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

[Bill Paxtom]

May 11, 1977

Mike Quarry vs. Mike Rossman
Referee - Arthur Mercante



~ Reluctant Mike Quarry Quits ~

A severely cut right eye-brow requiring '7-Stitches', a swollen left-eye, a puffy left eye-brow, bruised cheeks,
a blood sheen face, and a badly bruised nose.

Jerry Quarry >
"Oh he's going to quit. "I'm going to make him quit. If he ever gets near a Boxing Ring again, I'll break
my brother {Mike} in half."

[Bill Paxtom]

Wednesday ~ May 11, 1977

~ Mike Quarry Can't Say It, But Boxing Career Is Over ~

Mike Quarry
Age ..................... 26 years, 2 months
Total Bouts ........... '73'
Record ................. 59-9-4 {15 KO's}
Career .................. April 18, 1969 -thru- May 11, 1977 = {7 years, 1 month}
Total Rounds ........ '589'

Does not include;
* Sparring Sessions
* Gym Workouts with older brother Jerry Quarry
* Boxing Exhibitions
* Full-Contact Karate Matches and Exhibitions
* Amateur Career

But, was Mike Quarry's career really over ..........



Chuck Hamilton >
"In 1977, Mike was fighting on 'instinct' and natural repetition. He wasn't fighting on his skills anymore. It was
hard to watch. Mike would get hit, and his natural 'reaction' was to punch back and trade. Instead, he should
have been covering up and focused on defense, and/or move away."

"Mike was taking too many punches, to the head 'primarily'. In the bout with Mike Rossman, Mike took too many
punches 'flush'. I cringed every time I saw Rossman nail him with 'sucker' right-uppercuts. A good Professional
would never have been caught by so many 'sucker uppercuts', especially from way outside. Rossman couldn't
miss, even if he tried."

"Personally, I would have never put Mike in the Ring with Rossman in May 1977. Rossman was getting real
strong at the time {Age; 21 1/2}, as he was growing. And he was a real hard-puncher. It was 'not' a good
match-up for Mike, especially in New York."

"But they went for the short-end, and grabbed the money { $25,000 }, and threw Mike's health and well-being
out the window for a nice Fight Purse. That's the short-end way. Money, over your future health."

[Bill Paxtom]

November 13, 1977

Oh No !! ~ Mike Quarry Wants To Return To The Ring

Former World-Ranked Light-Heavyweight Contender - Mike Quarry wants to return
to the Boxing Ring.

The 26 1/2 year-old Mike Quarry last fought on May 11, 1977 - when he was thoroughly
'hammered' and was stopped {TKO 6} when his corner stopped the bout, after Mike was
cut, bruised and beaten bloody.

Quarry, who was had lived in Orlando, Florida thru August 1977, has returned to California
and now resides in Burbank.

Mike has been seen sparring and working out at the Main Street Gym in Los Angeles, and
the former Anaheim resident is quietly preparing for a possible return to the Ring in
December 1977.

Also, Ohio Boxing Matchamker - Don Elbaum has offered Quarry a 'slot' on his upcoming
Full-Contact Karate card for December 17th in Hamilton, Ohio.

Don Elbaum {Ohio Fight Promoter}>
"We have a Television Date coming up. Mike has still been active with Karate, and he would
be a pleasant addition to our {Saturday, December 17th} 'Karate Fight Card' in Hamilton, Ohio.
He could easily compete in a Preliminary Bout, just to get going again."

"If he looks good, we have a 'big event' coming up in January 1978. I would ask him to participate
in that one as well."

[Bill Paxtom]

Sunday ~ December 18, 1977

~ Mike Quarry and Ronnie Wilson Set To Go In Anaheim, Maybe ~

Anaheim, California

Mike Quarry was set to face veteran Ronnie Wilson at the Convention Center in Anaheim on
Tuesday Night ~ December 20th.

Quarry {Age; 26 years, 9 months} has not fought in 7-Months, but has been training for
the past 6-Weeks at the Main Street Gym.

Mike has a record of 59-9-4 with {15 KO's}.

His opponent was to be Canadian - Ronnie Wilson, who is now based in San Diego. Wilson a
28 1/2 year-old 'tough' journeyman, has a record of 64-28-7 with {17 KO's}.

Boxing Matchmaker - Mickey Davies of 'Three Star Promotions' has stated that there is a possibility
that the bout 'may not' go off, as there are some contractual problems with Quarry's 'former' Manager
Pete Ashlock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry had signed a 5-Year exclusive Managerial Contract with Pete Ashlock in February 1973.
There were still 3-Months left on the 'contract'.

Father - Jack Quarry was trying to circle the 'existing' contract with Pete Ashlock, and took over as Manager
for his son {Mike}.

