JIMMY ELLIS ; A Champion Unsung
By Jim | February 23, 2010
JIMMY ELLIS ; A Champion Unsung
Author’s note; Upon hearing of Jimmy’s next great battle against Pugilistic Dementia, I would like to re-release this article about him.
JIMMY ELLIS
By Jim Amato
It’s too bad that the cruiserweight division was not around in the 60’s and 70’s. Many fine boxers scaled under 190 pounds and gave creditable performances against bigger men. Doug Jones is an example as he came close to upsetting Cassius Clay in 1963. Doug had lost in 1962 to Harold Johnson for the light heavyweight title. In 1965, he lost to Ernie Terrell for WBA Heavyweight crown. Back then there was no middle ground. If you weighed over 175 pounds, you fought heavyweights, period.
Bob Foster, who was one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, had trouble moving up to heavyweight. Jones, Terrell, and Zora Foley soundly beat him in heavyweight bouts. After winning the light heavyweight crown in 1968, he failed in attempts to beat Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. How would he have fared at 190 pounds?
I’m sure if you took all the top boxers who weighed between 175 pounds and 190 pounds since 1960; most experts would rate Holyfield number one. How would a 190-pound Holyfield have coped with Floyd Patterson’s hand speed? How about Bob Foster’s reach and devastating punch? Could he have beaten Jimmy Elllis? Before you laugh, take a look at Jimmy’s record. He started as a middleweight in 1961 and through 1964 he lost five bouts to Holly Mims, Henry Hank, Rubin Carter, Don Fuller and George Benton. All top middleweight contenders. By the time he blasted out Johnny Persol in one round in 1967, he had grown into a heavyweight. He swept the WBA elimination tournament by beating Leotis Martin, Oscar Bonevena and Jerry Quarry. Jimmy twice had the iron jawed Bonevena on the canvas, something Joe Frazier could not do in 25 rounds of fighting. Against Frazier, Ellis weighed in over 200 pounds. He looked flabby and after a few rounds became sluggish. The following year Jimmy met his long time friend Muhammad Ali. Jimmy was in great shape at 189 pounds. His muscles were tight and he looked fit. Unfortunately, Ali was too big. He wore Jimmy down and stopped him in round twelve. I believe the Jimmy Ellis of the Ali fight could have given any 190 pounder since 1960 a run for their money, including Evander Holyfield. Ellis was a slick boxer with sharp reflexes. He had a good left hand and a sneaky right. He also had loads of courage. How many fighters could have gotten to their feet before the count of ten after catching Joe Frazier’s full swing left hook flush on the jaw? Jimmy is one of the most overlooked heavyweight champions of the last four decades. This may be due in part because he boxed in the Ali-Frazier era. I’ve often wondered what the outcome may have been had Bob Foster challenged Ellis for the WBA title. Now that might be a dream match to run through a computer
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LEOTIS MADE THEM NOTICE
By Jim | February 18, 2010
LEOTIS MADE THEM NOTICE
It was December of 1969 and Charles “Sonny” Liston, the former world’s heavyweight champion was making a serious run toward another title shot. After his two humiliating losses to Clay-Ali, Sonny was considered washed up. When he began his comeback against weak opposition it drew little attention. With Ali forced out of action due to his stand on the Vietnam War, Sonny felt that he could reclaim the title. With Jimmy Ellis holding the W. B. A. title and Joe Frazier being recognized by New York State, Sonny was hoping to position himself for a crack at the crown.
After running off a streak of easy wins, Liston was matched with young and talented Henry Clark. Sonny passed his first major test halting Clark in seven. Now Sonny wanted to meet another lower echelon contender. A victory for Sonny could mean a possible match with Jerry Quarry and then a title shot. Liston chose veteran Leotis Martin of Philadelphia as his next stepping stone. Martin had been in with fighters like Ellis, Thad Spencer and Alvin “Blue” Lewis. He had lost a decision to Henry Clark. Martin seemed to be a “safe” opponent.
