1 TheBoxing Biographies Newsletter Volume3 - No1 10th July , 2008 www.boxingbiographies.com
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Welcome to this special edition to celebrate Our 1st anniversary
We officially launched the site on 4th July 2007 and the response from day one was quite staggering when we stood back and watched the visitor hits grow and grow. The introduction of a newsletter to go with the web site has proved to be a great success and the number of subscribers continues to rise, and the number of research related enquiries. None of this would have been possible had my good pal Grim , the owner of the wbf , not provided his expertise and resources to host the site. The mistakes on some of the layouts I hasten to add are all down to me – I will fix them. As far as the future goes with regards to the site it is to be quite honest a case of maintaining the level of new material introduced .
I can think of no better way to celebrate the success than to share with you some of the stories about my dad – absolutely no bias in this choice then is there eh - 2
Name: Fred Snell Career Record: click Alias: Frederick John (Jack) Snell Birth Name: Frederick John Snell Nationality: British Birthplace: Birkenhead, England Hometown: Toronto, ON - Birkenhead Born: 1901-06-14 Died: 1996-03-01 Age at Death: 94 Stance: Orthodox Height: 5′ 8″ Division: Light Heavyweight Manager: Jack Jarvis
Also fought as Jack Snell. He spent some two years in Canada (1924-26). Reportedly he had some 20 fights, including opponents such as Red Meech, Johnny Klesh, and Johnny Paske. Life
Fred Snell was born in Birkenhead, Wirral, Uk and started boxing at the age of 16 and was a great lover of the outdoor life and spent much of his spare time at the Leasowe camping site a few miles from where he lived. By 1924 he had taken part in at least 100 fights but only some details of these are available at this time. He had completed his apprenticeship at the local shipyard as a boilermaker and had the urge to travel.
He worked his passage to Canada in 1924 as a steward and settled at first in Toronto. One of his fights was with Chief Halftown which degenerated into something worthy of a music hall farce. Fred ( my Dad) was unaware that the local gangsters had there money on Halftown . Fred knocked him clean out of the ring only to find a mad dash of men in suits throw him back in. Fred lost the fight on an alleged foul as it was the only way Halftown could win.
The night before this fight was also quite memorable and he wondered later if this was just a chance event. Sitting in his hotel room trying to relax when two men broke into the room and pointed a gun at him.
Much to their surprise Fred's response was to say "How dare you point a gun at me I'am an Englishman f..k off" . They then asked him where some other guy was and got the same reply. They then left saying they would try upstairs where the sound of a party could be heard going on. Fred never found out what happened at the party. ( This is the only time I ever heard Dad swear )
In Oct of 1924 Fred had managed to save enough to pay for his future wife Peggy to join him from England. The day she arrived was not the best of timing as he had a fight that same day with Johnny Paske, which he won on points. When asked about whether she was non to pleased about this he simply said "she was a bit put out" " but seeing me win seemed to settle things". They married some 2 weeks later. 3
Stories about Leasowe camping site
" TED COMES OUT TO STAY."
I have to inform all and sundry both Mr.and Mrs, that Ted Fairbrother has commenced camping out. It has been a keen struggle against great odds to losing ones individuality among the flotsam and jetsam of the camping fraternity, but those people who observed Ted with a frying pan in one hand and a yard of bacon know that at long last he is one of us. He will be initiated into the brotherhood at the earliest opportunity, but under the loving caro ( care) of Fred Snell, himself a past master in the art of camping. Ted should obtain rapid promotion until he reaches that exalted stage only occupied by men who can fry an egg without inflicting a compound fracture on the yoke. "Hail brother, and how's yer rabbits?
Published by -Birkenhead News Date pre 1924
JOTTINGS FROM THE "PIVI" (By "Mirk.")
A very happy evening was spent at the "Pivi" on Wednesday on the occasion of the final of the fox-trot competition.
Mr and Mrs Dutton, N.A.T.D., and B.M.U., were judges and one feels that the management of the "Pivi" are to be complemented on securing experts with such a comprehensive knowledge of the finer art of dancing.
Twenty couples took to the floor to pass the keen eyes of the judges, and when Mr Dutton gave the decision it certainly was popular. The winners were; 1. Mr J. Tomlinson (dancing shoes) and Miss A.Ward (dancing shoes); 2,
Mr F. Snell (wallet) and Miss P.Barnfather (handbag); Mr. W .Owens (gloves) and Miss Thornton (gloves). The winner will receive their awards this (Saturday) evening, when I am sure that they will give us an exhibition of the art of dancing.
The only unpleasant feature of the programme on Wednesday evening was a presentation of a pocket wallet to Mr F.Snell on the occasion of his departure to Canada. I don't think Fred will go entirely out of our lives, for having known him for many years as a camper we know he wouldn't dare to leave that writing pad unused.
I am sure we wish him good-luck, and when he has made that fortune he is going to seek he will come and look up his old pals in Moreton and perhaps give back the butter he borrowed from Len.
Published by Birkenhead News Date pre 1924
TAKE NOTE
Well, I have said enough for to day, so will hang fire with any further notes. Remember; please keep me posted with all the news of the camp. If you cannot find me at the Press Tent on the common write to
CAMPER "Advertiser" Office, Birkenhead. 4
Our Lady Barber
Fred Snell writes to thank me for kindly referring to his assistant cook last week. However, I am sorry that as last week's issue was being published, Ted Fairbrother was at home with sickness in the family, and I can only hope that by now the sickness has gone and that all is merry and bright in the Fairbrother household. This wish will be re-echoed by campers generally. It may not be known that Fred Snell has started a hair-dressing establishment presided over by his good lady, who can use the scissors splendidly. A basin gives the cut line and a carpet brush completes the stock-in-trade. There is no truth in the rumour of Fred's bandages indicate his first encounter with the lady barber, who is alleged to knock patrons unconscious before proceeding with the tonsorial operations. Fred's face is a legacy of the stadium where men do have such fun.
Those Angels Again
Then again there are the angels of Mons, who serenade me every Saturday and Sunday. Beyond Fred Snell there is not a singer in the whole gang, and if Fred Snell was a woman with paralysis in both arms, I'd knock his face through the embankment. But discretion is the better part of valour, and I am reluctantly compelled to say Fred can sing. I would also say something about Poll's tenor, but then again, he borrows my clock and theres nothing I hate more than the noise of an alarm bell in the still sacred hours of the morning. Warly can emit a ghastly shriek and Matt has a large piece of glass stuck tightly in his throat. In fact the angels are all affected in some way with the exception, may I hasten to add, of Fred Snell. However, I shall take further note of their songs on a future occasion, and may possibly be able to print a photo of this charming choir under the title of Should Worms Turn.
Fred Snell explains
Last week I inadvertently stated that our old pal Fred Snell had once falled in the ditch at Morton. Fred came down to interview me on Sunday, and I regret that such an error crept into these notes which usually are the embodiment of unadulterated truth. Over a cup of coffee and a cigar Fred and I tried to find out where the rumour about him falling in the ditch originated, but the quest ended in failure. It would appear however that the rumour might have gathered something in its telling, because really I think it began like this. ...Fred was making a stew for dinner and, after searching all the bins for potato peelings, cigarette ends, bandages, sardine tins, bits of rope, cabbage leaves and radish tops, in fact after searching for anything likely to make the stew appear rich, Fred looked for all the world as if he had fallen in the ditch but I was wrong in surmising, the only real misfortune that has befallen my friend occurred last week when he got stuck in the mud and had to cleave a passage through with his face. This incident has left him with Stick in the Mud as a nickname, but I am glad of the opportunity of being able to correct the impression that he had fallen in the ditch. There is now of course no need whatever to condemn the ditch.
