The Square Ring

Vernon Forrest was shot in the back after stopping late at night to put some air in the tires of his late model Jaguar. When he did at least two men with guns attempted to “carjack” the vehicle while as many as two others lay in wait. Forrest had a gun in the car, turned the car jackers away and gave chase on foot. Those in hiding opened fire with a semi automatic weapon. Forrest was shot numerous times in the back and killed instantly. At press time three have been arrested including the suspected shooter.

Forrest had a professional boxing record of 41-3 which tells only part of the story. Most of all Vernon Forrest was a good guy. He was dogged throughout his career with injuries that would keep him inactive for extended periods. He always had time for the press, fans and friends. Forrest was a member of the 1992 United States Olympic team that would be the springboard for Oscar deLa Hoya, Chris Byrd, Raul Marquez and Tim Austin. Forrest gave Shane Mosley his first loss as a professional when he won the WBC Welter title in January of ’02. Forrest would also win the rematch in July loosing the title to Ricardo Mayorga in January of ’03 via KO. He would lose the Las Vegas rematch also. Forrest would miss all of ‘04 with injuries. In 2007 Forrest took the WBC light middleweight tile from Carlos Baldomir. Sergio Mora would upset Forrest to take the title only to loose it back to Forrest in a rematch. Quite a guy.

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN… MAYBE

There has been talk for some time of the latest English boxing “wunderkind” Amir Khan facing off against Ricky Hatton. Fuel was added to the fire recently when Hatton issued a non-denial denial. Gotta luv’em. Hatton indicated that he “may” be retired but if he isn’t then he would fight Khan if he promoted the fight. It would be difficult to comprehend that Khan’s promoter, who has invested millions in his career, would step aside to allow Hatton to promote. Even if that did occur the event would be the classic mismatch. Young fighter on the way up against an older fighter on the way down. Hatton has not won a meaningful fight since June 2005 when he beat Kostya Tszyu. Bad “EYE DEAR” but good big money.

TSR SNOOKERED

There’s always a danger when covering boxing to actually put “cred’ into anything said by a boxer, promoter or hack reporter. TSR fell for David Haye’s “BS” and will be severely punished. TSR, foolishly, believed that Haye wanted to fight the best heavyweights out there in the form of either Klitschko. It was announced with great fanfare that Haye and Vitali Klitschko would meet September 12 in Germany for Klitachko’s WBC title. Nay nay fight off. Haye pulled out. Klitschko will now fight Chris Arreola on the 12^th in the Staples Center in LA. Haye instead will fight the biggest heavyweight joke of all time in WBA Champ Nikolai Valuev. Haye said, “I am thrilled to announce that my dream of becoming world heavyweight champion will be realized.” Hummmm. Former professional boxer Sir Frog, a master of under statement, puts this all in perspective. “What a ***** (term for a kitty) that Haye guy!!!!! Now he's gonna fight Valuev. Sir Frog.”

JEEVES INTERUPTUS

While Your Lordship is always decrying the lack of boxing skill and talent “The Big Kahlúa” and I attended the WBA female lightweight title fight between “Laripin” Layla McCarter and Fujin Raika. McCarter was outstanding with a display of boxing skills to put the men to shame. She dominates a good boxer with the exception of one round when Raika was able to cut the ring off. McCarter countered to put on a clinic and dominate a well schooled boxer. Classy lady. Classy performance. With “female boxing” approved for the 2012 Olympics’ in London, McCarter would be a great team member wearing the “Red, White and Blue”. One hopes that by becoming an Olympic sport female boxing won’t be corrupted by the International Olympic Committee.

TEN BEST LIGHTWEIGHTS EVER

As the calendar moves towards the October 4, naming of the greatest boxers ever so does the voting at www.GreatestEver.com. Any of the ten nominees’ would be acceptable to most boxing fans. A couple would be “no go’ for TSR. Pernell Whitaker is definitely a “no way Jose’” with Floyd Mayweather jr. a strong maybe. The other 8 are all worthy of a vote. The Square Ring casts it’s vote with “Battling” Benny Leonard (183-19-11, 70 KO’s)who fought from 1911 to 1932. During those 22 years as a pro he took time out to fight in both World War I and II. As a young boy TSR spent time with Mr. Leonard as he was a friend of my parents. A truly gentle man always kind to inquiring questions from a very young nosy lad. Big favorite of Irene Maude Reed. Enough for TSR.

