August 21, 1976 — Tamaqua’s Les Krell, the manager for Pottsville boxer Pug McFarland, watches as his pupil records a technical knockout in his ring debut. McFarland defeats Alfonzo Smith (of the Rizzo Police Athletic League, Philadelphia) in the second round during the events at the Americus Hotel Ballroom in Allentown. Krell, who has been involved in boxing for more than 50 years, said McFarland “was a little bit overanxious but he kept nice and cool.” Also on the card, Slatington’s Nick DeLong drops a unanimous decision to Easton’s “Smokin” Willie Cook in a well-fought matchup.