FRED SNELL, OFF TO CANADA
I have heard that our old pal Mr.Fred Snell leaves England's shores today to try his luck in the colonies. Canada is the land of his choice, and Fred is going out first to do some harvesting and then to watch for that opportunity which comes but once in a mans life. Hope our old pal will be mindful of the fact that he must keep his eyes open, and from what I know of him I don't doubt that Fred will be on the alert to grasp the chance which should soon come his way. During his 5 life as a camper at Moreton Fred Snell has always shown a considerate regard for others, and has never failed to respond when called upon for his valuable assistance. A thorough gentleman through and through, always in demand at social functions, and gifted as an entertainer, Fred has qualities which should soon win him a place in the affections of the people he is destined to have as his future neighbours.
On behalf of all the campers at Moreton, and writing officially as a member of the Leasowe Camping Association, I am sure I am voicing the sentiments of all and sundry in wishing Fred the very best of luck in his new sphere of activity, and may he never regret taking the drastic step of leaving the land of his birth to seek fortune in pastures new. I hope to hear from Fred from time to time, and it will always be my privilege to give through these notes the welcome news that he is making good. Fred's photo and a few other details appear in our boxing column elsewhere in this issue.
Published by Birkenhead News Date 1924 OFF TO CANADA.
My colleague "Camper" informs me that Fred Snell is going to Canada today and that he intends to make his home in the colonies. Thus another of our prominent local boxers has left the town, and the best wishes of his numerous admirers are extended to Snell who has been frequently seen at the Stadium and who as always shown such promise as a boxer
Published by Birkenhead News Date 1924 News from Ottawa.
Here is another interesting communication sent to me by Fred Snell. The Birkenhead boxer who two or three years ago tried his fortune in Canada, from Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, as follows...just a few more lines to report progress. I am writing from Ottowa, I fought here last night, July 30th, (reported as 29th July 1924 ) against Tex McKewan who went 8 rounds with Young Stribling a month ago. I succeeded in making a draw with him, although I only weighed 151.5 pounds to his 174 pounds. My weight was published at 160...but that was to the card look better for the promoter.
On the 6th June I fought Billy Johnston of Stockport, England, and I put him away in 30 seconds. He was 158 pounds to my 158 and a half pounds.
Then on the 14th July, I fought Chief Halftown of Buffalo, but lost on an alleged foul, which was unmerited. My weight was 158 to his 163. Things are slack here in the boxing game, but in a few weeks time they will brighten up and I expect some good work. Jack Reddick keeps on doing well. He k.o Soldier Johns again. I trained him for this fight again. Reddick and I are great pals now. We had a holiday together cruising round the Great Lakes. We had a fine time. Best wishes to yourself and the boys.
When Chief Halftown had sampled several rib crackers from Fred Snell and had been sent through the ropes to the floor Hayes stood in a maze and did not count the Indian out in ten seconds as the rules demand. The first error being allowed, halftown should have been disqualified when returning to the ring as he was pushed up by his second and several others, and the rules distinctly state the the boxer must return to the ring inside 10 seconds unaided. Why the boxing Commission allowed those errors to pass unchecked is a mystery, especially when Hayes repeated his error when Jones fell to the 6 ground, and he hesitated to count the injured boxer out. The hall intervened, but the soldier failed to answer the gong and was counted out lying on the floor. Reddick had won, and won well, and the argument was settled once and for all.
Hayes cannot produce any boxing rule authorising him to allow any boxer time to recover from falling from the ring, unless perhaps he has reason to believe the boxer was fouled on being sent out. On none of the occasions last evening did he have cause to believe fouls had taken place. Allan Holmes put up his usual battle against Bobby Hamilton of Syracuse, but he lost the decision.
Boxing Show Card is Well Balanced
Snell - McKewan Bout attracts much attention. Reddick and Edwards in main bout
The program which the Ottawa Auditorium Company has arranged in connection with next Wednesday's big boxing show is, undoubtedly, one of the finest ever offered in Canada. Not only will the bout between Reddick, middleweight champion of Canada, and now claimant of the lightweight title, and Joe Edwards of Cleveland , be a sensational affair, but the match between Tex McKewan, of Ottawa, and Fred Snell of Birkenhead, England, will also be a top liner. Mckewan made such a splendid showing in his recent fight against Tommy Burns that local fight fans were keen that he should be given another chance. Tex has been training faithfully and is determined to knock Snell out and force the powers that be to give him another chance at Burns.
In Fred Snell, however, McKewan is meeting a real tough customer. Snell is 23 years of age and he was born Birkenhead. He weighs about 165 lbs. And is one of the hardest hitters in the game. Since coming to Canada Snell has won four out of his five fights by the knockout route. Before coming to Canada he fought Billy Mack, former English and European welterweight champion, two fifteen round draws: defeated Tommy Phillips, the Welsh middleweight champion: through a knockout in the fifteenth round: beat Chris Jenkins in four rounds, and Jim Lewis in three rounds.
Snell has become quite a strong favourite in Toronto and is in great demand. He is a fair haired battler, who will have to give weight and reach, but he has had plenty of experience, and will no doubt, give a good account of himself.
A bald-headed customer.
Enclosed in this letter Fred forwarded some newspaper cuttings regarding his fight with Mckewan from which I cull these. Tex McKewan and Fred Snell of Toronto were adjudged to be tied, a decision that did not meet with popular acclaim. Many contending that Snell should have been given the verdict.
Snell a workmanlike customer with a bald head, a tanned body and a typical British ring style, gave Mckewan plenty to think of....Tex showed to better advantage than in his fight with Burns, and while he lost several rounds he staged a strong comeback in the 7th and 8th and a margin in the last. Snell excelled in in fighting, but at long range he found Mckewan superior weight a bit hard to handle.
To the judges it looked as if Snell and McKewan had split even on the fighting in their bout. The crowd didn't relish this verdict and made that plain in no unmistakable terms. Snell gave way 14 pounds in weight., but he waded in as if he was going to eat Tex up. The latter met him more than half way, and a slashing go saw them fighting hard all the way. Snell showed more science and kept after Mckewan constantly, the latter at times spattered him at times with right and left but they did not have enough conviction to them to bother him. 7
Fred Snell's Letter.
From Canada comes word about another Morton camper, Mr. Fred Snell, who will also be recognised as the promising local boxer. Fred writes from General Delivery, Cornwall, Ontario and his letter dated May 15th ( 1924-5) is as follows...... The time has arrived when I think of my friends at Morton, putting up their old tents, and I know it is up to me to write and wish campers all kinds of good weather and a happy season. I suppose even Morton has changed since I left the homeland, but I don't believe than anything but a good shower of rain can change the common or affect the good times you have there. One of these days I'll be back to borrow a drop of paraffin or a bathing costume. Mrs. Snell is keeping very well and she joins with me in thanking campers for their good wishes.
I guess that is all I can say now, so I hope you will convey my regards to the Leasowe Camping Association and the campers in general. I can assure Fred that we often think of him and his Mrs. as well, and I might remind him that there is a vacant site on the common kept nice and dry for him on his return. We miss lads of Fred's type nowadays. It is because the young men is deserting us that camping is not quite as it used to be, with all its big social programme and a 101 and activities that seemed to swallow up the minutes and gave us more interest in our pastime. I would like to hear something of another old camper, Dick Morris, who left these shores for Australia a couple of years ago and has not reported to me since. Some day, about 50 years hence, we will hold a campers reunion at the old Pivy, with Mr. Dick Ledsome in the chair and a bevy of has-beens, and neverwases, seated round him in solemn conclave.
Canada press cutting
By Lou E. Marsh
The main do up at the Standard theatre last night between the Birkenhead Basher and Johnny klesch of Cleveland wasn't quite the desperate duel the boy's expected, but it was affair battle at that. That it wasn't a toe to toe sockology was not the Clevelander's fault. He wanted to fight but Snell was not agreeable.
