Introduction
Joey Allen was the name that Angelo Anthony Levecchia boxed under from 1928 through 1943. He was born in Camden, New Jersey on November 12, 1912 to Anthony Levecchia and his wife, the former Anna Maria Onorati. His father worked for as a laborer for many years at Camden Forge. Angelo Levecchia was one of at least six children, coming after Henry and Nicholas and before Lillian, Mary, and Joseph. Under the ring name of Joey Allen, he became one of the many fine boxers that emerged from South Camden in the 1920s and 1930s.
The 1930 Census and the 1931 City Directory lists him at 429 Beckett Street. The 1943 Directory shows him residing at 523 Pine Street.
After Joey Allen hung up his gloves, he stayed in the boxing game as a trainer. Partnering with Anthony Georgette he took over the contract of Moses Lee, better known as Pedro Firpo and was instrumental in getting Jersey Joe Walcott into position to win the heavyweight championship of the world. He also trained local fighter Bill Flowers and Buck Streater. Joey Allen was Walcott's trainer from 1945 until October of 1948 when they and Walcott's manager, Felix Bocchiccio agreed to part ways. Joey Allen remained in the fight game as a trainer as late as 1957.
Joey Allen married Antoniette Cardile in January of 1951. The couple lived at 242 Powelton Avenue in Woodlynne during the 1950s. On January 1, 1954 they were blessed with a daughter, Antoinette. A son, Michael, came later. Outside of the ring he was involved with the Zuni Athletic Association.
In 1955 he took a job as a maintenance man with the Campbell Soup Company in Camden, He retired in 1977. In his later years Joey Allen stepped away from boxing. He and his wife had moved to Marlton by 1984. Angelo Levecchia, known to the sporting world as Joey Allen, passed away in January of 1992.
Photos
Images of Angelo Levecchia, better known as boxer Joey Allen.
Burke and Gimble Win
Camden Courier-Post —
Buddy Burke beat Jimmy Golden in the 10-round feature bout at the Manayunk A. C. last night. Harry Gimble returned to the ring and knocked out Jose Diazeno, of Cuba, in the fifth round of the semi-final. In the main preliminaries, Tiger Johnson beat Frank Mitchell and Al Girardi lost to Joey Allen.
Zimmerman is Victor Over Midget Ambrose
Camden Courier-Post —
Bobby Zimmerman; Midget Ambrose; Indian Ruseell; Davey Taylor; Joey Allen; Davey Winters; Joe Hillsee; Battling Buster; Dominick Fusco; Terrible Pine
Civatti Outslugs Rugged O'Donnell
Camden Courier-Post —
Hugh Civatti; Bobby O'Donnell; Al White; Lew Kinkle; Joey Allen ; Paddy Burns; Frankie Barry; Joe Torpee; Zeke Myers; Georgie Clark; Dominick Fusco; Billy Lauer
Johnny Lucas Wins Millville Battle
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Mauler Gets Popular Decision Over Ray Gadsby in Punchbowl Windup
Millville, Aug. 8—Johnny Lucas, of Camden, won a popular decision over Ray Gadsby here tonight in the eight-round windup at the Millville Punchbowl. More than 1000 fans gathered to witness the bout.
The Camden battler carried the fight all the way through, his teriffic [sic] body punches coming in for most of the offensive work accredited to the winner. Fight met the fancy of the fans, and both lads put up a real battle.
In the semi-windup, George Jackson, another Camden mittman, won a technical knockout over Harry Taggart, of Phoenixville, after the latter refused to continue the bout in the fourth round.
Young Ace Hudkins won a referee’s decision over Joey Allen, of Camden, in the main preliminary. Al Daley, of Camden, won from Lew Coogan, Atlantic City, in another of the preliminary battles, when Referee John Shannon stopped the bout in the fifth.
Johnny Mandell, 119, of Gloucester, defeated Willie Herman, of Philadelphia, in the four-round curtain raiser on points.
Lucas to Oppose Bashara in Wind Up
Camden Courier-Post —
Whitman Park Lightweight Meets Old Rival in Feature Bout Here Friday
Lew McFarland, matchmaker for the newly organized Camden Sporting Club has arranged another attractive card for this Friday night's show at Grip's Pennsauken township open-air Arena.
Johnny Lucas, Whitman Park lightweight, has signed to meet Tommy Bashara, of Norfolk, Va., in the feature bout of eight rounds. The two youngsters have met in a couple previous bouts, Bashara winning the last encounter at Wilmington, Del., by a hairline decision.
Harry Serody, clever Philadelphian is scheduled to clash with the tough Marty Haley, of Kensington, in the eight-round semi-final. Joey Allen, of South Camden, takes on Mike Palmer, of Philadelphia, in the main preliminary of six rounds; Terry McGovern, of the U. S. Marine Corps, faces Lou Heineman, of Lindenwold, in the second six-rounder; and Davey Taylor, of Camden, collides with Mickey Shannon, of Camden.
McFarland staged his first show last Friday night and it proved a decided success. In the windup, Roxie Allen, downtown Italian, out-pointed Johnny Pepe, of Philadelphia while the four other contests resulted in clear-cut knockouts.
LUCAS IN KILLING MOOOD FOR BASHARA BATTLE
Camden Courier-Post —
Whitman Parker Has Yet to Win Decision Over Two Norfolk, Va. Brothers
SERODY MEETS HALEY
Another home town boxing product gets an opportunity to establish himself as a favorite with the fans tomorrow night at Grip's Pennsauken township open-air arena.
