James - The Boxing Exchange

Johnny Coulon 1910

Coulon, left, with Muhammad Ali/ approx 1970 “The Cherry Picker from Logan Square” Johnny Coulon 1910 https://youtu.be/92GevoyKbHg?si=hoOZK_TIP0_woSGI World bantamweight champion 1910-1914. Chicago, IL. The “Unliftable Man” Johnny Coulon was a Canadian-American professional boxer. He was born on February 12, 1889, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and soon moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was known as the world bantamweight champion from March 6, 1910, until June 3, 1914. Due to his boxing style and his roots in Chicago, Coulon earned the nickname “The Cherry Picker from Logan Square.” Coulon had an impressive boxing record with 67 wins, 31 by knockout, 11 losses, 12 draws, and one no-contest out of 91 professional fights. He was also known for his unique ability to resist being lifted off the ground by larger opponents, which he demonstrated in vaudeville shows after he retired from boxing. Johnny Coulon’s boxing career was quite remarkable. He began his professional career in 1905 and quickly rose through the ranks. Coulon became the world bantamweight champion on March 6, 1910, after defeating Frankie Conley in a 20-round bout. He successfully defended his title multiple times until he lost it to Kid Williams on June 3, 1914. After retiring from boxing, Coulon became popular in physical culture and fitness. He ran a gym in Chicago and trained many boxers and athletes. Coulon also gained fame for his “unliftable” trick, where he challenged people to lift him off the ground. Despite his small stature, he used a clever technique involving balance and body positioning to make himself incredibly difficult to lift. Coulon’s contributions to boxing and his unique post-retirement performances made him a well-respected and beloved figure in the sports community. Coulon was also a boxing manager; most notable was Hall of Famer and former light welterweight champion Eddie Perkins. He continued to be involved in boxing and physical fitness until his passing in 1973. One of Johnny Coulon’s most famous fights was his bout against Frankie Conley on March 6, 1910, in Vernon, California, for the world bantamweight title. Coulon won the match and secured the championship by stopping Conley in the 19th round of a 20-round fight. His victory in this bout marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his reputation as a top bantamweight boxer. Coulon was known for his dedication and discipline in terms of training methods. He emphasized the importance of physical fitness, proper diet, and rigorous training routines. Coulon’s training regimen included a combination of roadwork (long-distance running), shadow boxing, bag work, and sparring. He also focused on strength and conditioning exercises to build endurance and power. Coulon’s philosophy on training extended beyond just physical preparation. He believed in the mental aspect of boxing and often spoke about the importance of confidence and strategic thinking in the ring. His approach to training and his success as a boxer made him a sought-after trainer and mentor for other fighters. More on Coulon: The Secret of Johnny Coulon, the “Unliftable Man” Johnny Coulon – Wikipedia Johnny Coulon.

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Tales from the legendary Blue Horizon

