Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Take Two

Last show, Andre Ward canceled on us because he was running late at the gym. After his performance against Sakio Bika, it's hard to blame him. He clearly put in the work that was necessary. Andre has proven himself to be one of the best in the world. What he's doing that no one is talking about is beating fighters at their own game.

It's one thing to impose your will and use your strengths to defeat your opponent. It's another to match your abilities with your opponents' strengths and continue to come out on top.

We've got a second chance with Andre as he will be on the show Thursday night to talk about the Bika fight and his future.

Speaking of second chances, former champ Kendall Holt will join us. Not too long ago he was in the discussion as one of the top 140 pounders. This weekend he fights a guy with a losing record on the off TV portion of a ShoBox card. We'll talk with Kendall about what went wrong and how to get back on track.

If you have a question for Andre or Kendall, leave it in the comments section below or email us at ttropes@earthlink.net

Tune in at 9 ET/ 6PT at www.fightnews.com and www.sportsbyline.com.

Also, do us a favor and fill out the poll on the right.

Talk to you Thursday night.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Andres

First of all, I'm officially done underestimating Manny Pacquiao. After his destruction of Antonio Margarito, I have to admit that Manny will go down as an all time great. Now that I've come around, you can be sure he'll lose his next fight -- even if it's to someone like Steve Forbes (no offense to Steve Forbes).

This week we've got an unbelievable lineup. Andres Ward and Berto will join us. They each have fights (against lesser opponents than they should be facing) in the next few weeks. We'll also talk with Eric Parthen, Managing Director of the World Series of Boxing to explain this exciting new concept.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 ET on www.fightnews.com, www.sportsbyline.com or any one of 75 affiliates of the Sports Byline and Loudmouth Radio Networks around the country.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What Does Margarito Know?

Antonio Margarito apparently doesn't know very much.

He didn't know that his wraps were loaded before he was to fight Shane Mosley. Now after making fun of Freddie Roach's shaking, he claims he didn't know that Roach has Parkinson's.

Is it possible for Margarito to do any more damage to his reputation? Even if he didn't know the name of the disease Roach has, I guess he thinks its funny to make fun of a person's physical ailments.

I've never been a huge Pacquiao fan. But Saturday night, I'll be rooting for him to knock Margarito out.

This week, we'll find out what HBO's Max Kellerman thinks about the situation. We'll also check in with 2 time Olympian Rau'shee Warren, who is going for his third Olympics in 2012.

This week we debut on two stations -- 740 The Game in Orlando and 620 The Animal in Tampa. This marks our first show on the Loudmouth Radio Network.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Family Feud

On tonight's show, we'll talk with super middleweight prospect Dyah Davis.

Dyah is the son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis. Friday night, Dyah takes on Aaron Pryor, Jr. In 1976, Howard Davis, upset Aaron Pryor, Sr. twice to win a spot on the Olympic team. At the time, Pryor was a big favorite and was expected to win gold in Montreal.

Instead, Davis not only won gold, but was named the Outstanding Boxer in the games. Not only that, Davis' story is one that fans of the Olympics will remember for a long time. Howard's mother passed away while he was at the games, before he had his first fight. He decided to stay as his mother's last words to him were, "You bring home that gold."

So Friday's fight between Davis and Pryor, Jr. is an interesting story line. Pryor insists he has no sights on revenge and this is about his career, not his dad's. Tune in tonight to hear what Davis has to say.

Also, tonight, I'll reveal why Manny Pacquiao is the most overrated fighter in recent memory.

You can listen to tonight's show live at 9 ET/ 6 PT at www.sportsbyline.com or download the podcast tomorrow on iTunes.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Is Iron Mike a Hall of Famer?

I received my ballot to vote for the next class of inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Two new names jumped out at me. Julio Cesar Chavez and Mike Tyson.

There is no doubt in my mind that Chavez is a Hall of Famer. Tyson, I had to think about. Was he dominant enough? Should he be penalized for not being as great as we all thought he could be?

Listen to the show tonight at 9 ET to hear whether I voted for him or not. Call in to the show and send your emails to ttropes@earthlink.net to let me know why or why Tyson shouldn't be enshrined in Canastota.

And vote in the poll on this page.

On tonight's show I'll ask my guest Steve Farhood what he thinks.

Tune in tonight.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

All the Single Ladies

Tonight on Through the Ropes, I'm going to ask former world champ and Olympic silver medalist Wayne McCullough, just what in the name of everything that is holy is this??!

