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Boxer Bobby Dykes Dies at 77 in Miami
http://www.comcast.net/ ^ | 6 1 06 | Associated Press

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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: 77; at; bobbydykes; boxer; dies; florida; in; lougehrigsdisease; miami

1 posted on 06/01/2006 9:49:01 PM PDT by freepatriot32
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To: freepatriot32

Did Karl Rove or George Bush have anything to do with this gentleman's death?


2 posted on 06/01/2006 9:51:48 PM PDT by JRios1968 (In memoriam...)
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To: JRios1968
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 :-)

3 posted on 06/01/2006 9:54:34 PM PDT by freepatriot32 (Holding you head high & voting Libertarian is better then holding your nose and voting republican)
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To: freepatriot32
I had never heard of him, I hope ESPN Classic fights will feature him if any film still exists.
4 posted on 06/01/2006 9:55:23 PM PDT by HuntsvilleTxVeteran ("Remember the Alamo, Goliad and WACO, It is Time for a new San Jacinto")
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To: freepatriot32

Impressive record.


5 posted on 06/01/2006 9:57:42 PM PDT by EveningStar
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To: freepatriot32
First they have to deal with


6 posted on 06/01/2006 9:59:46 PM PDT by JRios1968 (In memoriam...)
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To: JRios1968
I think you are forgetting who theyhave on thier side


7 posted on 06/01/2006 10:34:14 PM PDT by freepatriot32 (Holding you head high & voting Libertarian is better then holding your nose and voting republican)
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To: freepatriot32; JRios1968

"Bill Braskey calls this game on account of scotch!"


8 posted on 06/01/2006 11:05:56 PM PDT by NewRomeTacitus (Fight the good fight everybody)
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To: freepatriot32

M-16 versus 9mm Beretta...

Superior firepower vs great control...

Ok, let's call it a draw.


9 posted on 06/02/2006 5:58:36 AM PDT by JRios1968 (In memoriam...)
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To: freepatriot32

RIP.


10 posted on 06/02/2006 12:27:35 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (Cheney X -- Destroying the Liberal Democrat Traitors By Any Means Necessary -- Ya Dig ? Sho 'Nuff.)
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