TruFan Boxing

‘Bazooka’ Joe Linenfelser ready to explode on final 2011 ESPN FNF card


CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2011) – Whether or not his swing bout airs on this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights (FNF) card, welterweight prospect “Bazooka” Joe Linenfelser (9-1-1, 6 KOs), a 23-year-old boxer from Rockford, Illinois, plans to steal the show.
 
The final ESPN FNF card of the year, live from Hammond, Indiana, showcases 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade vs. The Contenders’ champion Grady Brewer in the main event and former world champion David Diaz vs. Hank Lundy.  Never-the-less, Linenfelser plans to rock the Horseshoe Casino.
 
“It’s going to be great, whether or not I actually get to fight on ESPN,” Linenfelser said.  “I know there are four other good fighters on the card with great records and reputations, but people who watch my fight are going to go away asking when I’ll be fighting again.”
 
In a six-round fight, Linenfelser will face his most difficult test to date, tough veteran Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-17-4, 10 KOs), who has only been stopped four times. Galvan has been in the ring against world champions such as Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Paul Spadafora, as well as world title challenger Dmitriy Salita.
 
“Beating Galvan will give me more credibility and hopefully get me ranked by one of the regional organizations,” Linenfelser added.  “It’ll help put me on the map and get me a shot at Henry Coyle in a few months. For now, though, I’m fully focused on Galvan. He is a veteran who has fought a lot of good guys.  I really don’t know too much about him, but I’m a young, hungry pup and I know that I bring more to the table than him.”
 
When he made his pro debut October 8, 2005, stopping 181-fight veteran Donnie Penelton in the opening round of their fight in Iowa, 17-year-old Joe was the youngest professional boxer in the United States.
 
In October of 2008, Linenfelser registered his signature victory versus former NABA & NBA champion “Fearless” Fernando Hernandez, who Joe had previously defeated in a kickboxing fight. Linenfelser put Hernandez to sleep in the fifth round and then into retirement right after their fight in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Next up for “Bazooka Joe” was an eight-round throw-down with 1996 Cuban Olympian Ivan Leden (12-8-1), in Milwaukee, that Linenfelser won by decision.
 
Linenfelser was inactive for 14 ½ months (2010-2011) due to an injury suffered in the ring, until his triumphant ring return this past April against Jeremy Marts in Chicago. Linenfelser dropped Marts once in the fifth and twice from body shots in the final round en route to a win by unanimous, six-round decision.
 
“I took a year off and during that time I concentrated more on body shots,” ‘Bazooka Joe” explained. “I’d always been ‘Bazooka Joe,’ throwing bombs and knocking guys out. But I found out that, the better the opponent, the harder it is to knock ‘em out with just head shots. Body shots tear-down an opponent and then you go upstairs to finish.”
 
Linenfelser has fought almost exclusively as a junior middleweight – his only loss was in a fight in which he weighed 171 ¾ pounds – but he’s dropped down to welterweight for this fight and plans to continue fighting at 147.
 
“I had no problems making 147,” he concluded.  “There was a time that I had some personal problems, but I started praying a lot and everything just seemed to fall into place for me. My speed and stamina has improved.  I’m as strong as ever and I’ve been running 12 miles a day.  When I fought at 154, I’d balloon-up as high as 187 between fights.  Now, I eat and drink right and my weight doesn’t go way up. 
 
“My father (manager Jeff) has been telling me for a long time that I should be fighting at 147.  I haven’t felt this good since I was 14.  I’m excited to fight at this weight.  I’m on a nutritious diet and take vitamins. I used to be on a ‘wrestling diet’ to make weight because I lost weight the wrong way.  I’m living healthy and feeling real strong.”
 
