Introduction
Frankie Blair
FRANKIE BLAIR was a professional boxer from Camden NJ. Born Frank J. Tenerelli on August 20, 1909, he grew up on South 4th Street in Camden. The Tenerelli family, which included older brother Michael and sisters Nettie and Mary, lived at 833 South 4th Street. At 839 South 4th Street lived the Scola family; their son, Vincent Scola, gained notoriety through his involvement in organized crime in the 1930s and 1940s.
Frankie Blair grew into a 5’7” welterweight. He turned professional in August of 1933. Although www.boxrec.com shows his first pro fight in January of 1934, local newspapers report his first fight on August 2, 1933, a first round knockout of Camden boxer “Reds” Foy at the outdoor arena on the Airport Circle in Pennsauken NJ.
According to www.boxrec.com, from January of 1934 on he ran up a 7–2 record against mostly insignificant opposition, except for one loss against veteran Cuban welterweight Relampago Saguero. He fought in Camden’s Convention Hall in May of 1934, a fight arranged by Camden ex-boxer Frankie Rapp.
Around the end of 1935, Frankie Blair began training at the legendary Stillman’s Gym on 125th Street near Seventh Avenue in New York, where he trained alongside fighters such as Lou Ambers, Henry Armstrong, Erich Seelig, Tony Canzoneri, and Leonard DelGenio. He fought 29 times over the next three years, mostly in New York City. Frankie Blair fought three times in Camden during this period, scoring wins against Tony Falco, Freddy Fitzgerald, and Johnny Duca. After losing his last 5 tests in 1938, Blair split in four fights the following year. He was then inactive, except for a one fight comeback against Harry Dublinsky in 1944, after which Frankie Blair called it a career.
Compiling a record of 24 wins, 17 losses and two draws, Blair was a boxer, not a big puncher, as evidenced by the fact that only two of his wins were by knockout. Frankie Blair had a great chin, only one of his losses coming by technical knockout, to the great Filipino fighter Ceferino Garcia in June of 1938. Garcia would fight for the welterweight title a few months after stopping Blair, and lose, but would move up to middleweight, becoming the world champion in October of 1939.
Frankie Blair returned to Camden, and by September of 1939 was the proprietor of a bar called The Upset Club, at 950 South 5th Street, the corner of South 5th and Walnut Street. He was out of the bar business by 1947, however, and was working as a salesman, according to the 1947 Camden City Directory, and living at 833 South 4th Street. He later moved to Haddon Township NJ, where he is listed in the 1959 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory. He was living there as late as 1977.
Frank Tenerelli died in August of 1988.
Frankie Blair’s older brother Michael fought professionally as Mickey Blair. A super featherweight, he compiled a record of 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no decision. Mickey Blair was often front page news for activities outside the ring in the late 1920s, 1930s, and early 1940s. Mickey Blair was shot to death in November of 1941 at a bar he operated in Atlantic County. Even with the war on, his murder produced headlines for a few years after his death.
