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

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ August 24, 1976

Convention Center ~ Miami Beach, Florida

Promoter .......... Chris Dundee
Attendance ....... 2233
Gate Receipts ... $14,451

* Mike Quarry - 56-7-3 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 177 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 5 months}
vs.
* Tony 'KO' Greene - 24-5-2 {13 KO's} ~ 5 11 1/2" ~ 169 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 3 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry travels down-state, to take on 'highly-touted' - Tony 'KO' Greene of Miami
in a Chris Dundee promotion.

'Beware' > Mike fought down here {back on December 12, 1972}, where he was 'robbed'
when he only earned a Draw with 'mediocre' Frankie Evans.

Tony 'KO' Greene is a fast-talking and fast-handed boxer, who likens himself to Cassius Clay.
The 3 1/2 year Professional has gone unbeaten {11-0-1} in the past 2-Years {since August 1974}.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Quarry and Greene Battle To Debated Draw in Miami ~

#9 World-ranked Light-Heavyweight - Mike Quarry and #20 World-ranked Light-Heavyweight - Tony 'KO' Greene
battled to a 10-Round Draw in a spirited bout at the Convention Center.

Quarry was the visitor from Orlando, as he was facing the 'brash' Greene, the local star who had his fan base
in attendance.

Action was fought at a 'brisk-pace', as both boxers traded sharp-punches during the early going, in an 'even'
start.

Tony Greene drew first-blood, as he 'slashed' Quarry's left cheek-bone in Round 3. This 'spurned' Greene on,
as he became more aggressive and attacked with 'quick' one-two's into Quarry's face over the latter session
of the Round.

In Rounds 4 and 5, Greene took the lead by using left-jabs form long range. Quarry was on the defensive,
and was only countering when in range.

Quarry was able to get going in Round 6, as he moved in close, and scored with 'sharp' left-hands to both the
head and body that had Greene moving away.

In Rounds 7 and 8, both boxers had their moments, as each landed sharp left-jabs and right-crosses to the
head, as he each stayed busy. But Quarry had the 'sight-edge' in each session as he threw with more
volume, especially at the end of each Round.

In Round 9, Quarry had his 'best-session', as he landed with a series of 'lefts-and-rights' into the mid-section
of Greene, while driving him backwards and into the Ropes, where Quarry worked away with 'light' but steady
body punches.

In the Final Round {Round 10}, Quarry tried to move in close and to get inside. But Greene used his legs and
stayed 'outside' > where he was able to score with his long left-hand with jabs and hooks. But Quarry came on
strong over the kast 30-Seconds, as he 'tagged' Greene with '2 chopping right-hands to the chin, that had the
Miami fighter 'groggy'. Then Quarry 'laced' into Greene with a series of combinations until the Bell.

Scorecards
* Referee - Cy Gottfried ..... 46-46 > {4-4-2 in Rounds} = 'Even'
* Judge - Al Milensky ......... 48-46 > {4-2-4 in Rounds} = Tony Greene
* Judge - Gus Jacobsen ..... 47-43 > {7-3-0 in Rounds} = Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ........... $3700 > {A $3700 Guarantee, against 25% of the Gate Receipts]
* Tony Greene .......... $2600

After Bout Comments

Mike Quarry >
"I was 'robbed' again down here. Orlando fighters can't a break down here with these Miami Officials."

"It's about the behind-the-scene politics. It's well known down here that they want certain guys to win,
or 'not' lose." A Draw tells you all you need to know. I won."

"My corner had me winning by a wide-margin. Tony only won Rounds {3, 4 and 5}. From the 6th Round
and on, it was all me."

Tony Greene >
"I'll take the 'Draw'. It will look good on my record. Mike {Quarry} is a name opponent and a Top 10
World-Rated fighter. That looks good on a guy's record."

[Bill Paxtom]

October 1, 1976

~ Ring Magazine Ratings ........................WBC Ratings

*** Victor Galindez {WBA Champion} ...... John Conteh
#1 . Len Hutchins ................................... Yaqui Lopez
#2 . Richie Kates .................................... Miguel Angel Cuello
#3 . John Conteh {WBC Champion} ........ Tom Bethea
#4 . Miguel Angel Cuello ......................... Mate Parlov
#5 . Jesse Burnett .................................. Len Hutchins
#6 . Bobby Cassidy ................................. Bobby Cassidy
#7 . Vonzell Johnson ............................... Richie Kates
#8 . Tom Bethea .................................... Jesse Burnett
#9 . Mike Quarry ................................. Domenico Adinolfi
#10. Yaqui Lopez .................................... Mike Quarry
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


October 1, 1976

~ Mike Quarry To Face Eddie 'Red Top' Owens At The Catholic Youth Center ~

The P.J. Boxing Club {Fight Promoters} have announced a 10-Round Light-Heavyweight
bout as the feature attraction for Tuesday ~ October 5th at the 5000-seat Catholic Youth
Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Matchmaker - Paul Ruddy will 'pit' #9 World-ranked Light-Heavyweight - Mike Quarry against
veteran Eddie 'Red Top' Owens.

