American boxing in its golden era is presented. Television boomed in the years following WWII, and boxing was at its peak in the 1950’s; many of the legendary swingers had participated in the conflict and returned home to the ring. Filmmakers loved sports and boxing was no exception; fights were aired live on the weekends. This film features sluggers such as Chico Vejar, Clarence Henry, Bob Baker, Lulu Perez, and Willie Pep.

The first match pits Willie Pep against the sprite swinger Lulu Perez on February 26th, 1954 at Madison Square Garden. Boxing became so contagious in American culture it needed its own ring. This is where fighters came for recognition. This fight was shrouded in controversy as it was claimed it was fixed. Pep fought just 5 times in ’54 losing once only to Perez. Willie Pep (:10) launches up from his corner. Lulu swings fast at Pep (:13) who throws heavy hits back (:21). Heavy hits from Pep to Perez (:33). Perez toes away from Pep (:42) and sinks one hard to Pep’s jaw (:42). Pep goes down (:45). Perez keeps swinging (:58). Perez takes a slug to the face and sinks to his buttocks (1:36); head between knees. The knockdown follows in slow motion (1:44). Lulu stands over Perez (2:04). Willie’s back on his feet (2:22), but he’s getting blustered (2:26). The knockdown plays in slow motion (2:43). The ref lifts him; New York Boxing Commission rules three knockdowns in a single round means Willie’s comeback is shattered (2:48). Lulu jumps around in his corner (3:05); wounds licked and sweat moped. Bob Baker faces Clarence Henry; November 23, 1951. Baker was on a winning streak until this match. Henry won the 1948 Golden Gloves Tournament and was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998. The microphone hangs in front of the announcer (3:22). Baker (3:32) meets with white trunked Henry in the center of the ring. Heavy strokes from Baker (3:49). Henry sends quick jabs back (4:43). Baker sends a hard left hook (5:14). Baker goes down (5:21) head over the edge and knees over the rope (5:25). The ref drag him up (5:39). The knockout in slow motion (5:32). Chico Vejar faces Johnny “Red” DeFazio. Chico; “Stamford Socking Schoolboy,” was one of the more popular fighters during this era. Chico starred in ‘The Midnight Story’ in 1957. He later become a public relations expert. DeFazio was a 21 year older fighter from Jersey. Vejar (6:51) appears in black shorts. Chico pushes DeFazio around the ring (7:27). Chico sends two right hooks for DeFazio; (7:48) and (7:58). DeFazio wobbles back after another (8:12) leaving him flat arms outstretched (8:15). Chico stays on him (8:28). Red keeps taking hits (8:54) until sinking to his stool (9:03). Ref Miller calls the fight (9:26) in Chico’s favor. Bob Satterfield faces Elkin Brothers on January 19th of 1951. Satterfield was rated by Ring Magazine as ‘one of the best punchers of all time’. He had a kamikaze style of fighting. He also reportedly lived a double life as a boxer and a pimp. This was Satterfield’s debut in New York. Brothers appears in white trunks (10:15). Satterfield throws heavy swings (10:28) taking Brothers down. Satterfield sinks after a hard blow (11:39). A strong left hook sends Brothers to the ground (13:44). The Ref calls the fight in Satterfield’s favor (13:50). Joey Giardello faces Walter Cartier on February 5th 1954. Giardello adopted his name in order to join the army underage. His statue stands in Philadelphia. Cartier would later go on to begin an acting career starring in the sitcom “The Phil Silver’s Show”. A right to the jaw sends Cartier down (15:36). Slow motion footage (15:60). Cartier down again (17:58). Archie Moore faces Harold Johnson (18:26) on August 11th 1954. *Archie went on to train Muhammad Ali and co-starred in ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’.) Heavy swings from Archie (19:18). Johnson sinks (19:21). The Ref calls the fight (19:40). Archie approaches Johnson for a hug as he is called the winner and retains his title (19:44). Sugar Ray Robinson faces Carl Bobo Olson in December of 1955. Sugar Ray is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. During the years of ’43-’51 he went on an undefeated streak. Joe Lewis and Robinson served in the military together. Bobo obtained his boxing license at 16. Bout at Chicago Stadium (20:06). A close shot shows good hits from both (21:43). Ray sinks combo (22:43). Olson slumps back (22:54). He rolls to his feet at the count of ten (23:05). Sugar Ray jumps up as he takes the win (23:10).

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com