Davey Moore needs to stand tall again in city

8:20 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

The downtown organization that has erected statues to Native Americans, lawyers, firefighters and the founder of 4-H has come upon hard times in its effort to fund another statue, this one of Springfield boxing great Davey Moore.

It is no surprise that the times are less than ideal for any organization to be out peddling for donations. But this fundraising effort needs to be revived and actively marketed until it is successful.

The other statues, which have been going up around town for a decade, were typically funded 50/50 between the Turner Foundation and a small group of local benefactors.

For the $92,000 Davey Moore statue, the Turner Foundation was still good for its half. But, going into this project, the Center City Association knew it would have to conduct a public fundraising drive to raise the other half. That drive is $37,000 short and has been under way for more than a year.

Moore’s story is one that many know. He was not a giant if you measured by inches, standing 5 feet 2 inches during his career. But the things he accomplished, and how he died, make him a giant.

He was, simply, champion of the world. He was the best boxer for his weight on earth. And he came from Springfield and stayed in Springfield and raised his family in Springfield and brought fame to Springfield.

And then it was over.

In a 1963 bout attended by the glitterati of the day in Los Angeles, Moore lost a tough bout to Ultiminio “Sugar” Ramos. Near the end of the fight he fell backward onto the “ropes” — actually metal cables — that formed the ring. He hit the back of his head on a cable, then rose and continued to box.

After the fight he was able to speak with reporters and talk about what had gone wrong. Then he complained of a headache, lay down and did not get up again.

Bob Dylan is an artist and already wrote an honorable song about Moore; he doesn’t owe Moore’s legacy much more than that. But he remains active making music and touring and has supported numerous social causes throughout his career. He should be asked to contribute; if he’s been approached and his people have not responded, he should be approached again.

Has the No. 1 face of boxing, Ohioan Don King, been reached? King’s reputation is what it is, but if he wants to be associated with helping honor one of his sports’ champions who died in the ring, helping fund this statue would be a good way to go.

Locally every civic organization should pass the hat more than once. When Moore’s widow, Geraldine, visited the Springfield Kiwanis Club this spring, members generously stepped up afterward and handed her donations. People will give; they just need to know how and to whom. And individual donors, even those who have already given, should contact the Center City Association and see what more they can do.

The Moore statue has been cast in clay already by Urbana artist Mike Major. The location for where it would stand — the triangle of green space at South Limestone Street and East Pleasant Street — is ready. The project needs to continue.

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