The Heavyweight Boxing Federation

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STRIBLING SIZZLES IN PORTLAND

Monday 28 January 2002

With all the focus during the past 48 hours falling squarely on Jack Johnson, it might have been easy to forget that the Heavyweight Boxing Federation were staging a fight card tonight at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon.

Featured in the main event on the card was the 7th seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament, the baby-faced 17 year-old from Macon, Georgia, Young Stribling.

From an early age, Stribling's parents had felt that he was destined for great sporting achievements. Boxing became the focus of this belief when the boy hit his early teens. And so it was that for the past five years, his father William and, in particular, his mother Lucilla, had been preparing their son for his meeting with destiny.

After the HBF's November announcement of the competitors in the tournament, Stribling, named the 7th seed, seemed to vanish. He avoided the media glare, returning with his parents to their picturesque Georgia hometown where the three of them set about readying Young for his HBF debut.

Stribling's new status as a potential superstar sportsman did not lead to the townspeople of Macon treating him any differently. Of course, they were proud of his achievement, but they did not go out of their way to praise him for it. For this, Young was grateful. He did not need the distraction of being a celebrity. He was determined and hungry to become the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's first World Champion.

Well, tonight, Young Stribling made his professional debut and judging by his dominating performance, his parents taught him well.

Stribling, 6'1" and 195 pounds, scored a decisive unanimous decision victory (60-55 on all three cards) against his 18 year-old Boston-born opponent Dan Flynn. With both his mother and father (aswell as his uncle) in his corner, the Macon native literally used Flynn as a punching bag, landing 175 punches to 62. Wearing white trunks with black trim, Stribling constantly made his opponent look foolish, using a startegy where he would feint with both the left and right, and then punish Flynn with a pin-point right hand. It was only in the fourth and fifth rounds that Flynn was able to offer up any resistance.

"We are so happy," Stribling beamed after the bout, flanked by his equally joyous mother and father. "We've worked so hard for this, for so long, and for it to start out this way ... it's beyond what we had dared to hope for."

ESPN's Bill Farris was fascinated by the "feinting" strategy that Stribling employed in the fight.

"That's something we've worked on for quite a while now," said William Stribling, laughing. "Lucilla's the one who developed it, and Young is the one who put it into action, so I can't take any credit."

Lucilla Stribling was shy, and hesitant to draw any attention. "I'm so proud of this young man," was all she said, looking at her son lovingly.

"Everyone has to understand," Young said. "This is not about Young Stribling, it's about the three of us. We are a team, a family. None of it is possible if we don't work as a team."

Certainly, the Striblings bring something unique to the HBF, something that is greatly missing from society at large today: a family, working and striving together to succeed. Young Stribling has obviously been raised by parents who have instilled in him commendable values. With this kind of support (and talent), there is no telling how far Young Stribling will go in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship tournament...

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THE PORTLAND UNDERCARD


OPENING BOUT

The night got off to an electrifying start, when 23 year-old Olle Tandberg of Sweden and 27 year-old Tom Kennedy of Woodland Hills, California fought themselves to a standstill in a 1st Defense tournament bout, the final result being a draw. The two men put on a great show, with Kennedy landing 140 punches and Tandberg 129. One judge felt that Tandberg had done enough to win, scoring the fight in his favour 58-56. However, the other two judges scored it 57-57.

PRELIMINARY 1

18 year-old Don Cockell is the 18th seed in the 1st Defense tournament. A native of London, England, he scored a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over his Welsh opponent, 20 year-old Dick Richardson. After struggling through the first half of the bout, Richardson came to life in the fourth round, trading heavy shots with Cockell in what must be a contender for best round of the tournament to date. Fittingly, each judge scored the round 10-10. Richardson finished the bout strongly, landing a number of big shots on Cockell in the final round. Unfortunately, it would prove to be the only round that he won in the fight. Cockell outlanded Richardson 175-134, and took the verdict by identical scores of 59-56 on all three cards.

PRELIMINARY 2

In the first World Championship tournament bout of the night, Canada's Earl Walls managed to claim a unanimous decision victory against his determined Californian opponent, Mac Foster. Walls is the 58th seed in the tournament and climbed off the canvas in the opening round before returning the favour to Foster in round two. 74th seeded Foster tasted the canvas for a second time in the fifth round. The sixth round was the best of the fight and a great way to bring the bout to a close, with both men trading shots and refusing to take a backward step. Walls took a close decision, 56-55, 57-54, 56-55.

