Episode 115 – Gotch the Boxer
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In this episode, I discuss Frank Goch’s brief foray into professional boxing. I also compare two Los Angeles cards in 1925. Finally, I discuss the 2026 podcast schedule.
It Was Almost Real podcast art
Recommendations
1985 Wrestling Observer Yearbook (affiliate link)
A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson (affiliate link)
Review
Kenneth Dix’s Card on Thursday, July 30, 1925 in Vernon, California
Main Event: Joseph “Toots” Mondt vs. Alan Eustace
Co-Main: Dick Shikat vs. Herman Stoh
Second Bout: Pat McGill vs. Hans Bauer
Opener: Professor C. Bragg vs. Jack Brown (Middleweights)
“Carnation” Lou Daro’s card on Monday, August 10, 1925 (Inaugural Card at Olympic Auditorium) – Drew 6,800 fans
Main Event: Joe Stecher defended world title against Renato Gardini
Co-Main Event: Stanislaus Zbyszko vs. Don Andres Castanos
Opener: Jim Londos versus Jim Browning
Main Content
Frank Gotch practicing boxing (Public Domain)
American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Frank Gotch and World Heavyweight Boxing Champion James J. Jeffries negotiated for a big money boxing bout in late 1904 and early 1905.
To forward the potential bout along, Gotch fought his friend, Canadian heavyweight boxer Sam Williams, in a friendly exhibition. Gotch accidentally injured Williams in the bout.
Jeffries retired in May 1905 bringing negotations to an end.
Update
St. Louis’ Civil War: The Streetcar Strike of 1900 is finally finished and published. It is available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover.
I have decided on my next project and Harry Hill as a future podcast topic.
Thoughts on December 20, 2025 AAA Card – First match was a 4-Way Tag Team match. Lots of action, people lying around, not my cup of tea. Canelo Alvarez at ringside
Next was El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. versus Ethan Page. Thoughts on El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. False finish was okay though.
Wyatt Sicks versus the Clowns – Hated it.
Laredo Kid vs. Jevon Evans vs. Jack Cartwheel – While I think there is too much gymnastics, all three perform better and more believably than most. Entertaining match with good young talent.
Los Toxicas versus Natty, Faby Apache, and Lola Vice – Lola Vice finally won a match even though she did not get the pin.
El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Dragon Lee – El Hijo del Vikingo should be AAA’s top guy whether babyface or heel.
Podcast Plans for 2026
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