Do Any Of You Specialize In One Area of Expertise?

No, I am a forum jack of some trades and master of none.

 

You got that right!:thumbsup

 

I agree, this place built my pedigree in boxing knowledge. It's like in addition to my original degree in English, I was double majoring in boxing history. This place spurred my interest in Yoko Gushiken, Khaosai Galaxy, Gypsy Joe Harris, et al. Before this site I was just a guy with a passing knowledge of the heavyweight linage starting with Sonny Liston to present day.

I also love to see how this place evolves with information. Some of the debates might be a tad slanted or hard to determine, but eventually a general understanding comes from it (or it's relentlessly argued till somebody's right or somebody concedes).

Now if I talk to "boxing fans" and it isn't modern they haven't a clue. If I'm not talking about Floyd or Pacquiao they normally lose interest.

 

I NEVER encounter a true boxing fan...one that has an iota of awareness of the greats of the past..and that's what makes me addicted to this forum.

 

Lately it's been all about Pittsburgh boxing as I'm penning a book on the subject. Harry Greb, Billy Conn, Charley Burley, Fritzie Zivic, Sammy Angott, Jackie Wilson, Billy Soose, Teddy Yarosz, Frank Klaus, George Chip, Dominick McCaffrey, Patsy Brannigan, Frank Moran, Curtis "Hatchetman" Sheppard, Harry Bobo, Lee Sala, Cuddy DeMarco, Wee Willie Davies, Johnny Ray, Red Bruce, Bob Baker, Paul Spadafora....and on and on. A fascinating history.

 

1700 up to 1920.

 

I have no expertise at all. I just come to learn and to research and study footage of the fighters mentioned here.

 

I'll have to admit, I've been quite obsessed about Charley Burley as of late. That one youtube video of him was impressive. It pisses me off about the total lack of footage though, but any footage is good footage. In the meantime I've been trying to get my hands on textual info.

Also in the vein of Pittsburgh; I saw the only existing Greb footage (the one of him just throwing punches, signing a contract with Mickey Walker, sparring with Philadelphia Jack O'Brian, etc) and it leads me to conclude that he was probably one nasty swarming pain in the ass.

 

I've met a scant few, but I usually seem to out hustle most knowledgeable boxing fans that I do meet in person. Actually, I don't want to sound cocky but I don't think I've met a person in person that knew more than me about boxing. Then again, I plan to start attending important boxing events following graduation (like the Hall of Fame inductions, fights, etc, etc). So I plan to meet my match, but I'll be ready. This place has primed my entire interest in boxing. Just the classic forum though.

 

I think im pretty knowledgeable about all weight classes and all eras. However if i had to pick one area id say its West Coast Fighters and Mexican fighters. I know about the old timers although i dont talk about them much. I prefer to comment on fighters i grew up seeing or watched and seen come up. Anything after 1978. I seem to have a good memory of what was going on in the 80s and 90s eras.