SUPPORT BOUT

Hard-hitting 21 year-old Englishman Frank Bruno impressed many observers during the HBF's October auditions with his power (but not much else). At 6'3" and 217 pounds, the Hammersmith-born 42nd seed cut an imposing figure as he entered the ring against Canada's Jack Renault. However, contrary to his appearance, Bruno struggled against Renault. But in a decision that defied belief and was, without a doubt, the worst given so far in the HBF tournaments, Bruno was awarded the fight by unanimous decision, 58-57, 59-57, 59-56. Most ringside observers felt that Renault was the superior fighter in each of the final four rounds, yet only a single judge scored the fight in his favour during this period. The 25 year-old Canadian could not contain his frustration after the decision was announced, and gave the judges a victriolic spray. So angered was he that he could not help but banter his opponent about the fairness of the decision. It's possible that we might hear more from Jack Renault in the days to come.

CO-FEATURE

20 year-old Italian-American Roland LaStarza is a product of the Bronx in New York. Tough and uncompromising, this young man was relentless in his professional debut, taking a unanimous decision victory over German-born Milwaukee resident Willi Besmanoff. The judge's final cards of 59-55, 58-56 and 58-57 did not really do justice to the quality of LaStarza's performance, as he dominated his opponent for most of the fight. By far, LaStarza is not one of the strongest men in this tournament. But he more than made up for that with his aggression and tenacity. He simply overwhelmed Besmanoff. The 26th seed in the World Championship tournament, LaStarza showed that he will present a fierce challenge to Young Stribling for top spot in Group Seven.

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2002
ROSE GARDEN ARENA, PORTLAND, OREGON, USA


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
4(26) Olle Tandberg D6 5(34) Tom Kennedy

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
3(18) Don Cockell UD6 6(42) Dick Richardson

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
4(58) Earl Walls UD6 5(74) Mac Foster

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
3(42) Frank Bruno UD6 6(90) Jack Renault

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
2(26) Roland LaStarza UD6 7(106) Willi Besmanoff

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
1(7) Young Stribling UD6 8(122) Dan Flynn

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UNDERSTANDING ELMER RAY

Tuesday 29 January 2002

Story and interview by Maurice Poe of the St. John's County Chronicle

Eighteen days have now passed since 16 year-old dynamo Elmer Ray of Hastings, Florida made his controversial HBF debut. Of course, it's not necessary for me to reflect on what happened before, during and after his bout with Buddy Baer. That topic has already been covered ad nauseam. No, today I am going to give you an insight into this young, ambitious man, aswell as uncovering how things have changed in the life of Elmer Ray since the 11th of January.

For those of you who don't know much about Hastings, I'll give you a brief summary. It's a small rural community, covering little more than one square kilometre within St. John's County, some 70 kilometres south of Jacksonville. It's looked upon as the potato capital of Florida, and it's residents pretty much live off the proceeds of that industry.

It seems an unlikely place for a young man with a love of hip hop and designs for boxing greatness to have grown up in. But, as many have said, "Our surroundings cultivate our dreams." I visited with Elmer at his family's farmhouse in Hastings and discovered a teenager who possesses a maturity and awareness beyond his years.

The "extended" Ray family is a large one, consisting of three individual families, all living within one-hundred metres of each other.

Firstly, we have the family that Elmer was born into, made up of his mother Cloedean, his four older sisters Keisha, Tionne, Lisa and Jasmine, and also his younger brother Marcus. The subject of their patriarch is one that the family members had no desire to discuss. I couldn't even get his name, but I did get the impression, however, that he has been long gone from the family, and not particularly missed.

Then there is the family of Elmer's aunt, Sandrine Haynes. It is also blessed with a number of children, including 23 year-old gentle giant Terone, who will be making his Heavyweight Boxing Federation debut in Japan on Thursday, the 7th of February. Understandably, Terone has been in Japan for the last week, preparing for and promoting the bout and so I was not able to speak to him during my visit. I discovered that Terone's father (and Elmer's uncle) Jerome has been more than a surrogate father for Elmer and his siblings during the years since their own father's disappearance.

The Ray clan is rounded out by the family of nine headed by Elmer's uncle (and cutman) Marlon Ray and his wife Tanisha. Like Uncle Jerome, Marlon has also played a large role in the lives of Elmer, his brother and sisters.

We sat down on the front porch of the Ray property, Elmer decked out in a Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and showing an amiable smile. Since his bout with Buddy Baer, Elmer has shaved off his cornrows, leaving a stubble-short layer of hair on his head.

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* * *

PART ONE OF A TWO-PART INTERVIEW

"Know, y'all, we been back in Florida two weeks now, see?" Elmer said. "An' my man Tee, he flew out to Japan a week ago. Says it's jus' wild over there, they goin' crazy over him."

"That must make you happy, that he's already gained that kind of fame?" asked Poe.

Ray nodded. "Definitely, man. Definitely. It's jus' how we planned it, man."

"Planned it?"

