Jimmy Lester - San Francisco's Boxing Legend

A look back at the Bayview Blaster, 1960s middleweight contender Jimmy Lester.

[@bajaborracho9139]

My coach Charlie Smith put me in with Jimmy Lester at Pittman's when I was an amateur with a couple of fights. Jimmy was in his forties but considering a comeback. My legs were shaking I was so scared. But Jimmy could no longer pull the trigger and had trouble finding me. His fight got shelved mercifully before he got hurt. After he had a stroke I would see him on the bus sometimes. He always had a big smile and just the nicest guy you could ever meet. Then when I was still fighting in my late thirties I sparred with his son James who was a pretty decent heavyweight. I really loved Jimmy Lester. Thank you Rich for posting this. I have no idea where the hell you got this footage but this is so damn good.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Baja. You confirmed that it was him at Pittman's...So long ago, wasn't sure...I do remember him as an outgoing friendly guy.

[@hallelujah4296]

what a gr8 story baja borracho. thanks for sharing and God bless

[@shovelhead56]

Your thoughtful memories added to the story and legacy of Mr. Lester. Yes, he really seemed like a nice guy. Thank You for sharing🤙

[@roadrunner381]

Thx for that little story, he seemed like a really nice guy!🥊👍

[@ronr7905]

I didn't know who Lester was, thanks for the great insight. There aren't too many happy endings in this sport, giving those unsung fighters a tribute like this is a nice way to remember and honor them.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Ron, thanks for the support.

[@pizzulo8111]

"I've never tried to knock anyone out." "It's by accident." That's coming from a man who knocked people unconscious for ten minutes or more. They say punchers are born punchers and Jimmy Lester was a born puncher.

[@daviddavies2945]

One of the most intelligent and articulate boxers I have heard. Thanks for bringing his life story to us.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, David

[@mangoMango-ck3et]

What great story about Lester,,he was a Champion Boxer,,but most of all he had the Best Human qualities of any man,,Gave back to his community,everything he could,,the World was a better place for you being here Lester.,..R.I.P.

[@hallelujah4296]

Amen mango1973mango, sad he is gone already like so many others. did you know him personally? im not sure by your post but was curious if you are if you could share more. this has been one of the best ones to me but i wish it was a movie about him. i wish i knew more. all these warriors from the pasts stories are so touching to me. sad so many die young

[@waderivers99]

Respect. That's what i have for a guy like this.

[@jtoo6060]

Excellent video on Jimmy Lester. I remember him well from back then. Jimmy was a crowd pleaser with his aggressive hard punching style. His defense was not the best and he took one or two before he landed. His fights with Rocky Hernandez were wars and the fight with Andy Hielman was one of the best ever. RIP Jimmy Lester

[@christopherbellore3511]

TWICE you got me! 1) Tear jerker at the end. 2) I WISH I WAS 21 again. Another great profile Rich. Thanks for sharing this. R.I.P. Jimmy Lester ✝ 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Christopher

[@hallelujah4296]

mr. rich ,you are the best story teller in the world. so humble, kind and gracious with every warriors rememberance. boxing is one of the only sports i truely ever enjoyed to watch besides baseball but i never really knew anything about it till i found you. every story you tell makes me feel the humanity of it ,which ive never noticed before. im gonna end now so i dont write a novel but thank you very much sir for everything you do and God bless you. your stories mean a lot to me and i appreciate being able to see them and learn and get to know a little bit about these warriors you are keeping alive. thank you very much

[@roncoleman9502]

God bless you sir I feel the same way. Rich is one of the best at telling us about these fighters I enjoy them so much.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Wow, thanks so much hal. I appreciate your support very much.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Ron.

[@hallelujah4296]

@@roncoleman9502 God bless you and thank you ,i appreciate seeing that. not many ever say it back to me and its nice to see and hear🌞👍

[@hallelujah4296]

@@RichtheFightHistorian your welcome mr. rich. bless you sir🛐

[@slaphead8835]

Very cool segment Rich. "Jimmy Lester" is a new one for me. But that's why we're here. Your tribute was very thorough and terrific!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Slaphead. Wish I had some of Lester's fight footage to share.

[@reneepatterson3035]

Your the best film maker I’ve seen on KZbin…your content evokes emotion. I describe you as the “Ken Burns” of the internet. Thank you so much!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Wow, thank you renee.

[@bigstacks1463]

Great description of Rich's video, they're fantastic.

[@staceyskinner666]

Two stoppage defeats in 64 fights ..busy and tough fighter...Great to see the man behind the stats .

