Even those who were often on the receiving end of their blows find it difficult to dislike them. “They were larger-than-life characters,” former St. Louis tough guy Kelly Chase said. “People loved the way they fought.

Tie Domi teamed with Kocur in New York and fought Probert nine times, but simply smiles when their names are brought up in the discussion. “Joe and I were tag-team partners in New York,” Domi said. “He really showed me the ropes.”

As for Probert, his frequent nemesis, Domi is nothing but respectful. “He’s a classy guy,” Domi said. “We’ve been friends, even through all that’s happened between us through the years.”...