Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Published

2 weeks ago

September 4, 2024

Boxing Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser

Adam Pollack has written eleven books about boxing’s early gloved champions including a three-volume study of Jack Dempsey. Volume Three of the Dempsey trilogy (which covers The Manassa Mauler’s ring career subsequent to Dempsey-Firpo) has just been published by Win by KO Publications.

Pollack (a former prosecutor and now a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa) is also an accomplished boxing referee. That leads to the question: “Would he have handled matters differently had he been the third man in the ring for Demsey vs. Luis Firpo and Dempsey’s “long count” rematch against Gene Tunney?”

“Unless you’re actually in the moment,” Pollack answers, “it’s hard to know how you’d handle situations like that. And I prefer to let readers decide things on their own. I just lay out the evidence and let readers make their own judgments.”

But when pressed, Pollack offers some thoughts.

The referee for Dempsey-Firpo was Johnny Gallagher. Firpo was knocked down seven times in round one while dropping Dempsey on flash knockdowns twice. Then he knocked Dempsey through the ropes into the press secton with a hellacious righthand before being knocked out himself in the second round.

“The neutral corner rule was in existence at the time of Dempsey-Firpo,” Pollack recounts. “But it was rarely enforced at that time. There was a fair amount of criticism of Gallagher for not enforcing the rule to the extent that he allowed Dempsey to hit Firpo as soon as Firpo’s glove left the canvas rather than making Dempsey wait until Firpo was in an on-guard standing position and ready to defend himself. In fact, that criticism led directly to the rule being highlighted in the referees’ instructions before both Dempsey-Tunney fights. If I’d been the referee for Dempsey-Firpo, using the accepted 1923 standard, I would have made Dempsey take a few steps back after each knockdown and not allowed him to approach until Firpo was totally upright. But I would not have required him to go to a neutral corner.”

“As for Dempsey being knocked through the ropes,” Pollack continues, “back then, a fighter who was knocked out of the ring had ten seconds to get back in, not twenty seconds the way it is today. The consensus is that Dempsey beat the ten-count and didn’t get any help from the writers. Just because someone is pushing you off of them doesn’t mean they’re helping you.”

As for the long-count controversy in Tunney-Dempsey II, Pollack states, “There’s an argument that Dave Barry [the referee] should have picked up the count at four and not started at ‘one’ when Dempsey finally went to the far neutral corner. But Barry was within his rights to handle the situation the way he did. I could go either way on it. And people forget that Dempsey didn’t stay in the neutral corner. He was practically halfway across the ring, coming in for the kill at the count of nine, and Barry ignored it.”

Does Pollack think that Tunney would have beaten the count if he’d had only ten seconds to work with rather than fourteen?

“It’s speculation,” Adam answers. “Looking at the films, I think Tunney could have gotten up within the first ten seconds. But he probably would have been a bit dazed and more vulnerable to Dempsey’s punches.”

“Boxing is becoming a niche sport,” Pollack adds in closing. “So you have fewer and fewer people writing about boxing history today. But I love the research. I love the learning. There are always surprises. The surprises are part of the fun for me. And I love taking readers back in time so they can relive the eras I’m writing about. I put a lot of time and effort into these books. I know there are people who appreciate them, and that’s very gratifying to me. I’m not the one to judge, but I think my books will stand the test of time.”

Yes, they will.

***

SOME WORDS OF WISDOM FROM TRAINERS

Teddy Atlas: “Boxing has its share of beautiful stories. But it has sad ones too.”

Charlie Goldman: “I always say to my guys, ‘Don’t tell ’em. Show ’em.'”

Willie Ketchum (who trained world champions Jimmy Carter, Antonio Cervantes, Lou Salica, Davey Moore, and Lew Jenkins): “They always quit at the wrong time. When it’s too late, they see the light.”

Donald Turner: “There’s a lot of bad people in boxing. And those people should know what kind of person I am. I live an honorable life. When I’m wrong, I admit it and apologize for what I did. But I’ll get in your face if I think you’re wrong. And I’ll come at you with a baseball bat if you try to take what’s mine.”

And then there’s the standard reply that Hall of Fame trainer Ray Arcel gave whenever he was asked about boxing’s many ills: “It was ever thus.”

