Milt Bailey tells that story in the Liston documentary. But it's Amos Lincoln- Sonny's regular sparring partner- who gets the headgear knocked off, not Foreman. Bailey said "Lincoln's helmet flew off...and we thought his head had flew off" I spoke to George about sparring with Sonny. He mentioned having to "back up" from Liston and Sonny being "the ONLY man who ever stood up to me", but no mention of any headgear flying. Sounds like the two stories have gotten crossed and mixed, but who knows?
I think you're right. I'm positive Foreman told the story during his trip here.. hey, he couldhave told me Mickey Mouse was H/W Champ of Disneyland.. I would have believed it back then. We all know that David Haye is the current Disneyland Champ. :thumbsup
Mate I'm no historian so I'm easy meat but I have to take issue with this statement. Klompton wrote "The fact is that Darcy was very quickly ridiculed in the American press for his wishing to pick and choose his opponents. He consistently turned down offers to fight the best only to float offers for less money to face lesser opposition" In the Niland report, it was well documented that influencial politicians consistantly refused to give Darcy permission to fight. As Billy Haak said "They picked on that boy, y'know," said Billy jr. "They wouldn't give him as much as a cornbread livin', and for why? Because there was things going on between the Australian Government and Washington, that's for why. And that O'Sullivan, a-tearin' at him for pure spite. It was enough to throw an angel off his perch." You also derided the Memphis proposal ("& Memphis of all places") (Memphis Mayor) Ashcroft listened attentively. It was the first time since Whitman's rebuff that the Australian had been given a hearing by any State or City official. Ashcroft then sent a telegram to Secretary of War Baker and Senator K. D. McKellar, junior spokesmen for Tennessee in the US Senate, strongly recommending that Darcy's request be granted. How can you state that Darcy was picking & choosing when these bans followed him around the country? Interesting string just the same. I'm old enough to remember the reverance my family held Les in. You have to understand the culture here. A famous person is representative of each & every one of us. (You behave like a goose, you make us look like a goose) As Nicole Kidmans Ex, Tom Cruise put it "When you marry an Australian you marry the whole country" Darcy was reviled for the midnight flit but made legend because of his integrity. He was railroaded by cowards that are good at sending people to war that they won't attend themselves. With the fight fixing stories, Dad told me, "Darcy was a brainwashed catholic who would have had nothing to do with anything crooked. He busted off with Sullivan because he was a crook & was being tarred with the same brush" As for who wins between SRR & Darcy? that would be a heart breaker for me. Ray is my GOAT. Darcy was a legend. Cheers PS. BTW John Garfield,,,,,,How the hell are ya Joe (From Tattered Silk :good)
Was readin' this post with great interest...stunned when I got to the PS. What prompted you ta change your avatar?
Gday mate. I was away from here for a couple of years then came back with a new handle. I can't remember what my old Av was. It was a real hoot to see you still posting. (Thanks to Bobby Sinn) I got down to the Hall of fame induction in Melbourne in October, Had a great time. Caught up with a fair few of the old fighters including Tony Madigan & the late but great old mate Gus Mercurio. How have you & the family been? Keep writing mate. Cheers, Pops.
Mick King's account of Darcy v Fulton, published 1917 : http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers...g=1366,6448971&dq=les+darcy+fred+fulton&hl=en
The name of Tony Madigan, brought back memories of the time in MSG,1960, when I saw Madigan lose a split decision to Cassius Clay, in the 1960 Olympics Finals...
Golden Gloves final??? NY. Madigan was actually bookies favourite against Clay in their first meet.... Chicago?? ... A really nice old man he is Burt. Had some nice conversation with him and his son at the Hilton, just prior to heading off to the HoF. A man with a very full life lived.