Despite his behavior outside of the ring, Lenny was a good hearted man. When I started training 13 years ago, he would often give me tips and advice on the fundamentals in boxing. Though he wasn’t a coach, he did spend a significant amount of time helping out the younger generation of fighters. His presence was always appreciated and his personality will always be missed.
Thank you for sharing that personal information, I appreciate it, I’m listening and watching this for the first time, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know who he is but I’m about to find out, thanks again
Another absolutely outstanding Documentary here. RTFH……. THE BEST Boxing Channel on YT. A gritty fighter Lapaglia. I remember reading about the Collins fight in KO Magazine Collins did not do a great deal beyond the Lapaglia fight. A decent win over Mark Holmes, a draw against Alex Ramos and then brutally knocked out by Tony Sibson, ending his career with a KO by 1 against Robbie Sims
@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906He didn't say everyone, he said a lot of people. And for the record, I'm with you, glad I didn't 😂. My bad days at work don't involve getting beaten to concussion.
Thank you for remembering Lenny..Time has passed by so swiftly..What I would give to go back,just to the 80's, when ESPN Boxing was just in its infancy..Great boxing & Lenny was the kind of fighter that was featured frequently.. Thank you Lenny,RIP Warrior & keep those hands up..We ALL know how tough you are!!
Awesome documentary. I don't remember Laplagia, but he made me a fan just seeing this. He seemed to be a real decent and well spoken guy out of the ring. Hats off as well to Art Jimmerson of UFC 1 fame. He showed an iron will in their fight and you could tell he had made up his mind that he wouldn't break. Also, the LaPaglia - Jimmerson fight should be used as a training video for ref's today. That ref handled a rough and tumble fight beautifully instructing the boxers to fight out of clinches and knowing the spots to step in.
I remember Lenny I really thought he was going to be champion one day. It's to bad that the high life got a hold of him. The man could fight and he was good enough but it's so sad that they can't stay away from the evils a lot of fighters has that trouble. Thank you Rich you the man bringing these great videos I really appreciate it
The ref who disqualified the fighter for sticking out his tongue was former boxer Stanley Berg from Chicago. His record is on BoxRec. The Chicago boys were building Lenny and I’m sure Stanley shall we say helped. I was a member of the Chicago Health Club on the north side in the 60’s and 70’s as was Stan and spoke with him many times. He had great stories from the golden age of boxing in the 1930’s and 40’s
That being the case, you do realize that marginal record boxers are not on Boxrec because we would have to pay for the privelege? Correct? I'm so sick of people saying i can't find you on Boxrec. whatever!
Hey Rich- that was Pete Brodsky in Lennys corner. I fought out of Brodsky’s Westbury PBC, ( I was an experienced amateur) in 1988, and sparred with Lenny for 3 rounds. He laid on the ropes ( with his hands up) for all three rounds! I was in awe of him -and in fear of opening up- so cautiously pitter- pattered. He did not throw one punch in return. The die had been cast, already. Lenny was a warrior and had taken many blows in some of the best boxing I’ve ever seen, but it was evident that he had some sort of dementia. He was a big dude. I was a middleweight also, but he seemed so much larger, larger than life even.
Great share. He's one of the biggest middleweights I've seen...Not just in height, but his physicality. A tip of the hat to you for getting in the ring with him.
I remember being a teenager and marveling at how giant he seemed for a middleweight. Giant torso for 160 pounds and it's not like he had super skinny legs.
Hey stonehands1170 no that was Pat LaCasa and Tom(Cheese) Fornarelli and no he didn't have any dementia he was in shape and he rather been knocked out or the fight stopped than take a dive or just quit many times he fought when he shouldn't have like the Collin's fight he had a fractured cheek bone but never mentioned it to anybody but Johnny Trombino and myself that's why his eye looked so bad John Collins could punch and he got hit by the way they cheated my the rule about getting hit after the bell is the fight hit after the bell gets as much time as needed he didn't get any time at all after the 1 minute between rounds I was just honest with you I appreciate if you don't talk shit when you don't know what your talking about
RIP Warrior. One thing I noticed in Lenny's fights, he rarely clutched. That was also true for his opponents in the early years. That Collins fight is an example. Collins didn't clutch either. Just two native Chicago boxers showing their tremendous skills, heart, and pride. I'm certain that Lenny had suffered greatly later in life from injuries he suffered in the ring, as many boxers have. Hence, the drug and alcohol use which led to his death.
That's a great guy to make a subject for every star n worldwide known champions u have so many more Lenny's. 👏 love it Freddie Roach v Tommy Cordava I remember watching either be good subjects espn Tues or Friday night fights in 83 84 85. Loved those days
Every single documentary you create is superb. We have books, newspaper articles and first hand anecdotes that are lauded over and tell us the stories of peoples lives. In a 100 years time, along side those revered paper written histories, people will be watching your videos. Your work brings to life the lives of legends, blessed that you are with video footage that previous generations didn't have, but no less important and impactful. In 100 years time, Rich the Fight Historian, will be known as a scholar in his field. And rightly so.
