Joey Straiges
Joey Straiges, South Camden boxer
JOSEPH A. “JOEY” STRAIGES was born on February 1, 1915 in Pennsylvania to Peter and Anna Straiges. His father passed away prior to 1920. At the time of the census he was living with his mother Anna, brother Anthony, and sisters Catherine and Letty in Norwegian Township, Schuylkill County PA.
He fought as a junior lightweight and lightweight in the mid 1930s, and was a highly regarded prospect at the beginning of his career. His most notable opponent was Pedro Montanez, who fought twice for the world lightweight title. Montanez scored a fourth round TKO when Straiges’ mouth was badly cut.
The 1947 Camden City Directory shows that Joseph Straiges was living with wife Theresa at 567 Spruce Street in Camden. Joseph Straiges spent his later years in Collingswood NJ. He died November 15, 1994.
Career Record
Career Record
Won 9 (KOs 0) — Lost 8 — Drawn 1 — Total 17 bouts (record may be incomplete)
Bouts
| Date ↕ | Opponent ↕ | Location ↕ | Result ↕ | Method ↕ | Rounds ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938-10-24 | Joey Ferrando | Washington, DC, USA | L | PTS | 8 |
| 1938-10-12 | Bucky Taylor | Baltimore, MD, USA | L | PTS | 8 |
| 1938-04-25 | Yucatan Kid | Richmond, VA, USA | L | PTS | 8 |
| 1938-04-04 | Abe Denner | Washington, DC, USA | W | PTS | 8 |
| 1938-03-07 | Ray Ingram | Richmond, VA, USA | W | PTS | 10 |
| 1938-01-03 | Eddie Alzek | Washington, DC, USA | W | PTS | 8 |
| 1937-10-23 | Pedro Montanez | Rockland Palace, Harlem, NY, USA | L | TKO | 4 |
| 1937-06-22 | Felix Garcia | Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, NY, USA | L | PTS | 6 |
| 1937-06-01 | Young Chappie | New York Coliseum, Bronx, NY, USA | W | PTS | 6 |
| 1937-03-01 | Irish Eddie Dunne | Washington, DC, USA | L | PTS | 8 |
| 1937-02-10 | Young Chappie | Hippodrome, New York, NY, USA | D | PTS | 6 |
| 1936-12-16 | Louis Diaz | Hippodrome, New York, NY, USA | W | PTS | 6 |
| 1936-9-1 | Tony Strazzeri | ||||
| 1936 | Norman Rahn | W | PTS | 8 | |
| 1936 | Billy Mariner | W | TKO | 3 | |
| 1936-03-03 | Joe Ettore | Convention Hall, Camden | W | TKO | 7 |
| 1936-01-19 | Norment Quarles | Richmond, VA, USA | L | KO | 4 |
| 1935-05-20 | Jimmy Wade | USA | W | PTS | 8 |
Mickey Duca Battles Enno in Windup Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Junior Lightweights Meet Tonight in Main Go at Convention Hall
STRAIGES FACES BRAUN
Mickey Duca of Paulsboro, and Paul Enno of the Philippine Islands tangle here tonight in a return bout at the Convention Hall Annex.
The two junior Lightweights met in a spectacular six-rounder a couple months ago and Duca won a clear cut verdict. Tonight they clash in a eight-rounder and local fight devotees are anticipating another sensational scrap.
Their first fight, a rapid-fire battle from the opening gong, was an even Stephen tilt for the first four rounds, both of them throwing myriad punches. Duca, however, had more in reserve than Enno. Mickey threw caution to the winds at the start of the fifth and outslugged the doughty little Filipino club fighter during the final two sessions.
The fracas stole the show and both of the kids got a great hand when they left the ring. Enno has been fighting consistently since that fuss, while Duca hasn’t engaged in many bouts. But Mickey always is in shape and Enno can look forward to another tough fight even though he deserves the decision.
Straiges In Semi-Final
Joey Straiges of South Camden, makes his first start here in many months, when he meets Grover Braun of Trenton, in the eight-round semifinal. Joey is one of the cleverest youngsters in the city, but is expected to be pushed by Braun, who, according to Promoter Lew McFarland, is a tough puncher.
Joey Straiges, clever South Camden lightweight who hasn’t shown before a hometown audience in months returns to the wars to meet Grover Braun in the eight round semi-final.
The main preliminary probably has roused as much interest as the main event. Harry Smith of North Camden, and Buddy Goodrich of Third and Federal Streets, are the contestants and they are tilting in a return match.
Last summer the pair met in an outdoor bout and Smith was a clear cut winner. Goodrich wasn’t in the best of shape at that time and neither was he in condition when he knocked out Mike Fahn of Delaware Gardens, in the last show held here.