The bout started out pretty much as expected with Martin moving away and Liston in slow pursuit. Sonny was controlling the action with his powerful jab but the pace was slow. In the fourth round, Liston finally connected and sent Martin to the canvas. Leotis made it to his feet and survived to the bell. Sonny was hoping to finish Martin in the fifth but it was Leotis who began picking up the pace. Martin was now matching jabs with Sonny and also getting in some solid counter punches. By round seven Sonny was beginning to show obvious fatigue. Martin’s jab was finding its mark and Liston began bleeding profusely from the nose. The crowd now sensed the possibility of an upset. Round eight saw a patient Martin landing pinpoint jabs to Liston’s damaged nose. Sonny now had the look of a desperate fighter and the suspense was building.
As the boxers came out for round nine it was obvious that Martin was the fresher of the two. The damage to Liston’s nose was effecting his breathing. Sonny kept pumping his jab hoping to keep Martin from landing his own jab. The veteran Martin bided his time looking for an opening. Then out of nowhere Martin landed a stunning right cross over Sonny’s lazy jab. The punch froze Sonny for a moment and then Martin connected with a devastating left hook. Liston fell face first to the canvas, out cold. It would take several minutes to revive Sonny. A brutal ending for a man who was once the most feared fighter in the world.
Leotis Martin’s victory shot him to the #1 contender spot in the RING Magazine ratings. Maybe there would be an all Philadelphia shoot out with Frazier or a rematch with Ellis. Sadly it was not meant to be. Leotis suffered a detached retina. Today he could have had surgery and returned to the ring. In 1969 it meant retirement.
Liston would fight again stopping Chuck Wepner in a bloodbath. It would be his final ring appearance. He would later be found in his house, dead under very suspicious circumstances.
At least Martin had a brief moment in the sun and he’ll always be remembered as the man that bombed out Sonny
Jim Amato
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JOSE LUIS GARCIA; He Knocked Out Norton !
By Jim | February 6, 2010
JOSE LUIS GARCIA; He Knocked Out Norton !
There may have never been a more talent rich period in the heavyweight division then from 1968 to 1978. With Muhammad Ali (a.k.a. Cassius Clay) on the sidelines due to his draft case, other big men emerged. They would compete with each other on an almost equal basis for the next decade. Joe Frazier had risen to the top of the heap but the level below him would remain as mainstays in the ratings for years to come. Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena, Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo and Henry Cooper would eventually give way to Ron Lyle, Joe Bugner, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Jimmy Young. All time great champions like George Foreman and Larry Holmes also made their mark and Ali re-emerged to reclaim his throne.
Lost among the giants of that time period was a fine heavyweight from Venezuela named Jose Luis Garcia. Although Jose never challenged for the world championship he did meet three who did. He also met three world champions in a career that never seemed to reach its full potential.
Jose turned pro in his native country in 1968. He would go undefeated in his first nine bouts before losing a decision to future light-heavyweight champion Vincente Rondon. Three fights later Jose was halted by though Allen Thomas in his first U.S. appearance. The lean Garcia was beginning to grow into a full-fledged heavyweight. On July 2, 1970 Garcia scored the biggest victory of his career. In Los Angeles as a heavy underdog, Jose met unbeaten and upcoming future champion Ken Norton. Garcia’s superior hand speed and deceptive power sent Norton crashing in round eight.
The huge upset of Norton landed Garcia smack in the middle of the heavyweight picture. Four months later Garcia halted used up ex-contender Thad Spencer. By now Garcia was going substantial weight. He was, by today’s standards, a cruiserweight when he beat Norton. Now he was ballooning to over 200 plus pounds. In 1971 he moved up in the ratings with wins over veterans Charlie Polite, James J. Woody, John Griffin and Alberto Lovell. Jose opened 1973 with victories over Roby Harris, Florida Al Jones and Johnny Hudgins.