We'll also talk with Fightnews.com's Karl Freitag about the debacle at the Fifth Street Gym last week and the European boxing scene.

Tune in tonight.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Belts Don't Matter

We're off this week but will be back next at the same time, same place.

Meanwhile, I want to discuss what Anthony Peterson said on the show last week. If you missed it you can get the podcast here.

Peterson's interview starts at around 40 minutes into the show.

He said he doesn't care about winning a belt.

I found that shocking.

I've heard guys like Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather and others who have a trophy case full of belts say that. But never a guy who has yet to win a world title. Usually, at that point in their career, that's the dream. Once you win a world championship, you're "Champ" forever. From that point on, anytime you walk into the gym or to a boxing venue, "Hey Champ", "That's the champ", "That guy was champion of the world 30 years ago."

Without it, you're usually just another fighter.

But Anthony said he doesn't care because the sanctioning bodies are so full of B.S., breaking their own rules, dropping guys from rankings for no reason -- that he just wants to make money and get out.

As someone who loves the sport and still thinks there's something romantic about winning a world championship -- even if you're one of 4 world champions at a specific weight class, that saddened me. Though I can't blame him at all.

I hope one day Anthony Peterson wins a legitimate world title and learns to enjoy it. Then he can come back on Through the Ropes and say, "You know, it is special. I'm glad I won." That way, I can go back to thinking there's still something magical about reaching the pinnacle of success.

On another note, I know this will be incredibly unpopular, but the Tyson - Tupac 30 for 30 on ESPN was so cheesy that it should have been sponsored by Velveeta. The interviews were interesting, but the other stuff was so over the top it made me gag.

What did you think?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mazel Tov Steve Farhood

I was recently up for one of the stranger jobs in my career. Former world title challenger Dimitry Salita is promoting his own fight next Wednesday in New York. Dmitry, who is a very observant Jew was going to broadcast the show on the world wide leader of sports, The Jewish Channel. I spoke to Dimitry and the Jewish Channel CEO about calling the fight. Things were moving in the right direction and I was told I was the lead candidate. I figured with my experience and being a nice Jewish boy, I was the obvious choice (assuming they couldn't afford Max Kellerman).

Turns out, they went in a completely different direction. After a sponsor came on board and put some money in the coffers, they went with Steve Farhood. Nice to see the Jewish Channel isn't prejudiced as Farhood is of Lebanese descent.

When I was told that they were hiring Steve, I replied, "If he was available and I had the money, I'd hire Farhood too." No shame in losing a job to him.

Mazel Tov Steve.

On this week's show we've got Steve Farhood's former dance partner Nick Charles. We'll also hear from one of the funniest former champs, Greg Haugen. You remember his line about Julio Cesar Chavez and Tijuana taxi drivers...

Tune in Thursday night at 9 ET at www.fightnews.com or www.sportsbyline.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

I Told You So

Chad Dawson fought like a guy who didn't train properly (as I said he wasn't in my last post). He seemed to be making sure he had something left in the tank for the later rounds -- which he actually did. He had Pascal hurt in the 11th and some people think he may have taken the Canadian out in the 12th. I think Pascal is too tough, but that doesn't really matter.

What matters is this was a winnable fight for Dawson if he let his hands go in the early rounds, instead of holding back.

To the victor go the spoils, so tonight we'll be speaking with the champ -- Jean Pascal. We'll also check in with legendary announcer Colonel Bob Sheridan, who is calling this weekend's Adamek - Grant fight.

Tune in tonight at 9 ET at www.fightnews.com

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I'm Picking WHO?!

I was hoping to reveal this amazing bit of foresight on the show tonight. However, we had a technical issue that could not be fixed by the time we were supposed to go on the air. I was bummed because Chris Arreola was going to be on and he's always a great interview.

Tonight, I was planning to grace all of you with a magnificent prediction, that will sound crazy now, but in hindsight will be nothing short of brilliant.

Jean Pascal is going to beat Chad Dawson this Saturday night.

I don't mean he's going to get a gift decision in his hometown. Jean Pascal is going to legitimately win the fight.

Here's why:

Chad Dawson did not train properly for this fight. This is something no one else is talking about. He only put in about 4 weeks in the gym. He talks a good game about being in great shape, taking advice from Marvin Hagler and wanting to be the best in the world. But Chad Dawson, while an excellent fighter, believes his own hype.

