McCullough please don't

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 23 Sep 2005, 09:28

McCullough, who was born in Belfast but recent became an American citizen, has now said his Skysports.com: "I haven't even thought about retiring since my last fight. Other people have me retired or have at least tried to put those words into my mouth but I intend to fight on. I am also trying to get another big fight scheduled in the very near future."

kevo · Post by **kevo** » 23 Sep 2005, 10:42

I can't understand this. His delusion is comparable to Hlyfield, the beating he took in his last fight was frightening.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 23 Sep 2005, 10:57

McCulloch has taken so many flush shots to the head in his career now. Had he been competitive with Larios in the 2nd fight in losing fair enough, but he got absolutely battered.

If he wanted to drop down to a lower level I could understand, but he's determined to be in big fights against the best, which means more hammerings.

Barryboy · Post by **Barryboy** » 23 Sep 2005, 11:02

Wayne seems like a real family man so surely if his wife pleaded with him to stop that would make him think twice, is she still his business manager or whatever? If so she should refuse to have anything to do with it unless she wants to see him get seriously hurt cos if he keeps on fighting it's almost inevitable and it's only boxing at the end of the day, not worth losing your life for.
Same goes for Holyfield.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 23 Sep 2005, 11:06

She is his manager or business manager, forget which. Surely Wayne has enough money to be comfy, does he REALLY think he can win a world title?

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:04

From espn.com

20/09/05
Waynes views on recent events.

LAS VEGAS -- Many people think of boxing as a violent, brutal sport in which one boxer enters the ring with the intention of hurting his opponent. That could not be further from the truth. There is not one boxer I know who would deliberately go into the ring to inflict damage on his opponent.

Boxing is as safe as it could possibly be now, especially in Nevada, where every fighter must undergo significant testing before he can step between the ropes. Unfortunately, Las Vegas has been under the spotlight in recent months because of a series of severe injuries sustained by boxers here, including Leavander Johnson's brain trauma suffered in his Sept. 17 lightweight title loss to Jesus Chavez.

Why does there seem to be a spate of injuries or deaths in our sport here? My only guess for this is that Vegas is host to many more shows than anywhere else in the world, so that increases the chances for injuries.

Opponents of our sport might request that headgear be introduced for pro boxers. But I had more injuries in the amateurs, where headgear is mandatory, than I have had in my pro career.

Levander Johnson collapsed in the dressing room after getting roughed up in a loss to Jesus Chavez.
I think wearing headgear is like wearing blinkers. A lot of the time, you cannot see the punches coming. I believe wearing headgear can sometimes intensify the punch. You can almost feel it ricocheting around the head.

There are also different sized gloves used when fighting, but the lower weight classes, myself included, fight in eight-ounce gloves. I doubt anyone could prove that increasing the glove size is going to make a difference in the number of injuries we have in our sport.

I was sitting ringside when former super featherweight champion Chavez challenged Johnson at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Chavez had moved up in weight to fight Johnson in a scheduled 12-round fight.

Chavez was the shorter, stockier boxer. He's physically strong but not a big puncher. Typically he marches forward, throwing wild hooks to the head and body.

Johnson, the taller of the two, won the championship in his most recent outing by beating Stefano Zoff, from Italy. But Johnson had been TKO'd in three previous championship challenges. Johnson likes to stand erect as he fights and likes to use his reach advantage to keep his opponent at a distance.

Against Chavez, Johnson won the first round on all three judges' scorecards and was off to a good start. Chavez, a nonstop puncher, worked Johnson's body but his left hooks to Johnson's head were the best shots of the fight. He rocked Johnson in the third with the left hook. But the round was pretty even and one of the judges gave it to Johnson.

The first five rounds were competitive and Johnson was holding his own, at least on the scorecards. Two of the judges gave him two rounds and one judge gave him one round but he was still in the fight.

As a fighter, I didn't see Johnson taking any significant punches in the first five rounds and he wasn't in any serious trouble. He did get hit with clean shots but he was always fighting back.

Then the fight took a turn, and from the fifth round on, it was all Chavez.

During the next few rounds, Chavez repeatedly landed left hooks to Johnson's chin. The 10th round was the most crucial of the fight; Chavez threw single power shots to Johnson's head and they landed every time. Johnson walked unsteadily back to his corner.

