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Punch Lines

Forum of the Fight Fraternity

A great side show – June 22, 2008

What do I think about the Fenech show? I think it is great for boxing in this country.
I believe many will turn out to watch the fight, pubs and clubs of Australia will get a nice crowd again. It does nothing for world rankings or anything like that, it is more a ’side show’, but saying that, everyone knows wresting is a ’put on’ yet their crowds still exceed all our boxing crowds, so why not!

And besides, Mundine is making plenty of dollars from his ’side show’, so why should not Jeff!

This will be a fight remembered for generations!

MARK ZIELINSKI,
Boxing trainer
Narooma, NSW

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Bring on number 5 – June 12, 2008

Sir - Good to see FIGHTER back on line. Generally agree with your writers on Fenech-Nelson III. I would prefer to see Mundine-Soliman V, and I mean Five.

Jason Smith,
by email

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Stop impersonating! says the Ellis head – May 14, 2007

As the head of the Ellis family l would like to publically state that I have no son called David Ellis. I am appalled and dismayed that David Diecke is publicly using my family name. And why, l must ask? My family has nothing to do with him. He has used the Ellis name on two occaions in the Herald Sun newspaper , the latest being a photo of him with Anthony Mundine in ths Snaparazzi section of the Sunday edition this weekend.

Several months ago l saw his face in the same newspaper, the same Snaparazzi section, calling himself Ellis. He was also several times in the KO boxing show on community television, introduced by the host Peter Maniatas as David Ellis.

I want to distance my family from him. He is not an Ellis. He is a Diecke, was born a Diecke and will remain a Diecke.

I am proud of my name, we all should be proud of our family name. I want this masquerade to stop.

None of my sons are called David. The boxing community generally may be aware that David Diecke is not an Ellis. Those in the know are. Now I want to stop this impersonation dead in its track, and put it on the record for now and for ever.

David Ellis does not exist. I have no son by this name. He is not of my blood. His mother is a Maclean by birth, he may go under that name if he wishes.

..This is an insult, and l want it to stop. What the bloody hell does he think is wrong with his own name? He can have a DNA proof, if he wants to.

That would never happen, though, would it?

I am 73 years old and l don't want this imposter using my family name ever again.

Does he believe the Ellis name opens doors for him and gives him opportunities? One can only ponder.

KEITH ELLIS Senior,
St. Albans, VIC

Matt Ropis, Boxing Reporter – May 9, 2007

Good to see the debut as a reporter of Matt Ropis at Fighter Online. Way back, Matt proved himself in the ring, he was Lightweight Champion of Australia. I am sure he will give some top reporting and Fair Dinkum honest boxing news.

MICK CROUCHER,
President World Boxing Foundation
Mt Waverley, VIC

Bomber bombs back – April 30, 2007

As Mr King claims to have been at the fight, he will no doubt be aware that after the bout Rahayan’s corner conceded that Brock won the contest. When a fighter’s connections admit they came second after a drawn match it’s a fair bet that they lost by a good margin. But perhaps Romy’s cornermen, Keith Ellis and Jeff Malcolm, don't know anything about boxing either. Or maybe they just said that to appease Brocky’s mum?

GRAHAM ’Bomber’ MURRAY

Ack-ack at Bomber – April 29, 2007

After reading Bomber Murray’s critique of the Bentleigh fight and also attending and seeing that fight, it is quite obvious why he is writer and not a judge, nor ever will be.

At first I thought it was written by Brocky’s mother. Stick to writing fairytales, Bomber, and leave judging fights to the knowledgable.

ROBERT J KING, by e-mail.

Bungle over Burgos – March 7, 2007

DOES anyone honestly think Victor Burgos should have even been in the ring with Australia's world champion, Vic Darchinyan the other night? Burgos was 32, very old for a flyweight, and hadn't fought for 10 months. I wonder why.

It was clear from the film that from the second round on, he had no hope of doing anything but taking punishment. Failure to stop it then was a refereeing scandal.

JACK MILLER
Perth, WA

Allan on the Anvil – 3 March 2007

In response to your article on Chris Collard and Jeremy Allan (in “Onikeke in 7”) I would like to clear up a few things about Jeremy Allan.

Jeremy has done all his training at his own gym to get prepared for the bout against Chris, this was done along side still training his own stable of amateur boxers. Justin Footit was also very helpful in preparing Jeremy, Justin took time out of his own busy schedule to train and also organise sparring partners for Jeremy.

Jeremy Allan’s victory in five rounds was a credit to them both, and we at Anvil Allan’s Boxing are very proud of Jeremy and also proud to be part of his team.

BRAD RUSSELL
By email from Perth WA

'Hand picks will continue' - 22 January 2007

In response to a couple of Punch Lines, "Misguided Managers" and "Shannon's beat -ups."

Nonoy Gonzalez is one of the toughest fighters I have seen. Not the smartest, not the most stylistic, but certainly one tough cookie . Not the smartest idea to stand in front and absorb for two minutes then fight for the last 30 seconds of the round. Entertaining for the crowd perhaps but not good for Nonoy.
Anyhow, it's hard to expect fighters to come out here for six to 12 months and change their style. Promoters get the modest standard they pay for. They want to make money, not lose it. If high quality fighters were brought out not only would Australians' records and rankings be at risk, but so would the promoters' bank account.

In the Shannan Taylor-Gonzalez fight there were plenty of fouls, in my opinion mostly from Shannan. Low blows, elbows, head butts, pushing. All blatant, some were given warnings, but ultimately, very discouraging for a foreign fighter when points aren't being deducted nor the foul being seriously dealt with. If it had been Gonzalez committing the fouls, sure he would have been disqualified.
As far as the title is concerned, I agree, how can a guy on an eight fight losing streak be offered a title shot? (third title shot in a row). For the record in Gonzalez's defence, he has fought the majority of his career at 140 and 147lbs. He took this fight at 160lbs. Maybe our fighters should be getting matched with fighters in their legitimate weight classes!
As for "Australasian Title ," I would like some clarity on which countries fall under this title. If you look at what is coming up in the future, February 4 has three "Australasian" titles on the line - all against Africans!

Australian boxing will always have its share of controversy and we will continue to have fighters fight for world titles and stumble at the last hurdle due to lack of real preparation against world class opposition. Look through the boxers who have fought for world titles recently, their records are padded with second rate fighters, former champions ten years past their prime, fighting three or four divisions above their weight classes.

Fox Sports play a big role in promotions in this country, why don’t they start dictating who fights who, matching our local fighters against one another, or bringing in some high quality, currently world ranked opposition with winning records. In the United States TV networks control who fights whom; it would be interesting to see who would step up and fight each other on the local scene if Fox dictated matches instead of leaving the menu to vested interests.

