Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

It's nearly 8am Sunday, and in a few minutes the guy I teach boxing to will be here and we'll hit the hills for our boxing/hike workout. It was hard getting out of bed.

Go Bears!
Go Jets!

Have a great day guys!

[Rick Farris]

Go Bears!!!!! Oh, and in case I haven't mentioned it, go Bears!!!!

Scartissue

GO BEARS, Hoping for a Bears-Jets Super Bowl.!
I have a longtime friend who lives in Lake Forest- a lttle north of Chicago who is giving me the business already. Going to be a good day sitting in front of the Tv with the family again.
One a Giants fan, 2 Steelers fans, and 2 Jets Fans. Royal Rumble.I believe broiled Lobster tails in the oven and rib eyes on the grill are on the menu. Since its at my brother-in-laws house-he deals with the frozen tundra outside tending to the grill. 17 degrees today. No better in Pittsburg I hear. Sanchez cracking the whip today.
Enjoy the day, Gentlemen !

We filmed "Ordinary People" in Lake Forest more than thirty years ago.
It was Robert Redford's first director job, and he won an Academy Award.

[scartissue]

Go Bears!!!!! Oh, and in case I haven't mentioned it, go Bears!!!!

Scartissue

GO BEARS, Hoping for a Bears-Jets Super Bowl.!
I have a longtime friend who lives in Lake Forest- a lttle north of Chicago who is giving me the business already. Going to be a good day sitting in front of the Tv with the family again.
One a Giants fan, 2 Steelers fans, and 2 Jets Fans. Royal Rumble.I believe broiled Lobster tails in the oven and rib eyes on the grill are on the menu. Since its at my brother-in-laws house-he deals with the frozen tundra outside tending to the grill. 17 degrees today. No better in Pittsburg I hear. Sanchez cracking the whip today.
Enjoy the day, Gentlemen !

Charley, Bears-Jets would be awwwwwwesome! Here's hoping for both. Rick, got your message last night, I'll give you a shout around half-time today of Bears-Packers.

Scartissue

[kikibalt]

Packers go to the Super Bowl!!!

[Rick Farris]

Packers go to the Super Bowl!!!

[Rick Farris]

Jets-Steelers halftime.

[Rick Farris]

Even in defeat, to the N.Y. Jets

Considering the dismal first half, I have to say that Mark Sanchez really proved himself in the second half.
He is no quitter. The Jets fell short again this year, but not by much. Next year I'll be pulling for the Jets again.
How many believed they would go as far as they did? All thru the playoffs they gave up an edge, their 2nd half comeback today showed what great fighters are made of, the ability to get up off the canvas and come back.

As for this year's Super Bowl? I think I'd rather watch a good movie, go for a hike, even shopping with Monica.
The Jets will come back better next year. I believe that.

[bennie]

The famous Ring arena at Blackfriars in South London, all but destroyed by a German bomb in 1941. The building was subsequently demolished.

Bennie, speaking of Brit arenas, why did they convert Harringay Arena to warehousing? I recall they closed it to sporting events after a Dave Charnley fight and gave the old girl a good send off. They had an event, brought over US fighters who made their mark on her such as Armstrong, Baer and Lesnevich as guests. But I was curious, was the structure simply not safe for public events anymore?

Scartissue

I think the falling popularity of other sports at the arena such as greyhound racing and speedway brought about its demise, Dan. Boxing, too, was seeing smaller and smaller crowds, certainly compared to pre-war and early post-war crowds.

[bennie]

You guys believe Evander Holyfield fought again last night? Man, this guy needs someone looking out for him. It certainly isn't managers, promoters or ex-wives.

Scartissue

Just watched it on youtube. Williams is hitting Evander with right hands, so Holyfield, who has picked up a cut, bails out under the no-contest thing. Mike Weaver was in Holy's corner.

[bennie]

Carlos Palomino: the best I faced

Best overall: “It has to be Roberto Duran. I always had the idea that he was just a brawler. What surprised me was that the guy could really box –- going in and out, the feints, it was just a surprise to me. It impressed me how quick his shots were and how much power he had. And his movement surprised me.”

