Chris Calvin Documentary - Life, Death & A Boxer

A look back at the "Southern Rebel" Chris Calvin, one of the top lightweight contenders of the mid-1980s.

[@jax1687]

Anyone can do a bio on the legends of boxing but it's so great that you choose the fighters you do as these lesser-known fighters deserve their story to be told. and as always you tell it better than anyone.........Thanks Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Greg. Thank you.

[@joshwa6158]

Great job at putting this together! It’s awesome to see Chris honored in this way. I grew up with Chris’ kids and they’re still some of the best and most loyal friends I’ve had in my life. I’m happy to say Mr. Chris is doing really good and has more kids and grandkids than you can count on your fingers and toes!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Great to hear, thanks for the share.

[@monster-energYz]

chris is my grandpas brother!

[@joshwa6158]

@@monster-energYz you talking about Uncle Red?

[@Joe-ry2xq]

It's that time again, time to sit back and let rich tell me yet another fantastic tale...... THANK YOU SIR 👍🙏🥊💐

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Joe.

[@elwin38]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Have you done one on Ike Ibeabuchi.

[@bjh7924]

I love these boxer biographies. Fights back in the day were brutal, weren't they? ❤️🥊

[@artjomtamm7751]

No usada..

[@robertstroud7561]

No. You have to go back to the 20s, 30s, 40, 50s for those. Those were REAL fights.

[@bjh7924]

@@robertstroud7561 Who are you? Jack Dempsey? 😉

[@robertstroud7561]

@@bjh7924 Na. I read a book called One of Buds and Carols Kids by a former pro fighter and I aint been the same since.

[@robertstroud7561]

@@bjh7924 NOT knocking Rich He doe AMAZING work.

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Love love love that you did one on Chris. Growing up a huge boxing fan in Nashville, he was one of my heroes. Was never the same after the Thomas fight. So unfortunate for both.

[@jackson76724]

I think I may have shed a tear at the end there. Such a sad story in a way. Calvin seems such a nice bloke.

[@thegadflygang5381]

Always LOVED Chris. A death in the ring will ALWAYS CHANGE a non sociopathic fighter. Look at BOOM BOOM MANCINI and Duck Koo. Never the same Love Chris' Southern pride attire, his gentlemanly demeanor, his decent power and most of all his toughness while working a STRENOUS FULL TIME JOB. That is something most young guys and even myself never really experienced. We all know you have to box to eat but having to work 50 hours a week and then fight to eat? AWESOME.

[@bengolfs1]

I definitely remember watching Chris Calvin and other ESPN regulars during the mid-1980's when I was just a kid--Robin Blake, Freddie Roach, Terrence Ali, Tommy Cordova, Jimmy Paul, and on and on.

[@jimmymaximusace]

Boxers are always my inspiration, so powerful, yet so humble, can be brutal, but yet so Humane...

[@ElectronicDejaVu]

I love that the announcer mentions that the Hagler vs Hearns fight would be happening the following Monday. They had no idea about the war that was coming.

[@Anthony-Testicali]

Al Bernstein has looked 68 for the last 40 years. Another exceptional video from a very class production house/channel....love the calm low key voiceover

[@AlexG-tp2ik]

It's that 70's look with the stache 😆

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, M K. Lol'd at the Bernstein remark.

[@brocklanders3616]

Haha, so true. Same can be said for Larry merchant. I can't imagine him beating Floyd, even if he was 40 years younger lol

[@charternicholson9933]

Great documentary....Calvin seems like a decent human being. The death of Thomas would weigh on anyone. No one blames Calvin...but you can't hide from your conscience.....you are your own biggest critic... Tough sport for tough men like Calvin and Thomas (RIP)... Rich awesome as always

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Charter.

[@MrKnoxguy101]

That fight against Bret Summers.. holy smokes. Calvin was a bull. On a few different occasions he looked hurt and/or tired and about to give out but he would dig in and find a second wind and would suddenly start blazing away. He had some power behind his hooks and straights whenever he actually connected. Staying in shape paid off. Before this fight, Summers was not only undefeated, winning his previous 22 fights, but had never been knocked down once in his professional career. He went down 7 times in this fight against Chris Calvin. Summers had been boxing since he was a kid (fought over 400 fights total throughout his entire life.. yes 400.) and retired at the age of 27 with a professional record of 28-3-1. Out of the three losses, this was the one Summers remembered the most, when he got merked by a country boy from Nashville. SHAWN THOMAS… Rest In Peace.