It all came crashing down on October 23rd, 1972 when ex-WBA champion Earnie Terrell came to Caracas. Earnie had been written off after late 60’s losses to Thad Spencer and Manuel Ramos. Against Garcia though he looked the part of a rejuvenated former champ as he pounded Garcia into submission in the sixth round. In Jose’s comeback bout seven months later Joe Alexander destroyed him in one round. Next came a crushing kayo loss to Ron Lyle. Jose put together four wins but then lost a decision to Jimmy Young. In his next bout Joe Bugner stopped him in two. Finally on August 14, 1975, Jose got a rematch with Ken Norton. At this time Norton was the top heavyweight contender. They met in St. Paul; MN and this time Kenny took all Garcia could throw at him and eventually wore Jose down in the fifth round of a tough fight. Even in defeat Garcia proved he was still world class.
Jim Amato
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SYLVESTER HALTS LYELL IN TENTH
By Jim | January 30, 2010
Niles, Ohio’s Billy Lyell fought with courage but was unable to take the IBF middleweight title from Sebastian Sylvester. Sylvester started fast and dominated the first two rounds cutting Billy on the bridge of the nose. Cornerman Jack Loew did a fine job controlling the cut.
Lyell came on in round three and held his own in rounds four and five. Sylvester came back in rounds six and seven with stiff jabs and hard body shots. The action slowed in rounds eight and nine and at times Billy was outworking the champ. The trouble was that Billy was unable to hurt his foe. Sylvester opened round ten strongly and eventually caught Lyell with a hard right to the head that staggered him. As Lyell stumbled toward the ropes Jack Loew waved the towel and the referee stepped in. The time was :53.
Although Sylvester fought well I can not see him beating Kelly Pavlik.
On the undercard former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster was halted in the eighth round by undefeated Robert Helenius. Brewster was down in the second and beaten throughout. The match ended at 2:21 0f the eighth.
Jim Amato
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YOUNGSTOWN’S BILLY LYELL TO RECEIVE TITLE SHOT ON SATURDAY IN GERMANY…
By Jim | January 26, 2010
Youngstown,Ohio’s top 20 ranked middleweight contender Billy Lyell will receive a belated Christmas present this Saturday in Germany. He will meet Sebastian Sylvester for the IBF version of the middleweight title. A HUGE break for Billy who I am confident is up for the task at hand. Lyell has earned this shot by virtue of his upset victory over then #1 contender John Duddy not so long ago. Please do not sell this young man short. He is always in shape and he comes to fight !
Sylvester is no slouch so this should be an entertaining contest. He enters the ring with a 32-3 record and 15 KO’s. Billy is 21-7. A closer look at their records though may imply that Lyell has met the better opposition. Just my humble opinion.
Jim Amato
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JOEY GIAMBRA ; Was He A Champion Without A Title ?
By Jim | January 21, 2010
For a decade ( 1952-1962 ) Joey Giambra was a mainstay among the middleweight elite. Still he never received a shot at the middleweight title. In fact he received his only title shot at the tail end of his career battling for the newly created junior middleweight division. He was not successful. Nevertheless in his prime he was as good as any middleweight contender in the world.
Joey turned pro in 1949 and went undefeated in his first seventeen fights. His first loss was to tough veteran Johnny Ceserio in 1951. He then reeled off ten straight victories before losing a 1952 decision to the great Joey Giardello. Giambra would come right back to beat Giardello in a rematch.
Giambra then won nine straight before losing to the clever Bobby Dykes. Joey had five more wins before dropping a verdict to Carl ” Bobo ” Olson. Giambra then went unbeaten in his next ten bouts including two wins over the rugged Rocky Castellani and a victory over Philadelphia’s tough Gil Turner. Joey then lost a points call against rough Rory Calhoun.
