The Aftermath of Redemption

By Fred De La Riva

15.09 - One bright day in the middle of the night three blind judges just saw a fight. With their backs to the ring they made their call, with their eyes closed they had just witnessed it all. "And the new champ is Shane", they cried. Back at home I cried too. The devil Don King was not even in the ring. Who to blame, no one but this so-called game.

It was business as usual in "Boxing Town". The lights were shining. The high rollers were rolling. It was the aftermath off the next "big fight". The town was buzzing. The gamblers kept betting. The Golden Boy was not so golden. The "Sugar Man" was not so sweet?

Jack Nicholson once asked, " Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?"

Yes

This is boxing. You roll the dice and hope the result is not "snake eyes". This time the wrong man lost and the loser took the belts. Back in Ghana, the "Bazooka" let out a chuckle. It happens. More often than not me thinks.

But look on the bright side. The aftermath of "Redemption" is not the supposed retirement of Oscar or even the tarnished belts that Shane now carries. All is not over. Ask yourself these questions.

· How important did Winky's IBF belt just become to Bob Arum?
· Will Shane tried to have his own redemption against Vernon?
· What is going through Don King's mind? Will he move Mayorga up to 154?

The Oscar-haters will say to watch the fight with the sound off. The result will be different they say. Funny thing how that comment makes its way into the conversation into every controversial fight. Not me. I use all my senses when watching a fight. I know what I saw.

Was this the greatest robbery ever to happen? No way. But let just say that I hope Senator McCain who was sitting in the audience takes note.

On a more positive note ……………….

The fight between Lazcano and Johnston was amazing. Stevie Johnston who has been overlooked by most put up a brilliant fight against the tough Lazcano. I was amazed at how the quiet the crowd was. I was on my feet in the first two rounds alone. Oh well. Until the next time boxing fans. Keep your hands up and your chin tucked.

Feel free to contact the author at delariva69@sbcglobal.net