Thanks Rich I saw Lenny as well as Johnny Lira in Chicago. Melrose Park indeed is an Italian stronghold. The far west side of Chicago. As I remember Melrose Park is where the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is located. The first inductees were Italian fighters in 1977. Jake was there as was Basilio and Sammy Angott and Paddy DeMarco and Joey Giardello and many others. Unfortunately Rocky Graziano was not there. Jake told me Rocky did not like to leave NYC. It was funny there was a guy there selling jump ropes like fighters use. I walk into parking lot just outside the hotel and there is Carmen Basilio trying out the jump rope. The family of Primo Carnera was there. His wife was still alive. His son is/was an MD. He changed his name and I don’t recall if he told us what he changed to. He was very gracious. The banquet was held in a hotel in Melrose Park near OHare airport.
I think there was a stigma attached to that name at one time. The MD son was in his 40’s probably at the time I met him and maybe in his youth too maybe people knew the Carnera name.
I remember watching Lenny early on in his career and thinking this guy going to be champion someday! After his losses and bizarre behavior in the ring? I kinda lost interest. I wasn't sure what happened in his personal life after that, I was hoping for a happy ending to his life story. RIP Lenny ✌❤🙏
I remember after an exchange (collins fight) Lenny was connecting then the bell rang. He dropped his hands and Collins hit him with a hook (after the bell) and dropped him. The rest of the fight was good but I always thought that that was a turning point in that fight.
Great video! He was before my time, but I'm sure my dad heard of him. I can't wait to see you do a video on "The atomic bull" Oliver McCall. What a life filled with highs and lows. Arguably the best chin on a former heavyweight champ, and a prime Mike Tysons most durable sparring partner.
I grew up watching Lenny. He was in south Philly and Atlantic City for a time with Carmen. I was an amateur. Rich please do a show on Jerry Owens from south Philly. A great amateur that turned pro. His life was short but he was something to watch. A special Slick sharp boxer from south Philly.
Hey Rich. I just wanna thank you and show some appreciation to this documentary you have created for Lenny. I was with him towards the end of his days. Probably the last person he took under his wing and I am so thankful to have spent the time that I did with him. I got to meet some interesting people and even got to meet John Collin’s at his funeral which was cool. Lenny no doubt was a wild card, hardcore bad ass warrior all the way to the end who had demons just like any other human being. He had a big heart if he loved you and definitely was trouble if he didn’t like you haha. Nevertheless he was amazing and taught me a couple things that have helped me through life such as being bold and resilient. In the sense of being able to dish back what a person dishes at me. It made me happy to see this video and know he is remembered and to that once again I say.. Thank you
He lost to Jimmerson because he unloaded early and Art being a natural LHW took the shots and cleaned up on an exausted LaPaglia who probably didnt train right for that fight
@@RichtheFightHistorian no problem brother. Most of the time when you hear from people it's a complaint. But there are a few amazing channels on here that love the sport and respect the fighters and you are one of them. Thank you for all your great videos and for taking the time to share with everyone else. I feel like younger fans don't appreciate boxing for what it is and just like it for the violence. And the violence is the last reason I like the sport.
Great Post rich i remember reading about la pagilla in ring magazine in the mid 80s watching the dewitt fight I get the impression that his outside the ring partying caught up with him and took away that late round conditioning needed to beat the top level guys ,even so great heart and a tough tough Italian American ,I bet he was great company .
Another great video . I enjoy your documentaries on all fighters so much, that I put them on while working out. Simply the best , when it comes to keeping boxers back in the day alive 👍..."Pops'#truschoolsports🥊🥊
Rich, the more I see of these momentous fights on your video's the more I respect these tremendous boxers, and the more I feel boxing fans are being short changed by the current, so called, superstars,
who was your dad? we used to go there as kids (we used to have ringside seats, it was amazing)! my dad and uncle were very close friends with lenny's trainer pat lacassa who passed recently. i'm 48 now so we're talking a looong time ago (davinci manor has been gone for at least 30 years).
Your brother was Jeff who went on to fight Duran. I met you at the Glendale Heights gym I believe when we were little kids. I met your brother through trainer Bob Foley. I was like 14. Your brother was an older guy I would see around the CYO. I didn't know him. He was a guy I would see at the CYO.
Wow!!!! Thank you some much Rich for these AWESOME documentaries...I'm a subscriber AWESOME- is the word that best describes your quality of videos! 👌👌👌👌👌
In 2012 2013 Lenny would come to the gouin pk boxing gym in Franklin Park and hang around watch people train ,give a few tips to the younger boxers seemed liked he turned things around seemed 😊 happy.I didn't know him well but he was always nice and respectful to all of us in the gym. He left us at a young age but on GOD'S time 🙏 Trust JESUS .I
once again thank you for shinning a light on these lesser known legends i been a boxing fan since a child and im not gonna sit here and act like i know half the guys you shine a ligth on bc alot of them are before my time im 90's baby so im very appreciative of what you do and the stuff i learn from a so called "sport" i love because of your videos i work my ass off in construction i hardly have time for my kids let alone take time to do research on boxing which i would very much love to do but as of now the time is just not there and that where ur videos come in so agian thank you
I watched Lenny fight twice........he had a lot of ability and a lot of skills.....he looked out of shape and undertrained when I saw the second fight. RIP warrior.