Johnny Lucas, Whitman Park junior welterweight, is the boxer in question. Lucas is scheduled to clash with Tommy Bashara, of Norfolk, Va., in the feature 10-rounder on the Camden Sporting Club's second weekly show. An eight-round semi-final and three six-rounders complete the card.
The main event is expected to attract a larger crowd than attended last week's show, as there are strained feelings between the principals, who engaged in an eight-round draw at Norfolk about a year ago. In addition, Bashara's brother, “Toots” twice was awarded decisions over Lucas in recent months, with the result that Lucas will be in a killing mood when he againencounters Tommy.
According to Anthony Georgette, Lucas' manager, Johnny is in prime physical fettle and is determined to make his first impression on the Bashara family.
“Perhaps I'm partial to Lucas, but I was not alone in thinking that Johnny should have been given the decision over 'Toots‘ in their last fight at Wilmington, Delaware,” Georgette said today.
“Almost the entire crowd thought Lucas had won as he dropped Bashara twice, still the judges gave Bashara the best of it,” Georgette continued. “I guess the judges failed to take into consideration the two knockdowns otherwise, Bashara never had a chance to win.
“Anyway, Lucas lost the decision and still is 'peeved' about the result. He is in perfect shape for this fight and expects to win decisively over Tommy despite the fact that the latter gave him a great fight last year.
“Lucas is in as good shape for this fight as he was when he surprised everybody by getting a draw with Johnny Jadick. I was 'ribbed' unmercifully for taking the fight, but I knew that Lucas had improved greatly and also that he was 'in the pink.'
“Johnny still is 'hot' about his last bout with 'Toots' Bashara and plans to get a measure of revenge by handing Tommy a good licking. Lucas will make a fight of it and if Tommy also is willing to stand and fight it out, he's likely to be on his back long before the 10th round rolls around,” Georgette concluded.
That's how Lucas' skipper feels about the forthcoming scrap and if Bashara, who is fast and a good puncher, elects to stand and trade punches the fuss should be an exciting brawl and Lucas also is clever and packs a stiff punch in both hands.
Harry Serody, agile Philadelphian, is billed to meet Martin Haley, of Kensington, in the eight-round semi-final.
Joey Allen, South Camden Italian, faces Mike Palmer, of Philadelphia, in the main preliminary of six rounds. In the other two six-rounders, Lou Heineman, of Lindenwold, takes on Terry McGovern of the United States Marine Corps, and Davey Taylor, of South Camden, clashes with Mickey Shannon, another local product.
Johnny Lucas Defeats Tommy Bashara in Ten-round Windup Match at Arena Here
Camden Courier-Post —
STRONG FINISH FACTOR IN CAMDEN YOUTH'S WIN
Lucas Cops Five of Ten Rounds, Divides One With Norfolk Ring Foe
SERODY STOPS HALEY
Johnny Lucas, 139, Camden, outpointed Tommy Bashara, 140, Norfolk, Va., in 10 rounds. Referee-Gus Waldron, Trenton. Harry Serody, 135, Philadelphia, stopped Marty Haley, 139, Kensington, in fifth round. Joey Allen, 127, Camden, won decision over Mike Palmer, 128, Philadelphia, in six rounds.
Terry McGovern, 138, U. S. Marine Corps, knocked out Louis Heinsman, 146, Lindenwold, in fourth round. Time-1 minute 44 seconds. Davey Taylor, 115½, Camden, defeated Mickey Shannon, 114½, Camden, in six rounds.
By TOM RYAN, Courier-Post Sports Editor
A rally in the last two rounds enabled Johnny Lucas, blond Whitman Park junior welterweight, to gain the referee's decision over Tommy Bashara, of Norfolk, Va., in the feature 10-rounder at Grip's Pennsauken township open-air Arena last night.
About 1000 of the faithful turned out to witness the encounter.
Lucas was credited with five rounds, Bashara won four, while one was even. However, Lucas won the ninth round by a wide margin and also won the final round with plenty to spare. Johnny also shaded Bashara in the second, third and sixth, while the Virginian showed to advantage in the first, fourth, fifth and eighth rounds, with the seventh being even.
Lucas' best round was the ninth in which he belabored Bashara with volleys of rights and lefts to both the head and body, forcing Tommy to try to hold during the session. Several rights to the jaw spun Tommy on his heels and he appeared tired at the end of the round.
The Whitman Parker took up where he left off at the start of the tenth and also won the round by a clear cut margin. He smothered the stubby Norfolk youngster under a body attack, and a right cross also drew the claret from Bashara's nose.
Bashara's best round was the fourth in which he cuffed Lucas a about the head with a flurry of punches and also got home a number of hard rights to the body.
The last two rounds made the fight, as both boys were guilty of holding in the earlier rounds. Both tied each other's right up in the clinches and Referee Gus Waldron experienced difficulty in breaking them. Bashara had the better of the going when they fought “inside” in the early rounds, but Johnny more than overcame Tommy's advantage in the last two rounds, making Bashara hold when they came to close quarters.
Serody Stops Haley
Harry Serody, 135, of Philadelphia, scored a technical knockout over, Marty Haley, 139, of Kensington, in the fifth round of the scheduled eight-round semi-final bout. Referee Gus Waldron stopped the bout after Haley went down twice from body blows.
