MARCH 8, 1971...THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

There are certain dates that will stick with you as long as you live. Your birthday, the birthdays of family members, anniversaries, the day that you got your divorce ( s ), etc...Happy and important days that mark milestones in your life. One such date I'll always remember is March 8, 1971. The " Battle Of The Century ", it was so aptly named.Two undefeated boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs. Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by Jimmy Ellis. The powerful New York State Athletic Commission would recognize the winner of a match up between unbeaten boxers Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis. A bout in which Joe won. In 1970 Frazier stopped Ellis to claim the vacated title. Later that year Muhammad Ali returned to ring wars and halted highly ranked contenders Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena. The stage was now set. Ali and Frazier would clash for the undisputed title. The first Ali - Frazier bout was the epic that all others are compared to, even today. There is no reason in this article to describe the bout itself. Reams of print have appeared documenting the action that took place in the ring that magical night. What I would like to share is the impact that fight on me and probably millions of others. I have never before or since March 8, 1971 felt the same way about a prize fight. Yes there were a few that stirred my anticipation like Duran-DeJesus II and III, Leonard-Duran I, Leonard-Hearns I, Pryor-Arguello I, Hagler-Hearns and Leonard-Hagler. Still to this day Ali - Frazier I tops them all. Was Ali - Frazier I the best action fight of all time ? I would have to say no but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement, this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer. Each boxer would receive $ 2.5 million for their nights work. That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971. I have never been so wound up with anticipation for a boxing match in my life. I was a few months shy of my seventeenth birthday and had been a boxing fan from the time I was ten.I had closely followed all the events leading up this day in boxing history. On fight night I was at a party and we gathered around the radio listening to the round by round summary. We were pretty much split on the outcome of the fight but almost all of us were rooting for " Smokin' Joe ". From the round by round reports we could sense that this was a bout with shifting momentums. The ever proud Ali realized that Joe had come to fight this evening. Maybe Ali took Frazier too lightly. Maybe Muhammad rushed too soon to get back in the ring after his lengthy layoff. Maybe, just maybe the Joe Frazier of March 8, 1971 was one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I've never seen a boxer who laid it all out for one fight like Joe did that night. You've heard it said that a boxer would rather die then be defeated. On this night Joe would have died a hundred deaths before giving in to Ali. Round after round went by and as we listened to the radio. In the eleventh Frazier rocked Ali and we as a collective group cheered. Even the ones who had bet on Ali to win. As the bout moved into the " championship " rounds, we were all on the edge of our seats. Then it happened. It was announced on the radio the Joe had decked Ali in the fifteenth round. More cheering and now the wait. Finally it was time to render the decision. The winner and still heavyweight champion of the world...Joe Frazier ! Oh what a night. Thirty eight years later I can remember it like it was yesterday. Ali, Frazier, my friends and myself are now entering the twilight of our lives. Still when I think of that night it takes me back to my youth and to the ultimate excitement that probably the greatest single sporting event of all time brought me. Thanks Joe and Muhammad.

Jim Amato

A Champion Forgotten ! Alfredo Escalera

A Champion Forgotten !
By Jim Amato

He turned professional in 1970, fighting in the clubs of New England, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. In his eighth pro contest he was trading shots with a fella named Edwin Viruet. He suffered his first pro defeat that night. No shame in that. Nor would there be any shame in his next setback two fights later to crafty Diego Alcala. He reeled off three wins and then lost again to world rated Miguel Montilla but he was now fighting out of his home base of Puerto Rico. Five weeks later he lost a decision to Gino Febus. Three months after his loss to Febus he halted Montilla in a rematch. Five weeks later he stopped the highly respected Frankie Otero in five rounds.
Alfredo Escalera was on his way. Over the next few years the wins began to pile up. Jose Luis Lopez, Antonio Amaya, Sigfredo Rodriguez, Carlos Mendoza, Ricardo Arredondo and Oscar Pitton were victims. Then came a stunning KO loss to Mario Roman to end 1974. Two months later Alfredo bounced back to halt Roman. He then drew with the talented Francisco Villegas. It was then off to Japan for a long waited for shot at the world's crown. He would meet the W.B.C. claimant Kuniaki Shibata, a pretty darn good fighter !
On July 5th, 1975 Alfredo began a very solid reign as a world champion by flattening Shibata in two rounds.For two and a half years Alfredo was to remain a champion and put together a rather impressive resume for Hall Of Fame status.
During this time as champion Alfredo took on all comers. He drew with tough Lionel Hernandez. He beat Gaetan Hart, Sven-Erik Paulsen, Jose Fernandez twice, Buzzsaw Yamabe twice and the dangerous Ray Lunny. He then won a highly controversial verdict over the extremely talented Tyrone Everett. He then halted Ronnie McGarvey and Carlos Becerril. He then came from behind to squeak by Sigfredo Rodriguez.
On January 28th in Puerto Rico, Alfredo was to meet the legendary Alexis Arguello. In a memorable war, a bloodbath, Arguello captured Alfredo's title in thirteen action packed rounds. Alfredo would receive a chance to regain the crown but would again lose to Alexis in another no holds barred bout.
Alfredo would remain a formidible contender for a few years but eventually fade from scene. Still he should be recognized as one of the top fighters of the era.
A few years back in 1998 I believe, I ran into Arguello up in Canastota, N.Y. I point blank asked him if he felt Escalera should be enshrined ? The look in his eye upon his response told me what I wanted to hear. You could see and hear that Alexis had the utmost respect for his former foe. The answer from Alexis was YES !!! Alfredo Escalera deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame ! That was good enough for me !!!