Talent, speed, power and a good left hook to the body but his life outside the ring was turmoil. He reminds me of Bert Cooper, who became something of a darling of CBS boxing at the start of his career. His most spectacular performance on national TV, a second round KO of Willie DeWitt, and a $40,000 purse, was all Bert needed to go off the rails with women, coke and booze. I think Lenny had some of the same problems. It wasn't that he couldn't handle the bright lights...he couldn't handle the dim bulbs. He had a golden opportunity to skyrocket to instant fame but then, inexplicably, disappeared for 5 months and quit against a nobody in his next fight. It would be hard to find another story with that kind of swing from success to ultimate failure. This guy's life outside the ring must have been a train wreck. My guess is cocaine destroyed him. He wouldn't be the first fighter to have been taken down by it.
What a tough guy & shame he didn't (or couldn't) drop Collins after that beaut of a left - might have changed his future. Seemed like a nice guy. RIP Lenny 🥊 Great channel, Rich. Look forward to your top vids in '23
His name didn’t ring a bell but when I looked at the photo pose of him I now do remember him being touted, probably from the ring magazine I bought in the eighty’s. He seemed a nice guy from what I’ve read from other comments. All I can say is he was one of the rings characters, had potential for one big payday if he could of kept his mental side together in & out of the ring. These fighters make boxing the sport it is as well as the superstar boxers. Great documentary again Rich.🥊. Any chance of one on Doug De Witt? I Remember his fight with Hearns, one tough SOB.
Its pretty obvious Lapaglia didnt train right for the Jimmerson fight. Lapaglia landed a lot early but Jimmerson was a natural 175 and could take the shots. Then Lapaglia gassed. The stretch between the Mack ko and the dec. loss to DeWitt was the best of Lapaglias career
Thank you for this video, I've been in contact with ESPN and the USA Network asking if I could get footage for UA-cam, makes me crazy that he won so many fights but all I ever got was his limited losses, I know because I've easily seen him win 20 or better fights in person in fact I don't think I missed a single fight in the Chicago area including the Golden Gloves at St. Andrews on Addison Street ,I felt the move east did him some good, not for nothing but that Graziano corner had Carl The Truth Williams also, forgive me if I recalled anything wrong but that's the way I remember, RIP Lenny
@@RichtheFightHistorian I subscribed and seems there's a lot of history here, I followed a boxer from South Africa I believe it was, Same corner as Cornelius Boza Edward's named John The Beast Mugabe years back , you have some amazing footage thought you might consider him for your collection providing you can get your hands on it , my feelings was they should have gave him a few more fights before Hagler but he had a vicious punch 👊 , not sure what happened to him I thought he might have gone all the way .
@@RichtheFightHistorian Don't know how I missed it but I watched it and it was a great video Thank you, Glad he found happiness at the end, I remember the depression thing after Hagler and maybe I'm the only one but I thought the Beast could have won that fight.
I remember my old man who worked in the fight game his whole life steaming about Art Jimmerson. "HOW DARE THIS (racial explitive) CALL LENNY A DIRTY GREASY F***** EYETALIAN!!!". I still laugh at the irony of that statement. Was great seeing Boom Boom in there for a minute as well. Probably the nicest best guy ever to enter the ring was Ray I miss that era of boxing the 80s and 90s were great
He was a solid fighter solid puncher, & decent defense except with his chic bone & eyes. He couldve learned some more defense slip & weave he could've conserve himself more & got more descisions to his favor. He was a really good fighter. Partying too much fuck anybody up. R.I.P.
I really enjoyed this fighters bio. I had never heard of “ The Rage “. Awesome fight footage. Also , just curious to know , who is the guy with the swollen eye on your page?
The term Roman gladiator comes to mind, this guy could have easily killed somebody, like a smaller version of Marchiano the way he took a shot to get inside and chop away at any opponent in front of him until they folded under the constant accumulation of hard punches, even Collins couldn't withstand the stubborn man who kept coming.. ✔️👀💯
He looked like he gave up in the ring. It was tough to watch, yet it's impressive to see someone self-destruct in a competition he could have won with the right attitude to see it through. RIP
I appreciate skydoing the video but I have to correct them 1st Lenny was born in Melrose Park you didn't hang out on Rush street in Chicago he hung out on Mannheim Rd Iin Stone or Melrose Park he didn't beat up a teacher a gym teacher got in his face and he threatened to beat him up Cushner didn't bring him to NYC to meet Boom Boom Mancini Mancini was in Chicago and Lenny took him to s friends house for a homemade Italian dinner That Chicago sportscaster Jim Rose in that picture Hey dude if you want to make a video with some of the fights he won I can help with that He won I dont remember 38 40 fights and you show 1 fight he won those inaccuracies are all in the first 15 minutes I am watching the video now For real call me Iam Leonard's brother Tommy LaPaglia lets show him winning some fights
You do a great job Rich I'd take him up on that offer his early years were amazing he was a lion in his prime and a blast to watch i think it would be a great addition to the channel.
LaPaglia / Collins fight dumbest fight for 2 Chicago, that's a fight that should have waited until it meant something. The fighter with the most potential didn't win, the more experienced fighter won. the fight wasn't dumb, it was double dumb....
Come on, how does this guy deserve his own chapter? He was barely a contender. How about Meldrick Taylor- he's a perfect tragedy to cover. Or James Tillis, or Henry Tillman, or Bert Cooper? Lenny LaPaglia? Cripes.
