Part 1 is up... http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/12170-just-watch-mah-smoke-part-i-lost-at-sea
Great first chapter in the life of Cocoa Kid. Years ago,before Ray Robinson started on his career, I would hear of a boxer [amateur,I believe] named Sedgwick Hardwick. I wonder if there was some connection with this boxer and Cocoa Kid ? Looking forward to the next episode...:good
You have to admire this kind of research. So, it appears we all had it wrong. He was neither of Puerto Rican or Cuban blood, but born to American parents in Puerto Rico. Can't wait to see what else we'll learn.
Dad, Lewis Herbert Hardwick, was an African American from Georgia. Mom, Myrtice Arroyo, was a Puerto Rican who moved to Georgia with Hardwick and the newborn Cocoa Kid. Cocoa Kid was therefore half African American and half Puerto Rican. His legal name was Herbert Lewis Hardwick.
I'm guessing the Cuban heritage rumour was based upon his ring name? Is there a reason that he chose cocoa Kid? Why am I asking I'm sure it will be covered.
The Cuban heritage rumor was in all likelihood because of the name and a few newspaper accounts that referred to him as Cuban. Most reporters didn't know the difference. His name's origins is covered in Part 2.
Look forward to it. Out of interest has your opinion of Cocoa gone up or down? And who do you consider better Chase or Kid?
My opinion has gone up. I'd have to go with Cocoa Kid as the better fighter. Chase is better than I thought he was going in, but Cocoa Kid had a style that was difficult to cope with -he was a physical fitness freak, stood about 6 feet, and may well have had an all-time top ten jab. Despite his height, he would murder the body, was supreme outside due to his height and reach, was very fast, and very agile -unorthodox by some accounts. When young, his stamina was excellent as well. By some accounts he was almost Hearns-like. But busier.
Sounds a real handful. I'm sure you will give us a further description of his style and ability in the series. Where would you rank him in relation to say Burley and Holman Williams? Sorry for the interrogation.
Part One now please!!! Introductions are all fine and good, but you're being a tease. TEASE GETS SMASHED ROUND HERE. Ranking CK in relation to Holman Williams isn't going to be much fun for anyone...