This will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the recent deaths of Arguello and Gatti, but I just read over at boxrec that Cesar Brion has just died. Brion was a somewhat notable heavyweight in the early '50s, best known perhaps for his two fights against a comebacking Joe Louis.
Another link with that era gone. Brion fought Joe Louis and Ezzarrd Charles. He was a tough fighter who generaly lost against the best but always gave them a good scrap. He posted some notable wins such as his stoppage win over Tammi Maurellio. He will be missed.
Brion was, of course, Marciano's, stablemate and sparring partner, as well as an opponent of Louis and Charles. Years ago, I had the pleasure of watching a rebroadcast of Louis boxing Brion on the Nostalgia Channel, and am hopeful that this will eventually be available online for all of us to enjoy. (The posting of this match might make for a fine tribute in Cesar's memory.) Joe was clearly superior to Brion, and very much the aggressor (although ringside experts were mentioned during the action as observing that Louis was no longer punching in combinations as he did during his years as a rising contender and champion). The former champion was still extremely dangerous, even with single shot weaponry and a tumor impaired jab. (Even when viewed through the kinescope imagery of the time, the tumor on Joe's left shoulder was plainly visible.) While Louis remained a highly potent and menacing attacker, Cesar acquitted himself with rugged honor and courage.
rip, only saw one of his fights, the Louis rematch. Louis still control the bout with his jab. Like said before other era gone. Wonder if people were thinking this when 1920's and early fighters were dieing off.