[@kenrichmond1215]

Great footage of him he seemed like a great man

[@pedrofernandez506]

I knew Jimmy, as a fan, same stable at Newman's Gym, later, a brief member of the San Francisco Police Department's public bus division. That didn't work. In the 80s, I got a call to go to the now razed crime ridden Geneva Towers apartment complex, that a man was "climbing up the side" of the building. It was James Lester, his wife wouldn't let him see his kids, security wouldn't let him in, so he climbed 11 floors before I got there. Once I ran up the stairs (you never took the elevator) and got to a balcony above him. When I realized it was Jimmy, I coaxed him in. They wanted to book him 5150 H & S (a public and self danger) but my Lt. Greg Corrales overruled the paramedics. Greg gave me $20 and told me to take Jimmy where he wanted to go, as long as it was AWAY from the ex-wife's house. I vividly remember his funeral service in, where else, the "Bay View District." There were some shady guys around Jimmy, so they told me, but he was before my time. RIP Jimmy Lester.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Great share, thanks Pedro.

[@chrislipp5000]

awesome recollection what a beaut appreciate it Sir

[@dickspits8819]

Not sure if you are aware but the Geneva towers housing project has been torn down

[@MartinBlackburn]

Love the personalised element in the early content here. As ever keep going and going !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Martin, will do.

[@nyquil762]

Fantastic documentary brother. Lester sounds like a good guy. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, nyquil, thanks for the watch

[@il9621]

The quotes on this channel are bone chilling. I wish I were 21 again, so I could do it all over. Resonates with each and every one of us, to a different degree.

[@hallelujah4296]

you aint wrong ,i felt that nostalgia

[@christopherbellore3511]

You said it! Rich had me tear jerked AND wishing that I was 21 again. What a great profile he did.

[@reycesarcarino4653]

Jimmy Lester for what you have shown was a Good soul

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

PS, the Lester Heilman fight was indeed a barn burner. As I remember the Oakland Coliseum was packed. SF and Oakland were great fight towns then. Nate Collins from Oakland did not have many fights but as I remember he beat a few contenders. Jimmy swarmed him the entire fight. Nate had a straight right that could know a building over. He was very patient, too patient, and when he let it go he knocked Jimmy almost out of the ring. Nate won a decision

[@hallelujah4296]

thank you for sharing your story james. its was a great one and i appreciate reading it. bless you sir

[@jamescook4116]

A touching story. He comes across well in the interviews. Sad to hear of his living conditions as a middle-aged man. This was a kind profile of a seemingly decent and tough man.

[@marquismorris1548]

Humble when interviewed

[@LBG-cf8gu]

Best boxing history channel.

[@zacariaspiedrasdelrio8984]

R.I.P you can tell he was a good guy!

[@SagansWar]

I have said this on many of your other videos, but I LOVE that you put these together. I have learned so much about fighters I already knew and about fighters I have not heard of. Love it. Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, SagansWar

[@2383Scorpio]

Great job Rich on the interesting life and career of Jimmy Lester. Nice rare interviews that me and other fans never saw. He almost fought all comers in his time and Bennie Briscoe made Lester looked "Bad" that he stopped him in 5 rounds. Lester had a great aggressive punching style. Nice way to tell us about the Jimmy Lester story. Keep it up.👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Scorpio, will do

[@Joe-ry2xq]

Thank you rich, the fans are wiser today yet again thanks to you and your team. Much appreciated 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Joe.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Fantastic work. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, drummersagainstik

[@EwFatppl]

God man this is so sad its nice to see another fighter with the good ol conk hair props to you for finding these rare videos god knows all these other “supposedly fight historians” have no ability to get rare to find information and info on certain fighters

[@arthurrose6473]

Another fine video that shows the exceptional courage, talent AND intelligence these men possessed. A fighter us a rare breed- doing what most could never do- because they CAN.

[@shovelhead56]

Richard, another captivating story! Always enjoy your presentations🤙

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, D Man

[@nicholashannigan6930]

11 outta 10 superb 👌 Thank you, 'yet again', Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, nicholas

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Lester seemed like a good decent man. I'm glad he was able to work with the youngsters in his community. Thanks for bringing these fighters life stories to us viewers. Great job Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, RE

[@whip57]

Love it, another great story about one of the good guys, tough fighter....another who died too young 🥊

[@domenickparris1898]

Excellent documentary, my first time hearing about Jimmy Lester. This guy appears to have been one helluva puncher, and a pretty good guy. RIP Champ.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dominick

[@devonbell6795]

Outstanding job, sir! Your research and production value are excellent. This is one of my favorite channels.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Devon, I appreciate it.