Sorry did you see a sign above this youtube channel that says "only fighters I've heard of" Didn't you realise that true fight fans love this stuff and that we're all fully acquainted with the careers of Cooper Tilman and the fighting cowboy? The guy nearly beat DeWitt who was a champ and who cares if he wasn't Sugar Ray , what matters is the backstory & fight content. Rich does sn unreal job, we love it so show some respect or take your negatively elsewhere.
@@OldSchoolStrength I understand you take it personal but look at what he did to his own career. Is there any slight intelligence? Letting himself be knocked out like that... brainless behavior
Theres this interesting boxer called terry krueger you should look into him apparently his power came from his “speed” he was a lanky heavyweight but has 35 win 34 kayos win
DAMN!!!! 😳 If Collins had connected with that unbelievable left hook at 11:37 I think he would've went down or at least came close. Then again idk. What a chin he had wow! I was impressed with that left hook that Collins threw. 👍 Also, ummmmm did they kiss at 32:56?!? 😳🤔 Looks like they kissed on the lips! Haha
Despite his behavior outside of the ring, Lenny was a good hearted man. When I started training 13 years ago, he would often give me tips and advice on the fundamentals in boxing. Though he wasn’t a coach, he did spend a significant amount of time helping out the younger generation of fighters. His presence was always appreciated and his personality will always be missed.
Thanks for sharing that, Evan.
Not surprised he was always willing to help someone.
To me he looks the kind of person you just describe, He was also a Lion heart kind of fighter. RIP Lenny.
Thank you for sharing that personal information, I appreciate it, I’m listening and watching this for the first time, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know who he is but I’m about to find out, thanks again
Another absolutely outstanding Documentary here.
RTFH……. THE BEST Boxing Channel on YT.
A gritty fighter Lapaglia. I remember reading about the Collins fight in KO Magazine
Collins did not do a great deal beyond the Lapaglia fight. A decent win over Mark Holmes, a draw against Alex Ramos and then brutally knocked out by Tony Sibson, ending his career with a KO by 1 against Robbie Sims
Correct...simply the BEST.
Thanks, CTO. In watching Collins, he was better than I remembered. Pretty versatile, could box or slug.
Thank you, LMatters1
@@RichtheFightHistorian agree totally. Collins looked a darn good fighter.
RIP. Warrior you did what a lot of people WISH they could do. Fight professionally.
I dunno . I am glad I didn't .
What happened to him?
@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906He didn't say everyone, he said a lot of people. And for the record, I'm with you, glad I didn't 😂. My bad days at work don't involve getting beaten to concussion.
Thank you for remembering Lenny..Time has passed by so swiftly..What I would give to go back,just to the 80's, when ESPN Boxing was just in its infancy..Great boxing & Lenny was the kind of fighter that was featured frequently.. Thank you Lenny,RIP Warrior & keep those hands up..We ALL know how tough you are!!
RIP Lenny. You gave us lots of thrills. I remember as a young kid, the buildup to Collins/LaPaglia & the excitement among Chicago boxing fans.
Thanks for remembering Lapaglia. Art Jimmerson( UFC fighter) was too big. Lapaglia was an awesome warrior. RIP.
I remember Jimmerson from the UFC. He wore 1 glove and lost to Royce.
RIP Warrior. Another classic installment. Thank you Rich from North-east England. Happy new Year.
Happy New Year, Stephen.
North East England here as well. New to the channel. Looks a belter so far.
I never knew LaPaglia's story, but had that fight with Jimmerson saved a long time ago, what a fight that was, incredible pace. Thank you, Rich.
Sure thing, Force.
Awesome documentary. I don't remember Laplagia, but he made me a fan just seeing this. He seemed to be a real decent and well spoken guy out of the ring. Hats off as well to Art Jimmerson of UFC 1 fame. He showed an iron will in their fight and you could tell he had made up his mind that he wouldn't break. Also, the LaPaglia - Jimmerson fight should be used as a training video for ref's today. That ref handled a rough and tumble fight beautifully instructing the boxers to fight out of clinches and knowing the spots to step in.
I remember Lenny I really thought he was going to be champion one day. It's to bad that the high life got a hold of him. The man could fight and he was good enough but it's so sad that they can't stay away from the evils a lot of fighters has that trouble. Thank you Rich you the man bringing these great videos I really appreciate it
Always a pleasure, Ron, thanks.
The ref who disqualified the fighter for sticking out his tongue was former boxer Stanley Berg from Chicago. His record is on BoxRec. The Chicago boys were building Lenny and I’m sure Stanley shall we say helped. I was a member of the Chicago Health Club on the north side in the 60’s and 70’s as was Stan and spoke with him many times. He had great stories from the golden age of boxing in the 1930’s and 40’s
That being the case, you do realize that marginal record boxers are not on Boxrec because we would have to pay for the privelege? Correct? I'm so sick of people saying i can't find you on Boxrec. whatever!
4 Days Prior To My 8th Birthday. My Dad Took Me To The Pavilion To See This Fight 👊🏿.
What??
I'm not sure it's OK to bring a boy 8 years old to a boxing match.
@@nielskjr5432 hahaha what ever.
@@nielskjr5432 safe space boy.
That first comment threw me off i wish me n dad hit up some fights sooner
What do you remember?
