HUNGRY GERALD

Neutral Corner, a bar (long closed), was located on 8th Avenue and 55th Street close to what was once the center of  New York City boxing: the old Madison Square Garden (demolished) and Stillman’s Gym (gone). Neutral Corner waas home base for the fistic community—fighters, ex-fighters, managers, trainers, sports publicists, corner technicians (cut men, etc.). A.J. Liebling, the great journalist and fan of what he called “the sweet science” was often there. (His book, “The Sweet Science”, is a pugilism masterpiece).He noted that Neutral Corner was the quietest bar in town–though many of the customers were rugged guys, voices were hushed. Tony Janiro was one of the bartenders before he returned to his Ohio home town. He was once a top flight fighter, contending for the middleweight title. He made big money and squandered it all. Managers pointed him out to their fighters: “Once a contender and now a bartender. Don’t let it happen to you.” Stillman’s training hours were noon to three; 5:30 to seven. Neutral Corner was packed during Stillman’s off hours. HG drank many a beer there when he was a young journalist.