All-Time Great Middleweight Tournament

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There are a grand total of 300 fighters entered in this tournament. Four rounds of qualifying will be required, followed by a preliminary round to reduce the field to 64. Top 24 (rated 11 or above) get a bye to the first round of the tournament proper. Guys rated “9” and “10” (and a few of the “11”s) will participate in a preliminary round, along with 35 survivors from the final round of qualifying.

On to the first round of qualifying, in which all “1” through “4” rated fighters participate.

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS

Tuzo Portuguez (CRC) UD 10 Sean Sullivan (NZL)
Joe Rindone (USA) UD 10 Jorge Sclarandi (ARG)
Freddy Flores (USA) UD 10 Pete Mead (USA)
Ernie Burford (USA) DQ 3 Francisco Mora (ARG)
Eric Regan (USA) KO 5 Rita Ruvalcaba (MEX)
Steven Bendall (UK) D 10 Lester Ellis (AUS)
Mike Pusateri (USA) D 10 Gilbert Baptist (USA)
Willie Troy (USA) KO 5 Ryan Rhodes (UK)
Wilbert Johnson (USA) UD 10 Kenny Shea (CAN)
Pat McAteer (UK) UD 10 Cleveland Corder (USA)
Willie Warren (USA) TKO 8 Darren Obeh (AUS)
William Lee (USA) TKO 5 Loucif Hamani (FRA)
Tony Dupas (USA) UD 10 Paulo Sanchez (ARG)
Hans Stretz (GER) KO 2 Gary Lockett (UK)
Eddie Andrews (USA) TKO 2 David Ciarlante (ITA)
Anthony Farnell (USA) UD 10 Efrain Garcia (USA)
Jimmy Flood (USA) UD 10 Kirino Garcia (MEX)
Stephane Ouellet (CAN) D 10 Bert Colima (USA)
Freddie Cabral (USA) UD 10 John LoCicero (USA)
Julio Garcia (CUB) UD 10 Alex Hilton (CAN)
Bobby Warthem (USA) KO 7 Joe Louis Adair (USA)
Jonathon Reid (USA) UD 10 Ike White (USA)
Andres Selpa (ARG) KO 7 Leonard Townsend (USA)
Marcos Geraldo (MEX) DQ 10 Italo Scortichini (ITA)
Sergeant Lou Woods (USA) TKO 10 Otis Woodward (USA)
Lee Blundell (UK) SD 10 Johnny Sullivan (USA)
Billy McNeece (USA) TKO 5 Blair Richardson (CAN)
John David Jackson (USA) STD 10 Bobby Boyd (USA)
Brett Lally (USA) UD 10 Keith Sims (USA)
Vern Lester (USA) SD 10 Chico Varona (CUB)
Peter Muller (GER) UD 10 Daniel Sclarandi (ARG)
Bunny Sterling (UK) UD 10 Jimmy Herring (USA)
Joey DeJohn (USA) KO 1 Brent Cooper (USA)
Otis Graham (USA) KO 9 Dick Turpin (UK)
Agostino Cardamone (ITA) UD 10 Juan Meza (ARG)
Rafael Gutierrez (MEX) KO 6 Rudy Robles (USA)
Jackie LaBua (USA) UD 10 David Lopez (MEX)
Walter Woods (USA) TKO 9 Curtis Parker (USA)
Sammy Walker (USA) SD 10 Morrade Hakkar (FRA)

Three draws mean three replays are required. The results:

Bendall TKO 10 Ellis
Puratori UD 10 Baptist
Colima UD 10 Ouellet

The 39 winners advance to take on 95 guys rated “5” and “6” in the next round of qualifying bouts.

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QUALIFYING, SECOND ROUND BOUTS

Vito Antuofermo (USA) UD 10 Erland Betare (FRA)
Frank Moody (USA) SD 10 Tom Bogs (DEN)
Charlie Anglee (USA) SD 10 Mariano Carrera (ARG)
Bobby Warthem (USA) TKO 6 Lee Blundell (UK)
Julio Garcia (CUB) SD 10 Jimmy Beau (USA)
William Joppy (USA) KO 3 George Duke (USA)
Robert Allen (USA) UTD 4 Pedro Miranda (CUB)
Joe Thomas (USA) UD 10 Jonathon Reid (USA)
Freddy Flores (USA) MD 10 Eric Regan (USA)
Homer Robertson (USA) MD 10 Raymond Joval (HOL)
Ted Olla (USA) UD 10 Al Andrews (USA)
Terry Downes (UK) TKO 2 Cecil Hudson (USA)
Hans Stretz (GER) MD 10 Sergey Tatevosyan (RUS)
Bunny Sterling (UK) UD 10 Wayne Alexander (UK)
Juan Roldan (ARG) KO 2 Anthony Farnell (UK)
Herol Graham (UK) KO 3 Agustino Cardamone (ITA)
Art Hernandez (USA) MTD 8 Danny Perez (USA)
Marcos Geraldo (MEX) UD 10 Willie Warren (USA)
Hector Camacho (PUR) MD 10 Wilford Scypion (USA)
Hector Velazco (ARG) SD 10 Steven Bendall (UK)
Frank Fletcher (USA) KO 6 Bert Schenk (GER)
Oddone Piazza (ITA) TKO 10 Ernie Burford (USA)
Robbie Sims (USA) D 10 Sergio Mora (USA)
Billy McNeece (USA) UD 10 Rocky Fumerelle (USA)
Eugene Hart (USA) TKO 3 Joe Rindone (USA)
Rafael Gutierrez (MEX) DQ 8 Mustafa Hamsho (USA)
Kevin Finnegan (UK) UD 10 Andres Selpa (ARG)
Vern Lester (USA) TKO 9 Leo Starasch (GER)
Joe DeNucci (USA) TKO 8 Wilbert Johnson (USA)
Walter Cartier (USA) KO 6 Walter Woods (USA)
Jerry Elliott (IRL) UD 10 Jimmy Flood (USA)
Kingsley Ikeke (NIG) UD 10 Garth Panter (USA)
Joey DeJohn (USA) UD 10 Don Fullmer (USA)
Ossie Harris (USA) UD 10 Jesse Brinkley (USA)
Troy Rowland (USA) SD 10 Naotaka Hozumi (JPN)
Ray Seales (USA) UD 10 Epifania Mendoza (COL)
Tony Licata (USA) KO 6 Rory Calhoun (USA)
Alex Ramos (USA) UD 10 Kelly Pavlik (USA)
John David Jackson (USA) D 10 Mike Pusateri (USA)
Mike Colbert (USA) UD 10 Pat McAteer (UK)
Swede Berglund (USA) UD 10 Jorge Amparisi (DOM)
Gratien Tonna (FRA) UD 10 Willie Troy (USA)
Leone Jacovacci (DRC) UD 10 Giovanni Lorenzo (DOM)
Giovanni Pretorius (SAF) UD 10 Andy Heilman (USA)
Otis Graham (USA) TKO 6 Eduardo Lausse (ARG)
Carl Daniels (USA) TKO 4 Eddie Andrews (USA)
Juan Rivero (ARG) KO 10 Wilfie Greaves (CAN)
Kuyanych Toygonbayev (UZB) D 10 Aaron Wade (USA)
Bert Colima (USA) UD 10 Brett Lally (USA)
Eddie Risko (USA) TKO 9 Eugene Hairston (USA)
Harry Scott (UK) MD 10 Tuzo Portuguez (CRC)
Sergeant Lou Woods (USA) UD 10 Luis Folledo (SPA)
Laurent Dauthhuille (FRA) UD 10 Aaron Mitchell (USA)
Sheik Rangel (USA) DQ 4 George Chip (USA)
Tony Sibson (UK) D 10 Solly Krieger (USA)
John McCormack (UK) UD 10 Sammy Walker (USA)
Shinji Takehara (JPN) TKO 9 Peter Muller (GER)
William Lee (USA) KO 8 Dennis Milton (USA)
Jean-Claude Bouttier (FRA) TKO 6 Alfonso Gomez (MEX)
Maselino Masoe (JAM) TKO 7 Billy Kilgore (USA)
Michael Olajide (CAN) UD 10 Tony Dupas (USA)
Ernie Durando (USA) UD 10 Andrew Council (USA)
Lou Gutierrez (NIC) UD 10 Jackie LaBua (USA)
Hassine Cherifi (FRA) KO 6 Freddie Cabral (USA)
Jimmy Beecham (USA) UD 10 Aslanbek Kodzoev (RUS)
Sugar Boy Nando (ARU) UD 10 Franz Szuzina (GER)
Anton Raadik (EST) UTD 7 Evans Ashira (KEN)

The two DQ results jump out – tough way to go out for quality fighters like Chip and Hamsho. Four draws mean four replays:

Mora KO 10 Sims
Jackson UD 10 Pusateri
Wade UD 10 Toygonbayev
Krieger TKO 4 Sibson

Sibson is eliminated due to a cuts stoppage. All the "7" guys and a few 8s will participate in the third round of qualifying.

