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LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHTS LIGHT UP
ST. LOUIS SELECTION TRIALS

Friday 7 June 2002

In a couple of months from now, when International Boxing League scouts look back on this eight week adventure known as the IBL selection trials, the one thing that will really stick out for those who worked the St. Louis, Missouri trials will be the extraordinary rivalry that developed between a trio of Light-Heavyweights named Michael Nunn, Scot Long and Jack Fox.

For the past five days, they've engaged in a war of words and fists, with the trash talking and trial bouts between them some of the most vicious these scouts have seen to date.

"No, I ain't seen nothing like it before," said IBL scout Michael Bowen. "There is real hatred there between these three, real desire to destroy the other man, especially from Fox. That brother is just crazy."

Indeed, out of the three, Jack Fox has shown the most aggression and hostility. Born in Indianapolis, the 22 year-old currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and to say he's an intense individual would be an understatement. Loud, bossy and bragadocious, Fox fights like his life depends on it and has not been shy in showing up his opponents, often daring them to take a shot at him by keeping his arms at his side and sticking his chin out. Those who have taken up the offer often wished they hadn't, as Fox is an excellent counter puncher. He's shown a great ability to adapt during bouts, aswell as a lethal killer instinct. It wouldn't surprise to see a number of Fox's upcoming tournament bouts finish with his opponent lying on the canvas, out cold.

Without a doubt, no one else who has had more of an impact during these St. Louis trials, although the two men that Fox has been feuding with have surely given him a run for his money.

Having grown up on a Missouri dairy farm, Scot Long moved to McCune, Kansas when he was nineteen, where he worked construction. Having displayed a tremendous ability to take punishment, this southpaw has not backed down from the challenge that Fox has presented. The two went at each other in an absolute slugfest on Wednesday which had IBL personnel and fellow trialists watching, mouths agape. Fox had the better of the three rounder, but he was clearly frustrated when it was over as he had been unable to put Long on the canvas, despite landing a number of crushing blows.

"He's one helluva fighter," said Long. "But it takes a lot more than basic strength. It's one thing I'm mighty proud of, my ability to stay on my feet no matter what you throw at me. Jacky Fox discovered that on Wednesday and so will everyone else once the tournament kicks off."

23 years old, Long has been quoted as saying that he enjoys a good drink and that he developed his boxing skills during many a late, eventful night at his local bar. Whether that's true or not, one thing is certain: he's a fighter with a ton of guts and determination, a superbly fit young man who will give the Light-Heavyweight division a mighty shake.

Somewhat undersized for a Light-Heavyweight, Iowa native Michael Nunn is blessed with superb boxing ability. Standing 6'3", the lanky 22 year-old possesses a cheeky sense of humour, something that seemed to get under Jack Fox's skin and was no doubt partly responsible for the animosity that Fox felt towards him.

"The brother needs to chill a little," said Nunn. "Not take himself so seriously. Not try to be so hard, you know? But, he's been bringin' it more than anyone, and I ain't the type to turn the other cheek."

IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran has said that Nunn is one of the most gifted boxers he's seen to date and it will be interesting to see how he matches up against some of the bigger, stronger Light-Heavyweights during the regional qualifiers.

***

Of course, it hasn't just been those three Light-Heavyweights that have impressed during these trials. A pair of Middleweights have also shown some fantastic talent, adding to what is already a stacked field in the division.

Born and raised in Independence, Missouri, 22 year-old Greg Moe has a self-assurance that backs up his ability in the ring. He's just as capable of controlling an opponent with a potent jab as he is of pummeling them into submission with power shots.

Well known in his hometown particularly and on the national stage in general due to his exploits playing quarterback at Southwest Missouri State University (where he earned the nickname "G-Money" due to several clutch performances), Moe's announcement that he was turning his back on a likely NFL career to become a professional boxer shocked many but he has since taken advantage of his celebrity status. A number of prominent Independence businessmen have provided him with considerable financial backing, giving him access to some of the most high-tech training facilities and equipment available.

Unsurprisingly, Moe turned up in peak physical condition for this week's trials and made his presence felt with a series of awesome displays.

"That young man is going to be an international star one day," said Douglas Moran. "He's got the looks and the skills to be both a promoter's dream and a genuinely successful sportsman. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action."

The other Middleweight that has caught the IBL's attention is Minnesota native Mike O'Dowd. Standing 5'9", O'Dowd has brought a no-nonsense approach to St. Louis with him, impressing with his work ethic and respectful attitude.

He may not be the most flashy or spectacular fighter, and he's not the strongest, either. But O'Dowd is a skillful boxer, can take a punch and will most likely find himself right in the thick of it when the regional qualifiers reach their final stages.

"Tremendous," said Douglas Moran, when asked his opinion of the St. Louis selection trials. "It's just added to the anticipation everyone connected to the International Boxing League is feeling ahead of the tournaments. We'll be moving on to Indiana next week and if we have just as much success there as we've had here, I'll be a happy man, to say the least."