By: Jim Amato                                                                                                  One of the most exciting fighters of the 1970's and 80's was three time light heavyweight king Marvin Johnson. If ever a fighter lived by the sword and died by the sword, it was Marvin. He was a rangy southpaw who was constantly shuffling toward his opponent. His give and take pressure style created several memorable contests.

Born April 12,1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marvin would become an accomplished amateur boxer. He was a three time National Golden Gloves champion. He also represented the United States in the 1972 Olympics winning a bronze medal.

Johnson turned professional in 1973 and won his first fifteen bouts. Twelve wins by knockouts. Among his victims were capable fighers like Gary Summerhays, Eddie Owens, Ray Anderson and Tom Bethea. On July 26, 1977 Marvin went to Philadelphia to meet hometown hero Matt Franklin (later to be known as Matthew Saad Muhammad). This was for the North American Boxing Federation light heavyweight title. In an absolute war, Johnson suffered his first defeat as he was halted in the last round. Johnson rebounded by winning five in a row scoring victories against Billy "Dynamite" Douglas and Eddie Davis. Johnson then traveled to Serbia where he lost an eight rounder to Lottie Mwale. Marvin returned stateside and outscored highly regarded Jerry Celestine.

On December 2, 1978 Marvin traveled to Europe and upset Mate Parlov by a tenth round stoppage to win the WBC light heavyweight crown. It was now time for a rematch with Matthew Saad Muhammad. This time though it would be on Johnson's home turf in Indianapolis. They clashed in April of 1979 and it was again a war ! Muhammad took everything that Johnson had to offer. He then put on a rally and stripped Marvin of his crown in the eighth round.

Johnson was not an ex-champion but not for very long. In November of 1979 he met long time WBA light heavyweight king Victor Galindez. Marvin punished the game Galindez until the fight was stopped in round eleven. Now Johnson had the WBA belt but just for a short time. In March of 1980 Marvin took a beating from an in shape and motivated Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Johnson lost his title in the eleventh. A year later it looked like Johnson was out of the title picture for good after losing to upstart Michael Spinks. Michael had won a Gold Medal in the 1976 Olympics and was streaking toward a world title. Johnson was to be his first stern test. Spinks knocked Marvin out cold with a devastating left hook in round four.

Johnson still believed he could become champion again. From 1982 to 1985 Marvin won fourteen straight. This included a win over Jerome Clouden in a "Closet Classic". Johnson also defeated Johnny Davis, future champion "Prince" Charles Williams and Eddie Davis for the United States Boxing Association light heavyweight championship. Finally on February 9, 1986 Johnson met the talented Leslie Stewart for the vacant WBA title. Marvin realized his dream of being crowned the champion again in round seven as a badly cut Stewart could not continue.
In his first defense Johnson outlasted rugged Jean Marie Emebe to win in the thirteenth round. Next came a 1987 rematch with Stewart. This time Lady Luck was in the Stewart corner. Marvin gave up his crown in the eighth round. It was Johnson's last fight.

Marvin Johnson had nothing left to prove. He was the first to win the 175 pound title three times. He retired with a 43 - 6 ledger. He won 35 fights by KO. He lost five by the knockout route. Three men he fought, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Victor Galindez and Michael Spinks are inducted in International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Yes Marvin Johnson was a thrilling fighter and a worthy champion.

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Cleveland Williams

When Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams passed away a few years back, it
ended the final chapter of a story about three gifted heavyweights from the
50's and 60's. Williams joined Eddie Machen and Zora Folley to form a trio
of hard luck boxers who met tragic deaths after a career of frustration.
Machen lost a decision to Ernie Terrell in a 1965 W.B.A. title bout. Later
Eddie suffered some mental problems and eventually committed suicide. Folley
who was stopped in seven by Muhammad Ali in 1967 died of injuries suffered
in a poolside accident. Machen and Folley passed on several years ago.
Williams lived to be 66 before being struck down by a moving vehicle. All
three would finally receive their title shots long after their prime. One
wonders how they would have made out if they got their chance five years
earlier against Floyd Patterson. To Floyd's credit he did win a twelve round
decision over Machen in 1964, two years after he lost his crown to Sonny
Liston.

