BOXING: Tragic Stories

Great story on Victor (Young) Perez.
We can remember him as a flyweight champion.
He fought numerous bouts between 1928 and 1938
including Frankie Genaro, Emile Pladner, Al Brown, and others.

 

Thanks for mentioning Roshii Wells and Julian Letterlough.

Looking at the life and times of Roshii Wells, there are a few stories
to tell such as his rise to Olympic contention and his pro fights.

It would be nice if folks that followed his boxing story could add a few thoughts.

 

Throughout boxing history black boxers have been outstanding.
One great tragedy is many were not given an equal opportunity
such as Sam Langford. Even the great Jack Johnson was hunted.
He won the title, but he died a tragic death in 1946. Some retired from boxing to a life of poverty and despair, some driffting through life
bruised, battered or blind.


From ring tragedies to life tragedies, the names go on and on.
Battling Siki, Tiger Flowers, Chalky Wright, Zora Folley, Eddie Machen,
Sonny Liston, Wallace (Bud) Smith, and many more such as Roshii Wells.

 

It is a shame that some would focus on the negative aspects of a McClellan, but this thread's prime focus should be remembering past champions, contenders
and ordinary boxers professionals and amateurs.

When we are looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of hope, dreams and boxing objectives
we must from time-to-time take time to remember
some of those lost along the winding road of glory.

We should try to remember in a spirit of co-operation
and respect, and not travel along the low road of
negative attacks.

In the case of ring deaths, there are accidents
like the case of the great African - American
Davey Moore (the Springfield Rifle from Ohio)
to those that should never have happened such as
Benny (Kid) Paret, Ernie Schaaf and others of
all weights, races and religions.

For those that should never have happened,
there is a sad story with many lessons that
should have been learned. Where were the
promoters, managers, and doctors after
Paret was beated badly by Gene Fullmer
in December 1961. Where were Paret's
manager and doctor when the March 1962
match with Emile Griffith was set. Where was the referee in the Griffith - Paret tragedy, where was Paret's cornerman, and where were the fans.
Where were the safety regulations, and where is
the health benefits and pension plans.