The bold ones are interesting because they are rarely mentioned. McGrain did a piece on McFadden not too long ago if I remember right - and a good one - but can´t remember hearing much about Berlenbach on here. There are pieces of his fights on youtube though.
Considering his bias towards old timers, it's remarkable that he pegged Ali as the fastest heavyweight of all time, and placed Frazier at the top of his body punching list. An astonishing and telling concession towards some of the last newcomers of Fleischer's near 65 year career.
Shhhhh! That's our little secret! Fleischer's legions of detractors could get very uncomfortable with that suggestion. (Better that they read what he actually wrote, including "50 Years at Ringside," than reflexively dismiss his opinions out of hand.)
Thanks for sharing Burt. Not only that but Ace went on to become California State HEAVYWEIGHT Champion!...lol. I think Ace could have been a world champion but his brother Art- who had no experience that I'm aware of- was his trainer. I have many next day reports on Hudkins fights and sportswriters often remark how he looks "off" and "stale" in bouts, including the second Mickey Walker fight. Art just had no idea how to get a fighter "in the pink" of condition.
William Muldoon oldtime wrestler and mentor of John L sullivan,who becameNYState boxing commissioner called Ace Hudkins the wildest most primitive ring animal in essence... I would have loved to see him and LaMotta in a fight. WOW.. Yes his brother took care of his managing...
Curry outdone Starling on the inside in the rematch with a great exhibition. Starling was damn good in there tho.