-JL-
 
 THE FIGHTING PROMOTER SCORES A KO
 
July 20, 2011  Oceana Hall, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Dmitriy Salita met adversity head-on and knocked it somewhere into Never-Neverland!  With his card teetering and tottering as a couple fighters were unable to appear for assorted reasons, Salita did what fighters do – he threw the big punch and not only salvaged his show but put together a crowd-pleasing, highly entertaining evening of exciting boxing with a mixed Pro-Am card.  Three amateur bouts warmed up the crowd for the originally scheduled professional slugfests – and what slugfests they were!
In the headline light heavyweight rumble, local favorite, undefeated Will Rosinsky of Queens, 14-0, 8 KO’s, came out storming against Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Jose Ramirez, who came in with an 11-11, 6 KO’s record. In a shocking scenario, Rosinsky ran into an overhand right that dropped him in his tracks.  Rising to his feet, Rosinsky immediately went on the attack with a two-fisted bombardment that Ramirez tried fighting back against but Rosinski was relentless in his pursuit, dropping Ramirez and stopping him at 2:20 of the first round of the scheduled eight-rounder.
The co-feature, a junior middleweight bout scheduled for six rounds, showcased rising  star, Boyd Melson, West Point grad, captain in the US Army Reserves and one of the two fighters on the card whose trunks were adorned with the Star of David. The southpaw Melson wasted no time in going after Zacharie Schumack, Minneapolis, MN, 2-2-1, scoring well with his right hand.  It was the second round where Melson turned up the heat, battering Schumack almost at will. He dropped Schumack with a whip-like left uppercut. Game, but maybe too brave for his own good, Schumack pulled himself up and tried fighting back but, bleeding heavily from the nose, was dropped for a second time by a solid right hook. This time, when Schumack got up, he ran into another jarring blast to the head, prompting the referee to step in and halt the bout, an impressive TKO at 2:23 of the second round bringing Melson’s record to 5-0, 3 KO’s.
Melson scored big again when he addressed the crowd after the fight, explaining his mission to fight for stem-cell research. The charismatic young man obviously has a heart even bigger than his punch. He doesn’t ask for what he doesn’t give himself, donating his entire purse to the cause.
In a four round junior middleweight bout, Long Islander Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin, improving his professional record to 2-0, 1 KO, savaged Hector Rivera, Passaic, NJ, 2-9, 1 KO, in a bout that never should have been permitted to go to the final bell. A quick-handed free swinger, Seldin pounded away without letup, dropping Rivera twice (one knockdown in the opening stanza being disallowed as Seldin hit Rivera when he was down) and punishing him so badly without retaliation that the crowd was pleading for a stoppage. All officials scored every round for Seldin with all scorecards reading 40-35.
In the opening professional bout, Brooklyn’s Ian James, 134, 1-1, 1 KO, blasted out Bohemia, New York’s John Passante, 134, 0-4, at 23 seconds of the opening round with a stunning right uppercut.
The Star of David , Inc Boxing Promotions is developing a fine slate of young talented prospects and the show they put on tonight in front of an enthusiastically cheering standing-room only crowd was a step in the right direction.
 

HISTORY TELLS BRONER DEFEAT NO SURPRISE

Nicolino “El Intocable” Locche

He turned professional in 1958 and ten years and one day after his pro debut he became a world champion. Nevertheless, it was a long road for Argentine defensive wizard Nicolino Locche. By the time he met Paul Fuji in Tokyo, Japan for the World Boxing Association Light Welterweight title, Locche had amassed over one hundred fights. He halted the pained and frustrated Fuji in the tenth round to capture the crown.

From the beginning Locche fought almost all his battles in his native Argentina. His early career had its ups and downs but he won far more times then he lost or drew. In 1963, he burst on to the international scene with a decision win over former world lightweight champion Joe “Old Bones” Brown. In 1965, Nicolino met newly crowned lightweight titlist, the slick Ismael Laguna. The non title, overweight affair was judged a draw. Laguna then lost the title back to the great Carlos Ortiz and in 1966, Locche met Ortiz in a non title affair. Again, the crafty Nicolino had to settle for a draw.

Locche then set upon securing a world title shot for himself. In 1966, he won a non title ten round verdict over reigning world light welterweight champion Sandro Lopopolo. In 1967, he beat rugged L.C. Morgan and former champion Eddie Perkins. In 1968, he defeated Mexican Al Urbina. Then the shot came against Fuji who had defeated Lopopolo.

