We're back with a vengeance this week and we have a packed show scheduled.
We'll kick it off with Fightnews Managing Editor Flattop, who will express his opinion on Oscar De La Hoya's retirement. Not surprisingly, I think Flattop is dead wrong.
Next we'll check in with Cory Spinks. He takes on Deandre Latimore next Friday for the IBF Jr. Middleweight title. Besides being a skilled boxer, Cory comes from boxing royalty. Tune in to hear his thoughts about his fight, father Leon and uncle Michael.
In the last segment will talk with Freddy Roach who is currently training Manny Pacquiao for the Hatton fight. He and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. have engaged in a war of words as of late. The exchange should continue on Thursday night.
On a separate note, it looks like I'll be doing color commentary for the Macho Camacho - Yory Boy Campas fight on may 9th. I'm thrilled to be partnered with the legendary Col. Bob Sheridan. I'll let you know when I have more details about the broadcast. The highlight of the weekend will no doubt be attending Angelo Dundee's 88th birthday party.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Fan Friendly
Boxing is different from other sports for a whole host of reasons. One of the key factors is it is just much more fan friendly than other sports. Boxers are accessible while baseball, basketball and football players are not.
If you go to your local batting cages or basketball court, the chances of seeing A-Rod or Dwayne Wayde practicing are slim to none. However, go into your local boxing gym and there's a decent chance you'll see some pros.
This has happened to me time and again. Of course, I live in South Florida where many top fighters come to train. I used to work out at the same time as Zab Judah, when he was in his prime. If you like a boxing workout, I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it is to work out next to a world champion.
Yesterday, instead of lunch, I ran over to Palm Beach Boxing to work out. Bermane Stiverne, a heavyweight prospect who I have written about before was finishing his training for the day. This is a guy who will be a top 10 contender in two years and has a legitimate shot at winning a title. We talked for a while (he said Jameel McCline is the hardest puncher he's ever been in with and that includes both Klitschkos and Sam Peter).
Then as I was skipping rope, Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander walked in. I talked with those guys for a few minutes and let them start training.
I tailored my work out to try and emulate what they were doing. It's like getting free coaching from top pros. As I was working the heavy bag, I told Cory to pay attention, he might learn something.
The best part of encountering these guys in the gym is that it's their office. It's where they're comfortable. They're much more relaxed than when being interviewed. I've met Bermane several times and always got one or two word answers from him. At the gym, he was talkative and we had a normal conversation.
The highlight of yesterday's session was watching Cory shadow box. As soon as the round ended, he'd spend his minute of rest, practicing dance moves. I didn't get the impression this was something done for his ring walk. I think he just likes to get his groove on.
I all of my years covering boxing and watching fighters train, I've never seen anyone do that.
If you haven't already, check out your local boxing gym. You never know what or who you'll see.
If you go to your local batting cages or basketball court, the chances of seeing A-Rod or Dwayne Wayde practicing are slim to none. However, go into your local boxing gym and there's a decent chance you'll see some pros.
This has happened to me time and again. Of course, I live in South Florida where many top fighters come to train. I used to work out at the same time as Zab Judah, when he was in his prime. If you like a boxing workout, I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it is to work out next to a world champion.
Yesterday, instead of lunch, I ran over to Palm Beach Boxing to work out. Bermane Stiverne, a heavyweight prospect who I have written about before was finishing his training for the day. This is a guy who will be a top 10 contender in two years and has a legitimate shot at winning a title. We talked for a while (he said Jameel McCline is the hardest puncher he's ever been in with and that includes both Klitschkos and Sam Peter).
Then as I was skipping rope, Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander walked in. I talked with those guys for a few minutes and let them start training.
I tailored my work out to try and emulate what they were doing. It's like getting free coaching from top pros. As I was working the heavy bag, I told Cory to pay attention, he might learn something.
The best part of encountering these guys in the gym is that it's their office. It's where they're comfortable. They're much more relaxed than when being interviewed. I've met Bermane several times and always got one or two word answers from him. At the gym, he was talkative and we had a normal conversation.