Known Boxing Record
Career Record
Frankie Blair (Frank Tenerelli) career boxing record — 24 wins (2 KOs), 17 losses, 2 draws
Bouts
| Date ↕ | Opponent ↕ | Result ↕ | Method ↕ | Location ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944-06-29 | Harry Dublinsky | W | PTS | Washington, DC |
| 1939-05-03 | Walter (Popeye) Woods | L | PTS | New York, NY |
| 1939-04-21 | Glen Lee | W | TKO | Hippodrome, New York, NY |
| 1939-03-24 | Emil Calcagni | W | PTS | Hippodrome, New York, NY |
| 1939-02-10 | Sammy Luftspring | L | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1938-12-05 | Bobby Britton | L | PTS | Miami, FL |
| 1938-11-25 | Emil Calcagni | L | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1938-11-15 | Fritzie Zivic | L | PTS | New York Coliseum, Bronx, NY |
| 1938-06-17 | Ceferino Garcia | L | TKO | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, CA |
| 1938-05-31 | Dem Wakerlis | L | PTS | Madison Square Garden Bowl, Long Island City, NY |
| 1938-04-12 | Johnny Duca | W | PTS | Camden, NJ |
| 1938-02-28 | Lambertine Williams | D | Lancaster, PA | |
| 1938-02-14 | Fritzie Zivic | L | PTS | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 1938-02-04 | Gordon Wallace | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1938-01-05 | Vittorio Venturi | L | PTS | Hippodrome, New York, NY |
| 1937-12-06 | Eddie Morgan | W | PTS | Cleveland, OH |
| 1937-10-29 | Jimmy Leto | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-09-16 | Jay Macedon | W | PTS | Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY |
| 1937-09-09 | Mickey Serrian | W | TKO | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-07-22 | Mickey Serrian | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-06-15 | Freddy Fitzgerald | W | PTS | Camden, NJ |
| 1937-06-08 | Andre Jessurun | L | PTS | New York Coliseum, Bronx, NY |
| 1937-05-26 | Atilio Sabatino | L | PTS | Hippodrome, New York, NY |
| 1937-05-24 | Atilio Sabatino | L | PTS | St. Nicholas Palace, New York, NY |
| 1937-03-19 | Saverio Turiello | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-03-12 | Johnny Clinton | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-02-26 | Paulie Walker | W | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1937-01-08 | Bobby Pacho | L | PTS | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| 1936-09-25 | Wicky Harkins | W | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1936-08-11 | Tony Falco | W | PTS | Camden, NJ |
| 1936-04-07 | Andre Jessurun | L | PTS | New York Coliseum, Bronx, NY |
| 1936-02-24 | Walter (Wildcat) O'Connor | L | PTS | St. Nicholas Palace, New York, NY |
| 1936-02-10 | Howard Clark | W | PTS | St. Nicholas Palace, New York, NY |
| 1936-01-27 | Mickey Serrian | D | Washington, DC | |
| 1935-12-09 | Johnny Santo | W | PTS | Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| 1935-09-16 | Phil Furr | W | PTS | Washington, DC |
| 1935-07-15 | Phil Furr | W | PTS | Washington, DC |
| 1935-02-04 | Relampago Saguero | L | PTS | St. Petersburg, FL |
| 1934-12-11 | Gene O'Laris | W | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1934-11-26 | Gene O'Laris | W | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1934-09-20 | Toney Manus | W | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1934-02-02 | Frankie Caris | L | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1934-01-12 | Toney Manus | W | PTS | Philadelphia, PA |
Camden Courier-Post – August 14, 1933
Blair in Danger in Heinsman Tiff
Promising Youngster Meets Stiff Puncher in Second Pro Skirmish
Frankie Blair, South Camden Italian, today is the toast of Little Italy’s boxing fans.
Frankie, brother of Mickey Blair, who ruled South Jersey feather weight ranks several years ago makes his second bow in professional boxing circles next Friday at Charley Grip’s Pennsauken Township open-air Arena. Blair is slated to meet Lou Heinsman of Lindenwold, in the opening six-rounder of a card which is featured by a double-wind-up.
In the final set-to, Johnny Duca, Paulsboro “Paralyzer,” meets Charley Fusel of Philadelphia, and Johnny Peppe, also of Philadelphia, faces Joe Smallwood of Wilmington, Del., in the first-half of the double-bill. Both are eight-rounders.
Although Blair made an impressive showing in his professional debut here by knocking out “Reds” Foy, another local boxer, in less than a round, the South Camden Italian is flirting with danger in signing to meet Heinsman. Lou was kayoed by Terry McGovern in four rounds in his first fuss, but Heinsman displayed good hitting power in each hand, several times rocking McGovern before the latter dropped Lou for the full count.
However, Heinsman was handicapped after the first round as he broke a small bone in his left hand when he clipped McGovern on the jaw. Heinsman was late in reporting and did not get an opportunity to bandage his hands and his left fist was nearly twice its normal size when the glove was cut off after the match.
The injured member now is as good as ever and when Matchmaker Lou McFarland offered Lou a tiff with Blair, Lou jumped at the chance to meet the downtown youngster. Blair knows more about the finer arts of the game, but Heinsman hits just as hard as Frankie and the bout should be a slugfest throughout.
