Bernard
“Big Duke” Docusen Inducted into CA HOF Joe Louis got top billing on the cover of the program for the event (three vintage photos of Louis are the only ones on the page) but rather brief mention during the actual ceremony. After all these years and given that he only had 5 of his 72 fights in California, he was sort of an odd choice for induction. However, no one, including this writer, would argue for including the Brown Bomber in any boxing hall of fame.
Kallen known for her involvement with the early career of James Toney gave a warm and gracious acceptance speech. She told a story of one of her early brushes with the boxing game. While covering an event as a reporter she made her way to the dressing room of a particular heavyweight to gather some more information. She confronted said heavyweight (who was by now clad in only a towel) explaining her presence. Our heavyweight friend proceeded to drop his towel stating “here’s your story”. Jackie, not missing a beat, let him know that she hoped to be “working on a much bigger story”. Berry Gordy, Jr. president and founder of Motown Records praised boxing for teaching him the discipline and skills he would use later in life. Gordy boxed as a pro featherweight and had 16 fights back in the late 1940’s, mostly in Detroit and LA. Gordy stated that “there would have been no Motown Records if not for boxing.”
Having fought Sugar Ray Robinson for the welterweight title in 1948 (losing a very competitive 15 round decision) Bernard Docusen was a very deserving inductee. One of the great “uncrowned champs” of his era, Docusen fought them all but never got another shot. He won the National AAU bantamweight championship at 14 and turned pro at 15. Hailing from New Orleans he packed houses fighting in main events of 6 and 8 round durations due to his age. He eventually moved his fistic operations to California in search of better opportunities as New Orleans had a ban on interracial matches at that time. After retiring from boxing in the early 1950’s he relocated his family to the Detroit area where he has resided for the past 50 plus years. When
in his 50’s, Docusen wrote his memoirs. His oldest daughter
Pat, has taken these memoirs and with little editing produced a
bound book entitled Bernard Docusen, A Memoir, New Orleans Amazing
Filipino. Bernie tells his story with great humility and pride.
His detailed stories of his ring exploits are entertaining for their
honesty and candor. A bonus is the inclusion of over 50 photos of
his fights and family, many never before published. The first edition
comes signed by 81 year old Bernie Docusen himself and can be purchased
by contacting his daughter Patricia Docusen-Maddox at Patriciamx62@aol.com
or by phone at 303-693-3805. The book makes an excellent addition
to your boxing library.
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