The International Boxing League

[kenyan_cheena]

THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE

Thursday 4 April 2002

Las Vegas businessman James Molk dropped a bomb on the boxing public this afternoon when he announced the formation of a new boxing organisation, the International Boxing League, at a press conference held at his MGM Grand Casino. The announcement came at 2pm Vegas time (5pm on the east coast), just an hour after the completion of the HBF's African Boxing League fight card in Johannesburg, South Africa.

James Molk is the son of the late Kelvin Molk, founder and, until the time of his death, the sole owner of the Los Angeles Dragons baseball club. The younger Molk has carved out a business empire that, at the very least, rivals the accomplishments of his father. The gathered media were expecting the topic of this afternoon's conference to be the recent purchase by Molk of the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino, but it wasn't long before it was obvious that Molk had something completely different to reveal.

He greeted his audience before launching into his announcement.

"As you would all know, my father made his name as owner of the Los Angeles Dragons baseball club," he said. "It's true, he was successful in other business ventures, both before and after the Dragons came into being. But his greatest success was always in baseball. Being his son, I grew up with the expectation of success. It was something that I put upon my own shoulders, a determination to strive for the same heights that Kelvin Molk reached during his life. I feel that, to date, I've more than lived up to those expectations."

Molk paused briefly.

"I've made my fortune through real estate and casinos," Molk continued. "I did it all without the assistance of my father, even without the goodwill that his name would provide because, as is well known, I went by my mother's maiden name until the time of my 35th birthday, when I revealed the truth of my heritage. By that time, I had already established the business interests that I continue to oversee. But, like my father, I've always been a keen sports fan. For the past few years, the desire to become involved with a sporting competition in an administrative, financial capacity has grown in my heart."

By now, audible murmurs were passing throughout the audience, as they wondered where Molk was going with this. Conscious of their curiosity, Molk paused momentarily to let their chatter die down.

"During the past six months, the Heavyweight Boxing Federation has captured the imagination of the sporting public in a way rarely seen since, well, since the early years of Major League Baseball."

The moment Molk mentioned the HBF, the chatter level picked up again. Journalist's fingers started poking at the buttons on their cell phones.

"I've been swept up in the excitement of it as much as the next person," Molk said. "But I couldn't help but think how much more successful the HBF would have been if it had included the other, lower weight divisions. This has bothered me from the moment HBF President Michael Vincennes made his first speech back in September. Excluding them has, in turn, excluded many talented, skilled boxers who could be competing professionally as we speak."

Molk fell silent for a time. He gazed at a number of journalists. Despite the fact that most of them were more concerned with matters of business and finance than sport, they appeared to be hanging on his every word. Molk smiled.

"Now, it was a well-documented incident that was revealed by the New York Age's James Reynolds back on the 13th of February," he continued. "That incident was a meeting between Vincennes and a group of unnamed businessmen, a meeting where the expansion of the sport of boxing was discussed. Since then, there's been a lot of speculation over who these "unnamed businessmen" were. There's been comments by Olympic champions Ray Leonard and Michael Spinks, both of whom were contacted by these businessmen. There's been a lot of debate over the truth of these meetings. Well, I'm here today to tell you that they happened, because I attended each one of them. I was one of the "unnamed businessmen" who met with President Vincennes, who met with Ray Leonard and Michael Spinks, and who met again with Michael Vincennes this past Friday in Manhattan."

At this, the room errupted, newspaper scribes and television reporters all trying to speak at once, microphones and tape recorders and cell phones all thrusting forward. Molk motioned for silence, and when things had quieted down, he continued speaking.

"Today, I am proud to announce the formation of a new boxing organisation, an organisation that will cater to the lower weight divisions that the Heavyweight Boxing Federation has seen fit to ignore and thumb their noses at. This organisation, of which I will be one of four Chief Directors, will be known as the International Boxing League. At first, the IBL will include the following weight divisions: Light-Heavyweight, where the maximum weight will be 175 pounds; Middleweights, with a maximum weight of 160 pounds; Welterweight, 147 pounds; Lightweight, 135 pounds, and Featherweight, with a maximum weight of 126 pounds and a minimum of 119."