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Third round of qualifying adds all “7” rated boxers and three lowest “8” guys to the 67 survivors from the first two rounds of qualifying, to produce 55 winners who will advance to the fourth and final qualifying round, which will then add the remaining “8” rated boxers.

Gratien Tonna (FRA) TKO 7 Rubin Carter (USA)
Ray Seales (USA) UD 10 Julio Garcia (CUB)
Carl Daniels (USA) MD 10 Paddy Young (USA)
Frank Battaglia (CAN) SD 10 John David Jackson (USA)
Arthur Abraham (ARM) KO 6 Giovanni Pretorius (SAF)
Robert Villemain (FRA) KO 9 Otis Graham (USA)
Lee Sala (USA) D 10 Shinji Takehara (JPN)
Robert Allen (USA) UD 10 Oddone Piazza (ITA)
Paul Pirrone (USA) UD 10 Charley Humez (FRA)
Dwight Davison (USA) UD 10 Harry Scott (UK)
Kevin Finnegan (UK) UD 10 Sergeant Lou Woods (USA)
Troy Rowland (USA) SD 10 Al Priest (USA)
Charley Fusari (USA) KO 10 Hasine Cherifi (FRA)
Hector Velazco (ARG) UD 10 Tony Licata (USA)
Johnny Wilson (USA) D 10 Artie Levine (USA)
Maselino Masoe (SAM) UD 10 Sheik Rangel (USA)
Charlie Cotton (USA) D 10 Ceferino Garcia (PHI)
Tony Janiro (USA) UD 10 Homer Robertson (USA)
Walter Cartier (USA) UD 10 Michael Olajide (CAN)
Juan Roldan (ARG) TKO 6 Mike Colbert (USA)
Joey DeJohn (USA) KO 2 Herol Graham (UK)
Hugo Corro (ARG) MD 10 Bert Colima (USA)
Terry Downes (UK) KO 5 Bobby Warthem (USA)
Howard Eastman (UK) UD 10 Rafael Gutierrez (MEX)
Eddie Risko (USA) KO 10 Bunny Sterling (UK)
Ted Wright (USA) SD 10 Bobby Watts (USA)
Ernie Dorando (USA) UD 10 Randy Sandy (USA)
Bobby Jones (USA) UD 10 Derrell Coley (USA)
Steve Belloise (USA) MD 10 Felix Sturm (GER)
John McCormack (UK) UD 10 Norman Hayes (USA)
Lou Gutierrez (NIC) TKO 4 Freddy Flores (USA)
Alex Ramos (USA) TKO 6 Sergio Mora (USA)
Pierre Langlois (FRA) UD 10 Sam Soliman (AUS)
William Joppy (USA) SD 10 Laurent Dauthuile (FRA)
Bobby Jones (USA) UD 10 Ossie Harris (USA)
Johnny Pritchett (UK) UD 10 Johnny Beecham (USA)
Swede Berglund (USA) KO 7 Charlie Anglee (USA)
Alan Minter (UK) UD 10 Ted Olla (USA)
Iran Barkley (USA) TKO 1 Juan Rivero (ARG)
Leone Jacovacci (DRC) UD 10 Marcos Geraldo (MEX)
Vito Antuofermo (ITA) UD 10 Wilbert McClure (USA)
Jock McAvoy (UK) UD 10 Sugar Boy Nando (ARU)
Fred Henneberry (AUS) UD 10 Aaron Wade (USA)
Hugo Kelly (ITA) UD 10 Billy McNeece (USA)
Jerry Elliott (IRL) KO 9 Rocky Graziano (USA)
Charley Joseph (USA) SD 10 Vern Lester (USA)
Joe DeNucci (USA) TKO 7 Kingsley Ikeke (NGR)
Jose Gonzalez (PUR) MD 10 Frank Moody (UK)
Coley Welch (USA) TKO 8 Marcel Thil (FRA)
Solly Krieger (USA) UD 10 Anton Raadik (EST)
Frank Fletcher (USA) TKO 2 Eugene Hart (USA)
Ronnie Harris (USA) UD 10 Hans Stretz (GER)
Art Hernandez (USA) UD 10 William Lee (USA)
Ernie Vigh (USA) UD 10 Hector Camacho (PUR)
Jean-Claude Bouttier (FRA) SD 10 Joe Thomas (USA)

The fact that some big names (Camacho, Carter, Graziano, Jackson and Olajide) got knocked out in this qualifying round demonstrates how tough the field is for this division. Three draws require three replays:

Takehara UD 10 Sala
Wilson UD 10 Levine
Garcia KO 8 Cotton

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QUALIFYING, FOURTH ROUND

Hugo Kelly (ITA) D 10 Charley Joseph (USA)
Arthur Abraham (ARM) SD 10 Gene Armstrong (USA)
Jock McAvoy (UK) KO 6 Ray Seales (USA)
Jose Gonzalez (PUR) D 10 Gratien Tonna (FRA)
Al Hostak (USA) TKO 6 Shinji Takehara (JPN)
Johnny Pritchett (UK) KO 8 Swede Berglund (USA)
Robert Villeman (FRA) TD 1 Ted Wright (USA)
Hector Velazco (ARG) TKO 6 Pierre Langlois (FRA)
Jean-Claude Bouttier (FRA) UD 10 William Joppy (USA)
Solly Krieger (USA) MD 10 Ronnie Harris (USA)
Bobby Jones (USA) UD 10 Juan Roldan (ARG)
Dwight Davison (USA) UD 10 Troy Rowland (USA)
Coley Welch (USA) MD 10 Harry Simon (NAM)
Iran Barkley (USA) SD 10 Willie Monroe (USA)
Ralph Jones (USA) UD 10 Terry Downes (UK)
Art Hernandez (USA) SD 10 Jerry Elliott (IRL)
Walter Cartier (USA) UD 10 Carl Daniels (USA)
Frank Tate (USA) SD 10 Frank Fletcher (USA)
Joey DeJohn (USA) KO 3 Artie Towne (USA)
Frank Battaglia (CAN) TKO 8 Vito Antuofermo (USA)
Rocky Castellani (USA) D 10 Ceferino Garcia (PHI)
Alan Minter (UK) UD 10 Jock Malone (USA)
John McCormack (UK) UD 10 Hugo Corro (ARG)
Ernie Vigh (USA) UD 10 Robert Allen (USA)
Maselino Masoe (SAM) KO 3 Alex Ramos (USA)
Paul Pender (USA) D 10 Johnny Wilson (USA)
Gemeo Brennan (BAH) MD 10 Ernie Durando (USA)
Tony Janiro (USA) UD 10 Jose Basora (CUB)
Carl Olson (USA) TKO 9 Kevin Finnegan (UK)
Joe De Nucci (USA) UD 10 Eddie Risko (USA)
Lou Gutierrez (NIC) UD 10 Howard Eastman (UK)
Paul Pirrone (USA) UD 10 Leone Jacovacci (DRC)
Tiberio Mitri (ITA) UD 10 Jack Chase (USA)
Charley Fusari (USA) SD 10 Dave Rosenberg (USA)
Steve Belloise (USA) UD 10 Fred Hennebery (AUS)

