greg page
Posted: 13 Jan 2012, 14:25
WAS CLEARING OUT SOME FILES AND CAME ACCORSS THIS OLD INTERVIEW I DID WITH GREG RIP.
thought it might be of interest to some, expug did some sterling work to hlpe raise some cash to assist its worth noting.
sad tale but also bitter sweet. Pat is an amazing person.
Sadly greg passed away a few years back but Pat I still speak to and is still tirelessly fighting for better conditions for boxers in the US and for those who get injured.
Julian Wilson talks to former World Heavyweight Champ- Greg Page
Thanks for taking to the time to talk us Greg and Patricia, I know plenty of British fans will read this with much interest.
So lets start at the beginning, Greg you must have started boxing from a tender age is there any reason as to why you made boxing your sport of choice?
My father, Albert, his brothers William (WT) and Asia Page were all boxers. They were the reason that I boxed. My other brother
Dennis was also a boxer. Not too many people know this but I admired my big brother and I always wanted to be like him. My father took me to the gym that my brother Dennis trained at in New Albany at about the age of 12. Billy Martin's gym. That is where I got my start.
Who were your boyhood heroes, who inspired you as a child?
My oldest brother Dennis as I already said. My father, Albert Page. I always wanted his love and respect. Obviously, coming from Louisville, KY, Muhammad Ali and Jimmy Ellis.
Greg you fought some good fighters as an amateur, I believe Tony Tubbs (who ended up a future pro opponent being one of them) who was your hardest amateur opponent and what were your memories of the several Tubbs meetings?
Mitch Green was pretty tough. Also Tony Tubbs--probably one of the toughest. As a pro too. Tony is a great guy. I can't take nothing away from him. There were times that he and I fought, that I wasn't prepared for. Hadn't trained as hard as I could have. The media tried to make us enemies--for the press but we weren't. We still have contact today.
Also is there any truth in the rumour that you sparred with Ali in your youth?
When I was about 15, we met up at his boxing school in Louisville. We got into the ring together. I was able to connect on 1 shot, I turned it into a fight, Muhammad got into it too. His people started yelling, "Muhammad, he's just a kid." We also sparred one other time.
As an amateur were you ever in line to face Teofilio Stevenson?
Yes. USA against the World. I fought the cubans. I fought the guy that beat Stevenson. I was beating everybody. Won the Golden Gloves, National Golden Gloves and the AAU. I feel that the reason that Stevenson and I never fought each other was politics.
If so when and how would you have tackled the big Cuban?
If I could have gotten in the ring with him, I would have taken it to him. Straight to him. He had long legs but couldn't back up on him. He couldn't have gotten away from me.
Did you enjoy your amateur or professional career more?
By far the amateur. I had all my friends around me, "Baby" Leroy, my trainer, Tyrone "Fly" Moore, Gene Stevens, Terry Silvers, Tony Teague, Bruce "Little Colonel" Martin, "Big "Dave" Martin, Nile, Andre Jones, Frank Johns and Anthony Polland, Kelly Mayes, Jimbo Mitchell, David Johns, Michael Johns, "White Mike" Johnson, "Big Red" Morton. We would climb into baby Leroy's old jalopy and go all over the place. None of us had no money but we sure had fun everywhere we went. A bunch a big ole kids playing around. My adopted family. See when you are an amateur, you're fighting for pride, bragging rights, trophies. When you are pro, you're fighting for money and everybody wants a piece.
[
So you turned pro in Feb 79, were you nervous on your debut?
I was scared to death!! Can you imagine that?? Don "Mad Man"Martin. His named scared me. Then I saw him move his feet and I knew I could beat him. All my friends and family were there. My brother Dennis, just out of the service was there. After I got over being scared, I got busy. After the fight was over, we had a blast at my after party. Just hanging out with my friends and my family--dancing and hanging out.
You racked up a string of impressive wins in fact 18 in your first 3 years as a pro, including a win over the legendary and now sadly deceased Jimmy Young, what do you remember from that fight?
Jimmy Young, he died? I don't remember that. Jimmy was a helluva guy. It was tricky in the ring, a very worthy opponent. He had talent and skill and was a noble fighter.
You lost your unbeaten record to Trevor Berbick, then bounced back to beat James Tillis in the next fight in slightly controversial circumstances, can you recall the circumstances that made Angelo Dundee step into the ring that night?
Everybody thought I was beat, since I was down early in the fight. Angelo saw that I was starting to move and get into my rythym. My corner told me to start moving in and out and you will hypnotize him. And I did. Angelo knew how dangerous I could be once I got into the groove.
