First fight you ever watched live

wow, how was it?

 

That was the first fight I actually saw, but due to alcohol, the first fight I wasn't blacked out for was Mayweather-Baldomir about 3 years later. Not the most entertaining fight (and Klitschko-Brock was the main event). Luckily, I was hooked regardless!

 

I knew it. A 'Bubblehead' no doubt. (former) CT1 here.

 

On TV, it was Ali-Dunn in 1976. I've only ever been to one boxing card in person, and that was in Phoenix back in '96. I saw Terry Norris destroy some no-hoper in two and then saw Bernard Hopkins knock out Steve Frank in the shortest middleweight title fight in history. It lasted maybe less than 30 seconds. I forget exactly how long.

 

Not only work for it, FM. Lottsa booing. Plenny in the house thought Bell won.

 

Holyfield Tyson 2 on TV

 

Wow. I'd heard rumors but to hear it from someone who was there....many thanks.

P.S. Ever been to the (now closed I believe) VIP Boxing club in Venice? I was there for a spell when Hearns trained there for the Hill bout. Worked with Pete Cousins (sp?).

 

Roberto Duran vs Davey Moore

 

Never heard of VIP Boxing Club in Venice, FM. I suspect in an earlier incarnation it was the Muhammad Ali Gym

This is my recollection of SRR-Bell:

Robinson glistened in his corner waiting for the bell. He was sleek and lean, with a dancer's legs and long supple arms that looked even longer because of his sloping shoulders. While the introductions were being given, he windmilled his right arm, like David getting ready to smite Goliath with a sling.

Robinson and Bell were mirror images of each other in style - both stand-up boxer-punchers - though Robinson enjoyed a few inches in height.

Bell fought with hands high and with a tighter stance. Robinson's guard was lower and he was turned slightly to the side, in a concession to defense, but his stance was wider and gave him more leverage.

They dueled on pretty even terms for 15 rounds, but to me, Robinson's punches had more authority and his combinations were like the repeated crack of a bullwhip.

Some thought Robinson lost that night - it was that closely contested - and Bell dropped Robinson in the second round with left hooks. Bell hit the canvas in the 11th, and was almost stopped in the 12th.

I think like most people there, though, it was almost impossible not to watch Robinson exclusively: He glided over the canvas. And, even in the bitterest exchanges, he had the baring of royalty. His combinations were flashes of fire to the head and body; you could hear the THWACKS! echo through the arena.

 

Great read - I could almost picture it. I believe no films of the bout are available. Even the late Jim Jacob's Big Fights Inc. only had stills. You are indeed fortunate sir.

Very good of you to share such an experience. I thought being at Hagler vs Hearns was something, but it cannot possibly compare to seeing the great SRR - a boxing God IMO.

I believe you are correct about VIP. Also trained with Charles Williams in LB and very briefly in LaBrea when Jessie Reid was there.

 

I was 16 years old, Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman on TV, my first live Event at ringside was Wladimir Klitscho vs. Castillo, Dortmund.

 

That is one hell of a first fight to watch.