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07/08/2006 Archived Entry: "A Tribute to Fallen Boxer Greg Piper"
A Tribute to Fallen Boxer Greg Piper
Manager Ryan eulogizes former charge with a poem
By Juan C. Ayllon
PORTLAND, Ore. – In a coma and on life support for a week, 29 year-old boxer Greg Piper passed away Sunday night at Providence Portland Medical Center. According to the Portland Tribune, several sources cited an overdose of an opiate as the cause of death.
A happy-go-lucky fighter and trainer in his own right, Piper amassed a record of 8-4-1 and 3 knockouts and was ranked 483 / 1144 in the world at lightweight by www.boxrec.com. He trained under Fred Ryan at Grand Avenue Gym.
Piper’s last bout on April 29th resulted in a unanimous decision victory over Braulio Lopez.
Commenting on an encounter with Piper, the Cyber Boxing Zone’s Managing Editor-in Chief, Stephen Gordon said, “My favorite memory of Greg was when he fought on the undercard of the Roy Jones-Clinton Woods fight at The Rose Garden in 2002.
”Greg won his fight and as we were leaving the Rose Garden after the card Greg was walking in front of us and he was so happy and jacked up from winning his fight, I swear he was levitating a foot off the ground as we were walking.
”I'll never forget the ear-to-ear grin he was sporting it made him look like a VERY happy little kid. Man, he was excited that night.”
In tribute to Piper, his manager, Fred Ryan, wrote the following poem.
For Greg Piper Who Died Today (RIP)
My boxer got killed the other day
I didn't see it, question why or where
Just took the news as another shade of grey
Life ain't fair not a bit, hitch your trunks up and deal with it
The Boy was a Jewel, a diamond, my pride
Smiling always A friend to all and to everyone
He loved the kids and they loved him; a dark side
Was there we didn't see, Too late now for him and me
We will give him to God's good earth today
Perhaps a present, a gift, a gratitude, a song
Sought, wanted, wished for, searched for, an alien payday
He flashed among the Stars and then, and then ... He's gone
Fred Ryan
