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State of the Game 2004
Feb 19, 2004 By Jason Petock
Think back for a second. Way back now. What do you see? Sagging ring ropes under poor lighting in smoke filled halls. Poor saps giving their all when there's nothing left to give. Tension and electricity so thick in the air that it couldn't be cut with 100 knives. Metal folding chairs row after row after row seating frantic fans with their raspy cries of support for their man. Everything is in classic black and white, as the newsboy on the corner deals the daily scoop. Back when it meant so much to so many. It still means that much to many of us thankfully. Flash forward now to 2004. Economy sliding backwards, war, unemployment and more. Those classic days were no picnic either, but today is for here and now, not yesterday. That era is gone and for most of us a blurred, unfamiliar memory at best. Has boxing lost some of its appeal? The current ranks are filled with superstars and new prospects galore, and there are so many different champions who's counting? A fighter might be ranked #1 by one organization and not even recognized by another. You have to love this sport of ours, you really do. You have to love it to watch one sided matches and soft fights on occasion. These things happen of course in boxing, but it does make you wonder of course. Why do current champions choose to defend their titles infrequently and even refuse fights? Part of being a champion is defending that title, it's the name of the game and should be mandatory more often. But on the flip side of that coin there is dignity, respect, honor and courage. There is Arturo Gatti, Micky Ward, Johnny Tapia, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mike Tyson, Vernon Forrest and Shane Mosley to name only a few. Some would definitely argue that Tyson's name shouldn't be in the same paragraph as those words. I disagree. There is no denying greatness in the ring, regardless of a man's transgressions outside of it. So where are we now? Manny Pacquaio upset Marco Antonio Barrera in a shocker last year. NBC has restocked its faith in boxing again; resuming televised fights this year starting April 17th. Joel Casamayor vs. Diego Corrales II is on for March 6th, which should be another scorcher. Cotto is on fire and is taking no prisoners. His next opponent is Victoriano Sosa who is no pushover. I'm picking Sosa myself. Tokunbo Olajide has healed and makes his triumphant return on Feb 20th on ESPN2. It looks like a promising year ahead, full of action and drama. It was good to see Lennox finally retire. He has accomplished all he has set out to do in his career and has stepped aside to allow everyone else to vie for the crown. We all have to admit to seeing a rematch between him and Vitali would have been a godsend, but such is life. Bernard Hopkins should follow suit. He's a great champion who hasn't slowed one bit, but has been so inactive lately that when he does fight its fairly anti-climactic. He will always be remembered as a solid talent and professional, but a changing of the guard needs to take place soon. Holyfield should be a done deal as well, but you can't stop the pride of a champion, no matter the odds. Too many fighters rest on their laurels, while others choose not to defend their titles at all. Isn't that what boxing is all about? Being a champion? The Champion. Not the money, or fame or extras. The accomplishment of knowing that you are the best out there. Fighters should make more money too. In my humble opinion they should make more than any football, basketball or tennis star, etc..out there, Sad truth is that most of them don't and they actually deserve it. That's why we need a commission. That's why fighters need to be looked after. Duva's people provide their fighters with attorneys and accountants, being the competent people that they are, caring about the welfare of their fighters and keeping their dealings on the level. They've raised the bar that much higher. Everyone needs to do the same. Give boxers what they've needed all along - a chance. A fair shake isn't much to ask for given their contributions is it? Email Questions or comments to Jason at: boxingwarrior@hotmail.com. Discuss This Topic at the Message Boards.
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