The ringside physician, Margaret Goodman, checked on Johnson in the corner, said he was "alert" and allowed the fight to continue.

Chavez jumped on Johnson in the 11th round and landed punch after punch.

Referee Tony Weeks felt Johnson had taken enough punishment and stepped in to stop the fight at 0:38 of the round.

Johnson had taken a lot of shots in the previous round and I honestly thought the fight could have been stopped then because of his unsteadiness. His corner might not have noticed any change in his behavior in-between rounds, which might be why he allowed him to go out for the 11th round. His trainer, who is also his father, is the one person who knows him best in a fight. [Editor's note: Bill Johnson, Leavander's father and trainer, told the Associated Press that he told his son he was going to stop the fight after the eighth or ninth round.]

I believe Tony Weeks is one of the best referees in the business and he made the right call. Johnson couldn't have taken any more punishment but, at that point, there was no way to tell how much damage he had sustained.

I believe Tony Weeks is one of the best referees in the business and he made the right call. Johnson could not have taken any more punishment but, at that point, there was no way to tell how much damage he had sustained.

Johnson looked fine leaving the ring but no one can predict what will happen afterward. Unfortunately. when Johnson arrived at his dressing room, he collapsed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission was on hand immediately and got Johnson to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain) and underwent emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Johnson died Thursday.

I believe everything was done for Johnson that could have been done. He would have been fully tested prior to the fight to make sure there was nothing wrong with his brain. Nevada is one of the safest places in the world to fight because it is mandatory to have an MRI brain scan performed before you fight here. A boxer licensed to fight in Nevada must have an MRI done every five years.

Still, I can understand Johnson's reluctance to surrender.

When I fought Oscar Larios in a rematch July 16, Goodman stopped me in the corner after the 10th round because she had said I'd "taken too much." I take punches -- that's my style, like it or not! I have fought the best in the business: Erik Morales, Naseem Hamed, Daniel Zaragoza and Scott Harrison to name a few. I have never been on the canvas or stopped before and obviously I protested the stoppage.

When I fought Harrison, I took 10 times more punishment than I took against Larios, and Harrison was a bigger man. The referee in the Harrison fight saw that my legs were strong and my eyes were clear -- just as in the Larios fight -- and he knew there was no need to stop the fight.

My track record shows that I come back in the final rounds I have proven that on numerous occasions -- most recently in my first fight with Larios in February. In the rematch, in July, Larios won the middle rounds but I was slowly coming back and was ready for rounds 11 and 12. But I wasn't given the chance. I hardly had a mark on my face after the fight -- and I mark up easily. But to me, that proved I didn't get hit too much.

My wife and manager Cheryl and I have discussed in private that if she sees me getting hurt in a fight she can stop it. Cheryl knew I was fine in the [second Oscar] Larios fight but she would have been the first person in the ring if she thought otherwise.

The 10th round in my rematch with Larios was pretty even and I believe my opportunity to finish the fight was taken away. No one can say I was definitely going to lose and no one can say I was definitely going to win. The worst thing is that I will never know. I feel like I've been denied six minutes of my life.

My wife and manager Cheryl and I have discussed in private that if she sees me getting hurt in a fight, she can stop it. Cheryl knew I was fine in the Larios fight, and she would have been the first person in the ring if she thought otherwise.

Following my second fight with Larios, I was instructed to get a CT scan to make sure my brain was not damaged. I had no problems taking the scan. I must be one of the most tested boxers in the world! My CT scan came back clear and I'm ready to fight again.

Thankfully, I've never been in a fight in which my opponent has been badly hurt. But in my second world championship defense, in 1996, I ended up in a hospital even though I won the fight. My blood pressure was out of control and my heart rate was over 100 beats per minute. I was in shock and my whole body was shaking. I was hooked up to morphine to numb the pain. I thought that I was going to die, but fortunately I got through it.

I've been ringside in Las Vegas for a couple of bouts when a fighter has later died. In July 1994, welterweight Robert Wangila Napunyi, 26, died from injuries sustained in a bout against David Gonzalez. In May 1995, Jimmy Garcia, 23, died 13 days after a fight against Gabriel Ruelas for a super featherweight title.

