Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Two Kings

No, I'm not talking about poker. This week we've got IBF Welterweight champion Kermit Cintron and WBC Light Heavy belt holder "Bad" Chad Dawson. We're back in Florida, so call the usual number 1-888-760-3776.

Speaking of being back home, here's another glimpse into the glamorous life that I lead. I was in Santa Ynez, cage announcing ShoXC on Showtime last weekend. I had to make two narrow connections to get back.

My driver's license is ripped, which means when I go through security, I get singled out for extra screening. About the only thing they didn't do was put on a rubber glove (and in one instance I thought that was next).

In Phoenix, where my first connection was, I had an hour to make my connection. Unfortunately, I had to switch airlines which meant I had to leave the terminal and go through security again. I made my flight with moments to spare.

Then we sat on the runway for 20 minutes before taking off. This caused me a lot of stress because I only had 30 minutes on the ground in Atlanta before catching the last flight out.

On the flight from Phoenix, I was busy working when I heard what sounded like a soda can being opened. Next thing I know, the back of my neck, my computer and the woman next to me were sprayed. I turned around and the woman behind me half heartedly apologized, explaining her baby was choking.

Of course, I'm glad the kid is OK, but I'm not too psyched to be covered in baby slobber. I've been cleaning strained peas off my computer for days.

Get to Atlanta and my gate is at the opposite end of the terminal. I sprint carrying my two bags. Keep in mind, I haven't eaten a meal since a sandwich 8 hours ago. I'm literally the last person to board the plane. I arrive home at 1:00 a.m. Sunday. My daughter wakes me up at 6:30 as usual.

I bet Buffer doesn't get baby slobber all over him when he travels. Yeah, I know. I ain't Buffer.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

First Timers

This week, I'll be doing the show from Santa Ynez, CA, where Friday night I'll be cage announcing ShoXC on Showtime .

Through the Ropes should be a lot of fun this week. We have two guests making their first appearance. Former champ, Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson, who fights April 12th against Chad Dawson will be on. Glen is one of the nicest guys in the sport. He's got a tough challenge facing Bad Chad, but Dawson better be prepared because Glen is always ready to take someone to hell.

Also on the show is promoter Lisa Elovich. She's promoting this week's Friday Night Fights card featuring Andy Lee and Aaron Pryor, Jr. (we had both of them on a few weeks ago). We'll talk with Lisa about the difficult job of promoting s and what it's like to be a woman in this business.

Do not call the usual call in number since we'll be on location. Instead, dial 1-800-878-7529. The email address -- ttropes@earthlink.net is still the same.

Talk to you Thursday.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Inside Information

This afternoon, I attended the grand opening of the new Deerfield Beach, FL Police Athletic League boxing and wrestling facility. In attendance to take photos and sign autographs were former Light Heavyweight champion Glen Johnson and former Heavyweight champ Michael Moorer.

Johnson, of course has a title fight with Chad Johnson coming up on April 12th.

After the ceremony, pizza and pasta were served. Johnson's trainer asked Glen if he was going to have some or stick to his diet. Johnson turned down the food. Just the fact that his trainer was giving him the option to eat that kind of starchy food just four weeks before the fight tells me the Road Warrior is in good shape.

We'll try to have both guys on the show before the fight. I spoke to Johnson about it and he said he'll be glad to do it.

Bad Chad has to be considered the favorite, but he better be prepared for a fight. I've got a feeling that like Juan Diaz, he's never experienced what his challenger is going to bring that night.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Don't Miss This Week's Show

Fresh off of his upset of Juan Diaz, Nate "The Galaxy Warrior" Campbell will be with us as will undefeated Jr. middle prospect James Moore. Can't wait to talk with both guys.

I'm looking forward to asking him his thoughts on Diaz now that the heat of the moment has passed. He was quite dismissive of him leading up to and immediately after the fight. Let's see if he's still unimpressed or if he gives Juan his propers.

Call in and email your questions.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The Pen is Mightier

This week we'll see if the pen (OK, the keyboard) is mightier than the fist. We'll be talking with Fightnews' Flattop. He and I rarely agree on anything because he's always wrong. We'll also speak with Andrew O'Toole, who is the author of Sweet William, the biography of Billy Conn.

We'll be giving away a copy of the book to the winner of a trivia contest, so brush up on your Billy Conn trivia.

On a side note, I am back training in a boxing gym -- Palm Beach Boxing. It's the first time in about 3 years that I'm training. Not to brag, but let me just say that I'm the baddest 40 year old boxing writer/ring announcer with no pro or amateur experience that you ever saw. I'll take on all comers. Michael Katz, Jimmy Lennon, Jr. They'll all fall before Marc "The Weekend Warrior" Lichtenfeld.