Sports History Network

Every great fighter brings something different to the ring.

Some had lightning-fast hands, others possessed granite chins. Some could make opponents miss by inches, while others broke them down with punishing body shots or ended fights with a single punch.

In this episode co-hosts Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are asking a question boxing fans have debated for generations: If you could build the perfect boxer, whose traits would you choose?

We're not picking the greatest fighter of all time. We're creating the ultimate fighter by combining the very best attributes from boxing's legends. Muhammad Ali's footwork? Mike Tyson's explosiveness? Marvin Hagler's chin? Floyd Mayweather's defense? Roberto Durán's inside fighting? George Foreman's power? They're all on the table.

We'll break down every category—from ring IQ and jab to power, defense, conditioning, heart, body punching, and knockout instinct—to see which legends own each piece of the perfect fighter.

And, of course, we're going to have a few and of course debates along the way. Because in boxing, there are very few unanimous decisions.

Please dont forget to subscribe to the podcast and if you would like to contact the show, please drop us a line at [email protected]

Gridiron America Radio is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

We start the early celebration of Canada Day, which is on July 1, with a look back at Week 4 of the CFL, and then look back at the CFL/XFL war of words five years ago. Why look back? Because five years ago the pandemic put the CFL on life support and many XFL supporters in America, who had no clue about the league, were claiming that the only way for the CFL to survive was to merge with the (now defunct) third version of the XFL.

GRIDIRON AMERICA RADIO BACKGROUND

Gridiron America Radio (formerly, the From the 55 Yardline podcast), is anchored by former sports executive David Cieslinski, former international professional football player Mike Tackett, and football nerd Greg St. James.

All three are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen or tabletop.

Gridiron America Radio is dedicated to both current and historical American football talk, including the “what if” questions that all sports fans ask and try to answer with the help of statistics, math and computer modeling provided by Sportsmaster Simulation Games www.SportsMaster-Simulation.games. In addition to the gridiron game, the team will on occasion look at other sports through the same eyes of that of grown men who still remember their childhood and the thrill of rolling the dice or picking up a joystick.

The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at www.Adamsonmedia.com.

David, Mike and Greg, can be contacted directly via the podcast’s website at www.GridironAmerica.net, as well as:

On X at https://x.com/GridironAMRadio

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GridironAmerica/

On Threads at https://www.threads.com/@gridironamerica

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gridironamerica

In 2014, the Netherlands beat Mexico in a round of 16 World Cup match after Arjen Robben's dramatic flop in what became known as 'No Era Penal.'

In 1986, Argentina scored the game winner in the 86th minute to beat West Germany to win their second World Cup title.

in 1958, Brazil won their first World Cup with Vavá and Pelé scoring a pair of goals each in a 5-2 win over Sweden.

In 1950, the US shocked England 1-0 in a World Cup in a group stage match.

Total Sports Recall (TSR) is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

TOTAL SPORTS RECALL HOMEPAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode is the second in a four part series of professional league's first overall draft picks. Part II cover the National Football League and the first pick in their drafts that began in 1936. 20 players in 20 years ending in 1955.

TOTAL SPORTS RECALL BACKGROUND

Host Harv Aronson brings you an array of sports history topics recalling great moments and athletes from sports yesteryear.

No sport is left alone with an emphasis on football and baseball but there will be reflections on past boxing, mixed martial arts, basketball, golf, and an occasional hockey memory.

Harv Aronson has been an established sportswriter with one published book under his wing and brings with him nearly 55 years of sports knowledge and exposure to sports as a fan.

With a degree in communications and journalism, Harv will be using his radio voice to entertain listeners with popular stories and events from the past as well as some surprises. Some podcasts will bring interviews with a sports personality and perhaps the opportunity for listeners to join in on the show.

HOSTS - HARV ARONSON

Harv Aronson was born and raised in Pittsburgh and now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. You can listen to the Total Sports Recall Podcast at https://totalsportsrecall.captivate.fm, which is also available on Spotify , iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

He currently writes for Abstract Sports.com, the Sports History Network, and the magazine Gridiron Greats. Harv wrote the published book "Pro Football's Most Passionate Fans" and as a professional writer has had articles published in an array of sports publications. Harv loves all sports but football and baseball are at the top of his interest.

His passion is for sports history. Visit Harv’s portfolio at https://www.clippings.me/totalsportsrecall. You can contact Harv using his official podcast email address which is [email protected]. Y

ou may also reach out to Harv on X using the handle @TotalSportsRecl.

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week in NDN All-Stars history features some of the most important moments in boxing, baseball, golf, hockey, soccer, and professional softball.