REPLAYS

Kelly TKO 9 Joseph
Gonzalez UD 10 Tonna
Villemain MD 10 Wright
Garcia MD 10 Castellani
Wilson UD 10 Pender

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On to the preliminary round of the tournament proper, even though one fighter (Mike McCallum) is still active by reaching the final of the JMW tournament.. Top 24 rated boxers are seeded into the first round, the round of 64. They are:

1. Harry Greb
2. Carlos Monzon
3. Marvin Hagler
4. Jake LaMotta
5. Ray Robinson
6. Panama Joe Gans
7. Charley Burley
8. Marcel Cerdan
9. Mike Gibbons
10. Les Darcy
11. Mickey Walker
12. Dick Tiger
13. Holman Williams
14. Emile Griffith
15. Mike O’Dowd
16. Stanley Ketchel
17. Nino Benvenut
18. Tony Zale
19. NP Jack Dempsey
20. Freddie Steele
21. Rodrigo Valdez
22. Teddy Yarosz
23. James Toney
24. Tommy Ryan

Random pairings for this preliminary round, which sees a wide range of skills (ranging from a low of “4” to a high of “11”), so let’s see what happened (40 bouts total):

Harry Smith (USA) UD 10 Freddie Apostoli (USA)
Gerald McClellan (USA) UD 10 Ken Overlin (USA)
Joey Archer (USA) SD 10 Mike McCallum (USA)
Jean-Claude Bouttier (FRA) UD 10 Joey DeJohn (USA)
Jermain Taylor (USA) TKO 9 Ralph Jones (USA)
Robert Villemain (FRA) UD 10 Vince Dundee (USA)
Joey Giardello (USA) SD 10 Hugo Kelly (ITA)
Gomeo Brennan (BAH) D 10 Billy Papke (USA)
Paul Pirrone (USA) UD 10 Coley Welch (USA)
Eddie Booker (USA) SD 10 Yama Bahama (BAH)
Jeff Smith (USA) UD 10 Solly Krieger (USA)
Oscar De La Hoya (USA) UD 10 Lou Brouillard (CAN)
Joey Giambra (USA) UD 10 Walter Cartier (USA)
Laszlo Papp (HUN) UD 10 Arthur Abraham (ARM)
Gene Fullmer (USA) SD 10 Steve Belloise (USA)
Dave Sands (AUS) KO 9 Thomas Hearns (USA)
Ben Jeby (USA) TKO 4 Frank Tate (USA)
Bert Lytell (USA) UD 10 Bernard Hopkins (USA)
Jose Gonzalez (PUR) UD 10 Holly Mims (USA)
Billy Soose (USA) UD 10 Frank Battaglia (CAN)
Iran Barkley (USA) UD 10 Al Hostak (USA)
Lester Felton (USA) D 10 Lou Gutierrez (NIC)
Dave Shade (USA) SD 10 Art Hernandez (USA)
Nigel Benn (UK) UD 10 Tiberio Mitri (ITA)
Cyrille Delanoit (BEL) D 10 Alan Minter (UK)
Carl Olson (USA) SD 10 Dwight Davison (USA)
Hank Casey (USA) TKO 6 Ernie Vigh (USA)
Ray Leonard (USA) UD 10 Gorilla Jones (USA)
George Abrams (USA) UD 10 Charley Fusari (USA)
John McCormack (UK) DQ 10 Kid Tunero (CUB)

Four replays are required. Results:

Papke UD 10 Brennan
Gutierrez UTD 8 Felton
Minter MD 10 Delanoit
Trinidad SD 10 Hudkins

Some interesting results: While such notables as Sugar Ray Leonard, Eddie Booker, Gene Fullmer and Laszlo Papp survived the preliminary round of competition, the proverbial “luck of the draw” managed to claim Overlin, McCallum (who still has the JMW title bout upcoming), Hearns, Hopkins and Basilio. Lowest ranked guys to advance include Gutierrez, who took out Felton in a rematch, and Bouttier, who is now 4-0 after a lucky draw matching him with the only lower ranked guy left. Both these “5” rated guys will face much stiffer competition in the upcoming round of 64, where pairings will be made based on rankings and seedings.

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Down to 64 fighters, and here are the pairings for the first round.

FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS

Harry Greb (1) vs Lou Gutierrez
Joey Archer vs Jermain Taylor
Nino Benvenuti (17) vs Gerald McClellan
Stanley Ketchel (16) vs Dave Shade
Mike Gibbons (9) vs Paul Pirrone
Tommy Ryan (24) vs Charles McCoy
Ray Leonard vs Joey Giardello
Marcel Cerdan (8) vs Alan Minter
Jake LaMotta (4) vs John McCormack
Jeff Smith vs Felix Trinidad
Freddie Steele (20) vs Joey Giambra
Holman Williams (13) vs Ellsworth Webb
Dick Tiger (12) vs Carl Olson
Rodrigo Valdez (21) vs George Abrams
Gene Fullmer vs Bert Lytell
Ray Robinson (5) vs Iran Barkley
Panama Joe Gans (6) vs Johnny Wilson
Harry Smith vs Frank Klaus
Teddy Yarosz (22) vs Ben Jeby
Mickey Walker (11) vs Robert Villemain
Emile Griffith (14) vs Laszlo Papp
NP Jack Dempsey (19) vs Bennie Briscoe
Hank Casey vs Dave Sands
Marvin Hagler (3) vs Joe DeNucci
Charley Burley (7) vs Jose Gonzalez
Eddie Booker vs Tiger Flowers
James Toney (23) vs Billy Soose
Les Darcy (10) vs Tony Janiro
Mike O’Dowd (15) vs Oscar DeLaHoya
Tony Zale (18) vs George Benton
Billy Papke vs Nigel Benn
Carlos Monzon (2) vs Jean-Claude Bouttier

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No upsets thus far, but some "close calls" for some of the favored fighters.

Harry Greb (1) TKO 3 Lou Gutierrez

Greb, the “human windmill,” goes on the attack in the opening round and doesn’t let up, scoring a knockdown in the third round and not letting up until his man is helpless against the ropes, at which point the ref steps in to save Gutierrez from further punishment.

Jermain Taylor TKO 3 Joey Archer

Good action from the opening bell, with Taylor having the better of it in the opening round. Early in round two, he bloodies Archer’s nose, and a round later, the bout ends on a cuts stoppage.

Nino Benvenuti (17) TKO 8 Gerald McClellan

Solid boxing exhibition by the favored Italian, who rips open a cut over McClellan’s left eye in round four. Benvenuti decks McClellan with an uppercut in round five, and holds a solid points lead (50-45, according to the unofficial card) at the midway point. In the later rounds, McClellan tries to become more aggressive, but the cut becomes more serious, leading to a late stoppage.

Stanley Ketchel (16) UD 10 Dave Shade

Bruising battle between two hard punchers, with Ketchel landing more telling blows while the punches landed stats tended to favor Shade. At the outset of round four, Ketchel decks Shade with a combination. Shade arises at the count of seven, then covers up to last the round. In round six, Ketchel rips open a gash over the right eye of Shade. Shade battles back, however, exhibiting superior stamina and dropping Ketchel in round nine. At one KD apiece, it comes down to the final round, which Ketchel dominates to take a close but unanimous decision (95-94 on all three cards).

Mike Gibbons (9) UD 10 Paul Pirrone

Gibbons, the “St. Paul Phantom,” gets off to a comfortable start, building a huge points lead by the midway point (49-46, according to the unofficial card). In round nine, he decks Pirrone, with Pirrone barely beating the count (arising at the count of nine) only to lose a fairly one-sided decision (98-91, 99-90, 98-91, all for Gibbons).

Tommy Ryan (24) UD 10 Charles McCoy

Ryan, the lowest ranked of the 24 seeded fighters, takes on McCoy, aka the “Corkscrew Kid.” Ryan is on target early, forging a solid lead at the halfway point (49-46 on the unofficial card). The rest of the bout proceeds with a masterful boxing exhibition by Ryan, with McCoy suffering from a cut and swollen right eye in round eight, which also saw him making a trip to the canvas. Lopsided points win for Ryan (97-92, 98-91, 97-92) as a result.