Jose Torres

Jose Torres by Jim Amato

There was a time in the mid 60's that revolved around who would be Muhammad Ali's next opponent. The former Cassius Clay was chewing up and spitting out challengers with alarming ease. His hold on the heavyweight title was reaching the point of fan boredom. Few could see any serious contenders on the horizon.
Then a tremendous boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican heritage exploded on to the scene. He was really a blown up middleweight with an extensive and successful amateur background, but boy could he fight !
He was a thing of beauty to watch. Hands held high in front of his face in the peek-a-boo style taught to him by his mentor Cus D'Amato. The flashing combinations, the burning body shots and his business like command of the situation inside the ropes. He was quite simply, a fighting machine.
When Jose Torres lifted the world's light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano on March 30, 1965 he was truly great. Who will ever forget the picture perfect body shot that sent a pained Pastrano to the canvas. Only Willie's undeniable gameness kept him the fight until the ninth round.
Almost every conceivable positive boxing adjective was heaped upon Jose after his stellar performance. Rightfully so as Jose seemed destined to a bright and illustrious future.
Let's go back to Jose's early pro career. This young man appeared to have success stamped on his forehead. He turned professional in 1958 and won all nine of his fights that year. In 1959 he scored four straight kayos two of which were over rugged Joe Shaw and talented Al Andrews. He finished the year by drawing with future welterweight king Benny Paret.
In 1960 he stepped up in class and was forced to go the distance three times. Twice against the clever Randy Sandy and once versus tough Tony Dupas.In 1961 and 1962 Jose put together an impressive ten fight knockout streak that led to his coming out party. On May 26, 1963 Jose took on the feared Florentino Fernandez in San Juan. Florentino had unsuccessfully challenged Gene Fullmer for the middleweight crown in 1961. He was still very much a threat the night he met Torres. Time would have to wait for Jose Torres. Fernandez gave him a very rude welcoming to the big time halting an overmatched Jose in six rounds.
The loss seemed to make Jose even more determined. Less then five months later he returned to out score Don Fullmer. Jose picked right back up in 1964 reeling off seven very impressive wins. Among the victims were Jose Gonzalez, Wilbert McClure, Gomeo Brennan and a crushing one round blitz of former middleweight king Carl " Bobo " Olson.
Next came Pastrano and the championship. Then a foray into the heavyweight ranks to cop a verdict over Tom McNeely. Three solid defenses of his crown followed against capable challengers Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Chic Calderwood. The future seemed vast and unlimited.
Then came December 16, 1966. Where did it all go wrong ? It was supposed to be a routine defense against the respected former middleweight king Dick Tiger. If a stuffed welterweight named Emile Griffith proved to be too much for Tiger in taking Dick's middleweight title, how could he beat Jose ? Answer ? Tenacity, conditioning and a burning desire and relentless will to win. Jose was just outworked. It was close and debatable but nevertheless a loss.
The rematch five months later was almost a carbon copy of the first engagement. Neither fight will go down in the annals of classic encounters but little did anyone suspect that Jose only had two more dates on his dance card.
Almost a year after his second setback to Tiger, Jose traveled to Australia and beat a useful Bob Dunlop. Fifteen months later he emerged in New York. The colorful but erratic Charlie "Devil " Green all but knocked Jose out cold in the opening stanza. Call it guts, pride or whatever, Jose came out in the second round and he downed the " Devil " for good. It was high drama but also the curtain call. Jose Torres would never box again.
What Jose Torres has done in his post boxing career is a tribute to the man himself. He has established himself as a fine writer and humanitarian. He is a hero to the Puerto Rican people and rightfully so. I can give you my account of what I saw of Jose Torres, the man. It was June of 1998 and I was attending a fight show during the festive International Boxing Hall Of Fame weekend in Canasota, New York. Many former boxing greats entered the ring to have their pictures taken. Jose was among them.
The photo was taken by Mike Greenhill and I have it in my office at home. It shows over twenty smiling warriors enjoying the companionship of their peers. In one corner of the photo I notice a frail and aged Beau Jack. The now late former lightweight champion was not in the best of health at the time. What I see behind him is a man, a caring man who is not worried about smiling for the camera. I see concern etched on his face thinking only of watching out for the once robust champ.
As they say, a picture says a thousand words.