But, Pete Ashlock filed a protest with the California Athletic Commission, who held up the scheduled bout.

Mickey Davies >
"If we can't work out a release for Mike Quarry. We'll set up the bout for next month {January 1978}.

Jack Quarry >
"Oh for Jesus Christ. Pete Ashlock is trying to hold us up for '3' lousy months. He wants a { $10,000 }
buy out to release Mike from his existing contract. There is only '3-Months' left on the managerial
contract for God's Sake."

"The guy is a Millionaire, and he wants to squeeze my son for a lousy { $10,000 }. This Fucking
business is for 'animals' and leeches."

"Pete Ashlock made a 'large sum' of money off my kids blood, guts and heart. Enough is enough.
He is not getting any percentage of Mike's purse. Not a 'dime'. We'll wait '3' more months if we
have to."

Pete Ashlock >
"You know, Jack Quarry came to 'me' and begged me to take Mike in early-1973. I put a 'ton' of
money into helping him."

"I treated this kid better than my son. I gave him nice places to live {for free} for 4 1/2 years. I
covered all his expenses, training and travel. I handed him 'bonus money'. I bought him a 'new'
car in 1974. Every time he wanted to leave Orlando and fly back home to California, he had
an Airline Ticket waiting for him."

"Look, he walked out on me and didn't say anything after the Mike Rossman bout. I got him
{ $25,000 } as a fight purse, and I only took 15% as a Manager's Fee instead of my customary 30%."

"Look, I wanted Mike to retire in 1976. But he wanted to keep fighting, to make that 'Fucking Father'
of his happy. That is what will destroy Mike. The poor kid is in too deep with his Father."

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ January 24, 1978

~ Mike Quarry To Fight On - Takes On Ned Hallacy In Wichita, Kansas ~

Century II Convention Center ~ Wichita, Kansas

Promoter .............. Dick Meeks
Attendance ........... 3045 {Sell Out}
Gate Receipts ....... $20,000 {Estimate}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Mike Quarry - 59-9-4 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 176 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 10 months}
vs.
* Ned Hallacy - 23-4-1 {18 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 174 lbs. ~ {Age; 28 years, 0 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry wants to fight on, as he signed for this bout on January 3, 1978. Mike has
has been training in Los Angeles for this bout, and arrived here in Wichita on Saturday
{January 21st} to do promotional appearances.

Ned Hallacy is a popular 'club-fighter' from Wichita. A 'dispatcher' for a Trucking Outfit
by day, Ned is a tough 'brawling-slugger' who is very strong.

Wichita Boxing Promoter - Dick Meeks offered Mike Quarry a fight purse of { $4000 }
plus 10% of the Gate Receipts to come here and fight the 'tough' Wichita Light-Heavyweight.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 'Comebacking' Mike Quarry Held To Draw By Local Brawler ~

Former World Title Challenger and come-backing Light-Heavyweight - Mike Quarry was held
to a somewhat disputed 10-Round Draw by Wichita, Kansas 'brawler' Ned Hallacy.

The 26 1/2 year-old Quarry got off of to a 'fast-start' in the early going, as he displayed quick-hands
and good boxing skills on the 28-year-old 'brawler' Ned Hallacy.

But by the end of Round 3, Hallacy started to close-the-gap, and he connected with some thudding
right-hooks into Quarry's ribs.

In Rounds 4 and 5, both fighters went toe-to-toe in a 'Pier 6 Brawl' at Center-Ring. Hallacy had the
power, but Quarry had the hand-speed during the wild action.

During Rounds 6 and 7, Quarry moved outside and went to boxing as Hallacy tried to initiate some
more brawling. But Quarry was too smart, and avoided any exchanges as he jabbed and moved
while pumping left-hands into the 'plodding' Wichita brawler.

In Round 8, Quarry boxed for the first 30-Seconds, and then moved backwards and leaned back on
the Ropes while playing defense. Hallacy moved in, and worked on his stationary opponent with a series
of 'hooks' to the ribs and mid-section. At the {2:30 Mark}, Quarry moved off the Ropes and 'danced'
while circling the Ring as Hallacy pursued.

Over the last 2-Rounds {9 and 10}, Quarry continued to circle-and-move while flicking out light left-jabs
as Hallacy trudged forward winging right-hooks for way outside.

When Quarry did stop-and-trade, he got off with quick left-hooks to the head, as Hallacy slammed in
hooks to the body.

Note;
The 'original' Decision was announced as a 'Split-Decision' win for Mike Quarry. The Arena then erupted
in a chorus of boo's and debris was thrown into the Ring.

After '3-Minutes', the Ring Announcer made a statement that there was an incorrect tabulation on
the Scorecards, and the Decision is now scored as a 'Draw'.