Quarry is seeking a World Championship bout, and needs a win here to maintain his position
in the World Rankings.

Eddie Owens {Age; 35} is an experienced veteran who has been in the Ring with many of the
Top 10 Light-Heavyweights. Eddie has a record of 38-19-2 {16 KO's}, and the 'stockily-built'
fighter from Pittsfield, Massachusetts says he is ready to pull off an 'upset' here.



This bout will also be broadcast on local television, throughout New York, Pennyslvania and
northern New Jersey.

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ October 5, 1976

Catholic Youth Center ~ Scranton, Pennsylvania

Promoter .......... P. J. Boxing Club
Attendance ....... 2973
Gate Receipts ... $21,400

* Mike Quarry - 56-7-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11' ~ 177 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 7 months}
vs.
* Eddie 'Red Top' Owens ~ 38-19-2 {16 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 35 years, 1 month}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry takes on the durable journeyman and 11-year veteran - Eddie 'Red Top' Owens in a
'stay busy' tune-up bout.

This bout will also be broadcast on Television through local affiliates, and both boxers will receive
an 'Ancillary Fee' for the broadcast rights.

[brocktonblockbust]

@Bill Paxtom

Why did Mike quarry in round nine when he had his man in a good place why did quarry decide to work with light body punches with not too much force in them when going to the midsection? This could be where he should have stepped up the power of the shots to greens body why did he go so light to the body at that point?

[Bill Paxtom]

@Bill Paxtom

Why did Mike quarry in round nine when he had his man in a good place why did quarry decide to work with light body punches with not too much force in them when going to the midsection? This could be where he should have stepped up the power of the shots to greens body why did he go so light to the body at that point?

Sometimes,

Mike Quarry liked to move in close, and work with fast {but light} volume punches. As we know,
Mike had 'little power' in his punches to begin with.

Mike did not have a big upper-body, and he was really considered an 'over-blown' light-hitting
Middleweight.

[brocktonblockbust]

@<a href="http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxingforum/member.php?u=26689" target="_blank">Bill Paxtom</a>

Why did Mike quarry in round nine when he had his man in a good place why did quarry decide to work with light body punches with not too much force in them when going to the midsection? This could be where he should have stepped up the power of the shots to greens body why did he go so light to the body at that point?

Sometimes,

Mike Quarry liked to move in close, and work with fast {but light} volume punches. As we know,
Mike had 'little power' in his punches to begin with.

Mike did not have a big upper-body, and he was really considered an 'over-blown' light-hitting
Middleweight.

go to 7:00 exactly for some fireworks @Bill Paxtom

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ October 5, 1976

Catholic Youth Center ~ Scranton, Pennsylvania

Promoter .......... P. J. Boxing Club
Attendance ....... 2973
Gate Receipts ... $21,400

* Mike Quarry - 56-7-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11' ~ 177 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 7 months}
vs.
* Eddie 'Red Top' Owens ~ 38-19-2 {16 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 35 years, 1 month}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry takes on the durable journeyman and 11-year veteran - Eddie 'Red Top' Owens in a
'stay busy' tune-up bout.

This bout will also be broadcast on Television through local affiliates, and both boxers will receive
an 'Ancillary Fee' for the broadcast rights.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Young Quarry Defeats 'Red Top' Owens In Scranton ~

25 year-old - Mike Quarry won a solid 10-Round Decision over 35 year-old veteran - Eddie Owens
at the Catholic Youth Center.

Both fighters played cautious during the first 2-Rounds, as both Light-Heavyweights were
'feeling-each-other-out'.

The fast-and-clever Quarry went to work in Round 3, by scoring from the outside with left-jabs
and quick-flash right-hands.

Owens pressed forward, but the old veteran was 'too slow' to counter, as Quarry was in command
in Rounds 3, 4 and 5.

Quarry moved inside during Round 6, and was willing to trade with the 'hard-hitting' veteran. Both
fighters got in solid body punches during a good action Round.

In Round 7, Quarry was keen to Owens' power, and stayed on the perimeter using his quick
footwork to avoid Owens body punches.