CHRIS JOHN : AN INVISIBLE CHAMPION

CHRIS JOHN : AN INVISIBLE CHAMPION

Indonesia's Chris John is an undefeated world champion. He has held that status since 2003. Still he is hardly ever mentioned in boxing columns or wire reports. I've never seen him on anybody's pound for pound rating lists. He has boxed professionally for a decade now but he has become an invisible champion. On February 28th John will meet the tough and capable Rocky Juarez in his U.S. debut This will a co-feature with Juan Manuel Marquez meeting Juan Diaz. . Why Chris John is so unheralded is hard to understand because John has won a couple of major fights at the international level. His signature win was a decision over the highly regarded Juan Manuel Marquez in 2006. Marquez had two points deducted in that bout for low blows but if he was given those points back he still would have lost the verdict. John won in convincing fashion. Nevertheless most boxing experts considered the loss a fluke. In the meantime Marquez went on to have high profile fights with Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez , Manny Pacquiao and Joel Casamayor. He is considered a future Hall Of Fame candidate. Chris John has received very little reward or respect for that victory. Somehow that just does not seem quite fair. The only mar on John's record is a 2004 technical draw with Jose Rojas due to a clash of heads. John outpointed Rojas in a 2007 rematch. In 2005 John got off the floor in the first round and then went on to win a comfortable decision over Derrick Gainer. Later that year John was impressive in halting Australia's talented Tommy Browne. I've seen some footage of Chris John and I must say that I was highly impressed. He is 5' 7-1/2 " with a 65 " reach. He is very quick with his hands and feet. He can be aggressive too. Sometimes actually swarming over his opponents. He can also bang a bit. He has over twenty knockouts. In some of the footage I watched he just wasted a couple of his foes. I am very glad he is coming to the U.S to get some long overdue recognition. He deserves a chance to earn some of those Yankee dollars. He will have to work hard to earn his money against the rugged Juarez. I firmly believe the fans that do get an opportunity to watch Chris John in action will not be disappointed.Jim Amato

Sir Henry Cooper

Sir Henry Cooperby Jim Amato He came from a fighting family and by the time his boxing career ended in 1971 he was the most beloved British boxer of all time. Only once did he challenge for the World's title but he dominated the British heavyweight scene for over fifteen years. His popularity soared even more after retirement and eventually the Queen of England knighted him. Sir Henry Cooper was more than just a British fighter. He was a fine example of what British boxing is all about. Henry's professional career started in September of 1954 and he proceeded to win his first nine fights including an eight round points win over Joe Bygraves. In Henry's tenth bout he lost the first of many bouts due to an eye cut to Uber Bacilleri. He would later avenge that loss. The roller coaster career of Henry Cooper had now begun. He would drop a ten rounder to Joe Erskine and stop Brian London in one round only to lose in five to Peter Bates. 1955 was a rough year for Henry as Bygraves kayoed him for the British Empire title. Future world champion Ingemar Johansson then bombed him out. Joe Erskine then outscored him for the British title. Henry began to turn things around late in 1958 with a stoppage over Dick Richardson and a point win over respected American Zora Folley. He finally won the British and Empire titles by decision over Brian London in 1959. He halted Gawie de Klerk in an Empire defense and defended both titles by a fifth round stoppage of Joe Erskine. In 1960 Henry scored important decision victories of Roy Harris and Alex Mitiff. He again defended his titles by a fifth round stoppage of Erskine in March of 1961. On December 5, 1961 Henry suffered a major setback when Folley kayoed him in the second round of their rematch. He came back to again stop Erskine in 1962 and Dick Richardson in 1963 setting the stage for a match with the undefeated Olympian, Cassius Clay. The facts of Cooper's first bout with Clay have been well documented. His left hook knocking Clay down at the end of round four. A torn glove gave Clay time to recover. Cassius then coming back to cut and stop Henry in round five. He came back to beat Brian London again also winning the vacant European title in the process. Six months later he was stripped of the European title due to an injury. Henry would win five of his next seven bouts setting up a title shot and rematch against Clay (Muhammad Ali). The rematch was anti-climatic. Henry tried hard but Ali's punches again ripped the tender skin above Cooper's eye forcing a stoppage. Four months later, ex-title holder Floyd Patterson felled Henry. It was again time to rebuild. Henry went back to retaining his British and Empire titles defeating Jack Bodell and Billy Walker. He then regained the European title winning on a disqualification from Karl Mildenberger. In 1969 Henry was to be matched with World Boxing Association champion Jimmy Ellis. The fight fell through because the British Boxing Board refused to recognize it as a world title fight. In a huff, Henry gave up the British and Empire titles. Later Henry relinquished the European crown due to an injury. Again in 1970 the Amazing E'nry came back to regain the British and Empire titles from Jack Bodell. Later he regained the European crown by stopping Jose Urtain. On March 16, 1971 Henry met upcoming Joe Bugner with all three titles at stake. After fifteen well contested rounds, Bugner was awarded a very close and controversial decision much to the dismay of Henry. Cooper never boxed again.

I hope that Sir Henry is slated to be a guest at the Boxing Hall of Fame this year. His popularity has crossed the Atlantic. A tribute to this fine fighter and even finer gentleman.

RAFAEL PINEDA

Rafael Pineda was really a good fighter, a former champion who most fans remember as being outclassed by a prime Pernell Whitaker (who wasn't back then). In reality Pineda was a contender from the late 80's to 2004. Rafael was a dangerous fighter !Pineda turned pro in 1986 and won his first 20 fights. In 1989 he suffered his first loss. He was stopped in five rounds by Mark Breland for the WBA welterweight title. Pineda claimed he was thumbed and refused to continue. Rafael then won six straight and in 1991 he challenged Roger Mayweather for the IBF light welterweight title. In an upset, Pineda destroyed Roger in the ninth round. Rafael would make one defense before his 1992 loss to Whitaker.Pineda was out of the ring for four years but upon returning he won five straight before losing in 1999 to Emmett Linton.Rafael scored a big upset in 2001 when he halted the respected Oba Carr in six. In 2002 Pineda lost a seven round technical decision to Cory Spinks due to a accidental head butt. In 2004 Rafael lost a split decision to Zab Judah in a WBO welterweight eliminator. That was his last fight. He was a world class fighter till the end. Rafael retired with a very respectable 38-6 record. This powerful right hand bomber scored 31 knockouts. He was only stopped once.

