Jack Blackburn.. a modern day boxing genius.

Jack Blackburn had an extensive career as a fighter but is honored in the Hall of Fame for his achievements as a trainer, most notably of Joe Louis. Charles Blackburn was Born in Versailles, Kentucky in 1883, the son of a minister.  Blackburn would later settle in Indiana where he first began boxing. Jack would soon move to Pennsylvania first to Pittsburgh and then Philadelphia to further his boxing career. Blackburn had a great Jab, quick reflexes and a powerful left hook, and weighed only 135 pounds, but would often fight much larger opposition.  Jack was competitive against greats like Joe Gans and Sam Langford (who considerably outweighed him ), and gave Philadelphia Jack O'Brien no end of trouble before settling for a no-decision in 1908.

In January 1909, Blackburn's career was halted when out of character he would set off on a furious rampage with a gun in Philly following a dispute...  Blackburn would kill three people, one being his wife..   He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to ten to fifteen years in the penetentiary. Blackburn proved a model prisoner, gave boxing instructions to the warden and his children and was released on good behavior after four and a half years.

Blackburn returned to the ring, boxing both Ed ("Gunboat") Smith and Harry Greb before retiring from prize fighting in 1923 after losing by knockout to Panama Joe Gans and Ray Pelkey. Blackburn's career record was a stellar 38-3-12 with nearly 50 no-decisions, although claimed to have fought 385 times.

Blackburn would then become a trainer and guide Sammy Mandell to the lightweight title in 1926. Blackburn also trained Bud Taylor, who won the bantamweight title in 1927. Blackburn worked closely for a short time with the great Jersey Joe Walcott.

Blackburn then met Joseph Louis Barrow..  at first Jack was apprehensive about Louis, predicting that a black heavyweight would have limited opportunities. Nevertheless, Blackburn worked tirelessly with Louis, schooling him every step of the way in every aspect of fighting, focus on balance and accuracy. According to Eddie Futch, Blackburn changed Louis from a "box and move" type to a more aggressive fighter. Though Blackburn was tough on Louis, the two grew close and called each other "Chappie." Louis later said, "Chappie made a fighter out of me. He was my closest friend."  Blackburn was a huge disciplinarian, one specific time during a public workout, Blackburn would scowl at the onlooking press and direct Joe to continue with what he'd call "The real pain" behind locked doors, in private..

Blackburn later had issues with drink, along with bouts of arthritis during the time he trained Louis. In 1935, he was indicted for perjury and manslaughter in a case that was later dropped. Soon Blackburn's health would catch up with him and in 1942, he died of a heart attack...  One of the modern day greats...

Anthony Dirrell scores anticlimactic 6 round TD over Denis Douglin in Flint.

In a rather unsatisfactory affair, former WBC Super-Middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell 31-1-1 (24 Ko’s) returned from a 10 month hiatus to scrape a 6 round technical decision over the well travelled Denis Douglin 20-6 (13 Ko’s) last night at the Dort Federal Events centre in Flint Michigan.. Dirrell hurt the slow starting Douglin in the opener, landing the more accurate shots, but allowed the adopted Las Vegan to fiddle his way into the bout.. Douglin did very well to hang in there with the technically more gifted former champion, but was docked a point in the 6th for manhandling Dirrell. Late in the sixth an accidental head-but opened a cut above Dirrell’s left eye, upon inspection referee Frank Garza ruled that the fight go to the scorecards.. Scores were surprisingly close, 48-47 twice, with a third card at a more accurate 49-46.. Neither man will be happy with the result, Dirrell failing to impress upon his long awaited ring return and Douglin once again dropping a decision..

Don’t expect Joshua v Wilder anytime soon.. The reason.