Additionally, I'm not convinced the 4 weeks he did put in were a great 4 weeks.

Without going into too much detail, let's just say Chad has had quite a few distractions lately, both personally and professionally. An elite boxer heading into a tough fight should be 100% focused on the task at hand. That's why they leave their families and do nothing but eat, sleep and think boxing for the 6 - 8 weeks they're in camp. Dawson hasn't done that.

If he were fighting a decent opponent, his raw talent would probably be enough to get him the win. But he's not fighting a decent opponent. He's fighting a very good one. Not only that, Pascal is one tough S.O.B. In his last fight, which he won, he had to have his shoulder popped back in three times. That's a guy who wants to win. I don't think he'll be discouraged by Dawson's speed in the early rounds.

Pascal will just keep plugging away, trying to bring the fight to Dawson. Eventually, Chad's lack of preparation will catch up to him and Pascal will start nailing him. We know Chad doesn't have the greatest chin in the world. To his credit, every time he's been down, he's gotten back up to win. But this time, there won't be enough gas in the tank.

Also, if Dawson is at all concerned that he didn't train properly, that could effect his confidence and make him fight more tentatively than usual, which won't win over the judges.

Jean Pascal wins by split decision (with a questionable scorecard for Dawson).

What do you think? Leave comments below.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Does Andre Ward Have What it Takes?

A year ago, Andre Ward was a fairly respected boxer. I say fairly because many questioned his chin. Nearly no one thought he had a chance of winning Showtime's Super Six Tournament.

Today, after two excellent performances, he's the hands on favorite.

More importantly, boxing may have found its newest star. Andre has shown he can box, has ring intelligence and isn't afraid to trade punches. In the ring, he's fun to watch.

Outside the ring he's even better. He has quickly become many fans' and media's favorite boxer. Despite fistic glory, he remains humble, committed to his craft and to using his role model status to positively impact others.

I've seen first hand his effect on people. After spending an hour in the studio with me last January, those in the building were buzzing about it for weeks.

The real test will come this Thursday night, when he is in the studio with me again as special co-host. You see, my two kids will be there as well.

As those of you who listen to the show know, my 9 year old couldn't care less about boxing. He has met world champions and shown has much interest as if he met a group of accountants. Actually, he'd prefer the accountants. He likes math.

If Andre can impress my son, he is boxing's next great star.

No pressure or anything.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 ET/ 6 PT at www.fightnews.com and www.sportsbyline.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Not So Golden Boy

Golden Boy Promotions is in some hot water this week after being suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission over some contract issues regarding the Malignaggi - Khan and Campbell - Ortiz fights.

Right now it seems to be a he said/she said situation and I'm not going to convict GBP just yet.

However, I will say they are guilty of negligence when it comes to public relations. I don't know if GBP has a problem with me, Through the Ropes or their people just don't know how to do PR. But I have never gotten an interview with a Golden Boy fighter when I've made the request directly to Golden Boy. In fact, I'm not sure if they've ever even responded to my requests.

This isn't sour grapes. I understand that they can't honor every interview request, even if Through the Ropes is the only nationally syndicated boxing radio show on the air and is heard on 75 stations around the country plus Fightnews.com.

I don't expect to land every interview. But I do expect the courtesy of a reply. A simple, "Sorry, but he's not available at that time," will suffice.

Yes, I know I'm venting. But how the PR department of one of boxing's most influential promoters can blow off the media is mind boggling to me.

That being said, we're still going to have a great show Thursday night. And it even involves a Golden Boy fighter -- Robert "the Ghost" Guerrero, who luckily for him has a top notch publicist in Mario Serrano. We'll also talk with Showtime's Steve Farhood about Friday's terrific ShoBox card.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET

Also, follow us on Twitter

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Guys You Can Root For

I've always had a hell of a lot of respect for Miguel Cotto. He shows up in shape, fights hard and is a tremendous boxer. In the ring, he's everything you want a boxer to be. Skills, power, speed and heart.

Out of the ring, he's fairly guarded. It's tough to get a sense of his personality. However, he used to train at a gym owned by a family member of mine who reported that Cotto and his entire camp were very professional and a pleasure to be around.

Yuri Foreman, as you know, has a great story. I was rooting for him against Cotto, because of that story and also due to sharing the same ethnicity. Let's face it. Jewish boxing fans don't get to root for one of our own very often.

