Zerling, Izzy

A lightweight in the 1930s, Zerling opened G&S; Sporting Goods in 1937 in New York City after retiring. He remained an active trainer over the next five decades while manufacturing boxing equipment that is still considered among the best in the world; the company has remained in family hands. A member of the Veterans Boxing Association Ring 8, he has also established Izzy Zerling Youth Centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For much of his life, Zerling had dedicated himself to teaching boxing and wrestling to underprivileged kids while having only three rules: "no smoking, no drinking, and no profane language."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. November 22, 1914

Career Highlights:
Born in Estonia, Zerling moved to the Lower East Side of New York City at the age of eight. Taken care of by relatives, Zerling spent time in boxing gyms as a youngster and was working by the age of 10 (as a shoe-shiner). He learned to box at a Settlement House, but was not allowed to fight as an amateur because of a heart murmur (the doctor took away his amateur license). Instead, Zerling fought in 'bootleg' fights (professionals and amateurs together) under the name Shane Ferguson (when asked a question, Zerling reponded in Yiddish -- Ich Fargesn, I forget -- they thought he said Ferguson).

By the early 1930s, Zerling had hooked up with Jewish trainer Freddie Brown (a friend of Brown's had seen Zerling fighting in the street). Brown initially tried to discourage Zerling from boxing and gave him a job selling flowers out of a pushcart in Manhattan. Brown eventually agreed to train Zerling, who was making good money in 'bootleg' fights (he sometimes fought twice a night). Despite the money he made, Zerling's desire to fight in the Golden Gloves caused him to continually return to the doctor to get his amateur boxing license back.

Determined to become a fighter, Zerling fought over 50 'bootleg' bouts during his time away from the amateur arena. Given prescriptions and sent to train in the country to help his heart murmur, he returned in better shape but the doctor still would not allow him to box. Eventually allowed to fight in the Golden Gloves (after two years of rejection), Zerling faced future professional contenders Davey Crawford (who fought the great Willie Pep), and Golden Gloves champ Johnny Cabello (who fought Henry Armstrong) before turning pro.

As a lightweight, Zerling had approximately 35 professional fights, including against Baby Mack in 1935 (win), Tony Canna in 1936 (win), Dominic Barone (loss), and tough featherweight Phil Siriani (a loss -- Zerling said he never should have fought the more experienced Siriani). During the mid-1930s, Zerling was also scheduled to fight Harry Bauman at Madison Square Garden, but Bauman never showed. He retired in 1937 and opened a business as a ticket-seller, but was forced to return to the ring when the business failed. He fought two more bouts (won both) and retired for good with the money he made.

During his career, Zerling had also served as a sparring partner for Kid Chocolate, Maxie Shapiro (whom he also trained), and Bernie "Schoolboy"Friedkin. After retiring a second time in 1937, Zerling opened G&S; Sporting Goods in the Lower East Side of New York City. He also remained actively involved in boxing as a promoter and trainer, putting on shows throughout New York City, and serving as a boxing coach at the Henry Street Settlement House and in area schools. Zerling was the first to train female boxers (in 1938!), and started Larry Holmes on his path towards the world heavyweight title. Until only a few years ago, Zerling was still training young fighters and putting on shows in New York. In 1998, Zerling received an award from the New York State Boxing Commission and inducted into the amateur Hall of Fame. A soft-spoken, but wise boxing veteran, Zerling still lives in New York City at the age of 87 and G&S; remains in the same location on the Lower East Side.

Origin:
Estonia

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