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Showing posts with label Larry Holmes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Larry Holmes. Show all posts
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson & Larry Holmes
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Boxing Kings of the Ring Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes to Appear in Exclusive Interactive Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Wednesday, June 4
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT KEVIN JOHNSON PREPARES TO BRING THE WORLD TITLE BACK TO AMERICA
Proven American Veteran Heavyweight Kevin Johnson to Battle Undefeated Tyson Fury in WBC Heavyweight World Title Eliminator Live on WealthTV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO (November 27, 2012)— American heavyweight boxing fans that have been waiting for a legitimate heavyweight contender are in for a treat come December 1st as proven veteran Kevin Johnson (28-2-1) battles UK’s undefeated 6’ 9” giant Tyson Fury (19-0-0) in an official WBC Heavyweight World Title eliminator. A win by Johnson on Saturday will put an American Heavyweight back in the ring challenging for the world title. The fight will be covered live in the United States on WealthTV starting at 4 pm on Saturday.
Johnson, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, credits the legendary boxing Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes for putting his career down the right path. Holmes trained Johnson during the early days of his career and taught Johnson the value of a stinging jab. Johnson, with 28 fights under his belt, seasoned yet only 33 years old, may be peaking at the right time. Lately, Johnson has been training with Jeff Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle, of the Mayweather Boxing Club, to get ready for the undefeated Tyson Fury. Johnson says Jeff was the missing element in his arsenal and credits Mayweather for giving him the skills to make him a complete boxer. Mayweather has been training a number of American heavyweights, including Michael Grant, giving Johnson plenty of quality sparing partners as he prepares for Fury.
During a recent press conference, Larry Holmes offered Johnson the following advice, “Keep the pressure on him, because those big guys need room. I wouldn’t give him any space at all. I would use the jab, work the body, and see what he ate the night before.” Apparently Johnson is going to listen to his mentor. Johnson stated that, “This will be my first fight in boxing history where I’m just going to have to go out and go get him. When the bell rings I’m going to get (Fury)”. Fury listening to Johnson’s strategy of coming straight at him, quickly responded, “If he does come to try and get me, it’s going to be an early Christmas for Mr. Fury.”
Fury of the United Kingdom has a record of 19-0 with fourteen knockouts and his established himself as one of the best and most personable Heavyweights in the world. He has a number of impressive wins on his resume over Marcel Zeller (21-3) in his second bout, John McDermott (twice), Rich Power (12-0), Marcelo Nascimento (13-0), former world title challenger Dereck Chisora (14-0), Neven Pajkic (16-0), Martin Rogan (14-2) and in his last bout, televised live and exclusively on WealthTV in the US, Tyson stopped popular American heavyweight Vinny Maddalone in five rounds on July 7th.
“Kevin Johnson is an experienced and tough fighter. He’s never been dropped and he’s been training hard under Jeff Mayweather. It won’t surprise us if Tyson experiences his first loss on Saturday. Regardless, we don’t expect this fight to go the distance. These big heavyweights are going to collide in the middle of the ring and provide a highly entertaining show”, stated Charles Herring, President of WealthTV.
Professional boxing, which is stronger than ever in many parts of the world, appears to be making a comeback in the US. “We’re pleased to have offered a number of world-class quality matches live and for free on our network over the last year. The more quality events boxing fans have access to, the better it is for all boxing outlets, including PPV, in the United States,” stated Herring.
The Fury v. Johnson fight can be seen on WealthTV nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country as well as on line viewing on numerous connected devices and via www.wealthtv.com.
About WealthTV
WealthTV is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network —the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. WealthTV delivers to informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective. For more information, please visit www.wealthtv.com.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Heavyweight Lou Esa To Be Inducted Into NJ Boxing Hall of Fame
In boxing, success isn’t always measured in how much hardware you have, or how many championships you’ve won. The impact and legacy you leave behind, and how you pave the way for future boxers defines the success you achieve inside and out of the squared circle.
On Thursday, November 8, 2012, former heavyweight knockout artist Lou Esa’s service to the boxing game will be honored in the strongest way possible—his induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
Inside the ring Esa put together a record of 19-6 with 16 KO’s, establishing himself as a hard-nosed fighter who never shied away from any opponent. When Esa banged gloves in his day, boxing was a different game; it wasn’t about fighting for money, or for endorsement deals, or accumulating millions of Twitter followers.