As for misguided managers, it is the fighter who ultimately suffers. Daniel Geale fought his last fight against a Thai who had three pro fights, for three losses. What a joke! And Daniel was taken the distance. People question titles fights being sanctioned, how does the State Government Commission sanction fights like that, and where are the boxer's own dignity and pride? He is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, undefeated world ranked pro (13-0 -11 KOs going into the fight) and I think it is embarrassing for him to have taken the fight.
It shouldn’t be about an easy pay day. Who do you blame, promoters, commissions, managers or the fighters themselves? I hate to pick on Daniel Geale but it is the freshest case on my mind.
The fight cards are full of them. Aussie boxing will continue to do this. Managers will hand -pick opponents, managers and trainers will protect their fighters' rankings and records and the public will continue to criticize and say fights are mismatches.

I would love to see fighters taking the next step up, demanding quality opponents in their own weight class and refusing to fight against the likes of the cab drivers and the old, over weight, over matched former champions from last decade. Aussie fighters should take a leaf out of Sam Soliman and Robbie Peden's book. To really call yourself the best, fight the best!

But I guess that won't change because it all comes down to money and sense. Why fight hard fights getting your senses knocked out when you can take the easy ones, still get paid and still call yourself a so -called champion?

KEN BRETON
South Coast NSW

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Shannan’s beat-up - 21 December 2006

So Shannan Taylor beat a Filipino for a something something title. Firstly, it was the other guy’s eighth loss in a row, what does the title mean? Will it be defended? Are there contenders?

I like Shannan, I paid to see his fight against Raimond Joval and thought he was in front when it was stopped. But what good is fighting stiffs? And why did the IBF Sydney sanction this as an “IBF Australasian“ title?

Australasian has always meant Australia vs New Zealand.

I would love to see Shannan fight Richard Williams again. He blamed the coke last time. I think it would be a good match-up as both are fighting as middleweights now. Good Luck, Shannan

GRANT LEWIS
Wodonga, Vic

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Misguided managers - 30 November 2006

Jack Sharkey is saying out loud what most of us in the game only
whisper about. Bless him.

But I'll tell you what: It's not our Aussie boxers who refuse to step forward. Just look at the amateurs ~ you'll have to agree that our boxers are bravehearts and tough as nails.

It's the pro boxing managers with no real understanding of pro boxing
who are driving the game and turning it into a farce. They don't seem to
understand that the only way to a boxing title is a series of gambles
~or, in business talk, ''a series of calculated risks.''

And if our present boxers decide to become managers when they hang up their mitts in the near future, heaven help the sport if they learned
their lessons from the managers of today! Let's hope pro boxing in Australia does not end up a circus such as pro wrestling.

TAG SANDIGAN
Bonnyrigg, NSW

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Fist over Foot - 25 October 2006

I was interested to read the latest Punchline by Mike Sottile. I am probably not fully briefed on the forms of kickboxing, however I do know that the boxers he said would not last long with his 'idols' have earned ten times more money in the ring than his footpads.

I know that younger fans tend to go for the martial arts mayhem but those I have seen in action would do a lot better as fist boxers I am sure - Paul Briggs and Daniel Dawson for starters!. Also seems a cruel sport to me, with lots of leg injuries among others. I would not pay to see the kicking sport which I have always found to be boring. Give me the old Marquess of Queensbury stuff any day, Mr. Sottile.

JOE BRIDGES
Morphett Vale, S A

A message from Mixed - 24 October 2006

Hello at Fighter-Online. I am not here to start trouble, I am a big boxing fan, but let’s face it boxing is losing a lot of fan base to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). You should really call it best pound per pound boxer not fighter because these champions in boxing wouldn’t last one full 5-minute round with a guy like Anderson Silva or Matt Hughes or Chuck Liddell.

Winky Wright would get killed by Matt Hughes in a real fight. Roy Jones would lose in about one minute vs Chuck Liddell, and Hopkins would be destroyed by Anderson Silva. Boxers use 8/10 oz gloves, Mixed Martial Artists use 4oz gloves. MMA guys are real fighters, boxers play around for 30 minutes. Try wrestling, punching, elbows, knees, chokes, that’s a real fighter.

Not Monte Barrett or John Ruiz or Peter Manfredo or Sergio Mora that’s just pretend fighting. Watch the UFC sometime and you can see the difference in heart and skill!

What others don't say - 22 August 2006

I enjoyed Danny Leigh's coverage from Darwin of the helmet men. He obviously knew "Olympic style."
Now Danny's new column, "The Unsaid Truth" promises to say about pro boxing what others know but don't say (the good, the bad and the ugly).
Well launched and keep punching. In a game where the rats get more than the lions, keep them honest, Danny.

NEIL ELLIS
Taylors Lakes, Vic

To set the record straight - 21 August 2006

IN THE 'BLUE' CORNER, Heath
and Neil Ellis. No room for Keith

My son, Heath Ellis is just a young kid having a go in one of the
hardest sports. Negative comments about my son on community television, by my supposed brother, Keith Ellis (and l use the term loosely) were offensive. Now it has spilled on to Punch Lines.

Therefore I have no option but to formally state that my son and I
have nothing whatsoever to do with Keith Ellis Jnr. We don't do
birthdays, Christmas dinner or Sunday lunch. Actually we don't talk at all and haven't for two decades. Keith Ellis does not know my son; we wish to keep it that way.

I don't usually air dirty washing in public. However something needed to be said. Ted Roberts asked public questions. The answer: We are the same brand name, different franchise.
My son knows of him, but the term "uncle Keith" does not exist.
Relative by blood only, nothing more.

I wish Keith no harm and wish him well in his life. But I do ask
that he refrain permanently from ever making comments about my son.
Comments like this: "If Neil's son were boxing in my front yard I would draw the blinds."
His own son plays chess and billiards, let Keith concentrate on that
sporting career.

NEIL ELLIS
Taylors Lakes, Vic

'Bad blood' behind Ellis? - 18 August 2006

Have you wondered why Victoria's trainer of the century, Keith Ellis does not train his nephew, Youngblood and rising star, Heath Ellis? The firebrand had a sensational professional debut with a cracker of a knockout last month on cable television.
The penny dropped for me watching Keith Ellis appear on Melbourne Channel 31. on the Maniatas KO boxing show, over a couple of months.
Ellis never had a positive word to say about the kid. The host, Peter
Maniatas often brings Victoria's greatest trainer (tongue and cheek) on his show. Mention the nephew and, bang! down in flames. The latest from Uncle: "Every kid is allowed a honeymoon fight," and, "nothing to get excited about."

It appears to be sour grapes. When asked a while back if Heath would be turning pro, Uncle Keith retorted, "Don't know nothing about him, what he is doing or what he has done."

A blind man and his dog can see. Keith Ellis has been left out
in the cold and is crying.
Obviously the New Ellis wants nothing to do with the Old Ellis and he is bleeding. I wonder why. Can you tell me more? Bit of bad blood in his words, for sure.

TEDDY ROBERTS
Tullamarine, Vic

+ The "New Ellis" camp is manned by Keith senior, Neil, Greg Grogan and promoter Murray Thomson. That's all we know of "bad blood." But we'll recognise "bad matching" if we see it.