***

On August 24, a faded, stained, gray flannel shirt sold at auction at Heritage for $24,120,000.

Before you check your closet to see if you have any faded, stained, gray flannel shirts, keep in mind that we’re talking about the jersey Babe Ruth is believed to have worn when he hit his famed “called shot” home run off Chicago Cubs pitcher Charlie Root in the 1932 World Series.

I say “believed” because the jersey has been examined by several respected photomatching authenticators. One of them – Resolution Photomatching – examined the jersey on three separate occasions and each time declined to confirm a match. When Resolution Photomatching went public with its reservations, Chris Ivy (director of sports auctions for Heritage) declared it “unfortunate that a company like Resolution would want to come out and say something like that.”

In recent years, game-worn attire has become increasingly popular among collectors. In 2022, Sotheby’s sold the jersey that Michael Jordan wore in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Championship Finals for $10.1 million. That same year, the jersey Diego Maradona wore when he scored his “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup brought in $9.3 million.

The Babe Ruth jersey in question was sold at auction in 1999 at a time when it was described simply as a game-worn Babe Ruth road uniform. The price was $284,000. Six years later – with the “called shot” designation added to the description – it sold at auction for $940,000. Now the same jersey has sold for twenty-five times its 2005 price.

How do boxing trunks and robes stand up against these numbers?

Far behind.

Craig Hamilton is the foremost boxing memorabilia dealer in the United States. Asked about robes and trunks. Hamilton says that the most valuable piece of fight-worn memorabilia known to exist is the robe that Muhammad Ali wore when he reclaimed the heavyweight throne from George Foreman in Zaire. It sold at auction for $157,000 in 1997 and, in Hamilton’s view, would bring several million dollars today.

“You have to remember;” Hamilton adds, “in 1997, sports memorabilia sales were fueled by collectors. Now the market is driven by investors. They might be fans too. But no matter how much they spend, the biggest spenders have their eye on the longterm bottom line.”

And by the way; Babe Ruth loved boxing. He was a regular at ringside for big fights. There are numerous photos of Ruth in boxing poses (sometimes with his hands gloved) and also photos of Ruth with Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis. When the Boxing Writers Association of America (then known as the Boxing Writers Association of Greater New York) held its first annual dinner at the Hotel Astor on April 26, 1926, The Babe was there.

Thomas Hauser’s email address is thomashauserwriter@gmail.com. His most recent book – MY MOTHER and me – is a personal memoir available at Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/My-Mother-Me-Thomas-Hauser/dp/1955836191/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5C0TEN4M9ZAH&keywords=thomas+hauser&qid=1707662513&sprefix=thomas+hauser%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1

In 2004, the Boxing Writers Association of America honored Hauser with the Nat Fleischer Award for career excellence in boxing journalism. In 2019, Hauser was selected for boxing’s highest honor – induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

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Thomas Hauser

Thomas Hauser is the author of 52 books. In 2005, he was honored by the Boxing Writers Association of America, which bestowed the Nat Fleischer Award for career excellence in boxing journalism upon him. He was the first Internet writer ever to receive that award. In 2019, Hauser was chosen for boxing's highest honor: induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Lennox Lewis has observed, “A hundred years from now, if people want to learn about boxing in this era, they’ll read Thomas Hauser.”

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Results and Recaps from Dublin where Callum Walsh had a Sensational Homecoming

Published

8 mins ago

September 20, 2024

David A. Avila

IResults-and-Recaps-from-London-where-Callu,m-Walsh-had-a-Sensational-Homecoming

A raucous sold-out Irish crowd saw Callum “King” Walsh return to native soil and quickly decimate Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski by knockout to retain a regional title in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.

“Once you get hit by me, game over,” said Walsh.

Walsh (12-0, 10 KOs) showed more than 8,000 fans in Ireland why he is highly ranked as a super welterweight with a two-round knockout of Runowski (22-3-1, 6 KOs) at the 3Arena Dublin.

It was Walsh’s first pro fight in Ireland.

On a 360 Promotion fight card that featured mostly native Irish fighters, it was Walsh who fans paid to see after reading about his exploits in the USA. Led by world class trainer Freddie Roach, the native Irish super welterweight walked into the arena to a loud roar.

