By Jim Amato

Mike "Motormouth" Morton, a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest boxing scene for over forty years passed away October 11th. He was 92 years old.

Mike was best known for guiding lightweight Ray Lampkin and light heavyweight Andy Kendall into title shots. To their dismay their challenges were turned back by all time greats Roberto Duran and Bob Foster. Lampkin put up a valiant effort through thirteen rounds but was knocked cold in the fourteenth. Ray also lost a couple decisions to another all time great of that time period, Esteban DeJesus. Kendall was dead game in his losing effort to the murderous punching Foster. It is very conceivable that if not for Duran, DeJesus and Foster, Ray and Andy would have won world titles. With today's fragmented title situation it is almost certain they would have.

Morton also handled Mike Colbert a long time high ranking middleweight of that era. Colbert fought and lost to both Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns. Morton co-managed the popular Mexican bantamweight Jesus Pimental along with Harry Kabakoff. Morton also worked with heavyweight Thad Spencer. Morton was a very colorful guy.He will be missed.