Best boxer: “It would have to be Andy Price. I fought him when I was like (10-0-1) and he was like (12-1-3). I lost a split decision to him (in 1974). He was very much like Sugar Ray Leonard, very quick. I think from a boxing standpoint he was the best I faced. He was also a good puncher. You had to worry about that. He later beat Pipino Cuevas.” Leonard stopped Price (33-8-3, 13 KOs) in the first round in 1979.

Hardest puncher: I fought this guy in the amateurs, Norman Goins from Minnesota. He did pretty well as a pro. He was a tremendous puncher. I fought him the finals of the Pan American (Games) trials and was knocked down three times, once in each round. I still won the fight -- it was the amateurs -– but I got dropped three times. I’ll never forget that.”

Fastest hands: “It would be a tie between Benitez and Price. Wilfredo was just so cagey. He could hit you from different angels and very quickly, especially his jab. Most of the punches he landed against me were jabs.”

Fastest feet: “Duran. Watch him in his prime, with Ray Leonard or my fight with him. Watch him as a lightweight. He had the ability to move in and out so quickly. I’ve said that Manny Pacquiao reminds me a lot of Duran.”

Best jab: Benitez. It was a very quick, snapping jab, a lot like (Muhammad) Ali’s jab.”

Best chin: Armando Muniz. You could hit him with a ring poll and nothing would happen. [Laughs.] I nailed him all night long and hurt him. He had a chin.”

Smartest: Benitez or Duran. Maybe Benitez was natural boxer. It was almost like he had a sixth sense. I don’t think I caught him solid in my fight with him. It seemed like he knew what was coming all the time.”

Strongest: Muniz. He would just walk in, walk you down. He was a wrestler in high school so his head was attached to his shoulders. He had no neck. He was that kind of guy. Strong.”

Best defense: I would say Benitez and Duran (tie) again. As I said, it was like Benitez had a sixth sense, like he knew what was coming. Duran was hard to catch also. I was trying to counter what he was doing but I couldn’t because of his quickness. They were both good defensive fighters.

[CNorkusJr]

Even in defeat, to the N.Y. Jets

Considering the dismal first half, I have to say that Mark Sanchez really proved himself in the second half.
He is no quitter. The Jets fell short again this year, but not by much. Next year I'll be pulling for the Jets again.
How many believed they would go as far as they did? All thru the playoffs they gave up an edge, their 2nd half comeback today showed what great fighters are made of, the ability to get up off the canvas and come back.

As for this year's Super Bowl? I think I'd rather watch a good movie, go for a hike, even shopping with Monica.
The Jets will come back better next year. I believe that.

Well we gave it a shot. Again. No crying here. Jets played what I thought was their typical 2010-2011 season game. They failed to score significantly in the 1st Qtr or even in the !st Half. This has been troubling to us NY Jets fans here and everywhere all year. It is always "catch up" football. The Jets have certainly found a niche in doing just that all season. These great 2nd half-come from behind, some miracle last minute wins through most of their games.
Today, it caught up with them. What a great comeback again, but Pitts Steelers held on, it was bound to catch up with the Jets, unfortunately it was the AFC championship.
Credit to Pittsburg for killing clock and scoring when it was needed.
It was a great season, excitement wise,football wise and looking forward to next season already. Thanks to all you guys who were on board with me this year with Mark Sanchez and the Jets.Its great to have a fan fellowship from far and wide.
Green Bay & Pittsburg. Both have a team legacy that is great in history of US football.
Going with Green Bay only for the mere fact that 7 Super Bowl victories by one team would be way too many at this point. Jets need a chance to catch up to six.

[CNorkusJr]

The famous Ring arena at Blackfriars in South London, all but destroyed by a German bomb in 1941. The building was subsequently demolished.

Bennie, speaking of Brit arenas, why did they convert Harringay Arena to warehousing? I recall they closed it to sporting events after a Dave Charnley fight and gave the old girl a good send off. They had an event, brought over US fighters who made their mark on her such as Armstrong, Baer and Lesnevich as guests. But I was curious, was the structure simply not safe for public events anymore?

