During the holidays, it seems that the world slows down and people come together to celebrate the season. Even the most bitter of rivals soften in the holiday spirit. Every year I have spoken to fighters, boxing writers and boxing radio show hosts, to get their wishes for the holiday season. This year is no different. I asked each person “If you had one wish for Christmas, boxing related or personal, what would it be?” and here are the wishes of the boxing community:
Butch Carroll, co-host of “Fightin’ Words Radio Show”:
My wish would for the troops to come home safely.
Benny Henderson Jr, Fightin’ Words co-host/Convicted Artist Editor In Chief, Fighters of Faith owner and boxing publicist:
Personally, my wish would be to be cute (laughs), no, ok boxing wise it would be for all of the boxing commissions and judges to get their stuff straight. What I mean is, let’s get the rankings right, get the judging right. Look at all of the bad calls in the fight judging this past year. Ali Funeka got robbed in his fight with Joan Guzman, Paulie Malignaggi got robbed in his first fight with Juan Diaz, there should never of had to been Malignaggi-Diaz 2, so there needs to be better, more consistent judging. Boxing really needs better judging, better judges and to get the rankings straightened out.
I also want to add a personal wish. Ali Larter, I want her. Oh and more boobies in the world. Problem with wishing that is there will now be more fat guys and man boobies.
Danny Batchelder, heavyweight contender:
Just for success. To be able to reach the goals that I feel I can reach, and do it safely. I want to come out of this sport with my wits about me.
Jon Crane, Convicted Artist columnist and American veteran/hero:
My holiday wish for boxing is that the training goes well for Pacquaio and Mayweather. No injuries and no excuses so the fight can go on as scheduled March 13th, 2010. This way Money Mayweather can show the world why he is the best fighter on the planet and not Pacman. (Writers note: I fired Jon shortly after he made this ridiculous comment)
A personal wish would be that all of our troops have the best and safest holiday as possible while they are away from their families, so that we can safely be with ours. (Jon was re-hired after this comment)
(Editor in Chief’s Note: Jon was never fired for his comments, in fact, Jon got a raise after his Pacquiao-Mayweather comment…take that Bob!)
Wayne McCullough, former WBC bantamweight champion and current bantamweight challenger:
My Christmas wish would be to fight 4/5 times next year with a promoter who is seriously willing to take a chance on an old man like me ;)
Alex Ramos, former USBA middleweight champion and current Retired Boxers Foundation Founder/President:
To be able to watch incredible fights, to keep the fighters safe, to watch the Retired Boxers Foundation progress and for people to help out the Retired Boxers Foundation so our organization can keep growing. That’s what I want, but it may be too many wishes.
Larry Tornabe, boxing ring announcer:
To make a living at ring announcing for all the big fights
Jackie Kallen, former boxing manager of James Toney and currently managing of light welterweight prospect, Mike Dallas Jr.:
My one wish would be for this recession to be over and for this country to get back on its feet and enjoy the "good times" again.
Ron Yacovetti, comedian, MMA and boxing commentator:
To be a presenter at MMA Awards Show on Versus channel then land a gig with Fox Sports or ESPN
Yusaf Mack, light heavyweight contender:
To become the next light heavyweight champion of the world
Suge Green, co-host of “On The Grind Radio Show”:
For my lady to be cured of her illness
Irish Paddy Cronan, co-host of “On the Grind Radio Show”:
My wish is that Vazquez-Marquez will be as good as the other three fights. Ok, one more, for Matt Macklin to successfully defending his EBU Title against Dmitry Pirog (which will be a tough test in itself) then for him to get a shot at Pavlik in the new year.
Tim Kudgis, co-host of “On the Grind Radio Show”:
I wish a percentage off all PPV cards are donated to the Retired Boxers Foundation
Macke Roberts, publicist for many top fighters including light heavyweight Glenn Johnson, and co-host of “On The Grind Radio Show” and “Fight 2 Tha Finish TV Show”:
My Christmas wish is for more television networks to add more competitive boxing programming to their network.
Tony Thompson, heavyweight contender and Washington Redskins apologist:
Boxing wise I would wish for good health and let the chips fall where they may. Personal wise I would wish that we band together as a nation and take the next step in our evolution as a people and a country and lead the world like we are capable (and my youngest son grows to be 7feet with a great drop step)
John Bray, trainer of Robert Guerrero, Miguel Espino and “The Contender” television series:
Personally, I would wish for world peace, like everyone else. Boxing, I just wish to continue to be a productive member of the boxing community and help lift it back to where it once was.
Fernando Guerrero, middleweight contender:
I think about how hard people are struggling to get by now and think about how the Cinderella man gave hope to so many people. I hope that watching me and other young fighters that are struggling and fighting to make it in such a tough sport, might give a little hope or enjoyment for a few minutes for those people. Especially at a time like Christmas
Tommy Rainone, welterweight prospect:
My Christmas wish would be for a successful 2010 from both a boxing and personal perspective which sort of intertwines 2009 was a terrible year for me both personally and professionally, I’m starting 2010 off on a high note fighting at Madison Square Garden Jan 23 and couldn't be more happy about that, the new year is off to a good start and ill make the most of it come the 23rd and have a break out year in the sport and life.