Foreman was taken to school. Cotto was brilliant. But how can you not have become a Yuri Foreman fan after that fight? When he went down with the knee injury the first time, he could easily have quit and no one would have thought any less of him. He wears a knee brace and everyone saw him blow out his knee. If he doesn't have movement, he doesn't have his best weapon. Foreman would have been better off breaking a hand than tearing his meniscus.

He had several opportunities to shut it down, yet he continued to fight despite being way behind. Would Floyd Mayweather have done the same thing? Vitali Klitschko? Well, we know the answer to that one.

Foreman was as brave as any fighter I've seen recently. I can't wait to see him again.

Speaking of guys easy to root for, this week we've got two of them on the show. Andre Ward is as good a guy as you'll find in boxing. And he can fight too. Hasim Rahman was the ultimate Cinderalla story a few years ago. He's got a great personality and I'm looking forward to having him back on the show. Unless of course, some other radio show gives him a suit case full of cash to do their show instead.

Talk to you Thursday night.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Spinks Jinx

Cory Spinks is truly jinxed. The poor guy has now gone through two training camps, lost a ton of weight, prepared for a 12 round fight at his own expense, only to have the fight scrapped the week before because the promoter couldn't get it done.

I know Cory isn't the most popular fighter in the world, but the kid can flat out box. And he should be allowed to fight and defend his title.

We'll talk to him on Through the Ropes this week to discuss his situation. I'm sure he'll have some choice words. I hope my producer has his finger on the drop button. We'll also have some fun with Fightnews' managing editor Flattop.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Say What?

Just got off the phone with Emmanuel Steward. He told me Yuri Foreman would have given Leonard, Hearns and Hagler fits. Is he that good? Is it his style? Tune in Thursday night at 9 to hear it from Manny himself.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

No Show This Week

While I'm a warrior and often play hurt, I went under the knife yesterday. The heavy duty painkillers will make me even more inarticulate than usual. Plus, there's the whole other issue of driving to the studio.

I'll be back next week, a new and improved man.

Monday, May 10, 2010

What's a Brother Got to Do...

To get some respect?

Why do people hate Kermit Cintron?

I've received a bunch of emails saying he deserves an Oscar (not De La Hoya) for his acting job after falling out of the ring. Are you people insane?

Watch the tape. As soon as he hits the table, he grabbed the back of his head, even before he fell off of it and to the floor. If he were looking for a way out, that was some mighty quick improvising. Robin Williams would be proud.

I know what I'll do -- I'll get caught up in an awkward clinch and as I spin out of it I'll do a triple lindy out of the ring and grab the back of my head so that everyone believes that I'm hurt.

People also seem to forget that right before the clinch that led to the accident, he rocked Williams with a counter right hand. Williams was hurt, which was why he clinched to begin with.

Lastly, all reports say the doctor ruled that he couldn't fight after he saw how he landed. Whether you believe Kermit's protest that he wanted to fight, doesn't matter. It was the way he landed that convinced the doc he "needed to get checked out"

Has Kermit had some weak moments in fights before? Absolutely. He wilted against Margacheato, when he was probably getting hit with loaded gloves, and he seemed to quit against Martinez, but the bout was allowed to continue.

But this was not one of them. It wasn't even close.

I know Kermit. He may be a lot of things, but a good actor is not one of them.

Oh, and another thing. Goosen Tutor and the California State Athletic Commission need to answer why those ropes were so loose. That was inexcusable.

Lastly, 4 round to nothing Williams?! I had Cintron up 3-1. I could see 2-2. There is no way that Paul Williams won 3 rounds.

All Kermit does is fight people no one else wants to -- Margarito, Angulo, Martinez and Williams. Why can't he get some love?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I'm Infamous (That's More than Famous)

As if being the megastar host of the only nationally syndicated boxing program on the air (that welcomes Jim Lampley and Kermit Cintron as guests this week) wasn't enough, tonight I was featured on NPR's The Story.

Always wanted to know how I got started as a ring announcer? What it was like to get a beat down from Kassim Ouma? Hear what Don King has to say about me? You can find all that out and more by listening here

You can also check out The Story's website here

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Time to Crack Open a Book

Although I barely cracked a book in college, I've more than made up for it, reading every book about boxing I could get my hands on.

