[kenyan_cheena]

I'm just about ready to start my first universe in Title Bout Championship Boxing. It will be a Heavyweight universe, and I'm going to start it off with a 128-man tournament (all of them retired fighters from different eras) to determine the HBF's first World Champion. The boxers will be divided into 16 groups of 8. They will fight each boxer in their group once, with the top two in each group qualifying for the 2nd stage. The 2nd stage will be 4 groups of 8. Once again, they will fight each boxer in their group once. The winners of each group in the 2nd stage will qualify for the tournament semi-finals.

First stage fights will be 6 rounds.
Second stage fights will be 10 rounds.
The semi-finals will be 12 rounds.
The HBF World Championship bout will be 15 rounds.

So, the eventual tournament finalists will have fought 16 bouts. I think that this is realistic, rather than having a straight elimination tournament and having a World Champion with a record of 7-0 (I know Leon Spinks did it, but has anyone else?) The tournament should take about two years of "game world" time to complete.

All fighters will start at the Beginning career stage, at the age they were when they started boxing (with a few exceptions) and will advance through the other career stages in accordance with (in mose cases) the length of their real-life boxing careers. Other fighters not featured in the 128-man tournament will start their careers as the months and years of the universe pass by.

The fighters who will dominate the early years of my universe will be Gene Tunney, Sonny Liston, Jack Johnson, Rocky Marciano and Larry Holmes. Further along, I'm planning to introduce Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson into the universe at about the same time. That will truly be a golden era for my universe.

I want to make my universe more than just a description of the fights themselves. I want to add some drama to it, fleshing out the boxers and describing the rivalries between them. I will touch on any difficulties they experience in their personal lives outside the ring, maybe drawing on actual events in some instances and using pure fiction in others. I believe this will make the whole thing more realisitic. I am an aspiring author, so it will be fun to dramatise my universe.

The next post I make in this thread will be like the opening chapter in a book, describing the formation of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation and its announcement of its World Champion tournament. Should be up in the next day or two.

I hope everyone enjoys the universe I'm about to create. I'm looking forward to it.

[kenyan_cheena]

On Monday the 3rd of September 2001, the newly-formed Heavyweight Boxing Federation announced that they would be staging a 128-man tournament to determine their first World Champion.

The Federation invited all able-bodied men world wide to attend auditions at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the stipulation that they would have to pass a strict physical and medical examination in order to be considered.

They had an incredible response, with over 1,000 hopefuls showing up. The majority were from the United States, but there were also many from places as far flung as Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Argentina.

After the medical and physical examinations, the group had been reduced to just 302. During the following two weeks, from Monday the 8th of October to Sunday the 21st, the auditions took place. The fighters competed in a series of 3 round amateur-style bouts, with the Federations’ expert scouts compiling video and hand-written information and producing reports for the company’s directors to examine. The Federation provided accommodation to all the competitors during the period of the auditions.

The fighters were invited back to the Garden on Monday the 19th of November, when the final 128-man field for the Championship tournament was announced.

The Federation’s president, Mr Michael Vincennes, spoke in front of the gathered crowd, which included the fighters, some of their families and a huge media throng.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you all here today for this exciting event. I say to all of you who took part in our auditions last month that you can be proud of your efforts. However, as you all know, only 128 can qualify for the Federation’s World Championship tournament. For those who are not successful, please don’t believe that you do not have a future with the HBF. All it means is that you do not immediately have a chance of claiming the championship. I know that all of you have trained hard, and I also know that all of you passed the Federation’s strict medical and physical examinations. That means that if you continue to maintain your fitness, there will be a place for you under the banner of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation. We will be staging separate fight cards in addition to the championship tournament, and all of you who do not qualify are welcome to participate in these. Well, I believe we should get to the business at hand, the announcement of the 128 men who will compete for the greatest prize in sports, the Heavyweight Championship of the World!"

With that, a chorus of applause and clapping broke out amongst the crowd. Many of the men were in their early twenties or late teens, filled with the excitement and exuberance of youth.

"I will read out the names in a completely random order. Can I ask everyone not to applaud until all the names have been called," said Vincennes.

As the names were called, the level of tension and suspense in the Garden rose, as the hopefuls waited to hear their name. On a few occasions, some in the crowd had to stifle their jubilation. When Vincennes finished announcing the names, the majority of the crowd stood, cheered and clapped. Handshakes and hugs were exchanged. Vincennes made his way through the crowd, congratulating a number of the fighters, exchanging words with ecstatic parents and siblings and posing for photographs.

Amongst the fighters to have greatly impressed the judges during the auditions were:

GENE TUNNEY: 22 years-old, he grew up on the tough streets of Greenwich Village, New York. He completed service with the armed forces in June 2001. As a result, during the auditions, he gained the nickname "The Fighting Marine". Tunney is a clean-living young man, perhaps the fittest boxer in the tournament.

Scouts report on Gene Tunney: Not especially strong or quick, but technically superb. A scientific boxer, who wears down his opponents and then exposes their weaknesses. Possibility for the tournaments #1 seeding, due to his boxing skills.

SONNY LISTON: This 21 year-old from Missouri has earned a fearful reputation, not just because of his performances in the tournament auditions, where he laid out a number of opponents. Liston served time in the Missouri State Penitentiary for armed robbery, learning to box while incarcerated. His cold demeanour and muscular physique have created an intimidating aura, and many have stated that they hope to avoid him during the tournament.

Scouts report on Sonny Liston: Devastatingly effective; an extremely talented boxer, gifted with a strong jab and a great left hook. The most powerful puncher in the tournament. Could be considered the early favourite.

JACK JOHNSON: A native of Galveston, Texas, Johnson is an extroverted young man who made quite an impression on all who encountered him during the auditions. At only 21 years-of-age, he is a larger than life personality. Standing 6’1", he’s earned the nickname of "The Galveston Giant", which might actually have more to do with his outgoing disposition than his height!

Scouts report on Jack Johnson: Not as strong as his size would indicate, but he has an excellent defence, and many opponents will find him an awkward proposition. His height and reach will be quite an advantage. Likely top 5 seed.

LARRY HOLMES: Born in Georgia but now residing in Easton, Pennsylvania, this 24 year-old has enamoured himself to all involved in the tournament with his reserved, amiable nature. At 6’3", 215 lbs, he is a superbly fit fighter.

Scouts report on Larry Holmes: Quite obviously one of the most talented competitors in the tournament. Has a superb jab and quick feet, is more likely to wear his opponents down than to score a quick knockout. The best pure boxer in the tournament.

RIDDICK BOWE: 22 years-old, brash, entertaining and outspoken, this Brooklyn, New York native staged an unofficial, friendly battle with Jack Johnson during the auditions for the title of "Biggest Self Promoter." Moderately famous in the USA due to his efforts in winning a Silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Scouts report on Riddick Bowe: Multi-talented, as likely to dominate with the jab as to score a quick knockout with his lethal right hand. Has good movement and at 6’5", will dominate many of his opponents.

