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Great show guys - even without the intended star, Big Jim, in attendance. Some great yarns from Matt, Henry & Barry - three great contributors and fair to say icons of Aussie boxing. Henry was sure keen to have another crack at Big Jim (the only fighter to beat him) at flyweight again all those years ago! Barry's thoughts on Lionel were also interesting - said he shouldn't have starved himself beyond the Rudkin bout, and it would've prolonged his interest and in turn his career. ...and happy birthday to Matty Ropis - enjoy your last year in the 50's!
Thanks CHB. Even though Henry feels he was robbed, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame first so maybe some justice there. Those spars between Barry and Lionel must have been a thing of beauty.
Would be interesting to hear the various views of people who've fought or sparred Lionel - have heard a few over the years, but each and every one would be worth a listen and probably add a bit more to the total 'picture'. At an Australian level (and probably beyond) there's a similar curiosity to that of Ali, and they've made at least one doco (and I think a book from it) specific to the subject on Ali - see below: This content is protected Basically 15 fighters who fought Ali and their thoughts & recollections, includes Frazier, Foreman, Lyle, Holmes etc. Someone should get busy and interview Lionel's opponents and put something together DSS.
Good idea CHB. We have already interviewed a stack of them. There was a similar book on Tysons opponents. I was pottering through the net on the weekend and found that the Gunditjmara tribe (Modern Portland area of Vic) in addition to providing a number of outstanding boxers (Lionel Rose, Lawrence Austin, Harry Hayes, Porky Brooke) also provided more servicemen for WWI and WW2 than any other Aboriginal area. This is a piece on the Lovett Family alone. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/messagestick/stories/s2261799.htm The Gunditjmara also ran a famous guerilla war against the settlers and fought inch by inch for their turf. Fighting Harada and all of Lionel's opponents will testify that the warrior gene lives on.