Well, now it's time to find many of them a new home. If you want to quickly expand your library with 23 boxing books including Only in America, The Life and Crimes of Don King, My View from the Corner by Angelo Dundee and Hands of Stone, the Life and Legend of Roberto Duran, this is your lucky day.

Just click here and you're on your way to hours of reading about your favorite sport.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

What would You Say You Do Here?



This week, I plan on asking the above question to Floyd Mayweather's right hand man, Leonard Ellerbe. I really don't know exactly what he does except for keeping Floyd from talking to me.

We'll also talk with Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero.

Tune in Thursday night at 9.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Big Boys

Sorry this is so late but we just confirmed Chris Arreola for tonight. So it will be Chris and ESPN's Joe Tessitore. Tess is calling the Tony Thompson - Owen Beck fight on FNF tomorrow night.

We're actually going to be talking about heavyweights tonight. Go figure.

By the way, follow us on Twitter @ttropes.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Monster Show

If my guests were any bigger this week, I'd be David Letterman.

We've got Sugar Shane Mosley, Kelly Pavlik and Lou DiBella all scheduled for Thursday night. Pavlik has become Lou's new arch nemesis, something I'm sure he relishes.

Email your questions to ttropes@earthlink.net or call in Thursday night at 9. You can listen in at www.fightnews.com or www.sportsbyline.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Old Friends

Andre Berto, a long time friend of the show will be on with us Thursday night. Usually, we have a good time with him about the women (or lack thereof) fans calling the show. I'm sure we'll still get into that with him, but we'll also talk about his relief efforts in Haiti and his decision to cancel the fight with Mosley.

This won't be your typical celebrity discussing the difficult conditions in some devastated area. Andre lost family in the earthquake. When he was down there, he wasn't posing for photo ops. He was carrying body bags. It should be a fascinating conversation.

We'll also talk with IBO President Ed Levine. He's one of the good guys in the sport, trying to make it better.

I'm sure we'll also discuss Hopkins - Jones, which is a joke as far as I'm concerned. Unless Bernard suddenly got old, which is certainly a possibility considering he's 73, Roy has no business being in the ring with him. Vote in the poll on the right.

By the way, you can now follow Through the Ropes on Twitter -- http://twitter.com/TTRopes.

Talk to you Thursday.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Disappointments

This week we've got promoter Gary Shaw and Steve Cunningham. Both have experienced the disappointment of postponed fights lately.

We'll talk with Gary about the logistics of rescheduling the postponed Dirrell - Abraham fight and with Steve Cunningham about his canceled title fight with Matt Godfrey.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Spinks Family Reunion?

We've got Cory Spinks booked for tomorrow night. I think he's the most underrated boxer in the sport. Some fans don't like him because he typically doesn't mix it up (although he did in his last fight against Latimore).

But he hasn't helped himself much either. Fighting once a year and coming into camp out of shape, doesn't make him easier to root for. Rumors are that he was 40 pounds overweight at the start of camp, which led to his long time trainer Kevin Cunningham walking out on him.

Speaking of underrated, his Uncle Michael is one of the top 3 Light Heavies of all time but no one seems to talk about him much.

Hopefully, tomorrow night we'll talk TO him. I've got a call in to his people so I'm crossing my fingers it will happen.

Michael Spinks was one of my favorite fighters growing up, along with Hagler. He did everything well. He could box, he could bunch and he was smart in the ring. His fight with Qawi was a masterpiece in how to fight a tough slugger.

Tune in tomorrow night.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Making Sausage

Every once in a while on the show, I like to dig into what goes on behind the scenes in boxing. This week we're going to speak with John Beninati. He is the matchmaker for Gary Shaw Productions and used to work for Don King.

John is basically the guy that moves young fighters along to the point where they become major attractions, like Alfredo Angulo. We'll talk to John about what his job entails, including a hilarious story from when he first started working for Don King.

We'll also check in with Dr. Allan Fields. Dr. Fields has been a ringside physician for over 30 years, was named 2006 Ringside Physician of the Year by the American Association of Ringside Physicians and was recently inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

Importantly, Dr. Fields is the physician who examined Tavoris Cloud, who pulled out of his fight with Glen Johnson due to a hamstring injury, at the same time it was reported he signed with Don King. We'll ask Dr. Fields about Cloud's injury.

