Boxing & Teddy Atlas

[H2O Man]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a279/H2O_Man/Facebook/Friday%20Night%


(I'm hoping that the photo I am trying to reproduce here comes out. I couldn't access it the usual way, and have no one here to assist me. If not, please overlook this old man's lack of "computer skills.&quot

As much as I enjoyed watching the fight card in Albany, NY, last Friday, the evening's highlight was having the opportunity to hang out with Teddy Atlas beforehand. Both Darren and I have great respect for Teddy -- not only for his understanding of boxing, but as an outspoken advocate of boxers and fight fans. Too often, the fellows that call fights tend to advocate for their network, including the network's ties to specific promoters and managers.

Among the things we discussed -- not surprisingly -- was Floyd Mayweather's recent victory over Miguel Cotto, and the possibility of Floyd fighting Manny Pacquiao next May. Teddy has reported several times that the lone stumbling block to that fight actually happening is PacMan's promoter, Bob Arum. I agree, but think that Manny will do what he needs to, in order to make sure the fight finally happens. In terms of their places in ring history, both Floyd and Manny can secure a higher level by meeting each other; no other fights really matter, at this point.

Darren's thinking on such a fight has changed somewhat, since the MAYWEATHER VS cOTTO BOUT. He now thinks that Manny has a better chance of winning, because he thinks Floyd looked old in the ring. I think that Floyd would have an easier time against Pacquiao, due to both physical size and styles. Teddy took a middle stance: he said that Floyd could make an easy fight out of it, but have difficulty if he lays back too much, concentrating more on defense. In his opinion, Floyd's "all-time" ranking is lower than what I think, because of Floyd's lack of "killer instinct" .... he could have TKOed Cotto, Teddy noted, something that Sugar Ray Leonard would have done.

In the past, I've recommended Teddy's autobiography, "Atlas -- From the Streets to the Ring: a Son's Struggle to Become a Man" (HarperCollins; 2008). Darren had brought along his copy of "The Ultimate Book of Boxing Lists," by Teddy and Bert Sugar (Running Press; 2010). Bert had autographed it last summer, and now Teddy has. We also gave Teddy a copy of Darren and Corey's book, "Water Man," about regional Native American history.

On the ride home after the bouts, Darren said that he thinks I should write a "non-published" book on our family's boxing history. He said that it would have been great if my great uncle had left things that told stories about his fights, and his training Carmen Basilio, Jimmy Braddock, etc. (He did leave a box of press clippings, but a few years back, a family member took off with them.)

So I picked up a spiral notebook, and have begun an outline. There are at least ten sections, most of which could be a small book themselves. It'll give me something to do, and I'd like to think that he's right, about future generations finding it of interest.

[H2O Man]

1. No photo!

I'll figure it out. Or one of my kids will get here!

[KamaAina]

2. I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!

P.S. Teddy does have a rug, right?

[H2O Man]

3. Gracious!

I have no good answer to your question. I never pay attention to that type of thing. Well, almost never.

Years ago, in post-regular season high school basketball, an area radio station had a coach from another town commenting on my nephew's team. (Yes, my 6' 5" nephew, playing point guard in 10th grade, did lead the team to a state title.) The fellow made a negative comment about one of the boy's shots. (Yes, he did double the school's all-time scoring record, and his 6' 3" brother set the rebounding record.)

A week later, that coach sat in front of a friend and I. Couldn't help myself: "Hey, Russ, what the heck is that thing on Bob's head?" Russ: "Huh. It looks like a dead woodchuck I saw at the side of the road on the ride here." Bob got up and moved.

Today, Bob and I are friends. I am the assistant coach for both AAU and summer league b-ball. We never mention that incident. This may be why I don't think about these things.

I will ask my son. He notices everything like that. When getting ready to go to Albany, he asked if I really was planning to wear the sneakers I had on? Yes, they are my best pair. So he stopped on the way, and bought me a pair that cost more than I'd waste on sneakers. He explained that he didn't want to be seen with me if I wore the other pair.