Gentlemen's Page

Goody Petronelli

BROCKTON — Legendary boxing trainer Goody Petronelli, a Brockton native who trained a string of professional boxers including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, has died, his son said Monday.

David Petronelli of Middleboro said his father died early Sunday morning at his home in Sagamore, presumably of natural causes. He was 88.

Having been involved in boxing for seven decades, Goody is most known for training and then working the corner for middleweight champion Hagler.

He became an amateur and professional fighter during the 1930s and 1940s, was a boxing trainer while serving in the Navy, opened a gym in downtown Brockton with his brother, Pat, in 1969, and helped Hagler rule the world middleweight division for 6 years.

His death followed a string of changes that Petronelli dealt with in recent months, his son said.
One of them was the death of his wife of 70 years, Marian J. Pat (Gorman) Petronelli, in October, he said.
“You could see it in his eyes. He was hurting. He just loved that woman,” his son said.
In September, he lost his brother, Pat Petronelli, who died at 89 following a period of failing health.
Funeral arrangements are being arranged in Middleboro.

R.I.P. CHARLEY NOEL

Charley Noel of Jersey City, NJ passed away on January 4, 2012 at the age of 86. Born September 4, 1926, Noel turned professional at age 17 and fought professionally as a featherweight-lightweight from 1943 until 1950 compiling a record of 10-44-5 (1). During his career he fought some of the toughest fighters of his era, including: Sandy Saddler, Mike Belloise, Jimmy Carter, Harry Jeffra, Bobby Ruffin, Al Pennino, Carmine Fatta, Cabey Lewis, Nick Stato, Vince Dell’Orto, Mike Konnors, Freddie Russo, Leo Milito, Tony Costa, Johnny LaRusso, Aldo Minelli and Joey Angelo. He was an excellent club fighter and although he lost 44 times he was never stopped. This made him a promoter’s dream. He could always be counted on to give a good account of himself and the paying customers their monies worth.

REMEMBERING SMOKIN' JOE

WHAT I REMEMBER MOST ABOUT "SMOKIN' JOE

The sport of boxing lost a true legend with the passing of former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. So much of my early days following boxing had to do with Joe Frazier. I was only ten years old when he won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1964. I remember how impressed I was seeing a photo of a smiling Frazier with his hands raised above his head in the sports page. This was after halting the rugged George Chuvalo in 1967. This was the same Chuvalo who went the distance with Muhammad Ali in a title fight the year before. I knew then Frazier would be a champion one day.

I remember when Ali was stripped of his title and Joe was held out of the WBA Eight Man Elimination tourney by his astute manager Yancey Durham. Joe would then beat the large but clever Buster Mathis to win title recognition in New York and Pennsylvania. When the dust settled in the eight man box off, Jimmy Ellis had emerged as the WBA champion. In February of 1970 Frazier stopped the courageous Ellis to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. BUT...Muhammad Ali was coming out of exile. For Frazier to be regarded as the true champion he had to defeat Ali. The table was now set for the "showdown" between Ali and Frazier.

After Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali in their March 8, 1971 classic, in my eyes he was never the same. He had future moments, the win over Quarry, the “Thrilla in Manila “but for all intents and purposes, Joe left his soul in that Madison Square Garden ring. I have followed boxing for over forty years. In that time I have seen so many game warriors. I’ve seen men die in the ring, become disabled or suffer post career dementia. For all the horrible things I’ve seen one fight will always stand out for me. The first bout between Frazier and Ali was the Fight of the Century. Please have no doubt about it. In that fight I have never seen a boxer with such a will to win that Joe Frazier had that night. He was NOT going to be denied. Ali could have had a tire iron and a billy club in the ring with him that night and he still would have lost. That night Joe Frazier could have held his own with any heavyweight that ever lived. On that glorious evening Joe Frazier was GREAT ! That is how I'll always remember Joe Frazier.