Three more victories ensued including one over Renaldo Mr Snipes (you guys didnt have it easy back then thats for sure Snipes for the un-initiated dropped Larry Holmes in their bout an should have gone on to win.) Then you took on Tim Witherspoon for the WBC title, a close fight by all accounts (and one you avenged later on in your career) did the experience of challenging for the World title and having fought such dangerous men assist you in the second attempt at the title?
I was more seasoned. Fed up with the politics. So yeah, I guess so. All of that stuff, got to me. All I wanted to do was fight. All of that other stuff-just slowed us down.
So the challenge of Jerry Coetzee arrived and you grabbed the WBA title with both hands or maybe gloves is more appropriate. Tell us about your crowning glory, how do you remember the fight and the moment you were crowned the Heavyweight Champ of the world?
Man I felt like I could fly. It was a tough fight. I trained hard. Janks (Morton) really worked me. It took me a long time to get that title shot. I knew I had to fight--nothing was gonnna be given to me. the powers that be, all knew I would lose and I knew I had to really fight to win. That night, I wanted it more than he did. When I went out to run each morning, there was a pack of baboons, that used to chase after me, I learned how to outrun them. When I was presented that belt, it was like no other feeling ever. Then I got sad because my dad didn't live long enough to see this moment and that was his dream. I was living out his dream.
I have to say you were extremely active throughout your career, really your record reads like A WHO’S WHO of Heavyweight boxing of the era, amazing, are you friends with any of your old foes at all now?
Since I got hurt, I have talked to some of those guys. Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Tony Tubbs, Earnie Shavers, Renald Snipes, Alex "Bronx Bomber" Ramos, Gerry Cooney, Aaron Pryor and Scott LeDoux. Oliver McCall---most of those guys are just a phone call away. We are a brotherhood.
Who did you enjoy fighting the most and also which opponent the least?
Marty Monroe and Scott Ledoux were pretty interesting fights. I am embarrassed now when I see how I acted at the LeDoux fight. I show-boated and got in trouble with my mom. With Marty Monroe, I established myself as someone that deserved to be fighting. George Chaplin, both fights were interesting. He is a hard puncher and gave me more then I bargained for. I didn't enjoy that fight very much. It should have been easier.
Did you enjoy your visit to England in 1986 to fight Funso Banjo?
England has always been one of my favorite places. Some day, I hope that I can afford to go back to England. The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful. I still have many friends there and I still have a lot of fans there. Funso was a good fighter and I have always had good experiences in England.
If you had got a shot at Larry Holmes what would have been your game plan? And why do you think that fight never happened?
Larry and I have had a chance to discuss this matter. In my opinion, Larry NEVER got the respect that he deserved in boxing. With me and him not fighthing, It was a money thing. I said a lot of ugly things about Larry and most of it was that boxing thing again. Talk a lot of trash. Larry is a great stand up guy. He has done a lot of things for the sport of boxing and for the younger boxers coming up. He tried to talk to me but I wouldn't listen. The only way to fight Larry Holmes is straight up. Take it straight to him. Could I have beat him. I dunno, but it would have been a good fight though!
Do you have a favourite fight at all? Perhaps one you were involved in and an all time great fight involving others?
How can you not like the Arguello-Pryor fights? How about the Ward-Gatti battles? Of course watching Muhammad fight was always a thrill. How bout the De La Hoya-Hopkins fights. One of my best fights, was my fight against, "Razor" Rudduck. I enjoyed sparring with Tyson and I loved training Oliver McCall.
As a fighter what did you think were your great strengths?
I was fast for a heavyweight, lightening speed hands. I was fast on my feet too. Had a great jab.
Do you still follow boxing?
Yes I do. I don't get to go to many fights. There are some that I would have love to have been at but I don't get invited to many. Bernard Hopkins is an awesome champion, he's one of the classiest guys out there right now. I am glad to see him and Oscar working Together now. The heavyweight field is wide open. Boxing is so different now than when I was in it. We had style, skill, we had foot work.
You were in Oliver McCalls corner when he beat Lennox Lewis, was there a strategy behind the victory, how did you end up in Oliver corner and how do you rate Lennox as a champion?