Jim Amato

BRIAN LONDON

The British produced some quality heavyweights during the 1950's and 60's. Of course " Ol' " Enry ' Cooper comes to mind. There was rugged Joe Erskine and Wales gave us Dick Richardson. Later Billy " The Golden Boy " Walker would emerge. One of the best was Brian London who would twice fight for world title honors.Brian was born in 1934 and turned professional in 1955. He won his first twelve bouts, eleven by knockout before being stopped in one round by Henry Cooper in 1956. Brian bounced back to win eight of his next nine before dropping a decision to the clever Willie Pastrano in 1958. Three months later London would halt Joe Erskine in eight rounds to win the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. He would then stop Pastrano on cuts in a rematch.Brian was now a serious contender for a world title shot. In 1959 he lost his titles by decision to Henry Cooper. Nevertheless he was awarded a shot at Floyd Patterson's heavyweight title.After a valiant effort, Floyd stopped London in eleven rounds. Brian would then be stopped in seven by the dangerous Nino valdes.In 1960 London would halt former Olympic Gold Medalist Pete Rademacher. Later in the year Dick Richardson he stop Brian in his attempt to win the European title. In 1961 the highly rated Eddie Machen kayoed London in ten. In 1962 he dropped a decision to Santo Amonti.In 1963 Brian would lose a twelve round decision to former world champion Ingemar Johansson. It would be Ingo's last fight. In 1964 he again lost a fifteen rounder to Henry Cooper with the European, British and Commonwealth titles on the line. He then lost to up and coming Johnny Prescott but amazingly rebounded to defeat Chip Johnson, Billy Walker and Roger Rischer.In 1966 he dropped a decision to a very talented Thad Spencer. Later in the year Brian received his second shot at immortality when he met Muhammad Ali for the world's title. In one of a young Ali's best performances, he battered Brian in three rounds.Brian continued on. He lost a tough decision to the highly touted Jerry Quarry. He then defeated Zora Folley. In 1968 he suffered damaging kayo losses to Roberto Davilla and Jack Bodell. Although he drew with Henry Clark in 1969 he later lost to Jimmy " The King " Fletcher and was taken out in two in a return bout with Quarry.In 1970 Brian was taken out in five by rising star Joe Bugner and that ended his career. London engaged in 58 professional contests. He won 37 of them, 26 by knockout. He fought four world champions. Ali, Patterson, Johansson and Pastrano. He met six boxers that vied for world title honors in Henry Cooper, Pete Rademacher, Eddie Machen, Jerry Quarry, Zora Folley and Joe Bugner. He also met other top notch guys like Nino Valdes, Thad Spencer and Henry Clark just to name a few.Brian London had a very respectable career career and he did England proud.

Jim Amato

AARON " SUPERMAN " DAVIS

He may be one of the most overlooked champions of the 1990's. He had style and skill. He won 49 of 55 bouts and a piece of the welterweight title. He knocked out 31 but he himself was never stopped. His name was Aaron Davis and they called him " Superman ".Davis was born in the Bronx in 1967 and turned professional in 1986. He reeled off 29 straight victories to establish himself as a top contender for the welterweight title. Along the way he beat the likes of Horace Shufford, Luis Santana, Gene Hatcher and Curtis Summit. Finally on July 8, 1990 he challenged Mark Breland for the WBA welterweight title. It was a give and take contest but Aaron stood up to Breland's power. Finally in round nine it was Breland that crashed to the canvas. It was a brutal knockout and " Superman " was now a champion.After two non-title victories, Aaron was challenged by the talented former junior welterweight titleholder, Meldrick Taylor. The hand speed of Taylor proved to be too much and Aaron left the ring an ex-champion. To Aaron's credit he bounced back with six straight wins that led to a 1993 shot at the WBA junior middleweight title. In Monte Carlo Davis lost a hairline majority decision to Julio Cesar Vasquez. In 1994 Aaron was upset by Tony Marshall. He rebounded in 1995 stopping Dennis Milton. He then lost a controversial verdict to rugged Bronco McKart. Aaron closed the year beating the respected ex-champion Simon Brown. A 1996 loss to Anthony Stephens began Aaron's decline in the ratings. He did beat Marshall in a 1997 rematch but lost to rough and tough Jose Luis Lopez.Over the next five years Davis won his last six bouts including a 2001 bloodbath against Vinny Pazienza. Paz was as tough and game as they come. There was no quit in Vinny. In this battle though Davis was a sharpshooter. His pinpoint jabs and uppercuts ripped Vinny's face to pieces. Aaron was well ahead on points when despite the protests of Pazienza, the ringside doctor and referee Frank Cappucino halted the contest in round eight. Vinny was ever gracious in defeat and called Aaron a great fighter. Aaron would have one more fight in 2002 winning a close one over Ross Thompson. Aaron Davis was surely among New York's finest.

Jim Amato

If There's A Barry, Then Where's Danny ?

