All Time Greats

This week's show will feature two all time greats. Larry Holmes and Jack Obermayer. I'm sure you're familiar with Sir Lawrence, who was just elected to the Hall of Fame. Holmes is one of my all time favorites and is one of the reasons I became interested in boxing.

I love doing what I do but I try not to get too excited about my guests. I of course, need to be professional at all times. And in my line of work, you really can't afford to worship the heroes. You get let down too often. But every once in a while, I'll interview one of the guys who I grew up watching. The only word I can use to describe it is thrilling. That's when the 15 year old kid in me comes out.

Also on the show is boxing writer Jack Obermayer. If you don't know Jack's work, you should. He has a biting wit and is very knowledgeable. He writes for Boxing Digest and a host of other places. I've admired his work for years and I'm looking forward to having him on.

I hope all of you have a great Christmas. Talk to you on Thursday night.

Marc and the Magic Man

Back to a normal schedule this week, which means there shouldn't be anymore down weeks. I'll be back with you every Thursday night (or whenever you listen to Through the Ropes).

This week, I'm excited to have back one of my favorite guests. The man pictured to the right in the photo -- Paulie Malignaggi. He is full of personality and is a great interview. I was hoping to have him in the studio again, but he didn't want to make the drive down from Vero by himself. Also on the show will be ring announcer Lupe Contreras. Is he the next Michael Buffer? Is he waiting for the Rumble Man to finally retire? Tune in to find out.

Crime Stopper

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. put a halt to what would surely have been a black eye on boxing by taking the fight out of the judges' hands. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that two of the judges gave all but one round to Mayweather. I actually had Hatton ahead by one point at the time of the KO, although I wouldn't argue with a one or even two point Mayweather lead.

However, eight rounds to one is criminal and the commission should sit down with those judges, ask them to watch a video tape and explain their scoring, just like what is supposedly happening in NY after the Cassamayor - Santa Cruz fight.

On the show, I apparently ended my losing streak of picking the wrong guy. Not only did I get the winner right, you'll recall that I said it would come via 10th round TKO. The prophecies continue as I picked every NFL game correctly this Sunday in my football pool. First time I've ever run the table.

Lastly, we'll have another "Best of Through the Ropes" show this week. I have an unavoidable travel commitment on Thursday. Starting next week, I'm back every Thursday with a new show. Stick with me. I've got big plans for Through the Ropes in 2008 and hope that you'll be there with me.

Lampley and the Black Mamba

We couldn't get Floyd so we got the next best thing -- Uncle Roger. Roger Mayweather is a great personality and my board operator better be paying attention considering you never know what's going to come out of Roger's mouth.

We'll also be talking with HBO's Jim Lampley.

Should be a great show.