Q&A with Don Elbaum
Q&A with Don Elbaum
Don Elbaum started in the boxing game when he was 13, writing for the Erie (Pa.) Times. Nobody really knows how old he is; it’s the best-kept secret in boxing. But he’s worked with a virtual who’s-who in boxing, with various early fights of Mohammad Ali to Aaron Pryor to up-and-coming heavyweight today Fast Eddie Chambers. Elbaum can tell more about boxing stats than anybody I know of. He doesn’t want to be called a character; he’d rather be called a “boxing personality.”
Elbaum boxed as an amateur and a pro. He’s boxed on cards he’s promoted. He’s always been very outgoing. He worked in the business doing various things, such as being a second, a boxer, a promoter, and a writer.
Here are some questions I presented to Don. He graciously answered them. I figured the Philly Keith Sports readers would want to hear his answers. I’d like to give Don a big thank-you, and hope that he will continue to be the personality that he is.
Dave Ruff: When did you get started in boxing?
Don Elbaum: I saw my first fight at the age of eight; I saw the great Willie Pep in New Bedford, MA. Had my first amateur fight at 13; I was writing for the Erie Times, Erie, PA, predicting the Wednesday and Friday night TV fights. Started matchmaking at 15; I promoted my first fight at 17.
