Champions Entering Ring Last?

I remember that for some weird reason Larry Holmes as champion got announced first prior to his bout with Gerry Cooney.

 

It is widely believed to be a purposeful disrespect to dear Ol Larry.

 

Ha, don’t beat around the bush, son you think it was racist don’t you?

 

Definitely,Fergy. I also read that President Ronald Reagan phoned Gerry to wish him luck beforehand. The champion did n't receive a call.

 

Yeah I think it was racist for sure ferguson but Holmes was no innocent either. He played his part in the buildup as well. Ever stevie wonder could see that.

 

Ezzard Charles was once announced first. In his fight vs Pat Valentino, he was in front of a hate-filled crowd of 20,000 and they were all rooting for the San Francisco hero. Charles was a combination of extremely disrespected and immensely obsequious in negotiations simply accepted it and got on with business. Some at the time thought it was a pretty deep sign of disrespect. Most actually, aside from about 20,000 rabid fans in the Cow Palace.

 

It's 100% because he was white.

 

I think most people have a good amount of respect for Charles. It's hard not to respect someone who never gave anybody any grief, fought all comers and never gave up. He kept himself to himself and got on with what he was doing, no matter the circumstance. He was classy in victory and defeat, and refused to indulge some of the more colourful characters he encountered. After the death of Baroudi, he'd showed true class with his denoting of the purse, and desperately looking to console Sam's family and visit Sam in the hospital. Even Lesnevich, who denied him gold for so many years, was treated with as much respect as anybody outside of the ring.

He certainly didn't deserve the **** he got from the press, who's favourite, derogatory line was "that he wasn't Joe Louis". His string of boring performances, or uninspiring opposition and disputed title claim didn't help either. When he beat Louis, it was just the last straw. I don't think anybody could be liked in that situation.