Hey Rich- that was Pete Brodsky in Lennys corner. I fought out of Brodsky’s Westbury PBC, ( I was an experienced amateur) in 1988, and sparred with Lenny for 3 rounds.
He laid on the ropes ( with his hands up) for all three rounds! I was in awe of him -and in fear of opening up- so cautiously pitter- pattered. He did not throw one punch in return. The die had been cast, already. Lenny was a warrior and had taken many blows in some of the best boxing I’ve ever seen, but it was evident that he had some sort of dementia. He was a big dude. I was a middleweight also, but he seemed so much larger, larger than life even.
Great share. He's one of the biggest middleweights I've seen...Not just in height, but his physicality. A tip of the hat to you for getting in the ring with him.
I remember being a teenager and marveling at how giant he seemed for a middleweight. Giant torso for 160 pounds and it's not like he had super skinny legs.
Good share, thanks.
Hey stonehands1170 no that was Pat LaCasa and Tom(Cheese) Fornarelli and no he didn't have any dementia he was in shape and he rather been knocked out or the fight stopped than take a dive or just quit many times he fought when he shouldn't have like the Collin's fight he had a fractured cheek bone but never mentioned it to anybody but Johnny Trombino and myself that's why his eye looked so bad John Collins could punch and he got hit by the way they cheated my the rule about getting hit after the bell is the fight hit after the bell gets as much time as needed he didn't get any time at all after the 1 minute between rounds I was just honest with you I appreciate if you don't talk shit when you don't know what your talking about
@@thomaslapaglia340 Thomas did Lenny not beat John in the past during the amateur days? I seem to remember this but it's been many years .
RIP Warrior.
One thing I noticed in Lenny's fights, he rarely clutched. That was also true for his opponents in the early years. That Collins fight is an example. Collins didn't clutch either. Just two native Chicago boxers showing their tremendous skills, heart, and pride. I'm certain that Lenny had suffered greatly later in life from injuries he suffered in the ring, as many boxers have. Hence, the drug and alcohol use which led to his death.
That Collins fight was one of the best I’d ever seen
wow what fights! Great video about a great warrior!
That's a great guy to make a subject for every star n worldwide known champions u have so many more Lenny's. 👏 love it Freddie Roach v Tommy Cordava I remember watching either be good subjects espn Tues or Friday night fights in 83 84 85. Loved those days
Every single documentary you create is superb.
We have books, newspaper articles and first hand anecdotes that are lauded over and tell us the stories of peoples lives. In a 100 years time, along side those revered paper written histories, people will be watching your videos. Your work brings to life the lives of legends, blessed that you are with video footage that previous generations didn't have, but no less important and impactful.
In 100 years time, Rich the Fight Historian, will be known as a scholar in his field. And rightly so.
You're very kind, Mariann. Thank you.
Boxing in the 80's and 90's was the best🥊
I remember Lenny from TV fights and then he just disappeared, this doc explains the mystery. Thanks
Thanks Rich
I saw Lenny as well as Johnny Lira in Chicago.
Melrose Park indeed is an Italian stronghold. The far west side of Chicago. As I remember Melrose Park is where the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is located. The first inductees were Italian fighters in 1977. Jake was there as was Basilio and Sammy Angott and Paddy DeMarco and Joey Giardello and many others. Unfortunately Rocky Graziano was not there. Jake told me Rocky did not like to leave NYC. It was funny there was a guy there selling jump ropes like fighters use. I walk into parking lot just outside the hotel and there is Carmen Basilio trying out the jump rope.
The family of Primo Carnera was there. His wife was still alive. His son is/was an MD. He changed his name and I don’t recall if he told us what he changed to. He was very gracious. The banquet was held in a hotel in Melrose Park near OHare airport.
Great share, James. I have some fights on Lira. Curious as to why Carnera's son would change his name.
I think there was a stigma attached to that name at one time. The MD son was in his 40’s probably at the time I met him and maybe in his youth too maybe people knew the Carnera name.
Thanks. Cool story.
That LaPaglia-Jimmerson fight should be in one of those "When Showboating Goes Wrong" videos.
Actually it is on one of those type videos on UA-cam. LaPaglia is an excellent fighter. Just didn't get the breaks & got caught up
@@mongoslade277 Much of his getting caught up was self-induced
I remember watching Lenny early on in his career and thinking this guy going to be champion someday! After his losses and bizarre behavior in the ring? I kinda lost interest. I wasn't sure what happened in his personal life after that, I was hoping for a happy ending to his life story.
RIP Lenny ✌❤🙏
La Paglia's left hook-right uppercut was a vicious combination..
Never heard of the bum LMAO
@@stanleyjackson5963 You were probably listening to boy bands and not paying attention.
@@frankd.506 We all know boybands but wtf is La Paglia lol
I watched the Collins fight on TV. It was brutal!!
I remember after an exchange (collins fight) Lenny was connecting then the bell rang. He dropped his hands and Collins hit him with a hook (after the bell) and dropped him. The rest of the fight was good but I always thought that that was a turning point in that fight.
Great video! He was before my time, but I'm sure my dad heard of him. I can't wait to see you do a video on "The atomic bull" Oliver McCall. What a life filled with highs and lows. Arguably the best chin on a former heavyweight champ, and a prime Mike Tysons most durable sparring partner.