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Home is where Heath is - 1 August 2006

I want to congratulate Heath Ellis on a strong professional debut. The professional ring was always going to be home for the young nephew of the Master Blaster himself, Lester. As was the case with his uncle, the controlled aggression and variety that pro boxing allows suits him more than the amateurs, and those who judge him on his lilywhite performances will do so at their peril. Not that his amateur career was undistinguished: it just didn't allow him to come to the full ripeness of his talent.

His progress is a tribute to him and to the dedication of his dad, Neil.

NICK T Tate
Spotswood, Vic

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A change in style - 29 July 2006

Heath Ellis debuted well. His style has changed from the amateurs,
though he looked a bit tense at times. Too much power for his
opponent.
I like when he throws his flurry of punches once he gets his man on
the ropes. Heath didn't do this in the round and a bit Green lasted.
When his bouts run longer this will be one of his best assets, cause the crowd loves it. When's his next fight?

TY CERMINARA
Albury, NSW

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Film maker impressed - 29 July 2006

Taped the fight last night, watched it this morning - very impressive debut, particularly given Lester's nephew must have felt some nerves.

Heath looked like he hurt that guy with some of those body punches, and barely seemed to get hit himself. When's the next fight?

BEN BEATH
Melbourne, Vic 3000

+ Ben Beath will soon release a film based on the historic
Ellis v Michael fight.

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Blueprint for Heath - 31 July 2006

I really liked the kid's debut, he's good for boxing. Heath has a good attitude, crowd-pleasing style, and I love the fire in his eyes.
His father Neil was close to Lester's career, and would know better than anyone how to set up the blueprint for Heath.

I expected Heath to quickly blow over Shane Green, but I liked the
fact he did it with a three punch combination. He shot to the body,
brought the hands down, and rattled him upstairs. Manager Neil shouldn't have trouble keeping Heath active (he's a promoter's dream) and I think on a schedule of six to eight fights a year for the next two or three years he'll build on an already strong following.

MIKE ALTAMURA
Fighter-Network
Blackburn, Vic

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Thanks to four of you - 30 July 2006

I would like to say the Melbourne fight between Pradeep Singh and Eiji Nakamura (seen in Adelaide via cable) was a pleasure to watch. The entire 12 rounds there was no holding, just straight-out boxing.

Murray Thomson, you should be congratulated for the matching of these two boxers. A fight like that is a promoter’s dream. Both men showed guts and stamina. Very good, Murray.

And to Heath Ellis, I think you’re going to go all the way, it’s in your blood. Good luck, Heath. Yours In Boxing

TERRY FOX
Foxy’s Gym
Adelaide, SA

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In case of Recall - 14 July 2006

I was pleased to see Bob Drane’s new Column on line. Bob is an elegant writer from Inside Sport, recognized by all. Inspired by his Lester article I penned this slogan for his wall:

“Some words you may have to eat
so keep ‘em sweet, Wheat!”

P C Shelley
Carlton, Vic

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Punch lines on Lester

Michael v Ellis, 1985. The great fight, from which "washed up"
trickles. Painting by Bryan Membrey for Membreysport

On Lester 1 -- 10 July 2006

Comments in two Sydney boxing magazines inaccurately portraying Lester Ellis as a washed up fighter at 20 are almost unbelievable. You would expect such sensationalist and inaccurate reporting from the main stream media, but not from a source that should know better.

Lester's record speaks for itself, and apart from that ill advised, money-fuelled comeback he is without doubt one of our great achievers in the sport.

One can only wonder what motives there are to hit someone so inaccurately when they are down.

DAMIEN MEMBREY
Vermont South, Vic

On Lester 2 -- 10 July 2006

Was pleased to read Jack Sharkey's defence of troubled Lester Ellis. Those Sydney journos have pretty short memories, unless they believe in kicking a man when he is down. Good on Jack for coming up with Lester's record after he turned 20.

I saw a lot more of his amateur bouts (and knew Lester then) than his professional set-tos, although I saw plenty of the latter on TV. Was living in Queensland while Lester was proing it and was still up north when he boxed Rocky Berg in Adelaide, which I believe was a bit of a stinker, no fault of Lester's though.

And the Mundine bout was a horrible mistake.

This is an opportunity for Melbourne fans, ex-boxers and supporters in particular to come to the aid of a great competitor who gave his all to the sport and now could do with some help to get him back on track. Of course in the final wash-up it is up to Lester to turn his life around - but please don't let this young man destroy his life for want of a little kindness and understanding.

JOE BRIDGES
Editor Amateur Boxer Magazine
Adelaide, SA

On Lester 3 -- 10 July 2006

This was only the latest of the many times I’ve heard critics declare Lester Ellis was "washed up at 20."

But sure enough, the Sunshine Kid as he was righfully called when he won the world crown back in 1985 only to lose it the same year, always came back after being branded washed up, to put in surprise performances.

"Lester's had it. He won't beat Dale Artango," one decrier told me. And what happened? Lester stopped the fast-fisted Queenslander inside seven rounds.

And all those years later, when in action against Mundine, the by-now 37-year-old Lester was like a feather before a runaway train, seven thousand fans going to see him fight The Man showed Lester still had plenty of supporters.

Let's hope they remember his better days and will be there to give him that support once more.

JOCK OMERDEAN
Perth, WA

On Lester 4 -- 11 July 2006

Blatant mockery of a great champ. That Sydney scribbler has a lot to answer for. Lester finished at twenty. More than twenty were finished by him. Ellis was still a pup with plenty of bite. Get well, champ.

ARTHUR NASH
Bendigo, Vic

On Lester 5 -- 11 July 2006

I'm outraged. I'll never read that Sydney rag again. World Of Boxing, a podium for falsehoods. Fancy sticking the boots into our Lester Ellis.
The fella is sick, have some compassion - and get your facts right, Mr Wheatley.
BoxRec, the encyclopedia of boxing records. Ever heard of it?
Finished at 20.. Reckon you'd have walked over broken
glass to get his contract at that age.

BRIAN JEFFRIES
Altona, Vic

On Lester 6 - 11 July 2006

Went down to the newsagent to get my monthly boxing magazines, World of Boxing with Ray Wheatley, it is usually a good read, and The Fist too.
Yours is good because I don't have to wait a month :)-

Please tell me, how come Wheatley prints a load of Lester Ellis's
troubles on the front page. No need. The tragedy was all over the media anyway.
It didn't bring anything positive, more like a caning. Sure the fella
got in trouble but read between the lines. Ellis needed help: so do
many with bi-polar disease. Alcoholism to boot.

Was Ellis washed up at 20? I seem to recall he won more big ones and l was there at ringside when he challenged Pat Leglise for the
Australian Title. He gave Pat a hammering.

Can you put this one to bed and print Lester Ellis's record for all
to see. I'm almost sure Ellis was not finished at twenty years of age.
Is World of Boxing right?

TED LABELLE
Marrickville, NSW

On Lester 7 - 11 July 2006

Fighter Online, thanks for setting the record straight. Being a
boxing fan for yonks l was dismayed that World of Boxing said Lester was washed up at 20. Sharkey, pointing out the record, restored my faith.
Great work, mate!
Why do some mags print stuff without checking it out first.