Haley was no match for the clever Serody, who won as he pleased. Serody scored nine-count knockdowns in the fourth and fifth rounds, before Waldron stopped the bout after Haley again went down for a count of two.
When Haley arose he complained of pains in the left kidney and Waldron halted the scrap.
Allen Beats Palmer
Joey Allen, 127, of Camden, easily outpointed Mike Palmer, 128, of Philadelphia, in the main preliminary of six rounds.
Allen won every round by wide margins and forced the fight throughout. The Camden Italian staggered Palmer in the first, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, but could not bring him to the mat. Palmer bled from the nose from the second round on.
Although he spotted Lou Heinsman, 146, of Lindenwold, six pounds Terry McGovern, 138, of the U.S. Marine Corps, knocked out the Lindenwold mauler in one minute and 44 seconds of the fourth round of the second fight.
Heinsman missed a terrific right to the jaw and McGovern crossed his right to the same spot to flatten Lou for the full count. Heinsman won the first round, but McGovern carried the second and third.
Davey Taylor, 115, of Camden, outpunched Mickey Shannon, 114, also of Camden, in the opening match of six rounds. Taylor won every round, centering his attack on Shannon's body.
1000 Attend Ball Given by Zunia A.A.
Camden Courier-Post —
Zuni Athletic Association; Eagles Hall; Emil Aceto; Ralph Bantivoglio; Felix Meschini; Harry Lorusso; Leonard Garaguso; Domenic Giordano; Gene R. Mariano; Rone Irma Marini; Rose L. Terranova; Alberta K. Garaguso; Mary R. Gentile; Josephine A. Marcozzi; Elizabeth Y. Zarli; Elimy S. Gerladine; Frank Devone; Domenick Radogna; Pat Salimena; Nicholas Levecchia; Anthony Nattani; Angelo Levecchia aka Joey Allen; Paul Giordano; Joseph Flamini; Ralph Marini; Luke DeLuca; Daniel LaMarra; Nick Carruli
Clash Here Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnny Toomey clashes with Joey Allen tomorrow
Joey Allen to Meet Tough Foe in Toomey
Camden Courier-Post —
Clash Here Tomorrow
Newark Lightweight May End Local’s Streak Here in Semi-final Tomorrow
WALCOTT VS KETCHELL IN 10-ROUND WINDUP
JOEY ALLEN JOHNNY TOOMEY
A keen two-fisted scrap, which should rival the “Jersey Joe” Walcott-Billy Ketchell featured match, has been arranged for the eight-round semi-final of the Atlas Boxing Club’s show tomorrow night at the Pennsauken open-air arena.
The principals in this encounter will be Joey Allen, pride of South Camden, and the clever Johnny Toomey, of Newark, who holds a number of verdicts over outstanding lightweight fighters.
Allen was originally scheduled to face Ernie Ratner, of Jersey City, but according to Promoter Marty Garaguso and Matchmaker Anthony Georgette he failed to pass the state physical examination.
Georgette stated that after having signed Ratner to a contract he had heard rumors of Ratner’s physical condition with the result that the Jersey City youth was forced to pass an examination by physicians of the State Boxing Board, who turned him down.
The local matchmaker immediately burned the wires in order to find a most suitable opponent for Allen and was fortunate in having obtained the services of Toomey, who is considered one of the outstanding lightweights in the East.
In fact from all appearances the present match is looked upon by experts as far better than the original with Allen meeting an opponent who may cause the South Camdenite to lose his first match since appearing in this city.
Toomey Fought Here as Amateur
Toomey is already matched to meet Al Roth, of New York, one of the classiest lightweights in the metropolitan area. These two are slated to come together in Newark on July 17.
Incidentally, Toomey is a former Camden resident, who fought in the amateurs here some years ago. Since then he has had a meteoric rise in the boxing game and has earned decisions over such fighters as Lou Lombardi, Maxie Fisher, Allie Rowan, “Red” Cochrane, Joey Costa and Harry Carlton. In a bout a few months ago Toomey dropped a close decision to Lew Feldman, one of the cleverest, and hardest hitting lightweights in the game today.
Allen is a regular crowd-pleaser, ready to mix it with anyone with whom he is matched and is also rated as a fine boxer. In his last appearance here—last fall—Allen appeared in an eight-round windup against Norman Rahn and gained the verdict.
He is unbeaten in this city, but he will have to step mightily lively in order to keep this record intact when he comes to grips with Toomey tomorrow night.
This tussle should whet the appetite of the fans for the following bout, which finds Walcott, the “Bomber” from Merchantville, tangling with Ketchell, of Millville in 10 rounds. The fur is sure to fly in this scrap, for both are known for packing plenty of T.N.T. behind their punches.
Walcott, Ketchell May Score Kayoe
Walcott and Ketchell are about two of the best heavyweights in this section of the state and it could be classed in some respects as a match to determine the South Jersey heavyweight championship. A knockout is looked for in this battle.
Supporting these two exceptionally fine matched tussles, are three other bouts which should keep the fans on the edge throughout the evening.
In the main-preliminary, Joe Duca, of Paulsboro, is slated to go eight-rounds with Freddy Lewis, of Maple Shade. These two youngsters are expected to set a merry pace for what marks the third and “rubber” match between them.
In the second tussle of the night, Joey Straiges, popular Camden lightweight, mingles with Billy Mariner, of Philadelphia, while in the opening fuss Jimmy Russell, of Beverly, takes on Tommy Ricco, of South Camden, in a featherweight tilt. Both bouts are slated for six rounds.
