Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em

Presentation by author and Enfield Historical Society president Peter F. Sorenson.

Return with us to the time when Thompsonville, Connecticut, was the Boxing Mecca of the Northeast.

We will begin back in February 1929, at Wawel Hall, located on the second floor of the Polish National Home in Thompsonville, at the corner of Alden Avenue and Church Streets, where the Independent Amateur Boxing Club of Thompsonville promoted eight bouts of three rounds each.

As the Great Depression takes hold of the nation, amateur boxing takes hold of Thompsonville with additional indoor bouts scheduled during the months of September and October, drawing enthusiastic fighters from local neighborhoods and regional cities.

Experience the anticipation of greater Thompsonville as Gregory M. Sapsuzian, Jr. builds a new 3000-seat outdoor arena on Belmont Avenue, working with matchmaker Ernie Bourque, whose Boxing Club had produced boxing matches at Wawel Hall.

Consider Joe De Maria, the first local pugilist to enter the ring, who knocks out his opponent in the second round and becomes the matchmaking standard bearer for the arena in later years.

Recall local amateur fighter Angelo “Kid” Lamagna as he battles to make a name for himself inside and outside the ring, later bringing the sport to local boys of all ages. Hear about the fights of Thompsonville sluggers Lou Blondie, Al Nabbo, Johnny Vargus, and Vito Tallarita.

Hear about future champion Sugar Ray Robinson’s first fight in the Thompsonville arena, competing under the pseudonym “Ray Roberts”, where he loses to Springfield Massachusetts featherweight Charlie Baginski.

Consider another champion Hartford fighter Willie Pep as he meets Puerto Rico’s greatest ring product, Eddie “Primo” Flores in the Belmont Arena for a scheduled eight rounder in 1941.

Although the war years take their toll on the sport, it rebounds at both the Belmont Arena and at the competing Mount Carmel Boxing Arena – with both upping the quality of the other.

To increase attraction wrestling is added into the mix on Saturday nights, bringing Hollywood talent like Gorgeous George into the Belmont Arena as well as the infamous “midget wrestling”. Marvel as local policeman Leo Arnone makes his wrestling debut against former German Stormtrooper Fritz Von Wallick of Munich, winning the highly anticipated match.

Share in the sadness of the demolition of the Belmont Avenue VFW Arena in 1955, putting an end to one of the most exciting sports periods in Thompsonville history.

This presentation is open to the public.  Anyone with an interest in Enfield history is welcome to attend.

The Enfield Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has preserved and shared Enfield’s history for more than 60 years.  New members are always needed and greatly appreciated.  Everyone is welcome.  You don’t need to be a historian or Enfield native to join.  Become a member today!