The highlight of yesterday's session was watching Cory shadow box. As soon as the round ended, he'd spend his minute of rest, practicing dance moves. I didn't get the impression this was something done for his ring walk. I think he just likes to get his groove on.
I all of my years covering boxing and watching fighters train, I've never seen anyone do that.
If you haven't already, check out your local boxing gym. You never know what or who you'll see.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Missed it by That Much
No live show this week. Sports Byline will run a "Best of..." show in its place. I'll be back live the following week.
Now, two quick stories.
Thursday, Jimmy Lennon, Jr. called me and asked me if Roy Jones' people had called me. I told him they hadn't. "That's strange, he said, I told them to call you." Jimmy was sick and didn't think he could do the show. He said he'd talk to Square Ring and they would call me shortly.
I stared at the phone for 2 hours before it finally rang. It was Jimmy. "I'm feeling better," he said. "I think I'm going to do the show."
I've never been so disappointed to NOT be in Pensacola.
My 7 year old has career day coming up at school. I asked him if I should come in and talk about being on the radio and TV. My son rejected my offer. I asked him why. "I don't think the kids will think it's very interesting," he answered. "Would it be more interesting if I worked in a bank?" I replied. After a minute of thinking, "Yeah, probably."
The glamorous life continues...
Now, two quick stories.
Thursday, Jimmy Lennon, Jr. called me and asked me if Roy Jones' people had called me. I told him they hadn't. "That's strange, he said, I told them to call you." Jimmy was sick and didn't think he could do the show. He said he'd talk to Square Ring and they would call me shortly.
I stared at the phone for 2 hours before it finally rang. It was Jimmy. "I'm feeling better," he said. "I think I'm going to do the show."
I've never been so disappointed to NOT be in Pensacola.
My 7 year old has career day coming up at school. I asked him if I should come in and talk about being on the radio and TV. My son rejected my offer. I asked him why. "I don't think the kids will think it's very interesting," he answered. "Would it be more interesting if I worked in a bank?" I replied. After a minute of thinking, "Yeah, probably."
The glamorous life continues...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
El Gato in the Casa
We're in for a treat this week. Francisco "El Gato" Figueroa will be in studio with me. Gato faces Randall Bailey in a WBC junior welterweight title eliminator on April 3 on Friday Night Fights.
El Gato is 20-2 (13). He is very entertaining to watch and even more fun to listen to. We're working on trying to get Timothy Bradley as well, but don't have him confirmed.
By the way, I received some emails asking whether last week's explosion in the studio while I was on the air was real. It absolutely was. The computer that sits right at my feet literally blew up. Acrid smoke was pouring out of it. Luckily, there was no fire, which I didn't know until my board operator Colin came in and confirmed my very life wasn't in immediate danger. Though breathing in that smoke for the next 45 minutes couldn't have been good for me.
But they don't call me "The Weekend Warrior" for nothing. I toughed it out through stinging eyes and burning lungs in order to deliver the best boxing show on the air.
Hopefully this week, we'll be explosion free.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
El Gato is 20-2 (13). He is very entertaining to watch and even more fun to listen to. We're working on trying to get Timothy Bradley as well, but don't have him confirmed.
By the way, I received some emails asking whether last week's explosion in the studio while I was on the air was real. It absolutely was. The computer that sits right at my feet literally blew up. Acrid smoke was pouring out of it. Luckily, there was no fire, which I didn't know until my board operator Colin came in and confirmed my very life wasn't in immediate danger. Though breathing in that smoke for the next 45 minutes couldn't have been good for me.
But they don't call me "The Weekend Warrior" for nothing. I toughed it out through stinging eyes and burning lungs in order to deliver the best boxing show on the air.
Hopefully this week, we'll be explosion free.
Talk to you tomorrow night.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sweet!
This week, "Sugar" Shane Mosley returns to Through the Ropes. I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say about the Margarito fight. Practically no one (other than yours truly) thought he could win. I also can't wait to ask him about his thoughts on Margarito's hand wraps. Should be a classic interview.