Brett Dietz, starting QB for the Arena 1’s Tampa Bay Storm:
All I want for Christmas is a Pacman win.
Katie Green, “Fightin’ Words Radio Show” Producer (The best ever!):
My wishes are for the soldiers to come home. For my family to get through this stressful time and come out healthier and happier. For my friends kids to be safe in their upcoming surgeries. For my siblings to be happy and safe. For Val to get better.
Bill Calogero, host of “Talking Boxing with Billy C”:
I wish promoters would actually promote! Promoters used to hit the pavement when promoting their shows. Now a days, it just isn't happening! A lot of promoters use email, facebook and boxing websites as their only source of promotion. They also put the pressure of selling tickets on the fighters. When the fans don't show up....they complain that boxing is dead! We need promoters to promote. They need to plaster fight posters in the town in which the event is taking place. They need to advertise on websites, radio and newspapers. They need to get in the local community and let the casual sports fan know that there is an event going on. Most importantly, they need to make sure they give the fans VALUE when they purchase a ticket. When this happens, boxing will be back in the mainstream of sports. We currently have some solid momentum going with professional boxing. Let’s keep it going!!!!
Eddie Montalvo, publicist/manager and family member for Hector “Macho” Camacho and good friend of “Fightin’ Words Radio Show”:
My 'one wish' for this Holiday would be that all retired boxers begin receiving a Pension and Medical coverage in the coming year so as to not worry about future income and mental expenses, for them and their families; this includes female boxers.
John Scully, former light heavyweight contender and current trainer for NABO cruiserweight champion Matt Godfrey, undefeated featherweight Matt Remillard and former IBO 122lb champion Mike Oliver:
If I could have one boxing wish granted it would be that we could go back to having just two world sanctioning bodies. One would be great, too, but having only two would allow for unification matches to crown an undisputed champion, like they did in 1981 with Leonard and Hearns.
Lisa McClellan, sister and caregiver to former world middleweight champion, Gerald “G-Man” McClellan:
If I had one wish I would wish for five more. No. Just kidding. I would wish Gerald to have his sight for one day. Just so he could see his children and his grandchildren. I could wish for money or material things but at this time in my life they mean so little. Yes, It would be for G-man to see. God Bless you.
Leo Nolan, heavyweight contender:
My wish would be that boxing got back to the skills and not just the money or who’s got the better name. Let there be a tournament every 2 to 3 months and at the end of the year. We would all know who's the best.
Shaun George, light heavyweight contender:
I would have to say my one boxing Christmas wish would be Chad Dawson on HBO for the light heavyweight championship of the world. That would really be a dream come true for me.
Brad Cooney, owner of 8Count News and author of “Let’s Talk Boxing:
My boxing wish would be for the judges who destroy fighters careers by incompetent scoring, crooked scoring, etc to be held accountable and banned from the sport.
Paddy Monaghan, former bare knuckles boxing middleweight champion and winner of 114 win with NO LOSSES:
Live in a world of peace, no starving children, no weapons, but that’s a land of Utopia. Oh and I also wish to climb down all the chimneys and kiss all of the Mamas!
Irish Paddy Cronan, co-host of “On the Grind Radio Show”:
My wish is that Vazquez-Marquez will be as good as the other three fights.
Emanuel Augustus, former IBA light welterweight champion and current welterweight contender :
Besides to become world champion, it would be to fix all of the personal problems in my life.
Peter Czymbor, fight commentator for NESportstv.com:
For Pacquiao - Mayweather to come to fruition and for it to be great fight and event for boxing.
Dominick Guinn, Heavyweight Contender :
My first wish is to be heavyweight champion of the world, second, is to make sure my family and kids are healthy, third, to make enough money to successfully feed my family and make sure that we are comfortable.
More boxing related, my wish is to either fight Chris Arreola, who I have been calling out for sometime now, or either one of the Klitschko’s
Austin Trout, undefeated light middleweight contender:
I want that big strap around my waist and all the big names under my belt.
Peter Quillin, undefeated middleweight contender:
I want to be world champion, and to be the best world champion I can be. And also bring more people closer to God.
Travis Walker, heavyweight contender:
My wish is that some one would give me a shot. I need 2 get back up top. Anyone in the top 10, even in the top 15.
Paul Vaden, former IBF light middleweight world champion:
To turn back the clock and relive the glory days of Mr. Ali again
My wish:
My wish is that all of our troops return home safely and that we all show veterans our gratitude. Without them, we would be nothing.
So there is the 2009 Christmas wish list from the boxing community. I would like to thank all of the people who took time out to participate and help me with this article. I hope that all of you that helped, and all of you who have taken the time out to read this article have a safe and healthy holiday season and New Year. Stay reading Convicted Artist, as we will be bigger and better than ever in 2010.
Bob Carroll
www.convictedartist.com
