Tommy Ayers Documentary - The Rise & Fall of The Cincinnati Kid

[@SouthbaySpeaks]

I was at ringside for Ayers' first comeback fight in Bristol TN in 1989. Within the first 30 seconds of the fight, the crowd was oohing and aahhing. You can't fully appreciate world-class boxing until you see it live and in person, and Tommy was my first up-close glimpse of a top fighter.

[@matthewmedeiros5832]

Different levels for sure

[@UnnamedBridgeburner]

Where do you find all this footage!?!? Thanks for shining a light on the lesser known fighters. Their stories need to be told.

[@frenchgoldenboyfan]

KZbin lol

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, UnnamedBridgeburner

[@capac2]

Thank you for sharing Ayers story. He deserves the spotlight. I dont think I ever saw him fight so it was great to learn about him. Ohio has alot of talent

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, capac2

[@nyquil762]

Another great documentary Rich. This is the best boxing channel on the tube. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, nyquil.

[@cedricliggins7528]

His fight with Starling is a welterweight classic.

[@louisbecke2348]

I use to drive Tommy and Aaron Pryor home from the gym. They trained at the Emmanual Community centrr on Race street. Alot of talent came out of that gym.

[@RahaRo11]

Very important channel for any boxing fan . Always appreciate. You made my day 🎉

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Rob.

[@Dimka2012Bo]

Love these stories, keep them coming

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Will do , Dymtro. Thank you.

[@EmanueldeAgrela]

Rich,thanks for top quality entertainment.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Emanuel.

[@billybob9961]

What could’ve been so many of these young talented men coming from the ghetto going back to the ghetto. Sad story. It has replayed itself for decades.

[@serenityinside1]

Excellently phrased sir . Poignantly true.

[@M.P.R.76-ch8rn]

The only fight I watched of Tommy Ayer’s as a kid was the Buddy Mcgirt one . But if I was old enough to appreciate his style I definitely would have been an instant fan !! 🥊💯Salute for the video 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, MPR

[@GoneBallistik658]

Tommy Ayers is really a good dude, man. I met him in Cincinnati before I relocated to Philadelphia. Ayers had a high boxing IQ, and he had the potential to be a World Champion. He just couldn't leave drugs, and the street life alone. SMDH

[@v2vroth]

Thanks for all of these 🥊🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Vinny.

[@GaryHager]

I remember Tommy Ayers ! Exciting fighter !

[@jamescook4116]

Thank you Rich. I didn't see much of Ayers during the 80's. Seeing the old footage it was clear that he was a talented fighter. Maybe just shy of world champion material but definitely top 10 contender talent. He moved well and the combinations flowed smoothly.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, James. I wish Ayers had more exposure around '84-'85.

[@towers950]

quality as usual Rich keep them coming please !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Kim, will do.

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage Rich. It was said to me years ago... HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT!? You have to be Lazar Focused. Have a good support system and stay away from people places and things!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Samuel.

[@marquismorris1548]

Ayers such a talented Boxer. Competive with Starling and other top level Boxers of that era. The elites seem to have the mental edge and x factor to win when the chips are down.

[@brettpaterson8042]

I remember Ayers but only at the tale end of his career, I think he was just unlucky with injuries at his prime years, other wise he was definitely a champion in the making, at least a belt holder anyway. Amazing at 17 he was a sparring partner of Pryor, that shows you how good he really was. It’s a shame he couldn’t keep off the streets but that’s easier said than done, when you have nothing to fall back on and boxing is all you have in life then it’s tough to avoid. Boxing is such a mentally tough game, and any injuries really can hinder you because you need to be a gym rat but that’s impossible when you have physical pain for a long period and there is no way you can fight let alone train. Fantastic boxer and superb vintage footage Rich, enjoyed watching some of Marlon Starling as well, a very underrated boxer of that period in my opinion. Thanks Rich your a star for these gems of boxing history.👍🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Brett. Glad you could see Ayers' rare footage.

[@TempusFugit1159]

Great work once again, Rich, and Happy New Year! I wonder how far Tommy could have gone if he hadn't had those long layoffs because of medical issues, he certainly had all the tools and great heart. As he admitted, having too much time on his hands for street life was his downfall.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you and Happy New Year, Charles.

[@RZRBLAZ]

I definitely believe he was too active during his rise to the top. If he had spread his fights, trained more defensively, giving his hands some rest he could have been an ATG.

[@GTSpeac]

Never knew of this champion & it's great to read some of the comments from folks that had a direct engagement with Tommy Ayers. Thanks for another great episode.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Mehdi.

[@brianseneca3546]

Yet another great one my friend! Seeing Santanna actually FIGHTING instead of flopping around to "win" a title like he did against Norris, I think it was. Like 3 three times! I remember reading about Ayers, but must have missed him on ESPN. Strange, my Dad and I rarely missed a card back then. Thanks again as always for a great video

[@brianbattaglia2187]

twice, norris KO him i believe 2nd rd in 3rd fight

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Brian. Yeah, Ayers was in the magazines but seldom on TV.