Lou Esa went to battle for one reason, and one reason only—to see who the better fighter was on that given night. He left it in the ring each time he stepped between the ropes, and through his career he had the opportunity to work with the game’s best, including Angelo Dundee, Murray Gaby, Dwayne Simpson and more.
About being elected into the boxing hall of fame, Esa commented, “I think it is really cool that I am being recognized by my peers. It’s an honor that people in this game are noticing that you really did something in this sport, that you made a difference, and that people know who you are. I think it’s really nice that I was part of the game, and I was always in it to win it.”
Since retiring from the sport in 1981, Esa has been an active figure in the boxing world, training amateur Golden Glove champions, managing and training pro fighters, and lending his time as a referee and judge to the NJ Amateur boxing association. Boxing has always been a part of Lou Esa, and he is adamant about continuing to give back to the sport that has given him so much.
Reflecting on various parts of his career, Esa shared, “I once fought a guy by the name of Tom Prater. It was my first eight rounder, and I got a draw. I thought I won the fight, and so did Angelo Dundee. He was arguing with the boxing commission and the judges; everybody thought I won the fight. So in the weeks after I was training for the rematch, and I sustained a rib injury during training, preventing me from taking the fight. Well, Tom Prater went on to getting a fight against champion Larry Holmes aboard the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, so I missed my chance.”
Despite the adversities Esa faced inside and out of the ring, he was always well respected due to his demeanor and work ethic.
Esa touched on another time in his career that stands out. “One time I came to the weigh in, it was my second fight, against a fighter by the name of Clarence “King Kong” Morris. I saw my opponent, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, he is enormous.’ When we touched fists at the weigh in, his hand was four times the size of mine. I was avoiding him the first round, so scared, and he swung at me; I ducked under and hit him with a left hook, which dropped him to the canvas. The whole building shook when he hit the ground, and I remember thinking, ‘please don’t get up, don’t get up.” Esa won the fight by first round knockout.
“One other time, I was fighting for the first time out of Orlando. They set up the ring on top of a stage, and when we got into the ring and started moving around, everything was shaking. When I hit my opponent, he hit the ropes, and the whole ring collapsed, and we ended up on the ground.”
Years since his experiences within the ring, Esa still smiles as he recounts the stories, showing his true love for the sport.
Anybody that has had the opportunity to work with Esa can attest to his genuineness and selflessness when it comes to helping out beginners or even veterans of the sport.
As a trainer he is unlike the majority of those out there looking to benefit themselves, as Esa thrives on being able to pass along technical advice that was given to him by some of the sports finest. As a manager he goes out of his way to help out up and coming athletes, ensuring they don’t get into bed with the typical promoters/managers who are solely looking out to line their pockets.
“There are so many nice people and legitimately good people that I’ve met through boxing,” Esa added. “It’s a shame that boxing has such a bad rap. There are good and bad people in everything; it’s just that you have to know how to dodge the bad people.”
Always willing to lend an ear to a green boxer or share advice about his experience, Esa closed with the following, “When you get your start in the game, you have to pick yourself a good trainer, someone who cares about you. You have to have a connection, someone you care about and someone that cares about you. He doesn’t only tell you to run, but he goes out of his way to take you and be there with you. If you’re gonna start boxing, you have to break your butt. It’s not an easy game. You have to trust the people you are working with. Find the right people; it’s hard to do but they are out there.”
Lou Esa is a testament to the good that exists in boxing, and maintains the roots of what the sport once was, and what it can be again.
It’s been an honor to know Lou Esa, to have the chance to learn from him inside the ring as well as out, as he has taught me much about life, and has been there through the good and bad. And it’s a true privilege to see him honored the way he is being honored November 8 when he is inducted to the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame. Nobody deserves it more than Lou.
Since first meeting Lou I’ve been proud to call him my trainer, a business associate, and above anything else…a true friend.
Tickets are still on sale to honor Lou Esa’s induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame at its 43rd Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremonies, to be hosted at the Venetian located at 546 River Road in Garfield, New Jersey.
For tickets contact Lou at 973-885-7962.
Again, many congratulations to one of the truest warriors to every lace the leather up. We love you Lou!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Rocky Marciano Statue Dedicated in Brockton, Massachusetts
By: Tony Penecale
"The Brockton Blockbuster" Rocky Marciano has come home to Brockton. In front of an enthusiastic audience at the appropriately-named Rocky Marciano Stadium, a statue was dedicated on the 60th anniversary of Marciano's title-winning bout against Jersey Joe Walcott. The statue was breathtaking, a massive 22 feet tall, depicting Rocky throwing his famous "Suzie-Q" right hand--the very punch he used to wrest the title from Walcott.