Jim Amato

Even when Joe's health began to decline, he found the time to visit his old friend, former six time world champion, Emile Griffith, at the Nassau Extended Care nursing facility in Hempstead, Long Island, several months ago. This alone, tells me the kind of man Joe was and the nature of his character. He will live on in the hearts of many. He will long be remembered as a great champion and a great human being. - RSchartz59@aol.com

I met Joe about 10 times, and he was friend to everybody, and he never turned down an autograph for anyone. Guys like Frazier - you can take their money, take their title, you can say want you want, but they'll always be a champion - Keith Stechman

More reaction to Joe Frazier's death. - Yahoo

I, personally remember that date, March 8, 1971, as the date that set my interest into boxing. Throughout my 5th grade class, their were arguments who was better, and the hustle and talk never stopped. Even after the bout, in which Frazier won by sealing the deal with his tremendous left hook ,there were still arguments that Frazier was lucky and that Ali had come back too soon to fight the caliber fighter that Frazier was.

But that was the interest this fight had. And as kids and rooting for "our" fighters, little did we know about the politic backdrop and the envy in each camp. That was okay, since we were looking at each fighter and the pure ability they brought into the ring, not the other stuff that went on around them.

Joe Frazier was the truth. You had to box him off, and you really could not slug with him and win. Between '68 and '71, no one could have beaten him. Although I was an Ali fan back then, I truly think it didn't matter that Ali was forced to take three years away from boxing - that night belonged to Joe Frazier, who had reached the pinnacle of a tremendous boxing career.

"Smokin' Joe wasn't the same fighter after - even though he gave a last stand in 1975 with the "Thrilla In Manila" it wasn't the same Frazier that entered the ring in 1971. Remembering after the '71 match, Frazier was hospitalized briefly and soon went into exile for almost a year, until he fought Terry Daniels in New Orleans in January 1972. (Unlike today, if a major fighter didn't fight after 5 months, fans would wonder why), Ali returned in July '71 against Jimmy Ellis.

Joe would lose his title to another Olympic Gold medalist, George Foreman in January 1973.

After a second loss to George Foreman in 1976, Frazier retired, only to be bitten by the boxing bug to return one more time - a draw against Floyd Cummings in 1981, a bout in which the flame had completely burned out.

Frazier was one of the best short rhythm fighters many have ever seen, combining quick inside steps that set up his devastating left hook. His style was perfect for his stature, and he had been trained well. I believe the reason he matched up with Ali so well is that he was everything Ali wasn't, and vice versa. This was a match made for the ages.

But "Smokin" had other great fights as well. No fan at the time could forget his bout with Jerry Quarry in 1969, and his demolition of Jimmy Ellis in 1970. Also Madison Square Garden was the spotlight in 1967 with Frazier fighting the durable George Chuvalo, as well as two fights with Oscar Bonavena, who did well, flooring Frazier twice in their first match. -JLM

JLM

THE BATTLE IS OVER FOR SCOTT LEDOUX

FILE - This Nov. 23, 1979 file photo shows heavyweight boxer Scott LeDoux posing with the championship belt. His longtime friend and attorney Bob Dolan told The Associated Press Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, that LeDoux died Thursday at his Coon Rapids home after a nearly three-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 62. LeDoux was nicknamed the "Fighting Frenchman" and faced some of boxing greats during his 10-years professional career, stepping into the ring with Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Leon Spinks ...

LEDOUX PASSES

Scott Ledoux, a veteran contender from the 1970's has passed away.

LeDoux of Coon Rapids was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease two years ago.

At the time of his diagnosis, LeDoux who was known as the “Fighting Frenchman,” was the Anoka County commissioner. He represented parts of Coon Rapids, Andover and Fridley. LeDoux stepped down in May of 2010 and his second wife, Carol, ran for the open seat and won.

