Amundson's Gym, contact Will Maylon. Believed to be Johnny Lovett, a Fort Lewis lightweight. He is wearing boxing shorts and boxing gloves, posing in a fighting stance in boxing ring. Photographs of boxers and posters announcing matches line the walls behind him. Johnny Lovett trained at Amundson's Gym and Will Maylon was a local matchmaker who arranged boxing matches at the Midway arena. (T.Times, 10/24/1945, p.9)

Boxers (Sports); Lovett, Johnny; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Gymnasiums;

Amateur boxer Dick Ross worked out under the instruction of Homer Amundsen in January 1945. Amundsen is wearing a body bag that allowed him to take punches to the stomach without being injured. Boxing was a popular sport in Tacoma during the 1940's. Boxing bouts were taking place at the State Armory ring, and many boxers were training at Amundsen's Gymnasium at 719 1/2 Commerce St. Homer Amundsen tried to supply the most modern training equipment for athletes. (T. Times, 1/15/45, p. 9).

Boxing--Tacoma; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Coaching (Athletics)--Tacoma; Exercise equipment & supplies; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Maxie Docusen was getting ready to defend his undefeated lightweight title at the Tacoma Ice Palace's 10 round boxing main event. Left to right view of Maxie Docusen, Sammy Cherin (trainer) and Jack Snapp, Tacoma adopted middleweight; in the ring at Kelly's Gymnasium (T.N.T., 4/28/49, p. C-8).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sporting goods; Physical fitness--Tacoma; Exercise equipment & supplies; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Kelly's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Docusen, Maxie; Filipinos--Tacoma;

In October of 1947, "Irish Bob" Kelly of Seattle admired his fighting stance as he prepared at Amundsen's Gym for his upcoming welterweight battle with Tacoma's Charley Johnston. The fight on October 16th at the Tacoma Ice Palace was the third meeting for the happy-go-lucky, debonair Kelly and the stoic, nordic looking Johnston. The first bout was a 6 round near draw awarded to Johnston and the second ended in the second round when Johnston landed a technical knock-out, opening a severe gash over Kelly's left eye. In front of 2100 fans, Johnston knocked out Kelly in the 4th round of the Oct. 16th fight. Johnston went on to have a career total of 17 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws. (T. Times, 10/14/47, p. 6; also 10/16, 10/17 sports section; www.boxrec.com).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Kelly, Bob;

In December of 1947, three Alpha Chi Nu sorority sisters chatted with Joe Manley, 155 pounds, at Amundsen's Gym, 719 1/2 Commerce, as he trained for his fight with Dick Elmore. The College of Puget Sound was hosting a "Logger Glove Show" for the first time in many years. College boxers from western Washington met at the CPS gym. There were eight, three round bouts, sponsored by the CPS Lettermen's Club. Joe Manley was trained by Frankie "Chi-Chi" Britt, ex-featherweight of the pro-ring. (T.Times 12/11/47 p.10) View of Alpha Chi Nu sorority girls with Joe Manley at Amundsen's Gym. TPL-8091

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Manley, Joe; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alpha Chi Nu (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

32-year-old "Newsboy" Millich, a seasoned heavyweight from Sacramento, California was ready to take on Tacoman Roy Hawkins in 1948. Their July 1st fight would be the main event in a Raleigh Sligar Card sponsored event at the Tacoma Armory. View of "Newsboy" Millich's promo photograph for the upcoming fight; the 200-pounder is working out at Kelly's Gymnasium, formerly Amundsen's Gymnasium. Hawkins would end up knocking out Millich in the third round. (T. Times, 6/23/48, p. 12; TNT 6-30-1948, p. 20; TNT 7-2-1948, p. 16-results of match).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Kelly's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Studio portrait of a boxer. Roger McCane has his gloved fists up in a traditional boxing pose when photographed in early January of 1979. He would be participating in the Tacoma Athletic Commission's annual Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament to be held on February 3, 1979, at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Boxing--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1970-1980; McCane, Roger;

