Remembering James , he was my roommate in the Marine Corp . We shared many humorous laughs and good times.. ; along with Mickie D . Dimond "James McDonald" from Northern Michigan ♥️ I am 61 years old now... It was my first acknowledgement about the tragic death of James the real Italian stalion. I cried ! Birds of a feather seemed to mesh together ! I am deeply saddened . Tears ! Tears !
Thinking back into some of my my favorite memories of my younger years..... Knowing "James Salerno " main side Camp Lejeune NC . James "Dimond " McDonald " , "Franky Lee Warren " what a talented squad ! We were all members of the USMC Boxing team. I never had a boring moment in the presence of "James Salerno" We were quite an odd pair. I was the more serious disciplined Marine. ; And James Salerno , " James McDonald " and Franky Lee Warren always had a smile for everyone that they met ! I was fortunate to have known these gentlemen. All known for being warrior's . Rest in Pesce James Salerno ! De su amigo Narciso Ibarra Would love to hear from. Dimond James McDonald , Or Franky Lee Warren . Narciso Ibarra Toledo ohio.
Can we all just thank Rich for doing the lord's work with these mini-docs. So many great fighters with great stories, tragedies, the almost-greats, the most colorful characters that don't usually get the attention. Rich keeps bringing it and I'm grateful.
Absolutely. Rich deserves a lot of credit for what he does. You can see how much he loves the sport to put all this time and research and knowledge of the sport and present it to fans of the sport. I've thanked him numerous times for educating me on so many Boxers that I never heard of and the life stories of those who I did know. Or at least, who I thank I knew. Thanks again for everything you do Rich. And u have the perfect voice to narrate these stories too. Much respect 🙏 👏 🙌
Indeed! I don't know how old Rich is but as someone who was born in '74 I remember watching quite a few of these boxers on TV as a kid. These CZcams videos of *Rich's* bring so much nostalgic feeling back. It really feels like a different World now. I'm old enough to remember when there were only _two_ genders and inviting a _"drag queen"_ to striptease in schools would be met with five across the eyes, not applause.
@@dududu5189 I suppose it was expected that the first waves of youtube mini-docs would cover the biggest champions. A few years ago I noticed 'Rummys Corner' was catching up on the lesser-known but still bigger careers (Andrew Golota for example) and Rich is now bringing us those champs and contenders that were great stories.. well mind you 'at the time' many of these were pretty big deals with lots of coverage but now their making their comebacks. Maybe Rich can do 'request surveys' and see if us oldies can come up with a few greats. Just recently I was thinking of 'Donny Lalonde' because I may have grown up around the Lalondes at some point. The fighter who was warned "great but you can't become champ with only a right-hand" and proved them wrong. I can't remember if Rich did another Canadian but George Chuvalo is a helluva tragic (and also inspirational) and bittersweet and terrible story. Sometimes these 'also rans' have the far more amazing stories and really did more against more odds than the superheroes of the boxing world. By the way, if I had to pick a HW request right now: Tim Witherspoon. He even has an active YT channel now.
I'm really impressed with this. He was the last fighter I remember my grandfather saying keep an eye on this kid, the night he fought Charles Williams on TV. He died a few months later. I'm really moved by this.
@@frankpaya690 well according to his parents he had very poor character outside the ring. Until he went to the marines. But deep down he was a loving person who loved the sport.
I feel so sorry for the guy he had the height butt had no punching power spinks would had kill him with all do respect trying you dont imitate ali by dancing but by trowing punches and fast
Was he just randomly taken or in an odd spot trying to be a wigger wigger?? I am just wondering it could be either, I respect him for getting in the ring and trying to learn from Muhammad Ali, but I see that he wanted to be black. On a SUPERFISCIAL level. I forgive him for that though
@@victorguerrero6960 Exactamundo. Nailed it. Ali backed his showboating and speed with a rapid fire hammer punches. U don't Knock out monsters like Liston , Foreman, Lyle, Shavers, Bonavena and Cleveland Williams if U can't punch.
Another tale brought to life for those like myself that had never heard of. The biggest robbery was how he tragically had his life taken from him. Such a talented and affable young guy inside and out of the ring. Thanks Rich for sharing!
it puts me in mind of Vernon Forrest's early death(which still bothers me) by murder. but why can't I remember this fighter? he had Dundee AND Patterson in his corner. and he was Italian. thanx, Rich.
Never heard of this lad but for someone who knew what he wanted to do with his life at a young age sure is gonna make the difference in the sport they love. Love the documentary well put together and definitely an unknown boxer who would have changed the sport with the love he showed in and out of the ring. Thank you pal
I’m a die hard boxing fan and I had never heard of him! Thanks for the introduction! It’s always nice learning about boxers in the history of the best sport in the world.
Yes I really liked this kid,he had a good spirit.but he wanted to challenge George Foreman'.that was sucidal.thiis one of many sad stories.good kid. sad.
There are very few fighters i'm not aware of but Salerno is one of them ! Thank you Rich, i'm a true lover of the sport of boxing and with your channel i'm able to feed my hunger of learning new stuff..
Great yu are the man I need to talk to...How would a Tyson in his prime fare in mma heavy weight..With lighter gloves his knock out power would be deadly
@@waltermorris5786 Wow i cannot imagine a prime Tyson with 4 once glove with a few jujitsu and grappling skills ! Would've been UFC champion forever! Sorry for the late reply have a nice day..
When i was fighting out of joe fraziers gym 1980-1982 i was having a rough time getting knocked around and i will never forget after sparring, this white guy came over and started talking to me and giving me advice which i really appreciated.There werent too many white fighters in joes gym at the time i think was myself and tex cobb so i was like who was that? Sure enough it was jim salerno.No clue what he was doing up in philly but i remember spinks was in joes gym alot at that time.