In 1969, Locche defended against former champion, the very dangerous Carlos Hernandez and the talented Joao Henrique. In 1970, he turned back the challenge of the able Adolph Pruitt. In 1971, he defeated Domingo Barrera Corpas and scored a masterful victory over Antonio “Kid Pambele” Cervantes. Finally, in 1972, Nicolino was enticed to go to Panama where he met Alfonso “Peppermint” Frazier. The underdog Frazier out hustled the aging Locche to annex the crown. Nicolino would then put together a four fight win streak, while Frazier lost the title to Cervantes. In 1973, Nicolino met Cervantes in Venezuela and was stopped in the beginning of the tenth round.
 


No longer a champion, the proud Locche reeled off seven straight victories in hopes of regaining his crown. Finally in 1976 it became apparent that a title shot was not going to materialize so Nicolino hung up the gloves for good. Locche ended up with an amazing 117-4-14 record. Although he was not a hard hitter as he scored only fourteen knockouts, Nicolino was a master boxer. He ranks right up there with the great Willie Pep as a defensive genius. He was not nicknamed “El Intocable,” (The Untouchable) for nothing.

Nicolino was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2003. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a true legacy of his tremendous talents.

Jim Amato

 

MARCH 8,1971 ; 42 YEARS AGO THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOOK PLACE

There are certain dates that will stick with you as long as you live. Your birthday, the birthdays of family members, anniversaries, the day that you got your divorce ( s ), etc…Happy and important days that mark milestones in your life.

One such date I’ll always remember is March 8, 1971. The ” Battle Of The Century “, it was so aptly named. Two undefeated boxers who each had a legitimate claim to being the heavyweight champion of the world would collide. When Muhammad Ali first won the title in 1964 his name was Cassius Clay. He would shortly thereafter change his name and then proceed to change the face of boxing. He dominated the scene until 1967 when he refused induction into the US Military due to his religious beliefs. Then came the Eight Man Elimination Tourney that was won by Jimmy Ellis. The powerful New York State Athletic Commission would recognize the winner of a match up between unbeaten boxers Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis. A bout in which Joe won. In 1970 Frazier stopped Ellis to claim the vacated title. Later that year Muhammad Ali returned to ring wars and halted highly ranked contenders Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena. The stage was now set. Ali and Frazier would clash for the undisputed title.

The first Ali – Frazier bout was the epic that all others are compared to, even today. There is no reason in this article to describe the bout itself. Reams of print have appeared documenting the action that took place in the ring that magical night. What I would like to share is the impact that fight on me and probably millions of others. I have never before or since March 8, 1971 felt the same way about a prize fight. Yes there were a few that stirred my anticipation like Duran-DeJesus II and III, Leonard-Duran I, Leonard-Hearns I, Pryor-Arguello I, Hagler-Hearns and Leonard-Hagler. Still to this day Ali – Frazier I tops them all.

Was Ali – Frazier I the best action fight of all time ? I would have to say no but for sheer anticipation, drama and excitement, this fight was the whole package. You had movie star Burt Lancaster as a commentator and Frank Sinatra as a photographer. Each boxer would receive $ 2.5 million for their nights work. That was an unheard sum of money for one fight in 1971.

I have never been so wound up with anticipation for a boxing match in my life. I was a few months shy of my seventeenth birthday and had been a boxing fan from the time I was ten. I had closely followed all the events leading up this day in boxing history.

On fight night I was at a party and we gathered around the radio listening to the round by round summary. We were pretty much split on the outcome of the fight but almost all of us were rooting for ” Smokin’ Joe “. From the round by round reports we could sense that this was a bout with shifting momentums. The ever proud Ali realized that Joe had come to fight this evening. Maybe Ali took Frazier too lightly. Maybe Muhammad rushed too soon to get back in the ring after his lengthy layoff. Maybe, just maybe the Joe Frazier of March 8, 1971 was one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. I’ve never seen a boxer who laid it all out for one fight like Joe did that night. You’ve heard it said that a boxer would rather die then be defeated. On this night Joe would have died a hundred deaths before giving in to Ali.

