May 2002

May 31, 2002
Atlantic City vs. Memphis
By Robert Ecksel

Most pugs their age would hang up their gloves and pull out the old rocking chair. Most men who’ve earned that much dough would settle for the immensity of riches. But Commander Vander isn’t like most men. Neither is The Rock. Or Lennox Lewis. Or, needless to say, Iron Mike Tyson. Most men don’t beat up other guys to earn their daily bread. Most men, when all is said and done, are no match for the bruisers ready, willing, able, and about to get it on.

Fight fanatics should be thrilled with the bouts that are looming on the horizon. Four of the finest big men on the planet, four cats who’ve been world champions, who’ve socked their way to the heights of the hit parade, are prepared to destroy one another with their courage, their cojones, their ambition and their fists.

On Saturday, June 1 in Atlantic City, Evander Holyfield rumbles with Hasim Rahman. One week later, on June 8 in Memphis, Tennessee, the reigning champion Lennox Lewis squares off against his nemesis (perhaps the world’s nemesis) Mike Tyson. By the time we reach Sunday morning, only two of the four men will remain standing. One of them will be the heavyweight champion of the world. The other will be the next challenger in line for a shot at that gentleman’s title.

Everyone is an expert when it comes to the subtle art of making predictions. As hardcore lovers of the sweet science, we’re entitled to our learned opinions. Each of us has our all-time faces, our durable likes and dislikes. But in lieu of astrology or a crystal ball or a turbaned gypsy with the hots for boxing, no one can be certain which of the four prizefighters will finally emerge victorious. Life is unpredictable enough as it is - without some 220 pounder trying to knock us into kingdom come. Yet of the many joys associated with titans, the most cocksure is that a single punch can flatten a man, a solo shot with bad intentions is enough to starch an opponent.

No one in their right mind underestimates Evander Holyfield. Holy’s shown us several times that he may be down but he’s never out. It still remains to be seen if The Rock is an aberration, a flash in the pan, a footnote in the annals of boxing history, or a man truly flirting with destiny. But Hasim Rahman, who has been there and done that, knows exactly what we know: Evander Holyfield is The Real Deal, the genuine article, a solid gold warrior, a champion not just in name, but also in spirit.

Once Holyfield and Rahman settle their differences, we’ll have just a week to recover before the next battle begins. Despite different promoters, different cable networks, different announcers and emcees, despite differences of opinion, the match we’ve been anticipating for a decade - Tyson vs. Lewis - Lewis vs. Tyson - will finally commence. As one’s star has risen, the other’s has fallen, precipitously, perhaps unexpectedly, perhaps inevitably. But we had better prepare ourselves for a take-no-prisoners, don’t-shoot-until-you-see-the-whites-of-their-eyes, all-out war of attrition. And even though it looks like the Rastaman - with his height and reach, his desire and ring smarts, his reason for revenge - will take Mike Tyson apart, thank heavens these men are pugilists, because it insures that uncertainty remains the only certainty.

Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Supermen!

Who’s packing kryptonite the next several days is anyone’s guess. Fortunately for lucky us, we’re about to find out.

May 30, 2002
Bert Sugar Calls for Uniform Law as Alternative to Federal Regulation
[Editor's Note: Mike DeLisa, founder of the Cyber Boxing Zone, is a longtime advocate of a Uniform State Law for the regulation of boxing. DeLisa gave a speech on that topic before the Association of Boxing Comissions in July 1994. Bert Sugar holds a similar opinion, and we are happy to present the full text of his recent speech before the Senate. This, guys, is the solution, NOT another Federal agency. -- The Editors]


U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE AND TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOREIGN COMMERCE AND TOURISM.

Prepared Testimony of Bert Randolph Sugar, May 22, 2002.

To understand the sport of boxing, one must first understand its roots. Unlike many of today’s sports, boxing did not spring full-blown from the brow of an inventor, as basketball did from the brow of Dr. James Naismith in 1896, nor date back to the happening of some specific occurrence as rugby did when, in 1823, a soccer player at Rugby school picked up the ball and ran with it.

Instead, boxing’s roots are buried in antiquity, traceable, at least in part, to the practice of a form of the sport as we now know it by the ancient Sumerians approximately five thousand years ago. From there it was a short hop, skip and overhand right to other places throughout the ancient world, finally surfacing in ancient Greece around 900 B.C.. As practiced by the Greeks, the sport became less of a sport and more of a brutal spectacle, the “hands and arms enveloped in ponderous gauntlets,” as Virgil wrote in the Aeneid, “stiffened in rigid coils, insewn with lead and with irons.” The object was not only to win but to win by stretching (the opponent) hurt to the death on the yellow sand” of the arena. Not content with mortal hurt, the lead and iron were replaced with spikes to insure death.

With the conquest of Greece by the Holy Roman Empire, boxing became an integral part of Rome’s “bread and circuses” pageantry, trained gladiators taking part in exhibitions, usually held following the chariot races and immediately preceeding the wrestling and running events. Finally tiring of the wanton brutality and waste of life, Emperor Theodoric ended the gladiatorial contest in A.D. 500, allowing only fighting with bare fists. Those, too, were soon banned, and boxing all but disappeared from the face of the globe.

Twelve centuries were to pass before boxing resurfaced in what had once been a Roman colony, England. Like Greece and Rome before it, England, in the early eighteenth century, considered sport an honorable, even noble pursuit. The manly sport of boxing befitted the Englishman’s concept of himself and his country as a molder of men as neatly as a well-tailored waistcoat. Indeed, poet John Milton, in his Treatise on Education, recommended boxing for young men as an excellent athletic exercise and builder of character.

However, the sport of boxing was hardly the sport we know today, resembling more organized king of the mountain than boxing, with wrestling, choking and gouging an integral part. It remained for one man, James Figg, to bring order out of chaos and a small smattering of science to barbarity.

Figg opened an Amphitheatre on Tottenham Court Road dedicated to the teachings of “the manly art of foul play, backsword, cudgeling, and boxing.” From the day it opened in 1719 it was liberally patronized by many royal and noble parsonages--“the fancy”--who supported his exhibits with their presence. Boxing, as taught by Figg, was a mere interlude to the entertainments given by exponents of cudgel play, backsword, quarterstaff, and other practices of the day.

Time has a way of mis-bestowing its memorial garland now and then. And so it is that the name James Figg endures fallaciously in the history of a sport that honors him. For even though Figg is known as the “Father of Boxing,” his fame might have the same mythic trappings as that of Abner Doubleday, who is wrongly credited with “Inventing” baseball. Figg, who professed to teaching his students the art of “scientific boxing,” was in reality teaching them nothing more than the art of fencing with the two weapons with which nature and God had endowed them, their hands. His methods, indeed even his technical terms, guards, acts, and the positioning of the feet and hands, were borrowed from fencing.

The true science of boxing had its foundation and beginning in the teachings of Jack Broughton, who pioneered in the modern art of self-defense. According to Pugilistica, “The successor to Figg in popularity, Boughton far exceeded that stalwart crudgeler in fistic science and application of those principles which stripped the practice of boxing of any of those features of ruffianism and barbarity with which the unregulated contests of mere bruisers had invested it.”

By the 19th century all of England had embraced the sport of boxing, so much so that they celebrated it in chauvinistic verse:

May 29, 2002
Knott St Rumble Results
An enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd jammed the auditorium as The Knott St Boxing Club presented 18 busy bouts of amateur action on Saturday, May 25 at the Matt Dishman Community Center in Portland, Oregon. Results of the bouts were as follows:

• 70 lbs, Novice 9-10 years, Logan Christian of West Portland Boxing Club won over Josh Silva of Beaverton PAL.
  
• 80 lbs, Open 9-10 years, Taylor Shirley of Tacoma won over Cameron Miller of West Portland.
  
• 85 lbs, Novice 11-12 years, Luke Murphy of Tacoma won over Cory Dan Pierre of Kelso Boxing.
  
• 80 lbs, Novice 12-13 years, Charlie Villanueva of Central Oregon won over Josh Carreon of West Portland.
  
• 60 lbs, Novice 9-10 years, Dustin Powers of Knott St won over Jonathan Villanueva of Central Oregon.
  
• 132 lbs, Novice 14-15 years, Scott Harry of West Portland won over Alfonso Hernandez of Beaverton PAL.
  
• 60 lbs, Novice 9-10 years, Corey Hill of Knott St won over Randy Luzanilla of New Generation Boxing.
  
• 85 lbs, Novice 11-12 years, Elias Ochoa of New Generation won over Ramiro Ruiz of Kelso.
  
• 160 lb, Senior, Valaparaiso Aiatia of Tacoma won over Keith Cunningham of West Eugene.
  
• 102 lbs, Novice 12-13 years, Cesar Medina of Tri-Cities won over Ricardo Salas of Tacoma.
  
• 139 lbs, Novice 15-16 years, Drew Woods of West Portland won over Corey Martin of Beaverton PAL. The ref stopped the bout in the second round.
  
• Special Seniors, Raul Obregon of Tacoma won over Richard Venable of West Eugene.
  
• 139 lbs, Special Seniors, Hugo Nunes of Sweet Home won over Cesar Campos of Tri-Cities.
  
• 148 lbs, Special Seniors, Aaron Vantussenbrook of Grand Avenue Gym won over Zeh-Rahk of South Everett.
  
• Heavyweight, Special Seniors, Rudy Gonzales of Kelso won over Robert Carpenter of Tacoma.
  
• 178 lbs, Special Senior, Ray Bodegi of South Everett won over Randy Rogers of Klamath Falls.
  
• 114 lbs, Novice 10-11 years, Timmy Herbert of West Eugene won over Matt Burgess of Tacoma.
  
• Super heavy, Special Senior, Roland Graham of Klamath Falls won over Trent Nakashima of Grand Avenue.who hit the deck four times during the bout.
  
• 128 lbs, Special Seniors, Ray Lampkin Junior of Knott Street won over Rosaino Silva of Grand Avenue.
  

May 29, 2002
Ward vs. Gatti: Boxing at it’s Best
by Dave Iamele
Ringside photos by Marianne Synborski

May 2002, Uncasville, CT (May 18). “The body, Micky!!! Throw to the boodddy!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs (probably rather unprofessionally) to “Irish” Micky Ward. After ten minutes of action, it appeared that Arturo “Thunder” Gatti’s bold pre-fight bluster about beating up Micky Ward every round was going to prove prophetic. I had Gatti winning the first three rounds easily. It seemed the younger Gatti’s speed and boxing skills were going to be way too much for the veteran Ward to handle. I should have known better than to count out Micky Ward.

Believe me when I tell you that after this past Saturday’s bout with Gatti, Micky Ward won’t waste one second more thinking about the Leija bout since Ward/Gatti undoubtedly will be the 2002 “Fight of the Year.” I would state that confidently even if there were still 11 months left to the year! That’s how good a bout it was.

May 24, 2002
Ring 8 Weighs in on Next NY Commission Chairman
STATEMENT OF RING 8
May 21, 2002

In recent years, the New York State Athletic Commission has been rife with problems. Qualified personnel have been forced out of their positions and replaced by political appointees. This is detrimental to boxing and, most of all, to boxers.

The chairmanship of the New York State Athletic Commission is now vacant. Most of the candidates currently mentioned for the chairmanship are individuals who are under consideration primarily because of their political affiliation.

Ring 8 implores Governor George Pataki appoint a qualified chairman who:

(1) Understands the sport and business of boxing and the people in boxing;

(2) Will run the commission for the benefit of the boxers and the sport of
boxing;

(3) Will run the New York State Athletic Commission without regard to any political party affiliation; and

(4) Possesses the leadership, management, and administrative skills
necessary to run the commission effectively.

May 23, 2002
Analysis of Tyson v. Lewis
by Adam Pollack
apollack11@hotmail.com

Mike Tyson can defeat Lennox Lewis if he can stabilize his mind and remain in control during the fight. However, that is a big IF. This fight will be a test for Tyson in every way and he will be forced to demonstrate the championship character he has lacked for so long. Tyson will be frustrated in multiple ways in this fight and if he cannot overcome that frustration in positive ways he will be lost and resort to his street tactics and risk disqualification.

Tyson will be somewhat frustrated by Lewis’ height, reach, footwork, and speed. Lewis won’t just be there for Mike. If a little speed, timing, and footwork by Orlin Norris early could frustrate Tyson a bit, Lewis will be able to do so as well. It will be difficult for Tyson to get close to hit Lewis. He will have to be prepared to track him down.

However, Tyson has always proven over the course of his career that he can get inside on his opponents. No one has ever been able to keep Tyson outside for an entire fight. He is going to get inside on Lewis. It is just a matter of how much Tyson takes before he gets inside, and how well Lewis defends and fights on the inside once Tyson is there.

Making things more difficult, Tyson will have to deal with a lot of incoming long, hard and quick punches by Lennox. This will require Tyson to be mentally prepared to deal with some punches in order to get in his own. He must have the attitude that no matter how much he takes on the outside, he will eventually get in close.

Unfortunately, many fighters break down on the outside and cease to press in. This is especially so with Lewis because he hits fighters hard enough on the outside that it deters their attack. When Lennox chills them out with his power, they simply play right into his hands because then the pace slows to a level comfortable to him (Lewis does not like pace). Then Lennox can simply outbox them and set up for occasional big ones. This is exactly what happened with David Tua. Tua did not press in and take risks because he knew he would have to deal with a lot of punches and a lot of power to get close. However, getting close was the only way he could have won. He took the easy way out and remained cautious on the outside, allowing Lewis to comfortably outbox him.

Unlike Tua, Tyson is not the type of fighter to lay back and allow himself to be outboxed for the duration of the fight. He will attack with ferocity, and more importantly, with speed. Ray Mercer took the punches, kept coming in, and was able to get to Lewis and make it a very close fight. To Lewis’ credit, he proved he could survive in close with a hard puncher. However, Tyson has much more speed and will be able to get the punches there better. That is his edge over Mercer and Tua. Lewis won’t always be able to pick up on his punches the way he could with those men. However, Mercer and Tua may have been able to take it better than Tyson and so there is a question whether Tyson can deal with Lewis’s firepower.

Tyson will experience serious power that he has not had to deal with since Razor Ruddock. He used to have a very good chin and defense, but on the comeback trail has been more vulnerable to being hit and has not reacted to punches as well as he used to. Holyfield and Botha hit him often with good right hands and even some hooks. Mike’s head movement has somewhat returned and he has kept his gloves up a bit better recently. However, because of his height and over-reliance on dipping left, he is often vulnerable to right hands, Lewis’ best punch. Even Nielsen demonstrated this vulnerability, especially when Tyson was not active on the outside or forgot to jab high and dip right rather than left. Even an iron-chinned Holyfield was dazed a few times by Lennox’s right hand.

Because of Lennox’s excellent reach and speed, if Tyson dips too soon or too far away (right or left), Lewis is going to read him and has enough reach to step in over the top and punch down onto Tyson’s chin. Conversely though, Lewis has to be aware that if he reaches too far down or lingers with his punches, Tyson may come over the top with a fast counterpunch.

Of course there has always been a question mark regarding Lewis’ chin and it is probably Tyson who has the better jaw. Lewis has been stunned quite often in his career and has been taken out early by both McCall and Rahman. Tyson’s only two knockout losses came late, in the 10th by Douglas, and in the 11th by Holyfield. Lewis seems more affected by punches than Tyson, but overall has been able to engage in survival tactics in order to get himself out of trouble. Tyson takes it until he has been so broken down that he can no longer take it.

Here is where Tyson’s speed can again become a strong factor. Because Lennox likes to punch hard, he often overreaches with his punches and fails to bring them back quickly enough. Lewis often gets away with this because of his ability to lean back and because of his height and reach. However, his tendency to linger out there can prove to be his undoing against a fast counterpuncher like Tyson. If Mike is prepared to quickly counterpunch over the top of Lewis’ punches or punch at the same time as Lewis steps to him, he may do exactly what Oliver McCall did when he stopped Lewis. Any time Lewis stepped in to punch, McCall threw a hook and immediately followed with a right. This rolling and countering style proved fruitful in the 2nd round when he caught Lewis at the end of Lennox’s overextended right hand with a well timed right of his own. McCall proved the best way to catch Lewis is to time him and use his own power against him. In the post fight interview, McCall credited Tyson with an assist. Obviously, Tyson believed he understood how to defeat Lewis.

It is of great importance that no matter how often or hard Tyson is hit or how frustrated he becomes, he needs to keep the pace quick and not forget to hit the body. He forgot to hit Evander to the body and it cost him dearly. Against Nielsen, Tyson has seemed to remember the effectiveness of a body attack.

Lewis has never liked a consistently fast pace. He is a burst fighter. He fights quickly for short periods, but likes to get respect with his power and settle the pace down and essentially be a cautious boxer in between. With his great size and style, he cannot keep up a fast pace for 12 rounds. If Tyson is prepared to wear him out with body shots and force him to constantly work, Lewis will gas out. Even in the second Holyfield fight, when Evander stuck hard jabs to Lennox’s body, Lewis eventually seemed pretty spent in the later rounds. He still sucked it up and did what he had to, but his form got a whole lot sloppier and he left himself vulnerable much more often. If he does that with Tyson, he will get hurt. Tyson must always remember no matter how hurt he is or how far behind he may be that Lewis will tire, and he does not have the greatest chin.

Tyson’s representatives’ interactions with the commission and referee is important here because Lewis often wears his foul cup protector quite high. Lewis is quite aware of Tyson’s body punching prowess and may attempt to wear his cup high. Not only does this make blows appear low when they are not, but more importantly, immensely diminish the impact of what should be legally landed body blows. This is an unfair advantage. It is embarrassing for a heavyweight champion to admit he cannot take body blows by purchasing a foul protector that is too large or wearing it way too high. Hopefully, the referee/commission will see to it that Lewis wears his cup at the proper height - a line between the navel and the hip bones.

As discussed, at some point Lewis will slow down, Tyson will get inside, and will land a good punch and hurt Lennox. If Tyson gets in close or hurts him, Lewis will illegally hold him and/or pull down on his neck. That is Lennox’s modus operandi. In addition to illegally holding, Lewis has also held and hit. He flagrantly held Michael Grant with his left and hit him with right uppercuts. This is a harm foul and should be dealt with strictly.

Tyson hates to be held and may attempt forearms or punches on the break in response. He needs to control himself and not get too out of hand. This is where pre-fight coaching of the referee on the part of Tyson’s people is extremely important. The referee needs to understand that holding is illegal. The referee needs to properly enforce that rule with strong cautions and points off if Lewis continues, or a frustrated and disgruntled Tyson will take matters into his hands and the fight will get out of hand. Understand that Tyson’s illegal inside tactics are often a response to illegal holding tactics. This is why it is extremely important that the referee be even-handed in rule enforcement and not be biased against Tyson for his past acts.

It could also be important that the judges understand that holding should count against a fighter in the scoring because it is essentially an illegal time out. Yes, to be considered is the possibility of a Tyson decision. Remember, Lewis barely defeated Mercer and had close decisions with Holyfield. Tyson could out-point the clutching Lewis.

Tyson must also remember to jab. Mercer, Holyfield, and Rahman all did well when they kept a quick well timed jab going. Lewis picked up on single big hook from Tua just as Evander did with Mike in their first fight. Tyson cannot forget to work his way in with straight punches because at range, Lennox will often see it coming. The jab can serve a defensive and offensive purpose for Tyson because not only does it assist him in throwing Lewis (who doesn’t necessarily pick up on jabs that well) but it will also deter Lewis’ right hand. Against Tony Tucker, Tyson proved he can out-jab a tall man and win a decision.

Some reason that because Holyfield beat Tyson and Lewis beat Holyfield, Lewis should beat Tyson. When Foreman destroyed Frazier and Norton, most thought Ali too would be destroyed because Muhammad lost to Frazier and Norton. However, Ali had a different style than those men which matched up well with Foreman. Just because Lewis defeated Holyfield and Tyson lost to Evander, does not necessarily mean Lennox will defeat Tyson.

Stylistically, this is not that bad a match-up for Tyson. In terms of style and ability, Evander presented an entirely different opponent for Tyson than Lennox will. Against Tyson, Holyfield did not punch as hard as Lennox will, but he threw more, faster, and in compact combinations. Holyfield also knew how to fight on the inside and had better counterpunching skills than Lennox. A shorter and aggressive Tyson was made to order for Evander. Conversely, Lennox was better able to handle Holyfield because Evander never had the aggressive ferocity or power of a Tyson.

Lennox Lewis is a big one-two type fighter who keeps his opponents away with height, reach, a bit of footwork, and quick stinging blows, not with punch volume and not with quick inside counterpunches or combinations. Mike Tyson will pick up on Lennox Lewis’s punches much more easily than he did with Holyfield. Mike will be more aggressive than Evander and step in with faster and harder counterpuches. Lewis won’t take it as well as Evander, and he won’t be able to maintain the same pace that Evander did.

Of concern is despite the fact that this is a fairly good match-up for Tyson , Mike is afraid of Lennox Lewis. He has continually asked for additional tune up bouts before taking on Lennox, including in his post fight interview after his last fight with Brian Nielsen. The recent tune up fights have been good for him because Tyson needs to rebuild his confidence. However, if he doesn’t feel ready, why then is he taking this fight? He quit during the second Evander Holyfield fight and tried to outdo himself by attempting to get the Lewis fight derailed by engaging in a pre-fight press conference brawl.

All this further serves to highlight what an intensely psychological sport boxing is. No other sport puts combatants out there in front of the public in a position where if they lose, not only do they lose, but they can suffer a beating and be knocked out cold. This engenders a natural fear in its combatants that only those with strong psychological discipline can overcome.

Tyson is a bully and bullies do not want to allow themselves to get knocked out for everyone to see. Under those circumstances, if he has no confidence, what will he do under duress? Does Tyson sufficiently believe in himself to fight a disciplined fight, or fear the consequences of engaging in bad behavior once again? Tyson has idolized Sonny Liston. Would he bet against himself and throw the fight so he could later say he wasn’t really knocked out, saving face in his own perverse way?