Oliver has the heart of true champion and I knew I could make him a champion!! Don King gets the credit for hooking me up with Oliver. Don was always good at giving you opportunities what you did with those opportunites was on you. I have to give Don King all of the credit. He presented me with the opportunity. There has been a lot of stuff attributed to me over the years, some deserving--that I said, stuff that I didn't say about Don King. I gotta set the record straight, some of that stuff was just "boxing" A lot of crazy stuff gets said in the heat of the moment. What I want to say now is that Don King did a lot for me. It helped him too, BUT I know the things that Don did for me. Don King loved my father. He loved my family. He did a lot for my family. When my dad died, Don was a pallbearer at his funeral. I know sometimes it seems like I forgot that stuff but I didn't. When I got married in Vegas, Don gave my wife (at that time) a great job. When he got hurt at the Tyson fight (when Tupac got killed) he took care of her, paid her medical bills, kept her on the payroll AND all plus gave her a cash settlement. I haven't talked to Don in a long time but he sure was good to me and my family.
It is at this juncture I like to break away from the great mans career and touch on a more somber note. As many of you know Greg in what was to be his last boxing match (but not his last fight), boxed on a card in Kentucky with tragic consequences. Its at this point I would like to involve Gregs wife more, Patricia, who has worked tirelessly not just for Greg but for boxers around the globe and has done a great deal of work in improving the safety of fighters in the USA.
Hi Patricia tell us a little about your work in improving the standards of medical attention for fighters.
First and foremost, keeping Greg's story out there is very important to me. When I went to the fight in Erlanger, I went with a group of friends, my daughter (Greg's niece) and some others. We went up to see a good fight, hang out and have fun. I knew very little about regulations and rules. As everyone probably knows, Greg left that fight, on a stretcher fighting for his life. Since that day, I have studied about boxing, it's rules and regulations and I have vowed to do all that I can do to promote boxer's safety. I want ot do all in my power to see that what happened to Greg never happens to anyone else.
To that end, in 2002, I was asked to speak before the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians in Las Vegas. This group was founded by Dr. Michael Schwartz with the purpose of making boxing a safer sport. I went to tell Greg's story, and encourage the AAPRP to continue their fight to promote boxer safety.
I have aligned myself with a wonderful group of folks in NY. Mr. Steve Acunto Sr. (along with Rocky Marciano) founded a group called the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing. (AAIB) I have been a guest speaker in New York and told Greg' story. The AAIB also promotes boxer safety.
I understand you have a specific website with the above aims in mind
I refer anyone that cares to know more to check out www.aaprp.org and www.aaib.org
Much has been written about that tragic evening in Erlanger, do you feel there things that could have been done to avoid what happened?
Recently, the local newspaper ran a 4 part segment about Greg, his life, his career, his injury and the aftermath. In that article, it highlighted 8 state and federal laws that were ignored, all of which culminated in the "Greg Page tragedy." The fight was sanctioned by the Kentucky Athletic Commission (KAC). Indeed, the KAC put forth $800.00 out of their budget to promote the fight. The promoter did not have insurance in the event a fighter got hurt. The "ringside physician" did not have a license to fight in the state of KY and in fact was on probation in Ohio where he was licensed. The MD had no medical malpractice insurance. There was no oxygen ringside, nor was there an ambulance or emergency personnel on hand at ringside. All of these things are in violation of Kentucky State or Federal law. When Greg went down at the end of the fight, the MD deemed Greg merely "exhausted" and did virtually nothing to help him. Greg was fighting for his life and the MD pronounced him "tired". After a substantial delay, an ambulance wa brought in to transport Greg to the hospital. So much time had passed all of the while, Greg's brain continued to aswell. He had to be placed on life support and then the real fight began. The fight to live, to recover, to regain some type of normalcy. You know, a lot of things can be said about Don King, but one thing I can tell you, his fights never took place without proper medical personnel, ambulances and such being in place. He had insurance to protect the fighters in the event that they got hurt. He did make sure those things were in place.
How can fans help raise the awareness of what is needed to improve the present situation?
Unfortunately, nobody (the boxing boards or athletic commissions) ever get interested in doing something until someone i hurt or killed. The sad thing is that the KAC hasn't done anything to change the regulations since Greg's injury. That is until recently. The only reason that happened is that in January 2005, the old KAC was disbanded and a new 'Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority' was founded. On the new KBWA is a wonderful man named Bud Schardein. Bud is a long time friend of Greg's and a former boxer. He promised us to fight to make a difference to help us in out in our efforts to make a difference. In their last meeting in October, they passed new regulations that require proper rescusitation equipment and a properly licensed physicians. It is not law yet, it has to go before the State legislators in early 2006. In my opinion, talking about what happened and what needs to change is so important to making those changes.
