This article originally was published onto www.dmboxing.com on February 20, 2023 … it’s been a little over three years since thepassing of a friend and a wonderful kind giving man to all that knew him.
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com
A dear friend and iconic boxing promoter and CEO of Thompson Promotions, Ken Thompson, recently passed away at the age of 85.
Ken was loved by all that knew him, and his greatest gift was his kindness and generosity to those that were connected with him in life.
I was certainly blessed and honored to have served as boxing historian under his presidential leadership during his two terms (1999 – 2000 – 2001 – 2002) tenure at the helm of World Boxing Hall of Fame. His presence certainly bought the utmost honestly and credibility to the organization.
This article was originally published on August 23, 2016 for viewing on www.dmboxing.com
This past Sunday, August 21, 2016 it was simply a pleasure to be a part of the Mesa SummerFest 2016 right here in my home town of Santa Barbara, California.
I had my own booth set-up displaying my boxing memorabilia and collectables and it was an honor to greet and talk boxing to the many that attended the event.
Many thanks to chair organizer Alice San Andres-Calleja for putting together such a wonderful afternoon of fun and love for everyone. All the booths, music, dancing, the train ride and guests were outstanding.
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.
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.
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.
This article was originally published on www.dmboxing.com – August 4, 2015
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com
Last month, at age 38, four-time super middleweight champion Carl Froch, from Nottingham, England, UK, has officially announced his retirement.
The British fighter enjoyed a successful career for fourteen years. His professional ring record stands at 33 wins and 2 losses, with 24 by knockout.
His only losses were to Mikkel Kessler in 2010, which he avenged three years later, and to Andre Ward in 2011 in the final of the Super Middleweight Six World Boxing Classic Tournament. The judges’ scores in the Ward fight were 115-113, 115-113, 118-110 … My unofficial scorecard was 117-111 for the winner Ward.
His most notable wins were over Jean Pascal in 2008, Jermain Taylor in 2009, Andre Dirrell in 2009, Arthur Abraham in 2010, Glen Johnson in 2011, Lucian Bute in 2012, and George Groves in 2013 and 2014.
Froch was listed on everyone’s best top10 “pound for pound” list, and in my most recent (June 2015) ranking he was number nine.
The boxing world will certainly miss this great champion Carl Froch, as he plans to move on to be an analyst with the British TV network Sky Sports. May he enjoy a long and healthy retirement with his partner Rachael, five-year-old son Rocco, and two-year-old daughter Natalia; and expecting a third child next month in September – Congratulations
This article was originally published on www.dmboxing – March 14, 2018
By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
I have enjoyed boxing for almost 60 years and I always enjoy a good fight. Recently, I watched the video of a bout that took place a few years ago. Felix Strum defended his WBA Super World Middleweight Title against Martin Murray. The fight took place in Mannheim, Germany on December 2, 2011. The ring announcer was Steve Corbo from Chicago, who did an outstanding job. Hall of Fame referee Stanley Christodoulou was the third man in the ring.
This is as fine an exhibition of the sweet science as you will ever see. The fight was televised throughout the world, but it has never been televised in the USA. Please Note: due to programming, there is no sound for 67 seconds during the playing of the German National Anthem.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy – click on the following link to watch a video of the bout.
*****FLASHBACK ***** In loving memory and respect to our friend Jim Amato (R.I.P.) this article piece was originally published on www.dmboxing for viewing on November 12, 2008. In remembrance of Jim, never to be forgotten, all his postings can be located by clicking onto his name in the Categories section. He came on board to dmboxing in April 2008 and has truly contributed the best of the best in boxing. Jim was truly respected world-wide by many as a boxing historian and sports collector, he passed away in Ashland, Ohio on February 22, 2021, after a bout with cancer at the age of 66. May his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord.
Roberto Duran photos courtesy David Martinez private collection
In this article written by Jim, I will certainly not argue with his expertise regarding The Top Ten Dominant, but let me offer my own personal view of simply the top dozen (12) greatest boxers “Pound-4-Pound” at their height, peak, prime, zenith, pinnacle of career.
Alphabetically they are: Muhammad Ali, Henry Armstrong, Roberto Duran, Joe Gans Harry Greb, Eder Jofre, Sam Langford, Benny Leonard, Joe Louis, Carlos Monzon, Willie Pep, Sugar Ray Robinson.
