Morganelli Scores Knockout in Congressional Race

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has scored a knock out blow in his race for Congress. He has received the endorsement of none other than the Easton Assassin, Larry Holmes. Larry was the WBC heavyweight champ from 1978-1983, and the IBF Champ between 1983 and 1985. His left jab is considered one of the best  in boxing history. He is considered one of the top 10 heavyweight champions of all time. He holds the record for the longest individual heavyweight title streak in the post-war boxing history.

Larry said the following:

“John Morganelli kept his promise to the black community and hired Northampton County’s first and second African American Assistant District Attorneys in Northampton County history back in 1992. He has been a tough but fair DA who has also distributed needed funds to help educate young people about the dangers of drugs and gangs . My wife Diane and I consider John to be a personal friend of ours."

“ I am humbled to have the endorsement of Larry Holmes who is one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time and who has contributed so much to his community," said Morganelli. "Larry never forgot where he came from and neither will I.”

Cartwright & Dent Salute Larry Holmes

From Congressman Matt Cartwright:  Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright introduced a House Resolution honoring Larry Holmes for his career and community. June 9th is the 35th anniversary of his winning the WBC World Heavyweight Title. The measure was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15).

“Larry Holmes is not only a champion of boxing, but has also been a champion in his community. Raised in Easton, Larry has devoted himself to growing the community economically and through his meaningful community service throughout his life,” said Cartwright. “I am honored to know Larry Holmes.”

Holmes is most well known as a world champion boxer, becoming the WBC World Heavyweight Champion on June 9, 1978 by defeating Ken Norton. In February of 1980, Holmes defeated Muhammad Ali, known as “the greatest of all time,” Holmes finished his career with a record of 69-6.

Since retiring Holmes has invested heavily in the Easton area, contributing to the city’s recent growth. Holmes investments also include many charitable endeavors, including his “Run with the Champ” five kilometer race, which aims to raise awareness of physical fitness.

“Larry Holmes has been a true friend to his hometown not only with his many investments but also his willingness to help the youth. He has been a positive role model for young people to emulate,” said Easton Mayor Sal Panto. “I salute him on the 35th anniversary of that wonderful night in Las Vegas when he became the heavyweight champion of the world and wore the crown for seven and a half years.”

Additionally, Holmes has endowed a charitable foundation, named the Larry Holmes Charitable Foundation that advances post-secondary education by awarding four $5,000 scholarships to students who enroll in community colleges. This effort has garnered much recognition including being named the Jaycee’s National Outstanding Young Man and receiving the Medal of Honor for trustworthiness from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Larry Holmes, Smokin' Joe Frasier Backing Judge Jack Panella in State Supreme Court Fight

Larry Holmes Ringside Restaurant, located in downtown Easton, was the setting for last night's first round in Judge Jack Panella's fight for the state supreme court. At least two hundred supporters crowded the bar, an impressive roster of local leaders that included Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, Easton Mayor Sal Panto, DA John Morganelli, Senator Lisa Boscola, Judge Leonard Zito, state representative Bob Freeman, former County Exec Jerry Seyfried, future Judge Sam Murray and future mini-judge Tony Sortino.

Judge Panella was delighted at the turnout. "You all showed up for me. I can't thank you enough."

Of all the luminaries, two stood out. Larry Holmes, the former heavyweight boxing champion known as The Easton Assassin, is still a giant of a man. He's impossible to miss. He was tending bar and sneaking drinks while his wife's back was turned. Sitting at the bar was none other than Smokin' Joe Frazier, who brought his devastating left hook from the City of Brotherly Love.

When Larry got up to introduce Judge Panella, he mentioned that he was once Smokin' Joe's sparring partner. "Joe broke my ribs. I didn't even know it. But I got my revenge. I beat up his son." (Holmes pummeled Marvis Frazier in a 1983 title bout). At this point, Frazier made his way to the podium, but since Don King was nowhere to be found, there was no fight.

When Panella first decided to be a judge, he mentioned his interest to his client, Larry Holmes. Larry was none too thrilled. "What the heck are you thinking? We won't be able to go to the bars or hang out anymore." But he ended up liking the idea, noting the similarities between a Lehigh Valley judicial candidate and heavyweight boxer. "You're going to get hell beat out of you and people will say you can't do it. But I did it. Not by myself. I can't do it myself. And neither can Jack."

After all the introductions, Judge Panella finally spoke for himself. For the first time, I saw the passion he hides so well on the bench. He talked about his parents. His dad, a big man, supported his family by rolling carpets, hard physical labor. After being stricken with a heart attack on the job, workmen comp "experts" persuaded a referee that his father was fine. Three months later, he was dead. Jack also mentioned his mom, who was there to see her son. Every day on his way to school, he would stop by his mom's shop to say hi, and was nearly always knocked over by the heat in which she was forced to work to make other people rich.

"Someone has to be there to protect your rights and to protect your access to the judiciary. If you want to know why I'm here, that's why I'm running for this job."

If Round One is any indication, Judge Panella is on his way to a knock out. His web page, Vote Jack Panella, is now up and running.

(Incidentally, if you've never been to Larry's restaurant, check it out. All the boxing memorabilia, by itself, makes the trip worth it.)