Two other six-rounders also will be staged. “Mushy” Green of Camden, takes on Joe Lawson, also of Camden, while Marty Little of Waterford, clashes with “Sonny” Carley of the United States Marines Corps.
Camden Courier-Post – August 15, 1933
Green, Lawson May Wage Hot Battle
Newcomer Expected to Give Joey Keen Fight Here on Friday Night
A newcomer to Camden boxing circles, “Mushy” Green, South Camden featherweight, makes his debut on Friday night in the second bout of the show to be staged under the auspices of the Camden Sporting Club at Grip’s Pennsauken township open-air arena.
Green, reported to be the son of a rabbi, is scheduled to clash with Joe Lawson, veteran Camden leather-thrower, in a six-round skirmish on a card which is featured by a double windup. Johnny Duca, Paulsboro “Paralyzer,” meets Carl Fuser, of Philadelphia, in the final set-to, and Johnny Pepe, of Philadelphia, faces Joe Smallwood, of Wilmington, Delaware, in the first half of the dual windup.
The downtown section of the city is intensely interested in the outcome of the Lawson-Green battle. Both boys have been training at Ross’ gym, and comparisons have been made by onlookers that Green could give Lawson, who stopped Jack Stanley several weeks ago, a close fight.
Hearing several discussions regarding the relative merits of the two, Matchmaker Lou McFarland immediately clinched the match. Now the friends of both boys are eagerly awaiting the outcome and expect their favorites to come through with a win.
Two other six-rounders complete the card. “Mush” Blair, of Camden, collides with Lou Heinsman, of Lindenwold, and Marty Little, of Waterford, takes on “Sonny” Carley, of the United States Marine Corps.
Camden Courier-Post – August 15, 1933
Smallwood Likely to Surprise Pepe
Wilmington, Del., Middleweight, Meets Veteran Philadelphian on Friday
When Johnny Pepe, veteran Philadelphia middleweight, mingles with Joe Smallwood of Wilmington, Del. in the first half of a double-windup at Grip’s Pennsauken township open-air Arena on Friday night, the Quaker City entrant will be playing with fire.
The two are scheduled to engage in an eight-rounder which will precede the final fracas between Johnny Duca, Paulsboro “Paralyzer” and Carl Fuser, formerly of New York, but now of Philadelphia. Duca and Fuser also meet in an eight-round joust.
Pepe, who lost a hairline decision to Roxie Allen, Camden Italian, in the latter’s comeback attempt here several weeks ago, may find Smallwood far more troublesome than Allen. Joe has established a great reputation in the five years he has been throwing leather.
Smallwood came to Wilmington from Washington, D.C., shortly after the advent of legalized boxing in Delaware. He started out as a preliminary boy and after three straight knockouts he was thrown into a windup with Young Johnny Ketchell, Chester middleweight who was regarded as a star.
Smallwood, according to the record book, beat Ketchell and then repeated over Tommy Rios. He enjoyed a long winning streak till he met Billy Ketchell of Millville, who held Smallwood to a draw in a sensational battle.
Last Spring he collided with Vince Dundee at Peipersville, Pa., and dropped a close decision to the Newark Italian, who still is the outstanding contender for the middleweight championship now held by Lou Brouillard. In his last battle, Smallwood beat Jimmy Smith of Staten Island, in a great club fight.
In event that Smallwood wins a clear-cut verdict over Pepe, the Wilmington mauler may meet Dundee here as Matchmaker Lou McFarland is seriously considering staging the contest.
However, Pepe also has met the cream of the middleweights. He’s a dangerous foe at close quarters and as Smallwood also likes to fight “inside,” the fuss should develop into a red hot skirmish.
Four six-rounders also will be staged. Joe Montana, Camden heavyweight wrestler, makes his bow as a boxer in meeting Mickey Sullivan of Philadelphia; Marty Little of Waterford, takes on “Sonny” Carley of the United States Marine Corps; “Mush” Green and Joe Lawson, both of Camden, clash, while Frankie “Mush” Blair of South Camden, faces Lou Heinsman of Lindenwold.