Giambra would not be denied and he would rally to win seventeen straight including revenge victories over Calhoun and Giardello in their rubber match. Throw in a win over Ralph ” Tiger ” Jones. In 1961 he was outpointed by Yama Bahama. In 1962 he dropped one to Farid Salim. Joey would bounce back again to score a kayo over the dangerous Florentino Fernandez. That led to a bout with Denny Moyer for the newly introduced junior middleweight division title. The cagey Moyer won the judge’s votes and the title.
In 1963 Joey reached the end of the line losing decisions to Luis Rodriguez and Joe DiNucci. In all he had 77 fights and he walked away a winner 65 times. He scored 31 knockouts and remarkably considering the competition he faced, Giambra was never stopped. He was truly an ” uncrowned champion “.
Jim Amato
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TONY LICATA
By Jim | January 18, 2010
FORMER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER TONY LICATA
One of the better middleweights of the 1970’s was New Orleans native Tony Licata. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights, ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby ” Top Cat ” Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina’s Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch.
On June 30, 1975 Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon’s only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten.
Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. Tony passed away in 2008 at the age of 56.
Jim Amato
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BRITAIN’S “GOLDEN BOY” ; BILLY WALKER
By Jim | January 14, 2010
Over the years the British Empire has tried to produce a legitimate heavyweight champion. During the 1960’s and 70’s several candidates appeared to give the Brits hope. Henry Cooper and Brian London quickly come to mind. Later on there was Joe Bugner and Richard Dunn.Of course Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis would eventually come along to clain titles.
During the 1960’s the fans were quite stirred by the prospects of a young heavyweight named Billy Walker. He was dubbed the “Blond Bomber” but later because of drawing power he was called the “Golden Boy”. After winning the British amateur title at the age of 22, Walker was enticed to turn pro by a $25,000 signing bonus. He headlined in his first professional fight which took place on March 27,1962. Walker received $9,000 for the contest he won by KO. That was serious money at that time. Walker drew so many fans and because of this he never fought a preliminary fight.
In his first dozen bouts Billy went 10-1-1. In his twelfth bout he stopped another heavyweight prospect named Johnny Prescott. In a rematch Walker was on the losing end of a decision. In 1964 Walker won by disqualification against the seasoned Joe Bygraves. Walker was then surprisingly halted by American Bill Nielsen. Walker turned the tables in a return match taking Nielsen out in two rounds. Billy finished 1964 with a points verdict over rugged Joe Erskine.
Walker was inching his way up the British ratings. In 1965 he stopped American Charley Powell in two. Then came a ten round decision loss to the gritty Brian London. Next Billy drew with Argentina’s Eduardo Corletti. In a return go Corletti stopped Walker in the eighth round. This was a major setback for Walker but he came back to win six straight. The win streak earned Walker a 1967 shot at Germany’s Karl Mildenberger and the European heavyweight title. The southpaw Mildenberger proved to be too much for Walker as he retained his crown via an eighth round stoppage. In his next battle Billy drew the ever popular Henry Cooper. This would be for Cooper’s British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. Cooper held on to his belts halting Walker in six.
In 1968 Walker rekindled the hopes of his fans as he clubbed his way to a TKO victory over the once highly regarded American Thad Spencer. In 1967 as part of the elimination tourney set up by the WBA to replace Muhammad Ali as champion, Spencer upset former WBA titlist Ernie Terrell. In Spencer’s next fight he was eliminated by Jerry Quarry. Then Spencer engaged in a war with the crafty Leotis Martin. Thad lost in the ninth round. Still the win over Spencer looked good on Walker’s record. It would be Billy’s last victory. In March of 1969 Walker suffered a TKO loss to Jack Bodell. That would be Walker’s final fight.
In all Walker engaged in 31 bouts. His record was a respectable 21-8-2. He recorded 16 stoppage victories. He was stopped on five occasions. He enjoyed tremendous popularity during his tenure as a boxer. He was the “Golden Boy”.
