James - The Boxing Exchange

International Boxing Hall Of Fame Weekend 2025

IBHOF Weekend kicks off June 5-8th The International Boxing Hall of Fame will host its 2025 Induction Weekend from June 5-8 in Canastota, New York. This year’s inductees include legendary fighters Manny Pacquiao, Vinny Paz, and Michael Nunn in the Men’s Modern category, alongside Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category. Other honorees include referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin, and referee Harry Gibbs in the Non-Participant category, as well as broadcaster Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category. The event will feature ringside talks, a fight night, a 5K race, autograph sessions, a banquet, a parade, and the official induction ceremony. Fight Night Join us, The Boxing Exchange Network, at the memorabilia show on Saturday, June 7th, where we have a booth from 10-3pm, with a variety of historical items and items that can be signed by your favorite fighter.

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The Boxer- – Gleason’s Gym, New York

HISTORICAL / James

Vincent Piazza reads The Boxer by Gabriele Tinti Vincent Piazza reads The Boxer by Gabriele Tinti Eris Press is pleased to announce the event The Boxer, a reading by actor Vincent Piazza of poems by Gabriele Tinti to celebrate the publication of the limited edition of Ruins. The event will take place at the legendary Gleason’s Gym on Saturday, April 26, at 6:30 PM, in collaboration with DiBella Entertainment, with the participation of…..The hospitality partner for the event is Wythe Hotel. The event coincides with the launch of the limited edition volume, published by Eris Press (London, New York). It features an unpublished poem inspired by The Boxer at Rest, one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient art. The FLAG Art Foundation in Chelsea used a line from Gabriele Tinti’s Boxer poems—featured in the book—as the title of their 2024 exhibition. The exhibition included works by renowned artists such as George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Eadweard Muybridge, Paul Pfeiffer, and Ed Ruscha. It was also presented at the Miami Norton Museum of Art in Fall 2024 (link). The limited edition contains commentary by Paul Zanker (Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa), Jerry Saltz (art critic), Daniela Porro (Superintendent of Cultural Heritage of Rome),Mirella Serlorenzi (Director of the Baths of Caracalla), Kasia Boddy (University of Cambridge), Carol C. Mattusch (George Mason University), Sean Hemingway (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) and Vinzenz Brinkmann (Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung). Gleason’s Gym 130 Water St. Brooklyn [email protected] R.S.V.P. I enriched my knowledge of boxing by reading Gabriele’s poems. Nino Benvenuti Undisputed super-welterweight and middleweight Champion of the World The boxer is exhausted. The severe wounds on his face bleed and hurt. His gaze towards the judges is anxious. Even the strongest among us is just a man, vulnerable and full of fear, as Gabriele Tinti’s verses remind us. Paul Zanker Professor of Ancient Art History at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa Gabrielle Tinti is an Italian poet. He has worked with the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Capitolini Museums (among many other institutions), and his poems have been performed by actors including Abel Ferrara, Willem Dafoe, and Kevin Spacey. In 2018, his ekphrastic poetry project Ruins was awarded the Premio Montale with a ceremony at the Museo Nazionale Romano in Palazzo Altemps. His recent publications are Last Words (Milan: Skira Rizzoli, 2016), The Earth Will Come To Laugh and To Feast (New York: Powerhouse Books, 2020), Ruins (London: Eris Press; Milan: Libri Scheiwiller, 2021), Bleedings (Milan: La Nave di Teseo, 2022; New York: Contra Mundum Press, 2023), Confessions (London: Eris Press), and Hungry Ghosts (London: Eris Press, 2024). Vincent Piazza is an American actor known for his roles in film and television. He starred as Lucky Luciano in the acclaimed series Boardwalk Empire and portrayed Tommy DeVito in Clint Eastwood’s film adaptation of Jersey Boys. With a background in both drama and independent cinema, he has built a diverse career, bringing depth and authenticity to his performances.