I heard of his chin, only saw his Lewis fights, are there other good ones?
Absolutely. Check out his fight with Awkinwande, you will enjoy the end. Also, his fight with Maskaev.
@@brocklanders3616 and with Damiani, whom he retired.
I see him from time to time in chicago in the ingle wood area. Hes a nice guy, def seen some hard times.
Wow ive never heard of this legend, his toughness and iron jaw reminds me of the raging bull. Thanks for the video 💯💯👍
My pleasure.
This was really good. I gotta check out the rest of the channel.
I grew up watching Lenny. He was in south Philly and Atlantic City for a time with Carmen. I was an amateur.
Rich please do a show on Jerry Owens from south Philly. A great amateur that turned pro. His life was short but he was something to watch. A special Slick sharp boxer from south Philly.
I'll have to look up Jerry Owens. I don't think I have any media on him.
@@RichtheFightHistorian by the way rich. Great show. It’s awsome!!!
@@johnnyh5969 Thanks,Johnny
Hey Rich. I just wanna thank you and show some appreciation to this documentary you have created for Lenny. I was with him towards the end of his days. Probably the last person he took under his wing and I am so thankful to have spent the time that I did with him. I got to meet some interesting people and even got to meet John Collin’s at his funeral which was cool. Lenny no doubt was a wild card, hardcore bad ass warrior all the way to the end who had demons just like any other human being. He had a big heart if he loved you and definitely was trouble if he didn’t like you haha. Nevertheless he was amazing and taught me a couple things that have helped me through life such as being bold and resilient. In the sense of being able to dish back what a person dishes at me. It made me happy to see this video and know he is remembered and to that once again I say.. Thank you
Truly my pleasure, Danny. Thank you.
Another great upload Sir. Could of, should of would of. Cheers
Thanks, Mr T
I dont understand how he lost to Jimmerson? That left to the body in the first hurt him BADLY! Should have won by KO easily. Another great one Rich
Thanks, Brian.
He lost to Jimmerson because he unloaded early and Art being a natural LHW took the shots and cleaned up on an exausted LaPaglia who probably didnt train right for that fight
Great documentary Rich. Yours is 9ne of the best channels along with boxing life.
Thanks, Matthew
@@RichtheFightHistorian no problem brother. Most of the time when you hear from people it's a complaint. But there are a few amazing channels on here that love the sport and respect the fighters and you are one of them. Thank you for all your great videos and for taking the time to share with everyone else. I feel like younger fans don't appreciate boxing for what it is and just like it for the violence. And the violence is the last reason I like the sport.
Thanks Rich.
Sure thing, Joey.
Rich you thought about a doc on livingstone bramble??
Sure, he's upcoming.
Rich is by far my favorite fight historian, just great stories.!
Thanks, John.
Wow this the quickest I've caught a new video drop ! 10 mind ago, cool.
Wishing you all the very best for the new year Rich.
Thanks. Happy New Year, Techno Mick
Looks great this guy . Some amazing fighters on this channel im amazed id never heard off .
Seen Lenny vs Carlos Tite, i think it was at the Hammond Civic Center.
Those were the days my friend!
Great Post rich i remember reading about la pagilla in ring magazine in the mid 80s watching the dewitt fight I get the impression that his outside the ring partying caught up with him and took away that late round conditioning needed to beat the top level guys ,even so great heart and a tough tough Italian American ,I bet he was great company .
Thanks rich
Sure thing, Lyman
Another great video . I enjoy your documentaries on all fighters so much, that I put them on while working out. Simply the best , when it comes to keeping boxers back in the day alive 👍..."Pops'#truschoolsports🥊🥊
Thanks, 2Short1968.
Rich, the more I see of these momentous fights on your video's the more I respect these tremendous boxers, and the more I feel boxing fans are being short changed by the current, so called, superstars,
Lenny good boxer he was gonna fight my brother but that never happened ,Lenny also boxed on my fathers cards at Di Vinci Manor .
who was your dad? we used to go there as kids (we used to have ringside seats, it was amazing)! my dad and uncle were very close friends with lenny's trainer pat lacassa who passed recently. i'm 48 now so we're talking a looong time ago (davinci manor has been gone for at least 30 years).
Your brother was Jeff who went on to fight Duran. I met you at the Glendale Heights gym I believe when we were little kids. I met your brother through trainer Bob Foley. I was like 14. Your brother was an older guy I would see around the CYO. I didn't know him. He was a guy I would see at the CYO.
Wow!!!! Thank you some much Rich for these AWESOME documentaries...I'm a subscriber AWESOME- is the word that best describes your quality of videos!
👌👌👌👌👌
I appreciate the support, Rigo, thanks so much.
Great, well-edited fight footage throughout...
another gem
Thanks, Edward.
In 2012 2013 Lenny would come to the gouin pk boxing gym in Franklin Park and hang around watch people train ,give a few tips to the younger boxers seemed liked he turned things around seemed 😊 happy.I didn't know him well but he was always nice and respectful to all of us in the gym. He left us at a young age but on GOD'S time 🙏 Trust JESUS
.I
Another great video. You are coming after the 50k subs and its more than deserved.
Thanks, Florian. Almost there.
