His Fights with the Hawk was easy compared to this.

Alexis Arguello was one of my favorite fighters during the 80's. He would walk you down and not waste a punch in doing it. In the ring Arguello was a very simple man to understand. Don't throw unless it hits and hurts the other fighter. Outside the ring it was more complicated to understand some of his political moves but it was always with a heart of what is best for the Nicaraguan people. When I heard of his death I was saddened that a man I respected supposably took his own life. Well I have done some reading and as it happens in all countries the truth is not so easy to find. It appears Arguello;s opponents resided outside the ring as well. 

This is not going to be a history lesson describing the political forces of the Sandinista's vs. Contra Rebels and others. I will say even those living in the country of Nicaragua would have a difficult time trying to figure out the good guys between these groups. Alexis left his country years ago due to corruption and he became one of the greatest fighters in a division that was full of hard hitting monsters. He returned to Nicaragua after he retired and took a political position as Mayor of Managua. The monsters he sometime destroyed in the ring could not compare to the silent shadowy political creatures who may have took his life. 

This is what he believed. Once again I pose the question to those who lace them up, what do you believe. 

The Future of Boxing

The Future of Boxing

(what does the fan need)

There are so many things to say about boxing. It seems that we are moving toward a crossroads in this sweet science. Czeslaw Milosz said "The child who dwells inside us trusts that there are wise men somewhere who know the truth". Over the years boxing has gone through several challenges. Many have wanted to ban the sport do to excessive violence. This has happened since the early 1900's. (Even today due to the tragic death of Braydon Smith) the Australian Medical Association (AMA) renews its call for a ban on the sport.

Corruption has challenged the early survival of the sport. In Chicago during the early part of the last century " Following a rigged boxing match between Terry McGovern and Joe Gans in December of 1900, prizefighting was banned in the city early in 1901, a ban upheld for more than a quarter century".

We know the stories of how the Mafia weaved it web in the fight game during the 50's and 60's. This was good for the fight fan. We got to see the matches we wanted but it was not the best thing for the boxer. It is pressure to have to fight or end up in some river.

The 70's through the 90's was a very good time for the fans around the world. One reason was we had a great crop of fighters combined with Howard Cosell. How could boxing do anything but grow. Don King and others had a hard time not matching good to great fighters for our enjoyment. Ali, Hearns, Duran, Foreman, etc... So where are we now when

we talk about boxing? Some say its future is dead. The UFC has taken over. I say this, boxing is and will always continue to be a fabric in the lives of American people. Boxing has a future the real questions is, what should we do with the fans.

Why do people get behind certain fighters. What is the fascination? The fighter always has a special place in our hearts, the fans hearts. Through the boxer our fights can be fought. I pray that our desire is a noble one. It is easy for many of us white folks to dislike Floyd Mayweather. Why is that? Would we hate a white champion that talk so much trash. I think not. I do dislike how he acts, but I know that is part of the act and that act is to make money and sell fights. We in the white community needs to always check our heart and make sure we don't act like the racist back in the early part of the 20th century. It is alright to dislike someone because of their behavior but not because they are black. Must I remind you what the Guardian newspaper said, "Yet it was that very symbolism, the public face that Johnson, the son of former slaves, turned with such taunting glee against white supremacists of his day, that not only resulted in the lynching of at least 20 black people in riots that swept the country in the wake of his win over the very white and bloodied James J Jeffries in 1910, but eventually opened the way for black fighters to be afforded their equal standing, and for African Americans to proclaim their champions with pride". During the years when Joe Louis was champion he carried a torch for all the oppressed. The black man could stand tall knowing that Joe was the baddest man on the planet. During the onset of WWII even Mr. Louis fought for all of us as we stood against Hitler. What does your favorite fighter stand for today. Is it the pride of the Philippines? Does your boxer stand in the gap for those that are being held down in Ukraine. Does Guillermo Rigondeaux represent freedom from Castro. I hope that the fighters today know that the causes of the oppressed are still as strong today as always. Look, fighters will get paid, but so do men and women who don't give a damn about anything but money. Fighters, use the platform you were given and take a stand, many believe you are fighting for them.