Around that time my brother was out of Montgomery County Boys Club fight amateur under Steve Traitz Sr was. He actually trained Matthew Saad Muhammad who was know as Matt Franklin. Those were some great days for boxing. I was sure Braxton was gonna beat Spinks. We were shocked when he lost. Anyway great story Michael and I am now a subscriber.
Didn't know who he was before this but his story really touched me - beyond being good on the mic, his talent, and his determination to pick up a pair of gloves and go train under Dundee, he seemed like a genuinely good guy. You can just tell from the look on their face when someone feels they belong in the ring, and Salerno was one of those guys. Incredibly sad how his life turned out...may he rest in peace and condolences to his friends and family. Thanks a lot for shining some light on this after so many years, big respect.
Salerno was one of those fighters that just could not take that 'next" step...He just never had that really great fight at the right time.....Once again, an excellent video Rich!!
He lost many key fights including matches with leslie stewart and charles williams. Dont forget back in the 80s it was much harder to get a world title shot without a good unbeaten run against top ten contenders and then you needed good promoters and managers.
@@prodigyboxing9644 murray sutherland was good boxer and probably would have won. Salerno seemed to always lose to world champions or future world champions.
James Salerno was best friends with my dad who was also a fighter..my grandfather trained James and I was also named after him.. interesting story... Muhammad Ali actually took him and my father out to eat when they were 13!
I really thought I had a vast knowledge of boxing. ESPECIALLY the 80's as that was my era when I was in high school. AGAIN you put up a guy I never heard of! He fought many guys who I knew and still managed to miss him. Thank you as always for a great video
We’re in the same boat there lol. I can’t excuse myself for missing James, those where my years, I thought I knew every good boxer back then. I was proven wrong.
Well Dwight Muhammad Qawi was a champion and more prolific than James Salerno that's probably what the man is commenting on both having the same record, but yes it's not an unusual record to have if you've been boxing for a while especially back in the days boxers back then took chances whether they were ready or not👊👊
Another excellent documentary you have put together. Professional boxing has got to be the toughest route to making a living that there ever was. I cannot imagine the mental strenght and conditioning a person must be in to succed in this discipline and there are never any assurances of happiness.
Like all things, the younger a person starts in the boxing sport, the more confident they build for the ring, gives them the mind conditions of their best performance in the ring, just like riding a bike, or education, study shows that little children are reading at the ages thought to be impossible, humans are so much more talented than we know, but the younger is the best performance of any sport or education or instrumental experience achievements, believe it or not, lawyers have lawyers, doctors have doctors, singers have singers, but their not born that way, they're tought that way from very young, thank you for sharing your comment with me,
Great documentary once again Rich. There is no better channel than this one when it comes to paying respect to so many fighters who stepped in the ring. They're all champions for giving up a normal life and dedicating their lives to a vicious yet beautiful sport. And you're a champ too Rich for all the time and work u put into your work here. I keep learning more about Boxers I already knew and learn about so many that I never heard of. Great work my friend. And that memorial by Salernos family was beautiful. What a tribute to a life that was taken away much too soon. May he rest in peace 🙏
What a great documentary. I had heard of James Salerno but didn't know his story. What a tough kid, with enormous talent. He got robbed in the Prince Charles Williams fight from what I saw in the footage. Looked like he came on strong in the latter rounds after being in trouble earlier in the fight. I used to box amateur and if people only knew how hard it is to knock another fighter off their game plan like that. He deserved better inside and outside the ring.
@@xxcrump3575 The only bum is you. These men are a part of the history of a great sport. They had the balls to step inside that rind and fight. You never did and will never be remembered by anyone.
Look at the physiques on these old fighters and try and tell me 95% of athletes these days ain't on steroids. It ain't cheating anymore it's leveling the playing field
The irony is too that these old school guys naturally had much higher test levels on average starting out, than today's athletes do, so it's probably degrees worse than you'd originally guess
Yes, I thank you for your channel and all the hard work you do. You enlighten me and educate me on such interesting truths, as I love boxing and what you share with us we can't find anywhere else. I'm a 70 year old lady, and love boxing all my life. You reach a large audience, I applauded you for your content. I subscribed, you are respected by me, just an old lady who admires your content and efforts. Much appreciated.
Discovered this channel last week... EVERY bit of every video I have seem has been extremely entertaining! Can't get enough of it! You're like a Boxing history channel
So strange I was too much into boxing in those years he fought, but surprisingly I never heard about him. He was such a good fighter, I don’t know how I missed him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I think coming into the professional ranks at such a young age really ruined a lot of the potential he had to take him to take into that next level from a contender to a championship caliber fighter.
He was too much his own boss/guardian at a teen age while being plunged into rougher environments he hadn't been around previously to gain the street smarts/experience that might allow him to better deal & resist any corrupting or debilitating influences they could have. Those years when he had part of his mind occupied with the fast women and streets, and eventually jail/the legal system, were huge huge developmental ones, where he could've been instead grinding out a champion's discipline and mindset. His mother was entirely correct in wanting him at home and finishing high school, it would've kept things much more simple for him when he probably needed em that way
He had a good heart,, from a young boy he knew what he wanted to do,and had the talent,,to be a great Boxer, some of us never find what we want to do,,at any age,,,,R.I.P.
The robbery of Salerno against Stewart was absolutely atrocious!...James Salerno so clearly won that fight!... And it was so crucial a bout, and went so unnoticed by so much of the Boxing world......
Man - you put the most beautiful mini boxing documentaries I’ve found. I love your stuff. Simply superb editing and shining a light on boxers many would never have heard of. Brilliant.
He was doing fine after he came out of the ring.A veteran and had a business going for him and even had a truck.May not be much but he was doing alright. Unfortunately things ended in a tragedy.
Good storytelling, bud. You really had me captivated to this story and I never heard of James Salerno before this video. Sad ending to a decent life. R.I.P.