Tyson needs confidence and determination going into the fight. He needs to understand he can win. He needs a game plan to mentally prepare him for how he will react to various frustrating situations during the fight. He also needs his people to ensure the referee is educated regarding proper foul cup position and holding tactics. Given Lewis's less than stellar chin, Tyson's speed, power, and ability to get inside on his opponent, Mike Tyson has good chance to win the fight if he can keep his head together.

May 22, 2002
Mike Tyson Uncovered
by Robert Ecksel

After his outrageous outburst and duel with hand-picked reporters on Maui Wowie two weeks ago, after his PR flacks and handlers reacted like rats on a sinking ship, Iron Mike has toned down the bluster and bloviating, the blarney and the bullshit. Yet Tyson continues to impress the press with the worthiness of his every utterance. The Sports Illustrated, Boxing Monthly and The Ring cover stories, the eloquent and generous piece in the New York Times Sunday Magazine, to be followed by spreads in Mad and Guns & Ammo, continues a long and twisted tradition of glorifying those we fear the most.

Our culture loves guinea pigs who rise and fall with the regularity of the sun and the moon. But one needn’t be a sinner or saint to be deified in an America bereft of actual heroes. Celebrity is quite enough. So of necessity we make do, we settle for less, we lower our standards just enough to get from point A to point B, from round to round, from prizefight to prizefight.

Mags, rags, websites and TV have a real relationship with Mike Tyson. And like most long-lasting affairs, there have been ups and downs, good times and bad, joy and doubt, fear and apprehension. But through it all - through the flirtations, the infidelities, the miscommunication, through the vagaries of life lived in symbiosis - there has been a conspiracy of willingness between all concerned to see it through to the bloody end.

Yet as we count the seconds, minutes, hours and days until we hit June 8, our ambivalence toward Mike Tyson is coming home to roost. Kid Dynamite has once again entered our homes, invaded our lives, has had his say, and we feel like victims of a two-bit mugging. Rather than run and hide or duck and cover or act like we’re on another planet, we’re obliged, due to professional duties, due to our love of the game, to buckle down and face the music.

No one in our immediate circle is betting the farm on a Tyson victory in Memphis. Mike’s too far gone for that. Most insiders think it's absurd to believe Mike Tyson might beat Lennox Lewis. And even though all is quiet on the Tyson front (for now), it won’t remain so for long. Mike Tyson has proven several times that he can demolish anyone with his mouth. But who beside Brian Nielsen, Lou Savarese and Andrew Golota can Iron Mike Tyson ruin with his fists? Surely not Lennox Lewis.

One needn’t be an ex-heavyweight champion to be a man beset and afflicted. Virulent, contagious, disabling and, some would have us believe, incurable, the ailment, the illness, the sickness called megalomania is alive and well in the hall of mirrors where the self does all its best preening. This disease has also become, in the carnival atmosphere of Mike Tyson on planet earth, as permanent as his tattoo of Che Guevara. This doesn’t make Mike right or wrong, doesn't make him good or bad. It only makes Iron Mike seem unseemly, a threat to the status quo, a notorious but calculated swing and a miss.

May 22, 2002
PR - Pemberton, Manfredo, Jr. Headline Card at the Mansion
PEMBERTON & MANFREDO, JR. READY TO "RETURN TO THE MANSION"

PROVIDENCE - NABO super middleweight champion Scott "The Sandman" Pemberton is ready to "Return to the Mansion," Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston on Friday night, May 24th to defend his championship against former title challenger Wendell Hall of Lexington, KY in the Foxwoods Resort Casino main event.

New Bedford's Pemberton came back from an 18-month layoff to score a sensational 3rd round TKO over former world title challenger Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan this past April. That win garnered him the NABO title and has also reentered him into the world ratings (WBO #10 & WBC #20). As a former NABF champion who never lost the belt in the ring, he was also reinstated as the #1 rated fighter by the NABF.

"I am ready for Wendall Hall," said Pemberton, 23-2-1, 19 KO's. "People keep asking me about other fights and other fighters. At this point in my career I cannot look past anyone and I am ready for Wendall Hall."

Hall unsuccessfully challenged Bernard Hopkins for the USBA crown in 1993. He brings a professional record of 19-8, 8 KO's into the fight.

In the Budweiser co-feature, 21-year old sensation Peter Manfredo, Jr. continues his climb up the ladder as he steps up into his first 10 round fight against tough veteran Mike McFail. In addition, this will be Manfredo's first attempt at a major professional title as the vacant EBA super welterweight crown will be on the line.

Manfredo, coming off his first eight round fight in which he soundly defeated rated prospect Grady Brewer, brings into the fight an unblemished record of 13-0, 5 KO's. The bout marks the Pawtucket native's third bout in the super welterweight division (154 lbs.) after beginning his career as a middleweight (160 lbs.).

Despite a less than stellar record of 11-9-1, 3 KO's, Mike McFail may prove to be Manfredo's toughest fight yet. The Baltimore native has been in with some of the world's best and has a reputation of ending the unbeaten streak of young fighters, as undefeated prospects Norman Smith, Juan Diaz and NABF #8, USBA #14 rated contender Marlon Hayes - who McFail defeated via six round decision, all fell victim to McFail.

Headlining the undercard will be the local debut of heavyweight Jevon Langford, who also plays defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL. He risks his 3-0, 3 KO's record against former WWF & ECW wrestler Carl Pappalardo, who also sports a professional record of 3-0, 3 KO's.

Rounding out the show will be bouts featuring local stars Missy Fiorentino (Cranston, 2-0, 2 KO's) and Angel Torres (Willamantic, CT, 5-2, 3 KO's). Plus an exciting matchup between Norwalk, CT's Shakha Moore and fan favorite Matt Hill is scheduled.

Tickets for the event are priced at $25, $30, $40 and $50. Tickets are available by calling Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. at 401-724-2253. Doors to Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet open at 6:30 PM with the first bout beginning at 7:30 PM. The event is being sponsored by Budweiser and Foxwoods Resort Casino.

May 22, 2002
PR - Irish Heavyweight Champ, McBride Back in Action
Irish heavyweight champ Kevin McBride well connected
Headlines Friday night’s MSFNNE Revere show at Wonderland Ballroom

BROCKTON, Mass. - Irish heavyweight champion Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride (25-4-1, 20 KOs) is a well-connected, up-and-comer in boxing circles. The 6-7, 260-pounder headlines the third “Mohegan Sun FightNight New England” monthly pro boxing show Friday night (May 24) at the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere.

McBride squares off against Gary “The Bull” Winmon (25-7, 17 KOs), of
Donora, Pennsylvania, in the 10-round main event.

How connected is McBride? Well, he’s promoted by Rich Cappiello, legendary heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano’s second cousin, while his head trainer is none other than Brockton’s famed Goody Petronelli, who handled former world middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler, as well as ex-WBO super middleweight & middleweight title-holder Steve “Celtic Warrior” Collins. And for good measure his assistant trainer, Chris Pender, is the cousin of former world middleweight champion Paul Pender.

McBride, currently residing in Brookline and fighting out of Brockton, hails from the town of Clones in Ireland, where former WBA featherweight champion Barry “The Clones Cyclone” McGuigan is also from and Kevin was once a stablemate of present world heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and John “The Quietman” Ruiz.

“I’m Rocky’s cousin and Goody trained Marvelous Marvin and Steve Collins,” promoter Rich Cappiello said. “We’d both like to bring Kevin to a world championship. Kevin has a lot of potential. We’re going to keep him busy and expect big things from him this year. We’re trying to build a following for him here. What better place for an Irish heavyweight than Boston?”

Cappiello Promotions - in association with Mohegan Sun, Holiday Inn in Randolph and Boston, Metro Ford of Raynham, Budweiser and Everlast - has an eight-fight deal with Fox Sports Net New England and the May 24th fights will be videotaped and broadcast Sunday afternoon (3:30-5:30 p.m.), June 2. The announcing team includes blow-by-blow commentator Stu Taylor, world middleweight contender “Dangerous” Dana Rosenblatt handling color, and
Boston Herald boxing scribe George Kimball as the guest analyst.

The six-round co-feature finds super middleweights Dave “The Hammer”
Hamilton (15-8, 5 KOs), of Hanson, against Shaun “Big Trouble” Creegan (11-1-2, 1 KO), of Lynn. Also in a six-round match is unbeaten middleweight prospect, “Sir” William “The Gladiator” Gibbs (6-0, 5 KOs), the Philadelphian now fighting out of Brockton, as well as undisputed world middleweight champ Bernard Hopkins’ cousin, versus Jerald Lowe, of Atlanta.

On the undercard in four-round matches are middleweights Ron Lapido (5-0-2), of Canton, versus Atlantic City veteran James “Rocky” McCray; welterweights Ann Marie Francy (1-0), of Somerville, against New York invader Annmarie Saccurato making her pro debut; welterweight John Mercogliano against Robby Sanchez, of Miami.

All matches and fighters are subject to change.

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Tickets prices are $60.00 Gold Ringside, $50.00 ringside and $25.00 general admission. For more information or to order tickets call (508) 587-5554 or (508) 587-3370. Tickets will also be available at the door.

May 21, 2002
WCOB Weekend Round-up
Sithyodthong misses golden opportunity
Tszyu dominates, but Ward and Gatti shine forever
Epic battle in Connecticut makes Ward new WCup leader at 140 lbs

by Kris van de velde

Thai super bantamweight Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (#7, v900) failed in his unique bid to become the new World Cup leader in the All Weights category as he was knocked out by Osamu Sato (#5, v1200) in his first defence of the WBA title in Saitama, Japan. Victory would have raised Sithyodthong's points tally to 2100 - or 100 more than Vernon Forrest. It was not to be as Sato showed that his draw against WBC titlist Willie Jorrin earlier this year was no coincidence. The Japanese newcomer at top level floored Sithyodthong twice in round 7 and flattened him for the count a round later. Sato now leads the WCup competition at 122 lbs with 1700 points against 1200 for Paulie Ayala and 900 for Sithyodthong.

The World Cup leadership at super lightweight changed hands as well last
weekend. Arturo Gatti (#3, v1600), who had been ahead since January,
suffered a very close points defeat against Mickey Ward (#12, v480) after a classic contest in Uncasville, Connecticut. Both fighters received a
standing ovation from the crowd and basically both left the ring as
winners. Only Ward got the majority decision by the judges: 94-93, 94-94
and 95-93.
Gatti initially had too much speed for the 38-year-old Ward, but the latter
fought back and appeared slightly stronger in toe-to-toe action. The
defending World Cup leader, who got a point deducted for a low blow in the
fourth, turned the tide again in rounds six and seven while Ward dug deep
to find the power to go to war in the two following rounds. It was an
incredible battle with a dramatic conclusion as Gatti dropped to his knees
in the ninth following a fierce body shot by Ward. The last round saw Gatti
controlling the exhausted Ward again, but he lacked one single point on the
scorecards to get a draw (too bad for Gatti that one judge scored the ninth
round 10-7 in favour of Ward).
Mickey Ward, who lost an unfortunate technical decision to James Leija in
January, earns 1600 points with his epic victory and is the unofficial new
World Cup leader. He is also set to climb from rank 12 to rank 2 in the
overall ranking! Not bad for a "veteran".

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Kostya Tsyzu (#1, v2000) successfully defended his
"undisputed" world title at the same weight with amazing ease against WCOB
#9 Ben Tackie (v700). Tszyu dominated the entire fight and took a landslide
points decision. Tackie did try, but the Australian exhibited boxing skills
and a snapping jab to keep the African at bay.
After a rather long period of inactivity, Tsyzu enters the 2002 World Cup
competition in an unofficial fourth place and is surely still very much in
the race for final victory at the end of the year.

On the same show, welterweight Oba Carr (#15, v450) suffered his second
consecutive
defeat as he got clearly outpointed by rising Uzbek Kuvan Toygonbayev over
ten rounds.
Toygonbayev was simply too strong and too aggressive for Carr, who is just
a shadow of his former self. A fine start of the WCup competition for
Toygonbayev!

Over at the London Arena, featherweight Naseem Hamed (#5, v1200)
disappointed in his first comeback fight since losing to Marco Antonio
Barrera in April last year. Hamed had to go the full distance with former
European champion Manuel Calvo (#30, v290) and failed to answer his critics
and please the crowd. The unanimous decision in his favour was wide, but
the lightning speed and cracking power that had become Hamed's trademark
were hardly noticeable.

Hamed's next fight might be versus compatriot Michael Brodie (#28,v 306),
who scored a unanimous 12-round decision over Argentinean Pastor Maurin
(#25, v330) on the undercard.
Brodie used his superior boxing skills to get the better of Maurin, who
remained dangerous throughout the bout. Brodie had a tough fourth round,
but came back to knock Maurin down in the sixth with a left hook and
straight right. The high-ranked Latin American was not hurt, though, and
fought back aggressively in the final three rounds, dropping a suffering
Brodie in round 10. The Briton looked dazed but the bell saved him. Thanks
to his splendid win, Brodie is set to enter the World Cup race in the top
five with 330 points, at least ahead of Naseem Hamed (290 pts).

Also on the London card was lightweight contender Colin Dunne (#12, v480),
who forced his opponent Wayne Rigby (#55, v135 at 140 lbs) to retire after
the tenth round. Dunne may move up a spot in the overall ranking, but won't
make the top 10.

Another spectacular warfare took place in Sacramento for the interim WBC
title at super
bantam. Oscar Larios (#11, v490) scored a 12-round TKO over Israel Vazquez
(#12, v480) after the latter was floored twice. An excellent result for
Larios, who may feature in the top five of the WCup standings on June 5.

WORLD CUP OF BOXING
http://www.worldcupofboxing.com/

May 21, 2002
Hamed beats Calvo
The Prince reigns supreme.....
in a world of his own

By Jim Dickinson.

London, Saturday 18th March 2002. According to Prince Naseem Hamed's post fight interview, he is now a "world champion" after "boxing fantastically" against European champion Manuel Calvo; his fans are "ignorant" and he will be fighting in eight weeks time, "possibly against Marco Antonio Barrera if he wants it".

Back in the real world of boxing, 28 year old Naseem delivered the worst performance of his 10 year professional career, picking up the lightly regarded vacant IBO featherweight championship (which one wag dubbed "the ever vacant championship") by outpointing Spanish veteran Calvo, a 33/1 underdog prior to the first bell.

Hamed's victory is not in dispute; he won every round and threw the better punches. Yet by his own high standards, he stank the joint out. Fans were leaving the London Arena in their droves well before the final bell, and of those that stayed to the end, a significant number indulged in chants such as "What a load of rubbish", "What a waste of money", "You're sxxx and you know you are" and "Are you Frank Bruno in disguise ?".

The Sheffield southpaw was clearly rattled by the crowd's unhappiness with his lacklustre performance, and while sat on his stool in the later rounds, he shouted out "who gives a fxxx about the crowd ?"

The decision was also booed and jeered, and if this is the best that Hamed can do against limited opposition, it won't be the last time he hears such vocal criticism.

On June 22nd Barrera faces Erik Morales in their highly anticipated Las Vegas rematch, and Hamed's name dropping seemed to be a desperate attempt to put a positive spin on his embarrassing night's work. Following his humiliating defeat by Marco last year, Hamed tellingly neglected to enforce a contractual rematch clause, instead opting to let it expire.

That speaks volumes.

After being out of the ring for 13 months, some ring rust was to be expected but nobody could have anticipated such a dramatic decline in his skills, speed and reflexes, even though he has really only impressed once - against ancient Vuyani Bungu in March 2000 - since 1999.

After a quiet opening round, Naseem landed a few punches in rounds two and three, before being caught in the fourth. He hardly opened up during the middle rounds, and the crowd began venting their frustration as early as the fifth. Apart from the odd pot-shot, the former WBO champion seems content to pile up the points, and a last round attempt for a knock out served only to remind onlookers of how potent and destructive he used to be.

On this form, he would struggle badly against either Barrera or Morales and whilst the bold talk suggests an immediate return to the highest levels of the featherweight division, his plans for the rest of the year tell another story.

Fellow Brit Michael Brodie (33-1) and current IBF champion Johnny Tapia (52-2-2) are likely to be the next two opponents. Brodie was stopped by Hamed inside a round during the amateurs, and 35 year old Tapia, a blown up bantamweight, has seen better days, with many observers considering him fortunate to have got the decision over Manuel Medina a few weeks ago.

In reality, manager Riath - Naseem's brother - is going to have a hard time steering the Prince back to the big time, whether the ability remains, or not. Riath burned his bridges with Bob Arum during the build-up to the Barrera showdown last April, and Arum certainly won't do them any favours.

Top British promoter Frank Warren took Naseem all the way to the top in the mid-late 1990's, until a well publicised dispute in 1998 saw them go their separate ways. Warren has since tried to goad the Prince into a humiliating return to his stable, including staging a December 2000 contest between Acelino Freitas and Daniel Alicea in Hamed's hometown, and publicly inviting Naseem to fight the winner in front of all his Sheffield fans.

Naseem declined.

Warren currently handles the WBO featherweight champion, Julio Chacon, and next month he stages Chacon's latest defence, against up and coming Brit Scott Harrison. If Harrison wins, and this writer expects him to prevail, Warren will use his tenure as new champion as yet another carrot with which to tempt Hamed to his fold.

And so, for the first time in his career, the steadfast Prince finds himself short of options and popularity. Many of the sell out twelve thousand strong crowd, and Sky television PPV customers, will have second thoughts about shelling out more money to watch Hamed in action, especially after his "who gives a fxxx about the crowd?" outburst.

His Stateside paymasters, HBO, will not have been impressed with this performance, the first contest under their new agreement after a previous one was terminated last Autumn. HBO are likely to press for the Tapia match next, which would at least be for the recognisable IBF championship.

A bout with Brodie, who is little known in the States, would be a showdown between the IBO and WBF title holders, and the American television giants have little time for worthless belts. Such a match up, whilst appealing in Britain to both the fans and Sky television, would be a hard sell on American soil.

During his championship reign, boxing pundits on this side of the pond noted with irony the way that Hamed's stateside appearances - against the likes of Kevin Kelly, Wayne McCullough, Cesar Soto and Augie Sanchez - were flawed, compared to his superior, occasionally sublime, performances in Britain.

Few who were there in person, or who watched on television, would argue that his career-best performance against then top-rated contender Jose Badillo in October 1997, in front of his home town fans and this writer, reached heights that few boxers have ever approached.

Such days now seem so long ago.


Undercard results.

The aforementioned Michael Brodie, of Manchester, outlasted ultra-tough and ultra-dangerous 46-2 Argentinian Pastor Maurin, over 12 hard fought and often thrilling rounds.

Brodie's only loss was, in most observer's eyes, a rip off against WBC super bantamweight champion Willie Jorrin in September 2000. Jorrin was somehow awarded a close decision that night, despite clearly losing at least eight rounds.

Since then Michael has moved up to featherweight and three stoppage wins over good opponents led to this, his biggest test to date. Brodie vs Maurin deserved to be for a more recognized version of the world title than the WBF bauble, but then the Manchester favourite always knew that this was a stepping stone to a dream fight with Prince Naseem.

At times that prospect was hanging by a thread, but Brodie battled through the toughest challenge yet to win clearly on points.

He started well, and appeared to be in for a relatively easy night's work against the initially reluctant Maurin, who had taken Marco Antonio Barrera the distance in 1999. The Argentinian burst into life in the fourth round, rocking the hometown favourite, who did well to stay on his feet. Round five was more competitive, but Michael regained the initiative in the sixth, dropping his opponent with a splendid right hander - something that Barrera could not do in their encounter.

The next three rounds were thrilling episodes, but Brodie was caught clean in round ten and, frankly, was saved by the bell. The crowd were on their feet during the final two rounds, cheering on the home fighter who showed tremendous grit and durability to stay out of harm's way and emerge a clear points winner after 12 cracking rounds.

Michael will need a good rest, but he is as ready as he will ever be to face Prince Naseem. He certainly has the power to trouble Hamed, and the workrate to outhustle him over the course of a 12 rounder, although the defence needs some work.


An anticipated domestic slobberknocker between fellow Brits Colin Dunne (36-1) and Wayne Rigby (20-7) never reached boiling point. Dunne holds the WBU lightweight championship, which was at stake tonight, Rigby dropped down from 140lbs, where he holds the WBF version.

Both fighters are renowned in Britain for their "give everything and then some" performances in both victory and defeat, but their styles failed to gel and Dunne boxed his way though the early and middle rounds, before coming on strong in the later rounds. Rigby never got out of the starting blocks, and was retired in his corner at the end of round ten.

Dunne bounced back in style from a controversial points decision over South African Martin Jacobs in January. Rigby is far better than this performance suggests, and after a good rest, he should be back to his best at 140lbs.

May 19, 2002
Ward vs. Gatti Round by Round
Or Christmas comes early for boxing fans
by Steve Coughlin

In what is certain to go down as one of the best fights of 2002,
Irish Mickey Ward earned a tough, majority decision against
Arturo Thunder Gatti. The official scores were 94 to 94, 94 to 93
and 95 to 93. This writer had the fight scored 95 to 94 for Gatti.

Round by round :

Round 1 : Ward lands a hard right hand very early in the round
but it?s Arturo who controls most of the round. By the end of the
Stanza, Ward is bleeding from a cut above his right eye and Gatti
is actually BOXING well. 10 to 9 Gatti.

Round 2 : Mickey lands two more powerful hooks early but Gatti is
punching in bunches. Gatti finishes the round strong and does some
important bodywork. 10 to 9 Gatti.

Round 3 : It`s beginning to look like Arturo is too quick & powerful
for Ward. Mickey is now bleeding from the nose & mouth from the
force of Arturo fast & powerful combinations. With a minute left in
The round, Ward lands some powerful hooks to the body and the war is on.
10 to 9 Gatti.

Round 4 : The round starts off with Arturo becoming the aggressor and
is again landing 5 at a time. Ward lands a hard right hand and is
starting to get to Arturo now. Ward is winning the round when Arturo
hits him low and is penalized a point. 10 to 8 Ward.

