George (black trunks / gold trim)

I will go on record to saying “that, to this day, the Calderon sparring bout was the best combined six minutes of amateur boxing I have ever witnessed and had the pleasure of being the referee”.

Continue reading Fight Night 2009 ~ REVISITED

Jerry Quarry – REVISITED

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com

FLASHBACK ~ One of my favorite article pieces from Jim Amato that I would like to share is this one regarding Jerry Quarry. In loving memory of our friend, I am reposting this for viewing. Jim Amato was truly respected by many that knew him as simply a top-notch boxing historian and expert overall sports collector, he passed away on February 22, 2022, after a lengthy bout with cancer at the young age of 66 years old. He came on board to dmboxing in 2008 with excellent contributions in boxing … may his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord.

I personally knew Jerry Quarry, and he was always kind towards me. He told me many amazing stories and I saw him fight many times. Here’s sharing two photos from my collection, attending his fight with Scrap Iron Johnson on March 19, 1970 at the Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California.

Pictured: Referee Dick Young / Ring Announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr. / Trainer Johnny Flores

Continue reading Jerry Quarry – REVISITED

RING TRIVIA for March 2025

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 (5) 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 – On September 8, 2009, in Las Vegas, Oscar De La Hoya fought a three round exhibition match against NBA star Shaquille O’Neil … prior to the bout what former heavyweight champion worked out in training for O’Neil?

(A) Michael Moorer

(B) Lennox Lewis

(C) Oliver Mc Call

(D) Hasim Rahman

2 – In 1924, what former chief sparring partner of Jack Dempsey, went the distance with two great heavyweights, Gene Tunney and Harry Greb, losing to both by decision?

(A) Fred Fulton

(B) Martin Burke

(C) Johnny Risko

(D) Tommy Gibbons

Continue reading RING TRIVIA for March 2025

P4P Rankings / dmboxing.com

Top Dozen / February 18, 2025

*** NOTE *** The “Previous Ranking” listed here are from December 17, 2024 posting … Update: Vasiliy Lomachenko “honorably” removed from list due to official retirement

1 – Terence Crawford (41-0 / 31 by KO) / Previous Ranking #1

2 – Naoya Inoue (29-0 / 26 by KO) / Previous Ranking #2

3 – Oleksandr Usyk (23-0 / 14 by KO) / Previous Ranking #3

4 – Artur Beterbiev (21-0 / 20 by KO) / Previous Ranking #4

5 – Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2 / 39 by KO / Previous Ranking #5

6  Dimitry Bivol (23-1 / 12 by KO) / Previous Ranking #6

7 – Jesse Rodriguez (21-0 / 14 by KO) / Previous Ranking #7

8 – Junto Nakatani (29-0 / 22 by KO) / Previous Ranking #8

9 Gervonta Davis (30-0 / 28 by KO) / Previous Ranking #9

10 – David Benavidez (30-0 / 24 by KO) / Previous Ranking HM

11 – Teofimo Lopez (21-1 / 13 by KO) / Previous Ranking #11

12 – Shakur Stevenson (22-0 / 10 by KO) / Previous Ranking #12

Continue reading P4P Rankings / dmboxing.com