HISTORIC VENUES / James

Tales from the legendary Blue Horizon The Blue Horizon was a legendary boxing venue located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was known for hosting many iconic boxing matches and was voted the number-one boxing venue in the world by The Ring magazine. Sports Illustrated noted it as the last great boxing venue in the country. The venue originally opened in 1961 and operated until 2010. It was also featured in the movie Rocky V. The building dates back to 1865, initially constructed as three four-story houses. https://youtu.be/btNS7fBlNqA?si=h5eP0dzD8UXlgau7 The Blue Horizon was primarily known for hosting boxing matches, but it also featured other events over the years. Here are some highlights: The Blue Horizon was primarily known for hosting boxing matches, but it also featured other events over the years. Here are some highlights: Boxing Matches: The venue was famous for its boxing events, especially during the 1960s and 1980s. It hosted many fights featuring local and up-and-coming boxers, including future legends like Bernard Hopkins, Marvin (The Marvelous One) Hagler, Matthew Saad Muhammad, and Bennie Briscoe. Tuesday Night Fights: In the mid-1980s, the USA cable network featured the Blue Horizon in their “Tuesday Night Fights” series, which helped boost its reputation and popularity. Other Events: During its early years, the Blue Horizon also hosted cabarets, meetings, and other social events when it was known as the Moose Lodge. The Blue Horizon also hosted undercard fights and events featuring emerging local talent. It played a crucial role in the development of boxing in Philadelphia and maintained its reputation as a top-notch venue for thrilling boxing matches. “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of boxing’s all-time greats, fought at the Blue Horizon early in his career. One of his notable bouts was against Bennie Briscoe on April 20, 1978. This fight drew a crowd of 14,930, making it the most significant indoor non-title fight in Pennsylvania history. Hagler’s fights at the Blue Horizon helped him build his reputation and gain recognition in the boxing world. His aggressive style and powerful punches made him a fan favorite at the venue. Matthew Saad Muhammad Matthew Saad Muhammad, born Maxwell Antonio Loach, was a remarkable boxer known for his action-packed fights and incredible comebacks, earning him the nickname “Miracle Matthew”. He became the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion in 1979 and defended his title eight times. Saad Muhammad had several memorable fights at the Blue Horizon, including one of his most thrilling bouts against Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1982. Despite his aggressive style and ability to take punishment, he was known for his resilience and determination to keep fighting until the end. Benard Hopkins Bernard Hopkins fought several times at the Blue Horizon early in his career. One of his notable fights was against Greg Paige on February 22, 1990. Hopkins won the fight unanimously, marking one of his early victories in the professional boxing world. His performances at the Blue Horizon helped him build his reputation and gain recognition as a formidable fighter. Hopkins’ aggressive style and strategic prowess made him a fan favorite at the venue. More on the Blue Horizon from Philly boxing history

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Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight,

PRESS RELEASES / James

Kingsley Ibeh registers second consecutive first-round KO at Emerald Queen (picture courtesy of Toro Promotions, Inc) Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight, Austin Brooks defends WBA title TACOMA, Wash. (January 11, 2025) – Underrated heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (15-2-1, 13 KOs) won his 10th fight in a row in last night’s latest installment of “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, in the EQC Event Center at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Ibeh, 31, hasn’t lost since 2021. The former Canadian pro football player used his 70-pound advantage over Scott Alexander (17-7-2, 9 KOs) in the main event, trapping his opponent on the ropes and causing a pair of knockdowns. The latter closed the show at 2:36 of the first round for his second straight opening-round stoppage, both at Emerald Queen. Ibeh, a native of Nigeria who lives in Phoenix, entered the ring as the WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight Champion and left with the vacant WBC Latino title. WBA Continental Super Featherweight Champion Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his title with an eighth-round stoppage of Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs) in the co-featured event. The WBA No. 15 rated Brooks, fighting out of San Diego, controlled the pace from the opening bell, and he hurt Morales with a vicious left hook to the body. Morales took a knee and beat the referee’s count until another body shot ended the fight at 1:04 of round eight. Celebrated amateur Dedrick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut in front of his hometown fans in Tacoma, knocking out Nesly Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs) at the 52-second mark of the second round. Super lightweight Crocklem, who recently signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, blasted Trezile through the ropes in the first round. He closed the show in the second with a flurry of effective punches that left Trezile unable to continue fighting. Among his amateur accomplishments, Crocklem was the 2022 USA Nationals champion, in addition to his 2020 and 2021 USA Youth Nationals gold medal performances. New Mexico welterweight Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a four-round unanimous decision (39-37 X 3) over Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO) in an exciting, competitive match. Also fighting on the undercard was Washington (Federal Way) super featherweight Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), who also kept his pro record unbeaten with a dominant four-round decision over his Nicaraguan foe, Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs). In the evening’s opening bout, Renton (WA) featherweight Joel Hernandez (1-0) was impressive in his pro debut, pitching a complete “shutout” (40-36 X 3) for a four-round unanimous decision over Julio Lanzas Carollo (0-1). OFFICIAL RESULTS MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Kingsley Ibeh (15-2-1, 12 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way Nigeria WKO1 (2:36) Scott Alexander (17-9-2, 9 KOs), Los Angeles, CA (Ibeh won WBC Latino title) CO-FEATURE – WBA CONTINENTAL SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs), San Diego, CA WKO8 (1:04) Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs), Ellwood City, PA (Brooks retained the WBA Continental title) WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs), Bloomfield, NM WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37) Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO), Madera, CA SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS Derick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO), Tacoma, WA WKO2 (0:52) Nesley Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs), Inglewood, CA by way of Haiti SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), Federal Way, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-26, 40-36) Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua FEATHERWEIGHTS Joel Hernandez (1-0, 0 KOs), Renton, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Julio Lanzas Carillo (0-1), Colorado Springs, CO Team Brooks celebrates his title-defending knockout victory (photo by Clifton Harrington)