Round 5 : The first minute & a half is Gatti?s but at the middle of the
round Ward lands a series of punches and has Arturo?s attention again. Ward`s
right eye looks like it`s getting worse but he still presses ahead. With 15
seconds remaining Ward rips into Gatti and earns a draw. 10 to 10 even.

Round 6 : This session saw some very heated exchanges with Ward looking the
hunter. Gatti gets back to boxing and at about 1:30 left in the round
crushes Ward with a huge right hand. At this point the only thought I have is
man are these guys WARRIORS !!! Arturo lands a few hard rights at the end of
the round. 10 to 9 Gatti.

Round 7 : Gatti starts out the round and is again landing in bunches.
At this point, both guys look like they`ve gone 15 rounds. The pace of
this fight is brutal, but in reality it`s just an average effort form both men.
The round ends with a few nice exchanges but I feel that Gatti has gotten the
better of it. 10 to 9 Gatti.

Round 8 : Ward lands hard early, Gatti is punching in volume as with the ½
way point approaching Gatti is now cut too. The round ends with Ward beating
on Gatti and looking like he`s getting the advantage. 10 to 9 Ward.

Round 9 : As if the fight hasn`t been good enough already, round 9 will go
down as HBO`s round of the year. Ward smells the kill and goes for the KO.
Out of nowhere, Ward lands a left hook to the ribs that puts Gatti down for the fight`s only knockdown. But like the true warrior he is, Gatti summons the will to actually turn the action in his favor and is landing in bunches again. 10 to 8 Ward.

Round 10 : Remarkably, Gatti has dug deep and is taking the action to
Mickey. How, I have no idea, but even after that vicious hook in the
previous round Gatti is walking Ward down with combination punches.
The round end with both fighters using everything left in their tanks
for a final violent exchange. 10 to 9 Gatti.

In summary, this turned out to be exactly what every hard-core fight fan knew it would be when it was first announced ... an all out war!

Undercard Results :

In the main support, local favorite Chad Dawson improved to 7 and 0, 5 kos, against overmatched 10 to 9 Harry Grant. Dawson scored a knockdown at one minute into the fight and Grant decided he had enough after a standing 8 count at 1:36 of the first round.

Heavyweight prospect Dominic Guinn blows out another outclassed opponent, Frank James, at 1:33 of round 1. Guinn hammered James with a right hand and James takes a knee for the count. Guinn improves to 16 and 0, 13 kos.

Puerto Rican prospect Freddy Cadena, now 11 and 0, 7 kos, won a boring 8-round unanimous decision against Mexican trailhorse Marcos Badillo.

In what was far & away the only interesting undercard fight of the night, Jr. Welter John Trigg was flat-out robbed of a 6-round decision against Zab Judah protégé Andrea Eason. Trigg looked the busier fighter and scored the fight's only knockdown with :15 remaing in the 6th & final round, a round that he was well ahead in even before the knockdown. When the scores were read, unanimous decision for Eason at 58 to 56, 58 to 55 & 59 to 55, the crowd voiced it's loud displeasure for well over 5 minutes. As Trigg left the
ring, he was given a standing ovation. As Eason left, the crowd booed him as if
Andrea had kicked their children. Another one of those decisions that
almost begs for an investigation as to how it was awarded.

In a cure for insomnia, Jr. Middleweight Giovani Lorenzo won a unanimous
4 round decision over a reluctant Muhammad Nuhu. Scores were 37 to 36
twice and 38 to 35.

May 19, 2002
Tszyu W12 Tackie & Ward W10 Gatti Reports By C. Bushnell and R. Ecksel
INSTANT CLASSIC: WARD-GATTI IS FIGHT OF THE YEAR
TSZYU FLAWLESS AGAINST TACKIE
OBA CARR FORCED INTO RETIREMENT

At 8:00 p.m. in Las Vegas on the night of May 18, the big story in boxing was Kostya Tszyu. The undisputed 140 lb. champion had just completed one of his best-ever performances, shutting out dangerous Ben Tackie over 12 flawless rounds. But only an hour later it was more like "Kostya Who?" as the headlines shifted from Sin City's sweet science to the bloody war waged between Arturo Gatti and Irish Micky Ward in the backwoods of Connecticut. Gatti vs. Ward was not only Fight of the Year, it was best fight of the last several years... which technically makes it Fight of the Century. And if that sounds like a bit too much praise, then consider this: Gatti and Ward have already logged four Fight of the Years between them (Gatti-Rodriguez, Gatti-Ruelas, Gatti-Robinson I, Ward-Burton) and this bout was better than any of them.

Expectations were high for this showdown, primarily because neither Gatti nor Ward were disciples of Willie Pep, boxing's patron saint of defense. Both men prefer to block punches with their faces before firing back, and boxing fans have come to recognize that this can make for an entertaining contest. In fact, the first punch of the fight, a short left hook from Ward, landed square in the middle of Gatti's flat face. But instead of unloading his own bombs instantly, Gatti backed away from Ward and was soon gliding across the ring on his toes. As Ward gave chase, Gatti showed off his improved footwork by circling the ring and staying out of range.

Thunder Gatti didn't intend to run all night, and after a few floats around the real estate, he stopped and fired a combination. As expected, the blows made solid contact before Gatti bounced away a few steps. A second later, as Ward had just begun his forward momentum again, Gatti popped into Ward's personal space and again fired off a free-swinging combination, punctuated by a trademark left hook that landed flush. That final punch opened up a small but deep cut over Ward's right eye, making losers out of those boxing fans who wagered Gatti would be the first to bleed (i.e. Everyone). Ward immediately pawed at the eye and Gatti again swung a crisp combo at his opponent. The intense action was drawing huge cheers from a crowd that had loudly booed Gatti during the introductions.

As the round wore on, Ward continued to apply his customary full court press while Gatti danced away with ease and used a few more flurries to widen Ward's now-flowing eye gash. A clear 10-9 for Gatti, but things were just getting started.

Gatti was back on his toes to open round two, and the movement was creating all kinds of problems for Micky. Gatti was looking like the 130 lb. version that had outboxed Tracy Harris Patterson for a world title so many years ago. To compliment his footwork, he was coming into Ward with a quick jab and no one-and-done kayo attempts. Behind the jabs, Gatti was letting his hands go. He threw his right with a relaxed fluidity, and swung his entire body into the follow-up hooks. He dug a loud hook to each of Ward's sides, and was doing an above-average job at, gasp, not getting hit. Ward did find a home for his own left hook, as well as an overhand right, but Gatti's movement stymied much further scoring. Frustrated and bleeding, Ward repeatedly punched his own mitts together to try and get himself going.

For Ward to stop Gatti from using every inch of the 22-foot ring, he would need to attack the body. In round three, Ward demonstrated why he's one of the most fearsome rib-hunters in the sport. After Gatti logged another minute of moving and punching with great effect, Ward finally looped in a hook to Gatti's liver. Gatti grimaced at the punch, pinned his right elbow to his side, turned that side of his body away from Ward, and backed up. Ward never slows his aggression, and as Gatti tried to back up for a breath, Ward was on him. Ward fired again to the body, and again made Gatti lower his elbow for protection. Ward followed up with a right to the face, and a hook upstairs. The pro-Ward crowd now erupted with cheers as their man finally began administering punishment. Gatti took a number of shots in the face, but fired back a few of his own. As both men stood their ground near center ring, the crowd rose to its feet. Although brief, the toe-to-toe exchanges were dazzling. With a minute to go in the round, the action cooled long enough for a few butts to return seats. Although Ward had taken the lead in the round, Gatti stormed back before the bell. Catching his breath, he now fired to Ward's body and Micky backed up a few steps. Gatti followed the body shots with an uppercut that drew blood from Ward's nose. Gatti pumped out a jab and unloaded two more four-punch flurries before the round's end, ensuring that he would get the 10-9 in a very close stanza.

Next to the words "Round Four" in our notebook is the word "WAR." It was the only notation my hand could muster as the fighters went into the trenches in this thrilling round. Gatti was still moving and flurrying in the fourth when Ward timed him with a beautiful straight right hand. The punch cracked into the side of Gatti's head and buckled his knees. This time there was no fancy footwork from Gatti. He crouched over as Ward unloaded heavy shots upstairs and down. After a series of crushing blows, Gatti planted his feet and swung back. The pitch battle was on. Gatti landed a big hook immediately, and another after missing with a wild right. Ward hammered Gatti to the sides, and ripped back with his own hooks to the head. The battle slowed a bit in the final minute, and at the slower pace Gatti was able to regain a bit of control. Remembering to start with the jab, Gatti again uncorked three and four punch combos to the head. One flurry sent Ward back into a neutral corner, where he ate a few more head-turning blows. As the round wore down however, Gatti threw a hook to the body that missed Ward's side and clipped him on the lower half of his beltline. Ward was dropped by the punch to all fours, and he punched the canvas in pain. Referee Frank Cappuccino took a point from Gatti and then sent him to a neutral corner. At this point, Ward should have received five minutes to recover. But there were only a few seconds left in the round, and an inexperienced timekeeper simply rang the bell to end the round. Cappuccino was confused by the bell, and then suddenly declared the round over. He sent both men back to their corners... no extra rest time for Ward. Gatti's rally scored him a 9-9 with the deduction on our card, although a 10-8 for Ward would have been reasonable in this very close round.

Gatti clearly wanted to make up for the point deduction, and he stormed out of his corner to begin round five. Coming right at Ward, Gatti threw about 10 punches in combination at Ward's head. Not all landed, but enough did that Ward was sent back on his heels to the ropes. Following him in, Gatti dug to the body and fired a few more shots upstairs. But instead of moving away and beginning again, Gatti chose to remain on the inside. Perhaps he found his easy-to-hit target too inviting. No matter the reason, it was the wrong move. Ward is most dangerous in a phone booth, where the men now fought the next minute of the round. At such close range, Ward began landing his hook to the body, and a nice uppercut of his own. Gatti landed back in these close quarters, but Ward had the upper hand and it showed. Gatti took some heavy shots to the head and looked like he was fading under Ward's constant pressure. To try and revive himself, Gatti all of sudden exploded with a massive flurry to the head. He threw a good eight punches in tight sequence at Ward's face, and landed most of them. The crowd gasped at the speed and violence of the sequence. But their shock soon turned to pure boxing bliss as Ward, who was battered back into the ropes by the flurry, waited until Gatti was done before answering with an eight-punch flurry of his own. Ward came off the ropes and his own hands exploded. It looked as though he were rolling his gloves in place, as fighters often do when they're introduced in the ring, only he was bouncing his gloves off Gatti's chin. The crowd exploded in cheer.

Gatti fell back into the ropes, his head waving in different directions with each flush punch. Somewhere in this mayhem, Gatti received a cut of his own, albeit a small insignificant nick over the right eye. Ward continued to smack Gatti around the ring before the bell saved him from further punishment. All of a sudden, Gatti's early lead seemed meaningless.

Ward continued to apply the pressure to open round six. As Gatti moved away, Ward gave chase, and was throwing and landing some heavy shots. Gatti still didn't look fresh, and he was backed into a corner and eating Ward rights about a minute into the frame. But from that corner, Gatti lunged in with a haymaker of a right hand. The punch slammed into Ward's face, opening a tiny cut over Ward's left eye. Ward wasn't wobbled by the punch, but it certainly got his attention. Gatti was able to circle out of the corner, and Ward was now a bit slower in chasing him down. Ward's caution allowed Gatti to re-establish his footwork. Gatti circled the ring on somewhat renewed legs, and after a bit of time to clear his head, he began throwing the jab again. This was bad news for Ward, because when Gatti threw his jab, the combination punches that followed seemed to land and land clean. After a few Gatti flurries, Ward's lower lip began to swell (it would split and bleed down his face a round later), and Micky ended the round in a neutral corner taking a series a head-snappers from a rallying Gatti.

Gatti was back to the gameplan of box and move, and round seven was almost all Gatti. When Gatti moved, Ward could not keep up, and when Gatti moved after hitting Ward he once again began dominating the scoring. Gatti punished Ward in this round, and Ward looked battered. The cut he sustained in round one had continued to bleed all night, streaking down his face and mixing with the blood that came from his nose and mouth. Ward did his best to keep his hands high as Gatti flurried around him, but plenty of Arturo's punches found their target. A desperate Ward, who did little in terms of offense in the round, finally turned southpaw for the last 20 seconds of the round. All he got for his ingenuity was a Gatti hook to the chin that sent him back a few steps into the ropes. Returning to his corner, Ward was chastised by his team for being a punching bag during the preceding round.

Whether you gave round three to Gatti or Ward, the lead was now squarely with Gatti. He was boxing beautifully, outthrowing and outlanding Ward, and this pace continued well into round eight. It was all Gatti, in fact, until about 40 seconds remaining. Gatti had been punching and moving at a high rate for most of the round, and he slowed noticeably in the final minute. Ward noticed this and pounced. He began with a long right hand, followed with a big hook, and when both punches landed, he threw two more. Gatti was punched out, and could barely lift his arms to defend himself. Resting on the ropes, he tried to cover up, but Ward continued to pound him. Gatti briefly escaped only to have Ward chase him to another side of the ring, landing all the way. As the clock ticked out, Gatti was in serious trouble. A ref like Jay Nady would have already stepped in, as Gatti was doing nothing in return. Trapped on the ropes, Gatti looked out on his feet as Ward freely pounded his sides and head. Even Cappuccino, always late with the stoppage, was looking in close when a bell rang to save Gatti from a certain knockout. Another 10 seconds and the fight is over.

Gatti staggered back to his corner and slumped onto his stool. Once again, his lead on the scorecards was looking irrelevant. He continued to look weary as round nine began. Oh what a round. This is one that will be talked about for years.

Ward came at Gatti in round nine intent on finding out what the man had left in the tank. He crossed Gatti's face with a right and followed by turning his shoulders into a left uppercut. Gatti backed away from the flush shots and Ward followed with a vicious left hook to the side. Gatti's face crinkled in pain. His gooey legs tripped back a few steps and he sank to he knees in obvious distress. Cappuccino picked up the count at five, and by seven Gatti's face was still grimacing from the blow. He was struggling to gulp in a breath, and as Cappuccino called "eight," it momentarily looked like Gatti might not beat the count. At nine and half, Gatti slowly raised himself to his feet, but he did not look ready to fight. Cappuccino, ever the old-school ref, simply waved the action back on, and before you could say "ouch," Gatti was receiving the beating of his career.

Gatti's hands were down as Ward attacked freely, landing almost every punch he threw. A right, a left, a right and a left landed as Gatti staggered backwards across the ring. Ward mixed in two beautiful body hooks to the same spot that had just dropped Gatti, as the crowd tried to blow out the fighter's eardrums with their supersonic cheers. Ward spent nearly a minute battering Gatti's unprotected face from one end of the ring to the other, causing serious swelling to both of Gatti's eyes. God only knows what was keeping Gatti upright (or keeping Cappuccino from calling it), but just as the objective fan would assume Gatti was about to suffer serious brain damage, he woke up. Planting his feet near center ring, Gatti finally fired back with a hook. It landed, and a tiring Ward stopped punching. Gatti fired with two shots to the body, and Ward mustered up another crunching overhand right to Gatti's head. Gatti again dug to the body, and while Ward answered with another flush punch, it was Gatti who now refused to stop throwing. Swinging full power into his punches, Gatti began to chop down Ward. Ward took the shots in place at first, but after a sustained rally of axe swings, he began to retreat to a neutral corner. Gatti followed him in, and spent the middle minute of the round beating Ward up nearly as savagely as he himself had just been beaten. Punishing Ward to the body with repeated wrecking ball hooks, Gatti took his revenge for the knockdown. Suffice to say that the crowd was in absolute boxing nirvana.

Ward somehow hung in there, confident that Gatti, too would punch himself out. He was right. Gatti's arms could muster no more bombs, and with 40 seconds to go, Ward got his own chance at a miracle rally. With Gatti again too tired to defend himself, Ward now regained control and began to batter Gatti into the ropes. After two crisp rights, Ward measured Gatti with a stiff-arm left and then clocked him with an overhand right. Gatti bent over and looked out on his feet. Ward continued to pound on Gatti's sides, and the fight once again could have been stopped. Gatti simply stood there, semi-crouched, semi-protected while eating shots for a good 15 seconds. Gatti tried for a miracle, nailing Ward with a short right out of nowhere with only seconds to go, but the follow-up homerun hook missed, and Ward got in two more sickening body shots before the bell rang. It was a round for the record books, right up there with Round Four of Foreman-Lyle or Round Ten of Holyfield-Bowe.

Gatti returned to his corner looking even worse than he had a round previous. He looked so out of it that when the tenth and final round was about to begin, it looked to Ward's corner as though Gatti would not come out for the round. Ward raised his hands and began to run around the ring in celebration before Cappuccino informed him that the fight was still on, and the tenth round would be contested.

As miraculous as Gatti's comeback in previous fights have been, including several of the rallies from the edge of the defeat from this bout, perhaps his best rally of all time was this final round. After being out on his feet to end nine, Gatti came out and won the final round going away. He started by moving as he had in his best round, and after a short time he was again landing fierce combinations behind the jab. Ward got in his own fair share of heavy blows in the final round, but Gatti's hooks were landing hardest and most often. Plus, Gatti was effectively moving in between exchanges to control the pace. And even in the final 15 seconds, when both men stood at center ring in the traditional let-it-all-hang-out-final-flurry, it was Gatti's hook that got through and made Ward retreat a step and bend over.

With that final round in his column, Gatti had won the fight on the Boxing Chronicle card 95-93. If the very close third round had swung to Ward, it would have been 94-94. If ever a draw seemed acceptable, this would have been the fight. In fact, the first official score read was 94-94. The other two judges scored the bout 94-93 and 95-93... for Micky Ward.

It was probably a hometown decision. We can't really find another round to swing to Ward, despite the fact that this was a back-and-forth battle. Still, there could be little to complain about. This was an all-time classic fight, a fact that both fighters seemed to recognize and they hugged and shared a few laughs together in the ring after the fight.

So what's next for these warriors? Only a masochist would suggest a rematch, but let's face it... it will be the fight we most want to see. Certainly Gatti will want the do-over, despite the fact that this fight is that rare beast in boxing: the loss that doesn't, in any way, hurt the reputation or standing of the loser. If anything, Gatti looked his best in years for much of this fight. And his reputation as a crowd-pleaser has never been more complete. Rematch or not, Gatti will have more big paydays awaiting him.

And we say "rematch or not" because Micky Ward seemed hesitant to accept a rematch on the spot after the bout. While Ward freely admitted that the bout could have swung either way, he seemed fully aware of how much punishment he took during the bout. Ward has been thinking about retirement a lot lately. Once he's recovered, another big payday may be too tempting.. but as the adrenaline wore off and the effects of yet another war began to sink in, you could sense that Ward was thinking that maybe, just maybe, he's done enough in the sport. Only time will tell.

If you have to pick a loser on this night, as we said earlier, it was Kostya Tszyu. The Russian-turned-Australian threw a shutout in Las Vegas against Ben Tackie. From the opening bell, Tackie gave up his height advantage by crouching in his stance and then standing exactly at the end of Tszyu's power shots.

From the opening bell, every time Tszyu threw a punch, Tackie was right there at the end of it. Tszyu must have landed 80% of his jabs flush on the face, so easy to hit was Tackie. But Tszyu did far more than jab. He followed his perpetual jab with almost every punch in the book. But his variety of punching paled in comparison the variety of speed at which he threw. While the constant flow of blows kept Tackie inactive most of the night, the real reason Tackie couldn't get anything started is that he didn't know what to expect. Sometimes Tszyu would throw a light right hand, sometimes he would step in and really launch it. He would throw a one-two-one-two with the third punch as the heaviest, then throw the same combination making the first and fourth punches heavier. Like Greg Maddux, Kostya Tszyu was striking out the side with change-ups.

If there is one thing Tszyu didn't do, it was throw to the body. Oh sure, occasionally he would launch a shot downstairs, such as in the second when Tackie finally dug with two downstairs rights and Tszyu quickly answered with a harder version of the same punch. But when you can land as often as you could on Tackie this night, why throw anything but head shots? Did we mention yet that Tszyu was landing everything?

And when we say everything, we mean everything. Tszyu would sometimes throw a jab-strength right hand behind the jab. But after he threw the punch, he would leave his shoulders turned, and then pump the right hand as though it were a right jab from the southpaw stance... only Tszyu's feet were still in the conventional stance. These rights would land flush and set up a left hook, or simply continue until Tszyu's left resumed the jabbing.

Kostya also was giving Tackie fits by mixing up his right. Tszyu would alternate throwing a wide looping right and a short straight right. He would sometimes throw the looping one lighter and then short one harder. Sometimes he would do the opposite. Tszyu threw a lot of double lead right hands. Tackie never knew what to expect.

For most of the early rounds, Tszyu spent a fair amount of time mixing in heavy committed blows with his "lighter" shots (the lighter shots still landing with blistering effect). But as Tackie upped the pace in round three, and again in the fifth, Tszyu seemed to realize that his opponent was not going to fold. As such, he paced himself a bit coming down the stretch. That's not to say that Tszyu threw fewer punches, but that he settled into a rhythm of beating Tackie while not really laying into his shots unless he needed to. By round seven, it was beginning to look like mittwork, with Tackie's face as the mitts. Tackie would simply try and walk Tszyu down while he continually circled his hands into Tackie's nose. We even scored that seventh round 10-8 without a knockdown, so effortless and one-sided was Tszyu's output.

Occasionally Tackie would catch Tszyu with part of a hook or right hand, but every time Tackie lucked out with a meaningful shot, Tszyu punished him back. By mid-fight, Tszyu had Tackie so well timed that almost every time Tackie threw he was sharply countered after missing. By the end of the fight, Tackie was trying to throw less, while Tszyu's accurate boxing simply banked round after round. We scored it 120-107. Two judges agreed that Tszyu won every round but forgave Tackie the seventh and scored 120-108. One charitable judge gave Tackie a single round, 119-109.

After the fight, an old and overweight looking Vince Phillips began calling out Tszyu for a rematch. A good payday for both, but not a competitive bout. Tszyu's only real challenge may come in a rematch with Judah, although another Tszyu blowout wouldn't be a shocker there, either. We'd like to see Tszyu even move up to 147... after this night it's clear that no one is going to take his titles any time soon.

