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kenyan_cheena · 01-20-2005, 08:52 PM

BAER CAMP OUTRAGED BY HBF'S
"SLAP ON THE WRIST" FOR ELMER RAY

Wednesday 16 January 2002

HBF President Michael Vincennes announced today that Elmer Ray would not be punished for his behaviour towards opponent Buddy Baer while in Japan for the federation's Yokohama fight card last week.

Speaking from Cincinnati, Ohio, where tonight's HBF card is being held, Vincennes said that Ray had been given an official warning by the HBF. The warning stated that if Ray engages in behaviour towards any future opponent that is of a "derogatory, personal nature" he would be severely punished.

Buddy Baer's trainer Izzy Klein expressed his disgust at the decision.

"I really can't believe that after all the crap that little punk pulled while we were in Japan, they haven't done a thing!" said Klein. "It's barely a slap on the wrist! I mean, he damn near incited a riot during the weigh-in. Some of the things he said about Buddy were just plain disgusting. He's got no class, just a stupid, immature little punk! The HBF has no balls!"

When asked about Elmer Ray's revelation on last night's SportsCenter that, on Monday, his entourage was treated to lunch and a free viewing of the HBF's Berlin fight card by Mr Vincennes and his wife, Klein was exasperated.

"When I heard about that, I was just dumbfounded," he said. "The kid acts like a punk, brings disgrace on the federation, and gets treated like royalty! I think that it gives a good indication of what type of organisation they're running."

Ray could not be contacted for a comment on the HBF's decision, as he had already returned to Florida with his entourage. However, President Vincennes was questioned about the appropriateness of entertaining individual boxers.

"Mr Ray is an employee of the federation," he said. "So are all of our boxers. They have worked very hard, and so far that hard work has paid off for our organisation. If I want to take the time to get to know these brave men beyond what we see of them in a boxing match, I will do it. I have hosted some of our other fighters, including Gene Tunney and Larry Holmes. I'm not going to be a "stand-off" President, because I have the greatest respect for these young men and I want them to know that."

The president was also quizzed about the apparent leniency afforded to Elmer Ray.

"I believe that we made the right decision," he said. "Obviously, there are some who won't agree. Personally, I consider the matter closed. I'm just looking forward to tonight's fight card. Our number twelve seed in the World Championship tournament, George Chuvalo, is fighting in the main event. A lot of people have told me that they are really looking forward to seeing this young man fight. It's going to be a great night."

01-20-2005, 08:52 PM	#46 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,146	BAER CAMP OUTRAGED BY HBF'S "SLAP ON THE WRIST" FOR ELMER RAY Wednesday 16 January 2002 HBF President Michael Vincennes announced today that Elmer Ray would not be punished for his behaviour towards opponent Buddy Baer while in Japan for the federation's Yokohama fight card last week. Speaking from Cincinnati, Ohio, where tonight's HBF card is being held, Vincennes said that Ray had been given an official warning by the HBF. The warning stated that if Ray engages in behaviour towards any future opponent that is of a "derogatory, personal nature" he would be severely punished. Buddy Baer's trainer Izzy Klein expressed his disgust at the decision. "I really can't believe that after all the crap that little punk pulled while we were in Japan, they haven't done a thing!" said Klein. "It's barely a slap on the wrist! I mean, he damn near incited a riot during the weigh-in. Some of the things he said about Buddy were just plain disgusting. He's got no class, just a stupid, immature little punk! The HBF has no balls!" When asked about Elmer Ray's revelation on last night's SportsCenter that, on Monday, his entourage was treated to lunch and a free viewing of the HBF's Berlin fight card by Mr Vincennes and his wife, Klein was exasperated. "When I heard about that, I was just dumbfounded," he said. "The kid acts like a punk, brings disgrace on the federation, and gets treated like royalty! I think that it gives a good indication of what type of organisation they're running." Ray could not be contacted for a comment on the HBF's decision, as he had already returned to Florida with his entourage. However, President Vincennes was questioned about the appropriateness of entertaining individual boxers. "Mr Ray is an employee of the federation," he said. "So are all of our boxers. They have worked very hard, and so far that hard work has paid off for our organisation. If I want to take the time to get to know these brave men beyond what we see of them in a boxing match, I will do it. I have hosted some of our other fighters, including Gene Tunney and Larry Holmes. I'm not going to be a "stand-off" President, because I have the greatest respect for these young men and I want them to know that." The president was also quizzed about the apparent leniency afforded to Elmer Ray. "I believe that we made the right decision," he said. "Obviously, there are some who won't agree. Personally, I consider the matter closed. I'm just looking forward to tonight's fight card. Our number twelve seed in the World Championship tournament, George Chuvalo, is fighting in the main event. A lot of people have told me that they are really looking forward to seeing this young man fight. It's going to be a great night." Last edited by kenyan_cheena : 04-29-2005 at 02:28 AM.