"Yeah, man. No doubt. Me and Terone, we sit down together 'n' discuss our whole gameplan back in September, see? On the very day that President Vincennes announce the tourney ... man, we both knew."

"That's really interesting. So, I guess what might confuse some people is, why didn't both of you audition for the tournament?"

Ray laughed. "This is the thing, see? Now, everyone was runnin' 'round, worried 'bout qualifying for the tourney. But Terone and me, we thinking that the HBF's gonna have to need some new blood down the street, y'know? See, they say 128 men in the tournament, but how many of those dudes still be fightin', even three years from now? Me and my cuz, we both got the tools to get to the top in this sport, see? But we don't wanna be up there at the same time, understand? Don't wanna be fighting each other jus' yet. So we jus' flip a coin to see who'd audition."

Poe smiled. "So what your saying is that the boxing public should prepare for Hastings, Florida to dominate the HBF, right?"

Ray nodded again. "Most definitely, man. We gonna put this little town on the map, no doubt. I'm hundred percent, sho' nuff. No jokin', I'm deadly serious 'bout bein' the first HBF World Champion. An' if that don't happen straight away, I be close enough at the top to make it happen 'ventually. And with Terone's skills, dude, ain't gonna take more than couple years 'fore he's up there with me."

"How will you feel if you have to fight your cousin?"

"We talk about that. You know, we cousins, an' we got that family love, see. But if it happen, gonna be all business. See, money ain't gonna matter 'cause we be rollin' in it by then, anyway. But if I'm Champion, and the day come when I defend that title 'gainst Tee, no way I'm gonna lie down for him. He gonna have to kill me."

"How have the people of Hastings responded to your sudden popularity?" Poe asked.

Elmer laughed. "The old folks, they treatin' me jus' the same," he said. "But some of the kids, they be comin' up and askin' me for cash, you know? Think I'm a millionaire, now."

Poe laughed and smiled. "Speaking of money, all the winners in the first stage of the tournament take home $16,000 prize money for each victory. Is it okay, if I ask what you've done with your prize money?"

"No problem at all," said Ray, smiling. "Put thirteen G's into a term deposit, other three into ma mother's bank account. You know, we ain't livin' high on the hog down here. Those three G's, they gotta last 'til 15 February. Jus' hope and pray this thing can make my mother not have to worry 'bout where the next dollar's comin' from, see?"

(PART TWO OF THIS INTERVIEW TO FOLLOW WITHIN 24 HOURS)

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PART TWO OF MAURICE POE'S INTERVIEW WITH ELMER RAY

"Right from the start, y'all, me and my cuz, we gonna be wise with our dough," said Ray. "We ain't into all the gold chains, know what I mean? All that "bling-bling" nonsense, ain't gonna see none of that here, baby. See, we might be showman, but that don' mean we gonna drape ourselves in ten pounds o' gold. We gonna be smart, invest, set our family up for life with ten years o' hard work. Tha's all it'll take, man. Ten years, and we be set."

"Okay, now speaking of being a showman, everyone remembers the flashy entrance you made for the bout against Buddy Baer. I'm wondering, does your cousin Terone have anything similar in mind for his bout?"

Ray laughed. "Oh, yeah, man. Definitely. See, my cousin's more reserved than me. He ain't gonna grab a mic and start spittin' rhymes, no chance. With Terone, it's his strength and size that draws people in. They gonna be on their seats, just waitin' to see him land that first straight right. We got a killer entrance planned, no doubt. A lot different from mine, but just as entertainin'. Y'all won't be disappointed."

"Well, I think everyone will be looking forward to that. President Vincennes has said some very positive things about your cousin, so that should be more than enough to convince the public."

Ray nodded. "President Vincennes, he's got his stuff together, man. He know real talent when he sees it."

"Now, you've made it clear to the public that one of your first loves as a young boy was hip hop music. How did that come about, and who are some of the rap musicians that you most admire?"

Elmer smiled. "Glad you ask me that, Maurice. Some of the other fellas interviewed me jus' steer well clear of the subject, see? Now, it's my uncles and my older cousins like Terone that got me into hip hop. See, I was born in '85, right smack dab in the middle of the golden age, brothers like PE, Eric B. & Rakim, BDP. My cousins, they was always playin' those brothers. An' they got those joints on plastic, not CD. My uncles got a fat collection o' old school joints on vinyl. They spinnin' 'em every day, man. Earliest memory for me is from around '88, jus' a little three year-old kid, hearin' Rakim just tearing the mic to pieces on "Lyrics Of Fury". My uncle brings home the LP and jus' put it on. Man, to this day, that joint is just the ... ain't nothin' can beat that for me, y'all. But see, I ain't got time for those brothers that's disrespectin' women in their joints, man. Don't care if it's just "entertainment". That nonsense ain't got no place anywhere. I like some of the experimental joints too, y'all. That white boy from Cali, DJ Shadow, he's a damn genius, man. His LP "Entroducing", that's just the essence o' hip hop, see? My family, we all takin' turns Deejayin' when we had neighbourhood jams, they let me at those records when I was jus' five, man. Those were good times."