JOHN FORBES
Baxter, Vic

On Lester 8 - 11 July 2006

Looks like Lester has a lot of support. But why is all the support FOR Lester? There must be two sides of the coin. What do you say?

PERRY PARKER
Caulfield, Vic

On Lester 9 - 13 July 2006

The general media put a positive angle on Lester Ellis's troubles.
But 'World of Boxing' was all negative on the obviously unwell ex-pug.
Not even a Get well soon, or a, We support you Lester. It was like,
He's not popular any more, anyway.
This brought to mind a cannibal who turns on its own in their darkest hour.
AND THEN -- the inaccuracy about Ellis's record! "Finished at
20," was bordering on defamation of the superb boxing career Ellis actually had.

TONY MASON
Brisbane, Qld

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Boxing goes to Court -- 28 June 2006

Australian amateur boxing insiders knew that referee Wayne Rose was suspended from any involvement in amateur boxing for five years, by Boxing NSW. Well, thankfully a big change of events occurred on Tuesday, 27 June, in the Supreme Court.

Wayne has won the first stage, the judge said the suspension was ‘improper.’ Wayne Rose's barrister said that this was a 'landmark' case and he was over the moon that they succeeded. The presiding judge had things to say about Arthur Tunstall, the NSW ABA constitution, and their administration.

The next phase can not be elaborated on at this point. I can say that amateur boxing in NSW and the boxers specifically will be better off, seeing how this current administration has neglected them.

WARWICK WARN
Ex-President NSW ABA
Sydney, NSW

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They robbed my friend -- 7 June 2006

Brendan Steele’s article, “Cool Handed Robbery” was exactly right. As a friend of Luke’s I was glad to find my judgment of the State Title fight shared by someone completely neutral and unbiased. It’s unfortunate that boxing officials and fans seem to be forgetting that is exactly what the sport is, Boxing. It’s not called Pub Brawling or Street Fighting.

Luke Moloney clearly outboxed Collard almost the entire fight. Luke came into the ring with a plan and executed it almost to perfection. His jab and straight right landed consistently. Unfortunately, all the judges seemed to pay attention to were Collard’s power punches, of which he landed maybe three.

After the fight I saw both fighters exit the dressing room, Luke looked like he’d been sparring my grandmother, while Collard’s face was a cross between Jeff Harding and Lester Ellis at their worst. Thanks for telling it how it is.

NICK TAIT
Melbourne, by e-mail

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Good guy Green -- 8 May 2006

Sort of agree with Patrick Connelly that the Mundine-Green bout took too long coming . . but I’m still eagerly awaiting the clash. Greeny struck a blow for Boxing sending a big teddy bear to Little Sophie, the repeat accident victim in Sydney. He called her the Bravest. Danny is the Best for character. Wishing him all the luck.

JOE BRIDGES
Morphett Vale, SA

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Spotlight on Sol -- 4 April 2006

How on earth does Sol Spitalnic keep his position as an “Amateur” boxing official? Do you Victorians ever have elections . . or is he installed for life?

WILLIAM HOLLAND
Brooklyn Park, SA

Sol under Spotlight 2 -- 7 April 2006

In response to WIlliam Holland (Punch Line, April 4), I am unable to offer William any idea on how Sol Spitalnic keeps his position in Victorian Amateur Boxing. He is unapproachable. He won't respond to emails, he doesn't answer any questions raised with regards to himself or to the Victorian association. Furthermore, the Boxing Victoria website is scarcely functional or updated, though it appears to take money from the State Government to provide a service.

SS is a law unto himself; it seems that we the avid followers of the sport, the trainers, boxers, supporters, do not get a say.

As for elections. What elections? Not here!

BIANCA CATALUCCI
Abbotsford, Vic

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Ducking Nermin again -- 4 April 2006

Nermin Sabanovic and myself signed a contract to fight Lawrence Tauasa.
No dice, Tauasa ducked out of it.
Now I hear he fought Sakeasi Dakua of Fiji on April 1.
Stand back, Lawrence and take a good look in the mirror. If that was me
I wouldn't like what I see.
Stand up and be a Man, go through with what was meant to be.
Are there any MEN left that will fulfill their contracts? Not happy,
Jan.

TERRY FOX
Foxys gym, Adelaide SA

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Backing for Joe -- 15 March 2006

The first dollar response. Don Abnett from the ACT read the punch line. He rang to say their Tuggeranong PCYC club will throw in $100 for Joe and Werner's tickets. That’s $200 so far. Let’s push it!

Joe Bridges’s doctor has given him an uneasy diagnosis. This could be the last Games for our friend. Let’s get behind him.

MARK ZIELINSKI
Narooma, NSW

That ‘Souvenir Issue’-- 15 March 2006

I could not agree more with Mark Zielinski about denying ‘Amateur Boxer’ magazine two passes to the boxing at the Games.

Of course that mag would give full coverage and would be a great souvenir to keep for our grandchildren. The only full pictorial coverage of the boxing.

At the last Calabria show, editor Joe told me only two Victorian officials ever buy the magazine, and one of them always tries to get it for nix. What cheapskates! I know that the production costs Joe and Kid Kalin plenty, but they do it for the love of the sport. What is wrong here in Victoria? Time for some new blood, I reckon!

And Mark, I'll also throw in a $100 to help buy passes for the team.

JOCK MCSWEENEY
Hotham Hill, Vic

Lest we forget -- 15 March 2006

Disgusting to hear that ‘Amateur Boxer’ magazine’s Joe Bridges, and the fight game's superb cameraman, Kid Kalin, might be left out in the cold for places at the Games fights press rows. That would be as raw a deal as denying an old soldier wearing a medal for gallantry a seat at an Anzac Day ceremony.

If any two have gone out of their way to give everybody in amateur boxing recognition it's them.

JOHN WESTON
Embelton, WA

For services rendered -- 14 March 2006

Joe Bridges

Werner Kid Kalin

Have I heard rightly? Are the three best servants of Australian Amateur Boxing (Mike, Joe and KKK) still waiting to get press passes to the Commonwealth Games Boxing?

What a disgrace that we will read about Commonwealth Boxing from journos who have never even seen the sport. Their lingo will be very interesting, their understanding will be laughable.

How much would it cost for 'The Kid' and JoeB to get in to all the fights? I will throw in $100. Quote me if you like - it might get a few people willing to throw in a few bux.

Pretty sad, isn't it. Told you the word 'amateur' has more than one meaning in Amateur Boxing.

MARK ZIELINSKI
Narooma, NSW

+ No passes yet, for the publisher ‘Amateur Boxer’ magazine, and the prolific Cameraman.

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Nonsense N'dou -- 12 March 2006

-An open letter from Team Rabah

Lovemore N'dou is back to what he does best -- whining. He’s thrown out a desperate plea for an undeserved payday against 140lb champ, Ricky Hatton on May 13. Lovemore, haven't you had enough chances? How many title fights/eliminators does a guy have to lose before he's tossed onto the scrapheap?