[djday45]

Great concept and a great start. I am already enjoying it and the extra touches outside of the ring will make it all thew more enjoyable.

rgds
Dean

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by djday45

Great concept and a great start. I am already enjoying it and the extra touches outside of the ring will make it all thew more enjoyable.

rgds
Dean

Thanks for the kind words. Will be making another post tonight (Australian time).

[kenyan_cheena]

(continuation of post #2)

Numbered amongst the 174 fighters who did not qualify for the tournament was a 24 year-old Italian-American from Brockton, Massachusetts named Rocky Marciano. Like Gene Tunney, Marciano had served in the armed forces. He had ambitions for a career in baseball during his teenage years, but a shoulder injury spelt the end of that.

Marciano was not the type to blow his own horn. However, when the HBF President Michael Vincennes had finished reading the names of the 128 fighters who were to participate in the Federation's championship tournament, and he realised that he was not one of them, Marciano was shocked, perplexed and confused, all at once. He found it hard to believe that all of the 128 men were more worthy of a position in the tournament than he was.

During the auditions, Marciano had impressed many with his strength, determination and ability to take a punch. He was smaller than many of the other fighters, but his legs were strong and he was as fit as any of them. He had stood toe-to-toe with Johnson and Bowe during the auditions, more than holding his own against the two taller men.

He asked one of the Federation officials if a mistake had been made. The official confirmed that Marciano was not in the tournament.

Soon after, Marciano was approached by Jack Johnson.

"Can't believe you didn't make it, man," Johnson said.

Rocky nodded. "I'm surprised, too."

"They gotta be crazy to leave you out. Well, I gotta get going. Good luck."

"Yeah, good luck in the tournament."

President Vincennes returned to the podium.

"Ladies, gentlemen, we just have one more issue to discuss before you all leave," he said. "Please, take your seats."

The crowd slowly returned to their seats. Some had already left, disappointed that they had missed out.

"Thank you. When the board of the HBF sat down to decide who would, and who wouldn't, qualify for the World Championship tournament, we were staggered at the level of talent amongst our contenders. We felt that limiting the amount of participants to just 128 was not fair. So, we have decided that the Federation will run a 2nd tournament, with 64 participants. The winner of this 64-man tournament will be first in line to challenge the HBF's newly-crowned World Champion!"

A fresh round of applause errupted through the Garden, with those who had not qualified for the championship tournament suddenly realising that they still had a chance at the title.

"Again, I will read out the names in a completely random order."

This time, Marciano's name was called. But he remained as puzzled as before. He wasn't good enough to have a shot at being Champion, but he was good enough to have a chance to challenge the Champion?

What Marciano didn't know (and would not know until much later) was that Vincennes and his directors had been more impressed with him than with any of the other contenders. They were certain that he was a potential future World Champion. Taking this belief into consideration, they did not wish to risk having Marciano crash out during the championship tournament. The "1st Defence" tournament, as it would be known, was an easier path to a title fight. There was no one in the "1D" tournament who would threaten him. Even more so, the directors knew that a title fight between Marciano and any of the other top prospects, such as Tunney, Johnson and Liston would be an event that would bring the new organisation huge publicity.

After the announcement, Johnson came back and spoke to Marciano again.

"Congratulations," he said, shaking Rocky's hand but regarding him with a much more serious eye.

"Makes things interesting, I guess," said Marciano.

"Definitely," said Johnson, maintaining his gaze. "I'll be seein' ya."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the Garden...

[kenyan_cheena]

On Friday the 23rd of November, the HBF announced the seeds and groups for both their 128-man World Championship Tournament and 64-man 1st Defense Tournament.

They also announced the prize money for the first stage of the tournaments.

For the World Championship Tournament, the winner of each bout would recieve $15,000 prize money, the loser $7,500.

For the 1st Defense Tournament, the winner of each bout would receive $10,000 prize money, the loser $5,000.

[kenyan_cheena]

The file that I have with all the seeds and groups is too large to attach to this thread. So what I'm going to do is post the top 32 seeds for the World Championship tournament and the top 16 seeds for the 1st Defense tournament.

Also, I've decided to use the "cubedrum" method of career progression (with a few modifications) rather than the actual career length method.

TOP 32 SEEDS FOR THE HBF'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT


(read as seed, name, country, age, rating)

01. GENE TUNNEY, USA, 22, 13.
02. SONNY LISTON, USA, 21, 12.
03. JACK JOHNSON, USA, 21, 12.
04. LARRY HOLMES, USA, 24, 12.
05. RIDDICK BOWE, USA, 22, 12.
06. PETER JACKSON, AUS, 21, 11.
07. YOUNG STRIBLING, USA, 17, 10.
08. SAM MCVEY, USA, 18, 10.
09. SAM LANGFORD, CAN, 19, 10.
10. MAX SCHMELING, GER, 19, 10.
11. JOE JEANNETTE, USA, 26, 10.
12. GEORGE CHUVALO, CAN, 19, 10.
13. KEN NORTON, USA, 24, 9.
14. ERNIE TERRELL, USA, 24, 9.
15. JACK SHARKEY, USA, 22, 9.
16. JIMMY YOUNG, USA, 21, 9.
17. FLOYD PATTERSON, USA, 17, 9.
18. OSCAR BONAVENA, ARG, 22, 9.
19. JIMMY ELLIS, USA, 21, 9.
20. DONOVAN RUDDOCK, CAN, 19, 8.
21. RAY MERCER, USA, 28, 8.
22. JOHNNY SUMMERLIN, USA, 27, 8.
23. FRANK MORAN, USA, 21, 8.
24. TOM SHARKEY, IRE, 20, 8.
25. TONY TUCKER, USA, 22, 8.
26. ROLAND LASTARZA, USA, 20, 8.
27. JACK GARDNER, UK, 22, 8.
28. JOE BUGNER, UK, 17, 8.
29. BILL BRENNAN, USA, 20, 8.
30. CLEVELAND WILLIAMS, USA, 18, 7.
31. MICHAEL DOKES, USA, 18, 7.
32. EARNIE SHAVERS, USA, 24, 7.

TOP 16 SEEDS FOR THE HBF'S 1ST DEFENSE TOURNAMENT


01. ROCKY MARCIANO, USA, 24, 13.
02. JAMES JEFFRIES, USA, 21, 10.
03. OLIVER MCCALL, USA, 20, 9.
04. TREVOR BERBICK, USA, 22, 7.
05. NINO VALDES, CUBA, 17, 6.
06. RON LYLE, USA, 30, 6.
07. DOUG JONES, USA, 21, 6.
08. HERBIE HIDE, UK, 18, 6.
09. EMBRELL DAVIDSON, USA, 19, 6.
10. NATIE BROWN, USA, 19, 6.
11. MIKE WEAVER, USA, 20, 5.
12. CARL MORRIS, USA, 26, 5.
13, JIM MALONEY, USA, 21, 5.
14. AMOS JOHNSON, USA, 20, 5.
15. MARVIN HART, USA, 23, 5.
16. TONY GALENTO, USA, 18, 5.


