A Partial Eclipse of the Sonny

[professordp]

Baltimore Star
February 8, 1958


Carter Stops DeJohn in Nine

By Warren Earles

In a classic matchup between a boxer and a slugger, Harold (Hal) Carter scored an impressive ninth round TKO win over power puncher
Mike DeJohn. Carter sent his opponent to the canvas four times before the match was finally halted by referee Tommy O'Sullivan.

Carter came out strong at the opening bell and dropped DeJohn with a hard right cross counter following a miss by the Syracuse native two minutes into the round.

For the next two rounds, Carter was able to move away from DeJohn's attacks and used a steady jab to keep his opponent off balance. In the third, DeJohn, who came into the ring in less than peak condition, seemed to get untracked.

Using his twenty-five pound weight advantage, DeJohn forced his way inside and began to take the fight to Carter. In the fourth round, he unleashed a wild hook that hit Carter flush. Carter looked like he was ready to fall but managed to survive.

DeJohn continued to pressure Carter in the fifth and worked him over with blows to the body and rocking uppercuts to the jaw. Unfortunately, this was to be DeJohn's last stand.

As he came out for round six, DeJohn appeared to be spent and started to slow down. Carter had a second wind and floored DeJohn for the second time in the match with a hard overhand right to the jaw with thirty seconds remaning in the heat.

Although he was able to make it to the end of the round, DeJohn was very slow coming off his stool for round seven. A somewhat cautious Carter picked him apart with effective jabs, and DeJohn's right eye was swollen as the round closed.

In the eighth round, Carter began to bust up DeJohn who was having obvious vision problems. A hard cross opened up a nasty cut over DeJohn's left eyes and another seconds later sent him to the mat.

When DeJohn struggled to his feet at the two minute mark, O'Sulivan escorted him to the ringside doctor who examined the wound and after some discussion allowed the match to continue.

Between rounds, there was a heated debate in DeJohn's corner, and it seemed that his handlers were ready to call it a night. DeJohn made an unwise decision and came out for round nine. Within thirty seconds he was sent to the mat by a Carter hook for the fourth and final time as O'Sullivan stopped the slaughter immediately.

The bout was a crossroads fight for both men. DeJohn gained considerable attention last year when he knocked out highly regarded Willie Pastrano in three rounds. Following that success he lost to Archie Moore, Eddie Machen, and Bob Baker.

Last night's loss to Carter is his fourth in a row. Recognized as a dangerous puncher, DeJohn's problem has been a poor work ethic in the gym. The beating he took from Carter could spell the end of his career.

For Carter, the win represented an important rebound for a career that was heading in the wrong direction. Early last year he scored a major upset over Eddie Machen which resulted in a number one world ranking and a title shot against then-champion Floyd Patterson.

His performance against Patterson was far from impressive, and he was knocked out in four rounds. After some inactivity, Carter returned to the ring this past October and lost to Argentina's Alex Miteff.

There has been talk that Carter will meet Archie McBride for the New Jersey heavyweight crown sometime this spring. McBride who holds the Garden State title successfully defended his belt with a unanimous twelve round decision over Don McAteer earlier this week.

[professordp]

Boston Beacon

February 10, 1958


MOORE-JOHANSSON MATCH FINALIZED
Contest to be held at Boston Garden on March 20th

By Danny McGill

After more than a month of negotiations, the on-again, off-again meeting between Sweden's Ingemar Johansson and former light-heavyweight champion Archie Moore appear to be on for the Boston Garden next month.

Although both sides wanted the fight, there was a serious impasse concerning how the purse would be split. It was announced that the matter has been resolved and the contract has been signed. While the details of the contract have not been formally released, sources say that the revenue will be distributed evenly between the fighters after costs.

Despite the delays, both men have been preparing and have been in training for the past three weeks. City officials took an active part in bring both sides together as part of their efforts to revive Boston Garden as a mecca for professional boxing. Later this week Joey Maxim will meet Willie Pastrano in a ten round heavyweight match at the facility.