(to be continued)

[Romdawg88]

Yes this kicks ass, I'm really looking forward espcially if it matches the quality of the HBF, which I'm sure it will.

[Ian Lord]

I'm looking forward to following this and seeing how it pans out.

[Gunsmoke]

Good stuff KC, if this one is a tenth as good as the HBF I'll be loving it.

[kenyan_cheena]

Thanks, guys. I've been looking forward to "expanding" my universe and finally got to the right place in the storyline to write about it. Things are going to get pretty interesting during the coming weeks of my universe.



The next post continues Molk's press conference.

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

A dozen journalists spoke at once, throwing questions at Molk.

"I won't be asking- sorry, answering, any questions at this time," Molk shouted over them. "I know you've got plenty of them, but there are still a number of issues I want to cover before concluding this conference, and much of what I say will answer your questions so please do me the courtesy of listening."

This silenced the crowd, and Molk continued.

"Now, one of the first things I'm sure you're all curious about is why there was so much silence, from myself and the other directors," said Molk. "You might be wondering why, after the James Reynolds story, we never came forward and revealed ourselves. Why were we so secretive? Well, firstly, countless hours of planning have gone into what I have launched here today. The IBL will be the most professionally-run sporting organisation in the world, don't doubt that, so there was no chance that we would make an announcement of this magnitude without being fully prepared. There's only one reason why James Reynolds was able to publish that story back in February: we allowed him to. At the time, it was portrayed as a great exclusive that Reynolds had gotten. No, we knowingly gave him that information, but we told him only what we wanted the public to know at the time. Soon after, we arranged the revelations of Ray Leonard and Michael Spinks. Everything that has happened during the past two months in our regard has been according to our timetable and every individual who has played a part in it has signed confidentiality agreements."

Molk paused to take a sip of water before proceeding onwards.

"I read a number of newspaper articles which stated that any new boxing organisation that was formed would simply be, how did they put it?, "riding the HBF's coattails". At the time, they made me laugh, because I knew that the International Boxing League will not only equal the level of competition that exists in the HBF, but it will better it. History is littered with examples of copying an idea, building upon and improving it. They say that imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, and I'm not ashamed to say that the IBL will be borrowing quite substantially from the HBF in many areas. Michael Vincennes and the HBF have done a great, incredible service to the sport of boxing. That is clear and obvious for all to see. But the directors and officers of the International Boxing League feel that they could have gone further. And, as President Vincennes has made clear a number of times, they are not prepared to do that. Well, that's where the IBL comes in. We are prepared to do that one thing that the HBF will not. We will take that next step. We will give thousands of boxers the world over the chance to compete as professionals. Don't kid yourself. This is something that wasn't going to eventuate any time soon if it had been just left to the HBF. They brought the sport of boxing into the spotlight, no doubt. But the International Boxing League is going to make boxing the premier sport the world over."

"Some of you might be wondering if my part ownership of Home Box Office will play a part in the IBL's future," said Molk. "It certainly will. HBO has been signed as the exclusive broadcaster of all IBL fight cards. More information on this issue will be available in the coming days, but suffice it to say that this agreement will cover every single fight card organised by the International Boxing League, from regional cards right up to World Championship events. Fans of the IBL will never have to pay $50 to watch a Championship bout. HBO has made a considerable, serious investment into this sport, and we are eternally thankful to them for that."

"Now, on to the really important issue, the boxing itself," Molk continued after another drink. "The International Boxing League has made contact with every single fighter who contested the semi-final rounds at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and inquired about their desire to compete as professional boxers. Needless to say, a large majority of them have answered in the affirmative and we have guaranteed each of them a spot in the International Boxing League's regional World Championship qualifying tournaments. At this time, I would like to introduce a trio of these young men. They will be familiar to some of you as a result of their exploits at the Olympics for our great nation."

From a back room came three young black men, all dressed smartly in business pants and shirts. Molk shook hands with each of them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce Ray Leonard of Maryland, our Light-Welterweight gold medallist; Michael Spinks of Missouri, gold medallist in the Middleweight division, and last, but not least, Lightweight gold medallist Pernell Whitaker, who hails from Virginia."