I will detail the makeup of each group when I start posting the results of the fight cards. Each fight card will feature 2 bouts from one of the 1st Defense tournament groups, and all 4 bouts from one of the World Championship tournament groups. There will be 4 cards each week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. So, it will take four weeks of game world time to run a complete series of bouts.

[kenyan_cheena]

Friday 30 November 2001

The Heavyweight Boxing Federation's announcement
of the 128-man field for their World Championship Tournament
and the 64-man field for their "1st Defense" Tournament has
garnered criticism by some sections of the media.

The decision to exclude Brockton native Rocky Marciano
from the World Championship Tournament and place him in the
"1st Defense" Tournament has been greeted with scepticism by
many who covered the Federation's October tournament "auditions".

"Without a doubt, of all the boxers who auditioned for the
tournament, Marciano impressed me the most," said the New York Age's
noted sports journalist James Reynolds. "That kid is dynamite. None of
the others could match his aggression, or the desire he displayed.
In my opinion, denying him the chance to be the Federation's
first World Champion is really a slap in the face."

HBF President Michael Vincennes was quizzed about the decision
to leave Marciano out of the World Championship Tournament.

"Who can say which one of these young men will emerge as Champion?"
Vincennes said. "None of them have ever fought in a professional
boxing match before, so who can say how they will perform under
those circumstances? We have seeded all the competitors based on their
auditions. But you never can tell in sports. Mr Marciano was impressive
in the auditions, I won't deny that. But so were many others.
It's really up to them as to how far they can go in the tournament."

An attempt was made to contact Mr Marciano, but he could not be reached.
His trainer Allie Colombo made a brief statement on Marciano's behalf.

"I'd be lying if I said Rocky wasn't disappointed," said Colombo. "But
he's put that out of his mind. He's a confident guy, and he knows that
if he trains hard and performs to his ability in the ring, there's no
reason why he can't earn that shot at the Championship."

Friday 7 December 2001

Greenwich Village native Gene Tunney spoke about being named the
number one seed for the World Championship tournament.

"It's a tremendous honor to be thought of with such regard," said Tunney.
"I'm humbled when I think that out of all the men who auditioned, I was
considered to be worthy of the number one seed. All I can do is prepare
for the tournament to the best of my ability, so that I can give a good
account of myself and repay the faith that the HBF has shown in me."

Tunney may be the number one seed for the tournament, but during the two weeks since the announcement of the tournament seedings, it has been number five seed Riddick Bowe who has been making the headlines.
Bowe has made some outrageous comments, claiming that there is no one in the tournament who has the ability to cope with his size, strength or speed.

"Go through them, from 1 to 128, ain't no one who can contend with me,"
Bowe said.

Bowe was asked what he thought of the news out of Canada that the man who defeated him to win the Gold Medal in Sydney, Lennox Lewis, was planning to turn professional.

"He didn't show up for the auditions," Bowe said. "He's not in the
tournament, so he's not in the picture."

"But would you welcome a rematch with him in the future?" a reporter asked.

"I'd love that. I'd love it. That would be sweet redemption.
Bowe versus Lewis for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Has a nice ring to it, don't it?"

Bowe's braggadocious ways and winning smile have made him a favourite
with the press and an overnight celebrity without a punch being thrown.

The same can be said for number three seed Jack Johnson, whose wit and
choice of company have drawn much attention. Johnson arrived at a recent
training session accompanied by a trio of blonde beauties, all dressed
in figure-hugging, Lonsdale tracksuits.

"What can I say? Gentlemen prefer blondes," Johnson said with a
cheeky smile, before climbing into the ring and completing an
impressive sparring session in which he displayed excellent counter
punching skills.

The tournament's other top seeded boxers, number two seed Sonny Liston
and number four seed Larry Holmes, have steered clear of the media
spotlight. Liston has been hard to track down. Between training sessions,
his training team often have no idea where he is. Holmes has been, without
a doubt, the most focused of the contenders.

"There are no outside distractions in his life at the moment,"
said his trainer Saoul Mamby. "He is determined to become the HBF's
first World Champion."

With only a month to go until the first fight card of the HBF's
World Championship tournament, the excitement and anticipation
continues to build...

[kenyan_cheena]

Monday 10 December 2001

English-born Canadian Lennox Lewis, the man who stopped Riddick Bowe
in the 2nd round to win the Super Heavyweight gold medal at the
2000 Sydney Olympics, has officially announced that he will be joining
the professional ranks.

Lewis spoke to directors of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation and arranged
medical and physical examinations, which he passed.

There was some surprise amongst boxing commentators
when Lewis did not participate in the HBF's
World Championship tournament auditions in October,
but it has recently been revealed that a serious illness
in his family prevented Lewis from making the trip to New York.

Lewis has said that he would like to make his professional debut in
February, on one of the fight cards that the HBF will be running
separately from their championship tournament.

The announcement has led to speculation and anticipation for a possible
rematch between Lewis and Bowe, who is the #5 seed in the HBF's
World Championship tournament.

When questioned about such a possibility, Lewis said that he had not
considered it.

"I believe the tournament is going to take almost two years to complete,"
he said. "I'm pretty sure that Riddick Bowe will be heavily involved in
determining the outcome, so there's no reason for me to even think about
fighting him at the moment. I just have to get ready for my first fight,
like everybody else."

[kenyan_cheena]

Wednesday 12 December 2001

HBF President Michael Vincennes made a number of announcements
today, including one in relation to the venues that will host the fight cards
during the Federation's upcoming tournaments.

"Our desire is to introduce the HBF to the world as quickly and
effectively as possible," Vincennes said. "We will be staging
fight cards at many different international locations, with the goal
of boosting the profile of the Federation. During the first month
alone, tournament fight cards will be held in England, Japan,
Australia, Germany and Italy, to name a few, aswell as a
number of different venues across the United States."

"We want our boxers to be household names all over the world,"
said Vincennes. "When people think of the Heavyweight Boxing
Federation, we want them to associate it with action and excitement,
with skilled, fearless and colourful competitors."

Vincennes also revealed that after the first stage of the Federation's
World Championship and 1st Defence tournaments, the competitors
who do not qualify for the second stage will be able to take part in
tournaments held in North America, South America and Europe.
These tournaments will be fought over the HBF's Continental Americas
and European Championships.

