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...]
Historical Fight Night: Carmen Basilio vs. Pernell Whitaker
by Fox Doucette Carmen Basilio was born on this day in 1927, and what better way to celebrate April 2 here in San Dimas than to put him into the ring with a worthy opponent? It's a birthday celebration in fisticuffs for the Upstate Onion Farmer, who takes on Pernell Whitaker in the main event. Yes, Whitaker, that fighter whose defensive wizardry never quite ran into such a … [Read more...]
Historical Fight Night: Muhammad Ali vs. Lennox Lewis
by Fox Doucette The ghost of Don LaFontaine would seem to haunt the Historical Fight Night arena tonight. In a world...where crowds are lulled to sleep by subpar boxing on TV...four men...with heavyweight power...will take the world...by storm. Coming in November to a theater near you, it's... Heavyweight Thunder. That's right, folks, we've got Muhammad Ali, taken from the … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 11: Breaking Rocks at the Quarry
Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Catch up with the 1920s and 1960s group stage in Episodes 3 and 7. Previously, on What If: Well, the 1920s are a fine mess, aren't they? When last we saw our competitors, Luis Firpo was the beneficiary of the San Dimas Screwjob, … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 7: The San Dimas Screwjob
Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Catch up with the 1920s and 1960s group stage in Episode 3. Previously, on What If: When last we left our fist-throwing heroes from the 1920s and '60s, Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney seemed headed for a meaningful showdown and … [Read more...]