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

"Ray is going to say a few words on behalf of the Sydney Olympians who will be competing in the International Boxing League," said Molk.

He stepped aside to allow Ray Leonard to take position at the dias. Some in the audience gave the Light-Welterweight champion a brief applause. 20 years old, Leonard sported a healthy afro and eyes that blazed with intensity and confidence.

"Thank you, Mr. Molk," said Leonard. "Hello, everyone. I guess the main thing that I want to convey to you all is how much of a great thing this is, what Mr. Molk and his associates have done by forming the International Boxing League. What he said earlier about the HBF excluding the lower weight divisions is entirely true. I can't tell you how many of us felt disappointed when President Vincennes said that the federation was not planning to expand. But, thankfully, that doesn't matter anymore. This league is going to take the sport of boxing into the stratosphere, I guarantee it. Just wait and see. Thank you."

Leonard waved and smiled, shaking Molk's hand before returning to stand next to Whitaker and Spinks. The audience clapped.

"Thank you, Ray," said Molk, moving back to the dias. "Ladies and gentlemen, Michael, Pernell and Ray are just three of the Olympians who will be taking part in the IBL's regional World Championship qualifiers," said Molk. The three fighters flanked him as he spoke. "During the coming months, we will be holding worldwide selection trials. These trials will determine the remaining contestants for the qualifiers. For each of our five weight divisions, we will be holding a 72-man tournament to determine the World Champion. These 72 fighters will be divided into six regions, or groups, which will be based on geographical lines. Each group will feature twelve fighters, who will fight each other once each for a total of eleven bouts, all of which will be six rounds in length. After these bouts have concluded, the top four in each group, a total of twenty-four fighters, will qualify for the World Championship tournament. These twenty-four fighters will be divided into four groups of six. As in the regional stage, the fighters in each group will clash with each other once each, making another five bouts. Those fights will be ten rounders. The first-placed competitors in each group will qualify for the tournament's semi-finals, which will be 12 round bouts. The semi-final winners will meet in a fifteen round bout for the World Championship."

"I will now read out a list of the Sydney Olympic medallists who have accepted the International Boxing League's invitation to fight as professional boxers in our World Championship qualifiers," said Molk.

The list:

Bantamweight division

(will both fight at Featherweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Vicente Saldivar (Mexico)
Bronze medallist Freddie Miller (USA)

Featherweight division

(all will fight at Featherweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Salvador Sanchez (Mexico)
Silver medallist George Dixon (Canada)
Bronze medallist Jeff Fenech (Australia)
Bronze medallist Sergio Palma (Argentina)

Lightweight division

(all will fight at Lightweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Pernell Whitaker (USA)
Silver medallist Orlando Zulueta (Cuba)
Bronze medallist Freddie Welsh (Wales)

Light-Welterweight division

(all will fight at Welterweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Ray Leonard (USA)
Silver medallist Jose Napoles (Cuba)
Bronze medallist Duilio Loi (Italy)
Bronze medallist Antonio Cervantes (Colombia)

Welterweight division

Gold medallist Nino Benvenuti (Italy)
(will fight at Middleweight in IBL)
Silver medallist Felix Trinidad (Puerto Rico)
(will fight at Welterweight in IBL)
Bronze medallist Billy Graham (USA)
(will fight at Welterweight in IBL)

Light-Middleweight division

(all will fight at Middleweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Mike McCallum (Jamaica)
Silver medallist Les Darcy (Australia)
Bronze medallist Tony Zale (USA)
Bronze medallist Dick Tiger (Nigeria)

Middleweight division

Gold medallist Michael Spinks (USA)
(will fight at Light-Heavyweight in IBL)
Silver medallist Joe Gans (Panama)
(will fight at Middleweight in IBL)
Bronze medallist Marcel Cerdan (France)
(will fight at Middleweight in IBL)
Bronze medallist Koichi Wajima (Japan)
(will fight at Middleweight in IBL)

Light-Heavyweight division

(all will fight at Light-Heavyweight in IBL)
Gold medallist Mauro Mina (Peru)
Silver medallist Bob Foster (USA)
Bronze medallist Graciano Rocchigiani (Germany)

"I'm sure you would all agree, that's an impressive, talented group of boxers," said Molk.