[@ChampChamp2024]

So many great boxers that have been forgotten

[@j.d.thompson3505]

I been waiting to see something about Chris. I thought I was the only one that remembered watching him on ESPN.

[@bikecaptain8015]

This guy was good! Good instincts, aggressive as all get out without being +too+ reckless. A hell of an overhand, and stepping lead straights, a devastating repertoire he uses well. He's more graceful than he seems at first. He somehow makes bombing work for a lightweight. I felt some of those. Guy wasn't greatest ever or anything, but I'm really impressed.

[@erichodge567]

Helluva piece. I'd never heard of the guy. Solid fighter. Sadly, in the fight game, many are called, but few are chosen.

[@Mandarintoenail1]

I hadn’t realized how much I enjoy and appreciate your channel, Rich, until I noticed that you’re one of the only channels I’m subscribed to that I open and watch immediately (if I can) when I see the notification. There’s something about your vocal tone, story telling, and brilliant way of mixing the stories with allowing a fight to play out on its own. Love your channel, man, thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Mandarintoenail1, I appreciate your kind words.

[@ronofficial5958]

Same here...

[@Mandarintoenail1]

@@RichtheFightHistorian you’re welcome, Rich. You deserve way more subscribers. Just finished watching your Steve Zouski doc. Another good one. Tough dude.

[@Montyhugo]

I need too dig deeper into Chris and see what became of his life. Thanks Rich!👍👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Monty

[@Montyhugo]

@@RichtheFightHistorian maybe a Irish Pat McMurtry someday 😉

[@jongoatbfcwalpole]

Chris Calvin was my trainer in the amateurs. He’s a tough dude. Even when he was older he could still knock the fire out of ya. Love that dude

[@davidford2169]

I do (as a brit 🇬🇧) appreciate your giving us these fighters ..they are all brave men whoever steps into that ring ..and to me it is a fair playing ground..you know,Queensbury rules and all that...its the same..and honourable.from Dave in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 👍🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks Dave, always great to hear from the fans in the UK

[@spiderjerusalem100]

Another great story Rich, it's always cool to hear about these lesser known guys and to see them fight. This guy had a hell of a punch.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks Serpico's Beard. He definitely did.

[@paulbroderick4217]

Was not expecting that ending!!Life is so funny.One minute everything is going along smoothly and then it becomes a train wreck!!Hope Chris is okay now! Good job Rich!Keep them coming

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Paul. Sounds like he's doing well.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Rich, being from Mississippi I was a huge fan of Chris. Plus, he was a firefighter like my brother. It was such a tragedy about his boxing career. I really think he could have challenged for the lightweight title. Keep them coming Rich! I really enjoy your channel.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, RE. I think he could have gave Jimmy Paul a good fight.

[@oncall21]

These stories run deep in a boxer's life. Calvin was such a humble and affable person. So sad to hear of the loss of Thomas and the further losses to Calvin with his family too. Another great story and thanks for sharing Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, oncall21.

[@finnglynn9344]

Great Post Calvin was a good pro tough as nails other fighters who have been involved in fatal fights have said the same that they are not the same afterwards the dangers of boxing become all to aware to them ,I think Calvin being in a fire man having a steady job kept him on the straight and narrow after such a tragedy.

[@dustyrustymusty3577]

I was a huge Chris Calvin fan. Still am.

[@Kidgavilan700]

Wow Rich. A blast from the not too distant past. The kid was a heck of a fighter. I remember him on ESPN. Those were the days Arum made competitive matches. Good to see cut men Eddie the clot Aliano and Ralph Citro who was in in the Kronk corner. Sounds like Chris is doing ok. He must be a retired fire fighter by now.

[@sixoneshrimp]

Can’t imagine how much effort this one took considering I can’t even find a video of that war between himself and Bret Summers on KZbin 👏

[@sixoneshrimp]

Also can’t stand when these legends don’t have Wikipedia pages!!