Round after round went by and as we listened to the radio. In the eleventh Frazier rocked Ali and we as a collective group cheered. Even the ones who had bet on Ali to win. As the bout moved into the ” championship ” rounds, we were all on the edge of our seats. Then it happened. It was announced on the radio the Joe had decked Ali in the fifteenth round. More cheering and now the wait. Finally it was time to render the decision. The winner and still heavyweight champion of the world…Joe Frazier!

Oh what a night. Forty two years later I can remember it like it was yesterday. Joe Frazier has passed on and Ali, my friends and myself are in the twilight of our lives. Still when I think of that night it takes me back to my youth and to the ultimate excitement that probably the greatest single sporting event of all time brought me. Thanks Joe and Muhammad.

Jim Amato

 SHORT ON HEAVYWEIGHT JOSE LUIS GARCIA ; HE KNOCKED OUT KEN NORTON !


There may have never been a more talent rich period in the heavyweight division then from 1968 to 1978. With Muhammad Ali (a.k.a. Cassius Clay) on the sidelines due to his draft case, other big men emerged. They would compete with each other on an almost equal basis for the next decade. Joe Frazier had risen to the top of the heap but the level below him would remain as mainstays in the ratings for years to come. Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonevena, Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo and Henry Cooper would eventually give way to Ron Lyle, Joe Bugner, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Jimmy Young. All time great champions like George Foreman and Larry Holmes also made their mark and Ali re-emerged to reclaim his throne.

Lost among the giants of that time period was a fine heavyweight from Venezuela named Jose Luis Garcia. Although Jose never challenged for the world championship he did meet three who did. He also met three world champions in a career that never seemed to reach its full potential.

Jose turned pro in his native country in 1968. He would go undefeated in his first nine bouts before losing a decision to future light-heavyweight champion Vincente Rondon. Three fights later Jose was halted by tough Allen Thomas in his first U.S. appearance. The lean Garcia was beginning to grow into a full-fledged heavyweight. On July 2, 1970 Garcia scored the biggest victory of his career. In Los Angeles as a heavy underdog, Jose met unbeaten and upcoming future champion Ken Norton. Garcia’s superior hand speed and deceptive power sent Norton crashing in round eight.

The huge upset of Norton landed Garcia smack in the middle of the heavyweight picture. Four months later Garcia halted used up ex-contender Thad Spencer. By now Garcia was gaining substantial weight. He was, by today’s standards, a cruiserweight when he beat Norton. Now he was ballooning to over 200 plus pounds. In 1971 he moved up in the ratings with wins over veterans Charlie Polite, James J. Woody, John Griffin and Alberto Lovell. Jose opened 1973 with victories over Roby Harris, Florida Al Jones and Johnny Hudgins.

It all came crashing down on October 23rd, 1972 when ex-WBA champion Ernie Terrell came to Caracas. Ernie had been written off after late 60’s losses to Thad Spencer and Manuel Ramos. Against Garcia though he looked the part of a rejuvenated former champ as he pounded Garcia into submission in the sixth round. In Jose’s comeback bout seven months later Joe Alexander destroyed him in one round. Next came a crushing kayo loss to Ron Lyle. Jose put together four wins but then lost a decision to Jimmy Young. In his next bout Joe Bugner stopped him in two. Finally on August 14, 1975, Jose got a rematch with Ken Norton. At this time Norton was the top heavyweight contender. They met in St. Paul; MN and this time Kenny took all Garcia could throw at him and eventually wore Jose down and stopped him in the fifth round of a tough fight. Even in defeat Garcia proved he was still world class.

Jim Amato

THE “LITTLE GUYS”

The only year that I was able to attend the International Boxing Hall Of Fame ceremonies was in June of 1998. That year one of my favorites was inducted. His name is Miguel Canto. He fought in an era that produced so many wonderful boxers from 140 pounds on down. How many of these “little guys” are truly remembered today ? At super lightweight you had the legendary Antonio Cervantes. There was also a youthful boxer who stopped in at 140 for a short time. Just long enough to outbox the great Cervantes and take his title. That of course would be Wilfred Benitez. There were other fine fighters at 140 lbs. Guys like Billy Costello, Saoul Mamby, Leroy Haley, Bruce Curry and the one and only Aaron Pryor.

