Ten Count for Greg Page
By Benny Henderson Jr., Doghouse Boxing (April 28, 2009)  
This past Monday former WBA heavyweight champion Greg Page 58-17-1 (48) passed away at the age of fifty years old in his home of Louisville, Kentucky. Patricia Page, Greg’s wife, told the AP that Page, who suffered from severe brain damage in his last fight in 2001 died from complications related to the injuries sustained in the fight.

Page, who was an amateur standout, hailed from Louisville, KY, which is also home to living legend Muhammad Ali, who Greg had sparred with before in the past.

Greg made his professional debut the summer of 1979, and banged out nineteen consecutive victories before dropping his first L to Trevor Berbick.

Throughout his twelve year career, Page defeated the likes of Jimmy Young (UD), James Tillis (TKO 8), and earned himself the WBA heavyweight title against South African Gerrie Coetzee (KO 8). In 1985 Page lost his title to Tony Tubbs, via decision, and would never fight for a major world title again.

Page left the sport for two years in the mid nineties, and stringed together fourteen consecutive fights before dropping to defeat up and coming Monte Barrett. After the loss Page went back and forth in the win lose column.

June of 2001 would mark the end of Page’s career as well as health as he suffered not only a ten round knockout from the hands of Dale Crow, but suffered massive brain damage and lapsed into a coma from injuries sustained in the bout.

Greg was left paralyzed on his left side from the injuries, and suffered many illness for his remaining years from the injuries.

Through Page’s pain and suffering from his final bout, Page was awarded 1.2 million dollars from the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority, and with his settlement Kentucky adopted the “The Greg Page Boxing and Safety Initiative”, which brings their rules and regulations up to date.

Page passed away in his home state of Kentucky due to complication from the injuries. In a statement to the AP, Greg’s wife stated, “he is in a better place now”.

Doghouse Boxing would like to send out their thoughts and prayers to the family of Greg Page. And to the boxing fans, take a moment out of your time to remember another fallen fighter.

You can listen to Bob Carroll, Butch and “THE Big Dog” Benny Henderson Jr. every Wednesday night from 6-7pm EST on Fightin’ Words Radio Show. To listen live via the internet, go to www.1490wwpr.com and look for the ‘listen here’ tab. Don't forget to check out the Fightin' Words Radio Show website, www.fightinwordsonline.com

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