The romantic idea that a momentous collision between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder will materialise in the coming months sounds mouthwatering to those of us who are eager for a unified king of the heavyweights, however beyond the posturing and call outs, there are many reasons that lead me to believe that the fight is far from reality.. Anthony Joshua 20-0 (20 Ko’s) has been champion for only half the time of his American counterpart yet is a more universally recognised household name, mainly attributed to his April 2017 bout with Wladimir Klitschko. Deontay has a huge personality and an impressive set of credentials, but outside of his native Tuscaloosa he is scantly recognised by anyone outside of boxing circles, a fact that is partially attributed to lack of network tv exposure and the lack of marquee name opposition.. Following his recent rematch knockout of the overmatched Bermaine Stiverne, Wilder took the opportunity to call out Anthony Joshua’s name, questioning whether the unified champion was ready for what he regards as a test, making it appear as though he’s eager to make the monumental clash happen.. In public Wilder is portraying himself as the initiator of the negotiations, although in the privacy of the deal breaking, he’s actually pricing himself out, making it clear to all internally involved, that he wants no part of this fight becoming an immediate reality.. The heavyweight championship of the world is a business, and without the numbers balancing, nothing springs to life.. The numbers involved in this case are outbalanced.. Anthony Joshua in two fights has grossed £30 Million and sold over 140,000 tickets, regardless of pay per views.. He’s a public icon in the Uk and would more than likely be the major attraction if the bout were to sail this side of the pond.. in comparison, Deontays numbers are embarrassing.. In over two years he has barely faced a recognisable opponent and in his last two defences, has barely grossed £2 Million and had sold a poultry 11.000 tickets even including an appearance in his own home town.. Although in the infancy of negotiations for a clash with Joshua, Wilder is demanding a 50/50 purse split, a demand which carries literally no weight in business terms.. Joshua holds the cards.. He’s currently the linear, unified champion with a magnetic pulling power universally and a financial portfolio to outgun anything Wilder has achieved in a lengthier reign.. Eddie Hearn knows full well who has the upper hand in the negotiations and has no intention of allowing Wilder or promoter Dibella anything close to their current demands... If Wilder continues with his unreasonable demands, he solely will be the reason we don’t see this bout anytime soon, a shame because with all business issues aside, both fighters are relatively evenly matched and with a reasonably agreeable purse split could top both men’s career earnings to date, plus heighten both fighters popularity.. Lets hope this fight isn’t the Lewis v Bowe of the millennium.

Las Vegas Cutman Rafael Garcia passes aged 88.

Extremely sad news to hear about the passing of veteran Las Vegas Cutman/second Rafael Garcia aged 88.. Garcia was Mexican born but made Las Vegas his home over 40 years ago, working with fighters like Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello and Wilfredo Gomez. In the mid 90’s Garcia worked as caretaker, manager at the Top Rank Gym on Industrial road in Las Vegas, working as house cuts-man to most of their fighters.. I remember running into Rafael into almost every gym in town at one point or another, more specifically Nevada Partners Gym on Lake mead and MLK, and The Golden Gloves in North Las Vegas.. When Floyd Mayweather left Top Rank to set up his own Mayweather Promotions company and Gym, Rafael followed him and became a significant member of Floyds inner circle, wrapping the champions fragile hands and fulfilling cutman duties as well as maintaining a positive vibe around the camp. Garcia was not only the best at what he did, he was liked by everyone and cherished by those closest to him.. Rafael was Godfather to former Welterweight Champion Jesse Vargas and held a special relationship with the young fighter, there isn’t a fighter that came through the valley that never crossed paths with Garcia, he offered advice to trainers and fighters alike, with 70 years wealth of knowledge.. Fellow Cutman Jacob Duran said it best when he put Rafael in the same bracket as all time great Cutmen, Al Gavin, Eddie Aliano and Chuck Bodak, he will be sorely missed by everyone.. Rafael was stung hundreds of times by a swarm of African Bees earlier in the year, but had more recently suffered a heart attack and been diagnosed with Leukaemia.. He always appeared jovial and upbeat in the Gym, but was privately getting extremely tired and slowed down by health issues, Said Vargas, he was seriously ill, but rarely wanted anyone to know, it was the kind of man he was.. Rafael was the best. Rafael Garcia was inducted into this years Nevada boxing hall of fame and will be remembered as one of the States most prominent boxing figures..

Undefeated Jarrell Miller stops tough Mariusz Wach in 9.

The extremely colourful undefeated heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller 20-0 (18 Ko's) stayed on course for a title shot as he pounded out a ninth round stoppage of former world title challenger Mariusz Wach 33-3 (17 Ko's) at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale New York on Saturday evening. Miller, a deceptively busy 283lbs, outworked the 6 foot 8 pole, who unfortunately appeared to lack ambition. Ringside physicians began to take a close look at Wach between rounds from the 7th round on, although not visibly shaken, he did seem to be shipping a lot of head shots, coercing the corner to call a halt midway through the ninth.. Miller coming in 15 pounds lighter than his last outing looked impressive although self admittedly lacked the snap he had in the Washington bout, possibly due to overtraining.. Wach is always an awkward guy to stop and the result is impressive regardless.. The usually outspoken Miller, now with Eddie Hearns Matchroom promotions, is looking to a future meeting with Dillian Whyte, a bout that could actually materialise..

Liam Smith repeats victory over Liam Williams, majority points.

In a highly anticipated return match of an inconclusive cuts ending last April, former WBO light middleweight champion Liam Smith 26-1-1 (14 Ko's) scored a majority decision over tough Liam Williams 16-2-1 (11 Ko's) at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last night. Williams got off to the better start with more accurate punching, but allowed the methodical former champion to out-hustle him through the middle rounds, many of the rounds were extremely close, with a possible case for either man being awarded the winner.. The tempo of the bout however was controlled by Smith and at the verdict no one complained... Scores were.. 116-112, 117-111 and a 114-114 draw.. Us at Mirageboxing scored it a 115-115 draw, with a lot of razor thin rounds..
Smith is now heading the queue to box for the WBO championship that will soon be vacated by Miguel Cotto..