When I get into the ring, I might get seriously hurt or worse, but I know the risks. Even though I try not to think about it, I know it can happen.

I have no doubt it will be hard for Chavez until he gets closure on the Johnson fight. The sad thing about boxing is that this happens.

My thoughts and prayers are with Johnson and his family.

Wayne McCullough's autobiography "Don't Quit" will be published in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Nov. 10 and is scheduled for release in the United States on December 27. McCullough's Web site is http://www.pocketrocketbox.com

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:12

KOJOE90 wrote:I take punches -- that's my style, like it or not!

[/quote]

That is precisely why he shouldn't be fighting against the top flight.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:19

I fear for Wayne really if he fights again at any level. The second Larios fight was his 'fight too many' and if he continues after that he really is tempting fate. I can't understand how he can get another 'big fight' either.... when was the last time he actually won a fight against a top contender?. He is just becoming a human punchbag.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:21

Along with Holifield Wayne is a prime example of why some fighters need to be protected from themselves.

Shirow · Post by **Shirow** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:24

Barryboy wrote:Wayne seems like a real family man so surely if his wife pleaded with him to stop that would make him think twice...

You say that though i'm sure i'm not the only one to remember how she sat passively ringside watching Scott Harrison beat the living daylights out of her husband, as if asking the fight to be stopped was the last thing on her mind.

Unfortunately i don't think that's an issue. He wants one last hurrah but it's just not coming. He has nowhere to go and shouldn't squander his goodwill or reputation like Holyfield has.

Why oh why can't he move straight into media - more writing, commentating, pundit. He's articulate, well known & well liked, perfect for the job.

It's frustrating as it is worrying.

Barryboy · Post by **Barryboy** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:27

Shirow wrote:
Barryboy wrote:Wayne seems like a real family man so surely if his wife pleaded with him to stop that would make him think twice...
You say that though i'm sure i'm not the only one to remember how she sat passively ringside watching Scott Harrison beat the living daylights out of her husband, as if asking the fight to be stopped was the last thing on her mind.

Yeah I was thinking that as well she almost had her head in her hands.

"My wife and manager Cheryl and I have discussed in private that if she sees me getting hurt in a fight, she can stop it. Cheryl knew I was fine in the Larios fight, and she would have been the first person in the ring if she thought otherwise".

I'm glad I'm not relying on her to bail me out! she ain't a very good judge of a fight if she thought he was fine

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 23 Sep 2005, 12:39

Barryboy wrote:
Shirow wrote:
Barryboy wrote:Wayne seems like a real family man so surely if his wife pleaded with him to stop that would make him think twice...
You say that though i'm sure i'm not the only one to remember how she sat passively ringside watching Scott Harrison beat the living daylights out of her husband, as if asking the fight to be stopped was the last thing on her mind.
Yeah I was thinking that as well she almost had her head in her hands.

"My wife and manager Cheryl and I have discussed in private that if she sees me getting hurt in a fight, she can stop it. Cheryl knew I was fine in the Larios fight, and she would have been the first person in the ring if she thought otherwise".

I'm glad I'm not relying on her to bail me out! she ain't a very good judge of a fight if she thought he was fine

Well maybe she knows something we don't but I thought I was watching a man being beaten to death in the second Larios fight. That was a shocking beating really and as it is I fear for Wayne in the future after all the hard fights and punches he has taken.

Lefthookhappy19 · Post by **Lefthookhappy19** » 23 Sep 2005, 15:08

Ive mentioned this before. His wife just sits at ringside with a smile everytime the camera goes to her while Waynes having a war. It pretty odd. And every time she's interviewed she's seems really determined for Wayne to continue fighting. Maybe she likes the lifestyle and doesn't want to give it up.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 23 Sep 2005, 15:54

Lefthookhappy19 wrote:Ive mentioned this before. His wife just sits at ringside with a smile everytime the camera goes to her while Waynes having a war. It pretty odd. And every time she's interviewed she's seems really determined for Wayne to continue fighting. Maybe she likes the lifestyle and doesn't want to give it up.