The Mack upset was surprising. Marvin was a very good super middleweight
once again thank you for shinning a light on these lesser known legends i been a boxing fan since a child and im not gonna sit here and act like i know half the guys you shine a ligth on bc alot of them are before my time im 90's baby so im very appreciative of what you do and the stuff i learn from a so called "sport" i love because of your videos i work my ass off in construction i hardly have time for my kids let alone take time to do research on boxing which i would very much love to do but as of now the time is just not there and that where ur videos come in so agian thank you
My pleasure, Woody. Thanks for the support.
Love love this channel, awesome stories 👍🏾
Hey thanks, Eugene.
I watched Lenny fight twice........he had a lot of ability and a lot of skills.....he looked out of shape and undertrained when I saw the second fight. RIP warrior.
Talent, speed, power and a good left hook to the body but his life outside the ring was turmoil. He reminds me of Bert Cooper, who became something of a darling of CBS boxing at the start of his career. His most spectacular performance on national TV, a second round KO of Willie DeWitt, and a $40,000 purse, was all Bert needed to go off the rails with women, coke and booze. I think Lenny had some of the same problems. It wasn't that he couldn't handle the bright lights...he couldn't handle the dim bulbs. He had a golden opportunity to skyrocket to instant fame but then, inexplicably, disappeared for 5 months and quit against a nobody in his next fight. It would be hard to find another story with that kind of swing from success to ultimate failure. This guy's life outside the ring must have been a train wreck. My guess is cocaine destroyed him. He wouldn't be the first fighter to have been taken down by it.
Such as almost the entire 80’s heavyweights? Aaron Pryor... oh hell the list is endless
@@serenityinside1 Aaron did enough blow for all of them. Half of Pablo Escobar’s income was from Pryor.
You have a great feel for storytelling, great work, thanks.
Thanks so much, John.
His Fight with John Collins was a throwback Irish vs. Italian scrap. RIP.
How precious is LaPaglia's corner in the Jimmerson fight? Who the f is Jimmy lol.
haha, I was hoping someone would catch that.
He was a warrior!!!
Your content is always top notch!
Thank you, B B G.
What a tough guy & shame he didn't (or couldn't) drop Collins after that beaut of a left - might have changed his future. Seemed like a nice guy. RIP Lenny 🥊 Great channel, Rich. Look forward to your top vids in '23
Thanks, BJH
art jimmersion has 2 gloves on ... crazy
Lmaooooo niceee!
Hey, Happy New Year Rich!
Thanks, Todd. Happy New Year to you as well.
Happy new yrs rich dude you bring entertainment to many
Lenny didn’t beat many names with winning records, but he was a fighter deserving of respect
You definitely gotta do one about John Collins
Great fighter
Another Triumph......Thank you Rich
Sure thing, George.
His name didn’t ring a bell but when I looked at the photo pose of him I now do remember him being touted, probably from the ring magazine I bought in the eighty’s. He seemed a nice guy from what I’ve read from other comments. All I can say is he was one of the rings characters, had potential for one big payday if he could of kept his mental side together in & out of the ring. These fighters make boxing the sport it is as well as the superstar boxers. Great documentary again Rich.🥊. Any chance of one on Doug De Witt? I Remember his fight with Hearns, one tough SOB.
Thanks, Brett. Yeah, I'll add DeWitt to the docket. I forgot what a scrappy fighter he was.
Legend, Rich
Thanks, Nedskiee
Its pretty obvious Lapaglia didnt train right for the Jimmerson fight. Lapaglia landed a lot early but Jimmerson was a natural 175 and could take the shots. Then Lapaglia gassed. The stretch between the Mack ko and the dec. loss to DeWitt was the best of Lapaglias career
Thank you for this video, I've been in contact with ESPN and the USA Network asking if I could get footage for UA-cam, makes me crazy that he won so many fights but all I ever got was his limited losses, I know because I've easily seen him win 20 or better fights in person in fact I don't think I missed a single fight in the Chicago area including the Golden Gloves at St. Andrews on Addison Street ,I felt the move east did him some good, not for nothing but that Graziano corner had Carl The Truth Williams also, forgive me if I recalled anything wrong but that's the way I remember, RIP Lenny
My pleasure, Frank.
@@RichtheFightHistorian I subscribed and seems there's a lot of history here, I followed a boxer from South Africa I believe it was, Same corner as Cornelius Boza Edward's named John The Beast Mugabe years back , you have some amazing footage thought you might consider him for your collection providing you can get your hands on it , my feelings was they should have gave him a few more fights before Hagler but he had a vicious punch 👊 , not sure what happened to him I thought he might have gone all the way .
@@frankd.506 Thanks for the sub, Frank. I did one one Mugabi awhile back, you should see it in the video section if you're interested.
@@RichtheFightHistorian Sorry maybe I missed it, I had a look and plan on watching a bunch of them and hitting the like buttons of course.
@@RichtheFightHistorian Don't know how I missed it but I watched it and it was a great video Thank you, Glad he found happiness at the end, I remember the depression thing after Hagler and maybe I'm the only one but I thought the Beast could have won that fight.
John Collins was rough. Unfortunately he didn't get the attention he warranted. A very good Chicago fighter.
