Jack Sharkey vs. Primo Carnera 'II' ~ 'Fraud or Lucky Punch'

[Bill Paxtom]

June 29, 1933

Madison Square Garden Bowl ~ Long Island City, New York

World Heavyweight Championship

Jack Sharkey - 35-8-2 {12 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ Reach; 76" ~ 201 lbs. ~ {Age; 30 years, 8 months}
vs.
Primo Carnera - 74-6-0 {62 KO's} ~ 6' 5 1/2" ~ Reach; 85" ~ 260 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 8 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

World Heavyweight Champion - Jack Sharkey was making the '1st-Defense' of his World Heavyweight Championship.

Jack had won the Championship by defeating {W Dec 15} Max Schmeling on June 21, 1932.

Schmeling had not fought in {1 year, 8 days}. And in the bout with Schmeling, Jack had weighed
in at a trim-and-fit {188 lbs.}.

Now {+13 lbs.} heavier, there were rumblings that the Champion was 'not' taking the Italian Giant
too seriously.

Back on October 12, 1931 {20-months earlier} Jack had fought Primo Carnera in a bout for the
American Heavyweight Championship. In that bout, Sharkey gave the Italian a boxing-lesson over
15-Rounds, including flooring him and nearly knocking Carnera out in Round 4.

Despite the 1-Year inactivity, the Champion was an 'early' {7-5} Betting-Favorite over the Italian Challenger.

Jack Sharkey >
"I want to come in at 200 lbs. If I'm too light, this Italian Giant will toss me around like a
'Tinker Toy'. The extra weight will help me over the later Rounds, just like last time we fought."

[Bill Paxtom]

Heavyweight Champion - Jack Sharkey

Jack Sharkey had set up his Training Camp in Orangeburg, New York , at 'Gus Wilson's Camp'.

Manager - John Buckley wanted a steady, but relaxed atmosphere for his fighter.

There was already 'talk' of looking ahead to defending against Max Baer, who had just
defeated {KO 9} Max Schmeling.

But, many of the Boxing Pundits stated that Sharkey had looked slow-of-foot in sparring, despite
looking fit.

'The Word' by the Boxing Pundits >

If Sharkey is not to careful, he's going to get caught by one of the Challengers swooping
'Ham-Fist' punches.

Sharkey is 75% of what he was 20-Months ago. That makes the Challenger a 'live' Underdog.

Sharkey's legs do not look like they can carry him 15-Rounds. He better get Carnera out
of there by the 5th-Round, or he's going to be in for a long Italian Train Ride.

[Primo Carnera]

Best man won on the night!:confused

[Bill Paxtom]

Primo Carnera

They set up his training camp in Pompton lakes, New Jersey.

When Primo 'first' fought Jack Sharkey {October 12, 1933} 20-Months earlier,
Primo {Age; 25} was truly inexperienced.

He was strong, but was 'far' from a good fighter.

Since that time, Primo had gone 27-2-0 with {21 KO's} over the past 20-Months.

'The Word' by the Boxing Pundits >

Primo Carnera is a much better fighter now. His handlers have made him 50% better,
and now he has a left-hand.

While he's really not a heavy-puncher, he can do damage with his mauling, and clubbing.
He still pushes out his punches like a 'pawing' Bear, but he's more of a boxer now, unlike
before where he looked like a ponderous Circus Strongman with boxing gloves on.

The odds had opened up at {7-5} for the Champion, But by fight time, they had swung in favor
of Primo by {6-5}.

[Bill Paxtom]

Harry McLemore of 'UPI'

Primo Carnera is still a long way from a good fighter. But now, he's much better than he
was 2-Years ago, when Jack Sharkey wiped the floor with him.

In that 15-Round bout {October 12, 1931} Sharkey won 12 of the 15 Round's and had Carnera
'knocked out' in Round 4, but an inept Referee saved Carnera from an embarrassing Knockout.