Yes it is a bit odd I agree. But to be fair, I think Wayne is his own man and I don't think she is actually persuading him to keep fighting against his better judgement

. Or at least I hope not! :x . Maybe she just thinks he's indestructable 8) .
But unfortunately noone is indestructable and often a iron chin can turn out to be a curse to a boxer in the long term.

bollox · Post by **bollox** » 23 Sep 2005, 16:37

McCullough's wife may have a whole lot more to answer for if Wayne keeps fighting. WTF is wrong with this woman? :x

History sometimes doesn't have to repeat itself. Prevention is better than cure etc etc

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 23 Sep 2005, 16:46

His wife is his business manager...nuff said.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 23 Sep 2005, 17:00

Too true, she sits ringside while he's getting 7 bells knocked out of him...with a smile on her face.

Not someone you'd want in charge of your health, to be blunt.

His corner for the Harrison fight was just abysmal.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 23 Sep 2005, 17:47

I think the tragic events last weekend might make us think a bit more about it, but I disagree with James' view that McCullough took a battering. As Wayne implied this week, a bias judge towards Wayne and the rematch could have been close. I thought there was a strong case for Wayne to have won 4 rounds of the rematch, and as he has said, the last two rounds of the contest were possibly the best.

Had Wayne retired after the Harrison fight I would have been pleased because that was a Hammering - however his subsequent performances have suggest that was the weight difference.

I honestly don't mind if he comesback - to me he faced the #1 fighter in the devision and was competitive in both fights IMO - obviously more competitive in the first, but he didn't look out of his depth in the rematch.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 24 Sep 2005, 05:36

stujones wrote:I think the tragic events last weekend might make us think a bit more about it, but I disagree with James' view that McCullough took a battering. As Wayne implied this week, a bias judge towards Wayne and the rematch could have been close. I thought there was a strong case for Wayne to have won 4 rounds of the rematch, and as he has said, the last two rounds of the contest were possibly the best.

Had Wayne retired after the Harrison fight I would have been pleased because that was a Hammering - however his subsequent performances have suggest that was the weight difference.

I honestly don't mind if he comesback - to me he faced the #1 fighter in the devision and was competitive in both fights IMO - obviously more competitive in the first, but he didn't look out of his depth in the rematch.

With respect I think you were watching a different fight to me!. Larios really hammered him and treated his head like a speedball at times. It was frightening to watch.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 24 Sep 2005, 11:04

I agree in one sense with Stu that McCullough was somewhat competetive but he was still taking a controlled beating, his head was getting rocked back and forth by continuous headshots.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 24 Sep 2005, 11:26

Larios was just too good, the wrong busy slick jabbing style and too big for Wayne (I wonder if Wayne could still make 118). I'm sure against a poorer belt holder he could maybe grab the belt thats eluded him all these years

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 24 Sep 2005, 14:04

mccullough had trouble making 118 when he was champ, that's why he moved up. what year was the bueno fight? he fought like a weight drained fighter in that really tough fight. 1995 i think!

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 24 Sep 2005, 15:02

viciousmaussa wrote:mccullough had trouble making 118 when he was champ, that's why he moved up. what year was the bueno fight? he fought like a weight drained fighter in that really tough fight. 1995 i think!

I agree, he won't see 118 again. I think it was 96 he fought Beuno and 1997 he fought Zaragoza.

JimmyJamJerusalem · Post by **JimmyJamJerusalem** » 24 Sep 2005, 18:26

Man I'm sooo gonna incur the wrath of you guys by saying this, but I think that bitch Goodman had no right to stop the Larios fight.

There was no medical reason to stop it, no cuts, no concussion. Wayne was perfectly coherent and steady. Ok he was getting a pasting, but for a man who PRIDES himself on the fact he cannot be stopped (the best chin I've ever seen!!) to be stopped, that late, when he knows he can see the fight through to the end pissed me off!!!!

I have spoken to Wayne about this, and he was gutted, Goodman stopped the fight. Wayne was losing bad, but could easily seen the fight thorough, but Goodman couldnt handle it, so robbed Wayne of his un-stoppable record. Now he feel he has something to prove.
"Sucess is the best revenge"
were his exact words. Personally I think he should start looking to wind his career up, but who wants to go out like that! He thinks he has summit to prove.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 24 Sep 2005, 18:42

Well he would say he was gutted wouldn't he. If it hadn't been stopped theres a strong possibility that Wayne would have suffered the same fate as Leavander Johnson.