[@drewmillz1]

Great video. Sad story tho. So many boxers find coke and once they do. They end up crashing and burning.

[@ericlabroussemarbella5613]

Encore une bien belle et triste histoire. Merci à toi Rich pour ces histoires qui ravissent melancoliquement les amoureux de la boxe.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Eric.

[@shaneculkin7124]

Thanks! Love ALL of your content.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks so much, Shane.

[@Hanya_Shuten]

Wow crazy how the dice can roll in life

[@Jordan_1692]

Best boxing channel on you tube. Love it

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Jordan.

[@barrybarnes96]

There's a million stories in the naked city. This is just one of them.

[@brucekielty8180]

Another "can't miss" prospect who missed.

[@phelpsmarc]

The loss to journeyman Rollin Williams was a surprise and was the evidence Ayers just didn't have top contender form. In retrospect he should have waited and gone directly into a title fight with Breland. Ironically, Starling was the one benefiting from Ayers not getting the Breland title shot. He suffered terribly from inactivity after the Stafford fight and was largely MIA between late 1984 and 1987 sitting on his ranking. It's too bad he didn't get a shot at McCrory in 1984 or 1985. But I guess injuries got in the way and his window of opportunity closed. After Williams he was a journeyman. The McGirt fight was a nice payday.

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

Love your videos , can only hope I make it to be good enough you make a video of me later on 🤙🏾

[@christopherbellore3511]

I read your comment. Curiously watched some of your videos. If your watching Rich the Fight Historian's Channel, you'll learn a lot of the pro's and con's of the lives of men who came before you; you can take away a lot from these stories that Rich profiles. The do's and don't's of the lives of talented fighters. Lesson #1 Meekness = power under control. This is the GREATEST attribute of the character of a future champion. Remain humble and always be a gentleman outside of the ring. Always fight fair, and inside the Ring unleash your skills combined with tenacity. God be with you. ✝🥊✝ Btw, my all time favorite fighter from my day was Marvin Hagler. Switching from SouthPaw to Orthodox was one of his best known skills. Archie Moore is another favorite of mine. I hope you have the success that they did. 🙏☝🔨📖🗡🥊🙏

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

@@christopherbellore3511 I just discovered this channel , I’ve been learning a lot and honestly it’s really sad what happened to alot of these dudes but they mostly BROUGHT it on themselves. CLEAN LIFESTYLE, STAYING HUNGRY n Humble is what I see that takes fighters to another level. & May god be with you & your family 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@christopherbellore3511]

kzbin.info_yCf6wz2GwI?si=b7-8hOHF0YlgAMrQ

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Dos. Keep pushing, keep fighting and keep that chin tucked :) I wish the best to you in your career.

[@CameroC-tz9ym]

Thank you for all of the boxing documentaries. I have a great question for you. Was there ever a boxer that was born with either two right hands or left hands?

[@kc1973able]

Marlon Starling said it was the toughest fight in his career fighting a very game Tommy Ayers 🥊

[@serenityinside1]

Man starling was something other level - one of my all time favourites. A compliment from him indeed hen .

[@mpicewe3023]

@@serenityinside1why is he not in HOF?? Wrong imo

[@kc1973able]

Rich! Could you please do one on the Magic 🪄 man Marlon Starling 🥊

[@tommyayers2231]

My pops was 🥶

[@vector8310]

Ayers was a good body puncher. Love his left downstairs.

[@marquismorris1548]

Great double left inside upper cut too.

[@ENIGIZERb]

Didn't know he beat Roger Stafford. Met RS in Akron at the Todd Hickman pro Debut.

[@etherealdreams7936]

Robert Shannon in the first featured bout looked handy. Just had a peep at both his amateur and pro career as well as Tommy Ayers, 🙏 Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, he was a really good amateur. Hard hitting.

[@alexm7148]

Great vid

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Alex.

[@alexm7148]

@@RichtheFightHistorian just now saw this THANK YOU for shining a light on obscure fighters who were great but just didn’t reach the level of fame other fighters did. I love boxing and got into it 2 years ago cause of channels like yours I watch almost every video you upload. Keep up the good work man also I love the vids you’re making on great fighters who just don’t get many vids made of them like Aaron Pryor, Marvin hagler, Ken Norton, Carlos monzon etc keep up the great work man ima always be tuned in!!!

[@bennylevine387]

I remember Rollin beating him on ESPN and a few of his wins before that. That Starling fight was cool to see, I didn't realize Marlon was so good going all the way back to 83. He had a pretty brief prime with the streets claiming his skills and resolve. And I remember thinking he didn't look right against McGirt even before the KO. Like he still had some offense, but his chin and legs were shot. But at the same time, let's assume Ayers stayed on the straight and narrow, what was he gonna do with that weight class? If you think he maybe gets a title, makes a defense or two, that would be his ceiling and that money woulda been gone by now too.

[@serenityinside1]

Good point . The depth of talent around at that time was ridiculous- you had to be outstanding to win a title let alone defend it . I think we know Tommy wasn’t quite that . The lure and pull of the streets was yet again too strong for another talent who lacked the self belief and vision . Such a sad waste of takent.