The fight represents a major crossroads for both fighters. After considerable pressure from the UBO's Hans Reuter, Moore vacated the light heavyweight throne to campaign for the heavyweight title. His plans were substantially side-tracked when he was knocked out in the eighth round by Eddie Machen in Atlantic City last November.

Although Johansson is undefeated and has been ranked highly for more than a year, there are numerous questions concerning his ability. He has held the European title for nearly two years and hasn't faced any major talent to date. His match against Moore represents the start of his campaign to win the world title. A loss next month could be a serious blow to his future.

Promoter Jackie DeNuccio said that he's currently putting together an undercard that will feature at least one ranked heavyweight. He indicated the full slate of bouts will be announced later this week.

[kenyan_cheena]

That'll be an interesting matchup. Skip has to get in Reuter's ear and force one of those top contenders to take on the Big Cat. His fans are getting restless.

[professordp]

St. Louis Sentinel
February 11, 1958



Liston Wins Parole!

By Billy McKeever

Former heavyweight contender Charles "Sonny" Liston won what could be the biggest fight thus far of his boxing career when the state parole board granted his request for parole.

For more than a year, Liston had been incarcerated in the Missouri State Penitentiary after being sentenced to a five year prison term for assaulting a law officer.

Last month, the state supreme court revisited Liston's sentence and directred the state to give him a parole hearing.

Prior to his conviction, Liston appeared to be on track to a shot at the world heavyweight title. Cus D'Amato, manager of then champion Floyd Patterson, unsuccessfully petitioned that the Universal Boxing Organization ban Liston for life on the gounds of moral turpitude.

While it is generally expected that Liston will resume his boxing career, he could face several roadblocks. The details of his parole have yet to be released, and his ability to travel could be restricted to Missouri. If that is the case, it is unclear whether the state would issue him a license to box given his criminal backgound.

The parole board's decision has created a major buzz in the boxing world. Current champion Rocky Marciano has yet to announce his next opponent. There is general consensus that he'll meet Floyd Patterson in a rematch, but in recent weeks there has been increasing talk about veteran Bob Baker as an alternative opponent.

A possible title shot for Liston would be somewhat down the road, assuming he clears away some of the initial roadblocks. Under UBO rules, titleholders can only defend gainst those ranked in the top five in their division.

It's questionable whether Liston could work his way into the heavyweight division's inner circle in less than a year.
He's seen as a the division's hardest puncher, and insiders say that few if any top ranked heavyweights would be willing to jeopardize their standing to fight him.

Below: Heavyweight boxer Charles "Sonny" Liston prior to the decision of the Missouri Parole Board.

[professordp]

Boston Beacon

February 16, 1958



Pastrano Outpoints Maxim

By Danny McGill

Willie Pastrano used a combination of youth and speed to earn a majority decision over former light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim last night at Boston Garden.

For the first three rounds Pastrano was just too quick for Maxim and demonstrated his impressive bxong skills along the way. Pastrano frequently beat his man to the punch and moved in and out with great effect, using his jab to set up rapid combnations.

By the fourth round, however, Maxim appeared to find his rhythm. He slowed down the pace and was able to work inside Pastrano's defense, scoring hooks to the body and uppercuts to the head.

Over the next three round, the match see-sawed back and forth. Pastrano used his speed of foot and hand to catch the incoming Maxim while the veteran ex-champ was able on occassion to bull his way inside and deal some damage.

The first seven rounds moved at a rapid pace and seemed to hold the interest of the attending fans. Neither man is known for a heavy punch, and nobody was ever in any sort of serious trouble. Nevertheless, the styles and skills of the fighters proved entertaining.

In round eight, things slowed down markedly. Both men appeared to tire, and the remainder of the match appeared to be in slow motion. Clinching rather than punching tended to be the theme as Pastrano and Maxim seemed to prefer dancing to punching.

The judges were rather conflicted in the scoring at the end of the contest. One judge saw Pastrano as a runaway winner at 98-92. A second saw Pastrano edging out Maxim 96-94 while the third saw it tied at 95-95. Thus, the final result was a majority decision in Pastrano's favor.

The win breaks a four bout losing streak for Pastrano who was ranked among the top ten heavyweights a year ago. Loses to John Holman, Mike DeJohn, Alex Miteff, and Pat McMurtry caused his to drop rapidly among the division's upper tier fighters.