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“Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025

PRESS RELEASES / James

World Super Flyweight Contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025 LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2025) – Super flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs) avenged his only career loss as a professional on December 14th, taking a 10-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Ephraim Bui (10-1, 8 KOs) at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The fast-rising, then-No. 1 ranked Ramirez was coming off a loss in Brooklyn by way of a 12-round decision to veteran Fernando David Jimenez (16-1, 5-1, 11 KOs) last April 20th for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Super Flyweight Championship. In retrospect, “Scrappy” gained invaluable experience versus Jimenez to become even more of a threat in the super flyweight division, and he is taking things one fight at a time until he gets another world title fight. “It felt good to be back in the ring,” the charismatic Ramirez said. “It had been a while since I’d been in the bright lights, and I enjoyed every second of my walkout looking at the crowd. The fight went according to the game plan and I’m happy I executed it, using my jab to go to the body in the early rounds and later bringing my punches up. I didn’t stay stationary on the ropes; I was told always to use my feet on defense. “2025 is going to be a big year for me. I had a chance to showcase my skills in this fight. I think it was best for me to go 10 rounds for my experience. As I left the ring, I asked Eric Gomez (President of Golden Boy Promotions) to keep me busy in 2025 because I need a big year to keep this momentum going and capitalize on that with a world title. I did feel some ring rust, but now that’s gone. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and the opportunity will come for my world title.” Despite a limited amateur career and fighting a former 2018 USA Nationals gold medalist in Bui, “Scrappy” boxed his way to victory as all three judges scored the bout in his favor, each having a 97-93 score. “Everybody needs to keep changing,” 26-year-old Ramirez explained a change in his style. “I’m still growing as a fighter and human being, in and out of the ring. I’d like a rematch (with Jimenez) because it would feel good to avenge my only loss but, if he isn’t interested, I’d fight any of the other World Champions (WBC Jesse ‘Bam Bam’ Rodriguez, WBO Phumelele Cafu, WBA Fernando Martinez and the IBF is vacant).” “Scrappy” is world-ranked at No. 2 by the WBA, behind only future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez (52-4, 42 KOs) and No. 15 by the WBC. “Scrappy” Ramirez is a charter member of 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers, including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), WBA No. 5-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (13-0, 11 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

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Rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan

PRESS RELEASES / James

Rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan Preparing for Lewis Crocker showdown on March 1 NEW YORK (December 30, 2024) – Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, had to withdraw from a planned “stay busy” fight in December due to a minor injury. Still, he’s preparing to fight his arch-rival in arguably the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history. An All-Irish showdown between Donovan, who fights out of Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs), of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set for March 1st. “Point of Pride” will headline a Matchroom Boxing card to be streamed live on DAZN from SES Arena in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. As soon as two fights away, Donovan could get his world title shot if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger. “There’s something different about a good Irish fighter, and I believe I’m the next,” Donovan proclaimed. “I think having turned pro at 19 and now 25, it took many life changes since turning pro. There’s so much that I’ve learned in the gym that counts the most, as it is the ups and downs of life – becoming a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me to improve. I’ve improved as a person, and that has helped me become a better fighter.” A true throwback fighter, Donovan is currently rated in three major sanctioning bodies: WBA #5, IBF #6, and World Boxing Council #14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven. “I am in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head trainer/co-manager) and (NYC-based attorney) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I am ranked where I am supposed to be. To be ranked so high in three major sanctioning bodies is brilliant. I know I will not stop until I’m world champion. “I am always in the gym and thinking about my next challenge. I’m saying it’s time. I love what I do. I’m very grateful to God for being in this position. I believe in God’s plan for me to become a world champion.” “It is going to be an explosive fight for sure,” commented NYC attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, rugged Irishmen with much to prove to the world. We were concerned about the injury but feel confident it won’t pose an issue for the March 1st battle. Paddy is locked in and training hard under the ever-watchful guidance of trainer Andy Lee.” Donovan has dedicated his last few fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide. **************************************************** Paddy Donovan (Irish boxer) Wiki more on The Boxing Exchange