"Would you ever consider a career in hip hop?" Poe asked.

Ray nodded. "No doubt, no doubt. Been one of my ambitions for a long time."

"Now, a question I'm sure a lot of our female readers have been wondering about: Does Elmer Ray have a girlfriend?"

Ray laughed. "Yeah, I do," he said. "Ain't gonna elaborate on that, Maurice." Elmer smiled in a cheeky fashion.

Poe nodded, smiling. "No problem. That's understandable. Now, I know that your going to be a very busy guy during the next few weeks. You'll be flying out to Japan in a few days to support your cousin Terone in his debut on the 7th of February. After that, the both of you will be heading straight back home and then out to California for your second bout on the 15th. Your opponent is the 65th seed Tom McMahon of Illinois. He was also victorious in his debut. Have you had much of a look at him? Have you formulated a strategy for the fight?"

"Oh, yeah, definitely. I watched the video of his fight with Nathan Mann 'bout a dozen times, looked closer at the sections where he struggled some. He's gonna be a tough customer, sho' nuff. But, yeah, me and my uncle, we sorted out a gameplan. We prepared."

"Well, Elmer, it's been a real pleasure to visit with you today," said Poe. "I want to wish you, and your cousin Terone, the best of luck for your upcoming bouts."

Elmer shook Poe's hand. "Thanks a lot, man. Pleasure was all mine, y'all."

* * *

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SPECTACULAR IN STUTTGART:
SCHMELING DEBUTS WITH DECISIVE VICTORY

Wednesday 30 January 2002

On Friday, the 23rd of November 2001, the life of a 19 year-old German named Max Schmeling changed forever.

That was the day on which the Heavyweight Boxing Federation announced the seedings for their World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments. Schmeling already knew that he had qualified for the World Championship tournament, but when he found out that he had been made the 10th seed, he was simply overjoyed. Not only was Schmeling the highest seeded German in the tournament, he was also the highest seeded European, and one of only three fighters born outside of the United States in the top ten.

The news reached his homeland quickly, and within days the Brandenburg-born Schmeling was the pride of Germany. Within a week of his return, he had met with the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, and was being talked about as the nation's "next Michael Schumacher".

It was quite a wild ride for a 19 year-old whose early life had been a struggle, to say the least. But Schmeling took those crazy late-November/early-December days in his stride, not allowing the out-of-control adoration to go to his head. He knuckled down and started training. With the public's appetite for Schmeling insatiable, extended highlights of his training sessions were shown on the evening news bulletins all over Germany.

"Schmelingmania" went into overdrive when the HBF announced that the first fight card for Schmeling's tournament group, Group Ten, would be held at the Hanns-Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart. The situation was identical to that of the tournament's #6 seed, Australia's Peter Jackson. Jackson's debut bout was also held in his home country. As was the case in Australia, tickets for the Stuttgart card were snapped up in no time.

Well, Max Schmeling made his first appearance in the HBF's World Championship tournament tonight, and without a doubt, he showed that he should be considered amongst the favourites for the championship. The Brandenburg man put on a brutal display against the terribly-outclassed 21 year-old George Johnson of Oklahoma City. Schmeling landed 199 punches to just 61, sending the American to the canvas twice during the final minute of the fight and taking the unanimous decision, 60-52, 60-53, 60-52. Schmeling was simply merciless. He did not give Johnson a moment's rest during the whole fight, did not show a contentment to cruise through any of the rounds as a number of other top contenders for this championship have done in their debuts. Schmeling just did not give George Johnson the slightest sniff of victory.

It really does look like the German people have a new hero to cheer for, and it will be fascinating to watch this mild-mannered, humble young man as he proceeds through the HBF's World Championship tournament...


THE UNDERCARD

Opening Bout

19 year-old Washington, DC native Natie Brown could only shake his head in disbelief after his bout with Chicago's Bob Satterfield. Firstly, let me say that Brown did not lose the fight. The 10th seed in the HBF's 1st Defense tournament did, in fact, put on a tremendously dominant display against Satterfield, landing twice as many punches as his opponent. No, what astonished Natie Brown was the fact that ALL THREE judges felt that Satterfield was much closer to winning the bout than 95% of the people who saw the fight would have thought. Brown took a split decision, 58-57, 57-58, 58-56. Despite the victory, he left the ring with a foul taste in his mouth.

