01/20/03 The Toughest Man Alive

Bob Calhoun and George Foon are helping Judo Gene put together his epic autobiography entitled "The Godfather of Grappling" which will be coming out later this year. We are only a little over a third of the way through with the book and it has already contains gripping accounts of the spectacular Milo Savage fight, Gene's harrowing battles in the 1954 & '55 Judo Nationals, and learning submission holds from wrestling legend Lou Thesz. The book also includes an extensive chapter on his mother Aileen Eaton who promoted boxing in Southern California out of the Olympic Auditorium during the 1940s through the 80s as well as the day that Gene laced up the boxing gloves and sparred "Sugar" Ray Robinson at the famous Main St. Gym in Los Angeles.

Before we are done with the book, its pages will include stories about Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, George "Superman" Reeves, Andre the Giant, The Rock, Chuck Norris, James Garner, Hulk Hogan and Clint Eastwood just to name a few. This book is told with Gene LeBell's unique candor and humor and is a must buy for anybody interested in the history of martial arts, professional wrestling, boxing, or movie stunts.