"Boxers last only a short time, but managers go on forever."--Joe Greb Gus Dundee and Buddy Brannen met in the movie The Harder they Fall and Buddy rendered a terrible beat down on Gus who thereafter suffered from severe headaches and brain damage going into his next fight with the Argentinean giant, Toro Moreno. The feather-fisted Moreno knocked the helpless Dundee out. He … [Read more...]
Fallen Warriors (Part Two)
“…health and safety of fighters must be protected to the greatest extent possible…national, uniform health and safety regulations must be instituted and enforced.” – Lou DiBella, speaking after the passing of Leavander Johnson Leavander Johnson (34-5-2, 26 KO’s) *IBF lightweight champion. Born: 12-24-1969, Died: 9-22-2005 The 35 year old lightweight had realized a … [Read more...]
Welcome to the Slaughterhouse: Part Two
by Ted Sares "Few Men in New York have ever had so many friends. Once you knew Lavern you always felt you gained a friend.” — Raymond "Laverne" Roach’s Pastor Romaine F. Bateman’s eulogy Roach vs. Cerdan: 1948 On March 12, 1948, young and promising boxer Raymond “Laverne” Roach (23-1) was badly beaten by the legendary Marcel Cerdan (105-2 at the time) in front of an … [Read more...]