On the Tszyu undercard, Oba Carr saw the end of his career look him straight in the eye as he lost his second consecutive bout. Both losses have come to late sub unknowns, and while his last loss was a second round TKO, this loss was far more humiliating. Carr lost every single round on the Boxing Chronicle card, and on one of the official cards as well. Two judges gave Carr a single round. Combined with a knockdown and two points lost for fouls, Carr loses by 13 pts (100-87) in a 10 round contest. He should have even been DQ'd after round nine, when he hit his opponent twice while Joe Cortez hugged him to end the round. Incredibly, Cortez took no points there, either.

Carr not only lost this fight, but demonstrated that he is absolutely, positively shot. Almost every single clean punch that his opponent, Ukrainian prospect Kuvanych Toygonbayev (now 18-1/12), landed wobbled Carr. Worse, the perennial contender was missing wildly all night with punches that looked like they should have come from Mia St. John, not a one-time contender for the welterweight crown. Carr's arms swings often left him hunched over off balance, and his power was gone. He did manage to find a hole in Toygonbayev's style late in the fight, and landed a series of hooks to the body/hook to the head combos... but it was not nearly enough. Toygonbayev was simply too adept at finding Carr in close. Every time Carr tried to hold, he'd eat a short hook or uppercut. He was staggered back several steps on his heels from mediocre punches at least a fifteen times during this fight, maybe twice that. He needs to retire. Please, Oba... retire.

.....Chris Bushnell
boxingchronicle.com

May 19, 2002
WARD W10 GATTI - Ringside Report
WARD-GATTI LIVES UP TO ITS BILLING, WARD WINS FIGHT OF THE YEAR!
By JD Vena at ringside

UNCASVILLE, CT – It could have been called World War III but the tag was taken by Rocky II (I’m a historian). It could have been called Rocky VI because what was waged at the Mohegan Sun Arena was nothing short of a Rocky movie. In what most had expected “Irish” Micky Ward and Arturo “Thunder” Gatti waged what is sure to be named this year’s fight of the year, a brawl won by 36-year old Ward. The gunslinger from Lowell MA, now 38-11 with 27 KO’s overcame an early rounds deficit to come on strong down the stretch and nearly kill Gatti in winning a 10-round majority decision. In the pivotal 9th round, Ward scored the only knockdown of the fight with his trademark left hook to the body and proceeded to pound Gatti into near submission for the rest of the frame. If it were only referee Frank Cappuccino who had been taking those punches that Ward was unleashing with utter fury down the stretch. More on that later.

Behind on the judges’ scorecards, Ward let loose with a furious assault of head and body punches, one of which broke the ribs of Gatti. But it was Ward’s inner strength, which runs deep in Ward’s endless pit of guts which won him the fight, regardless of what the scorecards read when the two were done swapping murderous blows. Judges Richard Flaherty and Steven Weisfeld had Ward winning by tally’s of 94-93 while Frank Lombardi had it a 94-94 even draw. The CBZ had it 94-93 for Gatti but still felt Ward won the fight. More on that later.

Early on in what would become a quick fight for the fans and long one for the fighters, Gatti, 140 ½, did as he promised – he boxed. He used his defense, which in his case was circling around the ring. Ward, 140 ½, the slower of the two pressed on and ate as many punches as Gatti usually absorbed in his memorable slugfests, but he knew what was imminent, it just came at a tremendous price. After four rounds, Gatti became Arturo “Thunder” Gatti and the fight of the year was on its way.

“I knew Gatti would be tough, but not that tough,” said a relieved Ward at the post fight press conference. “I didn’t know people could be that tough. He had nothing to prove to me. I had all the respect in the world for him before the fight. That’s why he’s called ‘Thunder.”

For poor Thunder Gatti, the fight could have gone either way in the scoring but for a man who shouldn’t have been allowed to finish the 9th or start the 10th for that matter, he came out a true champion by finishing the 10th round and winning it. When Ward began to punish Gatti in the 9th, you were expecting Cappuccino to stop the fight at any moment, which is probably why Dick Flaherty scored it for Ward by a 10-7 mark. But when 21 seconds had elapsed before Ward and Gatti touched gloves for the final round you got wonder what was going on in the useless referee’s mind let alone his heart.

Had another fighter been absorbing the beating Gatti was receiving, the fight would have been halted. But what was Cappuccino thinking when it appeared that McGirt was climbing up to the ring apron to stop the fight but was stopped? And what was Capp thinking when the bell rang for the 10th and Gatti’s entire corner was practically in the ring? Gatti could have been DQ’d. After all, that’s what happened to Marco Antonio Barrera when his corner climbed up on the ring apron when Junior Jones was opening up a can of Whup-Ass. What was Cappuccino thinking when Gatti was belting Ward in the ass with left hooks and then didn’t grant Ward the 5-minute’s rest when he was hit in the groin? At least a point was taken away from Gatti in the 4th round, but something tells me that if the fight were better officiated then Ward would have won this fight anyway. If the fight was held in a parking lot and there were no judges then you would have said that Ward won the fight.

Gatti is a warrior. He’s proved it time and time again. But he didn’t deserve the beating he took just because he’s tough enough to take one so severe. For Ward, who is now in a better position than he has ever been in his long career, he is finally a commanding presence in the fight game and will likely earn the lucrative paychecks he expects and deserves in the future. Hopefully, Gatti, now 34-6 (with 28 KO's) has earned enough money in a career that has been great to the fans. More importantly, you gotta hope that the damage that both Ward and Gatti soaked up last night won’t be as everlasting as Ward-Gatti will be remembered as an all-time classic and fight of the year.

Promoter – Main Events
Television – HBO
Ring Announcer – Mark Beiro

May 18, 2002
Ward-Gatti - Undercard Results
Mohegan Sun Undercard Results

Peter Nieves, 136, San Juan, Puerto Rico 15-4-1, 8 KO’s W4 Jose Laporte, 136, Worcester, MA 2-7-2, 1 KO.

Giovonni Lorenzo, 159 ¼, Washington Heights, NY 4-0 3 KO’s W4 Muhammed Nuhu, 156, Accra, Ghana 3-9, 1 KO

Andre Eason, 143, Brooklyn, NY 10-1, 5 KO’s W4 John Trigg, 141 ¼, Atlanta, GA 8-15-5, 2 KO’s

“Fast” Freddie Cadena, 140, Paterson, NJ 11-0, 7 KO’s W8 Marcos Badillo, 139 ½, Mexico City, Mexico 15-22-1, 6 KO’s

Dominic Guinn, 225 ¾, Hot Springs, AK 16-0, 13 KO’s TKO1 (2:09) Frank Drexi James, 193, Miami, FL 8-4, 4 KO’s

“Bad” Chad Dawson, 170, New Haven, CT, 7-0, 5 KO’s TKO1 Gary Grant, 170, Kingston, Jamaica 10-10, 5 KO’s

May 18, 2002
Larios stops Vasquez in Rematch
Diamond whiskers on display in Sacramento
by Barry Stephen Hanley

ESPN's Friday night Fights on May 17th came from the historic Memorial Coliseum in Sacramento. The main event proved to be a battle of staggering proportions as Oscar Larios (43-3-1,30 KO's) stopped Israel Vazquez (31-2-0, 24 KO's). This was a rematch of their Super Bantamweight fight in 1997 when Vazquez poleaxed Larios in the first round. On this occasion, Larios was out for revenge and was determined to prove that his whiskers were far from suspect. Well, he did that admirably. As a matter of fact, both men exhibited chins that were superior to granite. These scrappers had diamond chins.

Cliches abound in the busted beak business, but for sheer balls to the wall fighting this fight was up there with the classics. In the first round Larios made his fight plan perfectly clear, namely a rangy outside approach. Larios, the taller man, began to pump a hard jab followed by ramrod right hands. The pace was frenetic and hard-core. No pauses for effect. The energy in this fight was something to behold. The term 'gladiator' is often bandied about but these guys would have looked at home in the Coliseum. The second round proved to be as energetic as the first as Larios continued to keep Vazquez at bay with good jabbing and laser guided right hands to a jawbone that would make an African Rhino green with envy.

Vazquez landed his first meaningful shot in the third. Considering the outcome of their previous encounter, Larios took it well and commenced what became a true war of chins. In the fourth Larios took his foot off the pedal and began to let Vazquez in for a chance to shower his mandible with vicious hooks. Shots that would have staggered aforementioned Rhinoceros had little effect on Larios. The pace of the fight never faltered as it went into the later rounds. Larios outworked Vazquez but the latter was always dangerous and seemed to be poised to land a shot that would take the wind out of Larios's sails. In rounds 8,9 and 10 Larios threw over a 100 punches and never sucked wind. In the 11th and 12th the astounding pace remained as steady as the 1st. Finally, the accumulation of punches had the desired effect on Vazquez. With 1:05 to go in the final round, Larios landed a wicked right hand to the left ear of Vazquez. He dropped like a duck from a shotgun blast as his Achilles heel was finally located. After gamely rising to his feet, Larios was struck with two more right hands and referee Pat Russell stopped the awe inspiring fight.

The undercard of the evening featured a pair of featherweights from south of the border. 24 year old Miguel Casillas ( 24-2-1 with 18 KO's) from Culiacan faced Javier Juaregui, a 28 year old from Guadalajara with a record of 43-10-2 with 31 KO's. Casillas seemed to be the sharper fighter in the opening round. As the rangier man, he attempted to keep Juaregui at bay with the jab. Initially this strategy proved successful but in the 2nd and 3rd Juaregui was getting inside and landing vicious hooks to the body and head. At the end of the 3rd Casillas received a standing 8 as Juaregui connected with a left hook that sent him to the canvas.

Casillas got his revenge in the 4th, sending Juaregui deckside with a well delivered left hook. Juaregui found his range in the 5th again landing a right hand bomb that would have knocked a bullock. Casillas managed to remain vertical and was saved by the bell as Juaregui was breathing down his neck.

"No me bajen la pinche guardia. Boxea este cabron." ( Don't drop your bloody guard. Box this bastard) Casillas's corner pleaded. In one ear and out the other. Juaregui piled on the pressure again in the 6th. Reminiscent of a poor man's Roberto Duran, he came off the stool truly full of the proverbial piss and vinegar. His intent was too much for Casillas to handle. After a barrage of well aimed left hooks, Referee Marty Denkins called the fight at 2:58 of the 6th round. Juaregui was jubilant in victory as he too avenged a previous defeat at the hands of his opponent.

The third fight of the evening featured a pair of Super Bantamweights. Osvaldo Guerrero faced Asihiko Nago from Okinawa. Nago looked sharp from the outset and bore a striking resemblance to the late Bruce Lee. Unfortunately the fight was called at 1:55 of the 5th round after an accidental headbutt opened a serious gash over Guerrero' eye. The fight went to the cards and all three judges gave it to the Japanese fighter 49-45.

May 17, 2002
Download a Free Mike Tyson E-Toy Game
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May 17, 2002
James Toney & Verno Phillips cause Commotion at the Ocean
Friday, May 31, 2002
Chinook Winds Casino
Lincoln City, Oregon
ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

James "Lights Out" Toney (around 61-4-2, 38 KO’s) continues his cruiserweight comeback in a ten round co-main versus a fellow 34 year-old, Michael Rush (22-5-1, 13 KO’s) of Tampa, Florida. Toney’s original opponent, jason Robinson, was scratched due to a training injury.

In the co-main event, 33 year-old middleweight Verno Phillips (as of June, 2000 he was 31-8-1, 16 KO’s) takes on 28 year-old Romanian Tony Badea (25-4-1, 15 KO’s) now fighting out of Edmonton, Canada.

Currently scheduled for the undercard:

A heavyweight six rounder features Chauncey Welliver of Spokane, Wa vs Joe Guzman of Portland, OR.

A middleweight six round bout matches Victor Branson of Willamina, OR vs Mark Woolnaugh of Vancouver, B.C.

In four round bouts:

Welterweight Darrell Suekrow of Edmonton, Canada meets Eduardo Mendivil of Hemet, CA.

Jr. middleweight Virgil Bohnenkamp of Portland, OR tangles with Jeff Horan, fighting out of Seattle.

Tickets range from $30 to $150. The show is booked to broadcast live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

May 17, 2002
Portland Amateur Smoker
Saturday, May 25, 02
6 p.m.
At Matt Dishman Community Center
77 NE Knott St
Portland, OR

The historic Knott Street Boxing Club hosts this big end-of-season amateur smoker with 25 bouts scheduled so far and close to 20 teams competing from all over Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Coaches Joel Caldera and Rudy Garza are the organizers. The doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $7 for adults, and $3 for those aged 16 and under.

May 17, 2002
WCOB Weekend Preview
New leader in All Weights category?
Thailander Sithyodthong threatens Vernon Forrest
While Tszyu defends his belts and Gatti his WCup lead at 140 lbs.

by Kris Van de Velde

It is not quantity but quality that characterizes the upcoming fight
weekend. The super
lightweights and super bantamweights, two of the most spectacular weight
classes of the beginning of the year, are again attracting the boxing
world's attention. On WCOB terms, it is Thailander Yoddamrong Sithyodthong
who may turn out to be the star of the week as he will be battling to
dethrone Vernon Forrest as World Cup leader All Weights!

WBA 122 lbs. titlist Sithyodthong (#8, v800) is having his second major
fight of his 2002 campaign against Japanese Osamu Sato (#5, v1200).
Sithyodthong burst onto the scene last February by comprehensively beating
Yober Ortega. The latter was then ranked #7 in WCOB's total ranking, which
means Sithyodthong earned 900 WCup points with that victory.
After a brief period as leader in the annual competition, the South Asian
got overtaken by Paulie Ayala, who outpointed Clarence Adams and took 1200
points. But the undefeated Sithyodthong is now fighting back! By taking on
the higher-ranked Sato he could in theory add 1200 points to his tally and
raise his total to 2100 - 900 points more than Ayala and 100 more than
welterweight king Vernon Forrest in the All Weights category!
Therefore the Thailander has to get past Sato of course, a strong
competitor himself this year and fighting in front of his home crowd. Sato
drew with WBC titlist Willie Jorrin in February but many observers felt he
should have got the decision. Having already 800 points in the bag, Sato
may himself nick the 122 lbs. World Cup lead away from Ayala if he beats
Sithyodthong. He cannot threaten Forrest, however, as 1700 points are the
maximum Sato can hope for.

There is a second great super bantamweight fight scheduled at the Memorial
Auditorium in Sacramento, CA. Oscar Larios (#11, v490) faces Israel Vazquez
(#12, v480) for the so-called WBC interim title and the alleged right to
fight genuine titlist Willie Jorrin later in the year. The winner will in
any case unofficially enter the World Cup race in fourth place and raise
his value considerably in the total ranking.

Although the Sithyodthong-Sato contest might be slightly more significant
in the WCOB context, the super lightweight fights featuring Kostya Tszyu
and Arturo Gatti will probably get more attention Saturday. There is also a
reason for it. "Undisputed" champion Kostya Tszyu (#1, v2000) is finally
starting his 2002 campaign at the Mandalay Bay Center in Las Vegas, and the
popular Australian is doing it in style by facing a high-ranked contender
in the person of Ben Tackie (#9, v700). But Tszyu has a problem. Tackie's
head is worth 700 points while Arturo Gatti is leading the World Cup
competition with double as many. Moreover, Gatti (#3, v1600) is fighting
again on the same night. In Uncasville, Connecticut, he is set to square
off against #12 Mickey Ward, good for 480 additional points should Gatti
emerge victorious again! So, if Tszyu wishes to win this year's competition
he will still have some work to do after dismantling Tackie.
The challenger from Ghana is a respected puncher, who recently disposed of
#23 Teddy Reid, which gave him 346 WCup points. If Tackie causes an upset
this weekend, it will be him who takes over from Vernon Forrest in the
World Cup All Weights. But Mickey Ward is not totally out of it neither. If
the veteran of many ring wars found Gatti's number and Tszyu retains his
belts, Ward will find himself on top in the 140-pound World Cup with a
200-point bonus over Gatti. Many scenarios, a lot at stake. That's WCOB at
its best.

Featherweight Naseem Hamed (#5, v1200) starts his comeback in London this
Saturday,
fourteen months since his rather embarassing points loss against Marco
Antonio Barrera.
Hamed's opponent will be European champion Manuel Calvo (#30, v290), who's not
expected to beat the extravagant Briton but at least give him a decent
workout. Hamed might need a strong showing to give his moral a boost in the
light of his alleged fight against Johnny Tapia later this year. In WCOB
context, Hamed would hop over the still inactive Erik Morales and join
Julio Pablo Chacon in third place of the total ranking.

Hamed's compatriot and fellow-featherweight Michael Brodie (#28, v306)
takes chances
with a scheduled contest against higher-ranked Argentine Pastor Maurin
(#25, v330). Maurin has already scored 98 points this year and is lying
14th in the World Cup. He could gain about 10 places if he beats Brodie on
home soil. The winner will also move up to the top 15 in the total ranking.

British lightweight star Colin Dunne (#12, v480) will also appear on the
undercard. He faces Wayne Rigby (#55, v135 at 140 lbs) and victory might
move Dunne up a spot at the expense of Julien Lorcy.

WORLD CUP OF BOXING
http://www.worldcupofboxing.com/

May 16, 2002
“Irish” Micky Ward: “I like to please fans.”
By JD Vena

If Lowell’s “Irish” Micky Ward is not remembered for winning a world title belt, he’ll probably be remembered for what Arturo “Thunder” Gatti will be remembered for. Gatti, the fearsome foe that Ward will face at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday night has won a world title unlike Ward. For nearly two years, Gatti wore and defended the IBF jr. lightweight title around his waist but most will reminisce about the wars that Gatti had been involved in. There were his come-from-behind knockout wins over Wilson Rodriguez (in ’96) and Gabriel Ruelas (in ’97) and there were his toe-to-toe wars with Ivan Robinson (in ’98). Those were the fights that left viewers and other pundits muttering, “That was the fight of the year” after each one.

Gatti will forever be etched in our minds as a gladiator and sometimes, that can be more important in the public spectrum than winning a world title. For Gatti, it was his sheer guts and determination that willed him through his epic battles, wars that made you shake your head and wonder how a human being could withstand such adverse and painful capacities.

In the past three years, Ward has participated in the bouts we like to call “Fight of the Year.” His war with Emanuel Augustus last summer was described by this scribe as the “greatest fight he had ever seen” and won the CBZ’s honor for Fight of the Year. To add to his repertoire, his action-packed brawls with Reggie Green (in ‘99), Shea Neary and Antonio Diaz (in 2000) were nearly just as exciting as Ward-Augustus.

That is why Gatti’s jr. welterweight “Fight of The Year” with Micky Ward on Saturday night promises to deliver what many envision will be the most memorable slugfest ever waged. It’s the same reason why Ward-Gatti or whatever you want to call it will be a more heralded bout than jr. welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu’s title defense against Ben “Wonder” Tackie, the most deserving title challenger in the division. The Tszyu-Tackie fight will be televised by Showtime in Las Vegas but it wouldn’t matter if it were HBO or ESPN2. More fans will probably go with Ward-Gatti. Not because Tszyu or Tackie does not deliver, it’s what Ward and Gatti unload during their typical fights and the fact that they’re actually fighting each other.

Even when you are an exciting or explosive fighter like Tackie or an all-time great fighter like Tszyu, it’s the bleeding pugs like Ward and Gatti that command our attention and our respect. They are the glorified club fighters, the fighters that aren’t blessed with the most skill, but have the wherewithal to beat anyone. They are the Carmen Basilio’s who beat the Sugar Ray Robinsons.

“I’ve seen Micky fight many years ago,” recalled Tony DeMarco, a former world welterweight champion of the Gatti/Ward mold. “I was amazed by his talents, his aggression, and his will. He reminds me of fighters like Basilio, Buddy Hayes and Tommy Collins of years ago. He’s a throwback.”

Like Gatti, DeMarco is one of those fighters who are better known for his great fights. In June of ’55, DeMarco lost his welterweight championship to Basilio in a gut-wrenching affair that saw both men hurt and battle adversity throughout the fight. Though the fight was fairly competitive, the tireless Basilio had enough to stop the stubborn champion in the 12th round. Four months later the two went at it again and the result was nearly the same: Basilio by TKO in the 12th.

“When I fought Carmen Basilio they were absolute wars,” DeMarco told the CBZ. “The first fight was called the best fight of the year until the second one happened.”

If Ward-Gatti fulfills its billing as expected, then you can rest assured that the fans will want to see them clash again. But Ward isn’t worried about a second fight or what winning Saturday’s fight can add to his future. He’s prepared for Gatti like it’s his last and after watching him hit the target pads held by his brother Dicky Ecklund in an open-workout session on Tuesday, Ward appeared ready for anything Gatti will present him.

“We have a bunch of different gameplans,” said Ward. “You can’t just go into a fight with one. Whether I’m trying to smother him on the inside or moving around, I don’t want to be on the end of his punches. That’s his game. I want to be in close and take his power away from him.”

“We really worked on Micky’s legs,” said Ecklund. “We have a place in Lowell that the fighters like to call ‘Fort Hill’ which is a very big hill. He usually runs it with my nephew Shawn and when he ran it recently, he told Shawn he wanted to do it again. No one is crazy enough to do that.”

“It’s one thing to run the hill,” said Ward. “You have to want to run the hill. You got to have the desire to train and at 36, I still have what it takes to win and get ready for fights.”

Though most have pointed to Ward’s age as being a disadvantage, Ward likes to point out that he has taken better care of himself than most fighters have. Since the start of his thrilling career (June of ’85), Ward has competed in the illustrious 140-pound division. And unlike Gatti, who is known for melting his body to make the limit of anything under 142 pounds, Ward has been making the weight with ease.

“Staying at this weight my whole career has been the reason why I’ve preserved my body for all of these years of tough fights,” said Ward. “I’ve never had to kill myself to make weight. My weight is always right. I’ve been around 146 all month. I never have to worry about my weight, just working on my timing and endurance. I don’t know how someone can lose 20 pounds and put it back on by fight time. I don’t know how you could prepare for a fight thinking about weight the whole time. I’m sure that they might have strength for a few rounds but come rounds 6,7, and 8 it’s going to take a toll on them.”