Williams began his career in 1951 and won his first 27 fights, 23 by
knockout. In 1954, he suffered a knockout loss to Bob Satterfield. Cleveland
did not box in 1955 because he was in the Army. When he resumed his career
he ran off 12 straight wins leading him to a match with the feared Sonny
Liston. The two traded bombs until Sonny put over the sleeper in round two.
Eleven months later they met again in another war with Sonny winning in
round three.

In Cleveland's next 22 fights he went 20-1-1 with 13 kayos. He lost a
decision to Terrell and he drew with Machen. He scored victories over
Terrell, Wayne Bethea, Alex Miteff, Billy Daniels, and Tod Herring. This led
to a title bout with Muhammad Ali in November of 1966. In 1965, Williams was
badly injured when he was shot by a patrolman during a traffic stop
argument. The bullet entered his stomach doing severe damage. That he was
even able to fight again, is a testimony to his will and courage. The
Williams that entered the ring against Ali was just a shell of his former
self. In what many feel was Ali's best career performance, the champion
dominated his aging rival. The bout was mercifully stopped in the third
round. Cleveland would never again be a major factor in the division. He
lost to Bob Cleroux and and Mac Foster and served as an opponent for
upcoming fighters looking for a name on their record.

I had the opportunity to see Williams box a decent heavy weight named
Ted Gullick at the old Cleveland Arena. Gullick would meet George Foreman,
Earnie Shavers, and Duane Bobick during his career, but he was no match for
Williams this night. Using a ramrod jab and a solid body attack, Cleveland
out boxed his upstart foe to win a ten rounder. The consummate professional
at work. That is how I'll remember Cleveland Williams

Jim Amato _________________________________________________________________________________________________

1972...It Was Quite A Year !

For me the year 1972 marked some very important milestones. Especially the magic month of June.In the first three weeks of that month I became a candidate for the draft by turning eighteen. I graduated from High School and on the 17th I took on my first bride. I enjoyed that afternoon watching Carlos Monzon defend his title against the worthy challenge of Frenchman Jean Claude Bouttier. To be honest with you the most exciting day of the month was the 26th. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Roberto Duran captured the lightweight championship of the world by stopping the vastly talented Ken Buchanan. At that moment a star was born.

Later in the year on October 18th my first son was born. A month later Duran suffered the first loss of his career dropping a decision to the great but widely overlooked Esteban DeJesus. Roberto would not lose another fight until the night he supposedly said " No Mas " in 1980. That included two subsequent knockout victories over DeJesus. To me Duran was without a doubt the greatest boxer of the 70's.

In retrospect 1972 stands out in regards to boxing for a variety of reasons. The quietest division was the heavyweights. There was a let down after the frenzy created from the March 8, 1971 classic between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in which Joe emerged victorious. That was a gruelling affair and Frazier and his manager Yank Durham decided to take it easy and not just jump right back into the ring with Ali. Joe took on a couple of lower ranked white contenders. First he blasted out the totally over matched Terry Daniels. Then he cut up and halted the dead game Ron Stander. Joe would lose his title in early 1973 courtesy of the thumping fists of George Foreman. Two months later Ali would suffer a fractured jaw in losing an upset decision to Ken Norton. The stage was now set for " The Rumble In The Jungle " and the " Thrilla In Manila " that would later entertain us in the mid 70's.

The light heavyweights were ruled by one of the greatest of all time, Bob Foster. Bob probably hit his peak in 72. First he unified the title with a two round massacre of W.B.A.pretender Vincente Rondon. Then he landed one of the most brutal punches in boxing history when he nearly decapitated Mike Quarry. Next he wore down and halted the very brave Chris Finnegan. Bobby ended 1972 with an ill advised foray back into the heavyweight division and was halted by the now former champion, Muhammad Ali.

Carlos Monzon was the " King " of the middleweight division. 1972 was the year that proved his greatness. Carlos opened by halting veteran contender Denny Moyer. Next he turned back the challenge of the very formidable Jean Claude Bouttier. Then he pummeled Denmark's Tom Bogs. Carlos closed the year outscoring the feared "Bad" Bennie Briscoe.

