Ray Robinson-Archie Moore: What could have been...

**Yogi** · 10-25-2006, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by Asian Sensation

In 1959, Ray Robinson was the middleweight champ for the "I don't recall" time. Admiral John J. Bergen, who was chairman of the board at Madison Square Garden, had offered half a million to Robinson to face Carmen Basilio, the Welterweight champ. Robinson turned down the offer, stating that he could get more money elsewhere.

Robinson had a tentative deal with Irving Kahn, a n00b to the sport who promoted close circuit television events, that would pair Robinson with the aging light heavyweight great Archie Moore for the title. Robinson would get $750,000, while Moore would only see a third of that. Moore turned down the fight on principle, and Robinson lost the title to Paul Pender for 100 grand.

But damn, wouldn't that have been some fight? Who would win at that point, Ray Robinson or Archie Moore at 175?

Out of curiousity, did you get that info from Teddy Brenner's book, Asian?

**Mr. Ryan** · 10-25-2006, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by Yogi

Out of curiousity, did you get that info from Teddy Brenner's book, Asian?

Yep, it's a great book too. I never realized the kind of shadiness that went on behind the scenes in those days.

**Yogi** · 10-25-2006, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by Asian Sensation

Yep, it's a great book too. I never realized the kind of shadiness that went on behind the scenes in those days.

Yes, it's an excellant read...one of my favourite boxing books of all-time actually, just because you can found so many 'behind the scenes' stories in there that you won't find anywhere else and some of what was written might suprise you.

I actually haven't read it in awhile, but one of my favourite stories from that book was the story on that controversial Kid Gavilan/Billy Graham fight, and the words written about Graham's 'honour' in refusing what was offered to him...If that story is true, then that's a genuine stand up guy right there.

**Mr. Ryan** · 10-25-2006, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Yogi

Out of curiousity, did you get that info from Teddy Brenner's book, Asian?

Originally posted by Yogi

Yes, it's an excellant read...one of my favourite boxing books of all-time actually, just because you can found so many 'behind the scenes' stories in there that you won't find anywhere else and some of what was written might suprise you.

I actually haven't read it in awhile, but one of my favourite stories from that book was the story on that controversial Kid Gavilan/Billy Graham fight, and the words written about Graham's 'honour' in refusing what was offered to him...If that story is true, then that's a genuine stand up guy right there.

I'm only up to the House of Upsets chapter, I don't think I got there yet. It's a really good read. I'd recommend it to anyone.

**Yogi** · 10-25-2006, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by Asian Sensation

I'd recommend it to anyone.

As would I.

**realheavyhands** · 10-25-2006, 02:29 PM

moore was probably the smartest fighter ever, i couldnt see robinson beating him , moore had exellent defense sort of like toney. i have no idea how chalres beat moore three times but i know in the fight that he knocked moore out it was actually moore going for the knock out he haqd charles out on his feet and got caught..

**K-DOGG** · 10-25-2006, 02:49 PM

I am going to have to get a copy of this book.

**Mr. Ryan** · 10-25-2006, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by K-DOGG

I am going to have to get a copy of this book.

It's called "Only the Ring was Square"

**dino** · 10-25-2006, 05:05 PM

actually this match up is pretty ******..archie moore was a beast and ray robinsons best weight was 154..moore by KO in 2

Ray Robinson-Archie Moore: What could have been...