Billy Bello - A Bronx Tale

[@TheBatugan77]

CYO... I'm a former Bronx kid. Haven't heard those letters in 60 years. Between CYO and PAL, you could play any sport you wanted, in the early 60s.

[@celticpeoplearchive5404]

Great quote at the very end. Poignant.

[@williamdavis7629]

Rich- Thanks so much for answering my request by making this video. Excellent production. I’m a senior that remembers Billy Bello very well. I can recall being shocked and saddened by his untimely passing. A sad story that makes you wonder what could have been.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, William. Nice to hear from someone who saw him first hand.

[@dashauncarney9651]

"The Saddest thing in the world is wasted potential." Story of my life.

[@johnniethepom7545]

If my mum had married someone else and had me privately educated , I could have been somebody.

[@nemanjalosic682]

I've could've been contender 😢

[@johnniethepom7545]

@@nemanjalosic682 I fulfilled everyone's expectations for me ; I'm still a never-was-been !

[@themonsterhasaname]

Rich I love your shows. You are a fantastic story teller taking excellent angles and I hope your channel continues to grow. Your voice is excellent. I wish you were a fight commentator

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank so much, The Monster Has A Name. Cool handle, btw.

[@themonsterhasaname]

@RichtheFightHistorian commentary of some big fights you're needed there. Lots of knowledge and calm. Your shows are great even not having heard of some fighters. You bring them to life. Even the dead ones. Looking forward to more

[@caulfield618]

Thanks Rich. Never heard of this guy before.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Machogavacho

[@KevinGuy-j5i]

Thanks for posting

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Kevin.

[@johnniethepom7545]

Thanks for the upload. I hope you are in good health . Regards from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Johnnie.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich ❤️

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@bugsta2012]

R.I.P billy

[@alandesouzacruz5124]

Rest in peace Billy 🌟🌹🕊️

[@outie5000]

It's has been some GREAT VIDEOS 📹 this week THANKS RICH 💢💥💢💥💯

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, outie. A few different style vids this week ;)

[@patrickkirwan3353]

That was sad. Thanks man.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Patrick.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Incredible video. YOU ARE FANTASTIC TO DO THIS WORK.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, drummersagainstitk

[@JohnLivadas]

Such a great production

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, John.

[@NotInTheGame]

Good video

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks.

[@capac2]

Another tragic boxing story. Lessons. Thanks Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, capac2.

[@Ren_Brands]

Thanks for the great Video

[@barryobee1544]

Cool video thanks!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Barry.

[@TheSaviorSaid]

Never heard of this fighter and I know my boxing history. How Sad ❤ thanks Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, David.

[@jasoncarle5432]

Another amazing documentary...great job Rich....too bad he died so young... terrible

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Jason.

[@jasoncarle5432]

@RichtheFightHistorian you're welcome buddy...and thank you for continuing to post awesome boxing videos!:)

[@oncall21]

Rich you some how pull out the truth that fight fans the world over would deny. Another tragic tale but great video as always. Thanks for sharing!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, oncall21.

[@wildtill9]

Wow, what a surprising and sad ending

[@fearnobodyandtrustnoone]

I like those old black and white footages

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

In Gaspar Ortega’s corner two of the great trainers from Stillmans Gym going back to the 1920’s, Freddy Brown and Whitey Bimstein. Thanks Rich, I do not remember this fighter even though I probably saw the fight on TV.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Gil.

[@geez8212]

In addition to being a great trainer , Freddy Brown was the greatest cut man of all time . He saved Marciano title, when his nose was split in two. He also molded Duran in to an all time great.

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

@ correct He molded Duran. Arcel was the front man and spokesman while Freddy did the day to day. I met Arcel in the late 60’s when he was working for Harry Kessler’s company, before he got involved with Roberto. Ray was out of boxing but stayed close. I l learned more about boxing in 2 hours than I ever imagined. I was with my friend who was building a record as a HW. His manager introduced us to Ray. Both Freddy and Ray were great men in and out of boxing

[@geez8212]

Good stuff. When I was 10 years old , my father took me to the old Gleasons in the Bronx, and arranged for Freddy to work with me . For 3 dollars per lesson! We became close , and later , I sparred with Duran when he was in town. Freddy was a great man and friend . Unfortunately He never was the same after the inexplicable “ No Mas”. You are absolutely correct that he did most of Durand day to day training.

[@Mehdi-zi1zm]

Rich- could you please make a video on Jerome Coffee?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'll have to see what I have on him.

[@johnspaulding1681]

damn... that was sad

[@whip57]

Wow, looking at this guy fight, he had the right stuff, what a shame, seems like the same story over and over...drugs, alcohol or women. Great video 🥊👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Johnny.

[@MaximusWolfe]

Yeesh. Sad choice.

[@kelliejohnson3050]

Hi Rich, how about a story on Luis Resto? Most famous for beating Irish Billy Collins way back in 1983? Only because 1 fight destroyed so many lives?!?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I think Resto's story would do well but to me it's well-plowed soil. There has been quite a bit done on him already. I'll think about it :)

[@NickOTEEN-u8w]

The last two videos you made have really been fantastic. A close family friend s father was a middleweight Steve Belliose. Think he was from same area as Bello's. Think Belliose fought Sugar Ray.? Great doc man!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Nick. Your correct, Belloise did fight Sugar Ray.

[@shaunraziel2953]

Please do a Gaspar Ortega Documentary!!!

[@billythekidd-go3hv]

You should do one of these on John “Red” Shea! He just did an interview with Vladtv.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I pretty much stick to boxing although some True Crime overlaps more often than not.

[@billythekidd-go3hv]

@ He was supposedly a multiple time golden gloves champion, went on to win 3 professional bouts. Wasn’t sure if his boxing career was extensive enough but his story is obviously intriguing.

[@cocaroto9650]

I remember this a while back, wasnt there a conspiracy he was given a "hot dose".

[@313Manofsteel]

How are you going to be in the gym with a prime sugar ray Robinson and say you didn’t learn anything.

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

Tragic

[@joeschmoe9154]

Looking at his record he never seemed to take off as a pro. He simply wasn't good enough. He had an average record against Mediocre Opposition. 11 of his fights were against 3 opponents. He fought the same tomato cans over and over. Deep deep down he probably knew he never would make it anywhere near the top. That probably pushed him over the edge and to drugs.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I disagree. This was a time period where a mediocre record wasn't always a reflection of the fighter's ability. Bello had a split duke with Gaspar Ortega in only his second 10-rounder. He had skill as evidenced in the result and the film itself.

[@TheBatugan77]

Nothing pushes you toward drugs except you and drugs. In the fight shown Billy loses a split decision. That's like losing a 5-4 ballgame in 10 innings.

[@thethracian3998]

@@RichtheFightHistorian It's easy to see on film, that he was good, as was his opponent. Really skillful for his age. It shows the insidious nature of hard drugs.

[@joeschmoe9154]

@ Pretty Judgemental on your part. People use drugs to escape something, generally something pretty bad

[@bajaborracho9139]

Rich when are you going to quit playing hard to get and come have lunch with us at the Italian social club? Friday the 14th at noon. Lunch is on us. Norcal veterans boxers would love to have you for lunch! Bar opens at 11am lunch at noon. Complimentary wine!😊🙏🥊🙏Russia and mission street!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Baja. Just been terribly busy and have some other issues going on.