LeDoux is best remembered for his bouts with Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, George Foreman, and Larry Holmes.

http://www.boxing.com/scott_ledoux_jan._7_1949_aug._11_2011.html

As you might remember, Scott Ledoux was interviewed by Bryant Gumbel on HBO Sports Real Sports earlier this year. We all watched as he succumbed to ALS directly linked to his head trauma. I personally have volunteered to be a part of the CTE Clinical research in Boston. I truly believe in their efforts to make sports safer for all athletes so all boxers and athletes who have suffered numerous head concussion and are interested in volunteering to be a part of this research please contact me directly at MattFarragoRing10@yahoo.com

LIONEL ROSE, WORLD CHAMPION

Lionel Rose, who captured the world bantamweight title in 1968 by defeating "Fighting" Harada, has died. In addition to his brilliant performance to defeat Harada in enemy territory, Rose also fought notables such as Alan Rudkin, Chucho Castillo before relinquishing the crown to Ruben Olivares. His final legend was 42-11 (12KO's) Although his success was brief, he was a staple of his time on the world stage . . .

More On Rose -- Rose record Box Rec

NOTE : May Mr.Rose rest in peace.

Remembrance of the Fighting Harada-Lionel Rose epic bout.

Harada would defend his title against Australia’s Lionel Rose. Very few thought the title would change hands when they met. Rose was a talented contender but Harada had defeated a legend in Jofre. I guess Rose forgot to read the script. The night Rose met Harada he put on a boxing clinic. Lionel met Harada’s strength, power and aggression with pure and simple boxing tactics. He jabbed effectively. He counter punched with precision. He moved side to side. He smartly spun out of corners and away from the ropes. Lionel fought a perfect tactical fight. In essence, it was a masterpiece.

Rose would struggle to retain his title against the very tough Jesus Castillo. He would lose it to the legendary Ruben Olivares. Harada would move up to featherweight and twice fail to defeat Australia’s Johnny Famechon for the crown.
Harada is in the Hall Of Fame and rightfully so. He was a great fighter who had an outstanding career.

Lionel Rose is not in the Hall Of Fame and to be honest, I would not vote for him. BUT…The night he beat Harada was a performance of Hall Of Fame status and you can never take that away from him.

Jim Amato

HENRY COOPER, BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT

Sun May 1, 2011 0600PM

British icon Sir Henry Cooper has passed away, it was learned today. Cooper is best known for his two battles with Muhammad Ali, in 1963 and '66, both fights that Cooper was winning until a TKO stoppage In the first bout Ali was floored by a famous Cooper left hook in the fourth round, only to have Ali recover and stop the Brit in the next round. The second bout was close until Cooper's cuts caused a stoppage in round 6. Cooper was two days short of his 77th birthday.

Cooper was one of Britain's most celebrated athletes in the 20th century.

In addition to Ali, Cooper fought many of the days top heavyweights, including Joe Bugner, Zora Folley, Brian London, Floyd Patterson, among others. His final; bout was in 1971 and he finished with a 40-14 (27 KO's) and 1 draw.

JLM

NEW YORK (April 21, 2011) – Veteran boxing promoter Cedric Kushner, President of New York City-based Gotham Boxing, is recovering from spinal surgery yesterday that took nearly seven hours. He is resting comfortably at Mt. Sinai Hospital (room 315), located at Madison and 100th St., in New York City. He is expected to be there for a few days and then be transferred to another facility for physical rehabilitation.

Kushner, a former rock promoter, has been involved in boxing for the past 30 years. His company has promoted more than 30 world champions and presented more than 300 world title fights in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Africa.

Get well wishes may emailed to him to cedkushner@aol.com.

JLM

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FAMOUS TRAINER CLANCY PASSES AWAY.

March 31, 2011 10:40AM

Gil Clancy, trainer of Emile Griffith, and many other elite fighters of the 1960's and 1970's, passed away early this morning at 5:30AM. Clancy, a Hall off fame trainer, directed Griffith to the welterweight championship nearly 50 years to the day -- April 1, 1961.

Among others trained by Clancy were George Foreman, Gerry Cooney, Ken Buchanan, Rodrigo Valdes, and Jerry Quarry. He also worked with both Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali. Clancy lived in Malverne New York, but was in hospice in recent months.