He was one of the greatest welterweights of all time. Jose Napoles was coming of a very big year in 1971 when he regained the title from Billy Backus. He also turned back the challenge of top contender Hedgemon Lewis. He took it a little easy in 1972 fighting off the challenges of Ralph Charles and Adolph Pruitt. He closed the year with a non-title KO of Edmundo Leite.
It was in 1972 that the great Antonio Cervantes won the junior welterweight title. He had failed to dethrone the slick Nicolino Locce in 1971. Locche then lost his title to Alfonso Frazier and Cervantes got a second shot and defeated Frazier. Antonio would go on to have a legendary career.

The featherweight division was in a transition period. The great little southpaw Vincente Saldivar had retired champion in 1967. He returned in 1969 and reclaimed his crown in 1970 by beating Johnny Famechon. He would lose the title in his next fight to Kuniaki Shibata. In 1972 Clemente Sanchez blasted the crown from Shibata's head. Soon after Sanchez would lose his title to the scales. Jose Legra also halted him and no one was quite sure who the champ was as the year ended.

The bantamweight division was also in a state of transition. As 1972 was ushered in, the power punching Ruben Olivares was holding the crown. Rafael Herrera came along to upset him. Then Rafael was upset by smooth boxing Enrique Pinder of Panama. The new champion would outscore former titleholder Chucho Castillo in a non-title bout to close out the year.

The flyweight class was in a state of chaos in 1972. Erbito Saalvarria was the rightful claimant based on his 1970 KO of the outstanding Chartchai Chionoi. In 1971 he would struggle but still remain champion. In five 1971 encounters he went 3-1-1. He lost a non-title go on points to Halimi Gutierrez. He also drew with Betulio Gonzalez thus keeping his crown. In 1972 the W.B.C. withdrew its recognition of Salavarria as champion and matched Gonzalez with Socrates Batoto for the vacant crown. Betulio took out Socrates in four. Venice Borkhorsor then met Gonzalez for the title. Borkhorsor would win by a tenth round stoppage. Borkhorsor and Salavarria would meet in 1973 to srttle any dispute on who the real champion was. The title stayed with Borkhorsor who won a decision.

It was a simple time then. There were a lot less weight divisions and fewer split titles. It was a time when in most cases the champions ruled their respective divisions with an iron fist. Some of the most feared and respected boxers of all time reigned supreme. Foster, Monzon, Napoles, Cervantes, Olivares and Duran.
The class of 1972. What a wonderful year !

                                                                                                Jim Amato ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contender Billy Lyell to Fight October 17th!

IBF#13 middleweight contender Billy Lyell (20-7 4 KOs) will defend his NABC Intercontinental middleweight crown on October 17th in his hometown of Niles, Ohio. A winner of four of his last five including an upset over previously unbeaten contender John Duddy (26-1), Lyell will headline the event beginning at 8pm at the Expo Center in Niles versus Chris Gray out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chris sports a 12-10 record and has met the likes of Ishe Smith and David Estrada. It is a scheduled ten rounder. It is presented by Bowers’ Productions.

The six bout card will also feature local junior middle Durrell Richardson, welterweight Jake Giuriceo and heavyweight Brandon Winner in separate bouts.

Tickets for the event are $20 (General Admission) and $60 (Ringside) and may be obtained by calling (330) 766-0875.

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Sal Marino Passes Away

It is with my utmost sadness to report that my great friend Sal Marino has passed away. He had fought a brave battle against cancer. I was informed of his passing by his brother Leo.

I met Sal for the first time about ten years ago at a boxing banquet. For what ever reason he had, Sal kind of took me under his wing. He was the President and co-founder of the Trumbull County (Ohio) Legends of Leather Boxing Club. He invited me to become a member. He was very supportive of my writing and in 2006 I was inducted into the Legends of Leather Hall of Fame. It is a distinction that I am very, very proud of.

Besides being heavily involved in boxing, Sal was also very involved with football and baseball. At one time he had his own newspaper column and his own radio talk show. He was even the announcer at local high school football games. He loved sports at every level. He was a charming, well liked and respected man.

I found out just what kind of man Sal was a few years ago when I was having some serious health issues. Sal could not have been more supportive. I could talk to him anytime. He even sent me a blessed rosary. I was very touched by that.