"These titles will be unique in that only persons born in either
North or South America may compete for the Continental Americas
Championship, and only those born in Europe may compete for the
European Championship. These championships will have an added
amount of importance, in that if a champion is able to successfully
defend his title five times, he will be rewarded with a mandatory
shot at the World Championship. We are currently entertaining plans
to introduce an Asian/Oceania championship and an African championship
in the future."

"We want to establish a system of world rankings that is based on
levels, or tiers," said Vincennes. "These tiers will be in groups
of 16. At first, they will be based on how our boxers performed
during the initial World Championship and 1st Defence tournaments.
Fighters who are ranked amongst the 16 best in the world will not be
eligible to challenge for any of the regional championships,
such as the European championship. We really want these regional
titles to provide an incentive to those ranked outside the top 16.
We want to give them the possibility of a shot at the World
Championship. We know that with such a prize on offer, these
regional titles will be hotly contested."

Vincennes also announced that boxers who are not competing in either
of the Federation's initial tournaments have been invited to
participate in another tournament, for the HBF's New York State
Championship. All fight cards for this tournament will be staged
within the borders of the state of New York.

"Our organisation is based here in New York City, so we felt it
was only appropriate to crown the state with a champion," said
Vincennes.

[kenyan_cheena]

Friday 14 December 2001

As expected, the Heavyweight Boxing Federation has invited Olympic Gold Medallist Lennox Lewis to participate in their New York State Championship tournament.

The tournament will begin in early February, and will be structured differently to the federation's other tournaments. The NYS Championship tournament will feature 36 boxers, divided into six groups of six. The competitors will fight each boxer in their group once, and the top two from each group will qualify for the second stage, which will be two groups of six. The winners of these two groups will meet in a 12 round Championship match.

"I'm grateful that the HBF invited me to take part in the tournament for the New York State Championship," Lewis said. "I had a long conversation with one of the federation's directors, George Bates, and told him that I would gladly accept their invitation. I'm happy because, in addition to the prestige of competing for a championship title, the tournament guarantees at least five fights, and as many as eleven. It is a great way for me to start my professional career."

[kenyan_cheena]

THE HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION
EMBRACES THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT


Friday 21 December 2001


The Heavyweight Boxing Federation has used the Christmas shopping season
as a staging ground for a massive promotional blitz for their impending
World Championship tournament.


Federation boxers and officials, along with a number of suitably reimbursed celebrities made numerous appearances at shopping centres, malls and megamarts in the U.S., Asia and Europe.



* 18 year-old California native Sam McVey, the number eight seed for the tournament, is headlining the Federation's first fight card at Atlantic City's Trump Plaza on 7 January.


McVey, along with hip-hop artists and New Jersey natives Naughty By Nature and Redman, were the main attraction of an in store appearance by the Federation at Ocean One Mall. A ring was set up in the Mall's centre court, where McVey, along with two of the other fighters on the card, Michigan's Tony Tucker (25th seed for the tournament) and Arizona's Zora Folley (41st seed), conducted a two hour demonstration of light sparring and boxing fundementals, including a clinic for youngsters complete with punching bags and speed balls.


This was followed by a 30 minute live performance by Naughty By Nature and Redman, who will be performing as a prelude to the Atlantic City fight card.



* Meanwhile, in London, England, Canada's top seeded boxer in the tournament, Sam Langford, along with the Federation's number one seed for their 1st Defense tournament, Rocky Marciano, made an appearance at Harrod's.


They put on a display of enthusiastic sparring in a ring set up on the road outside the famous department store that (unbeknownst to most in the crowd) almost turned into a full-blown fight when the two boxer's competitive natures got the better of them.


Langford stars in the main event on the Federation's second fight card at the London Arena on Wednesday the 9th of January, where he will face off against John Holman of Chicago, Illinois. Marciano will take part in the night's second bout, his first step towards what he hopes will be an eventual shot at the World Championship.



* Pandemonium errupted in Japan when the Federation came to town. Jimmy Young and Floyd Patterson, the 16th and 17th seeds respectively for the World Championship tournament, made an appearance at Yokohama's Landmark Plaza Shopping Mall, setting off scenes that would be worthy of a rock 'n' roll band.


The Japanese have embraced the Heavyweight Boxing Federation, and tickets for the third fight card of the championship tournament, to be held at the Yokohama Arena on 11 January, sold out within hours of going on sale.


Many have said that Young and Patterson's group sixteen will be the hardest group to predict a winner in, as it also features Florida native Elmer Ray, who impressed many in the tournament auditions with his power and aggression. Ray is the youngest fighter in the tournament, just 16 years-old. Patterson is only 17.



* Thousands flocked to the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas to see the HBF's number one seed, New York's Gene Tunney.


The card, set for 12 January at the Aladdin is the culmination of the tournament's first week, headlined by Tunney and the hard-hitting man from Ohio, Earnie Shavers.


Tunney and Shavers spent almost three hours autographing various items of Lonsdale merchandise, including boxing gloves, trunks and training suits.


Also in attendance was Grand Slam tennis champion and Las Vegas native, Andre Agassi, who posed for photos with both Tunney and Shavers, and also HBF President Michael Vincennes. Agassi spoke of his admiration for the sweet science and boxers in general.


Tunney was literally overwhelmed by the response that the HBF has received.

"Never in my wildest dreams, could I have pictured being in this situation, even six months ago," he said. "It's incredible."

[kenyan_cheena]

CANADIAN TRIO SET TO STEAL LEWIS LIMELIGHT

Friday 28 December 2001

Ever since announcing his intention to turn professional,
Canada's Lennox Lewis has been one of the most talked-about
and written-about fighters in the Heavyweight Boxing Federation.

The Super-Heavyweight champion of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games has
been the subject of much speculation over a possible future matchup
against the man he knocked out to win gold, Riddick Bowe.

Bowe is the 5th seed for the HBF's World Championship tournament,
and has been predicted (hyped) by many (as much as by himself)
as the early favourite for the World Championship.
Lewis is not in the tournament, as a family illness prevented
him from attending the auditions in October.
He will be competing for the New York State Heavyweight championship,
a tournament that will take place concurrently with the
World Championship tournament.
However, many look at that title as little more than a stepping stone
for Lewis. No one seriously doubts that he will win the
NYS championship, as the other 35 men in the tournament are really
not in the same league.
And so, boxing commentators are casting their eyes to the future, to
2004, in particular. By then, the HBF will have crowned their
inaugural champion, and the public will have a better idea of where
the talent is.

However, a trio of 19 year-old Canadians are set to take the focus off
Lewis, and provide boxing fans with an even better reason to pay
attention to their nation.

Sam Langford, George Chuvalo and Donovan Ruddock are all numbered
amongst the top 20 in the HBF's World Championship tournament.