Ray Leonard SD 10 Joey Giardello

Strong opening round for Giardello but, as the bout develops, Leonard is the more aggressive of the two, with Giardello showcasing his defensive skills. Leonard battles back to take rounds four through six, but late in the bout Leonard is cut over his right eye. The cut has little impact, as the bout comes down to the final round, with Leonard squeaking through via a split duke (96-94, 94-96, 97-93). Interestingly, Sugar Ray -- as the 25th best rated fighter in the draw -- just missed being seeded.


Marcel Cerdan (8) UD 10 Alan Minter

Solid start from Cerdan, who dominates the action from the early rounds. Cerdan is well ahead at the halfway point (49-46, according to the unofficial scorer at ringside). In round nine, Minter abandons all caution and goes all out for a knockout, leaving him vulnerable to a big cross from Cerdan that puts him down for an eight count. Aided by the KD, Cerdan advances by a fairly comfortable margin (97-92, 98-92, 98-91).

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A couple of upsets, as the first seeds fall.

Jake LaMotta (4) UD 10 John McCormack

After a slow start, the “Raging Bull” gets going in rounds four and five, and by the fifth round, McCormack is suffering from a split lip and a swollen left eye. LaMotta continues to dominate the action the rest of the way, en route to an easy points win (scores are 99-92, 98-92, 97-93).

Jeff Smith TKO 8 Felix Trinidad

Smith is on target early, and by the end of the second round, there is noticeable swelling around the left eye of Trinidad. In round four, Trinidad moves inside and drops Smith with an uppercut to the head. Smith arises, covers up and lasts the round. Midway through the bout, the unofficial card has a narrow points edge (49-48) for Smith. In round six, Smith manages to rip open a gash over the right eye of Trinidad. The cut is in a bad spot and, when it is re-opened in round eight, an immediate stoppage is ordered, over the protests of Trinidad’s corner.

Freddie Steele (20) UD 10 Joey Giambra

In the opening round, Giambra surprises Steele when he decks him with a cross to the head. Steele arises at the count of five and resumes, covering up to survive the round. The “Tacoma Assassin” settles in, assuming the role of aggressor, while Giambra adopts a more defensive posture. Despite suffering the early KD, Steele is ahead on points at the halfway mark (48-46 on the unofficial card). In the second half of the bout, Steele maintains the pressure, exhibiting better stamina while Giambra must deal with a rapidly swelling right eye. The bout goes the distance, and Steele takes the win on points (judges’ scores of 96-93. 96-93, 97-92), as the early KD and a late cut under the right eye do not prevent Steele from advancing.

Holman Williams (13) UD 10 Ellsworth Webb

Solid start by Williams, who builds a comfortable points lead (49-46, on the unofficial card) by the midway point. In rund six, and overly aggressive Webb is puncihsed by Williams, who has a big round. In the end, Williams has too many weapons – both offensive and defensive – for Webb to combat, and it translates into a lopsided points win for Williams (99-90, 98-91, 98-91).

Carl Olson TKO 6 Dick Tiger (12)

Tiger rips open a severe gash over the right eye of Olson early in round two. The cut is re-opened in round four, but Olson’s corner does a good job of patching things up. Solid points edge for the favored Tiger (50-46, according to the unofficial scorer) at the midway point. Then, in an extreme turnaround, Olson uses his jab to set up a straight right that stuns Tiger. “Bobo” Olson takes advantage of a hurt opponent, and Tiger is the first seed eliminated after the ref steps in to save him from further punishment. Huge upset, as a peek at the scorecards had Tiger well ahead (50-45 on all three) at the time of the stoppage.

George Abrams UD 10 Rodrigo Valdez (21)

Lethargic start by the favored Valdez, allowing Abrams to build an early points lead (50-45 at the midway point, according to the unofficial scorer at ringside). Valdez rallies with a big round six. Valdez also exhibits better stamina, and stages a late rally that results in a swollen left eye for Abrams. However, despite Valdez winning both rounds 9 and 10 on all three cards, the nod goes to Abrams, who holds on to enough of his early lead to take a close but unanimous verdict (by scores of 96-95, 97-94, 96-95).

Gene Fullmer UD 10 Bert Lytell

Close bout through the first few rounds. In round four, Fullmer sustains a cut over his right eye. Unofficial scorer has it even (48-all) at the halfway point. In round nine, the cut is re-opened but is not a factor in the outcome, as Fullmer perseveres to take a close but unanimous decision (by scores of 96-94, 97-93, 98-92).

Ray Robinson (5) UD 10 Iran Barkley

Solid boxing exhibition by Sugar Ray versus the offensive-minded “Blade” Barkley. In round four, Robinson tags Barkley with an uppercut, putting him on the canvas, then follows with a big shot for a second KD later in the same round. Barkley survives, but another big round in round six, and from then Robinson coasts to a solid points win (96-91. 96-91, 97-90). Robinson, the recently crowned ATG WW Champion, keeps his hopes alive in the MW tournament, while Barkley will move on to the ATG SMW fray.

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Panama Joe Gans (6) MD 10 Johnny Wilson

Gans takes charge with a big round three, and a trace of swelling appears around Wilson’s right eye as a result. Slight edge for Gans at the midway point (48-47, according to the unofficial card), but Wilson manages to stick around and keep the bout close. By the end, there is swelling around Gans’ right eye as well. Gans manages to advance by a close majority decision (scores were 96-94, 95-95, 97-93).

Harry Smith TKO 6 Frank Klaus

It’s the “Harlem Thunderbolt” versus the “Pittsburgh Bearcat.” A big round four from Klaus results in some moderate swelling under the right eye of Smith. The unofficial card has the bout even (48-all) at the halfway point. The bout comes to an abrupt end in round six, when Smith rips open a gash over the right eye of Klaus. The bleeding becomes too difficult to control, and an immediate stoppage is the result. TKO win for Smith.

Teddy Yarosz (22) DQ 8 Ben Jeby

Solid boxing from both men, but the unofficial scorecard favors Yarosz (by a count of 49-46) at the midway point. In round eight, the bout comes to a sudden and surprising end when Jeby is called for head-butting, and the fouling is ruled to be flagrant, resulting in a DQ.

Mickey Walker (11) KO 9 Robert Villemain

The hard-hitting Walker takes awhile to get going, but by round four, he has landed sufficient leather to cause swelling to appear around both eyes of Villemain. Solid points lead for Walker (50-46, on the unofficial card) at the midway point. Walker continues to press the action on the inside, and in round seven, a sharp combination from Walker rips open a cut over the right eye of Villemain. Then, in round nine, a barrage of blows from Walker drops Villemain to the canvas, and the Frenchman is counted out.

Emile Griffith (14) D 10 Laszlo Papp

Papp proves to be a difficult opponent for Griffith, who struggles with his timing through the first half of the bout. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer at ringside has Papp ahead (48-47) but it remains a very close bout. Griffith does marginally better in the second half, but it comes down to the final round where Papp wins a majority of the judges and does just enough to secure a majority draw (95-95, 96-94 Griffith, 95-95) and a rematch.

NP Jack Dempsey (19) TKO 8 Bennie Briscoe

Heavy leather from Dempsey for the first few rounds, but Briscoe moves inside in round four and manges to keep the bout close (48-all at the midway point, on the unofficial card). Strong defense from Dempsey, who takes round six. Briscoe bounces back to win round seven. Then, in the eighth round, Dempsey manages to trap Briscoe in a neutral corner and begins pummeling away. When Briscoe is left helpless and defenseless against the ropes, the ref steps in and calls a halt. Dempsey advances via the TKO route.

Hank Casey UD 10 Dave Sands

The bout remains close through the opening three rounds, but then Casey takes charge with a big round four, causing some initial puffiness to appear around the left eye of Sands. Slight points edge for Casey (49-47, on the unofficial card) at the halfway point. Later in the bout, Sands tries to become more aggressive, but with no success. Casey goes on to take a solid points win (98-93, 97-93, 96-95).

