Champs Corner

Ron Champ Miller

04.03 - Hello fight fans, again. It’s been a while since I wrote. Why? As I said in my column before, I was suffering from “burnout”. One column a week for over two years will do that to you. Also, the last few months has been slow for boxing. No big fights. I have gotten a lot of emails about this, so read on. I have seen the “darker” side of boxing as well. The side, who won’t grant simple things as credentials. Who won’t give “internet” boxing writers their due. And from boxing websites itself who think they are all that. Let’s face it. There is only one or two “top“ internet boxing sites, then the rest. That’s the way it is.

My problems started when I couldn’t get fight credentials to the Jones Jr.- Julio Gonzalez fight last year. This fight was in my backyard, so naturally I was disappointed. Then it happened again with the Ayala-Adams rematch fight a few months ago. That wasn’t the worst part. I was told I could get credentials for the fight, IF I covered the site, exclusively for them. They wanted pics, blow by blow, and fight report that night. And no, I couldn’t publish this information on other sites, websites that I have been with for years. And of course, no pay for me. I’m not going to embarrass this site or individual by giving his name up. I don’t want to give him free pub. But this is what’s wrong with boxing.

These websites think they are the best things since sliced bread. They don’t wanna pay, but will try to force your hand, just because they give you credentials. I don’t operate this way. I am fiercely loyal, especially with people who gave me a shot, who took a chance publishing my work. I usually get credentials from one person, and he has never forced me to only submit my work to his site. The question never even presented itself. This is respect. This is what I’m talking about.

I guess I was naïve in a sense that I was going to change boxing. When I first started, I was a young kid, new to the boxing world. Didn’t know anyone or anybody. Just loved the sport. My first fight was awesome. I was star struck, and in awe. Since then, the glamour has rubbed off. I guess this happens when you go to several events, like I have. My articles were brash at first, ripping people. My style has mellowed a bit, but not the message. Indeed my writing has improved.

Why have I shared this information with you? For one, emails and for another, just to let you know what the deal is. It seems since my inactivity a lot of “writers” are on the scene. Unfortunately, I have covered this information before. Perhaps they will learn, like I did, that boxing is a “cult” sport, like horse racing. The ”king of sports” at the turn of the century was boxing and horse racing. Now it is a joke. “Another black eye” or “Mike Tyson” are main topics, instead of the state of boxing. The sport. And by not granting credentials to events, this hurts boxing. More press is better than no press. Playing favorites or “poli-tricks” as Lennox Lewis says, is wrong. Sites that have been around for 6 months? It’s funny. But that’s whats wrong with boxing.

Well, I’m off my soapbox, lets recap what’s been going on.

Mike Tyson- Lennox Lewis. Off again, on again, off again, on again. Looks like June 8th is the date. For now. I found that April Fools day joke as ironic. Let’s face it, I still think this fight might not happen. I don’t think Mike want’s it. Byrd should get a shot. He unlike Tyson, deserves it. We will see.

Camacho Jr. loses. So what? Who cares? Next topic…..

Hope Mills Lane is ok. What a class act.

Looking forward to the Tua- Fres Osquendo fight. I like Tua by knockout. Funny how the Tua bandwagon has emptied out. This was the heir apparent to the heavyweight crown? Tua peaked 7 yrs ago. But Fres’s chin, makes me think Tua will win. I don’t see Fres outboxing Tua like Chris Byrd. I still think Fres might be overrated. Time for Fres to get back to reality.

Rahman- Holy is fascinating. I hate the idea, but a fascinating fight, none the less.

Stick a fork in Oleg Maskaev, he’s done.

Where are you, Derrick Jefferson???

Nice win by Mayorga over Lewis. But Lewis’ chin was always a question mark. Mayorga is a bit too much for me. Respect my friend, respect. I can‘t see Ricardo being a force. His punches look amateurish.

Stevie Johnston and Floyd Mayweather better wake up. To take a phrase from Teddy Atlas, “you’re blowing it!!”.

Ward-Gatti? Who will have more brain cells after this one?

This Roy bashing has gotta stop…stop hating!!!

Mayweather easy over Castillo, unless his hands fail him.

Congratulations to Antonio Margarito and Daniel Santos. I think Santos’ chin will fail him.

My views on tattoos? I think it is tacky. Takes away from the sport. But what can you do. The fighter’s make a little change, so I’m all for that. But I don’t like it. Hmm…We could pay the fighters a bit more. Nah, that wouldn’t make sense now, would it?

Well that’s it fight fans!!!!!! Keep your hands up and keep punching for the stars!!!!! And don’t fret. The champ will be back more frequently. Champs Corner…the original. And yours truly. The Howard Cosell of professional boxing. “I tell it like it is”. Ready or not. I have to keep these so called “writers” in check. And I will.