* Langford is the highest seeded Canadian in the tournament at
number nine, one of only three men from outside the U.S. to be seeded
in the top ten. Born in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, he is a modest,
articulate young man, a devout christian. Langford has shown in interviews
that he was watching his fellow competitors very closely during
the HBF's October auditions, as he is able to give quite accurate
breakdowns of the strengths and weaknesses of most of the top contenders.
However, when questioned about his own chances in the tournament,
he is much more reserved.
"I'm just planning to take it one fight at a time," he said. "I'm not
going to take anything for granted, because seeds and rankings really
mean nothing at this point."

* Toronto native George Chuvalo is the 12th seed in the tournament.
During the October auditions, many were impressed by his toughness and
aggression, especially against bigger opponents. He can take a punch,
as evidenced by the nickname of "iron chin" that some were throwing
around.
"The number three guy Jack Johnson said to me 'You're not the strongest,
or the quickest, but damn, if you ain't the toughest, I don't know who
is.'" Chuvalo laughed. "He was saying 'Damn, there's so many tough,
crazy white guys here.' And I took that as a compliment, because that's
what is going to get me through. I know I'm only 19, but I've never
been so determined about anything in my life."

* Donovan Ruddock was born in Saint Catherine, Jamaica, but now considers himself a Canadian. He resides in Ontario, and has been quite
vocal in his protests over the media attention given to Lewis, who defeated
Ruddock to make the Canadian Olympic team.
"He is not even in the World Championship tournament, yet the newspapers
are writing about him like he is already the champion," Ruddock said.
"He is just like the rest of us. He has not done anything yet, and
won't get a chance to for at least two years."
Ruddock is seeded 20th in the tournament, although he believes he should
be higher.
"I am not an egotistical man, by any stretch," he explained. "But I really
was surprised to find out that I wasn't closer to the top ten.
I honestly feel that I outperformed a number of the guys seeded above
me, but what can I do?"

It's now only ten days until the HBF's World Championship tournament
begins. All of Canada will be watching the "19 year-old trio" and hoping
for great things from them in their pursuit of the World Championship.

[kenyan_cheena]

FULL HOUSE FOR HBF'S FIRST FIGHT CARD

Monday 7 January 2002

The Heavyweight Boxing Federation made its public debut tonight in the intimate surrounds of Atlantic City's Trump Plaza.

Five months since its inception, and four months since its announcement that it would stage a 128-man tournament to determine its first World Champion, the federation finally made it into the square circle.

The Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship fight cards were to be broadcast in primetime on ESPN.

The first fight card featured four bouts from the World Championship tournament and two from the federation's concurrently-running 1st Defense tournament (the winner of which will challenge the inaugural World Champion in his first title defense).

After the crowd was entertained by a lively 45-minute performance by New Jersey hip-hoppers Naughty By Nature and Redman, Federation President Michael Vincennes climbed into the ring.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome all of you here tonight for the official birth of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation," he said. "Yes, I know our organisation was founded some months ago, but tonight is the night when everything that we are about comes to life. And what we are about is tough, hard-fought Heavyweight boxing!"

The crowd responded with a round of enthusiastic applause.

"I hope you enjoy tonight's contests. Everyone at the federation has been greatly looking forward to this event. Let me just say that there are twelve men back in those dressing rooms, who have been training their hearts out for the past couple of months, preparing for this moment. Tonight, they take the first step on the path to determine the World Boxing Federation's inaugural World Champion. I'm sure they are quite nervous. Please, do your best to show them the support and enthusiasm they deserve! Enjoy the evening!"

With that, Vincennes left the ring to another series of applause, taking up a seat at ringside. Ring announcer Larry Rosof took over proceedings.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Heavyweight Boxing Federation welcomes you to the Trump Plaza for their first fight card," said Rosof. "Tonight's card features six bouts, all scheduled for six three-minute rounds. I will take a moment to announce the rules that will be in effect for tonight's bouts. The three knockdown rule is in effect, as is a mandatory eight count. Scoring will be conducted by way of the ten point must system. The bell can save a fighter in any round, and only the referee may stop the fight. In the event of a fight being stopped due to an accidental headbutt, the fight will be declared a technical draw inside of three rounds, but will go to the scorecards thereafter."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I shall now call to the ring our first two competitors," Rosof said. "This opening contest is part of the HBF's 1st Defense tournament."

"Fighting out of the blue corner, wearing black trunks with white trim, he is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and stands five-foot-eight and one-half inches. This 21 year-old tipped the scales at 201 pounds. The 40th seed in the HBF's 1st Defense tournament, please welcome to the ring MIKE SCHRECK!"

The crowd responded with a round of applause as Schreck and his entourage entered the ring. He wore a black robe with white trimmings and a determined, concentrated expression as he waited for his opponent.

"In the red corner, wearing solid blue trunks and hailing from Crosby, Minnesota, this 25 year-old stands five-foot-eleven and one-half inches. He weighed in at 217 pounds. He is the 32nd seed in the tournament, please welcome, SCOTT LEDOUX!"

LeDoux's height and weight advantage appeared greater than it really was. Removing his blue robe and bouncing on his toes, his curly hair bobbed slightly as he nervously stroked his moustache, eyeing Schreck from across the ring...

[kenyan_cheena]

Referee James Condon brought the two fighters together in the centre of the ring and read the instructions to them. Schreck appeared to be attempting some kind of intimidation on his taller opponent, maintaining an icy stare while LeDoux’s eyes wandered, glancing from the referee to Schreck to his trainer to the roundcard girls waiting outside the ring.

“Touch gloves and have a good match,” Condon said. Schreck brought his gloves down hard and did not take his eyes off LeDoux as the two men returned to their corners.

At the opening bell, Schreck came out charging, stalking the defensive LeDoux around the ring. Schreck connected with a huge right hook to the chin that buckled LeDoux’s knees, sending him into the ropes. The crowd erupted as LeDoux covered up. Schreck pounded away at his body and then landed a jolting left jab-right hook combination, followed by a fierce left uppercut, the crowd roaring their approval. Somehow, LeDoux did not fall. He managed to get off the ropes, retreating to a neutral corner. Schreck tracked him down and scored with another punishing uppercut. Only 41 seconds had elapsed, and LeDoux had yet to throw a punch. His trainer was shouting at him, “Stay off the ropes, Scotty!”

They moved into a clinch. Schreck aggressively shoved LeDoux back and proceeded to fire off a stinging jab. LeDoux countered, throwing his first punches of the fight and missing. The action then slowed as they became entangled in another clinch, during which Schreck landed a short uppercut before they separated and circled each other in the middle of the ring. LeDoux fired off a quartet of jabs, all of which failed to connect. 1:45 into the round and he was still to land a punch. Schreck’s corner shouted their encouragement, applauding their man’s whirlwind start. LeDoux became frustrated, swinging wildly with a right hook, shooting another airball. He pushed Schreck back, trying again with the right hand, but his shorter opponent simply ducked under it and then came up firing, 1-2-3-4! Right hook-left jab-left jab-right uppercut. LeDoux stumbled back, his legs almost giving way again. He bounced off the ropes but came forward straight away, trapping Schreck in a corner and swinging wild hooks, all of them missing as Schreck displayed some marvellous defensive skills, squirming his way out of the corner.

