Mike Quarry ~ Forced To Fight On By Father ~ 'Road To Palookaville'

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ December 9, 1974

Felt Forum ~ New York City, New York

Attendance.......... 4118 ..... Capacity; 4700
Gate Receipts .... $32,500

* Mike Quarry - 44-5-3 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 9 months}
vs.
* Pedro Soto - 10-0-0 {3 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ 182 lbs. ~ {Age; 19 years, 11 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is now the #9 World-Ranked - Light Heavyweight.

Mike {who is now based out of Houston, Texas} signed for this bout back on November 10th.

Pedro Soto is a 'highly-touted' Puerto Rican fighter. Pedro is a strong kid with fast-hands.
the Puerto Rican has a big fan support-base in New York City.

Since Pedro is only {Age; 19 years, 11 months}, as he only permitted to participate in 8-Round bouts,
as per the guidelines of the New York State Athletic Commission, restricting boxers under the age
of {20} to participate in 8-Round {maximum only} bouts.

'Grudge-Revenge' > as Pedro Soto is managed by 'Gil Clancy', former Manager of Mike Quarry
during 1973.

The Betting-Odds have it 'Even-Steven'.

[beenKOed]

Monday ~ December 9, 1974

Felt Forum ~ New York City, New York

Attendance.......... 4118 ..... Capacity; 4700
Gate Receipts .... $32,500

* Mike Quarry - 44-5-3 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 9 months}
vs.
* Pedro Soto - 10-0-0 {3 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ 182 lbs. ~ {Age; 19 years, 11 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is now the #9 World-Ranked - Light Heavyweight.

Mike {who is now based out of Houston, Texas} signed for this bout back on November 10th.

Pedro Soto is a 'highly-touted' Puerto Rican fighter. Pedro is a strong kid with fast-hands.
the Puerto Rican has a big fan support-base in New York City.

Since Pedro is only {Age; 19 years, 11 months}, as he only permitted to participate in 8-Round bouts,
as per the guidelines of the New York State Athletic Commission, restricting boxers under the age
of {20} to participate in 8-Round {maximum only} bouts.

'Grudge-Revenge' > as Pedro Soto is managed by 'Gil Clancy', former Manager of Mike Quarry
during 1973.

The Betting-Odds have it 'Even-Steven'.

Really enjoying this thread!

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ December 9, 1974

Felt Forum ~ New York City, New York

~ Quarry Wins, Fans Unhappy ~

~ Fans At Felt Forum Start A Riot ~

~ Pedro Soto Loses Controversial Decision, Supporters Tear Apart The Felt Forum ~

~ Felt Forum Barely Survives Riot, After Quarry Is Awarded Decision ~

~ Spectators Stage Fight At Felt Forum ~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No sooner had the Felt Forum - 'Ring Announcer' - Johhn Condon maded the announcement that the
Officials had awarded an 8-Round Unanimous Decision to Mike Quarry over local hero Pedro Soto,
unruly fans voiced their displeasure.

Within minutes, bottles were thrown into the Ring, along with other 'sharp objects'. Then approximately
'100' fans got into brawls, and the 'fists started flying'.

The 'mini-riot' then spread out through the stands, and windows at the Felt Forum were broken, as
the 'mob' threw chairs at the windows in the 'promenade area'.

The action did not stop there, as the 'wild rampage' grew and spread out into the street on 8th Avenue as
now approximately '150' unruly fight fans got into a brawl in the middle of the street, which lasted over
20-Minutes.

New York City Policeman were called in, and nearly '50' of New York's Finest were attacked by the mob.
The Policeman had to use 'force' to break up the riot. The Policeman were using 'night-sticks' and choke-holds
in an attempt to blunt the brawl, and several Policemen got involved in fist-fights with brawling fight fans.

Police Officer - Richard DiDonato was hit in the head with a 'flying chair, and was taken to Roosevelt Hospital,
where he was diagnosed with a concussion.

'Two' other Police Officers were taken to St. Claire's Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries. And 'two'
other Police Officers were treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises.

All told, '5' people were arrested, and were charged with;
* Rioting
* Disorderly Conduct
* Assault
* Resisting Arrest

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Previous Post Continued ~

~ Quarry Wins, Felt Forum Fans Unhappy ~

Young teenage Puerto Rican 'sensation' Pedro Soto took it to Mike Quarry during the first 2-Rounds,
as he pummeled his more experienced opponents body, and drove him from 'pillar-to-pillar'.

Though both fighters were listed as the exact same weight {Announced Weight; 180 lbs.} Pedro Soto
looked bigger and much stronger than Mike Quarry.

The young Puerto Rican also opened a 'small-cut' over Quarry's left-eye at the end of Round 2, which
sent the 4000+ crowd of 'pro' Pedro Soto fans into a 'frenzy'.

