Michael Marley Column

Stealing PPV Boxing For Three Bucks Makes You A Loser And a Thief But, More Importantly, Victimizes The Boxers! Time To Stop These Crimes!
 
LAS VEGAS -- Let's get busy like Busy Izzy Vazquez. Who thought the Israel-i would steal Saturday night's show? He has the boxing and punching skills, and the physical strength, to steal any show as he and Jhonny Gonzalez did at the MGM Grand on the HBO PPV card.

Now that was a fight that cries out for an immediate rematch, with Vazquez coming off the deck to win it. Vazquez was a Big Winner. But, before I separate the wheat from those who gave boxing fans the shaft, let me list my first Big Loser.


It is all you slicksters out there who stole, that's right, stole money out of the pockets of the fighters you claim to love. I am not worried about HBO's coffers. I will leave that to Mark Taffet, Kery Davis and company.

I can see people drinking Charles Shaw wine (go to Trader Joe's) because it really is Three Buck Chuck. A palatable wine for three bucks, now that is pretty cool.

But you criminals who paid three bucks to see the stolen PPV signal on sites such as Stream TV Now are pugilistic pickpockets robbing Marco Antonio Barrera, Joan Guzman, Vazquez and every other fighter who was on the "Too Close To Call" card promoted by Golden Boy.

Hey I am no saint. I have bought a $5 or ten buck movie DVD on the street although I don't make it a regular practice because that is also thievery.
 

I can agree that boxing PPV prices are exorbitant. This card was selling for $44.95 so you slicksters got a bargain. But, in the process by supporting people who don't fork over a penny to HBO or the boxing promoter, you wind up robbing the gloved gladiators.

Such video theft gives HBO and the promoters an excuse to pay the fighters less. And that is a legitimate excuse. I am sure Time Warner's legal legions will be going after such video pimps but, again, it's the boxers who are being shortchanged along the way.

Yes, it would be a more affordable pleasure if a card like this was priced at $30 or $35 but they are not. But look at this way, those of you who did not commit a video robbery, were really paying $15 each for Barrera-Juarez II, Barrios-Guzman and Vazquez-Gonzalez. Now that seems fair to me.

I know, I know. Barrera-Juarez II was such a dud even three dollars is exorbitant. But you pay your money and you take your chances.

And if you are a real fight fan, and an honest person, you either pay the full price or you wait for the cable network replay.

Anything else is petty theft is not grand larceny. And it is a low blow for the men who give their blood, sweat, tears and brain cells for your entertainment.

"Nuff said. End of Right Rev. Marley's sermon. Now let's see who won and lost in Viva Las Vegas.

WINNERS

TEAM GUZMAN -- After all the sturm and drang Guzman went through when maniacal Rafael Guerrero was his mismanager (remember the horrible and totally false rape case against WBO leader and family man Paco Valcarcel?), Jose Nunez has been a steady hand behind the wheel for Team Guzman.

Thanks to conditioning guru "Scooter" Honig, Guzman was in dog shape, best shape of his career. Don House, who emphasizes smooth boxing and defense, did a solid job as chief trainer. Even Guzman's brittle hands stood up against game but overmatched Jorge Barrios. Barrios is far from finito. He is a colorful warrior and fighting at 135 or higher he will get more TV chances and paydays. I kind of think of Barrios as an R-rated Mayorga only with more boxing skills. But, dude, lose those white beach shades because they look inane.

Which reminds me to remind the world that based on a tip from pal and ex-client Shannon Briggs, I brought Big Talent Guzman to the Sycuan fold. Anyway, one fine day near their golf course, Guerrero tells Scott Woodworth and I that, in Santo Domingo, he operates "like Idi Amin. I put people's heads in the pot and cook them.'

Having been so advised, I turned to Woodman and said, "You know I think it's time for me to book that vacation in Puerto Rico.” The only thing Guerrero seems to be cooking now is platanos because he is finished in pugilism. And he is not missed, either.

KATHY DUVA, THE LATE DAN DUVA AND MAIN EVENTS -- I know what you're saying, maybe Marley missed the pain event of the evening, the sleepathon produced by safety first Barrera and Rockhead Juarez. But Duva, who was not in Vegas, and her team are "winners" not for getting Juarez the quick rematch with MAB for a September 16 evening 25 years ago when baby promoter Dan Duva (now deceased) put on a little show at Caesars between a Mr. Leonard and a Mr. Hearns. Duva was tapped for the bonanza by Leonard lawyer Mike Trainer, who did not trust Don King and Bob Arum and, of course, got Dan and his team much cheaper. Dan was aggressive, bright and a gloating winner. He was also the poorest loser I've ever seen in boxing so it was good he did not see Juarez embarrass himself. And did I mention thrifty? Actually cheap is more like it. The media was invited to the Leonard-Hearns post fight party and it looked like there was an open bar. Lush for the lushes you might say. The "open bar" became a cash bar in about five minutes as the media swarm guzzled the booze. Anyway, a nostalgic shout out to KD and a shout up to Dan Duva. Too bad Juarez didn't have an Angelo Dundee in his corner to tell him (for all 12 rounds), 'You're blowing it son."

