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Story June 29, 1938

Imperial Valley Press

El Centro, Imperial County, California

What is this article about?

Matchmaker Noel Johnson predicts strong performances by dark-skinned boxers Cleo Shans and Ike Blair in the Imperial Valley Golden Gloves team selection tournament at El Centro arena on Thursday night, inspired by Joe Louis' victory.

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'Dark' Horses Feature V. Team in Boxing Tourney

"Keep your eyes on the dusky boys!" Matchmaker Noel Johnson warned Wednesday in predicting there will be a number of dark skinned boxers on the team to represent Imperial Valley at the Golden Gloves tournament.

Johnson called particular attention to two bouts on seven-bout card Thursday night at El Centro arena, first round in an elimination tournament to select the team.

"Watch Cleo Shans when he tangles with Frankie Cannett." Johnson said from behind his cigar. "Then watch Ike Blair trade them with Jess Cota.

"I don't promise Cleo and Ike will make the team, but you just watch them perform. Remember what Cleo did last week to a boy that outweighed him!"

Johnson explained that Joe Louis' spectacular victory has put new life into the valley's Negro boxers. He maintained the added confidence is all that Ike (Midnight Express) Blair and Cleo (Black Cobra) Shans needed.

(Editor’s Note: Just in case of a slip up, advise La Express and La Cobra to take more into the ring with them than confidence.)

-The Express faces a tough field in welter division with Steve Amador, Puncher McBride, T.N.T., Cobb, Don Woolridge and Alex Montoya barring the way.

The Cobra also faces a rocky path, with Cannett, Bobbie Pacheco, Ross Ruiz and Yaqui Joe Gonzales blocking the road in the featherweight sector.

Other bouts Thursday night will pit Greg Escalona against Lee Flores, Baby Ramos against Ken Miyaji, Vic Villavicencia against Willie Simmons, Steve Amador against Puncher McBride and Tuffy Loudermilk against Yaqui Joe Gonzales.

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event Personal Triumph

What themes does it cover?

Bravery Heroism Triumph

What keywords are associated?

Boxing Tournament Golden Gloves Imperial Valley Negro Boxers Cleo Shans Ike Blair Joe Louis

What entities or persons were involved?

Noel Johnson Cleo Shans Ike Blair Frankie Cannett Jess Cota Joe Louis

Where did it happen?

El Centro Arena, Imperial Valley

Story Details

Key Persons

Noel Johnson Cleo Shans Ike Blair Frankie Cannett Jess Cota Joe Louis

Location

El Centro Arena, Imperial Valley

Event Date

Thursday Night

Story Details

Matchmaker Noel Johnson highlights upcoming bouts featuring Negro boxers Cleo Shans and Ike Blair in the elimination tournament to select the Imperial Valley Golden Gloves team, boosted by Joe Louis' recent victory.

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