Camden Courier-Post – August 19, 1933
Johnny Duca Wins Decision Easily Over Carl Fuser at Open-Air Arena
Paulsboro Lad Nearly Has Rival Out in Sixth
Takes 6 Out of 8 Rounds and Divides Another With Quaker City Youth
Pepe Beats Smallwood
Local Fight Results
Johnny Duca, 155, Paulsboro, wins decision over Carl Fuser, 155, Philadelphia, in eight rounds.
Johnny Pepe, 170, Philadelphia, won decision over Carl Fuser, 151, Wilmington, Del., in eight rounds.
Joe Montana, 181, Camden, outpointed Mike Sullivan, 200, Atlantic City, in six rounds.
Marty Little, 142, Waterford, nosed out Terry McGovern, 136, U. S. Marine Corps, in six rounds.
Joe Lawson, 118, Camden, outpointed “Mushy” Green, 115, Camden, in six rounds.
Frankie Blair, 145, Camden, and Eddie Faris, 143, Wilmington, Del., drew in six rounds.
Referee—Gus Waldron.
By Tom Ryan
Courier-Post Sports Editor
Johnny Duca, Paulsboro “Paralyzer,” won the referee’s decision over Carl Fuser, of Philadelphia, in the last half of a double-windup held at Grip’s Pennsauken Township Open-Air Arena last night.
About 1000 fans saw the hard-hitting Italian win six of the eight rounds, lose one and split even in another. Duca dropped Fuser for a count of nine in the sixth, a short right to the pit of the stomach sending the Philadelphian to the mat. Johnny tried valiantly to finish his groggy foe, but Fuser covered up and held on to last out the round and also remain on his feet till the bell ended the one-sided skirmish.
A straight left started the gore flowing from Fuser’s nose in the first round and also had the claret streaming from the organ in the last two rounds. Johnny also opened a cut under Carl’s right eye in the seventh and the Philadelphian was badly marked at the finish. Duca did not show a mark of the encounter.
Duca did not become serious till the start of the fifth, but from that time on won every round by a commanding margin. He won the second and third by a fair shade and split even in the first, with Fuser having the better of the fourth round.
The fact that Fuser refused to “dog it” after being dropped in the sixth had most of the crowd pulling for him to stick it out till the end. And although Duca belabored him with everything in the last two sessions, a body attack in both periods causing Fuser’s knees to sag on several occasions, the bushy-haired Philadelphian fought back as well as he was able and was given a good hand for his gameness.
Both boys scaled in at 155 pounds.
Pepe Beats Smallwood
A 19-pound pull in the weights proved too big a handicap for Joe Smallwood, 151, of Wilmington, to overcome in the eight-round semi-final against Johnny Pepe, 170, of Philadelphia.
It was an uninteresting match, Pepe trying to fight inside with Smallwood tying him up continually. However, when Johnny did get inside he did enough damage to win five rounds.
Smallwood won the second and third rounds by a shade and split even in the second frame. The Wilmington youngster suffered a cut on the nose in the sixth.
At the weighing-in exercises yesterday, the weights of the two boxers were given as Smallwood, 156; Pepe, 170.
Making his debut as a boxer, Joe Montana, 181, South Camden’s wrestler, outpointed Mike Sullivan, 200, of Atlantic City, in a special six-rounder. Montana won the first, second, fourth and sixth rounds, while Sullivan won the third round by a big margin, and also carried the fifth.
Sullivan, who had the usual roll of fat around his mid-section, made a clown fight of it. Montana, regarded as a good puncher, failed to rock Sullivan at any stage of the fuss.
Little Given Verdict
In an interesting match, Marty Little, 142, of Waterford, eked out a close decision over Terry McGovern, 136, of the U. S. Marine Corps, in the third six-rounder.
The last round decided the issue as Little had won the second and third rounds and McGovern won the fourth and fifth, while the first was even. Little was the hardest hitter and spilled McGovern in the second with a left hook to the jaw, but Terry was up before a count could be started.