Klesch made his first appearance since Frank Barrieau, the coast boy handcuffed him and left-handed his way to a points decision over him here, hit Snell with everything except manager Jerry Sachs first name, but he couldn't stop the wide set English lad. He even knocked him out into the bleachers but Snell popped back and disdaining a count battled away.
Klesch won from here to yonder on points slugging and everything else but grim courage Snell, who for some reason or other lacked confidence and refused to lead, took a good lacing gamely. Klesch had a left that landed 8 like the butt end of a crowbar and his right crashed over like a sock full of well-seasoned cement, but Snell refused to go down except once. On that occasion Klesch punched him clean through the ropes. What held Snell up mystified the ringsiders his knees buckled several times. klesch cut loose with everything he had but Snell absorbed it like a sponge. Several times the Birkenhead boy surprised klesch with a flurry and sent Klesch back on his heels, but when the Clevelander showed signs of wanting to stand toe to toe and battle it to a one to ten decision Snell ceased fire. Klesch came out with a cut eye but the collection of the judge's slips was a mere formality. After the second round Klesch stood out as the winner and the wagering Walter's were laying two to one Snell would listen to a mob of mocking birds before the fourth was over. Klesch made a hit with the fans and they want to see him back against Harry Henning, Jack Reddick Tommy burns of Detroit or some other good tough 160 pounder who will stand and trade smackers with him.
Reddick calls Foley
Dad pictured with Jack Reddick
Jack Reddick the light heavy weight champion calls both Foley and troy to win by knockouts- but the Reddick is a westerner and he trains with both of them. If Foley could not knock Mayberry out of his chances of fanning Johnson to sleep are not too rosy. In fact if there are any sleeping potions to be administered Johnson looks like the M.D in the case. Reddick has a lot of nerve to call Troy to Kayo Snell. Of course one punch will do it but Troy is not a Johnny Klesch and Klesch is the only man Snell has faced who did anything rude to him. The other three bouts look like toss-ups all the way. The first bout will be called as usual at 8.30. The card calls for 34 rounds of battling.
Joey troy of Moosjaw 149.5 lbs was called over Fred Snell of Toronto 153lb. The latter outscored the westerner but was warned repeatedly for unfair tactics, which lost for him. At that Troy had the better of the earlier rounds, but foolishly tried to box Snell instead of continuing to fight him. The crowd demonstrated against the decision but referee Hughes made the listen to the reasons for the decision
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOXING CONTEST
Fred Snell who was been employed at the new Silk Mill since April last has been training hard for several weeks with the intention of meeting Red Meech of Toronto a sensational middleweight boxer, in a ten round bout at the Victoria rink Cornwall on Thursday night July 16th.
Snell has take up his home permanently in Cornwall. He is one of the best known middleweights in the country is as hard as a nail, and when he and Meech meet one of the best exhibitions of the manly art ever witnessed in Cornwall should be the result. Those who have seen the Silk Mill man at work say that he is a goer from the drop of a hat. He has a large following among the employees of the big industry just east of the town and there is sure to be a big crowd in attendance when he and Meech toe the line in the Victoria Rink on the 16th instant. A number of good preliminaries will be put on the same night. 9
Boxing exhibition
Before a large crowd at the Victoria rink on Monday evening some clever boxing exhibitions were given which greatly pleased the fans. The feature bout was of ten rounds with Fred Snell of Cornwall, and Red Meech of Toronto, as the principals. Although no decision was given it was generally agreed that the local man was entitled to a victory on points. Snell made his first appearance in the local ring and lovers of the art were satisfied that he was a good piece of stuff. This bout was quite shifty from start to finish.BOXING NOTES By "RINGSIDER"
Quite a number of Birkenhead boxers or in foreign parts trying to get more out of life than they got here. To mention only three Berny Nolan, and Dick Morris and now Fred Snell, has broken silence. Writing to me from Montreal dated May 1st, he says" I am sending you some news for your column, as I think some of the fans would like to hear how I am doing. I had been unable to get a fight in Montreal, although I have been here since December , but last Friday, April 25th, Wally Hopwood, an old opponent of mine at the stadium , secured a match for me at Toronto with Johnny Wolgast, of Philadelphia - brother of Kid Wolgast - at 160lbs. I have developed into a middle weight since coming to this country. However, I have won by a technical knock-out in four rounds after a good fight. I trained for this fight with Jack Reddick, middleweight champion of Canada. He is fighting Kid Moose on the 16th. This will be Mooses first fight here, but I cannot see him being the victor , as Reddick is a terrific puncher. He knocked out Soldier Johns, the man who beat Arthur Townley in London.
A THICK EAR
"The fight" continues Snell " was on the same card as Wolgast and myself, and Reddick put Johns away in five rounds, although only scaling 168lbs. to johns 1763/4lb. On Wednesday, April 30th, I fought in Montreal one Paul Lahaye, a light heavyweight. He scaled 1763/4lb to my 159lb. I got the decision after a tough fight, and I also got a thick ear, but I think I will go down all right. It is a bit unfortunate, because it will put me of for a week or two. I shall have to forego two fights at Toronto, and also one at Madison-square-Gardens, New York, if it is not better in time. However I will trust to luck. Best wishes to yourself and all of my friends."
BOXING NOTES By "RINGSIDER"
A MODEST TONE
It will be noticed that Snell preserves a modest tone regarding his contests, simply stating the facts, but quotations from cuttings of Montreal newspapers which he was forwarded will give some idea of the show he has put up. one account say's : Snell in his first appearance in this country at Toronto Friday, knocked out Johnny Wolgast, the tough Johnny Wolgast battler in a hurricane match showing both ability to take and give, and Lou Marsh, the Toronto writer, who knows a fighter when he sees one, says of him: Snell caught the fans favour with his hard punching and excellent defence. He had a tough, rugged opponent in Johnny Wolgast of Philadelphia but he blocked most of Wolgast's heavy punches, and in the third and forth round, punched him goofy. he Had Wolgast ready for the cleaners when the towel came in. Snell is sure of future engagements here. 10
TORONTO DAILY STAR RUGGED BIRKENHEAD BOY IN TOUGH SPOT Fred Snell asked to meet Johnny Paske in Ebber-Mayberry semi-wind-up
Jack Corcoran matchmaker for the Queensberry A.C., is back at his old tricks .Not content with wresting the Ebber_Mayberry Canadian Championship away from all opposition in Hamilton and Toronto, and clinching the date October 10- with the Ontario Athletic Commission he is starting in to bolster up a main bout that needs no boltering-or boosting either for that matter- with some bouts that would do for an all star card ,Today he turned over to the secretary P.Fitzgerald of the O.A.C. the contracts call for a six-round bout between Fred Snell the Birkenhead middleweight and Johnny Paske of Buffalo. Snell is the burly little old country blonde who clouted Bill Johnson of Sheffield, K.O. Johnny Wolgast of Philadelphia and Chief Halftown of Jamestown into slumberland so suddenly and decisively that the fans commenced to plead for a bout between Snell and Jack Reddick.
I don't think Snell is big enough or tough enough for Reddick just yet, said Corcoran to-day, But if he can knock Johnny Paske horizontal then he can have a main bout with me against any man he names, that is if he names a good one.
Corcoran is certainly picking them soft like cement for "Biscuits" Snell. This Paske boy was going along with the best of the middleweight contenders until a year ago when he had a brainstorm and potted a referee with a perfectly timed right cross. The boxing moguls put Paske away for a year for that breach of ring etiquette. Since he has been back working at his trade he has polished off four fair boys and "Red"Carr, his manager thinks he can trim Snell and get a main bout here.next Friday night should see someone torpedoed. End.