I was blessed that Sal touched my life. I feel I am a better man because of it. I will miss Sal but I know he is being well taken care of. Goodbye my friend... 
                                                                Jim Amato

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Manuel Ramos - Mexican Heavyweight

When you think of Mexican fighters it is usually a tough little hombre like a Ruben Olivares, Vincente Saldivar or Julio Cesar Chavez. More often then not the better battles from Mexico scaled under 160lbs. In an exception to the rule during the mid 60’s to the early 70’s this country produced a pretty fair heavyweight. He fought two world champions and nine others that vied for the heavyweight crown. His name was Manuel Ramos.

Although he lost almost as many as he won, the names on his resume are quite impressive. When Ramos made his way from Mexico to the West Coast he quickly began meeting the best opposition available. In 1964 he lost a decision to Henry Clark and drew with Jory Orbillo. In 1965 he lost a rematch to Orbillo and drew with George Johnson. He finished the year losing by knockout to Lars Norling.

In 1966 Manuel began a win streak that would carry him to a world title shot. He knocked out Norling in a rematch and then stopped Archie Ray in eight. Next Manuel would outpoint faded ex-contender Eddie Machen. In 1967 Ramos halted James J. Woody in two and then on October 14th in Mexico City he faced ex-WBA Heavyweight champion Ernie Terrell. Manuel scored an upset ten round decision.

Two victories in 1968 brought Manuel’s streak to fifteen strait and set up a title fight with “Smokin” Joe Frazier. The bout took place June 24th at Madison Square Garden. Joe held the New York State Heavyweight crown when he entered the ring and two rounds later he left with his crown intact. Joe overwhelmed Ramos in what would be Manuel’s only shot. Three months later Manuel was taken apart by George Chuvalo on five rounds.

Ramos began to rebuild his career in 1969 by beating Tony Doyle but Jack O’Halloran stopped him in his next bout. Manuel had seven bouts in 1970 and won only one of them. He lost to Chuck Wepner, Joe Bugner, Jimmy Richards and Joe “King” Roman. He drew with Ron Stander and was stopped in one round by Oscar “Ringo” Bonevena. Manuel had seven more bouts in 1971 and again won only one losing to Jurgen Blin, Jack Bodell, Elmo Henderson, Terry Daniels, Stander and Ron Lyle.

In 1973 Ramos was halted in four by Johnny Hudgins. Then in 1973 he lost to Luis Pires and Armando Zanini. In his last chance at the big time he faced Olympian Duane Bobick but was in seven rounds thus finishing him as a formidable heavyweight.                                                             Jim Amato

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"TERRIBLE TIM" ; Why I liked Him...

In my opinion one of the most under rated heavyweights over the last twenty years has been "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon. He was a two time world champion and a solid contender for close to two decades. This man DESERVES some recognition.

Tim, a native of the great fight city of Philadelphia turned pro in 1979. He won his first fifteen fights beating the likes of Marvin Stinson, Alonzo Ratliff and Renaldo Snipes. This led to a 1983 title shot against the respected Larry Holmes. Larry walked away with a highly controversial decision win. Despite the loss the "Terrible" one had arrived.

Tim rebounded outscoring Jumbo Cummings and blasting out James "Quick" Tillis in one for the NABF title. In 1984 Witherspoon was matched with the talented Greg Page for the vacant WBC title. On this night Tim would outscore Page to win his first title. In his first defense Tim was out jabbed and out boxed by the speedy Pinklon Thomas. "Pinky" put on a class performance that night.

Witherspoon came back in 1985 to halt tough Mark Wills and score a highlight reel KO over James Broad. Tim then outpointed James "Bonecrusher" Smith. This led to a shot at the WBA title against fast handed Tony Tubbs. In 1986 Tim won the heavyweight title for a second time with a decision over Tubbs. He then defended it with a sensational come from behind KO of England's heralded Frank Bruno. In Tim's next defense, the walls came tumblin' down. He met "Bonecrusher" again. This was a man he had defeated handily the first time around. This time Tim was caught cold and dropped three times in the first round. His title was gone. He would never again get a well deserved chance to reclaim it.

In 1987 he halted Mark Wills again. This time in the 1st. He then outscored prospect Mike Williams. In 1989 Tim scored a stunning one round KO over Anders Eklund who resembled a blond tree being felled. Witherspoon was back in business. In 1990 he halted dangerous Jeff Sims. Then he outclassed Jose Ribalta and then defeated the flashy Carl "The Truth" Williams for the USBA title. In 1991 he took out Art Tucker in three. To his credit, Tim ducked no one...