[@mozfonky]

it was on here at one point, I watched it.

[@danacarney7017]

Class act. So much Heart. God Bless ya Chris. You are a real Champ

[@scott7377]

Love these Documentarys.Boxing has lots of history.

[@Nick-rk2uc]

Another gem, thanks Rich. What makes all your docos so special is that many/most boxers you talk about are humans with flaws like the rest of us who have their ups & downs, peaks & troughs etc as life isnt linear. Those post fight interviews are absolute treasures.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Nick, I appreciate the kind words.

[@staceyskinner666]

Remember him never saw him on TV ..but Boxing News covered him quite well through Graham Houstons column ..yet again you make us feel young Rich ..well done x

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Stacey

[@bucky20091]

I thoroughly enjoyed the video on Chris Calvin. Back when ESPN ran their Friday Night Fights series, he was a fan favorite. Thanks for this site, you put up some great memories.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Steve.

[@jamescook4116]

Compelling story of a fighter I knew nothing about. Great work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, James.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

I love watching tough fellas. Not many tougher than this man. Thanks for this Rich 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mr T

[@mikepedroza9218]

Hey man thanks for posting this it brings back so many memories use to watch this guy fight on ESPN with my dad and grandpa during dinner Chris use lay these guys out with that right hand yur Chanel is the best historian documentary / boxing on u tube

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Mike

[@michaelcalvin77]

God bless you Rich

[@kuwaitisnotadeployment1373]

That accent alone could've made him a star if he was fighting today

[@janswart2705]

Thank you for the upload, Rich. I like learning more about fighters I'd never known of before. Greetings from sunny Cape Town, South Africa.

[@francosteinmann3238]

Hi Jan , watching from Kimberley , South Africa , ek het gedink ek is die enigste Suid Afrikaner wat na Rich se videos kyk , lekker aand verder

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Jan, always great to hear from the South African fans

[@kcatleticos]

I hope he can do Corrie Sanders one day---another tragic ending..

[@brucemedley635]

Terrific documentary rich Chris certainly had dynamite in that right hand of his Brett summers was tough as well

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Bruce. Calvin & Summers were good.

[@bennylevine387]

Oh no I gotta go to work and you put out a Chris Calvin video! That's awesome. Saw him at the Showboat back in the day at least once that I can recall.

[@texasstadium]

Another great video. I did not know of these guys. I guess missed a lot of quality boxing while stationed over seas in the '70's.

[@bajaborracho9139]

Rich my friend, this one had me in tears. And I know you had at least one request for CC. From me! There were just so many quality fighters working then and so much major network attention for boxing. We had it so good Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Baja. The 80s were so good. Spoiled us really.

[@PHBboxing]

As always Rich, GREAT WORK! I remember Calvin from way back on ESPN. He was ALWAYS up for a brawl. I hope he’s well.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, PHBBoxing

[@towboatintroy832]

This is one of my favorite channels on KZbin you do a great job rich especially bringing recognition to these fighters that alot of people forgot about or may have never heard of them thank you for this channel keep up the good work I tell everybody I know about your channel thank you sir

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I greatly appreciate that, Troy, thanks so much.

[@johnjamele]

I watched a LOT of boxing on tv in the 80s but never saw or even heard of this guy.

[@marcoslaureano5562]

Great documentary as always Rich. Always well researched and beautifully presented. Your love and respect for the sport and especially the fighters themselves, always shines through in your docs. Thanks brother.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I really appreciate that, Marcos, thank you.

[@marcoslaureano5562]

@@RichtheFightHistorian No problem brother, I meant every word. Just wish my pop was still around to watch your channel. I have no doubt that yours would have been his favorite.

[@jerrycoleman882]

He's got that Forest Gump demeanor, "Run Forest, Run!" Nice, polite and humble.

[@gabrielle5995]

My Uncle Chris is amazing! Love you!

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

That’s dope

[@williampartridge4595]

I live in PA. I haven't heard a pleasant southern accent like that in a very long time.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@14spokenwords]

Thanks for the content

[@joeygarba4172]

Thanks Rich I look forward to these biographies.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Joey.