Bobby Hicks, featherweight from the Chemeres Boxing Club of Seattle (in the dark trunks), takes a vicious punch to the head in his bout with Gil Durey on January 20, 1956. He ultimately beat Durey, an Oregon State College student, in the opening bout of the Eighth Annual Golden Gloves held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse by decision. Sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, the tournament attracted 59 entries from six major Northwest cities plus military representations. Going into the fight, Hicks had a record of thirteen knockouts in 29 fights. (Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission.) (TNT 1-20-56, p. 20, TNT 1-22-56, B-11)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Golden Gloves tournament. It appears that the boxer is winding up for a massive punch against his opponent during this semi-final match at the eighth annual Golden Gloves tournament on January 21, 1956. The amateur boxer to the left is believed to be Tommy Delveccio, representing the South Hill Club of Vancouver, B.C. His opponent, hair flying, may be Clifford Sam, Burns, Oregon, who lost to Delveccio in a decision. Delveccio went on to win the 139 pound class in a split decision over Ruggles Larson of the Seattle McPhersons Club. The Tacoma Athletic Club once again hosted the Golden Gloves. (TNT 1-22-56, B-11)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champions Joe Louis, second from left, and Max Baer, far right, signed autographs during a special appearance at Tacoma's B&I Circus Store, 8012 South Tacoma Way, on Saturday May 3, 1958. Joining them at the autograph tables were Frank Stojack (far left), professional wrestling standout and Pierce County Sheriff, and a fourth unidentified man. Boxers Louis and Baer had been flown by helicopter to the B&I from the Lakewood Villa Plaza where they had signed autographs earlier the same day. ALBUM 9.

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baer, Max, 1909-1959--Public appearances; Louis, Joe, 1914-1981--Public appearances; Stojack, Frank; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Kay St. Main Event. The Glide Rink is packed with spectators eagerly anticipating the main event boxing match on January 24, 1924. Three stern men, including the referee, observe two fighters in action. It is noticeable that the audience, apparently all male, is well dressed with suits and ties worn. Gene Cline of Oakland and Eddie Roberts of Tacoma headlined the card with a six-round bout. Roberts, a welterweight, decisioned Cline in a tough contest. The boxing match, along with other bouts, was sponsored by the Kay Street Athletic Club. G53.1-130 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-20-24, C-3-article; TDL 1-25-24, p. 10-article)

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sports spectators--Tacoma--1920-1930; Boxing--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cline, Gene; Roberts, Eddie;

There was more than one Jack Dempsey in the world of boxing. Although he shared the name of the famous boxer, "Jar 'em Jack" or "Young Jack" Dempsey was from Puyallup and would be facing Kid Kober of Everett in a six-rounder on September 17th of 1925; a bout that the light heavyweight would win by a knockout. This photo of the bare-chested Jack Dempsey with clenched fists and an intent look was taken in September of 1925 at an unidentified gym. G67.1-179 (TDL 9-14-25, p. 6-article; TNT 9-16-25, p. 26)

Dempsey, Jack; Boxers (Sports);

Composite photograph for advertisement for appearance by Jack Dempsey in Tacoma for the Junior League Milk Fund Benefit. The benefit was held at the Tacoma Stadium (Stadium Bowl) on Thursday, September 10, 1931. Although Mr. Dempsey and other boxers on the card were paid for their appearances, ticket proceeds funded the purchase of milk for needy Tacoma Public Schools students. Net proceeds totaled $1042 with Mr. Dempsey contributing $154.50 of his appearance fee. (TNT 8-28-31, p. 1-article; TNT 9-25-31, p. 1-article)

Dempsey, Jack, 1895-1983; Boxers (Sports); Advertisements--Tacoma;

In October of 1947, Bob Kelly, Seattle welterweight boxer, was determined to stop Tacoma's Charley Johnston when they met for the third time at the Tacoma Ice Palace. Their first bout was one of Tacoma's all time ring classics, a six round near draw awarded to Johnston. In the second bout, Kelly suffered a severe left eye gash requiring the State Examining Physician stop the fight. Kelly was ready to continue where things were left off, but unfortunately he went down to Johnston in a fourth round knockout in the October 16th fight. Kelly was managed by Eddie Marino. (T. Times, 10/14/47, p. 6).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Kelly, Bob;

Amundsen, Homer picture of boxer. Photo of unidentified boxer at Amundsen's Gymnasium.