Life canÔÇÖt have been easy for the both of you but one thing that has struck me in my brief emails we have exchanged has been your positive outlook on life even in tough times, how do you stay so upbeat?
It sounds so corny, but I am on a mission. I feel that GOD has blessed me in that regard. On the whole, Greg was a likeable athlete. People care about what happened to him. The outpouring of support has been very important to us and it lifts me up on those days that I get down. I feel that GOD can use what happened to Greg, and use me as a vehicle to make a difference. If my efforts can keep 1 person from enduring what I have been thru with Greg, then, it was ultimately worth it. I HAVE to make a difference. In my mind, then I can make some sense out of the tragedy that ended Greg's career way too soon. I have gotten grief from people who claim that I use Greg's name for my own benefit and that I try to live off of his name. That I isn't true. I keep his name in the forefront for the express purpose of changing things--making things better. Actually, I have sacrificed a lot to make these changes happen.
How is Gregs present situation?
Today, Greg is totally paralyzed on his left side. He cannot stand on his own. When he stands, I support his weight. His memory is very "suspect" as we say, particulary his short term memory. For instance, he may eat breakfast and then 20 minutes later, ask when are we gonna eat. He has very poor insight as to his deficits. In other words, he cannot remember that he cannot walk and may try to get up on his own. He has fallen several times. He gets really confused about current events, gets things really mixed up. Days run together for him. I keep a calendar close to him but he has no idea what day is what. People get upset with him for not remembering things, like he recently got the days screwed up and missed his oldest daughter's birthday (she lives in Vegas) and he got in trouble for that. People just don't get it. When you look at Greg, for all that he has been thru, he looks good, BUT the right side of his brain has all but been destroyed. Some days his speech is very bad, almost unintelligible. He can no longer do any of the things that he enjoyed except for watch TV. He gets frustrated because he wants to do things that he can no longer do. Financially, it is a struggle for us. It is day to day. Greg takes many medications and has several doctors who have to follow him closely. Not only do I work full time but I am Greg's full time caregiver and I have daughters that are 12 and 13 to care for.
Prior to his injury, he had made plans to open a gym with his oldest brother. He also had plans to open a gym in Louisville, KY, his hometown and train boxers. He wanted to give kids an opportunity that once was given to him. Greg had huge plans but now that is all that they are--plans.
Has the accident changed your views on Boxing?
It has made me more determined to make Greg's legacy be one that we took a tragedy and made a difference in the sport. I don't want ANYONE to forget Greg Page. I also don't want anyone to forget what happened to him AND how senseless and tragic his career ended.
If there one thing you could wish to happen in the sport of Boxing to improve it, what would it be?
Initially, when Sen. McCain started talking about a Federal Boxing Commission, my first thought was, great, just what we need the government involving itself in another aspect of our lives. As time has gone on, and I have learned more, I have decided that this Federal Commission is a step in the right direction. Every state in the USA has it's own regulations, some have none at all. Nevada and New York have awesome Commissions. Some have horrible commissions, Utah for one. One governing body to oversee what is going on, enforcing the rules can be a good thing. We have federal legislation in the form of the Professional Boxers' Safety Act and the Muhammad Ali Boxing bill but some states don't follow those. (KY is one of them)
Another thing that is VERY important to me is that any physician that wants to be a ringside phyician, MUST be certified and credentialed through the American Association of Professional Ringside Physician's. It takes a certain amount of insight and skill to be a ringside physician. One needs to be able to recognize when a fighter is in over his head. We cannot allow the fighter, in the heat of battle to make that call. A certified ringside physician has undergone additional training and knows certain indicators, prior to a boxer being knocked out, that can indicate that a boxer is in trouble or has had enough. Those are two of the most important things for me at this time.
I would like to thank both Greg and Patricia for taking the time out to talk us and the fans across the UK, I would like to just take a moment to anyone who reads this article to take the time out and visit www.aaib.org
Additionally if you feel so inclined and I certainly shall do so, please make a donation to:
Friends of Greg Page
208 W. Kenwood Way
Louisville, KY 40214 USA
This all helps no matter how great or small and is a worthy way to honour and remember a Greg champion and his lovely lady.
Greg, Patricia your courage and selflessness are an inspiration to us all. Thank you and best of luck for the present and the future.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell Greg's story.
