The Deaf Boxer?

Question

Who was Eugene "Silent" Hairston and why was he signifigant to deaf culture? I know he was a boxer, but I need his career info and what kind of influence did he have on any particular events?

Answer 1

EUGENE HAIRSTON
Boxer
Eugene Hairston was born on July 23, 1930 in Harlem. He became deaf at the age of 1 after a fight with spinal meningitis. He showed talent in art, much to his father’s delight—he wanted his son to become an artist. Art was not what Hairston wanted however, he wanted to fight. He aspired to become a great boxer like Joe Louis, whom he admired. At 15, Hairston quit school to help support his family and went through a series of dead-end jobs before deciding he wanted to start boxing for a living. The Miele brothers, owners of a Bronx gym, met Hairston in 1945 and were dubious of the boy’s handwritten request—he wanted to fight. After six months the Miele brothers finally relented and let him parry punches with some members at the gym. The brothers watched Hairston go against four opponents and were convinced of his potential. They went to work with him as manager and trainer. In 1947, Hairston fought his way through the amateur boxing ranks, winning two distinguished boxing titles. After 61 bouts, Hairston won all but one and made a name for himself: Silent Hairston. From 1947 to 1953, Hairston appeared on television a total of 13 times and fought against the leading middleweight contenders of his time: Kid Gavilan, Johnny Bratton, Paul Pender and Paddy Young. He appeared in Ebony, billed as the only fighter who could beat Sugar Ray Robinson and The Ring, where he was credited as the second-leading middleweight contender in the world. Flashing lights were added to the ring posts of the arenas Hairston fought in, to alert the deaf boxer the end of a round. Flashing lights are now standard equipment for many arenas, along with the bell. In 1952 he fought against La Motta, who later wrote Raging Bull and mentioned the infamous 10-round fight with Hairston. During a bout with Carl “Bobo” Olson, Hairston received a nerve-damaging hit above his right eyebrow, ending his career at age 22. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have a friend who has a deaf cattle dog who is trained in sign. She is fine otherwise. She has learned to keep eye contact with the owner so she knows what is going on. If she is letting her run she has a shock collar that has a vibrate only feature that signals the dog to look at her. If the dog is not paying attention you hit the button and the collar vibrates to get the dogs attention. It works great. The collar came from a hunt catalog and I would highly recommend it or at least a shock collar for a deaf dog. It does not hurt but it does get their attention right now so it can save them from trouble if they are loose. Good luck and enjoy your new pet.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
The Deaf Boxer?
Who was Eugene "Silent" Hairston and why was he signifigant to deaf culture? I know he was a boxer, but I need his career info and what kind of influence did he have on any particular events?

Answer 4

Eugene Hairston

Answer 5

Google it yourself, insted of asking us to do the same thing. I doubt anyone can rattle off Eugene's history off the top of thier heads!

Answer 6

Gee, it's too bad you don't have access to the internet. I've heard it's really useful for things like this.

Oh well, I guess you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way and go to the library.

Good luck, we're all counting on you.

Answer 7

Try box-rec.com.