Memorie of Yvon Durelle/Archie Moore
I don’t remember too much of the days surrounding the funeral of my father, Archie Moore. One moment stands out is the the call to one of his greatest opponents, Yvon Durelle; the Canadian Champion and his wife, Therese (Aunt Therese) « Uncle Yvon » had attended a benefit at Molson Centre along with my father and other boxing greats a year before. They hadn’t seen each other since their championship fight. No one really knew what to expect. Here you have an American Champion and a Canadian Champion reunited after two infamous battles. Although both in their twilight years, anyone that knows the sport and knows boxers, knows they NEVER loose their edge. Dad always said, « I like Yvon! » « If it wasn’t for him there wouldn’t have been a fight » a quote he said the night he won the Light-heavyweight Championship and asked everyone in the room to toast Yvon Durelle. The occasion turned out to be extremely joyous, with both men greeting each other like long lost brothers. Yvon, »The Fighting Fisherman » boasting about the size of his hands to Archie, « Th Ol’ Mongoose. »
Yvon takes off his ring, which looked to be a size 14, or so, puts in on Archie’s finger and laughs his hearty laugh as it swallows his finger. They laughed and hugged, as Archie said, « Man! You hit me with those?’ as he let out an elongated whistle in disbelief.
Later we had a private dinner with the Durelle’s. The two reminisced and even though it was before I was born, I felt like I was at « the fight. »
They spoke of the air, the canvas, the ring, the media, and the aftermath. They remember everything even though it was some 38 years and many many fights later. They caught up on old and new, the new being my upcoming pro debut. They spoke of working my corner together, and much to my horror they then agreed on being my opening event! After I gently explained (not that they were to old to fight) but if they opened for me, I’m sure fans would not stay for my fight. They concurred, as Uncle Yvon said he would train me by tele. The next day Dad and I went back to San Diego to train. Well I did.
When I called Uncle Yvon and Aunt Therese Dec 9,1998, (Ironically one day shy of the infamous December 10 fight in 1958) and told them of Daddy’s passing, they were stunned. Uncle Yvon wanted to attend the funeral, but at the time did not have the funds. Somehow through my grief, I contacted the media in Canada and was able to raise nearly $10, 000.00 for the trip plus hotel. As they made the journey from Baie Ste. Anne, NB to San Diego, California I felt, I had to once again bring these two gladiators together a final time.
His son Paul, a Canadian referee and Yvon Durelle, The Fighting Fisherman attended. Once again Yvon and Archie had marked another historic event. Almost 40 years to the day.
In early 2000, I was training in Las Vegas, I met Robert Richard through boxing email. He was doing a documentary with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) on Yvon Durelle and starting a website. I thought it was a wonderful idea. I again reconnected with the Durelles, when the NFB came to Vegas to film my part. It gave me great honour to participate in a part of boxing history.
The passing of Yvon Durelle has shaken me to my very core. As the 10 count bell rings in my heart for « The Fighting Fisherman », I know « Th’ Ol’ Mongoose is helping him in the heavenly ring, where they will wave their golden gloves forever.
My condolences to his wife Therese, son Paul and family.
J’Marie « Lady Mongoose » Moore.
YvonDurelle.com n’est aucunement propriétaire ou responsable du contenu des sites et des hyperliens externes. YvonDurelle.com is not the owner or responsible for the content of external sites and hyperlinks.
J
Hope this email response finds you well. How are you and where are you? San Diego, Paris, or NYC???
Give me a ring 760-840-7697 or email me. Best Vito Gambini aka Italian Stallion!