"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Carmen Basilio

Carmen Basilio (April 2, 1927- November 7, 2012) was a two weight class world champion, who began his boxing career in 1948 in Binghampton, New York.  His first professional match was against Jimmy Evans, whom he knocked out in the first round of their bout.  He went 19-3-2 in his career in New York, losing to Connie Thies by way of decision in 1949.
Basilio then took his talents out of New York and on to New Orleans in 1953, where things began to get better for him.  He began winning big fights and found his way moving up in the Welterweight division.  In 1954, Basilio went undefeated in eight bouts and in 1955, he KO'd Tony Demarco, becoming World Champion.
His next fight against Johnny Saxton was allegedly "fixed" by Saxton's manager, Frank "Blinky" Palermo, with Basilio losing his championship title by way of decision in the 15th round.  Basilio and Saxton had an immediate rematch, in which Basilio regained his title with a 9th round knockout.
But Basilio's most notable bout was against the aging 37 year old Middleweight Champion Sugar Ray Robinson.  He won Robinson's Middleweight Championship on September 23, 1957.  Ultimately, Robinson defeated Basilio in their second meeting, and from then on, Basilio fought in spurts until his retirement in 1961.
In the late 1990's, Basilio became ill, and underwent a triple bypass heart surgery.  Carmen Basilio was a great athlete and a major credit to the history of boxing.

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Jack Johnson

John Arthur "Jack" Johnson, was a pioneering figure in the rich history of boxing. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson, also known as "The Galveston Giant," became the first African American World Heavyweight Champion from 1908-1915. Johnson was born in Galveston, Texas in 1878, was the son of former slaves and one of six children. Johnson tried unsuccessfully to escape his hometown of Galveston at the age of twelve, and began working in carriage-shop. It was there, where his boss, who was an ex-fighter, taught Johnson how to box. After working on the docks, Johnson would challenge his fellow workers to matches, to make money on the side. Winning his first ever bout, he collected a purse of $1.50.

Johnson made his professional debut in Galveston in 1898, knocking out his first opponent, Charley Brooks in the second round of their 15-round bout. In his third bout, Johnson was matched-up against John Haynes, also known as "The Black Hercules," who had unofficially declared himself the Black Heavyweight Champion. Johnson lost by TKO. After being jailed in Texas, where prize fighting was illegal, Johnson and his opponent, Joe Choynski, was allowed to spar in their jail cell. Johnson proclaims that his time spent in jail, made him recognize his skills, and credits Choynski with his success in boxing.

Jack Johnson's boxing style was like no other in the sport at the time. In the early rounds of his bouts, he was patient with his opponents, beginning cautiously, then becoming aggressive. He would carry on conversations with people at ring side during his fights. When Johnson became annoyed with a opponent, he would fight to punish. Many in the press deemed Johnson't fighting style as "cowardly" but praised the World Heavyweight Champion, Jim Corbett, who used the same techniques as Johnson.

After becoming the first African-American Heavyweight Champion on December 26, 1908, defeating Canadian, Tommy Burns, he vacated his World Colored Heavyweight Championship. After defeating Burns, there was a call to find the "Great White Hope," to take out Johnson, to no avail. Johnson's effort to fight the then Heavyweight Champ, James Jefferies, went unanswered for six years because Jeffreies refused to face him. But in 1910, Jeffries, who had long retired, agreed to a bout against Johnson with a lot of prodding and the promise of a purse of $120,000. Johnson vs Jeffreies was considered the "Fight of the Century," as racial tensions arose. Johnson, the younger fighter, out-boxed Jeffries and his corner threw in the towel in the 15th round, to avoid a knockout on his record. Johnson silenced his critics and Jeffries was humbled by the loss, proclaiming, "I could never have whipped Johnson at my best."

Johnson continued fighting professionally until he 60 years old, when age finally caught up to him. He died on June 10, 1946 at the age of 68, in a tragic car crash. In 1954, Johnson was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. His life and career foreshadowed the career of boxing legend Mohammed Ali, and his legacy will always be remembered as a man who became a boxing legend who could not be ignored by the establishment of that era.

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Alexis Arguello

Alexis Arguello, also known as "The Explosive Thin Man," was a Nicaraguan professional boxer, who became a politician after his retirement. As a boxer, Arguello was a three-time World Champion, having never lost a title in the ring, instead giving them up each time he moved up in weight class. He is ranked 20th on the Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all-time along with other honors.

Arguello's professional career began on a sour note. He suffered a first round TKO in his debut bout, but astonishingly went on to win 36 of his next 38 match ups. These victories led him to a Featherweight Championship bout against the WBA champ, Ernesto Marcel. Arguello lost the 15-round unanimous decision in what came to be Marcel's retirement bout. He then went on to capture the Featherweight title.