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The Setup (1949)

FILM / James

“The Setup” American film (1949) “The Set-Up” is a 1949 American film noir boxing drama directed by Robert Wise. It stars Robert Ryan as Bill “Stoker” Thompson, an aging boxer who defies gangsters by refusing to throw his last fight. The film is based on a 1928 narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March. The story unfolds in real-time, capturing the tension and drama of Stoker’s fight against a younger, mob-controlled opponent. Despite the odds, Stoker wins the match but faces brutal consequences for his decision. The film is celebrated for its gritty realism and compelling performances. Bill “Stoker” Thompson, a 35-year-old veteran boxer, is about to take on a 23-year-old Tiger Nelson at the local arena. His wife, Julie, fears this fight may be his last and wants him to quit boxing for good. Although Stoker gives her a ringside seat, she declines. Stoker’s manager, sure that he will continue to lose fights, takes money for a loss from a mobster. He is so sure of Stoker’s failure that he does not inform the boxer of the setup. But Stoker still has a dream left in him. He still feels one punch away from a shot at the title, and we learn that the other fighters in the dressing room also have dreams. Stoker and Julie passionately debate whether he should participate in the fight. Julie tells him that she has a headache and won’t attend. The fighters enter the dressing room after their bouts as the night rolls on. Some win, some lose, but all have dreams. At the beginning of the fourth round of what is a vicious match with the much younger and heavily favored Tiger Nelson, Stoker learns about the fix. Even though he is told that Little Boy, a feared gangster, is behind the set-up, he refuses to give up the fight. Stoker wins the vocal support of blood-thirsty fans who had at first rooted for Tiger Nelson. He eventually defeats Nelson. Stoker pays for his decision with a beating in an alley outside the arena. The group, including Nelson, irreparably damages Stoker’s hand by smashing it with a brick. Julie notices her husband from the hotel room. Stoker staggers out of the alley and collapses into Julie’s arms. “I won tonight,” he tells her, both realizing he can never fight again. “Yes,” she answers. “You won tonight. We both won tonight.” Special Thanks to Wally Matthews for hosting the Film at the Cinema Center in Huntington, New York. Next Date is May 22nd at 730 pm “Fat City” starring Stacy Keach and the original Golden Boy, Art Aragon.

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Johnson Vs Ketchel 1909

EPIC BOUTS / James

MYTH, LEGEND & FISTICUFFS — THE JOHNSON – KETCHEL BOUT OF 1909. Tidbits and Blog . . . THE FISTICUFFS The legendary boxing match between Stanley Ketchel and Jack Johnson occurred on October 16, 1909, in Colma, California. Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, faced Stanley Ketchel, the reigning middleweight champion, in what was considered a mismatch due to their size difference—Johnson outweighed Ketchel by nearly 40 pounds. The fight would be the first match between two champions from two divisions apart, an uncanny event for its time. The fight was initially agreed to be an exhibition, but rumors to this day state that it was for the world heavyweight championship. Johnson seemed to have his way in the early going, jabbing Ketchel easily, bleeding his nose, and even dropping him with a counter right cross in the second. Ketchel was consistently trying to get inside of Johnson’s defensive shell, throwing wild punches at times, leaving himself open for counters that Johnson capitalized on. Then the climatic 34 seconds in the 12th, of what some thought to be an exhibition match. Ketchel surprised Johnson with a knockdown in the 12th round. This enraged Johnson, who quickly retaliated with a powerful punch that knocked Ketchel out and embedded some of Ketchel’s teeth in Johnson’s glove. The fight ended with Johnson retaining his heavyweight title. MYTH The 34 seconds of the twelfth round were one of the most action-packed in heavyweight history. However, many believe it may have been choreographed for film rights, which were in the early stages of development. The same moves were made in earlier rounds, and it may have been that Ketchel may have double-crossed as to the ending of the bout. All these questions have been debated, although the fight is over a Century old. Another question mark debated was whether, when Johnson knocked Ketchel out, some of Ketchel’s teeth were embedded in Johnson’s gloves. It can be seen that Johnson is wiping something off his gloves after the knockdown; perhaps it was Ketchel’s teeth. LEGEND Stanley Ketchel and Jack Johnson were legendary boxing figures, but their careers were quite different regarding achievements and impact. Stanley Ketchel Known as the “Michigan Assassin,” Stanley Ketchel was one of the greatest middleweight boxers in history. Born in 1886, he began his professional career at 16 and quickly gained a reputation for his aggressive style and knockout power. Ketchel became the World Middleweight Champion in 1908 and defended his title multiple times. He often fought much larger opponents, including heavyweights, despite being a middleweight. Tragically, Ketchel’s life and career were cut short when he was murdered at the age of 24 in 1910. Jack Johnson Jack Johnson, nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was the first Black heavyweight champion, a title he held from 1908 to 1915. His victory over Tommy Burns to claim the title was groundbreaking, as it shattered racial barriers in sports during the Jim Crow era. Johnson’s career was marked by his dominance in the ring and his defiance of societal norms, including his relationships with white women, which drew significant controversy at the time. He faced numerous challenges outside the ring, including legal troubles and racial discrimination, but his legacy as a trailblazer in boxing and civil rights remains profound. Both fighters left an indelible mark on boxing history, with Ketchel remembered for his fearless fighting spirit and Johnson for his cultural and historical significance. More on this bout JACK JOHNSON -vs- STANLEY KETCHEL 1909 – HD Documentary Analysis and Rare Footage Story of the Johnson-Ketchel bout below..