SNELL MEETS TARTAR
Fred Snell the slugging Englishman who has finished most of his bouts by knockouts in the early rounds, found a tartar in the veteran Johnny Paske. In the second round Paske opened up and sent Snell to the canvas with a right to the head. After that Snell was cautious. But in the last three rounds Snell forced things, and though Paske held a lot Snell managed to pile up points.However, Snell's margin was none too great. There was more "mauling" than boxing.
End
FRED SNELL
Supporting the main bout is a card "which quite measured up to the standard set at previous Queensbury shows. In the semi-final Fred Snell the Birkenhead Eng, middleweight will meet a real test in the Person of Johnny Paske of Buffalo .Snell has been sweeping the Canadian and united states opposition ruthlessly to one side . His loss on a foul to Chief Halftown is scarcely to his detriment. The match while it lasted was all one sided only an accident preventing Snell from scoring another easy victory. Paske is a middleweight who has met the best and those who have seen him box predict that he will provide a distinct surprise for the Englishman. A boy who can mingle with men like Johnny Carr , Bryan Downey and Johnny Wilson should be no easy mark, even for Snell. They box 6 rounds at 160lbs. The other preliminaries will be announced early in the week. End 11
CLAIMED FOUL ( How they managed to change his name from Fred to Art is a puzzle )
Art Snell 158lb lost to Chief Halftown, 163 lb of Jameston on a foul in the first round. Snell outclassed the Indian and twice knocked him down, the first time clean out of the ring. He was assisted into the ring by his seconds and others and on his second knockdown claiming a foul, it was allowed after examination by the medical examiners
Fred Snell the English Middleweight should stop the Jamestown Indian in the semi-final. Snell packs a terrific punch and any man who can kayo Johnny Wolgast from Philadelphia can stop any of these chaps like Halftown whose chief claim to fame is that they are durable willing mixers and extend champions any time they are set in there against him
Fred Snell of Birkenhead met a fellow-countryman in Bill Johnson, of Stockport. Johnson, a new arrival in Toronto ring was greeted warmly by Snell before the opening of hostilities, and the way those boy's shook hands reminded us of the meeting of long lost friends. But when the fun started, it looked like an Italian vendetta, with Snell doing all the rough work. Bill pushed a long left into Fred's face and Snell just walked in and socked Bill so hard that he landed on the canvas quicker than an aviator can make a forced landing.
Snell can surely punch, and should he be matched with Jack Reddick will have to keep his weather eye on Snell`s right fin, otherwise he will experience the same feeling as he did, when Soldier Jones stroked his benign countenance.
Snell wins quickly
The meeting between Fred Snell of Birkenhead and Bill Johnson of Stockport England came to an abrupt conclusion in the first round, Snell winning by a technical knockout. Johnson was floored with a right swing for the count of nine, and when he got to his feet was subjected to a peppering which he could not withstand, and the bout was stopped to prevent further punishment to the Stockport boxer. Johnson comes to Canada with a boxing record of having beaten some very good men on the other side, but he was beaten last night before the spectators had an opportunity to get a line on his ability.
Snell whose one other appearance in a local ring was also a victory, is a very likely looking boxer, and there is some likelihood of his being matched by one of the local clubs to go ten rounds with Jack Reddick, recent conqueror of "Soldier Jones" and the winner of several bouts in the west since he knocked out the local heavyweight. Snell weighed 158lbs and Johnson158 3/4.
1924 Not Known
Making his first appearance in America, Fred Snell of Birkenhead, England, came in at 160 pounds against John Wolgast of Philadelphia who weighed a 158 pounds ( April 25).. Snell was the better man throughout the 4 rounds of the contest. He was declared the winner on a knockout in the fourth round, when Wolgast was no 12 longer able to defend himself. He went down under a fusillade of rights and lefts and his handlers tossed a towel into the ring in token of his surrender. Snell boxed differently from most old country performers displaying a fast two handed attack with good footwork and a defence that Wolgast could not penetrate. Snell will be a welcome addition to the local colony of boxers. He came to America about a month ago but was unable to get bouts here and recently came to Toronto
Snell Is Good
Fred Snell, the English middleweight, caught the fans favour with his hard punching and excellent defence. He had a tough rugged opponent in Johnny Wolgast of Philadelphia, but he blocked most of Wolgast's heavy punches, but in the third and fourth punched him goofy. He had Wolgast ready for the cleaners when the towel came in. Snell is sure of future engagements here.
Fred Snell Victor
In the opening bout a meeting between Paul Lahaye former amateur and Fred Snell who came to Montreal from England some time ago. Snell was given the decision after a gruelling encounter. Snell was conceding many pounds in weight to Lahaye and out-pointed him in the closing rounds by almost two to one. Lahaye did not look to be in the best of condition, and although he fought a hard battle in the first few rounds he tired in the latter part of the bout and devoted his greatest efforts to holding on to save himself from punishment. The bout marked the introduction of Snell to local fight fans. He scored a victory by the knock out route in his last encounter, which was at Toronto, and should hold his own against the majority of Canadian middleweight fighters. Snell was fighting under a heavy handicap; he only weighed 159 pounds, while Lahaye weighed 173. Then he was also at a disadvantage in reach. Lahaye being much taller and having a much greater reach. In the early stages, Snell stood off and boxed his opponent without much success. In the 6th round he started closing in with Lahaye and soon battled him into submission. The fight was more of a slugging match than a boxing encounter, and lacked science almost throughout.
Snell new attraction in pro bouts
Friday Snell an excellent middleweight with an excellent record compiled in the old country, will be a new face in boxing circles next Wednesday night at the St. Dennis Centre Theatre. Snell, who has been here about a month, and has impressed local fans with his gymnasium work, was signed yesterday to battle Paul Lahaye, the rugged French Canadian light heavyweight. The two will weigh in the vicinity of 170 pounds. Lahaye is a steadily improving fighter and it is expected the pair will furnish a slugging battle. They are scheduled for 6 rounds.
Friday Snell the opponent for Paul Lahaye, Wednesday night, must be a real fighter, for he stopped Johnny Wolgast of Philadelphia in one of the semi finals to the Reddick-Jones scrap in Toronto last night. Snell picked up no soft spot for Johnny Wolgast is a tough battler who has been holding his own with the best. Lahaye put on speed in his training when he heard the news today.
BOXING NOTES
( By Ringsider) ------SNELL'S FINE ACHIEVMENT.
It is becoming more and more imperative that the Birkenhead admirers of Fred Snell, who has never looked back since he returned from Canada, should be afforded the opportunity of seeing him in action. Fred 13 accomplished a fine boxing performance last Monday, when at a boxing tournament at the Drill hall Wolverhampton in aid of the Chief Constable's Boot Fund he met Piet Brand, the welterweight champion of Holland and knocked him out in the first of what should have been a fifteen- rounds contest. Snell lost no time in getting at close quarters, and inflicted heavy punishment with body punches. He eventually got his opponent on the ropes and with successive right and left to the body and then to the head sent him down for the full count. The fight only lasted 2 mins and 10 seconds. It will be remembered that Jack Hood could not stop Brand, only winning on points over fifteen rounds, so that the merit of Snell's performance will be appreciated. Brand's challenge for a return match , at Wolverhampton in six weeks time has been accepted by Snell.
BOUTS AT WOLVERHAMPTON
PIET BRAND'S SUMMARY DEFEAT BY JACK SNELL
A successful charity-boxing tournament was staged at the drill Hall, Wolverhampton last night. The principal event was fifteen rounds contest between Piet Brand welterweight champion of Holland and Jack Snell, welterweight champion of Canada for £50 a side and purse. Both men weighed in at 11st 2lb. The contest had a disappointing finish, the Dutchman being knocked out in the first round. Snell lost no time in getting at close quarters, and inflicted heavy punishment with body punches. He eventually got his opponent on the ropes and with successive right and left to the body and then to the head sent him down for the full count. The fight lasted only 2min 10sec. Brand's challenge for a return match for £100 a side to be staged in Wolverhampton in six weeks time was accepted by Snell.