[@ronaldneal387]

Keep up the great work 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks Ronald, more on the way

[@iwant2usethis]

Another good job Rick! Thanks!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, iwant2usethis

[@whip57]

Love it, another gem, thanks again...love learning about these guys 🥊

[@michaelmelling9333]

Thanks for posting this!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Michael

[@amc7185]

Incredible video, Rich! Great footage of CC I have never seen, with the exception of the Summers and Haugen fights.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, A Mc

[@nickharmer3049]

Quality work Rich. Another fighter you've introduced me to. Whether I know them or not ,I always learn something. Appreciate your work & professionalism, in putting these great vids together. Good stuff. Bless up bro 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Nick, glad to introduce you to the hard punching Calvin.

[@trunliving4567]

Appreciate your efforts on these documentaries. Well done, thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the support, trunliving4567

[@nyquil762]

Your documentaries are the best.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, nyquil

[@jessekauffman3336]

Thank you for these videos

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Jesse.

[@RahaRo11]

What a wonderful channel. thank you dearly.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Rob.

[@peterpartridge3612]

Excellent story telling, great video as always

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Peter.

[@fromunderthekilt6310]

The things I love about ur this channel is you focus on fighters that most haven’t heard of. Every other boxing channel does a Mike Tyson video every other day and Mikes cool and all but it’s gotten so old. This is my favourite boxing channel by far as it’s just the info, lots of research and great old videos. Thanx for all you do brother!!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate that FUTK, thanks again.

[@fromunderthekilt6310]

No problem Rich. Thank you. @@RichtheFightHistorian

[@uncjim]

You did it again Rich. Thanks!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, uncjim.

[@hallelujah4296]

another story that brought a tear to my eyes. the humanity you bring out of these warriors stories is like no other mr. rich. thank you and God bless you n yours and all the warriors that you keep alive through your docs. this one was touching🛐

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Much appreciated, hal, thanks for the support.

[@daveherbst5080]

Hey Rich I had never heard of Chris Calvin, but after your AWESOME video, you have to love the guy and be a fan!!! What ever happened to Summers, what a battle was!!! I'm wondering if Chris came along around the same time as Rocky Fratto. Rocky was an All Service Champion and had a great Pro career. Thanks again!!!!!!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Dave.

[@haroldfinch8481]

Another great one. Thanks again.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Harold.

[@darkplayer5535]

Nice video Sir Rich hows the progress on the Bonavena documentary also i have a fighter suggestion Jessie James Leija and Willie Pastrano

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, DarkPlayer I have a Bonavena piece coming up soon. I'll put Leija on the list. Pastrano is there as well.

[@paolomonzio972]

Another great doc. Love this guy i didn't know. If i am not wrong, he fought in the undercard of Hagler-Hearns. One of the "heroes" of that years that the most, like me, didn't know. Great doc such as the ones about Verderosa and O'Grady. Thanks ❤️🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Paolo

[@paolomonzio972]

@@RichtheFightHistorian 👍👍 but I am wrong, he didn't fought in that undercard 😊

[@wadeepps3443]

Another great video Rich! keep up the good work. you're to good for youtube in my humble opinion.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Wade.

[@darryllonsdale5316]

Thank you Rich.Really enjoyed that..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Darryl.

[@someone-up2hg]

Great doc, thanks for this

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@chrisbinkley7938]

I grew up with the Calvin's... Chris Calvin would train his children in a gym in his back yard... Chris is a great man, a great father, grandfather, and friend.. He has very talented wrestling grandsons Chris Calvin and Joe Calvin. Chris has even beat cancer... He is a true fighter and will forever have my respect

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for sharing, Chris

[@ttenkrut]

Great upload

[@Ren_Brands]

Another exzellent Video, these Storys are really Interesting and well told.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Rene.

[@mikelevenson7271]

Rich, Calvin was a favorite of mine on ESPN. I always wondered what happened as he suddenly dropped out of the ratings..Now I know.. another great in depth story..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Mike. He had a helluva right hand.

[@dennishortonii2139]

Love your content sir!.....stories that deserve to be told.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Dennis.

[@vt500ft]

Yet another amazing installment, thank you sir. Where is the Patreon? Your content deserves the support.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, John. No patreon but I appreciate your sentiment.