12TH WARD ROUTS PHILA. TOSSERS, 14-4
Reeves, Delfing and Crane Star at Plate, Latter Two Getting Homers
“Pop” Loeble’s Twelfth Ward tossers had little difficulty in defeating the Locust A. C. of Philadelphia yesterday afternoon at Dudley Grange by the score of 14 to 4.
Faul and Patton divided the hurling duties for the “Warders” and allowed only six hits, the invaders scoring all their runs in the seventh inning. Lakoff and Swartz twirled for Locust and were smacked for 18 safeties.
“Rick” Reeves, Johnn Delfing [sic] and Crane led the attack for the winners with three hits apiece, the latter two each getting a homer.
LOCUST A. C. ab r h o a
Leader, lf... 4 1 1 2 0
JKind’n, 1b. 5 0 2 4 0
Aramian, ss 4 0 0 1 5
12TH WARD ab r h o a
Reeves, 2b. 4 2 3 3 3
M’Ma’n, ss 4 1 1 3 5
Delfing, 3b 5 2 3 0 1
[cut off at the crop edge]
Crowd of 2500 Sees Hard-Fought Scuffle
Camden Courier-Post —
Walcott and Ketchell Battle to 10-Round Draw in Feature Bout at Pennsauken
Millville Slugger Suffers Cut Eye; ‘Jersey Joe’ Loses Round on Foul
ALLEN BEATS TOOMEY
South Jersey fight fans still are at odds over the superiority of their two outstanding heavyweights.
“Jersey Joe” Walcott, the Merchantville “Brown Bomber,” and the veteran Billy Ketchell, of Millville, tangled at the Pennsauken Open Air Arena last night and engaged in a 10-round draw.
A gathering of some 2500 attended the first presentation by the Atlas Boxing Club, and by all indications, professional fighting has regained a foothold in this city.
Walcott and Ketchell, both of whom are regarded as powerhouse hitters, engaged in a bout that was hard-fought from start to finish. In the opinion of the writer, however, the Merchantville Negro merited the decision.
Ketchell, who came in at 181, seven pounds lighter than his opponent, fought an inside fight throughout. He tied Walcott into a knot and then pummeled his ribs and stomach. Granted that the Millville veteran scored considerably by this method, but Walcott’s long-range slugging, his aggressiveness, and his numerous damaging blows clearly, in our opinion, earned him better than a draw.
Walcott Won Six Rounds
The score card showed six rounds for Walcott, two for Ketchell, and two even. The Millville campaigner, whose ring career began as a lightweight years ago, won the sixth round by his telling body punches and the ninth on a foul. The fifth and seventh were even.
The decision by Referee Bill Kutcher, of Atlantic City, appeared to satisfy many of the customers, but a good number was of the opinion that the nod should have gone to Walcott despite the fact that Ketchell made a fight of it.
No knockdowns were scored and three furious exchanges in the first round gave the customers their biggest thrill. After that, the principals settled down and waged a careful fight throughout.
The Merchantville knockout artist employed a left jab effectively in several instances and this helped in gaining him the first round. Neither connected with any damaging blows in the second session and they closed with a rush after hanging and sparring during the first two minutes. Walcott won by a shade.
The stream-lined Negro staggered his adversary twice in the third round with gashouse rights to the jaw, and Ketchell pummeled Walcott’s ribs. The long-range socks gave Walcott the round easily.
Fight at Close Quarters
They fought extremely close in the fourth round with neither landing any telling blows and it was the Merchantville slugger’s round by a shade. The fifth was a repetition of the fourth except that Ketchell fought his opponent on even terms. It was in the sixth that Billy scored with telling body blows and Walcott slowed down somewhat and missed several times to forfeit the round.
It was all infighting in the seventh and their scuffling at close quarters resulted in a nasty cut on Ketchell’s right eye as a result of a “butt.” This round also was even and Walcott won the next by a shade by virtue of his harder and more frequent hitting. In this chapter he returned a few of Ketchell’s body blows.
Walcott hit low in the ninth, but Ketchell took only one minute, 20 seconds rest and appeared none the worse for the blow. Walcott protested that the blow was not a foul, but it nevertheless lost him the round. In the tenth, the suburban scrapper again had the best of it.
Because of threatening weather, the bout was third on the program of five fights.
Allen Beats Toomey
Doing considerable damage with a stinging right, Joey Allen, popular South Camden lightweight, punched out an eight-round decision over Johnny Toomey, of Newark, in the semi-windup.
Toomey, who tipped the beam at 143, is a former Camden boxer, and sported an advantage of seven pounds.
Allen staggered Toomey with powerful rights in the first and sixth heats. Toomey put up a good fight, but Allen was just a little too smart for the upstate scrapper. Joey won all but the second round, which was even.
Freddy Lewis, 156½, of Maple Shade, and Joe Duca, 161, of Paulsboro, brought the rearranged show to a close by treating onlookers with a hard-fought eight-rounder. It was the third and “rubber” fight and Duca made it two victories by gaining the decision.
They engaged in toe to toe slugging bees on several occasions and neither gave an inch throughout. Duca landed the most damaging blows, belaboring the Maple Shade youngster with telling right crosses and straight punches to the head.
