By Larry Tornambe
 
Rodney Moore was one of Philadelphia’s premier fighters and is known as ‘Mr. Blue Horizon’.  Rodney realized how much of a part he plays in Philadelphia boxing history when he saw his image on a poster of Philadelphia’s premier fighters dating back to 1908, “it enlightened me to know that I am on that poster from a town with such a rich boxing history.”  (Ed. Note: see/purchase the poster at Peltzboxing.com). 

He fought at the Blue Horizon more than anyone else, 31 times, challenged for the world Jr. Welterweight championship and the welterweight belt and is now responsible for broadening others’ horizons with his community education program.
 
Rockin’ Rodney Moore started boxing as a pro in 1983 and came into your home plenty on USA Tuesday Night Fights from the Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.  Moore not only fought the most at the Blue he was considered one of the top 3 fighters on the USA Network.  Moore also fought the best opponents such as Tony Baltazar, Delfino Marin and Terrance Alli. 

Rodney recalls the USA Network “upgrading my nickname to the King of the Blue Horizon.  That’s not why somebody would name you that, it’s the type of fights I was in; the opposition that I fought; by being the better strategist.”
 
His main event bout at the Blue against Livingstone Bramble packed in the most fans in Blue Horizon history.  With so many people clamoring for tickets, the promoter opened a downstairs ballroom, sold discounted tickets and brought in several large TVs for closed circuit viewing. “They put another 300 bodies down there” Moore revealed.  

Of the Blue Horizon, Moore says “everywhere else the only people you’re close to are at ringside.  Whatever seat you have at the Blue Horizon, you have a great seat.  They tell me the first row of the balcony is the best seat in boxing and the Blue has been voted the best place to watch a fight in the world.”
 
Rodney had the skill to earn that loyal following and to be signed by Don King.  He wasn’t the hardest puncher, but his volume of accurate punches made him a ‘must-see’ fighter.  He earned a shot against Charles “the Natural” Murray for the vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight strap in 1993.  He lost a decision, but rebounded with a TKO win vs. Pat Briceno.  Still a top contender he was awarded a chance for the WBA belt against Frankie Randall.  Randall won his belt by being the first guy to defeat Julio Cesar Chavez.  Randall successfully defended that title in 1994 against Moore.  Rodney wasn’t done yet though. 

Two more wins and a jump to 147 lbs positioned him for a championship bout against Felix Trinidad.  Trinidad kept his belt by disposing of Moore in 4 rounds.   “I could have retired a year before that, the fire was gone.  We were offered the title shot and I couldn’t turn it down.  I gave him what I had, but it wasn’t enough to beat the champion.”  Moore says Trinidad is probably Puerto Rico’s best fighter ever and was “built like a middleweight and punched like a light heavyweight.  

I would have liked to win the world title.  I made a little bit of money” with King.  Moreover, Rodney feels it was an honor to battle with Trinidad and Randall.   After one fight in 1997, Moore called it quits because he knew it was time. 
 
Rodney, who always maintained a job during his boxing career (Home Depot, Hechinger and Lowes), then looked for a way to give back to the children.  In 2001 his idea started to become a reality.  He started the Fight To Learn Program after almost 5 years of planning and organization.  Moore beams when asked about the design of his dream, “My program offers all types of life skill training, computer training, cultural enrichment; athletic activities are incorporated into the program and support for the children.”  The program is based in Philadelphia. 

“We’d like to expand it throughout Philadelphia before we take it outside of Philly”, says Moore, who is thoughtful of his city’s youth.  It could expand “if we get an offer and it’s a good fit, there is no stopping us.  Kids are the leaders of tomorrow.  The reason I put this program together is I feel there is nothing better to do than to give back to a community, to our children.  Without them tomorrow is lost.  We have to keep them educated.”   Rodney admits he wasn’t the best student “I wasn’t a quick learner, I was afraid to raise my hand” for fear of being teased.   Moore took those feelings into account when planning his approach, so the next generation can learn more comfortably.  

The program is “purely charitable” if your company, corporation or you are able to make a monetary contribution.  If your community would benefit from Fight To Learn, Rodney is your point of contact and he’ll present your proposal to the board.   
 
Obviously, this type of program requires funding.  Rodney and I agree that you’ll want to learn more before making a donation, so he has set up a website: www.FightToLearn.com for your convenience.   He can be contacted at FightToLearn@msn.com and 215 514-8748.
 
Incidently, the Blue Horizon runs their next boxing card this Friday at 7:30.  They will honor Bruce Seldon and Jeff Chandler as former world champions who fought at the Blue during their career.  As of now 7 bouts are scheduled.  If you'll be in Philadelphia and want tickets, call 215 763-0500 or visit their site at LegendaryBlueHorizon.com.