You call yourself the "gatekeeper" of the junior-welterweight division? Mate, get a sense of reality. Your gate fell off the hinges for good against Junior Witter.

You say the rightful IBF mandatory, Naoufel Ben Rabah "can't fight"? Then answer this, Lovemore. Why did you knock back Rabah's countless challenges, including a $40,000, winner-take-all showdown in December 2004. Check it out here in the archives on this site.

You say Ben Rabah isn't an "HBO TV fighter." I didn't know the criteria to fight on HBO was going 2-5 in the USA - lost five, and the only two wins coming against mediocre lightweights.

Even more absurd is your comment that Ben Rabah hasn't "beaten anybody". Arturo Morua is somebody. When was the last time you beat a fighter ranked top 10 in all four major sanctioning bodies? Or shoot, even someone that is remotely world class? I'm sorry, South American taxi drivers don't count.

Lovemore, I find it amusing that you're concerned that a potential Rabah-Hatton showdown will be a "mismatch.”

As I remember it, you and your former management made equally ludicrous remarks about Hatton not too long ago, questioned his "heart and courage" and claimed he can't fight a lick. Well, if Ben Rabah can't fight a lick, and Hatton can't fight a lick as you say, then HBO may be in for a damn fine treat!

The truth is, Lovemore, Hatton would outhustle you, and Ben Rabah would outsmart you.

You've proven you can't rise to the next plateau. Ben Rabah will.

Since joining Harry’s Gym, Rabah is 10-0 (6 KO's). The same gym which has guided Chris "The Dragon" John to the legitimate 126lb throne, with victories over Derrick "Smoke" Gainer and Juan Manuel Marquez. The same gym which is home to WBO #1 and undefeated 154-pounder, Daniel "The Rock" Dawson, and WBO #2 featherweight, "Superman" Gairy St. Clair.

Fighters from Harry's Gym don't fight for money. They fight for glory. Ben Rabah is the true African warrior that you, Lovemore, are not.

Lovemore, I find your process of eliminating Vivian Harris from contention ironic. You say that fight is a backwards step for Hatton, as Harris lost to Carlos Maussa, whom Hatton just beat.

Going along that way of rationalizing, Rabah beat Morua, who beat Maussa, who beat Harris, who beat Jose Luis Juarez, who beat you, Lovemore! I guess you're eliminated too.

Lovemore N'dou, the boxing world is tired of you sending out more open letters than Fed Ex. Here's a thought. Win a fight that actually counts - then open your mouth. Maybe people then would read your "press releases" for reasons other than unintentional comedic entertainment.

HARRY SUMMERS
for Team Rabah
Perth, WA

============================

Home town admiration -- 11 March 2006

After reading the Punchline from Terry Fox I would like to add a little. I have met Nermin Sabanovic a couple of times and found him to be a most pleasant man. I know he is a very clean living boxer who probably lost the best years of his ring life due to an accident when he had not long turned pro.

The reason fights have fallen through for him of late is probably the sensational KO 1 of James Grima by the Foxy trained Nermin.

Nermin had the incredible total of 356 amateur bouts all over Europe and the United States and included two Olympic Games. I can assure you he is a very hard and fit man.

Pro boxing is dead in Adelaide, however if a promoter were to invest some cash he could probably draw a crowd here. Fans like a KO puncher. Good on Brian Kirwan, for coming up with an opponent who will be game to step in the ring with this fine athlete.

BILL HOLLAND
Brooklyn Park, SA

Nermin is welcome up here in sunny QLD -- 9 March 2006

BRIAN KIRWAN, Red-Cornered

After reading Terry Fox's heartfelt plea that fights should hold
together for Nermin, we are going to do everything in our power to
ensure his April 7 booking against James Ellis goes ahead.

Both camps want this fight desperately and both camps have the belief they are going home the newly crowned Champion. What that does for fans is guarantee one hell of a fight.

Having promoted both fighters at different times, I see this as a
real classic. The super-experienced and tough Sabanovic versus the youth and boxing skills of James Ellis.

When Nermin first came to Brisbane to fight Alex Leapai, no-one had heard of him. As he arrived at the airport I took a call from one of Alex's keen fans asking how long the stranger would last (Leapai was and still is a home town favourite). Well, I looked at Nermin and thought, "You couldn't stop this bloke with a baseball bat!"

I was right. After a massive onslaught in the opening round Nermin saw off Alex's best efforts and was very hard done-by to given only a draw.

Anyway, best of luck to both fighters, come April. And to Nermin
Sabanovic and Foxy - you have my word that this is one of those
situations where THE FIGHT MUST GO ON!

BRIAN KIRWAN
Red Corner Promotions
Brisbane, Qld

A fair go for Nermin -- 7 March 2006

Powerful punch liner, Terry Fox carries his
victorious cruiserweight, Nermin Sabanovic

I bring this case before the public, in the interests of fair dealing in the fight game. Way back in my boyhood, I remember reading “Punch Lines - the Forum of the Fight Fraternity” in the old FIGHTER magazine. It used to carry weight. I hope my call will lead to something good in these uncertain times.

Twice last year my boxer Nermin Sabanovic was booked to fight Danny Buzza in Queensland. Noel Thornberry invited us to fight Buzza at Gatton on August 26, but it was postponed. The problem was the local hall was being renovated.

Well, Noel again booked us to fight Buzza for his Australian super-cruiserweight title, this time November 25. But Buzza vacated the title and retired from boxing, rather than go through with Nermin Sabanovic. Both fights were to have been for the title. It was at the end of October that Nermin stopped James Grima in the first round in Melbourne, I don’t know if that had any influence on Danny Buzza’s decision.

After Buzza made the title vacant, we were invited from New South Wales to fight Lawrence Tauasa for the vacancy, on February 18. The contract came from Steve Ghosh, it was an official NSW Government Authority contract form, and we signed it, to be contested in Windsor Leagues Club.

The NSW camp pulled out. It was as if, “Stuff the contract!”

We were not compensated in any way. Why are contracts in place if people can do this in the sport?

After they told us it was off, we were given an excuse, that the NSW Boxing Authority has a top age limit of 30-something and Nermin is above that. I told them before we signed that Nermin had turned 40. I consulted Frank Hadley on our home turf, SA, he is the head man of the Australian National Boxing Federation. Mr Hadley reassured me. The rule was there to protect over-the-hills. Not to block a great craftsman following in the steps of Ancient Archie Moore!

The fact is, Nermin has never been knocked out in a long career, he is the Oriental & Pacific Boxing Federation Champion – the most important regional title in world boxing.

I ask that this case be looked into by the control bodies. And that the $1,000 compensation clause for broken contract, be met. You fight fans who believe in fair play, please make your voices heard.

Nermin Sabanovic has a fight booked on April 7, against James Ellis in Queensland. We trust and expect that the Northern parties will go through with it.

After that, all boxers in the Cruiser or Super-Cruiserweight divisions - in Australia, and beyond the shores - hear our challenge

Step up and have a go!