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

"Regarding the venues that the IBL will use for our fight cards," said Molk. "Each card for each region in our World Championship qualifiers will be held at a local venue. So for example, all cards for the European region will be held in European countries. All cards for a United States region will be held in the USA, and so on. As does the HBF, the International Boxing League will take boxing to all four corners of the globe. Now, as some of you might be aware, the different weight divisions don't have an even distribution of fighters as far as the fighter's nationality is concerned. The IBL have researched this and I'll say right now that the Light-Heavyweight division will consist largely of American fighters. The lower divisions, such as Lightweight and Featherweight, will obviously have a much broader international representation. So, each division will have different regional groups, they won't all be North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa. The regional groups will be finalised once our selection trials have been completed."

An adviser walked forward and whispered something in Molk's ear. The Chief Director exchanged hushed words with him, nodded and continued speaking.

"One of the issues that I'm sure all of you will be curious about is the involvement of HBF President Michael Vincennes," Molk said. "You're all aware of his refusal to go into a partnership with myself and my fellow businessmen. You might even remember his words from early last month, when he said, and I quote, "What they proposed was not a partnership. It was a takeover." He also confirmed that there would be no agreement with the HBF as long as he was in charge. I will tell you all right now that I have no beef with Mr. Vincennes. I never have and I see no reason to in the future. The facts are quite clear, though, that the IBL will have a level of financial backing that the HBF will never be able to compete with. That is not ego stroking. That is, as I said, a fact. Considering this, it should not come as a surprise that we attempted to go into what would have been, admittedly, a partnership in which we were the dominant partner. It's clear to me that one single organisation running boxing is preferable to two, and I will never give up on my vision of seeing that come to fruition. I have the utmost respect for Michael Vincennes. I did before that initial meeting with him and I have even more respect for him now. I'm sure you all realise that he could have come forward and "spilt the beans" on what I and my associates were planning. He was under no obligation to remain quiet, but he did. He can see that what the IBL will create will be great for boxing, and that's all he's really concerned about. He is a man of the highest integrity and I must commend him for that. But even taking all that into consideration, I will never believe him when he says that the HBF were unable to expand boxing. His reasons will always remain unclear to me, but they are now irrelevant. The International Boxing League has made any discussion on that matter a moot point."

"I must now say that it is time to conclude this conference, ladies and gentlemen. I think that all the information I've given you this afternoon is more than sufficient for now. So, good day, and thank you for being present for the unveiling of the International Boxing League."

With a simple wave, Molk left the dias, stepping towards the room's back exit, motioning for Leonard, Whitaker and Spinks to accompany him. All the while, the media representatives fired questions at him, their appetite for more information on this new sporting organisation unsated. A trio of Molk's assistants formed a wall, blocking any access to Molk and co. as they departed the scene...

[kenyan_cheena]

INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE MAKES
FRONT PAGE NEWS THE WORLD OVER

Friday 5 April 2002

Yesterday's sensational Las Vegas announcement by millionaire businessman James Molk regarding the formation of the International Boxing League has been greeted with unanimous, overwhelming enthusiasm and support, especially in countries such as Mexico, Japan and Australia.

In Mexico, the news that their Olympic gold medallists Vicente Saldivar (Bantamweight) and Salvador Sanchez (Featherweight) will both be competing in the IBL's Featherweight division was enough to cause joyous, near riotous scenes in several Mexican cities. When Sanchez and Saldivar clash in the ring - something that will certainly happen during the IBL's regional World Championship qualifiers - it could turn pretty ugly. Simply put, these two young dynamos do not like each other, an animosity that stems from their mutual hot-headedness and mutual quest to be known as their country's best amateur boxer. They have had more than one fiery exchange outside the ring in recent times, and one can only imagine the combustible atmosphere that will be present when they trade punches with each other.