BOXERS WEIGH IN AT 11ST 2LB THE TOURNAMENT AT THE DRILL HALL BRAND AND SNELL EXPECTED IN RING AT 9.15P.M.
The boxing tournament promoted by the Wolverhampton Business and sportsmen's Committee in aid of the Mayor's Distress fund, the Chef Constables Boot Fund, and the Children's camp Fund is to be held at the Drill Hall this evening, promises to be a great success from all points of view.
The principals in the chief contest, Piet Brand, welterweight champion of Holland and Jack Snell welterweight champion of Canada weighed in at 2pm this afternoon, and each turned the scale at 11st 2lb. Both had trained strenuously and looked to be in perfect condition. This ceremony over the men were photographed with the members of the committee in the ring and afterwards went away to get to bed and rest. It is anticipated that they will be in the ring about 9.15pm.
Snell who commenced fighting when he was 16, and is now 24 has taken part in 120 contests. He was born at Birkenhead and went to Canada four years ago 14
EXCITING BOXING AT THE BOLTON STADIUM
The principal contest at the Bolton Stadium last night was a 10 3 minute round contest between Harry Briers, St.Helens and Cal Rooney, Canada. A good house saw a brisk opening by the Canadian, but Briers countered well. His opponent was the more aggressive and landed a useful right hook that would have shaken a less sturdy opponent.
The Canadian devoted much attention to the body and by the end of the third round was in the lead. Briers shortened his punches during the next rounds and although he took he took a wicked right near the end, he had slightly the better of the round. The fifth was a pure slogging match with the Canadian just nosing ahead.
Though the contest the contest was not conspicuously clever, the punching throughout was very fierce, and though the Canadian seemed to be giving away weight, he made an excellent first appearance in Bolton.
SNELL AGAIN
Fred Snell, the Birkenhead boxer, is steadily forging ahead, and on Saturday night he gained another victory, this time over Porcher. Snell by the way boxes under the name off Jack Snell, and it is rather curious how this came about. By an error , in his first contest in this country after returning from Canada, he was billed as Jack Snell. He won that contest handsomely, and with the boxers usual superstition he thought the error had brought him luck. Moreover Jack happens to be his second name and he decided to stick to it for boxing purposes.
Published by Date 1926 Feb approx.
A POINTS VICTORY WITH A MORAL
Etienne Claeys must be a rattling good man. It is on record that he was able to beat , and to score a more than technical KO over jack Snell of Canada well inside 3 rounds, after winning from pillar to post; yet on Saturday last Snell was able to win on points over Raymond Porcher, the ex welterweight champion of France. It was some fight all the way, featured by some knock downs.
15 Rounds Contest at 11st. . 2lb Jack Snell (Canada) ( 11st. 2lb) beat Raymond Porcher (France) ( 10st 12lb) 15
Snell went in with a somewhat open guard at the start. He was exploiting a left lead with but small regard for any possible counter, and as a result got caught by a straight right to the jaw , which shook him so visibly that one trembled lest Porcher should push his advantage. Snell recovered quickly - so quickly, in fact that Porcher evidently distrusted his own achievement, and as Snell pressed him at once fell back on defence. The Canadian was taking the fight to him and Porcher was mainly concerned with parries and avoidarces . Still, it developed as a somewhat rugged bout in which Snell was ever striving to land a damaging wallop. On forcing alone Snell was entitled to the marginal points, on most of the rounds, but he has the mistake of leaving openings, and got dropped in the seventh by a left counter to the jaw. This was perhaps due to a slip as much to the punch as Snell rose at "two" to go "all out" for his man. Porcher continued to box on the defensive for the main part, while Snell pressed for all he was worth. Speaking strictly and with all due deference to Mr. Kenrick, we thought that Porcher had just about got home at the close, but the verdict went to Snell.
Published by Date 1926 Feb approx.
DRAWN CONTEST AT THE RING PORCHER AND SNELL IN HARD BOUT
Jack Snell, a Canadian boxer who has had several bouts at the Ring, appeared there again last night in a fifteen round contest at 11st 2lb with Raymond Porcher, of France.
It was a return contest, Snell having received the decision in a close bout when the pair were in opposition last month. The supporters of Porcher did not agree with the verdict on that occasion , and last night's was the outcome.
Snell had suffered but one reverse in London, where he was knocked out by the Frenchman Etienne, who, however had an advantage of several pounds.
At the weighing-in yesterday afternoon Snell weighed 11st 2lb and Porcher 10st 12lb. Snell scored much the faster in the begging against an opponent who relied altogether on swinging blows; but after a time he became slower, and ran into many heavy deliveries. It was an interesting, if not greatly exciting, bout, and both worked hard to the end, when the decision was a draw.
Referee Mr. Jim Kenrick; timekeeper, Mr C.H. Nichols ; M.C., Mr George Harris; seconds Fred Duffett, George Proctor, Ben Brown and Dave Burke.
FIFTEEN 3MIN.Round contest at 11st2lb Jack Snell (Canada) and Raymond Porcher (France) 10 st 12 .5lb boxed a draw. They started at a good pace with Snell boxing on forced lines against an opponent whose defence seemed somewhat shaky . Porcher being on the defensive for practically the whole of the first round. Snell was cautioned for using his head before the round ended. The pair exchanged punches with little advantage to either at the beginning of the second meeting, but half-way through the round Snell reached his man with a right swing which all but upset Porcher, who, however soon recovered.
Snell was much the quicker, but he found Porcher a very tough customer , and often resorted to holding when they came together. In the third round Porcher recieved three rights to the head, and was made to miss time and time again, but occasionally he hooked his left hand to Snell's jaw. 16
Just before the end o the fourth round a left swing to the jaw took Snell off his feet and sent him down, but the bell rang while he was still on the boards. In the close quarter exchanges Porcher looked much the stronger, but Snell landed a number of swinging rights during the fifth round , although he made little impression on Porcher. Up to this point it had been a hard rather than brilliant bout, with Porcher getting the more power behind his punches.
Snell began to show signs of weariness when the seventh round opened , and he appeared shaken when Porcher caught him with a right uppercut to the chin .The Frenchman was now doing more of the attacking, and Snell was compelled to break ground repeatedly.
Porcher had a habit of pushing his man's head back with his forearm and this earned him a reproof from the referee in the eighth round. Although on the retreat Snell continued to send out his left to Porcher's face, but he took a few hard punches in the ninth round, and was down momentarily from a right to the stomach.
In the following round Snell was steadied several times by left swings to the jaw, but he all but brought down Porcher with a right hand counter to the chin.
Both continued to fight strongly, and each in turn was shaken fairly frequently. Snell hit the straighter with his left, but he again took to holding at close quarters, with the result that he was again cautioned in the twelfth round. Porcher did practically all the attacking in the remaining rounds, and the verdict of a draw just about met the case.
MARCH 26 , 1926 SNELL DRAWS WITH PORCHER STRENUOUS BOXING IN RETURN BOUT AT THE RING
BY :"RIGHT CROSS"
Had either Jack Snell of Canada or Raymond Porcher of France known how to get the maximum effect out of their punches - they certainly landed often enough- their contest at the ring last night must have ended in a decisive victory for one or the other, instead of going the full distance for a draw to be declared. In my opinion a draw was a fitting result to a very hard fight for Snell, who stood out as the more accomplished boxer, fell away after having scoring in the first few rounds, and thus allowed Porcher, to make up his lost ground. It was obvious quite early that Porcher's defence left much to be desired, for on practically each occasion that Snell tried his hand the blow reached Porcher, who did not have the slightest idea how to avoid it. Some o the punches that got home would have been avoided by a boxer with ar less experience than the Frenchman, who has been in the game for a number of years.