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Amundsen, picture in studio of Dick Ross. Amundsen's gymnasium is well known for their boxing. Dick Ross on left with Homer Amundsen.

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Ross, Dick; Amundsen, Homer; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Armory picture of fighters for War Athletic Commission. Tacoma Athletic Commission hosted many tournaments at the Armory Ring. Eight unidentified boxers posing for picture at Armory Ring.

Boxing--Tacoma; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Raleigh Sligar was promoting and sponsoring a boxing event, the fight would be at the State Armory. View of boxer doing his promotional photos at Kelly's Gym, the boxer is ready for his upcoming fight.

African American boxers--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Kelly's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Tacoma Boxing Club (Tacoma);

Army boxers prepare at the YMCA for the upcoming benefit boxing show at the Armory, scheduled for October 24, 1941. The Young Mens' Business Club (YMBC) is sponsoring the show to raise money for the 103rd Anti Tank Unit's Athletic Fund. Pictured in the ring are Charles Rosengren, Art Gowan and Coach Ernie Jensen. Along the ropes are Art Erickson, Doc Angelo, Roy Regensberg, Spence Pitts, Grant Buck, Bill Springer, Mervin McAtee and Walter Cotter. (T. Times 10/21/1941 p.13)

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma; Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma);

Packing house building; shingled structure with overhang, boxes stacked under overhang. Rural location not provided. Photograph was taken on July 9, 1941.

Boxes; Buildings;

Lee Croft, left, and Harold Bird, right, strap on the boxing gloves as Honorary Referees for the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Golden Gloves Tournament, Feb. 8-9, at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The two long time buddies remained friends despite Bird's defeat of Croft in the 1950 Sheriff election. They had much in common, having both been professional boxers in their younger days. Croft, a promising young heavyweight in the early 1900's, was persuaded by his aristocratic family to trade in boxing for a grand tour of Europe, including English ancestral lands. His last professional bout was in 1910, although he maintained an interest in boxing and served as an official Board Member for the Tacoma Boys Club. He and Bird became friends in 1917, during WW I, when Bird was stationed here and boxed professionally as a light and welterweight. Bird eventually married a Tacoma girl and settled here. Croft became the proprietor of a local hotel and Bird became owner of Lumber Retail, a lumber and building supplies business, at 2301 South Tacoma Way before they branched off into civic duties. (TNT 1-28-1951, pg. B-10)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Croft, Lee; Bird, Harold;

ca. 1962. Portrait of young boxer in bare-fisted stance, ca. 1962. This is Denny Moyer, Portland middleweight. He was a former Tacoma Golden Gloves junior middle champion. Moyer would win an unanimous decision over former welterweight and middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson in a February 17, 1962, rematch at Madison Square Garden. The 22-year-old boxer had lost a previous decision to the 41-year-old Robinson. Moyer would gain the attention of the nation again when he fought welterweight champ, Emile Griffith, in a 10-round non-title event on August 18, 1962. He would lose to Griffith by a split decision in the nationally televised bout.(TNT 2-18-62, B-10, TNT 8-17-62, A-1, 8-19-62, A-1)

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Moyer, Denny;

Publicity picture for Golden Gloves. The Tacoma Athletic Commission was once again sponsoring the amateur boxing tournament, the Golden Gloves, during January, 1957. This event continued to attract entrants from across the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Welterweight Paul Olive of Tacoma poses for a studio portrait in the traditional boxing stance. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 1-18-57, C-13)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Olive, Paul; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Studio portrait of a boxer. This young man in stocking feet is poised to make a run in the annual Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament coming up in early February of 1979 at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The tournament had been sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission since 1949. A close-up of the boxer is D169239, image 5. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission.