Maybe the good doc can help me with my cold. I'll be playing injured tomorrow night, but unlike Tavoris Cloud, I'm willing to go to work. Of course, my work doesn't include getting hit in the mouth by Glen Johnson.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Great

While the "villains" like Mayweather get all the headlines, I really like talking to the good guys in the sport. Juan Diaz is one of my all time favorites. Another guy that is quickly entering that elite status is Jr. welter champ Devon Alexander "The Great".

He's one of the nicest guys in the sport, is always smiling (even in the gym when practically no one is there) and has a great story of perseverance. From a very tough neighborhood in East St. Louis, Devon started boxing as a kid with several of his friends. He's the only one not dead or in jail.

Find out why and how he plans to beat a tough Juan Urango.

Fightnews' Flattop will be on and of course he and I will disagree about everything and I'll prove him wrong on all topics.

Tune in Thursday night at 9 ET at www.fightnews.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Howard Ross is Smiling

Great show this week. We've got Andre Dirrell and I'll introduce you to undefeated welterweight prospect Lanard Lane.

Now on to more important matters.

Despite its reputation for being filled with backstabbers and snakes, one of my favorite things about working in boxing is the people. I've met plenty of interesting characters and good folk. Some of them have become close friends.

When I first moved to Florida in 2003, I met Howard Ross. He was a retired senior citizen who lived near the gym and seemed to be there all the time. He knew a lot about the sport and everything about the local scene. As the years went by, we would talk on the phone and compare notes.

Howard was always honest with his assessment of boxers. With me or with the boxers themselves. The world class fighters like Kassim Ouma and Richard Hall would all turn to Howard when their yes men would tell them they looked great. "What do you think, Howard?" they would ask. "You looked like shit and you're going to get your ass kicked if you don't get your butt in gear and start training like you mean it," was often the reply.

Howard had a soft spot for local fighters, who didn't have management or couldn't get breaks. He would help them out, offer career advice, try to get them fights or do whatever he could. One fighter he particularly liked was a heavyweight out of West Palm Beach named Dieuly Arisitilde.

If he didn't think you were championship material, he'd tell you. But then explain what you need to do to still make some money in the sport.

That was the relationship he had with Dieuly. No one will confuse Dieuly with a top contender. But he is a brawler, with plenty of heart and he sells a ton of tickets. Dieuly is a likable guy and his many friends show up to support him, so promoters are happy to put him on their cards.

Somewhere around 2006 Howard got sick and told me he didn't have long. He would say the same thing every time I spoke to him for the next few years. In fact, in late 2008, his doctor told me he passed away. Every hair on my body stood up straight when one day in early 2009 I got a call and his unmistakable voice said, "Marc? This is Howard Ross." He was alive and living in New Jersey. Despite being quite ill, he still was up to date on the South Florida boxing scene and we once again compared notes.

Howard died a few months later. When I spoke with Dieuly about it in September, he was clearly upset. It was amazing how an old crotchety jewish retiree affected a young Haitian slugger. We swapped stories about Howard and remembered him together.

Last night, Dieuly fought at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. Oliver McCall was supposed to be in the main event, but he was in jail on drug charges. So McCall's son, Elijah was moved to the main event and Aristilde was his opponent.

Going into the fight, McCall was 4-0 (4). He clearly had genetics on his side. Plus, he had proper training. Dieuly was the proverbial opponent. He was 6-1 but was brought in to lose.

During the first round, it looked like your typical prospect blowing out his opposition. Dieuly hit the canvass twice and looked awful heading back to his corner. In the second, he fought much better, likely winning the round. The third was McCall's as Dieuly was out of gas.

But in the fourth, Dieuly landed a left hook that sent McCall into the ropes. Dieuly went after him and connected with several big shots including a right hand while McCall was on his way down. McCall was knocked cold and Dieuly had scored the upset.

Despite being exhausted, Dieuly paraded around the ring like he had just won the biggest fight of his career, which he had. Climbing out of the ring, he strutted like a peacock, enjoying the moment and shaking hands.

I grabbed his hand and offered my congratulations. Still brimming with adrenalin he practically looked past me. "Hey Dieuly," I said. "Somewhere, Howard Ross is smiling right now." Dieuly stopped in his tracks and looked me in the eye. "Yeah. He is," he said calmly." He went back to strutting down the aisle and I headed home with a smile, thinking about my friend.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Where Were You When...?

Every boxing fan remembers where they were when Buster Douglas pulled off the greatest upset in boxing history and possibly all of sports, when he knocked out the unbeatable Mike Tyson.