Sorry...I just could not get over this one. I tried but but I could not come to terms with it. When it was first announced that Barry McGuigan was being inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, New York in 2005 I was a bit surprised. Obviously to me there were more deserving potential inductees. Then it hit me. Hit me like a ton of bricks. How could McGuigan be inducted while Danny "Little Red" Lopez is still on the outside looking in ?
This is not a personal vendetta against Barry McGuigan. He was exciting and popular. He seems like a fine chap but his career accomplishments do not merit inclusion among the greatest fighters of all time. That is what a Hall Of Fame is supposed to represent. Lately I am begining to question the I.B.H.O.F. election process. What is the criteria for induction ? How could McGuigan be voted in before Danny Lopez ?
McGuigan beat an aging great in Eusebio Pedroza. He defended against decent challengers Bernard Taylor and Danilo Cabrera and then he lost his title to Stevie Cruz. Barry was never a major player again. Truth be told it is very likely that he was not even the best featherweight in the world while he held his piece of the title. Azumah Nelson was held in higher regard and although Azumah pursued a match with Barry it never came to pass. Too bad, it could have been a thriller.
Now let's look at the career of Danny Lopez. He won his first twenty three fights leading to showdown with West Coast rival Bobby Chacon. Danny was halted in nine rounds. In less the nine months he lost two more times to Shig Fukuyama and Octavio Gomez. Then Danny turned things around. He reeled off seven straight victories. All by knockout ! Former champion ChuChu Castillo KO-2, veteran contender Raul Cruz KO-6, Antonio Nava KO-6, the great Ruben Olivares KO-7, future lightweight champion Sean O'Grady KO-4. Then came a return match with Octavio Gomez who he destroyed in three rounds. Then he battered the rugged Art Hafey into submission in seven rounds. That was quite a run and it qualified him for a shot at W.B.C. featherweight champion David Kotey. To get his crack at Kotey, Danny had to meet him in his home country of Ghana. It did not matter to Danny who walked away with a decision and the title.
Now Danny would make eight successful defenses of the title. He stopped Kotey in a rematch. He blasted out Roberto Castanon in two rounds. He fought the 1979 Fight Of The Year halting the dead game Mike Ayala in the fifteenth and final round of a true thriller. Eventually he lost the title to a virtual unknown named Salvador Sanchez. Danny would fail in an attempt to regain the title from Sanchez and then retire. Before his tragic death August 12, 1982, Sanchez would forge a legend.
Danny lost his crown to a legend, Barry lost his to Stevie Cruz who does not have nearly the same stature as a Salvador Sanchez. I just don't see the justice here. Maybe the I.B.H.O.F needs to revise and restructure their election procedure. Only the best, the ABSOLUTE best should be enshrined.

Jim Amato

Rodrigo Valdez: He was "Badder Then Bennie"

Despite his recent loss to Jermain Taylor the respect for Bernard Hopkins and his addition to the legacy of great Philly fighters has not waned. The great city of Philadelphia has produced an array of world-class middleweights over the years. Hopkins has brought great pride to the long line of Philly middleweights who came before him: Tough guys like Stanley "Kitten" Hayward, Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, Bobby "Boogaloo" Watts, Willie "The Worm" Monroe and possibly the toughest of them all, "Bad" Bennie Briscoe. When people talk of Hopkins now they compare him to Stanley Ketchel, Harry Greb, Sugar Ray Robinson and his more recent contemporaries, CarlosMonzon and Marvin Hagler. Did someone forget a classy and fine middleweight named Rodrigo Valdez? Valdez was a world-class fighter who suffered from the " De Jesus " syndrome. That is like the outstanding Estaban DeJesus being overshadowed in his career by the skill of Roberto Duran. So too was Rodrigo Valdez overshadowed by Monzon. Take Duran and Monzon out of the picture and DeJesus and Valdez might be in the Hall Of Fame. Born in Columbia in 1946, Rodrigo turned pro n 1963. He racked up an impressive record in his homeland and then invaded the US in 1969. In 1970he dropped decisions to fringe contenders Pete Toro and Ralph Palladin. In 1971 Rodrigo moved into the big time by stopping the rugged BobbyCassidy in seven. In 1972 he scored a big win over clever Carlos Marks. In 1973 Rodrigo outscored the always-tough Jose Gonzalez. Later in the yearValdez took on the dangerous Bennie Briscoe. Rodrigo won an upset twelve round verdict and entered the elite of the middleweight division. In 1974 the W.B.C. decided to no longer recognize Carlos Monzon as the middleweight titleholder. Instead they paired Valdez and Briscoe in a match for the vacant title. In a shocker Rodrigo scored a one punch seventh round KO over the usually unstoppable Briscoe. He may not have been the real champion but this victory and how he achieved it established Rodrigo as Monzon's number one threat. Valdez would defend his version of the crown four times turning back Gratien Tonna, Ramon Mendez, Rudy Robles and Max Cohen. Finally on June 26, 1976 Rodrigo stepped into a ring in Monte Carlo to meet the great Monzon. In this well contested battle Monzon proved to be just a little too muchas he won a close decision to unify the title. Still Rodrigo's showing was so good that the two would meet again thirteen months later. This boutproduced a classic between the two best middleweights in the world at that time. "King" Carlos picked himself off the floor and rallied to pull out avery close decision to retain his title. After two wars with Rodrigo and the effects of Father Time, Carlos decided to retire. Again Valdez was matched with the aging but still potent Briscoe for the vacant title. Once again Rodrigo would prove to be Bennie's master by taking a hard earned points call and the championship. It has been said over the years that a fighter can get old overnight, even the great ones. This seemed to happen to Valdez. Maybe after two warswith Monzon and a trilogy with Mr. Briscoe, the wear and tear began to set in. Eventually a slick boxer from Argentina named Hugo Corro out speeded and out boxed Rodrigo to win the title. The rematch seven months later saw youth was again served as Corro outscored a very old looking Valdez. How can I not have the utmost respect for Rodrigo Valdez? This man took Carlos Monzon to hell and back not once but twice. Bennie Briscoe was one of my all time favorite fighters but Rodrigo owned him. As far as I'm concerned he has not received the recognition that is due to him. Bernard Hopkins has made a believer out of me. We'll never know if he could have defeated Greb, Zale or Monzon. I'll say this, win or lose hewould have had his hands full with a boxer named Rodrigo Valdez.

