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People have
asked me, "Ron Miller, why have you been on the
sidelines? What is going on? What's the dealio?".
It’s not that simple because it’s been a long hard road.
I am becoming tired of the "politricks" of boxing.
Promoters seem to continue their abuse of powers. Meanwhile,
Boxers do not want to fight it out in the ring as much
anymore. Simply put – quitters are entering the ring. And
some decisions are not going the "right" way.
"Websites" and their Editors who think they are
the greatest thing since sliced bread are misunderstood –
about me that is..
I have been writing this column for over 5 yrs now. I
started with a single website and I am now writing for up to
at least 10. My "in your face, tell it like it is
style" has alienated me from a select few people whom I
thought were my friends. It seems they eliminated me from
some of the website scenes. Seems that some Editors turned
their back on me. Oh well, I guess – that’s the way it
goes. I guess they had wished I acted like the "rest of
the proper media" and say the same "old tired
things?". I think not. It seems to me that people have
"thin skin" these days but life is tough. I don't
"sugarcoat" anything in my columns. I should not
have to kiss the promoters a@@, and be politically correct
in the boxing sense. Nope,
not this fellow. I will continue to be honest, forthright,
and unwavering. I am in no one's "pocket".
It makes me sick that some websites are afraid of
telling it like it is. They don't want to offend promoters,
fighters, or trainers. Well boo hoo! I will continue, like
my hero Howard Cosell did.
He was not afraid to "tell it like it is",
and like him, I will perhaps continue to be hated. But that
is fine because I am used to it already.
I have said some things I regretted, but that’s
behind me now, and I already made my apologies.
After all, I am human to you know. That’s what
makes us men I rekon.
Well, lets talk about recent fights and get off the subject
of my sidelines issue.
In the V. Jirov-J. Toney fight, Toney surprised me. I
now believe he has a chance against
Evander"Holyhypocrit" Holyfield.
If Toney is in great shape like I think he will, I
think he can outwork the "minute a round, counter
puncher" Holyfield.
Im not sure if I will be present for this fight
(awaiting medial credentials) but im banking on being there.
But I will know closer to fight night. I had the opportunity
to be present at the L. Lewis-V. Klitschko fight and it was
exciting, as Lewis "fought" an exciting fight. He
did not use his "safety" first or cautious side,
rather he wanted to end it fast, and checked Klits chin.
Lewis still got criticized for this strategy. I believe if
there is a rematch, Lewis will take out Vitali early in the
fight. He will be in better shape and more focused. NO ONE
can beat Lewis when it "matters". I think Klits
was ready to go, not the other way around. IF it happens I
will bet LEWIS by KO EARLY. But there is talk that the great
"Brit" might give it up. Lewis has done it all and
this is good enough for me.
I do have
more respect for Klits though.
I think he went from overrated to underrated because
he did not quit. But did he have a choice? He knew if he
did, he would lose ALL credibility that he was the real
deal. The Klits brothers perhaps are now the future of
boxing. I only wish they would shut Chris Byrd’s mouth.
I am so sick and tired of hearing how everyone is ducking
The Byrdman. This reminds me when Winky Wright cried about
losing to Fernandomania Vargas.
Vernon Forrest - Ricardo Mayorga II?
UNREAL! I had Ricardo winning by KO, and I was
surprised like everyone else that it went 12 heated rounds.
The arena was electrifying as my Editor and I were at
ringside. This Mayorga guy is good. He comes with everything
including the ole' kitchin sink. Very exciting! The perils
of the Mayorga-Forrest, Forrest-Mosley are startling to say
the least. Karma can be a, well you know the rest. We were
inside his dressing room in the post fight and he was very
cordial. A class act, under all the "dressing". I
still think there is a boxer out there that can school
Ricardo though.
As far as the "Viper" goes, it might be over for
him. He had to win this fight to stay in the elite. His
unwillingness to promote himself and his dealings with the
media were unacceptable. For a guy who is "boring"
to start with, he only "screwed" himself by losing
and not appearing at the post fight press conference. His
only fame might be his 2 wins over Shane Mosley. But unless
Mosley beats DLH(I THINK HE WILL), could makeVernon look
worse if Mosley does not get passed DLH. I was never a fan
of Shane, so there you go. Good luck to you Vernon. It will
be a "hard road back".
What about Fernandomania? I wasn't that impressed with
Vargas’ recent performance. He already lost to the best 2
boxers out there (DLH and Tito Trinidad). His "punk,
thug-life" was always a turn off to me. He should have
taken this guy (Fitz Vanderpool, not to be confused with his
brother, Syd) out much earlier. This guy was a "cream
puff" and a SETUP, not an upset. But Nando was getting hit all night with
the right. His speech seems slurred too. Maybe he should
retire soon. Perhaps after another go around with Oscar
Delahoya - (I don’t think he will). I think Tito destroyed
him.
Champs Flurries: I skipped Ward-Gatti III on purpose. I have
a problem with 2 limited guys when it comes to skills who
beat the crap out of each other. I can go to my local bar at
2AM to see the same thing or watch Toughman.
As far as Kobe goes, its a shame. I really liked "kid
skills", even comparing him to MJ, not a big thing, but
I thought he would be better than "his airiness"
when it was all said and done.
He was awfully down after the Lakers were knocked
out. Is it so "unbelievable" that this happened?
No. His next contract might be for 1209.60 for 4 years (12
cents a minute in the big house). And don't look for Kobe in
a Lakers uniform next year. What is it with pro athletes?
Why can't they behave themselves? The nightly sports is the
police blotter. But that’s a sign of the times I presume.
The world is a changing, and not for the good. There is an
old saying, but I'll let it go for now.
President Bush may be in some political challenge as well,
but I still think he wins next year. The democrats are weak.
No "comeback" kid this time. I will give him the
benefit of the doubt, but my patience is running out. I need
some proof. That the war was necessary. Saddam's sons are
dead. Hopefully Saddam and Bin Laden are next. But I pray
for those US soldiers who are getting picked off everyday.
Great war, but not much thought in the aftermath. And North
Korea looms large.
Thats it fight fans! Keep your hands up and keep punching
for the stars! And thank you for the Memories, Mr. Bob Hope!
You will be missed! With malice toward none and justice for
all.
Ron
Champ Miller ron |