Preliminary 1

Doug Jones of New York scored an easy unanimous decision victory over his extremely limited opponent, Manny Burgo of North Shields, England in a 1st Defense tournament bout. 21 year-old Jones is the 7th seed, and, like others before him, showed that it would be unwise to simply pencil Rocky Marciano's name in as the eventual winner of this tournament. Jones knocked Burgo to the canvas in the 3rd and 6th rounds on the way to a 60-52 verdict on all three cards.

Preliminary 2

In perhaps the most unimpressive bout seen so far in either of the HBF tournaments, 19 year-old Italian-born Philadelphian Joe Grim took a split decision victory over Randall Cobb of Orange, Texas. The fight only really came to life during the final two rounds, with Cobb tasting the canvas in the 5th and Grim doing the same in the 6th. Grim took the decision, 58-54, 56-57, 58-54.

Support Bout

New Jersey's Steve Hamas defeated Portland's Thad Spencer by unanimous decision. In a bout that was closer than the scorecards indicated, Hamas prevailed, 59-55 (twice), 58-56.

Co-Feature

21 year-old Pittsburgh terror Frank Moran administered a fierce beating upon Chicago's Floyd Cummings, landing a combined 96 punches during the 4th and 5th rounds. The referee called a halt to the bout at the 2:42 mark of the 5th round with Cummings bleeding, battered and helpless in the aftermath of being knocked down 40 seconds earlier. This was an eye-opening performance from Moran, the 23rd seed in the World Championship tournament. He displayed a real killer instinct, aswell as hitting power that had not been so obvious during the October auditions. Like a number of the other group's "2nd seeds", Moran showed that he will be quite a challenge for Group Ten's top dog, Max Schmeling...

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY 2002
HANNS-MARTIN SCHLEYER HALLE, STUTTGART, GERMANY


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
2(10) Natie Brown SD6 7(50) Bob Satterfield

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Seven
1(7) Doug Jones UD6 8(58) Manny Burgo

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Ten
5(71) Joe Grim SD6 4(55) Randall Cobb

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Ten
3(39) Steve Hamas UD6 6(87) Thad Spencer

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Ten
2(23) Frank Moran TKO5 7(103) Floyd Cummings

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Ten
1(10) Max Schmeling UD6 8(119) George Johnson

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BECKETT RETURNS HOME TO HERO'S WELCOME

Thursday 31 January 2002

Jack Johnson's conqueror Joe Beckett flew into London's Heathrow Airport this morning, three days after he had originally planned to.

Following his victory against Johnson last Saturday night, Beckett was in high demand amongst the American media. This delayed his returning home to England. Ironically, his stay in the United States finished with a guest spot on The Late Show with David Letterman, the very show that Jack Johnson had appeared on two weeks ago when he stated that his goal was to go through the World Championship tournament undefeated.

Back in England, Beckett was greeted by a frenzy of media and boxing fans at the airport, the 20 year-old simply overwhelmed by the gathering.

"This is unbelievable," he said. "I'm just amazed and humbled."

The 126th seed in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship tournament did not have much time to recuperate from his flight. By the end of the day, he had been interviewed by seven different radio and television stations, bombarded by a number of questions both relevant and inane. Some were a little bit carried away with Beckett's win, asking him if he felt he could make it all the way to the Championship bout.

Beckett simply laughed good naturedly. "That would be something," he said. "But I'm not going to look any further ahead than March the 2nd. I'm going up against Cleveland Williams, and it's going to take a big performance for me to do to him what I did to Jack Johnson. I'll have to push myself in training even harder than I did for the Johnson fight."

Contrary to statements made last Sunday by sports writer Larry Brewer, Group Three's second card will not be taking place in England. No, on March 2 the HBF will be back in Japan. In Tokyo, to be exact, at the Saitama Super Arena. It will be the third occasion where the HBF's WC and 1D tournaments will visit the Land of the Rising Sun, following the controversy of Elmer Ray in Yokohama on 11 January and the upcoming Osaka Dome card on February the 11th. Japan has been the federation's biggest international supporter, and it goes without saying that, once tickets are available, the March 2 card will be a sellout in no time...

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ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!!!
15TH SEED JACK SHARKEY
STOPPED ON CUTS IN 3RD ROUND!!!

Friday 1 February 2002

Six days ago, in his debut bout, Jack Johnson earned the unfavourable distinction of being the first of the sixteen top seeds to lose in the HBF's World Championship tournament.

Today, Boston's Jack Sharkey became the second.

The 15th seed in the tournament, 22 year-old Sharkey was sensationally defeated by Canada's Arthur Pelkey after a cut that a Pelkey right hook had caused in the first round became progressively worse, to the point where referee Mills Lane had no choice but to stop the bout in round three. It was the HBF's first visit to France, with the card taking place at the Palais Des Sports, in Cannes.

