About Utah: Boxing fans fighting to build shrine highlighting Utah's pugilistic past

Six decades later, people will be able to watch the four times Fullmer fought the great Sugar Ray Robinson (two wins, one draw and one loss), his legendary brawls with Basilio (he won both times they met), his 10th round KO of Benny "The Kid" Paret, or any of a number of his bouts as he compiled a career record of 65-6-3.

And that's far from all. The museum will hold artifacts, footage and memorabilia from West Jordan's many boxing greats, including Gene's brothers Don and Jay and a host of others trained by Jenson, including Rex Layne, Floyd Richardson, Javier Flores, LaMar Clark and the Olympian, Dr. Jay Lambert.

"We're just hoping to get this done while Gene's here," says Linda.

The champ is still with us, but he turned 81 last month and his health is not good.

If 25,000 people would chip in one dollar apiece, or if one person would chip in $25,000, or any combination thereof, the museum could become a reality.

To get involved, call Linda or Bob Dalley at 801-403-9030 or send emails to Linda_dalley@yahoo.com.

"There's just so much history," says Bill Jenson. "It would be a shame if it was lost."

Lee Benson's About Utah column runs Monday and Friday.

Email: benson@desnews.com