Russell "Rusty" Fickling began boxing at the tender age of 7 in a Charleston, South Carolina playground program and endured many defeats during his childhood. Coached by his father, Henry Fickling, the youngster showed consistent improvement over the next ten years and went to New York City under the tutelage of Harry Wiley, a well-known trainer who once trained Sugar Ray Robinson. Fickling worked with such prominent fighters as Dick Tiger and Jose Torres, both former light heavyweight world champions. After joining the U.S. Navy in 1971, his success in the military ring quickly advanced him to a number three ranking in the United States middleweight division as determined by the AAU. Fickling traveled and teamed with such notable boxers as Aaron Pryor, Ray Leonard and Carlos Palomino. After fighting in the 1974 World Boxing Championships in Havana, Cuba, Fickling retired from the ring. He compiled a record of 159 victories and 31 losses including a win over former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks.  During his career, Fickling captured two S.C. Golden Gloves championships, one Southern Golden Gloves title and a Carolinas Golden Gloves middleweight championship.  Fickling served as head boxing coach at the University of South Carolina in 1978 and is currently an assistant coach with Sumter Boxing Team. He resides with his wife and son in Columbia, South Carolina. and works in the commercial construction industry.

Woody Woodcock, born in 1921, in Pelzer, South Carolina, began boxing at age 14 and won several amateur tournaments in the Upstate of South Carolina and Charlotte area. He joined the U.S. Army in 1939, and after being transferred to Panama, held the Panamanian lightweight amateur championship title in 1941 and 1942. Woodcock also captured the all-service championship in 1942. After turning professional in 1943, Woodcock fought the very best in his weight class on the way to becoming the number-one ranked featherweight. Woodcock retired from the ring in 1952 after compiling an overall record of 129 wins against only 12 losses, including an impressive 43 and five record as an amateur.   In retirement, Woodcock coached young boxers at The Citadel and refereed AAU bouts. He has been involved in boxing as a fighter, referee, coach, and official for 64 years and continues to judge professional bouts in Charleston.

Tommy Summerford born in Florence, South Carolina,  began boxing at age 16. A man with knockout power in both hands, he managed to land a multitude of punches because of his speed. Many of Summerford's opponents commented that his were the most devastating punches they had ever felt.  An all-around athlete in high school, he was co-captain of the football team, captain of the boxing team and played baseball for both school and the American Legion. Summerford also served as class president.   As a boxer, Summerford won amateur tournaments in both Carolinas. He was the Carolinas Golden Gloves Open Featherweight Champion in 1948, capturing titles along with Pappy Gault (flyweight) and Neil Wallace (heavyweight.) His championship win came against a tough, experienced boxer in Ben Maciel of the 82nd Airborne. Summerford emerged victorious from the bout after three rounds of total war, but he broke a hand in the match and couldn't represent the team in New York City.  Summerford compiled a 53-3 record before hanging up the gloves. As active after boxing as he was in high school, Summerford has been a Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher and the head trustee of his church. A retired co-owner of Summerford Heating and Air Conditioning, he and his wife, Betty, have three children, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Ray Campbell compiled an enviable record of 70 wins against only nine losses during his amateur boxing career. He began fighting in 1952 with the Mount Holly, N.C. team coached by T.L. McManus.  Campbell won tournaments in both Carolinas, including the Carolinas AAU Tournament in Greenville, S.C. and the Tri-State Tournament in High Point. He fought approximately 50 bouts during a stint in the military, losing only once. After his period in the service, he won amateur titles in Charlotte (2), Lenoir, Hamlet (2), Mount Holly (2), Newton (2), High Point, and Gastonia. Altogether, he won more than a dozen amateur titles throughout the Carolinas and became a two-time Carolinas Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion (1958, 1959.) Campbell and his wife, Delores, are the parents of three daughters, and they have five grandchildren. He worked most of his career as an automobile mechanic and in factory maintenance. Campbell lives in Mount Holly where he is retired from Kysor Carolina Metal Products.

Jimmy Calcutt, born in 1038, in  Florence, South Carolina,  was small in stature but big in heart. A classic stylist, Calcutt had good punching power and began boxing under the tutelage of Coach Tresco Johnson at the age of 12. As a teenager, he was a consistent winner on the amateur circuit. At age 16, Calcutt won the Open Flyweight Championship at the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte. He joined the U.S. Air Force and while serving in Alaska, won the Armed Forces Flyweight Championship. After turning professional, Calcutt boxed out of the same stable as Willie Pep in Miami and was trained by Angelo Dundee. Calcutt compiled a pro record of 28-6 and an overall record of 67-11.  A scratch golfer and a renowned shag dancer, Calcutt lost his life to an automobile accident in 1970

 Elmore began his boxing career in his hometown of Sumter, South Carolina. As a junior Olympic Boxer, he won numerous titles, including, The Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte, as well as the AAU Championships in North and South Carolina. Elmore represented the Carolinas in several regional AAU and Junior Olympic events. He was also once named "Outstanding Boxer" in both Charlotte and Highpoint competitions. Full Story with photos

Allen McCuen, born in 1951, in Gastonia, North Carolina,  and his brother Larry cut a wide swath in amateur boxing across the Carolinas during the 1960's and 70's.  Although McCuen totaled nine victories by knockout, he was considered a stylist in the ring and won most of his bouts by decision. McCuen boxed for the late Freddy Masters, an outstanding teacher of young men.  McCuen completed his career in 1972 with a record of 49 wins and 15 losses. He later opened a gym behind his house and began training young boys to box.  A graduate of South Point High School in Belmont, McCuen attended Sacred Heart College and married the former Karen Ferguson. Allen and Karen have been married for 35 years and live in Belmont. They are the proud parents of two children and seven grandchildren.  A devout man, McCuen is an active member of his church and teaches his young charges how to live and train properly through self-discipline.