Porcher's Countering Blows Some of Snell's punches landed rather high and others lost their power when they reached their objective, so that Porcher, though shaken occasionally, was never in serious trouble. Porcher seemed more intent on countering than trying to stop the others blows. A particularly strong fellow, Porcher seemed content to take a few punches whilst waiting for opportunities to swing his left to the Canadians jaw. In the early rounds Snell avoided these without undue difficulty, but when he began ti tire a different story had to be told.
Porcher was always trying to measure his opponent for right hand punches, but his intentions were so obvious that Snell was able to duck most off them, but the Canadian had just a slight advantage in this respect. In the forth round Snell was caught off balance by a left swing which sent him flat on his back in his own corner. It 17 was not a particularly heavy punch, and though the bell rang just as Snell went down, it could hardly be said that time saved him. Snell showed that he was little hurt by resuming strongly by the following round.
Both men cautioned . Snell faired often at close quarters with right-handed punches to the ribs, but he spoiled much of his work by a penchant for holding which earned him a reproof from the referee . Porcher too , came under the ban off the official on one occasion by getting his forearm under Snell's chin and forcing his head back. In the second half of a strenuous bout Snell appeared to find it more difficult to escape the swings of the determined Frenchman, who frequently forced the other to the ropes, where the Canadian was compelled to take a few punches before he could extricate himself.So strongly did Porcher attack that Snell must have fallen behind on points had he not kept sending out his left as the Frenchman advanced. There was little power behind these punches, but they served as a means of point scoring.
An Interesting Bout Had Snell stepped in with the punch instead of going back he must of done better. The fact of the matter, however, was that Porcher was to strong for the Canadian, who was sent across the ring, to be pulled up by the ropes, from a left swing to the jaw in the tenth round.
In the twelfth round Snell pushed down Porcher and was duly cautioned, but the incident did not appear to be deliberate. It was a most interesting bout between two genuine triers who put in all they knew during the fifteen rounds of a match made at 11st 2lb . The men met last month at the Ring, when Snell received a just award which, however, did not meet with the approval off the spectators .
And welcome
Turning from a valedictory note ( only, I hope, so far as this column is concerned ) there was an unexpected opportunity the other day of sounding a note of welcome for summoned from the sanctum sanctorum of the "Advertiser," I was greeted by Fred Snell the young Birkenhead boxer , who some two and a half years ago left the town for Canada. He has returned full of fistic honours and eager to add to them in this country. It is difficult to imagine over two years have gone by since Fred was here , and it was almost as difficult to recognise him when he strolled into the office. He has broadened out considerably, and looks as sturdy as an oak tree. As fit as a fiddle was his assurance, and he expects to have some engagements shortly. Out of 21 contests in Canada he had a record off 19 wins and 2 losses. His principal contests were :- One round knockout over Chief Halftown, Denver ; draw with Tex McEwan, Ottawa; points decision over Johnny Paske, Bufffalo; second round knockout over joey troy, Moose Jaw; lost on points to Harry Henning, toronto; and third round knockout over Red Meech, Ottawa.
Published by Birkenhead Advertiser 1926 Jack Snell Wins
Jack Snell the Canadian, who beat Simon Rosman at the Ring on Saturday night is a man worthy of notice. Rosman endeavoured to get close, and for a brief spell had the better of affairs in the sixth round. Snell was however, too clever, and sent the Dutchman down three times within a minute, and his seconds threw up the sponge in the eighth round. 18
Boxing - Fred Snells benefit Good programme at the stadium
The benefit performance for Fred Snell, the Birkenhead boxer, who was permanently injured in the Liverpool Stadium ring during a contest with the Frenchman Lepresant some months back, took place there on Monday night before a fair crowd, who saw some good boxing,.. The benefit realised £100. The chief bout was between Bob Miller ( Liverpool and Jim Carney ( Middlesborough) and though Miller won in nine rounds the Northerner gave him a hard fight. Miller began by sending a heavy right over which damaged Carney's ear. Then both hit hard to the body. Carney having a shade the better of matters. Millers punches were the more forceful, but the Middlesborough max boxed cleverly in the second round and was proving himself the faster at short range.
Realising this Miller made the pace in the fourth and fifth rounds, but Carney met him without demur, and it is a long time since the local lightweight met an opponent who would exchange punches with him in the way Carney did. A right across to the jaw sent Carney down for eight seconds in the sixth session, but he rose laughing and well held his own
Canadian press
Manager Jack Jarvis today announced that George Fifield of Toronto, Canadian welterweight champion has been matched to fight Sailor Darden, coloured welterweight champion of the world at St. John on Monday and that he has matched Chris Newton, his lightweight to meet Steve McDonald at Sydney, N.S. on labour day. Fred Snell, the Birkenhead middleweight who boxed around here two years ago, and who has been doing so well under his name of "Jack Snell" since he went he went back to England last Christmas is out of the game for good. During a fight with Albert Lipesant in June (1928) a blow on the temple caused a clot of blood on the brain and Snell was taken to the hospital partly paralysed . He spent 2 months in hospital and the doctors have informed him that to box again would be suicidal.
BOXING NOTES ( By " Ringsider" )
FRED SNELL A suggestion has been put forward that it would be a graceful act if the stadium management would set apart a benefit night for Fred Snell. The Birkenhead boxer who, as a result of his encounter with the Frenchman La Pesant, some weeks back, was more incapacitated than the public are probably aware of. It will be remembered that Snell had to be carried unconscious from the ring to the infirmary ,where he spent some weeks before he was fit to get about again. The operation on his head that he had to undergo meant that his boxing career was closed, and I understand that in his ordinary avocation he can only do light work at present. Naturally , on his return from Canada, where he made a big reputation, he was looking forward to some profitable contests. He had had several, and but for the unfortunate accident he would doubtless have had many more. Of course, there is no obligation on the stadium management in this mater, except a moral one perhaps, but a benefit for Snell would in the circumstances be literally "helping a lame dog" and Mr. Manager Taylor and his colleagues never turn a deaf ear to a worthy cause as many benefits in the past at the stadium have amply demonstrated.
BOXING NOTES ( By " Ringsider" ) FRED SNELL 19
Efforts are being made to arrange a benefit night for Fred Snell, the Birkenhead boxer, at the stadium, and I hope they will be successful. Undoubtedly a good and profitable attendance would be secured for Snell has had many sympathies in his misfortune, which had its beginnings at the stadium through no fault of the management or anyone else of course. It was sheer bad luck. It will be remembered that some time back after figuring in many bouts in different parts of the country, Snell was given his first contest at the stadium since his return from Canada, and his opponent, a French boxer, whose style and personality were reminiscent of his famous countryman Georges Carpentier . half way through the bout Snell received a blow which not only knocked him out but rendered him unconscious , and he was still unconscious when admitted to a Liverpool Hospital. His case was a curious one, and an operation was found necessary. Snell was confined to the hospital for some weeks and when he was discharged it was with practically no hope of figuring in the ring, besides being unable to follow his ordinary employment . Not often, happily, is there such a sequel to a boxing contest, and everyone hopes that the proposed benefit will be brought about and that Snell, who had a promising career before him will be recompensed for an unfortunate mishap .
