Boxing in New Jersey, 1900-1999 PDF
Preview Boxing in New Jersey, 1900-1999
BOXING in New Jersey, 1900–1999 This page intentionally left blank BOXING in New Jersey, 1900–1999 R F. F , S . OBERT ERNANDEZ R With a Foreword by Peter R. Nozza and Thomas A. Kaczmarek McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Jefferson, North Carolina LIBRARYOFCONGRESSCATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATIONDATA Fernandez, Robert F. Boxing in New Jersey, 1900–1999 / Robert F. Fernandez, Sr. ; with a foreword by Peter R. Nozza and Thomas A. Kaczmarek. p. cm. Includes index. ♾ ISBN 978-0-7864-9476-7 (softcover : acid free paper) ISBN 978-1-4766-1607-0 (ebook) 1. Boxing—New Jersey—History. 2. Boxers (Sports)—New Jersey—Biography. I. Title. GV1125.F47 2014 796.8309749090'49—dc23 2014026749 BRITISHLIBRARYCATALOGUINGDATAAREAVAILABLE © 2014 Robert F. Fernandez, Sr. All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Cover image © 2014 Goodshoot Printed in the United States of America McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Box 611, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640 www.mcfarlandpub.com It is with great pride and honor that I dedicate this book to Peter Nozza and Tommy Kaczmarek, two great gentlemen whose belief in me is beyond words. Boxing runs in their blood as it does in mine. It was they who insisted that I write my boxing stories down so others could enjoy them. Their advice and wisdom I have followed, with their unending support. This page intentionally left blank Table of Contents Foreword (PETERR. NOZZAandTHOMASA. KACZMAREK) 1 Preface 3 James J. Braddock: Cinderella Man 5 Boxing Spawns Gentlemen: An Ode to Vic Creelman 10 The Jersey Nightstick: Tony Galento and Other Jersey Bombers 14 Ike Williams: Lightweight Champion Extraordinaire 25 The Garfield Gunner 31 School of Local Ring Greats: New Jersey’s Laurel Garden and Meadowbrook Bowl 42 Jersey Joe Walcott in Two Parts 65 The Irvington Milkman: Charley Fusari, New Jersey’s Golden Boy 79 Joe Louis’s “Exhibitions”: Joe Cheshul and Henry “Snow” Flakes 96 The Russian Lion and the Philly Fox 108 The Staircase to Boxing’s Fond Memories 120 Joe Frazier: Deceiving First Appearances 126 Tony Riccio: The Tungsten Steel Man 129 Al Guido: The Measuring Man 132 Chuck Wepner: The Red Badge of Courage 135 Freddie “Red” Cochrane 145 Rocky Graziano: The Dead End Kid 154 vii Table of Contents Promoter George “Korn” Kobb 160 Please Don’t Pass the Sugar: Sugar Ray Robinson 162 Frankie DePaula 175 More Thumbnail Sketches 179 Boxing Trivia 185 Boxing Trivia Answers 189 Index 191 viii Foreword PETER R. NOZZA and THOMAS A. KACZMAREK Boxing is unparalleled in the realm of major sports, with unre- strained, explosive action that inspires spontaneous eruptions of emo- tions in its fans. Much has been written about the sport. However, immeasurable knowledge and history of the subject are the earmarks of a classic, profound and penetrating author, with the innate ability to compel a reader’s interest. Moreover, a defining word in assessing literary work is passion. Our far- reaching relationship with the author, Bob Fernandez, prompts us to assure the reader that Bob’s knowledge of boxing and his- tory, authentic writing style and passion for the sport are unsurpassed. These attributes are reflected throughout this masterwork, with vivid descriptions and recall of obscure circumstances. Bob became obsessed with boxing bouts, history and memorabilia at a very early age. He has awed boxing enthusiasts and professionals for many years, with his detailed anecdotes and instant observations of fighters and boxing events, a veritable fount of boxing expertise. Bob’s multifaceted boxing knowledge was acquired firsthand, attend - ing innumerable boxing shows and talking with fighters, trainers and managers in gyms and training camps. A few of the great fighters Bob saw fight were his idols, including Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Ike Williams, Beau Jack and Tippy Larkin, as well as countless local favorites. His affinity for the sweet science is underscored as a highly recog- nized collector of boxing memorabilia, a meticulous labor of love that started at the age of ten. While passing a tavern with his mother and see - 1
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