Joe Lawson, 118, of Camden, outpointed “Mushy” Green, 115, also of Camden, in the second six-rounder. Lawson finished strong, winning the last three rounds along with the first. Green won the second and third rounds. The bout was marred by frequent clinches.
Frank Blair, 145, of Camden, and Eddie Faris, 143, of Wilmington, Del., fought a great draw in the opening bout of six rounds. Both boys won two rounds with two even.
Blair won the first and fourth rounds, Faris won the second and fifth, while the third and sixth were even. They stood toe to toe almost from start to finish and both were tired at the end.
Blair was bleeding at the nose at the end and Faris sported a “mouse” under the left eye.
Any decision other than a draw would have been unfair to both youngsters, who were in there to annihilate each other and who tried their best to turn the trick.
Blair May Reach Heights in Boxing
Camden Courier-Post —
Young South Camdenite Has Proved Gameness; Meets Marty Little Friday
Frankie Blair, downtown welterweight and brother of Mickey Blair who bossed South Jersey featherweights a few years ago, has the stuff of which champions are made. Blair, who meets Marty Little of Waterford, in the six-round main preliminary of Friday night’s boxing show here at the Convention Hall, isn’t hand-picking his opponents despite the fact that he has participated in only a few fights as a professional. Tommy Rios, of Wilmington, Del., who drew with Roxie Allen, South Camden product, here a short time ago, and Sylvan Bass, of Baltimore, Md., clash in the feature bout of eight rounds.
The Blair-Little bout is attracting more than average interest among local fans. Frankie tackled Ted Borman, another South Camdenite who has years of experience on him, in his last bout and lost decisively. However, when offered a match with Little, who also has been campaigning for several years, Blair signed for the match without the slightest quibbling.
Frankie has the courage of a mountain lion and has yet to take a backward step in his bouts in local rings. He still has a lot to learn about the finer arts of the fistic sport, but he’s a snappy puncher, which, coupled with his gameness, may some day place him in the front ranks of the 147-pounders.
Frankie may run into another storm in trading leather with Little. Marty also was beaten in his last trip to the barrier, Johnny Roach of Wilmington, Del., easily winning over the Waterford Italian in six rounds. But Little scored the only knockdown of the match, dropping Roach for a count of nine with a left hook to the jaw.
But even if Little beats Blair, the downtown youngster still would be willing to tackle a tougher opponent in his next start. Frankie, a smart kid, learns a bit more each time he boxes and it would not be surprising if he eventually fought his way to stardom.
Anyway, he always makes a fight of it and his tilt with Little is certain to be a crowd-pleaser, as Frankie crowds his foemen and makes them fight whether they want to or not.
Matchmaker Frankie Rapp today announced that Joe Mandarano, of Manayunk, Philadelphia, refused to meet Billy Hendrie, a fellow townsman, in the eight-round semi-final. Rapp hopes to obtain a suitable opponent for Hendrie, who is rapidly forging to the front in Philadelphia boxing ranks, but in event that he cannot sign a fighter who will give Hendrie a battle, he may pull out Billy and put in a new match.
In the two other six-rounders, Harry Smith, of North Camden, who stopped Freddy Adgie, of Philadelphia, in three rounds a couple of weeks ago, takes on Tom Henry, of Philadelphia, while two local youngsters, Julius Lighthiser and Jack Gleason, will battle for supremacy.
Tommy Rios Gains Verdict Over Sylvan Bass in Feature Boxing Bout at Civic Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
Baltimore Youngster Given Two Rounds in Great Windup Struggle
Britt Given Decision
Tommy Rios, of Wilmington, Del., was given the verdict over Sylvan Bass, of Baltimore, Md., in the featured eight-round windup last night at the Convention Hall.
A crowd of 1500 spectators saw one of the best bouts waged here this season, with both boys going at it hammer and tongs throughout the entire tussle.
Rios put up a clever fight and had to be at his best to gain the nod over the Maryland youngster, who gained the decision over his opponent last December in the latter’s home town.
Rios won the bout as a result of being more effective than the Baltimoreean at long range. Tommy kept his rapier-like left in Bass’ face the major portion of the match and also crossed his right to the jaw with great frequency. However, Bass outslugged Rios at close quarters, but fought only in flashes and the Wilmington boxer flashed home a winner by a fair margin.