Marvin Hagler (3) TKO 4 Joe DeNucci

Hagler seizes the initiative and, in round four, takes advantage of a vulnerable DeNucci who had perhaps unwisely decided to try his luck fighting inside. Hagler drops DeNucci with a solid cross, then follows up until DeNucci, out on his feet, is saved from further punishment by a TKO stoppage. Solid win for “Marvelous Marvin.”

[JCWeb]

Charley Burley (7) UD 10 Jose Gonzalez

Burley starts out well, dominating the action in the opening round. By round four, he has landed enough solid blows to cause an initial trace of swelling under the right eye of Gonzalez. Solid points lead for Burley at the midway point (50-45, according to the unofficial card). In round seven, Burley connects with a sharp combination, sending Gonzalez toppling to the canvas. Gonzalez is able to resume, but he is a bit worse for the wear, having suffered a cut over his left eye. Burley goes on to record a unanimous points win (judges’ scores of 98-91, 98-92, 97-92).

Tiger Flowers UD 10 Eddie Booker

Close bout through the opening rounds, and it is a bit of a surprise to see Flowers ahead on the unofficial scoring (by a count of 49-47) at the halfway point. Booker becomes more aggressive as the bout heads into the later rounds, but to no avail. Big round seven for Flowers, who exhibits superior stamina to gradually wear down his opponent en route to the unanimous decision win (scores were 97-94, 97-95, 98-94).

Billy Soose MD 10 James Toney (23)

Solid start for Soose, whose style seems to confuse the favored Toney. Close but narrow points edge for Soose (48-47, on the unofficial card) at the midway point. Toney becomes more aggressive, trying to force the action on the inside as the bout heads into the later rounds. By the end of round eight, Soose’s left eye is beginning to puff up, and in the final round Toney drills Soose with a hard right that forces Soose to cover up. In spite of Toney’s late surge, Soose is declared the victor by a narrow margin (96-95, 95-95, 96-94). Toney will be back in a couple of higher weight classes.

Les Darcy (10) UD 10 Tony Janiro

Big round four for Darcy, and by the end of the round, both Janiro’s eyes are beginning to swell. A big hook from Darcy in the fifth round forces Janiro to cover up. Solid points lead for Darcy (49-47 on the unofficial card) at the midway point. Janiro battles back with a solid sixth round, and a mouse forms under Darcy’s left eye. Nonetheless, a solid performance from Darcy who is rewarded with a fairly lopsided points win (99-91 on all three cards).

Mike O’Dowd (15) SD 10 Oscar DeLaHoya

Action is slow to develop, and both men are content to remain cautious through the opening few rounds. Close bout, so much so that the unofficial scorer calls it even (48-all) at the midway point. O’Dowd is focused on solid boxing and avoids sharp exchanges, and he seems to get stronger as the bout wears on. In the final round, De La Hoya throws caution to the wind and manages to catch O’Dowd with a vicious combination that puts O’Dowd on the deckt. O’Dowd arises after taking a count of four, and there is a divergence of opinion among the judges, two of whom favor O’Dowd (by counts of 96-93 and 95-94), while a third was DeLaHoya by an even wider margin (97-92).

George Benton UD 10 Tony Zale (18)

Zale sets up shop on the inside, while Benton prefers to fight outside. Zale struggles with his timing in the early going, but he does manage to forge a narrow points lead (48-47) on the unofficial card at the midway point. Round seven sees lots of action, both men landing some good shots, with the punches landed count favoring Zale. After another good round for Zale in the eighth, Benton bounces back to take the ninth. The final round appears to go the way of Zale but, in a surprise, the three judges – apparently in unanimous discord with the unofficial scorer – go for Benton (all by identical counts of 96-94), despite a strong finish by Zale, who appeared to win three of the last four rounds of a close bout.

Billy Papke UD 10 Nigel Benn

Not much happening until round five when a straight right from Papke manages to cause puffiness around the right eye of Benn. Big points lead for Papke (50-45, on the unofficial card) at the midway point. Benn becomes more aggressive in the later stages but can make little impression on Papke, who appears to ease up near the end. All three judges agree (96-94 for Papke).

Carlos Monzon (2) KO 1 Jean-Claude Bouttier

The number two seed wastes little time, disposing of Bouttier in less than two minutes with a cross to the head that puts the Frenchman down and out.

[JCWeb]

FIRST ROUND REPLAY

Emile Griffith MD 10 Laszlo Papp

In the rematch, Papp continues to prove to be a rough customer. Slight early edge to Griffith, but the bout remains close as Papp appears to be the harder hitter while Griffith exhibits superior ring generalship. Surprised to see the unofficial card favoring Papp (by a count of 49-46) at the midway point, as the punches landed stats have it just about even. Big round six for Griffith, who carries a stamina advantage into the later rounds while Papp, perhaps used to those shorter bouts in amateur competition (where he won three Olympic Golds), appears to be laboring. Both men remain unmarked as the second bout goes the distance, as did the first. This time, we have a winner, as two of the judges favor Griffith, while a third still calls it even (97-94, 95-95 and 96-94 are the scores).

Turns out there were a few upsets, although the top 11 seeded guys made it through; all will face unseeded opposition in the second round. Some re-jiggering of the draw was needed, but still there are some interesting matchups upcoming …

SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

Harry Greb (1) vs Jermain Taylor
Nino Benvenuti (17) vs NP Jack Dempsey (19)
Mike Gibbons (9) vs George Abrams
Marcel Cerdan (8) vs George Benton
Jake LaMotta (4) vs Jeff Smith
Emile Griffith (14) vs Tommy Ryan (24)
Holman Williams (13) vs Ray Leonard
Ray Robinson (5) vs Gene Fullmer
Panama Joe Gans (6) vs Harry Smith
Mickey Walker (11) vs Carl Olson
Mike O’Dowd (15) vs Teddy Yarosz (22)
Marvin Hagler (3) vs Hank Casey
Charley Burley (7) vs Tiger Flowers
Les Darcy (10) vs Billy Soose
Stanley Ketchel (16) vs Freddie Steele (20)
Carlos Monzon (2) vs Billy Papke

[JCWeb]

Harry Greb (1) TKO 4 Jermain Taylor

The “Human Windmill” takes charge in the second round, landing some heavy blows and causing a mouse to form under Taylor’s right eye. The end comes early, a couple of rounds later, with Taylor helpless, unable to fend off some powerful shots from Greb, so the ref steps in to call a halt. Solid performance from Greb.

Nino Benvenuti (17) D 10 NP Jack Dempsey (19)

Early lead in punches landed to Benvenuti. In round four, the Italian rips open a cut over the left eye of Dempsey. Slight points lead for Benvenuti at the midway point (49-47, according to the unofficial card). Benevenuti appeared to be grinding his way to a points win, only a couple of judges did not see it that way, and the end result was a draw after two of three favored Dempsey in the final round (scores were 94-98 Dempsey, 95-95, 97-93) – a wide divergence of opinion such that a rematch will be ordered.

Mike Gibbons (9) SD 10 George Abrams

Gibbons appears to have the upper hand in the early going. However, by round three, Abrams has done enough in terms of punches landed to cause a trace of swelling to appear under the right eye of Gibbons. The unofficial card shows Gibbons well ahead (50-56) at the midway point. Gibbons goes on to victory, but once again there is a divergence of opinion, and it goes down as a SD 10 for Gibbons (94-96, 97-93, 98-92).

Marcel Cerdan (8) KO 6 George Benton

Benton starts well, with a solid second round. In round four, Cerdan suffers a cut under his right eye but it is not deemed to be serious. By the midway point, the unofficial scorer at ringside has the “Casablanca Clouter” well in front (49-45). In round six, Cerdan finds the range with a crippling right to the head, then finishing with a barrage of blows that sends Benton to the canvas, and Benton is unable to beat the count.

Jeff Smith TKO 9 Jake LaMotta (4)

Trouble for LaMotta in the second round when he sustains a cut over his right eye. The cut is patched up between rounds, but it remains a vulnerable target that Smith is able to exploit. Smith is able to pull ahead slightly by the halfway point (49-47 on the unofficial card), and LaMotta battles back but the cut turns out to be decisive, leading to a late stoppage that ends the tournament for the #4 seed.

