Any info about the sculpture of a boxer in MSG lobby?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by john garfield, Oct 10, 2010.


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  1. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    In the lobby of the ol' Madison Square Garden, on West 50th St. in Manhattan, was a striking twice-life size black onyx sculpture on a pedestal of a heavily-muscled, crouching black fighter in early 20th Century trunks. No plaque IDing him.

    Always wondered who it was, or if it was just a creation of the sculpter's imagination. Also, wondered what happened to that sculpture when the ol' Garden was torn down.

    Anyone have a clue?
     
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    #1
  2. burt bienstock

    burt bienstock Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    jg, I remember it well.If my memory serves me it was Joe Gans, the great lightweight champion...Many a Friday fight night we would pass Joe Gans
    in the lobby...b.b.
     
    burt bienstock, Oct 10, 2010
    burt bienstock, Oct 10, 2010
    #2
  3. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Thanks for the Gans info, b. Any idea where the sculpture is now?
     
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    #3
  4. Jack Dempsey

    Jack Dempsey Legend Full Member

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    Yep it's Joe Gans, it's still in Msg, have seen peoples tour photos and it's there
     
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 10, 2010
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 10, 2010
    #4
  5. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Are you saying the Gans sculpture that was in the ol 'Garden on 50th St. is now in the Garden on 34th St. that opened in '69? Where in the new Garden is it located? Spent lots of time there. Never seen it, JD.
     
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    #5
  6. IntentionalButt

    IntentionalButt Guy wants to name his çock 'macho' that's ok by me

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    :think You should try calling MSG, jg.

    An older employee or a supervisor might know about it either way; if it was cataloged property of the garden there must be some record of what became of it even if it went into storage or got sold or destroyed.

    If it is still up on display, that is going right on my list of attractions to get to in NYC. Having my photo taken with the old master would be really cool.
     
    IntentionalButt, Oct 10, 2010
    IntentionalButt, Oct 10, 2010
    #6
  7. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Gonna get you a job with CSI, IB. Will follow-up on your tip.
     
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 10, 2010
    #7
  8. Senya13

    Senya13 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Senya13, Oct 10, 2010
    Senya13, Oct 10, 2010
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  9. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Thanks for taking the pains, S. Know the mind can play tricks on one, 'n it was over 50 years ago that I saw it last, but I don't think that's the sculpture I remember; it was much bigger 'n crouching-- coiled ready to spring.
     
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    #9
  10. Senya13

    Senya13 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    There was only this boxer statue in the lobby. Made by Salt Lake City sculptor Mahonri Young and was sent to MSG's president Carey some time during late spring 1931. The statue is about 5'10" tall. Your memory is playing a trick.
     
    Senya13, Oct 11, 2010
    Senya13, Oct 11, 2010
    #10
  11. Jack Dempsey

    Jack Dempsey Legend Full Member

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    Its not this one is it John

    This content is protected
     
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 11, 2010
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 11, 2010
    #11
  12. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    You put Sherlock Holmes to shame, S. Seems more than enough evidence to confirm it.
     
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    #12
  13. john garfield

    john garfield Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    What fighter is that, JD, 'n where's it located?
     
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    john garfield, Oct 11, 2010
    #13
  14. Jack Dempsey

    Jack Dempsey Legend Full Member

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    Its also in MSG, don't think its a particular fighter, the plinth seems to list all the HW champs up to a point.

    I'm sure its called the HW Championship trophy
     
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 11, 2010
    Jack Dempsey, Oct 11, 2010
    #14
  15. Senya13

    Senya13 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    This one is stationed in the same MSG Club Bar and Grill, by the same sculptor, with a list of heavyweight champions up to Floyd Patterson, and with the boxer wearing cestus, obviously depicting an ancient Roman boxer.
    http://0.tqn.com/d/gonyc/1/0/Z/R/msg_03.jpg
     
    Senya13, Oct 11, 2010
    Senya13, Oct 11, 2010
    #15
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