Canadian press
Eddie Groves, the ex R.C.D. lightweight boxer ,received a letter this week from Fred Snell, the Birkenhead middleweight, who was around here 2 years ago. Snell, it will be remembered went back to England and as middleweight champion of Canada secured and made good in the old country. However he was finally knocked out of the boxing picture for good by a peculiar accident. While boxing with Lepresant, a Belgium boxer, Snell accidentally received the latter's forearm across his forehead in such a manner as to cause a fracture at the base of the skull. This was in the third. Snell went on fighting till the seventh, when his side suddenly paralysed , and he dropped to the floor, and he was counted out. He knew nothing from the third round until he woke 3 days later in the hospital following an operation which saved his life. He was in the hospital for a long while and after he got out was partly paralysed , but he says in his letter that he is gradually coming around, he expects to recover the full use of his limbs, but says that his boxing days are gone forever. Canadian press
Surprisingly this story is to be continued in future edition !!!! 20
THE ROOSEVELT THAT I KNOW TEN YEARS OF BOXING WITH THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER MEMORIES OF FAMOUS FIGHTING MEN BY MIKE DONOVAN EX-CHAMPION MIDDLEWEIGHT OF AMERICA AND BOXING-MASTER OF THE NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB
[EDITED BY F. H. N.] ILLUSTRATED NEW YORK B. W. DODGE & COMPANY 1909
CHAPTER I
THE ROOSEVELT THAT I KNOW
ALL the world knows Theodore Roosevelt, the statesman; the man who turned the light on the corporate highwaymen. He has made the "Big Stick" respected. But the "Big Stick" must be guided by law, not so the fist; wherever you see a head hit it is the fighting rule ; a word and a blow, but the blow first the reverse of legal practice.
In the following pages I propose to describe Theodore Roosevelt, the fighter, untrammeled by legal restriction ; the lover of fistic encounter, as I know him; the man of brawn and muscle, with a genuine fighting spirit and the courage of two ordinary men to sustain its promise. I intend further to describe his methods of attack and defense, and to note the analogy between the spirit he exhibits in boxing and that which has urged him on in those political encounters which have made him famous.
A succession of glove-fights with him, covering a period of more than ten years, in which we have met as man to man, where it was give and take, with no restrictions, gives me the right to speak authoritatively, and I wish to say here that, whether or not he was champion of his class in college, about which there has been some discussion in the press, it is admitted that he was an able fighting man then, ready to take his medicine and try again. I can say that he is the same man now a man who asks no favors, cool in a fight, determined, aggressive, consumed with the purpose to overcome resistance, to win; a glutton for punishment, as the ring phrase goes. It is no exaggeration when I say that, in some mix-ups with him, I have been compelled to resort to all the arts and devices that have come to me from years of serious fighting, often to slug right and left to save myself.
I have noted his career in politics, seen him go for the mark there with the same pertinacity that he shows when boxing. Resistance, discomfiture, hard knocks in one domain as in the other serve only to make him keener, to whet his appetite for the fray. Had he come- to the prize-ring, instead of to the political arena, it is my conviction he would have been successful. The man is a born fighter; it's in his blood. There are some who are easily diverted from their purpose, some who go impetuously forward with dash and spirit which will not be denied, but once the attack seems hopeless they hesitate and fly panic-stricken in hopeless disorder. A few only remain; these, with conviction imbedded in their very souls, cannot be stayed, even though they themselves would will it. They go tumultuously forward, even to the death.
Theodore Roosevelt is of them. He reminds one of the biblical general who, his men faint-hearted, wavering, at sight of the overpowering on-rush of Philistines, faced the 21 tide undaunted, so firm was his purpose that he furiously laid about him till the last.Even in death, the Bible tells us : "His sword clave to his hand." That is to say, the hilt of his sword was found to be imbedded in his palm, a sure indication that he never wavered from his purpose of attack.
I have a vivid recollection of my first fistic encounter with Theodore Roosevelt. The Governor left me in the old billiard-room of the Executive Mansion at Albany, which he had fitted up as a gymnasium for his boys, in order that they might begin their physical education under his eye.
He then went downstairs to don his boxing clothes.In a few minutes he returned.It was the Governor of the State of New York who had left me. It was a fighting man who entered the room. He wore a sleeveless flannel shirt, his khaki rough-rider uniform trousers and light canvas shoes without heels. First, I was struck by the expression of his eyes, which are large, light blue, placed well apart, aggressive, fearless, persistent. He is about 5 feet 8 inches in height, but his great breadth of shoulders and bulk of body make him seem shorter. His arms are short, but heavy and well-muscled. His head is that of the typical fighter. It is broad and symmetrical, poised on a powerful neck. A plumb-line could be dropped from the back of his head to his waist. That formation shows not only the fighting spirit, but the physical vigor to sustain it. His short, thick body, with its high, arched chest, is sturdily set on unusually strong, sinewy legs. I noticed he wore no belt, and told him he had better put one on.
He borrowed one from my brother Jerry. After pulling on his gloves he stepped forward on to the mat. Most men, on coming to box for the first time with a champion, present or retired, show some trepidation. There was none of that here. After we shook hands I studied him carefully. Then I led a left jab, following it up. with a faint-hearted right that landed like a love-tap high up on his cheek. He dropped his hands and stopped. "Look here, Mike," he said indignantly; "that is not fair." I was afraid I had done something wrong. "What's the matter, Governor?" I asked. "You are not hitting me," he said, shaking his head. "I'd like you to hit out." "All right, Governor," I said, thinking to myself, this man has a pretty good opinion of himself.
We started in again, and I sent in a hard right to the body as he rushed in, and then tried a swinging left for the jaw. He stepped inside and drove his right to my ear. It jarred me down to the heels. I realized from that moment that the Governor was no ordinary amateur. If I took chances with him I was endangering my reputation.
From that day I have taken no chances with Theodore Roosevelt with the gloves. I've hit him many times as hard as ever I hit a fighter in the ring, without stopping him, and thousands know how hard I can hit. I want to say, now, that I never saw him wince or show even by an involuntary sign that he was discomfited in spirit, no matter how severe the bodily pain. On the contrary, it met with only that characteristic turning of the head a bit to the side, a grim smile and a determined setting of the bulldog jaw, followed by another rush. Theodore Roosevelt is a strong, tough man; hard to hurt, and harder to stop.
From the very first I was struck with the kindly nature of the man. Though pressed with business as he always was, his mind full of problems, with a crowd of importunate office seekers and would-be advisers forever at his heels, he hailed my appearance with genuine delight, and always found time to inquire after my doings and welfare. Sometimes I thought it was the getting away from the exactions of office, the temporary respite from official cares that my coming signaled, that made me so welcome ; again, that diplomatic intrigue, the wrangling of officials, intemperate attacks of the opposing party, all of which must be settled with words, mere words, stirred his impatient blood to the boiling point. A box on the ear here, a smash in the wind there, I could readily guess, would have suited his impulsive nature far better. In most of his affairs it is the diplomatic "Having the honor to be" but never doing anything. He must hit somebody, hit him hard, and I thought I turned up opportunely to get what was coming to somebody else. 22
Ismael Laguna – continued from the last edition
“I went into training too late” claimed Ortiz. “ I had trouble making the weight because I was training for a month and a half only. I wasn’t feeling good and the heat over there was terrible. I got my face bloodied up, but I thought the fight was close enough for me to win.”
He did however, return to new York with a healthy respect for Laguna. Meanwhile, the new champion celebrated with a non-title win in Panama city, scoring an eighth round knockout of the Mexican champion Raul Chato Soriano. However his management team did not believe in wasting time against low grade opposition and Laguna was forced to earn every single penny of his paydays.
For is second non-title outing Laguna went to Buenos Aires to fight the 25 year old Argentinean Nicolino Locche who held the South American title.The result was a diplomatic draw. Because the first fight with Ortiz had been so close, it was only right that a man who had been such a good champ should be given a re match.and in San Juan, in November 1965, the Puerto Rican born Ortiz regained the title from Laguna with a 15 round points decision. Laguna was paid $30,000 gross and, before the fight, must have been especially confident when the former champ came to the scales half a pound over the limit.