[@plzineedtogowayrn6353]

One of the greatest channels

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you

[@rowdyrx6109]

Thanks again Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, rowdyrx

[@christopherbellore3511]

Losing to Greg Haugen... No shame in that. You gotta have a heart, not just a constitution to be brave, or persevere and push the limits of your endurance; you gotta have a heart of sensitivity and compassion for the massive loss that Calvin's opponent, Thomas incurred by his competitive warrior adversary. There is a time in your life when passion turns INTO compassion. It may not happen ALL at once, but it starts somewhere and usually matures over time as we do. Chris Calvin was a disciplined young man with a heart for people. He was in a job as a firefighter to risk his life in order to SAVE OTHERS. Up here in N.Y. us Yankees call the NYC Fire Department, "New York's Bravest." That's a well known fact. Chris Calvin had nothing to prove. Apparently God had another plan for Chris' life. Thomas's death came as a devastating shock and impact on many people's lives when his lights were snuffed out permanently; However, God wasn't sitting on His Throne watching those events and gasping, "I can't believe that Shawn Thomas is DEAD!" Nothing takes God by surprise, He's never caught off guard. Still, for us finite humans, grieving is part of our mental, emotional and spiritual condition. Even "JESUS WEPT." Calvin was a GREAT fighter. I hope he still is, outside of the Ring. For all who read this, including Rich, and Chris Calvin: "May the PEACE of Christ be with you ALWAYS. ✝🙏☝✝🛐🕊🔨📖🗡🥊✝ ⚓ Fight the good fight of faith.

[@andyvitale6071]

Chris Calvin dropped bombs! Very exciting when he fought.

[@stevetortola1682]

Well Done, excellent show 💯🇨🇦

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Steve.

[@noelrogan4058]

Another great delivery from the POSTMAN..cheers rich..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Noel.

[@DWilliam1]

Great video.

[@spencernuckolls4791]

I sure do miss these days of boxing

[@gerryd7027]

This so interesting, no doubt if it hadn't been for the death of the other boxer Chris would have become world champion. Thanks for putting this together so well. 🥊😎

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Gerry

[@itsnotme3882]

The fight with Summers should have been stopped earlier

[@spiderreed350]

Tennessee wasn't exactly a hot bed for boxers,you had Johnny Bumphus,John Tate and not much else.

[@kuwaitisnotadeployment1373]

Yes I love when you upload a video on a guy I don't know anything about

[@andrewwilliams8413]

Fantastic Rich ! Look forward to your posts. Strange no one could put him down and then after the fatal fight, Greg Haugen a light puncher puts him out ? No knock on Haugen who was a very good fighter

[@michaelphillpott4884]

Haugen went on to beat guys much better than Calvin.

[@andrewwilliams8413]

@@michaelphillpott4884 Yeah, won money on him when he beat Paz and Camacho

[@michaelcalvin77]

Need to make a movie with him compared to the other movies of boxing this is a common sense thing,if would be different if he had a good sparring,and a good trainer he would had all 3 titles no doubt God bless all.My brother

[@brianseneca3546]

Another great on Rich. The only time I saw Calvin was the Sommers fight on a ESPN vhs tape I had years ago.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Brian.

[@chrismurnane1301]

Great video lad

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Chris

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@chrismurnane1301 Will do, Chris. Thanks for the support.

[@chrismurnane1301]

@@RichtheFightHistorian been talking about your yt channel to my buddies. Many of who have amateur records as well as underground form. I was left with one qn as regards your contribution to the boxing community. Would you ever consider or have you considered doing a podcast ? I f not, I can get with that . Either way you are doing a great service for the boxing community

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@chrismurnane1301 Thanks, Chris. I tried a few podcast style but they weren't as well received as the documentaries. No time for it really now so I'm just focusing on the documentary style videos.

[@michaelcalvin77]

Need to make a movie at of Chris Calvin!

[@craigross341]

You don't often hear a South'ron accent quite that good today!

[@rl1800]

What a war with Summers. Awesome fight. Great documentary.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Ryan.

[@dennisfboston4543]

What coincidence I wrote about robbie while listening and what do u know he's a former opponent haha great video love his accent