 If TSR wasn’t to vote for Mr. Leonard one of the following would get the check mark. “Hammering” Hank Armstrong (151-31-9). Held three world titles in different weights at same time when “different weights” actually meant something. Tony Canzoneri (137-24-10) also held 3 titles different weights same time. Old timer Joe Gans had a record of 123-8-10 from 1891 to 1909. First black champion. Ike Williams was a 15 year pro who had 60KO’s from 125 wins. He was the champion when the mob ruled boxing which is a negative. If it weren’t for “NO Mas” Roberto Duran (103-16) would be ranked higher. He did beat Ken Buchanan, Carlos Palomino, Pipino Cuevas and Davey Moore. He beat Sugar Ray Leonard but then pulled the “No Mas” like others more.. Carlos Or Ortiz (61-7-1) was good but not top of “all time class”. Julio Cesar Chavez (108-6-2) really good but a lot of his wins came against boxers of suspect talent or those over the hill.

ASSAULT in the ring...a must see

If you’re a fan of boxing don’t miss the HBO Documentary “Assault in The Ring”. The hour plus program starts with the June 1983 fight in Madison Square Garden between Brooklyn’s Luis Resto jr. and an undefeated at 14-0 “Irish” Billy Collins and the consequences that followed. It’s a true story of greed, determinations to win along with a great helping of total disregard for human life. Resto who would do anything to win, his trainer Panama Lewis one of the most despicable people in the human race, Billy Collins jr. a good old Tennessee boy that couldn’t accept losing and Billy Collins Sr. a man that would use his son in an attempt to gain fame and fortune. It has it all and it’s true.

A HERO GONE...

Real reporters and columnist probably don’t have heroes in the same profession. As TSR never claimed to be a member of either group it is with deep sadness that the death of Budd Schulberg is reported. Schulberg is best known for his Oscar- winning screenplay “On The Waterfront” which for many is one of the great films of all time. Lesser known was his 1947 “fictional” expose of boxing The Harder They Fall. The movie from his book starred Humphrey Bogart in his last film role. Schulberg had a great love of boxing and could be seen in the press room at most major fights holding court. In 2003 he was voted into the International Boxing Hall of fame ‘for his contributions as a journalist and historian. Gone at 95 another TSR hero who was bigger than life.

FROM...Biloxi, MS

When Joe Calzaghe gave Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy his first lost in 2006 none would have predicted that it was the beginning of the end of the likeable Lacy. It was. Lacy then lost to Jermain Taylor in a fight he was never in. Last week Roy Jones jr. “toyed” then pummeled Lacy to the point that his corner tossed in the towel after the 10^th round. Now the resurgent Jones will meet Danny Green in Aussie in a “mega fight” tentatively penciled in for November 21.

JEEVES TIME

“Well your Lordship looks like Cousin Bruce nailed your hide to the wall yet again. He wrote, “Cousin, Pacquiao weights should read 112 and 122 not 111 and 121. Hope to have a Phuket Island Lager with you soon.’ How about that?”

“As usual Jeeves you have set out to bite the hand that signs the checks. We’re both right. The Weight class’s are 112 and 122 but Pacquiao weight 111 ¾ which was described as 111 and change” against Gabriel Mire when he first defended his WBC flyweight title in April of 1999. In June of 2001 when he won the IBF super bantam title he weighted 121. Both right.”

“OK Mr. Know it all. Did you know that Vincent van Gough had a dizzy Aunt?”

“No.”

“They called her Verti Gough. I know as the Big Kahlúa says “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder” so I’ll fetch you a few lager’s, a cigar and a little Jimmy Buffet for the music machine. Cheewit dee khrup”