**DICLAIMER: Due to Greg's mental incapacities, this interview has been put together over a long period
of time. The questions were put to him and based on what he wanted to say, were formulated by myelf. The basic
answers and thoughts are Greg's.
thought it might be of interest to some, expug did some sterling work to hlpe raise some cash to assist its worth noting.
sad tale but also bitter sweet. Pat is an amazing person.
Sadly greg passed away a few years back but Pat I still speak to and is still tirelessly fighting for better conditions for boxers in the US and for those who get injured.
Julian Wilson talks to former World Heavyweight Champ- Greg Page
Thanks for taking to the time to talk us Greg and Patricia, I know plenty of British fans will read this with much interest.
So lets start at the beginning, Greg you must have started boxing from a tender age is there any reason as to why you made boxing your sport of choice?
My father, Albert, his brothers William (WT) and Asia Page were all boxers. They were the reason that I boxed. My other brother
Dennis was also a boxer. Not too many people know this but I admired my big brother and I always wanted to be like him. My father took me to the gym that my brother Dennis trained at in New Albany at about the age of 12. Billy Martin's gym. That is where I got my start.
Who were your boyhood heroes, who inspired you as a child?
My oldest brother Dennis as I already said. My father, Albert Page. I always wanted his love and respect. Obviously, coming from Louisville, KY, Muhammad Ali and Jimmy Ellis.
Greg you fought some good fighters as an amateur, I believe Tony Tubbs (who ended up a future pro opponent being one of them) who was your hardest amateur opponent and what were your memories of the several Tubbs meetings?
Mitch Green was pretty tough. Also Tony Tubbs--probably one of the toughest. As a pro too. Tony is a great guy. I can't take nothing away from him. There were times that he and I fought, that I wasn't prepared for. Hadn't trained as hard as I could have. The media tried to make us enemies--for the press but we weren't. We still have contact today.
Also is there any truth in the rumour that you sparred with Ali in your youth?
When I was about 15, we met up at his boxing school in Louisville. We got into the ring together. I was able to connect on 1 shot, I turned it into a fight, Muhammad got into it too. His people started yelling, "Muhammad, he's just a kid." We also sparred one other time.
As an amateur were you ever in line to face Teofilio Stevenson?
Yes. USA against the World. I fought the cubans. I fought the guy that beat Stevenson. I was beating everybody. Won the Golden Gloves, National Golden Gloves and the AAU. I feel that the reason that Stevenson and I never fought each other was politics.
If so when and how would you have tackled the big Cuban?
If I could have gotten in the ring with him, I would have taken it to him. Straight to him. He had long legs but couldn't back up on him. He couldn't have gotten away from me.
Did you enjoy your amateur or professional career more?
By far the amateur. I had all my friends around me, "Baby" Leroy, my trainer, Tyrone "Fly" Moore, Gene Stevens, Terry Silvers, Tony Teague, Bruce "Little Colonel" Martin, "Big "Dave" Martin, Nile, Andre Jones, Frank Johns and Anthony Polland, Kelly Mayes, Jimbo Mitchell, David Johns, Michael Johns, "White Mike" Johnson, "Big Red" Morton. We would climb into baby Leroy's old jalopy and go all over the place. None of us had no money but we sure had fun everywhere we went. A bunch a big ole kids playing around. My adopted family. See when you are an amateur, you're fighting for pride, bragging rights, trophies. When you are pro, you're fighting for money and everybody wants a piece.
[
So you turned pro in Feb 79, were you nervous on your debut?
I was scared to death!! Can you imagine that?? Don "Mad Man"Martin. His named scared me. Then I saw him move his feet and I knew I could beat him. All my friends and family were there. My brother Dennis, just out of the service was there. After I got over being scared, I got busy. After the fight was over, we had a blast at my after party. Just hanging out with my friends and my family--dancing and hanging out.
You racked up a string of impressive wins in fact 18 in your first 3 years as a pro, including a win over the legendary and now sadly deceased Jimmy Young, what do you remember from that fight?
Jimmy Young, he died? I don't remember that. Jimmy was a helluva guy. It was tricky in the ring, a very worthy opponent. He had talent and skill and was a noble fighter.
You lost your unbeaten record to Trevor Berbick, then bounced back to beat James Tillis in the next fight in slightly controversial circumstances, can you recall the circumstances that made Angelo Dundee step into the ring that night?
Everybody thought I was beat, since I was down early in the fight. Angelo saw that I was starting to move and get into my rythym. My corner told me to start moving in and out and you will hypnotize him. And I did. Angelo knew how dangerous I could be once I got into the groove.