Quarry went back to 'smooth-boxing' in Rounds 8 and 9, as he scored with snappy-combinations
on the slowing Massachusetts veteran.

In Round 10, and with the bout well in hand, Quarry danced-and-circled as Owens 'slowly' stalked,
but without any effectiveness.

Scorecards
* Referee - Dick Wehrle ........ 48-44 = {6-2-2 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Andy Mihall ........... 48-43 = {7-2-1 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Stan Kelley ............ 48-45 = {5-2-3 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ..................... $3000 + {$1200 for the Television Broadcast rights} = $4200 + {Hotel Expenses}
* Eddie Owens .................... $2000 + {$750 for the Television Broadcast rights} = $2750 + {Hotel Expenses and Travel Reimbursement}

~ After Bout Comments ~

Mike Quarry >
"I had to take this bout, as the 'Fight Purse' { $4200 } was too good to pass up."

"I knew that I had the 'fight-in-the-bag' at the end of Round 5. Eddie was just not quick enough to deal with
my hand speed. But, he was trying to 'bait me' in to go inside during Rounds 6 and 7, and I had to be careful,
as he has good power."

"Eddie is one 'tricky-dude', that's for sure. He knows how to 'roll' with the punches. He's a smart guy."

Eddie Owens >
"Mike was just too fast for me tonight. I felt 'sluggish' in there, and I had a hard time getting my punches
off."

"I drove here from Pittsfield, Massachusetts {200 Miles; 4-Hour Drive} on Sunday Night, and I only had
2-days to adjust. I'm not using that as an excuse, but I was just lethargic in the Ring."

[Bill Paxtom]

October 6, 1976

~ Mike Quarry and Tom 'The Bomb' Bethea Sign To Meet In Eliminator ~



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mike Quarry {the #7 Light-Heavyweight Contender} will take on Tom 'The Bomb' Bethea in a
10-Round Eliminator. The bout will be broadcast by CBS-TV, as part of their CBS Sports Spectacular.

Bethea, is ranked as the #3 Light-Heavyweight Contender. The bout will be held on Saturday ~
October 30th at 'The Aladdin Hotel' in Las Vegas.

The NABF has put together a series of bouts that also include;
* Lonnie Bennett, Jesse Burnett, Billy Douglas and Len Hutchins to determine the 'new' NABF Champion.

The winner of the series Eliminator has been 'guaranteed' a World Title bout with either WBC Champion
John Conteh, or WBA Champion - Victor Galindez.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ October 30, 1976

The Aladdin Hotel ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance ......... 4000
Gate Receipts ...... $40,000 {{Ticket Prices @ $10.00 ~ 'Reserved Seating'}

Television ........... CBS-TV

* Mike Quarry - 57-7-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 175 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 7 months}
vs.
* Tom 'The Bomb' Bethea - 22-14-3 {8 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 172 lbs. ~ {Age; 33 years, 9 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is ranked at #7 WBC. He is still being Managed by - Pete Ashlock, and is Trained by
older brother Jerry.

Mike is unbeaten in his last '8-Bouts' {7-0-1}, going back to September 1975. Mike is coming off
a {W Dec 10} over veteran Eddie Owens only 25-days earlier.

Tom Bethea is slotted at #3 WBC. The New York-based fighter is Managed by Gil Clancy.

Tom has gone unbeaten in his last '10-bouts' {8-0-2}, dating back to September 1973 {3-Years}.
But, Bethea has been inactive since March 8th {7 1/2 Months}, as he is recovering from a bad-gash
over his left-eye in his last-bout back in March.

~ The Skinny II ~

Both fighters are being discussed as WBC Champion - John Conteh's next opponent.

Tom Bethea is placed as the {7-5} Betting-Favorite, due to his better punching-power and overall
strength.

Mike Quarry has the better boxing-skills, but the Boxing Pundits feel he lacks the strength to
out-muscle the 'bull-built' Bethea on the inside.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mike Quarry Wins, Upsets Bethea In 10 ~

~ Quarry Impressive, Decisions Bethea In Las Vegas ~

Mike Quarry using rapid-fire left-hooks to head and body controlled the second-half
of the bout to win a 10-Round Unanimous Decision over Tom Bethea is a 'bruising-battle'.

The first-half of the bout saw both fighters go 'head-to-head', in exchanging solid body-blows
into each other. Bethea who was the stronger of the two-fighters early, out-slugged Quarry in
Rounds 2 and 3 with his heavy-hooks to the body.

But in Rounds 4 and 5, Quarry hung-tough with the East-Coat 'bruiser', and slugged back
on equal terms.