[@enzothebaker4047]

Another great video! Rich, how the hell do we only have 45K subs?

[@danielchristie7009]

That’s a mystery to me as well

[@dree35]

He not we

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Enzo. No worries, the channel will grow.

[@donnellvickers6314]

Great 👍 video RICH, I never heard of this guy until now, nice to know his story

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Donnell

[@MrNickazoid]

Great show Rich. The Bayview blockbuster. I used to train his son Binky for a short time who was highly ranked as an amateur

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, D F C. I saw that his son had some potential early on.

[@MrNickazoid]

@@RichtheFightHistorian yes he did got caught up in things outside the ring as many do

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

Wow, thanks Rich I saw Jimmy many times. I was at the Lester v Nat Collins fight at the SF Civic Auditorium and many more. I think the referee was former MW champion from San Francisco Freddy Apostoli. Jimmy was matched tough. Jimmy was an in your face take no prisoners fighter. Thanks for remembering the Bay View Blaster.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, James. Great to hear from someone who saw him in action!

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

@@RichtheFightHistorian I sat next Jimmy’s girlfriend at the Nate Collins fight at the Civic Auditorium. She told me Jimmy had blood in his urine for days after a fight. I don’t think this is uncommon for most fighters.

[@bennyadler5882]

Your memory is excellent. (Oakland late 80's).

[@LoganCharlesII]

7:58 "Both men became demented with the orgasmic intensity of the moment. Scuffles broke out in the crowd. The entire place became one big fight. Everybody hit somebody and some people slugged themselves. Heilman threw punches like a claustrophobic madman with a baseball bat. Lester fought like Lester was: a man swinging an ax in wide arcs and roundhouses that tear meat from the bone. "

[@acexxx7777]

You should be the biggest fight channel on KZbin You do have faithful hardcore members

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the support, acexxx

[@andrewwilliams8413]

So many great fighters no one ever heard of, keep um coming Rich, saves us from all the talk of PED'S lately

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Andrew...yeah, it has become tiresome.

[@oncall21]

What is not to like about this incredibly interesting boxer. Thanks for the detailed research Rich and thanks for sharing!

[@wraithstrongopark]

this just channel just keeps delivering.

[@chonqmonk]

Jimmy Lester was a smart, cool guy.

[@thegadflygang5381]

Man, the opening of the vid really brought back some nostalgia. The days of fat Italian and Puerto Rican old men chomping on cigars and talking shit while all the young guys trained is burnt in my mind. I remember being really little with my old man at the old Camelot boxing gym off campus UNLV spot and it was nothing but this. Little old guys and my uncle Sonny who set the betting odds out of the Showboat just being bitter and vitriolic. Come back to Brooklyn for the Fall and Winter. Different old guys but same people. Now that i am older and an adult I kind of get where they are coming from

[@joegrantham4036]

Love what you are doing here Rich! Especially because you focus on some of the "lesser-know" fighters. Would love to collaborate on some future projects regarding the boxing world of yesteryear.

[@brocklanders3616]

Really good video Rich. Never heard of him, but enjoyed the story.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Brock.

[@meattyBeaty]

Thanks for another great video. I can also understand the old time boxing fans disdain for Leonard as an fyi. You really bring life back to a lot of boxers from years gone by.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, FGMH

[@nickharmer3049]

Nice work Rich. I didn't know of Jimmy Lester here in England, so really appreciate this content. Always first class, with the narration & editing. Great stuff. Bless up bro 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Nick

[@ashleysmvs9729]

What a warrior. I wish things would have went better for him

[@gianca60]

Forgotten fighters videos are the best ! Nobody is doing a video like Rich does!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, gianca60

[@melvintate8186]

Great story very interesting and God bless him!

[@chriseamon9120]

Great story - I remember Jimmy Lester - He was a great Bay-area fighter -

[@shawnthaicon2586]

A shame no fight footage but a lot of interviews which are golden and amazing

[@hallelujah4296]

i think many of these men like jimmy lester need and deserve books and movies of them. their lives were so rich with character and life experiences. i didnt want this one to end ,especially the sad way it does as many do. their stories are so dam bittersweet

[@plzineedtogowayrn6353]

I truly want to thank you for sharing these boxers stories

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, plzineedtogowayrn

[@jasoncarle5432]

He seemed pretty intelligent

[@biff408]

I wonder why this fighter never got any TV coverage....

