Once There Were Giants by Jerry Izenberg

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mcvey, Jul 19, 2018.


  1. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Re-reading this today.Izenberg says Frankie Carbo drew up the contracts for the Marciano v Walcott 1952 fight.He further says that Carbo had a piece of both fighters so couldn't lose he had the in with Rocky via his manager Al Weill and with Walcott because Felix Bocchichio was in his pocket. Izenberg says Carbo controlled or had an interest in,
    Eddie Babe Risko,Virgil Atkins,Ike Williams, Billy Fox,Coley Wallace,Kid Gavilan,Don Jordan.
    The author states it was Bill Daly manager of Lee Savold who identified Ray Arcel to the thug who put a lead pipe over his head because he was about to promote Saturday fight onTV,Carbo had the contracts for Wednesday via Pabst Blue Ribbon and Friday nights with Gillette. The thug hit Arcel twice in the head all but fracturing his skull and hospitalizing him for 19days. Arcel subsequently retired from the game for many years.
    I wonder if the 1950s was the worst era for gangster influence in boxing?
     
  2. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Do you recommend this book?
     
  3. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    Yeah I do. The mob tried to convince Marciano to throw the fight against cockell

    Marciano replied
    “You’re disgrace to the Italian race” and hung up the phone
     
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  4. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Marciano would never have been a party to a fixed fight he had far too much pride/self respect.
     
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  5. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Yes it's entertaining ,he gets Carnera's weight wrong ,but apart from that its pretty decent ,imo.
     
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  6. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Thanku
     
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  7. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    I love Ray Arcel's quote after he finally got out of the hospital. Somebody ask him if he knew who did it and what he was gonna do in retaliation.
    Ray said " don't try to get even, because you never get even."
     
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  8. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Now Carnera vs Marciano would be a fight I could live with!!!
     
  9. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Wouldn't it be something if the Alp managed to maul and smother Rocky to an ugly decision!
    Heart attacks alround on here!lol
     
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