Roberto Duran dominated the lightweight world for eight long years. Only Esteban DeJesus was able to really hang with Roberto. Nevertheless DeJesus was a great fighter in his own right. In the 130 pound weight class only one name sticks out,ARGUELLO. Alexis literally wiped out that division. After Arguello moved up in weight. Four of his past opponents would garner a piece of the title. Boza Edwards, Rolando Navarette, Rafael Limon and Bobby Chacon all stepped up after Alexis moved on. Too bad Alexis didn’t move up to lightweight a little sooner. We as fans may have had a chance to see Duran -Arguello !

The featherweight division was rich with talent. Vincente Saldivar helped bridge the gap between the 60’s and 70’s. Danny “Little Red” Lopez was a thrill a minute champion and Eusebio Pedroza laid claim to the crown. The real star though was Salvador Sanchez. It is amazing to see how much he accomplished before his tragic death at the age of 22. The bastard 122 pound weight division showcased the great talents of Wilfredo Gomez. The bantamweight division gave us Japan’s favorite son Fighting Harada along with the outstanding Eder Jofre. Then there was the murderous punching Ruben Olivares along with his great adversary Chucho Castillo. Then there was Rafael Herrera and Rodolfo Martinez. Later came the “Z Bombers” Carlos Zarate and Alfonso Zamora. Add in Jeff Chandler and Lupe Pintor and you can see it was the most loaded division of this era.

Last but far from least were the true little guys of the game. The flyweights…Starting with three time titleholder Pone Kingpetch, the title changed hands rather often. Chartchai Chionoi was another dominant flyweight title holder. In another tragedy, Masao Ohba had a very bright future before his untimely death. Miguel Canto was one of the best boxers I’ve ever seen but the competition was fierce and boxers like Betulio Gonzalez made their mark during this time period too.

Jim Amato
 

FORMER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER JOHNNY LIRA PASSES AWAY AT 61


The city of Chicago has produced its share of outstanding professional fighters. One of them was a tough as nails lightweight who campaigned in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s. His name was Johnny Lira and he fought his way into the top echelon of the lightweight rankings. Johnny passed away Saturday at the age of 61.

Lira turned pro in 1976 and quickly gained notice by winning his first twelve fights. In 1977 he drew with Manuel Lopez but defeated Lopez in a return bout. Johnny hit the big time in 1978 when he received a shot at the United States Boxing Association lightweight title. His opponent was the highly ranked southpaw bomber Andy Ganigan. Johnny was a decided underdog going in but he shocked the boxing establishment by stopping Ganigan in round six. Lira then went to New York’s Madison Square Garden to outscore the talented Larry Stanton. Lira was now high i n the ratings and in 1979 he received a shot at the World Boxing Association’s version of the lightweight title. Their champion was a hard-hitting bomber from Venezuela named Ernesto Espana. It was a gruelling fight but Espana emerged victorious stopping Johnny in nine rounds. Lira would suffer a broken jaw for his gallant effort.

In 1980 Johnny traveled to Spain and dropped an eight round decision to Andoni Amana. He would later lose a ten round duke to the flashy Howard Davis Jr. In 1981 Lira would post a ten round win over Ohio’s rugged Bobby Plegge. Johnny was then outdueled over ten rounds by Nicky Furlano and the was stopped in nine rounds by Willie Rodriguez for the USBA super lightweight title.Lira regrouped in 1982 scoring a points verdict over Canadian Al Ford. Johnny then lost a tough call to former world champion Alfredo Escalera. Lira would come back to win four fights but in 1984 he lost a ten rounder to Russell Mitchell. That was his last fight.

Lira hung them up with a fine record of 29-7-1. He scored fifteen knockouts. Johnny himself was stopped on two occasions. May he rest in peace.