[@chrisshanholtzer5434]

Some of these comments of these old-timers is great man you guys are iconic you guys are the center the nucleus the heartbeat of Boxing truly heroes of the sport and I salute you all as a former US Marine and practitioner of the sport of boxing

[@timedriverable]

I spared once with him in newman hermans gym in the tenderloin in SF before he fought Denny Moyer or it could have been Andy Heilman back in the day, dont remember. Sanford was his manager then and owned a coffee shop down in San Mateo. Thad Spencer used to come in there from time to time as well. I never had what it took to be a pro. I just had fast hands.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for sharing.

[@gordonluis2039]

I never saw Lester fight but this was a great tribute to him. One Bay Area fighter that I remember was Ray LunnyIII. He fought Alfredo Escalera for the Jr. Lightweight title if I’m not mistaken.

[@antonioroccabianca777]

Very nice and touching story , thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Antonio

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@R4lee444]

My Obituary (borrowed from this episode): "I love hard fights. I wish I was 21 years old again so I can do it all over."

[@tomazapat8520]

The size of his neck (thumbnail) is crazy

[@Joe-ry2xq]

His manager collapses and dies before the fight...... Is there anything about the rocky movies that stallone didn't steal 😂

[@allenlindsey1175]

Rich..your a Dedicated Master

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Allen.

[@jtoo6060]

Back then in Jimmy’s era here in the SF Bay Area we had two of the best Boxing writers in the country, Eddy Muller of the SF Examiner and Jack Fiske of the SF Chronicle. They both covered boxing for decades.

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

Jack Fisk there as indeed a terrific boxing writer when boxing was an important sport. I think his son sold off his very very big collection of boxing stuff. Hard to believe SF the as a big boxing town. The son of middle weight champion Freddy Apostoli was a fire fighter stationed at the North Breach station.

[@Thelategreatjohnnybratton]

I meant North Beach Station

[@davedavidson4762]

Great video! What a legend! Thanks

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Dave.

[@dalebecause2467]

Another really good one...I enjoyed this. Seemed like he was a pretty good dude....Good job as always Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Dale

[@davidbolen8982]

I want to go sit in a metal folding chair in the gym and talk mess. Greatest people in the world, boxers, best seat in the house. These documentaries are gold.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, David.

[@victorianicolau9431]

I recommend a documentary on donovan "razor" ruddock

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@brucemedley635]

Another great video rich thank you 😊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Bruce

[@joeygarba4172]

Thanks Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Joey

[@markmartin8276]

A true Champion may he rest in peace

[@andreweaver8134]

Great Story i never Heard of This Guy

[@petierican6079]

The undisputed world champion rich he's knocked out every documentary site on the whole internet...great work champ rich the documentary 👑king 👑

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, thanks so much petie rican

[@petierican6079]

@@RichtheFightHistorian always my best documentary friend..💯🔥💯

[@elnick1000]

Thanks for this story. I started following boxing as late in 1968. I remember reading about his fights, as well as another guy, from Oakland, Al McCoy. Never got to see them fight. I had wanted my father to take me to the second fight he had with Andy Heilman. But he decided not to, as he was told from far away it was difficult to see, and the tickets for ringside at the time $15 was too much. Funny now isn't it.

[@elnick1000]

Correction about the other boxer, RALPH MCCOY.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Elnick1000. Yeah, I used to see Ralph McCoy a lot at Pittman's Gym as a trainer.

[@leftys408]

seemed like such a humble guy; it's too bad none of his fights are saved to KZbin (at least I couldn't find any). I wonder if it was a training question or maybe something psychological that effected him when he fought outside the Bay Area. Only other fighter I can think of who quickly disposed of Florentino Fernandez was Hurricane Carter. Not bad company. Lester was a good one. Thanks so much Rich for another fantastic documentary.

[@hallelujah4296]

hi barry ,i found your comment purdy cool. i dont know boxing history but i find it fascinating. hurricane carter is interesting to me but all ive ever seen was the movie which i have. i love this channel so much cause of all the people i never heard of and the rich stories their lives unfolded to be except the sad way most die young. most of their lives are just amazing to me what they achieved and how much they went through and still gave it there best shot.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Barry...yeah, it's a shame there isn't any fight footage on Lester.

[@maniacmasturbator2411]

Back in the 90s, KTVU did a special on the old Army Street projects before it got remodeled. They did a small segment on his son and his boxing career. He wasn’t as good as his father

[@adeyemiilugbuhi6230]

Nice video Rich, I love your videos, especially the human angle you bring to the fighters that we never really think about. I have a request, could you do a video about Richard "Dick Tiger" Iheatu? Jimmy Lester made mention of him in the 6th minute. He was the world middle-weight champion briefly in the '60s. I am interested because, like him, I too am Nigerian. yet there is so little information or footage about him. Keep the great videos coming!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, adeyemi. Yes, I have Dick Tiger on the docket for sure...Shouldn't be too much longer.