Easy for Straiges
Billy Mariner, of Philadelphia, was absolutely no match for Joey Straiges, nimble footed Camden lightweight in the second bout slated for six sessions. Straiges, who fairly oozed class and ability, chopped up both Mariner’s eyes before Referee John Loughrey intervened and halted the slaughter in the third round. The time was two minutes 39 seconds.
Straiges came in at 136 pounds, holding an edge of one pound.
Tommy Ricco, 125½, South Camden scrapper, outpointed Jimmy Russell, 128, of Beverly in the opening number of six rounds. After starting slowly with both doing considerable holding and wrestling, the bout developed into an exciting affair from the second session on.
Russell scored with numerous body blows, but Ricco’s aggressiveness and hard blows to the head throughout easily merited him the decision. Ricco particularly had much the better of it in the third and sixth rounds, staggering the Beverly youngster with a number of head blows.
Ketchell-Walcott Even In Camden Mitt Tilt
Bridgewater Courier-News —
Camden—(AP)—Billy Ketchell, 181, Millville, and Jersey Joe Walcott, 180, Merchantville, battled to a 10-round draw in the windup bout of a boxing show here last night. In the semi-final, Joe Allen, 135, Camden, took the decision over Johnny Toomey, 136, Newark, in eight rounds. Joey Straiges, Camden lightweight, scored a three-round technical knockout over Billy Mariner, Philadelphia. Tommy Ricco, 125½, Camden, won a six-round decision over Jimmy Russell, Beverly. Freddy Lewis, 156½, Maple Shade, and Joe Duca, 161, Paulsboro, battled to a six-round draw.
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey Joe Walcott and Roxie Allen in Feature at Civic Hall Tomorrow
Present and past greats of Camden boxing will do their all for charity tomorrow night, when they appear on a card sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden, at the Camden Convention Hall.
Fifteen bouts of three rounds each are scheduled to be held, and the entire proceeds will be used to provide Christmas baskets for Camden’s needy. The boxers and referees have generously donated their services free of charge, and are to be complimented for their willingness to aid a worthy cause.
All 15 bouts are exhibition matches as most of the principals have been out of training for several years. However, they have done their best to get in pretty fair shape during the past two weeks and a number of interesting bouts should be presented.
Jersey Joe Walcott, still in active harness in heavyweight ranks, and Roxie Allen, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight but who retired two years ago, hold the feature spot on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in the eighth and final round of a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling in around 185, while Allen weighed around 160. Although Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first round, a left hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting at this bout, but still is in good physical shape and should be able to box a fast three rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who made names for themselves in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest fights in New York in the past two years, while Mickey was of [sic] the best featherweights in the East about eight years ago.
Tommy Ricco, another South Camden featherweight, and Mickey and Johnny Duca, both of Paulsboro, are the other three boys who are active in the game. Ricco is due to appear against Mickey Duca, while Johnny Duca squares off against Al White, also of Paulsboro.
The veteran of the card is Battling Mack, one of the finest characters ever to enter the fight game. Mack fought the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War. George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Johnny Buff, Danny Kramer and Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling [sic] met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another South Camdenite who was a favorite with Camden fight addicts.
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local reisdents [sic], are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the great crop of local lightweights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus MaGuire, Charley Mack, White, Lew Jackson, Paddy Lyons, Joe Spearing, and Johnny Attell were included among the group which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor in tomorrow night’s bouts. Jackson mingles with Lyons; Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who also fought the best featherweights in the East a few short years ago, and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
Young Firpo, of Pennsgrove, is known to all South Jersey fightgoers. Firpo, a lightweight, packed a great left hook and his record is dotted with knockouts. He will take on Joey Allen, South Camden featherweight who never fought a slow bout and who never side-stepped a match.
Pee Wee Ross undoubtedly was the best bantamweight ever developed in this city. Ross fought ’em all 10 years ago and finished with a great record. He meets Bobby Zimmerman, another local product who also was a pleasing performer and who was known as the “buzz saw” because of his rapid-fire punching.
Nick Nichols, one of the hardest-hitting welterweights ever to hold forth here, takes on Tommy McCann, East Camdenite who had one of the best left hands in the city.
Lucas Vs. Straiges
Johnny Lucas, South Camden welterweight who still could go to the wars, faces Joey Straiges, also of South Camden, who also could compete in featherweight ranks if it were necessary for him to continue boxing. In the other bout on the card, Young Palmer and Tommy Dundee, former featherweights, clash.
Jim Braddock, former world heavyweight champion, is expected to be on hand to referee at least one bout. Others invited to referee are:
Sgt. Ray Smith, Harry Shaw, Tom Walters, Al Ettore, Joey O’Donnell, Mike DeLeece, Young Lawrence, Charley Harris, Bill McFarlane and Walter “West” Kennedy.
The committee in charge of the boxing arrangements consists of Caesar Campana, chairman, Dominic Lombardo, Daniel Gallasso, James McSparrin and Paul Daly.
Nearly 4000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Past and Present South Jersey Boxers Go Through Paces in Charity Show
NO DECISIONS RENDERED
By FRANK KOPESKY
They turned back the sporting pages last night, month after month, year after year.
And out of the staring type and paling newsprint stepped the images of youths who in their bygone day had their names blazed across the headlines for their prowess in the boxing ring.
With nearly 4000 in attendance, these old-timers and some who still are or could be active engaged in a program of exhibition bouts at Convention Hall to aid the poor this Christmas.
The affair was sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden.
Braddock Gets Big Hand
The feature attraction and a man who received a thunderous ovation from the gathering was popular James J. Braddock, former heavyweight champion of the world, who refereed the final two bouts.