Make no mistake, this fight was a war while it lasted. Round one would surely rank amongst the top five that we've seen in the HBF up to this point, with both fighters considering defense an afterthought as they went toe-to-toe, a strategy that would ultimately cost Sharkey the fight.

Perhaps inspired by the deeds of Joe Beckett, 114th seeded Pelkey showed no respect and no fear for his much more highly regarded opponent, his countenance sporting a disdainful sneer as he pressed the action, adopting a "Devil May Care" attitude. There was very little jabbing, with both men getting in close and teeing off at each other, to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Two minutes into the round, Pelkey rocked the 15th seed with a staggering right hook, thrown with perfect timing as Sharkey fired away with a right hand of his own. The punch snapped the Bostonian's head around, turned his legs to jelly and opened up a nasty cut above his left eye. Soon, blood was running down into Sharkey's eye, over his cheek. To Pelkey, this was like showing a red rag to a bull and he unloaded with a crushing uppercut. Sharkey was able to last out the round, and the ring doctor inspected the cut during the intermission, allowing the fight to continue.

Aware of the trouble he was in, Sharkey responded superbly in round two, dominating Pelkey in a more accurate display of how many observers had thought the fight would proceed. He connected with some big shots, determined to finish it as soon as possible. But even though he was visibly tiring, the Canadian showed that he was one tough proposition. With fifteen seconds left in the round Pelkey crumbled to the canvas, falling forward onto his knees courtesy of a crippling rib shot. But somehow, he was right back up at the count of two, taking the standing eight and surviving the Massachusetts man's follow-up assault. Sharkey's corner worked almost exclusively on the cut during the break, clearly concerned about the possibility of it opening up further. They could not have known how close their fears were to reality.

Round three started as round two had, with the 15th seed aggressive and in control, beating Pelkey to the punch time and again. But 43 seconds in, it all came crashing down for Jack Sharkey. Pelkey managed to corner his opponent and unleashed a devastating left-right combination, once again buckling Sharkey's legs, the ropes keeping him off the canvas. The cut above Sharkey's eye tore further open, and as Sharkey slid to the left in retreat, the Canadian landed what would be the final punch of the fight, another right hand that sent a spray of blood across the ring. Sharkey reeled back into the ropes, and referee Mills Lane jumped between the two men. He sent Pelkey to a neutral corner, called "time out" and summoned the ring doctor. Shaking his head, Sharkey reluctantly walked over to the doctor, his face and eyebrow a bloodstained mess. It took just a moment for the doctor to decide that Sharkey could not continue. The Boston native leaned on the ropes, head bowed, and the crowd errupted. Chaos ruled in Cannes, and Arthur Pelkey paraded himself around the ring, a victorious smile resplendent from ear-to-ear...

PUNCH TOTALS

Jack Sharkey - punches landed: 82 punches thrown: 116
Arthur Pelkey - punches landed: 49 punches thrown: 81

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Pelkey started jumping up and down and shouting as his jubilation and joy kicked into a higher gear, the realisation of what he had just achieved flooding over him. He exchanged brief words with Sharkey and his cornermen before continuing his celebration, basking in the audience's applause.

"I knew that I couldn't just sit back and let him dictate the fight," said Pelkey, in response to ESPN's Jay Marlow. "That first round went perfectly for me, because I think I made him fight the way I wanted him to. If it hadn't gone that way, I probably wouldn't have been able to cut him."

"First Joe Beckett, now Arthur Pelkey," said Marlow, smiling. "Do you think that a trend is starting?"

Pelkey laughed. "I won't lie. What Joe Beckett achieved last Saturday night really did inspire and encourage me. I did think to myself, "Why can't I do that?" Jack Sharkey is an excellent, skillful fighter, no doubt. But like I said, I made him fight my fight. Down in the trenches, you know? And it worked."

"It really was a war, wasn't it?" said Marlow.

"That's how I wanted it to be," Pelkey said, nodding. "In the second round, he really beat the hell out of me, but I still said to myself, "He's fighting your fight." I knew that he was trying to finish me off, because he was worried about the cut. When he dropped me, it didn't bother me. I knew that all it would take was another shot or two on that cut, and it'd be over."

"Well, Arthur, congratulations on your victory. Like Joe Beckett before you, you've shown that there are no absolutes in this tournament, and I think you've given this crowd a great show."

The audience responded to this comment warmly.

"Thank you very much, Jay," said Pelkey. "I just want to say that everyone's seen what's happened during the past week. Two guys who most didn't think had a shot have won, so, I think that's a message. This tournament really is wide open."

Soon after, Marlow spoke to a clearly dejected and shattered Jack Sharkey.

