Last Notice. If anyone from here makes the trek to Canastota, message me here. I am heading up there for the fights tonight. Cheers!
Had an amazing time at the IBHOF induction weekend. I highly recommend going if you are a boxing fan. There were no less than 40-50 of the greatest boxers to ever lace them up in attendance. (Hagler, Spinks, Morales, Carlos Ortiz, Humberto Gonzalez, Orlando Canizales, the list goes on and on) The scheduled events (Cocktail Party, Awards Banquet, etc.) are great. But, even better was getting to meet so many of the boxers outside of the scheduled events. Got to meet "The Hawk" who is just as nice as they come. Same with Iran Barkley and Donald Curry. Ran into Marvin Johnson's cousin in the casino, and ended up driving him and Marvin around town while talking about the glory days of the Light Heavyweight division. Had beers with Micky Ward, Dicky Ekland, and Vinny Paz. Talked with Shane Mosley at breakfast. Discussed the recent stoppage of Anthony Joshua with referee Mike Griffin. Reminisced about Smokin' Bert Cooper with Michael Moorer. And, had an incredible afternoon hanging out with 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist Sugar Ray Seales at Graziano's Bar. He was there with his buddy Craig Houk ( also a former pro boxer: Fought Chavez and Camacho among others. One of the only people to dump Camacho on the canvas). Two of the nicest, most genuine guys you could ever meet. Seals seemed in great health. As did 87 year old Tony Demarco and Marvin Hagler. Bottom line is, if you are someone who regularly visits this website, going to the IBHOF during induction weekend is a must!
NIce! Did you tell Ray Seales Salsanchezfan says hey? Out of curiosity, how was Pazienza to hang out with? He's the fighter I love to hate most, aside from Czyz.
Sugar Ray Seales was the greatest guy. He seems to be fit, healthy, and has some serious style. If you didn't know he was a fighter, you might mistake him for a jazz musician. Just a cool dude. Paz is the opposite of Seales. Guy is always bouncing off the walls like he is wired. But, unlike many of the boxers who are either reserved in personality, or maybe just super health conscious, Vinny seems to always be game for a party. I was never a big fan of Paz as a fighter (Or Czyz for that matter). But, I will say that Paz did light a fire at Graziano's to amp up the party atmosphere. As did Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund. But, honestly, talking to Seales was one of my favorite moments of the weekend.
Nice. I remember Ray being a real kind-hearted guy, and was very appreciative of his encouragement of me as a fighter even though I was a no-hoper. How are his eyes?
They seem to be okay now. Don't think he is going to test them in the ring, but, they appeared to be working fine. He made eye contact, and showed no telling signs of his previous problems.
Thanks for sharing, Smokin Bert! Great to hear that Sugar Ray Seales is doing well. I haven't thought about him for years, but I remember toward the end of his career he seemed like a tragedy waiting to happen, allegedly faking eye tests while fighting nearly blind. Maybe Paz had too many espressos.
Sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing. I will be there next summer when Juan Manuel Marquez gets inducted. I always said I’ll be there at his induction. Did you speak to Carlos Ortiz? How is he? Is he still sharp? I am curious if he still lives near NYC because I want to interview him when I go to NYC next month.
I did not get to speak with Carlos Ortiz, but, he looked in good health for his age. Hell, Tony Demarco still seemed fit and sharp, and he is approaching 90 years of age. I promise you it will be worth the journey if you go next year. If you plan to go, message me so that I can give you some tips about what events you should attend, and what you might skip.
