Boxing Hall of Fame (6-9-07)

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I'm going to post a few photos from the International Boxing Hall of Fame's induction weekend. Held every year in Canastota, NY (home of the great Carmen Basilio), the events allow boxing fans an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the top names in the sport.

I'll start with a photo of Pernell Whitaker, Lou Duva, and Tommy Brooks taking questions from fans. It was fascinating to listen to Whitaker talk about the different opponents he has faced in the ring. He has a lot of respect for everyone, and he really appreciated the respect that boxing fans have for him.

In my opinion, Whitaker ranks with the greatest fighters of any era. His record of 40-4-1 (17 KOs) doesn't tell the whole story. He was an outstanding amateur champion. He beat guys like James McGirt (twice), Jorge Paez, Azumah Nelson, Greg Haugen, Roger Mayweather, and Jose Luis Ramirez.

His "draw" on 9-10-93 against Julio Cesar Chavez remains one of the worst decisions I've seen. (One had it 115-113 for Whitaker, two had it 115-115.) Many people think he won the first Ramirez fight (on 3-12-88), as well as his 4-12-97 bout with Oscar De La Hoya. His first clear loss was on 2-20-99 to Fellix Trinidad. He lost another fight in 2001, way past his prime, when he broke a bone in his ankle.

Lou Duva is from Patterson, NJ. I'll say more about him on another post, with a better photo of him.

Tommy Brooks is a former amateur star; he beat future Olympic and world Lightheavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Michael Spinks in '75. But he is best known as an intense trainer. He says he earned his AA and BA from Archie Moore; his MA from Georgie Benton; and his PhD from Eddie Futch. I remember in the early '70s, when he told my brother not to do so many miles of roadwork for 3-round fights. He was always a really friendly guy, willing to help guys from other clubs.

My daughter took this photo:

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1. Ruslan Chagaev

The WBA title holder, who gave up 91 pounds when he challenged Nikolai Valuev. Chagaev had an 82-3 record as an amateur, and is 23-0-1 now.

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2. Marlon Starling & George Chuvalo

Marlon was one of the more entertaining Welterweight Champions of his era. He TKOed Mark Breland in 11 rounds on 8-22-87 to win the title. He beat Floyd Mayweather Srt, Simon Brown, and Lloyd Honeygan. He lost to Donald Curry, Maurice Blocker, and Michael Nunn.

Old-timers will recall his being hit by Tomas Molinates well after the bell ending the 6th round on 7-29-88; the ref counted him out. The fight was changed to a "no contest" later, because it was one of the cheapest, most obvious fouls in the history of televised boxing.

George Chuvalo was a tough heavyweight contender from Canada. His record is 73-18-2 (64 KOs). He is best known for losing two decisions to Ali (in '66 and '72); and being TKOed by young contenders Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He also fought Floyd Patterson, Ernie Terrell, Jimmy Ellis, and Buster Mathis.

His biggest win was a strange 7-round KO of Jerry Quarry on 12-12-69. Quarry was on his way to an easy decision, when George landed one good shot, decking Quarry. Jerry was distracted and took the full count on one knee. (And oh boy, did Jerry blame everyone else after the ref refused to reverse his correct decision!)

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3. Ezzard Chales' gloves:

Ezzard Charles was the greatest amateur boxer in US history. He was also the world Heavyweight Champion, following Joe Louis. What many people do not realize is that he was perhaps the greatest lightheavyweight ever, though due to WW2, he didn't get a shot at the title.

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4. Lupe Pintor

was born in Cuajimalpa, Mexico.He held the WBC Bantamweight crown ('78-'83) and Super Bantamweight crown ('85-'86).

He beat the great Carlos Zarate (6-3-79) and Jose Luis Soto (10-29-79). Sadly, he KOed Johnny Owen in 12 rounds on 9-19-80, and Owen died from injuries sustained in the fight. Owen's family became some of Pintor's biggest supporters, and his career continued.

Boxing fans will remember his 12-3-82 TKO-by-14 loss to Wilfredo Gomez. The Ring magazine recognized it as the "Fight of the Decade" for the 1980s.

He is pictured here with my younger son.

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5. Lou Duva:

Lou was born in Patterson, NJ on 5-28-22. He worked in the "CCC" camps, then had a brief professional boxing career, retiring with a 5-7-1 record. His fame comes from being one of the best trainers and managers in the sport. His family also has promoted some of the best fights in recent times.

Lou was close friends with Rocky Marciano. He was one of the last people who spoke with Rocky on that tragic day when the great former champion died in a small plane crash.

Lou's first world champion was "Pal" Joey Giardello. His name is closely associated with fighters like Pernell Whitaker,Evander Holyfield, Vinny Pazienza, Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor, and Andrew Golata. He also managed a young Zab Judah.

In 1979, after a near-fatal heart attack, doctors told Lou he needed to live a different life-style. Duva says he decided to cut everything out of his life that wasn't directly related to boxing. (!)

Here he is with my son:

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6. Ras-I Alujah Bramble

AKA Livingstone Bramble. He was born in St. Kitts, BWI on 9-30-60. He is best known for his two wars with Ray "Boom-Boom" Mancini. He won the WBA Lightweight title when he upset Ray on 6-1-84 with a TKOin 14. He decisioned Ray in 15 rounds in their 2-16-85 return match.

Bramble was preparing to unify the title in 1986, when he took a "warm-up' against tough Edwin Rosario. He was KOed in 2, and never again was among the very best in his division. He lost later fights to Freddie Pendleton, Oba Carr, Roger Mayweather, and James McGirt.

The guy who used to enter the ring "wearing" a large snake, and who was accused of participating in "witchcraft" rituals before fights, is now an avid marathon runner, who loves mingling with boxing fans at the IBHF.

In this photo, he shakes a fist at my daughter, at her request.

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7. Bramble - 2

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8. Well.

I thought it was interesting.

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9. Did anyone see

Whitaker on ESPN2's FNFs last night?