The bell sounded, ending the round. Schreck glared menacingly at his opponent, pumping his chest with his right hand and playing up to the crowd, who responded with appreciation, some of them offering him a standing ovation. LeDoux ignored him, returning to his corner, shell-shocked.

When he saw the punch stats for the round, ESPN commentator Jacob Bell simply said “Are you kidding me?!”

SCHRECK - Punches thrown 55: Punches landed 40
LEDOUX - Punches thrown 45: Punches landed 0

Between rounds, Referee Condon visited LeDoux’s corner and spoke to his trainer. “If he fights like that in the second round, I’m gonna stop this thing.”

LeDoux’s trainer blasted his charge. “This guy is two inches shorter than you and 15 pounds lighter. But he’s killing you, Scotty! You’re better than this. Now get your ass out there, and show these people what you can do!”

LeDoux came out aggressively for the 2nd round, backing Schreck into his own corner and landing his first punch of the fight, a nice, short uppercut. The crowd offered sarcastic, exaggerated applause. Schreck was protecting his head and LeDoux failed in an attempt to land another uppercut inside. 30 seconds into the round and the two fighters stayed at a distance, waiting for an opening, cautious.

Schreck’s level of aggression was perhaps only half of what it had been at the start of the fight. LeDoux moved in close and dug a hard hook into Schreck’s ribs, missing with a pair of jabs. Schreck backed away, moving his head defensively. LeDoux followed and then landed his first big punch of the night, a crashing left hook that snapped Schreck’s head around on his neck, bringing a stricken expression to the smaller man’s face. The crowd roared in approval, sensing that LeDoux was mounting a comeback. Schreck was against the ropes, LeDoux leaning on him.

It seemed that Schreck had already run out of gas. Like LeDoux in the first round, Schreck had failed to land a punch. But unlike Ledoux, 1:35 into the 2nd round, Schreck had failed to even throw a punch. His trainer screamed at him to start working. The two fighters seperated again, now finding themselves in the centre of the ring.

LeDoux tried to move in close, but Schreck pushed him back, and then POW! LeDoux struck with a crushing right hand that speared through Schreck’s defenses and brought a deafening roar from the audience, snapping Schreck’s chin and turning his legs to jelly. He stumbled backwards and LeDoux went for the kill, landing another right, a left hook and finally a third right hand that sent Schreck crumbling to the canvas, the ropes cushioning his fall somewhat. The crowd applauded wildly, screams, clapping and whistles resonating through the Trump Plaza. Condon started the count and by 7 Schreck had pushed himself up onto all fours, groping at the ropes for assistance. He stared at the referee, the blank, glazed expression of the recently-knocked-down fighter in his eyes. He got no further, though, and Condon counted him out at the 2:33 mark.

LeDoux raised his left fist into the air and acknowledged the thunderous chorus of applause, his trainer embracing him. Showing his good sportsmanship, LeDoux assisted in helping his stunned, vanquished opponent back to his corner.

Punch stats for the 2nd round

SCHRECK - Punches thrown 0: Punches landed 0
LEDOUX - Punches thrown 79: Punches landed 28

Ring announcer Larry Rosof quickly made his way back into the ring.

"Ladies and gentlemen, in a wild one first up, your winner, out of the red corner, by way of knockout at 2:33 of the 2nd round is Scott LeDoux!"

LeDoux was soon after interviewed in the ring by ESPN's Bill Farris.

"Firstly, Scott, congratulations on being the first man to record a victory for the Heavyweight Boxing Federation," said Farris. "But, we have to say, things looked bad for you there in the first round."

LeDoux laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I want to commend Mike Schreck for the way he started the fight. He came out really hard, caught me with some good shots early on. He was ready and willing, and I guess he caught me off guard. That kind of threw me, and I was pretty nervous, too. But I think the important thing was that I weathered that storm and survived the round. My trainer Pete really helped to get my focus back during the break, and I felt a lot calmer in the second round. After I landed that first uppercut, I felt much more confident, and I really just dominated the round from there."

"Schreck really seemed to just run out of puff in that second round there, didn't he?"

"Yes, I was pretty surprised, because he looked incredible in the first. I don't know how well he trained stamina-wise, but it looked like he only had enough for that first round effort."

"Scott, you may not realise but this fight has produced some very unusual statistics. You see, in the first round, you failed to land a punch. In the second round Mike Schreck not only failed to land a punch, he failed to throw one!"

LeDoux laughed and shook his head. "That's pretty amazing. But I guess something special or unusual had to happen, seeing as it's the HBF's very first fight."

"Well, Scott, congratulations on your great victory, and good luck for your next fight in five weeks time."

"Thank you so much. I'd like to thank the HBF for giving me this opportunity, and ESPN for giving our sport the exposure it deserves. Thanks."

[kenyan_cheena]

The ring was cleared, and soon, the second bout of the night was underway. It was also part of the HBF's 1st Defense tournament and featured the tournament's #24 seed, Stan Ward of Sacramento, California against the #48 seed from Australia, Frank Slavin.

Unlike the opening bout, this fight proceeded along more conventional lines. The two combatants were hesitant to engage each other in the first round. However, as the contest proceeded through the 2nd and 3rd rounds, it appeared obvious that the 11 year age difference between Ward (32) and Slavin (21) was of an advantage to the man from down under. Slavin was the much busier of the two, throwing more punches and keeping Ward unsettled, on the back foot.

Ward seemed to be sleepwalking during the first half of each round, but in the fourth, he showed signs of desparation, starting impressively. But by round's end, Slavin had really done enough to convince two of the three judges to give him the round. During the last two rounds, Ward dug deep, but in the end, it was not quite enough. In a minor upset, Slavin was declared the winner by a majority decision, 59-55, 58-56, 57-57.

Ward could not mask his disappointment, feeling that he had done enough to win the decision, surprised that one of the judges had only given him one round.
"I don't know what fight he was watching, but it sure wasn't this one," said Ward.

Slavin, of course, was over the moon. "I think I outworked him," the moustached Australian said. "I'm so happy that I've won this fight, because according to the seeds I wasn't supposed to. He's #3 in the group and I'm #6. So this win could prove to be a real bonus for me as the tournament goes on."

* * *

The third bout on the card would prove to be an action-packed slugfest that had the crowd on their feet. It was the very first fight of the HBF's World Championship tournament, so that was almost enough significance in itself. However, the quality of the exchanges between 20-year-old Johnny Arthur of South Africa and 21-year-old Lem Franklin of Mobile, Alabama was something to watch.

