Mike Quarry 'First Super-Middleweight Champion'

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Senor Pepe', Jul 11, 2012.


  1. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Michael Wayne 'Mighty Mike' Quarry

    A 5' 11', fast handed boxer, who at normal weight was 170 lbs. -
    was forced to box at Light-Heavyweight, and against bigger fighters.

    He should have been, 'The First Super-Middleweight Champion'.

    If there was ever a Weight Division for someone, 170 lbs. was the perfect
    fight weight for the younger Quarry.

    Turned professional on August 11, 1969 - at age 18.

    Had to campaign at 175 lbs. versus naturally bigger men. Though Mike could hit,
    he could not 'dent' the bigger fighters.

    Ran off '21' straight wins at 21-0-0 (7 KO's), before tangling with his
    first 'name fighter' - the British-Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight Champion,
    the #16-Ranked - 'Welshman'' Eddie Avorth 41-5-0 (20 KO's).

    In a June 6, 1970 bout at the Valley Music Theatre, in Woodland Hills, California, -
    Mike exhibited fast hands, and smart counter-punching to defeat Eddie Avorth
    by a 'solid' 10-Round Unanimous Decision.

    The victory earned Mike a #15 Light-Heavyweight ranking.

    It was after this bout, that "Mighty Mike's" father Jack Quarry, suggested a new weight
    division at 170 lbs., and asked the California Boxing Commission to establish this
    new weight class.

    The 'debate' was, that fighters in the 'mid-to-high' 160's could not compete with 175 lb. fighters,
    and that another 'weight division' was needed.

    Jack Quarry, who may have been ahead of his time, suggested that the 175 lb. Light-Heavyweight
    Division be bumped up 10 lbs. to 185 lbs, and that a new division at 170 lbs, should be created, and
    with the name 'Quarryweight'. Jack, stated, that Quarry relates to making medium-size rocks and stones
    from larger Heavyweight boulders. And that 'Quarryweight' sounded better than 'Mediumweight'.

    Did he have a point ?

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  2. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    By January 1971 - 'Mighty Mike' Quarry improves his mark to 25-0-0 (8 KO's).

    Though he's winning, he cannot stop anyone.

    On Saturday Night - January 23, 1971 - and sitting with a #10 Light-Heavyweight ranking,
    'Mighty Mike' takes on his 'toughest opponent' - Top 10 Ranked - Andy Kendall of Portland, Oregon.

    In a Don Fraser Promotion, at the Valley Music Theater Arena, and in front of a sell-out crowd of 3000.

    'Mighty Mike' Quarry takes on the #7 Light-Heavyweight, 31 year-old veteran, Andy 'The Scappose Express' Kendall 29-7-7 (13 KO's)

    Over the 'first' 5-Rounds, 'Mighty Mike' is successful in using a darting 'in-and-out' style, to throw the
    timing off of the 'veteran' Andy Kendall. But the 31 year-old starts to land in Round 6, and sends Mike Quarry
    scampering for the next '3-Rounds'.

    In Round 9, sensing that he is losing control of the bout, 'Mighty Mike' changes his tactics, and engages
    in a slug-fest with Andy Kendall. The 3000 fans at the Valley Music Theatre Arena erupt, as the 'two'
    Top 10 Rated Light-Heavyweights go toe-to-toe over the last 2-Rounds, and fight after the bell.

    Scorecards; (6-2-2 / 6-2-2 / 4-4-2)

    Live Gate....... $14,000
    Fight Purse..... $3500 Mike Quarry
    Fight Purse..... $4000 Andy Kendall

    Mike Quarry wins a Majority Decision, but the fight was 'razor-close', and could have been declared a Draw.

    Mike Quarry was the fighter that was 'worse for wear', as he was 'lumped-up' pretty good.
     
  3. AREA 53

    AREA 53 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I often think it would of been a blessing in disguise if Mike had not got that Win over Jimmy Dupree, to be put in with all time great Bob Foster, a Puncher supreme at what, only 22 ?
    (Mike was no Clay and Bob no creaking Liston) what was the Quarry camp (Jack) and promoters thinking off ? Presumably GREEN ! and more GREEN !

    One of the most disturbing things about the Nasty KO...was the even nastier treatment of the stricken Mike, A Cornerman jumps into the ring to Tend to the unconscious mike
    he is seen to gently lift his limp head up and down a few times, then...and this baffles me as to which medical journal this came from...he again lifts mikes head up...then lets it go, to smack hard on the Canvas ! it really makes me wince to see it (its on youtube)
    it seems the punch and hitting the canvas were not enough for this cornerman, so mike got a triple cranial impact this night. not sure if the cornerman was ever called upon to explain his actions.

