A12

Paul Doiron — The Sweet Science

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As a kid growing up around the fight game, I remember my Dad talking about a lot of the great fighters from Canada from years gone by. He'd seen most of them in action, so he would tell me about some of their fights. One name that he mentioned was Blair Richardson.

Born on Jan. 1, 1941, the Nova Scotia-based Richardson went on to fight a total of 55 pro fights, winning 45 times during his 10-year career. During that time, he'd fight several world contenders, and he's made it all the way to the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Richardson turned pro at the age of only 15. He never fought any amateur fights, but that didn't slow him down any. He'd only lose once in his first 13 fights. In his 14th fight, held in Halifax on June 16, 1959, Blair would score a third round KO over Nick Kovac to win the Maritime Middle-weight title. He followed up the Kovac bout with 16 more straight wins before tasting defeat again. Two of those wins would be in Boston, Massachusetts, where he became a big fan favorite. (He'd fight in that American city a total of four times, winning every time).

Richardson would lose for the second time on Aug. 29, 1961, when he was stopped in the ninth round by the veteran Burke Emery. (Emery was fighting his 51st fight and had been in with many world class fighters during that time).

Following the Emery loss, Richardson bounced back with six straight wins. Then, on July 25, 1962, Blair would face the great Wilf Greaves in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Greaves had been good enough to score knockdowns in both of his bouts against Sugar Ray Robinson. (Robinson, a six time World Champ, has been called the greatest fighter in history). Greaves also fought a number of past or future World Champs in his career. In his fight with Greaves, Richardson would hit the deck a total of four times in the 10th and final round before the bout was stopped.

Only two months after that heartbreaking loss, Blair would gain revenge. On Sept. 29, Richardson would score an eighth round knock-out of Greaves and in the process lift Greaces' Canadian Middle-weight title from him.

Five months after winning the Canadian Crown, Blair travelled to New York City to tangle with the then 33-1 Joey Archer. (Archer would go on to challenge twice for the world middle-weight title. He'd also score wins over former World Champs Dick Tiger, Emile Griffith, Sugar Ray Robinson, Johnny Saxton and Denny Moyer.

Less than three months after the loss to Archer, Blair would meet Greaves in a rubber match with the Canadian title at stake. This time, Richardson boxed his way to a 12 round decision to retain the title. He then followed this up with six more straight wins.

Then, on Sept. 25, 1965, Richardson was rewarded for his ring success by earning a chance at the British Empire middle-weight title, held by Gomeo Brennan. Brennan had a record of 61 wins and 11 losses and was another fighter who had fought all the top guys in the world. (He would last into the 14th round in a 1971 try at the World Light Heavyweight title). The bout between Richardson and Brennan would be close until the 11th round, when Brennan would score a one-punch knockout with a right hand to the jaw.

Five months later, the two would lock horns again, in a re-match at Glace Bay's Miner's Forum. On March 26, 1966, Richardson would score the biggest victory of his career by getting a decision win over Brennan to win the British middle-weight Crown.

After the two hard-fought wars with Brennan, it seemed that Richardson would soon be in line for a shot at the world title. On June 20, 1966, he scored a fifth round TKO over Paul Christie. (This bout would be Richardson's only fight in N.B.) Only a month after the Christie fight, Blair would fight for the final time, fighting a 10 round draw with Isaac Logart. Logart was a veteran of over 100 Pro bouts. (He had been a Welterweight contender during the 1950s).

During Richardson's whole career, he had had problems with his hands. He was one of those fighters who hit too hard for his own good and he suffered bone fractures in several fights. During his career, the baby faced, soft-spoken Richardson built a tremendous following in the Sydney, Glace Bay and Halifax regions. He routinely thrilled capacity crowds with his electrifying knock-out victories.

He retired on June 16, 1967, saying that he had lost his viciousness. Following his boxing career, Richardson would earn Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in speech. He'd also earn Minors in Sociology and Theology. He taught speech for two years at Northwestern University and then joined the faculty at Emerson College in 1970. He was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

On March 6, 1971, the then only 31-year-old Richardson would pass away following surgery for a brain tumor. He and his wife Beverly were expecting their first child at the time. He was another Maritimer we can all be proud of.

Predictions

Results from last week's prediction for the Molitor vs. Labarda bout — I picked Molitor by decision and he won by 10th round TKO.

Next week's prediction: Sept. 6 — 10 rounds — Moscow, Russia — Heavy-weight — Oleg Maskaev vs. Robert Hawkins

My pick: Maskaev by decision

Next week: "Buddy" Fontaine

Don't forget: Keep your hands up and your chin tucked in.

Paul Doiron writes the only weekly boxing column in Canada. The former boxer is now an avid fan of the sport and shares his passion with others.