[@bennylevine387]

@@serenityinside1 Yeah, like maybe if he got the version of Curry that Honeyghan got, but I really didn't see him beating even Breland, much less Starling, Simon Brown, or anyone like that.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Probably. I felt he was mismanaged around '84-'85 by not accepting the shot against McCrory but it's easy to say in hindsight.

[@mikehollin3818]

Please do one on Razor Ruddock

[@mpicewe3023]

Aways thought he was future champ. Especially after his first loss vs Marlon Starling (who should be in HOF).

[@gonzalomagana4568]

🔥🔥🔥

[@christopherbellore3511]

This one is a sad one. All that talent and potential, squandered on the lure of the streets. Money, drugs, harlots, and gambling. Temptation for the things that seem to be missing, yet only settling for superficial substitutes. I hope Ayers finds the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is Salvation to those who believe. He is my Savior, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Deliverer, my Best Friend, and THE LOVER of my soul. He's my EVERYTHING; And He Lives! ✝🛐🕊⚓🔨📖🗡✝🥊🙏💞✝ Fighting the good fight of faith. EVERYDAY!

[@serenityinside1]

Do us a favour dude - can the religious stuff please 🙄

[@christopherbellore3511]

@@serenityinside1 Religious? Who's being religious? Relationship is what I'm referring to. And you don't like it??? And why??? Because you don't have ONE; Nor are you aware of the consequences of your sin nature, or perhaps you relish in your sinful ways so much that you resist the Truth of Life, and the Truth of God so that you can go on sinning without shame, without conviction and without repentance. You're on a one way path straight to HELL if you insist on remaining stiff-necked, rebellious, obstinate and disobedient to the Creator of ALL that is seen and unseen. The Living God is more REAL than all of the shadows and illusions that exist in this temporal world. You have MUCH to learn. I feel sorry for you. Your life is meaningless without faith and with hope, and especially without LOVE. If you haven't discovered the Love, and Grace of God, and if you have NO faith nor hope in eternal Salvation; then you have a HUGE VOID in your life, and you're spiritually DEAD. Funny, it's ok for Cassius Clay to call himself Muhammad Ali, and SOOO many others who have followed suit; But I mention my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, and you're giving me your disapproval concerning the King of kings, and Lord of lords? So ALLAH is OK, but JESUS CHRIST is NOT? 🙄🤔 Seems like a double standard to me. You need to ask the right questions, rather than making the wrong remarks. My "Serenity inside," comes from Jesus Christ living in my heart, and God's Holy Spirit continually filling me with Gods comfort and Gods confidence. He is my EVERYTHING. The Light of Life is NOT meant to be kept under a bushel. May the peace of Christ be with you, ALWAYS. Amen. ✝🛐🕊⚓🔨📖🗡✝🥊🙏💞✝ Fighting the good fight of faith. EVERYDAY!

[@johnjamele]

"you're on the streets and you find yourself in trouble....trouble kept finding him...he couldn't escape the streets..." as if drugs and gambling just pop up and mug some people. This is the kind of language people use to duck personal responsibility. Tommy Ayers wasn't a victim of his friends or drugs or the casino, but of his own poor decisions.

[@maxv3208]

I remember Gil Clancy thought Ayers had championship ability.

[@daweilee1986]

Any chance of a doc on Jorge Paez? Ex circus performer and damn exciting boxer.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, he's on the list.

[@kasnilistopadski]

That looks like a steal against Santana but I can't tell more than seen

[@bookah8787]

Where is Cincinnati? I haven't heard of that before I don't think

[@bookah8787]

106lbs in his amatuer fight he looked heavy handed my wife is only around 110lbs she couldn't bang like that lol

[@bookah8787]

Santana? That guy is going hard in the first 2 be careful

[@GoneBallistik658]

Where's Cincinnati? It's a city in Ohio. You HAVE heard of the state of Ohio haven't you?

[@bookah8787]

@@GoneBallistik658 Ohio I have sorry not very good with geography lol

[@GoneBallistik658]

@@bookah8787 for a minute there you had me a little worried.

[@boxing888great5]

Do len wickwar pls

[@McAllister996]

Need captions.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Hit the “CC” button

[@McAllister996]

@cycletouringoz5760 Thanks, but I always do. I've been using cc for a long, long time. 👍

[@kc1973able]

Think he was in line For Honeyghans tittle in 87 but Blocker took his place

[@jaym4361]

Such a shame...

[@sa1boxfitboxercise271]

Ayers sounded a bit like a young Tommy Hearns.

[@serenityinside1]

Why? Very different style etc !

[@sa1boxfitboxercise271]

@@serenityinside1 when I say sounded, I meant in the way he spoke. His voice sounded like a young Tommy.

[@TheeTabernacle]

(513) 🔥

[@docevans9022]

Stand up! Rich boxing history.

[@TheBatugan77]

Coke isn't it

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Great job Rich. I had forgotten about by his guy. Wasted his talent

[@serenityinside1]

Epically 🙄

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, James.