Starting in Round 6, Quarry used his quicker-hands, and caught Bethea with fast punches to
the head as he broke away from the clinches.

Bethea had his last good effort in Round 7, when he 'tagged' Quarry with a good right-hand
to the left-cheek area, that caused an abrasion. Bethea then controlled the inside action.

But over the last 3-Rounds, Quarry displayed 'superior-skills' as he connected with left-hands
and 'snappy' right-hands to the face, bruising up Bethea under his left-eye.

Scorecards
* Judge - Harold Buck ......... 47-44 = {6-3-1 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - Art Lurie .............. 48-44 = {6-2-2 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry
* Judge - John Magnafani .... 47-45 = {5-3-2 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry.............. $16,600 + {Hotel and Travel Expenses}
* Tom Bethea ............. $16,600 + {Hotel and Travel Expenses} + {$1000 in Training Expenses}

[beenKOed]

October 6, 1976

~ Mike Quarry and Tom 'The Bomb' Bethea Sign To Meet In Eliminator ~



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mike Quarry {the #7 Light-Heavyweight Contender} will take on Tom 'The Bomb' Bethea in a
10-Round Eliminator. The bout will be broadcast by CBS-TV, as part of their CBS Sports Spectacular.

Bethea, is ranked as the #3 Light-Heavyweight Contender. The bout will be held on Saturday ~
October 30th at 'The Aladdin Hotel' in Las Vegas.

The NABF has put together a series of bouts that also include;
* Lonnie Bennett, Jesse Burnett, Billy Douglas and Len Hutchins to determine the 'new' NABF Champion.

The winner of the series Eliminator has been 'guaranteed' a World Title bout with either WBC Champion
John Conteh, or WBA Champion - Victor Galindez.

Noticed Top Rank Inc on the poster. Interesting.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 6, 1976

~ John Conteh To Defend WBC Championship Against Mike Quarry ~

It was announced today that John Conteh {United Kingdom} will defend
his Title for the 3rd-time, and against Mike Quarry {USA} in Las Vegas on
Saturday ~ December 11th.

The bout will take place at Caesar's Palace of The Aladdin Hotel, and the bout
will be nationally televised.

Tony Conteh {brother of the WBC Champion} stated that the 'final contracts'
are being refined.

Once before, back in November 1973 Mike Quarry traveled to London, England
to face John Conteh. But the Englishman 'pulled out', claiming an injured 'left-hand'.
John was replaced by Chris Finnegan, who went on the defeat the American over
10-Rounds.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ November 12, 1976

~ Conteh - Quarry, Fights Off ~

The WBC Light-Heavyweight Championship bout between Champion - John Conteh
and #7 WBC Challenger - Mike Quarry set for December 11th in Las Vegas has been
called off.

Tony Conteh {brother of Champion - John Conteh} issued a statement stating
that John had a 'heavy-cold', and would require 2 to 3 weeks of bed rest before
resuming training in London, England.

There has been no date set for re-scheduling.

Mike Quarry had received a $10,000 'up-front fee' for Training Expenses and
a percentage of his Fight Purse. He will be allowed to keep his pre-fight allowance.
The Challenger was set to receive a total of $60,000 - which would have been his
largest ever Fight Purse.

The Champion - John Conteh was set to receive a Fight Purse of $110,000.

Mike Quarry >
"This is the 2nd-time that Conteh has done this to me. Let's be honest, he does not
feel confident in facing me."

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ November 18, 1976

~ Mike Quarry and Mike Rossman To Fight, Again ~

Mike Rossman has been selected 'fill-in' for John Conteh who pulled out of his
December 11th bout with Mike Quarry.

Quarry and Rossman had fought last year {September 30, 1975}, where Quarry
won a 'close' but convincing 10-Round Decision.

Both fighters will have 23-Days to prepare for this bout which will be held in
Las Vegas at 'The Aladdin Hotel {Performing Arts Theater}.

Mike Quarry who is the #5 WBC Light-Heavyweight has been listed as a {9-5}
Betting-Favorite over the Rossman who is ranked as the #9 WBC Middleweight.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ December 11, 1976

The Aladdin Hotel {Performing Arts Theater}

Attendance........... 2610
Gate Receipts ..... $26,100

Television Broadcast ... CBS-TV

* Mike Quarry - 58-7-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 175 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 9 months}
vs.
* Mike Rossman - 27-3-3 {21 KO's} ~ 5' 11 1/2" ~ 166 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 5 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is slotted as the {9-5} Betting Favorite.

