Boxing in New Jersey, 1900-1999

203 Pages·2014·0.995 MB·English

by  Robert Fernandez, Forewords by Peter R. Nozza, Foreword by Thomas A. Kaczmarek

BOXING
in New Jersey,
1900–1999
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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.
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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 -
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