Emile Griffith (14) D 10 Tommy Ryan (24)

Both participated in the all-time great WW tournament, and the bout remains extremely close through the early rounds. The unofficial scorer gives a slight edge to Griffith (49-47) at the midway point. The two battle down to the wire, and the end result – a draw (95-95, 95-96 Ryan, 95-95) seems justified, as Ryan was able to secure two of the three judges to win the last round and avoid defeat. A rematch will be ordered.

Holman Williams (13) MD 10 Ray Leonard

Leonard, who just missed being seeded, is expected to give Williams a run for it in this bout. Action is slow to develop, but the early edge in punches landed goes to Williams. In round four, Leonard suffers a split lip, but the cut does not cause any problems the rest of the way. At the midway point, Williams is up (49-46 on the unofficial card). He gradually wears down Leonard, who is carrying his hands low after a big round for Williams in round seven. The bout goes to decision, and Williams advances (scores are 97-93, 95-95, 98-92) while Leonard has the SMW tournament to look forward to.

Gene Fullmer UD 10 Ray Robinson (5)

Early edge to Fullmer as Robinson appears to be subpar for this one. Midway point, and the unofficial card has Fullmer leading (49-46). In the later rounds, Fullmer continues to outmuscle a lethargic Robinson, who is bothered by some swelling around his right eye from the seventh round on. Solid points win for Fullmer (95-93) and the ATG WW Champ is out.

So, a couple of major upsets thus far, with LaMotta and Robinson going out. Two replays (at least) will be needed, and both Sugar Rays are on the sidelines.

[JCWeb]

More upsets on the bottom half as well ...

Panama Joe Gans (6) UD 10 Harry Smith

Gans is the more accurate and effective puncher, and he forges a narrow lead at the halfway point (49-48 on the unofficial card). Both men take an aggressive approach, moving inside in round six. In round eight, Gans drops Smith who takes an eight count before resuming. Solid points win for Gans (98-92, 97-92, 98-92).

Carl Olson KO 3 Mickey Walker (11)

“Toy Bulldogy” takes on “Bobo” Olson. Big round two for the upset-minded Olson. In round three, Walker leaves himself open and Olson lands a big shot that puts Walker down and out.

Mike O’Dowd (15) UD 10 Teddy Yarosz (22)

Two boxers do battle; O’Dowd pulls ahead with a big round four. Yarosz begins to suffer the effects of a rapidly swelling left eye. O’Dowd up by two (49-47) at the halfway point, according to the unofficial card. O’Dowd, the “St. Paul Phantom,” continues to apply the pressure, working inside in rounds six and seven. Both men adopt an aggressive approach in the later rounds, but no knockdowns occur, and O’Dowd takes a fairly comfortable points win (by scores of 97-93, 96-94, 96-95).

Marvin Hagler (3) KO 1 Hank Casey

Two minutes into the bout, a perfect combination from Hagler puts Casey down and out.

Tiger Flowers UD 10 Charley Burley (7)

Flowers, the “Georgia Deacon,” proves to be a tough opponent for Burley. Flowers has a narrow points edge (48-47) at the halfway point, according to the unofficial card. Burley remains aggressive but is stymied by Flowers’ solid defense. The bout remains close until the final round, when a Flowers combination puts Burley down. Burley bounces up after taking a count of two, but the damage is done, and Flowers takes a close decision (96-93, 96-93, 95-94), aided by the final round KD.

Les Darcy (10) SD 10 Billy Soose

Not much action until round four, when Soose connects with some big shots, and Darcy is carrying his hands low as a result. However, by the end of round five, there is a noticeable trace of swelling under the left eye of Soose. Slight edge for Darcy (48-47 on the unofficial card) at the halfway point. In round six, Darcy drops Soose with an uppercut. Soose is able to resume but his strength is sapped as there is a big stamina edge for Darcy, who goes on to grind out the win (95-94, 94-95, 95-94). The final round went to Soose but Darcy had done enough to win claim the win from two of the three judges.

Stanley Ketchel (16) KO 2 Freddie Steele (20)

Ketchel unleashes a barrage of punches to put Steele on the deck in round two. After taking an eight count, Steele resumes but Ketchel’s killer instinct has taken over, and he drops Steele a second time with a short, clean uppercut. This time Steele is unable to beat the count. Impressive outing for Ketchel.

Carlos Monzon (2) UD 10 Billy Papke

Monzon is on top early, causing some initial swelling to appear around the left eye of Papke. Monzon piles up a huge points advantage (50-45, according to the unofficial card) by the midway point. A dominating performance by the number two seed who goes on to take a fairly comfortable points win (by scores of 98-91, 98-91, 97-92).

[JCWeb]

SECOND ROUND REPLAYS

Nino Benvenuti (17) MD 10 NP Jack Dempsey (19)

The bout is close for the first three rounds. Benvenuti scores well to take round four, landing sufficient leather to cause a trace of swelling under the left eye of Dempsey. However, the unofficial card has Dempsey holding a slight edge (48-47) at the halfway point. By the end of the sixth round, there is swelling under Dempsey’s right eye as well. Heading into the later rounds, the stamina edge goes to Dempsey. In round nine, a barrage of blows from Dempsey puts Benvenuti down. The Italian arises after taking a count of eight; Dempsey follows up with a sharp combination but cannot finish. The bout goes the distance and, despite the KD and the fact that two of the three judges had the edge for Dempsey in the final round, the end result is a narrow MD 10 win for Benvenuti (95-95, 95-94, 95-94).

Emile Griffith (14) UD 10 Tommy Ryan (24)

Early punches landed edge for Griffith. By round four, there is noticeable swelling around the right eye of Ryan. Unofficial card has a two-point edge for Griffith (49-47) at the midway point of the bout. Ryan continues flailing away but is largely ineffective, unable to penetrate Griffith’s defenses. As a result, it is a solid points win for Griffith (99-92 on all three cards).

THIRD ROUND PAIRINGS

Pairings for the round of 16 are as follows:

Harry Greb (1) vs Carl Olson
Holman Williams (13) vs Emile Griffith (14)
Panama Joe Gans (6) vs Gene Fullmer
Marcel Cerdan (8) vs Nino Benvenuti (17)
Mike Gibbons (9) vs Stanley Ketchel (16)
Marvin Hagler (3) vs Jeff Smith
Les Darcy (10) vs Mike O’Dowd (15)
Carlos Monzon (2) vs Tiger Flowers

Some interesting matches, particularly Gibbons-Ketchel and Gans-Fullmer. 12-round bouts in the next two rounds.

[JCWeb]

Harry Greb (1) UD 12 Carl Olson

The first three rounds are surprisingly close, but in round four Greb, the “Human Windmill,” takes command, dropping Olson for a six-count with an overhand right. A second KD, from a Greb combination, follows later in the same round. Big stamina edge for Greb, who wears Olson down, scoring a third KD in the final round. Lopsided points win for the #1 seed (judges’ scores were 118-107, 117-1108, 118-107).

Holman Williams (13) TKO 3 Emile Griffith (14)

Williams suffers a split lip in the opening round, but the cut has no effect on the outcome. The bout ends suddenly early in round three when Griffith suffers a hand injury and is unable to continue.

Panama Joe Gans (6) UD 12 Gene Fullmer

One of the better bouts in any tournament thus far. Opening round sees a clash of heads, and a cut over the right eye of Fullmer as a result. Undaunted, Fullmer gradually pulls ahead in the opening rounds in terms of the punches landed stat. Gans begins to assert himself in the middle rounds, and the bout is even (57-all) at the halfway point, according to the unofficial card. In round seven, a sharp combination from Gans drops Fullmer, who regains his footing after taking a count of five. Another big round for Gans in the eighth. Fullmer has a big round nine, and there is some swelling around the left eye of Gans as a result. Fullmer is more aggressive as the bout comes down to the last two rounds. Gans takes the final round from all three judges and emerges as the victor (scores of 115-112, 114-113, 115-112).

