On Monday the 3rd of September 2001, the newly-formed Heavyweight Boxing Federation announced that they would be staging a 128-man tournament to determine their first World Champion.
The Federation invited all able-bodied men world wide to attend auditions at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the stipulation that they would have to pass a strict physical and medical examination in order to be considered.
They had an incredible response, with over 1,000 hopefuls showing up. The majority were from the United States, but there were also many from places as far flung as Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Argentina.
After the medical and physical examinations, the group had been reduced to just 302. During the following two weeks, from Monday the 8th of October to Sunday the 21st, the auditions took place. The fighters competed in a series of 3 round amateur-style bouts, with the Federations’ expert scouts compiling video and hand-written information and producing reports for the company’s directors to examine. The Federation provided accommodation to all the competitors during the period of the auditions.
The fighters were invited back to the Garden on Monday the 19th of November, when the final 128-man field for the Championship tournament was announced.
The Federation’s president, Mr Michael Vincennes, spoke in front of the gathered crowd, which included the fighters, some of their families and a huge media throng.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you all here today for this exciting event. I say to all of you who took part in our auditions last month that you can be proud of your efforts. However, as you all know, only 128 can qualify for the Federation’s World Championship tournament. For those who are not successful, please don’t believe that you do not have a future with the HBF. All it means is that you do not immediately have a chance of claiming the championship. I know that all of you have trained hard, and I also know that all of you passed the Federation’s strict medical and physical examinations. That means that if you continue to maintain your fitness, there will be a place for you under the banner of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation. We will be staging separate fight cards in addition to the championship tournament, and all of you who do not qualify are welcome to participate in these. Well, I believe we should get to the business at hand, the announcement of the 128 men who will compete for the greatest prize in sports, the Heavyweight Championship of the World!"
With that, a chorus of applause and clapping broke out amongst the crowd. Many of the men were in their early twenties or late teens, filled with the excitement and exuberance of youth.
"I will read out the names in a completely random order. Can I ask everyone not to applaud until all the names have been called," said Vincennes.
As the names were called, the level of tension and suspense in the Garden rose, as the hopefuls waited to hear their name. On a few occasions, some in the crowd had to stifle their jubilation. When Vincennes finished announcing the names, the majority of the crowd stood, cheered and clapped. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged. Vincennes made his way through the crowd, congratulating a number of the fighters, exchanging words with ecstatic parents and siblings and posing for photographs.
Amongst the fighters to have greatly impressed the judges during the auditions were:
GENE TUNNEY: 22 years-old, he grew up on the tough streets of Greenwich Village, New York. He completed service with the armed forces in June 2001. As a result, during the auditions, he gained the nickname "The Fighting Marine". Tunney is a clean-living young man, perhaps the fittest boxer in the tournament.
Scouts report on Gene Tunney: Not especially strong or quick, but technically superb. A scientific boxer, who wears down his opponents and then exposes their weaknesses. Possibility for the tournaments #1 seeding, due to his boxing skills.
SONNY LISTON: This 21 year-old from Missouri has earned a fearful reputation, not just because of his performances in the tournament auditions, where he laid out a number of opponents. Liston served time in the Missouri State Penitentiary for armed robbery, learning to box while incarcerated. His cold demeanour and muscular physique have created an intimidating aura, and many have stated that they hope to avoid him during the tournament.
Scouts report on Sonny Liston: Devastatingly effective; an extremely talented boxer, gifted with a strong jab and a great left hook. The most powerful puncher in the tournament. Could be considered the early favourite.
JACK JOHNSON: A native of Galveston, Texas, Johnson is an extroverted young man who made quite an impression on all who encountered him during the auditions. At only 21 years-of-age, he is a larger than life personality. Standing 6’1", he’s earned the nickname of "The Galveston Giant", which might actually have more to do with his outgoing disposition than his height!
Scouts report on Jack Johnson: Not as strong as his size would indicate, but he has an excellent defence, and many opponents will find him an awkward proposition. His height and reach will be quite an advantage. Likely top 5 seed.
LARRY HOLMES: Born in Georgia but now residing in Easton, Pennsylvania, this 24 year-old has enamoured himself to all involved in the tournament with his reserved, amiable nature. At 6’3", 215 lbs, he is a superbly fit fighter.
Scouts report on Larry Holmes: Quite obviously one of the most talented competitors in the tournament. Has a superb jab and quick feet, is more likely to wear his opponents down than to score a quick knockout. The best pure boxer in the tournament.
RIDDICK BOWE: 22 years-old, brash, entertaining and outspoken, this Brooklyn, New York native staged an unofficial, friendly battle with Jack Johnson during the auditions for the title of "Biggest Self Promoter." Moderately famous in the USA due to his efforts in winning a Silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Scouts report on Riddick Bowe: Multi-talented, as likely to dominate with the jab as to score a quick knockout with his lethal right hand. Has good movement and at 6’5", will dominate many of his opponents.