Three more victories ensued including one over Renaldo Mr Snipes (you guys didnt have it easy back then thats for sure Snipes for the un-initiated dropped Larry Holmes in their bout an should have gone on to win.) Then you took on Tim Witherspoon for the WBC title, a close fight by all accounts (and one you avenged later on in your career) did the experience of challenging for the World title and having fought such dangerous men assist you in the second attempt at the title?
I was more seasoned. Fed up with the politics. So yeah, I guess so. All of that stuff, got to me. All I wanted to do was fight. All of that other stuff-just slowed us down.
So the challenge of Jerry Coetzee arrived and you grabbed the WBA title with both hands or maybe gloves is more appropriate. Tell us about your crowning glory, how do you remember the fight and the moment you were crowned the Heavyweight Champ of the world?
Man I felt like I could fly. It was a tough fight. I trained hard. Janks (Morton) really worked me. It took me a long time to get that title shot. I knew I had to fight--nothing was gonnna be given to me. the powers that be, all knew I would lose and I knew I had to really fight to win. That night, I wanted it more than he did. When I went out to run each morning, there was a pack of baboons, that used to chase after me, I learned how to outrun them. When I was presented that belt, it was like no other feeling ever. Then I got sad because my dad didn't live long enough to see this moment and that was his dream. I was living out his dream.
I have to say you were extremely active throughout your career, really your record reads like A WHO’S WHO of Heavyweight boxing of the era, amazing, are you friends with any of your old foes at all now?
Since I got hurt, I have talked to some of those guys. Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Tony Tubbs, Earnie Shavers, Renald Snipes, Alex "Bronx Bomber" Ramos, Gerry Cooney, Aaron Pryor and Scott LeDoux. Oliver McCall---most of those guys are just a phone call away. We are a brotherhood.
Who did you enjoy fighting the most and also which opponent the least?
Marty Monroe and Scott Ledoux were pretty interesting fights. I am embarrassed now when I see how I acted at the LeDoux fight. I show-boated and got in trouble with my mom. With Marty Monroe, I established myself as someone that deserved to be fighting. George Chaplin, both fights were interesting. He is a hard puncher and gave me more then I bargained for. I didn't enjoy that fight very much. It should have been easier.
Did you enjoy your visit to England in 1986 to fight Funso Banjo?
England has always been one of my favorite places. Some day, I hope that I can afford to go back to England. The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful. I still have many friends there and I still have a lot of fans there. Funso was a good fighter and I have always had good experiences in England.
If you had got a shot at Larry Holmes what would have been your game plan? And why do you think that fight never happened?
Larry and I have had a chance to discuss this matter. In my opinion, Larry NEVER got the respect that he deserved in boxing. With me and him not fighthing, It was a money thing. I said a lot of ugly things about Larry and most of it was that boxing thing again. Talk a lot of trash. Larry is a great stand up guy. He has done a lot of things for the sport of boxing and for the younger boxers coming up. He tried to talk to me but I wouldn't listen. The only way to fight Larry Holmes is straight up. Take it straight to him. Could I have beat him. I dunno, but it would have been a good fight though!
Do you have a favourite fight at all? Perhaps one you were involved in and an all time great fight involving others?
How can you not like the Arguello-Pryor fights? How about the Ward-Gatti battles? Of course watching Muhammad fight was always a thrill. How bout the De La Hoya-Hopkins fights. One of my best fights, was my fight against, "Razor" Rudduck. I enjoyed sparring with Tyson and I loved training Oliver McCall.
As a fighter what did you think were your great strengths?
I was fast for a heavyweight, lightening speed hands. I was fast on my feet too. Had a great jab.
Do you still follow boxing?
Yes I do. I don't get to go to many fights. There are some that I would have love to have been at but I don't get invited to many. Bernard Hopkins is an awesome champion, he's one of the classiest guys out there right now. I am glad to see him and Oscar working Together now. The heavyweight field is wide open. Boxing is so different now than when I was in it. We had style, skill, we had foot work.
You were in Oliver McCalls corner when he beat Lennox Lewis, was there a strategy behind the victory, how did you end up in Oliver corner and how do you rate Lennox as a champion?