Jim Amato
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THE RISE AND NEVER FALL OF GEORGE CHUVALO
By Jim | January 5, 2010
For most of the 1960’s and part of the early 1970’s Canadian George Chuvalo was a mainstay in the talent rich heavyweight ratings. RING Magazine founder Nat Fleischer called George one of the most durable fighters he had ever seen. In his long distinguished career the rock jawed Chuvalo was NEVER off his feet. Amazing seeing the competition he faced. For the sake of space let’s start looking at George’s career from 1965 on.
Chuvalo’s 1965 bout with ex-world champion Floyd Patterson was one of the year’s best action fights. George never stopped coming forward as he landed clubbing rights to Floyd’s head and terrific lefts to his body. Still Floyd showed a heart that everyone doubted he had. He absorbed Chuvalo’s fury and used his outstanding hand speed to win a popular decision over George. Although George lost, his courage impressed the crowd. Despite the losing effort Chuvalo was matched with World Boxing Association titleholder Ernie Terrell. When Ali met Sonny Liston in their rematch the W.B.A. stripped Ali and recognized the winner of a Terrell-Eddie Machen bout. Terrell captured a boring verdict and the “vacant” crown. Against Chuvalo, the 6’7” Terrell used a long jab and a grab and clutch style to outscore George over fifteen rounds.
The roller coaster career of Chuvalo continued into 1966. George traveled to London and was upset by Argentina’s Eduardo Corletti in ten rounds. The loss appeared to have pushed George out of the title picture. Instead he benefited by being in the right place at the right time. When a proposed Ali-Terrell fight fell through, Ali agreed to come to Toronto and defend against George. Although the bout was entertaining it was also one sided. Try as he might, George was unable to reach the fleet-footed Ali. For all his efforts, Chuvalo received numerous jabs, hooks, uppercuts and crosses from a prime Ali. Even in losing, George received the respect of the public for his gaminess. Later in the year Chuvalo met fellow brawler Oscar Bonevena of Argentina. What looked to be a great match up between the two sluggers turned out to be a dud. Oscar “finessed” George to win a ten round decision.
George got back on track in 1967. Two kayo victories over Willi Besmanoff led to Chuvalo being matched with the streaking Joe Frazier. “Smokin” Joe had won the 1964 Olympic Gold Medal and was undefeated as a pro. George was to be his toughest match to date. Frazier was at his best in this battle as he ravaged George throughout with his famous left hook. To his credit George gamely refused to fall but the referee saved him in round four. Again just as it appeared that George’s tenure as a top contender was over Chuvalo got one more chance. An impressive upset kayo win over highly regarded Mexican Manuel Ramos put him back in the rankings. His success was short lived. In 1969 he met huge Buster Mathis. Buster’s only loss had been to Frazier and he needed to win to set up a rematch with Joe or a shot at the W.B.A. titleholder Jimmy Ellis. Mathis who was a fine boxer for a big man gave George a boxing lesson over twelve rounds. George closed out 1969 in a “White Hope” battle versus popular but erratic Jerry Quarry. For six rounds the Irishman outboxed Chuvalo who was cut and bleeding. Jerry looked to be on his way to a comfortable point win or even a TKO. In round seven George went for broke and clubbed Jerry to the canvas. Quarry was listening to the referee’s count on one knee but at “10” he failed to rise. Jerry quickly jumped up and claimed he had lost track of the count but his protesting fell on deaf ears and Chuvalo’s kayo victory had him back in the top ten.
The win over Quarry landed George another bout with an Olympic hero. George Foreman had won the Gold Medal in 1968 and he was climbing quickly up the professional ladder. A win over Chuvalo would look nice on his record. The bigger, stronger Foreman was in control from the start. He pummeled Chuvalo at will and in the third round he sent Chuvalo reeling across the ring. Only the ropes prevented a knockdown. Still Chuvalo kept his feet but was defenseless against Foreman’s follow up barrage and the referee stepped in. In 1971 Chuvalo dropped a ten round duke to ex-champion Jimmy Ellis. George did manage a points win over still dangerous ex-contender Cleveland Williams. In 1972 Chuvalo got yet another opportunity as he again faced Muhammad Ali. Ali had lost to Frazier in 1971’s “Battle of the Century” and now he was taking on all comers while awaiting a rematch with Joe. Although George gave a respectable showing the great Ali again outclassed him.