The event drew a number of boxing dignitaries, who joined Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti and members of the Marciano family for the dedication. Guests included WBC President Jose Sulaiman (who was instrumental in getting this project funded), promoters Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and Don King, legendary trainer and Rocky's close friend Lou Duva, and a plethora of world champions and contenders such as Tony Demarco, John Ruiz, John Scully, Micky Ward, Vito Antuofermo, Vinny Paz, and Larry Holmes.
The ceremony, only scheduled to last approximately one hour, stretched over two hours long with the crowd sometimes groaning at the continued delays. There was a real anticipation to see the bronze beauty unveiled, and the speakers were asked to keep their addresses to only one or two minutes. That was nearly impossible when the loquacious Don King took the microphone. King mentioned how Rocky never discriminated and no matter their skin color, he would knock them out all the same. He also mentioned Rocky's incredible spirit, citing his second bout with Ezzard Charles. In their first meeting, Rocky was unable to floor the former champion, winning by a very close decision. Charles was offered a rematch and during the course of the action, he split Rocky's nose in half. As the referee was preparing to stop the fight and award Charles the victory, Rocky asked for one more round. In that one round, Rocky saved his title by knocking Charles out.
If someone said back in 1985 that Larry Holmes would be giving a speech in Brockton, there's no doubt he would have needed an army of armed guards. Holmes, who at one time was Public Enemy #1 in Brockton for suggesting Marciano couldn't carry his jock strap, proved that time does indeed heal all wounds and that forgiveness is a very real and powerful thing. He was greeted warmly and responded with a humorous and charismatic speech that had the crowded alternating between laughter and cheers. Afterwards he followed through with his promise to meet many of the people at a public reception and continued entertaining with his singing.
Jose Sulaiman, President of the WBC, who was instrumental in getting the funding for this project, talked about how the weather cooperated perfectly. Rainstorms soaked the east coast the previous day, as Sulaiman noted it was simply God cleansing the ground for the ceremony. With the grounds cleansed, he spoke of the beautiful autumn day God gave for the event: a bright blue and cloudless sky framing the scene for history.
Perhaps the most poignant speech came from Rocky's youngest brother, Peter Marciano, who was 11 years old when his famous older brother won the title. He spoke of sitting ringside at the Walcott fight and the moment it was over, how Rocky's close friend and confidant Allie Colombo entered the ring to embrace the new champion. He said during the embrace they each whispered something to each other and he always wanted to know what was said. He finally came to the conclusion that these two local Brockton kids simply said "We did it".
It was a humbling experience to be there in person. I always tell the story how my grandfather, the original Tony Penecale, and my great uncle Ed Grasso Sr, sat me down at a young age to tell me the story of the great Rocky Marciano. I was about 6 at the time and since Rocky III had just been released, I got confused and mentioned how he just beat Clubber Lang. I was smacked in the back of the head and told that I "watch too much of that movie bulls**t". They told me how great Rocky was and that nobody ever beat him. Both of these man sadly passed away only about a year or two after their lecture, and even though they have both been gone for nearly 30 years, don't ever expect me to say that anybody could beat Rocky. Not Ali, not Tyson, not King Kong, not even Jesus himself. They both may be gone now, but I have a feeling they would send down a few smacks to the head if I ever said otherwise.
Uncle Eddie had attended the fight in Philadelphia, September 23 1952 when Rocky knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott to win the heavyweight championship. He spoke about it reverently and always said the knockout punch sounded like a shotgun blast went off in the arena. Years later, I was boxing at a card at SUNY-Westchester in Valhalla, New York. My father was there along with Uncle Eddie's son, Ed Jr (Uncle Duke). Uncle Duke brought with him one of his late father's most prized possessions, the original program and ticket stub from that famous fight in Philadelphia, and presented it to me after my bout. He also gave me newspaper clippings that his father kept from Marciano's title defenses against Walcott and Ezzard Charles. These items have been framed and currently hang in my basement gym.
One of my favorite jokes is when I show the program to anybody who comes into my gym, I mention that I was there in person. When they respond with a doubting or quizzical look, I just state that "I aged very well".
My grandfather and great uncle may be gone physically but I could feel their spirit with me on Sunday. It was a good feeling, especially for a kid growing up who "watched too much of that movie bulls**t".
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