"We had a gameplan and I didn't stick to it," Sharkey said. "The plan was to box him, to wear him down with the jab, but ... just didn't happen. We started brawling, and I just reacted without thinking, didn't think clearly at all. I really did screw up. Just too emotional, and hot-headed."

"A lot of people in the crowd, especially at ringside, were amazed that an accidental headbutt didn't come about in that first round, because the two of you were virtually forehead to forehead for long stretches there," said Marlow.

Sharkey nodded. "It was just crazy. I have to give him credit, though. He out-thought me, without a doubt."

"That really is quite a nasty cut," Marlow said, motioning to the one inch diagonal crevasse above Sharkey's left eye. "I would have to say that it will have an effect on training for your next bout."

"You got that right," said Sharkey, wiping at the cut with a white towel. "I guess it's the price I'll have to pay."

"Well, Jack, commiserations on what I'm sure must be a disappointing night for you," said Marlow. "But I also want to wish you the best for the remainder of the tournament. I think the audience will agree with me when I say that you'll surely bounce back from this. Good luck."

'Well, that's what I have to do," said Sharkey. "Put this behind me and just worry about what I can control. I want to thank the audience for all the wonderful support you've given the HBF this week and tonight."

Sharkey shook Marlow's hand, acknowledged the audience and made his way back to the dressing room...

***

THE UNDERCARD

Opening Bout

Going into the 4th round, 19 year-old Irishman Peter Maher was taking a beating. His 25 year-old New Jersey opponent Chuck Wepner had already dropped him to the canvas with a punishing uppercut in round one, and had continued to hold the advantage through rounds two and three. But then, the fight did a 180 degree turn, as Maher unleashed a fierce beating on his tough-as-nails opponent. In rounds four, five and six, Maher landed a total of 153 punches, compared to 66 by Wepner. This incredible turnaround was enough to give Maher, the 31st seed in the 1st Defense tournament, a majority decision victory, 57-56, 57-57, 58-55.

Preliminary 1

20 year-old Welshman Johnny Williams scored a 3rd round knockout of Wim Snoek of the Netherlands. In an action-packed contest, the combatants split the opening two rounds, with the third continuing in a competitive fashion before a single right cross from Williams dropped the Dutchman. Snoek was counted out at 2:19 of the third round. Williams is the 23rd seed in the 1st Defense tournament, and showed that he has quite an impressive arsenal at his disposal. He is certainly one to watch.

Preliminary 2

22 year-old Jamaican-born Londoner Gary Mason scored a mild upset with a 6 round unanimous decision victory over Ted Lowry of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The 50th seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament, Lowry tasted the canvas in the fourth round and although he mounted a late rally, it was not enough. the 66th seeded Mason took the decision, 58-55, 58-57, 58-55.

Support Bout

Many people have said positive things about 22 year-old Atlantic City native Bruce Seldon. The 34th seed has been looked upon as a darkhorse in the World Championship tournament, thanks to both a lightning jab and knockout power, talents that were on display during the HBF's October auditions. Unfortunately, Seldon seemed to suffer from a bout of stage fright in his professional debut. Against the 82nd seeded Fort Lauderdale native Tony Alongi, Seldon looked unsure and indecisive, and was not able to jump out of this funk for the duration of the fight, save for the fourth round. By the closing stages of the final round, he looked tired and spent, as Alongi hit him with peppering jabs almost at will. Alongi was awarded a fitting unanimous decision, 58-56, 59-56, 58-56, leaving many of Seldon's admirers disappointed and bemused. One can only hope that he can put up a much more encouraging display in his next bout.

Co-Feature

22 year-old Argentinian Oscar Bonavena is the only South American amongst the top 32 seeds in the HBF's World Championship tournament. Against Pennsylvania's Alonzo Johnson, he showed that he deserves his spot there. Bonavena sent the 98th seed crashing to the canvas in the second round with a sledgehammer left hook and was never troubled for the rest of the fight, taking an easy unanimous decision, 60-53, 59-54, 59-54. The 18th seeded Bonavena is understandably the pride of Latin America at the moment, and his supporters had even more reason to cheer when the top seed in the group Jack Sharkey was defeated some thirty minutes after Bonavena had been so dominant in his own debut.

