Boxing: Champs corner

Hello fight fans! It's 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?. It's simple. To everyone who has written, emailed me or called, it's 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. "Web sites" 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 five years now. I started with one web site 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 web sites. Some editors turned their back on me.

Oh well. I guess that's 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 web sites 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. That's human. That's 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, let's go back. I ate some crow following the V. Jirov vs. J. Toney fight. That's 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 round, counter puncher." Will I bet on it? I will tell you closer to fight night.

I was at the Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali 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. That's 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." It's about as bad as Winky Wright, who's claim to fame is losing to a Fernandomania Vargas on his worst night, and his three epic battles with Bronco McKart. SHUT UP the both of you already, and get in the ring! Just a bit tired of it, that's all.

Vernon Forrest vs. 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 amateurish, but he comes with everything including the ole' kitchen 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 two 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 two 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 an upset. But, Nando was getting hit all night with the right. His speech was 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 Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti III on purpose. I have a problem with two limited guys, when it comes to skills, beating the crap out of each other. I can go to my local bar at 2:00 a.m. to see the same thing, or watch Toughman. Again, the big reason they get so much pub is that they are white.

Other subjects...

As far as Kobe Bryant goes, it's 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 four 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 shows are like the police blotter. But that's a sign of the times. The world is a changin', and not for the good. There is an 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 U.S. soldiers who are getting picked off everyday. Great war, but not much thought to the aftermath. And North Korea looms large.

Looks like ARNOLD is not running. Good. And thank you for the Memories, Mr. Bob Hope!! You will be missed!!! With malice toward none and justice for all!

That's it fight fans! Keep your hands up and keep punching for the stars!