Turning pro at 15 pity he didn’t listen to his mum and then turned pro a few years later and could you imagine if he had the same backing at what you would get in boxing today we would have had one of the greatest most humble loyal boxer ever again an amazing documentary and I’m only half way through it
A talented fighter who nearly made it to the top, should have gotten the win with Stewart, he always gave his opponents a hug,a man who embraced life Rip James from Dublin Ireland
I'm Louisville ky born and raised the home of the greatest Muhammad Ali. I've never heard of Salerno the white Ali but i am sure glad to learn of him. Great content 🥊👍🏾
Once again, thanks Rich. I have become addicted to watching these great videos. I had never of James Salerno despite being a boxing aficionado. The way he went fills me with sadness.
Interesting video! I can't say I've ever heard of James Salerno although my eyes must felt upon his name in the magazines. I wonder: Has the guy that killed him ever been caught?
Good question that I couldn't find the answer to. There is a book written on him that may have the answer to that...I read on a forum that it was a cold case but I can't really use that as a source. I didn't come across anything online of anyone charged and tried for his murder.
Rich! It’s been a few since I’ve seen one of your great videos. I can’t thank you enough for bringing these stories to life for those of us that never saw him. Very sad ending but I believe he was saved and knew our Lord and Savior. God bless you for all that you do. 🙏🏼😁. 🐜
This guy is the epitome of peaking young. I remember a write up in one of the boxing magazines mentioning him as the new Ali. I saw his fights with Leon "Night Life" McDonald. Jimmy Young beat Jeff Sims in the co-feature.
James and I grew up together and were lifelong friends. I was 8 and he was 10 when we first met. My Father,Brother Robbie and myself were all boxers. James got his first start training at our home. The Ali Story was actually in Orlando. Ali did a charity event at the Orlando Sports stadium as part of an amateur feature. I was wit James during the Floyd Patterson years. i was in the music business at the time.I kept telling James to put away the "music" but James never listened. To anyone. He had a heart of gold he really did. He was at my Wedding on June 26 1999. I was working in retail furniture sales and doing very well. I told James "when I get back from my honeymoon,I will help you get a Job. He was the greatest salesman ever.He would have done well and it would have given him some stabilty. He was murdered on August 1st. 1999. I never got a chance to speak with him again. Thank you Rich. Well done
Those kind words do you great credit Larry. . What great memories you have . More than most of us I'd guess. Not being forgotten is what we all wish for .
Because of you, I would have never given a second thought about a boxer like Salerno. But your depiction, and the fashion of how you tell this man's story is so compelling. Thank you for doing what you do for the boxing community.
I loved the Documentry, this boy could box but he didnt have that knockout punch needed in some fights. He seemed a lovely young man, so tragically taken away. RIP fella.
You really have found a good niche you touch on stories no one ever heard of fighters that should be heard of and/or not thank you. for your contribution to the history of boxing
A man who trained hard, who wanted to give his family a good living, who put his life on the line in the name of the noble sport. to be killed by a coward with a gun, is so unfair. RIP James.
A haunting yet inspiring tale. Salerno was real boxing master , he loved it . We all have things that hold us back so I won't judge his mistakes. James you had a dream and you followed it , I give you credit for that .R.I.P James , may you and Ali spar whenever you like in heaven 🙏🙏❤️❤️
You're exactly right. I knew him from our Marine Corps days and he had a real hard time focusing - like a distracted child. Quite similar(all the TALENT&ABILITY but a tad reckless) to another friend/roommate - Charlie "White Lightning" Brown, who also died a relatively young death.
I've never heard of James Salerno until now. You definitely can't say he didn't have heart. He had the heart of a tiger. I've not a boxer myself but I've watched and studied all weight classes of boxing and MMA in learning the fundamentals of the sport(s) and the body dynamics of what makes a good or even great fighter. Salerno had height and reach advantage over most all his opponents and should have capitalized on that. His technique and physique could have used improvement. Being as tall as he was and fighting shorter and quicker opponents takes a lot of energy. It seems that quite often he would drop his guard and expend too much energy throwing many low impact blows for points instead having a proactive defense and waiting for the opportunity to deliver the powerhouse blows from the hips and shoulders that generate knockouts. A swing and a miss uses twice as much energy as a solidly landed blow or hit. This is true with baseball, as well. I feel that despite his height he should have tried to land more uppercuts.
Tragic ended to a colourful person and a good boxer who just didn’t have that extra something that’s required to get to championship level. I must admit Rich that Salerno slipped by me regarding remembering his career. During the 80s I purchased as many boxing magazines as I could, I must of read about some of his fights. Being from the UK his fights wouldn’t of been shown on TV so I don’t have a recollection of him. Great personality though in front of the camera. He needed big management behind him with deep pockets to entice the big names at that time. Spinks was thinking of heavyweights and eyeing up a Holmes fight a guess. Great research for the footage Rich, you are a superb accolade to boxing history.
I was thinking all the way through seeing the seeing the fight footage, that when James was doing well and put a combination together, he'd move in too close and clinch instead of following up. I was also thinking a big puncher would always beat him. Then at the end he fought Qawi who was old and he still did it. Sad story for James he must have been very frustrating to train
Yes, wasn't dedicated, wasn't guided to the " next level", , with the talent he possessed . But floating on a cloud.... and where were those who could have grounded him?
@@toddfrancis8428 Yeah! If he won't listen to Angelo Dundee? Well there's no helping him! Also did you notice he ALWAYS got caught when he Ali shuffled, yet he kept doing it! I still wished he'd do better though and hated to see that talent wasted
Actually a very good technical fighter, height and jab, great movement. Never knew this guy but great video and narrative...such a shame how he lost his life, a guy who got out of boxing at the right time and whose Family loved him. Another wonderful video 👍
His parole officer is f***kn him, how do you pull that off: talking about YTE privilege. If a parole officer tried that shysh in the Carolina's they'd be crucified and both would land in jail.SMDH.