In 1992 Witherspoon beat rugged James Pritchard. Tim was then upset by the spoiler Everett "Big Foot" Martin. In 1996 he outscored Alfred Cole and bombed out Jorge Luis Gonzalez. Next Tim would lose a war to tough as nails Ray Mercer. From this point Tim's career was up and down. He took out Levi Billips in one. He dropped verdicts to Larry Donald, Jimmy Thunder and Andrew Golota. In 1999 he was halted by Brian Nielsen and Greg Page. His career appeared to be over.
Tim made one last charge in 2000. He drew with Mike Sedillo.He then halted David Bostice in one.

He upset Elieser Castillo but dropped a points call to Monte Barrettt. Tim then gave us one last highlight clip KO dropping Darroll Wilson. In 2002 the aging Witherspoon was savaged in five rounds by Lou Savarese. In 2003 Tim dropped a decision to Brian Nix and called it quits.

Witherspoon ended his career with a 55-13-1 ledger against the best heavyweights of his era. He knocked out 38 foes, several in spectacular fashion. He was only halted four times. He was tough, strong, powerful and durable. Sometimes his lack of training and dedication may have held him back. Nevertheless in my humble opinion, a well conditioned and prime Witherspoon would have been a handful for a peak "Iron" Mike Tyson. Too bad that fight never happened.
                                                                                         Jim Amato ___________________________________________________________________________________________

“I Pity the Poor Fool,” Bob Foster vs Vincente Rondon

Bob Foster won the light heavyweight championship of the world on May 24th, 1968. He would dominate the division until 1974. Only once during that time did Bob lose possession of his title. Well in reality it was taken from him. The World Boxing Association in their divine wisdom stripped Bob of his title recognition. In their eyes the winner of a bout between long time contender Jimmy Dupree and Venezuela's Vincente Rondon would be declared the new WBA champion. Needless to say Mr. Foster was not happy about this situation and it was not wise to make Bob angry.

Rondon was a very fine fighter who started as a middleweight in 1965. By 1968 he had defeated former champion Luis Rodriguez and the legendary Bennie Briscoe. He would lose to both in return bouts. In 1969 he won a decision over Jose Luis Garcia for the Venezuelan light heavyweight title. Garcia would later blossom into a heavyweight and knockout Ken Norton.

In 1970 Rondon defeated Roger Rouse and that led to his 1971 match with Jimmy Dupree. Rondon halted the respected Dupree in six to win the WBA title. That was the beginning of a whirlwind year for Rondon. He would KO Pierro DelPapa in one to defend his crown. Next he outpointed Ohio's John Griffin in a non title affair. Then he fought off the challenge of Eddie "Bossman" Jones to retain his title. Next he outscored Germany's Conny Velensek in ten. He then battered Gomeo Brennan into submission in fourteen to keep his title. Vincente finished 1971 by halting Akron, Ohio's former middleweight contender Doyle Baird in eight. That was some year for Rondon and he was probably the biggest threat to Foster's supremacy. They had to fight...

When this bout was made I remember thinking no, no, no, no...Bob was a fearsome puncher and he was at his peak. Rondon, as good as he was did not stand a chance. Well my intuition was right on this one. Bob put the big sleep on Rondon in round two. As they say, "The Ref could have counted to a hundred."

Rondon would come back as a heavyweight but Ron Lyle took him out in two. To Rondon's credit he went ten rounds with the "Puncher Of The Century," Earnie Shavers. He then went the distance with hard punching Jose Urtain.

Vincente would return to meeting light heavyweights but he had become a stepping stone for Len "Stinger" Hutchins, Tom Bogs and John Conteh. He tested the heavyweight waters in 1974 being banged out by Rodney Bobick and Joe "King" Roman.

That was it. Vincente retired with a respectable 39-15-1 record. Looking back      at his bout with Foster when it was first made my reaction was in the words of   Mr. T..."I pity the poor fool." Mr. Foster was that good!