    I liked Mike, a neat boxer who never had any of brother Jerry's Power, the chances are Mike would of come second best to most world class tenacious fighters who could maintain a pressure on him, I remember Chris Finnegan doing just that, and indeed Mike Rossman, I wish Mike had been a bit (lot) more carefully managed. but i think the family setup was not one of caution.
     
  4. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    AREA 53,

    Correct,

    The Quarry Family (father Jack), just 4-weeks after the 'bruising battle' with Andy Kendall,
    threw the 19 year-old Mike right back in the ring, with 'Canadian Tough-Guy',
    Ron 'The Burnaby Brawler' Wilson (44-10-5).

    February 27, 1971 (Valley Music Theatre Arena)

    No rest for the 'weary', as 'Might Mike' has another 10-Round War, as Mike had to 'pull-out'
    all the stops in the last 2-Rounds to hold on to a 10-Round Majority Decision win over
    Ron Wilson.

    Scorecards (6-4-0 / 6-4-0 / 4-4-2)

    After the bout, Ron Wilson screamed, 'Fix, a complete fix. I backed up the kid in every round. The same
    thing hapened to Andy Kendall last month. You can't get a fair decision in this joint'.

    The win over Ron Wilson, improved 'Mighty Mike' Quarry to 27-0-0 (8 KO's),
    and moved him up to the #8 Light-Heavyweight.

    I guess the $3500 per fight Mike was making, helped finance the family.

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  5. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Mike Quarry was Texas Lightheavyweight Champion for about 5 plus years until the title was officially filled when Quarry never formally defended it.

    Mike Rossman put a bad beating on Mike Quarry in a fight referenced in a Playboy mag article in the 70's.
     
  6. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    In March 1971,

    Jack Quarry sent 'Mighty Mike' to Las Vegas, for some improvement on punching.

    Something worked, as on April 13, 1971 - Mike scored a (KO 1) over Larry 'Sea' Cruz (4-10-0),
    to improve to 28-0-0 (9 KO's).

    Father Jack Quarry was trying to make some noise, about getting the 'new' WBA Light-Heavyweight
    Champion, Vicente Rondon (Venezuela) to come to Las Vegas to fight 'Mighty Mike'.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Wednesday Night - April 28, 1971 (Silver Slipper Casino)

    On a Wedensday Night 'Fight on the Strip', #7 WBA Light-Heavyweight 'Mighty Mike' Quarry 28-0-0 (9 KO's)
    takes on Arizona Light-Heavyweight Champion, Hill Chambers 13-8-1 (4 KO's).

    The 5' 11", 175 lb. - Hill Chambers is a durable, but light-hitting 'trial-horse'. With several Network Television
    Sports observers in attendance, 'Mighty Mike' nearly gets upset by the Arizona Light-Heavyweight.

    Hill Chambers, rocks Mike Quarry early in Round 2, and shakes Mike again in Rounds 3 and 4.
    'Mighty Mike' rallies back in Rounds 5 and 6, to get back into the bout. But, in Round 7, Hill Chambers
    lands a big right hand, which 'staggers' Quarry and has him on 'unsteady pins'.

    The last '3' Rounds are fought on 'Even Terms', as Mike fights 'timidly', in fear of getting rocked again.

    Scorcards; ( 47-45 / 48-45 / 45-47 )

    'Mighty Mike' Quarry escapes with a '10-Round Split-Decision Win', and goes to 29-0-0 (9 KO's).

    Most in attendance feel that it was Hill Chambers who 'deserved' the win, and 'Mighty Mike' was
    the 'lucky winner'.
     
  7. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Not sure what Jack Quarry was doing to his 20 year-old son Mike.

    But after a 'grueling' 10-Round fight on April 28, 1971 in Las Vegas.

    He sends his son out again, two-weeks later on May 15, 1971 versus
    Canadian 'tough guy', Ron 'The Burnaby Brawler' Wilson (46-12-5).

    At the Valley Music Theatere Arena.

    In a rematch of the earlier bout on February 17, 1971 -

    This time 'Mighty Mike' has a little easier time, as he boxes 'smartly' over the 'first' 3-Rounds,
    before opening up in Rounds 4 and 5.

    Ron Wilson has his moments in Round 6, when he buckles Quarry's legs, but the Canadian
    cannot follow up with anything heavy, and lets 'Mighty Mike' escape.

    In Rounds 7 and 8, Mike dances and jabs, to take both Rounds, as Wilson cannot catch the
    faster Californian.

    Ron Wilson puts on heavy pressure in the last '2-Rounds' to make the fight a bit closer on
    the Scorecards.

    Scorecards ( 7-3-0 / 7-1-2 / 6-3-1 ) - Mike Quarry by a Unanimous Decision.

    'Mighty Mike' bumps up to 30-0-0 (9 KO's).
     