CARL MORETTI, MAIN EVENTS -- White Carlito (to differentiate him from Carlito King) got off a rib splitting line on his loser, Juarez. "We did our homework on Barrera," Moretti quipped, "but we did not do our roadwork." Give Moretti credit for laughing away the pain because he suffered day and night. First, his Fighting Irish of ND were humbled by Michigan (with Burt Sugar lifting his Wolverine shot glass for a toast every time they scored) and then Juarez fought like a guy with a flat tire for 12 rounds of repetitive ineffectiveness. Every time MAB even feinted the jab, Juarez went skidding into the breakdown lane. Our Nat Gottlieb nailed it in observing that it was the best $1 million sparring session the Mexican legend ever had.

MANNY PACQUAIO -- Guzman-Pacman is one giant fight and Pacman-MAB is another. I doubt that Guzman can energize a whole country like Pacman has the Philippines but now that Joan has enlisted countrymen like 'Big Papi" Ortiz to back his play, watch out. Guzman has said he wants the world to know it's not only ballplayers who come out of the DR. He's done that much already.

ROCKY JUAREZ -- So the rematch with MAB turned into a lemon because of MAB's conservative but crafty fight plan. How does young Rocky turn this lemon into lemonade? Simple by showing some character and blaming himself for the loss and not pinning the tail on anyone else in his camp. After this type of defeat, too many fighters with questionable character play the blame game. Juarez needs to do the I Screwed Up hand slap and move on. He can rebuild his ego and his career if he does just that. In other words, show the mental courage that, for example, Jeff Lacy lacks. I hear Lacy is now only blaming Gary Shaw for nine of the 12 rounds Lacy lost against Joe Calzaghe. The other three must have been lost by lawyer Jim Wilkes or trainer Dan Birmingham. I hope Juarez does not fall into the same ego trap because the game can use his fresh faced talent. Moretti is probably already lining up a Houston hometown confidence builder fight for Juarez.

SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS AND GBP -- At first, Oscar and company were hesitant to co-promote Israel Vazquez after Busy Izzy and manager Fearless Frank Espinoza dumped GBP on a contract technicality. But the sweethearts from Sycuan calmed Fun Zone Frankie down and then convinced GBP to climb into their burgeoning boxing bed for Vazquez, Guzman and Jorge Paez Jr. It's a marriage that is working well since OLDH, Richard Schaefer (the real "boxing banker: OK, Calvin Brock?) get favored nation treatment from HBO anyway. But it is easy to envision the day when SRP expands its wings and rolls on as a standalone promoter.

STEVE 'PUCK AND A HALF' BRENER -- Sycuan enlisted the pr services of Brener and his young crew at BZA. Any dividends yet? Well, LA Times scribe Steve Springer is heading down to El Cajon to do a big feature story on how Sycuan invaded the boxing biz so I would say yes, hell yes. When they tee off, look for Springer to severely test Scott Woolworth's one mulligan per nine holes rule. Brener is laughing now but he does not know he will be caddying for the Sycuan/Springer foursome. Four Bags Brener will be his new name. Brener also has taken on some little football team in the area. The Chargers I think is their name.

ERIC GOMEZ, GBP MATCHMAKER -- His two pugilistic professors, Don Chargin and Rafael Mendoza, were proud of their boy for offering up three PPV matches that looked like they would be barnburners. So what if Gomez wound up going one for three. Like any matchmaker, Gomez can only put the horses in the starting gate and let them run. How they run is up to them but at least Vazquez and Guzman showed thoroughbred skills. Of course now both of them will be, ahem, "nagging" GBP and Sycuan for more 'hay." I hate to disappoint the top brass at Frito Lay, but Eric won't be driving there products around to the LA bodegas anytime soon. On the other hand, it would make for a beautiful story if Frito Lay became a GBP sponsor. Then their pr folks could talk about how an ex-employee went from chips to riches.

(No doubt that Gomez has really come of age although the budget his since kindergarten pal, OLDH, gives him to work with, helps a lot.)

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES -- Whatever they paid GBP for their sponsorship, it was not enough. Oscar Himself said at the pre-fight press conference, "If you fly, fly Southwest." And SWA's pr lady stood up and said, "Viva Mexico and viva Southwest Airlines." It shows you what big companies think of Oscar's image, when a major airline backs his promotional play. I mean, I don't see Tubby Faux Thug James Toney getting an endorsement from Greyhound or Trailways, do you? Now if there was a MF Airlines, maybe, just maybe, or a Punk Ass Bitch Airlines. Their motto? Fly PBA Or We Will Skyjack Your Narrow Ass. How long before Oscar gets SWA to sponsor the press conferences, weigh-ins, etc, and label it "Southwest From Pre-fight to Preflight." Hey, I want a consulting fee for that one.