Nathan Gorman stops unbeaten Mohamed Soltby in 5.

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman 10-0 (8 Ko's) took an important step forward in his career tonight, beating the previously undefeated Mohamed Soltby 13-0 (8 Ko's) in five rounds at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastl, picking up the vacant WBC international Silver title in the process.. Gorman, who was originally scheduled to meet fellow unbeaten Brit Nick Webb, looked patient but purposeful against the imposing Russian, slowly applying a steady pressure throughout the first three rounds.. A minute into the 5th, a right hand shook the import, causing him to turn away.. Gorman fired a cluster of shots which dropped Soltby.. Gorman seized the opportunity and moved in to complete the job as Soltby began to lose his composure, a single clean right hand forcing Marcus McDonnell to call a halt to the action with Soltby all at sea..
Gorman at 18 stone has deceptive fitness and extremely fast hands.. Word has it that Nathan more than holds his own in sparring with Daniel Dubois a fighter that Gorman and mentor Ricky Hatton continually eye as a future opponent..

Wilder destroys Stiverne in 1.

WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder 39-0 (38 Ko's) took out his frustrations from the last 12 months by demolishing former champion Bermaine Stiverne 25-3-1 (21 Ko's) in a rematch on Saturday night in Brooklyn. A purposeful Wilder started boldly, establishing the jab, while a comparatively sedate Stiverne postured and feinted.. The breakthrough came halfway through the round when a vicious one-two dropped Stiverne heavily. The Haitian arose comfortably, shrugging off the knockdown, before walking into a further barrage that forced a second knockdown.. With Stiverne visibly stricken, Wilder moved in recklessly and pounded out a third and final knockdown to close the show, having to be almost pulled away by referee Arthur Mercante, leaving the broken Stiverne prone through the ropes..
Wilder, who had previously made mortal threats towards his opponent was refreshingly complimentary after the bout, thanking Stiverne for having the courage to step into the ring a second time, clean, unlike the rest of his previous opponents. Wilder however did make his intentions clear, "I want Joshua, no excuses mate, are you up to that test..?"

Dmitry Bivol knocks out Broadhurst in one, defends WBA title.

In the featured bout of the evening in Monte Carlo, WBA light heavyweight title holder Dmitry Bivol 12-0 (10 Ko's) scored a concise one punch first round knockout over WBA rated number 10, Trent Broadhurst of Australia 20-2 (12 Ko's). Both men started fast, in what looked like the beginnings of a tactical bout.. Broadhurst touched down from what appeared to be a clash of heads midway through the session (scored a knockdown by referee Howard Foster) and moments later was laid out cold by a short right hand delivered effortlessly by the champion.. Broadhurst came to his senses quickly, only to realise his challenge was over..

Agit Kabayel scores his biggest win to date with a Majority decision over Derek Chisora, defends Euro title.

In a bid for the European heavyweight championship, former holder and world title challenger Derek Chisora 27-8 (19 Ko's) travelled to Monte Carlo to Challenge current holder Agit Kabayel 17-0 (12 Ko's) a Turkish born German national.. Unfortunately what should have been a routine challenge on paper, became a tough ask, as the unproven Turk boxed superbly in an effort that far belied his inexperience.. Chisora set a predictable pace and found himself being outmanoeuvred for the first half of the bout.. By the time Derek sprung to life, it was too much an uphill struggle to play catchup.. Regardless, Chisora battled back and ran the final 3 rounds to the wire, forcing the young champion to dig deep to the final bell.. Despite Dereks late rally, many ringsiders had Kabayel a comfortable winner, although the three scoring judges had it a more narrow affair, with Kabayel retaining his belt with scores of 115-113, 115-114 with one judge scoring a draw 114-114..

Nigerian Olympian Ajagba makes 3rd pro appearance on Saturdays Brooklyn card.

Nigerian 2016 Olympian Efe Ajagba has his third pro outing this weekend, down the card at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn.. Ajagba 2-0 (2 Ko's) missed out on a medal in Rio, but showed glimpses of his power with knockouts in each of his winning bouts.. Efe was a Bronze medalist in the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow and a 2015 Gold medalist in the All Africa Games. Ajagba has already fought twice this year, beating Luke Lyons and Tyrell Herndon, both by stoppage.. On Saturday he will face Rodney Hernandez 10-6-2, and will get his first close up look at a Heavyweight Championship event, an experience that will only add to the fighters taste for future glory.. Nigeria have a rich history of heavyweights, with guys like David Izoneratei, Duncan Dokiwari, David Defiagbon and Ike Ibeabuchi all falling short of title honours, with only Samuel Peter claiming a portion back in 2008. Ajagba now based on US soil has every chance of continuing a great tradition and perhaps winning a championship of his own one day..