Roxie Allen, of Camden, and Jersey Joe Walcott, Merchantville slugger who still is active, paired off in the windup with Braddock serving as referee.
They boxed lightly most of the way with neither connecting with any serious blows and the spectators were handed a few laughs when both boxers “picked on” Braddock in the last round.
Braddock Gets Hand
Braddock was given a great ovation when he entered the ring to referee the bout between Frankie and Mickey Blair.
Strangely the well-known brothers fought one of the hardest bouts of the night. Frankie, one of the best boxers Camden has ever produced, tagged his older brother with several stiff lefts in the first round. Mickey also got in his share of hard blows, although Frankie was the better of the two.
Lou Skymer and Battling Mack, of South Camden, continued fighting after their three-rounder ended. So Referee Joey O’Donnell scurried from the ring. Skymer had the best of the fight.
Spearing and Rapp Even
Joe Spearing and Frankie Rapp, both from South Camden, boxed lightly for three rounds on about even terms.
Johnny Lucas, of Whitman Park, who did considerably campaigning several years ago, and Joey Straiges, active South Camden lightweight, went through three fast rounds. Straiges had the better of the exhibition.
Young Joe Firpo, of Pennsgrove, and Joey Allen, of Camden, who retired from the ring not so long ago, fought a hard fight in the first round. Allen knocked himself down in the second round when he socked Referee Ray Smith in the stomach. They both pummeled the Sargeant [sic] after the final bell and the bout got a great hand.
Comedy Bout
The spectators sang the “Beer Barrel Polka” when Buck Fleming of the Veteran Boxing Association entered the ring. Bricks and horseshoes were dumped out of Fleming’s gloves before his bout with Joe Shannon, another V. B. A. entrant, began.
It was the comedy bout of the night, meant as such, and the fans went into near hysterics.
Tommy Ricco, active South Camden lightweight, and Al Daly, of Fairview, staged a clever boxing exhibition. Although neither landed any telling blows, the fast bout was a crowd pleaser. Ricco had the best of it.
The parade of overgrown lightweights continued when Eddie Chaney, of Whitman Park, squared off with Jackie Hindle, of South Camden. These two also got “mad” at each other in the third round and Hindle seemed to have the better of it.
Ceaser [sic] Campana, chairman of the committee, who fought as Young O’Connors years ago, paired off with Charley Mack, well known lightweight of a decade ago. After two slow rounds, they really started slugging and the bell halted a furious exchange.
Lyons’ Wind Gives Out
Kayo Palmer, of Camden, and Pat Lyons, of Gloucester, got along for two rounds, but Lyons asked for a short third session when his wind gave out. Timekeeper Dave Lambert cut the round to 30 seconds. Palmer dropped Referee Young Lawrence, who was saved by the bell.
A howl went up from the throng when Announcer Archie McNew introduced Lou Jackson, of Pennsgrove, and Al White, of Paulsboro, as former lightweights. Both massive weight lines and looked like heavyweight wrestlers. They went three rounds and received a great hand for their efforts. Jackson appeared to have the better of it.
Employing several body slams and a flying tackle to good advantage, Young Palmer bested Tommy Dundee in three rounds. Both are former local bantamweights.
Pee-Wee Ross and Bobby Zimmerman, a pair of excellent flyweights in their day, opened the show. They knocked each other “out” in the second round, Referee Joe Mangold counting 10 over the fallen pair. After rising the two Camden men resumed “fighting” much to the crowd’s amusement.
Wilson Kayos Saia in 2nd at Olympia
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Jackie Wilson; Frankie Saia; Sugar Ray Robinson; Al Jordan; Willie Thomas; Jimmy McAllister; Frankie McGrane; Charlie WIlliams; Hughie Civatti; Joey Longo; Joey Allen
Walcott Already in the Pink For Oma Battle Friday Night
Camden Courier-Post —
South Jersey Sports —
By TOM RYAN
We received word from Joey Allen yesterday that Jersey Joe Walcott will be in the pink for his forthcoming fight against Lee Oma.
Allen, who trains Walcott, wrote from Summit, where Walcott is conditioning, that the Merchantville clubber never was in better physical condition.
In fact, Allen says Walcott is so far advanced he’ll probably have to taper off a few days before the fight and indulge in only calesthenics [sic].
It’s Walcott’s biggest fight — he meets Oma next Friday night, at Madison Square Garden — and a victory would make him the logical challenger to meet the winner of the Joe Louis-Billy Conn fight June 19.
The bout is expected to draw a gate of $150,000 and Walcott is getting 20 percent. That’s hitting the jackpot in boxing.
Barring his fight against Jimmy Bivins for which he got his best purse, Walcott earned very little in his other 12 fights since he started his comeback two years ago.
But he already has bought a home at 329 Mickle street, Camden, out of his earnings to date.
And even though he has a wife and six children to provide for, the money Joe gets from the Oma scrap should keep the wolf away from the door for many years if he’s frugal.
And if he beats Oma and gets a title shot in September, then he and his family should be set for life.
Walcott’s comeback is one of the sagas of boxing. Down-and-out two years ago, he has fought his way to the No. 4 spot among the heavyweights.
Out of 13 bouts, Joe lost only one and later knocked out the fellow who decisioned him.
Besides beating Bivins, Walcott also beat Joe Baksi, the two standout wartime heavyweights.