After becoming Featherweight Champ, Arguello moved up in weight class to Junior Lightweight, and defeated Alfredo Escalera. Arguello moved up in weight  two more times, first challenging Lightweight Champion, Jim Watt, claiming a 15-round decision, making him the 6th boxer to win world titles in three divisions, and secondly, taking on Hall-of-Famer Aaron Pryor. Pryor's victory over Arguello in the 14th round was marred by controversy and a rematch was immediately ordered . Pryor KO'd Arguello in the 10th without speculation.

After his retirement from boxing, Arguello became active in Nicaraguan politics and in November of 2008, he was elected mayor of Nicaraguan's capital city. He was fatally killed on July 1, 2009.

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Ike Williams

Ike Williams is a former Lightweight World boxing Champion from Brunswick, Georgia. He was well known for his thunderous right hand and was named to The Ring Magazine's 100 greatest punchers list of all time as well as Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year for 1948.

During his career, Williams faced and defeated former Lightweight Champions Sammy Angott, Bob Montgomery and Beau Jack. Williams won the NBA World Title in 1945 against Juan Lurita, and held on to his crown until May 1951.

Ike Williams' career did not come without controversy, as he admitted to taking a dive against Chuck Davey, a much hyped contender for the welterweight crown. Williams accused other boxing mangers of black balling him because he wanted to manage himself. He ultimately allowed the infamous Frank "Blinky" Palermo to manage his career, whom he claimed robbed him of his purses, and in 1961, Williams testified in front of Congress on the matters of antitrust in boxing.

Williams left the boxing world with an astounding record of 125 wins, 24 losses and 5 draws. He died on September 5th, 1994, in LosAngeles, California.

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Willie Pep

Guglielmo Papaleo, better known as “Willie Pep,” is one the greatest featherweights that has competed in the boxing ring.  Pep boxed an astounding 241 bouts during his career, with a final record of 229-11-1, including 65 knockouts.  He was known for his impeccable speed and slick moves, out boxing many of his opponents.

Pep started his professional career in 1940, beating fellow featherweight, James McGovern, by way of decision.  In 1938, unbeknownst to him, Pep was matched up against Sugar Ray Robinson in Norwich, CT.  Pep was told that he would be fighting an unknown, unskilled fighter, which he “quickly learned otherwise once the bout began.”  Robinson defeated Pep by decision. 

His rise to become a featherweight great came when be defeated the reigning Featherweight Champion, Abe Denner, for his New England Featherweight Championship.  Pep then went on a 52-0 run before he was afforded the chance to fight for the World Featherweight Championship, defeating Chalky Wright, and becoming the new Champ.

Retiring in 1960, Pep made a brief comeback in 1964, retiring for good two years later.  He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and voted number one featherweight of the 20^th Century by the Associated Press and ranked the number 1 featherweight of all-time by the International Boxing Research Organization (IBO), in 2005.

Willie Pep died on November 23, 2006, but will always be remembered as the Greatest Featherweight in boxing history.    

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They": James "Cinderella Man" Braddock

James "Cinderella" Braddock, was a former World Heavyweight Champ from 1935-1937.  He turned pro at the age of 21, fighting as a light heavyweight and in 1928, pulled off a major upset by knocking out Tuffy Griffths, and in 1935, Braddock beat Max Baer for the title, earning his nickname "Cinderella Man" for his performance.
Braddock was known for his powerful right hand and strong chin, and three years after he turned pro, acquired a record of 44-2-2. Unfortunately, Braddock battled with chronic hand injuries and lost many bouts due to it. After losing a decision against Tommy Loughran, and fracturing his hand during the bout, Braddock became depressed and his career began to suffer from it. His record fell to 11-20-2 after his devastating loss. He eventually gave up boxing to take care of his family, working as a longshoreman.

 

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They

So we've decided here at FightNite101, to honor and remember past boxers, MMA and many other of our favorite sports figures, not only for their talent, but the legacy they've left behind, paving the way for future athletes.

Our featured fighter today is, Virgil Akins. Known as "Honeybear," Akins was born in St. Louis on March 10th, 1928. He began his boxing career as Lightweight, eventually moving up to the Welterweight division. Akins was the first World Champion hailing from St. Louis, winning the undisputed Welterweight Championship in 1958.

He was considered a "lanky" fighter, but had tremendous punching power. In 1955, he ended Ronnie Delaney's forty seven fight winning streak, by KO'ing him. Akins retired in 1962.

