2/06/06 - article by Mike Indri
SUPERFIGHTER: truly a "heavyweight" event!
June extravaganza set to rejuvenate the sport of Boxing.
By Mike Indri (THE WRITING POLICEMAN)
Retired Boxers Foundation
February 6, 2006
For the longest time the talk within boxing has been revolved around the sad state of
the heavyweight division; and it's inability or unwillingness of the division's four
champions (IBF: Chris Byrd, WBA: Nicolay Valuev, WBC: Hasim Rahman, and WBO: Lamon
Brewster) to step up and unify the title. In a sense, restore the pride, luster
and respect to what was once the most revered and cherished title in all of
sports.being know as the world heavyweight champion!
The entire heavyweight division has suffered; to the point where champions defending
their titles don't even warrant main event billing (Byrd out pointed DaVarryl Williamson
over twelve disappointingly languid rounds as the co-feature to James Toney's defeat
of Dominick Guinn: 10/01/05).
Even Don King, "the undisputed world champion amongst heavyweight promoters", feels the
current financial need to host heavyweight title fights outside the U.S., relegating his
champions to "opponent" status abroad (Brewster retained his crown, knocking out Luan
Krasniqi in dramatic fashion, TKO 9: 9/28/05, while John Ruiz lost a highly disputed
majority decision to new WBA title holder Nicolay Valuey on 12/28/05).
It's gotten to the point where even the divisions top contenders: Samuel Peter, Calvin
Brock, Shannon Briggs, David Tua, are reluctant to fight each!
Up until now the sorriest aspect of this entire situation is the fact that it's all been
talk.no action, just talk.
The promoters are always talking about having their fighters fighting the best, even
unifying the titles; just talk.
The fighters always seem to be talking about fighting the best; also just talk. All
the while, the boxing fan is SCREAMING, begging and pleading for someone to step up,
stop all this disdainful chatter and return the pride and dignity to boxing's
most glorified division.
Simply put - get these fighters to rise to the challenge.
The need is obvious; yet to get the fighters, and their promoters, to commit to
finally "walking the talk" it would take a monumental, innovative and truly grand event.
As giant of an event as planned, while truly MONUMENTAL, could not be accurately described
as "grand". The more precise description, financially, would be "MILLION", as in 30
Million (already secured and budgeted) dollars, with 20 million dollars going to the
fighters in prize money and guarantees!
Now does that get your attention? Welcome to SUPERFIGHTER, and the WORLD
SUPERFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIP!
There is no unexcited or non-exhilarating way to describe SUPERFIGHTER. Simply put it's
an elimination, gladiatorial event which presents the talents of eight international
boxers, all on one fight card, all on one day, but with only one champion at the end.
Eight of boxing's best heavyweight fighters, seven fights (each bout is a maximum of
4 x 3 minute rounds), one SUPERFIGHTER champion!
Scheduled for June 4, 2006 at the Melbourne Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Australia
(telecast live into the USA on the evening of June 3rd), SUPERFIGHTER will bring to
boxing an event unequalled and surely unparallel. It's magnitude - no less than
Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson; it's innovative concept, new values for the sport
and technological & theatrical atmosphere - unprecedented.
With a major New York press conference slated for late March/early April, a very few
select writers were given the distinct opportunity to get an exclusive look at SUPERFIGHTER
and it's concept; while speaking with Stephen Duval (Founder & CEO) and Warren Spooner
(Commercial Director) this past Friday afternoon at Gallagher's Steak House in Manhattan.
"We are not about doing this one event and leaving, we've been working on this SUPERFIGHTER
event for three years, this is a long term plan," stated Duval, who bears a striking
resemblance to former world champion Ray "Boom-Boom" Mancini, adding "SUPERFIGHTER will
revolutionize boxing. We will be using our innovative scoring system, a video reply
system which will allow for greater viewer interaction and a 21st Century technology
that includes a 14 camera High Definition Telecast, new camera angles and telecast
technology, including Super Supreme Slow Motion for a more informed adjudicated procedure.
At the venue you will get the feeling at home and the viewers at home will get the
feeling of being there live!"
"We will start SUPERFIGHTER with the heavyweights, and we are talking about the top
heavyweights; champions and contenders. We will then move into other divisions -
that's our goal," stated Warren Spooner, "once you create this interest - it will
flow throughout the entire sport."
Spooner and Duval also stressed the importance of safety (using 12 oz. gloves, more
time for medical attention to the fighters, shorter fights, etc..) and while appreciating
the greatness of professional boxing both do see a need for a fresh approach, which will
bring the people back to it, and an opportunity to add great value to the sport along the way.
They also want to do what is right for the fighters, as is evidenced by SUPERFIGHTER'S support
of the Retired Boxers Foundation.
With former heavyweight contender Lou Savarese present, Stephen Duval spoke in high regard
for the boxing non-profit organization which helps former boxers, in need, restore their
pride and dignity.
"We have so much respect for the Retired Boxers Foundation, and for Alex (Ramos); who has
started the RBF to help other fighters. He has dedicated his life to the success of the
RBF," admirably proclaimed the Australian-born Duval, "SUPERFIGHTER is now also dedicated
to this great cause."
Not looking in any way to "replace" the traditional sport of boxing, this highly intense
and entertaining SUPERFIGHTER concept will in fact only enhance its greatness; providing
an arena for the best to fight the best in each weight class - across the globe - each year! |