Soto continued with his attack in Round 3, but Quarry started to counter-back well by landing left-hooks
underneath and into the mid-section during the last minute of the Round.

Both fighters went toe-to-toe during a 'fast-paced' Round 4, and the crowd went 'wild' as Soto slammed
in a 'big' right-hook to the head that sent Quarry reeling into the Ropes.

The 'fast-handed' Puerto Rican moved in quickly, and hammered Quarry with lefts-and-right, and opened
up the cut over Quarry's left-eye.

But starting in Round 5, Quarry showed his experience, as he let his young and inexperienced opponent
punch himself out. At the {2:00 Mark}, Quarry moved in close on the arm-weary Soto, and slammed
away on the inside with left-hooks and right-uppercuts.

Quarry continued with his good work on the inside in a 'fast-paced' Round 6, as he had the teenager
Soto looking to hold on by the end of the Round.

In Round 7, both fighters landed with good left-hands during the first-half of the Round, but again
Quarry showed his experienced and 'stalled' Soto's attack, by firing in a steady-flow of left-jabs over
the last 'minute-and-a-half' of the Round.

With the bout on-the-line coming out for the Final Round {Round 8} > both fighters met at Center-Ring
and traded blows. But Mike Quarry was better at 'in-fighting', as he out-landed Pedro Soto {2-to-1} down
the stretch.

Scorecards
* Referee - John LoBianco ...... 5-3 > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Artie Aidala ............. 5-3 > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Leo Dazzo ............... 6-2 > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ........ $7150 {22% of the Gate Receipts, with a 'Rider Guarantee' of $6000}
* Pedro Soto .......... $4000

~ After Bout Comments ~

Mike Quarry >
"I can understand the fans being upset, especially the Puerto Rican fans. He's their Hero, and was
the Spanish Amateur Champion. He had a big following here tonight, and they wanted him to win."

"Pedro was very strong, and I was worried during Round 4 when really opened up the cut over my
left-eye. I had to turn it around in Round 5, and when I started hitting him in the mid-section,
his attitude changed."

[beenKOed]

Monday ~ December 9, 1974

Felt Forum ~ New York City, New York

~ Quarry Wins, Fans Unhappy ~

~ Fans At Felt Forum Start A Riot ~

~ Pedro Soto Loses Controversial Decision, Supporters Tear Apart The Felt Forum ~

~ Felt Forum Barely Survives Riot, After Quarry Is Awarded Decision ~

~ Spectators Stage Fight At Felt Forum ~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No sooner had the Felt Forum - 'Ring Announcer' - Johhn Condon maded the announcement that the
Officials had awarded an 8-Round Unanimous Decision to Mike Quarry over local hero Pedro Soto,
unruly fans voiced their displeasure.

Within minutes, bottles were thrown into the Ring, along with other 'sharp objects'. Then approximately
'100' fans got into brawls, and the 'fists started flying'.

The 'mini-riot' then spread out through the stands, and windows at the Felt Forum were broken, as
the 'mob' threw chairs at the windows in the 'promenade area'.

The action did not stop there, as the 'wild rampage' grew and spread out into the street on 8th Avenue as
now approximately '150' unruly fight fans got into a brawl in the middle of the street, which lasted over
20-Minutes.

New York City Policeman were called in, and nearly '50' of New York's Finest were attacked by the mob.
The Policeman had to use 'force' to break up the riot. The Policeman were using 'night-sticks' and choke-holds
in an attempt to blunt the brawl, and several Policemen got involved in fist-fights with brawling fight fans.

Police Officer - Richard DiDonato was hit in the head with a 'flying chair, and was taken to Roosevelt Hospital,
where he was diagnosed with a concussion.

'Two' other Police Officers were taken to St. Claire's Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries. And 'two'
other Police Officers were treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises.

All told, '5' people were arrested, and were charged with;
* Rioting
* Disorderly Conduct
* Assault
* Resisting Arrest

I was pretty busy working at this time, so you are 'catching me up'. Great stuff, Sir!

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ January 3, 1975

Fort Homer Esterly Armory ~ Tampa, Florida

Promoter ~ Pete Ashlock

Attendance ............ 3151 ....... Capacity; 6000
Gate Receipts ........ $23,000

Billed as ~ The Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship

* Mike Quarry - 45-5-3 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 179 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 10 months}
vs.
* Jose 'King' Roman - 46-9-2 {24 KO's} ~ 5' 10" ~ 183 lbs. ~ {Age; 29 years, 1 month}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Fight Promoter - Pete Ashlock adds a 'twist', and bills this bout as 'The Southern Junior
Heavyweight Championship;.