Boxing--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Half-brothers Sugar Ray Seales (l) and Dale Grant (r) assume a typical boxing pose in this October, 1973, studio portrait. Tacoma was well represented at the 1972 Olympic games by Mr. Seales who would become the sole American boxing gold medal winner. His younger brother, Dale Grant, also was a notable local boxer who was named the US Amateur Boxer of the Year in '72 for his outstanding record. Mr. Seales was born in the Virgin Islands in 1952 while his father was stationed at an Army post there. He became involved in the Tacoma Boys Club in Tacoma after moving here in 1965 and was coached for many years by Joe Clough. Mr. Clough would resign as Mr. Seales' manager in May of 1973 after his first seven victories as a professional. Bill Dickson would then manage Mr. Seales. Photograph ordered by Larry Morris.

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Seales, Ray; Grant, Dale; Families--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey finds himself flanked by prominent Tacomans in this July 25, 1930, photograph taken on the veranda of the Tacoma Hotel. L-R Mike Lavelle, former Pantages manager and current Tacoma Hotel manager Jack Calvert, TNT sports writer Elliott Metcalf, Mr. Dempsey, Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, unidentified, and J. Frank Hickey, president of the elegant Tacoma Hotel. Mr. Dempsey was in town to referee the Tod Morgan - Joey Coffman match at the Greenwich Colliseum that evening. The bout was sponsored by the Kay Street Athletic Club. Mr. Dempsey was clearly the favorite attraction that night with cheers shaking the Colliseum's rafters. A record-breaking crowd was so loud in cheering him that he could not be heard in the ring. (TNT 7-25-30, p. 17-article; TNT 7-26-30, p. 4-article) G67.1-178

Dempsey, Jack, 1895-1983; Boxers (Sports); Hickey, J. Frank; Metcalf, Elliott; Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lavelle, Mike; Calvert, Jack; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

Boxing has been called the "sweet science". In this photograph from January, 1936, a group of unidentified young men from Tacoma watch intently as Morgan Jones conducts a class at the Tacoma Y.M.C.A. on the correct technique for working a punching bag. Mr. Jones has his initials embroidered on his silk boxing trunks. (T. Times).

Boxing; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma); Jones, Morgan;

Boys receiving instruction in self defense; offered by the Athletic Program at the WPA gym at So. 13th and Pacific Ave. The program was supervised by Frankie Britt who was assisted by Homer Amundsen (standing far right) and George Dixon. The boxing instruction program was offered every day at the gym to any boy who cared to participate. (T. Times 11/17/1938, pg. 20)

Boxing--Tacoma--1930-1940; Boxers (Sports); Amundsen, Homer;

Tommy James, Chicago-Tacoma Welterweight, will be taking on Tommy Egan of San Francisco, California in January of 1948. The two will be the main attraction in a ten round bout at Tacoma's State Armory in an event sponsored by promoter Raleigh Sligar.This event will be Raleigh Sligar's initial 1948 boxing card. View of Tommy James at Amundsen's Gym, photo ordered by Tacoma Boxing Club (T.N.T., 1/15/48, p. 23).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; African American boxers--Tacoma; Tacoma Boxing Club (Tacoma); Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); James, Tommy;

Tommy James had boxed against many prominent Welterweights including Tommy Bell, Lou Woods and Vern Patterson. Tommy James has a number of excellent fights in his record while his losses can be attributed to competing in the "Big Leagues." The Welterweight division is the main event in the upcoming boxing match held in January of 1948. View of Tommy James at Amundsen's Gym, photo ordered by Tacoma Boxing Club (T.N.T., 1/15/48, p. 23).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; African American boxers--Tacoma; Tacoma Boxing Club (Tacoma); Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); James, Tommy;