[kenyan_cheena]

MERCER AND REYNOLDS BLASTED
OVER ELMER RAY COMMENTS

Friday 15 March 2002

During the past 48 hours, heavyweight boxer Ray Mercer and New York Age sports journalist James Reynolds have been on the receiving end of a storm of criticism over comments they made regarding 16 year-old HBF competitor Elmer Ray that were published in Wednesday's edition of the New York Age.

In the piece, an interview between Mercer and Reynolds, Mercer openly lambasted Ray over the "alliance" he had formed with fellow Florida-born fighters Oliver McCall and Tommy Gomez. Mercer, himself a native of Jacksonville, Florida, revealed that Ray had also spoken to him about the possibility of joining this "alliance". Ray indicated this past Monday that he wants Florida to be the most dominant region in the entire Heavyweight Boxing Federation and that the best way for that to happen is for all the Florida fighters to pull together, to help each other be the best they can be. Mercer stated in Wednesday's newspaper article that he was against the idea, that boxing "ain't a team sport", that it's "every man for himself" and that "the whole idea of an alliance with other boxers is crazy."

But this wasn't the only topic covered in the interview. Reynolds, a critic of Elmer Ray ever since the young man's controversial actions in Japan in early January, used the second half of the interview to land some shots on him over his behaviour during the past two months. Mercer was in absolute agreement with Reynolds, saying that he thought Elmer Ray has "a lot of people fooled" and that he is "just a kid playing a man's game."

Heavyweight Boxing Federation President Michael Vincennes has been just one of many people to have voiced their disagreement with Mercer and Reynolds since Wednesday's story hit the news stands.

"Unfortunately, this is the type of thing that we've come to expect from James Reynolds lately," said Vincennes. "The way he has set out to bring down Elmer Ray during these past two months - in addition to the whole boxing expansion debacle - has totally destroyed all the admiration and respect I had for the man. I say this with a heavy heart, as I've considered Mr. Reynolds a good friend of mine for close to twenty years. But this latest story is just the last straw. I really don't think I can say that he is a friend anymore. Now, as for Ray Mercer, I'm just totally puzzled about his motives. I don't know what has compelled him to say these things. He's always come across to me as a gentleman, so I don't know what's made him behave in this way. It's really some immature, childish stuff, to be perfectly honest. Coming from one of the senior members of our roster, it just seems even more perplexing. But I think what's even more strange is that the newspaper itself decided to publish this tripe. I guess it pays to be in a position of influence sometimes."

Speaking from his hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where he is preparing for his next bout, Riddick Bowe had some choice words for Ray Mercer.

"It just makes him look like a fool," said the #5 seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament. "I really thought Ray Mercer was smarter than this, but I guess I was wrong. He goes and disrespects a fellow competitor, someone who's shown him nothing but respect? That's just dumb, man."

A number of James Reynolds' associates in journalism have called the article "unprofessional and sensationalist." Some have even suggested that Reynolds has lost his marbles, that his vendetta against Elmer Ray is a sign of diminishing faculties.

"I don't understand what has happened to him," said fellow New York Age writer Theodore Mason. "I mean, this Elmer Ray thing, it borders on hatred. In the past, Jim has shown a stubborn streak at times, but this goes beyond stubborness. It's just downright foolishness."

The man who all the fuss is being made over confirmed this evening from Melbourne, Australia that he had read the Reynolds article.

"Bit disappointin'," Ray said. "Not this Reynolds dude, 'cause we expect this nonsense from him, y'all. But Ray Mercer, man, I ain't done a single thing to make the brother diss me like this, see?" Ray laughed. "But, you know, guess we see his true colours now, y'all. He showin' all of us who he is now, G. He made his bed, sho nuff."

Ray Mercer's next bout takes place on 27 March as part of the HBF's Manchester, England fight card. As he is part of Mercer's tournament group, Tommy Gomez will also be fighting on the card. Considering that he is competing in Philadelphia on the 22nd, it seems unlikely that Elmer Ray will be able to be there to cheer on his "ally".

"One of us gonna be there," Ray confirmed. "If it ain't me, be either my cuz or O-Mac. Big fight for Tommy G., y'all, so we be supportin' the brother."

If Ray Mercer and any members of "The Florida Alliance" happen to bump shoulders during their stay in Manchester, sparks could fly. That might just be as entertaining as the action in the ring...