As I said, boxing and the fight game will always be around. But what does the fan need? I'm not talking about the Boxing Aficionados they/I will get our fix. See the lovers of this sport

will find it. Just like the fans of Football do. When I say fan I mean the man or woman that thinks Manny and Floyd is all that is out there. What does that person need.

Well it is up to the reader of this blog and those who know more than I do about this sport to figure that out. It appears that Al Haymon is bring the sport back to the masses. Is that a good thing? The jury is out on that one. I know Roc Nation is not happy and a few cable companies that have had their feathers ruffled by that situation. What did Don King do and who did he control? Does the sport need a supreme leader? With 22 weight divisions and a alphabet soup of titles it may need someone to take control.

Times have changed. We have YouTube, blogs with far better writers than me filling the airway, HBO, Showtime and now the Premier Boxing Champions on the networks. It appears that the younger generation has adapted to finding what they want to view. In the past the audience had no choice. What came on the three major TV networks is what you were going to watch. This approach worked during that era due to the greatness of the fighters. Now we have to look harder to find that type of greatness. “Look and you shall find”.

Here is what I think the Fan needs. They need what we give them or they need to become a lover of the sport. It is like this in all fields. If cheap crappy music sells, cheap crappy music will be made. The same with the fight game.

If I could speak with all the fighters out there I would tell them to stand up for the oppressed the disheartened. No I take that back, Lets just remind them what Malcolm X said; “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing”. As long as there are people around the world being held back by something or someone, boxing will survive. If you need someone to fight for your cause and lift your spirit, boxing will survive. When the poor or just average masses need to believe that someone is throwing the leather for them, boxing will survive. So in my opinion boxing will be around until we all live in harmony and peace. Wow, boxing will be around forever.

Listen to Malcolm X, Why do we love boxing.

The fighter always has a special place our hearts. Through the boxers our fights can be fought. During the years when Joe Louis was champion he carried a torch for all the oppressed. The black man could stand tall knowing that Joe was the baddest man on the planet. During the onset of WWII even Mr. Louis fought for all of us as we stood against Hitler. What does your favorite fighter stand for today. Is it the pride of the Philippines? Does your boxer stand in the gap for those that are being held down in Ekraine. Does Guillermo Rigondeaux represent freedom from Castro. I hope that the fighters today know that the causes of the oppressed are still as strong today as always. Look, fighters will get paid, but so do men and women who don't give a damn about anything but the $$$$$. Use the platform you were given and take stand, many believe you are fighting for them. 

Don't hate because he is black.

Are we going back to the ways of hatred. It is easy for many of us White folks to dislike Floyd Mayweather. Why is that? Would we hate a white champion that talk so much trash. I think not. I do dislike how he acts, but I know that part of his act is to make money and sell fights. We in the white community needs to always check our heart and make sure we don't act like the racist back in the early part of the 20th century. It is alright to dislike someone because of their behavior but not because they are black. Must I remind you what the Guardian newspaper said, "Yet it was that very symbolism, the public face that Johnson, the son of former slaves, turned with such taunting glee against white supremacists of his day, that not only resulted in the lynching of at least 20 black people in riots that swept the country in the wake of his win over the very white and bloodied James J Jeffries in 1910, but eventually opened the way for black fighters to be afforded their equal standing, and for African Americans to proclaim their champions with pride".

The Future of Boxing! Maybe?

So many things to say about boxing. It seems that we are moving to a crossroads in this sweet science. Czeslaw Milosz said "The child who dwells inside us trusts that there are wise men somewhere who know the truth". Over the years boxing has gone through several challenges. Many have wanted to ban the sport do to excessive violence. This has happened since the early 1900's. (Even today due to the tragic death of Braydon Smith) the Australian Medical Association (AMA) renews its call for a ban on the sport.

Corruption has challenged the early survival of the sport. In Chicago during the early part of the last century " Following a rigged boxing match between Terry McGovern and Joe Gans in December of 1900, prizefighting was banned in the city early in 1901, a ban upheld for more than a quarter century".  We know the stories of how the Mafia weaved it web in the boxing game during the 50's and 60's. This was good for the fight fan. We got to see the fights we wanted but it was not the best thing for the boxer. It is pressure to have to fight or end up in some river.