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Thunder & Lightning: The Fighting Gatti Brothers

DIGITAL / James

Thunder & Lightning: The Fighting Gatti Brothers The Fighting Gatti Brothers refers to Arturo and Joe Gatti, two brothers who made their mark in professional boxing. They grew up in Montreal, Canada, before moving to Jersey City, New Jersey, where they pursued their boxing careers. Arturo Gatti, known as “Thunder,” was a legendary fighter famous for his relentless style, incredible resilience, and thrilling battles in the ring. He became a two-time world champion and was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His fights, especially his trilogy against Micky Ward, are considered some of the most exciting in boxing history. Joe Gatti, known as “Lightning,” also had a professional boxing career, though he did not achieve the same fame as his brother. He competed in the super welterweight division and had a respectable career in the sport. Their story is detailed in the book Thunder & Lightning: The Fighting Gatti Brothers by Joe Botti, which explores their triumphs, struggles, and the darker side of boxing. Thunder & Lightning: The Fighting Gatti Brothers, by Joe Botti, is a gripping tale of triumph, tragedy, and the dark side of sports. It is a groundbreaking masterpiece that pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary lives of two brothers, Arturo, and Joe Gatti, from their childhoods in Montreal, Canada, until they arrived in Jersey City, N.J., and battled their way through the cutthroat world of professional boxing in their quest for fame, fortune, and redemption. Thunder & Lightning transcends the boundaries of a mere sports book, unearthing untold behind-the-scenes stories that will bring forth joy, laughter, excitement, admiration, shock, disappointment, sadness, and tears. Botti fearlessly exposes the pressures of stardom, the intoxicating allure of entourages, and the clandestine backroom negotiations that shaped the brothers’ careers and lives. About the Author: Born in Jersey City and raised in Union City, New Jersey, Joe Botti has been involved in boxing since 1977. He has boxed as an amateur and trained and managed amateur and professional fighters. Botti founded and directed the Union City Boxing Club from 1989 to 2013. Under Botti’s direction, the Club won 7 first-place state team trophies. In 1995, the N.J. Golden Gloves Association named Botti coach of the year. He has trained 34 N.J. Golden Glove champions and multiple successful professional boxers. Botti’s boxers have been featured on HBO, Showtime, ESPN, and MSG networks. 1993, Botti promoted the first USA Boxing-sanctioned female amateur boxing match in the NY-N.J. tri-state area. He is a Ring 14 Veteran Boxer Association member and the Hudson County Boxing Association. Botti was voted into the N.J. Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023. Botti’s first book, Joe Jennette: Boxing’s Ironman, was a fascinating story about one of the 20th Century’s greatest boxers. Botti is working on his third book on the life and boxing career of International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Don Elbaum. Botti served as a police officer from 1997 to 2021, earning numerous awards and retiring as Captain. He studied at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J.

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George Foreman’s toughest fight