The fight started out innocently enough, with both men exchanging some solid punches, but then Franklin exploded during the last minute of round one, landing an abundance of hooks, jabs and right hands that left Arthur stunned and in trouble as the bell sounded to end the round, bringing an outpouring of applause from the crowd.

It seemed that Franklin was going to make a short night's work of it, but 1:16 into the 2nd round, the momentum swung violently into Arthur's favour, as he landed a crushing right hand flush onto Franklin's chin. This was followed soon after by a thunderous combination that sent Franklin rolling along the ropes, barely maintaining his footing as screams and shouts rained from the crowd. Johnny Arthur's corner shouted their encouragement, as Franklin struggled to regain his senses. He weathered the storm, but as the round came to a close, Arthur landed a trio of punches, a left jab followed by a right hand and a left hook moments before the bell. And so Arthur had dominated the second round just as thoroughly as Franklin had the first.

The action didn't stop in the third round, as neither man took a backward step. It was hard to believe that both of these young boxers were involved in only their first professional fight. It was Arthur who started the round more aggressively, continuing on from the second. But Franklin finished strongly, landing a punishing right cross and a left hook that bounced off Johnny Arthur's forehead. Each of the three judges scored it an even round, and many in attendance would have agreed with them. Sections of the crowd offered a sustained period of standing applause as the two fighters acknowledged each other's efforts and returned to their corners.

The fourth round would be a turning point in the fight, as Arthur started to dominate, landing a series of damaging punches that visibly hurt Franklin. In the fifth, the action finally slowed, as both fighters showed a more defensive mindset. It was a close round, but each judge gave it to Arthur.

Arthur continued to impose his will on the fight as the final round drifted away. But just when he appeared spent, Franklin rallied, going toe-to-toe with Arthur during the last minute of the round. He pounded away at Arthur's body, landing a vicious left hook. The South African responded in kind, a volley of hard shots rocking Franklin. But he immediately returned fire, buckling Arthur's legs with a crushing four punch combination. But he couldn't follow it up, and as the final bell sounded, the two combatants embraced and the crowd rose to their feet, clapping and whistling and shouting their approval of what was a classic confrontation.

When the judges verdict came, no one was really surprised. Johnny Arthur by unanimous decision, 59-56 on all three cards.

Punch totals for the fight:

Johnny Arthur - punches thrown: 308 punches landed: 163
Lem Franklin - punches thrown: 298 punches landed: 153

ESPN's Bill Farris brought both of the combatants together for his post-fight interview.

"Gentlemen, I think everyone in the Plaza tonight would like to thank you for putting on a great show," Farris said.

A fresh round of applause came from the crowd.

Each fighter acknowledged the crowd's applause, before Farris continued.

"That was an incredible way for both of you to make your professional debuts. I have to say that I didn't feel I was watching two rookies. You guys really looked like seasoned pros tonight."

Arthur and Franklin both thanked Farris.

"Johnny, congratulations on your victory. But you didn't have it all your way, did you?"

"Certainly not," Arthur said, in his strong South African accent. "Lem really showed his desire and hunger to win tonight. I feel quite lucky that I was able to survive even the first round, because he really did hurt me a few times. I'm just very fortunate to get the win."

Farris addressed Franklin. "Lem, that was a great effort from you tonight. Unfortunately though, no victory, but I'm sure you must feel positive about your future in the tournament."

Franklin nodded. "Absolutely," he said. "I mean, if I had executed better towards the end of the first round, it could have been over right there. But I'm not gonna take anything away from Johnny. He's a tough competitor, we both are. That's why it was such a great fight, I guess."

"Well, gentlemen, once again, congratulations on a great performance tonight. We look forward to seeing you in the ring again next month."

[kenyan_cheena]

In the evening's fourth bout, Arizona native Zora Folley was never really troubled on his way to a unanimous decision victory over Roger Rischer of Oakland, California.

21 year-old Folley, the 41st seed in the World Championship tournament, started fast, dominating the opening round with rapid-fire combinations and an effective jab. To his credit, Rischer was able to make a fight of it during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds, but never looked like hurting Folley. It was the 5th round that sealed the deal for Folley as he landed punches at will, including a sweetly-timed uppercut with 35 seconds remaining in the round. The punch stunned Rischer, and it was clear that he was almost done as the 6th round started. However, Folley felt that he had the fight in the bag, and cruised throught the final round, doing little more than keeping the tournament's 89th seed at a distance with an occasional series of jabs.

Folley took the decision by scores of 58-57 and 59-56 on the two other cards.

"I'm satisfied with my performance," Folley said. "I didn't set the world on fire, but a win is a win. That's all that matters at the moment."

"He was just too quick for me," lamented Rischer. "I couldn't avoid that jab, no matter what I tried. I thought that I still had a chance going into the 5th, but he just went to another level. When he landed that uppercut towards the end of the round, I just had nothing left after that."

* * *

Grand Rapids, Michigan native Tony Tucker provided by far the most impressive peformance of the night in the Co-Feature. At 6'5", 230 pounds, Tucker was one of the bigger competitors in the tournament, and because of this had been picked as a bit of a dark horse by many commentators. The 22 year-old was seeded at #25 for the tournament, showing that the federation's scouts thought quite highly of him during the October auditions.

Tucker cut an imposing figure as he entered the ring, decked out in a robe of red and gold. His opponent, the afro-haired Texan Johnny Boudreaux, stood two-and-a-half inches shorter and appeared to be slightly intimidated by Tucker as referee Marty Denkin brought the two fighters together.

Boudreaux was actually the aggressor for the majority of round one, landing some nice combinations, taking the fight up to Tucker. But late in the round, Tucker landed a powerful right cross that backed-up Boudreaux. It would merely be a precursor of what was to come in round two.

Once again, Boudreaux started the round effectively, landing a nice cross followed soon after by a left hook. But as the 27th second of the round ticked over, the domination of Johnny Boudreaux begun. It started with a right hand and was joined not long after by a damaging right cross, the pain showing on the 105th seeded Texan's face. Boudreaux tried to land a left hook, but was off balance and missed badly. A cut had opened under his left eye. Tucker scored with another big shot, a left hook that rocked Boudreaux and forced him into a clinch. Tucker pushed him away quickly and threw a crushing right hand that smashed into his opponents jaw, bringing a howl of approval from the audience. Boudreaux backpedalled, unsteady on his legs, unwittingly trapping himself in a neutral corner. Tucker showed no mercy. A right hand snapped Boudreaux's head back, and then Tucker really cut loose, firing off shots with both hands. He landed at least four punishing blows. It was a near miracle that Boudreaux had not collapsed to the canvas. His cornermen were shouting at him to get out of the corner, to get away from the ropes, but it already appeared to be too late. He covered up, and Tucker exposed his head by landing a pair of wicked rips to the ribs, followed by a clubbing left and an even more brutal right to the head. Tucker paused for a few seconds, almost as if he was admiring his handiwork, before resuming his onslaught, pounding Boudreaux on the arms and head. With that, referee Denkin had seen enough and pulled Tucker away, signalling an end to the bout at the 2:39 mark of round two. Tucker casually walked back to his corner, confidently nodding his head in the direction of his trainer and acknowledging the crowds applause.

