For some, Palookaville is a place where former Comic Strip hero Joe Palooka reigned supreme; for others it’s a place for down-and-outers. For me, it’s far worse and often takes a long and agonizing journey to get there. On May 8, 1974, ‘Irish Jerry” Quarry showed the first signs of something being wrong as he appeared bloated and his reflexes seemed off when he fought … [Read more...]
Remembering Greg and Patricia Page: Part Two
For Part One, Click HERE In 2000, Greg knocked out Terrence “KO” Lewis in a shootout in Rosemont, Illinois, and this one was a true upset. His last fight would be against heavily tattooed former Toughman champion Dale Crowe (21-4) in the dank environs of Peel’s Palace, a seedy nightclub in Erlanger, Kentucky. In fact, it was so filthy that decaying dead rats reportedly … [Read more...]
Remembering Greg and Patricia Page: Part One
“Expectations and loud cheers fill the boxing arena—manifestations of excitement, pride, hope and victory. Yet, behind the festive atmosphere, viewers are unmindful that in one corner, there lies death creeping, waiting for the next soul to claim.” —Anonymous The late Jack Newfield, in his book Only in America: the Life and Crimes of Don King, terms the 1980s, “the Lost … [Read more...]
Fallen Warriors (Part Six)
Greg Page (58-17-1, 48 KO’s) Born: 10-25-1958, Died: 4-27-2009 Page is a former USBA and WBA world heavyweight title holder who faced many of the top contenders of the late 80’s and early 90’s. As an amateur he had boxed in an exhibition with Muhammad Ali, and showed great promise as pro early on, but his run as world champ only lasted until his first defense. He had … [Read more...]
‘Two Gunz’ Goes Out with a Bang
by Dafydd Thomas “I put my best foot forward and did the best I could. I fought to my last breath." – Monte Barrett In the bookmakers’ eyes, 39 year-old Monte Barrett was a no hoper. At a 14-to-1 underdog, the one-time title challenger was there to collect his final paycheck against David Tua at Atlantic City, and was expected to wilt after the first left hook Tua landed … [Read more...]