1 Comment / EPIC BOUTS / James

George Foreman’s toughest fight Thanks for the memories, George . . . “The Steak with the Sizzle” J. Monte . . . As the news passed last week that George Foreman died at 76, it brought back memories of the mid-’70s, when George, after being defeated by Muhammad Ali in the famous “Rumble In the Jungle” in October 1974, changed trainers and hooked up with the tutelage of Gil Clancy and Howie Albert. Foreman was considered invincible until the fateful night in 1974, with an Olympic Gold medal in 1968 and registering an impressive 40-0 mark as a professional. Clancy and Albert were made famous by their longstanding guidance of Emile Griffith. As Griffith’s career was winding down, they tutored other boxers, such as Jerry Quarry, Ken Buchanan, Jorge Ahumada, and many others — and, of course, George Foreman. In 1975, Foreman was inactive. His only action was a carnival-like promotion in which he took on five heavyweights in a sparring-like exhibition. As 1976 approached, Foreman signed to fight a top contender, who, like Foreman, had previously lost to Muhammad Ali. Foreman’s opponent, the ever-dangerous Ron Lyle, from Denver, Colorado, was coming off one of the best wins of his career, a KO over the equally dangerous Ernie Shavers in Sept ‘75, a furious fight with Shavers clocking out in round 6. While many knew the ex-champ Foreman, Lyle was known as a pure puncher even though he proved he could box well if he had to. 1976 Fight Of the Year What was anticipated as a compelling fight, nobody could predict how crazy this fight would turn out. It took many by surprise. To many, this was a fight with “a mind of its own.” Legendary broadcaster Howard Cosell’s best moments were highlighted in this fight. He was part of the package. This is as much a mastery of a slugfest as any heavyweight matchup can be. https://youtu.be/l8AVcEyyMco?si=gS6Pdnv4zeTvCKqU Ultimately, George Foreman secured victory with a fifth-round knockout. Lyle gassed out and had nothing left after trying to knock out George earlier in the round. It was one of his finest moments and most challenging fights. The second coming of George Foreman (87 through ’97) is the older, wiser version and the one most fans remember. But the fighter who fought Ron Lyle, that slugger, produced one of the most exemplary moments in history, which exemplified the primal power of heavyweight boxing, where brute strength and resilience took center stage. What stands out most about this bout is the incredible drama—few fights (Hagler-Hearns is one) have been as action-packed in such a short period. Foreman finished his career 76-5, with 68 knockouts. If you know of any heavyweight slugfests (other than Dempsey-Firpo) in the 20th Century that fall into this category, please put your thoughts in the comment section. BOGARTS” LAST FILM REVIEW More on Foreman Foreman BOX REC

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FILM2

Uncategorized / James

https://youtu.be/1vXzXT2XXzQ?si=fqSkM8JVcuPyG9Zg Humphrey Bogart portrayed Eddie Willis in the 1956 film The Harder They Fall. This was Bogart’s final film role before his passing. The movie, directed by Mark Robson, is a gripping boxing drama based on Budd Schulberg’s novel of the same name. In the film, Eddie Willis is a down-on-his-luck sportswriter who becomes a press agent for a corrupt boxing promoter. The story explores themes of exploitation, morality, and redemption as Eddie grapples with the ethical dilemmas of his new role. Bogart’s performance is widely praised for its depth and nuance, making it a memorable conclusion to his illustrious career https://youtu.be/alfvlnyjrnk?si=nSR6iqQAR4lyz9dZ

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THE HARDER THEY FALL (1956)