"Beyond my wildest dreams," Tucker said, an ear-to-ear smile showing. "I knew that my chances were good, but I never expected this result. Truly."

"The brother is damn strong," Boudreaux would say later. "I'm a bit surprised they put him at number 25. He's gonna shock some people, I tell ya."

[kenyan_cheena]

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have now come to our main event. The Heavyweight Boxing Federation hopes that you have experienced an enjoyable evening, and thanks you for your patronage. Without further ado, I will announce the participants for tonight's headliner."

"In the blue corner, standing 6'0", and weighing in at 202 pounds, this 20 year-old is the sole representative of his native Chile in the HBF's World Championship tournament. Wearing red trunks with white and blue trim, please welcome the 121st seed for the World Championship tournament, ARTURO GODOY!"

Godoy presented perhaps the most determined of countenances of any of the twelve fighters in the ring that night. He had nervous energy to burn as he bounced around the ring, shadow boxing, awaiting his opponent.

"Our combatant fighting out of the red corner weighed in at 215 pounds. He stands 5'10" and hails from Oxnard, California. At 18 years old, he is the the number eight seed in the championship tournament. Wearing solid black trunks, please welcome SAM MCVEY!"

McVey showed a mean expression as he climbed into the ring, allowing his Chilean opponent a distasteful, three second glare, nostrils flaring...

[kenyan_cheena]

These two men may have looked ready to rumble as they entered the ring, but the first round turned out to be, for the most, uneventful. McVey landed half-a-dozen scoring shots during the last thirty seconds, but spent the early part of the round feinting, sizing up his opponent.

The exchanges intensified in the second, with McVey and Godoy standing toe-to-toe for the back end of the round. McVey was able to hurt the Chilean with a hard uppercut, but Godoy stood his ground and was able to score with some nice body shots.

Both men coasted through the third round, almost as if they had made a mutual agreement to take a breather. However, the fourth would prove to be the best round of the fight. It started with an early exchange of punches, McVey appearing to have benefitted from the lack of action in the third round. One minute into the fourth, Godoy was shaken for the first time in the fight when the Californian landed a crunching hook that brought a howl of approval from the audience. Soon after, a lethal right cross sent Godoy back against the ropes. But he fired right back, connecting with a shot that seemed to be part uppercut and part hook. The action moved into close quarters, McVey scoring with a short, sharp left hook. The referee separated the fighters, and McVey found himself hemmed into a neutral corner. He tried to fight his way out, unleashing a hook to the body. But Godoy retaliated immediately, landing his best shot of the fight, a right hook that stunned McVey. He leaned on the ropes for support, but Godoy was unable to follow up, and the number eight seed slid out of the corner. Godoy followed, unloading a series of big shots to the crowd's delight. Unfortunately, none of them really landed. McVey showed his defensive skill by either avoiding, parrying or taking the shots on his arms. The round ended, and the two warriors glared at each other, a grudging mutual respect showing. It was great theatre, and the crowd really ate it up.

That fourth round would prove to be Arturo Godoy's one and only chance of causing an upset. McVey dominated the fifth and sixth rounds of the contest, landing stinging jabs and crunching uppercuts. It was a testament to the Chilean's determination and heart that he stayed on his feet. As the fight drew to a close, blood was trickling from a cut above Godoy's right eye.

McVey was the winner by a comfortable unanimous decision, 59-55 (twice) and 58-56.

"I really enjoyed that!" McVey said. "I can't wait another five weeks to get it on again, I tell ya."

"He's a tough customer, isn't he?" said ESPN's Bill Farris, smiling at McVey's exuberance.

McVey was speechless for a moment, nodding his head. "Arturo Godoy has the heart of a lion," he said. "I wasn't going easy on him. I was really trying to take him outta there. But he can take a shot. I really wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament."

"There must be some relief, being that you are the top seed in your group?"

McVey nodded. "I won't deny that. You know, all of us sixteen top seeds have more pressure on us than the other guys. We are expected to win. The HBF put us here because they think that we are the best. We have to prove them right. So, it's a good kind of pressure to have, because it will make me and all the other guys work even harder to win every fight."

Speaking through an interpreter while applying pressure to the cut above his eye, Godoy conveyed his disappointment, but also his optimism.

"I really thought I had a chance tonight," he said. "He is the number one guy in the group, but what does that really mean? Everyone in this tournament starts at zero, not five or six or seven. But I guess that if he really is the best in the group, it can only get easier for me from here."

Soon after, the fighters left the ring and HBF President Michael Vincennes took over the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for attending this event tonight," he said. "I can't tell you how happy I am - and how happy all the staff of the federation are - at how greatly you have supported these young men. Your enthusiasm is to be applauded!"

The audience responded in kind, offering a standing ovation to the federation's president.

"I just want to mention that the action won't stop any time soon," Vincennes said, after the crowd's applause had died down. "The Heavyweight Boxing Federation's second fight card will be broadcast live from London, England on ESPN2 on Wednesday the 9th, starting at 2pm in our east and 11am in the west. The card will feature Canada's Sam Langford, the number nine seed in our World Championship tournament, and Brockton's own, Rocky Marciano, the number one seed in the 1st Defense tournament."

The crowd responded with another round of applause, one of them shouting out "Maar-ci-aaano!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the end of the evening," Vincennes said. "Once again, I want to thank you all for your support. Good night, and have a safe trip home."

The crowd gave a last round of applause, before making their way out of the Plaza...

[kenyan_cheena]

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING FEDERATION FIGHT CARD
MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2002
TRUMP PLAZA, ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY, USA

OPENING BOUT

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
4(32) Scott LeDoux KO2 5(40) Mike Schreck

PRELIMINARY 1

HBF 1st Defense Tournament - Stage One - Group One
6(48) Frank Slavin MD6 3(24) Stan Ward

PRELIMINARY 2

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
4(57) Johnny Arthur UD6 5(73) Lem Franklin

SUPPORT BOUT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
3(41) Zora Folley UD6 6(89) Roger Rischer

CO-FEATURE

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
2(25) Tony Tucker TKO2 7(105) Johnny Boudreaux

MAIN EVENT

HBF World Championship Tournament - Stage One - Group Eight
1(8) Sam McVey UD6 8(121) Arturo Godoy