Whether the toll has taken too much out of “Irish” Micky Ward, we’ll find out in a couple of days. But regardless of who wins on Saturday night, we’ll always know why we’ll remember fighters like he and Gatti.

May 16, 2002
The true record of Roberto Durán
By Nicolás Espinosa S. :La Prensa de Panama, 12 May 2002
(Translated by Art Peyton and Mike DeLisa)

Discrepancies around the year exist in which the Panamanian pugillist made his professional debut


Roberto Durán will retire officially from the ring this June 15. June is a very special month for him, not just because of his birthday but also because it is amonth in which he won some important fights

Four of the five world titles that he won were in that sixth month of the year: lightweight (Ken Buchanan), welter (Ray Leonard), junior middle (Davey Moore) and super middle (Pat Lawlor).

The 50-year-old Durán turned professional at end of the 60's, a time of great pugilistic movement in Panama, where each corner had a prospect.

But today we don't want to speak on this, but of the real record of whom has been the biggest boxer that Panama and Latin America has produced in all times.

We believe that it is the opportune moment to know the true record of Roberto
Durán. We talked about true because at the moment two "official" records
exists, one more publicized than the other. Unfortunately, the one that is
known to world and is mostly used, it is the mistaken one.
But, when we talked about mistaken it is not for the amount of fights (120)
or because he has more victories or less (104 victories with 70 KO), but
because his purported debut in March 1967 never occurred.

Difficult investigation
We won't give many spins in order to arrive to the core of the matter. Most record books show that Roberto "Hand of Stone" Duran turned pro on March 8 1967, facing Carlos Mendoza from the state of Chiriqui in the Colon Arena.

We can now prove that Duran did not turn professional until February 23, 1968, when in the Colon Arena against Carlos Mendoza; that is to say 12 months after what is pointed reflected on most records for Duran.

Investigating when indeed Roberto Duran entered to the ranks of
professionalism was not easy. The newspapers of the time mentioned very little or almost nothing about the preliminary bouts of the weekly cards.

That is to say that it mentioned only prospects, headliners or a great star. Nevertheless, a fact here, another there, that united us with the details at the hand of the historian Luis Morales, who gave us the truth and is the one that we today give to you.

The gist in the record of Roberto Duran occurs in their first years of activity, since in the record professional of 1967 it is pointed out that the Panamanian made his first 11 bouts between that year and the following, while in the record of 1968 makes their first nine fights the year of his debut.

Bound for Winnipeg
The career of Roberto Duran, you could say, began with the preliminary round at the Pan-American Games of Winnipeg of 1967. The Federation of Amateur Boxing organized a preliminary round with boxers of the clubs Cincuentenario (nine), Panama (four) and Marañón (one) and the winners would be part of the isthmus delegation.

Duran, who competed with the "Club Cincuentenario, on June 21 1967, according to the newspaper The Expreso, defeated Enrique
Warren in the flyweights (112 pounds), by decision.
Nevertheless, Roberto was not selected to go to Winnipeg, as the Duran has said, "the club was sanctioned" and its boxers could not participate in the isthmus team.

This is the first fact that checks that Duran could not give the jump in March 1967, because he was signed up still in the Amateurs. The
Pan-American Games of Winnipeg took place from July 22 to August 7.

But there are other interesting details that should not left out. On August 21, 1967 in a note to a columnist in the Critic, it is made known that the chiriquian prospect Carlos Mendoza will shortly make his debut in the lines professional ranks.

That is to say, that the adversary of Duran also had not debuted the month of March 1967.

Another curious fact with regard to the record in the self-procliamed "Bible of Boxing," The Ring Record Book, is that March 8, 1967 was a Wednesday, a day a bit uncommon for a card in Panama. In that time, the programs occurred the days Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

In the particular case of the card which saw Roberto Duran in action for the first time in his career, February 23, 1968, was a Saturday and was organized by the Leoma company headed by Leopoldo Peña.

The main event that day was Colombian Heliodoro Pitalúa against Miguel Riasco of the capital city over 10 rounds at 124 pounds. Ernesto Ñato Marcel went in the co-feature against
Machito Guerrero, in six rounds and 123 pounds.


Compare the two records and the differences that they have to each other.

May 15, 2002
Arturo Gatti: Celebration of the Tough Guy
by Robert Ecksel

Everyone loves a champion. And why not? We rightfully honor, revere, respect and glorify these wildcats among us mere mortals. Although only boxers, these men were larger than life and gave character to their eras. Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Marciano, Ali and the young Mike Tyson, in their day, in their way, offered us thrills beyond comprehension.

Yet for every ring general, every sweet scientist, for every man whose every move was poetry in motion, there were equal numbers of heroic pugs whose gifts hide in the shadows.

A couple thousand years ago, for example, an Olympic Greek boxer named Eurydemus took a helluva shot to the mouth . . . and swallowed his own teeth, rather than let his opponent guess he'd been hurt.

The Brits in Regency England toasted their favorite gluttons for punishment, their man's ability to withstand an awful beating, the depth of their favored fighter's "bottom."

The longest bare-knuckle fight in history - between Jack Smith and James Kelly in Melbourne, Australia in 1856 - lasted for six hours and fifteen minutes.

These men qualify as tough guys.

How do we distinguish the tough guys from the mercurial divinities of the squared circle? How to recognize the go-for-broke, devil-may-care, what-have-I-got-to-lose types who'll take four shots to the head in the hope of landing one of their own? Are their fists as big as ham hocks? Have their features been remodeled by a cubist? Are their noses a memory, their ears an aberration, their scars a medal, a certificate, an award, a plaque for a lifetime of service? If so, then these are the tough guys, the pit bulls, the Sherman tanks and battering rams, the condemned cracking jokes with their executioners, the cavalier rarities here on earth to remind us of what is possible.


There've been so many whacked and rugged bruisers it's hard to know where to start. Jake "The Raging Bull" LaMotta (Middleweight Champion 1949-1951) fits almost everyone's definition of a tough guy. A sado-masochist in gloves and satin trunks, Jake liked getting beaten almost as much as he loved dishing it out. There was Rocky Graziano (Middleweight Champion 1947-1948), who socked his way from a dead end roach palace to a world of wealth and glitz. There was Carmen Basilio (Welterweight Champion 1955-1956, 1956-1957/Middleweight Champion 1957-1958), whose wit was as wicked as his temper. There was Gene Fullmer (Middleweight Champion 1957/1959-1962), the world's toughest Mormon, a man possessed who fought like a human buzz saw stuck on fast-forward. Even contenders like Tony Galento (1930s), Kingfish Levinsky (1930s), George Chuvalo (1960s), Jerry Quarry (1970s), Chuck Wepner (1970s) and Tex Cobb (1980s) were warrior-kings who refused to throw in the towel.

In the company of such pillars of strength, we must add the name Arturo Gatti. Arturo Gatti (34-5 28 KOs) fights the gritty Mickey Ward (37-11 27 KOs) Saturday May 18 at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Gatti will brawl with the nonchalance of a man who has transcended reason. And make no mistake about it, Arturo Gatti is the gift that keeps on giving: a daredevil, a high-flying trapeze act, a nut with no net and no insurance.

After singing praise to the titleholders who've blessed us with their presence, we should take a moment of silence and thank the insatiable roughnecks, the unheralded tough guys who gave it their all, who fought, and fight, to the last, like there was no tomorrow.

May 15, 2002
Korea Joins the PABA by Joe Koizumi
On May 13, 2002, The Korea Boxing Commission (KBC) was finally affiliated with the Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA), a regional body under the WBA.

Previously the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) had solely governed the regional championships in Asia and the Pacific after the World War II, but Yangsup Shim, ex-vice president of the KBC, established the PABA in order to stimulate the regional activities years ago.

The development of the PABA, thanks to its versatile and energetic secretary-general Alan Kim, was such that it became a legitimate subsidiary organization under the WBA, which decided not to recognize the OPBF any longer. Eventually the OPBF became the regional body just under the WBC.

A sort of antagonism between Shim and the KBC had been reported for years, but they reached an amicable settlement and the Korean Commission now decided to join the PABA.

The WBA makes it a rule to rank a PABA champ in the top 15 of its world ratings, while the WBC does so an OPBF champ. There have been no actual confrontation between the OPBF and the PABA, but each obviously goes to a different direction of the WBC and the WBA respectively.

It is only Japan that has not affiliated with the PABA in Asia, as the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) said that it would retain its attitude to support only the historically long OPBF until Korea, where the PABA headquarters are located, should show the flag and become a member of the PABA. Now the JBC might have to consider its political decision as to how to be related with the PABA – in association with the Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA), the union of managers and promoters, the president of which is Masahiko “Fighting” Harada.

The activities of the OPBF have been very active, but those of the PABA might surpass them in terms of the number of regional championship bouts held in Thailand, Australia, and Indonesia.

Lately such PABA champs as Yodsanan 3K-Battery and Yoddamrong Singwangcha successfully seized the WBA world championships in the 130-pound and the 122-pound divisions to show PABA’s developments and contributions to the Asian boxing fraternity.

Meanwhile, the OPBF also boasts of good WBC champs such as 115-pounder Masamori Tokuyama and 108-pounder Yosam Choi, both of whom had been formerly OPBF titlists prior to their WBC coronations.

For Korea, whose fistic activity is at the bottom due to a lack of professional boxers caused by a recession, its affiliation with the PABA may stimulate bosing activiy there.

May 14, 2002
Prince Seeks Crown
by Robert Ecksel

There are Kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchesses, lots of Lords and Ladies. Being a Royal might be fun, but sometimes it isn't easy. Witness the exit of Princess Diana. Witness the last fight of Prince Naseem Hamed.

A Palace Coup was staged April 7, 2001 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marco Antonio Barrera, a tough hombre by any standard, stormed the citadel and deposed the King of the Featherweights. Naseem Hamed, once revered, a potential pound-for-pounder, was exposed as a fighting fraud. Barrera applied the basics, Boxing 101, the jab, combinations, blocking punches, and won the Keys to the Kingdom.

Naseem Hamed has been rightly-celebrated for his one-punch kayo power. But the game the Prince plays is called Boxing. It's not called Knockout. No wonder Hamed lost big-time.

Much like the first Tyson-Holyfield bout, it was clear from the opening bell that the underdog (Barrera/Holyfield) would undo the over-hyped champion (Hamed/Tyson). Almost anyone can flummox the public. Only a few men can fool a professional prizefighter. Both Barrera and Holyfield, like so many heroes before them, illustrated that great boxers almost always defeat great punchers.

Twenty years ago, Naseem Hamed was spotted by the trainer Brendan Ingle, while the Irishman was on a bus passing through Sheffield, England. Small surprise! - outside the window a small dark child was beating up three white men. That tiny boy became the Prince. Despite a lifetime spent in the gym, Hamed always did it his way. He doesn't jab. He doesn't bob and weave. He pulls away from punches. What he does isn't pretty. But to the Prince's credit, his unorthodox style, his charisma, his moxie and his wallop have earned this fine gentleman a fortune. But Hamed can't seriously be considered one of boxing's all-time greats. Not by a long shot. Not when the first live opponent he faced made Naseem look like a bit of a girl.

The Yemeni-Englishman's career isn't over, despite his year-long vacation. Naseem Hamed is now getting ready to fight in the London Arena on Saturday May 18. But Hamed has, of necessity, lowered his sights. He's now fighting lesser men, fighting for smaller purses, fighting with fewer illusions. Hamed's next contest is against the Spaniard Manuel Calvo (33-4 14 KOs). Perhaps this match is a confidence builder. Or a walk in the park. Or a no-brainer (i.e. a paycheck). Naseem Hamed needs to prove himself to those who love the fight game. A fight with Manuel Calvo just won't do it. Until Hamed fights a fight that matters, the Prince, we fear, still remains just a Pretender to the Throne.

May 13, 2002
Choi returns with TKO win
By Joe Koizumi

Ex-WBA 130-pound champ Yongsoo Choi (28-3-1, 18 KOs), 130.75, made a successful comeback when he decked Thai top-ranked Petarun Worsuraphol (13-5, 3 KOs), 130.5, twice en route to a fine TKO victory at 2:21 of the 5th in Tokyo, Japan.

The 29-year-old Choi had scored three wins in as many bouts after forfeiting his WBA belt to Japanese Takanori Hatakeyama here in 1998, but announced his farewell to the ring before he made a comeback this time. Choi, a notorious slow starter, warmed up his engine and began fireworks from the third, dropping the game Thailander in the 4th and 5th to prompt the referee’s intervention.

Choi will continue fighting and aims to regain the world throne here in Japan.

In other action, Japanese #7 super-light Feifong Kogure (11-4-1, 5 KOs), 139.75, had an upset triumph after he outhustled #5 Hironari Ohshima (15-3, 11 KOs), 139.75, over 10 gruelling rounds. They furiously mixed it up toe-to-toe and hotly exchanged all they had. Kogure, in the 9th, twisted his right ankle but showed his guts to dominate the last two sessions.

Japanese top ranked Tatsuhisa Kawashima (17-7-3, 6 KOs), 137.75, withstood a critical moment in the 5th, and earned a less impressive but unanimous nod over unranked Makoto Ohkubo (11-5-1, 7 KOs) over 10.

May 13, 2002
Armour lucky to retain WBU Title
By Jim Dickinson

Saturday 11th May, Dagenham, England. Chatham's Johnny Armour (29-1) was extremely fortunate to hang onto the WBU bantamweight championship at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre on Saturday night, against fellow veteran Francis Ampofo, who fights out of Bethnal Green.

Most ringsiders looked on with astonishment when, after 12 exciting rounds - of which I had Ampofo winning nine - the Master of Ceremonies announced a majority draw verdict. Scores of 114-114 (twice) and 116-112 failed to reflect or reward Ampofo's dominance and superior workrate.

Francis landed nearly all of the telling punches, leaving Armour with cuts and bruises at the end of the gruelling contest. It was a crowd pleasing fight but the result leaves a sour taste in the mouth. There really is no excuse for two judges to indulge in this kind of fence-sitting.

Armour, a former British, Commonwealth and European champion, was badly beaten in a WBU super bantamweight title shot against Carlos Navarro in December 1998, and has since averaged just one fight per year. Despite having 17 stoppage wins, the last time he beat a decent opponent inside the distance was in 1995.

He outpointed Ghanian born Ampofo (17-9) to win this championship in December 2000, this was his first defence and although he now intends to stay busy, Manager Terry Toole has ruled out a rubber match.

"We want to keep Johnny active and busy, but a third fight with Ampofo is not on our agenda at all".

That's either very unfair on Francis, or the ultimate compliment, depending upon your point of view. Sky Television, who televised this contest in Britain and Europe, may insist upon a third instalment.

Johnny is coming to the end of his career and, on this performance, careful match making will be needed to extend his reign of this lightly regarded championship.

It's hard to see where Francis - who turns 35 next month - can go from here either. He's been one of Britain's most popular fighters in the lower weight divisions over the past decade, and he has also held British and Commonwealth titles at both flyweight and bantamweight.

Undercard results.

Crawley's British and Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Michael Alldis (24-8) successfully defended the latter title against South African Vuyani Phulo (14-9-4), stopping the challenger with a left hook to the body in the eighth round of a tepid affair.

33 year old Alldis has held these belts on and off for the past several years, in one of Britain's more unfashionable divisions. A previous attempt to step up to featherweight resulted in a beating at the hands of former IBF featherweight champion Paul Ingle in 1997.

Despite not being one of Britain's outstanding domestic title holders, Michael is very capable at this level and with no bright prospects on the horizon, he should remain champion for some time yet.

Unbeaten Manchester bantamweight Darren Cleary moved to 3-0-2 with a four round points win over Jimbo "Jumbo" Rooney, who falls to 1-1.

Supermiddleweight Jason McKay recorded his second win, outpointing journeyman Harry Butler over four rounds.

Heavyweight Fola O'Kes moved to 3-1 (3 ko's) after stopping winless Lee Nicholson in the opening round.

Barking featherweight Marc Callaghan (13-4-1) outpointed Andrew Ferrans (10-3-1) over six rounds.

Welsh lightweight prospect Jason Cook moved to 16-1 with a six round points win over import Andrey Devyataykin (7-1-1).

May 13, 2002
Bump City Fight Results
Bump City Fight Results

Katherine Dunn

Saturday, May 11, 02
At the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Promoter: Brian Halquist
Matchmaker: Bob Oleson
Washington Supervisor: Tom Sporar
Referees: Paul Field, Ron Rall
Judges: Joe Macaluso, Roy Silverman, Tim Wood


The Puyallup Tribe owns and operates the wedding cake paddle-wheeler casino in Tacoma, and their regular pro fight cards are solidly popular, standing-room-only events.
The scheduled ten round main on May 11 featured Luis Puma Villalta , 130 lbs, originally of Chile, who is listed by Fight Fax with a record of 26-1-1, 2 KO’s going in. This sounds like the guy lacks the power to dust a chandelier, but Villalta’s manager insists that’s a typo and that the fighter actually has 24 KO’s. Witnesses say this is a credible claim because Villalta is tremendously fit—not just a six-pack but a twelve-pack—and gorgeously skilled. His unfortunate opponent was the absorbent but giftless Pedro Garcia, 131 1/2 lbs (10-2-0, 6 KO going in to the bout) of Mexico. Word is that Garcia was badly wobbled by the end of the second round but Villalta kept him around to play with until 2:58 of the fifth round. A KO win for Villalta and a thorough thumping for Garcia.

Local guy Tim Shocks, 165 1/4 lbs (Now 21-12-2, 14 KO) of Seattle was leading on all cards in a scheduled six rounder vs Jeremy Morrison, 166 lbs (Now 14-5-1, 9 KO) of St. George, Utah when a head butt occurred. Morrison came up spouting blood and the ringside physician called a halt. The bout was declared a technical draw at :31 of the third round.

Two of the scheduled four round bouts were scratched when both middleweight Gonzalo Dominguez of Hood River, OR and featherweight Cesar Garcia of Salem, OR did not show up for the weigh-in or the fights. This left the promoter with a minimal 24 rounds scheduled.

In the remaining pair of four round bouts:

Victor Branson, 165 1/2 lbs (Now 3-2-1) of Willamina, OR stopped Josue Cielos (Now 1-2, 1 KO) of Seattle at 2:54 of the first round.

In a historic breakthrough, James Partch, 171 1/2 lbs of Boring, OR. netted his first victory, improving to 1-6-2 with a TKO over Scott Sales, 173 1/4 lbs (Now1-4-0, 1 KO) of Tri-Cities, WA. The ref called it off at 1:33 of the second round.

The good sized crowd was reportedly not happy with the total of 26 minutes,32 seconds of boxing.

May 12, 2002
WCOB Weekend Round-up

Felix Trinidad returns with a bang
Hurtado stops Bailey and becomes 2nd in 140-pound World Cup

by Kris Van de Velde

Felix Trinidad (#2, v1800) blasted himself back on the world scene last Saturday as if the shocking Bernard Hopkins defeat never happened. In front of a home crowd in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tito looked awesome in his fourth-round-stoppage over heralded Frenchman Hacine Cherifi (#15, v450) and is hoping for a rematch against Hopkins as soon as possible.
The former welter, super welter and middleweight titlist dropped Cherifi in round 3 and
twice in round 4, forcing the outclassed Cherifi to retire.
In the 2002 World Cup competition Trinidad provisionally enters in fourth place with this victory. But 450 points are not quite enough to bother leader Harry Simon (900 pts) and Hopkins (800 pts) at this stage. New EBU champion Morrade Hakkar is also slightly ahead of him with 460 points (see below). On the other hand, Trinidad strengthens his number 2 spot in WCOB's total ranking.

On the San Juan show, Cuban super lightweight Diobelis Hurtado (#10, v600) continued his recent excellent form by knocking out Randall Bailey (#11, v490) in 7 spectacular rounds.
Hurtado already floored his opponent in the second round with a right hand, but Bailey came back strongly to score a knockdown of his own in round 6. However, Hurtado didn't let it slip away and battered Bailey to the canvas with a series of cracking body punches in the following round. Bailey could not make it back on his feet.
Due to his second big win this year, Hurtado climbs from sixth to second in the current
WCup standings. The margin towards leader Arturo Gatti (1400 pts vs 812 pts) is still
considerable, though, and the latter is also making his second ring appearance next week...
As far as the total ranking is concerned, the Cuban may end up in eighth place when the next official rankings are released on June 5.

Light flyweight Alex Sanchez (#22, v352 at 112 lbs) and #21 Jose Victor Burgos (v360)
came to a narrow 12-round draw. The judges had it 115-113, 113-115 and 114-114, but most observers felt Sanchez had done enough to get the verdict.

Another high-ranked super lightweight, #7 Terron Millett (v900) had a very tough night and had to be content with a narrow split decision win over unranked Damone Wright. Millett was in serious trouble on several occasions and didn't look recovered from the stoppage loss against Gatti last January.

In Milan, Italy, the European middleweight title changed hands. Local favourite and defending champion Cristian Sanavia (#14, v460) retired in the seventh round against French challenger Morrade Hakkar (#29, v298) claiming he couldn't see anymore. Sanavia had started the rematch (the Italian won a controversial split decision at the end of last year) well, but suffered a cut on the right eye in round 6. It forced Sanavia to attack desperately. Hakkar managed to hang on and re-established his pumping jab, which appeared to demoralize the titleholder, who turned his back in round 7.
Hakkar earns 460 points with his victory and nicks third place away from Felix Trinidad in the World Cup ranking. He is also set to enter the top 10 in the overall ranking, and thus overtakes his compatriot Cherifi as best Frenchman.

Super welterweight coming man Kassim Ouma (#15, v450) notched up a second good win this year by stopping Jason Papillion (#32, v276) in eight rounds in Delaware. It was a one-way affair from the start and Ouma gradually wore his foe down. Ouma's body attack was especially impressive. In World Cup terms, Ouma adds 276 points to the 106 he already had, and provisionally moves up from eleventh to fifth in the standings.