Rios won four rounds, while Bass was given two with two even. Rios took the first, fourth, seventh and eighth rounds, with Bass winning the second and fifth, while the third and sixth were even. Rios’ nose was skinned in the second round and bled until the sixth before his handlers were able to stop the flow. At the finish of the tussle Bass was sporting a mouse under his left eye.
Britt Defeats Tracy
In an uninteresting bout, Benny Britt, 130½, of Philadelphia, defeated Jack Tracy, 130½, also of Philadelphia, in an eight-round semi-final. The bout was fought at close quarters with Britt having much the better of the going. Tracy won only one round, the sixth, in which he opened a deep gash over Britt’s right eye. Tracy reopened the cut in each of the seventh and eighth rounds, but Britt finished strong.
They waited until the last round to open up, doing more fighting in this round than in any other two rounds put together.
In a fast, hard fought bout, Frankie Blair, 145, of Camden, decisively defeated Marty Little, 145½, Waterford veteran, in the main preliminary of six rounds.
After losing the first round by a shade, Blair came back to win the last five rounds. He slowed up Little with rights and lefts to the body and also shot myriads of straight lefts to the head.
Frankie’s biggest rounds were the third and fifth in both of which he made Little wince from body blows.
Henry Beats Smith
Tom Henry, 166, of Philadelphia, handed Harry Smith, 162, of North Camden, a severe pasting in the second bout of six rounds.
After getting an even break in the first round, Henry carried the remaining five rounds, winning the second and fifth by wide margins. He staggered Smith in both the second and fifth with left hooks to the jaw.
Henry was bleeding at the nose and mouth at the finish, while Smith’s right eye was swollen.
Camden Courier-Post – August 10, 1936
BOXING — ATLAS BOXING CLUB INC.
Pennsauken Open Air Arena — TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th — First Bout 8.30 P.M.
FRANKIE BLAIR vs. TONY FALCO — 10 ROUNDS
Wickey HARKINS vs. Joe FLOCCO — 8 ROUNDS
3 Other Star Bouts — TICKETS ON SALE — 411 Walnut St., Camden. Phone 6626
Local Italian Gets Baptism at Pennsauken
Camden Courier-Post —
Past Performances Give Philadelphian Slight Edge in 10-Rounder
Lewis Meets Mancuso
A home town boxing star gets his baptism of fire here tonight at the Pennsauken Arena.
The boxer in question is Frankie Blair, downtown welterweight who meets the veteran Tony Falco of Philadelphia, in the feature 10-rounder of the Atlas Boxing Club’s semi-monthly show at the open-air stadium.
Blair will be boxing his first wind-up in this locality despite the fact that he has fought a number of spectacular battles in other cities. The last time Blair fought here he was just a beginner in pro fistic circles, but since that time has developed into a great welterweight prospect.
In fact, the boxing magazine, Ring, picks Frankie as the best welterweight prospect of the month. Frankie has met a number of distinguished battlers during the past year, his greatest victory being scored over Harry Dublinsky in a bout at Washington, D. C.
In his last trip to the barrier, [...]
Blair has earned a reputation as a fearless ringman. Frankie will trade punches with any welterweight in the world and he’ll meet Falco more than half-way if Tony wants to make it a slugfest. If Tony boxes, Frankie still will make a rushing fight of it, so the bout is certain to be one of the most attractive wind-ups staged here in recent years.
Two club fighters of rare ability in the give-and-take line are scheduled to meet in the eight-round semi-final. They are Wickey Harkins of Germantown, Phila., and Joe Flocco of South Philadelphia.
Harkins Liked By Fans
Harkins made a big hit here a couple of weeks ago when he met Johnny Lucas, a local product. After eight rounds, the bout was declared a draw, but it was the unanimous opinion of the spectators that Harkins should have been declared the winner.
Wickey never stopped boring in and had Lucas tired at the finish. Flocco is another baby who never backs up and the two should turn in a spectacular crowd-pleaser.
