As host of
the "Sports Edge" radio show for the past 4 years I have had the privilege of
interviewing some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. That being said I look
at it as much more than just talking to sporting legends, I look at it as talking to
legendary human beings and that is what makes me truly grateful to be able to help make a
difference in peoples lives as they listen to the show. This past Thursday's show was
truly an example as to why I feel that sports transcends all and can help show us as human
beings that if you believe in yourself, you can and will make a difference.
I had the
privilege on talking with not just one boxing icon, but a daughter of an icon who has
become one in her own right. I am speaking of the great Hall Of Fame boxing trainer Angelo
Dundee and Jackie Frazier Lyde, daughter of former World Champion Joe Frazier and an icon
of female boxing in her own right. I asked both of them what they thought of the current
state of boxing, a sports which I love and know many of you that join me each day on the
radio love as well. I was not alive during the Frazier, Ali, and early Foreman era, but I
didn't have to be alive to know that was a golden age of boxing, especially in the
heavyweight division, which has long been considered the glamour division of boxing.
It is hard
to think of a time where an athlete was more relevant in the political landscape then when
Muhammad Ali ruled the boxing world, with Dundee by his side. Many consider Ali the
greatest boxer to ever live; we sure know Ali feels that way about himself. But what was
more special about Ali than anything else, was his undying desire to be the best he could
be and the best for the great country he was born in as well. Joe Frazier, George Foreman
all were giants during this time and will be for all time. What is sad is that
although Angelo feels that boxing is the same now as it ever was and that there are ups
and downs in all great sports, but the truth is boxing has been in a downward spiral for
years now. No clear heavyweight champ, too much about money and too little about passion.
No matter what you think is the problem in boxing if you even do, I feel that this weekend
we could in a major way get back on track that boxing once enjoyed as Antonio Tarver
squares off against Roy Jones Jr. for the third and decisive time. Jones Jr. is the
closest thing we have had to a boxing legend in recent memory and although he has been
knocked out twice in a row, he comes into this weekend's fight with everything on the
line, legacy included.
These are
the moments that all great champions look forward to, those rare but defining moments in
one's career where they can rise above the sport and become something truly special. I
think that is what we will see in Tampa, Florida on Saturday night as through the echoes
of time, Roy Jones Jr will take his place alongside Ali, Frazier, Louis, and all the other
immortals that have ever put on a pair of gloves and had a dream. A dream of greatness, a
dream to change the world. |