Over in Tokyo, featherweight Takashi Koshendo (#44, v196) successfully defended his
OPBF belt against his compatriot Toshikage Kimura (#41, v214) with a unanimous decision.
Koshendo used his counterboxing skills to full effect and will likely enter the top 20 in
WCOB's total ranking.



WORLD CUP OF BOXING

May 12, 2002
Tito Not Finito, Stops Cherifi
by Robert Ecksel


Many fighters never quite recover from their first loss in the ring. Winning as a child and winning as an adult becomes as habit-forming as winning as a world champion. But there comes a moment in each man's life when he must confront the inconceivable. It may be death or tragedy so immense that it’s a mismatch versus puny reality. Yet the measure of men is not only the extent of their wealth and the breadth of their accomplishments: It's also dependent on a man's ability to bounce back from defeat.

In his first fight since the loss of his middleweight title to Bernard Hopkins on September 29, 2001, Felix "Tito" Trinidad (41-1 34 KOs) got his feet wet against a French-Algerian former champion named Hacine Cherifi (32-6 20 KOs). Cherifi fought bouts with scores of tough customers during his heyday of honest contention. So he's as deserving as any man to be the welcome mat for Tito's return to center stage.

Although Hacine Cherifi displayed boxing skills and courage in abundance, Trinidad was too focused, too hungry, had too much to prove to too many people (including himself) for Cherifi to even dream of going the distance. Not that a decision at the end of twelve rounds could have ever gone to Cherifi. Tito is a proud Puerto Rican. The fight was staged at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The referee was from Puerto Rico. The three impartial judges were from Puerto Rico. Everyone but the promoter Don King has a home in Puerto Rico.

Trinidad dashed from his corner like a man on a starry mission. He boxed beautifully, bobbing and weaving and jabbing his way into Cherifi's face. It was the Tito of old resurrected, the knockout knockout artist alive and well and punching an opponent. Cherifi is no slouch in the fighting department. He gave it his best shot while it lasted. But by round three Tito's hooks began landing, his right hand had found the range. With a half-minute left in the third stanza, Tito caught Cherifi with a picture-perfect left that swiveled the Frenchman's head before he fell. Like all great warriors over the centuries, Hacine Cherifi rose to his feet and kept fighting.

In round four we saw Tito's impersonation of a man-eater going for the kill. Another fabulous Trindad left hook dropped the discouraged Cherifi to the canvas. It was now only a matter of time. Trinidad caught his challenger with shots to the body and head. A classic right-left combination put Hacine on all fours. Cherifi took the ten-count. Hacine Cherifi has the face of a man whose profession is fighting for a living. And the expression on that fine pug's mug, though in French, about said it all: Hacine Cherifi was hurting. Hacine Cherifi was in pain. Maybe his rib was broken. Maybe it was his spirit. Hacine Cherifi is nobody’s fool and knew it was suicide to rise and continue.

Tito Trinidad won the prizefight fair and square. There was no trash talk, no bad blood, no corruption, there were no low blows nor bad decisions. It was a W, it was an L, it was a payday for the two men. Tito remains a glorious fighting machine, though he has his imperfections. But Felix Trinidad was victorious last night against the willing Hacine Cherifi. Win, lose or draw, Felix Trinidad is an artist at the art of demolition, one of the pound-for-pound greatest punchers in the fight game today.

May 12, 2002
CBZ Reports: Trinidad Stops Cherifi
TRINIDAD COMEBACK: BUSINESS AS USUAL
Hurtado knocks out Bailey in slugfest
By Chris Bushnell

After the beating that Bernard Hopkins put on Felix Trinidad during their September, 2001 encounter, no one would have been surprised if Trinidad had returned to the ring a changed fighter. Perhaps he’d be overly defensive, or not commit to his punches. Maybe his chin would pull a Vargas, or his style would pull a DelaHoya. After all, Trinidad didn’t simply hand over his undefeated record to The Executioner... it was taken by force.

So imagine Hacine Cherifi’s surprise when he gets into the ring with
Trinidad, and the Puerto Rican superstar is looking like September was only a dream: quick jabs, combination punching, concussive power. The shock might be enough to make someone quit, which Cherifi did shortly after peeling himself off the canvas for the third time. That’s right: Trinidad is back. Middleweights beware.

Cherifi, himself a former claimant to the world middleweight title, has not made a career out of making other guys look good. His long arms punch from bizarre angles and seem to be able to tie up opponents who aren’t even range to be clinched. The challenge for Trinidad was to solve this puzzle while working through whatever psychological wounds the Hopkins fight had left behind. It took about 90 seconds.

Trinidad approached Cherifi quickly, but threw few punches in the first minute of the second phase of his career. Cherifi gave Trinidad plenty to look at, jerking his upper body in a series of spastic feints designed to make Tito flinch. Feeling brave after a minute of circling, Cherifi threw the first significant punches of the night. He twice glanced a wide hook off of Trinidad’s temple. Unfazed by the blows, Trinidad answered the assault with a sharp straight right that cracked Cherifi on the jaw and sent him back
a few steps. Hands high, Trinidad pressed in after his early success,
landing another solid lead right before the bell brought the first comeback round to an end.

Trinidad not only established his dominance in speed and power in the first, but he also apparently completely figured out Cherifi’s timing. Opening the second round quickly, Trinidad pumped his jab and began unleashing quick three punch combinations in Cherifi’s direction. Cherifi tried his best to retreat in the smaller-than-average ring, but Trinidad effectively cut off the ring with his feet before unloading with his fists. The adoring San Juan crowd, who had begun chanting “Ti-To” before the bout even started, raised the decibel level with each Trinidad flurry. The fighter and crowd seemed to push each other, and by mid-round Trinidad was fluidly peppering Cherifi with every weapon in his arsenal. Cherifi ate straight rights, double hooks, and a couple of left uppercuts that found their target. During the attack, Trinidad looked as calm and collected as ever. Even when Cherifi finally landed in return (and he did clip Trinidad with a pair of clean two-punch combos as the pace slowed in the final minute), Trinidad simply kept coming
forward while throwing and landing.

Trinidad continued to look sharp in the third. Pacing himself a bit more, Tito controlled the pace behind a wicked jab. Doubling up with the stick, Trinidad would expertly move his feet closer to Cherifi as he threw, making his follow-up right all the heavier when it landed. But Trinidad’s jab was more than just a set-up punch. Delivered on it’s own, it violently snapped Cherifi’s head back. Three times at mid-round, Trinidad suddenly thrust his jab through Cherifi’s tight guard and landed loudly. Cherifi tried to make an adjustment, and began ducking low as Trinidad would jab or feint. With 35
seconds remaining in the round, Cherifi ducked one such feint only to stand up into the path of Tito’s right hand. The punch dropped Cherifi onto the seat of his pants. He arose slowly but steadily, taking a deep breath as referee Ismael Quinonez Falu completed the mandatory eight. Trinidad took a few bounces and then came at Cherifi, immediately landing an identical chopping right hand. Cherifi retreated to the ropes, and then to a neutral corner, with Tito chasing and throwing all the way. Felix managed to score a
few more heavy shots before a bell saved Cherifi from further harm.

Cherifi had been unable to block Trinidad’s jab in the third, and it was little surprise when Tito began pumping it again in the fourth. Cherifi tried to cope, but Tito’s jab was ruining everything. If Cherifi stood still, he ate jabs. If he threw punches, the jab tilted his head and made him miss. As long as Trinidad started with the jab, he could throw almost anything else he wanted. He punished Cherifi with the right, but also mixed in uppercuts and a few hooks to the body. But it was an upstairs hook that ended the fight. Cherifi was trying to return fire when he swung around into
Tito’s hook. The punch rocked Cherifi’s head and he again fell back onto his shorts. Cherifi tried to push himself up, but his knees could not hold him and he fell back into the ropes. Turning around to a kneeling position, Cherifi used the ropes to pull himself up. There he found the ref completing the count of eight.

Trinidad now moved in to finish. Cherifi alternately covered up and ran, but it was no use. Trinidad was all over him, throwing punches from angles without pause. After eating a series of heavy shots, Cherifi moved to a neutral corner and managed to bob and weave his way around a half dozen wildly thrown Trinidad haymakers. As the crowd rabidly cheered him on, Trinidad steadied himself, let Cherifi move away, then more patiently approached him. Trinidad launched a long right hand that nicked Cherifi. Tito followed the momentum of that punch forward, and then swung with a shorter left hook. Again, Cherifi’s head spun around and he fell to the canvas. Cherifi again beat the count, but this time his face showed complete resignation. After Falu reached eight, he looked at Cherifi, realized that
he did not want to continue, and waved the fight off. Trinidad KO4.

An elated Trinidad soaked in the adoration as credentialed personnel quickly filled the ring. As the celebration tapered off, Triniad (now 41-1/34) called for his next fight to be with Hopkins. Although an interim fight with the DelaHoya-Vargas winner might be more likely, Trinidad showed that a Hopkins rematch is not out of the question. Following the first fight, it seemed as though Trinidad would need as much recovery time as Fernando Vargas needed after his first loss. Not so. Trinidad looked fresh, strong, and most importantly: unaffected. He may or may not be able to turn the table on Hopkins… but at least we now know that he isn’t damaged goods. That’s bad news for everyone at 160.

20 pounds south, two great 140 lb. fighters waged a power struggle on the Trinidad-Cherifi undercard. Hard hitting Randall Bailey got up off the canvas to drop his opponent, Diobelys Hurtado in an exciting contest. Unfortunately for Bailey, however, the fight didn’t end until Hurtado returned the favor, getting up from the knockdown and again dropping Bailey - this time for the count.

Bailey was looking for new life in the junior welter division after his 25-0/25KO record was snapped by Ener Julio. He stormed out against Hurtado in the opening round, pressing Hurtado into the ropes and firing heavy haymakers. A few of these bombs landed, including a hook that rocked Hurtado back on his heels in the opening seconds, and a stiff right hand near round’s end that sparked a mini-flurry before the bell.

Hurtado looked to be in more trouble in the second round, as he circled away from the charging Bailey only again to find himself trapped on the ropes. Bailey dug several hard shots to the body as Hurtado cupped his gloves over his face for protection. At first Hurtado looked like he might stay folded up on the ropes until Bailey dropped him. But then all of a sudden, the opposite happened. As Bailey took a step towards an all-defense Hurtado, a quick right hand shot out of Hurtado’s shell and slammed into Bailey’s jawbone. The punch landed with a loud crack, and Bailey fell to one knee.
Bailey easily beat the count, but now it was Hurtado’s chance for an attack. Swinging wildly, Hurtado tagged Bailey behind the ear, sending him again staggering into the ropes. Hurtado continued his assault, landing another right and a long left hook that opened a short gash over Bailey’s right eye. Bailey managed to force a clinch and buy some time to get out of the round, but his early lead had instantly evaporated. As round three began, Bailey tried to maintain the pressure, chasing Hurtado away from center ring and into the ropes… but he couldn’t follow-up his footwork with meaningful punches. For his part, Hurtado welcomed the bullrushes. He countered Bailey off the ropes with a series of short rights that mirrored the one from round two, and mixed in more than a few counter
hooks and body shots. At first, Bailey walked through the punches and tried to fire his own big blows. But Bailey was head-hunting, and while he was able to land a few good shots, he was being outworked by Hurtado after each attempt.

Hurtado continued to counter off the ropes in round four. Bailey started strong by punishing Hurtado with an overhand right and following with a short shoeshine to the body, but soon Hurtado was again countering with two or three punches at a time. Bailey usually came at Hurtado while crouching low, leaving himself wide open not only for Hurtado’s downward right hand, but also his upward hooks and uppercuts.

By round five, Bailey had taken so many counterpunches that his own offense began to dwindle. Bailey continued to chase Hurtado from one side of the ring to another, but was now rarely following up with punches. Hurtado responded by taking a bit of a breather himself, and the fifth round was much slower than the round that preceded it.

Hurtado was having such an easy time on the ropes, especially after Bailey’s inactive fifth round, that he got a little lazy. Early in the sixth round, Hurtado was again fighting off the ropes when he dropped his left. The opening was filled with a windmill Bailey right hand. The punch slammed into Hurtado’s ear and made him bounce off the ropes. At first Hurtado looked fine. Then, a full second after he looked unfazed, Hurtado’s right knee suddenly buckled and he dropped to the canvas in a seriously delayed reaction.

Hurtado beat the count, but was looking a bit unsteady. Using his amateur experience to full advantage, Hurtado managed to keep Bailey off him with a series of thrusting upper body feints. As Hurtado bounced life back into his legs, Bailey mostly stayed away. By round’s end, Hurtado had returned to countering Baileys’ one-at-a-time offense, although not often enough to prevent a 10-8 for Bailey.

Hurtado’s corner implored him to not blow the fight, and so the Cuban
defector stormed out to start round seven with both fists flying. At center ring, Hurtado repeatedly flung a wide right and left at Bailey, and managed to catch at least part of Bailey’s face with each punch. Each time he was hit, Bailey seemed to curl up for a second. When two, three, and eventually four one-twos went unanswered, Hurtado allowed his rally to snowball into a full-fledged flurry. As Bailey crouched and curled up to defend himself, he exposed his sides. Hurtado pounded Bailey on the right side before standing
him up with an uppercut to the belly. Bailey partially tied Hurtado up, and referee Luis Pagon called for a break. Hurtado took a step back, readied himself, then let his entire weight fly into a wide right hand. Expecting the punch was aimed at his head, Bailey again covered up. But the blow was headed south, and it sank directly into Bailey’s undefended ribs. The punch buckled Bailey’s knees and he fell downwards to the canvas. The left hook that Hurtado landed as Bailey was going down was irrelevant. It was the body
shot that had done the damage.

Pagon leaned in and began his count. But as four turned into five, Bailey wasn’t looking up at the ref, but further burying his head in his arms. He was in pain. At nine he half-heartedly tried to stand up, but it was not happening. The ref reached ten, waved the fight off, and Bailey collapsed back down to the canvas and spit out his mouthpiece. He was still grimacing when he was raised onto a stool a minute later. Hurtado KO7.

Diobelys Hurtado, a great contender who until now had been best known for almost derailing Whitaker-DelaHoya, and for dropping Kostya Tszyu twice in the first round before being knocked out, has finally made his mark. With this win, he not only picks up an impressive victory, but a bogus WBA title belt. Because Tszyu holds the WBC and IBF belts in addition to his WBA trinket, that organization has declared him “super-champion.” In the bizarre world of boxing politics, this designation leaves the WBA “regular” championship at this weight vacant. That vacancy has been filled now by Hurtado, who doesn’t need a phony title belt to prove that he’s one of the best. We’ll definitely be hearing more from him.

….Chris Bushnell
http://www.boxingchronicle.com


Tito Not Finito
By Robert Ecksel

Many fighters never quite recover from their first loss in the ring. Winning as a child and winning as an adult becomes as habit-forming as winning as a world champion. But there comes a moment in each man's life when he must confront the inconceivable. It may be death or tragedy so immense that it’s a mismatch versus puny reality. Yet the measure of men is not only the extent of their wealth and the breadth of their accomplishments: It's also dependent on a man's ability to bounce back from defeat.

In his first fight since the loss of his middleweight title to Bernard Hopkins on September 29, 2001, Felix "Tito" Trinidad (41-1 34 KOs) got his feet wet against a French-Algerian former champion named Hacine Cherifi (32-6 20 KOs). Cherifi fought bouts with scores of tough customers during his heyday of honest contention. So he's as deserving as any man to be the welcome mat for Tito's return to center stage.

Although Hacine Cherifi displayed boxing skills and courage in abundance, Trinidad was too focused, too hungry, had too much to prove to too many people (including himself) for Cherifi to even dream of going the distance. Not that a decision at the end of twelve rounds could have ever gone to Cherifi. Tito is a proud Puerto Rican. The fight was staged at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The referee was from Puerto Rico. The three impartial judges were from Puerto Rico. Everyone but the promoter Don King has a home in Puerto Rico.

Trinidad dashed from his corner like a man on a starry mission. He boxed beautifully, bobbing and weaving and jabbing his way into Cherifi's face. It was the Tito of old resurrected, the knockout knockout artist alive and well and punching an opponent. Cherifi is no slouch in the fighting department. He gave it his best shot while it lasted. But by round three Tito's hooks began landing, his right hand had found the range. With a half-minute left in the third stanza, Tito caught Cherifi with a picture-perfect left that swiveled the Frenchman's head before he fell. Like all great warriors over the centuries, Hacine Cherifi rose to his feet and kept fighting.

In round four we saw Tito's impersonation of a man-eater going for the kill. Another fabulous Trindad left hook dropped the discouraged Cherifi to the canvas. It was now only a matter of time. Trinidad caught his challenger with shots to the body and head. A classic right-left combination put Hacine on all fours. Cherifi took the ten-count. Hacine Cherifi has the face of a man whose profession is fighting for a living. And the expression on that fine pug's mug, though in French, about said it all: Hacine Cherifi was hurting. Hacine Cherifi was in pain. Maybe his rib was broken. Maybe it was his spirit. Hacine Cherifi is nobody’s fool and knew it was suicide to rise and continue.

Tito Trinidad won the prizefight fair and square. There was no trash talk, no bad blood, no corruption, there were no low blows nor bad decisions. It was a W, it was an L, it was a payday for the two men. Tito remains a glorious fighting machine, though he has his imperfections. But Felix Trinidad was victorious last night against the willing Hacine Cherifi. Win, lose or draw, Felix Trinidad is an artist at the art of demolition, one of the pound-for-pound greatest punchers in the fight game today.

May 10, 2002
CKP PR- Terrance Lewis Rematched With Robert Davis
Hard-hitting heavyweights Terrance Lewis of Philadelphia faces Robert Davis of Akron, Ohio, in a rematch of what many considered the "fight of the year" for 2001 Saturday, May 25, on the Cedric Kushner Promotions nationally televised "Memorial Weekend Heavyweight Explosion" card at the Las Vegas Hilton.

This 10-round, main event rematch comes almost exactly one year to the day from their first meeting. On May 22 in San Francisco, Lewis stopped Davis in the ninth round of a seesaw battle.

Six other bouts are on the Cedric Kushner Promotions card May 25 at the Las Vegas Hilton, including-DaVarryl
Williamson of Denver against Dale Crowe of Cincinnati in the heavyweight semi-main event, the Las Vegas debut of undefeated welterweight sensation Anthony Thompson of Philadelphia and a women's bout featuring Mandy Lynn La Pointe of Las Vegas.

The card starts at 7 p.m. (Pacific) with doors to the Hilton Center opening at 6:30.
Tickets, priced at $25 and $35 for reserved and $45 for ringside, are available at the Las Vegas Hilton box office daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and by calling 702-732-5755 or 800-222-5361 during those hours.

This card will be televised by Fox Sports Net as part of its "Sunday Night Fights" series. The card will be telecast Sunday, May 26.
The 20-year-old Thompson, a three-time national amateur champion and 2-0 as a pro, meets Ruben Munoz of Mira Loma, Calif., in a four-round fight.

La Pointe faces Stephanie Dobbs of Norman, Okla., in a four-round bantamweight bout.

Three more heavyweight fights are on the Cedric Kushner Promotions card, which is sponsored by Everlast-David Vedder of San Jose, Calif., against Zuri Lawrence of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., in a six-round bout; Billy Zumbrun of Ogden, Utah, against Byron Polley of St. Joseph, Mo., in another six-round fight; and undefeated Alvin Manley of Little Rock, Ark., against Wes Taylor of Atlanta in a four-round bout.

The 29-year-old Lewis has a record of 30-11 with 20 knockouts while the 30-year-old Davis has a mark of 26-4 with 15 knockouts.
Lewis knocked down Davis twice and built an early lead during their exciting first meeting. Then, starting with the middle rounds, Davis rallied and took charge. Davis had Lewis in trouble during the ninth, but this before one punch to the head brought a sudden end to the action-packed and lauded fight.

Both Lewis and Davis have fought two former heavyweight world champions, World Boxing Association title-holder Greg Page and WBA and International Boxing Federation king Michael Moorer. Lewis was stopped by both while Davis knocked out Page and went the distance against Moorer.

That 10-round loss to Moorer Feb. 16 in Uncasville, Conn., was Davis' most recent outing. Lewis' most recent fight was less than one month ago, April 27 in Uncasville on a Showtime-televised card, when he lost a close and controversial decision to Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne.

Williamson, who has a record of 15-1 with 14 knockouts, and Crowe, who has a mark of 21-5-2 with 13 knockouts meet in an eight-round fight.

The 33-year-old Williamson, a five-time national amateur champion, has won 12 straight, most recently on the Cedric Kushner Promotions card televised by Showtime April 13 in Chester, W. Va., when he stopped Abdul Muhaydin in the third round.
Williamson is one of the more diverse heavyweights in action today. He has a Masters degree in administrative services, was a standup comic and tried out for quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.

The 25-year-old Crowe, one of the more gregarious fighters competing, has a win against Page and a draw with Moorer.
The 20-year-old Thompson stopped Fausto Alvaraque in the first round April 27 in New York City and halted Elvisto Mills in the second March 17 in Oroville, Calif.
Thompson, the favorite to win the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics had he not turned pro, attended Temple University and majored in accounting before concentrating solely on his pro career.
The 27-year-old Munoz has a record of 4-2-3 with three knockouts.
The 37-year-old Vedder has a record of 21-20-5 with three knockouts, but has fought for four world championships--for the World Boxing Council light heavyweight titles against Virgil Hill and Jeff Harding, for the IBF 175-pound crown against Henry Maske and for the WBC cruiserweight championship against Anaclet Wamba.
The 31-year-old Lawrence has a record of 16-7-3 with no knockouts and has won four straight.
The 29-year-old Zumbrun has a record of 8-3-1 with five knockouts and also has won four straight, the most recent a second-round knockout of previously undefeated Barry Lineberger on the Cedric Kushner Promotions card Feb. 16 at the Las Vegas Hilton.
The 22-year-old Polley has a record of 7-1 with two knockouts.
The 30-year-old Manley has a record of 4-0 with two knockouts.
The 28-year-old Taylor has a record of 4-6-1 with four knockouts.
La Pointe has a record of 1-1-1 with no knockouts.
Dobbs has a record of 0-1.