Ortiz had to walk off the excess weight, but he was in tremendous shape and used his greater experience to work out Laguna’s style. The decision was unanimous . As usual Laguna’s management saw no point in easing their man back with a soft option and his next fight was a non-title contest against the world welter champion Carlos Hernandez of Venezuela, in February 1966. Laguna scored one of the most impressive victories of his career in stopping Hernandez in eight rounds
A month later, Laguna was in manila to take on the world junior lightweight champion Flash Elorde . For four rounds he was in control but then a big left hand dumped him on the canvas in the fifth. A right hand also dropped Laguna in round nine. Although he finished the 10 rounds on his feet Laguna was outpointed. This time Laguna did take a rest, having four months off before returning with a stylish points win over Al Grant in July 1966. The main event fighter that night was the teenage sensation Mando Ramos whose big hitting talent was attracting a large following. Four years later Ramos and Laguna would meet for the world title.
For the moment however Laguna and his handlers had to concentrate on getting back on track. Laguna did well to beat Percy Hayles in six round in October but it was an appearance in New York that really established him in the public eye. In march 1967 Laguna met Frankie Narvaez, a world rated Puerto Rican, whose recent victims included future champion Carlos Cruz, Joe Brown, Percy Hayles and Johnny Bizzarro. It was to a be a fantastic and frightening night rolled into one.
For Frankie Narvaez, Laguna was supposed to be the final stepping stone to a world title shot and the 12 round meeting in Madison Square garden drew a good crowd of 11,580, with Narvaez attracting substantial support from the local Puerto Rican community.
Laguna a slight pre fight favourite dominated from the start to finish and won a unanimous decision. But when the verdict was announced – two scores of 9-3 and one of 8-3-1 – the Puerto Rican fans began hurling bottles and smashing chairs. A substantial number of people were treated in hospital and one died of a heart attack. The police cleared the building but no arrests were made.
Two more wins in Panama set up a decider against Ortiz for the world title in New York in August 1967. Another night of Puerto Rican – Panamanian rivalry was anticipated and Ortiz was persuaded to give public 23 exhibitions in the open air, in the Bronx, in an attempt to give his fans a “No Riot “ message.
As it turned out there was never any suggestion of trouble among the 19,480 crowd as Ortiz recaptured his best form to win easily on points. The Panamanian fans accepted the verdict readily and the Puerto Ricans celebrated merrily. “ I showed Laguna and his followers who is the master of the lightweight division” said Ortiz afterwards. ! I’ve been fighting 14 years and I don’t believe I ever showed as much as I did in this one “.
A defeat as conclusive as that might have led to a lesser man losing heart, but Laguna was made of stronger stuff. Two months later he was back in front of his Panama City fans outpointing Paul Armstead of Los Angeles. In 1968 he has eight consecutive wins, the best being a split decision win in front of 8,000 fans in a rematch with Narvaez in San Juan.
After he systematically outboxed the previously unbeaten Victor Melendez, in Madison Square Garden, RING said “ Laguna gave us a masterful an exhibition of cleverness as has been seen in the Garden for some time “. He closed 1968 with a win on another riotous night at the Garden. The crowd disapproved of the split decision he received against a Venezuelan named Ramon Blanco. Bottles and debris rained down after the verdict, a fire was started, a fridge ripped out of the press box and a large plate glass window was smashed.
After setting matters straight against Espinosa, Laguna beat the experienced Puerto Rican Genaro Soto on points at the Garden. Then two and a half years and 15 fights after his second world title defeat by Ortiz, Laguna returned to the world championship stage in the Sports Arena of the University of California, Los Angeles. Laguna challenged the young champion Mando Ramos for the lightweight title in March 1970. The former champ took his opportunity emphatically , sticking to the basics in order to outbox and cut up Ramos. Before the fight, Laguna’s wealthy backer, Cain Young, had agreed to a return clause, but when he discovered that one of the judges actually had Ramos in front when the fight was stopped at the end of nine rounds, he backed out of it. “ Laguna is ready to box Ramos again, but in Panama or New York not in California “ said Young. The Californian Commission banned Laguna for breach of contract.
Rather than face Ramos again, Young negotiated a first defence against Ishimatsu Suzuki of Japan, in Panama City in June 1970. Not surprisingly, Laguna was a class above Suzuki, who was rescued in the 13th round after a one sided bout. Afterwards, Young considered a variety of possibilities for Laguna to defend away from home. A Japanese offer guaranteed a minimum of $70,000 for a rematch with Suzuki in Tokyo, while a Spanish promoter put $100,000 on the table for a fight in Madrid against Pedro Carrasco. In London Jack Solomons wanted to talk business on behalf of the British champion Ken Buchanan.
Eventually they settled on the latter. But in the open air Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, not London. In September Laguna’s title slipped away on a split decision and the Scot became the first British fighter for more than 50 years to win the world lightweight title – which was not recognised by the British Board of Control who supported the Californian ban of Laguna. Once again Young complained bitterly about the officials and accused the Puerto Rican Commission of incompetence.
Ring magazine felt that a rematch should be ordered because of the close nature of the verdict. Referee Waldemar Schmidt scored 144-143 for Laguna, but was overruled by the judges, Jose Soto and Pito Lopez who gave it to Buchanan by scores of 144-143 and 145-144. It was that tight and Buchanan was quoted as saying “ I could not have complained if they gave it to Laguna”.
Laguna’s response to his defeat was typical. He returned to training and was soon back in the ring. He fought in Panama City, winning in quick succession against Lloyd Marshall and Chango Carmona. By now there was another young rising star within the lightweight division – 19 year old Roberto Duran. The tearaway teenager they were already calling “Hands of stone ” could not have been more of a contrast in technique to the stylish 24
Laguna. Yet in time he would go on to be one of the greatest lightweights ever seen.
Laguna was beginning to fade and some have suggested he was starting to show the first signs of sickle-cell anaemia that was to affect him in later years. A rematch with Buchanan was agreed for the Garden but was thrown into doubt in June when Laguna was surprisingly floored and then outpointed by the unrated lightweight Eddie Linder. As Linder had won only three of his previous seven fights it was expected to be no more than a workout for Laguna the once brilliant Panamanian, yet Laguna was beaten on a majority verdict. It was a clear signal Laguna had slipped.
The rematch with Buchanan went ahead, and was a good fight, but the Scot was an emphatic winner after 15 hard rounds. Rain kept the attendance down, but they still drew 13,211 who paid $148,842, plus $40,000 in TV rights. Financially , however, that left Laguna very much on the short end. Cain Young had guaranteed Buchanan a $100,000 purse, and was extremely critical of the Garden for pushing him into such a hard bargain. He stuck to his view that Laguna had been robbed in San Juan, predicting a big win for his man. It was not to be.
“Laguna was courageous, conditioned, game, determined “ wrote veteran critic Dan Daniel. “ He was a dangerous puncher, dangerous chiefly because he kept hammering away at the champions eyes. But he was not the fighter he had shown himself to be on the previous Metropolitan appearances. He was a step off. His stamina had been reduced and his skill impaired.”
Buchanan finished bruised and cut below the left eye, with Laguna virtually unmarked., but the champion retained his title on a unanimous decision. He hurt Laguna with a body shot in round 14, and won 9-6 in rounds on the referees card – Jimmy Devlin - , 10-5 according to Harold Lederman and 8-6-1 in the opinion of Tony Castellano. It was Laguna’s last fight and on 15 Pril 1972 he announced his retirement after 75 fights, with 65 wins, 9 points defeats and a draw. He was never stopped or knocked out throughout his whole professional career.