Jim Amato

CURTIS COKES

He may have been one of the best pound for pound boxers of the 1960's but he was over shadowed by the antics of one Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali. He may have been the best fighter in the welterweight division during the decade but he never had a chance to prove it against Emile Griffith. Instead he labored in the back round, fighting and beating all comers. Only after Griffith moved up to middleweight and allowed him to capture the vacated title did Curtis Cokes gain some long over due recognition. Curtis who never had an amateur fight began his professional career in Midland, Texas on March 24, 1958 outscoring Manuel Gonzalez over six rounds. Curtis and Manuel would get to know each other a lot better in years to come.Curtis was born on June 15, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He would go on to win his next ten fights including an eight rounder over Gonzalez. Finally in April of 1959, one year after turning pro Curtis suffered his first career loss to none other then Manuel Gonzalez. A no contest in a match with the talented Rip Randall set up a rematch. Curtis took out Randall in the first round. Later in the year Curtis would drop a six round duke to Frankie Davis. Cokes won four fights in 1960. In 1961 he moved up the ladder with big wins over Joe Miceli and Charley " Tombstone " Smith. Cokes then dropped a decision in Mexico to Hilario Morales.He then fought a draw with the clever Kenny Lane in Dallas. Back in Dallas two months later Curtis scored a huge win with a split decision over the highly respected Luis Rodriguez. Cokes would then meet and again decision Manny Gonzalez but would lose a points call to Rodriguez in a return match. Curtis would bounce back in 1962 with five straight wins including knockouts over Hilario Morales and the rugged Rudolph Bent. Another trip to Mexico cost him another defeat. This time a decision to Manuel Sixto Alvarez. Four more wins led to a 1963 clash at the Sunnyside Garden in New York against contender Jose Stable. Curtis lost a very close decision. Cokes would then outpoint the very tough Stan Harrington. On May 1, 1964 Curtis travelled to the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to meet the dangerous Stan " Kitten " Hayward. He would suffer a major set back as Hayward stopped Cokes in round four.It was back to the drawing board for Curtis. Two decision wins over Al Andrews got him back on track but he dropped a ten rounder to the slick Eddie Pace. On December 13, 1965 Curtis won the Southern Welterweight title with a twelve round decision over Billy Collins. On July 6, 1966 Cokes stopped Luis Rodriguez one minute in to the fifteenth and final round of an eliminination bout for the welterweight title vacated by Emile Griffith. Seven weeks after his win over Rodriguez, Cokes met old rival Manuel Gonzalez for the WBA version of the welterweight title. The battle took place in New Orleans. Curtis floored Gonzalez on his way to a lopsided decision and a world's championship. In November Cokes outclassed Frenchman Jean Josselin to win universal recognition as welterweight champion. Still many felt that Cokes was the champ only because Griffith had vacated the division. Curtis would go on to prove himself a worthy champion.In early 1967 Curtis would have three non title affairs. First he drew with Francious Pavilla. He knocked out Ted Whitfield but then Curtis was outpointed by the wily Gypsy Joe Harris. Finally Cokes defended his title halting Pavilla in a return bout. Next came a very impressive stoppage of sharp contender Charlie Shipes. Two non title wins in early 1968 over Josselin and Jimmy Lester led to a defense in Dallas against South African contender Willie Ludick. An inspired Cokes flattened Ludick in the fifth round. Three non title knockouts in South Africa followed including a repeat performance over Ludick. Then came a one sided title retaining verdict over Ramon La Cruz. Jose Napoles, a Cuban who had migrated to Mexico years before had long been considered one of the best fighters in the business. Still he had never received a shot at a world title. Curtis Cokes was a proud man and a proud champion. He felt he was the best welterweight in the world. He also knew that Napoles was a very worthy contender and that he deserved a shot at the title. They met at the Forum in Inglewood, California on April 18, 1969. On that day Napoles proved to the world that he was a special fighter. Jose out fought and battered the game Cokes throughout using a remarkable jab and bone jarring combinations. Hopelessly behind on points Curtis did not answer the bell for round fourteen and his belt was awarded to Napoles. Maybe it was just a bad night but Curtis had to know so he went down to Mexico two months later to attempt to reclaim his championship. Again Napoles proved to be too much for the game Cokes and the bout was ended after ten rounds. Curtis would return seven months later as a full fledged middleweight. Cokes had hoped that old rival Luis Rodriguez would defeat middleweight king Nino Benvenuti when they met on November 22, 1969. Curtis was confident that Rodriguez would give him a crack at the middleweight title. After ten rounds Rodriguez had Benvenuti bleeding and bewildered and it looked like Luis was going to take the crown and then just like that, it was over. A crashing left hook put Rodriguez flat on his back for the count as the bleeding Benvenuti retained his crown. With little hope of a title shot Curtis still campaigned as a middleweight. He won four bouts but then drew with Akron's Fate Davis, a fighter he he defeated seven months earlier. Cokes then lost decisions to Rafael Gutierrez and Carlos Salinas on the West Coast. Then he lost to Elijah Makathini in South Africa. By now it was 1972 and Carlos Monzon was firmly entrenched as middleweight king. There would be little interest in a bout between the great Monzon and the aging Cokes. Curtis returned to South Africa and won decisions over Joseph Hali and Ezra Mzinyane and then retired. In 80 bouts Curtis put together a fine 62-14-3 record with one no contest. He won thirty fights by knockout. He was stopped only three times. He met the best welterweights of his era other then Emile Griffith.Curtis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003 With the help of mutual friend Steve Canton, I was able to reach Mr. Cokes and have a very nice conversation with him. I contacted him at his gym where he trains boxers. Curtis once trained highly regarded heavyweights Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson. He also guided Quincy Taylor to the middleweight title. He also appeared in the boxing movie classic " Fat City ". Curtis was extremely courteous and giving with his time. He said even though he and Manny Gonzalez met in the ring numerous times, they were very good friends. Curtis had a tremendous amount of respect for Luis Rodriguez and despite their battles they always maintained a friendly relationship. I asked him if he regretted never meeting Emile Griffith in the ring. Curtis more or less said that he had no control on Emile's decision to move up in weight. Did he feel he could have defeated Emile ? In his low key, respectful manner Mr.Cokes just stated he felt that he was capable of beating any welterweight in the world during his prime but he had a great respect for Emile's talent and that they are friends. He said the knockout loss to Stan Hayward in 1964 took him by surprise but he just put it behind him and moved on. He called Napoles a great fighter who he was just unable to overcome. Curtis really felt that if Rodriguez would have defeated Benvenuti, they would have met again. This time for the middleweight championship of the world. I would like to thank Curtis Cokes for taking the time to speak to me one on one. I'd also like to thank promoter, trainer, gym owner and jack of all trades Steve Canton for helping me to contact Curtis.