Goodrich Comes Through
Since he beat Goodrich, Smith lost his only start here to Freddy Lewis, Maple Shade knocker-out, who won the fuss all the way. When Smith lost to Lewis, Goodrich clamored for a return go with him to Promoter Lew McFarland, but the latter put him off till he was forced to draft Buddy as a last-minute substitute to fight Fahn.
When Goodrich scored a one round knockout over Fahn, despite the fact that he still was hog fat, he again wanted Smith and Lew McFarland signed them to meet tomorrow night. Goodrich claims he has trained for the bout and Smith says he’s in the pink, so the scrap may be the best of the night.
Goodrich possesses a murderous, long, looping right which will drop a heavyweight if it lands, but Smith can take it, is a fairly smart puncher and never has stopped in his home bailiwick.
In the two other six-rounders, Forrest “Dutch” Eisenhardt of Westmont meets Harry Taylor, champion of the Colored Elks, and Joe Mancuso of Maple Shade faces Pat Patitucci of Elmer.
Mickey Duca Beats Enno in Return Go
Camden Courier-Post —
Paulsboro Youngster Again Defeats Filipino In Eight-Rounder Here
LOCAL FIGHT RESULTS
Mickey Duca, 130, Paulsboro, won decision over Paul Enno, 130, Philippine Islands, in eight rounds.
Joey Straiges, 134, South Camden, scored technical knockout over Joe Ettore, 137, Philadelphia, in seventh round.
Harry Smith, 166, North Camden, won decision over Buddy Goodrich, 161, in six rounds.
Harry Taylor, 178, South Camden, knocked out Forrest “Dutch” Eisenhart, 178, Westmont, in second round. Time— 58 seconds.
Joe Mancuso, 140, Maple Shade, knocked out Pat Patatucci, 142, Elmer, in second round. Time— 2 minutes, 22 seconds.
Referee— Irv Kutchner
BY JAMES FOODY
Although gaining the nod by the slightest margin, Mickey Duca of Paulsboro, today holds another win over Paul Enno, hard working Philippine Island boxer.
They collided in a return fracas here last night in the 8-round windup at the Convention Hall Annex and the Paulsboro battler was awarded the referee’s nod. Both youngsters weighed 130 pounds. A small gathering of approximately 300 fans turned out for the show.
In their first meeting, the action was fast and both boys threw punches from every direction. Duca grabbed the decision when he punched his way to fair margins in the first four rounds, the last three being credited to the tanned Invader. The fifth session was about even.
Duca Good In Early Stages
The Jersey boxer, who hails from a fighting family, landed the most damaging punches and had Enno’s nose and mouth bleeding in the late stages. The latter retaliated and drew gore from Mickey’s nose in the last chucker.
Joey Straiges, 134, hard-punching downtowner, scored a technical knockout over Joe Ettore, 137, of South Philadelphia, after six rounds of fighting in the scheduled eight-round semi-final.
The South Camden Italian floored his foe in the sixth, but the bell saved the Philadelphian after the referee had reached the count at three. A short right cross did the trick. The Philadelphian was unable to come out for the seventh round and the localite was given a technical knockout victory.
Action was shown with Straiges gaining five of the six rounds, the first being even. He proved entirely too clever for his smaller foe, dancing and jabbing a lightning left to Ettore’s head.
In a slow, listless battle, Harry Smith, 166, of North Camden, chalked up his second win over Buddy Goodrich, 161, also of Camden. In the third match of six rounds.
The North Camdenite did most of the fighting, but there was little at that. His punches failed to carry any weight, while Goodrich was on the defensive throughout.
Referee Irv Kutchner warned the men after the end at the second round, but they continued their colorless exhibition. The fans yelled their disapproval from the opening bell.
Taylor Scores Knockout
A fast, looping right enabled Harry Taylor, 178, South Camden battler, to stow away Forrest “Dutch” Eisenhardt, 175, of Westmont, after 58 seconds of action at the second round in the second bout.
Eisenhardt had compiled a big lead, smacking his rival for a nine-count knockdown in the first round. However, in the second round “Dutch’s” head hit the canvas hard and he staggered to his feet at the count of 10 with Taylor then throwing the haymaker.
Joe Mancuso, 146, Maple Shade, knocked out Pat Patatucci, 142, of Elmer, after 2 minutes 22 seconds with a stiff right uppercut to the chin in the second round of the first bout.
Pay had much the better of the going, dropping his rival for a no count knockdown. He was holding his own before the Maple Shade clouter unleashed his lethal punch.
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.