                                                                                           Jim Amato
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Jimmy Young

The 1970's, the Golden Era of modern heavyweights. The era of Ali and Frazier. Of Foreman, Norton and later Holmes. Of bangers like Ron Lyle, Jerry Quarry and Earnie Shavers. A smooth boxing, counter punching master like Jimmy Young was overshadowed by Ali, Frazier and Foreman. Then later by the Norton and Larry Holmes. He was so close and yet so far. He had two shots at the championship and came out on the short end of two controversial decisions. Then just like that he went from contender to trial horse to also ran.

In his prime as I would like to remember him, Jimmy Young was one heck of a fighter. Jimmy twice outscored the feared Ron Lyle. He was stopped by Earnie Shavers ( no shame there ), but he also drew with Shavers. Everyone knows that his claim to fame was gutting out a painfully terrible seventh round and then coming back to outlast and out punch an exhausted George Foreman in a major upset. Big George would not fight again for ten years !

Before Jimmy beat Foreman he had met an aging Muhammad Ali for the world's title. It was obvious the training was not a top priority for Muhammad. He must have taken Jimmy very lightly. The fight turned out to be a real stinker that went to the scorecards after fifteen rounds. Ali got the verdict and retained his crown. Many felt Jimmy did enough to win. I disagree with that. It was a close but utterly boring tussle. Young had his moments but his ducking through the ropes to avoid punishment did not endear him to the fans or the judges.

When Jimmy rebounded from the Ali setback and defeated Foreman, it led to a match with #1 contender Ken Norton. Ali had lost his title to Olympian Leon Spinks. The W.B.C. wanted Leon to defend against the deserving Norton. Leon opted for a lucrative return against Ali. The W.B.C. then stripped Leon and matched Norton with Young. Although I thought Jimmy lost to Ali or should I say he didn't do enough to take the title. I thought he earned the nod against Norton in a hard fought, competitive battle. Kenny won the decision and the recognition of the W.B.C as titleholder. Jimmy then lost two decisions to Ossie Ocasio that began his fade into boxing oblivion.

Jimmy was not an exciting fighter but he was well schooled. He was a real master of his craft. He had a stinging jab. He was a slick defensive boxer who was very good at making his opponent miss and then counter punching. He had a very good right hand counter that had some pop to it. He was also a decent body puncher who was not afraid to mix it up on the inside. He was not overly great at one thing but was very adept at doing a lot of things.

He reminded me a lot of the great light heavyweight champion Harold Johnson. An outstanding fighter who is often overlooked because of his conservative style. I guess the best way to describe Harold and Jimmy is that they were consummate professionals.

                                                                                                 Jim Amato

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Gregorio “Goyo” Peralta

Sometimes it isn't just talent that makes someone successful inside the ropes. A generous dash of luck usually helps. Also being in the right place at the right time doesn't hurt. Unfortunately for Gregorio Peralta of Argentina on this occasion two out of three isn't good. He had talent and lots of it but he lacked luck and the ability to be in the right place.

Peralta was a throw back to the cagey old veteran boxers of decades before. He campaigned successfully in two weight divisions through out the sixties and early seventies. As a lightweight, he carried a pretty solid wallop to go along with his uncanny ring generalship. He defeated champion Willie Pastrano in a non-title bout to qualify for a 1964 title shot. Pastrano fought maybe the best fight of his career, but Peralta stayed right with him until a cut forced a stoppage in Willie's favor. Gregorio would never receive another attempt at a championship.

Gregorio at this time held the Argentine heavyweight title. He decided to campaign strictly as a heavyweight. He out-pointed Roberto Davila retaining the South American heavyweight championship only three months after losing to Pastrano. He lost a twelve round decision to fellow countryman Oscar Bonevena in September of 1965 prompting a twenty month layoff. Returning in 1967, Gregorio won 26 of 29 fights with only draws against Chuck Leslie, Vittorio Saraudi, and Bonevena marring the streak. In 1969 plans were being made for Peralta to challenge W.B.A. heavyweight champion Jimmy Ellis in Buenos Aries. Ellis was on a collision course with Joe Frazier and he wanted to make a defense of his title before his showdown with "Smokin' Joe". For whatever reasons the proposed Ellis-Peralta bout fell through. Ellis went on the fight and lost to Frazier. On the under-card of Frazier-Ellis, Peralta met 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist George Foreman. This was probably Greg's shining moment. Taking everything a still green but powerful Foreman could offer, Peralta stayed in the bout with an exhibition of guile and guts. Greg lost a tough decision to George, but he won over the Madison Square Garden crowd with his performance.