To all fans of the sport of boxing,

It saddened me to learn that Hall of Fame boxing trainer and commentator, Gil Clancy, passed away this morning. Gil worked with Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman as well as Gerry Cooney in his bout with Foreman. He was the first and only trainer of Emile Griffith, and led him to win both the welterweight and middleweight championships of the world. He was a class act and an asset to the great sport of boxing. He will surely be missed. May he rest in peace.

Rich Schwartz

Sergio Martinez dedicates championship event to bullied Middletown teen

Friday, March 11, 2011 7:07 AM EST

The following appeared in this morning’s edition of the Middletown (CT) Press. To access the full story, click here.

By CLAIRE MICHALEWICZ Press Staff

MASHANTUCKET — At a press conference announcing one of the biggest fights of his career, middleweight boxer Sergio Martinez on Thursday promised viewers they would see “the best Sergio Martinez.” Then, pausing, he added, “This fight is for you, Monique,” and invited 13-year-old Middletown resident Monique McClain on stage.

When Martinez fights Sergiy Dzinziruk for the middleweight World Boxing Council Diamond Championship on Saturday, he’ll be doing it for the city seventh-grader, he said.

McClain was forced to leave Woodrow Wilson Middle School in January because of relentless bullying by her classmates. Since then, she’s been trying to keep up with her studies from home. Her family has asked the Middletown Board of Education to provide her with a tutor or place her in another school district. So far, they haven’t had any luck.

On Thursday, Martinez invited Monique, her mother, Alycia, and grandmother, Alexa, to join him and his team at a restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino before the press conference. On Saturday, McClain and her mother have V.I.P seats to watch the fight.

“It’s very important to show her support for what she’s going through,” Martinez said in the restaurant, speaking in Spanish with his agent, Sampson Lewkowicz, translating.

The boxer called Monique “a champion,” and explained that he knew the consequences of bullying firsthand, since he was bullied as a child in Argentina.

“It’s a major problem,” he said, adding that both bullies and their parents should be held responsible for their actions, because both bullies and their victims could face lingering problems throughout their lives. “It’s not only your problem, it’s the community’s problem.”

Martinez listened intently as he heard from the McClains about the challenges Monique have faced at school. The bullying, they explained, started in September after Monique had her hair braided, and got worse throughout the school year.

Along with emotional support, Martinez brought gifts, including signed photos, a T-shirt and autographed patches Monique can put on her boxing jacket.

“That will be the most special team jacket anyone could ever have,” said Johnny Callas, who has been coaching Monique for about six months with the Champions of Life program at the Lion’s Den in Middletown.

The program helps young people grow and learn life skills through boxing. Monique said she hasn’t started competing yet, but she hopes to soon. And, she added, Martinez had promised to come to her first fight.

Martinez also offered some words of advice: When you do it from the heart, you succeed, he said.

“If she feels good, I feel better,” Martinez added, giving McClain a hug.

Callas worked with the Charter Oak Boxing Academy to set up Thursday’s meeting. He said he wanted to do something to help Monique, and said Martinez was a great choice because he has campaigned against domestic violence and bullying in schools around the world.

Martinez’s promoter, Lou DiBella, said that when he heard about McClain’s story, he wanted to meet with her and help her.

“Children have to be protected,” DiBella said during the press conference. “That’s why there’s schools, that’s why there’s school systems.”

“Monique, we wish you all the best, and we hope you have fun this weekend,” DiBella added. (More…)

Jimmy O'Pharrow, the legendary founder, director and heart and soul of the Starrett City Boxing Club and gym, passed away Sunday night at the age of 85, leaving behind memories of a man who was much more than a trainer. Jimmy O, as he was known to the boxing world, was a person who trained his charges to deal with life, not just how to throw a jab or left hook. Besides serving as a second parent as well as mentor to Dmitriy Salita, he was there to train and guide such stellar performers as Riddick Bowe, Zab Judah, Louis Collazzo and Shannon Briggs. James O'Pharrow was special and will be missed by all.