Show Former Louis Sparring Mate at Base Joe Louis hits pretty hard said Private Clinton Bridges 28 28 of Detroit Mich The private stationed stationed stationed sta sta- sta- sta at the army air base Salt Lake City was the Bombers Bomber's sparring partner for three years And once he hits you continued continued continued contin contin- Bridges you may as well go home cause you stay hit The pound soldier first started sparring for Louis in 1936 at his summer camp in New Jer Jer- sey say He remained with the champ through 36 36 37 and 38 and was forced to give up the active fight game when a huge dumbbell rolled on his foot breaking it I 1 can still move around he said but not like I used to Bridges started boxing in 1931 entering the Detroit Golden Gloves tournament in 1942 He won that and repeated his success by taking taking taking tak tak- ing top honors in the 33 and 35 contests in the Motor city He was sent to Chicago for the National National National Na Na- and International Golden Gloves finals where he took the heavyweight crown As a professional Bridges fought 45 bouts The soldier defeated defeated defeated de de- de- de Louis in three exhibition jousts He feels that boxing is one of the best body and mind conditioners condition condition- ers because it teaches you coordination coordination coordination co co- co- co ordination how to use your feet your eyes your muscles Look I what it taught me me he laughed I always managed to keep out of Louis' Louis way |