The ESB British Forum Encyclopedia

I love Bert Coopers shoot-outs with Holyfield and Moorer :happy

Great thread, I'll contribute sone more this week.

I will look to convert more to the ways of Khaokor Galaxy :deal

 

I put that clip on there! I had to, it's a stunning K.o and nothing to be ashamed of.

 

will try and get something done for this in the week. maybe mix it up again.

some great stuff tho.

 

Name: Stephen Smith

Alias: Stunning

Country: England, Birth Place: Hammersmith

Division: Light Welterweight

Date of Birth: 18-07-1973

Height: 5'8, Reach: 70"

Amateur Career

80 fights 75 wins

Professional Career

32 wins 3 losses

20-4-1996 German international super featherweight champion

6-3-1999 to 8-5-1999 IBF Inter-Continental lightweight champion winning and defending once

10-4-2001 to 20-4-2002 International boxing council light welterweight champion winning then defending three times

Career

Smith started boxing at the age of eleven. His dad was a boxing manager for around 25 years

Smith dad worked with barry hearn in the 80s and trained and worked with Chris Eubank, Jim Mcdonald, Mark Reefer, Frabrice Tiozzo, Rene Weller and Zjelko Mavrovic all of whom owned championship of some kind. With Zjelko Mavrovic only career defeat coming to our very own lennox lewis for the WBC heavyweight title

Smith first seventeen fights where away from his own home country with smith fighting in Germany, Austria and Spain. Smith was victorious in all seventeen bouts

Smith started his career in 1994 with a fifth round stoppage of fellow english super featherweight fighter Marty Chestnut. Four fights into his career smith fought the durable french fighter Pascal Ragaut with smith winning a unanimous six round decision

On the 20-4-1996 Smith first real test come in his ninth fight challenging for the German international super featherweight champion against Senturk Ozdemir the current champion and former EBU title challenger. Smith won a unanimous ten round decision

On the 1-6-1997 Smith would have another tough test in his sixteenth fight. Smith would go on to win the fight against current world number 125 light welterweight Emanuel Augustus with Augustus getting disqualified in the third round a year later Augustus would stop Jon Thaxton in the seventh round

London 6-3-1999 smith claimed the IBF Inter-Continental lightweight title stopping the overmatched Gary Flear in the seventh round to claim the vacant title, Smith would defend the title two months later at York hall, bethnal green stopping the current bulgarian lightweight champion Ivo Golakov in the third round

February 21 2000 Smith got his big break a challenge at the british and commonwealth title against the current champion and fellow undefeated champion Bobby Vanzie, somebodies o would have to go. In the ninth round Vanzie stopped the unbeaten smith to retain his championships, Smith claiming that alot of Vanzie bodypunches where actually low blows

The year 2000 saw smith have three more fights beating Michael Davis, Asen Vasilev a first round stoppage and Leonti Vorontsuk a six round decision

10-4-2001 Smith recieved a shot at the vacant international boxing council title against Hungarian and fromer WBO lightweight championship challenger Zoltan Kalocsai, Smith won a 12 round unanimous decision with scores of 118-112,117-112,117-113 to become the champion

On September the 22nd of the same year smith made his first defence against south african Melikhaya Augus with the african putting up very little resistance to smith and smith getting the stoppage from referee mark green in the fourth round of the scheduled twelve. Two months later in November Smith faced Argentinian former WBA world title challenger Victor Hugo Paz the fight saw smith gain a unanimous decision

On the 20th April 2001 Smith made his third and final defence on the title against former WBO world title challenger Rocky Martinez again smith won a unanimous decision

Smith big fight came on the 28th of September 2002 at the MEN arena Manchester against home town favorite Ricky Hatton for Hattons WBU light welterweight championship, Hatton had smith down twice in the first two rounds when the controversy came with Smith trainer running into the ring to protest a cut to smith which was caused by a hatton elbow. Smith lost the fight being disqualified in the second round

Smith returned in 2003 against journeyman Jon Honney receiving a eight round decision. On the 11th of December 2003 Smith final fight came against Alan Bosworth for the english title smith losing 95-97 and retiring shortly afterwards

Life after pro boxing

Smith has turned to the training side of the game like his dad, Smith currently works with Tommy Coyle, aged 21. Tommy turned Pro in 2009 and has a 100% fight record of 8 of 8 wins, prior to turning pro he had a very promising Amateur Career, with his first fight at the age of 11 he gained many achievements including Junior ABA Champon, 2 x National Amateur Champion, Golden Gloves Champion, Multi Nations Silver Medallist, 2 x Multi Nationals Gold Medallist denmark and many more. Coyle will go for his first pro title in April 2011 fighting for the British masters lightweight title