This Thursday night is the 20th anniversary of that incredible night. And we'll hear from the man who did it -- Buster Douglas will join us as will Jim Lampley, who called the fight for HBO. It's going to be an incredible show.

As for me, I never saw the fight live. I was working at Sportsphone (anyone remember Sportsphone?) and we didn't have HBO. We received the blow by blow from a friend on the phone who was watching. We thought for sure he was kidding when he told us Tyson had been KO'd.

I had to get about 30 college basketball scores on the air in 50 seconds with no time to mention the fight. But I was determined.I blurted out Buster Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson to win the heavyweight championship in about a second and a half.

Tune in tomorrow night to talk to Buster and relive the memories.

And post your comments below. Where were you when Douglas knocked out Tyson?

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Boxing Biz

With no major fight this weekend, we're going to focus on the business of boxing on this week's show.

Joe DeGuardia, President of the Boxing Promoter's Association will discuss what the new organization hopes to accomplish and how they'll go about doing it. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when King, Arum, Schaeffer, Shaw, DiBella and others try to figure out how to stop trying to grab bigger pieces of the pie, but instead make the whole pie bigger.

If it helps boxing, I'm in favor of it. But a more pressing need is some kind of organization for boxers.

A while back the Teamsters joined with an organization spear headed by former light heavyweight champ Eddie Mustafa Muhammad to create a boxer's union. A couple of promoters held shows with union guys, but the idea went nowhere. The problem is how do you get a guy who is making $600 for a fight to kick in 2%, 5% or whatever for his dues. After he's paid his trainer, cutman, manager, licensing fees, etc. he's lucky to have a few hundred bucks left. Furthermore, a guy who is making $1 million for a fight is probably not going to put any money in because he thinks he's set for life and the money will always be there.

It's a tough situation, but if any sport's athletes need a union, it's boxing. I don't think it will ever happen though.

We'll also speak with IBO President Ed Levine, who will go in depth discussing how his organization's computerized rankings are calculated.

Tune in Thursday night.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

To the Max

People seem to love or hate Max Kellerman. I lo.. well, I like him a lot. I always have. Ever since he impressed the hell out of me as a 16 year old kid on Manhattan basic cable. Like him or not, Max knows his stuff.

I thought he was good on HBO from the beginning. But now I think he's very good. On Saturday night's HBO Boxing After Dark, he summarized the evening perfectly. Yes, we know that Lopez's win was a better win because it came against better opposition. But we can't deny how excited we got about Gamboa.

The great thing about Max is he's still so young that he has plenty of room to get even better.

He may not be completely appreciated today, but one day, years from now, he's going to be acknowledged as the greatest boxing broadcaster in television history.

Bookmark this blog entry and 30 years from now, when you're jetting around in your flying car, have your robot servant call it up and read it to you. You'll see I was right.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

He's Back

Nick Charles is back on ShoBox this weekend and I couldn't be happier to have him on the show tonight. Nick is truly one of the good guys in the sport.

I remember after my first ring announcing gig with ShoBox, Nick invited me back to the production truck for pizza. We talked like we were old friends, despite having met that night. At the next show I saw him hang out with fans for over an hour, happily talking boxing.

I'm thrilled that his health has improved enough that he is working again.

We'll also talk with Adam Pollack, who penned Bob Fitzsimmons' biography, In the Ring with Bob Fitzimmons. It is exhaustively researched and is the authoritative Fitz biography.

Tune in tonight.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

My Dinner with Andre

Don't know if he'll want to grab a bite to eat after the show, but WBA Super Middleweight champ and Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward will be in the studio as special guest co-host.

We'll talk to him about his incredible win against Kessler, what happens next in the tournament now that Jermain Taylor is out as well as his thoughts on Pacquiao, Mayweather and all other things boxing.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

All the Single Ladies!

Last time Andre Berto was on the show, our phones lit up with women wanting to talk to the champ. During that one show, more ladies called Through the Ropes than all shows combined.

Will the girls show up again tomorrow?

For those of you who want to talk boxing as well, Andre will discuss his upcoming fight with Sugar Shane Mosley.

We'll also speak with 2004 U.S. Olympian and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Vanes Martirosyan. Vanes takes on former champ Kassim Ouma on January 16th, in the biggest fight of his career.

Both boxers will be glad to take your calls. Especially if you're female.