In 1971, Foreman finally caught up to Greg in the tenth round of their rematch to score a knockout. Greg then went on a successful tour of Europe, in which he scored an important kayo victory over Jose Urtain. On August 1, 1972, in Barcelona, Spain, Greg met Muhammad Ali in an eight round exhibition bout giving a good account of himself. In 1973, Greg twice fought the dangerous Ron Lyle losing a decision in Denver and then holding Lyle to a draw in Frankfurt, Germany. Eventually Greg faded into retirement.

I wonder how Greg would have made out if he would have met Ellis in front of thousands of cheering countrymen? Whenever anyone mentions great heavyweights from Argentina you're sure to hear Luis Firpo and Bonevena. Please don't forget a fine fighting machine named Gregorio Peralta. Here are some key bouts on Peralta's ledger:

Here are some key bouts on Peralta's ledger:

6-15-1960 Mauro Mina KO by 8 Lima Peru
8-4-1962 Jose Giorgetti W-12 MarDelPlata, Argentina
(Argentine Heavyweight Title)
9-20-1963 Willie Pastrano W-10 Miami Beach
11-15-1963 Wayne Thorton W-10 New York
1-24-1964 Wayne Thorton W-10 New York
4-10-1964 Willie Pastrano KO by 6 New Orleans
(World Light Heavyweight Title)
7-18-1964 Roberto Davila W-15 Buenos Aries
(South American Heavyweight Title)
9-19-1964 Mauro Mina W-10 Buenos Aries
9-4-1965 Oscar Bonevena L-12 Buenos Aries
7-15-1967 Andreas Selps W-10 Buenos Aries
8-8-1969 Oscar Bonevena D-10 Montevideo, Argentina
2-16-1970 George Foreman L-10 New York
5-10-1971 George Foreman KO by 10Oakland
(North American Heavyweight Title)
10-8-1971 Jose Urtain KO-8 Madrid, Spain
6-9-1972 Ray Anderson L-10 Madrid, Spain
8-1-1972 Muhammad Ali EXH-8 Barcelona, Spain
5-12-1973 Ron Lyle L-10 Denver
10-26-1973 John Griffin KO-5 Cologne, Germany
11-17-1973 Ron Lyle D-10 Frankfurt, Germany 
                                                                                    Jim Amato ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MUSTAFA HAMSHO ; If Not For Marv ... 

He may have been the second best middleweight in the world in the late 
1970's through the mid 80's. The " Hagler Era ". he was twice defeated by 
the Marvelous one in title fights but no one other then Hagler could seem 
handle him. 
 
Mustafa Hamsho was born in Syria in 1953. He turned professional in 
1975 sometimes fighting under the moniker of Rocky Estafire. He lost his 
first pro fight in Binghampton, N.Y. to Pat Cuillo. After eight bouts it 
would have been hard to foresee Hamsho as a future contender as his ledger 
stood at 4-2-2. Mustafa would go on to win his next 27 bouts and firmly 
establish himself as a legitimate title threat. 
 
Contenders Rocky Mosley Jr., Bobby " Boogaloo " watts, Irish Pat 
Murphy, Leo Saenz, the talented Wilfred Scypion, Rudy Robles, rugged 
Curtis Parker and former champion Alan Minter were among Hamsho's victims 
during the streak. 

Finally on October 3, 1981 faced Marvin Hagler for the middleweight 
championship. Marvin was a sharpshooter on this night and he sliced up the 
well muscled, southpaw Hamsho. Only Mustafa's grit and gameness kept him 
in the fight until the eleventh round. Marvin had cut him to ribbons and 
the bout was stopped.

Mustafa would regroup and win six in a row. He would again defeat the
dangerous Curtis Parker. He would also pull off two minor upsets that put
him back to the top of the division. In 1982 he would dominate the 
upcoming " bright, white and polite " Bobby Czyz. In 1983 he would
manhandle former welterweight and junior middleweight king Wilfred 
Benitez. Those victories would put Mustafa back in the ring with Hagler. 
 
On October 19th, 1984, three years after their first meeting Hagler 
and Hamsho traded leather again. This turned out to be one of Marvin's
career best performances as he blasted out the usually durable Hamsho in
three rounds.