Yes, it's just not the nature of the game to care a lot. When Tancy Lee had the Conno pub, they always had an annual boxers reunion. When He sold it, the reunion died. The industry is just too fragmented & disorganised to expect a stable subsidiary foundation like this, sad as it may seem.
i still think it could be done easy. this is just random thoughts but they have merit. a team of volunteers could lobby all the world champs to step forward and get behind the idea. boxers could threaten strike! nothing is impossible! anything can be done! i still say its easy.
Mate, your clearly pashionate towards the subject. Very admireabe. Boxers strike???? Never. There are just as many selfish fighters out there mate, who would happily take the crown via another having been stripped for 'strike' related activity. The governing bodies control the fighters... not the other way around. Any fighter refusing to fight, or defend his crownd would be stripped of his title belt. Simple.
When has 'boxing' ever agreed on anything? That's after all why we've got all the alphabet titles, each headed by greedy businessmen who only care about how much money they'll make next month, next year etc. Would love to think that what Marcus says could come to fruition...but sadly, history blows a big raspberry at even the slightest possibility.
Lets remember that after Fammo was involved in his car accident Gus Mercurio lobbied the WBC to assist in helping cover medical costs but they were too busy organising a defense fund for Carlos Monzon who was being held for throwing his wife off the balcony of his apartment. When Gus stood up and told them what a disgrace it was he was shouted down. Nice to see where there prorities lay.
No doubt Frank Quill and Gus Mercurio did as much as possible. The WBC are a total disgrace, as Don Kings manipulation has ripped every ounce of credibility out of its backside.
The 'cash cow' is always attended too first! Years ago Fighter magazine convened a forum that included Lionel & Fammo (pre injury) aimed at establishing a fund like we're talking about here. That was probably 30 plus years ago!
I don't know much about Gus apart from seeing him on the odd tv program over the years but when I heard that my estimation of the man went through the roof, I'll bet they weren't used to their members getting up them in such a fashion. From memory from the report I read Gus stood up and really gave them a serve, saying it was a disgrace they were more concerned with defending a murderer than an accident victim.
The closest thing i have seen to what is being discussed is the Retired Boxers Foundation headed by Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos in the states. http://www.retiredboxers.com/HOME.htm They put together financial assistance for boxers in need.
Thanks DSS.. A body of this type would be a great way of helping those in need. CASH hand outs are foolish, as the vices are fed by the cash.... like handing cash to junkies. Accomodating, feeding and morally supporting the fallen warriors is paramount. Providing the basics is a must, as these men are often living without the basics. I noticed Spike Cheney's name mentioned earlier..??? Has he also hit rock bottom??
imagine oscar coming out and selling this idea. ladies and gents, today we at GBP we are proud to annouce the start of the Retired Boxers Association. something that should have been done a long time ago. we plan to lobby all the four major belts to give and keep giving to this worthy cause. fighter u see hear today have all fallen on hard times thought once they made you cheer in excitement. these men dont want or need cash hand out, they want to regain the respect of the spot that gave them respect to begin with......blah blah blah something like that. (in advance i cant spell so fuk u)