PHILLY BOXING HISTORY.COM

TO PROMOTE FIGHT SERIES!!

PhillyBoxingHistory.com (PBH), the only Internet Web site devoted to Philadelphia boxing,  announced today that it will promote a series of out-door boxing cards this summer at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The venue, considered quite large for boxing, will offer a seating capacity of 65,000 for each show.  “We need serious capacity.  That’s how big these fights will be”, said John DiSanto, editor of PBH and promoter of the series.  “We have four dates set – June, July, August & September.  We’re gunning for Herman Taylor’s record”, he added.  In 1952, boxing promoter, Herman Taylor staged three high profile out-door bouts at Municipal Stadium in what is often called Philadelphia’s greatest boxing season.  Those bouts featured boxing

legends Rocky Marciano, Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles, Kid Gavilan & Gil Turner.  “Our fights will be even bigger” boasted the up-start promoter.   

The first bout in the series is scheduled for Friday, June 16th, and will feature the third match between Bennie Briscoe & Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, two legendary Philadelphia middleweights.  These fighters split two bouts more than 30 years ago.  On December 5, 1965 Hayward took a 10-round decision over Briscoe at the Philadelphia Arena.  Ten years later, Briscoe evened the score with his own 10-round decision at the Spectrum.  “This rivalry has been simmering for 40 years and I think it’s going to peak on June 16”, DiSanto said.  “The public has been hungry for the rubber-match since ’75, and they are entitled to know which guy is the better middleweight”.   

Both Hayward and Briscoe are in their mid-60s but apparently feel the need to settle this issue of Philly bragging rights.  One would think that men of their age would be able to resist the urge to fight again, but the rivalry erupted recently when Hayward accused Briscoe of hogging too many “This Day in Philly Boxing History” stories on the PBH Web site.  “Who’s this guy think he is?  Every time I go the site, it’s another day dedicated to Briscoe.  It’s a joke”, said Kitten Hayward.  “What can I say?  My career had more highlights”, countered the usually unreachable Briscoe.  

Ever since this bout was proposed, much concern has been expressed about the ages of the combatants.  “They’ll be fine.  These guys are in great shape. With a little preparation they'll shake off the rust and be ready to go by June 16”, offered the promoter.  But given heightened concern over the safety of boxers, one wonders how this fight could ever be allowed.  Greg Sirb, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission explained, “We want Philadelphia...we NEED Philadelphia to regain its place as a boxing Mecca.  The business potential of this bout - and the others in the series - are  phenomenal.  So quite frankly, we are going to look the other way on this one.” 

When asked about the series and the emergence of a new industry player, J Russell Peltz, Hall of Fame Philadelphia boxing promoter said, “I think the whole thing is just ridiculous. He double-booked on my date. This going to kill my show at the New Alhambra – which, by the way, has been set for June 16th for a couple of months already.  It's bad business and it's unprofessional. Not to mention the fact that Briscoe and Hayward are both my guys!” 

“J Russell Peltz was…IS an icon in this city.  I’ve always admired him and would like to think that he supports what I am doing.  Oh, and I am sorry about the date”, DiSanto said.  

DiSanto announced that like every other fight staged in this era, the match between Briscoe and Hayward would be for a world title.  “I don’t think it is fair that neither man ever won the middleweight crown. So we’re going to right that wrong by making this a fight for the PBHWCTC Middleweight Championship.  One of these guys will walk out a champion.  I don’t care how ridiculous it is.”  PBHWCTC stands for Philly Boxing History World Championship Title Council, and this will be its first sanctioned title fight.

As for the other fights in the series DiSanto says that they are not quite finalized.  “We are looking at a few of other big ones.  The July fight is all but set.  It pits Matthew Saad Muhammad against Mike Rossman in what I call a great “should-have-been” fight.  I remember as a kid being pissed that this bout never came off. Then in August, I’m planning Everett-Escalera II, with Mike Everett subbing for his deceased brother Tyrone.  That’s a real grudge fight, with a definite score to settle. Finally, if Hopkins is successful in taking the light-heavyweight crown from Tarver, I’m going to match Bernard with that old smoothie Harold Johnson in September. That’s assuming we have some luck with the re-hab of Johnson's knees over the summer.  Again all these fights will be for the title.” 

Many feel that the promotional goals of DiSanto are a huge folly and that matching fighters in who are in their 50s, 60s, & 70s is down-right dangerous.  But DiSanto seems unfazed, “I can’t be the only one who wants to see these fights. It’s not like I’m obsessed with these guys. I honestly believe that Philadelphia fighters, fights and fans are the best in the world. This summer series will prove that once and for all. It is a dream come true. And think of the money - 65,000 packed seats for all four shows. That will buy a lot of gravestones.”  April Fool!

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