I remember my old man who worked in the fight game his whole life steaming about Art Jimmerson. "HOW DARE THIS (racial explitive) CALL LENNY A DIRTY GREASY F***** EYETALIAN!!!". I still laugh at the irony of that statement. Was great seeing Boom Boom in there for a minute as well. Probably the nicest best guy ever to enter the ring was Ray
I miss that era of boxing the 80s and 90s were great
You should do Alexis Arguello next
He was a solid fighter solid puncher, & decent defense except with his chic bone & eyes. He couldve learned some more defense slip & weave he could've conserve himself more & got more descisions to his favor. He was a really good fighter. Partying too much fuck anybody up. R.I.P.
I really enjoyed this fighters bio. I had never heard of “ The Rage “. Awesome fight footage. Also , just curious to know , who is the guy with the swollen eye on your page?
Thanks, Moses. That's Carmen Basilio with the swollen eye.
Too bad. Just didn't quite have that last 2 percent champion instinct. Great film.
The term Roman gladiator comes to mind, this guy could have easily killed somebody, like a smaller version of Marchiano the way he took a shot to get inside and chop away at any opponent in front of him until they folded under the constant accumulation of hard punches, even Collins couldn't withstand the stubborn man who kept coming.. ✔️👀💯
Fascinating career.. R.I.P..
How'd he die?
Crazy how he takes all those punches and doesn't go down
35:01 "We ran into Lenny and his Rat Pack, Jimmerson said. They all looked greasy and dirty, even after taking showers. It was in their blood."
He looked like he gave up in the ring. It was tough to watch, yet it's impressive to see someone self-destruct in a competition he could have won with the right attitude to see it through. RIP
Disqualified for sticking your tongue out? What a joke
Raging bull Italian style.
u know how many careers were cut shot due to bipolarism and failer to control their temper. thousands. and now its becoming an epidemic.
Problem im having at moment
Self destructive
Did he just stand there and let the guy punch him in the face?
Really tough guy at the same time pretty weird
The "g" in lepaglia is silent and his name should be pronounced lepalia
I appreciate skydoing the video but I have to correct them 1st Lenny was born in Melrose Park you didn't hang out on Rush street in Chicago he hung out on Mannheim Rd Iin Stone or Melrose Park he didn't beat up a teacher a gym teacher got in his face and he threatened to beat him up Cushner didn't bring him to NYC to meet Boom Boom Mancini Mancini was in Chicago and Lenny took him to s friends house for a homemade Italian dinner That Chicago sportscaster Jim Rose in that picture Hey dude if you want to make a video with some of the fights he won I can help with that He won I dont remember 38 40 fights and you show 1 fight he won those inaccuracies are all in the first 15 minutes I am watching the video now For real call me Iam Leonard's brother Tommy LaPaglia lets show him winning some fights
You do a great job Rich I'd take him up on that offer his early years were amazing he was a lion in his prime and a blast to watch i think it would be a great addition to the channel.
LaPaglia wasn't right in the head. Dropping his hands like that... Nut case.
the dropping the hands thing is so weird
LaPaglia / Collins fight dumbest fight for 2 Chicago, that's a fight that should have waited until it meant something. The fighter with the most potential didn't win, the more experienced fighter won. the fight wasn't dumb, it was double dumb....
Cruel world
I have a dog like him same name to uncontrollable psychopath lol
Collins? Is he Irish few lads at the gym with that surname Irish bareknuckle fighter's.
Literally any other middleweight would kill this man 😆 what rage .
Yeah, he was Irish.
@@RichtheFightHistorian I'm yet to meet an Irishman who doesn't fight has fought or just loves it lol , they are a solid lot .
I had missed parts of the video my apologies r.i.p
Come on, how does this guy deserve his own chapter? He was barely a contender. How about Meldrick Taylor- he's a perfect tragedy to cover. Or James Tillis, or Henry Tillman, or Bert Cooper? Lenny LaPaglia? Cripes.
ha ha, let me guess ?
Sorry did you see a sign above this youtube channel that says "only fighters I've heard of"
Didn't you realise that true fight fans love this stuff and that we're all fully acquainted with the careers of Cooper Tilman and the fighting cowboy?
The guy nearly beat DeWitt who was a champ and who cares if he wasn't Sugar Ray , what matters is the backstory & fight content.
Rich does sn unreal job, we love it so show some respect or take your negatively elsewhere.
@@trollgoodman7808 Well said !
La Paglia might have been the most stupid fighter ever.
who are you exactly? 🤔 Oh yea... NOBODY !
@@OldSchoolStrength I understand you take it personal but look at what he did to his own career. Is there any slight intelligence? Letting himself be knocked out like that... brainless behavior
Theres this interesting boxer called terry krueger you should look into him apparently his power came from his “speed” he was a lanky heavyweight but has 35 win 34 kayos win
Know of him, yes. I just don't think I have enough visual media on him to make it interesting.
@@RichtheFightHistorian ah the only thing i found of him was pictures and somthing on a magazine
You guys ever see the movie Rocky? Oh shit sorry you guys are dead. My apologies
DAMN!!!! 😳 If Collins had connected with that unbelievable left hook at 11:37 I think he would've went down or at least came close. Then again idk. What a chin he had wow! I was impressed with that left hook that Collins threw. 👍 Also, ummmmm did they kiss at 32:56?!? 😳🤔 Looks like they kissed on the lips! Haha
They robbed my uncle Stacy in Atlantic city to set up Lenny against Dewitt.