Scartissue

I think the falling popularity of other sports at the arena such as greyhound racing and speedway brought about its demise. Boxing, too, was seeing smaller and smaller crowds, certainly compared to pre-war and early post-war crowds.

Bennie, what would you say is the state of Boxing in the UK right now ?
Is it surging with new interest ? The boxing crowd is a young and very energetic crowd with keen interests ? (The same crowd that follows Soccer{football} there, are they the same crowd that enjoys boxing ?) More and more boxing clubs are opening up UK wise or just in the bigger cities ? Are more fight cards are being fought now than in the past, lets say 10 years ago.
How about TV wise, more televised fights now ?
Or am I going in the wrong direction, boxing is on the decline from lets say 10 years ago with just the usual people interested as in the past. This would be just for the UK, not for Germany or other European Countries.

[bennie]

Boxing is not televised free here, Charley, which hurts the sport. Nope, the massive crowds that attend football grounds do not follow boxing, unless you have someone like Ricky Hatton, a high-profile supporter of Manchester City Football Club, who did bring the footie fans over to his fights, but Ricky slipped the net in that regard. David Haye sells out 20,000-seater venues but you would expect that of a charismatic, handsome heavyweight champion.
Otherwise, boxing is a minority sport staged in smallish venues and attended by several hundred people, none of whom are true boxing fans (well, perhaps one or two). What you get are small groups of fans turning up to support one man. These 'fans' hang around in the bar before their man is on, then, once he has fought, all get up and go. When Amir Khan fought in Glasgow on the way up, a show I attended, he stopped a patsy in a couple of rounds, after which all his fans walked out of the venue - and this was before the main event!
I would say boxing is in a slow decline here. The kids in the towns and cities are taking up kickboxing rather than boxing, although we have done well in the amateur boxing ranks quite recently, with a gold medal for James DeGale in the last Olympics, and that attracts some kids to to the sport. Nevertheless, boxing is small-fry today.

[telboy66]

Bennie the same thing happens at the Prizefighter competitions I've been to most of the London ones & it always amazes me that so many turn up just to see one guy fight & when he losses they either go or spend the rest of the night in the bar.mind you there has been a couple that I wished I'd left early the heavyweights especially

[bennie]

Bennie the same thing happens at the Prizefighter competitions I've been to most of the London ones & it always amazes me that so many turn up just to see one guy fight & when he losses they either go or spend the rest of the night in the bar.mind you there has been a couple that I wished I'd left early the heavyweights especially

It's embarrassing when they walk off, particularly when there are a lot of them. I remember the Glasgow thing because the Scottish fans of Scott Harrison (the main eventer) jeered Khan's fans as they started to move and even hurled a few beer cans at them. Khan's fans are among the worst I have ever seen at boxing venues; they roundly booed Khan when he lost to Prescott - real turncoats.

[raylawpc]

Carlos Palomino: the best I faced

Best overall: “It has to be Roberto Duran. I always had the idea that he was just a brawler. What surprised me was that the guy could really box –- going in and out, the feints, it was just a surprise to me. It impressed me how quick his shots were and how much power he had. And his movement surprised me.”

Best boxer: “It would have to be Andy Price. I fought him when I was like (10-0-1) and he was like (12-1-3). I lost a split decision to him (in 1974). He was very much like Sugar Ray Leonard, very quick. I think from a boxing standpoint he was the best I faced. He was also a good puncher. You had to worry about that. He later beat Pipino Cuevas.” Leonard stopped Price (33-8-3, 13 KOs) in the first round in 1979.

Hardest puncher: I fought this guy in the amateurs, Norman Goins from Minnesota. He did pretty well as a pro. He was a tremendous puncher. I fought him the finals of the Pan American (Games) trials and was knocked down three times, once in each round. I still won the fight -- it was the amateurs -– but I got dropped three times. I’ll never forget that.”

Fastest hands: “It would be a tie between Benitez and Price. Wilfredo was just so cagey. He could hit you from different angels and very quickly, especially his jab. Most of the punches he landed against me were jabs.”

Fastest feet: “Duran. Watch him in his prime, with Ray Leonard or my fight with him. Watch him as a lightweight. He had the ability to move in and out so quickly. I’ve said that Manny Pacquiao reminds me a lot of Duran.”

