Daughters of Boxing Legends: J Marie Moore

Always athletic, J’Marie started at a young age from swimming at 4 to running track. She began to stand up with the “boys” from the Any Boy Can program as she excelled in sports, and learning the basics, and morals taught to the youth by her father, Archie Moore.

J’Marie talks about her background…..

It was a simple task, not to turn them into boxers, but to develop confidence, integrity, morals, self defense, but more than anything keep them off the streets; out of trouble. So, thus began, “put your best foot forward.” I went to many schools and lectures watching in amazement. The impact you could have in changing even the “toughest kid”. If they became boxers great! If not, they would know how to defend themselves, and walk away from trouble.

Meanwhile, back at the “ROCK” in San Diego, as children we were “quizzed” while watching footage of champions boxing matches. This was fun! I quickly learned how to be the first to see the maneuver, and call it first. I was good, no, I was the best!

Years later, now understanding anything in boxing, I could watch and do my on rendition of the fights; much to my families “amusement”, because I called it as I saw it, Mom picked the boxer by “area,” Dad the underdog, shouting at the TV, as if the boxer would somehow hear him and win.

If he “saw” something, that no one else did, next thing I knew the “boxer” was on San Diego, under the challenging leadership of the Ol’ Mongoose … happy it wasn’t me!

My gawd, all those heavy clothes, big boots, sweating, chopping wood, eating heavy meals and yes, they did dishes! As boxers became champions, they came and went. How did I know the skinny boy that had to eat two extra bowls of oatmeal would be the next “Champion of the World.”

Dad then “took to the road” to take on the worlds youth that was in much trouble. Then he became “requested” to also train #1 contenders, to become champions … Wow, this worked; he kept it simple “when a task is once begun, never leave it until its done. If the labour is great, or small, do it well or not at all! And with that, I knew the basics of how though begin shaping my life. In other words don’t even start if you are not or won’t finish.

Fast forward to 1995, my brother Hardy died. He was younger than I, but my fathers’ first son. Then Dad had a Quadruple bi-pass. He seemed to take things in stride, but I could see him slowing down. For years before that he “bugged” me about boxing! I couldn’t believe he would ask such a thing!

He would just shake his head and say “you should have been a boy, cause you got it” Got what? I’d ask? then with his twinklin’ beady eyes and evervescent smile; he said “You’ll know, I was like okay,  Daddy, whatever” But, then the only way I could escape that was to “draw circles” shadow boxing — wherever, after about an hour, I was “released” much to both our delights, “Now, what happened to my stilettos?” Hope I didn’t break a nail!

One day, while watching some PPV, I saw “Iron Mike Tyson” … Dad and Mom this time “agreed” he was “THE ONE!” But, I saw a “girl in pink” come charging out of the corner, a brawler, chewing them up and spittin’ um out! Ahhhhhhh … this was way cool, but still, (keeping it to myself, of course)I knew, this I can DO, I can even “take her!” I studied her style. I had it down. but I was to “big” for her, she claimed 125 or so, I know I was looking at a good 137 … easy! Still, my weight was 155.

I started to look up female boxing, vaguely remembering, my Dad training this bald-headed lady … yeah, “Lady Tyger” and she was th’ bomb! I saw Graciella Casis, and others fight. That was then, and this was now. I watched Gina Guidi, Canino, the Webbers, Tracy Bryd, Riley, Gibbs, these ladies were “Smokin’ …

I got into boxing for 3 reasons 1. to give female boxing a shot in the arm, make the public take notice of what greatness and skill these women had, and showed, so maybe, just maybe, with my name I could open some doors for them, plus I liked boxing … oooooo the connection of impact, coupled with a combo …I was in my glory! the second reason, was I felt the “People” were forgetting Archie Moore, and because I believe give people their roses, while they can still smell them. He had done and gave so much, I failed to see the universive return. So, I figured when I won, not only would I create history, I was simply a “reflector board” and when those bright lights hit me, I’d turned to him, and he’s have, if only for a moment “the lights from inside that 20x 20” He trained me for 3 months, wrapped my hands, got a pacemaker a week out of pro-debut, worked my corner, and that night; I became “My Daddy’s Dream” — little did I know, It wasn’t 20x 20, it was 24×24! And Daniels was no “boxer” she weighed 187, I came in at 1601/4, Still, we fought well, I tried, lol … she backhanded me 4 times, tried to kick me twice, I was tried and confused, by now it was the end of the second round! What is she still doing standing? omg! I heard my Dad say “keep that left out” Then, I knew, it was time to “impress the judges” out point her! I heard another command “ELEVATOR, Basement” Ahhhhhhh … body shots, up and overs more body; I was tired as hell, but there was no time to even consider that! minutes left, Daniels cursed me out for every hook to the body, but so! — I was racking up points as fast as it could. “DING” whew! ok, where is my corner? can some body turn the lights down just a little, and stop with all the flashing lights … and You, Mr. Referee, hold my hand up for me, I knew I had won, but I didn’t think I could even raise my own hand. The third reason is personal, a Mongoose Mystery, we shall leave it.

Four Months after my pro debut, a series of seizures started with Daddy, he was “passing”. I kept trying to go and stay at the gym, but I was called home a lot on a ER trip. At that point, I decided to sit by his side literally and figuratively, yes, I lost a year and a half, and my boxn career had just started, but, I wouldn’t trade those “last moments” for all the money, lights, glamour or fame in the world. I learned more about boxing from a dying (champion )man, than I could some or any one else!

December 9,1998; Ageless Arch, Th’ Mongoose,The Great Prizefighter, Champion, Father, leader, Icon … Archie Lee Moore, had completed his “task”.

Now what? He had once said, “I’ve hit many floors to open doors,now you walk through them.” Stay true to yourself, work hard, fight fair, and when you can … Always help others.

Now, I had a mission a direction. One month to the day after my father died Brian Allen called, to ask me to fight Leila Ali in 90 days. It was the perfect platform, although I was still grieving, I said yes. I personally thought it was rude, but hey, “That’s Boxing”

So, the training and “chase” began. Next thing I know, It was Ali, Frazier, Foreman … NO MOORE! Well, in case you are wondering … everybody, Especially Foreman, Since she is at my fightn’ weight, and answered my challenge … I’m WAITING! Bring it! And not just those “champions daughters” … 160-168 Whoeva! I’ve been nice. I’ve been patient, No MOORE MZ. NICE BOXER … you had your glory you’ve milked your names dry, people are sick- sick- sick of the same ol’ same. And who did you help? You gave what 15 minutes to female boxing? Oh, my bad, you helped yourself, which is only fair, but look at the “real ranked” boxers you dissed. They, climbed the ranks, fought the battles the “wars” … and while I’m at it … no Playboy was not a step forward. nor was it any type of example. And no, outright losing, and having the fight “given” to you is an insult. It makes judges,refs,compubox, commentators, journalisists … etc look bad! And you now are an ” role model for female boxing” I think not. But be my guest, only you have to face you In the mirror. I won’t be there, when “the book” is opened for you, I can only answer for me.  Karma … Is your future.  ps … Dad? What doors? they are the same ones that were closed to you. Things really haven’t changed.   ~J’Marie Moore “Lady Mongoose” ~2001

I do want to note that in Freeda Foreman’s article on the “Champions Daughters … It was noted as “living legends”. “living, being the operative word. ~J’Marie Moore