Marcel Cerdan (8) UD 12 Nino Benvenuti (17)

Early edge for Cerdan, the “Casablanca Clouter,” who gets careless in the fourth round when he walks into a Benvenuti combination and goes down, arising at the count of two. By the end of round five, Cerdan is back in control, landing sufficient leather to cause some initial swelling under the right eye of the Italian. Slight edge to Cerdan (57-56, on the unofficial card) at the midway point. Benvenuti bounces back with a big round seven, and there is a mouse under the right eye of Cerdan. Another good round for Benvenuti in the eighth. Round nine goes to Cerdan. A Cerdan uppercut puts Benvenuti on the deck in round 11. Benvenuti recovers and manages to take the final round, but Cerdan – buoyed by the 11th round KD – had done just enough to take a very close but UD 12 (114-113, 114-112, 114-112).

Stanley Ketchel (16) UD 12 Mike Gibbons (9)

Protypical boxer vs slugger confrontation, with Ketchel assuming the role of slugger. Ketchel suffers a cut lip in round one. Big round three for Gibbons, with Ketchel’s left eye exhibiting a trace of swelling as a result. Nonetheless, there is a slight points edge for the more aggressive Ketchel at the halfway point (57-56, on the unofficial card). Ketchel, who holds a stamina edge, gradually wears Gibbons down as the bout heads into the later rounds. However, huge surprise in round 11 when a Gibbons hook puts Ketchel on the deck. Ketchel arises after taking an eight count and lasts the round, although there is a trace of swelling around his left eye. Then, with the bout remaining close in the final stanza, Ketchel lands a big shot that puts Gibbons down. Gibbons arises and, at one KD apiece, the bout goes to decision, with Ketchel coming out on top (by a count of 115-112 on all three cards).

Jeff Smith TKO 4 Marvin Hagler (3)

Trouble for the #3 seed in the opening round when Hagler is cut over his right eye, and the cut is in a bad spot. Hagler responds with a big round in round two, but Smith remains upright. In round four, a second cut is opened under Hagler’s injured eye, and the bleeding becomes a problem. TKO win for Smith on the cuts stoppage.

Mike O’Dowd (15) UD 12 Les Darcy (10)

Two boxers do battle, so everyone predicting a defensive struggle is surprised in the opening round, when O’Dowd connects with a hook to the head that puts Darcy on the deck. Darcy barely manges to beat the count, struggling to his feet and managing to survive the round by covering up. By round six, there is swelling around the left eye of Darcy, and O’Dowd has the points lead at the halfway point as well (by 58-55 on the unofficial card). Darcy continues to keep the bout close, however, and by round eight, there is swelling around the left eye of O’Dowd. Both men continue to battle until the final bell, with the early KD remaining the difference as O’Dowd takes a close but unanimous decision (by scores of 114-113, 115-112, 114-113).

Carlos Monzon (2) UD 12 Tiger Flowers

Flowers sets up shop on the outside from the opening round and manages to trouble Monzon for the first four rounds. Then, in round five, Monzon seizes control and builds a points lead by the midway point (59-57, according to the unofficial scorer at ringside). Monzon gradually wears Flowers down as the bout heads into the later rounds, breaking through with a hook for the first KD in round nine, following a second KD in round 10, and finally a third KD in the final round. Flowers does manage to arise on all three occasions and manage to last the distance, but the three KDs make it a comfortable UD win for Monzon (118-107, 118-110, 118-108).

[JCWeb]

Down to the final eight. The pairings (12-round bouts):

Harry Greb (1) vs Jeff Smith
Marcel Cerdan (8) vs Holman Williams (13)
Panama Joe Gans (6) vs Mike O'Dowd (15)
Carlos Monzon (2) vs Stanley Ketchel (16)

[JCWeb]

Harry Greb (1) UD 12 Jeff Smith

Smith is able to hold his own versus the top seed through the first four rounds, forcing Greb to become more aggressive. In round five, Greb dominates the action on the inside, and Smith’s right eye begins to puff up as a result. This enables Greb to pull ahead on points (59-56, on the unofficial card) by the midway point. Greb manages to maintain the pressure, and a weary Smith falls to a Greb combination in round 11, arising after taking a count of seven. The bout goes to decision, with Greb winning by a wide margin (117-109, 116-112, 117-110).

Marcel Cerdan (8) SD 12 Holman Williams (13)

Good opening two rounds from Williams, who poses problems for the hard-hitting “Casablanca Clouter.” Cerdan struggles with his timing, but still he has a narrow lead (58-57 on the unofficial card) at the halfway point. Williams manages to keep the bout close and maintains a slight edge in punches landed, but in the end, two of the three judges go for Cerdan (by counts of 116-113 and 115-113) while a dissenter has Williams the winner (by 115-114), so Cerdan advances to the semis.

Mike O'Dowd (15) MD 12 Panama Joe Gans (6)

Two consummate boxers lock horns in this one. O’Dowd has the edge in the early going, so Gans becomes more aggressive. Unofficial scorer has many rounds even, and a slim edge for Gans (59-58) at the midway point. Both men dig in as this very close bout heads into the later rounds; great stamina from both men who seem to have something left all the way to the final round. No cuts or KDs, and many close rounds, with one judge calling it even (116-all), as did the unofficial scorer, but the other two rewarded O’Dowd with the win (by scores of 117-112 and 116-114).

Carlos Monzon (2) UD 12 Stanley Ketchel (16)

Interesting matchup, with the slick boxing Monzon versus Ketchel, the hard-hitting “Michigan Assassin.” Big opening two rounds for Monzon. Ketchel finds the mark with a combination in round four, putting Monzon down for a seven-count. Monzon bounces back in round five, landing some good shots while Ketchel focuses on the body in a good action round. Then, in round six, Monzon rips open a cut over Ketchel’s right eye. Despite the KD, Monzon has a narrow edge on the unofficial card (57-56) at the halfway point. Near the end of the seventh, Monzon floors Ketchel with a big shot, and Ketchel is fortunate, being saved by the bell. One KD apiece, but one can sense Monzon’s confidence growing as the bout heads to the later rounds. A second KD, the result of a Monzon combination, follows in round nine. Another KD from a Monzon combination in round 10, and the cut over Monzon’s eye is bleeding again. A game Ketchel manages to last the distance, but the three KDs are too much to overcome – solid points win for the #2 seed (117-106, 117-107, 117-107), but a good action fight for the fans.

SEMIFINAL PAIRINGS

Greb (1) vs O’Dowd (15)
Monzon (2) vs Cerdan (8)

[JCWeb]

SEMIFINAL #1 -- HARRY GREB (1) vs MIKE O’DOWD (15)

