Australian Boxing Classics.

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Hwan-Kil Yuh, whom Lester won his world title from in 1985, passed away recently at age 46. Apparently, was never any good after suffering a hit-run 3 years pervious.

Posted it here as it brings back memories of the story of Kil Yuh's management trying to tee up the title defence against Lester.

Apparently Kil Yuh's people repeatedly rang the Ellis residence looking to speak to 'the schoolboy', and Keith would just tell anyone who answered their calls to tell them to farrrrrk off! - Keith thinking it was someone playing around.

Eventually Kil Yuh's management sought out Jack Rennie, who was know for being Lionel's former trainer etc. Rennie eventually got hold of Keith and the ball started rolling in earnest from there.

Kil Yuh and crew thought Lester, being just 'a schoolboy' would be an easy fight for their champion, but history shows they left our shores minus the belt.

http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Human:46400

 

Not sure how many are aware of it, but there's a fight replay show on Melbourne's FTA Channel ONE on saturday nights. Usually screens at about mid-night (11.45pm).

They show highlights of 5 different fights, usually oldies. Amongst them last show was Tyson vs Bruno and the Francois Botha vs Shannon Briggs slugfest.

Good viewing and free!

 

Yeah, did put in 'the guide'. Looks like they also show an episode on Friday nights as well.

Made by the same mob who do KOTV on Sky, its a bit scattergun in its approach but hey, its free.

 

Interesting recent interview with Philip Holiday, winner of Jeff Fenech's IBF lightweight title in 1996.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=20038&more=1

 

I have footage of this fight. An absolute scrap! Great fight. Pat Dwyer is my Dad's cousin, hence me hunting down the footage. Well worth a watch if you can get hold of it.

 

Originally Posted by Ashley:

22/ Charkey Ramon (Commonwealth light middleweight champion): Born David Ballard in Gulgong, NSW in 1950. Trained by my first mentor ,the venerable Bernie Hall in Sydney. Named by Bernie – “Charkey” after the African American boxer, “Ramon” after the Mexican fighter. A top amateur. Turned professional in 1970 and had his last fight in 1974. 1972 was his big year. He out pointed former Australian middleweight champion Dick Blair, then won the National light middleweight strap knocking over Paul Lovi (14-3-2) in three rounds in June, knocked out future Aussie super middle champ Joe Vella in two heats and got off the deck to be crowned Comonwealth champion by stopping Englands Pat Dwyer (33-8-2) in round eight in October. Got to number one in the world and was closing in on a title shot when he retired due to a damaged shoulder. Only loss was to Fred Etuati, who he gave away ten pounds. Final record: 33-1-1, 22 ko’s. Later became a top referee,was involved in the infamous brawl on the first – and last – boxing promotion at the Sydney Opera House, promoted by league icon Tommy Raudonikas in 1982

Then PaddyD1983 said:

I have footage of this fight. An absolute scrap! Great fight. Pat Dwyer is my Dad's cousin, hence me hunting down the footage. Well worth a watch if you can get hold of it.

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Rubin ‘HURRICANE’ Carter - guilty or innocent??

The argument over whether 1960’s middleweight contender Rubin ‘HURRICANE’ Carter was guilty of a triple murder has raged for decades, and probably will for some time to come. Many would be familiar with Carter from Bob Dylan’s song ‘Hurricane’.

'Hurricane' Carter was at one stage genuinely world class and defeated amongst others world champions Emile Griffith & Jimmy Ellis.

There’s some interesting debate on the 'Hurricane' Carter issue in CLASSIC & LOUNGE threads at present, including input from people who lived nearby & had met Carter, to people who studied the case at school, and some who are just plain interested.

In short, Carter had two trials (1967 & 1976), spent something like 20 years in jail and was finally released in 1985. His ultimate innocence or guilt is a matter of varying opinion.

These days Hurricane Carter is a free man and requests $10,000 a pop for ‘motivational’ speaking engagements (proceeds from crime??). Meanwhile the 3 murder victims, whose only crime was being in wrong place at the wrong time, have been pushing up daisies for 40 years.

Apart from the discussion on the CLASSIC & LOUNGE threads there’s also some excellent websites on the 'Hurricane' Carter case including this one:

http://www.graphicwitness.com/carter

 

BARRY MICHAEL is apparently planning a book which might be on the shelf by the end of the year.

Eddie McGuire, who trained at karate years ago, and who currently does boxing sessions with Michael, might have something to do the book idea. There’s also a whisper about a movie, or something else suitable for TV.

Michael’s long and successful career, spanning the early 70’s to the late 80’s, certainly includes some potentially juicy material. His version of what happened at the nightclub years ago with Gangitano and his hood mates would make for good reading. The Lester Ellis world title fight, it’s lead-up and aftermath, could also fill a chapter.

Then there’s some of his epic wars with the likes of Frankie Ropis, ‘Earthquake’ Carter etc.

Before anybody starts with the Barry’s-a-biased-commentator stuff, the book would surely focus on Michael-the-Aussie-and-World Champ, not the Michael who in retirement seems a bit too close to the Mundine camp.

 

Had another look at the Barry Michael vs Al 'Earthquake' Carter bout (Dallas Brooks Hall Melb - circa 1981), at the week-end.

If there's been a better fight on Australian soil I haven't seen it, and I've been fortunate to see some pretty good ones, both live and recorded.

Anyone like to rate a fight held on Australian soil better than this one??