About 300 South Jersey fight fans will trek to New York next Friday night to see him meet Oma.
They’ll be pulling hard for him to win as everyone in this locality would like to see Joe get a shot at the heavyweight title later on.
An Off Day at Jersey Joe Walcott’s Training Camp
Camden Courier-Post —
AN OFF DAY AT JERSEY JOE WALCOTT’S TRAINING CAMP—On the days Jersey Joe Walcott doesn’t box for his forthcoming return bout with heavyweight champion Joe Louis there’s little activity at his Grenloch Park training camp. Yesterday was one of Walcott’s off days and the camp personnel took it easy. In the group are, sitting, left to right, Curtis “Hatchman” Sheppard, one of Walcott’s sparmates, Walcott, and Billy Norris, another sparmate. Standing, left to right are: Dan Florio, head trainer; Paddy Cream, Walcott’s brother; Joe Holmes, Walcott’s chauffeur, Cliff Dyes, another Walcott sparmate; Felix Bocchicchio, Walcott’s financial adviser; Joey Allen, assistant trainer; Nick Bocchicchio, camp secretary; Dave Schockley, camp cook, and Bob Cream, another of Walcott’s brothers. Austin Johnson, another of Walcott’s sparmates, was visiting his home in Atlantic City when the picture was taken.
Webster Will Join Forces With Georgette, Prince
Camden Courier-Post —
By Tom Ryan
A new boxing triumvirate soon will be formed in Camden, it was learned today.
Those involved are Tony Georgette, Joe Webster and Eddie Prince, all Camden residents.
The merger of the trio into one group has been talked over for the past two months among the three boxing figures and soon will become a reality, it is rumored. None could be reached today to confirm the report.
While Webster is a comparative newcomer to Camden boxing compared with Georgette and Prince, the former manager of record of Jersey Joe Walcott brings a wealth of knowledge and prestige to the group.
He was manager of record for Walcott for three years till his contract with the Camden heavyweight expired last May.
With the expiration of the contract, Walcott decided he would do his own business in the future and severed relations with Webster.
Webster, who never, before he became Walcott’s manager of record, had been identified with the fight game in any capacity other than as a fan, made a host of friends and a number of excellent contacts while he was connected with the Camden heavyweight.
After becoming identified with Walcott, it didn’t take long for Webster to establish himself as one of the best-liked men in boxing.
Affable and intelligent, the Camden restaurateur met all the big-time promoters and managers and his connections should be invaluable to Georgette and Prince.
Georgette and Prince are the two best-known figures in the fight game in Camden. Both have been connected with the game for over 20 years, and like Webster, are well-liked and respected.
Tony and Eddie grew up together in Camden boxing. The former started as a second and Eddie started as a trainer who also had his own gym here when boxing was at its peak.
Both later became managers, with Georgette eventually becoming the more prominent. Among those Tony managed during his early days in the game were Mickey Blair, Johnny Lucas, Frankie Blair, Joey Allen, Joey Powell, Joey Straiges and a number of lesser local lights.
He and Joey Allen, who now trains Walcott, were the two who brought out of obscurity Pedro Firpo, Camden featherweight, during World War II.
Georgette and Allen bought Firpo’s contract for $400 and at one time had the genial little Negro listed among the first 10 lightweights. Incidentally, Firpo retired over a year ago upon the advice of Georgette.
For the past two years, Georgette has centered his attention upon Gene Jones, young Negro heavyweight, who is considered one of the best prospects in the nation.
However, he has several youngsters of different weights in training, but will not start them in the pro game till he feels they have had the proper schooling.
Prince for years has acted as a co-trainer of Georgette’s fighters; they long have been known as the Damon and Pythias of Camden boxing.
Eddie is a modest and retiring individual who has shunned the spotlight, but there isn’t a wiser head in the fight game. He can get the work out of boxers and that’s the secret of success in any sport.
Now that Webster soon will join hands with Georgette and Prince, the trio should become a winning combination.
They are determined to develop South Jersey talent and will comb this area for prospective boxers.
Georgette always has believed that good boxers can be developed in Camden and vicinity provided they received proper training.
And under Prince, boxers can be developed. Eddie is a stern taskmaster and will brook no nonsense from the youngsters he trains.
So, accorded the proper training, there’s no reason why Camden once more shouldn’t be represented by such outstanding boxers as Walcott, Roxie Allen, Mickey Blair, Tip Gorman, Bobby Zimmerman, Lucas, Joey Allen, Frankie Rapp, Frankie Blair and others who made boxing pay here in the 1920’s.
With Webster and Georgette’s experience in arranging matches and Prince’s ability to train fighters, the three should get somewhere in the boxing game.
And no fighter will be hurt under their guidance unless it’s of his own doing.
They will separate the chaff from the wheat and even the wheat will not be hurt.
Joey Allen Out as Trainer Of Jersey Joe Walcott
Camden Courier-Post —
By Tom Ryan
Joey Allen, who has been connected with the Jersey Joe Walcott fight entourage as trainer since 1945, today is seeking another job.
Allen and Felix Bocchicchio, Walcott’s manager, amicably agreed to part company last Saturday, it was learned yesterday.
Walcott, Bocchicchio, Allen and Dan Florio, New York trainer who was brought in to train Walcott for his third fight against Joey Maxim and for Jersey Joe’s two championship fights against Joe Louis and also his championship fight against Ezzard Charles, arrived home from Europe last Tuesday.