Also joining us is Showtime's Steve Farhood. Steve will call the Bute - Zuniga fight on ShoBox. Bute doesn't get a lot of press in the U.S., but he's an exciting fighter who has a lot of potential. Zuniga has heavy hands and we know how Bute's last bout ended. I know where I'll be Friday night at 11:00.
Talk to you Thursday night.
Also joining us is Showtime's Steve Farhood. Steve will call the Bute - Zuniga fight on ShoBox. Bute doesn't get a lot of press in the U.S., but he's an exciting fighter who has a lot of potential. Zuniga has heavy hands and we know how Bute's last bout ended. I know where I'll be Friday night at 11:00.
Talk to you Thursday night.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Fan Favorites
This week we've got two fan favorites.
The Pocket Rocket Wayne McCullough is making a comeback attempt next week. His last outing did not go well as he was forced to quit on his stool. Find out why he'll be back in the ring again.
Also, power punching James Kirkland is always in exciting fights. He's not afraid to take a punch and lord knows he can deliver one. Hear what he has to say about his upcoming match with Joel Julio.
By the way, I'm hearing that Wlad Klitschko - Chris Arreola will not happen and that instead Arreola will face Jameel McCline. Big Time is one of hte biggest underachievers in the sport. He should have been heavyweight champ several times already. Don't take him lightly. If he's in shape and focused he is very capable of the upset.
I train at the same gym so I'll let you know just how focused he is.
The Pocket Rocket Wayne McCullough is making a comeback attempt next week. His last outing did not go well as he was forced to quit on his stool. Find out why he'll be back in the ring again.
Also, power punching James Kirkland is always in exciting fights. He's not afraid to take a punch and lord knows he can deliver one. Hear what he has to say about his upcoming match with Joel Julio.
By the way, I'm hearing that Wlad Klitschko - Chris Arreola will not happen and that instead Arreola will face Jameel McCline. Big Time is one of hte biggest underachievers in the sport. He should have been heavyweight champ several times already. Don't take him lightly. If he's in shape and focused he is very capable of the upset.
I train at the same gym so I'll let you know just how focused he is.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Berto - Cotto?
Last night I was in Tampa calling Real Fighting Championships 16. The show was broadcast all over the Carribean and Central and South America. I hear I'm big in Trinidad.
Anyway, Edson Berto was in the main event. I went into his locker room to talk to Andre. He told me he's scheduled for May 30th and that the opponent might be Miguel Cotto. I asked him how likely that was. Andre said he and his promoter want it and he has heard Cotto does too. I hope it happens.
After his last bout, I'm not sure Berto can handle Cotto but it's time for him to try.
By the way, during the show last night, Hector Macho Camacho came out to hype a potential fight with Yory Boy Campas. I probably shouldn't go off too much about this fight since I might be the blow by blow announcer. But Macho came out in his usual boxing garb. It looked like he enjoyed penitentiary cuisine.
He looked like a 40 something year old guy that hasn't been to the gym in ages, which is probably the case. The six pack was gone replaced by layers of middle age flab. It was kind of pathetic for him to be strutting his stuff like that while "Macho Man" blared from the speakers.
If they fight, Campas will destroy him.
Anyway, Edson Berto was in the main event. I went into his locker room to talk to Andre. He told me he's scheduled for May 30th and that the opponent might be Miguel Cotto. I asked him how likely that was. Andre said he and his promoter want it and he has heard Cotto does too. I hope it happens.
After his last bout, I'm not sure Berto can handle Cotto but it's time for him to try.
By the way, during the show last night, Hector Macho Camacho came out to hype a potential fight with Yory Boy Campas. I probably shouldn't go off too much about this fight since I might be the blow by blow announcer. But Macho came out in his usual boxing garb. It looked like he enjoyed penitentiary cuisine.
He looked like a 40 something year old guy that hasn't been to the gym in ages, which is probably the case. The six pack was gone replaced by layers of middle age flab. It was kind of pathetic for him to be strutting his stuff like that while "Macho Man" blared from the speakers.
If they fight, Campas will destroy him.
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