May 10, 2002
Mike Tyson’s Loony Tunes
By Robert Ecksel

Lennox Lewis finally dissed Mike Tyson.

While Iron Mike Tyson has his say with the boasts, with the trash talk and wild predictions, the champion Lennox Lewis has finally broken his silence and described Iron Mike as "a cartoon."

We love animation, crave comic books, comic strips, comic comments as much as they next guy. But we can’t help wonder what the heavyweight champ is thinking. The wonderful world of Disney has granted us characters as memorable as they are improbable. Yet Lennox Lewis, who chooses his words with care, when he chooses them at all, must have something specific in mind to throw such a low blow at his challenger Mike Tyson.

Culling the archives of the cartoon canon, our archivists have been sifting for a connection. In the black and white universe that defines the cartoon, there are as many heroes as there are villains. There’s the "What’s up, Doc?" insolence of Bugs Bunny versus his hapless predator Elmer Fudd. There’s the Road Runner and his ineffectual assailant called Wile E. Coyote. There’s that spinach-gulper with the forearms and tattoos, the inimitable Popeye the Sailor Man, besieged by his clumsy nemesis Brutus (a.k.a. Bluto).

There are superheroes galore in bleeding ink printed on paper just a notch above ass-wipe. Superman. Batman. Captain Marvel. Captain America. The Incredible Hulk. The Green Hornet. Spider-Man. These adolescent fantasies are ready-made for teens chock-full of testosterone. But our caped crusaders are champions, they’re the best at what they do, fighting crime, eradicating evil, beating-up on bad guys. Odds are Lennox Lewis, when he calls Iron Mike "a cartoon," didn’t have these gentlemen in mind.

But for every good guy, for every white hat, for every knight in shining armor, there’s a demonic character whose dastardly deeds set the stage for an epic struggle. Who are some of these troublemakers? The Joker. The Riddler. The Penguin. Lex Luther. Some of our all-time faves! And there are such wicked stalwarts as Phobia, Malice, Fatality, Tao Jones, Spoilsport, Doomsday, Carnage and Dr. Doom. Although not household names, once these harbingers of darkness enter the ring it’s a fair fight versus the light.

None of which helps us fully catch the extent of Lennox Lewis’ drift. If we could corner the champ, ask him a few pertinent questions, perhaps this mystery might be solved. But Lennox remains incommunicado. He says what he wants when he wants if he wants and no amount of prodding makes a difference.

But as we scan our stacks of comic books and rerun Fritz The Cat, we think we understand what the heavyweight champion means when he calls Mike Tyson a cartoon. Lennox Lewis is speaking longhand, when all he needs to say is: That’s all folks!

May 10, 2002
Fight Night In Tacoma—the Saturday Line-Up
By Katherine Dunn

Scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 02
At the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

The regular show at the wedding cake paddle-wheeler on the bay starts at 8 p.m. This month’s line-up has a ten round Jr. Lightweight main event scheduled between Luis Puma Villalta (26-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Pedro Garcia, (10-2-0, 6 KO).

A six round Super Middleweight semi features local guy Tim Shocks (21-12-1, 14 KO) vs Jeremy Morrison (14-5, 9 KO) of St. George, Utah.

A quartet of 4 round bouts includes:


Light heavyweights, Scott Sales (1-3-0, 1 KO) of Eugene, OR vs James Partch (0-6-2) of Boring, OR.

Middleweights Sinan Kuch (1-0, 1 KO) of Portland, OR vs Gonzalo Dominguez (0-2) of Hood River, OR.

Featherweights, Angelo Torres (4-4-1, 2 KO) of Lakewood, WA vs Cesar Garcia (2-4-1, 1 KO) of Salem, OR.

Light Heavyweights Victor Branson (2-2-1) of Willamina, Or vs Josue Cielos (1-1, 1 KO) of Seattle.

May 10, 2002
Read the May WAIL -- The CBZ Journal
Well, with some HTML help from Kristian Nordestgaard we have finally posted the May 2002 issue of Wail!

So, go to MAY 2002 WAIL! THE CBZ JOURNAL.

Make sure you let us know what you think.


Editorial
By GorDoom

Stillman's Gym: The Center of the Boxing Universe
By John Garfield

Laila Ali Interview
By Katherine Dunn

Analysis: Reflections on Foxy Boxing: Why was Fox's Tacky Schlockfest such a Knockout? It's the Payback, Stupid!
By DscribeDC

Interview: Borge Krogh
By Kristian Nordestgaard

A Champion in Ireland: The Visit of John L. Sullivan
By John Anderson

When Validation lacks Validity
By Frank J. Lotierzo

Artie Towne
By Harry Otty

The Truth About Maxie Rosenbloom
By Chuck Hasson

"Philadelphia" Pal Moore
By Jim Amato

Unlucky 13: Marciano-Walcott I
By Paul Drolet

Best U.S. Amateurs
By Adam Pollack

Of Boxing Names -- Chicken and Chocolate
By Enrique Encinosa

Rodolfo Gonzales Interview
By Dan Hanley

"Joe Choynski: "Clever, Shifty, and Explosive"
By Tracy Callis

Ali: The Evolution of a Legend
By Adeyinka Makinde

The Barge Fight
By Donald Cogswell

Sparring with Joyce Carol Oates
By Robert Ecksel

Anatomy of the Knockout
By Tom Donelson

Column
by Steve Coughlin

Exclusive Book Excerpt:
The Autobiography of Buddy Baer
By Buddy Baer and Vicki Baer

May 10, 2002
The Ultimate Lennox Lewis Interview
by Robert Ecksel

New York, NY -- If Mad Dog Mike's bark is worse than his bite is the subject of many an argument. Creating dust storms, smoke and mirrors in a world of harcopy defines Mike's monopoly of the media. But it still appears as if the old conjurer's trick - one day headlines/ the next day bread lines - remains a role in Comrade Tyson's repertoire.

Where is Lennox Lewis while all this is going on? Locked away far from the maddening crowd? Without TV, radio or newspapers? Without the internet? Without distraction? Without the Man from Brownsville? One would think Lennox Lewis needs Mike Tyson like he needs a hole in the head. We assume the heavyweight champion is waiting for the other shoe to drop. (Everyone else is!) But Lennox, as usual, remains silent. He's almost invisible, an enigmatic Rastaman, a shadow champion, a reluctant warrior, and he’s the world's most elusive interview.

In the spirit of equal time, we booked a flight though Tip-Top Travel and got our tickets for a song. We flew nonstop from New York to Miami Beach, Fla., before hopping a prop to Kingston, Jamaica. Our agent got us a killer deal that included two nights in a hotel called The Pegasus. A Goliath towering over urban decay, Golgotha at home in the ruins, the high-rise was conceived in the well-worn Conrad Hilton/Donald Trump tradition. Blaring-trumpet grotesque, an overblown folly, a simulacrum of paradise behind barbwire. The creepy dump was such a downer that even banana daquiris didn’t help. After questioning the concierge, the maitre d’, the valet, the bellhop, and several hookers turning tricks in the parking lot, we concluded the champion wasn't there, and wasn't likely to ever be there.

We hired a car and driver and sped off in search of Lennox Lewis.

Verdant vegetation greeted us at every turn. We stopped in Ochos Rios and had a real swell lunch. The ackee and saltfish. The jerk chicken. The bully beef. The breadfruit. How delicious! How satisfying! How inexpensive! We made a pit stop in Montego Bay to fill ‘er up, buy beer and replenish our stash. We raced along Jamaica's shining north coast, past white sand beaches, past Errol Flynn's mansion, past rusting hulks of old shipwrecks. We were finally approaching the champion's stomping grounds high above Negril!

Lennox Lewis’ real estate is as pretty as a postcard. But the locked gates suggested that the champion wasn't home. Didn't we have a date? Didn't we have an appointment? Where was the card that man gave us? A servant in livery suddenly appeared to set the record straight. "Mr. Lennox has decamped for the Poconos," he informed us. "And the exit, gentleman, is the way you came in."

Damn! We missed the champ Lennox Lewis! We had no choice but to turn around and go back to the USA.

We got lucky in the airport lounge and met a smuggler working as a snitch for Reggae Airlines. The dude gifted us a lift across the border to a training camp in Pennsylvania. We e-mailed Team Lewis the details of our arrival, and we expected a car, a driver, a limo, or a flunky to greet us at the runway. But the place was deader than a doornail.

Our bags fell from our hands to the tarmac. A sky full of stars began colliding with our mission. From New York to Jamaica to The Poconos in under twenty-four hours. We were tired. We were wiped. We were famished. But the prospect of obtaining an exclusive interview was a spur in the side of our ambivalence. We schlepped down a pitch-black road late at night with no map in the middle of nowhere. After several hours of wandering the wilderness, we saw what looked like lights in the distance. The closer we got, we the more excited we became. There were lights. It was civilization. It was a gas station. It was "Charlie's Shell." And it was, at that very moment, the answer to all our prayers.

Charlie himself offered us a beer, which we drank though it tasted like water. "You'll never find the champ by walking around after dark in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The Poconos is a big place," said Charlie, as he crushed a beer can in his fist. "Lennox Lewis is a private man. He's a man with many secrets." There was a pause. We asked, "Do you know him? Have you seen him? Have you met him?" "Well, no, not exactly," answered Charlie, "but for a price I can lead you to his training camp!"

Charlie nickled-and-dimed us for minutes on end until we finally relented. The country bumpkin pocketed the cash and pointed at his derelict pick-up. We climbed into the open back, which smelled of wet hay, old dogs and urine. Intrepid reporters learn over the years that a great scoop requires great sacrifice. In that venerable tradition, in that odiferous atmosphere, with that statistic behind the wheel chugging beers and burning rubber, we began rapidly ascending the Pocono Mountains, we were re-entering the sublime heart of darkness.

After several harrowing minutes, Charlie brought his beaten Chevy to a halt. "This is it, guys. You're here."

We looked around and noticed that we were surrounded by nothing but forest. "Here? This is it? It looks like we're in the Amazon jungle."

"You see that path there between those trees?" Charlie pointed at some foliage. "Follow that path there. You see it? Don't you? Two-hundred feet as the crow flies and you'll come face to face with Lennox Lewis."

We looked at ourselves. We looked at each other. We looked at Charlie as he sped away with our money. We heeded Charlie's advice and tried burrowing through the birches. There was underbrush and mud and muck and insects and it was an adventure to someday tell the grandkids. But ultimately it was stripped-down, barebones, in your face, cutting-edge investigative journalism, and it had a purpose, it was important, it was a paycheck.

We spotted what looked like a compound protecting a dignitary from invaders. Spotlights, sentries and German shepherds had locked-down the Team Lewis training camp. We ninjas had to resort to another plan of action. After rejecting an invasion by land, air and sea, we thought that tunneling might be the answer. But at what cost? We felt that pyrotechnics, creating a distraction and storming the fortress, was dramatic but a little too risky. We reasoned that Lennox Lewis, a diligent and careful pugilist here in the Poconos to train for Mike Tyson, was bound to wake up early and do roadwork. It was now 3:00 AM. We only had to stiff out a few more hours. Then we'd catch Lennox unawares and hear in his own words what he's been up to.

The temperature began to drop. And it began raining cats and dogs. Our equipment - the digicam and lights and tape recorders - our cocktail shaker, swizzle sticks and chillum - all got soaking wet. It's a good thing our camouflage was wash-and-wear, because we were about to meet the heavyweight champion.

The sun broke the blues of drench and ache and birds sang, it was a new day, but where was Lennox Lewis? It was almost six o'clock and the champion was nowhere to be seen. We had just about had it and were ready to split when my eagle-eyed accomplice saw what we came for. It was a telephoto view of the champion Lennox Lewis, and he was jogging, he was headed right toward us.

We hid behind a wall of trees. We held our breath, counted the seconds, and didn't make a sound. After all, we’re pros at this game. We love stalking celebrities. This is stuff we live and die for.

The element of surprise shocked Lennox Lewis and he hardly knew what hit him: "Champ! Champ! We've got a few questions! Champ! What about Memphis? Champ! What about Mike Tyson? Champ! What about the bite? Champ! What about the fight?"

"No comment," was Lennox Lewis' protean comment, and he ran in the other direction. We got what we came for, and felt vindicated, victorious and defeated all at once.

Back in Gotham, our ink-stained editor suggested that next time, before jet setting around the globe, we had first better “stop, look and listen.” Boss bullied us into letting our “ fingers do the walking” in the future. Chief challenged us to "spend more time home alone with our laptops sitting by the TV.” Because Mike Tyson, while he’s just the challenger and not the champion, has “plenty to say” and, besides, in case we hadn’t noticed, “Iron Mike is the man of the moment."

Wiser words were never spoken.

May 10, 2002
WCOB Weekend Preview
Felix Trinidad faces Frenchman Cherifi
by Kris Van de Velde

One of the boxing world's biggest questions is how Felix Trinidad has
recovered from his devastating loss to Bernard Hopkins last Autumn. Tito
will give us a hint when he steps into the ring with Frenchman and former
WBC titlist Hacince Cherifi in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Interestingly, Trinidad (#2, v1800) continues his career at middleweight.
Many experts felt he should, if possible, go back down to 154 lbs where he
is alleged to be at his best. For both fighters, this one is vital.
Trinidad is looking forward to a rematch against Hopkins or De La Hoya and
should convince the critics he is capable of doing Hopkins more harm next time.
His 34-year-old European opponent Cherifi (#15, v450) should not pose a
serious problem, but Trinidad should not underestimate him neither. Cherifi
knows he is at the crossroads of his career coming from losses against
Harry Simon and William Joppy in the past two years. A new defeat would
logically signal the end of his career at top level.

The middleweight World Cup competition is currently led by Harry Simon (900
pts),
directly followed by Hopkins (800 pts) and Robert Allen (420 pts). Trinidad
can thus enter in third place if he beats Cherifi. The Puerto-Rican hero
can likewise consolidate his second spot in the total ranking.

It appears that the second wave of major super lightweight fights is ahead
of us. Total ranking leader Kostya Tszyu and World Cup leader Arturo Gatti
are scheduled to fight next week, and now we can lick our fingers with a
contest between #10 Diobelis Hurtado (v600) and #11 Randall Bailey (v490)
on the Trinidad-Cherifi card. Both boxers have already put in a significant
result this year. Hurtado defeated Ricky Quiles and Bailey stopped
Demetrios Ceballos. They are currently lying sixth (322 pts) and sixteenth
(130 pts) respectively in the WCup, but the victor will become the
runner-up to Gatti.

Italian middleweight Christian Sanavia (#14, v460) defends his European
title against French challenger Morrade Hakkar (#29, v298) in Milan on
Saturday. Quite some points up for grabs in this match-up, which will
probably see the winner enter the top 10 of the division.

Mendoza, Argentina, is the venue for featherweight and former World Cup
leader Julio Pablo Chacon's next ring appearance. Chacon (#3, v490) will
not be defending his WBO title when he squares off against compatriot
Victor Hugo Paz, though. Paz, who holds an amazing 69-30-3 record, is
unranked and will not provide Chacon with many fresh WCup points as a
result. It means Johnny Tapia should not worry that Chacon will catch up
with him again in the WCup standing. The gap, 310 pts, is not incredibly
big and Chacon could have closed it by beating someone inside the top 28.
In the overall ranking, Chacon only required 111 points to get ahead of the
still inactive Marco Antonio Barrera ... A missed opportunity.

A good bout at super welterweight takes place in Dover, Delaware. Kassim
Ouma (#15,
v450) attempts to move further up in the rankings by beating Jason
Papillion (#32, v276). Ouma is lying 11th in the WCup competition so far,
but might climb as high as fifth place if he comes through well. A top 10
spot in the total ranking is likewise within reach.


WORLD CUP OF BOXING
http://www.worldcupofboxing.com/

May 7, 2002
New England Chatta - By JD Vena
Did any of you astute readers know that in a gesture of good sportsmanship, former two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson took time out last week to call his good buddy Lennox Lewis and invite him to his luxury suite in Maui for a game of chess? Apparently, Tyson uses chess to sooth his mind after a grueling workout and figured Lennox would appreciate the humble gesture. The reason why you might not have heard about Tyson’s unprecedented act of kindness is because it was announced the same day that George Bush declared that he and his buddy Osama bin Laden are slated to play together in a best ball golf tournament in Coral Springs within the upcoming weeks. Okay, so if you believed any of this then you’d probably believe that Malden super-middleweight “Dangerous” Dana Rosenblatt signed a contract with the promoter of Vinny Paz, Jimmy Burchfield. But it’s true, Rosenblatt who has been sidelined for over a year due to injuries signed with Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports last week.

Since 1996, a heated feud had between Paz and Rosenblatt began prior to their meeting that summer. Both said some things that infuriated each other and since their two meetings and some violent press conferances, there has been no love lost in one of the most heralded New England rivalries. But last week, Rosenblatt joined CES’ team and promoter Burchfield has every intention of carrying out the usual duties he has performed for his other cherished prospects. Burchfield is also a dear friend of Paz and mentioned to Paz that he would be inking Rosenblatt, who is expected to return to the ring some time in June.

“I told Vinny that we would be signing Dana,” said Burchfield. “And he said, ‘you gotta do what you gotta do, but just so you know, I may still want to fight him.”

“Any fighter we sign, we treat them as individuals,” said Burchfield. “If matching them together is the best option for both of them that is what we’ll do. We have great plans for Dana who is a fan favorite in New England and we hope to get him a world title just as we would like to have all of our fighters win world titles.”

Stay tuned.

Besides Rosenblatt, another popular fighter in the Boston area signed with Burchfield recently. Everett’s Richard “The Mountain” LaMontange was thought to be finished following a one-sided decision loss to Gary Wilcox two summers ago. The loss came during some complicated times for LaMontange who also models and played a character in Flawless, a 1999 film starring Robert DeNero. To top off his busy lifestyle, LaMontange was fighting his biggest fight, a custody battle over his then 11-year old daughter. With all that’s happened over the past few years, convincing Burchfield to sign him wasn’t easy.

“He came to me recently and asked if I would sign him,” said Burchfield. “I told him up front that I wasn’t too impressed with they way he had looked his past few fights. But he’s been training with Goody Petronelli, the great trainer out of Brockton and when I talked with Goody he said that Richie is more focused than he has ever been and that he’s training very hard.”

LaMontange will more than likely appear on Burchfield’s June card which will take place in the Boston area. In case you haven’t heard already, Burchfield’s next show is slated for May 23rd at the Mansion (The Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet) and will be headlined by Scott “The Sandman” Pemberton. The bout for Pemberton will be his second since his January release from the clink. Pemberton faces Wendall Hall while another local favorite, Providence’s Peter Manfredo, Jr. is scheduled to fight in his first ten rounder. Also appearing on the card will be streaking cruiserweight, Roy “The House of” Payne of Worcester and Cincinnati Bengal, Jevon Langford. For ticket information call (401) 724-2253.

Since his 10-round draw with Omar Weis this past December, New Bedford’s “Sucra” Ray Oliveira has been recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Three weeks before his duel with Weis, Oliveira reinjured his right knee while running. The injury hampered his training significantly and ultimately cost him a victory in their close fight. But according to “Sucra” his knee has progressed tremendously since his surgery in late February. He is back on the running the streets and back in the ring.

“I was in the ring for the first time the other day sparring with Scott (Pemberton), said Oliveira. “We went 4 rounds and he got the better of me each round but I was happy how it went because he couldn’t move me backwards. I felt comfortable pushing off my back foot and throwing my punches. By the way it’s going I want to be in the ring with anyone by the end of June.”

Though the two-time title challenger has campaigned the majority of his career in the talented jr. welterweight division, don’t expect Oliveira to return to the realm of 140-pounders.

“I haven’t been able to make the weight comfortably for years. When I make the weight, it takes away most of my strength and my abilities. I fought Vernon Forrest at 147 (in 1997) on 5 days notice and went 12 rounds with him.”

Former pound for pound entrant, “Sugar” Shane Mosley was lucky to make it the limit with the welterweight champion. One of Oliveira’s most noted wins was a dominant victory (despite what Teddy Atlas says) over “Cool” Vince Phillips in December of 2000. Phillips is himself a welterweight contender off of his impressive win over Nick Acevedo a month ago.

“Unless the money is right at 140, I’ll fight there,” said Oliveira. “But right now, I have every reason to be confident in competing with the best welterweights on the planet.”

Since his recent success, it hasn’t been very hard for Lowell’s “Irish” Micky Ward to receive strong local support. Since his string of impressive wins began in 1996, Ward has been packing all fight venues in acquiring more and more fans. But going into the biggest fight of his pro career, a May 18th showdown with former world champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, Ward will have more than some rampant fans behind him. In fact, “Lowell Spinners” will appear on the back of his trunks when he meets Gatti in his special HBO main event.

The Spinners are an exciting farm team for the Boston Red Sox based in Lowell. According to Ward’s publicist, Bob Trieger, it is the first time a professional team has teamed up with a professional boxer in this manner.

“It’s great having the Spinners in my corner,” said Ward. “The Spinners have become a great part of Lowell and this is my city. Everybody knows how classy the Spinners are and I like to think that I have a similar reputation in boxing.”

“Ward is the type of boxer both in the ring and outside the ring the Spinners would like to be associated with. The fact that he is from Lowell makes it that much better,” said General Manager Shawn Smith. “We are truly extremely proud to have Micky Ward, a local hero, where special Spinner shorts. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to welcoming him back to Lowell with the biggest win of his career!”

Replicas of the shorts will be made available for fans to purchase with Ward and the Spinners donating the proceeds to “Kids in Disabilities Sports, Inc.” The CBZ will keep you posted.

May 5, 2002
Takaloo Wins in a War
By Jim Dickinson

LONDON,ENGLAND - Margate's Mehrdud Takalobigashi, aka Takaloo, came through a punishing battle to stop Croydon veteran Gary Logan in ten rounds last night. The lightly regarded WBU light middleweight championship was at stake as the York Hall fans were treated to one of the most thrilling, evenly contested fights in recent years.

