Champs Corner

By Ron "Champ" Miller

29.07 - Hello fight fans!!! Its been a long time. I know. People ask me, "Ron Miller, why have you been on the sidelines? What is going on? What's the dealio?". Its simple. To everyone who has written, emailed me or called, its been a long hard road. I am tired of the "politricks" of boxing.

Promoters abusing their powers. Boxers not wanting to fight. Quitters. Decisions not going the "right" way. "Websites" who think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. "Editors" who feel the same way. I think I am the most misunderstood person on the web.

I have been writing this column for over 5 yrs now. I started with 1 website and am now up to at least 10. My "in your face, telling it like it is style", has alienated me from people I thought were my friends. Eliminated me from some websites. Some editors turned their back on me. Oh well. I guess thats the way it goes. Should I act like the "rest of the proper media" and say the same "old tired things?". I think not. People have "thin skin". Life is tough. I don't "sugarcoat" anything. Should I kiss the promoters a@@, and be PC? No. I will continue to be honest, forthright and unwavering. I am in no one's "pocket". It makes me sick that some websites are so afraid of publishing my work. They don't want to offend promoters, fighters, trainers or even fighters. Well boo hoo. Keep being PC, while like my hero Howard Cosell I will continue to "tell it like it is", and like him, I will continue to be hated. That's fine. I am used to it.

Sure I have said some things I regretted later. Thats human. Thats what makes us men. I apologized for it, only to be ridiculed. I can't win. I won't try anymore. "Whether you like it, or not, learn to love it, cause its the best thing going today...WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Well, lets go back. I ate some crow following the V. Jirov-J. Toney fight. Thats fine. It happens to the best of us. Toney surprised me. I think he has a chance against Evander"Holyhypocrit" Holyman. I really do. IF Toney is in great shape like I think he will, I think he can outwork the "minute a rd, counter puncher". Will I bet on it? I will tell you closer to fight night.

I was at the L. Lewis-V. Klitschko fight. It was exciting. I think 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. And he still gets criticized for it. Unreal. I do believe in a rematch Lewis will take out Vitali early. He will be in great shape and 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 the great "Brit", might give it up. Thats fine as well. He has done it all. Good enough for me.

I do have more respect for Klits. But I always did. I think he went from overrated to underrated. As far as his gutcheck went, sure he did not quit. But did he have a choice? He knew if he did, he would lose ALL credibility he might have had. The Klits brothers are the future. I only wish they would shut Chris Byrds mouth.

I am so sick and tired of hearing how "everyone is ducking me". Its about as bad as Winky Wright, who's claim to fame is losing to a Fernandomania Vargas on his worst night, and his 3 epic battles with Bronco McKart. SHUT UP the both of you already, and get in the ring!!!! Just a bit tired of it, thats all.

Vernon Forrest - Ricardo Mayorga II?? UNREAL!!! I had Ricardo, and was surprised as most it went the 12 heats. The arena was electrifying as me and my editor were ringside. This guy is good. A bit amaeteurish, but 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. I still think a boxer can school Ricardo. We were in his dressing room post fight. He was very cordial. A class act, under all the "dressing".

As far as the "Viper" goes, it's over for him. He had to win this fight. 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. His claim to fame might be 2 wins over Shane Mosley, who unless he beats DLH (I THINK HE WILL), will make Vernon look worse. I was never a fan of Shane, so there you go. Good luck to you Vernon. It will be a "hard road back".

Fernandomania lives??? ?Well sort of. I wasn't that impressed with Vargas. Never was. Sure he lost to the best 2 boxers out there (DLH, Tito"Cheato" Trinidad) but well, he lost. 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" a SETUP, not a upset. But Nando was getting hit all night with the right. His speech is slurred. He should retire soon. Perhaps after another go around with Oscar Delahoya, IF DLH beats Mosley(he won't). 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 beat the crap out of each other. I can go to my local bar at 2AM to see the same thing or watch Toughman. Again, the big reason they get so much pub is that they are white.

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 airness" when it was all said and done. Shocking, but was it? 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 yr. What is it with pro athletes? Why can't they behave themselves? The nightly sports, is the police blotter. But thats a sign of the times. The world is a changin, and not for the good. There is a old saying, but I'll let it go.

President Bush may be in some trouble 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 aftermass. And North Korea looms large.

Thats it fight fans!!!! Keep your hands up and keep punching for the stars!!! ARNOLD is not running. Good. And thank you for the Memories, Mr. Bob Hope!! You will be missed!!! With malace toward none and justice for all !!! 0 comments