Sincerely, David Martinez / Boxing Historian
**********
By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer
Greatness, like beauty is really in the eye of the beholder. Since 1965 I’ve followed the careers of so many wonderful fighters. Over the past couple of decades it has become increasingly more difficult to judge a fighters true worth. With so many titles and weight classes involved sometimes we as fans never really know who is the best fighter in their weight division. At times when a fighter does emerge who looks like he is the cream of his division, he promptly moves up a weight class. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a good example. Manny Pacquaio too.
This piece is on who I feel were the ten best boxers since 1965 to dominate a single weight class. Those who proudly held the title for an extended reign and ruled it with an iron fist. Coming up with the top ten was not an easy task. Believe it or not there were quite a few fighters that had to be considered. There were some greats who just fell short of making the list but in their day they made their mark. Men like Michael Spinks, Aaron Pryor and Eder Jofre. Others like Julio Cesar Chavez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Pernell Whitaker and Miguel Canto were also passed over. It was pretty difficult to keep Sugar Ray Leonard, Tito Trinidad and Shane Mosley off the list. What about Roy Jones Jr., Carlos Zarate, Khaosai Galaxy, Salvador Sanchez and Jose Napoles. There was no room for them either. By now you must have concluded that the ten boxers I picked must be very special. They are, all ten of them. I’m sure many will disagree with me and there will be many a strong argument for other candidates. I do hope you agree with me that my top ten and also the fighters I’ve mentioned above were pretty special indeed.
***FLASHBACK *** This article was originally published for viewing on www.dmboxing.com on August 15, 2017
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com
There is a boxer that nobody ever talks about these days. A boxer who seems to have been lost in the fog of time, but whom I rate as one of the finest to ever come out of Chicago! His name is Jimmy Barry. He was known as “Little Tiger” and this 5-feet-2 Irish kid was as good as they come.
Born on March 7, 1870 he started his professional boxing career in 1891, winning 27 straight without a loss, with 18 of those wins coming by knockout. On December 5, 1893 he knocked out Jack Levy in 17 rounds to win the “100 pound Championship of America”.
On September 15, 1894 Barry knocked out Casper Leon in the 28th round to win the bantamweight championship. They would fight in a rematch in May 1895. The bout was ruled a draw when police stepped in to halt the bout in the middle of the 14th round. He and Leon would eventually fight each other four times, with three of the fights being a draw and the other ruled a six round no-contest decision.
On December 6, 1897, at National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Barry defeated Walter Croot in the 20th round to gain undisputed recognition as Bantamweight Champion of the World. Croot died after the fight, due to injuries he received when he was dramatically knocked out cold with a tremendous right hand to the jaw. An autopsy ruled his death resulted from being hit with such force that his skull was fractured when striking the mat.
This article feature was originally published for viewing on www.dmboxing.com courtesy of Steve Corbo from Chicago, on November 14, 2023
On Thursday November 9th boxers from the University of Southern California blew into the Windy City to compete in an Intercollegiate Boxing Show, featuring five Universities. The event was sanctioned and approved by USA Boxing and The United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association. That’s right… Trojan Boxers! Along with all its other fabled sports, boxing is alive and well at USC.
Front Row Left to Right: YC, Noah “Sting” Ng, Parker Chang, Jade Brewer
Back Row Left to Right: Coach Cesar Lopez, Assistant Coach Brian Robillard, Ring Announcer and USC Alumnus Steve Corbo, Head Coach Omar Lopez and Patrick Carbone
Together with boxers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Xavier University in Cincinnati, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, four USC fighters stepped into the ring to compete against some of the best collegiate boxers in the Midwest. The event took place at the magnificent Union League Club in the heart of downtown Chicago. Initially, it was hard to find anybody cheering for Cardinal and Gold. But fighting in this environment only seemed to motivate the Trojans on to victory.
First to fight for USC was Patrick Carbone. He took on Kobe Rogers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Being amateur boxing, all the bouts were scheduled for three rounds of action, with this one being in the 176-pound weight division. Carbone used his superior reach and height to dominate a very tough Rogers, who threw everything he had and never quit trying to find the key to get to Carbone. In the end it was Carbone who won on every judge’s scorecard to take home a unanimous decision victory.