I think you're doing a most wonderful job with these documentaries, they are the best I have ever seen. Keep up the great job. I would like to see a documentary on my countryman Leslie 'tiger' Stewart
Wow, thanks so much, that is a story I had never heard, not even a little bit. Sad story. Ali was a huge inspirati0on for many people that age. Thanks for telling it.
Remember watching him fight growing up. It was a case of very good but not quite great. But he broke even with a few champions so he was right there, definitely world class.
I had no knowledge of this man's existence until now , as always a big thanks 🙏🏻👍🏻🙂
🥊❤️🥊
Thanks for watching, LB
@@RichtheFightHistorian you know it, RtFH
It's because this entire story is made up. Seriously. They are doing it a lot these days.
Wow one hundred likes, thanks guys :)
Remembering James , he was my roommate in the Marine Corp . We shared many humorous laughs and good times.. ; along with Mickie D .
Dimond "James McDonald" from Northern Michigan ♥️
I am 61 years old now...
It was my first acknowledgement about the tragic death of James the real Italian stalion.
I cried !
Birds of a feather seemed to mesh together !
I am deeply saddened .
Tears ! Tears !
Thanks for sharing sir
I am sorry for your loss. I'm saddened by his tragic demise but you actually knew the man.
Thinking back into some of my my favorite memories of my younger years.....
Knowing "James Salerno " main side Camp Lejeune NC .
James "Dimond " McDonald " , "Franky Lee Warren " what a talented squad !
We were all members of the USMC Boxing team.
I never had a boring moment in the presence of "James Salerno"
We were quite an odd pair.
I was the more serious disciplined Marine. ; And James Salerno , " James McDonald " and Franky Lee Warren always had a smile for everyone that they met !
I was fortunate to have known these gentlemen.
All known for being warrior's .
Rest in Pesce James Salerno !
De su amigo Narciso Ibarra
Would love to hear from.
Dimond James McDonald ,
Or Franky Lee Warren .
Narciso Ibarra Toledo ohio.
@@narcisoibarra1307
awesome tribute!
God bless.from Michigan
Can we all just thank Rich for doing the lord's work with these mini-docs. So many great fighters with great stories, tragedies, the almost-greats, the most colorful characters that don't usually get the attention. Rich keeps bringing it and I'm grateful.
Thanks for the support, Top Super Seven
Absolutely. Rich deserves a lot of credit for what he does. You can see how much he loves the sport to put all this time and research and knowledge of the sport and present it to fans of the sport. I've thanked him numerous times for educating me on so many Boxers that I never heard of and the life stories of those who I did know. Or at least, who I thank I knew. Thanks again for everything you do Rich. And u have the perfect voice to narrate these stories too. Much respect 🙏 👏 🙌
Could not have said better brother. Rich is a gem of a guy and these short docs are nothing short of humanitarian efforts. We are truly blessed. 🥊🙏
Indeed!
I don't know how old Rich is but as someone who was born in '74 I remember watching quite a few of these boxers on TV as a kid.
These CZcams videos of *Rich's* bring so much nostalgic feeling back.
It really feels like a different World now.
I'm old enough to remember when there were only _two_ genders and inviting a _"drag queen"_ to striptease in schools would be met with five across the eyes, not applause.
@@dududu5189 I suppose it was expected that the first waves of youtube mini-docs would cover the biggest champions. A few years ago I noticed 'Rummys Corner' was catching up on the lesser-known but still bigger careers (Andrew Golota for example) and Rich is now bringing us those champs and contenders that were great stories.. well mind you 'at the time' many of these were pretty big deals with lots of coverage but now their making their comebacks.
Maybe Rich can do 'request surveys' and see if us oldies can come up with a few greats.
Just recently I was thinking of 'Donny Lalonde' because I may have grown up around the Lalondes at some point. The fighter who was warned "great but you can't become champ with only a right-hand" and proved them wrong.
I can't remember if Rich did another Canadian but George Chuvalo is a helluva tragic (and also inspirational) and bittersweet and terrible story.
Sometimes these 'also rans' have the far more amazing stories and really did more against more odds than the superheroes of the boxing world.
By the way, if I had to pick a HW request right now: Tim Witherspoon.
He even has an active YT channel now.
I'm really impressed with this. He was the last fighter I remember my grandfather saying keep an eye on this kid, the night he fought Charles Williams on TV. He died a few months later. I'm really moved by this.
Ur comment really hit home much love fae bonnie Scotland
Was that prince Charles Williams?.. Former champion of the world?
Ah Prince Charles Williams. Brings back memories
@@bigtoelittlefinger6133 Thank you.
@@spiderreed350 The very same.
Very well done memorial for a young man who deserves to be remembered- I know his family is grateful for your excellent tribute to James.
What sad story. You could tell he really loved the sport and being in the ring. He always hugged his opponent and gave them respect.
Tells me a lot about the man in terms of his character
@@frankpaya690 well according to his parents he had very poor character outside the ring. Until he went to the marines. But deep down he was a loving person who loved the sport.
I feel so sorry for the guy he had the height butt had no punching power spinks would had kill him with all do respect trying you dont imitate ali by dancing but by trowing punches and fast
Was he just randomly taken or in an odd spot trying to be a wigger wigger?? I am just wondering it could be either, I respect him for getting in the ring and trying to learn from Muhammad Ali, but I see that he wanted to be black. On a SUPERFISCIAL level. I forgive him for that though
@@victorguerrero6960 Exactamundo. Nailed it. Ali backed his showboating and speed with a rapid fire hammer punches. U don't Knock out monsters like Liston , Foreman, Lyle, Shavers, Bonavena and Cleveland Williams if U can't punch.
Another tale brought to life for those like myself that had never heard of. The biggest robbery was how he tragically had his life taken from him. Such a talented and affable young guy inside and out of the ring. Thanks Rich for sharing!