1 Comment / FILM / James

THE HARDER THEY FALL (1956) This is a review of the film The Harder They Fall, which was shown at The Theater in Huntington, New York, on March 12, 2025. “The Harder They Fall” is a 1956 American boxing film directed by Mark Robson. The screenplay was written by Philip Yordan, based on Budd Schulberg’s 1947 novel of the same name. The film stars Humphrey Bogart alongside Rod Steiger and Jan Sterling in his final film role. The plot follows Eddie Willis (Humphrey Bogart), a down-and-out sportswriter who is hired by a shady boxing promoter, Nick Benko (Rod Steiger), to promote a new heavyweight fighter, Toro Moreno (Mike Lane). Despite Toro’s lack of fighting ability, Benko plans to use his size as a gimmick to draw fans to his fights. Eddie spins Toro as a legitimate up-and-comer, even though all of Toro’s fights are fixed. Eddie becomes increasingly conflicted about the scheme and its impact on Toro as the story unfolds. “The Harder They Fall” delves deep into the internal conflicts of its characters, especially Eddie Willis and Toro Moreno. Eddie Willis (Humphrey Bogart): Eddie grapples with his conscience and moral integrity throughout the film. Initially, he is drawn into the scheme to promote Toro because he is financially desperate. However, seeing the toll the deceit and exploitation take on Toro, he becomes increasingly guilt-ridden. Eddie’s internal conflict is the struggle between his need for financial stability and his growing realization of the ethical implications of his actions. His journey is a classic portrayal of a man torn between self-preservation and doing the right thing. Toro Moreno (Mike Lane): Toro is a kind-hearted, naive boxer who genuinely believes he can become a champion. His internal conflict centers around his self-worth and realizing his success is a sham. As he starts to understand the extent of manipulation and dishonesty in boxing, he struggles with betrayal and humiliation. Toro’s journey is disillusioned as he grapples with the harsh truths about the sport he loves and his place within it. These conflicts drive the narrative and add depth to the characters, making “The Harder They Fall” a compelling examination of the darker side of the boxing world and the human cost of corruption and deceit. “The Harder They Fall” features several characters involved in the criminal and corrupt aspects of the boxing world. Here are two of the notable hoodlum characters: Nick Benko (Rod Steiger): Nick Benko is the unscrupulous boxing promoter who masterminds the scheme to exploit Toro Moreno. He represents the darker side of the boxing industry, where money and power overshadow ethics and integrity. Benko’s manipulative and ruthless nature makes him a central figure in the film’s exploration of corruption. Jim Weyerhause (Edward Andrews): Jim Weyerhause is another of Benko’s associates involved in the financial and promotional aspects of the scheme. His role emphasizes the pervasive corruption that extends beyond the physical fights to the business side of boxing. The Good Guy Character Art Leavitt ( Harold J. Stone) is Eddie Willis’ friend and a fellow writer who shares Eddie’s disdain for boxing corruption. He provides a voice of reason and morality in the film, contrasting with the more unscrupulous characters involved in the boxing scam. Cast Of the Film Prominent cast members of “The Harder They Fall” (1956) have passed away. Humphrey Bogart, who played Eddie Willis, passed away in 1957. Rod Steiger, who portrayed Nick Benko, died in 2002. Jan Sterling, who played Beth Willis, passed away in 2004. Mike Lane, who played Toro Moreno, died in 2015. A Man’s Man: Before he was the Man, he was a Professional Boxer Bogart and his last film: Review The historic impact of The Harder They Fall The Harder They Fall stands out among boxing films due to its intense focus on the corruption and exploitation behind the sport, which sets it apart from many other boxing movies that celebrate the grit, determination, and personal triumphs of their protagonists. Here’s a quick comparison: Grit and Glory: Movies like Rocky (1976) and Creed (2015) emphasize the underdog story, focusing on personal determination and the physical and emotional toll of fighting. They often inspire viewers with the protagonist’s perseverance. Dark Themes: Raging Bull (1980) and The Harder They Fall take a different approach, examining the darker sides of boxing. While Raging Bull explores Jake LaMotta’s personal struggles, including his violence and jealousy, The Harder They Fall delves into the exploitation of boxers and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the industry. Social Commentary: Unlike boxing movies focusing on individual stories, The Harder They Fall critiques systemic injustice, making its message feel weightier. It’s more about the machine behind the sport than about a single boxer’s journey. Morality Over Action: While films like Million Dollar Baby (2004) balance poignant storytelling with engaging in-ring action, The Harder They Fall minimizes the boxing scenes and centers on the characters’ morality, especially Humphrey Bogart’s journalist and internal conflict. Next showing at the Cinema Arts Theater, Huntington, NY 730pm — April 14, 2025 — “The Setup” (1949) starring Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter. Wally Matthews presents . . . https://youtu.be/FlPA5APYzV0?si=Q683OkqQuhcV5bsGhttps://youtu.be/ZcRc_-XcYVQ?si=T6485MJ09QYvtweC Bogart Collection @Amazon

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Film short

Uncategorized / James

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World Boxing approves applications

PRESS RELEASES / James

World Boxing approves applications from National Federations in China, Turkey, Sudan, Greece, Montenegro and Slovakia to increase membership to 84 countries LAUSANNE, Switzerland (March 12, 2025) — The Executive Board of World Boxing has approved six more applications from boxing National Federations, bringing the organization’s membership to 84 countries. The six new members are the Chinese Boxing Federation, the Turkish Boxing Federation, the Sudan Boxing Federation, the Boxing Association of Montenegro, the Slovak Boxing Federation, and the Hellenic Boxing Federation (Greece). The applications’ approval follows the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent announcement on 25 February 2025 to grant provisional Olympic recognition to World Boxing. The new National Federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate a transparent and open election process, the existence and operation of WADA-recognized anti-doping policies and processes, evidence of independent, structured, dispute resolution and appeals processes, formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Ministry for Sport and a solid national and international boxing program. The addition of China and Turkey increases the number of World Boxing members whose men and women won medals at the 2024 Olympics. China finished second in the boxing medal table with three golds and two silvers, while Turkey came joint eighth with three medals. The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome our latest members, who further increase World Boxing’s global reach across all five Continents as we continue to grow and go from strength to strength. “The addition of six more members to our ever-increasing membership is further evidence of the widespread support that exists across our sport for the work that World Boxing is doing to deliver a better future for boxers and ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement.” A full list of the 84 National Federations that are members of World Boxing can be viewed at https://worldboxing.org/membership/. World Boxing was launched in April 2023 with the mission of ensuring that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. It held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024, and on February 25, 2025, the IOC granted it provisional recognition as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at the world level.

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