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Obituary: Nathan Liff, Life echoed Pittsburgh's rich history of boxing
Thursday, January 06, 2000 By Lori Shontz, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
Nathan Liff was selling newspapers in the arena that day in 1913 when middleweight champion Frank Klaus of Braddock was knocked out by another local boxer, George Chip of New Castle.
He was working in the corner in Madison Square Garden on May 23, 1922, when another Pittsburgh boxing star, Harry Greb, handed eventual heavyweight champion Gene Tunney the only loss of his career.
And Mr. Liff's dog, Ginger, used to go on training runs with light heavyweight champion Billy Conn.
Even into his 90s, Mr. Liff, known by most as "Natey," remembered seemingly every detail of every boxing match with which he was involved. He could spin tales of boxing history that left his listeners enthralled.
"There were so many," said Mr. Liff's nephew, Bernard, "so many that I just can't recall which one was my favorite."
Mr. Liff, of Squirrel Hill, died Tuesday. His relatives think he would have turned 97 this year but they aren't sure because Mr. Liff emigrated from Russia when he was a toddler.
He was introduced to boxing when he was a newsboy, selling newspapers at the matches. He competed in the sport himself, as a featherweight. He eventually moved into managing and training boxers and he promoted bouts, many at the old Duquesne Gardens.
He stayed close to the sport any way he could. For the Greb-Tunney fight, he was paid a dollar to "swing towel," in Greb's corner.
"You swing the towel to give him air," Mr. Liff explained in a 1998 Post-Gazette article. "You had to be in shape to swing towel. You had to get it up high [and snap it down]. Some guys, they didn't do it right. They didn't give them enough air."
For seven years before World War II, Mr. Liff ran Eagles Nest, a lodge and training facility outside Millvale. During the summer, local boxers trained there, including Conn, welterweight Fritzie Zivic, middleweight Billy Soose and lightweight Sammy Angott. Occasionally, champions like Joe Louis and Henry Armstrong worked out there.
Eagles Nest also was known for quality steaks and as a hangout for promoters, including one named Art Rooney, who had just bought a professional football franchise.
Friends may call at Ralph Schugar Chapel, 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside at noon today and proceed to Anshe Lubovitz Cemetery, Shaler, for graveside services at 1 p.m. Contributions may be made to Weinberg Village, 300 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh 15217.
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