Smith has also trained amateur boxers two have become National Champions and represented England

With this smith also offers consultancy in Exercise & Nutrition, and work with other Personal Trainers to teach boxing techniques, so they can use boxing for fitness in one on one training sessions

Video Footage

3rd Amateur fight aged eleven
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdntnz58REY[/ame]

Second pro fight
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhAWoKTkxw8[/ame]

Smith vs Augustus
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtMO9sgxkqk[/ame]

Smith vs Golakov
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfXEoKF4kmo[/ame]

Smith vs Paz
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t31eXjLTQVs[/ame]

Smith vs Hatton
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3A9OyibIUk[/ame]

 

that the kid who fought ricky hatton

 

yeah i am addiding his career now just need to post this bit as the internet on my ipad is not working very well

 

Don't copy and paste this time

 

finished the Stephen smith biogrpahy

 

Name: Khaokor Galaxy

Height:: 5 ft. 4in (163cm)

Birth: 15-05-1959

Boxing recordTotal fights 26
Wins 24
KO's 18
Losses 2 (1)

This content is protected

Often forgotten amongst his Twin Brothers 80's-built reputation as the 'Thai Tyson', Khaokor Galaxy arguably built a better body of work at Bantamweight than his brother Khaosai did at Super-Fly.

Khaokor was durable, freakishly strong and an awkward but fluent boxer. He started to build his career with exposure on British terrestrial television, as hard as that is to believe in this day and age, steamrolling through overmatched opposition (they appear to be judging by what I have dug up on them, even taking into account incomplete records) although, with none available on youtube (I have a couple on DVD) I am unable to provide videos on any of these contests.

A comprehensive victory over Wilfredo Vasquez (Sr) in Thailand (an odd split decision) put Khaokor on the map. Against a good puncher and well-schooled 'Elite' level operator, Khaokors Muay Thai-based offence baffled Vasquez throughout. Khaokor could turn his opponents constantly, using his bullish strength and combination punching to consistently attack with solid punches to head and body.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFfpDWbCwaY[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UccY2j7FZ5I&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3NVfAgnz4s&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPChMxqKvH8&feature=related[/ame]

Sung-Kil Moon, arguably the hardest hitter in the history of super-fly, was an ex-Olympian campaigning at 118lbs when he faced off with Khaokor. Battling against a slow start, a clash of heads saw the fight go to the scorecards and Khaokor lose for the first time (for reasons explained later, arguably the only legitimate loss of his career)

In the rematch, Moon was faced with a horrible dilemma; his trainer had died on the eve of the contest. However, equipped with a massive heart and a cast iron chin, he battled through the distractions and was beaten to a pulp and dropped late, as Khaokor bamboozled him with punches from every angle, outmuscling him, outboxing him, and outfighting him. Moon was very lucky not to be stopped in the 11th round as the referee gave him a standing count (!) but Khaokor only offered him a small reprieve; attacking for only the last minute of the final round.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3PK8ze1JT8[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaEoqlm5u5g[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAYfKnqn4Iw[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CozH2T4-po[/ame]

Everything seemed to be falling into place for the bigger twin of the Galaxy Bros. However, one of the most bizarre fights in boxing history was yet to take place.

His final contest, against Luisito Espinosa (who would continue to mix in top competition until 2005 up at featherweight) is one of the most controversial and hard to fathom fights in the history of The Sweet Science. Even after doing my own investigation by asking Thai people, I have been unable to shed much light on the outcome.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zsLXOc65dw[/ame]

No particular punch is landed. And even if an earlier body shot was sufficient, it seems unlike to have produced the delayed reaction and complete unconsciousness that followed. I have been reliably informed that, unlike Khaosai who was involved with the Thai underworld, Khaokor was relatively clean living. Khaokor never fought again, citing 'health reasons'. The most logical explanation was that he was very tight at the weight. But no subsequent fights and little valid explanations to his sudden demise leave Khaokor Galaxy with the reputation of a clearly formidable force, but an enigmatic character in the history of Boxing. But his two wins over extremely formidable opposition validate him as a serious talent.