It's become increasingly obvious that the thirty-six year old Maxim's glory days are far behind him, and he needs to give serious consideration to hanging up the gloves. Now fighting as a heavyweight, he's not fared well recently. This past November he turned in a poor performance against England's Brian Londen who dropped him twice en route to a unanimous decision.

Last night's boxing card is the result of the city's effort to bring major fights to the Garden. Next month there will be a special St. Patrick's Day event featuring an all-Irish card. Ten days later Archie Moore will face Sweden's Ingemar Johansson in a much-anticpated match.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

That'll be an interesting matchup. Skip has to get in Reuter's ear and force one of those top contenders to take on the Big Cat. His fans are getting restless.

I was just thinking, maybe Reuter could make an order where the loser of Moore-Johansson has to face Williams? That would add some extra spice to an already hot matchup.

[professordp]

The Big Cat will be moving in the right direction. Skip Bailey will be doing his broadcast soon after Marciano's next opponent is named, which will be in a few days.

I'm a little surprised that nobody has offered any comments concerning Liston's parole.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by professordp

The Big Cat will be moving in the right direction. Skip Bailey will be doing his broadcast soon after Marciano's next opponent is named, which will be in a few days.

I'm a little surprised that nobody has offered any comments concerning Liston's parole.

I actually forgot to comment on it in my last post. I think it was a great decision to allow him to be released. I just hope that Rocky stays around long enough for us to see the two of them trade bombs.

[Mad Bomber]

Here is hoping that Williams gets his shot at the crown, and if so it makes for an exciting fight.

[professordp]

Chicago Star-News

February 15, 1958



Marciano-Patterson Rematch
Set for Soldier Field in April

By Jimmy Lacy

Universal Boxing Organization President Hans Reuter announced to today that heavyweight king Rocky Marciano will defend his crown in a rematch against former title holder Floyd Patterson in Soldier Field on April 25th.

Last month, Marciano, who is undefeated in fifty-one bouts, deposed Patterson as the division's king via a fifteen round decision.

Reuter's announcement ends weeks of speculation concerning Marciano's opponent. Although rematches are common when the title changes hands, under UBO rules they are not automatic.

Sources close to Reuter reported that the UBO president had been engaged in "intensive" negotiations with Al Weill and Cus D'Amato, managers of Marciano and Patterson respectively.

Marciano, who is the only fighter to regain the heavyweight title, could have faced any of the five ranked contenders under UBO guidelines, opted for another bout with Patterson, who is currently occupies the number one spot in the rankings.

Earlier there was some spectulation that Marcianco would bypass Patterson for his initial title defense. Sweden's Ingemar Johansson and veteran Bob Baker were frequently mentioned as alternative opponents.

But in the end, it appears that the Marciano team went for the largest purse and agreed to a rematch with Patterson. Marciano will turn thirty-five later this year and there have rumors that he might retire if he retains his title.

It appears that Reuter had placated both Baker and Johansson with what has been termed "consolation prizes."
Baker will appear on the undercard against Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams, who is currently ranked one notch below Baker at number six by the UBO.

Later this month, Johansson will face off against former light heavyweight champion Archie Moore in Boston. Many predict that the Swede will be victorious and as a result, enjoy a certain degree of vindication in the boxing world. Johansson has enjoyed a high ranking by the UBO but has yet to face any top American boxers.

The winners of the Baker-Williams and Johansson-Moore bouts could be matched up, and the ultimate victor would undoubtedly be well-placed for a title shot later this year.

[kenyan_cheena]

Excellent. It's all falling into place...

[professordp]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

I actually forgot to comment on it in my last post. I think it was a great decision to allow him to be released. I just hope that Rocky stays around long enough for us to see the two of them trade bombs.

Marciano winning back the title was my only motivatiion to bring Liston into the uni. I guess I can get away with it because it's "A Partial Eclipse".

The ideal situation would be a Marciano-Liston match at the end of 1958 or early 1959, but much of this depends on Rocky's ability to hold on to the crown. If he gets by Patterson in April, he'll be facing at least one (perhaps two) top guns. A loss along the way would most likely send him back into retirement.

