The following is from an article written by Thomas Gerbasi and posted to
(begin excerpt)
Does Brenda Quarry feel bitter towards boxing? "Bitter is a strong word.
I feel sad about the end results of a boxer's life. I feel that we have
no right to ban anything. God put everything here so we could choose
what road to take."
And of her brother, she has this to say "A misconception is that my
brother was a big druggie and drunk. He did enjoy his beer, but I never
saw him use drugs. That is not to say that he did not do it, it was the
70's, but he had a lot more fights than he had parties. My brother is
one of the nice guys." (end exerpt)
The reason I've posted this is the quote from Brenda Quarry (Jerry's
sister) about the "misconception" regarding Jerry's having been a "big
druggie and drunk". I know I too have heard that rumor and I seem to
recall DCI attributing a substantial portion of Jerry Quarry's current
condition to drugs and alcohol. Does anybody have any first-hand
knowledge on this issue? If not first-hand, second hand? Please be as
specific as possible if you would.
The Sanity Cruzer
Sanity, long time not reading your thought provoking comments and observations.
As to the story of Jerry Quarry's career, when the the Quarry brothers lived in Bellflower, California, Jerry was known as one tough SOB. He started boxing he was a kid and was willing to fight anyone who stepped into the ring with him. And he would immediately move to control the opponent with that small step shuffle and tight windmill motion with his arms, always on the move.
His younger brother Mike had entered the fight game, as did his brothers.
It often that I would go to the gym and watch the fighters go through their gym-work. Jerry usually drew the most admirers as he worked the speed bad, the heavy bag, skipped robe or spar
Once at a World Hall of Fame dinner, I chanced to speak with Jerry. He had fought his last bout in Colorado against a no-name cruiserweight. His affect was blunted and his speech slurred. He had not been in the ring for some time. Yet he posed himself as being very humble and gentle and having "Irons in the Fire." One look was enough to see he was finished. He was living out of his car and other folks would would see that he had some bucks in his pocket. Efforts by the faithful were being made to change his environment. It was very saddening moment for this granite-jawed
Irish lad.
Over the years I kept hearing from the boxing crowed about his drinking and use "bennies."
So for what it's worth, I saw him start deteriorating in the early 1970's and more noticeably after Ken North polished him off in 1975.
Sanity, this is the best recollections I have of the Quarry career. To me his most memorable fight was against Joey Orbillo ne Christmas of 1966. Today, Joey is as sharp as a tack, physically and mentally, and is union exec for the Longshoreman's Union.
Bring me up to date on your travels around the Globe.
Donn