An "Ask The Answerman" Article By Herb Goldman That I Hated

[Jack 1000]

I got to thinking about articles and editorials that I wrote for boxing over the years, and used to have a great deal of respect for boxing writer Herbert G. Goldman who used to write for Ring. One of his columns was "Ask The Answerman" and he made made some of the most scathing unproven, unsubstantiated remarks I have ever seen. You'll be shocked if you read this: (Go to Ring Magazine, December 1987's issue of Ask The AnswerMan.) I don't have it in front of me, but I will never ever forget Mr. Goldmen's response to this question: I will try to paraphrase it as best I can. A reader wrote:

"For years, my stepfather has refused to watch professional boxing claiming that it is "fixed." Though I disagree with him and he has provided no evidence to substantiate his claim, can you offer evidence that refutes his allegation?

Mr. Goldmen's Answer: ( Paraphrased)

"Sad to speak, your stepfather is right, fights are indeed "fixed" Duek-Koo Kim did not really die after his bout with Ray Mancini, in fact, Kim was not even his real name. "Duek-Koo" is really Sammy Wong, a professional stuntman/actor who specializes in movie death scenes. Goldman continues, I could list a thousand more such cases. James Remington, the veteran comedy actor who plays Don King, the flamboyant promoter is one of the highest paid actors of the SAG, earning almost as much money as the "fictional" Don King." He goes on to say that Benny Parrot, who was "killed" in his fight with Emilie Griffith was also an actor, under a different name and than has the gall to conclude:

"The whole fight game really is a show and the various fighters, promoters, and all actors. Sorry to spoil your dreams, but I just had to spill it. Tell you stepfather he is one smart cookie."

I was so infuriated by Mr. Goldman's response that I could not believe what I was reading. I asked him in a letter back where he got this information from and how come no other sources have verified what he has said? I never got a response and lost all respect for him. This board has a great history, and I would please ask anyone associated with Mr. Goldman where he got such information? I have never heard such an unsubstantiated response in my life, and I have covered boxing just as long as he has. How could an answer like this even get published and was Goldman ever reprimanded?

For the record, I believe that 95% or more of all boxing is legit. I think everything that Goldman said in that answer is bull$hit and I hope that he was chastised for it. To compare our favorite sport with people putting their hearts and lives into it with real blood, guts, heart, and soul, and Goldman writes this $hit!? Where did he get this information? Oh, and don't forget the issue where he spews this b.s. The December 1987 issue of Ask The Answerman. That should be it or is it is the September 1987 issue. It's the first letter on the page for "Ask The AnswerMan."

This is a stomach turner.

Jack

[Goodnight, Irene]

It's a joke...isn't it!?

:)

P.S.

How are you liking J-Dub's Calzaghe-Hopkins rant? Guy has a screw loose. I can hear the Welsh anthem everytime he posts D

[klompton]

Goldman was a douchebag. He ruined the Ring Record Book. He went back and started creating title lineages for titles like LHW etc before they even existed. Hes an expert on Al Jolson and Boxing, those are his claims to fame yet in his bio of Jolson he doesnt even mention that it was Jolson who was responsible for Henry Armstrong hitting the big time.

[Jack1000]

Clearly a very poor taste at sarcasm by Mr. Goldman,

Many years ago, someone asked that same thing to me and I thought the same thing after cooling off. But it really should not have been published. Nigel Collins, whom I believe was head Editor at the time, should have said "No." It creates a general consensus of the public that letters like that are truthful. Herb could have faced lawsuits for that. They would charge him with plagiarism if that went through any University. Goldman should have known better.

Mr. Boxing

[Jack1000]

How are you liking J-Dub's Calzaghe-Hopkins rant? Guy has a screw loose. I can hear the Welsh anthem everytime he posts D

I love it! hahaha. Gemini is putting him in his place though!!! LOL!

Jack

[Robinson]

Every sport has fixes, agreements and set ups, Boxing just does it
with more seed than many others.

If money is to be made, corruption in any form will flourish whether
thats in paying off officials or fixing bouts.

Its alot harder to do these days in many places but it happens and will
happen.

Even on low scale MMA shows that I have been involved in have had
its fair share of 'works' and low key corruption.

Goldman's approach to addressing the issue seemed to be some what
tactless, and extreme. BUT I have noticed this with most boxing writers
and experts. They all seem to have extreme stances and views.