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THE FAT GUYS OF BOXING

HISTORICAL / James

“Two Ton” Galento’s moment — floors Joe Louis in 1939. “Sailor” Willie Meehan The Fat Boys of Boxing (only heavyweights and beyond) In the historic land of heavyweight glory, few fighters threw out the discipline of the weight scale to challenge the top fighters of their day — and despite their size, some made it to challenge for the heavyweight title. One such customer was Buster Mathis, a huge heavyweight who challenged “Smokin” Joe Frazier in 1968 for the NYSAC heavyweight title since heavyweight since Muhammad Ali’s being stripped of his crown in 1967. The hulking 6’3 295 lb Mathis collapsed from the brutal Frazier attack, succumbing in the 11th round at the newly minted Madison Square Garden. Another “Fat” heavyweight was a character from New Jersey named Tony “Two Ton” Galento. Talk about a bar bruiser—Galento was all slugger and little science, but he did manage to garner a crack at the heavyweight crown against Joe Louis in 1939. The smallish 5’9 “, 240 lb Galento fought some of the toughest fighters of his era, such as Max Bear, Lou Nova and Arturo Godoy. Another “Fatboy” was an obscure West Coast sailer named Willie Meehan. Meehan was known as Jack Dempsey‘s kryptonite—a tough, four-round fighter who just had Dempsey’s number. In 1917, Dempsey had two wins, two losses, and two draws against Meehan—all four-rounders. In later life, Dempsey always acknowledged that Meehan was his toughest opponent. Several heavyweight boxers have been known for their larger physiques throughout boxing history. Here are other notable ones: Andy Ruiz Jr.: In 2019, Ruiz shocked the world by defeating Anthony Joshua to become the heavyweight champion. He weighed around 297 pounds for that fight. Claude Humphrey McBride, the 6’4 “, 360-pound heavyweight, was found by Midwest promoter Pat O’Grady and was considered the Butterbean of his day. After defeating contender Terry Daniels, McBride challenged Buster Mathis but was overcome by the latter’s experience. Salvador Farnetti: Farnetti is known for his extreme weight, peaking at 342.5 pounds. He had a brief career with only 21 fights. Kevin Karusa: Karusa peaked at 346.5 pounds during his short professional career. Jarrell ” Big Baby” Miller, 6’4 “with unlimited weight” potential, has scaled past the three-hundred-pound meter a few times. Of the men on this list, Miller seems to carry the weight well for his size. Eric “Butterbean” Esch: Known for his massive size, Esch weighed close to 400 pounds at his peak. Despite his weight, he found great success in the ring, winning multiple world titles. Dustin Nichols: Nichols reached a peak weight of 450 pounds and had a record of 5-14-0. Antonio Johnson: Johnson weighed 380 pounds during his career and had a record of 7-3-1. https://youtu.be/Vndqe8ZI3BI?si=Yl3oZP6Iwjd4jPOm Buster Mathis Claude Humphrey McBride

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2024 BOXING UPSETS

CURRENT EVENTS / James

BOXING UPSETS OF 2024 2024 saw its share of upsets. Here, according to News.au.com, the top four are listed. Bruno Surace vs. Jaime Munguia: In December, French boxer Bruno Surace delivered a stunning sixth-round knockout against Jaime Munguia in Tijuana, Mexico. Munguia, previously undefeated and a top contender in the super middleweight division, was floored by a powerful overhand right from Surace, marking one of the year’s most unexpected outcomes. Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua: In September, Daniel Dubois secured a fifth-round knockout victory over former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London. Dubois, considered the underdog, dominated the bout, knocking Joshua down multiple times before delivering the decisive blow in the fifth round. Liam Paro vs. Subriel Matías: In June, Australian boxer Liam Paro traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to face the hard-hitting Subriel Matías. Despite the odds, Paro controlled the fight with effective combinations, winning unanimously and capturing the IBF light-welterweight title. Adrian Curiel vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga: In a shocking upset, Adrian Curiel knocked out IBF flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga with a single overhand right in the second round of their bout in Monaco. Nontshinga, a heavy favorite, was rendered unconscious by the punch, leading to a surprising title change.

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