Quarry, ranked as the #5 WBC Light-Heavyweight, has been performing at his
best level during 1976.

Mike has gone unbeaten {8-0-1} since September 1975, and is slotted to challenge for
the Light Heavyweight Championship {either WBC or WBA}.

Mike Rossman, ranked as the #9 WBC Middleweight, has gone {5-1-2} since losing a
10-Round Decision to Mike Quarry back on September 30, 1975.

Rossman is coming of a 10-Round Draw with Christy Elliott last month {November 10th}.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ December 11, 1976

The Aladdin Hotel {Performing Arts Theater}

Attendance........... 2610
Gate Receipts ..... $26,100

* Mike Quarry - 58-7-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 175 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 9 months}
vs.
* Mike Rossman - 27-3-3 {21 KO's} ~ 5' 11 1/2" ~ 166 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 21 years, 5 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry is slotted as the {9-5} Betting Favorite.

Quarry, ranked as the #5 WBC Light-Heavyweight, has been performing at his
best level during 1976.

Mike has gone unbeaten {8-0-1} since September 1975, and is slotted to challenge for
the Light Heavyweight Championship {either WBC or WBA}.

Mike Rossman, ranked as the #9 WBC Middleweight, has gone {5-1-2} since losing a
10-Round Decision to Mike Quarry back on September 30, 1975.

Rossman is coming of a 10-Round Draw with Christy Elliott last month {November 10th}.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Rossman Gets 'Sweet Revenge', Decisions Quarry In Action Bout ~

Mike Rossman defeated Mike Quarry by a 10-Round Majority Decision at The Aladdin
Hotel, in a fast-paced action bout.

Both fighters went 'toe-to-toe' over the first 3-Rounds in an 'evenly' battled slug-fest.
Quarry focused on pounding 'left-right' punches to the mid-section, while Rossman
countered with hard right-hand crosses to the head.

Quarry was able to 'out-speed' Rossman in Round 4, as he continued to work the
mid-section with quick-bursts, as Rossman was late with his counters.



But in Round 5 > Rossman took over, as he landed several 'jarring' right-crosses to
Quarry's jaw coming out of the clinches which sent Quarry back-a-step, to take the
session handily.

Between Rounds 5 and 6, Quarry was 'spitting blood' from inside his mouth.

Rossman kept up the pressure on Quarry during Round 6, as he was clearly the
harder puncher between the battlers, as he landed with crisp 'left-right' one-two's.

But Quarry was able to edge Rossman in Round 7, as he used his 'quicker' footwork and
hand-speed to land with 'rapid-punches' before moving outside and away from any
counters.

In Rounds 8 and 9, Rossman was the stronger of the two, as the New Jersey Middleweight
landed with 'sharp' right-hand crosses and sweeping left-hands to Quarry's face each time
they came out of breaks.

By the end of Round 9, Quarry was sporting a 'swollen' left-eye.

Behind on Points, Quarry came out fast for {Round 10}, and rallied with a series of quick
'one-two' punches as he had Rossman covering up. But the punches lacked power, and
Rossman took the attack well while staying on the defensive and riding out the Decision
win.

Scorecards
* Judge - Hal Miller......... 47-45 = {5-3-2 in Rounds} > Mike Rossman
* Judge - Bill Kipp .......... 46-45 = {5-4-1 in Rounds} > Mike Rossman
* Judge - Lou Tabot ....... 46-46 = {4-4-2 in Rounds} > 'Even'

* The Associated Press ... 47-45 = {5-3-2 in Rounds} > Mike Rossman

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ......... $22,000 > {$10,000 from the 'previous' John Conteh fight contract, + $12,000 additional.} + {Hotel Expenses}

* Mike Rossman ...... $14,000 > {$9000 from the Gate Receipts and $5000 from CBS Television for the
broadcast rights.} + {Travel Expenses and Hotel Expenses}

~ After Bout Comments ~

Mike Quarry >
"It was close all the way. It could have easily been ruled a Draw."

Jerry Quarry >
"It was a good fight, and very entertaining. I'm asking the promoters and CBS-TV to put
together an immediate rematch. I think we can be ready to do it again in 10-Weeks {February 1977}.

Mike Rossman >
"I was much stronger down the stretch. I hurt Mike in the 5th Round, and he slowly faded
after that. But, he is a good competitor and never stops trying."

Carmine Graziano {Co-Manager for Mike Rossman} >
"It's all even now. 1-win for Quarry, and 1-win for Mike {Rossman}. If the money is right, we
should have a 3rd-Bout. Yes most definitely, we need another fight between the two."