He was honored by The Ring magazine as the Progress Fighter of the Year in 1958, and elected to the Gateway Classic Walk of Fame. Akins passed away in his hometown of St. Louis on January 22, 2011.

"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Henry Armstrong

Henry Jackson Jr., better known as, Henry Armstrong, was born in Columbus, Mississippi in 1912. Armstrong can by far be considered one of boxing's greatest athletes, hailed by critics and other professional boxers alike. He is one of many elite boxers that have won boxing championships in three or more different divisions.  This was especially unique, because at the time, there were only eight recognized World titles. Armstrong also has the honor and distinction of being the only boxer to hold three World Championships at the same time, Batamweight, Featherweight, and Welterweight. He has also defended the Welterweight title more times than any other boxer.
Armstrong started out as a professional on July 28, 1931, getting knocked out by Al Lovino in the third round of their bout. His first win came later that year, beating Sammy Burns by way of decision in the sixth round.
In 2007, The Ring ranked Armstrong as the second greatest fighter of the last 80 years as did Bert Sugar, proclaiming him to be the second greatest boxer of all time. Armstrong was also inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame and became a member of the International Boxing Hall Fame.
After boxing, he became a Baptist minister and youth advocate.  He passed away on October 22, 1988 in Los Angeles, California.

"Logic Behind the Leather" David Tua vs Alexander Ustinov

So it seems that the comeback bout between David Tua and Alexander Ustinov at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton, New Zealand, will take place on August 31st.  There are reports that the match up would have to be postponed due to an injury from Tua, but the fight will go on.  And what a match it will be between Ustinov, who's in contention for a Heavyweight title bout, and Tua, who's making a comeback after two year layoff.  This highly anticipated fight will reveal Ustinov's legitimacy as a heavyweight and Tua's legitimacy as a heavyweight contender after a short retirement.
Alexander Ustinov is a powerful heavyweight, but his heart and legitimacy is questionable.  In his last bout, and first loss in his career against Kubrat Pulev, he took a knee in the 11th round and was counted out.  He seemed to lack the heart and perseverance that it takes to become one of boxing's elite.
David Tua is on the road to reclaiming his status as a dominating heavyweight.  After years of legal and financial troubles, and two years out of the ring, Tua hopes that this comeback will once again make him a formidable contender in the heavyweight division.  Tua, 41, also has a tremendous task of preparing himself physically and mentally for the bout.  Physically he has to be in tip top fighting shape and at the age of 41, many question his ability to perform against Ustinov.
I think that the real questions here are not Tua's punching power or how tough he is, because he's never been knocked out in the 58 matches he's had, but how accurate his distance and timing is.  Ustinov shows his ability to brawl in the ring, something that Tua will probably reciprocate, but leaves himself wide open to Tua's infamous left hook.  On the other hand, can Tua get around Ustinov's reach and penetrate him with his punches?
Ultimately, David Tua has chosen a good comeback match up against Alexander Ustinov, as he has a good chance of defeating him and putting himself in line to contend with other heavyweights.  Ustinov needs to prove that he belongs in the ring with other heavyweights by beating Tua and proving his legitimacy as a boxer.    

"Logic Behind the Leather" Seth Mitchell vs Chris Arreola

The non-title heavyweight bout between Seth Mitchell and Chris Arreola will take place on Saturday, September 7th at the Fantasy springs Resort in Indio, CA.  Seth Mitchell is coming off a win against Jonathan Banks, capturing Banks' WBC International Heavyweight title.  That match-up was the second meeting between the two, Mitchell losing the first bout against Banks.  Mitchell showed his lack of boxing skills compared to Banks', and had very amateur like tendencies in the ring.  When he matches up with Arreola, these issues are going to hurt his chances of beating him.  Arreola's aggression and his ability to lure his opponents into a slugfest, is something Mitchell can't afford.  

It seems as though throughout Seth Mitchell's matches, he's looking to get comfortable in the ring, as Arreola has already reached this level.  Going head-to-head with an opponent whose had Arreola's experience, Mitchell does not have the luxury not to feel at home in the ring, because his boxing skills is what is needed to get him through this fight.  

Mitchell has also shown how he can get hurt quickly in the ring, and his lack of recovery after he's been knocked down is practically nonexistent.  Arreola may possibly get a knockout against Mitchell in the early rounds of their bout, if Mitchell doesn't find a way to outbox him, keeping his chin down and staying off of the canvas. 

