This thread has been so much more useful than I could ever have imagined. And RayZ, as a son of the state of Alabama, thanks for answering the question (of how he got his ring name) that I had sought for quite some time.
Hi there i just came across this posting re the Alabama kid my father was a boxer and trainer in Auckland he had his own gym in lower Auckland and was a light heavyweight and had been a boxing trainer during the war of the new Zealand army boxing team He new your Grand father well and they apparently boxed a exhibition bout i think in Thames in New Zealand about a hours drive from Auckland i don't know much more than that except as my Dad had a Kerrie blue terrier dog a irish dog a great pet but known as a unbeatable fighting breed when i was a toddler till about 5 years old and he called it Alabama as a mark of respect of your grand father I now also live in Sydney and now also have a Kerrie blue terrier and yes you guessed it ...his name is Alabama named in respect after your grandfather boxing prowess I am often asked why is he called Alabama and i recount many time the story about the Alabama Kid Would like to have a coffee with you as we are both here in Sydney my mobile is 0417007792 regards Richard Butler
Footage of Alabama Kid fighting Aussie Ron Richards. http://www.t3licensing.com/license/...ssetId=clip_8856627&keywords=boxing,australia
My 91 year old father talked about your grandfather to me today. If you would like to contact me then my dad might be able to tell you a little. He didn't know him very well but he did know him.
Thanks to everyone who took time to reply, comment, and contact 7 years ago. Still interested to learn more about the ALABAMA KID.. especially from anyone who knew him as a person. Also would like to find out more about his Aussie years, not just what's on record far as boxing and that he got deported. But about his LIFE there, while he was there. TIA