Have you ever met a boxing champion and had a conversation with him? I saw Marciano once in a hotel lobby signing autographs. I didn't approach him. I saw Liston in a Las Vegas casino. He had already walked past and I had to be told that was him. I didn't notice.
Vince Phillips, Amir Khan, Shane Mosley, Oba Carr (all in LA) Amir actually gave me some beer in our elevator ride So he's always been cool to me :yep
I had a good chin wag with Gene Fulmer, Greg Haugan, John Conteh & Ken Buchanan. I've met guite a few Boxers, a good few dozen, but they were four of the top ones.
Rahman was nice enough to take a photo with me as soon as he stepped out of the ring after one of his rights. Hadn't even taken his gloves off yet. Roy Jones Jr will be at a local event this month. I'm hoping to meet him there.
Several, but as some know already, I went to Larry Holmes's gym for 6 years and saw him weekly. Very nice, down to earth guy who always is willing to talk and sign for fans.
I've heard that Marciano never refused an autograph and heard nothing but good things said from those who met him.
You saw Marciano and you didn't approach him? BLARHGESINWEFGWEWE Sadly, I've never met a champ :verysad
go to Hall of Fame dinners and events. You will meet many. I have met Genaro Hernandez, Julian Jackson,Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer, Jose Torres, Emanuel Steward, Greg Haugen, Rafael Ruelas, Mike Weaver, Laila Ali, Emile Griffish, Arturo Frias, Shane Mosley, Bob Foster, I have to think more. Just skips my mind sometimes. If you go to the Hall of Fame stuff you can meet 10 guys in one hour.
Yep, I currently have over 80 autographs from hanging around the HOF grounds for the past 5 inductions, and got to shake hands with guys like Hagler and Hearns, and be right next to guys like Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Pernell Whitaker (*******, for any who care) and Hector Camacho.
Met Floyd when he visited Union High School in Grand Rapids. Also met Kenny Lane at the Michigan Golden Gloves. Of course Lane was Carlos Ortiz' chief nemisis, an excellent fighter, and a true uncrowned champ.
Knew Ike Williams well and had many convos over the years. Once had the pleasure of driving him to the World Boxing Hall of Fame banquet here in Los Angeles. We listened to blues music and chatted the entire way. Archie Moore Jimmy McLarnin Henry Armstrong Billy Soose Al Hostak (FUN guy. Just really outgoing and energetic) Willie Pep Harold Johnson Alexis Arguello Nicolino Locche Carlos Zarate Ismael Laguna Carlos Ortiz Joe Brown Jimmy Carter Emile Griffith Gene Fullmer Carmen Basilio Joey Maxim Joey Giardello Fighting Harada Khaosai Galaxy Bob Foster Virgil Hill Carlos Palomino Danny Lopez Michael Moorer Juan Zurita Aaron Pryor Marvin Camel
I'd have to say the biggest character I ever met was Lou Nova. A very funny and unique guy. Never a dull moment.
Surf how old are you, if you don't mind me asking, you sure have been in the company of Greats. I too met Ortiz and Emile Griffith, was in the Lift with him and his Care Giver. at first I didn't realise it was him, he was a bit frail looking and quite smaller than in his prime, gentle humble man!
The Hall of Fame dinners and events are great. They are walking around us so we can walk up and shake hands and get pictures. Before going to a Hall of Fame dinners I had only met Michael Dokes. Another great guy is Paul Banke. I like him a lot. Honest and real guy. Julian Jackson nice guy. I have never met Sugar Ray Leonard, and I love Ray, but when I went to the Hall of Fame in Los Angeles when I used to live in California, he went in the back of the building to sit at the head table so he would avoid the fans near the front of the banquet. I saw him from my seat, but I didn't meet him. I like Ray, but why not meet the fans. I understand it is a bother to see people, but at the same time they would love it.