Downtowner Proves Harder Hitter With Foe Best ‘Inside’
Camden Courier-Post —
Harkins Scores Kayoe
Frankie Blair, South Camden Italian, won the referee’s decision over Tony Falco of Philadelphia, in the feature 10-rounder at the Pennsauken Arena last night before a crowd of 2500.
Referee Jim Manley of Paterson, named the local youngster the winner at the end of a close fight. However many fans believed that the worst Tony should have received was a draw and others thought he was entitled to the verdict by a slight margin.
Blair hit the harder, but Falco did most of the leading and was by far the better workman “inside.” But Tony held at times and also was guilty of heeling in the first two rounds. Still the youthful Philadelphia veteran landed the greater number of punches and never was in danger of being floored although Blair did wrestle him to the floor in the sixth round. Frankie fought a good fight, but Falco’s vast experience had him baffled at times but he never stopped trying.
Blair came in at 149 pounds, while Falco weighed 146½ pounds.
Harkins Kayoes Levine
Wickey Harkins, 146½, of Philadelphia, knocked out Benny Levine, 149, of Newark, in the second round of the scheduled eight-round semi-final.
Harkins dropped Levine with a right and left to the jaw before Levine went down from a right to the top of the head. Early in the round, a left hook opened a gash over Levine’s right eye and Benny didn’t do any fighting after the cut was opened.
Freddy Lewis, 155, of Maple Shade, knocked out Joe Mancuso, 146, also of Maple Shade, in the fourth round of the main preliminary.
The punch looked like a legitimate right to the stomach, although Mancuso went down as though he had been fouled. However, Referee Loughrey counted out Mancuso and awarded the bout to Lewis.
Mancuso clowned a bit while it lasted and made Lewis miss repeatedly, but Freddy was out in front from the start as the punches he landed packed plenty of steam.
Pecana Outslugs Reno
Ted Pecana, 142, of Elmer, outslugged Joe Reno, 135, of Camden, in the third bout of six rounds. Pecana won the second, fourth and fifth rounds, the latter by a big margin, while Reno won the first and last with the third being even. It was a slugfest from start to finish and both boys looked tired at the end.
Steve Martin, 200, of Whitman Park, scored a technical knockout over Ellis Slington, 180, of Woodbury, in the third round of the second bout, the round lasted 1 minute 4 seconds. Referee Loughey stopped the bout with Slington draped over the ropes in a helpless condition. Martin scored an eight-second knockdown in the first round, a right to the jaw turning the trick. Martin bled at the nose throughout.
Danny McNichol, 130, of Merchantville, and Pete Kelly, 129, of Riverside, drew in the opening bout of four rounds. It was close throughout and there was little to choose between them at the finish.
Blair and Pennino Head Fight Card
Camden Courier-Post —
South Camden Welterweight Meets New Yorker Here Next Tuesday Night
Frankie Blair, South Camden welterweight, has signed to meet Joe Pennino, of New York, in the windup of the first indoor show to be staged by the Atlas Boxing Club here at the Convention Hall next Tuesday night.
Tony Georgette, matchmaker for the club, has paired Blair and Pennino in a 10-rounder. Blair, in his last start, beat Wicky Harkins, of Philadelphia, at the Cambria Club, Phila.
Joey Straiges, clever downtown lightweight, is scheduled to clash with Frankie De Carlo, of Albany, in the eight-round semi-final. Harkins, who still remains a favorite here despite his loss to Blair, takes on Tiger Reed, Philadelphia Negro, in the main preliminary, which is another eight-rounder.
Two six-rounders complete the card. Al Narcisso, of South Camden, who won a great slugfest from Ted Pecana, of Elmer, about a month ago in an outdoor tussle, faces Billy Marriner, of Philadelphia, and Steve Martin, Whitman Park heavyweight, takes on Jack Thompson, of Philadelphia.
Joey Straiges Faces Keen Test Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
Clever South Camden Lightweight to Meet Frankie De Carlo
CLASH AT CIVIC HALL
Joey Straiges, artful local lightweight, who never has dropped a decision in this city, may meet his Waterloo here at the Convention Hall tomorrow night.