But don't discount the big Italian now, as his handlers have improved Carnera's left-hand,
and he now has a 'secret punch'. He also 'leans back' to avoid punches now, when previously he
just walked win with his big 'warehouse sized' chin hanging there to be hit.

What the 6' 5" and 260 lb. bulk does now, is use his left-hand as a sweeping left-hook to push
his opponent to the left, and then Carnera comes in with a right uppercut.

While I still think the Champion {Jack Sharkey} is a much better boxer, in this fight I'm picking
the Challenger to win by a Knockout.

The Reason >
Jack Sharkey has lost {something} in his skills, and he is vulnerable now. Carnera has 20-Months
of added-experience since their last bout, and with '29-Bouts' over that span he has stayed active.

I look for a 'Ham-Sized' fist to take the Champion out by the 9th Round.

[Bill Paxtom]

Harry McLemore of 'UPI'

Primo Carnera is still a long way from a good fighter. But now, he's much better than he
was 2-Years ago, when Jack Sharkey wiped the floor with him.

In that 15-Round bout {October 12, 1931} Sharkey won 12 of the 15 Round's and had Carnera
'knocked out' in Round 4, but an inept Referee saved Carnera from an embarrassing Knockout.

But don't discount the big Italian now, as his handlers have improved Carnera's left-hand,
and he now has a 'secret punch'. He also 'leans back' to avoid punches now, when previously he
just walked win with his big 'warehouse sized' chin hanging there to be hit.

What the 6' 5" and 260 lb. bulk does now, is use his left-hand as a sweeping left-hook to push
his opponent to the left, and then Carnera comes in with a right uppercut.

While I still think the Champion {Jack Sharkey} is a much better boxer, in this fight I'm picking
the Challenger to win by a Knockout.

The Reason >
Jack Sharkey has lost {something} in his skills, and he is vulnerable now. Carnera has 20-Months
of added-experience since their last bout, and with '29-Bouts' over that span he has stayed active.

I look for a 'Ham-Sized' fist to take the Champion out by the 9th Round.

Primo Carnera sparring at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey >

[Bill Paxtom]

Primo Carnera

1933 Sparring-Partners

* Art Huttick ~ 5' 11' ~ 182 lbs. ~ Age; 22 1/2
Record ..... 22-5-0 {9 KO's}

* Harold Mays ~ 5' 11' ~ 195 lbs. ~ Age; 27
Record ...... 30-11-0 {11 KO's}

* Lee Kennedy ~ 5' 10 1/2" ~ 182 lbs. ~ Age; 23
Record ....... 44-19-1 {23 KO's}

* Jerry Pavelic ~ 6' 1" ~ 200 lbs. ~ Age; 29
Amateur Record ....... 56-7-0 {25 KO's} > {1928 New York Golden Gloves Champion}

General Observations During Sparring Sessions

When Primo was doing the leading, he was a capable fighter with 'average' boxing skills. He now possessed
a better-than-average left-jab. It was surprisingly quick, where before it was 'ponderous'.

His straight right-hand was still 'lacking-in-power', and it was more of a push. But, Primo now had a 'new found'
punch. It was the right-uppercut, which the Carnera Camp called 'the secret punch'.

But, Primo still looked a bit confused when his sparring-partners came in with a 'fast' offensive-burst. He tried to
maul them with his massive-arms, instead of covering-up or bending.

In Ring-Skills {footwork}, for a 6' 6" and 260 lb. 'big-footed lug', the Italian moved fairly well. For defense,
Primo now leaned back, as opposed to before when he just stepped forward and came in with countering-clubs
for punching.

Primo Carnera >
"When I fought Jack Sharkey the '1st-Time', I was too inexperienced. I didn't know how to step back or
roll-with-punches. I just came forward and tried to punch back when he was punching at me."

"He {Jack Sharkey} was the only fighter to ever put me down. I didn't know how to react to that, and I
was confused. This time it will be a different story. I will be putting him down, and for the 'count'. I'm a
'better boxer' now, not just a walk-in fighter."