[kenyan_cheena]

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2002
PALAIS DES SPORTS, CANNES, FRANCE


OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Two
4(31) Peter Maher MD6 5(39) Chuck Wepner

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group Two
3(23) Johnny Williams KO3 6(47) Wim Snoek

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Fifteen
5(66) Gary Mason UD6 4(50) Ted Lowry

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Fifteen
6(82) Tony Alongi UD6 3(34) Bruce Seldon

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Fifteen
2(18) Oscar Bonavena UD6 7(98) Alonzo Johnson

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Fifteen
8(114) Arthur Pelkey TKO3 1(15) Jack Sharkey

[kenyan_cheena]

THE MISSOURI MONSTER AND A
FASCINATING FIGHT CARD IN FRANCE HAS FLORIDA BUZZING

Saturday 2 February 2002

This evening, almost every boxing analyst, journalist and expert of note has made their way to Miami, Florida for the fight card that will complete the first series of bouts in the HBF's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments. They're all here at the sold-out American Airlines Arena, along with a larger than usual contingent of celebrities and most of the top HBF officials, including, of course, President Michael Vincennes.

They've come because of the hype and hysteria that has spread during the past weeks in regards to the #2 seed in the World Championship tournament, 21 year-old Sonny Liston of St. Louis, Missouri.

Standing 6'1", Liston weighed in at a ripped, muscular 205 pounds for tonight's bout. Some might say that he doesn't sound that impressive, but they have obviously not seen him fight, or looked into his eyes. This young man, who served time in the Missouri State Penitentiary for armed robbery, is blessed with some extraordinary boxing skills. Many have said that he is the strongest fighter in this tournament, that his right hand is like a sledgehammer and his left hook just as effective. But even more impressive is the fact that he has a piledriver for a left jab. All these physical attributes do not even take into account Liston's intimidation factor. During the HBF's October auditions, Liston did not show a friendly face to anyone. This guy is mean, from head to toe, and it's quite possible that his opponent tonight, Nick Barone of Syracuse, New York, will have already been defeated before the opening bell.

An aura has developed around Liston. A mysterious aura of strength, fear and menace. He has not offered a single word to the media and has not even spoken to HBF President Michael Vincennes. Rumours have circulated that he has connections with the underworld, that he is a "button man" for the mafia. The fact that his trainers have had a lot of trouble keeping track of his whereabouts has only added to this theory. It seems that Liston is going to be his own man, beyond the control of the HBF, beyond the expectations of the media. And it seems that the general public are just fascinated by him because of it.

***

It's not just Liston they're talking about here in Miami.

The fight card that took place yesterday at the Palais Des Sports in Cannes, France, had just about everything you could ask for in a night of boxing entertainment. There was a gritty comeback, a three round slugfest that finished in a single punch KO, a disappointing effort by one who many have high hopes for, a dominant display of boxing skill by a proud Argentinian, and a mammoth upset to cap off the night.

"It really was a helluva card," said James Reynolds of the New York Age. "I mean, that young Irish kid Maher, he just turned that fight around in the most brutal, comprehensive fashion. It was like night and day. He really showed some terrific courage, I have to say. And then right after that, a real barnstormer between Williams and Snoek. That could have gone either way. Both of them were scoring with some big shots."

Reynolds is one of those who has a lot of time for Atlantic City native Bruce Seldon, and could not mask his disappointment over the young man's performance.

"Just a shame," Reynolds said. "That kid is tremendously talented, and he just didn't bring those skills to the table. I don't know what his problem was - stagefright, nerves, sickness - I don't know, but he just didn't show up yesterday. I really hope he can bounce back from that."

Adam Ryan of the Miami Post was especially impressed by the performance of Oscar Bonavena.

"Oscar Bonavena showed that he's going to be a force in this tournament," said Ryan. "And with Sharkey losing, his chances of winning the group have already improved. I'm looking forward to seeing how these guys perform in their second bouts."

Jack Sharkey's loss has resonated almost as strongly as that of the #3 seed Jack Johnson. Coming just six days after that shocking result, Sharkey's defeat has simply proven that no one is a sure bet in this tournament.

"There weren't many things that could have gone wrong for Sharkey in that fight," said Robert Horn of Boxing Monthly magazine. "But unfortunately, they all did. He forgot his gameplan and started brawling, and as a result, he got cut. The cut was bad, and so he decided he needed to finish off Arthur Pelkey quickly. It didn't work, because Pelkey is a tough fella, and withstood Sharkey's best punches. Even when he went down, he got back up straight away. And then Sharkey didn't defend well, and that cut got hit again and again. It was just a terrible outing for him."

From within the American Airlines Arena, President Vincennes spoke of his happiness with the progress of the HBF so far.

"Five months ago, we couldn't have dreamed that the federation would be as successful as it's been. I'm just delighted with the way everything has progressed, and I'm very excited about tonight's fight card. Tonight brings to an end our first series of bouts in the WC and 1D tournaments, and I really think we're in for a terrific night of boxing."

[kenyan_cheena]

MAYHEM IN MIAMI!
LISTON DROPS GAME OPPONENT SIX TIMES
EN ROUTE TO TKO VICTORY!

Saturday 2 February 2002