Final Scorecards
* Referee - Vern Miller ....... 97-97 = {3-3-4 in Rounds} > 'Even'
* Judge - Ervin Lesser ........ 98-97 = {3-2-5 in Rounds} > Ned Hallacy
* Judge - Bob Swanson ...... 97-96 = {4-3-3 in Rounds} > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ............... $4000 + {Plus 10% of the Gate Receipts > $2000} = $6000
* Ned Hallacy ............... $1400 + {Plus 7.5% of the Gate Receipts > $1500} = $2900

Mike Quarry >
"Only in Wichita. I won this bout, then they 'reshuffled' the Scorecards. How can that Judge {Ervin Lesser}
only award me 2-Rounds for God's Sake. Come on, this is a 'Hometown Job' if there ever was one."

"They want me to come back and fight Ned again. Well, maybe if they up the 'ante' another $2500, I'll be
back. Otherwise, it's 'Sayonara' Wichita."

Ned Hallacy >
"I carried the fight from the end of Round 3 thru the rest of the way. He was backing up in every Round
from the 4th Round and on. You can't win a fight like that."

"They say that we are a nothing but a bunch of 'mid-level talent' club-fighters here in the Mid-West. Well,
I just went 10-Rounds with Mike Quarry, and damn near won the bout. I'd say that we are pretty good
fighters out here."

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ February 24, 1978

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Attendance ........... 2175
Gate Receipts ....... $15,845

* Mike Quarry - 59-9-5 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 11 months}
vs.
* Ronnie Wilson - 64-28-7 {17 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 172 lbs. ~ {Age; 28 years, 10 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry continues in his 1978 'comeback run', as he is pushed by his Father 'Jack'.

Ronnie Wilson is a tough 11-Year veteran from Canada, but who is now based out of San Diego.

Ronnie, at one time was a Top 10 Light-Heavyweight in {1970 and 1971}, but since February 1972
> Ronnie has only gone { 9-15-2 } in '26-Bouts' while being stopped '5-Times.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Double Skinny ~

Fight Promoter - Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. has stated that he has 'signed' Mike Quarry to
face 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist - Michael Spinks on Friday - March 31st in Las Vegas on
a CBS-TV 'Friday Night Fight Special'

Mike Quarry >
"I have a lot riding on this bout. I have to look good, and then I get a TV Fight with Michael Spinks.
That is my ticket back into the Top 10."

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ February 24, 1978

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Attendance ........... 2175
Gate Receipts ....... $15,845

* Mike Quarry - 59-9-5 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 178 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 11 months}
vs.
* Ronnie Wilson - 64-28-7 {17 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 172 lbs. ~ {Age; 28 years, 10 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry continues in his 1978 'comeback run', as he is pushed by his Father 'Jack'.

Ronnie Wilson is a tough 11-Year veteran from Canada, but who is now based out of San Diego.

Ronnie, at one time was a Top 10 Light-Heavyweight in {1970 and 1971}, but since February 1972
> Ronnie has only gone { 9-15-2 } in '26-Bouts' while being stopped '5-Times.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Double Skinny ~

Fight Promoter - Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. has stated that he has 'signed' Mike Quarry to
face 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist - Michael Spinks on Friday - March 31st in Las Vegas on
a CBS-TV 'Friday Night Fight Special'

Mike Quarry >
"I have a lot riding on this bout. I have to look good, and then I get a TV Fight with Michael Spinks.
That is my ticket back into the Top 10."

~ Mike Quarry Wins, But Just Barely ~

Mike Quarry won an unimpressive 10-Round Split-Decision over veteran Ronnie Wilson that
was not well received by the Coliseum spectators in San Diego.

Quarry was dull-and-listless over the first-half of the bout, as he danced and flicked out an
occasional left-hook at the pressing Wilson.

In Round 4, Wilson turned up the heat, and caught Quarry with a big 'looping' right-hook,
that 'buckled' his Quarry's legs. Wilson then added in a volley of hooks, driving Quarry into a
corner where Wilson battered him.

But Quarry was able to 'edge' back into the bout during Rounds 6, 7 and 8 > as he came
back with 'fast' left-hooks and left-uppercuts, and chopping right-hands as he moved inside
on Wilson.

But over the last 2-Rounds {9 and 10}, both fighters were sloppy in their attack, and neither
had the fire-power left in their punches to do much scoring damage.

Scorecards
* 5-4 > Mike Quarry
* 4-3 > Ronnie Wilson
* 5-3 > Mike Quarry

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ............. $3485 = {22% of the Gate Receipts} + {Plus 3-Day Hotel Expenses}
* Ronnie Wilson .......... $2000

Mike Quarry >
"I was off my game tonight. But I still did more than enough to win. I just felt 'lazy' during the
first 5-Rounds."