[Bill Paxtom]

Jack Sharkey

1933 Sparring-Partners

* Hans Birkie ~ 6' 1" ~ 186 lbs. ~ Age; 24 1/2
Record ........ 28-18-3 {11 KO's}

* Vic Bernard ~ 5' 11" ~ 182 lbs. ~ Age; 22
Record ...... 7-3-0 {6 KO's}

* Bob Moody ~ 6' 1" ~ 204 lbs. ~ Age; 24
Record ..... 14-5-0 {8 KO's}

* Art Stillman ~ 6' 1' ~ 177 lbs. ~ Age; 26
Record ..... 37-8-3 {28 KO's}

The Champion opened up his Training Camp on May 2, 1933 in Orangeburg, New York
at 'Gus Wilson's Camp'.

Despite the rumors {of laziness} after a 1-Year lay-off, Chief Trainer - Tony Palosalla said that
he would have the Champion in 'prime condition'.

Tony Palosalla >
"With age comes added weight and strength. I want Jack coming in between 200 and 205 lbs.
He will box this 'Italian Bear' early, and give him a steady assortment of left-jabs to the face,
and left-hooks to the middle. We'll soften him, and then nail him."

Jack Sharkey >
"There will be little problem with Primo after 4-Rounds. I'll box him again, and set him up
for a Knockout this time. I won't play easy this time, and let him go the full 15-Rounds like
last time. I was too easy on him."

"I'll take him out in the 10th Round."

[Bill Paxtom]

Betting Odds

The Champion - Jack Sharkey opened up as a {2-1} Favorite in early May 1933.

But slowly the Odds 'dropped' to {7-5} as there was a lean towards the Italian Challenger,
as he looked much improved in Training Camp.

A few days before Fight Night, the Odds were near 'Even'.

Some bookies were laying {6-5} for Primo Carnera, as heavy money was coming in
from Italy and Europe.

This would be the 'first time' that a Challenger was 'favored' over a Heavyweight Champion.

On June 29, 1933 > The New York Times had the Champion - Jack Sharkey as a {6-5} Betting-Favorite.

[Bill Paxtom]

Bold Predictions

Tommy Burns {Former Heavyweight Champion}

Primo Carnera is the most amazing fighter that I have ever seen. His muscles have muscles.
He will be more than a formidable Challenger for the Champion.

I just can't see how Sharkey can win. I'm going with Carnera by Decision.

But, if he doesn't win this time, he will win it next time out for sure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Primo 'The Brooklyn Daily Eagle'

I just can't see how Primo can lose. He still is a bit clumsy, but he's too big and too strong
for the Champion.

Jack Sharkey has the look of a guy who has lost the desire to fight. I'm picking Primo to
end it late, sometime after the 12th Round. I'm picking the 13th Round.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed Hughes 'The Brooklyn Daily Eagle'

Jack Sharkey still has the experience. It will be a tougher bout this time than last time. But
Sharkey still has something left in those 'venomous fists'.

The Champion by a 15-Round Decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benny Leonard {Former Lightweight Champion}

Sharkey by Decision. Carnera is at least 1-Year away. He needs another year of fighting decent
guys, before he steps up in class.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Jack Sharkey vs. Primo Carnera ~

Round 1

0:02 > Primo was very quick to bolt from his corner, and met Sharkey at Center-Ring.
0:05 > Both were looking to counter.
0:12 > Sharkey leaped in and tried to throw a straight-right hand.
0:13 > Primo tied up the Champion.

0:15 > Primo shoves Sharkey off of him and out to Center-Ring.
0:17 > Both fighters have low-guards.
0:24 > Carnera is moving well.
0:28 > Carnera moves in and mauls the Champion, and slams in a right to the body.

0:29 > Carnera adds in a short right-uppercut to the chin.
0:37 > Carnera lands with a good left-hand to the Champion's face.
0:42 > Carnera moves in, and slams in a 'left-right'.
0:44 > Sharkey connects with '2' lefts to the body.