Oliver has the heart of true champion and I knew I could make him a champion!! Don King gets the credit for hooking me up with Oliver. Don was always good at giving you opportunities what you did with those opportunites was on you. I have to give Don King all of the credit. He presented me with the opportunity. There has been a lot of stuff attributed to me over the years, some deserving--that I said, stuff that I didn't say about Don King. I gotta set the record straight, some of that stuff was just "boxing" A lot of crazy stuff gets said in the heat of the moment. What I want to say now is that Don King did a lot for me. It helped him too, BUT I know the things that Don did for me. Don King loved my father. He loved my family. He did a lot for my family. When my dad died, Don was a pallbearer at his funeral. I know sometimes it seems like I forgot that stuff but I didn't. When I got married in Vegas, Don gave my wife (at that time) a great job. When he got hurt at the Tyson fight (when Tupac got killed) he took care of her, paid her medical bills, kept her on the payroll AND all plus gave her a cash settlement. I haven't talked to Don in a long time but he sure was good to me and my family.
It is at this juncture I like to break away from the great mans career and touch on a more somber note. As many of you know Greg in what was to be his last boxing match (but not his last fight), boxed on a card in Kentucky with tragic consequences. Its at this point I would like to involve Gregs wife more, Patricia, who has worked tirelessly not just for Greg but for boxers around the globe and has done a great deal of work in improving the safety of fighters in the USA.
Hi Patricia tell us a little about your work in improving the standards of medical attention for fighters.
First and foremost, keeping Greg's story out there is very important to me. When I went to the fight in Erlanger, I went with a group of friends, my daughter (Greg's niece) and some others. We went up to see a good fight, hang out and have fun. I knew very little about regulations and rules. As everyone probably knows, Greg left that fight, on a stretcher fighting for his life. Since that day, I have studied about boxing, it's rules and regulations and I have vowed to do all that I can do to promote boxer's safety. I want ot do all in my power to see that what happened to Greg never happens to anyone else.
To that end, in 2002, I was asked to speak before the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians in Las Vegas. This group was founded by Dr. Michael Schwartz with the purpose of making boxing a safer sport. I went to tell Greg's story, and encourage the AAPRP to continue their fight to promote boxer safety.
I have aligned myself with a wonderful group of folks in NY. Mr. Steve Acunto Sr. (along with Rocky Marciano) founded a group called the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing. (AAIB) I have been a guest speaker in New York and told Greg' story. The AAIB also promotes boxer safety.
I understand you have a specific website with the above aims in mind
I refer anyone that cares to know more to check out www.aaprp.org and www.aaib.org
Much has been written about that tragic evening in Erlanger, do you feel there things that could have been done to avoid what happened?
Recently, the local newspaper ran a 4 part segment about Greg, his life, his career, his injury and the aftermath. In that article, it highlighted 8 state and federal laws that were ignored, all of which culminated in the "Greg Page tragedy." The fight was sanctioned by the Kentucky Athletic Commission (KAC). Indeed, the KAC put forth $800.00 out of their budget to promote the fight. The promoter did not have insurance in the event a fighter got hurt. The "ringside physician" did not have a license to fight in the state of KY and in fact was on probation in Ohio where he was licensed. The MD had no medical malpractice insurance. There was no oxygen ringside, nor was there an ambulance or emergency personnel on hand at ringside. All of these things are in violation of Kentucky State or Federal law. When Greg went down at the end of the fight, the MD deemed Greg merely "exhausted" and did virtually nothing to help him. Greg was fighting for his life and the MD pronounced him "tired". After a substantial delay, an ambulance wa brought in to transport Greg to the hospital. So much time had passed all of the while, Greg's brain continued to aswell. He had to be placed on life support and then the real fight began. The fight to live, to recover, to regain some type of normalcy. You know, a lot of things can be said about Don King, but one thing I can tell you, his fights never took place without proper medical personnel, ambulances and such being in place. He had insurance to protect the fighters in the event that they got hurt. He did make sure those things were in place.
How can fans help raise the awareness of what is needed to improve the present situation?
Unfortunately, nobody (the boxing boards or athletic commissions) ever get interested in doing something until someone i hurt or killed. The sad thing is that the KAC hasn't done anything to change the regulations since Greg's injury. That is until recently. The only reason that happened is that in January 2005, the old KAC was disbanded and a new 'Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority' was founded. On the new KBWA is a wonderful man named Bud Schardein. Bud is a long time friend of Greg's and a former boxer. He promised us to fight to make a difference to help us in out in our efforts to make a difference. In their last meeting in October, they passed new regulations that require proper rescusitation equipment and a properly licensed physicians. It is not law yet, it has to go before the State legislators in early 2006. In my opinion, talking about what happened and what needs to change is so important to making those changes.