 

Name: Johnny Tapia
Alias: Mi Vida Loca
Birth Name: John Lee Tapia
Born: 1967-02-13 (Age:44)
Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Nationality: US American
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 6″ / 168cm
Reach: 65″ / 165cm

One time room mate of Mike Tyson, Johnny Tapia was born Friday 13th February 1967. An only child and his father thought to be murdered before he was born. Johnny and his mother, Virginia had a special bond that was ruthlessly broken when at 8 years of age she was brutally murdered, being stabbed with a screwdriver and cut with a pai of scissors of 30 times. That horrible night Virginia had been out dancing with friends while Johnny stayed with his Grandparents with the many cousins, aunts and uncles which also lived in the 2 bedroom house. Johnny had a bad feeling that night and couldn't sleep, instead waiting up up for his mother to come home. unfortunately, it wasn't to be. A yellow Pick up truck was seen pulling up outside the house and then drive off. Johnny was sure this was his mother, to which he ran to wake to grandpa up, only to be slapped back down and ignored. His mother was missing for the next 2 days but wasn't reported as in the ''Barrio'', it wasn't the done thing to call the police. When they finally went to hospital she was barely alive and didn't make it through the night. This was later to play a major role in Tapia's life.

Tapia was adopted by his Grandpa, who was also a boxer and still keeps in shape, banging the bag and early morning runs. Being the youngest and the smallest, on a daily basis Tapia was beaten to a pulp. Life was hard growing up for him, Gangs fights were all the common thing, which was Johnny earned the respect of his cousins, holding his own against people who far out weighed him. Drugs were also rife in Johnny's life, with family members being in and out of jail for various drug offenses. This is a quote from Tapia's book, just a small idea of the type of world Johnny grew in. ''Lee Montoyo was a kid who was like another brother to me. Still is. His mother was a drug addict. Gave him away to his Grandparents. He had known the pain. And had nowhere to belong to like me, and my grandparents allowed him to be a part of our lives as though he was another son to them. He was always at the house. Years later, when Raymond was attacked (Johnnys Cousin) by a rival gang member on neutral turf, Raymond stabbed him 22 times and killed him. Raymond got away, but the gang retaliated. They drove past my grandparents house looking for him and shot the place up. My Grandma was in the kitchen and fell to the floor. She was miraculously unhurt. Then they found Raymond and bashed his brains in until he nearly died in the hospital. Lee was family. Lee was loyal. He took care of it. He knew the guy that done it. He took a sawed off shotgun to his face and killed him. Lee went to prison''

To say he had a crazy upbringing was an understatement. Johnny had a fairly accomplished amateur record, he was a 2 time Golden Glove champion. On the 3rd March 1988 Tapia makes his pro debut but is only able to draw with Efran Chaves. After compelling a 20-0-1 record, and winning the USBA super flyweight title, the partying had got bad and Tapia was banned for 4 years for testing positive for cocaine. During this 4 year ban he served several prison Sentences. After getting his license back, he got his first world title shot in his 6th appearance, Beating Henry Martinez for the vacant WBO super flyweight title. Tapis's first 'super fight', if u will, came against fellow Albuquerque resident and rival Danny Romero. Their was a fierce build up to the fight and after originally having the fight schulded to be at the Hliton Las Vegas, due to security it was changed to The Thomas Mack Centre. There were SWAT teams surronding the arena in fear of violence, some of which may have been coursed because it was a week after Tyson - Holyfield.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph5jhoWEMys[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0182-VcfnCs&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nXechnyy3A&feature=related[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qIj-EWqY3s&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZtonzK32tE&feature=related[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoJ-P8V3NVY&feature=related[/ame]

His next big fight came when he fought Paulie Ayala in what was the 1999 FOTY. Johnny wasn't himself before this epic battle as just 15 days before the fight he found out the truth behind his mothers death. i wont go into to much detail but times remained very hard for Tapia, as you can imagine, and emotions running rather high.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMhu7G5Xinw[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2jI1_5HTh4&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jDc0WCc_qk&feature=related[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV5iArFgp2g&feature=related[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVOC9x8f1MA&feature=related[/ame]

Johnny had a re-match with Ayala, which he went on to lose and also Manuel Madina and Marco Antonio Barrera amongst others. I would like to say he retired a 3 Weight World champion but Tapia continues to fight. He's had a great career in the ring and a rollercoaster out of it.

:good

 

P.S. sorry for any typo's, couldnt be arsed to check it:good

 

Quality write-up LP, and Tapia was just that; although, for the life of me I just don't get the big hype about his first fight with Ayala. People pull ke up for it allthe time, I don't dispute it's a great fight....I just don't see it

Tapia was a quality Bantam, although I'm not well versed in his pre-prison career to be honest, whvh is shameful. Was he a significantly different operator beforehand? I've just seen some of his title fights at super fly and Bantam and his fight with Barrera.

 

Cheers pal:good

To be honest, ive only seen the Barrera fight in full, and seen highlights of a few other 1's. im gona order his boxset when i do another order.

have u read his book, its fantastic and imo, a must read for every boxing fan. his child hood was horrific.

 

What a brilliant, brilliant thread :good

 

Especially the front page :yep