Florio, incidentally, was taken to Sweden by Bocchicchio and Walcott to act as head trainer for Walcott’s fight against Olie Tandberg last Aug. 11, at Stockholm, Sweden.
Sid Feder, New York boxing writer, also accompanied the party, but left soon after Walcott had knocked out Tandberg in the fifth round of a scheduled 10-rounder.
The party later went to England after Walcott had engaged in about 17 exhibition bouts in Sweden.
There was no work in England for Walcott, so Walcott, Bocchiccio [sic] and Florio visited Italy.
During their visit to Italy, Allen was left in England as the visit to Italy was in the nature of a vacation as Walcott and Bocchicchio knew there also wouldn’t be any work in Italy for Walcott.
The quartet flew home from Holland, Walcott, Bocchicchio and Allen reaching Camden last Tuesday.
Last Saturday, we understand, Allen and Bocchicchio got together and agreed that it was best for all concerned if Allen should immediately quit.
Allen took over the training of Walcott after Walcott beat Joe Baksi, Aug. 2, 1945, here at the Convention Hall.
He was head trainer for Walcott from the time the latter fought Johnny Denson here, Sept. 20, 1945, until Walcott fought Maxim for the third time at Hollywood Stadium, Los Angeles, June 23, 1947.
Florio, a good “corner man,” who also bears a good reputation as a trainer, was brought in to train Walcott for the third Maxim fight.
Walcott won that fight and it also won him a chance to meet Louis for the heavyweight title. All who saw the fight agreed it was a lousy fight.
Louis was on the same card in an exhibition bout and Walcott looked so bad that Louis promised Bocchicchio that Walcott would be his next title opponent.
Louis kept his word and figured on the strength of Walcott’s showing against Maxim that Jersey Joe would be a soft touch the following December.
Everyone close to boxing knew that Louis didn’t train properly for the first Walcott fight and nearly lost his title, most boxing experts giving Walcott the decision, but officially the decision went to the champion.
Allen did all the preliminary training of Walcott for this bout, Florio taking over only the last two weeks Walcott was in camp.
Joey also started Walcott off on his training for the second Louis fight, but again was supplanted by Florio, Dan this time coming to Camden weeks in advance of the bout.
And Walcott went stale from training only about eight days before the bout. Only three days of rain saved Walcott from going completely stale.
Rain prevented his doing road work for three days and permitted him to recuperate from over-training. But it showed in his second fight against Louis, Jersey Joe being knocked out in the 11th round.
Florio also took over Walcott’s training for the Charles fight a few days after the camp had been established at Momence, Ill.
Walcott also lost this one, the decision going to Charles in 15 rounds. Jersey Joe didn’t look any too good in this fight, tiring early in the bout.
Allen, according to reports, had little to say in conditioning Walcott for his last fight against Tandberg.
A bum at his best, Tandberg wasn’t conditioned properly and Walcott knocked him out in the fifth round. So Florio must have got Walcott in fair shape for the bout.
But that didn’t overcome the fact that Allen, who had trained Walcott for most of his comeback fights, was slowly but surely being pushed out of the picture.
The little Camden former lightweight decided last Saturday to talk things over with Bocchicchio and the conference ended in their severing connections.
Prior to his taking over the training of Walcott, Allen had been a comanager of Pedro Firpo along with Tony Georgette. Allen sold his share of Firpo to Georgette and Tony made money for the stubby South Camden Negro.
There’s a possibility that Allen and Georgette again may team up as comanagers of Camden boxers.
Allen plans to remain in the fight game. He was a game featherweight and lightweight, and always was a crowd-pleaser.
Bearing a spotless reputation, Allen is an asset to boxing and should have no trouble making new connections provided he decides to continue to act as a trainer instead of turning to the managerial end of the game.
Zuni Installs 1951 Officers
Camden Courier-Post —
The Zuni Athletic Association recently installed their officers for 1951, with Frank A. DiRenzo presiding.
Other officers installed were Peter A. Barbalace, vice president; Anthony A. Darpino, secretary-treasurer; Joseph Palerrao, financial treasurer, and Angelo Levecchia, sergeant-at-arms.
Founders of the organization were Peter Barbalace, Pat Barbalace, Albert Aceto, John LaPlaca and Jack O’Neil. Gene R. Mariano, former prosecutor, is honorary president.
The honorary membership includes Rev. Michael Argullo, Commissioner Frank A. Abbott, Mariano, Judge John R. DiMona, Joseph P. DeLuca, Anthony F. Marino, Angelo A. DePersia, Dr. Lawrence Palese, Mike and Joe Greenetz, William Denof Sr., Louis Bantivoglio, John Bantivoglio, Pat DiSimone, Samuel E. Fulton, Joseph Macciocca, Albert Aceto, Leonard Garaguso, Joseph Wood and Al Seri.
Cephas Starts Boxing Career
Camden Courier-Post —
Cephas Starts Boxing Career; Joey Allen; Billy Cephas; Vic Marsillo; Billy Boswell
Pair attacked by burglar with sword
Camden Courier-Post —
Pair attacked by burglar with sword.
Evesham teen indicted in samurai-style attack
Camden Courier-Post —
Evesham Teen, Steven Mazzola, indicted in samurai-style-attack
Angelo A. Levecchia, 79; Boxer fought as 'Joey Allen'
Camden Courier-Post —
Angelo A. Levecchia, 79; Boxer fought as 'Joey Allen'