I'm sure there are, but they are also recognized for having contributed something honest to boxing, I suspect.
There are murderers in the Hall of Fame, promotors fought to entrench the color line, and fighters against who there is absolutely damning evidence of involvement in fixed fights. Why should Carnera be the one off whipping boy?
No, my argument is simple. Carnera should be in the Hall, whether you favor my interpretation or yours.
I don't know why. It's curious, isn't it? I mean why would Carnera not have found himself in the HOF, by now, if there was nothing to the story of went on? If his unwitting mistakes numbered only a couple of Mob-pressured incidents, no different from any other boxer's fleeting involvement with The Mob, then 'why' indeed..?
I entirely accept that he is not in the Hall because of the allegations against him. What I dispute is the fairness of that.
I'm being serious. You have consistently put a case for why Carnera should be given a fairer shake by history and be recognized for his contribution to the sport, despite the negative perception of him. You are clearly not alone and, whilst I think the majority probably agrees with the common perception of his career, I can't see what harm putting his case to those with the power to review the argument would do. The exercise might end up being very informative. It could even be the very driver for the book you mentioned, earlier this week. Just a thought or three.
Do it Jan- we could assemble a pretty big well informed team and you could make for a classy spokesperson.
In fairness I think that Sharkey was a somewhat better fighter. Carnera is the man who shot Jesse James there.
I agree but here's my point .. whatever happened in Carnera's career , no one that I know of ever said Primo threw a fight or knew about a fix .. if Sharkey is in the Hall then he was voted in my a group that clearly believe he lost the title by legit KO. If he lost by legit KO, Carnera won by legit KO, defended the title a few times, has some decent names on his resume , etc .. he deserves to be in .. here's what I do say about Carnera. He had exceptional heart and courage , as big as Frazier, Holyfield , Marciano, Ali , anyone .. on that alone he deserves it.