Straiges is due to meet Frankie De Carlo, of Albany, N. Y., in the eight-round semi-final. De Carlo, who has been boxing two years, has scored 20 knockouts out of 45 fights.
De Carlo is making his debut in this city, but local fight fans can rest assured that the youngster will live up to his reputation as a club fighter. Frankie has appeared in several bouts at Atlantic City and none went the limit, De Carlo being on the winning end.
One of Frankie’s last victims is Al Dunbar, well known Brooklyn lightweight, whom De Carlo knocked out in four rounds, so Straiges will have to be razor-sharp if he is to outpoint the rugged New York State Italian.
It was announced early today by Matchmaker Tony Georgette that Joe Pennino, of New York, was forced to pull out of the feature bout in which he was to have met Frankie Blair of South Camden. Pennino’s manager wired Georgette last night that his protege had suffered a sudden attack of the flu and would be unable to appear here tomorrow night, but that he would honor his contract just so soon as he is able to resume boxing.
Georgette has obtained Bobby Wilson, another New Yorker, to substitute for Pennino against Blair. It is a 10-rounder.
Another eight-rounder and two sixes complete the card.
Wicky Harkins, popular Germantown, Pa., battler, who won his only two starts here during the outdoor season, mets[sic] Tiger Reed, also of Philadelphia, in the main preliminary of eight rounds; Al Narcisso, promising South Camden welterweight, faces Billy Mariner, another Philadelphian, and Steve Martin, Whitman Park heavyweight, battles Jack Thompson, of Philadelphia.
Local Italian to Face Task at Civic Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
New York Welterweight Is Tough Puncher; Both Fighters in Fine Shape
STRAIGES VS. DE CARLO
Frankie Blair, downtown welterweight, will meet Bobby Wilson, of New York, in the feature eight-rounder here tonight at the Convention Hall, it was announced yesterday by Tony Georgette, matchmaker for the Atlas Boxing Club.
Blair originally was slated to clash with Joe Pennino, also of New York, but the latter’s manager, Dewey Fergotta, notified Georgette late Sunday that Pennino had suffered a sudden attack of the flu and would be unable to go through with the match. However, Fergotta told Georgette that Pennino would honor his contract when he recovers.
Georgette managed to land Wilson as a last-minute substitute. The local matchmaker knows enough about Wilson to expect him to give Blair his toughest fight in Camden.
Wilson Packs Good Punch
“Wilson’s a big, rangy welterweight who has a great right hand, and he should give Blair plenty of trouble,” Georgette said yesterday. “I saw him box both in Miami, Fla., and Washington, D. C., a couple years ago and he was a good, hustling fighter.
“About a year ago he went to Australia and fought his way into a title match with Jack Carroll, and it took 13 rounds for the Australian champ to stop him. Wilson has been a consistent winner in New York clubs for the past three months and undoubtedly will give Blair one of his toughest fights in this city.”
Blair, however, has just come off a winning fight against Wicky Harkins, of Germantown, Pa., at the Cambria Club, Philadelphia, and is in perfect shape for his joust with Wilson. Frankie is a club fighter who always bores in, so if Wilson lives up to Georgette’s prediction the fight should develop into a real slugfest.
Straiges May Be Beaten
Joey Straiges, clever South Camden lightweight who never dropped a decision before a hometown crowd, meets Frankie De Carlo, of Albany, N. Y., in the eight-round semi-final. De Carlo is another club fighter who packs a fair punch and may be the one to shatter Straiges’ long winning streak here.
Harkins, who is popular with local fans as a result of beating Johnny Lucas and stopping Benny Levine in two rounds here last Summer, takes on Tiger Reed, Philadelphia Negro, in the main preliminary of eight rounds. The two met last Spring at Atlantic City and waged a terrific draw, so they’re expected to repeat in their return fracas.
Two six-rounders complete the card.
Al Narcisso, of South Camden, who turned in a surprise win over Ted Pecana, of Elmer, in his last start, faces Billy Mariner, of Philadelphia, and Steve Martin, Whitman Park heavyweight, takes on Jack Thompson, of Philadelphia.
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.
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.