Best jab: Benitez. It was a very quick, snapping jab, a lot like (Muhammad) Ali’s jab.”

Best chin: Armando Muniz. You could hit him with a ring poll and nothing would happen. [Laughs.] I nailed him all night long and hurt him. He had a chin.”

Smartest: Benitez or Duran. Maybe Benitez was natural boxer. It was almost like he had a sixth sense. I don’t think I caught him solid in my fight with him. It seemed like he knew what was coming all the time.”

Strongest: Muniz. He would just walk in, walk you down. He was a wrestler in high school so his head was attached to his shoulders. He had no neck. He was that kind of guy. Strong.”

Best defense: I would say Benitez and Duran (tie) again. As I said, it was like Benitez had a sixth sense, like he knew what was coming. Duran was hard to catch also. I was trying to counter what he was doing but I couldn’t because of his quickness. They were both good defensive fighters.

Excellent post Bennie. Regarding Duran, he also seemed to roll with punches. If I see Carlos at the CBHOF this year, I'd like to ask him about that. Duran looked like he was very hard to hit solidly.

[CNorkusJr]

Boxing is not televised free here, Charley, which hurts the sport. Nope, the massive crowds that attend football grounds do not follow boxing, unless you have someone like Ricky Hatton, a high-profile supporter of Manchester City Football Club, who did bring the footie fans over to his fights, but Ricky slipped the net in that regard. David Haye sells out 20,000-seater venues but you would expect that of a charismatic, handsome heavyweight champion.
Otherwise, boxing is a minority sport staged in smallish venues and attended by several hundred people, none of whom are true boxing fans (well, perhaps one or two). What you get are small groups of fans turning up to support one man. These 'fans' hang around in the bar before their man is on, then, once he has fought, all get up and go. When Amir Khan fought in Glasgow on the way up, a show I attended, he stopped a patsy in a couple of rounds, after which all his fans walked out of the venue - and this was before the main event!
I would say boxing is in a slow decline here. The kids in the towns and cities are taking up kickboxing rather than boxing, although we have done well in the amateur boxing ranks quite recently, with a gold medal for James DeGale in the last Olympics, and that attracts some kids to to the sport. Nevertheless, boxing is small-fry today.

Thank You both Bennie & Tellboy on your reporting. I would never suspect fans of just one boxer or so getting up and leave the arena after their "man" fought. Especially if it is pre-lim to the Main Bout ! Of the hundreds of cards I have attended here in the states, I never saw a group en masse leave like that.Sure a few leave-being possible relatives wanting to celebrate with their guy,but not a huge section.In fact, it is common to see the pre-lim fighters go and shower up and return back into the arena to see the Main Event with his followers nearby. It gives a chance for all in the crowd-if they wish too- come over and congratulate the fighters on their hard earned win or lose. The Main Event was always the draw bout for the night with interesting pre-lims attached. Now we do have stinker fights here on some cards, but they are not relatively known till the action has started. If anything, Pricing in a falling economy has hit boxing as well as many sports here. Boxing Events that would have normally sold out easily years ago,can boast selling out its cheaper seats in a matter of days. Only a power match-up like Margarito-Pacman bout can sell out a huge stadium of that magnitude-but for the most part, most cards here I would say has seats to offer at the gate.
PPV would be the money maker for boxers today. Its not uncommon to see 4,000 fans in a 12,000 seat arena with a 50,000 PPV sale. The number of boxers in the NY metro area seems to be holding its own-with many amateurs filling the tournaments we have in the area. I cant speak for other regional areas though. This helps the number of pros we have because the successful amateurs try their luck in the pros where its do or die eventually.Paulie Maligianni being one who moved up successfully locally till he met his match in Khan.Yuri Foreman too.Thanks for your insights men for your report on the UK.

