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Paul Doiron — The Sweet Science

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The 1950s were without a doubt the most exciting time to be a boxing fan in and around the city of Moncton. Yvon Durelle was in his fighting prime and on his way to fighting for the world championship near the end of that decade. With Durelle fighting in the main event of almost every card being held in the Hub City, standing room only crowds were pretty much a given. Filling the under-card on those shows were several very exciting young up-and-coming boxers, who were calling Moncton their home during the 50s. Norman Gautreau and Tilly Leblanc were just two of the pugs who had the local fans standing and cheering whenever they were in action. Another was "Tiger Pyle."

Born on June 1, 1929, in Pointe St.-Charles Quebec, Pyle, whose real name was Herman Dube, got his start in boxing as an amateur fighter in the Montreal area, where he would end up fighting roughly 15 times. He worked out in the same boxing gym as Johnny Greco, the legendary welter-weight boxer who was the Canadian champ.

Pyle joined the Merchant Marine at a young age and travelled the world for a number of years. In 1953, "Tiger" relocated to the city of Moncton, where boxing was going full steam. It wouldn't take Pyle long before his pro debut. During a career that would last until 1958, Tiger would fight an estimated 50 times and he was known for never backing down from anyone.

He fought anywhere from 119 lbs. up to 138 lbs. and often took on men who were 15 to 20 lbs. heavier. He was one of those fighters who thrived on hard work during his fighting days. He was also one fighter who never had any easy fights. While getting ready for fights, Pyle could be found sparring with the likes of Gautreau and Leblanc, as well as the Fighting Fisherman. (It's been said that Tiger and Leblanc fought against each other, but in fact, no such bout ever took place.) Tiger and Durelle became fast friends during their fighting careers and remained so until Durelle died in 2007.

Tiger fought and beat a number of very good fighters during his time in the pro ranks. Buddy Daye Pyle fought three times, with Tiger winning once by decision. Daye was to go on to become Canadian super feather-weight champ later in his career.

Miramichi fight fans may recall Pyle fighting on the under-card of the Durelle-Patterson bout held here on June 23, 1955. Pyle scored a second round KO against Al MacLean of Bathurst in his bout that night.

Tiger was good enough to beat Benny "Red" Randal, a boxer who went 10 rounds against the great ex-world champ Willie Pep. He also beat respected fighters such as Billy Dunphy of Stellarton (third round KO), Gerry Keaver of Holyoke, Mass. (10 round decision) and Elroy Sparks of Halifax (third round KO). He also scored good wins over "Kid" Paris and "Wild" Bill Hudon.

In 1957, "Tiger" was ranked as the number two feather-weight in Canada. He only lost 11 times during his ring career, only failing to go the distance four times. Two of his KO losses came against much bigger men. U.S.boxer, Bobby Barrett stopped Pyle and Tiger" also suffered a KO to Tommy Smith, an American middle-weight who had gone five rounds with Tony Anthony who would go on to KO Durelle (and challenge Archie Moore for the world title in October of 1957, lasting into the seventh round).

Barrett was a full fledged welter-weight for his bout against Pyle. His other two KO losses were to former Canadian champs Gerry Simpson and Daye.

Tiger ran an amateur boxing club in Moncton along with "Kid" Hart, (a retired ex-pro) while he was still an active fighter himself.

After hanging up the gloves, Pyle moved to Oshawa, Ontario where he again got involved coaching amateur fighters. He helped to develop a number of outstanding boxers such as Canadian champ Grant O'Reilley and North American champ Bernie Guindon.

After a number of years away from New Brunswick, "Tiger" moved back to the Moncton area. In 1979, he opened a store selling furniture on Collishaw St. in the Hub City. He turned back to the fight game and served on the Moncton Boxing Commission as an official for several years.

Pyle was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall Of Fame in 1988, and then in 1989, he was inducted into the Moncton Sports Wall of Fame. Tiger was known as a boxer-puncher who was able to score over 50 per cent of his wins by KO.

Today, the soon-to-be 80 year old Pyle still lives in the Moncton area. He hasn't been feeling 100 per cent the last few years. He still shows up to support the local amateur fighters whenever he can at fight cards held in Moncton.

Pyle is one of the last fighters left from the great era of the 50s, when fights were being held every couple of weeks — an era when men like promoter Chris Shaban poured their heart and soul into giving the fight fans top notch fight cards. I wish I could have been around back then to see guys like Tiger in action. Those surely were Moncton's boxing glory days!

Predictions

Results from last week's prediction for the Andreesen vs. Olubowale bout. I picked Olubowale by decision and he won by sixth round TKO.

Next week's prediction:

Jan. 3 —12 rounds — Kanagawa, Japan — WBA light-weight title — Yusuke Kobori (23-2) vs. Paulus Moses (23-0)

My pick: Moses by KO

Next week: Eddie Melo

Don't forget: Keep your hands up and your chin tucked in.