TERRY FOX
Foxys Gym
Adelaide, SA
Gym (08) 8359 6277

============================

So that's Zab - 10 January 2006

The Fall of Judah – Zab that is. Baldomir, an average opponent, shook Judah in the seventh and led him over 12 rounds for the undisputed welterweight title in the Garden. So now we can sum up Zab.

A brilliant early-round fighter, Would never lose a four-rounder (except to Zoo). But the chin comes out, the hands come down, the hubris kicks in and tenacious opponents hang around long enough to turn it around.

Zab will probably go back down to 140 lbs because his frame doesn't seem to support extra weight. Cory Spinks was a slapsie, and thus Zab outlasted him.

Mayweather would box Judah’s ears off.

Hatton, if cuts didn't intervene, would probably stomp him late.

In sum, it's good to see the most obnoxious, racist mouth in boxing get some come-uppance

ROBBIE DURAINE
Croydon, Vic

After three watches,
doubt sets in on
the Winky nod - 29 December 2005

I watched Sam Soliman v Winky Wright on DVD three times, and the first time, at any rate I thought the unanimous judging for Winky was right.

The commentators were so disparaging of Sam's style it was amazing.
Emanuel Steward started out saying Soliman was the least talented guy he had ever seen at this level, and that he looked like he'd had no more than five fights amateur and pro combined.

But by the end of it they were in awe of his fitness. None of them
thought he could keep up the frog-in-a-blender style for more than three rounds. But 1,200 punches later they were full of respect for the Aussie guy's engine and determination.

On first viewing, I judged Winky's punches were too accurate and clean while Sam's flailing was landing on arms and gloves and the ones that got through were iffy; and Sam's hands were low so Winky's punches looked unequivocal.

Then I made a second viewing. And a third.
On the repeats it struck me that Sam landed more than the judges
saw.

The crowd was so taken with his non-stop action they booed the
decision.

Emmanuel Steward had made all manner of predictions in the first
half.
Like, 'The way he's goin' he's gonna knock his own self out!'

By the end Steward conceded that no one had ever landed so many
punches on Winky in all the time he'd been watching Wright's career.

Some of my favorite commentary lines: 'Give Soliman a minute's rest
and he can fight for three months.' Larry Merchant, searching for an
apt metaphor, 'He's like some kind of spastic crow.' He had Winky
throwing out that jab, 'like someone trying to find the light switch in
the dark.'
They put Foxtel commentators to shame.

Each time I've played the disc I can't help marveling at Sam's
stamina and determination.
In round nine he looked almost gone yet came back with more flurries that flumoxed.

Dave Hedgecock needs to work on his arithmetic because at the end of the eighth round he told Soliman he had three rounds to go.

But thankfully Sam doesn't look like he listens to anything much his
corner men say.

MISTY McGRAW
Yarraville, Vic

'Your two wrong tips' - 26 August 2005

Some of your predictions are good, Mike, but not in Middleweight and Welterweight.

Ged O'Mahony will walk through the Middles. Don't worry about his size, he is much too relaxed and composed for Fletch & Ross [Jarrod and David]. He will cane them with that straight right hand when they relax for that
split-second.
Nelson Ali will put up the next best show at 75 kg; Ged has
a bit of trouble with that type of fighter, as he found the New Zealander, Joey Blackbourn. "Booking" O'Mahony at evens, you will lose a lot of money.
Make sure you lay off a few bets.
In my thoughts, even at Middleweight, Ged is the #1 pick for
the Commonwealths, in any weight, ahead of Kidd.

In the Welterweights, Hussein Atoui will not have the experience to mix it with Rod Bryant. Atoui has a very impressive record, but has been a protected fighter over the years. He only ever fought one fighter in
Bryant's class, and that was Ged O'Mahony. Ged played with him.
Bryant is a step behind Ged, but a leap ahead of Atoui!
Trent Broadhurst will be strong against the two of them, but Bryant will get Trent on the way in with the hook. No doubt at all in my mind. Bryant is a powerful seasoned man, who will beat the Welters.

MARK ZIELINSKI
Narooma, NSW

============================

Narooma Warm Town - 23 August 2005

Korica Boxing team had the pleasure of spending four days in Narooma with our ‘wonder boy’, Aaron Oates. Promoter Mark “Ziggy” Zielinski and his crew could not do enough to accommodate us. We felt right at home from the moment we arrived. A tour of the town and surrounding area proved what a magnificent place Narooma is. We now know why they call it “God’s Country”. Truly worth a visit.

….and the best thing of all – great promotion of our sport.

CHARLIE LIPAROTA
Korica Boxing team
Reservoir, VIC.

============================

A new offer to Heath - 20 August 2005

s

I read with interest the challenge to Heath Ellis put out by young "Terrible" Trent Broadhurst, and I have a better offer.

I present it here as an Open Letter to the boy’s father, Neil Ellis.

I have emailed you, Neil, an offer, for your fighting son Heath to fight a rematch with "Bad Bad" Leroy Brown, here in Narooma, in the first week of December. If the fight is accepted, I will organise a $5,000 sponsorship for Heath. An advance will be sent as soon as you accept, and the balance will be handed to you in cash the minute your famous son walks into the ring.

The sponsorship falls under amateur allowance being for the boxer’s present and future expenses of training and travel. No strings attached, except I would ask Heath to have a few pictures taken with the sponsors, and autograph them. Your son will be positively promoted in the media, to which you will be given free access, without any editing from me.

I am that keen for the fight, if you bring Uncle Lester, and the World Champ participates in the media campaign - favourably to Heath, of course! - I will pay the airfares for four of you, will put you all on a Marlin Fishing Charter on the Continental Shelf, plus accommodation at friendly O’Brien’s and meals.

I will also arrange for you to auction a Lester piece, and the money is yours!

You will be treated like Kings, as were Team Oates and Werner Kalin on a recent visit.

Let the match be made at 69kg or as far above as you wish, and fought over "Man sized" 4x2 minute rounds!

Be half of the All Time Amateur Match. Boomer in Narooma!

MARK ‘Ziggy’ ZIELINSKI
Manager "Bad Bad" Leroy Brown
Narooma, NSW

Angie & Paul O’Brien say
‘ Welcome, Clan Ellis! ’

============================

The Exact Time - 17 August 2005

In relation to the letter from Tracey Foley I would just like to say
people should get their facts right before they go public . . because
in actual fact, in amateur boxing the time clock is stopped only when
the referee calls "STOP" - not "BREAK".
And this was monitored very closely by a number of mutual people
watching the video of Fleming v McConnell.

WOMAN FAN by e-mail
(Name & address verified)

============================

Time Out -- 16 August 2005

The dispute over the Fleming-McConnell timekeeping caught my eye.

In Professional boxing, the only times the time keeper’s watch stops, from the first bell to the last, is IF the Referee calls for a Time Out - or the contest is called off.

I have time-kept for the VABA, as well as the ABF, and yes, Tracey Foley is right: in Amateur boxing the clock stops every time the referee barks ‘Stop.’