My pleasure, oncall21
@@jreaddy77 By 'mirroring' do you mean duplicating it?
@@jreaddy77 No, please don't do that. I appreciate you asking me beforehand though.
To be brought down by somebody trying to steal his truck is just plain wrong...RIP, James.
it puts me in mind of Vernon Forrest's early death(which still bothers me) by murder. but why can't I remember this fighter? he had Dundee AND Patterson in his corner. and he was Italian. thanx, Rich.
I found out my sisters boyfriend is related to him
Are you still surprised by this bs?
@Mark Underwood Over a fucking truck !
This guy was 500 miles from being another Ali,still shameful how his life ended
Life can be so cruel.
He was a good guy who gave life a good shot.
R.I.P.
Never heard of this lad but for someone who knew what he wanted to do with his life at a young age sure is gonna make the difference in the sport they love. Love the documentary well put together and definitely an unknown boxer who would have changed the sport with the love he showed in and out of the ring. Thank you pal
Sure thing, P P
I’m a die hard boxing fan and I had never heard of him! Thanks for the introduction! It’s always nice learning about boxers in the history of the best sport in the world.
He was a good boxer and seemed a nice character too. What a shame he died the way he did. What a tragedy. God rest him. 💥🥊
Yes I really liked this kid,he had a good spirit.but he wanted to challenge George Foreman'.that was sucidal.thiis one of many sad stories.good kid. sad.
unlike the draft dodger
@@onlythewise1 you are not very wise are you? 🤡
@@onlythewise1 you stool pigeons love to die for your elite masters. Go fight for Zelensky ya BUM
He wasn't tho..
There are very few fighters i'm not aware of but Salerno is one of them ! Thank you Rich, i'm a true lover of the sport of boxing and with your channel i'm able to feed my hunger of learning new stuff..
Glad I can do that, frenchgoldenboyfan, thanks for the support.
Same here brother. I've heard of a few of his opponent's, Leslie Stewart,Prince Charles Williams and others.
Great yu are the man I need to talk to...How would a Tyson in his prime fare in mma heavy weight..With lighter gloves his knock out power would be deadly
@@waltermorris5786 Wow i cannot imagine a prime Tyson with 4 once glove with a few jujitsu and grappling skills !
Would've been UFC champion forever! Sorry for the late reply have a nice day..
Superb and gripping narrative. The best boxing channel by a country mile!
I appreciate the support, Tint, thank you.
RIP Warrior - not forgotten (from England).
Nicely said brother
When i was fighting out of joe fraziers gym 1980-1982 i was having a rough time getting knocked around and i will never forget after sparring, this white guy came over and started talking to me and giving me advice which i really appreciated.There werent too many white fighters in joes gym at the time i think was myself and tex cobb so i was like who was that? Sure enough it was jim salerno.No clue what he was doing up in philly but i remember spinks was in joes gym alot at that time.
Thanks for sharing, yeah Salerno trained at Frazier's gym and Ali's camp in Deer Lake for a spell.
Around that time my brother was out of Montgomery County Boys Club fight amateur under Steve Traitz Sr was. He actually trained Matthew Saad Muhammad who was know as Matt Franklin. Those were some great days for boxing. I was sure Braxton was gonna beat Spinks.
We were shocked when he lost.
Anyway great story Michael and I am now a subscriber.
Wow what a gem of a story, I never heard of this guy but after watching this video i'll never forget him
same.
Richard, say hello 👋to your Bother Mark for an appreciative American fan of his 🏊♂️
Didn't know who he was before this but his story really touched me - beyond being good on the mic, his talent, and his determination to pick up a pair of gloves and go train under Dundee, he seemed like a genuinely good guy. You can just tell from the look on their face when someone feels they belong in the ring, and Salerno was one of those guys. Incredibly sad how his life turned out...may he rest in peace and condolences to his friends and family. Thanks a lot for shining some light on this after so many years, big respect.
Thanks for the kind words, Adam.
Salerno was one of those fighters that just could not take that 'next" step...He just never had that really great fight at the right time.....Once again, an excellent video Rich!!
He lost many key fights including matches with leslie stewart and charles williams. Dont forget back in the 80s it was much harder to get a world title shot without a good unbeaten run against top ten contenders and then you needed good promoters and managers.
Would have liked to see how he fared against Murry Surherland
@@prodigyboxing9644 murray sutherland was good boxer and probably would have won. Salerno seemed to always lose to world champions or future world champions.
James Salerno was best friends with my dad who was also a fighter..my grandfather trained James and I was also named after him.. interesting story... Muhammad Ali actually took him and my father out to eat when they were 13!
I just noticed that I am watching this on Salerno's birthday!!!! Happy Birthday James!! 🎂
I really thought I had a vast knowledge of boxing. ESPECIALLY the 80's as that was my era when I was in high school. AGAIN you put up a guy I never heard of! He fought many guys who I knew and still managed to miss him. Thank you as always for a great video
My pleasure, Brian.
Yep me too but never heard of this guy.
We’re in the same boat there lol. I can’t excuse myself for missing James, those where my years, I thought I knew every good boxer back then. I was proven wrong.
Same here.
Wasn't the 1980s a great decade of boxing? HVYWT div wasn't great til Mike but lower divisions were
That was an awesome tribute to this fallen warrior. Great work
Thanks, Joe.
Dude, your videos are always both interesting and informative. I love seeing your sub-rate rise. You've earned every one you get.
The Artist Formerly Known As Shitlord. Great name 😅👍👍👍
Thanks so much.
@@tonydean2541 😁 Cheers, dude.
@@RichtheFightHistorian No worries, my dude. Please keep the videos coming. 😊
Fun fact: Salerno ended his career with the same exact record as Qawi: 41-11-1
That's crazy
@@play2winboxingchannel92 no its not
@@mr.t658 why’s that?