Walcott, Ketchell in Return Go Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Clash in Feature Bout at Pennsauken Arena Sept. 1; Fought Fast Draw
“Jersey Joe” Walcott, of Merchantville, and Billy Ketchell, of Millville, have been rematched to meet at the Pennsauken Arena on Tuesday night, Sept. 1, it was announced yesterday by Anthony Georgette, matchmaker for the Atlas Boxing Club. Walcott and Ketchell met here early in July and fought 10 fast rounds to a draw. Their return fracas also is listed for 10 rounds. Joe Straiges, popular downtown junior lightweight, again comes back after a month’s absence to meet Tony Strazzeri, of Philadelphia, in the eight-round semi-final. Straiges never has been beaten in Camden, but Strazzeri is expected to give him one of his toughest fights in this city.
Paul Hoft, former Middle Atlantic A. A. U. heavyweight champion who fought several times as an amateur at the Pennsauken Arena, makes his pro debut here by meeting King Kong, of Akron, O., in the main preliminary of six rounds.
Ted Pecana, of Elmer, who surprised by outslugging Joe Reno, of South Camden, in the last show, takes on Al Narcisso, hard-hitting South Camdenite. One other six round also will be presented, but Georgette has not as yet signed the principals.
South Camden Flash, Who Meets Strazzeri Here, Rated Best Scrapper in City
Camden Courier-Post —
WALCOTT AND KETCHELL TO CLASH IN FEATURE
Joey Straiges, South Camden junior lightweight, today is regarded by critics as the most promising boxer in Camden.
He makes his third start of the outdoor season here at the Pennsauken Arena tomorrow night when he meets Tony Strazzeri of Philadelphia, in the eight-round semi-final — Billy “Jersey Joe” Walcott–Billy Ketchell boxing event which is the feature event and is listed for 10 rounds.
Straiges won both his previous open-air starts in impressive fashion. He met Norman Rahn, hustling Kensington battler, in his last bout and gave the Philadelphian a boxing lesson, losing only one round of an eight-rounder. Prior to that, Straiges met Billy Mariner, another Kensington battler, and scored a technical knockout in the third round, Mariner suffering cuts over both eyes and the referee halted the scrap.
Strazzeri is expected to give Straiges, a polished boxer, a better fight than either Rahn or Mariner. Tony battled his way to the featherweight championship of Philadelphia a year or so ago by winning a tourney staged by Promoter Johnny Burns at his Cambria Club. He beat Bobby Dean in the final championship skirmish.
Straiges’ admirers, of which he has a host here, believe the youngster is destined for big things in the boxing game and will bet their shirts Strazzeri is added to his list of victims.
A brace of heavyweights, Paul Hoft of Philadelphia, former Middle Atlantic A. A. U. champion, and King Kong, Akron, O., Negro, clash in the main preliminary of six rounds. Hoft always has been a good puncher and as Kong is reported to have scored 10 knockouts out of 11 bouts, the match is alive with knockout possibilities.
Ted Pecana, of Elmer, who was the hit of the last show, comes back to meet Al Narcisso, of Camden, in the second bout of six rounds. Pecana made his debut against Joe Reno, hard-hitting local product, and was the underdog in the battle, but he outslugged Reno to win the verdict.
In the opener, which is another six-rounder, Tommy Ricco of South Camden faces Midget Ambrose of Vineland.
Ketchell Wins Decision Over Walcott
Bridgewater Courier-News —
At Pennsauken, Billy Ketchell, 178, Millville, won a decision over Joe Walcott, 185, Merchantville, after being floored by Walcott in the first round of a 10-round match.
Joseph Straiges, 132, Camden, drew with Tony Strazzeri, 134, Philadelphia, in eight rounds.
Paul Hoft, 198, former AAU heavyweight champion, knocked out King Kong, 210, of Akron, O., in the sixth round after King Kong took two nine counts in the fifth.
Al Narcisso [sic], 140, Camden, had an edge over Ted Pecana, 144, of Elmer, in a six-rounder. Tommy Ricco, 144, Camden, knocked out Midget Ambrose, 123, Vineland, in the fourth round.
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.
Lew Massey Victor Over Midget Wolgast
Camden Courier-Post —
Lew Massey, 137, Southwark, punched out a 10-round decision last night over Midget Wolgast, 139, of the same section, in the feature bout at the Philadelphia Cambria Club.
Anthony King, 136, Philadelphia, scored a technical knockout in the second round over Joey Straiges, 134, of Camden.
In the other bouts, Jack Sheppard, 134, won the decision over Jim Davis, 134; Felix Di Paolo, 179, won the decision over Hank Gowdy, 172, and Herman Matteo, 126, scored a technical kayo in the second over Johnny McShea, 118. All are 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.