Fair warning to the many Liston fans who follow this uni. Sonny is only doing a "cameo" role here. After all, the whole idea of the uni is what the heavyweight division would have been like had he been out of the picture

[professordp]

New York Daily Sun
Februay 21, 1958




Jackson Blasts His Way to
Ten Round Win Over Cuban

By Jerry Bowie

Former top heavyweight contender Tommy "Hurricane" Jackson slugged his way to an impressive ten round decision over Cuba's Julio Mederos last night before an active fight crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Jackson had Mederos down for a count of seven in the ninth round and was voted the winner all three of the judges' cards earning him a unanimous decision.

The scoring of the match wasn't indicative of the toughness of Jackson's opponent. Medros, who fought to a draw against Mexican slugger Alfredo Zuany in his last bout, gave Jackson a battle for the full ten rounds.

For the first four heats, fans were treated to an action-paced slugfest that had the two men standing toe-to-toe, exchanging bombs from every direction.

Jackson appeared to have a slight edge and staggered Mederos several times with solid hooks to the jaw. But the game Cuban came right back at him each time with an assualt of his own.

Both men took a breather in the fifth in an effort to get a second wind. Jackson seemed to be the fresher of the two in the later rounds, but Mederos continued to fight on.

One minute into round nine, Jackson scored a powerful hook to the temple that sent Mederos to the canvas where he remained until referee Mike Armelino tallied seven. Julio was in obvious trouble, but at this point the Hurricane was winded and just couldn't finish him off.

Although running on empty himself, Mederos made an earnest effort to take Jackson out in the final round and was able to land a few bombs before the closing bell.

While Mederos is not considered a top tier heavyweight, he's generally recognized as a tough customer, and last night's win by Jackson could represent the road back.

The Hurricane had a tough year in 1957. He was stopped by Floyd Patterson in a bid for the heavyweight crown and then suffered a terrible beating at the hand of Rocky Marciano. He closed out the year with a mediocre performance against Canada's Earl Walls.

Following the bout, Jackson told reporters that he wants a return match against Walls. It remains to be seen if Walls or any other ranked contender would be quick to face the Hurricane after last night's performance.

[professordp]

St. Louis Sentinel
Feburary 22, 1958



Liston Returns to Ring in April
Boxing Commission Restores License

By Billy McKeever

Heavyweight slugger Charles "Sonny" Liston won another crucial victory outside of the boxing ring when the Missouri Boxing Commission restored his license to fight professionally.

Liston, had been serving a five year prison term, was granted a conditional release last week by the state's parole board. He had served more than a year in the Missouri penitentiary after his conviction on charges of assualting a law enforcement officer.

Liston's last fight was nearly two years ago when he haulted Chicago's Marty Marshall, avenging the only loss in his fifteen bout career.

His opponent will be former California state heavyweight champion Andy Walker who lasted nine rounds with Joe Louis in 1951. A veteran of the ring, Walker has been inactive for the past year and sports a record of seventeen wins against nineteen losses. He has stopped eight of his opponents.

The two will meet in an eight round contest at the Kiel Auditorium on April 17th as the main event on a full boxing card.

Under the current conditions of Liston's control, he is prohibited from leaving the state. His attorneys, however, are in the process of petitioning the parole board to rescind the restriction on the claims that it seriously restricts Liston's ability to pursue a career as a professional boxer.

It is expected that the parole board will render an opinion on the matter in early May.

[professordp]

Here's a rating I put together for Sonny's victim---I mean opponent in his upcoming comeback fight. I strictly rated Walker for "Post-Prime", so the rating is not reflective of his overall career.

Tosti posted the picture below earlier this year.

[professordp]

The Toronto Times
February 23, 1958


Chuvalo Decks Valdes Three Times
to Take Unanimous Nod

By Jack McCord

Young George Chuvalo took another giant step in the world heavyweight division with a unanimous decision over veteran Cuban Nino Valdes last night at Maple Leaf Gardens. Chuvalo sent Valdes to the canvas three times in their ten round contest.