Jim Amato
 

WHO’S YOUR DADDY Part II : Monzon- Benvenuti

By Jim Amato:

Nino Benvenuti may be considered among the best amateur boxers of all time. He had a great professional career too. His first loss was on a highly disputed decision to Ki Soo Kim. He would win two out of three in a legendary middleweight trilogy with the highly respected Emile Griffith. Eventually though his star would diminish..

There was a non title draw in 1968 against Akron, Ohio’s rugged Doyle Baird. It was a fight many thought Doyle won. Then came a loss to the terrific Dick Tiger. Then a life and death DQ win over Fraser Scott. Nino was then cut and on the verge of losing before he landed a left hook on slick Luis Rodriguez to retain his title. In Nino’s next bout he was halted by Tom ” The Bomb ” Bethea. Benvenuti had obviously under rated Bethea the first time around as he whipped Tom good in a rematch. Still you could see Nino was not the fighter of days gone by.

In November of 1970 enter Argentina’s Carlos Monzon. A disputed draw against the feared Bennie Briscoe earned Carlos a rating. Still Carlos was not considered a serious challenge to Nino’s crown. WRONG !!! Maybe Nino was on the downside of his fabulous career. Maybe a prime Benvenuti would have fared better against Monzon In my opinion Nino is lucky he met Monzon when he did. Any sooner would have resulted in the end of Nino’ s title reign. Make no mistake about it folks, Carlos’ style owned Nino.

 Benvenuti                  Monzon

Benvenuti could not intimidate Monzon. Carlos could have cared less about Nino’s complaints to the referee. To Monzon it was a street fight with a few rules. He mugged Nino. Along the eighth, ninth and tenth rounds Nino realized his dilemma. He could not hurt Carlos and he could not deter his aggressiveness. He knew he was doomed. Give Nino his due. He was a proud champion and he would go out on his shield. That is just what he did in round twelve as a Monzon right left him in a heap. Nino’s title was gone.

Again a case can be made that Nino was past his prime. In his next fight he lost a decision to Monzon’s countryman Jose Chirino. Still Monzon-Benvenuti II took place. This was child’s play for Carlos as he dominated Nino until the fight was stopped in the third round. There is no doubt in my mind that Nino would have lost to Carlos anytime they fought.

Cecil Shorts
By Jim Amato
CLEVELAND’S CECIL SHORTS:

I learn more about the history of boxing in the great city of Cleveland everyday. Talking to knowledgeable people in the area like Jerry Fitch, Gene Glen, Tom Huff, Jim Borgen and Sal Marino, well…I just learn something new all the time.

Cecil Shorts was a wonderful welterweight who fought out of Cleveland in the 1950′s and 60′s. Born in 1938, Cecil turned pro in 1956 and won his first ten bouts. Among those wins were decisions over Larry Boardman and soon to be Hall Of Famer Eddie Perkins. Cecil lost his first bout in 1958 dropping a decision to Rudy Sawyer. He was then stopped in two rounds by Perkins in a rematch. Cecil bounced back to win three straight including a split decision victory over Benny ” Kid ” Paret. He was then halted by another Hall Of Famer, the crafty Luis Rodriguez.

Cecil had an up a nd down career against some of the best welterweights in the world. In 1960 he lost to Phil Moyer but defeated tough Vince Martinez. In 1961 Cecil suffered a KO loss to Gomeo Brennan and a decision defeat to Mick Leahy. He came back to beat the capable Isaac Logart but was then taken out in eight by Virgil Akins. Shorts lost a decision to rugged Jorge Fernandez but then got a points verdict over Billy Collins.

Shorts did not fight in 1962 and when he returned in 1963 he was stopped by Chuck McCreary. Next came a ninth round disqualification loss to Akron’s Fate Davis. A 1964 return match with Davis saw Cecil on the short end of the decision. Cecil had one more fight winning a six rounder over Doug McLeod and then retired.

In all Cecil had 33 fights posting 21 wins and a draw. He lost eleven fights. He registered nine knockouts while he was stopped six times. He met four men who held world titles. Eddie Perkins, Benny Paret, Luis Rodriguez and Virgil Akins as wel l as several contenders. The city of Cleveland should be proud of the accomplishments of Cecil Shorts.

Jim Amato