26 year old Takaloo, rated third by the WBO, won the vacant belt by stopping previously unbeaten Manchester prospect Anthony Farnell (who had won 26 straight) in the first round of a big upset last July, and after his first defence against former Commonwealth welterweight champion Scott Dixon had also ended inside three minutes, nobody gave 33 year old Logan (31-5-1) much chance of lasting to the half way point.

In Britain, in addition to Takaloo (18-2), we also have three other highly regarded light middleweights, each holding a championship. Former WBO title challenger Wayne Alexander (18-1) holds both the British & European titles, Richard Williams (14-1) is the reigning Commonwealth & IBO champion, and Steve Roberts (29-0) holds the WBF version.

Fans and the media are becoming increasingly frustrated at the politics between rival promoters Frank Warren and Barry Hearn, which continues to see these four fighters avoid facing each other and last night's WBU fight appeared, on paper at least, to be another marking time occasion, with hardly anybody giving the challenger a chance.

In 1996, "Shogun" Logan was stopped by Ensley Bingham in a British title fight; he then quit the sport and became a referee. Most of his wins had come at welterweight and last year the lure of boxing tempted him back. He beat Adrian Kirkbride (2-3), Spencer Fearon (10-3) and Ojay Abrahams (18-31-4) in a total of seven rounds, but the comeback ran out of steam in October, when Hussain Osman (8-3) outpointed him over 12 rounds.

Going into this contest, Takaloo clearly had a power advantage with a 70% knockout ratio, compared to Logan's 45%, although the challenger was vastly more experienced, having boxed 205 rounds to the champion's 82.

Despite a seven month lay off, the champion started fast, clearly aiming for an early night's work, and Logan concentrated upon surviving the initial onslaught.

Takaloo attempted to pin his opponent on the ropes and blast away, but the occasional retaliation punches did find their mark, particularly in an exciting second round, suggesting that this was not going to be as straight forward as most people expected.

Rounds three to five were evenly contested, with Takaloo perhaps just edging them on workrate alone, but the champion was wrongly awarded a knock down in the sixth, when Logan, with his back to the ropes, slipped on an advertising board and fell to one knee. Takaloo landed a short punch, and the referee issued a count.

The champion, clearly the stronger man, tried hard to finish him off, but Logan responded with tremendous grit and determination, winning rounds seven, eight and nine on my card to make the thrilling contest evenly poised going into the final three rounds. Logan's experience told as the champion constantly loaded up with big punches, only to be met with more accurate counters.

Both fighters started strongly in the tenth, and Takaloo landed a cracking right hand that sent Logan to the canvas. The challenger was up at the count of eight, but was unsteady on his legs and constant pressure from Takaloo forced referee Ian John-Lewis to intervene at 2.26 of the round.

After the toughest fight of his career so far, the left the ring with a nasty gash over the right eye. Ring announcer Michael Pass roused the crowd into giving both fighters - good friends away from boxing - a deserved standing ovation.

Takaloo, trained by former world title challenger Jim McDonald, had the name "Tom" on the back of his trunks, and afterwards dedicated the fight to him; Tom was a guy who worked out at the same gym as Takaloo, sadly he passed away from cancer earlier this year.

Promoter Frank Warren handles both Takaloo and European champion Alexander, who takes on WBO champion Daniel Santos in the summer. Should Alexander prevail, an all-London clash with Takaloo looks a natural.

What next for Logan ? Unfortunately, his tremendous effort may have done him more harm than good; it's hard to see another champion wanting to take him on voluntarily. Like I said, there is currently a general reluctance among the top British light middleweights to take on risky opponents.

Perhaps a move down to welterweight will provide new opportunities for him. The British 147lb division is short of depth, and on the strength of last night's performance, match ups with new Commonwealth champion James Hare, British champion Neil Sinclair or IBO champion Jawaid Khaliq would be attractive propositions.



Undercard results.



Former British title challenger and current WBO intercontinental lightweight champion Steve Murray (21-1) marked time with a routine win against moderate Russian import Rozalin Nasibulin (7-5). The Harlow puncher, ranked 4th in Britain, picked up a cut on the nose and showed little variety until a vicious single left hook dropped his southpaw opponent heavily in the fifth. Nasibulin failed to beat the count. It was scheduled for 8 rounds.

26 year old Murray hopes to challenge for the British title again later this year, should current champion Bobbie Vanzie (who beaten Murray 12 months ago) win the European championship on May 25th, and vacate the domestic title.

Former domestic amateur champion Stephen Foster, 21, outpointed journeyman Gareth Wiltshaw (3-11-1) over four rounds at super bantamweight. Foster, son of former world title challenger Steve "The Viking" Foster, threw 227 punches on the way to his fourth straight victory since turning pro last September.

May 4, 2002
Tyson Armed To The Teeth
by Robert Ecksel

What's worthy of comment or analysis? What's not considered, weighed and balanced, embraced, or rejected? As we edge toward June 8, toward the summation of grace at its most incoherent, Mike Tyson has once again grabbed all the newspaper headlines. How now? Mike finally confessed to biting Lennox Lewis. Is this newswire? Is this newsworthy? Is this an echo of a rerun? Have we already begun? Is it time out? Is it time to start over?

The Melee At The Millennium on January 22 was one of the worst press conferences in history. Bad blood led to push came to shove and Mike Tyson had ceased being collegial. Some punches were thrown, but mostly it was grappling, there was wrestling, there was some biting. Then the audience started baiting Tyson, began to mock him. A pyromaniac lit the fuse and Tyson exploded.

Iron Mike Tyson is going public again. After serving Hawaiian punch to reporters earlier this week, tonight on Fox, live and in living color, Mike will field questions the way a shortstop fields grounders. His eloquence, ease and confidence will be apparent to whoever’s watching. Mike Tyson will illustrate, as though any illustration were necessary, that he remains the man, a millionaire superstar, the former heavyweight champion, and you’ll note the sense of purpose, the sense of gravity, the sense of mission.

The seats at The Pyramid will soon hold fannies full of fanatics who are cruising for bruising. Pay-per-view sales are already through the roof. Interplanetary sales are skyrocketing. Iron Mike Tyson, in an orchestrated publicity blitz, is creating controversy and pandemonium. And he is not banging the drum slowly. No, it's the high-hat cymbals, his foot is on the pedal, he's tapping the snare, he’s beating a tattoo, and he’s leading a march down the middle of Main Street. It’s a May Day parade in the good old USA, it's only in America, and it's cacophonous illusion. Yet it's also boxing, it’s boosting sales, it raises expectations, and it’s sowing seeds of doubt and confusion.

Many people, knowledgeable people in the heart and soul of the fight game, believe that Mike Tyson will dethrone Lennox Lewis. Even an insider like Evander Holyfield, who knows both men better than most of us, believes Iron Mike will smash the guy with the dreads. They might be right. It's a prizefight, the men are heavyweights, and anything is possible. Clever Lennox might emerge victorious. Tyson's fists might be a prelude to the smelling salts.

Which leads us to the question that won't go away: Is boxing, is Memphis, are America and the world ready for Mike Tyson to become the new heavyweight champion? Reductio ad absurd as it might sound, one of Mike's Hail Marys! might knock Lennox Lewis into oblivion. Tyson looked great on CNN hitting the mitts in front of cameras. But as any old pro will tell you, the good thing about mitts is that they don't hit back. And they don't dance out of the way. And they're not 6'5". And they don't grab you when you get close enough to punch. We'd like someone, maybe Real Deal Holyfield, to tell us how Tyson overcomes this conundrum?

There are moments when we don't know what to think or where we stand. Yet when extraordinary men say extraordinary things in extraordinary times, the most extraordinary thing is sometimes its extraordinary ordinariness. Mike Tyson, after owning-up to biting Lennox Lewis in January, also let us know what to expect a little more than a month from now. Whether we're ringside in Memphis, Tennessee, or in a room by ourselves or alone together, try remembering Mike Tyson’s soundbite to yesterday’s press corps.

"On June 8, flesh will not be enough. I will take Lennox's title, his soul, and smear his pompous brains all over the ring when I hit him."

An interesting statement on the face of it, yet there are irregularities, inconsistencies and inconsiderations. But Mike Tyson is what Mike Tyson does. Whether we like it or not, the man is a boxer, he’s a professional fighter, Iron Mike is a showman. He knows his value. He knows his audience. He knows his future. But does Mr. Mike Tyson actually know how to beat the champion Lennox Lewis?

I guess we'll find out in a few weeks.

May 3, 2002
McClellan (Part 2)
Boxers Come Out for the G-Man in NYC
by Thomas Gerbasi (May 1, 2002)

NEW YORK, Apr. 30 - Despite a 19 hour train ride, and a hectic Friday that included a standing ovation at the Boxing Writers Association of America dinner, Gerald McClellan didn't want to rest, didn't want to stop meeting members of the New York boxing community that came out to pay their respects to the stricken former middleweight champion.

For the most part, McClellan has been forgotten by the boxing community, and most notably by many of those who called him a friend when he was terrorizing the middleweights in the 90's. But boxers in town last week weren't going to make the same mistake, coming to the G-Man's hotel room on Friday to talk with the former champ, or just to hold his hand.

And once he got your hand, he wasn't letting go.

Dressed in a tuxedo, McClellan and his sister Lisa greeted Ricardo Williams Jr., Mark Breland, Paulie Malignaggi and Brian Adams. Also making a visit was Lou DiBella, the former HBO boxing czar who not only financed McClellan's trip to New York, but the upcoming photo book to be released this year by ace photographer Teddy Blackburn. All proceeds from the book will go to the McClellan trust fund.

Worn out by the lengthy trip from his home in Freeport, Illinois, McClellan was less animated with current middleweight champ Bernard Hopkins on Thursday than he was when junior welterweight prospect Ricardo Williams Jr. entered the room on Friday.

"G is for the G-Man," said McClellan. "G is for my favorite son, little G-Man. G is for my favorite color, green, and G is for my favorite pop, grape."

McClellan gave Williams advice about listening to his parents and quizzed him on his career.

And while it was heartwarming to see McClellan and Williams form a bond, it wasn't an easy sight to see. Williams' father, Ricardo Sr., left the room with tears in his eyes, with manager Buddy LaRosa telling him, "This is why you take care of these kids outside of the ring, because inside, they're on their own." Truer words were never spoken.

For lightweight up and comer Malignaggi, there was a tentative look in his eyes as he awaited his opportunity to see McClellan, who Paulie remembered as one of his favorite fighters. And that's an understandable reaction.

It was tough enough for the media to see Gerald, with some reporters opting to not even enter the hotel room, but for an active fighter, who still has to step between the ropes knowing what may happen, it must be magnified one hundred times.

"What do you do to make weight?" asked McClellan.

"Train hard," answered Malignaggi.

"What do you eat?"

"Chicken, fish."

"What do you want to eat that you can't?"

"Pizza."

Gerald smiled.

There were occasional smiles and laughs on Friday, but there were many more moist eyes and headshakes. How do you love or participate in a sport that does this to its participants? And what if you are an active participant? Brian Adams had a look of disbelief and sadness as his close friend Mark Breland sat with McClellan. And for a fighter to continue fighting he has to believe with every fiber of his being that, "this can't happen to me."

But it can.

McClellan and Breland spent their time together talking about their careers, and Gerald immediately took to the former welterweight champion and Olympic gold medallist. He even asked Breland, "Are you Lisa's date?" It brought a smile from Breland, but the classy ex-fighter appeared to have a thousand thoughts running through his mind as he spoke with McClellan, 999 of them most likely saying, "thank god, I got out of boxing when I did."

A small group of reporters crowded around the room while McClellan held court, and cameras from CNNSI and ESPN filmed Gerald for upcoming features.

But when the cameras turned off, it was a group of fighters who weren't there for a photo op, but to salute a brother. A fallen brother who represents what may happen to them at any time. It's something that we can't understand, but the fighters know. You can see it in their eyes.

Send Contributions for Gerald McClellan to:
Gerald McClellan Estate
Fifth Third Bank
PO Box 660
Freeport, IL 61032

[Editor's Note: The CBZ would like to again thank Tom Gerbasi and www.MaxBoxingcom for permitting the submission on this article. The piece was originally publiched by MaxBoxing.]

May 1, 2002
DKP Press Release - Holyfield-Rahman Seat Upgrades at the Boardwalk Hall
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—For the first time in Boardwalk Hall boxing history, fight fans attending the June 1 heavyweight bout between Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman will be buying more tickets in fixed seats that make up the new bowl-shaped seating layout rather than temporary bleachers now that the $90-million renovation of the historic Hall was completed in October 2001.

The new seating bowl at Boardwalk Hall has increased the number of permanent arena seats from 4,600 to 10,200, all of which are upholstered with cup holders, with a total seating capacity scaled at over 12,000 for the June 1Holyfield vs. Rahman event. The permanent seating is designed around a floor hockey layout, which allows for additional floor seating to be added for boxing matches.

The largest crowd to attend a boxing event at the Boardwalk Hall took place on June 27, 1988, when Mike Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks in the first round to unify the heavyweight crown. The 21,785 people that witnessed that event set a record that still stands to this day; however, of the seats sold, only 4,600 were permanent. The remaining 17,185 fans sat in bleachers placed above and below the balcony, and chairs that were placed on an incline at ground level.

The historic Boardwalk Hall, which first opened in 1929, held it’s first boxing match on July 26, 1929. Since then, the Boardwalk Hall has hosted over 66 boxing events, including 31 world title bouts. The first world title fight took place on Dec. 7, 1963, when 11,793 boxing fans saw the 15-round match between Dick Tiger and Joey Giardello for the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council middleweight championship. Giardello won the match by decision.

The last heavyweight fight in the East Hall (the largest of the three rooms that held boxing events) was held on March 28, 1998. On that night heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis defended his WBC title by knocking out Shannon Briggs in the fifth round. The last boxing event to take place in East Hall was on Halloween night in 1998 when Naseem Hamed defended his World Boxing Organization featherweight title with a 12-round decision over Wayne McCullough.

The last boxer to take a punch at Boardwalk Hall was Rahman, when he lost to Oleg Maskaev on an eighth round TKO on Nov. 6, 1999 in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Boardwalk Hall.

Holyfield vs. Rahman tickets, priced at $50, $100, $175, $300, $500 and $750, are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets or by toll-free phone at (800) 736-1420, or in person at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Center Box Office Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or on the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com. The bout is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Park Place Entertainment and will be telecast on HBO.

May 1, 2002
Gerald McClellan
By Tom Gerbasi

NEW YORK, April 26 - Ace photographer Teddy Blackburn, who receives the Boxing Writers Association of America's "Good Guy" award tonight, said "when you see Gerald for the first time, it will change the way you feel about boxing."

He's referring to Gerald McClellan, the former WBC middleweight champion who had his life altered permanently by a brutal bout with Nigel Benn in 1995. The Freeport, Illinois native is blind, nearly deaf, and can barely walk. And yes, seeing him for the first time does alter your perception of the sport sometimes referred to as the "Sweet Science".

There's nothing sweet about what happened to McClellan, no silver
linings or happy endings. Lisa McClellan, Gerald's sister, said that in terms of her brother's health, "I think this is about it as far as any big progress." So he will never see his three children again, never hit a heavy bag with reckless abandon, or do roadwork in the morning.

And it can happen to any boxer.

"It's a wake up call," said middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, who
visited the G-Man in his hotel room yesterday. "I could be Gerald
McClellan after any fight I fight."

McClellan, 34, arrived in New York yesterday evening with Lisa and his
Aunt Lou after a 19-hour train ride from Freeport. It was the first time McClellan had been out of his hometown since he returned home after surgery for a subdural hematoma suffered in the Benn fight. The reason for the trip is to share the 'Good Guy' award with Blackburn, who humbly told Lisa after being notified, "I didn't come to see your brother and my friend to win an award. But since I did win, I want you both to come and share it with me. This is Gerald's day, not my day."

Says Lisa, "We were really excited for Teddy because he's been there,
and he's done so much to keep Gerald's name out there."

Unfortunately, McClellan's damaged brain has erased many of his
memories, including those of his career, his fights, and his friends. After a little prodding, Gerald remembered Blackburn, who remembered the drill of tapping McClellan's hand once for yes and twice for no.

"Teddy," said McClellan, "You are a friendly man, a handsome man, and a helluva talent."

He then proceeded to drill Blackburn on not only his love life but also his weight. "Are you ashamed of your weight?" laughed Gerald, unable to see, but able to smile.

Just as suddenly, McClellan will yell out for Lisa, reaching out for
someone to hold his right hand, a sign of security for Gerald, who ironically used his right hand to knock out most of his opponents.

Blackburn returns, and the two continue their conversation. It's a
bittersweet time for the Michigan native who currently resides in the
Bronx. "I make a living taking pictures of boxing and I love boxing, but when you see a friend, a fighter that you know, someone you've shot pool with and watched tapes with, and you see him with a vacant look and knowing that he might be in that chair for the next 30-40 years, blind and with faded memories, I say, 'what's wrong with me?'"

It's a question many of us have asked ourselves, but we still thrill to a good fight, appreciate a talented warrior, or even a gutsy kid who overachieves and gets one of those boxing rarities: a break. Most of all, after these conflicts of conscience we usually gain a greater
appreciation for those who step into the ring.

And McClellan remembers that he was not only a fighter, but also a world champion. "Show the G-Man's moneymaker," said Lisa, and McClellan raises his right fist, which looks as imposing as it did when he was knocking out foes with very little effort in the early to mid 90's. "At times," says Lisa, "if he's talking to me, he'll talk as if he's retired, he's hurt, he's got brain damage, and he's blind. But if someone else talks to him about boxing, he talks like what happened seven years ago never happened. I think that's why he got upset at the train station because he doesn't like for anyone to
say that he's not fighting anymore."

Light heavyweight champ Roy Jones Jr., one of the few in the boxing
community to still support Gerald's trust fund, has never gone to see
his amateur nemesis (McClellan owns a victory over Jones) because many
believe HE won't fight again. Hopkins, in town to receive the Fighter of The Year award, has wanted to see Gerald for some time, and the opportunity presented itself last night. Still his loquacious self, Hopkins did look visibly shaken after spending time with McClellan. "I'm angry because no one other than Roy Jones and some
others have done anything for Gerald McClellan," said Hopkins. "Money's not always everything, but he needs help. I have a two and a half year old daughter. Who's going to take care of her if I end up like this?"

In watching McClellan and Hopkins interact, there's a selfish side that makes you wish that the G-Man was healthy so he could trade blows with the pride of Philadelphia. "He was a threat to everyone in the division," said "The Executioner", who was wary to give out any of his trade secrets. "When you're sparring with these guys any of them show you something?" asked Gerald. "You hurt em?"

Hopkins answered yes and McClellan grabbed the champion's fist. "Put it on my chin."

"Not too hard, I don't want to put you to sleep," retorted Hopkins.

"You ever had a streetfight?" inquired McClellan.

"About 100,"

Once again, McClellan grabs Hopkins' hand and asks him to repeat after
him while tapping his hand, "This guy sounds like me and him will get
together and make some money."

McClellan smiles as the room erupts in laughter. He still looks the same as when he terrorized the middleweight division, and though he requires 24 hour a day care from his sisters, he still has fight left in him, as evidenced when he yelled, "I can wheel myself," when Lisa was trying to assist him into his hotel room.

Lisa and Sandra McClellan have been selfless in helping their brother,
effectively putting their lives on hold for what may be forever. For
Lisa, it's a labor of love. "I told someone the other day that I never give it a second thought," she said. "If I did give it a second thought then maybe I'd realize that I put my life on hold, and I'll think about the reality of it. But I don't even think about it."

Not that she has the time. Both sisters are raising children in addition to caring for Gerald, which has become a full-time job as well. "He's with Sandra from about 8 to 4, and she gets him out everyday," said Lisa. "And then he's at my house in the evening. We try to put him on the treadmill three days a week. Plus we have kids who are in sports so we've been going to track meets and baseball games, just to get him out."

Seeing his own children has also become a part of Gerald's routine.
Gerald Jr. 13, and Forrest 12, are still in Freeport and being raised by their mothers, and Mandell 7, is being raised by her mother in Detroit. McClellan sees Forrest every day, and Gerald Jr. on the average of once every couple of weeks.

Another visitor, Blackburn, may come to Freeport less frequently, but is nonetheless still affected by the condition of his friend. "I waited over two years to go visit him," he remembers. "It took me a long time to get the guts to go see him because I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. I was knocked out myself. I held his hand for three hours, once for yes, and twice for no. It was hard to see him."

Blackburn's reason for keeping Gerald's name in the public eye is also
fairly straightforward. "He's a friend, and I felt bad that everybody
forgot him."

In spurts, public awareness of McClellan's plight has helped keep the
trust fund used for his care afloat, with a CNNSI feature on him last year being the most obvious aid. "A lot came in, not just money, but cards from the CNN story," said Lisa. "It picked up quite a bit, but has died down a little now. We get maybe four or five pieces of mail a week."

Lisa admits, "We do what we have to do," to care for Gerald, and despite her brother's injuries, "I still love boxing."

But don't cross her, as she remains fiercely protective of her brother, like any good sister would be. "The reason why I'm so fond of people like Teddy is because they haven't just jumped on the bandwagon after seven years," she said. "What's important to me is who's been there and who's still there, not somebody who is in today and out tomorrow."

The fair-weather friends have come and gone, and Gerald McClellan will
never have the life he dreamed about when he was on top of the middleweight division. The life he lives now is far removed from anything that we could ever imagine living. But he does live it, along with his family and friends. Oh, Teddy was right; after seeing Gerald I will never look at a fight or fighter the same way again, but that may be a good thing. Because maybe after more people in the industry see Gerald they too will feel the same way, and reforms can be enacted to care for fighters once their careers are over.

It would be a legacy to be proud of.

Send Contributions for Gerald McClellan to:
Gerald McClellan Estate
Fifth Third Bank
PO Box 660
Freeport, IL 61032

[Editor's Note: The CBZ would like to send its many thanks to Tom Gerbasi and the good folks at www.MaxBoxing.com, who gave us permission to publish this great piece.]