Fighters that began in the Marines

Nick Barone Nick Barone: http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=010349 was a good fighter and ex-marine who died just a few days ago. I didn't know anything about him until I read the following ESPN article: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2368384

Weaver Former WBA Heavyweight Champion Mike "Hercules" Weaver learned to box while serving in the Marines. The great Carmen Basilio was also in the Marines as well.

Gene Tunney, Leon Spinks And Ken Norton Are Famous Marines That Won Heavyweight Crowns Ken Norton never won a heavyweight title, though he should have.

Gene Tunney, Leon Spinks And Ken Norton Are Famous Marines That Won Heavyweight Crowns

I was down at San Juan one day when a Hispanic Marine recruiter, probably in his late 20's - early 30's, showed up with a young Mexican (eg. via Mexico) boxer, probably in his late teens. I guess he wanted to recruit him by impressing him with his fighting prowess. Neither was a member of the gym, but they brought some gloves, got in the ring, and started to spar. The Mexican guy,who was a little smaller, was obviously well schooled, as the Marine kept rushing him like a bull, and he kept circling and jabbing. After about 3 rounds of this, the Marine was getting pretty well marked up on the face, as well as tired and frustrated. Suddenly the gym director came in, found them, and ran them out of the place (no dues, no disclaimer). But I don't think the Marine impressed the guy very much.... We have a 20-year retired Marine where I work who filed a grievance against a woman clerk last week for popping her gum (at him)....hahahaha!

I was watching a toughman contest back in 1996 on cable while i was still in the US Marine Corps. They intervied this fighter, he said something like "I am a Marine, i am bad ass", then 30 seconds into the fight, he got knock the f__k out.

Ken Norton and Mac Foster were both Marines.

i don't have anything to add to this thread. But i saw the topic and being a Marine it cought my attention. I do remember seeing a Marine HW a few years back on HBO, i was so embarrised when he was KO'd in 2 rounds. He had Marines on his robe and trunks.

Kostya Tszyu was in the Russian army. Also Kassim Ouma was forced to be a soldier as a boy in Uganda.

I think keith mullings was in the marines.. not sure on that

I'm more talking about marines and not any other military division... Marines are trained to be killers and trained to take a lot of mental punishment... I just feel that a boxer could benefit from the marines if he had heart for boxing.

Yes, I do and, HONESTLY, Jose isnt moving up in the traditional sense because he used to TORTURE himself to make 147! This weight suits him MUCH better. I didnt know you trained Rivera. Were you his trainer when he was due to fight Ricardo Mayorga? And do you think Mayorga would be a good opponent for him now?

Ray Mercer was in the army not marines. He made sgt.

I think Ken Norton was in the Us Marines, he was pretty good.

Gene Tunney was a Marine, but, like the man said, Marines aren't necessarily great boxers, or even fighters. Probably half of the retired Marines I work with are almost worthless. They tend to be lazy, fat, and/or goofy primadonnas. The other half are some of the best. Just like people everywhere. Fighters are where you find them.

i thought i heard kassim ouma is trying to join

FROM MICKEY... I know what your saying John but I disagree slighty. As ex forces myself the benefits of being a boxer in the forces are huge. The overall fitness of a soldier is high and maintained high but most importantly if you have an ounce of talent you are in effect removed and paid to be a full time boxer in the amateur enviroment within the forces FROM ICE... I respect that of course BUT I have been to many, many amateur tournaments as a coach and as a boxer and I have fought many different men of different backgrounds and HONESTLY the military guys were not any better off in ANY area, including physically, than any other group. Also, Mercer was an ARMY man Again John, I dont disagree with you, I myself am a coach and travel around from tournament to tournament and yes the military guys fair no better or worse, my point is that if you have a talented amateur who is working to pay the rent and only training for 5 or 6 hours a week surely the semi-pro way of the forces would benefit him and make him a better boxer in the long run? Its more likely that the real talent is picked up early on and never makes it to the forces hence the standard of boxers in the forces! What did your life consist of before you turned pro? If you dont mind me asking that is!

Yes, I do and, HONESTLY, Jose isnt moving up in the traditional sense because he used to TORTURE himself to make 147! This weight suits him MUCH better.

Ray Mercer Oleg Maskaev--Didn't he used to be in the Russian army?

FROM MICKEY... I know what your saying John but I disagree slighty. As ex forces myself the benefits of being a boxer in the forces are huge. The overall fitness of a soldier is high and maintained high but most importantly if you have an ounce of talent you are in effect removed and paid to be a full time boxer in the amateur enviroment within the forces FROM ICE... I respect that of course BUT I have been to many, many amateur tournaments as a coach and as a boxer and I have fought many different men of different backgrounds and HONESTLY the military guys were not any better off in ANY area, including physically, than any other group. Also, Mercer was an ARMY man