[@rojosik9385]

good story about a good man!

[@davep2626]

Your stuff is gold bro.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dave.

[@davep2626]

@@RichtheFightHistorian As someone who was born at Providence Hospital in Oakland, the Bay Area stories are exceptional.

[@jtoo6060]

Back when Jimmy was fighting there was a custom that they don’t do anymore of introducing all the retired fighters and current fighters in the audience prior to the main event. Worked like this , the main event fighters would be in the ring and the announcer would announce the names of the boxer’s in the audience and they would come into the ring take a bow and go and shake hands with the two main event fighters in their corners. Sometimes you could have ten current and retired fighters in the ring prior to the main event fighters being introduced. I remember as a kid going to see Charlie Shipes fight in Oakland and the announcer introduced Sonny Liston into the ring prior to the fight. Sonny was training in town for his fight with Henry Clark and was there to watch his stablemate Charlie fight. I watched Sonny exit the ring and kept my eye on him to see where he was seated and I got his autograph.

[@hallelujah4296]

thats cool JTO o, Listons one of my favorites next to forman and so many others like this new one jimmy

[@jtoo6060]

@@hallelujah4296 , at that time Sonny Liston was being trained by Dick Sadler who lived in nearby Hayward, Cal. Sadler also trained Charlie Shipes. Sadler would later train George Foreman when George turned pro

[@hallelujah4296]

@@jtoo6060 thank you thats cool👍

[@shawnthaicon2586]

Very articulate guy...cool as ice type a personality

[@eol6632]

Those old men were shitting on Ray Leonard for a reason. Incredible talent but he was a real peice of shit to Alot of people. Most have long memories for talented golden boys who are self serving opportunist out of the ring. Talent and mainstream appeal can't whitewash everything.

[@serenityinside1]

Totally agree ! SRL in the ring an ATG - one of the best . As a person / Hunan outside .. shitty as hell IMO. Manipulative etc etc .Really believe he’s changed and mellowed a lot now he’s been retired ages though .

[@TheHonarable1]

Seemed like a nice guy!

[@FoxNewsChannelSux]

All the old dudes I know hated Sugar Ray Leonard too. 😂

[@bnwo]

Thank you for the video.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, NWA

[@2butnot277]

Thank you for another introduction, Rich. Wish I'd met him. Question: Do you recall a middleweight from Oakland named "Rifle" McCoy? I saw him knockout a Mexican opponent in the 2nd round with a right-cross at the SF Civic in the mid to late 60's. Didn't hear or read anything about him after that fight. My dad said he had a bright future.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, he fought Lester three times. He became a trainer...saw him quite frequently at Pittman's training Bomani Parker.

[@2butnot277]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Thank you!

[@hardfought1842]

“Tear Meat from Bone” 🔥

[@tsb7911]

Shipes trained Foreman. Another great video!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, TSB

[@lovessmygreatohiostate9apn412]

Enjoy your video's. How bout one on "Two Ton" Tony Galento?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks. I did one on Galento awhile back but it got a copyright claim so I had to take it down. Will rework it at some point.

[@adamg9173]

Such a brave man. Hell of a boxer. Can you imagine stepping between 60 angry teenagers to save some kid that you owed nothing to?

[@bookah8787]

How old are you Richie ? Your background must be a rich fighting one , I need a stay at your place brother lol so much information 👍

[@bookah8787]

Thick neck might be the early Tyson this chap

[@bookah8787]

Watching with my eldest son I said told you you ain't shit lol cracked me in the shoulder love this channel more than any other

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'm 52. Was at Pittman's when I was a teenager.

[@bookah8787]

@@RichtheFightHistorian still young yet brother plenty more videos in you 😉

[@bookah8787]

Pittman's gym yeah this is the KZbin king for all your boxing knowledge people 👍

[@4speedpony]

@2:50, at a quick glimpse the guy on the right, looks like Robert or John Kennedy

[@pedrofernandez506]

This was "painful." Seeing the old gym and the like was nice, but I know the Jimmy Lester story and it differs from some of this fine production by "Rich the Genius." Towards the end, and soon after he quit boxing, it wasn't pretty. Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Pedro. I figured you get a kick out of seeing Newman's again.

[@lymanpauli517]

Great stuff

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Lyman.