Ward Two in Somerville in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Quietman Makes Some Noise
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Taking the Gloves Off
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
1. The Quietman Makes Some Noise side of the marker
The Quietman Makes Some Noise. 1979. Washington Street. To help local kids get in shape and stay out of trouble, six friends start the Somerville Boxing Club, among them Norman "Stoney" Stone. Nine years later, he notices - and nurtures - the natural talent of 16-year old John Ruiz. "The Quietman" beat Evander Holyfield in 1998, became the World Boxing Association's 2001 Heavyweight Champion - and first Latino to win a world heavyweight title.
Taking the Gloves Off. 1883. At 24, Jake "Killer" Kilrain quits a Somerville steel rolling mill to chase a dream: professional boxing. World Heavy Weight Champion by 1887, he lost the title two years later in the sport's last bare-knuckle fight, illegal even then. Held in the noonday sun in Mississippi, the brutal contest had to be called after the 75th round. Kilrain's bodyguard during the fight: famous gunslinger, later sportswriter, Bat Masterson. Kilrain later worked in the Somerville Parks Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1979.
Location. 42° 23.018′ N, 71° 6.523′ W. Marker is in Somerville, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in Ward Two. It is at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Bleachery
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Regionally, this marker is in Historic Boston and specifically in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anthony (Tony) Lavelli, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Conway Park (here, next to this marker); Mommy, What Did People Do Before Cell Phones? (here, next to this marker); Where Did Somerville Get Its Name? (here, next to this marker); It's All Downhill from Here (a few steps from this marker); Spinning Wheels (a few steps from this marker); Colors of Defiance / From a Powdered Wig to the Powder House (a few steps from this marker); A River Runs Through It. No, Really? / One Farm, Ten Hills, 600 Ships (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerville.
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
2. Taking the Gloves Off side of the marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
3. The Quietman Makes Some Noise side of the marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
4. Taking the Gloves Off side of the marker
Eric Draper, courtesy of the White House Archives, March 15, 2011
5. President George W. Bush and Boxer Johnny Ruiz
President George W. Bush and Boxer Johnny Ruiz look at a boxing glove and the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Championship belt inside the Oval Office, Thursday, March 15.
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Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 21 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week October 5, 2025. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. 5. submitted on October 5, 2025. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