The 70's-90's was a very good time for the fight fan. One reason was we had a great crop of fighters combined with Howard Cosell. How could boxing do nothing but grow. Don King and others had a hard time not matching good to great fighters. Ali, Hearns, Duran, Forman, ect... So were are we now when we talk about boxing? Some say the future is dead. The UFC has taken over. I say this, boxing is and will always continue to be a fabric in the lives of Americans. Boxing has a future the real questions is, what should we do with the fans.

Boxing and the fight game will always be around. But what does the fan need? I'm not talking about the Boxing Aficionados they/I will get our fix. See the lovers of this sport will find it. Just like the fans of Football do. When I say Fan I mean the man/woman that thinks Manny and Floyd is all that is out there. What does that person need.

Well it is up to the reader of this blog and those who know more than I do about this sport to figure out. It appears that Al Haymon is bring the sport back to the masses. Is that a good thing? The jury is out on that one. I know Roc Nation is not happy and maybe a few cable companies that could be ruffled. What did Don King do and who did he control?

Times have changed. We have YouTube, blogs with far better writers then me filling the airway, HBO, Showtime and now PBC. It appears that the younger generation has adapted to finding what they want to view. In the past the audience had no choice. What came on the three major TV networks is what you were going to watch. This approach worked during that era due to the greatness of the fighters. Now we have to look harder to find that type of greatness. “Look and you shall find”.

Here is what I think the Fan needs. They need what we give them or they need to become a lover of the sport. It is like this in all fields. If cheap crappy music sells, cheap crappy music will be made. The same with the fight game.

You pick what you want.

Don't judge make up your own mind

Max Schmeling is a real man. He was used as a pawn in Hitlers PR scam. He hated Hitler and he rescued over 100 Jewish individuals during the war. We know him as the man that had two fights with the Brown Bomber. What impressed me was he helped pay for the funeral of Joe Louis. We need to dig deeper and not buy what haters are trying to spoon feed to us.

3 inches make this fight for GGG

GGG VS Cotto would be a good fight. I don't know how long it would last but I believe both men would try to come forward. GGG does not have the hand speed that Manny used against Cotto. This would give Cotto a better chance. In the end I believe Gennady would walk him down.

Gennady Golovkin is 32-0 29 KO's and has a 70 inch reach
Miguel Cotto is 39-4 32 KO's and has a 67 inch reach

Looks like those 3 inches could be all GGG needs.

Take a sip of this

You don't need to test for drugs in boxing. No one would cheat. Just take sip of this and you will be ok.

Both fighters have been happy with the Drug testing

Manny and Floyd seen here giving urine samples say testing is going well. No catch weight for the fight has been chosen.

Floyd Mayweather's Drug Tester

"USA Today reports concerns about drug testing. Here is the link to the article
Mayweather's drug tester did not seem concerned about the report. He was to busy to give a comment.

Get out while you can

In boxing it seems the fighter always stays to long in the fight game. Money and Fame is a powerful drug. For those who don't possess the ability of a boxer, crime or  politics try's to fill that need (sorry for the double negative). Well watch this video of two great champions and remember if things don't seem right, Get Out While You Can.

Now Salvador could fight.

This cat was a bad dude.   Salvador Sanchez could throw the leather.

Danny was no slouch either.

He will be there on May 2nd, Step up Mr. Smith

Look I like First Take on ESPN. They have done nothing wrong. But it is time to stop acting like Mayweather is taking responsibility. It is one thing when a grown man does a 32min round but Kids should not betting on it and the younger fighters need to be protected. It is time for some authority to look into this.What about the young fighters who go through this at Mayweathers gym

Mayweather fights Kids, Like Thugs fight Dogs, and it is Sad.

I use to like Mayweather because he brought attention to boxing. But after I saw this video I lost all respect for him. Now let me tell you I teach people how to box. I have had over 120 fights and my Teammate was 1# in the World in Boxing in 1986. Kelsie Banks is his name. We never had to go through this kind of crap when we trained. No Football coach or any other type of coach would let his kids fight like this.

Here is the video and if you still respect Mr. Mayweather after you watch it then you would like to probably bet on a good dog fight.

This Young Man, Makes Mayweather look slow.