Jack Dempsey headlines the week with multiple historic victories, including his famous win over Jess Willard to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. Joe Lewis also appears in several key moments, including his victory over Tony Galento and the first professional fight of his legendary career.

We also highlight Willie Stargell's three-hundredth career home run, Rickie Fowler's PGA Tour victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Madison Hammond's groundbreaking goal in professional soccer, and Anthony Seigler's arrival in Major League Baseball.

Additional milestones include accomplishments from Notah Begay, Ethan Bear, Jacoby Ellsbury, Cherokee Parks, Tommy Morrison, John Starks, and SilentRain Espinoza.

From heavyweight title fights to baseball history and professional firsts, these stories showcase the remarkable legacy of Native athletes across generations.

• Jack Dempsey defeats Jess Willard to become Heavyweight Champion of the World

• Jack Dempsey successfully defends his title against Georges Carpentier

• Joe Lewis defeats Tony Galento and wins his first professional fight

• Willie Stargell hits the three-hundredth home run of his career

• Madison Hammond scores a historic goal in professional soccer

• Rickie Fowler wins the Rocket Mortgage Classic

• Notah Begay wins the Canon Greater Hartford Open

• Anthony Seigler reaches Major League Baseball

• Ethan Bear signs with the Edmonton Oilers

• John Starks is honored with John Starks Day in Tulsa

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

In 1958, France's Just Fontaine scored four goals in a 6-3 win over West Germany. He finished the tournament with 13 goals to set the World Cup record.

In 1998, France beat Paraguay on a Golden Goal in extra time. It was the only Golden Goal winner of the '98 WC.

In 1997, Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ears twice before the fight was stopped.

In 1957, MLB commissioner Ford Frick overruled the fan vote for the All-Star game and inserted three players he felt were more deserving.

The narrative unfolds in February 1936, in a hotel lobby in Chicago, where a pivotal moment in sports history transpires between George Halas, owner of the Chicago Bears, and Jay Burwanger, the first Heisman Trophy winner. Burwanger, despite being the inaugural NFL draft pick, famously declined to play professional football after negotiating a contract that he deemed insufficient. This episode elucidates the inception of the NFL draft, a mechanism designed to end the chaotic bidding wars for talented players, born out of necessity rather than grand vision. We explore the economic pressures faced by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, which catalyzed a transformative proposal by Burt Bell, establishing a system that would ensure competitive balance across the league. Ultimately, this episode serves as a reflection on the complexities of valuing talent in professional sports and the enduring legacy of decisions made in that era.

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The narrative unfolds in February 1936 within the confines of a modest hotel lobby in Chicago, where an encounter between two pivotal figures in American football transpires. George Halas, the esteemed owner and coach of the Chicago Bears, confronts Jay Burwanger, a halfback from the University of Chicago and the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Heisman Trophy. This moment marks a critical juncture, as Halas has recently acquired Burwanger's rights from the financially beleaguered Philadelphia Eagles, who were unable to sustain the burgeoning salaries demanded by star players. When presented with an initial offer of $13,500—a considerable sum for that era—Burwanger asserts his worth, countering with a staggering demand of $25,000 for a two-year, no-cut contract. This audacious request prompts a stalemate; Halas, who had previously compensated his Hall of Fame fullback significantly less, cannot acquiesce to Burwanger's demands. Consequently, Burwanger exits the negotiation without ever having played a single down in professional football, leaving behind a profound legacy that would shape the NFL draft system.

In 1954, Hungary and Brazil played an overly physical match that resulted in fights breaking out on the pitch and in the lockerrooms. Hungary won 4-2 in a match called, 'the Battle of Bern.'

In 1975, Lee Trevino was struck by lightning during the third round of the Western Open.

In 1977. San Francisco Giant Willie McCovey hit two home runs in the same inning for the second time.

In 1992, Denmark, who had not even qualified for the UEFA Euro Cup, beat Germany to win the tournament.

In 1959, Sweden's Ingemarr Johansson knocked out Floyd Patterson in the third round to win the title.

In 2003, LeBron James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the top pick of the NBA draft

In 1996, the Charlotte Hornets drafter Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick of the NBA draft. He was traded to the LA Lakers soon after.

In 1982, West Germany and Austria played a farce of a World Cup match so that they could both go through to the next round.

In 2006, a World Cup match between Portugal and the Netherlands resulted in a record 17 yellow cards and 4 reds.

In 1947, Sugar Ray Robinson knocked out Jimmy Doyle in the 8th round. Doyle later died at the hospital.