     

"Logic Behind the Leather" A Candid Portrait of Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is undoubtedly one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in boxing's history.  No other boxer has created so much fear and destruction in the ring like Tyson did during his career.  The sheer mention of his name spoke volumes in terms of how great of a fighter he was, including his ability to knockout many of his opponents in the early rounds, and sometimes minutes of his bouts.  But as we all know, Tyson has had his share of ups and downs, inside and outside of the ring.  Legal woes have not only plagued his boxing career but his personal life also.  And who can forget his infamous bout with Holyfield, bitting his ear during the fight.  More recently, Tyson has confessed to being an alcoholic and drug addict.  Many have thought that Tyson was moving on with his life and changing it for the better, but he has "fooled everyone around him," according to Tyson.  He has only admitted to being sober from drugs and alcohol for six days, something of a "miracle" for Iron Mike.  In a teary eyed, sometimes whimpering talk during a press conference, Tyson shared another side of himself, referencing being a "dark and negative vicious alcoholic, and how it's "dangerous to hang out this neighborhood (pointing to his head), "It wants to kill everything, it wants to kill me too, I don't want to die."
There are a lot of people out there that will view Tyson's press conference and think that he must be crazy and that he should've gotten help a long time ago.  Others will see Tyson's confession as a step in the right direction toward his sobriety and living a sober life.  Both assumptions are true in their own respects.  Tyson has shown over the years, how unstable and unpredictable that he can be.  But no one cared about his state of mind, as long as he was knocking out everyone he was matched up against, and keeping those people who were riding his coattail funded and famous.  Where is the support now from the people who were with him during his thriving career? Where were the same people when his 4 year old daughter died tragically? As humans, where was the sense of responsibility to recognize his shortcomings and unfortunate circumstances?  Mike Tyson is not the only person we should blame for his catastrophic life, as the responsibility should be shared by the people who stood by and watched his fall from grace.
But there is a light and the end of this tunnel, as Tyson is making the necessary strides toward reclaiming his life.  Let us not dwell on his downfall, but embrace his passion for wanting to live and be a better person.  After all that has happened to Mike Tyson, there is no denying his greatness as a boxer.  Not only was he a beast in the ring, he was an intellectual fighter, understanding the sweet science of boxing.  Hopefully Iron Mike will continue to take his sobriety seriously and embrace the sweet science of life!

"Logic Behind the Leather" Abner Mares vs Jhonny Gonzalez: Pre-Fight Pick

Tonight at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, WBC Featherweight Champion Abner Mares will defend his title against the man whom he sparred against once upon a time, Jhonny Gonzalez.  While Mares has had less professional fights, (26-0-1), he is on a path to quite possibly become one of boxing's elite.  Gonzalez, on the other hand, can be seen as the experienced veteran in the game, with a record of (54-8-0).
So let's get to my pre-fight pick: Jhonny Gonzalez.  Why you say? There's two simple answers to this question, Gonzales' reach, and his boxing skills are far more superior to that of Mares.  Mares' bout against Victor Darchinyan, exposed his trouble with a more skilled boxer, and Gonzalez will be triple the trouble for him because of his reach, height and solid boxing skills.
It will certainly be an interesting match-up to watch.  Will Mares lose his WBC Championship to Ganzalez? I think so.
Stay tuned for the post fight results of Mares vs Gonzales!

"Logic Behind the Leather" Manny Pacquiao vs Brandon Rios: A Meeting at the Crossroads

On November 23rd, Manny Pacquiao faces off against Brandon Rios for the vacant WBO International Welterweight Championship title.  Many sports fans had hoped to see Pacquiao face off against Floyd Mayweather Jr., but those hopes soon faded after many failed attempts between the two camps to come to an agreement, and his knockout loss by Juan Manuel Marquez in their last bout.  Brandon Rios, who is also coming off of a loss, believes that a win against an opponent such as Pacquiao, will catapult his career and land him more big name fights.  So it seems that both fighters are at a crossroads of their careers, and their bout will certainly be an explosive event to witness.
Pacquiao is out to keep his name as one of boxing's greats and is seeking to destroy whoever is in his path.  Pac-Man's camp couldn't have chosen a more perfect opponent in Rios, who is a slugger who gets hit way too much due to his lack of defense.  Pacquiao's style of fighting, angling off, throwing combinations and using defense, will surely land him a victory over Rios.  We may even see him get KO'd for the first time in his career.  I'm not saying that Rios doesn't have a chance against Pacquiao who's been knocked out three times, the first coming from Rustico Torrecampo and his latest loss against Juan Manuel Marquez, but Rios will have to have a solid game plan, while going head to head with Manny Pacquiao.  Rios can use Pacquiao's lastet loss to his advantage, in hopes that he will be gun shy from his last knockout loss, but I wouldn't count on it.  As you can see, Pacquiao has been out before and still went on to become one of boxing's top fighters.  He knows how to get knocked out and come back better than ever, Rios, on the other hand, has not had that pleasure!
So this match-up will culminate into one of two things: Pacquiao's win by knockout or Rios' loss by knockout! Rios doesn't have a chance if he goes into the fight like he does his others, slugging and brawling.  Pacquiao will use his experience to out box Rios and become the new Welterweight Champ,  and finding himself paving the way to an unforgettable boxing career.  