Jim Amato

HANDS OF STONE : The Life And Legend Of Roberto Duran

HANDS OF STONE : The Life And Legend Of Roberto DuranAuthor: Christian Giudice

Roberto Duran is my favorite fighter of all time. Because of this fact I thought I may be a little bias in my opinion of the book " Hands Of Stone ". Would I over rate it because the subject was Duran or would I be too harsh and expect too much ? All I know is when it hit the shelf, I had to have it. Although time is not a luxury for me these days I was going to make time to read this book. I'm glad I did.The author Christian Giudice did a tremendous job in researching this project. I was amazed at the number of people who were a part of Duran's life and legacy that he was able to talk too. The information he was able to gather molded this into more then just a book. It became a journey through Duran's life from his humble beginnings to the present. Family members and former opponents along with many others painted a picture of this great fighter and complex man we call Duran. That name alone stirs great memories for boxing fans around the world and the author was able to weave a superb story of one of boxing's all time greats on to the pages of this book. This is a must read for all boxing fans and if you are a Duran fan...Well what are you waiting for ?

Jim Amato

' WHO'S YOUR DADDY ' Part II : Monzon- Benvenuti

Nino Benvenuti may be considered among the best amateur boxers of all time. He had a great professional career too. His first loss was on a highly disputed decision to Ki Soo Kim. He would win two out of three in a legendary middleweight trilogy with the highly respected Emile Griffith. Eventually though his star would diminish. There was a non title draw in 1968 against Akron, Ohio's rugged Doyle Baird. It was a fight many thought Doyle won. Then came a loss to the terrific Dick Tiger. Then a life and death DQ win over Fraser Scott. Nino was then cut and on the verge of losing before he landed a left hook on slick Luis Rodriguez to retain his title. In Nino's next bout he was halted by Tom " The Bomb " Bethea. Benvenuti had obviously under rated Bethea the first time around as he whipped Tom good in a rematch. Still you could see Nino was not the fighter of days gone by. In November of 1970 enter Argentina's Carlos Monzon. A disputed draw against the feared Bennie Briscoe earned Carlos a rating. Still Carlos was not considered a serious challenge to Nino's crown. WRONG !!! Maybe Nino was on the downside of his fabulous career. Maybe a prime Benvenuti would have fared better against Monzon In my opinion Nino is lucky he met Monzon when he did. Any sooner would have resulted in the end of Nino' s title reign. Make no mistake about it folks, Carlos owned Nino. Benvenuti could not intimidate Monzon. Carlos could have cared less about Nino's complaints to the referee. To Monzon it was a street fight with a few rules. He mugged Nino. Along the eighth, ninth and tenth rounds Nino realized his dilemma. He could not hurt Carlos and he could not deter his aggressiveness. He knew he was doomed. Give Nino his due. He was a proud champion and he would go out on his shield. That is just what he did in round twelve as a Monzon right left him in a heap. Nino's title was gone. Again a case can be made that Nino was past his prime. In his next fight he lost a decision to Monzon's countryman Jose Chirino. Still Monzon-Benvenuti II took place. This was child's play for Carlos as he dominated Nino until the fight was stopped in the third round. There is no doubt in my mind that Nino would have lost to Carlos anytime they fought.