Am surprised that trainers of amateurs would not learn the rules before they put their boys in for battle.

DAMIAN MEMBREY
Melbourne, Vic
+ Damian Membrey is Victoria’s most experience time keeper..

Keeping time -- 14 August 2005

Corey McConnell’s team protested, after his bout with Paul Fleming, that the times of the rounds ran over.

Maybe coaches need to know that when the referee says ‘Break’ the time stops; when the ref says ‘Box’ the clock is re-started. So therefore a round can run anything from 5 to 25 seconds over the time allocated per round.

Excuses... well... we all have them. The fact of the matter is that Paul was the better man on the night and so he deserves all the credit. Just remember he is only 17 years of age from the small town of Tully, Far North Queensland.

TRACEY FOLEY
via email

============================

Jungle 10 count - 15 August 2005

On the 50th anniversary of the defeat of Japan, an old Digger brought in to the Warrnambool Standard a poem about Mick Eddy, a soldier in the 2/2nd Pioneers.

Mick had been a handy pug at the old West Melbourne Stadium around 1939-40. On the road to Lae he was chopped to bits by Japanese bullets.

My newspaper story read: "The 10-count from which no man rises was tolled over him in New Guinea jungles."

The poem, The Fighting Pioneer was unsigned. Today brings the 60th anniversary of VJ Day, Victory over Japan (Forget VP, Victory Pacific. The enemy was not an Ocean).

A day to publish in FIGHTER this tribute to a forgotten prelim fighter.

The Fighting Pioneer

There in Heath's plantation where the slender palm trees wave
Where the cocoa trees throw shadows they dug Mick Eddy's grave.
A requiem was sobbed in the silent day
As with sadness moved the Pioneers to Lae.

They knew they would see him fight no more
In battle or the roped-in square
He had taken the count in jungle war
Had the fighting Pioneer.

'Twas Rafferty's Rules in wild combat
No audience to please
As the ‘wood peckers' spoke their rat-a-tat
And the Brens spat from the trees.

Queensberry was forgotten, gloves gave way to lead
No resin on the canvas, it was jungle mud instead.
No seconds out, no swish of towel, no sounding of the gong
Scrub replaced the stadium and grass grew coarse and long.

No referee to see fair play, men were battle mad
He took the count the front line way, did our Victorian lad.
He was KOd in the ring of war, the fight for Australia's cause
Where maddened weapons sounded time
and mortars barked applause.

Where the kunai spreads its mantle and the slender palms grow tall
Where the kokomoas fly northward as the evening shadows fall
And the western sky turns crimson at the end of a tropical day
The Pioneer champion lies asleep on the winding road to Lae.

PATRICK CONNELLY
Warrnambool, VIC

============================

Heath's dad retorts -- 31 July 2005

This fellow Broadhurst challenging my boxer, Heath Ellis is a country hillbilly, a no-brand publicity seeker. He is known only to his parents and a couple of boxing groupies.

Trent should advertise on the soles of his boots, he seems to love the canvas.

Intend to turn pro, or is that a scary thought for the trophy boy.

They’ll meet, but please don’t bore me.

NEIL ELLIS
Manager of Heath Ellis
Taylors Lakes, VIC

A Broadhurst broadside -- 25 July 2005

Heath Ellis, it’s Trent Broadhurst: I’m calling you out!

Come to pappa. Bring it on, let’s do it any place any time, you say you’re the best in Australia, I say I’m the best. Let’s get it on and see who is number one.

Tell me when and where and I’ll be there with bells on, you ain’t nothin but a chump to me. You have been avoiding me for the last year and a half with your excuses, it’s about time you prove yourself against a true champion, not like those novices you have been fighting lately down south.

Step up and take the challenge, or forever hold your peace, pussycat!

Whenever you feel like becoming a man, let me know. I’ve lodged my telephone number at Fighter Online office.

Yours thankfully and hopefully

TRENT (The Terrible) BROADHURST
Logan Team, Brisbane, Qld

============================

We'll fight him -We wont -- 25 July 2005

Here is our poster for the Narooma promotion, 13 August. The cowboys who “manage” Khalid Baker have torn it up.

John Scida accepted our offer for his boxer Baker to fight our Narooma comer, Bad-Bad Leroy Brown. Next we hear, the Balla Brothers, Metat and Yuri, are Baker’s new “managers” . . and what do you know, Baker lost to Bowes so the Ballas cancelled their Narooma date. Is Khalid scared of Leroy Brown? Are his guardians scared?

We will get another opponent for Leroy. Someone gamer. But it’s a pity people don’t keep their agreements.

MARK (Ziggy) ZIELINSKI
Narooma, NSW

============================

Room service for Rusty -- 14 June 2005

This is where life and art blur. At the Tszyu- Hatton contest in England, Rusty Crowe parades around the ring. A day later he's in America hurling telephones at cowering desk clerks.

Noticed our Australian actor wore a James J Braddock jacket when handcuffed. Know and promote your product - although I can find no record of Braddock throwing phones at Hispanic desk clerks.

It doesn't stop there. Max Baer Jnr has slagged off at director Ron
Howard for a bad portrayal of Max Baer Snr, in "The Cinderella Man". Seems Baer is played as a heartless jerk, which is not even close to the mark.

Word was that when Baer beat Max Schmeling, Al Jolson jumped up screaming, "My Jew Boy beat the German! My Jew Boy beat the German!"

MICHAEL MacDONALD
West Melbourne, VIC

============================

One for the Board -- 13 June 2005

Did I get this right? I understood I heard Queensland trainer, Brendon Smith say - after his boxer Rocky Katsidis KO'd his opponent with a sweet left hook on the ppv show - that the Queensland pair had not been paid by the Mundine promotion; that in fact they paid for their own appearance, and for the opponent too!

What goes on here? Maybe I will get back into promoting if we don't pay the boxers any more. I had Brendon Smith bring a boxer to Adelaide a few years ago and despite losing a bundle, I paid up. Have things changed now? Boxers and trainers now pay their own way and box for nix?

Where is the New South Wales Boxing Board? Does it allow the Mundines to do this? Something very wrong there.

JOE BRIDGES
Morphett Vale, SA

Adelaide goes for punch -- 13 June 2005

Amazingly today, the Adelaide Advertiser opened its sports section with a full page colour picture of Mike Tyson as he sat on the canvas. They gave another three quarters of a page to his bout with Kevin McBride.

The Advertiser main boxing writer, Doug Robertson battles to get anything in at all about local events, particularly in the football season.

Of course Tyson is newsworthy, often for the wrong reasons. But my guess is if Tyson had managed to win, in Adelaide he would have managed a bare few lines inside somewhere.

The Advertiser also invited comments from readers as to whether Kostya Tszyu should box on or retire. Have the editorial people taken a sudden interest in boxers, albeit losing ones?
Maybe they have discovered that people are interested in boxing here in Adelaide. Can we look forward to daily reports?

BILL HOLLAND
Brooklyn Park, SA

============================

A high example -- 10 June 2005

Any comment I might add to the correspondents' Weigh-Ups, re. Kostya's manliness and sportsmanship would be superfluous but I'll risk this: What an example to us lesser mortals.

