Posted on 06/01/2006 9:48:56 PM PDT by freepatriot32
MIAMI - Bobby Dykes, a boxer in the 1940s and 1950s who fought Kid Gavilan and Sugar Ray Robinson, died at 77.
He died Wednesday in his Coral Gables home, son-in-law Harry Roberts said. Dykes had Lou Gehrig's disease for about eight years, longtime companion Carolyn Carter said.
Dykes was born in San Antonio and moved to Miami in the late 1940s. He became the area's most popular fighter at a time when boxing was king in Miami.
"He remains the biggest drawing card in Miami boxing history," boxing historian Hank Kaplan said.
Dykes, a lanky white left-hander, earned a title fight against welterweight champion Kid Gavilan at Miami Stadium on Feb. 4, 1952. The bout was the first between a white and black boxer in then-segregated Miami, and the Cuban-born Gavilan won a split decision.
"I got a few death threats," Dykes told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in 2000. "That was when blacks went to the back of the bus. Two whites could fight and two blacks could fight, but not a black and a white. They told me, 'Bobby, you're giving up your heritage by fighting a black.' It was a big thing in those days."
Dykes and Gavilan met again three years later in a nontitle match, which Dykes won by unanimous decision. He fought Robinson in 1950 in Chicago, losing a split decision.
Dykes retired after a knockout victory over Gordon Pouliot in 1957. He finished his 11-year career with a record of 115-23-8, with 54 knockouts.
Did Karl Rove or George Bush have anything to do with this gentleman's death?
I'm sorry but you dont have a high enough security clearance for me to give you that answer. I mean I could tell you but then I would haveto have Karl rove or George bush kill you :-)
Impressive record.
"Bill Braskey calls this game on account of scotch!"
M-16 versus 9mm Beretta...
Superior firepower vs great control...
Ok, let's call it a draw.
RIP.
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