0:54 > Both fighters are feinting with left-hands.
1:04 > Sharkey makes a move forward.
1:09 > Carnera starts backing up to the front-left Corner.
1:10 > Carnera catches the Champion coming in with a big sweeping left-hook to the head.

1:11 > Sharkey is driven backwadrs and to his left and into the front-Ropes.
1:13 > Sharkey is clear-headed, and re-sets himself.
1:14 > Carnera is looking to load-up.
1:18 > Sharkey is jabbing with his left-hand now.

1:20 > Carnera is looking to counter.
1:30 > Carnera is 'pawing' with his left-hand.
1:32 > Carnera sends out '3' left-jabs to the Champion's face.
1:34 > Sharkey is looking to throw the straight-right hand.

1:35 > Carnera moves in close, and mauls the Champion, but misses with a 'right-left'.
1:38 > Carnera catches Sharkey with a pushing right-uppercut to the chin.
1:42 > Sharkey is 'short' with a left-jab.
1:45 > Carnera lands with a glancing 'left-right'.

1:48 > Carnera catches the Champion with a good left-hand as Sharkey is moving in.
1:50 > Both trade left-hands to the head.
1:54 > Carnera mauls the Champion, and scores with a 'left-right'.
1:56 > Sharkey counters with a 'right-left', and moves Carnera to the back-left Ropes.

1:58 > Carnera pushes Sharkey off of him, and out to Center-Ring.
2:00 > Carnera 'misses' with a straight-right.
2:08 > Carnera catches Sharkey with a big left-hook to the head.
2:09 > Sharkey 'stumbles to the back Ropes.

2:12 > Sharkey lands with a good left-hook to the body as Carnera moves in.
2:14 > Carnera counters with a short right to the body.
2:16 > Carnera backs up the front Ropes.
2:19 > Carnera lands with a 'glancing' right-uppercut.

2:22 > The Champion continues to press forward, as Carnera spins 180*, and backs to the back Ring area.
2:32 > Carnera lands with a fast 'right-left-right' to the head.
2:33 > The Champion is rocked backwards on his heels.
2:39 > The Champion comes back with a 'left-left' to the head.

2:41 > Carnera counters with a 'left-right'.
2:45 > Each fighter is measuring.
2:48 > The Champion lands with a short right-hand.
2:50 > Carnera mauls Sharkey.

2:55 > Both are looking to counter, while at Center-Ring.
3:00 > 'Bell'

Round 1 ...... Primo Carnera

[Mr140]

Primo was a side show who bear ened up killing in their fight as for sharkey he was a fighter with a shit chin so anything can happpen really. I am still shocked to this day that a guy like Max could beat a guy like Louis just because of a right hand i mean he mauled a guy he should not have beat.

[Bill Paxtom]

Primo was a side show who bear ened up killing in their fight as for sharkey he was a fighter with a shit chin so anything can happpen really. I am still shocked to this day that a guy like Max could beat a guy like Louis just because of a right hand i mean he mauled a guy he should not have beat.

Primo Carnera

By 1933,

Primo Carnera was a capable fighter. Yes, big and clumsy. But he could put punches together
better than you expected in 1932 and 1933.

The man was strong, and awkward enough to cause trouble.

And, Jack Sharkey's legs were going by the time he reached {Age; 30}.

He was also considered an 'old fighter' by 1933.

[Bill Paxtom]

Primo was a side show who bear ened up killing in their fight as for sharkey he was a fighter with a shit chin so anything can happpen really. I am still shocked to this day that a guy like Max could beat a guy like Louis just because of a right hand i mean he mauled a guy he should not have beat.

Primo Carnera

By 1933,

Primo Carnera was a capable fighter. Yes, big and clumsy. But he could punches together
better than you expected in 1932 and 1933.

The man was strong, and awkward enough to cause trouble.

And, Jack Sharkey's legs were going by the time he reached {Age; 30}.

He was also considered an 'old fighter' by 1933.

