Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but I got an email from SLAKKA saying he beleived Rosenfeld had passed on, so I checked it out and it is true. Rosenfeld was one of the top historians on the 1940's-1950's era of boxing, taking a particualr interest in the careers of the Black Murderer's row (especially Charley Burley) this culminated in a book rather decievingly titled 'Charley Burley: The Life and Times of an uncrowned Champion'. However it covered the whole era in great depth and is a must have for all boxing fans. From being told about him by peopel who knew him Rosenfeld was a true boxing enthusiast and lived boxing. He was a walking enclyclopedia of the 40s boxing scene especially around Detroit where he grew up. This came as a bit of a shock for me because as afew of you guys know I have been trying to track down Oakland Billy Smith and as a result I tried to phone Mr Rosenfeld afew times but with no avail. And I was about to write a letter to him in the coming week. A great shame for the boxing communitee and I pass on my condolences to his family and freinds.
An obituary http://www.ibroresearch.com/?p=2837 and some praise on his book http://theburleybook.com/html/reviews.htm
Very sad news - Rest In Peace Allen Rosenfeld - I'm definately going to be getting his book on Burley and the murderers row - nice words from you about him too - good one GPater (and god speed in your search for Oakland Billy - brilliant thing you're doing)
Absolutley gutted. I loved his book. Allen made five precious posts on the forum. They are all in this thread: http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30350
Looking at the Burley book it said: 'he competed, undistinguishedly as an amateur boxer, in the 40s and 50s.' So I guess he was in his 80s.
Very interesting thread that, thanks for that McGrain. Seemed like a nice man aswell, a big loss to boxing. And yes I beleive he was about 80.