(to be continued)

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation)

"That will just be a war," said Mexico's premier amateur boxing observer, Emmanuel Marquez. "They're both eighteen years old and for their whole lives, have lived just an hour away from each other: Sanchez in Tianguistenco and Saldivar in Mexico City. Now, if you know anything of the history between these two cities, you'll know that there will be a tribal-like atmosphere when these two men fight. It's really something to look forward to."

*

Australia is bristling with excitement over their proud Olympians Les Darcy and Jeff Fenech, who both accepted the IBL's invitation to turn pro.

Darcy, a native of Stradbroke, New South Wales (on the state's central coast), was only 17 years-old at the time of his Silver medal winning effort at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and said today in an interview with a local newspaper that he's excited about the prospect of redeeming himself.

"Losing to Mike McCallum in the Gold medal match was just a huge disappointment," Darcy said. "I'm really hungry to show how I've grown as a fighter since then. I want to make Australia proud."

Meanwhile, Fenech, born and raised in the tough Sydney suburb of Marrickville, will be out for redemption of a different kind. It was clear to see that the tough Featherweight was robbed of a spot in the Gold medal match when Canada's George Dixon was awarded a 23-18 verdict, thanks entirely to incompetent scoring by the three ringside judges.

"That did break my heart a bit," said the 20 year-old. "I was denied the chance to fight for Gold in my own country, so it tore me up. But now, I've got a new challenge ahead of me. Seeing Peter Jackson start his professional career so well has inspired so many Australians, including me. I hope I can do the same thing."

Although a nation of less than 20 million, it's conceivable that Australia could be the home to three World Boxing Champions by 2004, something that would be an admirable achievement.

*

Without a doubt, Japan has been the most enthusiastic international supporter of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation during its short life to date, and the news that the nation's Olympic Middleweight Bronze medallist Koichi Wajima would be fighting as a professional in the International Boxing League was the opening story on every news bulletin in the nation last night.

Wajima is a national celebrity, but it's certain that he will not be the only Japanese fighter to be numbered amongst the ranks of the IBL. Lightweight Olympian Jaguar Kakizawa, knocked out in the tournament's quarter-final stage, will almost surely be selected to participate in the league's World Championship qualifiers, as will Featherweight Mitsunori Seki.

"It's all people are talking about today," said Hiroshi Nakajima, a journalist with the Japan Times. "We all love this sport, that's well known. But now, we'll have some of our own guys to cheer for. That will make it even more special for us."

Boxing may have already been popular in Japan, but there's no telling what heights it will reach once the IBL kicks off...

*

Back here in the United States, the unveiling of the IBL has been lauded from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.

As in Japan, the story was an early feature on most evening news programs. It was given considerable airtime on ESPN's SportsCenter and adorns the front and back pages on many of today's newspapers.

On a management-enforced leave of absence for the past week, New York Age sports journalist James Reynolds used his return article to more or less pledge his allegiance to the IBL.

"The International Boxing League will be a sporting competition like no other," wrote Reynolds. "And just judging by the well-groomed appearances of Pernell Whitaker, Michael Spinks and Ray Leonard at yesterday's press conference, Chief Director James Molk won't have to deal with any Elmer Ray-like headaches from his boxers. I wouldn't be surprised if, in a few years from now, Michael Vincennes will be just begging James Molk to take the HBF off his hands."

This is certainly a statement that will hit a raw nerve with the Heavyweight Boxing Federation president. He has yet to speak publicly since yesterday's IBL announcement, so we can only wait and see what type of response he'll have in store for Molk and Reynolds...

[kenyan_cheena]

HBF COMPETITORS SUPPORTIVE
OF NEW BOXING LEAGUE

Sunday 7 April 2002

A number of Heavyweight Boxing Federation fighters have voiced their strong support for the newly-formed International Boxing League during the past couple of days, including World Championship tournament contenders Gene Tunney, Joe Jeannette, and Elmer Ray.

"I know that there are some problems between President Vincennes and Mr. Molk over this issue," said Tunney. "But really, I think the most important thing is that it will be great for boxing. Whether the IBL has copied the HBF or not is irrelevant. The end result will be that boxing will just become an even stronger, more popular sport. That's what everyone wants."