"A Way of Life" Sport Karate's Legitimacy

The sport of karate doesn't always get the respect and notoriety that is deserves compared to other combat sports.  Some of you reading this will think aloud, "Karate is a combat sport?" And the answer: It most certainly is! It may not be a hard hitting, ground and pound blood sport as in MMA and boxing, but it has aspects that those other sports can compare to.  In what other sport can your opponent get knocked out, awaken and regroup, to continue fighting and possibly win the match-up? In the world of the UFC and boxing, once your opponent is KO'd, the fight is over, but not in sport karate. 

Sport karate fighters can be considered the toughest athletes, and have to have a lasting endurance and consistency during their match-ups, because 100% of their fights are run tournament style. They enter into fights not knowing who they are matched up against, and fight up to TEN matches to win the tournaments grand championship.  Sport karate fighters also enter into other aspects of the tournament that includes katas and weapons, showing form and skill of a particular style.
Many people don't consider sport karate a professional sport, because the sport lacks professional organizations.  Sport karate fighters are not offered contracts or paid fights that big name MMA and boxing athletes receive, through the many organizations that those sports have established over the years.  Over time, sport karate fighters move on to boxing and MMA in order to receive contracts and endorsements, but you rarely see fighters that have fought in those organizations convert to sport karate for this particular reason.  Sport karate fighters confidence levels become obsolete in regards to this matter, they want to be taken serious as professional athletes and sport karate has not caught up to the professionalism of what makes boxing and mixed martial arts renowned worldwide.
Sport karate is a legitimate sport that can be compared to the likes of MMA, boxing and other combative sports.  For many, karate is not only a sport, but a way of life.  Fighters embrace the aspect of the sport, but understand that karate is in everything that they do.  It is time that sport karate be mentioned in the same breath as any other professional sport played around the world.  So consider this question after reading this article, Is sport karate real? It most certainly is!

 

"Logic Behind the Leather" Mayweather v.s. Alvarez

On September 14'th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Floyd "Money" Mayweather meets Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, for what is promising to be one of the best boxing matches of the decade.  Both boxers have been preparing vigorously for this match-up and sports fans and critics alike are on edge, as the fight is quickly approaching.  Many fans are rallying around Alvarez, with hopes that he will hand Mayweather his first loss in 44 fights, as seen while the two were touring to promote their upcoming bout.  Mayweather has always had his fair share of those who dislike him and in true fashion, care less about what people think of him, letting his flawless record speak for itself.

Let's just state that facts here, Mayweather is undefeated in the ring and here's why: he has the ability to think and make adjustments while in the ring, and his defense is brilliant, not getting hit with as many punches as many of his opponents.  He has shown poise and is able to weather the storm against tough fighters like Shane Mosely and Chop Chop Corley, whom he was hurt by.  Mayweather was able to neutralize his opponents and ultimately claim victory against the two fighters.  There have been boxers who were taller, stronger and faster, but has failed to capitalize from these advantages. 

Canelo Alvarez is one of the slickest, Mexican fighters around.  Alvarez's potential is impressive, with a record of 42-0-1, he is looking to upset Mayweather and make a bigger name for himself.  Alvarez has shown growth in his defense, as seen in his fight against Trout, but hasn't fought anyone close to Mayweather's level and needs his defense to be second to none against someone as skilled as Floyd.  Alvarez gets hit often, something that he can't afford to do against Mayweather.  In Alvarez's bout against Trout, he was outboxed for the majority of the fight.  Alvarez fought in spurts, getting lethargic and calling his stamina into question.  Alvarez dropped Trout with a right hand, because the lack of Trout's state of readiness, something that he won't get a chance to do against Mayweather.  He will unquestionably have to box Mayweather for the entire 48 minutes if he wants to have a chance against Mayweather.

Canelo Alvarez has a bright future as a boxing champion, but he will surely be tested by the future hall of famer.  Mayweather will fight a superb fight and Alvarez will have to compete on his level, something he hasn't experienced in all the bouts he's fought so far.  This fight will undoubtedly be spectacular, but with that said, Canelo Alvarez will be taken to school by Mayweather, who will show what a phenom he truly is, reigning supreme at the end of the fight!