@@IMTWOHUGE plenty of guys may have the same record. its nothing crazy
Well Dwight Muhammad Qawi was a champion and more prolific than James Salerno that's probably what the man is commenting on both having the same record, but yes it's not an unusual record to have if you've been boxing for a while especially back in the days boxers back then took chances whether they were ready or not👊👊
Another excellent documentary you have put together. Professional boxing has got to be the toughest route to making a living that there ever was. I cannot imagine the mental strenght and conditioning a person must be in to succed in this discipline and there are never any assurances of happiness.
Thanks, Tim. Agreed on your point.
Like all things, the younger a person starts in the boxing sport, the more confident they build for the ring, gives them the mind conditions of their best performance in the ring, just like riding a bike, or education, study shows that little children are reading at the ages thought to be impossible, humans are so much more talented than we know, but the younger is the best performance of any sport or education or instrumental experience achievements, believe it or not, lawyers have lawyers, doctors have doctors, singers have singers, but their not born that way, they're tought that way from very young, thank you for sharing your comment with me,
Great documentary once again Rich. There is no better channel than this one when it comes to paying respect to so many fighters who stepped in the ring. They're all champions for giving up a normal life and dedicating their lives to a vicious yet beautiful sport. And you're a champ too Rich for all the time and work u put into your work here. I keep learning more about Boxers I already knew and learn about so many that I never heard of. Great work my friend. And that memorial by Salernos family was beautiful. What a tribute to a life that was taken away much too soon. May he rest in peace 🙏
Thank you for the support, Carlos.
What a great documentary. I had heard of James Salerno but didn't know his story. What a tough kid, with enormous talent. He got robbed in the Prince Charles Williams fight from what I saw in the footage. Looked like he came on strong in the latter rounds after being in trouble earlier in the fight. I used to box amateur and if people only knew how hard it is to knock another fighter off their game plan like that. He deserved better inside and outside the ring.
Nice work on getting this quality footage together. I’d forgotten all about USA network boxing until I saw this
I’d never heard of this guy and this story was heartbreaking 😔
Me either and I followed boxing back than and watched USA and ESPN boxing every week,also network bouts.I don't know how this guy slipped me.
He only fought bums, that's why you never heard of him.
@@xxcrump3575 The only bum is you. These men are a part of the history of a great sport. They had the balls to step inside that rind and fight. You never did and will never be remembered by anyone.
@VCGTdunker your mom can't get me off her mind.🍆
@@xxcrump3575 bums because you didn't know who they where.
Look at the physiques on these old fighters and try and tell me 95% of athletes these days ain't on steroids. It ain't cheating anymore it's leveling the playing field
The irony is too that these old school guys naturally had much higher test levels on average starting out, than today's athletes do, so it's probably degrees worse than you'd originally guess
Yes, I thank you for your channel and all the hard work you do. You enlighten me and educate me on such interesting truths, as I love boxing and what you share with us we can't find anywhere else. I'm a 70 year old lady, and love boxing all my life. You reach a large audience, I applauded you for your content. I subscribed, you are respected by me, just an old lady who admires your content and efforts. Much appreciated.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Nancy.
This was very informative. Never heard of him until now.
Great video! I don't remember him but am so glad you introduced his career to us. Proud to be a subscriber.
Thank you for all you do
My pleasure, dave
Discovered this channel last week... EVERY bit of every video I have seem has been extremely entertaining! Can't get enough of it! You're like a Boxing history channel
I washed dishes for 5 years. It is very tiring in a mind numbing sort of way.
Lightheavyweights between Foster retirement up to Spinks unification is the best era of the division alongside the 1940's.
Great video, I had never heard of this boxer before, what an interesting boxing story. Thanks poster
Sure thing, vernon
So strange I was too much into boxing in those years he fought, but surprisingly I never heard about him. He was such a good fighter, I don’t know how I missed him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Me too,I can't believe that I never heard of him at all.
Awesome documentary Rich-- I never heard of this dude before and not sure Michael Spinks ever heard of him either-- Fascinating as always..
Thanks so much, John.
Believe me, Michael Spinks was well aware of James Salerno.
Such a sad story, for so many reasons. I had never heard about this boxer before. RIP.
I think coming into the professional ranks at such a young age really ruined a lot of the potential he had to take him to take into that next level from a contender to a championship caliber fighter.
Why? Because of wear and tear? I think he was done at 29. The age of peak performance in other pro sports
He was too much his own boss/guardian at a teen age while being plunged into rougher environments he hadn't been around previously to gain the street smarts/experience that might allow him to better deal & resist any corrupting or debilitating influences they could have. Those years when he had part of his mind occupied with the fast women and streets, and eventually jail/the legal system, were huge huge developmental ones, where he could've been instead grinding out a champion's discipline and mindset. His mother was entirely correct in wanting him at home and finishing high school, it would've kept things much more simple for him when he probably needed em that way
He had a good heart,, from a young boy he knew what he wanted to do,and had the talent,,to be a great Boxer, some of us never find what we want to do,,at any age,,,,R.I.P.
The robbery of Salerno against Stewart was absolutely atrocious!...James Salerno so clearly won that fight!...
And it was so crucial a bout, and went so unnoticed by so much of the Boxing world......
It seems they wanted him out of the boxing game, it was a high way robbery.
Man - you put the most beautiful mini boxing documentaries I’ve found. I love your stuff.
Simply superb editing and shining a light on boxers many would never have heard of. Brilliant.
Thanks so much, Sir Lloyd
Never heard of this guy till now, thanks.
You make the best documentaries.. learning alot by watching your videos
Thank you, Ninja For Hire
This is a perfect example of why education comes before anything. Entering a mans world as a child never ends well. Great Job on the video.
He was doing fine after he came out of the ring.A veteran and had a business going for him and even had a truck.May not be much but he was doing alright.