After introductions, a calm but stern Walsh went to work against the veteran Polish fighter who had never been knocked out in a pro fight in 25 pro bouts.

The southpaw Walsh went to work stoically with right hook body shots and connected with a long left cross that buckled the Polish fighter in the first round. It was evident that the bleached-blonde fighter’s power was real.

In the second round Runowski was intent on gaining respect from Walsh. He fired his own blows and Walsh fired back. During a quick exchange Walsh connected with a right hook and a left. Down went Runowski from the blast and the referee counted to 10.

It was over at 2:06 of the second round.

“He had never been stopped until he got hit my me,” Walsh said following the stoppage. “I just hit too hard.”

The native of Cork, Ireland also said that his mentor, Dana White of UFC, wants to do future fight cards in Ireland, that had not seen boxing for several years until recently.

“Dana said we’re coming back. This sealed the deal,” said Walsh. “We’ll bring this Irish crowd and we’ll take over the world.”

Other Bouts

Ali Akhmedov (22-1, 16 KOs) managed to eke out a split-decision win over France’s Pierre Dibombe (22-2-1, 12 KOs) after 10 rounds in a super middleweight fight. Despite a knockdown in the eighth round, Akhmedov rallied to a win.

Irish Olympian Emmett Brennan (4-0) won by split decision over Kevin Cronin (8-2-1) in a very close inside super middleweight fight.

Heavyweight Thomas Carty (9-0, 8 KOs) knocked down Jonathan Vergara (6-2) twice with body shots before ending the fight by knockout with a left to the head at 2:59 of the second round.

“When I start putting my combinations together people hit the deck,” Carty said.

An entertaining Irish super welterweight title fight saw Craig O’Brien (15-3) out-punch Edward Donovan (7-1) to win a technical split decision after six rounds of a scheduled eight round fight. A cut over Donovan’s eye forced a premature decision.

In a female lightweight fight, Ireland’s Shauna O’Keefe (3-0, 2 KOs) won by knockout over Iceland’s very tough Valgerdur Gudstensdottir (7-6) in the fourth round. The southpaw O’Keefe showed strong and accurate two-fisted punching and ended the match at 1:45 of the fourth round.

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Avila Perspective, Chap. 297: Callum Walsh in Dublin, Anthony Joshua and More

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2024

David A. Avila

Avila Perspective, Chap. 297: Callum Walsh in Dublin, Anthony Joshua and More

All eyes point toward the British Isles this weekend and the American wild west.

In back-to-back days, several of that European region’s best pugilists headline cards in Dublin then in London.

It all begins with super welterweight contender Callum Walsh, the Irish fighter from Cork who trains in Hollywood, Calif. with one of the masters, Freddie Roach.

On Friday, Sept. 20, Walsh (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski (22-2-1, 6 KOs) at 3Arena Dublin in Dublin, Ireland for a regional super welterweight title. UFC Fight Pass will stream the 360 Promotions card at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Straight from the sweaty gyms of Hollywood, Ireland’s Walsh (pictured on the left) returns home to native soil where he intends to showcase the ever-growing skills learned from Southern California’s hotbed of pro boxing.

On any given day a number of veteran fighters can be found to spar and learn.

Walsh, also known as King Callum, has been one of many Irish fighters who uprooted themselves from the comforts of home and moved to Southern California to find a myriad of styles from boxers coming from all parts of the world.

The hard-charging Walsh finally returns to perform in the heart of Ireland. His speed, power and skills have enabled him to eliminate nine of 11 opponents via knockout.

Dana White, his manager, will be attending the fight.

“Love the fact that he’s not fighting guys to pad his record, like the typical boxing model. This is a kid who really believes in himself and his potential to become a world champion,” said White the president of the UFC organization. “I also love the fact that one of the greatest trainers in the history of the sport, Freddie Roach, believes in him. I am very invested in this fight in Dublin and I’m really excited to not only bring a fight back to Ireland but to be sitting ringside to see Callum fight in his home country.”

Poland’s Runowski has never been stopped and has a string of victories against top competition. This match will prove who moves on toward elite competition.

Saturday in London

In London, England on Saturday, top heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois lead an impressive Matchroom Boxing fight card at Wembley Stadium. DAZN will stream the card.

Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) and Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) fight for the IBF heavyweight title. Both have recently looked in peak form. Look for a stoppage in this fight between knockout experts.

Dubois only lost to Okesandr Usyk and should have been ruled the winner when he floored the champion with a body shot a year ago. The referee erroneously ruled it a low blow. The titles should have been given to Dubois at that moment. Instead, Usyk rallied and stopped the British fighter in the ninth.

Since that loss, Dubois knocked out Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.

Former champion Joshua has never looked better and recently destroyed MMA star Francis Ngannou who gave Tyson Fury fits when they fought. Not so against Joshua who mercilessly blew him out in two rounds.

Also featured on the card are Hamzah Sheeraz, who recently defeated Ammo Williams via knockout plus Josh Warrington, Josh Kelly and undefeated Joshua Buatsi. It’s a front-loaded boxing card.

Wild West USA

Mexico’s former champion Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) makes his debut on a Top Rank card against undefeated Armenian super middleweight Erik Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs) on Friday Sept. 20, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. ESPN will televise the Top Rank card.

It’s Munguia’s first fight since losing to boxing kingpin Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. No shame in that. But he is facing another Canadian prospect who has never lost. Recently, that country has been developing some very good pugilists like another super middleweight Christian Mbilli.

The Top Rank card is loaded with highly-regarded prospects such as Richard Torrez Jr., Emiliano Vargas, Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia and others.

LA Area

A half dozen undefeated fighters including Daniel Cruz (7-0) against Recky Dulay (11-9) meet on Friday Sept. 20, for KO Fight Night at Farallon Event Center in Lynwood, Calif.

Among the undefeated fighters on the House of Pain fight card are Mathias Radcliffe, DeAngelo Evans, Luis Rubalvaca, and Jose Casillas.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Fights to Watch (all times Pacific Time)

Fri. UFC Fight Pass 9:30 a.m. Callum Walsh (11-0) vs Przemyslaw Runowski (22-2-1)

Fri. ESPN 7:30 p.m. Jaime Munguia (43-1) vs Erik Bazinyan (32-0-1).

Sat. DAZN 10 a.m. Anthony Joshua (28-3) and Dubois (21-2).

Photo courtesy of Zuffa

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Mikaelian vs Rozicki POSTPONED Amidst Rumors that Promoter Don King is Ailing

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1 day ago

September 19, 2024

Arne K. Lang

Mikaelian-vs-Rozicki-Postponed-Amidst-Rumors-that Promoter-Don-King-is-Ailing

The WBC world cruiserweight title fight between Ryan Rozicki and Noel Mikaelian, slated for Sept. 28 at Miami Casino Jai Alai in Miami, Florida has been postponed. A terse press release attributed to Don King Promotions, Three Lion Promotions (Rozicki’s promoter) and the WBC was issued today. No reason was given for the postponement. It merely said, “we are working diligently to set a new date and should have a new date to announce in the days to come.”

An Armenian who has done most of his fighting in Germany and now lives and trains in Miami, Mikaelian (aka Noel Gevor) sports a 27-2 (12 KOs) record and would be making the first defense of the title he won with a third-round stoppage of Ilunga Makabu on a Don King card in Miami in November of last year. Canada’s Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) suffered his lone defeat at the hands of Oscar Rivas in October of 2021. That match, which went the full 12 rounds, is recognized by the WBC as the first Bridgerweight title fight. Plagued with chronic eye problems, Rivas would never fight again.

This is the second time that the Mikaelian-Rozicki match has been postponed. They were originally scheduled to fight on June 7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Hollywood, Florida, but Mikaelian (pictured on the left) suffered an eye injury just days before the fight and the match evaporated. Mikaelian’s injury bumped the welterweight contest between Blair Cobbs and Adrien Broner into the main event. Cobbs won a 10-round unanimous decision.

The news of this second postponement spawned talk in online chat rooms to the effect that Don King had fallen seriously ill. According to one private correspondence shared with this reporter this morning at a local boxing gym, King had suffered a near-death experience and would be stepping away from boxing for one year.

This allegation could not be substantiated. More than that, reliable sources say it should be dismissed as an UNFOUNDED rumor. Considering all the misinformation on social media, perhaps I was remiss in not keeping it under my hat.

At one time the most powerful boxing promoter in the world, Don King turned 93 last month.

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