Life canÔÇÖt have been easy for the both of you but one thing that has struck me in my brief emails we have exchanged has been your positive outlook on life even in tough times, how do you stay so upbeat?
It sounds so corny, but I am on a mission. I feel that GOD has blessed me in that regard. On the whole, Greg was a likeable athlete. People care about what happened to him. The outpouring of support has been very important to us and it lifts me up on those days that I get down. I feel that GOD can use what happened to Greg, and use me as a vehicle to make a difference. If my efforts can keep 1 person from enduring what I have been thru with Greg, then, it was ultimately worth it. I HAVE to make a difference. In my mind, then I can make some sense out of the tragedy that ended Greg's career way too soon. I have gotten grief from people who claim that I use Greg's name for my own benefit and that I try to live off of his name. That I isn't true. I keep his name in the forefront for the express purpose of changing things--making things better. Actually, I have sacrificed a lot to make these changes happen.
How is Gregs present situation?
Today, Greg is totally paralyzed on his left side. He cannot stand on his own. When he stands, I support his weight. His memory is very "suspect" as we say, particulary his short term memory. For instance, he may eat breakfast and then 20 minutes later, ask when are we gonna eat. He has very poor insight as to his deficits. In other words, he cannot remember that he cannot walk and may try to get up on his own. He has fallen several times. He gets really confused about current events, gets things really mixed up. Days run together for him. I keep a calendar close to him but he has no idea what day is what. People get upset with him for not remembering things, like he recently got the days screwed up and missed his oldest daughter's birthday (she lives in Vegas) and he got in trouble for that. People just don't get it. When you look at Greg, for all that he has been thru, he looks good, BUT the right side of his brain has all but been destroyed. Some days his speech is very bad, almost unintelligible. He can no longer do any of the things that he enjoyed except for watch TV. He gets frustrated because he wants to do things that he can no longer do. Financially, it is a struggle for us. It is day to day. Greg takes many medications and has several doctors who have to follow him closely. Not only do I work full time but I am Greg's full time caregiver and I have daughters that are 12 and 13 to care for.
Prior to his injury, he had made plans to open a gym with his oldest brother. He also had plans to open a gym in Louisville, KY, his hometown and train boxers. He wanted to give kids an opportunity that once was given to him. Greg had huge plans but now that is all that they are--plans.
Has the accident changed your views on Boxing?
It has made me more determined to make Greg's legacy be one that we took a tragedy and made a difference in the sport. I don't want ANYONE to forget Greg Page. I also don't want anyone to forget what happened to him AND how senseless and tragic his career ended.
If there one thing you could wish to happen in the sport of Boxing to improve it, what would it be?
Initially, when Sen. McCain started talking about a Federal Boxing Commission, my first thought was, great, just what we need the government involving itself in another aspect of our lives. As time has gone on, and I have learned more, I have decided that this Federal Commission is a step in the right direction. Every state in the USA has it's own regulations, some have none at all. Nevada and New York have awesome Commissions. Some have horrible commissions, Utah for one. One governing body to oversee what is going on, enforcing the rules can be a good thing. We have federal legislation in the form of the Professional Boxers' Safety Act and the Muhammad Ali Boxing bill but some states don't follow those. (KY is one of them)
Another thing that is VERY important to me is that any physician that wants to be a ringside phyician, MUST be certified and credentialed through the American Association of Professional Ringside Physician's. It takes a certain amount of insight and skill to be a ringside physician. One needs to be able to recognize when a fighter is in over his head. We cannot allow the fighter, in the heat of battle to make that call. A certified ringside physician has undergone additional training and knows certain indicators, prior to a boxer being knocked out, that can indicate that a boxer is in trouble or has had enough. Those are two of the most important things for me at this time.
I would like to thank both Greg and Patricia for taking the time out to talk us and the fans across the UK, I would like to just take a moment to anyone who reads this article to take the time out and visit www.aaib.org
Additionally if you feel so inclined and I certainly shall do so, please make a donation to:
Friends of Greg Page
208 W. Kenwood Way
Louisville, KY 40214 USA
This all helps no matter how great or small and is a worthy way to honour and remember a Greg champion and his lovely lady.
Greg, Patricia your courage and selflessness are an inspiration to us all. Thank you and best of luck for the present and the future.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell Greg's story.
**DICLAIMER: Due to Greg's mental incapacities, this interview has been put together over a long period
of time. The questions were put to him and based on what he wanted to say, were formulated by myelf. The basic
answers and thoughts are Greg's.
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