I want to add that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) seems to be the bigger draw on a regular basis in New Jersey and other states. New York does not allow MMA to compete here, It is unrecognized here by the State Athletic Comm. (the exact reason I am not sure- I would think it might have to do with combatents safety and injuries). Many NY promoters haved pushed for its recognition and for an eventual card that features both boxing & MMA. The promoters argument is that it will sell out the cards and line the states coffers with cash.Give what the people want. Boxers and Boxing fans are still purists here. They dont want the mixed cards. MMA and its fan base (huge here in NY) want it big time. Right now NY state is holding fast to its point. NO MMA for now. We have a new Governor in our state who has a lot of say. He appoints the NYS Athletic Commissioner. Its still Ms. Melvina Lathan as of this writing-but it could change and with it the NYS point of view. New York is broke like many states and if the call for money is great enough-it could open the doors to MMA and possible mixed events here. We will wait and see. Personally-no MMA, keep it just boxing, as MMA brings in a different more rowdier crowd and possibly more fights in the crowd.

[Rick Farris]

Boxing and the MMA . . .

Lots of people are under the impression that boxing is losing fans to the MMA, but I have to disagree.
Boxing fans and MMA fans are a different breed.

If people are losing interest in boxing, it's not because of a new fighting sport. It's because championship boxing today rarely provides competitive fights, such as the Leonard-Duran, Ali-Frazier, Sugar Ray Robinson-Fullmer bouts we all grew up enjoying. Protected boxers, lack of activity, arrogant high-profile champions, wrestling type promotional tactics, lack of small clubs that develop contenders, and on-and-on.

When a major fight rolls into Las Vegas, so do the high rollers and fans who will book a room, take advantage of the Las Vegas attractions, restaurants, etc. Boxing fans are mature and do things differently than the younger MMA fans.
The MMA fans are less likely to throw down a wager, book rooms or spend much money while they are in town.
The guys who like MMA are not, for the most part, former boxing die hards who have lost interest in prizefighting.
Boxing fans are boxing fans, and the same with the MMA. The younger fans will gravitate to the MMA because it's trendy, exciting, and seems more suitable to the interests of a younger crowd. Maybe some of those fans would have chosen boxing if it were more like it used to be? Sadly, those days are dead & gone.

Boxing has been down many times over the years and always has made a comeback. However, the foundation of those successful comebacks were great fighters matched in competitive fights. In the early 60's, after all the bad PR that surfaced after the Jim Norris, Frankie Carbo scandals, etc. it was believed that boxing would soon be abolished, if nothing else lose it's appeal to the public.

We in L.A. saw a rebirth thru the promotional skill of Aileen Eaton & George Parnassus. As these legendary promoters died, they passed the torch to the next generation, which included Hall of Famers Don Fraser and Don Chargin, to name a couple.
With the two Don's of L.A. Boxing now in retirement, and nobody capable of making a card consisting of competitive matches, promoters focus on Bullsh_t to sell a card. They believe that what people come to see is half-naked ring card girls, a high-profile ring announcer, rap music, etc. etc.

I always have believed that boxing (as we know it) would never die. However, with the exception of a hand full of truly great boxers, such as Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, etc. things are pretty much dead. That is my opinion.


-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

I've been laid up a little with a bum knee. It goes with the job (and my age). Wear and tear. I'm back at work today.

[Randyman]

Boxing and the MMA . . .

Lots of people are under the impression that boxing is losing fans to the MMA, but I have to disagree.
Boxing fans and MMA fans are a different breed.

If people are losing interest in boxing, it's not because of a new fighting sport. It's because championship boxing today rarely provides competitive fights, such as the Leonard-Duran, Ali-Frazier, Sugar Ray Robinson-Fullmer bouts we all grew up enjoying. Protected boxers, lack of activity, arrogant high-profile champions, wrestling type promotional tactics, lack of small clubs that develop contenders, and on-and-on.

When a major fight rolls into Las Vegas, so do the high rollers and fans who will book a room, take advantage of the Las Vegas attractions, restaurants, etc. Boxing fans are mature and do things differently than the younger MMA fans.
The MMA fans are less likely to throw down a wager, book rooms or spend much money while they are in town.
The guys who like MMA are not, for the most part, former boxing die hards who have lost interest in prizefighting.
Boxing fans are boxing fans, and the same with the MMA. The younger fans will gravitate to the MMA because it's trendy, exciting, and seems more suitable to the interests of a younger crowd. Maybe some of those fans would have chosen boxing if it were more like it used to be? Sadly, those days are dead & gone.