Speaking this afternoon from the neighbourhood gym he trains at in his hometown of North Bergen, New Jersey, Joe Jeannette described the effect that James Molk's IBL announcement has had locally.

"It's just incredible how this place has changed, only since Thursday," Jeannette said. "You know, we've got a good number of local guys who come in here, week-in, week-out. Featherweights, Middleweights, from every division. They're trainin' their butts off, man. But out of all the regular fellas here, I'm the only one fightin' professionally. Some of the other Jersey HBF guys have stopped by. Steve Hamas from Passaic trained here last month and Harry Carter from over in Lindon's sparred with me a couple of times. But those guys, they ain't regulars. Just the attitude of the regular fellas here, it's imporved 100% since Thursday. They know that they're workin' towards something now. There's gotta be at least a half dozen guys here who the IBL'll give serious consideration to. That's exciting, for Jersey and for boxing."

The sentiments of Florida's Elmer Ray were quite similar to Jeannette's.

"Jus' great news, y'all," said Ray. "Said it back when this all start blowin' up, man. Terone and me got a cuz, Jimmy Ray, my Uncle Marlon's son, he jus' dynamite, y'all. He gon' try out at Welter, gonna scare hell outta Ray Leonard. Whole Alliance be there to support our cuz when it happen, man."

Elmer laughed. "But, you know y'all, ain't jus' our fam'ly that' this is good fo', no way. This IBL, jus' gonna make boxin' thee sport 'round the globe, see? Can't wait to see that, man. All this nonsense 'bout Molk and Vincennes, they gotta cut that s%$t out, y'all. This is boxin', ain't no room f' politics. The Pres' gotta know it's good for the sport, y'all. I ain't know much 'bout this Molk dude, but if he got boxin's best int'res' at heart, he fine with me."

One must wonder what impact the words of Tunney, Jeannette and Ray (amongst others) will have on the HBF President. Vincennes made it clear in his speech yesterday that he's not impressed with James Molk or his new organisation. How will he react to his own competitors (and employees) putting their support behind it? They've shown that they aren't afraid to speak up for the good of their sport, something which will give fans of boxing and the future competitors of the International Boxing League a lot of encouragement, even if it does end up ruffling the HBF President's feathers...

[kenyan_cheena]

MOLK REVEALS DATES AND VENUES
FOR IBL SELECTION TRIALS

Monday 8 April 2002

In a surprising but welcomed announcement, International Boxing League Chief Director James Molk today revealed the league's schedule for its tournament selection trials.

In stark contrast to his first media conference last Thursday, which was attended by journalists from the financial and business media, today's was jam-packed with cameramen and reporters from ESPN, CBS SportsLine, HBO Sports and numerous other agencies. Like that first conference, it was held at Molk's MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce the dates for the International Boxing League's selection trials," said Molk. "I know that this is something that might not have been expected so quickly, but all of you will find in the coming weeks and months that the IBL is nothing if not prepared. Most of this schedule was in place a month ago, with only a few venues here and there being confirmed recently."

Molk went on to read off dates starting from early May and extending through until mid-June, and venues encompassing the entire globe.

"The International Boxing League will employ five teams of twenty men to undergo the task of selecting the competitors for our World Championship qualifiers," Molk continued. "Each team will cover one of these five specific regions: North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. We believe that with this strategy we will maximise the level of talent that contests the IBL's tournaments. I won't hesitate to say that I believe some of the individuals competing in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's various tournaments are simply not up to it. No offense to these fighters themselves, but whether that's an indicator of the depth of talent in the Heavyweight division, or due to the selection standards of the federation, I can't say. I do know that the IBL's World Championship tournaments will be contested by the most talented, able fighters available. Each boxer who competes in these 72-man tournaments will be required to pass a strict fitness and talent criteria. Otherwise, they will not be included, it's as simple as that."