LOSERS

AARP FIGHT JUDGES BILL GRAHAM , CAROL CASTELLANO -- Aging referees are always a health concern because their slowed reactions can cause a fighter to get seriously hurt or worse. The concern new Nevada boxing chieftain Keith Kizer has to look at immediately regarding the 90-year-old Graham and the 85ish Mrs. Castellano is have they stayed too long at the fair? Graham somehow had Guzman a one-point loser to Barrios. The vast majority of Barrios' punches landed on Guzman's shoulders (no wonder his left shoulder was injured) or caught nothing but air. No way Barrios won the fight. He lost his title on the scales (which all FNN viewers knew would happen from our intergalactic scoop on that situation) and then lost the fight in the ring. And Carol, a wonderful lady and a fine judge for many years in NY before moving to NV, favored Guzman by a single point. So if ref Vic Drakulich had not penalized Barrios one point for a low hit, it would have been a draw which would have been a real disgrace. Judge Bill Lerch had Guzman ahead by 115-112.

I think the scoring was nailed by Las Vegas scribe Kevin Iole, who had it 117-111. But since Iole is a mere kid let me show you that I am not disrespecting my boxing elders. San Diego Union-Tribune boxing scribe, Jerry Magee (who is about 83 years young) also got it right, favoring Guzman 116-111.

Guzman put on a ring clinic. There comes a time, Bill (a fine judge historically also) and Carol, when it is time to hang up the pencil and scorecard. Do it with dignity and grace like Arthur Mercante Sr. did when he stopped refereeing. I won't go with the worn out image of Willie Mays fielding routine fly balls with his face but you get the idea.

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ -- The hyperactive agent does not really have losses, only temporary setbacks. Blame the manager, Mario Arana, or the trainers or Barrios himself but it is not the agent's job to make sure the world champion makes the required weight. So make Sampson not really a loser here but he had to be embarrassed by the lack of professionalism shown by 'La Hiena" and his crew. These Argentineans need to take some lessons from another Argentine crew, Team Carlos Baldomir. BTW, did you ever wonder what Sampson's monthly cell phone is? It's got to be in the $3,000 range. I think he sleeps with that Bluetooth earpiece on his head. He handles fighters from Louisville to Luxembourg, from Jakarta to Jacksonville. He may have some prospects on the recently downsized Pluto for all we know.

PEDRO JUAREZ -- It's a nice touch to have your 95-year-old grandpa at ringside, Rocky, but it's another thing to subject him to the cascading boos you and MAB engendered from the Grand Garden crowd of 10,000 fanaticos. Keep fighting like that and gramps is going to have to start swilling Ponce de Leon's magical waters to still be around when you win a world title belt. On the other hand, Pedro could hang out in the octogenarian and nonagerian disco with Mrs. Castellano and Mr. Graham.

SHELLY FINKEL -- So much for Sheldon's premise that MAB wanted to duck a rematch with Juarez. BTW, I am not totally writing Juarez off but this kid needs to go back to Boxing 101 class after this sorry showing. So Rocky did not tinkle for Finkel but Shel won't miss a beat, or a payday, as he jets back to the Big Apple to put a comforting arm around Waldimir Klitschko. Reports continue, though, about dissension on Team Klit. What sayeth you, Berndt Bonte, Klitscho's top German operative? Is there trouble in Klit Land?


RICKY HATTON -- I know I should talk but the pudgy Hatton enjoyed his Vegas vacation, logging almost as much cocktail time as Burt "Ship My Liver To The Smithsonian" Sugar. Looks like Hatton fights Juan Urango (no word from Seminole Warriors boxing bossman Uncle Leon Margules on my jocular nickname of 'Last Tango For Urango") on January 13 in Atlanta. I am sure Dennis Hobson will drag the Mancunian back to the gym the minute they land back in the UK. Ricky is a loser only in the sense he will have to drop some serious poundage to get back to 140 pounds. On the other hand, I made co-promoter Big Cigars Artie Pelullo and sidekick Josh Roy laugh when I congratulated them. For what, they asked. I told them the WBC had just ranked Hatton as its No. 1 cruiserweight. It's been said before but Hatton meets and greets the public like an Old School champion. He is just a real Manchester Mensch.

JORGE PAEZ JR. -- Bit of a wake up call for the young Mexicali Mauler when his hand-picked opponent came this close to knocking him out. The hype wagon may be moving too fast for 'Marimerito" at this point. I am sure Sycuan and manager Andy Ruiz will regroup and intensify his training regimen They may have to give Paez less red carpet treatment and act as though his name were, let's say, Jorge Jauregui or Jorge Lopez or Jorge Berkowtiz. You get my point. One thing that is not to be denied. Young Paez is a crowd pleaser but too much of that and he will remain that and not become a champion. With better conditioning and defense, he should be OK. Not only do I like Paez, his mother, Sylvia Cosio, is a great mother who kept her family together in times when the raindrops were falling on their heads in their tin shack living room. So she is a longtime maternal champion.

 

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