Jim Amato

THE PRICE OF PAIN

In many sports a participant is subject to pain. It goes with the territory. The nature of the beast so to speak. To me there can be no greater obvious damage to a participant then in boxing. If you are a boxer and happen to be matched with a superior opponent you must try to summon the courage to endure the pain. It is the game and it is expected of you. Anything less from you could brand you as a coward to the average fan. He who sits on couch and sips beer watching you take a first class shellacking. Oh the fan will call you a gutless dog but he has probably never stepped into the ring. If he has it was probably not against world class opposition. I have seen some great fighters take terrible beatings. Case in point, the recent beat down of Oscar De La Hoya against a fighting machine named Manny Pacquiao. It was decisive and it was sad. This brought back the memories of the great Ali being battered by Larry Holmes. Of Holmes being wasted by a young terror named Mike Tyson. There was an aging Jose Napoles being savaged by John Stracey. The worst for me was seeing my hero Roberto Duran being tormented by William Joppy. I can bring up so many other examples. Like Bobby Chacon being ripped apart by Ray Mancini. Etc, etc...It all spells one thing...SADNESS. Look at some of the beatings the great Julio Cesar Chavez absorbed as his career was winding down. Time waits for no man. Even the greatest will be defeated. Erosion takes a man's talent like a flowing river cuts through the earth.I hope now the Oscar will retire. He has nothing left to prove. I worry that another great fighter, Shane Mosley will suffer a sad defeat soon at the hands of Antonio Margarito.

Jim Amato

OSCAR " RINGO " BONAVENA

Who was the greatest fighter to come out of Argentina? Well pound for pound you would probably say Monzon or possibly Pascual Perez. You could make a case for Nicolino Locke too. Who was the biggest and baddest of all Argentine fighters? Many would say Luis "Angel" Firpo. I'll go with Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena. When Oscar started his career in 1964, he met tough opponents like Tom McNeely and Dick Wipperman. In his first bout in 1965, he was overmatched and defeated by verteran contender Zora Folley. Oscar left New York and returned to Argentina. He defeated the vary capable Gregorio Paralta and American import, Billy Daniels. When he returned to New York in 1966, he outpointed equally rugged George Chuvalo.Oscar was then matched with 1964 Olympic gold Medal winner, Joe Frezier. The fight was classic. Oscar had Joe down twice but Grazier came back to win a close decision. In 1867, Oscar was entered in the eight man tourney to determine the defrocked Muhammad Ali's successor. Oscar traveled to Germany and trounced southpaw Karl Mildenberger. In his next match he was floored twice and soundly beaten by the eventual tourney winner, Jimmy Ellis. Oscar regrouped in 1968 beating Folley in a rematch and also the respected, Leotis Martin. He was matched again with Joe Frazier for the New York version of the crown. Oscar fell behind early but he came back strong only to drop the verdict.Bonavena would remain a mainstay in the talent rich rankings 'til the untimely end of his career.Two years after his loss to Frazier, Oscar would face the comebacking Muhammad Ali.It would be one of the most grueling fights of Ali's career. The "Greatest" came out on tap, stopping a dead game but exhausted Oscar in round 15.In 1971, he won by disqualification over Al "Blue" Lewis. In 1972, he met former champion, Floyd Patterson. Oscar lost a very debatable decision. Two years later he was defeated by Ron Lyle.This loss pretty much pushed Oscar out of the title picture. Bonavena was still a rated fighter when on May 22, 1976, he was shot and killed at a brothel in Las Vegas.The hard partying "Bad Boy" has finally met his match.

Jim Amato

WHO'S YOUR DADDY ? ' Part 1 : FOREMAN - FRAZIER

This is a series on fights where one fighter seemed to " own " the opponent. What better series to start with then George Foreman and Joe Frazier. If there was ever a better example of styles make fights, I missed it. As great as Joe was and believe me he was great...He could have fought George a hundred times and never beat him. Joe was able to bull and back up the likes of good fighters like Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis Sr., Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis and a great one named Ali but he could not budge Big George. Against Foreman he ran into a brick wall. He could not move George but boy could George move him ! It was simple arithmetic...Power versus power divided by size equals KO to the Big Guy. A case of pure and simple OUCH ! In their dramatic first fight in Kingston, Jamaica in 1973 the astute, revered and sometimes hated Howard Cosell added to boxing lore with his famous " Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier " call on the fight. Truth be told George bounced a game but over matched Frazier around the ring like a rubber ball. It was a shocking sight for those of us growing up at that time. Well as history shows us George lost the title to Muhammad Ali. As he attempted to come back he met Frazier again. Joe looked different ( Shaved head ) and he fought different ( he tried to box and move ). It did not help. It only prolonged the inevitable. George caught up to Joe in round five and destroyed him. George proved then and forever that he was the superior fighter when facing Frazier.

Jim Amato