If you want to see boxing skill take a look at El Chacal.  He makes Sugar Ray and Mayweather look like they are standing in quicksand.

You can't hit me.

Mike Tyson is doing what Wladimir Klitschko should be doing.

This is what I mean. Mike Tyson is on several TV shows around the world. He is having a movie made about him. What is Klitschko doing? I know he is trying to help in Ukraine and that is more important than lifting the mantel of Boxing. But maybe he should bring attention to the Ukraine war (that is what it is) by knocking out all bumps and talking a little crap in doing it. If Mike can still bring attention to issues Wladimir could do the same.

I bet if Ali was from Ukraine, Putin would have a much harder time selling his bag of goods to the people. Sorry to put so much pressure on you Mr. Klitschko but we sure can't rely on:  Deontay Wilder, Bermane Stiverne, Tyson Fury or Dereck Chisora to do the job.

They are all great guys but their still trying to learn how to fight. Speak up you Klitschko brothers and start smack talking.

When U.S. and Russia can't get along, Here comes the Russians

Today the tension between the U.S and Russia is at a very high point. Most are concerned, I'm not. When tension is high the Russian fighters get better.

And of course you can't forget the best of all

Dana White the modern Don King

Dana White has help push boxing forward. The UFC puts fights on TV and they are for the most part competitive. (They don't Last To Long.) But back in the day we had Don King. He put the best against each other and the fans loved it. Now I'm not saying that these men are saints with no flaws but it is the fight game.

In boxing we need to get back to a few people being in charge. They need to carry a big stick. Remember that the American public is a society that has a short memory. So after the May 2 fight what will we do.

Food for thought. We in the States only like the World Cup if team USA is in it. I think the same can be said for the average boxing fan in this country.

Dreams of a Fight Fan

This was a great fight. I hope we can get boxing back to these types of fights.
Hey Manny and Mayweather, this is how you hit!

Please Shoulder Roll To Your Right

When you box you don't move are roll to your opponents power punches. Mayweather will need to move left. We know this and so does Manny. Now we will see if Mayweather can protect himself doing just that. Everyone in the Philippines are hoping and praying for what Manny is praying for.

Please roll to your right Mayweather.

America's News and Sports reporting adds up to this

She was going to work for ESPN doing sideline reporting but Fox News saw her journalistic resume and made her one of their top national news reporters.

 This is what sports and news reporting has come to.

Why are we so slow

Now before anyone gets upset with the following words I want you to know I had 120 amateur fights and lost about have of them. My only claim to fame is having one of my team mates be the best in the world in 1986. Mr. Mix, Kelcie Banks was and still is a good friend of mine.

Well back to the title of the blog, I was slow at throwing punches. My foot work was good but I could not gain hand speed for anything. Yes, I'm white. Now you know. We in the boxing community say it all the time in a joking manner but could someone in the medical arena give us some data about this.

Let's look at the best white heavy weight. If it was not for a hard shot in the 13th round to Jersey Joe's face his legend would not have been as bright.

You need hand speed to be competitive in the fight game. If you don't have it you must at least be a 6'7" heavy weight to compensate for the lack of it. 

Please doctors give us the reason why we are so slow. 

Protecting your fighter is ok, but have them fight

I love boxing. It has been a passion for most of my life. I grew up watching Ali, Hagler, Duran ect...
The 80's brought us many great fights and boxing was able to with stand the new weight standers and endless divisions. WBO, WBA,WBC, IBF ..........

Do you remember the time when there was just 12 weight classes. It would have been against the laws of physic to win 8 titles in different weight classes. Now if you gain 5-10 lbs you could leap through several of those classes. It is time for organizations to take back control of the sport. If you are a title holder and you don't fight the number one contender you should be stripped of the title. No catch weight fights. We have allowed the promoters to control the sport way to much.

We should have the fighters goal be about winning the title, if you lose you need to work your way back up. You can loose today and still look at making a load of money fighting meaningless fights on pay per view.


Now I'm not calling for the sport to go back to a Mafia control environment but we do need some type of overseers. When you have a fighter who says he controls who he fights then he is in the wrong business.

Just food for thought. What if Andy Murray said, I'm not going to play that tennis player.