Did Archies nickname “Mongoose” have anything to do with Ezzard being called a “Cobra” or vice versa? Or is it just an awesome coincidence?
In 1956 Moore saw Floyd Patterson described as punching like a striking snake. He claimed that when they fought he was going to be an "old mongoose". As far as I know, no one ever used the nickname before that.
I I know Archie once said something to the effect of that he didn't like the name Mongoose because he wasn't a mean guy and that when they started calling him the Old Mongoose he felt like it suited him a little better.
I know that they are from different weights and era's but then Donald Curry would have lost to The Old Mongoose Archie Moore, as Curry's nickname was The Cobra, Lol. And no in all seriousness, it is not a dumb question my friend, makes me wonder as well. I should have asked Archie when he showed up to our local Junior High in Dec 1969, treated us to Soda Pop, Ice Cream and the Title bout on film against Rocky Marciano in Sept 1955 and Muhammad Ali in Nov 1962. Archie had a construction company build a Boys Center in our neighborhood, us kids could work out, lift weights, watch color television, they were so expensive back then Archie was a great guy. He told all of us that he wanted us to stay out of trouble, be civic minded adults when we grew up, and pursue our educational goals.
Richard! That’s so damn cool. Did Archie lift weights? Is it true he had a boxing glove shaped pool? Why did he show two losses?
It was the last day of school as Christmas Vacation would begin that Monday. He had a huge Carnation Truck filled with little plastic containers of ice cream for us, and six packs of Coca Cola in glass bottles. Like I said, he brought over the fight films of his bouts against Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali, he played them on the school projector. I should have asked him about his swimming pool and his record that showed two losses, Lol.
I hear he used to show his Yvon fight as a display of courage to young boys. And then the rematch to show if you don’t make the same mistakes you’ll have an easier life.