Doug Jones - 'I'm The Man'

John Maff,

Pete Rademacher and his wife Margaret, who also managed Eddie Cotton, tried
to sign Sonny Liston in April 1961.

They were 100% Clean, and believed they could turn Sonny's 'negative image'
around. They also wanted Sonny to get involved with their company, which was
producing toys for handicapped children.

They wanted Sonny to go on a 12-fight / 12-city tour - visiting Children's Hospitals
in each of those cities. Of course, Sonny would engage in bouts where he would
knock-out the local ham-n-egger or set-up journeymen.

Pubilicity wise, it looked good on paper.

Pete, who really considered boxing a 'hobby' for himself, knew Sonny could make it
with the proper management. Unfortunately, Sonny made another wrong move, and
signed with George Katz (who was connected).

 

John Maff,

Sounds like a good thread to start Pete Rademacher.

A smart guy, who got a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry at
Washington State College.

From Yakima Valley, State of Washington. Moved to Columbus, Georgia in 1960.

Got into the Building Construction Business, after retiring from professional boxing in
1962. Moved to Medina, Ohio.

Then went to work for the McNeil Corporation, and later the American Cancer Society.

Once sent a letter to Cassius Clay, stating -

'Get out of boxing while you still have your brain. If you stay in boxing long enough,
the blood thirsty managers and promoters will take that too, leaving you with nothing.
There are more things to do in life than boxing.'

 

Pete Rademacher, came from a higher upper middle-class background in the State of Washington.

He was, before fighting Floyd Patterson, President of Youth Unlimited, Corp.

Pete eventually hooked up with Melchoir 'Mike' Jennings, a Pennsylvania oil-magnate,
when visiting Columbus, Georgia.

There, the 'two' became involved in several businesses, including trying to lock up
Sonny Liston.

Pete was connected to many 'big money investors', during his career.