Although he had a distinct height advantage over the twenty year old Chuvalo, Valdes was unable to make much use of it. Through most of the match, Chuvalo was able to work his way inside and crowd the big Cuban, thus neutralizing Nino's substantial edge in the reach department.

The crowding Chuvalo with his mauling style prevented Valdes from making consistent use of his vaunted punching power. The Cuban did rock George on occasion with some powerful rights, but Chuvalo just kept coming at him.

For the first four rounds, Chuvalo punished Valdes with wicked hooks to the ribs, often followed by sharp uppercuts to the head. The Cuban looked somewhat pained from the punishment in round five. After missing an overhand right, Valdes was dropped at the two minute mark by a Chuvalo hook to the jaw for a three count.

If there was any glory to be found for Nino it was in the sixth where he staged what might best be termed a "last hurrah." Halfway through the heat he wobbled Chuvalo with an uppercut and just pounded away at the cornered youngster until the bell closed the round. In the process, he emptied his reserve tank.

Although he did stick around until the final bell, Valdes was spent for the remainder of the fight. The countless Chuvalo left hooks began to take their toll on the Cuban slugger. His right eye was virtually closed, and Chuvalo opened a cut under the already injured orb in the eighth.

More than halfway into round nine, Valdes took yet another hook to the head that sent him sprawling to the floor. Although he was on his feet as the referee counted two, it was questionable that he'd survive.

But survive he did, only to take more punishment in the final frame. Near the two minute mark, Valdes was dispatched to the mat for the third time courtesy of a Chuvalo cross.

When he rose at seven, Nino appeared to be out on his feet, but the third man in the ring let matters continue. Chuvalo went for the kill but was too wild with his punches to put Valdes away.

The scoring by the three judges reflected the lopsided nature of the contest. Two scored it 99-89 with the third calling it 98-90 giving Chuvalo the expected unanimous win.

Last night's victory should move Chuvalo up substantially in the heavyweight ranks. Valdes was a highly ranked contender not too long ago, but it seems that time has caught up to him.

For the past few years, Nino's career has been an up-and-down affair. After losing another decision to his nemesis, Bob Baker, Valdes looked strong in his last outing with a KO win over tough Buddy Turman.

The loss to Chuvalo represents a serious setback for the Cuban. At thirty-four years old, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for Valdes to climb back into the top tier of the division. It might be time for him to seriously consider hanging up his gloves.

[kenyan_cheena]

Must have been frustrating to have to re-write that, professor. I remember when my home PC was having problems a couple years ago and there were a few times I'd been in the middle of writing a post and, carelessly, hadn't saved it yet and the PC froze or re-booted itself.

One hour or so of solid writing vanished in an instant. Now I make sure to save what I'm writing every couple of minutes. The recent crash had a smiliar affect on some of the dynasty threads on the board.

[professordp]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Must have been frustrating to have to re-write that, professor. I remember when my home PC was having problems a couple years ago and there were a few times I'd been in the middle of writing a post and, carelessly, hadn't saved it yet and the PC froze or re-booted itself.

One hour or so of solid writing vanished in an instant. Now I make sure to save what I'm writing every couple of minutes. The recent crash had a smiliar affect on some of the dynasty threads on the board.

Fortunately, I save my notes. Years ago, I had a job writing press releases and speeches for public officials and politicians, so an occasional rewrite is not something I've not experienced. Still, your advice is pretty solid.

[Infinity]

I also have been there, done that. The other day I was typing in a 16 fight round, finished it only to find I'd been logged out of the forums (guess the cookie wore out...lol). Lost the ENTIRE 16 recaps...lol I'm wondering if I shouldn't use notepad or something then cut and paste em onto the forum.......

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by Infinity

I also have been there, done that. The other day I was typing in a 16 fight round, finished it only to find I'd been logged out of the forums (guess the cookie wore out...lol). Lost the ENTIRE 16 recaps...lol I'm wondering if I shouldn't use notepad or something then cut and paste em onto the forum.......

Notepad is a must. You should never type a dynasty post directly into the forum. Always compose it first, then copy and paste.