|
Daniel Victor "Boone" Kirkman (born February 6, 1945 in Vallejo, California) is a former amateur and professional Heavyweight boxer. He fought during the same era as George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, and Joe Frazier, which has been credited as being one of the greatest heavyweight eras of all time. ==Early life== Kirkman was born in Vallejo, California in 1945 to Oehm and Margarite Kirkman.〔 His father, a naval officer, was stationed there at the time. When his father was discharged from the Navy, the family moved back to Renton, Washington, where Kirkman's grandfather initially settled.〔〔 From a young age, Kirkman's favorite activities were hunting, fishing, and hiking throughout the state of Washington with his father. He frequently stopped to view plant and animal life, earning him his lifelong nickname of "Boone".〔 Growing up in Renton, a working-class community, Kirkman joined a group of 20 teenagers called the "Buds". The group drank and smoked, among other unethical activities. This concerned Kirkman's father, however, the "gang" did not engage in any street crime activities such as drag racing, robberies, or fighting.〔 Kirkman was inspired to box by his older brother, Steve, whom he frequently sparred with for fun. A school friend who noticed his lack of interest in reading suggested the book Somebody Up There Likes Me to him. In a short time, he had finished the book. Shortly thereafter, the book was made into a self-titled film, to which Kirkman was elated to discover.〔 The duo convinced Kirkman that his future lay in boxing. Kirkman's first training sessions at age 14 involved traveling to a south Seattle gymnasium to work out from his school in Renton, Washington. The venue was suggested to him by former professional Joey Velez. Kirkman took a year-long hiatus from boxing due to injury, but returned to the gym and won several local Golden Gloves events afterward, slowly building a reputation. His popularity exploded in March 1965 when he won the AAU Heavyweight Boxing national title in Toledo, Ohio. Following the event, he was signed by Seattle-area fight manager Jack Hurley. Kirkman assumed co-ownership of his family's pub; The Melrose Tavern, shortly after his signing. Between bar tending shifts, Kirkman incorporated training, and spent most nights punching a speed bag, entertaining spectators.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Boone Kirkman」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|