Interview with Bob Caico, Boxing Historian and Official
Can you tell me a little bit about the history of boxing in Buffalo?
Boxing in Buffalo has a long and important history. Many champions fought here and would temporarily call Buffalo their home in the late 1800’s. The first real Buffalo Champion was Frank Erne who grew up in Buffalo’s fruitbelt and was lightweight champion from 1899-1901. The 1920’s was a great decade for Buffalo as three world champions were crowned, Jimmy Goodrich, Rocky Kansas and Jimmy Slattery. Lou Scozza of Buffalo fought for the title but lost a majority decision to Maxie Rosenbloom at home in 1932. George Nichols and Tommy Paul from Buffalo won world titles with Paul becoming the last world champion from Buffalo.
The 1940’s was important decade and the last of regular boxing shows in Buffalo. Phil and Joe Muscato, Lee Oma, Johnny Green were some of the top fighters of the decade.
The 1950’s was a slow period with Joey Giambra being the top attraction. Since the 1960’s there has been sporadic highs for Buffalo. Dick Wipperman, Tommy Hicks, Vic Brown had their share of the spotlight…