The 'twist' works, as there is a good turn-out for the bout. Also, this bout will be broadcast
on Television, as the Network will kick in {$4000} for the Broadcast Rights throughout Florida.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Double Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is still the #9 World-ranked Light-Heavyweight. This will be Mike's '3rd-Bout' in
6-Weeks, since returning on November 26th.

Jose 'King' Roman, who is managed by Al Braverman, is a former Heavyweight World Title
Challenger > {L KO1} to George Foreman on September 11, 1973.

But since that horrific beating, 'King' Roman has gone 3-1-1 in has last 5-Bouts, which includes;
a {Draw 8} with dangerous Spaniard - Jose Luis 'Ibar' Urtain, and an 'upset' {TKO 2} over former
WBA Light-Heavyweight Champion - Vicente Rondon on June 6, 1974.

This is an interesting match-up, as both fighters have quick-hands, and are equal in stature.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Quarry Edges 'King' Roman In Fast-Paced Bout ~

Mike Quarry used his quick-footwork and fast-combinations to edge out 'Jose 'King' Roman in a
fast-paced 10-Round 'Junior Heavyweight Bout'.

The bout was fought over 'even terms' during the first 4-Rounds, as both fighters played a
'cat-and-mouse' game.

But Quarry's hand-speed came into play during the middle-Rounds {5, 6 and 7}, as he continually beat
the Puerto Rican Heavyweight to the punch with 'left-right' combinations to both the head and body.

In the best Rounds of the night {8 and 9}, 'King' Roman pressed hard, and battered Quarry with
'left-right' one-two's to the head, driving his opponent back into the Ropes, while Quarry countered
with left-hooks while inside.

In the 'Final Round', Quarry was fast-and-quick, as he landed with repeated left-jabs and right-hand
leads in a fine display of boxing skills, as 'King' Roman's previous charge stalled.

Scorecards
* 47-45 = {5-3-2 in Rounds} ... Mike Quarry
* 48-46 = {4-2-4 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* 47-45 = {5-3-2 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purse
* Mike Quarry ............. {$4000 from Gate Receipts} + {Plus $2000 from Television Fee} = $6000
* Jose 'King' Roman ..... {$4000 from Gate Receipts} + {Plus $2000 from Television Fee} = $6000

After Bout Comments

Mike Quarry >
"I won, but it wasn't easy. Jose Roman was faster than I thought. I was a little winded during
Rounds 8 and 9, but I put on a 'show' in Round 10 to nail down the win."

"I guess I'm a Junior Champion now. They gave me a 3' Trophy and a 'Belt'. Hey, it's a Title
no matter what. I'm very appreciative."

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ February 17, 1975

Memorial Coliseum ~ Corpus Christi, Texas

Attendance .......... 3533
Gate Receipts ...... $25,500

* Mike Quarry - 46-5-3 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 11 months}
vs.
* Bobby Rascon - 57-17-1 {32 KO's} ~ 5' 10" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 33 years, 2 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mike Quarry's 'Road Show' continues, as he will be facing Arizona's - Bobby Rascon
for a '3rd-Time' within a year.

Mike has won '5-Straight', and 8 of his last 9-bouts.

Mike has moved up to the #7 World-Rated Light-Heavyweight.

This bout will also be Televised, and both fighters will receive a Fee for the rights to the broadcast.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Quarry Wins, Rascon Loses ~

~ Quarry Clowns, Dances To Win ~



Mike Quarry spent 1/3 of the bout 'dancing', 1/3 of the bout 'fighting', and the other 1/3 of the bout 'clowning'.

In the end, Mike Quarry won a 'lackluster' 10-Round Decision over a 'thin-legged' and flabby 33 year-old Bobby Rascon.

Quarry cane out quickly and boxed well over the first 3-Rounds, as he was effective with left-jabs and right-hand leads
into his slow-plodding opponent from Arizona.

But during Rounds 4 and 5 , Quarry started 'dancing-and-clowning' to the crowd of { 3533 }, who started to boo
Quarry's antics.

A now motivated Rascon came out aggressively in Round 6, and had his best moments in the bout when he nailed
Quarry with '2' hard right-hands to the ribs, that drove Quarry into the Ropes. Rascon then moved in and 'raked'
his opponent over with a series of left-hooks and right-hands to the body. But that was the only effective session
for the veteran.

Quarry came back strong in Round 7 > by jabbing-and-moving, and scored with left-jabs to the face, and several
right-uppercuts from long-range that 'jarred' Rascon.

In Round 8, Quarry was back to 'clowning' and was even 'yelling' at the crowd {ie; Cassius Clay style}.

At the end of Round 8 > Referee - Humberto Barrera went into Mike Quarry's corner and warned the fighter of
his antics, and threated to 'take-a-point' away from the 'brash-and-cocky' boxer if he behaved like that again.