  8. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I believe Billy Douglas was the first Super Middleweight, sorry Junior Light Heavyweight Champ.

    Wimpy Halstead would also at one time, 50lbs lighter than most remember him, claimed a version of the crown in the early 80s, thanks to Father O'Grady...
     
  9. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    T Booze,

    Yes Billy Douglas fit into that 169 lbs. and under range.

    As well as many Philly Fighters.
     
  10. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    May 31, 1971

    Again, just 2-weeks after a 'tough' 10-Round bout, 'Mighty Mike' Quarry is back at it again.

    In another Don Fraser Promotion, in National City, California.

    This time, it's San Diego Light-Heavyweight - Amado 'Leonardo' Vasquez 18-5-3 (6 KO's).

    'Mighty Mike' and Amado Vasquez had fought a 'tough' 10-Round battle, 5-Months earlier, in December 1970.

    This time, 'Mighty Mike' turns aggressor, and abandons his box-and-move style.
    Scoring with left-right-left combinations, Mike Quarry fights one his most impressive
    bouts, and slices up Amado's eyes.

    Scoring with everything in the book, 'Mighty Mike' hurts Vasquez in Rounds 6 and 8,
    with right-hand leads that have Vasquez reeling.

    In Round 9, Amado Vasquez is badly cut above the eyes, and the bout is stopped by
    TKO, at 2:23 of Round 9.

    'Mighty Mike' Quarry improves to 31-0-0 (10 KO's).

    Mike Quarry still maintains the #7 Light-Heavyweight ranking.

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  11. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    From Wiki:

    Super Middleweight [also called Junior Light Heavyweight] (161-168 lbs; 73.2 – 76.4 kg; 11 stone, 7 pounds – 12 stones)- first established in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1967 (see Don Fullmer vs. Joe Hopkins); then re-established by the Ohio Boxing Commission (in 1974); then "resurrected" by the World Athletic Association (in 1982); next recognized by the IBF (in 1984); then the WBA (in 1987): and last by the WBC (in 1988).

    Super Middleweight (or junior light heavyweight) in Utah in 1967, by the Ohio Boxing Commission (in 1974), by the World Athletic Association in 1982, and officially by the International Boxing Federation (in 1984);
     
  12. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    LH71,

    Great Job, as usual.

    Clearly, back in 1971 - Jack Quarry was on to to something.

    He liked 170 lbs., as the Super-Middleweight Limit.

    It seems the California Boxing Gyms were loaded with 5' 11" 165 lb. to 170 lb. fighters,
    who just couldn't get down to 160 lbs., and were just not big enough for 175 lbs.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Saturday Night - August 14, 1971 (Convention Center, Anaheim, California)

    A Regional Television Fight.

    Local Anaheim boxer, 'Mighty Mike' Quarry goes 10-Rounds, in winning a one-sided Unanimous Decision
    over San Franciciso Light-Heavyweight, Chuck Hamilton.

    The 20 year-old Quarry, improves to 32-0-0, in maintaining his Top 10 World Rating. 'Mighty Mike'
    scored with his usual variety of right-hand leads, and left-right combinations, in winning 8 of the 10 Rounds,
    over the slow-footed Hamilton, who saw his record fall to 21-13-0.

    Mike Quarry received a fight purse of $3000. The 26 year-old Chuck Hamilton received $2000.

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  13. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Friday Night - October 29, 1971 (Convention Center, Anaheim, California)

    Mike Quarry's 'biggest fight'

    Whats at stake; The NABF Light-Heavyweight Championship

    'Mighty Mike' Mike Quarry
    Age................20
    Height.............5' 11"
    Weight............174 lbs.
    Record............32-0-0 (10 KO's)
    Ranking...........#7 WBA / #7 WBC

    Jimmy 'The Cat' Dupree
    Age................35
    Height.............6' 0"
    Weight............175 lbs.
    Record............33-6-2 (19 KO's)
    Ranking...........#2 WBA / #4 WBC, and also the NABF Light-Heavyweight Champion

    Jimmy 'The Cat' will be Mike Quarry's toughest opponent in this scheduled 12-Round bout.

    Jimmy Dupree has gone 13-1-1 (8 KO's) over the last 3 1/2-years, and his only loss was to
    Vicente Rondon in a bout for the 'vacant' WBA Light-Heavyweight Championship.

    Currently ranked as the #2 Light-Heavyweight, Jimmy Dupree was also the #1 Light-Heavyweight
    in 1970.

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  14. SlicedAlone

    SlicedAlone New Member Full Member

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    Bakersfield's own. R.I.P. Champ.
     
  15. AlFrancis

    AlFrancis Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Not trying to be a smart arse but Don Fullmer did claim a World Junior light heavy title in 1967 against one Joe Hopkins.