Boxing has been down many times over the years and always has made a comeback. However, the foundation of those successful comebacks were great fighters matched in competitive fights. In the early 60's, after all the bad PR that surfaced after the Jim Norris, Frankie Carbo scandals, etc. it was believed that boxing would soon be abolished, if nothing else lose it's appeal to the public.

We in L.A. saw a rebirth thru the promotional skill of Aileen Eaton & George Parnassus. As these legendary promoters died, they passed the torch to the next generation, which included Hall of Famers Don Fraser and Don Chargin, to name a couple.
With the two Don's of L.A. Boxing now in retirement, and nobody capable of making a card consisting of competitive matches, promoters focus on Bullsh_t to sell a card. They believe that what people come to see is half-naked ring card girls, a high-profile ring announcer, rap music, etc. etc.

I always have believed that boxing (as we know it) would never die. However, with the exception of a hand full of truly great boxers, such as Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, etc. things are pretty much dead. That is my opinion.


-Rick Farris

I worked with a guy here that had been a huge boxing fan for years. I met him at the first De la Hoya vs Chavez fight. For years we have either discussed the upcoming fights or the results and everything in between. About a year ago I saw him and asked him " Seen any good fights lately?" He said " No, I don't follow boxing anymore, I just watch MMA". That was the end of that.

For the most part Rick, you are absolutely correct. A whole different crowd and a completely different breed. By the way, whaddaya got against half naked ring card girls??

[Randyman]

An short interview with Louie Burke and his fighter Austin Trout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVfOvNn4b9k

[Rick Farris]

I've been laid up a little with a bum knee. It goes with the job (and my age). Wear and tear. I'm back at work today.

Hope you feel better, Randy.
I know what you mean, lots of hours on your feet, years of hours standing, turning, twisting, lifting, etc.
Take care of yourself & be careful when you work.

[raylawpc]

Boxing and the MMA . . .

Lots of people are under the impression that boxing is losing fans to the MMA, but I have to disagree.
Boxing fans and MMA fans are a different breed.

If people are losing interest in boxing, it's not because of a new fighting sport. It's because championship boxing today rarely provides competitive fights, such as the Leonard-Duran, Ali-Frazier, Sugar Ray Robinson-Fullmer bouts we all grew up enjoying. Protected boxers, lack of activity, arrogant high-profile champions, wrestling type promotional tactics, lack of small clubs that develop contenders, and on-and-on.

When a major fight rolls into Las Vegas, so do the high rollers and fans who will book a room, take advantage of the Las Vegas attractions, restaurants, etc. Boxing fans are mature and do things differently than the younger MMA fans.
The MMA fans are less likely to throw down a wager, book rooms or spend much money while they are in town.
The guys who like MMA are not, for the most part, former boxing die hards who have lost interest in prizefighting.
Boxing fans are boxing fans, and the same with the MMA. The younger fans will gravitate to the MMA because it's trendy, exciting, and seems more suitable to the interests of a younger crowd. Maybe some of those fans would have chosen boxing if it were more like it used to be? Sadly, those days are dead & gone.

Boxing has been down many times over the years and always has made a comeback. However, the foundation of those successful comebacks were great fighters matched in competitive fights. In the early 60's, after all the bad PR that surfaced after the Jim Norris, Frankie Carbo scandals, etc. it was believed that boxing would soon be abolished, if nothing else lose it's appeal to the public.

We in L.A. saw a rebirth thru the promotional skill of Aileen Eaton & George Parnassus. As these legendary promoters died, they passed the torch to the next generation, which included Hall of Famers Don Fraser and Don Chargin, to name a couple.
With the two Don's of L.A. Boxing now in retirement, and nobody capable of making a card consisting of competitive matches, promoters focus on Bullsh_t to sell a card. They believe that what people come to see is half-naked ring card girls, a high-profile ring announcer, rap music, etc. etc.

I always have believed that boxing (as we know it) would never die. However, with the exception of a hand full of truly great boxers, such as Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, etc. things are pretty much dead. That is my opinion.