Round 2

0:02 > Again both fighters are quick to Center-Ring.
0:08 > The Champion is looking 'to lead', while Carnera is waiting 'to counter'.
0:11 > The fighters move in close, and clinch.
0:19 > Sharkey scores with good left-hand to the face.

0:22 > Sharkey moves in close, but misses with a 'left-right'.
0:23 > Carnera counters with a 'stiff'' right-hand to the head.
0:30 > Both fighters moves in close, and maul.
0:36 > Carnera looks both calm-and-confident.

0:45 > Both fighters are 'pawing' with left-jabs.
0:48 > The Champion starts to press forward.
0:52 > Carnera backs up to the right-side Ropes.
0:55 > Sharkey moves in, but can't find an opening.

1:00 > The Champion backs out.
1:02 > Carnera moves off the Ropes, and out to Center-Ring.
1:05 > Carnera fires off a 'right-left'.
1:06 > Sharkey counters with a left-hook.

1:25 > Both fighters are at Center-Ring, and each are looking for an opening.
1:30 > Sharley lands with good left-hook to the body.
1:32 > Sharkey catches the Challenger with a good left-hand to the face.
1:34 > Carnera is now backing away, and to the back-right Ring area.

1:44 > Sharley steps in, and lands with a good 'double' left-hook to the body.
1:47 > Carnera tries to counter with a left-hook to the head, but he's too slow.
1:49 > Carnera tries with another left-hook, but misses as the Champion ducks low.
1:52 > Carnera moves in, and grabs the Champion.

1:55 > Both 'trade' with body punches while in close.
2:00 > The fighters are back at Center-Ring.
2:06 > Both are 'feinting' each other with left-hands.
2:11 > Sharkey steps in, and scores with a medium-power 'left-right' to the mid-section.

2:15 > The Challenger ties up the Champion.
2:21 > Carnera backs up to the left-side Ropes.
2:30 > Both fighters are trading with 'light' left-hands.
2:45 > The action 'lulls'.

3:00 > 'Bell'

Round 2 ....... Jack Sharkey

[Bill Paxtom]

Round 3

0:02 > Again, both fighters 'bolt' from their corners at meet at Center-Ring.
0:09 > Each trade with 'left-right' punches.
0:12 > Carnera backs to the front Ropes.
0:15 > Carnera is looking for an opening to throw the right-hand.

0:25 > The Champion is pressing, and looking to fire.
0:31 > Both fighters move to Center-Ring.
0:36 > Sharkey tries with a 'right-left', but the punches fall just short.
0:43 > Carnera moves in close, and 'mauls'.

0:46 > Carnera swings and misses with a 'right-left'.
0:53 > Sharkey connected with a left-jab and left-hook to the Carnera's forehead.
0:56 > The Champion continues to 'press'.
1:00 > Carnera pushes out '3' left-jabs.

1:04 > Sharkey 'misses' with a big looping overhand-right, and stumbles forward to the front-Ropes.
1:08 > Sharkey backs out to Center-Ring.
1:15 > Carnera counters with left-jabs.
1:18 > The Champion is staying low, to avoid the jabs.

1:32 > The Champion tries with another 'right-left', but misses again.
1:35 > Carnera moves in close, and pushes the Champion back.
1:40 > Carnera lands with a light 'right-left'.
1:44 > Carnera scores with a left-jab, and then pushes Sharkey into the right-side Ropes.

1:45 > The Champion covers up with both gloves in front of his face, while he leans on the Ropes.
1:52 > Carnera scores with a 'slow' right-left to the Champion's head.
2:05 > Both fighters circle out to Center-Ring.
2:11 > Carnera lands with '2' light left-jabs.

2:20 > Sharkey moves forward, sends out 'pecking' left-jabs into the Challenger's mid-section.
2:25 > The Champion is measuring Carnera's mid-section with poking lefts.
2:30 > Carnera lands with a good right-hand to the body.
2:40 > The action 'lulls' over the last 20-Seconds.

Round 3 ............ 'Even'