Molk paused briefly before continuing. "The IBL has no interest in staging mismatches," he said. "For this reason, we will be holding fight cards that are totally separate from our World Championship tournaments. You may have heard President Vincennes question the amount of competitors in the IBL. Well, if he'd waited before speaking on that, he'd now know that the WC tournament is really just the tip of our iceberg. Obviously, not all fighters are made equal, but we want the level of competition in the World Championship tournaments to be as equal as we can possibly make it. Likewise, these separate fight cards will feature fighters who, honestly, are not yet at the level required to compete for the World Championship. They will not be put in over their heads, like lambs to the slaughter. They will learn the skills required of a professional boxer against opponents who are of a talent level similar to their own."

At this stage of the conference, Molk surprisingly opened up the floor for questions. Not surprisingly, the first question was in regards to HBF President Michael Vincennes.

"What did you think of President Vincennes' speech on Saturday evening?" asked the journalist.

Molk smiled and laughed. "Well, a lot of it had to do with human nature, really," he replied. "I learnt when I was young that when people's interests are threatened, they'll often lash out in defence of them. I think what we saw on Saturday was just another example of that."

"So does that mean that you dismissed most of what Vincennes had to say?"

Molk sighed. "What we have here is really a simple situation, one that Vincennes has tried to complicate by drawing attention away from the most important issue. The HBF wasn't prepared to cater to the lower weight divisions. We are. You can say as much as you want about imitation and respect, but it won't change the truth of that important issue. It's all that matters to me and the IBL."

"The words of the HBF competitors who have backed your organisation must have given you a lot of encouragement," offered another journalist.

A broad smile on his face, Molk laughed. "Well, it just shows that they seem to have a much better idea of what's really important than their own president does. They know that the IBL will be good for boxing, but it shouldn't take a genius to know that. It's baffling that they realise it, but Vincennes doesn't, or won't. I would never speak an ill word against any of the HBF's boxers. I have so much admiration for the way they've performed, and I'll continue to watch them perform as the HBF tournaments progress. I'm as eager and excited as anyone else to see who will become the federation's first World Champion."

A third journalist asked Molk what his opinion was of New York Age columnist James Reynolds.

"I've never met him personally, although my father did many times. When we allowed him to know our intentions for boxing, it was one of my fellow Chief Directors, Raymond Bell, who spoke to him. I know that in the past he wrote some great articles on baseball, aswell as other sports like football and basketball. But, like a lot of you, I've been quite puzzled in regards to the direction he's taken ever since becoming fixated on Elmer Ray. I still haven't been able to figure out why he carries such a grudge against the young man, because I think he's just great for the sport. I heard Elmer Ray say yesterday that his cousin will be trying out for the IBL, which is really something to look forward to. But it's been a very strange journey that Mr. Reynolds has tried to lead us on, I have to say. I could hazard a guess and say that he's lost his edge, or just become bitter at the word, I don't know. What he wrote about the HBF on Friday was uncalled for, in my opinion. It was more a shot at the organisation than Vincennes himself, which is just an inexplicable thing to write."

Not long after, the conference was brought to a close, with an amiable, confident James Molk not leaving through a back door, but strolling casually through his casino, exchanging pleasantries with patrons and further words with the trail of journalists who followed on his heels...

[mh2365]

As always quality write-up and great storytelling ...

[Romdawg88]

Yep, Mike's right the writing and story have been amazing so far and I'm eagerly awaiting Vincennes/Molk in a cage match at Madison Square Garden.

[Brooks TVB]

Very good Kenyan.

[kenyan_cheena]

Thanks for the nice comments, guys. I'm glad you're enjoying it. It is a bit of a challenge running two threads concurrently, but it's a lot of fun. I'm not decided yet on how far this Vincennes-Molk animosity will go (probably not as far as MSG), but one thing I'll continue to attempt doing is make it entertaining.

Vincennes ain't happy and Molk is one of those smart @$$ types, taking shots and then acting all innocent when questioned over it. He knows that some of what he's saying is bull, but it's all designed to test the HBF President's character (at least, that's my opinion on it). I think Vincennes' ego has been wounded, and that's more important to him at the moment than the future of boxing. Maybe he'll calm down in a few days. Maybe not...

Anyway, I'm really happy that my writing is bringing enjoyment to everyone who reads and enjoys it.