PATRICK CONNELLY
Warrnambool, VIC

============================

Somebody pays -- 29 May 2005

I have noticed a lot of coverage of overseas boxing (involving Briggs, some Aussie content there), but no mention of the fights being held in Australia in May.

On May 20 alone there were three fights cards with quite good names on them.

One each in Brisbane, Penrith and the Central Coast

Why would there be no coverage of these at FOL and yet there's a story on Don King which is already on FightNews.

I think we need to get more Australian Coverage. Of course this is just my personal opinion. Cheers.

GLENN AZAR
Fighting Fit Gym, Toowoomba, Qld


Fighter publisher replies:

+ Wouldn't it be good!
Since Ryan expended thousands travelling to Las Vegas and then to New York late last year, to post the fans on Kali - the only Australian journalist at both fights - and to revive old ties with Bob Goodman, King's director of boxing, the reports from DKP (we call them DON Crowns) have been coming fast and frequent, and free. Not to mention highly pro writing by Alan Hopper.

Fighter Online is now rather strapped. We use the best boxing writers in the land, and can scarcely afford petrol money to send correspondents on three highways , to Brisbane, Penrith, the Coast all in one night.

The cyber age has fed its babies free. So much news flows on the internet . . all free!

It's a permanent lolly shop where we never pay . . while all of us gorge.

But it costs someone to mount a web site. To put lashings of lollies on the counter for the taking.

Now what say: the promoters of the Australian boxing industry pay a token fee, in recognition for future full coverage of a promotion. Previews thrown in, too. Token $100? Two ringside seats!
Is that exorbitant? Or puny? What do you think, Glenn? What do you reckon, readers?

- MIKE C RYAN published Fighter Magazine,1967-1987.
Every reader paid..
 

It's all about choices -- 30 May 2005

Mike, you obviously chose to attend Kali Meehan's fights in the USA for whatever reason. I doubt it was from the overwhelming public demand. Don't bring your expenses in those two trips into a discussion of why you cannot cover local boxing.

You post Don King's info because it is free? All Red Corner's press
releases are either sent to FOL, or to your "journos" or posted on the Red Corner website free of charge.

Last two Red Corner shows, we haven't heard a peep from any of your "best journos in the land". I would have been more than happy to sit them at ringside and give them the silver service.

Bernie Pramberg from the 'Courier Mail' attends every show and
regularly calls to see what is happening. To me he is a journalist; others perhaps are out to get a free ticket, or pretending to be one of the gang.

All the best,
BRIAN KIRWAN
Red Corner Promotions, Brisbane
 
PS. We are holding the Commonwealth Games trials for the Queensland representatives at the prestigious Tattersalls Club in Brisbane July 1. Keep an eye on the website for all the latest

Love and money -- 30 May 2005

Fighter Online is the best read in cyber-town . All the boxing groupies love to read it - for free.

Yet when you think about it, there has to be plenty of cost in mounting a website and hiring a professional server to maintain it.

And there is no money coming in.

Mike Ryan keeps Fighter-Online going by digging into his pocket. The reporters pay to get in. Kid Kalin, one of the best cameras in Australia, pays his own way traveling around Australia. They love boxing.

Now we read an invitation to promoters to pay "token $100" for Fighter to give their show coverage before (drawing patrons in) and after (praise where due).

This "token" would not cover production costs and reporter's exes.
But it would be a mark of give and take.

I predict most promoters will respond willingly. All take and no give is not nice.

NEIL ELLIS
Taylors Lakes, VIC

Back to Brian Kerwin -- 30 May 2005

Brian Kerwin does himself no favours with his outburst and perhaps he should have added a public relations segment to that vaunted university degree. (There are six of them in my family of four).

I have covered two of his Red Corner promotions despite physical difficulty. While experiencing extreme courtesy shown by ringside fans to this old bloke hobbling in on a walking, stick clutching his full price $75 ticket, I never met Brian, let alone experienced his ‘silver service,’ whatever he means by that.

He has never even said ‘hello’.

I am a story teller, not a journalist. Bernie Pramberg is a journalist, but he does this for a living. I don’t. I am a self funded, disabled retiree.

I was planning to have someone accompany me to his next promotion. I think I’ll now give it a miss. I wouldn’t’ want to be seen as pretending to be one of the gang.

DENIS BUCHANAN
'Been around Boxing' columnist
Kenmore, QLD

'Charge us all' -- 30 May 2005

Mike old cobber, I symphasise with your call to the promoters to spend a penny. When we were both younger, you came out swinging against mismatches (which still happen in some quarters). Younger people probably don't realise what they are on to.

Here in Adelaide, I know how much mental energy and mazuma my old mate, Joe Bridges puts into producing Amateur Boxer magazine; and I hazard a guess that Fighter costs you as much time and cash.

I hope the promoters come good on your modest proposal.
But meanwhile - how about your "hundred thousand hits" last month? Why not charge us all a few dollars to read? I think a small fee to read FOL is in order.

FIGHTER Magazine and its writers garnered a reputation over many years for telling it like it is. I would be happy to pay for the pleasure of reading your latest.
So keep up the good work and ignore the negatives.

BILL HOLLAND
Brooklyn Park, SA

+ Hey Bill: The hundred thousand hits would shrink to a hundred! Sugar babies get their e-fix free. - ED.

Mr Kirwan clarifies -- 31 May 2005

Mike, you obviously gathered the troops to support yourself in the
great promoter debate.

In my email I mentioned that only at my last two shows did you have no-one in attendance. Yes, Denis Buchanan covered the February 20 Fight Night and also the Kedron Wavell Australian Heavyweight Title fight. Both the reports were timely and well appreciated.

February 20 was my first fight night ever: I had no idea Denis was to be in the audience. And the second night I had gone through a week of promotional hell with fights falling through, and contemplations of calling the event off.

On the night I had to control the whole proceedings myself. I made sure that one of the Red Corner marketing team spoke with Denis well before the first fight. He was with your reporter for quite a while, and I had expected that he showed him the silver service.
So to say he wasn't treated well is a little bit unfair.

For me the worst time to chat is at the event. Too many things going
on, too little time. I am available weeks before hand and weeks after.

Denis Buchanan will always be welcome at my fight nights and, time
permitting, I hope that I can personally thank him for his efforts the next time he attends.

A thank you was sent him via e-mail, after both the previous events.

All the Best

BRIAN KIRWAN
Red Corner Promotions, Brisbane

Site 'builds fans' -- 31 May 2005

Hey Mr Kirwan. I'm one of those journos - and I probably deserve your inverted commas more than the other scribes on this site, who really do it for love.

But a good site like this one can't survive on love alone. Mike's just exploring ways to pay the running costs.

I'd certainly prefer to see some sponsorship come Mike's way, rather than a registration fee on readers. Promoters who understand marketing might see the merit in throwing a few bob at a site that gets as many hits as this one does.

Potential ticket buyers . .