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

[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."

[Bill Paxtom]

March 1, 1978

Mike Quarry >
"I will continue until I lose one more time. I've had '2-Bouts' since coming back
5-Weeks ago. I'm getting stronger, I can feel it."

"That 'Draw' in Wichita, Kansas last month, was a 'Hometown Rip-Off'. And I beat
Ronnie Wilson last week. He's a tough veteran, a real tough guy."

"I can make it back. All I ask for is a chance. I feel that I have 'one' good year left
in me. Just let me fight."

Jack Quarry >
"There is no quit in the Quarry's. I wasn't going to let Mike quit after that loss to
Mike Rossman last year {May 11, 1977}."

"We have an offer of { $12,500 } to fight Michael Spinks on March 31st, and on CBS-TV.
We're taking it. Mike has too much experience for Spinks. But, they want it as an 8-Rounder
so that Spinks will have a better chance. He isn't ready for 10-Rounders yet."

"I told Bob Arum that I would agree to an 8-Rounder, but that I want 'fair judges' and
and an 'option' in the contract for a rematch, or another TV Fight in 3 months with
another $12,500 purse amount."

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ March 10, 1978

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Attendance ........ 1760
Gate Receipts .... $12,812

* Mike Quarry - 60-9-5 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 177 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 0 months}
vs.
* Pete McIntyre - 11-4-1 {8 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 174 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 2 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry had fought only 2-weeks earlier in San Diego {February 24th against Ronnie Wilson}.

Mike was in Anaheim, getting ready for his bout with Michel Spinks in 3-Weeks {March 31st}.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny II ~

On Tuesday, March 7th > Jack Quarry gets a call from San Diego, asking if his son Mike would
be able to fill in for the 'Main Event' > Friday Night fight at the Coliseum.

Originally, Alvaro Lopez of Los Angeles was to come in to face 'local' Pete McIntyre. But Lopez
pulled out when he got a better fight purse offer for a bout in Las Vegas.

Jack Quarry is offered a Fight Purse of { $3000 } to get Mike down to San Diego. Jack accepts
the bout on short notice.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny III ~

Pete McIntyre is being billed with a record of 11-4-1 with {8 KO's}. Though this is 'spotty', as
it appears that his record is > 6-8-1 with {4 KO"s}.

That being said, Pete has gone 5-3-1 with {3 KO's} in his past '9-Bouts'. Pete who is a local
fighter from San Diego can 'punch', but he has little defense and a 'shaky' chin.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ March 10, 1978

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Attendance ........ 1760
Gate Receipts .... $12,812

* Mike Quarry - 60-9-5 {15 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 177 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 0 months}
vs.
* Pete McIntyre - 11-4-1 {8 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ 174 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 2 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny ~

Mike Quarry had fought only 2-weeks earlier in San Diego {February 24th against Ronnie Wilson}.

Mike was in Anaheim, getting ready for his bout with Michel Spinks in 3-Weeks {March 31st}.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny II ~

On Tuesday, March 7th > Jack Quarry gets a call from San Diego, asking if his son Mike would
be able to fill in for the 'Main Event' > Friday Night fight at the Coliseum.

Originally, Alvaro Lopez of Los Angeles was to come in to face 'local' Pete McIntyre. But Lopez
pulled out when he got a better fight purse offer for a bout in Las Vegas.

Jack Quarry is offered a Fight Purse of { $3000 } to get Mike down to San Diego. Jack accepts
the bout on short notice.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ The Skinny III ~

Pete McIntyre is being billed with a record of 11-4-1 with {8 KO's}. Though this is 'spotty', as
it appears that his record is > 6-8-1 with {4 KO"s}.

That being said, Pete has gone 5-3-1 with {3 KO's} in his past '9-Bouts'. Pete who is a local
fighter from San Diego can 'punch', but he has little defense and a 'shaky' chin.

~ Mike Quarry 'Upset' ~ Bombed Out By Unknown In San Diego ~

Mike Quarry's career appears to be over, as he was 'bombed out' by little-known San Diego
fighter Pete McIntyre.

Quarry, who took the bout on only 3-days notice, was expecting an easy trip here at the
Coliseum against McIntyre, but he was in for a 'San Diego Surprise'.

Quarry got off to a good start during the first 2-Rounds, as he displayed fast-hands and sharp
punches by landing with his quick left-hand, and short rights to the head.

But in Round 3, Quarry abandoned his boxing skills and decided to 'trade' with the hard-hitting
McIntyre. It was a 'big mistake' as McIntyre slammed Quarry with wide left-hooks and long
right-hands to the head. By the end of the Round, Quarry was both 'groggy' and wobbling on
shaky pins, to go along with a swollen left-eye.

In Round 4, a confident Pete McIntyre came out by firing in 'thudding' left jabs into Quarry's
swollen left-eye. McIntyre was aggressive, and hammered Quarry when he got in close. Quarry
had no fire-power in his punches to hold off the 'hard-swinging' McIntyre, and was beaten
around the Ring during Round 4.

In Round 5, McIntyre continued to slam away on a 'near defenseless' Quarry. At the {1:20 Mark},
McIntyre caught Quarry with a hard left-hook to the chin, 'dropping' Quarry to the canvas for a
'4-Count'.

Quarry got up 'groggy', but wanted to continue. As the action resumed, McIntyre 'unloaded' with
a barrage of punches, and drove Quarry into a Corner. There, McIntyre ripped away and 'dropped'
Quarry again with several punches to the head.

The Referee - Frank Rustich counted out Mike Quarry at {1:54} of Round 5.

Fight Purses
* Mike Quarry ........ $3000 + {7.5% of the Gate Receipts $960} = $3960
* Pete McIntyre ..... $1250

After Bout Comments

Jack Quarry >
"We were set up with a 'ringer'. That guy {Pete McIntyre} is no mediocre fighter. He's a big
bomber. I was told that he was decent, but not like this. We were set up."

Mike Quarry >
"I was doing fine, until I got caught on my left-eye in Round 3. The eye 'swelled up' and I
couldn't see his punches coming in, especially the right-hands."