Unfortunately things ended in a tragedy.
@@tradingwizard562 🎯
A man managed by Dundee and trained by Patterson, with that many fights, and he doesn't have a Wikipedia page ?
Right! All I could find was something about a cult leader with the same name.
Good storytelling, bud. You really had me captivated to this story and I never heard of James Salerno before this video. Sad ending to a decent life. R.I.P.
Thanks for watching, VCGTdunker.
Turning pro at 15 pity he didn’t listen to his mum and then turned pro a few years later and could you imagine if he had the same backing at what you would get in boxing today we would have had one of the greatest most humble loyal boxer ever again an amazing documentary and I’m only half way through it
No way..he was built for tennis..in all those years he put on very little muscle...lazy
@@waltermorris5786
It couldn't be the drugs right?
A talented fighter who nearly made it to the top, should have gotten the win with Stewart, he always gave his opponents a hug,a man who embraced life Rip James from Dublin Ireland
I'm Louisville ky born and raised the home of the greatest Muhammad Ali. I've never heard of Salerno the white Ali but i am sure glad to learn of him. Great content 🥊👍🏾
Thanks, Louisville.
Once again, thanks Rich. I have become addicted to watching these great videos. I had never of James Salerno despite being a boxing aficionado. The way he went fills me with sadness.
Thanks, Massimiliano. Yes, it made me sad too.
I found your channel a couple of weeks ago, thanks for sharing these great stories, particularly some of the more lesser known
Glad you like them!
Interesting video! I can't say I've ever heard of James Salerno although my eyes must felt upon his name in the magazines. I wonder: Has the guy that killed him ever been caught?
Good question that I couldn't find the answer to. There is a book written on him that may have the answer to that...I read on a forum that it was a cold case but I can't really use that as a source. I didn't come across anything online of anyone charged and tried for his murder.
Dude was a very articulate. Could have been a great commentator and/or broadcaster ✊🏾
What a beautiful piece. Very emotional indeed. Thanks 👍🏻
Rich! It’s been a few since I’ve seen one of your great videos. I can’t thank you enough for bringing these stories to life for those of us that never saw him. Very sad ending but I believe he was saved and knew our Lord and Savior. God bless you for all that you do. 🙏🏼😁. 🐜
Good to hear from you again, soprano4ny.
Really good production Rich.
Thanks alot for posting
My pleasure, Andy
This guy is the epitome of peaking young. I remember a write up in one of the boxing magazines mentioning him as the new Ali. I saw his fights with Leon "Night Life" McDonald. Jimmy Young beat Jeff Sims in the co-feature.
Rich somehow I never heard of this guy. I sparred Grover Robinson and know a lot of these other guys. Great biography as usual Rich!
Thanks, Baja. Robinson looked good. Fast jab and straight right. Scratching my head at his won-loss record.
@@RichtheFightHistorian he could fight but took terrible match ups and overmatched early in his career. Much like this ham and egger posting this!🥊💪👍
@@bajaborracho9139 haha, nah man, you were trained by Jimmy...that alone makes you a bad ass!
@@RichtheFightHistorian charlie smith was my coach! Dont forget to duck!
@@bajaborracho9139 Oh yeah, I remember him!
James and I grew up together and were lifelong friends. I was 8 and he was 10 when we first met. My Father,Brother Robbie and myself were all boxers. James got his first start training at our home. The Ali Story was actually in Orlando. Ali did a charity event at the Orlando Sports stadium as part of an amateur feature. I was wit James during the Floyd Patterson years. i was in the music business at the time.I kept telling James to put away the "music" but James never listened. To anyone. He had a heart of gold he really did. He was at my Wedding on June 26 1999. I was working in retail furniture sales and doing very well. I told James "when I get back from my honeymoon,I will help you get a Job. He was the greatest salesman ever.He would have done well and it would have given him some stabilty. He was murdered on August 1st. 1999. I never got a chance to speak with him again. Thank you Rich. Well done
Thank you for the share, Larry. Interesting stuff.
Those kind words do you great credit Larry. . What great memories you have . More than
most of us I'd guess. Not being forgotten is what we all wish for .
This is a sad one Rich, talk about hard luck and no breaks
Awesome video, I am surprised I wasn't familiar with this boxer. Thanks for the education 👏
My pleasure, Keith.
@Ike Dyson are you joking???? He was good but not that good.
Thank you, Rich. I hope you'll have a great week-end!
Likewise, Risbo, thank you.
Man, your story telling and music is crazy consistent, and good.
Thanks so much, will2217
Because of you, I would have never given a second thought about a boxer like Salerno. But your depiction, and the fashion of how you tell this man's story is so compelling. Thank you for doing what you do for the boxing community.
Great video as always Rich 👌
I loved the Documentry, this boy could box but he didnt have that knockout punch needed in some fights. He seemed a lovely young man, so tragically taken away. RIP fella.
R.I.PARADISE JAMES SALERNO.. HE HAD THE HEART OF A LION..
You really have found a good niche you touch on stories no one ever heard of fighters that should be heard of and/or not thank you. for your contribution to the history of boxing
My pleasure, Orlando, thanks for the support.
Dude.. this was so fucking beautiful it almost brought a tear to my eye…no joke ! Thank you so much for making this
My pleasure, Jack. Thank you for the watch.
A man who trained hard, who wanted to give his family a good living, who put his life on the line in the name of the noble sport. to be killed by a coward with a gun, is so unfair. RIP James.
@Pat Luxor So he deserved to die at the hand of a cowardly gunman ?.
@Pat Luxor And he built his record by beating dubious competition.
A haunting yet inspiring tale. Salerno was real boxing master , he loved it . We all have things that hold us back so I won't judge his mistakes. James you had a dream and you followed it , I give you credit for that .R.I.P James , may you and Ali spar whenever you like in heaven 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thanks for that Rich. I don't rmember Salerno but do remember some of those opponents. Interesting. Subsribed so looking forward to more vids👍
Thanks, Chris.