Round-by-Round
Round 1: Greb comes out swinging, landing a cross and an uppercut; O’Dowd responds by landing a cross that causes Greb to back away. O’Dowd bobs and weaves, making himself a difficult target to hit. Not much action, what little did occur favors Greb by a slight margin.
Round 2: O’Dowd lands a hard uppercut, then snakes a jab through Greb’s defenses. He then drops Greb with a barrage of blows. Shaken, the “Human Windmill” arises after taking a count of four then covers up to last the round. Huge round for O’Dowd.
Round 3: Greb is back on the offensive, landing a volley of blows and a glancing cross. Greb stalks his opponent but fails to follow up. A cross lands for O’Dowd, who exhibits good defensive skills this round. Near the end of the round, the action picks up as Greb shoots home a right and O’Dowd scores with a sharp combination. Even round.
Round 4: O’Dowd shoots home a right and follows with a short hook to the chest. Greb is warned for holding and hitting as the two exchange blows at ring center. More clinching, O’Dowd lands a right, Greb bangs home an uppercut. Edge to O’Dowd.
Round 5: Greb smothers a flurry from O’Dowd and then connects with a big uppercut. O’Dowd flicks a jab, Greb fires a return jab. More clinching, both men are off target with their punches. Greb’s round, and the unofficial scorer has it even (47-all) after five.
Round 6: Greb lands a big left. O’Dowd connects with a hook to the head. Greb lands a right but tries unsuccessfully to double up on the jab. O’Dowd sneaks home a right. Even round.
Round 7: Greb rocks O’Dowd with a big uppercut. Greb follows with a three-punch combo, traps O’Dowd in the corner and ties him up. Greb works the head and body. More clinching. O’Dowd manages to land a nice combination right before the bell, but it is Greb’s round.
Round 8: Greb lands a big hook. O’Dowd responds with a sharp combination. More clinching, O’Dowd gets in an uppercut. Greb lands a cross and a follow-up jab. Big hook from Greb right before the bell. Another round for Greb.
Round 9: Greb lands an uppercut and follows with a hook to the body. More clinching, initiated by Greb. Greb catches O’Dowd with an uppercut. Greb’s round.
Round 10: O’Dowd circles his opponent but is warned for holding and hitting. More clinching by Greb. O’Dowd fires a cross that lands O’Dowd is on target with a jab and a follow-up right. O’Dowd’s round. Unofficial card has Greb ahead (96-94) with five rounds remaining.
Round 11: Both struggle with their timing. Greb pops home a jab. Greb lands a couple of big crosses, enough to take the round.
Round 12: O’Dowd works his way inside, landing a jolting uppercut. More clinching. O’Dowd digs a short hook to the ribs. Greb connects with a cross. O’Dowd shoots home a right, then works the jab, doing enough to take the round.
Round 13: Greb lands to the chest and neck of O’Dowd, then slides into a neutral corner. Greb lands a quick hook to the head. O’Dowd lands a punch that is part uppercut, part hook. Greb lands a crippling hook to the head that forces O’Dowd to retreat. Greb’s round.
Round 14: O’Dowd works the jab. O’Dowd bangs a right cross to the forehead. Greb manages to land a jab. Both men are beginning to tire. Greb rips a hook to the head that forces O’Dowd to cover up. Close round.
Round 15: Greb lands a three-punch combo. O’Dowd lands an uppercut and a couple of right hands. Another big right from O’Dowd causes Greb to retreat to a neutral corner. O’Dowd pursues but Greb clinches. The bout comes to an end, with the edge in the final round going to O’Dowd.

After a long pause, the judges’ cards are read, and it is a split decision! Judge #1 has it 145-140, for Greb. Judge #2 has O’Dowd winning, by 143-142. The third judge also has it 143-142, for Harry Greb, the winner via a split decision.


A peek at the scorecards showed O'Dowd won the final two rounds from all three judges, but still fell just short.

[JCWeb]

SEMIFINAL #2 -- CARLOS MONZON (2) vs MARCEL CERDAN (8)

Round-by-Round
Round 1: Monzon tries to move inside, Cerdan works the jab, but Monzon breaks through with a big hook, a straight right, then follows with a sharp combination. Cerdan then is trapped in Monzon's corner, and Monzon nails him with a big cross. Huge opening round for Monzon.
Round 2: Monzon continues as the aggressor, Cerdan lands a solid cross to back Monzon up, then stays on the outside, flicking an effective jab. Monzon counters with a left hook to the body. Good action round, slight edge to Cerdan, and there is a trace of swelling around the left eye of Monzon.
Round 3: Both men work the jab. Monzon clinches. Monzon fires a hook. Cerdan catches Monzon coming in with a nice uppercut. Monzon lands a hook, then follows with an uppercut as Cerdan is off target with a jab. Good round for Monzon.
Round 4: Cautious approach by both men. Monzon connects with a big right hand. Cerdan splits the gloves with a jab. Monzon lands an uppercut. Two-fisted response from Cerdan, who lands an uppercut. Monzon is wild with a hook. Slight edge to Monzon.
Round 5: Monzon rocks Cerdan with a three-punch combo. Monzon uses his jab to set up a hook than stuns Cerdan. Monzon cannot follow up, as Cerdan covers up and manages to last the round. Solid points lead for Monzon (49-46 on the unofficial card) at this point.
Round 6: Monzon rips a cross to the head. Cerdan corners Monzon and lands a short, clean uppercut. Monzon lands a cross. Exchange of blows favors Cerdan. A jab and a follow-up cross from Cerdan, and the swelling around Monzon's eye worsens. Monzon lands a glancing, overhand right. Good round for both, slight edge to Monzon.
Round 7: Cerdan lands a right cross that is partially slipped by Monzon. Monzon is warned for head-butting. Cerdan has a mouse under his right eye. Cerdan is wild with a hook. Monzon fires a big hook that lands flush. Monzon lands a stinging jab. Cerdan lands a right. Lots of clinching, not much action the rest of the round, which is essentially even.
Round 8: Sizzling right hand for Monzon, who has Cerdan pinned against the ropes. Cerdan fires back with a strong cross. Cerdan wins an exchange of blows and takes a more aggressive posture. A quick hook to the head from Cerdan puts Monzon back on his heels. Quick jab and quick hook to the head from Monzon. Cross landed by Monzon. Cerdan counters with a three-punch combo. Cerdan jolts Monzon with some good shots to the head and body right before the bell, winning the round.
Round 9: Cerdan continues as the aggressor but catches a quick flurry of blows from Monzon. Mozon digs a short hook to the midsection, and Cerdan winces. Cerdan regroups and fires a big uppercut. A couple of quick jabs, followed by some hooks to the body, all landed by Cerdan. Cerdan splits the gloves with a straight right. Cerdan's round.
Round 10: Monzon traps Cerdan in a neutral corner and snaps Cerdan's head back with a sharp uppercut. Another uppercut from Monzon, who misses with a follow-up left. The two men clinch. Monzon lands a sharp, penetrating combination. Cerdan scores with a left. Monzon lands an uppercut. Cerdan fires back, landing a three-punch combo. Big round for Monzon, who maintains a points lead (96-94 on the unofficial card.
Round 11: Monzon connects with a right hook. Cerdan struggles with his timing as both men appear to tire badly. Cerdan lands a straight right but is wild with a hook. Monzon rakes Cerdan's head and body with some good shots. Cerdan fires and misses. Another good round for Monzon.
Round 12: Monzon connects with a combination to the head of Cerdan. The two clinch. Cerdan is wild with the hook. More clinching. Monzon lands a cross, then he drops Cerdan for the bout's first KD with a short, clean combination, but the bell sounds at the count of two, saving Cerdan. Another huge round for Monzon, who is dominating the action at this point.
Round 13: Monzon lands a hook to the body, then follows with a solid combination. Cerdan is off target with his punches. More clinching, not much action. The round is nearing an end when Cerdan breaks through with a big uppercut. Close round, slight edge to Cerdan.
Round 14: Monzon scores with a big left. Cerdan lands a hook to the body. Monzon works the chest and neck of Cerdan but is warned for low blows. Cerdan lands a short uppercut to the jaw of Monzon but cannot follow up. Monzon lands a quick hook to the head, winning another round.
Round 15: Final round, looks like Cerdan needs a KO or stoppage to win. Cerdan goes all-out, and Monzon elects to play it safe and cover up from the start of the round. Not much in the way of action. Monzon bangs home and uppercut . Cerdan lands a big cross but cannot follow up, and the final bell sounds.

The judges' scores are tallied, and the winner by unanimous decision is Carlos Monzon (by scores of 145-140, 146-139, 144-141)

[JCWeb]

Harry Greb (1) vs Carlos Monzon (2)

The top two seeds advance to the final. Their prior records in the tournament:

Harry Greb 5-0 (3 KO)

TKO 3 Lou Gutierrez
TKO 4 Jermain Taylor
UD 12 Carl "Bobo" Olson
UD 12 Jeff Smith
SD 15 Mike O'Dowd (15)

Carlos Monzon, 5-0 (1 KO)

KO 1 Jean-Claude Bouttier
UD 10 Billy Papke
UD 12 Tiger Flowers
UD 12 Stanley Ketchel (16)
UD 15 Marcel Cerdan (8)

Intriguing matchup that could go either way. Greb has thus far shown more power, but Monzon might have the edge in terms of boxing ability and defense. Could come down to which fighter is in the best shape in the later rounds, as I doubt there will be an early knockdown or knockout to decide this one.