From this point on George slowly faded from the picture. He hung around a few more years dominating the Canadian heavyweight scene but his days as a world class contender were over. Still after absorbing the punches of Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Quarry, Patterson and Ellis he stood tall with his feet planted firmly on the ground. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jim Amato
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I’D LIKE TO MEET DUNDEE AND ALI
By Jim | December 29, 2009
Although I’ve been a boxing fan for nearly forty years I’ve only been involved in the media end since 1992. During those fifteen + years I’ve had the opportunity to meet several great boxers and trainers. I’ve met some of my favorites like Roberto Duran, Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo, Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares, etc…I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting trainers I had the utmost respect for. Men like Eddie Futch, Kenny Weldon, and others. If I was able to meet two boxing notables right now, my choices would be easy. I would like to shake hands and talk to Muhammad Ali and Angelo Dundee. Why ? Well when I first started following boxing Cassius Clay was taking the sport by storm. Like many fans at that time I did not care for Clay. He was a loud mouth braggart who I wanted to see stretched out on the canvas. When he upset Sonny Liston he woke up the boxing world. In looking backClay/Ali changed the face of boxing. He brought attention to a sport which was quite dormant at the time he emerged. His stand on the Vietnam war brought mixed fan emotion. When he met Joe Frazier in the 1971 epic ” Fight Of The Century “, I prayed that Joe would beat him. I won a nice chunk of change when Joe took a hard fought but well earned decision. It was Ali’s first defeat but he stayed active and kept boxing interesting. When he upset George Foreman in 1974 his legend was signed and sealed. Over the years Ali has mellowed. His courageous battle with Parkinsons disease has been well documented. Today Ali is a hero and an icon. He was to boxing what the Beatles were to music. Was he the greatest fighter ever ? That is debateable. He was the sports greatest showman and for this as a fan I will be forever grateful. In his career Clay/Ali was guided by Angelo Dundee. Mr. Dundee was well respected in boxing before he started his association with Muhammad. He had worked with Carmen Basilio, Luis Rodriguez, Willie Pastrano and countlees others. When Dundee hooked up with Ali he was center stage. Angelo was along for the Ali road show. It must have been one great ride. Dundee had become and still is a high profile man in the corner. I have three sons who were all gifted athletes. They all like boxing. I always thought to myself, if any of my boys take up boxing seriously, I would try my best to get Mr. Dundee to guide their career. Why ? Well to paraphrase Angelo he was ” my guy “. He was a great analyst of opposing styles. He was a motivator in the corner. He was loyal and compassionate. I really felt he would have my son’s best interest at heart. I’ll never forget the care and compassion he showed the night an aged Ali was being drubbed by the talented Larry Holmes. When Ali came back to his corner after the tenth round a weary and beaten man, Angelo had seen enough. He knew the gallant Ali would never quit. Dundee took matters into his own hands. Despite the protests of other people in Ali’s corner, Angelo took control. I’ll never forget a livid Dundee screaming to his corner and referee Richard Green ” F— you, F— you. I’m the chief second. I stop the fight “. Repotedly Ali glanced up at Angelo and said ” thank you “. That was a class act by Angelo. It put me in mind of the class Eddie Futch showed when he would not allow the game Joe Frazier to come out for the last round against Ali in the classic ” Thrilla In Manila “. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to meet these to great men. I must also say there is one other I would like to meet. That would be Cleveland heavyweight great Jimmy Bivins. What an honor it would be for me…
JIM AMATO
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