In Round 9, Quarry got down to business, and was again effective with left-jabs and quick right-hand leads,
but the punches lacked power. But still, Rascon was now just a punching-bag, and was doing little other than
blocking punches or holding.

The 'Final Round' was dull, as Quarry pecked away with left-jabs and stayed on the perimeter for the first-half
of the Round as Rascon did little but take the glancing-blows.

At the {1:30 Mark} and with the bout well-in-hand, Quarry went back to his 'clowning', by dropping his guard and
taunting his opponent. Mike again started yelling at the crowd, and literally backed around the Ring at 'full-speed'
while waving to his opponent and the crowd with both hands in the air.

Scorecards >
* Referee - Humberto Barrera ......... 99-92 {8-1-1 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Jesse Garza ..................... 99-94 {6-1-3 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Bill Melberger .................. 99-94 {6-1-3 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ................................ $4000 {Gate Receipts} + {$1500 for Television Fee} = $5500 Total
* Bobby Rascon ............................. $3000 {Gate Receipts} + {$1000 for Television Fee} = $4000 Total

Mike Quarry >
I had to have some 'fun' in there tonight. I had some guy at Ringside yelling at me all night and saying >
"Hey Quarry, you can't fight worth Shit."

"Well I started yelling back at him, and called him out during the 8th Round. I yelled back at him >
"Hey 'Chubby', why don't you get up in here and try fighting me."

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ April 21, 1975

Convention Center ~ Dallas, Texas

Promoter ........... Pete Ashlock

Attendance.......... 1035
Gate Receipts ..... $7200

~ Texas Light-Heavyweight Championship {12-Rounds} ~

* Mike Quarry - 47-5-3 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 175 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 1 month}
vs.
* Melvin Mott - 30-4-3 {17 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 174 lbs. ~ {Age; 29 years, 6 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry has moved up to the #8 World-Ranked Light-Heavyweight. Mike is hoping a
win here will send him into a WBC Championship bout with John Conteh for June 1975.

Melvin Mott {Dallas, Texas} is a good 'club-fighting' Light-Heavyweight. Melvin has won
'12-Straight' bouts, and 17-of-18.

But, Melvin has been 'idle' for the past 9-Months due to a broken 'right-hand', which is his
'bread-and-butter' punch. Melvin 'reinjured' his right-hand in Training only 1-Week before
this bout, but the Dallas Light-Heavyweight still wants to go thru with the bout.

The bout will be broadcast on Television, and both fighters will receive a $2000 Fee for
the broadcast rights.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



~ Mike Quarry Wins Bout, And Texas Light-Heavyweight Championship ~

~ Mike Quarry Masters Mott ~

Mike Quarry cruised to a 'convincing' 12-Round Decision over Melvin Mott to capture the Texas
Light-Heavyweight Championship.

Quarry using fast-combinations and left-hooks, built up a large points lead thru 9-Rounds, and then
eased down the stretch to win a Unanimous Decision.

Melvin Mott who came into the Ring with a reputation as a big right-hand swinger, was 'hampered'
by an injured right-hand, and only threw his right-hand sporadically throughout the early Rounds.

Quarry sensing that Mott was favoring his right-hand, moved in close starting in Round 3, and
dominated the bout with excellent infighting.

Quarry had a solid Rounds in the {3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th}, as he tore into Mott who was limited to
throwing left-jabs and pawing rights.

Mott made an attempt to get back into the bout late, but he could never put solid 'back-to-back' punches
together.

Scorecards
* 118-111 = {9-2-1 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* 118-112 = {8-2-2 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* 118-111 = {9-2-1 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ............. $2160 {30% of the Gate Receipts} + {$2000 for the Television Broadcast rights} .... $4160
* Melvin Mott ............... $700 {Fight Purse} + {$2000 for the Television Broadcast rights} .......................... $2700

~ After Bouts Comments ~

Mike Quarry >
"I feel horrible for Pete Ashlock {Fight Promoter}. He took a 'bath' tonight. We were expecting at least 2000 spectators
and with a Gate of at least $14,000. This is real bad for Texas Boxing here in Dallas."

"I knew that Melvin as hurting {injured right-hand}, but I had to be careful for the first couple of Rounds before I moved
inside. I didn't want to take any unnecessary chances early. Once I was sure he couldn't throw that big right-hand of his
without any force, I moved in close and worked his body over pretty good."

Melvin Mott >
"What could I do. I needed the bout and the money. Thankfully the Television Network came up with $2000 for me,
otherwise I wouldn't have been here."

"My right-hand has been bothering me for 9-Months. And it hasn't gotten any better. I couldn't use it at all tonight.
I tried, but it hurt too much to throw it with any power."