Fabulous documentary on such a talented young man. Life can be so cruel. Thank you for putting this together. Great job.
Thank you, Philip
Thanks, Rich, for this documentary about James Salerno....
Love this channel, great work!
Thank you JMB
Rich….Amazing work. Love these videos. Thank you.
Thanks for the support, David.
Thank you, for your extraordinary work, I hope that your channel, will grow up to the nr. of subscribers, that deserves. God bless your heart!
Thanks so much for the support, Adrian
Great video coverage Rich dam if he was patient and stayed focused the sky was the limit
Thanks, Samuel. Yeah, he should have gone a bit farther than he did.
You're exactly right. I knew him from our Marine Corps days and he had a real hard time focusing - like a distracted child. Quite similar(all the TALENT&ABILITY but a tad reckless) to another friend/roommate - Charlie "White Lightning" Brown, who also died a relatively young death.
I've never heard of James Salerno until now. You definitely can't say he didn't have heart. He had the heart of a tiger. I've not a boxer myself but I've watched and studied all weight classes of boxing and MMA in learning the fundamentals of the sport(s) and the body dynamics of what makes a good or even great fighter. Salerno had height and reach advantage over most all his opponents and should have capitalized on that. His technique and physique could have used improvement. Being as tall as he was and fighting shorter and quicker opponents takes a lot of energy. It seems that quite often he would drop his guard and expend too much energy throwing many low impact blows for points instead having a proactive defense and waiting for the opportunity to deliver the powerhouse blows from the hips and shoulders that generate knockouts. A swing and a miss uses twice as much energy as a solidly landed blow or hit. This is true with baseball, as well. I feel that despite his height he should have tried to land more uppercuts.
"You definitely can't say he didn't have heart." Huh? Double negative much? Learn how to construct a sentence. This is pathetic.
Salerno seemed too cocky for his ability level
@@JJGerrard1980JJ, this is the comments section,you made a wrong turn. English class is down the hall 😂
@@ericbutler739 Look everybody! It's Captain Save A Ho. You came to your bfs rescue without him even asking you. Good dog.
@@JJGerrard1980 I hope you find happiness. It's out there,you just have to look.
The Leslie Stewart decision was a robbery.
Great work, as per usual Rich. I didn't know of James, so really appreciate the knowledge. Bless up bro 👊
Thank you, Nick
Tragic ended to a colourful person and a good boxer who just didn’t have that extra something that’s required to get to championship level. I must admit Rich that Salerno slipped by me regarding remembering his career. During the 80s I purchased as many boxing magazines as I could, I must of read about some of his fights. Being from the UK his fights wouldn’t of been shown on TV so I don’t have a recollection of him. Great personality though in front of the camera. He needed big management behind him with deep pockets to entice the big names at that time. Spinks was thinking of heavyweights and eyeing up a Holmes fight a guess. Great research for the footage Rich, you are a superb accolade to boxing history.
Thank you for the support, Brett
So sad that he died at someone else's hand.
Fantastic video, thank-you!
I was thinking all the way through seeing the seeing the fight footage, that when James was doing well and put a combination together, he'd move in too close and clinch instead of following up. I was also thinking a big puncher would always beat him. Then at the end he fought Qawi who was old and he still did it. Sad story for James he must have been very frustrating to train
I think you're exactly right
Yes, wasn't dedicated, wasn't guided to the " next level", , with the talent he possessed . But floating on a cloud.... and where were those who could have grounded him?
@@toddfrancis8428 Yeah! If he won't listen to Angelo Dundee? Well there's no helping him! Also did you notice he ALWAYS got caught when he Ali shuffled, yet he kept doing it! I still wished he'd do better though and hated to see that talent wasted
More like the "White
"Adrian Broner.. , A talented boxer who can't keep his head screwed on straight...
from the demeanor of Floyd Patterson, yes, I'd say he was tough to train on occasion.
Thank you for this video, means more than you know.
My pleasure, Nolan. Much respect to you and the Salerno family.
An unfortunate and tragic tale indeed.
RIP James Salerno...
Thanks Rich, I had forgotten about this kid. Good story sad ending.
Actually a very good technical fighter, height and jab, great movement.
Never knew this guy but great video and narrative...such a shame how he lost his life, a guy who got out of boxing at the right time and whose Family loved him.
Another wonderful video 👍
Thanks, George.
Look forward to your videos...your voice and narrative of the fighters flow so well including the fight scenes.
His parole officer is f***kn him, how do you pull that off: talking about YTE privilege. If a parole officer tried that shysh in the Carolina's they'd be crucified and both would land in jail.SMDH.
How bout them greasy wet arse Jerri curls, lolol rotflmao
Sad! But equally a great story! I love this channel and the narration is second to none
Thank you, Bonnie
Thank you for the video. He has had an incredible influence on my life considering only one snapshot memory of him, getting ice-cream for me
Pleasure to hear from you, Matthew.
If I may ask, what was the relation?
@@NG-cf7zh Matt is his younger Brother
My respects and condolences
Great vid bro!
I think you're doing a most wonderful job with these documentaries, they are the best I have ever seen. Keep up the great job. I would like to see a documentary on my countryman Leslie 'tiger' Stewart
Thank you, Marlon. I will add in Stewart.
Wow, thanks so much, that is a story I had never heard, not even a little bit. Sad story. Ali was a huge inspirati0on for many people that age. Thanks for telling it.
Arrrghh I was getting ready to Google James to see where he was in Life. Rip fella, you had heart.
Loved the story ❤️ , he died on my birthday! 🥊🖤🥊
Remember watching him fight growing up. It was a case of very good but not quite great. But he broke even with a few champions so he was right there, definitely world class.