-Rick Farris

I worked with a guy here that had been a huge boxing fan for years. I met him at the first De la Hoya vs Chavez fight. For years we have either discussed the upcoming fights or the results and everything in between. About a year ago I saw him and asked him " Seen any good fights lately?" He said " No, I don't follow boxing anymore, I just watch MMA". That was the end of that.

For the most part Rick, you are absolutely correct. A whole different crowd and a completely different breed. By the way, whaddaya got against half naked ring card girls??

I think younger fans who would have gone for boxing, are now going for MMA. However, boxing may lure them away as they get older. An example is my oldest son, who is a big MMA fan. For a time, I couldn't interest him in boxing at all. Now he is getting interested in boxing, watches fights with me, and asks me a lot of questions.

[raylawpc]

I've been laid up a little with a bum knee. It goes with the job (and my age). Wear and tear. I'm back at work today.

Glad you are healing up from your bum knee. I turned my ankle back Thanksgiving and it was still swelling up and hurting from time to time until just couple of weeks ago. It takes a lot longer to heal than it used to. Growing old is a b*tch, ain't it?

[Rick Farris]

Boxing and the MMA . . .

Lots of people are under the impression that boxing is losing fans to the MMA, but I have to disagree.
Boxing fans and MMA fans are a different breed.

If people are losing interest in boxing, it's not because of a new fighting sport. It's because championship boxing today rarely provides competitive fights, such as the Leonard-Duran, Ali-Frazier, Sugar Ray Robinson-Fullmer bouts we all grew up enjoying. Protected boxers, lack of activity, arrogant high-profile champions, wrestling type promotional tactics, lack of small clubs that develop contenders, and on-and-on.

When a major fight rolls into Las Vegas, so do the high rollers and fans who will book a room, take advantage of the Las Vegas attractions, restaurants, etc. Boxing fans are mature and do things differently than the younger MMA fans.
The MMA fans are less likely to throw down a wager, book rooms or spend much money while they are in town.
The guys who like MMA are not, for the most part, former boxing die hards who have lost interest in prizefighting.
Boxing fans are boxing fans, and the same with the MMA. The younger fans will gravitate to the MMA because it's trendy, exciting, and seems more suitable to the interests of a younger crowd. Maybe some of those fans would have chosen boxing if it were more like it used to be? Sadly, those days are dead & gone.

Boxing has been down many times over the years and always has made a comeback. However, the foundation of those successful comebacks were great fighters matched in competitive fights. In the early 60's, after all the bad PR that surfaced after the Jim Norris, Frankie Carbo scandals, etc. it was believed that boxing would soon be abolished, if nothing else lose it's appeal to the public.

We in L.A. saw a rebirth thru the promotional skill of Aileen Eaton & George Parnassus. As these legendary promoters died, they passed the torch to the next generation, which included Hall of Famers Don Fraser and Don Chargin, to name a couple.
With the two Don's of L.A. Boxing now in retirement, and nobody capable of making a card consisting of competitive matches, promoters focus on Bullsh_t to sell a card. They believe that what people come to see is half-naked ring card girls, a high-profile ring announcer, rap music, etc. etc.

I always have believed that boxing (as we know it) would never die. However, with the exception of a hand full of truly great boxers, such as Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, etc. things are pretty much dead. That is my opinion.


-Rick Farris

I worked with a guy here that had been a huge boxing fan for years. I met him at the first De la Hoya vs Chavez fight. For years we have either discussed the upcoming fights or the results and everything in between. About a year ago I saw him and asked him " Seen any good fights lately?" He said " No, I don't follow boxing anymore, I just watch MMA". That was the end of that.

For the most part Rick, you are absolutely correct. A whole different crowd and a completely different breed. By the way, whaddaya got against half naked ring card girls??

Randy . . . I know some boxing fans that have gravitated to the MMA, as well.
However, promoters have found that the MMA audience is much different than the boxing crowd.
I will watch an interesting MMA match, and I enjoy fighting arts of all kinds, especially grappling (as opposed to "staged" wrestling).
However, my heart is in boxing, and the same can be said for the majority of boxing fans, I have found.
The death of boxing has nothing to do with Mixed Martial Arts.